Virtual Cookie Exchange

For some reason, as I site here and think of what to write to introduce this post, the only thing that comes to mind is the cookie monster singing "C is for Cookie".....too much Sesame Street these days?  Perhaps....Too many cookies these days???  NEVER!!  Every Christmas my girlfriends and I take turns hosting a cookie exchange - it's one of my favourite traditions and the fact that every single one of them is an excellent baker is just icing on the cake (or cookie in this case - sorry couldn't resist!) 

This year, one of my BBF's (aka Best Blogger Friends) Meredith from Wait till your Father gets Home asked if I'd like to participate in a Virtual Cookie Exchange!  Ummm, heck ya!!  What a great idea....and a fun way to share one of my favourite Christmas Traditions with all of you!

So without further delay, here are my melt in your mouth, easy peasy, I've already eaten six of these as I type this post, MARSHMELLOW CHOCOLATE SQUARES!! 

These are some of my favourite cookies and I make these every year!   If you are participating in a cookie exchange this year, I highly recommend these since they not only taste great but they freeze really well too:)

Marshmellow Chocolate Squares
1 package chocolate chipits
1 package butterscotch chipis
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 butter or margarine
2 cups mini marshmellows
shredded coconut

-Put all ingredients (except coconut and marshmellows) in a double boiler and melt - make sure you stir often.  Once everything has melted, remove from stove and let it cool.  Once it is cool, add marshmellows (you can also add chopped nuts, but I opted not too!)

-Spread batter into a buttered 9x9 pan.  Sprinkle with shreaded coconut.  Cool in refridgerator.

-ENJOY and prepare yourself to be showered with compliments from all who try one of these squares! 

Want to see some more baking goodness?  Well, click on the links below to visit my BBF's, once again my mouth is watering at all the goodies these ladies have shared:)  I hope you'll check out some other fabulous cookie recipes to try this holiday season from some very talented bloggers!

Andes Mint Cookies from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Snowman Oreo Truffles from Repeat Crafter Me

Cereal Wreaths from Bear Rabbit Bear

Mocha Cookies from One Artsy Mama

Christmas Mice from Happy Hour Projects

Mars Bars Squares from Becoming Martha

Thin Mint Cookies from Create.Craft.Love

Soft Gingersnaps w/Pumpkin Dipping Sauce from Ladybird Ln

Marshmallow Chocolate Squares from Jessie Street Designs

Peppermint Bark from Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home

Spiced Chocolate Bark from Chase the Star

Thanksgiving Dinner - Blogger Style!

Hello Friends! And welcome to Thanksgiving Dinner - Blogger Style!!!  Even though I celebrated Thanksgiving over a month ago (I'm Canadian!) I was asked to participate in a Virtual Thanksgiving dinner with my BBF's - (aka - Best Blog Friends!!)  In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, I would like to take a minute to acknowledge how incredibly lucky I am to have met these women  - it is one of the greatest things that has come out of this blog for me and I am so honoured call them friends:)

For our Virtual Thanksgiving, I am contributing two easy peasy appetizers.  These apps are not only easy to put together but can be made ahead of time, so you can step away from the kitchen while the turkey and side dishes are cooking and enjoy some time with your guests!

The first appetizer is a cheese tray.  For me, cheese trays are a staple whenever guests come over.  They are great because you can offer a variety of foods that can be found in your fridge and pantry (perfect for unexpected guests), they look impressive and take no time at all to assemble.

For this cheese tray, I raided my fridge and pulled together an assortment of grapes, old cheddar cheese, olives, mixed nuts, marble cheese, costini and MacLaren's Imperial Sharp Cold Pack cheese.  Then I arranged it on wood cutting board and served it with a  bottle of wine and sparkling water - simple, laid back entertaining at it's best!

The next appetizer is going to knock your socks off - it is DELICIOUS...and I'm warning you... from the moment you serve this, your friends and family will be requesting you to make this at every gathering!   

Hot Cheese Dip

1/2 an onion (chopped)
1 cup Hellmans Mayonaise
1 cup old cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 tsp butter

Preheat oven to 350.  Sautee onions in butter (until translucent) Add mayonaise and cheese.  Heat until cheese is melted.  Trasnfer to a oven safe serving dish (I used a french onion soup bowl).  If you are serving immediately let it cook (uncovered) in the oven for 20 minutes.  If you are serving later...cool, cover and refridgerate until ready to cook.
Serve with your favourite crackers.  Enjoy your delicious appetizer and prepare yourself - everyone is going to think that you are an Appetizer Rockstar!!!

