Sweet & Sassy Pork Tenderloin

As you know.....I'm not a huge meat eater, with the exception of chicken, turkey and seafood....the only other meat I like is pork! And this pork tenderloin recipe is to die for! When I say it's delicious, it's an understatement. It's so tender and has the perfect amount of sweet and spice (sassy)! 

The key is marinating it for long enough and cooking it perfectly. I can promise you, you will add this to the rotation. As for my kids....they LOVE it! 

 I always double this recipe so there is enough sauce to smother and dip!  You should double it also!

SWEET AND SASSY PORK TENDERLOIN 
2 pounds pork tenderloin 
4 tablespoons brown sugar 
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
2 tablespoon Spicy Brown Mustard 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes...if you want it more sassy, add more! 
2 teaspoon prepared horseradish 

Cut tenderloin into 1-1.5 inch thick pieces..and place in large bowl. I got about 8 pieces out of mine. 
Stir together sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, red pepper flakes, and horseradish in bowl, until blended and pour over pork. 
Let marinate for at least 2 hours..I do it all day! 
Place the meat onto preheated grill (med/high heat). 
Grill until no longer pink in the center, approx 8 minutes per side. 
When finished, place pork on a plate, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. 

While meat is cooking bring the marinade to a boil on the stove, and simmer over medium heat, and stir until smooth. Pour sauce over sliced tenderloin to serve.

ENJOY!

~Gianna~

Death by Chocolate

One of my resolutions this year is to blog more...so I'm going to really try (I say this all time, I know) to get a new recipe or blog entry 2x a week or more often! 

I actually have about 100 recipes in my "draft" section, just waiting to be posted.   So post....I will!!!! Blogging more, getting back on my workout routine and cooking more at home (we've gotten ourselves into an ordering out/going out routine)...as well as more organizing and decorating the house all in 2013! Those are my goals/resolutions!!  And I plan to stick with them ALL (as much as I can)!  Now that I've publicly announced them....I better put my food where my mouth is! 

Here is a recipe that my Mom always made for special occasions when we were kids....I especially remember it on New Year's Eve!  Her recipe was a little different because she used Heath Bars......and with all the nut allergies nowadays I stick with Kit Kats.  She also used to put Kahlua in her cake mix to give it a little extra kick, I do not.  You definitely can add the Kahlua and swap the Heath for the Kit Kats! But no matter how you do it.....you will be sure to have a crowd pleasing dessert!!!  It's a very simple recipe, that really takes no time at all.....As long as you have the ingredients in your kitchen. You can make it for a large crowd, for a holiday, for a BBQ, or just for 2 people to share on Valentine's Day (and the week following with leftovers).  I made this yesterday for New Year's Eve and even though a lot of it went...I was so excited to have leftovers!!!!   It's even better after it sits in the fridge for a few days!   YUM!!!!  

Death By Chocolate 

1 box of Chocolate Cake Mix (I use Chocolate Fudge) 
1 box of Chocolate Mousse Mix 
1 large container of Cool Whip -- remove from freezer and into fridge for 30 minutes-1hour before you make dessert. 
1 package of 6 -- Kit Kat Bars 

 Follow directions on the cake mix box..and make your cake. 
Cool and then wrap the entire cake in foil and put in the freezer for a few hours. 
Make mousse by following the box..let cool in fridge for a few hours. 
In a food processor or by hand smash candy bars into pieces. 

When ready to make the dessert, get a large clear bowl. 
Crumble 1/2 of the cake into bottom of bowl. 
Next layer 1/2 of the mousse on top.
Next layer 1/2 of the Cool Whip. 
Sprinkle 1/2 of the candy pieces. 
Next layer the rest of cake crumbled.
Layer rest of mousse. 
Layer rest of Cool Whip. 
Finish off with candy pieces!

 Blog Post -- 1, Eating Healthy -- 0 


 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

~Gianna~

Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Peanut Butter Brownies

Yes, you read that right!  Someone posted this recipe on my message board, and as soon as I saw "pretzel", "peanut butter" and "brownie" in the same title -- DONE!  While I'm not a huge chocolate person (as you already know).....once you mix it with peanut butter, I'm a HUGE fan!

