Twix Cheesecake

My daughters primary teachers at our church were out of town for a couple weeks.  She really missed them because they are amazing teachers and friends.  So, she asked if we could make them a treat to take over to them.  When I asked her what she was thinking, she suggested a cake.  As we got to talking, we decided on a cheesecake and she decided to add some Twix candy bars to it.  Such a great idea.  It smelled and looked so yummy.  So yummy that we have plans to make one for all of us to enjoy here at home!

Twix Cheesecake
20 Oreo cookies {with creme filling}
3 tablespoons melted butter
Two {8 oz.} packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
18-20 chopped Twix Fun Size Candy Bars {2 cups total)}
hot fudge
caramel syrup

6-8 chopped Twix Fun Size Candy Bars

To prepare the crust: Crush cookies (either in a sealed plastic bag, blender, or food processor) and mix with melted butter. Use your fingers to press into a lightly greased 9-inch pie dish or 8x8 baking dish. Place crust into the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until it is firm.

To prepare the filling: With an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and eggs until mixture is smooth. Stir in chopped Twix bars. Pour into frozen pie crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set in center; let cool.  When cheesecake is completely cooled, drizzle with hot fudge and caramel syrup.  Garnish with more chopped Twix bars. Chill until serving. 

Muddy Buddies

I have a brother that loves loves loves this stuff.  My kids love it and every time we make it, I always think of my brother.  It is so great. It is funny how some foods and/or smells can bring a memory to mind when cooking, baking, eating, etc.  

Muddy Buddies

9 cups Corn Chex cereal

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margaine

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar

Pour cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. In a medium sized saucepan, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter together. Once fully melted and creamy, stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

Pour chocolate coated cereal into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag. {I use plastic grocery sacks doubled. Of course that have been washed and fully dry}Let cereal cool for a couple minutes.  If too warm, the powdered sugar will just "melt" to cereal.  Once cooled a little, Add powdered sugar. Seal bag {or tie plastic bag handles closed}shake until well coated. Store in an air tight container or in the refrigerator. 

Meat Pie

This is something I have heard many people talk about, but have never made it.  So I finally snagged a friends recipe and made them.  When you hear pie, you think of the fruit filled, chocolaty silk, creamy meringue, dessert kind.  Or if you are really into numbers, you think of the mathematical term.  But in this case, it is the main dish.

Meat Pie

1 lbs hamburger

1 green pepper ~ chopped

1 red pepper ~ chopped

1 medium onion ~ chopped

2 stalks of celery ~ chopped

1 egg

1/4 cup water

Creole seasoning to taste

Garlic salt to taste

2 refrigerated pie crust {you can also make your own. for me it all depends on time that day.}

Brown hamburger & drain grease.  Before hamburger is fully done, add in green pepper, red pepper, onion & celery till vegetables are tender.  Once grease is drained, add seasonings into mixture.  Roll out  pie crusts onto cookie sheets lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.  

Divide the meat mixture into two.  Spoon each meat mixture into a pie crust, keeping it all on one side. Once spread evenly on one side, fold other half of crust over and "pinch" crust edges together. When it is folded it will look like a calzone. Whisk egg and water together and brush over tops of pies. Cut 2 slits in top of each pie.

Bake meat pie at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

{*You can make smaller ones and use them as appetizers or a little side dish to something else.}

Blenders

I am a girl that gets excited to try out new kitchen gadgets.  You can always find me in the "kitchen appliances" at any store.  There are 2 things I have to have & use just about daily in my kitchen.  One is my Kitchen-aide mixer and the other is my Ninja Professional.  My husband got it for me as a gift.  We had seen it in a few stores, on tv, heard how amazing they are, tested them at a couple place, etc. Never decided to get one, but hubby surprised me with one.  It is amazing!  The things this blender can do.  I love how there are different pitcher sizes. This is a blender dream! Learn more about the Ninja Blenders and see which one you like!

Taco Salad

I love love love salad during the summer.  There are so many topping options to put on, plus it can be a light and simple meal. There is nothing better then having fresh fruits & vegetables.  Taco salad can be made a few different ways.  Really, you make it to fit the cravings. I have done taco salad with yummy Mango Salsa on it ... Oh my delicious.

Taco Salad

1 lb hamburger

1 envelop taco seasoning {if you aren't using a mango salsa}

1 head lettuce

1 can beans of choice ~ pinto, black, kidney, red, etc. 

1 can corn {or 2 cups frozen corn or 3 - 4 ears of corn cooked & shaved off ear}

1 can sliced olives

taco bowls 

Basically any toppings that you want. 

Topping ideas:

tomatoes

onions

cheese

sour cream 

salsa of choice

jalapeños

 

Brown hamburger & drain grease.  Add in taco seasoning is using. Chop head of lettuce and add desired amount into taco bowl.  Then add in meat.  After hamburger is added in, top with the desired amount of topping choices. 

*If you aren't using taco bowls, you can also crush up Frito chips {or leave them whole} and add them to the salad.  Gives a nice touch.

Homeade Macaroni & Cheese

Like most kids, my children love macaroni & cheese.  They will eat the boxed kids, but they prefer when I make them homemade.  Lets be honest, homemade anything is better.  Right?  The other day they asked for homemade macaroni & cheese.  This is great for just lunch, or add it as a side to your dinner. 

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

1 bag noodles ~ noodles of choice

1 can cheddar cheese soup 

4 tbsp butter

1/4 - 1/3 cup milk

seasoned salt ~ to taste

Cooke noodles as directed on package.  Drain noodles & add butter.  When butter is fully melted, add in cheddar cheese soup.  Mix a little and then add in 1/3 cup milk to noodles.  If you want it more "creamy" add in a little more milk at a time. Sprinkle seasoned salt over noodles. 

Avacados

Here are some really interesting nutrient facts about Avocado's.  I got this from a friend who is a Dietitian. 

 AVOCADOS contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps to lower cholesterol and protect against breast cancer.They also contain a very concentrated dietary source of the carotenoid lutein, as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. Avocados have significant quantities of tocopherols (...vitamin E), and are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and guard against circulatory diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. 

Three easy Steps on picking a ripe Avocado…

#1: COLOR. The skin of a ripe avocado should be a very dark green, almost black.

#2: FIRMNESS. A ripe avocado isn't rock-hard and it isn't mushy. It should have a fleshy feel, like raw meat. 

#3: MARKINGS. Choose an avocado without bruises or scars.