Sauteed Parmesan Broccoli

Did you know you can blanch vegetables as a way of cooking ahead and saving time later? I didn't and it was a very simple process. My children gave this broccoli recipe a thumbs up. Sauteed Parmesan Broccoli Ingredients: 1 pound broccoli florets 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon brown sugar 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Directions: Blanch the broccoli up to two days in advance. To blanch: bring a pot of water to [+]

Peanut Butter Play Dough

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Peanut Butter heart"][/caption] We recently tried this Peanut Butter Play Dough recipe and I think we ended with only half as much as when we started. Apparently this is as tasty as dessert! Even if you have older children, don't discount the idea of homemade playdough. My two children are older but still looked forward to this snow day activity. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Peanut Butter "Lego""][/caption] Peanut Butter Play Dough 1 cup smooth peanut [+]

Jalapeno Popper Dip

If you love Jalapeno Poppers, you will love this dip! I served this at a couple of events over the holidays and it was always a hit, both with people who love spicy food and those who like their food a little tamer. If you are fortunate enough to have leftovers though, watch out. They will be spicier! Jalapeno Popper Dip Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup mayonnaise (I never said this was a low-calorie, [+]

Free Christmas Recipe & Craft E-books

Feeling creative but not sure where to start? This collection of free E-books, full of Christmas ideas and recipes, might get you started. Free Last Minute Christmas Kids Craft eBook: Santa's Guide to Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids. Featuring 24 quick and easy kid-friendly Christmas craft projects for ornaments, gifts, cards, and decorations. Click Here Angel Crafts eBook featuring 45-pages of cheap and easy angel crafts. Click Here Quick and Easy Christmas Crafts featuring 25 free Christmas [+]

Green Bean, Potato, and Sausage One Pot Meal

If you will be hosting overnight guests this Christmas season, you will probably be looking for a quick and hearty meal. This is one of my favorite meals to prepare when I need a hearty dish that will serve a crowd or to give to families dealing with illness, new homes, etc. I often refer to this as the "Hospitality Dish" because it is perfect for families who need a meal and I have had [+]

Quick Homemade Play Dough

My daughter recently had a friend over and they had a fantastic time with quick, homemade play dough, thanks to Play Dough Recipes.  This is a great recipe to have handy as we get into the "cooped up inside" season. The ingredients are basic and preparation is easy. You will need: 1 cup flour 1/2 cup hot water 1/2 cup salt Food coloring In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Add hot water and food color to the flour mixture and [+]

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

My daughter, who normally does not like sweet potatoes, thought these were fabulous! Ingredients for Casserole: 6 medium sweet potatoes  (or 2lb can) 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 Tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3/4 cup apple juice (could also use orange juice) 2 Tablespoons butter Ingredients for Topping: 1 cup honey cereal, crushed- such as Mom's Best Naturals Honey Nut Toasty O's or Oat & Honey Blend 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans 1 teaspoon melted butter If using fresh potatoes, cook [+]

Frugal Mac – Perfect Use for Leftover Meat

The other day, I was looking for a quick chili-type dish but wanted to use what I had on hand, which wasn't much since I was going to the grocery the next day. I came up with Frugal Mac because it was very similar to Chili Mac but cost just a few cents per serving. This dish was about $3.50 for the entire pot and lasted several meals and snacks. I assembled this dish without a [+]

Ladybug Apples

I love making fruits and vegetables more fun for children. Based on my daughter's reaction upon seeing this Ladybug Apple, one would have thought she saw mounds of candy instead. Simply slice the apple in half. If the apple will not be served immediately, brush or spray lemon juice on the cut sides to prevent browning. Attach the raisins using peanut butter as the "glue." Push the pretzel sticks carefully into the top of the apple [+]

Sage Sausage Bread

This dish is a cross between Thanksgiving Dressing and biscuit. This year, our family will enjoy this Christmas morning. Ingredients: 1 pound sage pork sausage 1 small onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped 1/2 cup shredded Swiss (We had cheddar on hand and it worked well.) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg, beaten 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1/3 cup milk 2 cups baking mix 1/4 cup melted butter 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I used dried and was happy with the results.) Directions: Preheat oven [+]