Its Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas!

This is another "recipe". :) I was feeling the Christmas spirit this morning although Im home sick with a nasty cold. I had a chocolate chip muffin mix and wanted to spruce it up. I added a tsp of cocoa, 3/4 cup of dark chocolate/mint chocolate chips & 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. Double Chocolate Mint Muffins!! :) This pic was stolen from google images but this is what they look like!

Before -

After -


The chips I bought last year and froze b/c I didn't use them all. Unfortunately I haven't seen them around this year. :(

Cinnamon Chips - New Favorite!

Last year I tried Cinnamon Chips for the 1st time and was sad to see them gone from the grocery store right after Christmas. So this year, I grabbed 3 bags the day before Thanksgiving while they were on sale for $2 each! Score!! These babies are delicious and so versatile. Add them to oatmeal cookies or try some of the recipes or "recipes" below:)

Recipe 1 - This is what I call a "recipe". Use of quotations is because they're not homemade, they're just an idea/addition I made up. I bought an apple cinnamon muffin mix from the store for 99 cents and used Sugar Cinnamon Cookie creamer instead of milk AND added a cup of cinnamon chips to them. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! They tasted homemade and were so moist! Try them and you will NOT regret it! :)





Recipe 2 - No pics unfortunately but OMG, these were so delicious. I shared with friends and they agreed!!!!
CINNAMON NUTMEG WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES

3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup cinnamon baking chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 13 x 9 inch baking pan (I like to use the wrapper from the butter to do this).
Beat butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Add eggs and beat well. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to butter mixture, blending well. Stir in cinnamon chips and white chocolate chips. Spread into prepared pan. The batter will be very thick. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden brown and center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Its Been A While

My computer was on the fritz for almost two months. No bueno! But I'm back & had to share this recipe I made for Thanksgiving. It was delicious and a new twist on an old favorite!
I wish I had pics but my digital camera died about a year ago (hint, hint Santa;))

http://thanksgiving.food.com/recipe/quick-and-easy-pumpkin-dump-cake-144471

BirchBox

Ok so this isnt food related...BUT....after reading some reviews....food was included as one of the items in a recent box that another blogger shared so I think it counts;) Above is an example of what you will receive. Check out www.birchbox.com. Its only $10 a mth with free shipping and handling! Can't beat that. I get my first box mid September and will definitely share my review of the goodies I receive. Sooo exciting. Time to pamper myself:) I deserve it!

Nutella!!!!!!! MMMMMMMMMM!

Nutella was on sale at our local grocery store for $3.99 and I just couldnt resist. This is such a TASTY & versatile ingredient/dessert. :) See the recipes I've tried or am going to try below!

Recipes I Want To Try:
http://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-nutella-sandwich-367215
http://www.food.com/recipe/mr-gokittengos-nutella-crescents-203028
http://www.food.com/recipe/nutella-hot-chocolate-74086
http://www.food.com/recipe/nutella-brownies-291921

Recipes I've Made or Posted:
http://www.food.com/recipe/nutella-super-smoothie-62930
http://www.food.com/recipe/nutella-black-white-cheesecake-62929
http://www.food.com/recipe/nutella-stix-n-stones-63016

~ Cajun Shrimp ~

This is a super easy recipe! This isnt my pic but this is what the shrimp look like once you make them:) I added the shrimp to pasta with a jar of alfredo sauce and a can of mushrooms! Gotta get the veggies in somehow;)

1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal bag and shake to coat.
2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat until hot.
3. Add shrimp; saute 4- 5 minutes or until shrimp are done.

1st Post

I love food. Period. Restaurants...cooking...reading recipes...sharing recipes...the whole 9. This blog is for friends interested in finding good recipes to make or good restaurants to visit:) ENJOY!!!