So I read the title and ran to the food store.  See....I've been doing a lot of cooking lately for my family...but also for my Mom and Dad.  Sadly my Mom's cancer spread (it's treatable though) and she's been on radiation.  She also has bronchitis and well.....those 2 things have her totally exhausted and unable to do much.  So I've taken on the role as private chef for my parents....and now I'm thinking that when radiation and chemo are over.....they might ask me to just move in...or put me on pay role!  She called me tonight and asked me "what's on the menu this week?"  With menu in hand for the week, I added these as an added bonus!

I'd been cooking ALL.  DAY.  LONG and I was tired....but I knew once dinner was over and the kitchen was clean, I could sink my teeth into one of these!

The recipe came from HERE.  I followed the recipe exact, because I had gotten all the ingredients this time!  And they did NOT disappoint!  I had one, but no one else in the family has.  Olivia was in bed by 7:15, not felling well...Ava got punished because she didn't eat dinner (can't have your pudding, if you don't eat your meat) and Joe is asleep on the couch.  But now that I've cut them up...once the smell makes its way to the living room he'll be up!   For now though......I may just have another one!  They are a little rich and sweet...so cut them into smaller "brownie pieces" unless you like rich and sweet.

There is NOTHING healthy about these....so if you are dieting or watching what you eat...LEAVE NOW before you see the picture!  If you are all "F - DIETS!", feast your eyes on these..........

(that is heaps of peanut butter from the peanut butter cups).

OK....I won't waste any more time...here's the recipe!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups crushed butter snap pretzels

1 cup melted butter

5 TBSP sugar

Peanut Butter Cookie Mix (+ ingredients the mix calls for)

Brownie Mix (+ ingredients the mix calls for)

Snack size Reece's Peanut Butter Cups (24)

1.  Crush the pretzels in a food processor (or however you'd like to crush them).  Don't crush to dust....make sure there are small pieces still in the mix.  

Mix with melted butter and sugar.

Press lightly into a greased 13x9 pan.

Set aside

2.  Make cookie dough according to package.  Lightly press cookie dough evenly on top of pretzel crust.

3.  Unwrap 24 Reece's Peanut Butter Cups and layer them on top of cookie dough.

4.  Make brownie mix according to package and pour evenly over Peanut Butter Cups.

5.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

6. Remove, Cook and ENJOY!

My good camera is broken (sad face) so these pictures are from my phone...and do not do it's justice!

~Gianna~

Mini Meatball Soup

As the weather gets colder and our days get busier I've been trying to find recipes to warm our tummies, but don't take a lot of time (to prepare, cook or clean-up).   Both of my kids LOVE soup...pretty much any kind from tomato to escarole to chicken noodle!  So I decided this year I'm going to start making more soup!

I asked around on my message board and got a nice long list of recipes to inspire me!  And the first one up was Mini Meatball Soup.  This was super easy to make.  The most difficult part was rolling meatballs, but really that's not very hard...just tedious!  And the end result was exactly what I was hoping for!  My kids liked it, it warmed our tummies on a rainy fall day.....and it was DELISH!  I changed the recipe around a bit to fit the ingredients I had on hand, and it all worked together!  I used ground turkey...which is basically all I use when a recipe calls for ground beef or pork...it's always in my fridge or freezer and I, personally like the taste better!  I also opted to not use spinach.  I was worried if I included it, my kids wouldn't eat the soup....which is weird because they will both eat escarole...but neither will eat spinach!  So I didn't put it in this time, but maybe I'll try it next time!  I did add a can of cannellini beans just to give it a little extra substance!  Anyway if you are craving a good, hearty soup on a cold, fall day.....give this one a try!


Mini Meatball Soup

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan in a slow stream
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves, fresh or dried 
1 can cannellini beans

1 pound ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried pasta (I used elbows)


In a deep pot over medium heat add oil, chopped carrots, celery and onions and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Cover pot and cook veggies 5 or 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

While the veggies cook, combine meat, egg, garlic, grated cheese, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, nutmeg.
Uncover your soup pot and add broth and water to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil. When soup boils, reduce heat a bit and add beans.  Start to roll meat mixture into small balls, dropping them straight into the pot.  They will cook in the pot!   Cover and simmer soup 10-20 minutes.

While soup is simmering, boil a separate pot of water and cook pasta as directed on box.   Remove and drain.  

