Cran-Raz Holiday Punch

- 2 Bottles of Cranberry Juice
- 2 Bottles of Lemon Lime Soda
- 2 Bottles of Champagne
- 1 1/4 Bottles of Vodka
- 1 Carton of Raspberry Sherbet

Combine all drinks together in a punch bowl and top with raspberry sherbet.

Butterscotch Bundt Cake

- 1 package yellow cake mix (18 oz.)
- 1 package butterscotch instant pudding
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 10-inch fluted tube pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients except pecans & powdered sugar in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes until well blended. Stir in pecans.
2. Pour into prepared ban. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack & cook completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Carrot Cake

- 4 Eggs
- 1 1/4 Cups Vegetable Oil
- 2 Cups White Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 3 Cups Grated Carrots
- 1 Cup Chopped Pecans (Optional)

- 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- 4 Cups Confectioners' Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Chopped Pecans (Optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar & 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, & cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool.
4. To make frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar & 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixtures is smooth & creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Greeks Grill

Just tried this place out and they have great Gyro's, the only thing is I would have asked for an extra side of Tzatziki. And their fries have a good seasoning to them.
Location: 610 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler, AZ 85224

Cheddar Potato Bake

- 3 Cups Mashed Potatoes
- 1 (10.75 oz) Can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1/3 Cup Sour Cream
- Generous Dash Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Green Onion, Chopped

1. Stir the potatoes, soup, sour cream, black pepper, & onion in a medium bowl. Spoon into a 1-1/2 quart baking dish.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the potato mixture is hot.

Mini Mac n' Cheese Muffins

- 1 lb. Small Elbow Pasta
- 6 oz. Butter, Divided
- 4 oz. Flour
- 4 Cups Milk
- 1 lb. Cheddar Cheese
- 3 Eggs

- 3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- Salt to Taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Bring slated water to a boil & cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Make Mornay sauce by melting 3 oz. of butter & mixing in the flour. Cook the butter & flour together for a few minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk & whisk in.
4. When sauce thickens remove from heat & add grated cheese. Season with salt & cayenne. Add sauce to the cooked pasta, then add 1/2 cup of bread crumbs & eggs. Stir the mixture.
5. Melt the remaining 3 oz. of butter & blend in with the 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Set bread crumb mixture aside.
6. Liberally grease mini muffin tins.
7. Spoon the mac n' cheese mixture into the muffin tins. Garnish with bread crumb mixture & bake for about 20 minutes or until browned on top & somewhat firm to the touch.

Pecan Pie

- 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
- 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 Cups Pecans
- 1 Unbaked 9-Inch Deep Dish Pie Crust

1. Stir the first 5 ingredients thoroughly using a spoon. Mix in pecans.
2. Pour into pie crust. 
3. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes. 

Easy Pineapple Cupcakes

·         1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix

·         1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

·         3 eggs

·         Maraschino Cherries

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin tin.

2.       Combine cake mix, pineapple (with juice), & eggs until well mixed.

3.       Spoon into liners. Top with cut in half maraschino cherry. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

-          To make cake spray 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and pour in mix, bake 30 – 35 minutes.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

·         2 pounds ground turkey

·         2 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained

·         1 onion, finely diced

·         1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce

·         1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes

·         2 (1.25 ounce) packages chili seasoning mix

·         1/2 cup ketchup

·         1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard

·         1/4 cup brown sugar

·         1 (8 ounce) package shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

1.       Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground turkey. Cook and stir until the turkey is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Place the browned turkey, kidney beans, and diced onion in a slow cooker; mix well.

2.       Combine the tomato sauce, fire roasted tomatoes, chili seasoning, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar in the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Stir the sauce into the meat mixture in the slow cooker. Cook on High for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese before serving.

