Fluffy Jello (Recipe of Month: April)

1 Large Tub of Cool Whip (12 oz)
1 Large Sour Cream (16 oz)
1 Large Package of Jello (6oz)

Mix Jello with sour cream and let sit for a couple of minutes until Jello dissolves. Once Jello is dissolved, fold in Cool Whip.
Chill in the refrigerator until Jello sets.

*If you want to add fruit, add it when you mix your Jello & sour cream. Make sure they all fruit is drained before adding or your Jello won't set right. *

This is a HUGE crowd pleaser. I find lime or orange Jello are the two most requested. My staple is lime jello with rasberries. Yummy!

Meatloaf Cupcakes With Mashed Potato Frosting

A neat way to get kids to eat dinner..

For the cupcakes:
Make your favorite recipe for meatloaf. However, instead of putting it in a loaf pan, place into greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 until brown and pulled away from sides—about 20-25 minutes. Cool.

For the frosting:
7.2oz box instant mashed potatoes
Milk
Butter
Prepare two sachets of instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions. Cool. Spread onto meatloaf cupcakes, or if you are feeling extra fancy, pipe on with pastry bag or Ziplock baggie with a hole cut in the corner. Garnish with diced green pepper or chopped parsley.
Reheat "frosted" cupcakes in oven or microwave before serving

source:http://www.cafemom.com/dailybuzz/food_party/3009/Meatloaf_Cupcakes_With_Mashed_Potato_Frosting

The Greatest Snack Food Stadium Ever Built

Ingredients:

The Field:
1 Pound of Guacamole
15 Oz. Queso Dip For The Steelers End Zone
15 Oz. Salsa For The Cardinals End Zone
2 Oz. Sour Cream for the Field Lines

The Players:
15 Vienna Sausages
Helmets - 3 Oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The Goal Posts:
1 Slim Jim for Each Goal Post
1 Oz. Monterey Jack Cheddar To Anchor (each)

The Stands:
58 Twinkies
1 Pound of Bacon
1 Bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 Bag of Cheetos
1 Bag of Corn Tortilla Chips
1 Bag of Chex Mix

The Blimp:
20 Oz. Football-Shaped Summer Sausage (optional) (on second thought, no, this isn't optional. Go buy one.)

TOTAL CALORIES: 24,375
TOTAL GRAMS OF FAT: 1,285

Check out : http://www.holytaco.com/ultimate-super-bowl-snack-stadium for assembly instructions.

Girl Scout Cookies

It's that time of year again. Girl Scout Cookies! My daughter is selling this year and I am the "Cookie Coach" for the troop. It has been an experience. There is much to know about selling cookies!

My personal favorite cookie is the Carmel Delites. I don't normally like cocunut, but, man, I love these cookies.

I came across a site that had recipes for Girl Scout Cookies...here is just a sample of one:

Fudgy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
1 1/2 boxes (24 cookies) Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

2/3 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

Instructions:
Place cookies in food processor or blender; process until fine crumbs. Combine crumbs and butter; mix until well blended. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place peanuts in small narrow bowl. Roll each ball in peanuts, gently pressing peanuts into balls. Store in covered container in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Makes:28

So good even Gus likes it!

I make this jello everyone refers to as Kathleen's Fluffy Jello and it is always a huge request when I am asked to bring something to a party. It does not travel well, so for those who live more than 20-30 minutes, they are SOL!

Anyway, I made my world famous Jello for my Fathers in laws birthday on Sunday and as always forgot it at home. Even know they live about 5 miles, we all refused to go back and get it. Needless to say everyone at the party was disappointed, but, for us we were glad to have fluffy Jello for a few days. I will have to say this, the Jello is good and very easy to make, it must be if I make it! Anyway, Back to my story....

So, today I have Emily home sick with a really bad cold so I have been fussing with her all day. She wanted Jello with lunch and also wanted myself and Gabriella to eat with her up stairs. (Sick days are spent in Mom & Dad's bed). This was no problem, however, I had a ton of stuff when I went up stairs and forgot to put the Jello in the fridge. A short while later I came downstairs and found my big, fat cat Gus on my counter eating the Jello out of the container. Ah, he ate almost the entire bowl...he's going to be so sick.

I shooed him away and gave him a stern yelling, then tossed the remainder of the jello in the trash. I was actually very surprised because he never eats people food or gets on the counter. I guess it's a true testament of how good the Jello actually is!

If you are interested in Kathleen's Fluffy Jello, here is the recipe... enjoy!

1 Large tub cool whip
1 Large Jello (the crowd favorite is ALWAYS lime)

1 Large Sour cream

Mix Jello with sour cream and then fold in cool whip. Tada...it's done. Refrigerate until firm.

