Archive for the ‘recipe’ Category

4th Of July Themed Recipes

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Monday, June 26th, 2017 at 6:00 PM
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Looking for some fresh, new dishes to try this 4th of July? If so, here are just a few of the best 4th of July themed recipes from Pinterest.

 

Fourth of July Wands (makes 20 wands)

INGREDIENTS:

1 watermelon
2 pints blueberries
20 skewers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slice the watermelon into 1/2 inch round slices, and then cut out star shapes using a three-inch star-shaped cookie cutter.
2. Gently slide the blueberries on wooden skewers* and finally place a watermelon star on the top.
3. Place the skewers in a tall glass or in decorated floral foam as an eatable centerpiece.
* If serving to young kids make sure they’re careful with the wooden skewers.

Thanks, Weelicious

4TH OF JULY FRESH BERRY TRIFLES

INGREDIENTS:

One 12-ounce lemon pound cake (homemade or store bought)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 1/2 cups finely diced strawberries
10 8-ounce plastic (see-thru) cups

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut the pound cake into 10 slices. Use a small STAR cookie cutter to cut out 10 stars from the center of each slice. Chop the remnants of each slice into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Place the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to combine them until well combined (1 to 2 minutes). Add the cream and continue to whip until the mixture is soft and creamy.

3. Assemble the trifles: Set all of the plastic cups on a tray. Sprinkle a few cubes of pound cake into each cup. Top with a small spoonful of cream and a spoonful of both blueberries and strawberries. Layer again- more pound cake, more cream and more berries, and then place a star-shaped piece of pound cake on top.

Thanks, Recipe Girl

Firecracker Popcorn

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag Pop Secret Homestyle microwave popcorn
1 cup white candy melts
1 package Strawberry Pop Rocks candy
Blue sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the popcorn according to package directions. Spread onto a cookie sheet and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, melt the candy melts and drizzle onto the popcorn.
Sprinkle Strawberry Pop Rocks onto the popcorn.
**If you want some EXTRA sizzle, use Blue Pop Rocks, too!**
Add sprinkles and allow to harden completely.

Thanks, The Nerds Wife

Red, White and Blue Patriotic Peppermint Patties

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup butter, softened
⅓ cup light corn syrup
4 cups powdered sugar, divided
1½ tsps lemon extract OR ½ to 1 tsp peppermint extract OR any other extract you want
food coloring – I used Wilton’s red and blue icing color in the gel format
½ cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Combine butter and corn syrup together in a small bowl.
Add 2 cups powdered sugar and your choice of extract and beat until well combined. Add extract ½ teaspoon at a time until the mixture reaches your desired flavor.
Stir in an additional cup of powdered sugar.
Turn bowl onto a cutting board sprinkled with last cup of powdered sugar.
Knead the mixture until sugar is absorbed and is completely smooth.
Divide dough into three portions.
Tint one portion red with the red food color/gel and one blue. Leave one portion white.
Shape into ¾ inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
Flatten gently with a fork.
Let candies stand, uncovered, at room temperature for 1 day.
Store in an airtight container.

Thanks, Mom On Time Out

4TH OF JULY STAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar
24 strawberries, thinly sliced
1 cup blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Form the mixture into 3 small balls and knead each one until smooth.

On a lightly floured surface, roll a ball of dough to 1/2-inch thick. Use a star cookie cutter to cut into stars. Place them 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Carefully spread icing evenly over each cooled cookie. Slice each strawberry slice in half and arrange on the cookies pointing outward. Place three blueberries in the center of each cookie.

Thanks, Gold Medal Flour

Patriotic Cake Pops

INGREDIENTS:

Red candy melts
Royal blue candy melts
White cookie icing
White sugar sprinkles
1 can prepared vanilla frosting
Favorite cake recipe or cake mix (plus ingredients)

Supplies:

50 cookie sticks
Wax paper
Cookie sheet
Chocolate melting pot

DIRECTIONS:

Prep the cake. Bake cake as directed on package. When completely cool, break the cake into crumbs by hand in a large bowl. Mix in full can of frosting until well blended.
Make cake balls. Roll the cake mixture into 50 1-inch balls and place on waxed paper.
Melt the candy melts as directed. For the “stars” of your flag, use the royal blue candy melts. For the “stripes” pops, use the red candy melts.
Add the sticks. Dip a cookie stick about 1/2 inch into warm candy melt and insert the stick into the rounded part of a cake ball. Repeat for remaining cake balls.
Prop up pops. Place pops cake end down, on waxed paper while the chocolate is still slightly warm, so the candy hardens into a flat surface at the top (this will help your pops stand up when serving).
Cool the pops. Place the cake pops in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, to firm.
Add a second layer of chocolate. Once the pops are firm, remove from the fridge/freezer and dip each into the melted chocolate, tapping excess chocolate off.
Sprinkle on the stars. Decorate the blue pops with white sprinkles before chocolate coating hardens.
Drizzle on the stripes. Drizzle white cookie icing over the red pops after chocolate coating hardens.
Make your flag fly! Line up your pops to create the Stars and Stripes on a tray.

Thanks, Party City & MySTLMommy!

 

Get more recipes HERE!

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Signature Mini Meals (in ONE Muffin Pan) + 21 Meal Suggestions!

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Friday, April 14th, 2017 at 4:30 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

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Here’s a fun idea for kid-friendly meals that will also help you get rid of some leftovers!  If you missed our tips on using leftovers, head over here to check it out!  You’ll be able to get creative with this recipe idea, and even be able to make several mini meals in one muffin pan – all different to suit your family’s tastes!  Picky eaters in the family?  This allows you to customize each meal, and cater to those with specific requirements for theirs.  These are also great for on-the-go meals, quick lunches and road trip snacks.

Grab my favorite muffin pan HERE.

For a base, use this recipe:

* 1/2 cup Bisquick

* 1/2 cup milk 

* 2 eggs

Mix together and put about 1 tablespoon in each muffin cup, and if you choose to, add another tablespoon to the top of your mixtures (listed below)!  Use a spatula to spread the mixture around in each cup to coat the sides.  Alternatively, you can use plain pancake mix, and forgo the milk and egg.  Another idea is to use cornbread mix – just follow the package directions, and put them in each cup.

Now comes the fun!  You’ll fill the cups the rest of the way up with leftover chicken and veggies, steak shreds, shrimp or whatever else you have laying around or need to eat up before it expires.  Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes.  Even better, you’ll be able to freeze these in freezer bags, take them for lunches and re-heat in the microwave!  Sprinkle your favorite seasoning on top for an extra bit of flavoring, before popping into the oven.

meals

1. BBQ chicken + cream cheese: throw on a dollop of sour cream when it’s done cooking, and you have a delicious and unique little meal!

2.  Ground Beef (leftover taco meat) and mashed potatoes:  this makes for some sweet mini meat loaf or shepherds pies!

3.  Egg & mashed potatoes:  like getting hash browns, a muffin and egg all in one little cup!

4.  Veggies:  broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and grilled bell peppers make for this awesome veggie cup!

5.  Broccoli, Chicken & Cheese:  a mini casserole in the perfect size!  You can also see a great recipe for Broccoli Chicken Casserole HERE!

6.  Chili:  leftover homemade chili (get a recipe HERE for Beef & Bacon chili!), topped with diced onions, all cozy inside it’s own little batter cup!

Here are 15 more ideas:

*PIZZA CUPS:

Create your base (recipe above), then add some marinara sauce, cheese, onions, pepperoni, olives and pineapple!  Kids can pick their toppings and make their very own mini pizza cups!

*CHICKEN ALFREDO:

Use leftover chicken and either shred or cut into chunks.  Pour about 2 tablespoons of alfredo sauce over it for a quick and easy chicken alfredo, in the perfect size portion!

*BEEF & BROCCOLI:

A beef & broccoli pot pie!?  Mmmmm….Top your cups up with some beef and broccoli florets, then drizzle soy sauce or teriyaki over it!  If you have sesame seeds, that would make for a fun and decorative topper!

*THANKSGIVING:

Take your Thanksgiving meal and make tiny muffin cup servings!  Pour in your base (recipe above), then add a few chunks of turkey, about a 1/2 tablespoon of stuffing and 1/2 tablespoon of mashed potatoes.  Drizzle with gravy when you pull it out of the oven!

*CHEESEBURGERS:

Ground beef, ketchup and cheese over your base will create mini cheeseburger cups!  You could add steak sauce, diced onions , relish or whatever else you would normally put on your burger!

*CHICKEN ENCHILADAS:

Use:  shredded, leftover chicken and top with Rotel, cheese, olives, jalapenos and hot sauce!

*CHICKEN CORDON BLEU:

Add leftover chicken and ham pieces to your base mixture in the cups.  Place pieces or shreds of swiss cheese over them, sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper, then top with more base mixture OR with bread crumbs (crushed croutons work well)!

*VEGGIE CUPS:

Throw together some of your favorite vegetables, then sprinkle with pepper, lemon, marinades, balsamic vinegar or any other delicious topping you can think of for a fun veggie cup!

*CHILI:

Mix together leftover ground beef, Ranch Style Beans, onion dices and tomato sauce.  Add cheese or seasonings as desired to have some mini chili cups!  Top with the base to have chili pies!

*SAUSAGE POTATO LASAGNA:

Take crumbled Italian sausage and mix with mushrooms, egg, leftover mashed potatoes and ricotta cheese.  Put about 2 tablespoons on top of your base, then layer with spinach!  You’ll have a unique and flavorful mini meal!

*TACO CUPS:

Use leftover taco meat from last night’s meal.  Add to your base, then top with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and seasonings.  These would be nice to re-heat for lunch the next day, or freeze for another meal later in the week!  Once heated, you can top with cold lettuce and sour cream!

*ITALIAN MEATBALL MEALS:

If you had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, consider using your leftovers to create fun little meatball cups!  Place a meatball in on the base, then pour on a flavorful combination of tomato sauce and italian spices.  Sprinkle with shredded swiss or parmesan cheese.

*POT ROAST CUPS:

Place small pieces of leftover pot roast, potatoes, onions & carrots into each cup with the base.  Pour in some beef broth, cover with more base and ta-da!  You have portable pot roast cups!!

*BREAKFAST CUPS:

Create your base, then crack an egg into the cup.  sprinkle in bits of bacon, cheese and any spices you like!  You could also mix the egg with milk and onion powder, and scramble, before pouring into the cup.  Brush on some maple syrup around the base before adding other ingredients to really kick this breakfast into high gear!

*BROCCOLI BITES:

Use uncooked broccoli florets and mix with a bit of cream cheese, swiss cheese, diced mushrooms and onions, then put 2 spoonfuls into each base-lined cup!

 

Get more recipes HERE!

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5-Minute Donut & Coffee Icing Recipe

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Friday, March 17th, 2017 at 6:10 PM
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the Full Disclosures!

Forget going out to pick up donuts to surprise your family with on Sunday morning!  With just a refrigerated roll of pre-made biscuits (Pillsbury or any store brand will work perfectly), some oil and sugar, you can have fresh, hot and delicious donuts in minutes!

Refrigerated Biscuits (tubes; ready to bake)

Oil for frying

Sugar for dusting

Pour about 1/2 – 1 cup oil in a large sauce pan.  The oil should be enough to cover 1/2 of the donut when set in the pan.  Turn on oil to MEDIUM heat.  When you can sprinkle water in the oil and hear a sizzle and pop, it’s ready.  Turning it up higher may get it hotter quicker, but you’ll want to turn it back down so you don’t burn the donuts.

Next, take the biscuits out of the tub, and separate.  Flatten slightly, and cut a hole in the centers.  I used a water bottle top.  Place, one at a time, in the heated oil, and fry until deep golden brown on both sides (you’ll want to flip them frequently to watch the color easier).  Be sure not to take them out too early, or the centers of the donuts will not cook though.  Pat dry with paper towel, and roll in sugar.  Best served warm.  Eat within 6 hours, or the dough will start to get chewy.

What’s better than coffee and donuts in the morning!?  Here’s how to make the coffee icing:

1 cup Powdered Sugar

1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/3 cup Butter or Margarine, softened

2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee

Instant coffee packets (if you want a bolder coffee taste)

Beat butter until creamy.  In another bowl, stir powdered sugar and cocoa powder.  Add sugar mixture to butter and blend well.  Add coffee.  Continue to add coffee until the taste suits you.  I added a single, instant coffee packet (<–these are my favorite) to the mixture, as well, which gave it a much stronger taste.  Add more powdered sugar to thicken the icing, if needed.  ENJOY!

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Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Friday, January 27th, 2017 at 6:45 PM
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Chicken Tamale Casserole

In the mood for something a little different tonight?  How about Mexican food!?  This Chicken Tamale Casserole is super easy to put together, and tastes just like warm, delicious chicken tamales!  Throw in some extra hot sauce or jalapeños to really give them a kick, or trade out the chicken for carnitas or shredded pork instead.  Any way you make these, it’s a cheap, quick and yummy meal the entire family will enjoy.

1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can cream-style corn (14 3/4 oz)
1 box corn muffin mix (like Jiffy or Martha White)
1 can chopped green chilis (4 ounce, drained)
1 can red enchilada sauce (10 ounce)
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1/2 cup sour cream

Chicken Tamale Casserole

Preheat oven to 400.  Cook and shred chicken, set aside.  Combine 1/4 cup cheese, milk, egg, cumin, pepper, corn, muffin mix and chilies in a  large bowl.  Stir just until moist and pour into 13×9″ baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until set.  Pierce entire surface with a fork and pour enchilada sauce over the top.  Top with chicken and sprinkle remaining cheese.  Back at 400 for another 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with sour cream and enjoy!