When you are ready to serve the soup, serve individual bowls of pasta and then spoon the soup over it!  If you cook the pasta in the soup pot and aren't ready to eat it when it is ready...or don't plan on finishing the whole pot of soup at one meal...the pasta will get very soft and mushy...from sitting in the chicken stock.    So my tip is to spoon the pasta into a bowl and then spoon the soup over it!

I like to add a little grated parmesan or romano cheese on my soup (something I learned from my dad)...so feel free to add a sprinkle!  :)  I also served it with delicious crusty bread and butter!  

ENJOY!!!

~Gianna~

Beer & Chili Meatballs

These little balls of deliciousness have been an old standby of mine whenever I'm asked to "bring a hearty appy!" because you can make them in bulk and they are so yummy!  I also always add them to my own menus..when I'm hosting a party!  I usually cook them on the stove, and then transfer them to my crockpot and keep it on warm, just to keep them hot!  (They aren't as good served room temperature..or cold!)   And even though they do have beer in them......kids go coo-coo for them!  The alcohol burns off...so don't worry (I never do) ;oP  And they are made with ground turkey, so they are a tad more healthy!  BONUS!!!  

You must make these for the next "bring a hearty (or any) appy!" party!  And you won't be disappointed...NO ONE will!

Beer and Chili Meatballs

Preheat oven to 350
You will need for meatballs...
1.5 lbs ground turkey
1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
2 eggs (beaten)
3/4 cup milk
Mix all in a bowl (I use my hands)
Form small meatballs (like bite-sized or a little bigger)
Put on a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled
Bake for 30 minutes

You will also need
1/2 cup beer (any kind)
1/2 cup brown sugar
A bottle of chili sauce

In a large pot on the stove mix in all ingredients and drop in meatballs. Stir occasionally, let simmer for 15-20 minutes!






~Gianna~

Olivia Turns 7 -- Luau Style!

When my baby girl turned 1....we had a Luau for her!  Of course, aside from pictures she had no recollection of any of it.   When we were throwing around ideas for her 7th birthday, one of them was a Luau.  Who doesn't love a luau???  The ideas kept building and building.....and we ran with it!   And it couldn't have been more perfect!   We searched all over the Internet for ideas, came up with ideas, talked to friends and did a lot of shopping to make it the party of the year!  I can honestly say all the kids in attendance had a great time...and even some of the parents stayed a little longer or came to pick up a little earlier to enjoy the festivities!  We had 17 kids -- 15 girls and 2 boys (we had to have her 2 best "boyfriends" from school), plus Ava, and I also reached out to my 5th grade neighbor and my husband's cousin to help out!

The invitations were handmade by Olivia and I!  An idea created by me, but inspired by a quick google search for "flip flop invitations".  Directions to follow!  We decided on bright, vibrant colors!

Next was deciding on a menu...the party was right around dinner time, so I wanted to feed the kids.  Kid friendly, but Luau inspired.....lots of fruit and meat!    I decided to make honey chicken skewers (very simply added Tyson's honey chicken tenders on skewers and with some pineapple and a cherry), my beer and chili meatballs (don't worry I used half the beer, which cooks off anyway), buttered noodles (Olivia's request), individual veggies and dip, and a rainbow fruit platter!! SUPER CUTE and almost all of the food was gone by the end of the party!

Luau Chicken Skewers

Fruit Rainbow

Beer and Chili Meatballs

Personal Veggies and Dip (sorry for the bad picture...these were all gone, and this one was left on the table, but someone had already enjoyed some!)

All of my decorations came from Party City and Oriental Trading!  They had so much stuff to choose from!  I got a bunch of blow up beach balls and flamingos and palm trees to hand out as prizes!  

When the kids walked into the yard they were greeted from the start with lots of Luau color and fun!

Each girl got to pick a flower for their hair, a hula skirt (Oriental Trading), a lei,(Party City) and a sand bucket  (Michael's) of their choice!  The boys got to choose a skirt, a lei and a bucket!

Flower clips were made by a friend of mine!  You can find her here!  A huge hit.....the girls wore them every day until the last day of school!  Not just my kids...ALL the kids!  :)

The forecast was calling for showers...so we borrowed some tents, just in case!  Not a drop of rain fell on our party,  but it was perfect for shade while the kids ate and did some crafts!

My Birthday Girl!  :)

We did 2 crafts....the kids did sand art key chains!  I had ordered dolphin and tropical fish key chains and had them on the table along with 12 different colors of sand.  The kids used little funnels and filled their key chains!  It was a hit!