Tomorrow I'll bedazzle you with the best salad recipe you will ever have!

Not too healthy..but, good..

Chex® Muddy Buddies

9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar


1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic

3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator

Cookie Snowman- Easy Recipe for Kids

Ingredients:
2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
30 OREO Cookies, divided
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
decorations: 1 baby carrot and 1 piece red string licorice

To Make:

POUR milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended.
LINE 8-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap. Arrange 14 of the cookies on bottom of prepared pan; spread 1 cup of the pudding mixture over cookies. Repeat layers of 14 cookies and remaining pudding mixture; cover with plastic wrap.
REFRIGERATE at least 24 hours. Uncover. Invert onto serving plate; remove plastic wrap. Frost with the whipped topping. Add 2 remaining cookies for the eyes and the carrot for the nose. Cut licorice into 6-inch length; add to face for the mouth. Store in refrigerator.

Click Here for More Kids Can Cook Recipes

Speaking of creative gifts... you can make...

Erin's post got me thinking of a couple of other easy gifts that would work great for teachers, bus drivers, coaches, co-workers, etc...

These are easy to do and people think you put a lot of thought into the gift...the price is right too!

Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

6 cups of instant nonfat dry milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows

Combine dry milk, sugar, cocoa and marshmallow in a large bowl. Pour into 2 quart jar or tall container. Seal with a lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

Recipe to attach: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Serves 12.

Variation for pint jar: 1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa, 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows. Recipe to attach: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Serves four. (associated press)

Creamy Italian Chicken with Porcini Mushroom Kit

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp white pepper

1/2 tsp powdered garlic

1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce each) dried porcini mushrooms, cut or broken into small pieces

1/4 cup dried red bell peppers (optional)

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a spoon to mix well, then pour into a gift bag. Seal and use a ribbon to attach gift label.

Makes 1 gift bag (four servings)

The preparation instructions should read:

In a large saucepan, combine the contents of this package with 3 1/4 cups chicken broth and 1 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then let the pan stand off the heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream.

Serves four(associated press)

Sinful but Fabulous Granola

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup roughly chopped almonds

1 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts

1 cup roughly chopped pecans

4 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup bran

1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp coarse salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cherries

Heat oven to 350 degrees Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread shredded coconut on top. Bake until toasted. Transfer to plate to cool.

Line same baking sheet with parchment and spread out almonds, macadamia nuts & pecans on pan. Toast for 10-15 minutes, shaking occasionally. do not let nuts get too brown. Take out of oven, transfer to platter to cool. Reduce oven to 300 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together oats, wheat germ, bran, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

Melt butter in a saucepan over med-low heat. Add honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and stir until well-mixed. Pour over oat mixture and arrange onto two rimmed baking sheets;, bake until golden brown, about 25-30 mins.

While that mix cooks, spread out cooled roasted nuts on a flat surface. In separate bowls, melt the semisweet and white chips in the microwave. Take the back of the spoon and generous drizzle melted chocolates onto the roasted nuts. Let dry completely.

Once oat mixture cools, break into chunks and add to large bowl. Add toasted coconut, dried fruits and chocolate drizzled nuts. Store in airtight container.

Make 12 cups

To gift tag add these serving suggestions: A super topping for baked apples or pears. Sprinkle over yogurt, ice cream or cinnamon gelato. Add to pancake batter or press into sugar cookies halfway thru baking process. Or enjoy it by itself. (Michelle s Miller / Bartlett)

Snow-Topped Holiday SWIRLED™ Brownie Bars

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® SWIRLED™ Holiday Morsels, divided
2 cups thawed, frozen whipped topping

Directions:PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Microwave butter in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; stir until melted. Stir in sugar and water. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Spread into prepared baking pan. BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Spread with whipped topping. Sprinkle with remaining morsels. Refrigerate until serving time. Cut into bars.

A little bit of vanilla...

I made the BEST rice crispie treats today. In fact, the girls and I ate the entire pan...oink, oink. I used a much smaller pan and added 1 cap full of vanilla and WOW they were great.

Turkey Leftover Recipes

Turkey Enchiladas

INGREDIENTS
2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey cheese blend
1 onion, chopped
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives
24 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 (19 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
4 cups cooked turkey, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the cheese, onion, and black olives.
In a small skillet, heat enough oil to lightly coat one tortilla, and cook until soft. Remove and dip in enchilada sauce to coat.
Add turkey and cheese mixture to center of tortilla, roll and place in the prepared dish. Repeat until bottom layer of pan is covered with enchiladas. Spread enough sauce over bottom layer to cover.
Repeat process with a second layer; spread remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is melted.


For more turkey leftover recipes visit: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/meat-and-poultry/turkey/leftovers/main.aspx