Chicken & Stuffing Bake

- 1 1/4 Cups Boiling Water
- 4 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine
- 4 Cups Stuffing
- 6 Boneless Chicken Breasts (Can Use Chicken Strips as Alternate)
- Paprika
- 1 (10.75 oz) Can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/3 Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Parsley

1. Mix water & butter. Add stuffing, mix lightly.
2. Spoon Stuffing along bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Arrange chicken on top of stuffing and sprinkle with paprika.
3. Mix soup, milk, & parsley. Pour over chicken. Cover.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

• 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
• 2-3 cloves of Garlic, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tomatoes, diced
• 1 Large Zucchini, diced
• 1 Medium Onion, chopped
• 3-4 leaves of fresh Basil, finely chopped
• 2 Teaspoons Oregano
• 1 jar Pasta Sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese or sliced Fresh Mozzarella
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds. Place on baking sheet that has been coated with olive oil, face cut side down. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes on 350 degrees. 

2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Cook until the onions and zucchini are tender. Add to the casserole dish.

3. Stir all the ingredients until mixed well, then add the pasta sauce until covered.  Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella.

4. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-25 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is slightly browned. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cake Pops

Cake Pops

-          Bake & Cool 13x9 inch Cake, Make as Directed on Box

-          ½ a Container of Frosting

-          1 Package of Candy Coating, Flavor of your Choice

-          25 Lollipop Sticks

-          Foam Block

1.       Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl.

2.       Add frosting to cake crumbs, mix with hands until well blended. Shape mixture into 1 ½ inch balls. Place onto baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 10 minutes to firm.

3.       Dip one lollipop stick about ½ inch into melted coating; insert stick into cake ball (this will help the cake adhere to the stick). Let set, can place back into the refrigerate or freezer while you are finishing the others.

4.       Working with one cake pop at a time, hold stick and dip cake ball into melted candy coating, letting excess coating drip off.

5.       Immediately apply sprinkles or other desired decorations.  Place cake pop in form block to set.

If cake starts to get warm put back into the refrigerator or freezer.

Orange Halloween Witches Brew

-Large Plastic Cauldron or Punch Bowl

-2 Gallons Orange Juice

-2 (2 Liter) Bottle Lemon Lime Soda

-1.75 Liter Vodka

-2 Bottles of Champagne

-2 Gallons Orange Sherbet

Lighting stir the orange juice, lemon-lime soda, vodka, & champagne together in bowl: add the orange sherbet in large scoops. Allow the sherbet to melt & form an orange layer over the punch.

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

-1 ¾ Cups All-Purpose Flour

- ½ Cup Unsweeted Cocoa Powder

- ¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder

- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

- ½ Teaspoon Salt

- 1 Cup Backed Brown Sugar

- 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Butter, Softened, Divided

- 1 Egg

- 1 ½ Teaspoons Vanilla, Divided

- 1 Cup Milk

- 1 Cup Marshmallow Crème

- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper, or use Whoopie Pie Pan. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda & salt into medium bowl.

2.       Beat brown sugar & ½ cup butter in large bowl with electric mixer at medium-high speed about 3 minutes or until light & fluffy. Beat in egg & 1 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Alternately add flour mixture & milk, beating at low speed after each addition until smooth & well blended. Drop dough in even amount on to prepared pan.

3.       Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are puffed & tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cookies on cookie sheets 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

4.       Meanwhile, prepare filling. Beat remaining ½ cup butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla, marshmallow crème & powdered sugar in large bowl with electric mixer at high speed 2 minutes or until light & fluffy.

5.       Spoon even amounts of filing onto flat side of one cookie; top with second cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies & filing.

My Halloween Party Treats!

Banana Bread

-          2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

-          1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

-          ¼ Teaspoon Salt

-          ½ Cup Butter

-          ¾ Cup Brown Sugar

-          2 Eggs, Beaten

-          2-1/3 Cups Mashed Over Ripe Bananas

1.       Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Grease 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2.       In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, & salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter & brown sugar. Stir in eggs & mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

3.       Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, Cool for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack.