We also decorated our own surfboards....I had ordered cardboard cut-out surfboards from Oriental Trading...and had a bunch of markers out for them to decorate.....later on in the day!  Once they were done I collected them...and whoever had the most colorful..got a prize!  Top 5 won!!!  I spaced out crafts, games and food.....so I could prep the activities!

Of course we had a Tiki Pinata!

The kids got to fill their buckets with candy!

We played pass the coconut (I got a real one from the farmers market!) and the winner got to keep it!  I wonder what she did with it?!?!?

We did the limbo....

We had a hula dance party....

and the kids played!  Swing set, tag, just played...like kids like to do!

After one of the loudest, most ear piercing Happy Birthdays, I've ever heard....we had CUPCAKES!

And all the kids went home with a bucket full of goodies!

A bucket and shovel, a lei, a flower clip (for the girls), a surfboard bookmark, a bag of Swedish fish, a hula skirt, a tiki cup (they drank a Hawaiian "punch" out of them),  and a chocolate lollipop made by one of my greatest friends!  THANK, AMY!!!  They also brought home their key chains, their surfboards they decorated and whatever they got from the piñata   

ANNNNNNNNDDDD......I spent less than $7 on each favor!  True Story!!!!!  I was pretty proud of myself!

~Gianna~

S'mores Pizza

I needed a dessert for our Super Bowl Party (I know...that was a month ago) and stumbled upon THIS recipe from Guy Fieri @ The Food Network in my search.  While it looked delicious,  my husband nor Olivia were sold on the pizza dough crust.  My husband (believe it or not) said, "Wouldn't that be so much better without the pizza dough....maybe you should use chocolate chip cookie dough instead!"   I thought it sounded perfect either way, but had to keep the troops happy....
I did think it'd be way too chocolaty and sweet for my taste buds, so I convinced them to let me do sugar cookie crust instead!   Everyone agreed and we had our Super Bowl party dessert!    While it was very sweet, even with the sugar cookie crust, it was amazing for any sweet tooth!  Make this SOON!!!!  Next time I make this I am going to try it with the pizza dough!

S'mores Pizza
(adapted from Guy Fieri)


1 batch of sugar cookie dough.  Homemade or store-bought.
2 TBSP unsalted butter
1/2 sleeve graham crackers (broken into crumbs)
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups mini marshmallows
3 large Hershey chocolate bars -- broken into 1/4 inch pieces


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Make cookie dough.
Roll and push into 12" round pizza pan )making sure you get it as thin as you can without breaking through.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
While it's cooking,  melt butter in a skillet and add graham crackers.  Cook for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.


When cookie crust is done remove from oven and scatter marshmallows and chocolate pieces. 
Return to oven for approx. 5 minutes or until marshmallows are brown and toasted.
Remove and top with graham cracker crumbs evenly over pizza.
Let sit for a few minutes, slice and serve.


ENJOY!!!!

~Gianna~

Lemon and Wine Salmon

Whenever I am asked, "Where did you learn to cook?"  My answer is simple......"My Nana and my Mom are 2 of the best cooks, EVER and they taught me everything I know!"  That's 90% true....the other 10% comes from my love of cooking and other bloggers and friends who give me yummy recipes!  :)

This recipe is one of my Nana's recipes.   We eat a lot of fish in our house (mostly salmon, shrimp, scallops, tilapia), but salmon is one of our favorites.  My kids gobble it up, which makes it a great dinner choice for us!  This recipe is one of our favorites, and while I definitely do it's justice, I've got nothing on Nana!

Lemon and Wine Salmon


1 pound fillet of salmon (skin removed)
Half a sick of butter
1/4c white cooking wine (or any white win you use to cook with)
1 lemon
garlic powder
paprika


Preheat oven to 375
Grease bottom of baking dish with butter
Wash salmon and pat dry with paper towels
Place salmon in baking dish
Pour wine over salmon
Squeeze lemon over salmon
Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika
Place in oven; uncovered for 20 minutes or until cooked through


ENJOY!!

~Gianna~

Creamy Taco Mac

Here is a recipe that has been floating around for quite some time on blogs, websites and message boards I frequent....I've made it lots of times and everyone in my family enjoys it!  It's simple, uses ingredients I always have on hand and is equally (if not better) heated up as leftover!   It's delish!!!
There are different variations of it, but this is the one I do!

Creamy Taco Mac

Ingredients:


1 lbs ground turkey breast
1/2 onion, chopped
8 oz dry pasta + 1 cup reserved pasta water (I used medium shells)
1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
4 Tbsp mild taco seasoning
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup lite sour cream
1/2 cup reduced fat Mexican blend cheese (plus extra for individual use)
salt & pepper


Directions:


Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta per directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water.


Over medium heat, brown ground turkey until no longer pink. 
Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. 
Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. 
Allow to simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. 
Add cooked pasta, reserved water, cream cheese and sour cream. 
Give it a good stir until cheeses are melted and incorporated. 
Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. 
Season with salt & pepper, as desired. 
Top off with Mexican cheese for extra cheesiness.


ENJOY!

~Gianna~

Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!!  In honor of this holiday of all things love and chocolate I have a perfect little treat!    You can make these in bulk and give them to all of your special someones!

A friend of mine gave me this idea when I was trying to figure out something cute and edible for teachers this  past Christmas.    Once I made them, I was hooked!   They are so easy, you can do any combo of chocolates and they are the perfect combo of sweet and salty!  AND you can use any color M&M so these can be used for holidays, birthdays, sporting events, and they are still so cute!    So far I've done them for Christmas, for fun and for Valentine's Day and they always get rave reviews!  I've done them with HUGS instead of KISSES and I've done them with dark chocolate and milk chocolate!    These have milk chocolate KISSES and dark chocolate M&Ms (not my first choice, but I couldn't find regular and didn't want to use peanut butter.)


Chocolate Pretzel Buttons


Bag of pretzels (the square ones that look like little windows)
Bag of Hershey Kisses (or Hugs)
Bag of M&Ms (which ever colors you want)
Pam


Preheat oven to 250 degrees
Spray Pam on baking sheet.
Lay pretzels on baking sheet -- I get about 70-80 per sheet
Unwrap and put a Hershey Kiss on each pretzel
Place in oven (middle rack) for 3-4 minutes....keeping an eye that the kisses don't melt and have their shape
Remove from oven and gently push an M&M into the center of the kiss
Place baking sheet in refrigerator until chocolate hardens (about an hour)
Store in air tight container or fridge


ENJOY!!

Here is another example of the ones I made for Christmas....with HUGS and red and green M&Ms!

~Gianna~

M-I-C-K-E-Y..........you know the rest!

In just 1 month we will be taking a trip to one of my most favorite places on Earth......DISNEY WORLD!  I have been there more times than I can remember (as a child, as an adult and as a Mommy), but NEVER like this!    My husband's company won a trip to Disney World, and we all get to enjoy the festivities.  My husband is excited (though he'd never admit it), my kids have talked about it since Christmas Eve (when we found out), and me......well let's just say 8 days of sun, fun and lots of memories....I think I'm the most excited!    Olivia has been there a few times in her 6 years of life...and my little bean, Ava has only been once (well twice if you count the time I was 22 weeks pregnant and waddled around in the Florida heat looking like I was about to give birth right then and there).  She was only 9 months old on her 1st trip, and this time I can assure you will be our most memorable one!  My husband's whole family will be joining us....my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, her husband (brother-in-law) and my 2 nieces, my other brother-in-law and his girlfriend.   And we are all staying at the Grand Floridian........I'm scared for the well-being of this hotel and Disney in general the week our family is there!   I'm sure there will be plenty of stories upon our return!  :)

In honor of our upcoming trip I have a tasty treat to share (of course).   A few weeks ago, Olivia's class had a party to celebrate a Reading For Miles goal.  Reading for Miles in short.....is a reading program her school does.  Each book or chapter the children read = a mile traveled in the USA.  They have certain destinations and once they reach these destinations they get to celebrate their accomplishment with a party. Their second destination was none other than Orlando, FL. (their first stop was Washington, DC).   CUTE...right?  I got to be in charge of this party.  We had Disney music, a trivia game with prizes, the kids made their own Mickey ear headbands, and there was food.  Mickey cheese, fruit salad and cupcakes made by yours truly.

I originally found the idea online (pinterest.com to be exact) and thought they were adorable and perfect for the occasion.     And boy, was I right.  The kids LOVED them!

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes
(makes 22-24 cupcakes)


1 box of plain yellow cake mix
1 package of vanilla instant pudding
1 cup whole milk
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
24 red paper liners


Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350F.  Line cupcake pans with liners and set aside.
Place cake mix, pudding mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in bowl.
Blend with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, stopping to scrape sides.
Increase speed to medium and beat 2 more minutes, scraping sides as needed -- until batter is well blended.
Scoop or spoon heaping 1/3 cup batter into each liner, filling it almost to the top of the cup.
You will get 22-24 cupcakes.  Remove empty liners.
Bake cupcakes until golden and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.  20-25 minutes.
Cool on wire racks to cool.


To decorate:
Frosting
2 packages of Oreos
Toothpicks
White Paper or card stock
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun




Cut out small white ovals from white paper or card stock.
Hot glue the ovals onto the red liners.  I put the glue onto the ovals, let it cool for a few seconds and then pressed it onto the red liner.


Frost cupcakes with desired frosting.   I was short on time and used ready made (slacker than I am), but have some great butter cream recipes.


In food processor, crush about half of a package of Oreos until finely ground (no lumps) and put into a medium bowl.
Roll each cupcake in the ground cookie crumbs so the entire cupcake top is covered, with minimal frosting showing.
Gently slide a toothpick into the center of an Oreo (the cream) and then stick it into the top of the cupcake.   Then do the other ear.


ENJOY!!

Hey Mickey, SEE YOU REAL SOON!!!!

~Gianna~

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

I finally had the kitchen all cleaned up from dinner last night when I got a text from a friend of mine saying her daughter was sick, and my oldest couldn't go over and play today.  I knew I'd have a disappointed 6 year old after school, because she was so excited to go to her friend's house.   I decided we'd have a fun afternoon and night at home....early dinner, a board game or 2 and a family movie.....and obviously we'd need to bake a yummy dessert!   But what should we bake???  We did cookies a few days ago and they didn't turn out how I'd planned.....but we needed something different!  I went through a bunch of blogs I follow and a bunch of recipes I have saved (for rainy days....or when I have a sad kid on my hands that needs cheering up), but nothing was jumping at me!   I wondered over to Fake Ginger (the genius behind the pretzel bowls) to see what kind of yummy desserty recipes she might have (I hadn't gotten a chance to browse her recipes yet) and found one that JUMPED!   And boy did it jump!

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Red Velvet anything.....cake, cupcakes, cake balls, alcoholic beverages...you name it, I want it!   And it's funny because I DON'T like chocolate (for shame, I know!) And red velvet is chocolate cake with red food coloring...well more or less.  Aside from the cocoa powder -- I don't see the similarity (or taste it).   I also am slightly obsessed with cream cheese...and cream cheese frosting is one of my most favoritest things on Earth.  So this recipe JUMPED!  And my girls and I jumped right on it!    I also think it would be a fun dessert to make for a Super Bowl party!  Especially this year when the Giants are in it, and their team colors are Red, Blue and White!  SCORE!  

It was very simple, and my kids enjoyed making them with me.  It helps that red is Olivia's color and Ava's 2nd favorite color!   They also enjoyed swirling the batter with a toothpick!

These were very delicious, and looked beautiful!  A bit on the rich side, but red velvet cake is known to be more rich and heavy...so that was fine with me!   It's amazing how this recipe makes the red velvet much more brownie-like. , though!    My husband (the sweetest tooth in the house) who we had to hide them from......really liked them, once we let him get his hands on them!  A definite recipe we will keep for a long time!

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

(Fake Ginger)


Ingredients
For brownie layer
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp red food coloring (I used liquid, probably should've used gel or powder like the originator said).
1 tsp.  white distilled vinegar
2 eggs
3/4 cups flour


For cream cheese layer
8 oz. cream cheese -- softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/8 tsp vanilla


Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.  Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or butter generously.  
Melt butter. 
In large bowl add butter, sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring and vinegar and stir to combine everything.   
In separate bowl, whisk eggs.  
Add eggs to the butter mixture slowly and whisk constantly.
Fold the flower into the mixture, being careful not to over mix.
Reserve 1/4 cup of mixture.
Pour remaining batter into prepared pan.


In stand mixer beat cream cheese until soft.  
Add sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in pan.
Dollop the remaining batter (1/4 cup you reserved) onto the cream cheese layer.  
Drag a toothpick or knife through the batter to create swirls.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cream cheese is set. 
Let cool completely on wire rack before cutting.


ENJOY!!!

~Gianna~

Coconut Chicken Strips

I accidentally bought chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts the other day and needed to make them tonight!  I found a recipe (thanks to a Nestie) that was perfect for dinner, because I knew the girls and Joe would eat it, but also perfect for the "football food" theme in honor of the Giants being in the Super Bowl this week!   It's very simple, doesn't take much time and will wow any crowd, young and old.   Pair these chicken strips with some yummy dipping sauce of your own or use mine, and it's a sure to be a touchdown!!!!   (Sorry -- I had to).  This can also be made into a meal or an appetizer!   Follow the same directions using butterfly shrimp for a different taste!  YUM!

Coconut Chicken Strips

1-2 pounds -- chicken tenders (cleaned)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups planko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
salt (to taste)
oil (for frying)

Set out 3 bowls.  In first bowl combine and mix eggs and coconut milk.  In second bowl combine salt and flour and in third bowl combine planko breadcrumb and shredded coconut.

While your oil is getting nice and hot, dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then egg/coconut milk mixture, and then coat it in the planko and coconut mixture.   Once oil is hot, place chicken into pan and cook approx. 3 - 4 minutes on each side and until chicken is golden brown and crispy.  If they are thicker tenders you may need to cook a little longer.

Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil and let sit for a few minutes.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.   ENJOY!!!

Here is what I whipped up for my dipping sauce and it was delicious


Dipping Sauce for Coconut Chicken or Shrimp
No recipe -- so add ingredients to taste

Apricot Preserves  (I used about 10oz) -- you can use Orange or Peach too!
Soy Sauce (about 1 tbsp)
Spicy Brown Mustard (about 1 tsp.)
Juice of half a lemon
Ground ginger (about 1tsp.)
Sesame oil (about 1/2 tsp)

Mix together and serve!

~Gianna~

Super Bowl Time!!!!

With the Super Bowl in 2 weeks and the GIANTS (YAY) playing in it...... I'm sure we will be invited to a bunch of parties (or have one of our own) since most of our friends and family are GIANTS fans. .....My little family of 4, we are not fans of the "the G-MEN",  we are JETS fans (and I'm a Mark Sanchez fan --swoon)... but I still root for the "home team", when it comes to post season football.   Even more-so when they play the Patriots!   So I'll be posting a lot of my family's favorite football foods (say that 3 times fast...family's favorite football foods) over the next few days!  We are a family who loves dips and appys and I don't know too many people who don't love finger (lickin' good)  foods.... 

Let's start with a dip.......sha'll we??

This is a favorite of mine and it's something that I have been making for years and years....I think the first time I brought it to a party I was actually in High School......sooooo it's OLD!   But it's something that never disappoints..well except this one time when I brought it to a party and some drunk friends decided to put it in the oven and cook it........people still ate it, but boy was it a disappointment!  PLEASE...DO NOT HEAT THIS DIP....TRUST ME!

The nice thing about this dip is that you can make it however you want.....and add or subtract ingredients....or add extra or less of others.....Just make it to your liking.  There really isn't measurements to it!



7 Layer Taco Dip

Can of refried beans
Container of Guacamole (or make your own, which I often do)
Container of Sour Cream
Package of taco seasoning
Tomatoes -- seeds removed and chopped
Olives -- sliced
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Scallions
Tortilla chips (I like the bite sized ones....they are perfectly sized for dipping and enjoying!)

1.  Spread refried beans over a large circle serving platter.  I try to use one with a small lip.
2.  Spread guacamole on top of beans.
3.  Mix sour cream and taco seasoning in bowl and then spread over guacamole.
4.  Layer chopped tomatoes on top of the sour cream mixture.
5.  Spread sliced olives all around.
6.  Sprinkle cheese on top of the tomatoes and olives.
7.  Sprinkle chopped scallions over the entire dip.
8.  DO NOT COOK  :)
9.  Serve with chips
10.  ENJOY!!!!


Sorry for the picture quality (I warned you)....this was taken on my phone, as we were running out the door to a party!  Promise to eventually get a new one up of this yumminess!  :)

~Gianna~

Olivia's 6th Birthday Party -- Mock Sleepover

My 6 year old, Olivia asked for a sleepover for her 6th Birthday Party........and there was NO WAY she was getting that.....especially with her list of 13 girls.    I finally convinced her to go for a "Mock Sleepover"....with all the fun stuff of an actual sleepover...BUT everyone goes home to their own beds when the fun is over!  She loved the idea.....and I ran with it!

This was actually one of my favorite party ideas yet -- and we've had some great "home parties" in the past, which I will have to blog about some day.  I just love home parties and I lucked out with 2 girls born in the warmer months of the late Spring and Summer.   Don't get me wrong, we had a Cookie Party for Olivia last year out at a bakery/party place....and it was WONDERFUL and I didn't have to a thing except show up with Olivia, my camera and my money......but I really enjoy entertaining, so home parties are right up my alley! 

To set the theme of the party....I made THESE invitations.  I got so many raves about them.....and I think they turned out pretty cute, if I must say so myself.    They are sleeping bags made of felt with card stock pillows that slide out with all the info about the party.  I did them in Olivia's favorite colors and the colors I'd carry through the party -- pink, purple, turquoise, lime green and orange.   And threw a "stuffed animal" OWL on them......to go with "night owl" theme!

All the girls (Did I mention we had 15 girls -- including my own 2) were asked to wear their pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and favorite stuffed animal.  When they arrived all their stuff was laid out in the living room........and off they went to play on the bounce house and on the swing set (part of the day was beautiful) and get to work on the activities I had set up for them! 

They decorated pillowcases..which was a HUGE hit!  And each girl signed a separate pillow case for Olivia......I got a GREAT deal on Amazon....20 large white cases for $35!  SCORE!   And they used fabric markers!

They also decorated book marks.......I got the pre-cut bookmarks (in different colors) from Michael's and hole punched them and tied ribbon through the hole!  Then set them up with colored pencils!
Another HUGE hit!

And all the girls got their fingernails and toenails painted.  I got a TON of different nail polishes....in colors I didn't even know existed and everyone had a blast!   We also had some fun party games.....set up inside for when it started to get dark and rainy.   We played "Hot Stuffed Animal" -- Just like "Hot Potato" but using a stuffed animal instead....all the girls sit in a circle on their sleeping bags and pass a stuffed animal to music.  When the music stops whoever had the animal is OUT.......but they didn't mind....the kids who were out did a Conga Line around the girls still in!  :)

We also played...."Which Stuffed Animal is Mine?"  All the stuffed animals the girls brought got thrown into a pile in the middle of the sleeping bags and mixed together......each girl took a turn wearing a sleep mask (of course).....and they had to figure out which one was theirs, by feeling through the pile of fluffy friends!

I served pizza and juice boxes......and also had little bowls of Teddy Grahams (little teddy bear cookies)and teddy bear, moon and star lollipops all around for them to snack on!  

And of course I made cupcakes (recipe to come)!    And on the cupcakes I made cupcake toppers (post to come later), but they were very simple, I put them together the night before and it only took me like 30 minutes)!  Just some colored card stock, toothpicks, glue and owl stickers!  I would've made them so much better, but I literally threw them together!

After cake....we ended with popcorn and a movie "Gnomeo and Juliet" and some snuggling before the parents came to pick up! 

And we can't forget the favors!  At 8:30 when all the little angels went home....they each got a favor box!
I spent a WHOPPING $8 on each kid and they came out adorable!  I founds pencil boxes at Michael's for $1 each.....and I decorated them with each child's name on it (using Sharpie Paint Pens).  And then stuck an Owl sticker on each one!

Inside each girl got -- everything you'd need for a sleepover!   A flashlight ($1 from The Dollar Store), a toothbrush and travel toothpaste ($1 from The Dollar Store),  a Hello Kitty mirror compact that turns into a hairbrush ($1 from Target), chapstick (I got 5 for $2 at Target),  nail polish and a glittery key chain nail file (each .50 cents), nail separators for their pedicures ($1 from Harmon's) and ADORABLE personalized bottle cap necklaces which I had made by a friend of mine....with OWLS on them and the first letter of each little girl's name (these were $1 for me.....but they are normally a little more expensive, but sooo worth it).

Closeup of the necklaces.......TOOOOO CUTE!  I got some plain (non-personalized) in case I got some late RSVPers!

I have gotten so many compliments on this party......and was so glad we did this theme!  I am hoping to do it again for my little one when she gets older!  
HAPPY 6th Birthday, Olivia!!! (She obviously was on sensory overload!  HA HA)

~Gianna~