Watermelon Turtle!

Oh, sweet summer time! Who doesn't love a cold sweet watermelon in the summer? Want to take a ordinary watermelon and turn it into something extraordinary? Meet Mr. Turtle!

This is my first turtle I ever made.

Last week I had the privilege of making a watermelon turtle for my niece's birthday party. She is such a doll, even with blue teeth!

First, I made one for Cameron's 8th birthday, and even re-used the shell at a family reunion several days later. Just wrap and keep in the fridge. Mr. Turtle has been a hit no matter where he goes...

not to mention delicious and refreshing!

What you will need:

• An oblong seedless watermelon
• vegetable peeler or a tool to carve ( I ended up using a flat head screwdriver)
• fruit
• Super Glue
• Whole Peppercorns
• toothpicks
• melon ball scoop
• dry erase marker
• leaves from around your home
• sharp knife
• platter

How to Make the Turtle

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Step 2: Wash all the fruit, including the watermelon.

Step 3: Cut the watermelon and using a melon ball scoop, scoop out the inside of the watermelon and set aside. I also put an old towel under the watermelon to catch the mess.

If you cannot find an oblong shaped seedless watermelon, pick out the seeds. I had not done that yet at this point. Put some watermelon away, so you will have room for other fruit.

Step 4: Now, that both sides of the watermelon are empty, use your melon ball scoop and scrape out the rest.

Step 5: Draw your body parts on one of the turtle shells and cut out. Lay the pieces aside.

Next, draw the shell. We are not aiming for perfection here...turtle shells are not perfect.

Step 6: Carve out the design you drew and set aside. It should look something like this...

Step 7: Fill the bottom shell with lots of colorful fruit!

Step 8: Grab a platter and some leaves. Place the fruit shell on the platter. Then chill until it is time to serve.

Step 9: Now for the body parts you set aside. Take the head and carve out two small holes for the eyes. Then, super glue two eyes on. (peppercorn)

Step 10: Attach the body parts using toothpicks.

Now enjoy the fruits of your labor! ;0P

I'm linking up with Jen from Tatortots and Jello.

Taco Ring Recipe

I had a few requests for this recipe so here it is...simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

3/4 lb lean ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons water


2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 medium bell pepper (I didn't have one so I used a tomato as seen in the picture)
1 cup salsa
3 cups lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato
1/4 cup onion, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup pitted ripe black olives (optional)
sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain.
2. Remove pan from heat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning mix, cheese and water.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Unroll crescent dough; separate into triangles.
6. Arrange triangles in a circle on Classic Round Pizza Stone with wide ends overlapping in center and points toward outside. (There should be a 5 inch diameter opening in center.) I use my Pampered Chef pizza stone, but any flat round pan should work--perhaps even a pizza sheet, but I'd spray it with Pam before adding the crescent rolls.
7. Scoop meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at center of ring. (Filling will not be completely covered).
8. Bake at 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Shred lettuce and chop tomato, onion, olives, and bell pepper (if desired).
10. If you want to do something fancy, scoop out a bell pepper and fill with salsa (I used sour cream, but added the salsa on top of my slice) and put into center of ring.
11. Add your toppings to the middle of the ring and finish with more shredded cheese and sour cream.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day! On Valentine's day morning Michael fixed heart shaped waffles and bacon. I drizzled chocolate on the waffles and put strawberries on top to add that something special. I also had a red themed tablescape.

After breakfast, we headed off to church to teach our class. I really love this age group and particularly this class. They are so sweet and so CUTE! I wanted to make a treat for the class.

What is better than decorated sugar cookies? How about heart-shaped sugar cookies on a stick. I made these for my Sunday school class and for my niece and nephew then stuck them in a heart-shaped basket. How cute would this basket be painted!

I have to thank my friend Kenlie for the great recipe! If you need a great sugar cookie recipe here it is:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and mix. Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Refrigerate dough 2 hours. Roll out dough 1/8 in. thick on lightly floured surface, dip cutters into flour before each use. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Place on cooling rack for 5 minutes, remove from sheet and cool.




After church, we went to my mom's house. She fixed us a wonderful lunch like she does every Sunday. We played a fun game of Shanghi and visited for a while.

Once home Michael wanted to make us a nice dinner. He made baked chicken, biscuits, greenbeans, and potatoes. It was a nice treat. I love when he is the chef for the night.

I also gave the boys and Michael the gift I made them. I sent the boys candy with a sports drink and balloon to school on Friday, but I wanted to do a little something on Valentine's Day too. I saw this idea at Jen's and fell in love. It is a Valentine coupon booklet. They were so fun to make and the boys loved it. Michael liked it too and told me how creative I am, and how he appreciates that in me.

These are so cute and fun! I love them. If you have not been to one of my favorite crafty blogs you have got to go today! My darling friend Jen @ TatortotsandJello even has an Etsy shop. She has made me two necklaces that I love.

It was so funny. I guessed which coupons my boys would like the best and I was right. Caden: Chuckee-Cheese, One box of cereal...your choice, and a dessert of your choice. Cameron: Wii game rental, cereal, and Lokomotion. I only buy the healthier cereals like Bran Flakes, Kashi cereals, etc. My boys are always wanting to buy Reese's Puffs or something else when they are with me. That is why I knew that coupon would be a hit.

After the boys were in bed, Michael and I wanted to watch A Walk in the Clouds, but our VCR is broken, so we watched Fireproof. We also had a wonderful heart to heart talk as we cuddled on the couch. Michael is turning my blog into a book for my Valentine's day gift. I am in the process of doing this, and I could not think of a better gift. I love my main squeeze!

Olive Garden Inspiration

Last night we had a wonderful dinner, and I tried an Olive Garden Salad Dressing. It was really good and simple to make. Was it just like Olive Garden? No, but close and yummy! I knew it wasn't actually the official dressing when I saw the color of it which was more white. Would I make it again. Yes, I would. I loved it!

For inquiring minds who wanted to know...the recipe:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup of white vinegar

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons corn syrup

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons romano cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until well mixed.

2. If it is a little to tart for your own personal taste please add a little extra sugar.

Shelia @ A Little Dirt Never Hurt shared a salad dressing by Kraft called "Kraft Caesar Vinaigrette with Parmesan. It's AWESOME!!!!" She says it tastes just like Olive Garden! Thanks for sharing Shelia.

Bon appetit!

Super Bowl Sunday

Are you ready for some football? Looks like the underdogs aka Saints won!

I have found a delicious chili con queso dip that was perfect for the Super Bowl. But first let me share some excitement. I have been blessed to win four giveaways in the month of January! I believe after our 12 days of giving, God is blessing us abundantly. One of the giveaways I won was perfect for tonight.

A ceramic football platter, plates, napkins, green chile's, and a runner...see perfect for tonight.

Our spread: baked potato bar, chili con queso dip, chicken taquitos, chips and crackers.




Now for the must try recipe that was found here. This is not just an ordinary Ro-tel cheese dip. This is kicked up a notch or two! Great for parties and game night. It could undo all that exercising did for you if your not careful!


Ingredients:

1 package Velveeta
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes & chilies
1 medium onion
about 5 oz bacon
1/2 a bell pepper
1 garlic clove
1/4 to 1/2 a tsp ground cumin
1/2 a tsp oregano
Worcestershire sauce
parsley

First, finely chopped a small, juicy red bell pepper, a small onion, and grate a fairly big garlic clove.

Second, cook the bacon until brown and crispy and don’t even think about cleaning the pan. Just don’t! Drain the bacon on a paper towel.

Third, cook the veggies in the bacon grease, over low heat, until they’re soft. That’ll add a wicked flavor. Add 1/4 to 1/2 a tsp ground cumin, cook for 30 more seconds and then pour in the Ro-tel. Also add a slightly heaping 1/2 a tsp dried oregano. Another thing I’ve added was a splash of Worcestershire sauce–it really boosted the flavors! Simmer for a few moments.

Next, cube the velveeta, or learn the art of delegating! Add the velveeta and melt it over low heat. Stir occasionally.

Finally, crumble the bacon and add it to the dip . Throw some parsley on top and that's it! Serve hot and keep it hot!

My favorite part...adding the crumbled bacon....yummmmy!

I promise it looks better in person and tastes scrumptious. Oh, and it makes a lot. I have a batch in my freezer now. Enjoy!

Let it Snow...Ice-cream

Wow, it snowed almost all day Friday, and the snow is absolutely beautiful. I have not seen this much snow in Arkansas since the 2000 snow storm. Matter of fact, this is the most snow my boys have ever seen, and they love it. There is about 1 inch of ice and then about 5-7 inches of snow on top of that. We will have to measure it tomorrow.

