Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies

The holidays for us are about treats, treats and more treats! But not everybody likes things that are typically given at this time of year like fudge, hard candy or peppermint. Sometimes some good old fashion peanut butter cookies can make someone's day. Dressed up with some twine and a sweet container they can be the perfect gift. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda                     
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt                     

Hotter Slippers Review and Giveaway #sponsored

This holiday season shoes and slippers are on the top of our Christmas lists. Not only do my children need new slippers (their feet are growing so fast) but my husband and I seem to need them too. My husband is a huge fan of slippers, he wears them anytime we are at home, especially as the weather turns cold. We don't have a "no shoe" policy at our house but as soon as we walk in the door all of the shoes come off and slippers on. Are shoes or slippers something you will be adding to your list? If so Hotter is the place to shop, they have a wide selection of quality shoes and slippers for men and women.

 

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Thanksgiving is gone, and so is our lovely turkey. I had every intention of making turkey soup, but that didn't happen.

After giving some to departing relatives, making turkey sandwiches, and a yummy turkey stir-fry, there was none left. But it was yummy.

So, I'm back to making chicken soup, which I really do love. And I need some too, so that I can hopefully get over this nasty cold that has been lingering.

This is a super delicious soup that comes together pretty quickly, perfect for a main dish along side some crusty bread, or even cornbread.
You can also change up the veggies if you don't have all of these on hand.


Recipe for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:

Ingredients:

32 ounce box of chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen green beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream

Shop For Gorgeous Holiday Gifts At Mothology

It's all about shopping this weekend, I know. The stores and malls around here have been a little crazy, that's for sure.

It's so nice to shop from home, where you can avoid the crowds, and have a warm drink by your side, right?

Easy Pasta Casserole

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I know everyone is thinking about all that cooking they will be doing tomorrow. Yummy, right?

But if you are like me and my family, at some point this weekend you will need a break from turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

This is where an easy but delicious pasta casserole recipe will come in very handy. This one is almost cheating, because it calls for a jar of spaghetti sauce, and is so simple to make, but it's really tasty.


Recipe for Easy Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
3 cups elbow or tube pasta, cooked
1 24oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups Monterey Jack/Cheddar Cheese combo

HearthSong Legends of Magic Kit with DVD Review and Giveaway #sponsored

 

My oldest son is about to turn 7 years old, like most 7 year olds he is starting to find out what his real interests are. It is so neat to see him learning about life, our planet, the way things work, and recently the "magic" of magic. We went to a birthday party where they had a magician, Jayden was memorized, watching and waiting to see the magicians every move. He was studying him so hard, trying to see exactly how he executed each trick. When we left all he could talk about was how awesome it was, he asked if magic was real because although he thought it was great, he also had his doubts. Jayden is a "has to see it to believe it kind of kid" and magic was just so out of this world to him. He wanted to learn the magicians tricks so I knew he would love the HearthSong Legends of Magic Kit with DVD!

 

Baking Candy Cane Chocolate Cupcakes With Land O' Lakes Butter #HolidayButter #shop #cbias

Holiday baking has been a long tradition in my family, so I'm very excited to be in the kitchen baking some of my favorite treats.

Chocolate and peppermint are a must during the holiday season, so I combined the two and made these yummy cupcakes.

My grandchildren were thrilled when they saw them, and it was a real struggle for them to wait until after dinner to have one.

The key to successful baking for me, is using the highest quality ingredients that I can. Butter is one of those ingredients, and I always like stocking up on it at this time of the year.

Homemade Apple Pie + Adding ZEST to your weekend!

I have told everyone how much I like pie and desserts in general, I cannot pass on a good looking pie, I just can't. And in the beginning of the fall season I shared a recipe for Homemade Apple Pie with Lemon ZEST. It was a huge hit so I wanted to share it again in case you missed it. Not to mention you can wow your Thanksgiving guests with this zesty pie!

This time the recent pie I made was for a charity auction at Liam's preschool. Every year they auction off homemade desserts and treats, it is a smashing hit and brings in hundreds of dollars! Ever need a charity idea? Food always bring in the dough! Here is the recipe, ENJOY!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
•  Pie Dough, your recipe of store bought crust, whichever you prefer     
• 10 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup sugar, plus additional for pie top
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Why I'm Smiling it Forward #SmilingItForward #sponsored

I’m SMILING IT FORWARD™ because right now everyone in our family is happy and healthy. But that is not always the case around our house. Recently all of my children were hit hard with the flu and all at the same time. Of course, when they are sick all they want is mom. When you’re a mom seeing your children sick is so tough. Not only do we want to snuggle them and do anything to make them feel better, but we also want to take away their sickness. To help ease their pain and fevers we always turn to TYLENOL®, I know it is safe and effective for my children.

 

Not everyone has the luxury of things like medicine or health care to help when their children are sick, that's where Children's Health Fund comes in. Their mobile medical clinics provide children in need with access to the doctors, nurses and medicine they deserve. You can help do your part by loading a picture to SMILING IT FORWARD™ , and with every photo uploaded TYLENOL® will donate $1 to Children's Health Fund. What a simple and great way to help other children in need!
 

Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Recipe for Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Ingredients:

Filling:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 egg
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brownies:
1 regular size box brownie mix
water, vegetable oil, and eggs called for in brownie mix
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips