*TREAT FOR DOGS*

*Seen this on a friend's page and thought I would share. :))

 Fill a bucket with water or chicken stock, toys, treats, carrots, etc and freeze!
This will keep your pups busy for hours outside!

*EASY HOMEMADE ICED COFFEE*

 Can’t get any easier then this.... so good on a hot day.

1/2 cup water
1 – 1 1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp. instant coffee
1 Tbsp. white sugar
ice cubes

Spices and flavours (optional):
Cinnamon
Ginger
Almond
Vanilla
Hazelnut

Fill a large glass with 1/2 cup of water

(1). Microwave it on high for 30 sec to warm it but do not boil the water
(2). Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee and mix
(3). Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of white sugar
(4). Add some spices/flavours while the mixture is still warm (optional). Mix it well
(5). Cool it in the freezer for 5 min (or fridge for 10 min)
(6). Add 1 cup of milk
(7) and mix
(8). Add some ice cubes
(9). Serve.

Variations
-If you have brewed coffee: add 1/2 cup of brewed coffee for step 1 and skip step 2 and 3, then proceed as usual for the rest of the recipe.

-If you're using cream instead of milk: add the cream (usually 1 or 2 tablespoons is enough) after you add the sugar in step 4. Then in step 7, add water

-If you want a black iced coffee (with instant coffee): add water instead of the milk in step 7. Also add additional coffee/sugar if it's too dilute for you (no more than 1 tablespoon of each, otherwise it's just too strong and your heart will be racing all day).

Total time: 15 min
Ingredients (1 serving):

*HOT CRASH POTATOES*

Love potatoes and these are really easy to do... but you do have to start them in advance since you’ll be cooking them twice. Those potatoes are really good and you can play with the ingredients..... I have added bacon and cheese and I have also added different spices to the potatoes. They are just yummy!!!

New, red potatoes (or other small round potatoes), washed
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Rosemary

Cook potatoes until fork tender in a large pot with salted water.
Remove from heat and drain.
Drizzle olive oil on a cookie sheet. I line mine with foil to make cleaning up easier.
Place cooked potatoes on cookie sheet, leaving a good amount of space between them.
With a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it slightly mashes.
Rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and press down again on.
Brush the top of each potato generously with olive oil.
Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper and fresh chopped rosemary.
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

*SHOULD YOU WASH CANNED BEANS?*

Should you wash canned beans?
YES!
Most canned beans are really high in sodium.
When you place them in a strainer & run cold water over them, you will get rid of 40% of the salt content!

*PEPPERONI PIZZA QUESADILLAS*

 My kid would live on quesadillas if I would let her.... she love my chicken quesadillas and she loves those. She is always requesting them for supper. I have to admit, they are easy to make so why not. :))
 Serves 4

8 flour tortillas
8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 lb pepperoni
1 16-ounce jar of pizza sauce
Optional: 1 6-ounce can of sliced black olives, 1 cup of sliced cremini mushrooms (I added the mushroom)

Brush each tortilla with a thin layer of pizza sauce (so thin that if you turned it over, none would drip).
Sprinkle cheese on top of the sauce on the bottom tortilla. Top with pepperoni and other toppings, if desired. Sprinkle with another layer of cheese and place the other tortilla on top (sauce side in).
Pre-heat a medium cast-iron skilled over medium heat.
Lay quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.
(I baked mine in the oven 375 until browned and crispy.)
Slice into quarters and serve with a little bowl of pizza dipping sauce.

*PARTY TIME*

Summer get togethers ~ make ahead drinks in mason jars.

-For the kids..... Lemonaid, Sweet Tea, Fruit Waters, Pink lemonaid, juice ect, ect.
-For the adults....any favorite alcoholic drinks such as Margaritas, Mojitos, Pina Colada, Long Island Ice Tea, Bloody Mary ect, ect.

Load them up in a galvanized pail or cooler loaded with ice. Now time to party and have fun. :))

*FRUIT SALAD ICE CREAM CONE*

Dressing up fruit salad in an ice cream cone. This is a great way to get creative and use your favorite candies and your favorites fruits. Awesome for a kids party.

-Ice cream cones
-Cupcake liners
-Candies of choice: Skittles, M&M, raisins, Glosettes, Jelly-Beans (whatever your kids like)
-Fruit of choice: honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango, papaya, blueberry (be creative)

Filled the bottom portion of the ice cream cone with candy. Kids love the candy-filled surprise ending. My taste preference is Skittles, they don’t melt... so even better.
Place a cupcake liner inside the cone over candy of choice, to prevent the fruit from getting soggy.
For easy stacking of the fruits, use at least two different size melon ballers.

NOTE: you can coat the inside of the cone with melted chocolate to prevent sogginess.

*SLOW COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF*

 easy and yummy!!! :))

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 cup chopped onion
2 cans (10 3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
1 Lipton Onion Soup pouch
1 tup of fresh sliced mushrooms(two cups or so)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 pkg (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed
1 container (8 oz.) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice

In 3 1/2-to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef, onion,soups, mushrooms and pepper.
Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until beef is very tender.
Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted.
Stir sour cream into beef mixture.
Serve over noodles or rice.

*PIZZA BALLS*

 awesome snack and so easy :))

3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (10 per can)
60 pepperoni slices
block of Colby cheese
1 beaten egg
Parmesan
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Cut the block of cheese into 28 squares.
Flatten a biscuit out and stack pepperoni and cheese on top.
Gather up the edges of the biscuit.
Line up the rolls in a greased 9x13 in. pan.
Brush with beaten egg.
Sprinkle with parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.

*SLOW-COOKER BAKED POTATOES*

Every time I mention on facebook that I'm throwing baked potatoes in the crockpot people are amazed. It really is that easy. Wash your potatoes, poke them, wrap them in tin foil and cook them on low all day in ...a slow cooker. They come out perfect and soft and delicious! We have baked potatoes for dinner probably once a week. We top them with butter, light sour cream and cheddar cheese. Sometimes ham and broccoli will be potato toppers too. Et Voila!!! barbecue your meat and supper is ready. :)) :))

potatoes (I used russets)

Wash your potatoes well and let them dry. Then wrap each potato in a piece of foil (no need for pricking them).
Place the foil wrapped potatoes in your crock pot. I put 8 medium sized potatoes in my 4 quart crock pot, but I probably could have fit at least 10.
Cook on low for 8 hours.

*HOW TO MICROWAVE POPCORN IN A BROWN PAPER BAG*

Ingredients in Popcorn: Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Annatto Color. Contains: Fish, Milk
Fish? Milk? In my popcorn? Um, no thanks. I’ll skip the h...ydrogenated oil, fish, and milk additives in my snacks by sticking to my homemade popcorn version.

Here’s how to make Microwave Popcorn in a Brown Paper Bag:

Get a brown paper bag
Add a 1/2 cup scoop of bulk popcorn kernels to your brown paper bag.
Fold the bag over twice.
Don’t use staples to secure the bag, this might spark in your microwave.
This is so exciting. I’m popping with excitement. LOL!!!
Stick the popcorn bag into your microwave. I set mine for 3 minutes on high.

POPPING TIP: Stop the microwave when the popping slows to one to two pops per second. You don’t want to burn your tasty snack.
Now why not get creative and try some sweet or savory flavors to mix up movie night?

NOTE: One reason kernels don’t pop is because they don’t contain enough water to produce the steam required to get them to pop. My dad showed me a long time ago that if you soak your kernels in a bowl of water for a few minutes before you begin popping that you’ll get a much better pop corn to kernel ratio.

Add gourmet topping:

*Savory flavors to try:
-A pinch of salt with a dab of butter is the most popular way to eat popcorn.
-Curry powder is great too!
-Add chili powder, hot sauce, and salt.
-Shake in onion powder and garlic powder — hold the kiss.
-I coat the kernels with Tabasco before cooking.
-Inexpensive seasoning packets also work great: spaghetti sauce mix, taco seasoning, etc. It doesn’t take much to add a some good flavor!
-Another great way to add some flavor to it is a “little” bacon grease and salt. It is quite good. I also love grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and some olive oil, maybe a little salt if the parmesan cheese is not salty enough.
-mix in Parmesan cheese with a little salt.
-try Old Bay seasoning – they even have a lower sodium version – and the spray butter if you like
-Old Bay, Old Bay and Parmesan cheese, Butter and salt, Taco Seasoning, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Salt, Mix in dried fruit (diced), French Fry Seasoning.
-My favourite topping is Cavender’s Greek seasoning
-Buttermilk Ranch mix packets
-Mac n Cheese cheese powder packet (we did this when we had Kraft Dinner mac n cheese one night and really just didn’t mind the noodles with other things)
-melted cheese covered kernels never tasted so gooood.
-salt, garlic powder and sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese
-butter + basil infused olive oil + crushed or powdered garlic + shredded Parmesan cheese + salt to taste = Pesto Popcorn!!! Amazing!!
-just layer up some freshly grated cheese of your choice over the freshly popped popcorn
-sprinkle coffee in a skillet and “burn” it for a little bit (stirring). VOILA!
-dry minced garlic and a sprinkle of asiago cheese.
-try a slight amount of Ramen Noodle seasoning packet, and a little margarine or butter, but be careful, because a very little goes a long way!
-put a little lemon pepper and seasoning salt

*Sweet Flavors to try:
-A dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a topper of honey. Now that’s money.
-chocolate Popcorn: Mix oil & sugar & coco powder in skillet. Add corn & pop!
-popcorn with curry powder & maple syrup — pure win.
-maple Butter is so delicious on popcorn – and so easy to make - maple syrup, butter and brown sugar. mmmmmmm.
-after the popcorn is done, I melt some butter and honey together in the pot and either toss the popcorn in the mixture or drizzle it on top. Delicious!
-peanut butter caramel for popcorn. In saucepan on med/high heat: equal parts karo syrup, peanut butter, and brown sugar, stir constantly until caramel is a smooth even texture immediately pour over popcorn and mix until it evenly coats popcorn. WARNING the caramel gets very hot!
-melt butter, spoonful of honey and a couple of spoons of sugar in a pan….caramelise it and then toss in the cooked popcorn.
-I like to melt some peanut butter, butter, and jelly and drizzle it over the popcorn. It sounds wierd but it is amazing!

*FEBREZE*

Febreeze is one of those products I love to use but hate the price because it never lasts very long. So now I make my own and save money.
*Use clear fabric softener so it won’t leave colored specks on your stuff.

1/8 cup Liquid Fabric Softener
2 Tbsp. Baking Soda
Hot Tap Water to fill 32oz. Spray Bottle to the top (I used an emtpy Febreeze bottle.)

Add all ingredients to the spray bottle & shake. Now spray away all of those stinky odors!

*BAKED HARD-COOKED EGGS*

For anyone that may not know, the BEST way to make "hard-boiled" eggs is in the OVEN!
Place the eggs in a muffin tray so they do not move around, turn the oven to 325 degrees, pop in for about 25-30 minutes and remove!
Not only are they tastier, but they also are much easier to peel!

*HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DECOMPOSE*

*BE A STICKER STICKLER*

*PECAN PIE COOKIES*

 Here is a great recipe for those of you who like Pecan Pie.

Cookie dough ingredients :
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup soft butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour, sifted together with 1 tsp. baking powder

Filling ingredients:
1 cup chopped pecans (chop in small pieces)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix all cookie dough ingredients except flour and baking powder in mixing bowl.
Beat on medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low. Add flour and baking powder. Beat until mixed well.
Chill cookie dough for 3 to 5 min before rolling.
Roll cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Take thumb or finger and make well in center. Move thumb or finger around to make the well bigger in cookie dough. Do not go all the way through cookie dough.
Combine filling ingredients in small bowl, mix well.
Do not use mixer. Mix by hand thoroughly, best if mixed with spoon and not whisk.
Add 1 tsp. of filling to well in cookie dough.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes until lightly brown.
Let cool a couple minutes, then place on wrie rack to complete cooling.
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do. :))

*EMERILS' ESSENCE CREOLE SEASONING*

(RECIPE POSTED BY DIANA ROSS MADILL)

2 1/2 Tbsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. dried thyme

Rub dry ingredients onto meat of choice.
I sometimes add a little brown sugar, and use it on salmon.
But it is great on chicken, pork, beef....I also cut down on the salt, as we do not like things as salty as most.

*CUTIE BUGS*

 Came across those, and wanted to share. So cute. :))

12 oz. chocolate-flavored candy coating, cut into pieces
1 (1-lb.) pkg. peanut butter-filled sandwich cookies
64 tiny pretzel twists
4 tsp. miniature candy-coated chocolate pieces

Line cookie sheets with waxed paper.
Melt candy coating in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
For each cookie bug, hold 1 cookie with tongs; dip entire top and sides of cookie in melted coating, letting excess drip off.
Place cookie, coated side up, on waxed paper-lined cookie sheets.
Cut pretzels into curved pieces for legs.
Dip 1 end of each leg piece in coating; place 3 legs on each side of each cookie.
Cut 2 short pretzel pieces for antennae.
Dip 1 end of each antennae piece in coating; place on top of cookie.
Place chocolate pieces near antennae for eyes.
If desired, decorate bugs with additional candies.
Let stand about 10 minutes or until coating is set before storing.

*CHEESY GARLIC BREAD*

This cheesy garlic bread is hands-down my ultimate garlic bread. It's pretty much a meal in itself. Serve it with some marinara sauce and you have an amazing appetizer.

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temp.
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 1/2-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 loaf italian or french bread
dried parsley flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 375.
Cut loaf in half lengthwise, and put one half on baking sheet.
(This recipe is for half a loaf.)
In a small bowl combined softened butter with minced garlic. Stir well.
In another bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese with mayonnaise. It's a bit glumpy (very technical cooking term there). Just do your best to combine them together with a spoon.
Spread butter/garlic mixture on loaf.
Next, spread cheese/mayo mixture on top.
I find it easiest to do this part with my hands.
Sprinkle with some dried parsley flakes for a bit of color. This part is optional.
Bake in 375F degree oven for about 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cut into slices and serve.
If you like, serve it with a little marinara dipping sauce and dig in!

*SHOULD YOU EAT THAT BACON?*

*I have to admit... I love my bacon* LOL!!! :))

*PORK TENDERLOIN IN A WILD MUSHROOM SAUCE*

(RECIPE POSTED BY ANGELA BEADLE CORCORAN)

2 pork tenderloins (approx.12 oz. ea.)
1 Tbls. butter
1 Tbls. olive oil
8 oz. shitake , cremini or button mushrooms (I use a mix of what ever looks nice)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. dried thyme (more if using fresh)
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper
1 1/2 cup real whipping cream
2 tsp. red pepper jelly

Cut pork into 1/2 in. thick slices.
In a large frying pan , heat butter and oil over med high heat. Cook pork in batches for about 6 min. or until browned and just a hint of pink remaining inside.
Transfer to plate
Reduce heat to medium. add mushrooms, water, thyme, salt and pepper to same fry pan, cook for about 5 more min or until softened.
Add whipping cream and jelly. bring to boil. reduce heat to med. low, simmer for 3-6 min. or until thick enough to coat back of spoon.
Arrange pork on serving platter, or on individual plates,,, spoon sauce over. Enjoy!

*VOLUME CONVERSIONS*

*CREATIVE VEGETABLES AND CHEESE TRAYS*