Curious to see what else is cookin' in the virtual kitchen?? Well, you're all invited to our dinner, stop by the links below and see what my friends are cooking!  Warning - it will make your mouth water:)





Leaf Placecard Tutorial at One Artsy Mama



Cheeseball Appetizer at Create.Craft.Love (left)
and Hot Cheese Dip and Cracker Tray at Jessie Street Designs (right)



Tips For Cooking a Perfect Turkey at Ladybird Ln. (right)
and Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes at Artsy Fartsy Mama (left)



Save oven space with Repeat Crafter Me's Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole (left)
Cranberry Marshmallow Salad at Happy Hour Projects (center)
Cheddar Tea Biscuits at Becoming Martha (right)




Classic Warm Apple Crisp at Chase the Star (left)
Seven Alive's Favorite Pumpkin Pie (right)




Turkey Cookies at Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts (left)
Pilgrim Hat Cookies at Wait Til Your Father Gets Home (right)



Easy Warm Apple Cider

Earlier this month, I promised more apple recipes....so today I'm sharing one of the easiest apple cider recipes in the history of time.  I had a batch simmering in the crockpot all afternoon and once the kids went to bed, my husband and I threw on a fire and devoured all the apple cider while catching up on the lastest episodes of Sons of Anachary.  It was the perfect (albeit odd) combination - I highly recommend it!! 

So without further delay, here's the recipe:

Half of Jug of Apple Cider
3 Cinnamon sticks
2-3 dashes of Nutmeg

Mix all ingredients in the crockpot and let it heat for 4 hours. 

That's it!  Not only will you be able to enjoy a delicious fall drink, your house is going to smell AH-MAZING!!  Have a wonderful weekend.

Nothing beats Homemade Strawberry Jam:)

One of my favourite things to make and give to people is Homemade Strawberry Jam!  Mmmmm, I could have a piece of toast and jam just thinking about it;)  I made a batch of jam on Monday - I froze some of the jars already and gave the rest away as hostess gifts and teacher gifts.  This year, I decorated the the tops of the jars with red and white gingham fabric and twine...such an easy thing to do that makes it look even more special.

I thought that I would share the recipe that I use to make my jam - there's nothing to it, I just follow the recipe that's on the CERTO box...why mess with a good thing, right?!?!  They give you different options to make the jam (Cooked Jams, No-Cook Jams, Cooked Jellies) I always do the no-cook, freezer jam and it is by far the easiest method that I have ever used and it honestly took me less than an hour to make a batch.  Enjoy!

No-Cook Homemade Strawberry Jam

1 3/4 cups crushed strawberries
4 cups of granulated sugar
1 pouch CERTO Liquid Pectin
2 tbsp lemon juice

In a large mising bowl stir together strawberries and sugar.
Let stand for 10 minutes
Add CERTO and lemon juice.  Stir for three minutes
Pour into clear containers.  Cover with lid and let stand for 24 hours.

Meal Plan Monday

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope that you all had a terrific weekend...we celebrated my daughters third birthdays this past weekend, lots of presents, tons of food and great company made for a super fun weekend...but I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't exhausted!!!  Yikes, I had hoped to get this post up last night, but as you can see, I'm a bit late;)  So, let's get on to the post shall we?!?!

One thing that I like to do every Sunday morning is plan my meals for the week (Monday to Friday).  I like doing this for a number of reasons a)  You only buy what you need (cost savings) b)  You KNOW what you need to make on that particular night (no more staring in the pantry at 4pm hoping that I can pull together something nutrious for dinner!)  c)  All the ingredients will be on hand....no last minute, end of the day runs to the grocery store with three kids in tow!

Weekly Meal Planning has made a complete difference in my life and saved me time and money.  I'd like to share with you some of the meals that we will be enjoying this week.  Also, be sure to check out my Recipe Board on Pinterest...many of these recipes are from Pinterest and are now on a regular rotation in our house.

Here's what we're eating this week....

Monday:  Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice and Asparagus
This is one of my husband's favourite dishes and is on regular rotation at our house.

(Recipe)

Tuesday:  Grilled Ham and Pineapple Skewers and a Green Salad
This is YUMMMMMMYYYY!!  I love grilled pineapple and this is such an easy recipe to throw together - you will not be disappointed.

(Source/Recipe)

Wednesday: Black Bean, Quinoa and Lime Salad
I've mentioned before that I've been trying to eat more quinoa and even shared the link to this recipe before....I love this and it makes a TON so my husband and I get to enjoy it the next day for lunch too!  Unfortunately, the kids aren't as fond of this dish so they will be enjoying grill cheese and sweet potato fries!!

(Source/Recipe)

Thursday: Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce
I think that this may be our whole family favourite right now!!  We LOVE this dish.

(Source/Recipe)

Friday: Pizza and a Movie night! 
This is a weekly tradition in our house....the grocery store by our house has a sale on their fresh store-made pizza's every Thursday, so I always pick one up after the kids go to bed to eat the next day.