Get more recipes HERE!

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30 Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats To Make At Home

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Thursday, January 19th, 2017 at 4:45 PM
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What treats will you bake up this Valentine’s Day?  Yummy treats are an inexpensive and fun way to show some love.Consider putting cute gift tags on adorable Valentine’s Day bags for your friends, loved ones and family, too – but don’t forget to treat yourself!

Here are 30 Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats

*Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

*Mini Oreo Cheesecakes for Two

*No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

*Easy Strawberry Pie

*Raspberry Cream Filled Cupcakes

*Sweetheart Cinnamon Cake with Glaze

*Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

*White Chocolate Dipped Oreos

*Maraschino Cherry Cookies

*Raspberry Pie Pops

*Valentine’s Day Popcorn Mix

*Chewy Strawberry M&M Cookies

*Strawberry Puppy Chow

*Healthy Fudge Stuffed Strawberries

*Frosted Valentine’s Heart Cupcakes

*Red Velvet Fudge

*Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Cinnamon Hearts

*Red Velvet Cupcakes with Oreos

*Strawberry Vanilla Cupcakes

*Strawberry Cheesecake Tart

*Chocolate Banana Sundae Bites

*Cherry Brownie Parfaits

*Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Brownie Tarts

*Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar

*Sugar Free Chocolate Nutella Truffles

*Pink Fudge Three Ways

*Candy Bark

*Oreo Cookie Hearts

*Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

*Covered Pretzels

30 Instant Pot Meal Ideas For Tonight’s Dinner

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 at 6:00 PM
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30 Instant Pot Meal Ideas

Do you have an Instant Pot yet?  People (including me) going nuts over these amazing kitchen appliances that will cook your entire meals in just minutes! Here are some of our favorite recipes using an Instant Pot. And, if you don’t have and Instant Pot, score a great deal on one HERE!

30 Instant Pot Meal Ideas

Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls

Easy BBQ Ribs

Orange Chicken

Asian Sesame Chicken

Venezuelan Shredded Beef

BBQ Pork Chops

Low Carb Ground Beef Soup

Flank Steak Tacos

Corned Beef with Horseradish Sauce

Green Chile Chicken Stew

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ravioli

Spaghetti

Swedish Meatballs

BBQ Chicken Wings

Beef Stew

Chicken Paprika Stew

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Pulled Pork

Mexican Casserole

Taco Pie

Veggie Soup

Sausage Cacciatore

Lasagna Soup

Chicken Chili with No Beans

Turkey Tamales

Chicken Parmesan

Salsa Chicken

Chicken and Stuffing

Pork Carnitas

 

Get more recipes HERE!

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14 Belly Warming Winter Recipes – Soups, Chilis, Casseroles & More

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at 6:30 PM
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Brrrr!  These Winter temps are pretty crazy!  Fire up the crock pot and pull that slow cooker out of storage, because it’s time to make some delicious cold-weather comfort food like chili, soup and casseroles!  Here are 10 of our absolute favorite recipes that are sure to keep your belly warm and happy!  If you don’t already have a crock pot, grab one HERE.  Enjoy!!

Baked Potato Soup & Crock Pot Potato Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Crock Pot Nachos

Slow Cooker Steak & Rice

Crock Pot Chicken Tator Tot Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Corn Tortilla Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Italian Spaghetti Bake

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup

Spicy Taco Soup

Fully Loaded Pasta Shells

Beef & Bacon Chili

Crock Pot Tomato & Basil Soup

Get more recipes HERE!

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5 Easy Holiday Treats to Bake With Kids

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Monday, December 19th, 2016 at 6:00 PM
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five easy holiday treats to bake with kids

Why not invite the kiddos into the kitchen this year while you bake up some holiday treats!?  These five easy recipes are the perfect treats to bake with kids, and will have their hands busy in the kitchen with you.  They’ll also be able to proudly say, “I made those!” to your hungry holiday guests!

Peppermint Meringues – Light and minty, these candy/cookie treats are a holiday classic and super easy to make!

Tiger Butter – Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory copycat of this favorite holiday candy is so much like the real thing, no one will know the difference!

Individual Cheesecake Trifles – No need to bake cheesecakes for hours, when you can make these fun, adorable and delicious individual cups in just a few minutes!

Nutter Butter Polar Bear Cookies – So much fun to make, and so adorable, you might not want to eat them!

Holiday Oreo Pops  – Not only are these a kid favorite (what child doesn’t love Oreos!?), but they look so fun and festive, too – AND are easy for kids to eat!