We had a lot of fun as a family today in the snow. Snowball fights, snowman building, homemade hot chocolate, and snow ice-cream.

Got snow?...Make Ice-cream!

Paula Deen's Snow Ice-cream

8 cups snow, or shaved ice
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. Mix to combine. Serve immediately in bowls.

I hope you are having a great weekend with the people you love!

Candy Cane Punch and More

Do you have a special Christmas recipe you make every year?

I have several recipes that are becoming a tradition in my family. One is Candy Cane Punch. I've made this for the past three or four years. Everyone seems to really enjoy it, and I have a request from a special boy who wants it again this year. Of course I'll make it for you, my sweet Cameron. I also had a few inquiring minds want to know, so here is the festive, delicious punch.



Ingredients:

2 jars (10 ounces each) strawberry jelly
2 liters of lemon-lime soda, divided
2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream
miniature candy canes

In a saucepan, melt jelly with 2 cups soda. Chill the jelly mixture and remaining soda. Just before serving, place 6 cups ice cream in a punch bowl. Gently stir in jelly mixture. Add remaining soda. Add remaining ice cream by scoopfuls. Garnish with candy canes. Yield 3-1/2 quarts.

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Another favorite I make every Christmas is Tiny Cherry Cheesecakes. These perfect sized bites are a scrumptious chocolate, cherry goodness! Not to mention...adorable too.

Tiny Cherry Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1/2 cup cold butter

2 tbs. cold water

Filling:

2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1 can (21 ounces) cherry or strawberry pie filling

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cocoa; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork, until dough forms a ball. Shape into 24 balls. Place in greased miniature muffin cups; press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each cup.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add egg; beat on low just until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each cup. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully remove from pans to cool completely. Top with pie filling. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 dozen

You cannot go wrong with either recipe. After all, both recipes come from The Best Holiday Recipes, Taste of Home. I love this book! I have never made anything in it that wasn't just fabulous. They will disappear before you know it!

I would love to know if you try the recipes.

Enjoy!

Kids in the Kitchen...Muddy Buddies

My how time flies! Wow, there are only 21 weeks left this year! At the beginning of the year I wrote down some goals that I wanted to accomplish. One of my goals was to start a having the boys cooking in the kitchen. I was excited when I saw Kids in the Kitchen on Sherry's blog. It gave me the jump start I needed to get the boys excited about cooking.

What better way to get kids excited than to have them make a dessert. I saw a scrumptious looking dessert that my friend Heidi at Blue Eyed Blessings made with her daughter. So we wanted to give it a try. Wednesday is our dessert day for the week. The boys were excited to get started.

MUDDY BUDDIES

The ingredients:

Choose two types of Chex cereal you like, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.

Measure 9 cups of cereal. The boys used 4 cups of Corn Chex and 5 cups of Honey Nut Chex. Pour it into a large container.

Measure out 1 cup chocolate chips. Add to a microwavable bowl. Our bag ripped so the boys just scooped it up with their hands and filled up the measuring cup.



Add 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter to the chocolate chips.





Microwave for 1 minute and then stir until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla.






Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and stir until the cereal is covered.








Next, place chocolate covered cereal into gallon-sized Ziploc bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and shake, shake, shake. Caden had fun shaking and a dancing. While Cam and I threw the bag to each other to help toss it around!

Place finished yummy goodness on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet to cool and then store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

They loved it! They worked great as a team and really enjoyed making the dessert!

Of course, part of cooking is cleaning up afterwards. This took a little while. The boys washing dishes...

Looks like Caden was the only one washing dishes, but Cameron 'washed' his shared too!

Cameron sweeping it up!

Go ahead get you kids in the kitchen! It's worth it!

Boring....to.....Spectacular!

I am so excited! I just wanted to share a little treat I do with my water to make it "special". I've been wanting to drink more water. A lot of us in blogland are wanting to lose weight, get fit, and become healthy. One way to help is to drink more water. The newest idea to come along is to try to drink 1/2 of your body weight in water per day. Wow! That is a lot of water for me! How can I drink that much water in a day? Water is boring, right? Since I am staying away from all artificial sweeteners...no Crystal Light for me. What is another option?