So there you have it.....what we'll be eating this week!  Have you tried any of these recipes?  What did you think?  I'd love to know.

Also, don't forget to pick your book for the "Ready, Set....READ" book challenge for June!  I'm just about done mine:)

Cilantro Chicken in the Crockpot

Hi again, I hope that you are all having a great week!!  Today I'm sharing one of my husband's FAVOURITE chicken dishes (it's one of mine too!)  I've mentioned before that I love using my crockpot to cook dinner....this recipe smells so good while it's cooking, it only requires four ingredients and tastes delicious!!

Here's what you need:

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 jar Peach and Mango salsa
1/2 tbsp Cilantro
Juice from one lime

Mix salsa, cilantro and lime juice in crockpot.  Add chicken and coat with the salsa mixture.  Heat on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5.  Serve with steamed veggies and rice.  Enjoy!

What's Cookin' Wednesday - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome to "What's Cookin' Wednesday"!  Today I'm sharing my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies.  At least once a week, my son and I will bake a "special treat" for our family and this week he decided that cookies would be a great treat - I couldn't agree more!!  This is a definite favourite in our house - they don't last long;)  I hope that you will give them a try, they are delicious!

Here's what you need:

1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 sale
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chocolate chip cookies
8 tbsp soft butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg

Mix dry ingredients, then add already mixed suga, butter, egg and vanilla.  Cream together and add chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.  Watch closely.  Makes 2 dozen.

Seven Alive and Apple Pie in a Jar

 Hello there!!!  Earlier this week, the lovely Kadie from Seven Alive did a feature on her blog about me and Jessie Street Designs...can you believe it - that is really AWESOME!!  Kadie has been so helpful to me and it has been a pleasure getting to know her and learn from her.  Check out her post here and leave a comment to let her know you came by...I think that she did a great job and I'm truly grateful for her support!

Today's recipe is really neat and tastes delicious - Apple Pie in a Jar!  I haven't made an apple pie in YEARS (back in highschool my part time job was working in a pie factory!) but when I saw this recipe floating around pinterest and blogland, I had no choice but to come out of retirement and give it a try.  Now, I wasn't going to get over zealous - I took some short cuts (ie. I opted for store-made pie dough - THE HORROR...ha!) it still turned out great!  My friend Chrissy, from The Taylor House also made these and found cute boxes to send out as gifts - isn't that a great idea!!  Give this a try, you won't be disappointed and ALL your friends are going to want to know where you got these from....you are going to blow their socks off when you tell them YOU made them!

Apple Pie in a Jar

Here's what you need:
Apple Filling (from The Taylor House)
2 1/2lb of baking apples, cored, peeled and cut into approx. 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cut maple syrup

Crumble Topping:
From Yours Truly...
equal parts of flour, brown sugar and oats
Just enough butter or margaine to make it all stick together

Pastry:
Make your own OR....buy from grocery store;)

Mix all the ingredients for the apple filling together and set aside....looks good doesn't it!

Using a large cookie cutter OR cut a large circle in the pie dough (that's what I did).  Press pie dough into  the bottom and along the sides of the jar.

Now mix all the ingredients for the crumble topping.  I found that it worked better using my fingers.

Add apple filling to jar and top with the crumble mixture.  Perfection!

These will need to go in the freezer right away until you are ready to eat give them away.  To bake, place jars in a cold oven and then turn oven on to 375 degrees, bake for approx. 30 minutes, it should be brown and bubbly!

Thanks for stopping by!!

****Spoiler Alert.....later on this week I'll be doing a guest post for Kadie....can't wait to share another super easy craft with you!  Stay tuned for details.....

I'm linking up to some of these fun parties!


Not Just a Housewife - Show Me What Ya' Got

Seven Alive - Link it Up Thursday

Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading

Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday

Ginger Snap Crafts - {wow me} wednesday

A Little Knick Knack - EBTKS Link

A bowl full of lemons - Tuesday Link Party

Simple Home Life - Features and Simply Creations Link Party

Bacon Time in Northern Cali - Anything Goes Linky

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday

Delightful Order - Delightfully Inspiring Thursday

House of Hepworths - Hookin' up with HoH

Tatertots and Jello - Weekend Wrap Up

I Heart Nap Time - Sundae Scoop Link Party

Classy Clutter - Saturday Spotlight

The 36th Avenue - Show me Extradordinary Link Party

Reasons to Skip the Housework Link Party

What's Cookin' Wednesday - Hashbrown Casserole and Ham in the Slow Cooker

Hello, I'm back this week with a yummy recipe for a hashbrown casserole that you can do in the slow cooker, with a little trick to do the ham at the same time as well.  This recipe is a big hit with my kids - even the picky eater!!!  Give it a try!

Hashbrown Casserole with Ham Trick!