Paletas Betty

My friends have been raving about this gourmet Mexican ice & cream pop place, so I finally tried it and it is delicious. I got the Limon Aramillo which is made from tart lemon with a lemon zest and sugar rub. I will definitely be going back.
http://www.paletasbetty.com/

David Aubrey Jewelry

Found this site and they have very pretty & classy pieces.
http://www.davidaubrey.com/home.html

Spaghetti Squash & Chicken with Garlic and Onions

To Make the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
- Cut the Spaghetti Squash Lengthwise & Seed.
- Grease Baking Sheet with Olive Oil and Place Spaghetti Squash Cut Side Down.
- Bake for 40 Minutes or Until a Sharp Knife Can be Inserted with Only a Little Resistance.
- Remove Squash from Oven, and Set Aside to Cool Enough to be Easily Handled.
- Once Cool, Shred inside of Squash with a Fork.

To Make Chicken:
-While the Spaghetti Squash is in the Oven, Heat Skillet with Olive Oil. Add Crushed Garlic and Then Chicken. Season Chicken with Oregano and Salt & Pepper to Taste.Cook Chicken until no Longer Pink & then Add Onions. Continue to Cook Chicken & Onions Until the Chicken is Fully Done.

To Finish:
- Add your Pasta Sauce to the Spaghetti Squash and Top with Chicken & Onions.

Zoe's Kitchen

This place was really cute and had great fresh items to select from. I had the Zoe's Club Pita which had grilled chicken, ham, swiss, lettuce, tomato, & spicy mustard.

Philadelphia Cooking Cream

Tried the Philadelphia Cooking Cream Tomato & Basil...

Breaded Pork Chops

- 4 Pork Chops
- 2 Tbsp. Flour
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt
- 1/2 Tsp. Paprika
- 1/8 Tsp. Pepper
- 1 Egg, Slightly Beaten
- 1 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

1. Combine flour, salt, paprika, & pepper.
2. In another bowl, combine egg & Worcestershire sauce.
3. Coat chop with seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, & coat with bread crumbs.
4. In large skillet heat oil over medium high heat.
5. Brown on one side until golden brown (approx. 4 min.) turn & continue.

Pumpkin Whoopie Minis

- 1 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Power
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Salt, Divided
- 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter, Softened, Divided
- 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
- 2 Eggs, Lightly Beaten
- 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla, Divided
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl.
2. Beat brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Beat in pumpkin, eggs, oil and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Beat in flour mixture at low speed just until blended. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until springy to the touch. Cool cookies on cookie sheets 5 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, prepare filing. Beat cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup butter in medium bowl with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
5. Spoon heaping teaspoon filing onto flat side of one cookie; top with second cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and filing. Store cookies in airtight container in refrigerator.

Mini Donuts!

Made with my new Bella Mini Donut Make that I got at Target for $19.99!

I'm into the Jewel Tone Green for Fall.

Tina Tarantino Jewelry

I love her stuff! It is just so fun. The My Pretty collection would be perfect to wear in October!
http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?pageStyle=h&ProdSort=19&page=2&idCategory=32&viewAll=yes

Fall Centerpiece

My favorite time of year is approaching. So you will see more & more Halloween and Fall things popping up!

Get Ready for Missoni @ Target!

Can't wait to check this out in Stores!
http://fashionista.com/2011/08/here-it-is-the-full-missoni-for-target-lookbook/

Martha's Halloween Issue!

PB&J Muffins

- 2 Cups Flour

- 1/2 Cup Sugar

- 1 Tbsp. Baking Powder

- 1/2 Tsp. Salt

- 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter

- 3 Tbsp. Butter, Cold

- 2 Eggs

- 1 Cup Milk

- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1.) Combine Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, & Salt. Cut in Peanut Butter & 2 Tbsp. Butter.

2.) Beat Eggs & Milk Together, Stir in Dry Ingredients Just until Moistened.

3.) Fill Muffing Pan 1/2 way with Peanut Butter Mixture, Add a Tablespoon of Grape Jelly, then Top with Peanut Butter Mixture. 

4.) Bake at 400 Degrees for 15 - 17 Minutes.

5.) Melt Remaining Butter, Brush Top of Muffins then Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar Mixture. Cool & Enjoy!

What I want my dining room to look like eventually.

I am loving Houndstooth for this Fall!