I have a solution:

My sister and niece surprised me with a gift for teaching her preschool this past year. It is something I have been wanting to help in my quest to drink more water! Thank you sis! I LOVE IT!! Here it is!

They bought me a drink dispenser! I fill it up in the morning with ice and water. I slice up some fruit and toss it in. My favorite is lemon and strawberries. I let it sit for about 1/2 hour and then stir it up real good with a woden spoon. I leave this pitcher sitting on my counter all day long. It looks so pretty and refreshing and makes me drink even more. Since it's sitting out, it's a constant reminder to drink. And the ice keeps it cold all day. I do not sweeten it. So it's not sweet but has a hint of flavor. It is so good and refreshing!

I got in all my water but one day since I've had it! It is wonderful! I'm craving it every day! My boys even love it and couldn't wait to try it!

Well that is it....that is how I am able to get my water in every day! Boring water to spectacular water! Try it...you may even enjoy it too!

Happy Healthy Green Day!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I have a confession. I received the Honest Scrap award and wrote about Green Smoothies! When I said I lost 4 lbs. in 5 days that is a little misleading. I know...the award should be taken away! I have been so excited about the green smoothies that I had to mention them. I know having a green smoothie every morning did help me to lose the 4 lbs in 5 days, but here's the confession part: I also have been eating healthy too those 5 days...you know... no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no caffeine, no white flour/pasta, healthy fats. I wasn't trying to be misleading, but just excited. I feel so much better when I drink it! I even made Popsicles and my boys loved it.


I am by far no Green Smoothie expert nor do I claim to be. I stumbled upon it about a week ago myself. There is a wealth of information out there that talk about green smoothie if you google it. It delivers so many benefits and is easy! But so many of you asked so here it is.

That is my youngest enjoying his green smoothie popsicle and enjoying the beautiful weather today!


Why drink green smoothies? Do you get the recommended amount of fruits/veggies in your diet every day? I know I didn't. I can get a lot of it done in the morning if I choose. (Or all of it!)

The recipe you see in the glass follows:

1 cup of non-fat plain vanilla yogurt
1 cup of water
1 banana cut into pieces.
1/2 apple cut up.
1/2-1 cup of grapes
2 c. baby spinach leaves


Blend together. I blend the fruit first. I have heard both ways.
I did not care for this particular combo because it was too sweet. The next day I used a mixed berries, spinach, water, and yogurt, and 1/2 banana, ground flax seed, and Gogi berries. It was yummy! It was more of a purple color. That is the cool thing about green smoothies...you can put whatever you want. I chose spinach, but you could use kale, collards, romaine lettuce, chard, celery etc. The fruit can vary...put what you have on hand or what you like. After you blend everything together...test it. Too sweet? Add more greens. Too bitter? Add more fruit. Make it a variety. Play around with it. Have fun... ENJOY!!


Here is a great link to check out...http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/greenlove.html. Also a great video.

Be sure to turn off my music first!

Check it out!

Tired of the "What's for supper?" How about tired of hum drum meals? Get out of the cooking/or not cooking rut. How?

I thought you would never ask....

YEAH!! I am one of the 3 finalist in the Iron Chef Challenge over at Heidi's Sacred and Profane. My chicken recipe is here. Make this simple recipe, enjoy, and vote!! Try the others too and pick your favorite! Don't miss out on some fabulous recipes.

Hint: I love the apron she will be sending to the winner! *wink*.....VOTE!

Iron Chef Challenge

Heidi from Sacred and Profane hosts a fun Iron Chef Challenge each month. I decided I would join in. If you want to join or just want to find some fabulous recipes hop over to her site.
For March the ingredient is chicken breasts.

Chicken Georgia

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tbs. (1/2 stick) of butter
• 2 tbs. minced shallots
• 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 4 ounces of grated mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes. Add chicken and cook 10 minutes on each side, or until tender. Transfer chicken to platter and sprinkle with grated cheese. Top with mushroom mixture. Cover and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

My DH is not a mushroom lover, but loves this chicken. My picky kids eat it up! Sometimes we leave off the cheese and it is still delicious!! Oh, I can't forget to tell you this is super easy and quick!

TIP:
1.) I like to pound my chicken breast to take out some aggression I have built up....it works! And, because I prefer a thinner piece of chicken.

2) Never put your fresh mushrooms under water. Get a damp towel and wipe the dirt off.


I hope you enjoy one of my families favorite chicken meals....let's get cookin!