What you'll need:

1 bag of frozen, shredded hashbrown potatoes (I didn't have the shredded on hand,so I used the cubed potatoes)
8 oz sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup melted butter
onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 lbs. ham

Stir all ingredients together - except ham.
Wrap ham in foil and (here's the trick....)place on top of potatoes!!!
Cover and cook in the slow cooker 5-6 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.

Enjoy!  I did mine with a side of steamed brocolli or "trees" as my kids say...delicious!  This recipe is from eatathomecooks.com

I'll be linking up to these fabulous blogs this week:
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday
Ginger Snap Crafts - {wow me} wednesday
A Little Knick Knack - EBTKS Link
A bowl full of lemons - Tuesday Link Party
Simple Home Life - Features and Simply Creations Link Party
Bacon Time in Northern Cali - Anything Goes Linky
The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday
Delightful Order - Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
House of Hepworths - Hookin' up with HoH
Tatertots and Jello - Weekend Wrap Up
I Heart Nap Time - Sundae Scoop Link Party

What's Cookin' Wednesday - French Toast in a Cup!

I came across this recipe from the Prudent Baby blog - it is delicious, and quick & easy to make!!  I give this two thumbs up!!

Here's what you need:
-1-2 pieces of bread - any kind will do, I used Wonder bread....but I bet this would taste great with raisin cinnamin bread
-1 egg
- 3 tbsp of milk
-small amount of butter
-Optional - cinnamin, vanilla
-Maple Syrup!

Spread the butter around the side and bottom of your mug - you may need to melt the butter a bit.
Cube bread and put inside mug
Mix eggs with milk add optional ingredients if desired (I used a dash of both for mine!)
Pour egg mixture over bread, let it sit a minute (bread needs to soak up the mixture)
Heat in microwave for 1 minute, 30 seconds - or until ready - no runny eggs!
Once cooked, pour on the Maple Syrup and ENJOY!!!!

I'll be linking up to the following sites:
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday
Ginger Snap Crafts - {wow me} wednesday
A Little Knick Knack - EBTKS Link
A bowl full of lemons - Tuesday Link Party
Simple Home Life - Features and Simply Creations Link Party
Bacon Time in Northern Cali - Anything Goes Linky
The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday
Delightful Order - Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
House of Hepworths - Hookin' up with HoH
Tatertots and Jello - Weekend Wrap Up
I Heart Nap Time - Sundae Scoop Link Party

What's Cookin' Wednesday - Slow Cooker Provencal Beef Stew!

Once a week, I've decided to dedicate one post to a yummy recipe that my family loves - I'm calling it "What's Cookin' Wednesday".  This week's recipe is for Slow Cooker Beef Provencal Stew. 

I LOOOVVVEEE using our slow cooker and since having children I use it all the time.  This stew is really yummy and includes a couple of different veggies for the little ones.  We have a picky eater in our house, so what I do is pick out the a few sweet potatoes and a bit of beef for his plate (heaven forbid anything GREEN goes on to his plate!!)  Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Provencal Stew
1 lb boneless stewing beef
3 tsp flour
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut in 1" pieces
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
1 zuchini cut into 1" pieces
1 onion

4 cloves garlic

1/2 cup beef broth

1/4 cup Kraft Sundried Tomato and Oregano dressing

1/3 cup chopped basil

Toss meat and flour in slow cooker.  Add remaining ingredients, except basil.  Stir.  Cover lid and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours (or on low for 6-8 hours)  Stir in basil just before serving.

Recipe from Kraft Kitchens.

This week, I'm linking up to:
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday
Ginger Snap Crafts - {wow me} wednesday
A Little Knick Knack - EBTKS Link
A bowl full of lemons - Tuesday Link Party

No Bake (Good for you!!) Cookie Balls

I'd like to share a recipe for my all-time favourite no bake cookies.  I am in LOOVVVEEE with these cookies and could eat an entire batch on my own, in one sitting - not. even. kidding.

Try them out, you'll be glad you did!  And if you'd like to thank me for this recipe, feel free to make a batch and send them to me;)

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cashews
1/2 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
couple dashes of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon stevia
3 tablespoons sugar free maple syrup (sweetened with xylitol)
1/4 cup grain sweetened chocolate chips

Directions:
Blend cashews and oats in the blender or food processor until flour like consistency. Pour in a bowl and mix well with the remaining ingredients. Eat dough as is or form into little balls about a teaspoon each. Should make about 30 cookie dough balls, that is if you haven't already been nibbling on the dough;)  Freeze cookie dough balls on a plate so they don't stick together. After they are frozen, toss them in a bag and keep them in the freezer.

I'll be linking to these parties:
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday
Ginger Snap Crafts - {wow me} wednesday
A Little Knick Knack - EBTKS Link