Fruit Kabob Flag

This patriotic snack is not only easy to put together but it also adds to your decor!  Everyone will love this clever way to serve up a healthy treat :)

credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/randysonofrobert/2759200374/

You'll Need

• Wooden skewers
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Bananas

Begin by slicing your strawberries and bananas.  Slice strawberries in half and slice bananas in rounds thick enough to skew onto the skewer.  Place fruit onto the skewers as shown to resemble a flag!

Lucy~

Fourth of July Kabobs

These festive 4th of July Kabobs are as much fun to make, as they are to eat! We hope you have fun making them this Independence Day! Blueberries can also be added to skewers if you'd like...

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristinausk/4740315673/

You'll need:

Wooden Kabob skewers
Strawberries, washed with stems cut off
White chocolate for melting
Blue + Red sprinkles
Blue + Red food coloring
Vanilla Sheet Cake
Star shaped Cookie cutters

Tips:

- When you make cake batter, add 1/4 cup red and blue sprinkles to batter for a 'funfetti' look
- Let Cake cool completely before making star shapes
- Bake cake in shallow pan or cookie sheet (NOTE: cake time will differ, and most likely be less)


Have a blast making these! The kids will love to help!

~Sizza

Cookie Dough Surprise Cupcakes

This recipe yeilds 24 "Cookie Dough Surprise" Cupcakes... pure heaven.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27129991@N03/6988289628

For the cookie dough:

2 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the cupcakes:

3 sticks softened butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the frosting:

3 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

To make the cookie dough, combine the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 mins. Beat in milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a 1.5 tbsp scoop, shape the dough into balls or tubes. Freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet overnight.

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (24 total).  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and brown sugar.  Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.  Stir together to blend.  Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated.  Blend in the vanilla.

Using a 3 tbsp scoop, fill the prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full with the cupcake batter. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake.

Bake at 350 for 16-18 mins.

To make the frosting, combine the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.  Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.  Beat in the salt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

~Sizza

The Best Low Cal Potato Salad

This one is a keeper for all your summer BBQ's!  Made with plain greek yogurt means you will save a ton of fat and calories....but you won't be missing any flavor :)

 

 

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/photos/27836576@N02/4080576057/

You'll Need:

• 3 lbs potatoes
• 1 (6 oz) container plain greek yogurt
• 2 tbl light mayo
• 2 dill pickles chopped
• 1/4 of an onion finely diced
• 2 tbl pickle juice
• 1 tbl mustard
• 2 hard boiled eggs (recipe for the perfect hard boiled egg here)
• salt & pepper
• 2 tbl chopped fresh parsley

1. Wash and dice potatoes into bite size pieces (I leave the skin on but peel if you like).  Place into a pot of cool water and bring to a boil.  Boil until fork tender, about 10 minutes.  Allow to cool completely.
2. In a large serving bowl mix all remaining ingredients besides the egg.  Gently fold in the cooled potatoes until covered.  Finally top with chopped egg.

Lucy~ 

No Pectin Blueberry Jam

A day of blueberry picking has left us with tons of blueberries!  They are so plump and juicy I couldn't wait to get cooking with them.  Unfortunately, by the time I got home there were a bunch of berries that got somewhat smashed in the bottom of our bag (shame on me for letting my 4 year old hold the bag)!  Instead of wasting them I reserved them in a bowl and used them in this delicious jam....the smashed berries worked perfectly!

credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/llstalteri/7508588678/ 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups blueberries
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp butter

Rinse berries and place into a food processor to rough chop.  You don't want to puree the berries, just rough them up a bit.  Add into a large stock pot and heat for 2 - 3 minutes until they start to simmer.  Add in the sugar, lemon juice and butter and bring to a rolling boil and boil for about 15 - 20 minutes until mixture begins to thicken.  Remove from heat and store in a heat safe container allowing to cool completely prior to refrigerating.  Or can using the safe canning method by placing into warmed sterilized jars and processing in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Lucy~

Mason Jar Oatmeal

These take and go jars are so simple to put together...and kids will love to help!  Whip up a bunch of these at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge for a breakfast on the go!

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0098009/photos/meginsanity/5777093323/

The Basics:

• 6 oz mason jars (or the smaller ones if you like a smaller portion)
• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind will do)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (I find plain yogurt is best, especially with all the add ins...but add what you like)

Add ins:

• fruit
• dried fruit
• nuts
• chocolate chips
• granola
• peanut butter
• nutella

Sweet or Savory:

• maple syrup
• agave
• cinnamon & sugar
• pinch of salt

Add all the "basic" ingredients into a mason jar and add in any additional "add ins".  Place in the fridge overnight or at least 6 hours for oatmeal to set.  Enjoy the next morning cold or heat in the microwave for about 1 minute if desired :)

Lucy~

Easy Homemade Cheese Danish

I have a huge weakness for sweets. Particularly, pastries. Here is a recipe for homemade a really easy cheese danish.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnystiletto/8323308380

You'll need:

1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup fruit jam (optional)
1 egg white
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Directions:
1. Roll out 1 sheet of the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and smooth out any folds. Cut into quarters. Repeat with the other sheet of pastry.
2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract and lemon juice; mix well.
3. Place about 2 Tbsp of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry quarter.

 NOTE: If you want to add any jam, make a little dent in the cream cheese mixture and fill with about 1 Tbsp of jam.

5. Bring the corners of the pastry square together and pinch them together, like drawing a bag closed. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg white. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling. 

6. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until puffed &  light golden brown, turning the pan once during baking. Let cool 20 minutes before glazing.

7. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla/almond extract. Drizzle over the danish - to make this easy, pour the glaze into a plastic bag, snip off a corner with scissors, and pipe away! 

These are so good!

Sizza

Cookie Dough Brownies

These brownies are a slice of heaven!  Fudge brownies topped with cookie dough makes for a delectable dessert :)  You and use your favorite cookie dough, just use your favorite add ins.  Yes, it is egg less so it is like raw cookie dough!

Ingredients:

• 1 box fudge brownie mix
• 1 batch of cookie dough recipe found here

Bake the brownies according to package instructions.  While they are baking mix up the cookie dough.  DON'T FREEZE.  You may need to add in an additional tablespoon of water or milk so the dough is a bit creamier.  Once brownies have finished baking allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on top and gently spread with a spatula.  It helps to do this while the brownies are still a bit warm so the cookie dough melts which makes it a little easier to spread.  Allow to cool completely or dig right in!


Lucy~

Sweet Potato Chips... AMAZING!

These crispy little numbers are so addictive. I always failed to make a crispy sweet potato fries at home, and thought of slicing them into super thin chips one night, and baking with a dash of olive oil.

THEY CAME OUT SO GOOD!

Here goes my photos of each step:

Photos Copyright Six in the Suburbs.com

You'll Need:
Large Sweet Potato(es)
Olive Oil
Salt
Baking Sheet
Foil (if you want no mess!)
Paper Towel

Peel, Slice using mandolin(try to get them really thin)
Spread flat on baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil
Bake at 375 for about 20 mins or until crispy
Using spatula, lay on paper towel and sprinkle with salt

I also dipped them in dill ranch..yum.

Sizza

Apple, Sausage and Cheddar Croissant Bites

These little bites are so simple to put together and of course they pair deliciously with coffee :)  If you want to make them a bit healthier use turkey breakfast sausage and reduced fat croissants and cheddar cheese.

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0095009/photos/22995353@N08/4942432126/

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of store bought croissants (i.e. Pillsbury)
• 1 small apple, cored and sliced very thin
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 8 breakfast sausage links cut in half

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Open croissant package and separate the triangles.  Cut each triangle in half so you have 16 small triangles.  Place 1 half of sausage, 1 small piece of apple and a small sprinkle of cheddar cheese on the triangle (it's ok if some of the sausage or apple sticks out of the sides).  Roll and place on ungreased cookie sheet seam side down.  Continue process for the remaining triangles.  Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top of the rolled croissants and bake in preheated oven for 12 - 15 minutes. 

Simple Homemade Ketchup

This homemade ketchup is much easier than you think to whip up.  It's fresh, low in sugar and doesn't contain loads of preservatives.  If your one to play around with flavors check out the list of optional add ins for your ketchup base....you can really doctor up your ketchup! 

credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chatiryworld/3887729904/

Ingredients:

• 6 oz all natural organic tomato paste
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tbl vinegar
• 1/4 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp cloves
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• pinch of salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.  Allow to sit overnight for best flavor.

Here are some add ins that you can use to doctor up your ketchup.  If your planning a BBQ it would be fun to have a "ketchup bar" for guests to doctor up their own ketchup!

• horseradish
• extra brown sugar
• peaches puree
• raspberry puree
• honey
• balsamic vinegar
• garlic chili paste
• roasted garlic

Easy Leftover Creamy Taco Pasta

This was a huge it in my house and it uses up leftovers!  You could swap taco meat for fajita meat if you like....and any kind of meat will do, it's more so the seasoning that you need for the flavor!  This will feed an army :)

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0092009/photos/75231152@N00/6235514927/

You'll Need:

• 1 - 2 cups leftover taco or fajita meat (if you don't have lots of meat left over "beef" it up with more veggies)
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 pepper sliced into strips
• 1 cup sliced veggies (whatever you have on hand)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tbl cream cheese
• 1 tbl flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 package pasta (whatever kind you like)
• 2 tsp taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning if you like it spicy
• 1/2 cup monetary jack or cheddar cheese

1. In a large pot begin boiling salted water for the pasta.  While the water is heating, heat a large skillet with a tablespoon or so of olive oil.  Begin sauteing the veggies and garlic and sprinkle with taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning and cook until soft. Add in the diced tomatoes.
2. Add in the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to box instructions.  In a small blender or food processor blend the milk with the cream cheese and flour.  Move the veggies to the side of the pan and add in the chicken broth.  Slowly add in the milk mixture and stir until combined.
3. Add in the cooked taco or fajita meat and bring to a gentle simmer until sauce thickens.  Add in cooked pasta and allow to heat for another 2 minutes.  Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and serve!

Lucy~

Huevos Rancheros Taco To - Go

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with a breakfast taco!  Stuffed with everything to keep you going for the whole day...this is one hearty breakfast!  You can lighten it up with egg whites and light cheese if you like.

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0092009/photos/lifeontheedge/2335271844/

You'll Need:
4 servings

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup fresh salsa (find this in the refrigerated section of the supermarket)
• 1 cup black beans
• 4 tbl chopped green chiles
• chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup queso fresco (or feta cheese)
• 4 soft taco shells

1. Begin by heating a small skillet on medium heat and melt a pat of butter in the pan.  Crack 1 egg into a small dish and gently pour into the pan.  Fry for about 2 minutes then flip and cook for an additional minute or so.  You don't want the yolk to be too runny here since you will be stuffing it into a taco.   
2. While your egg is cooking heat the beans in a microwave safe bowl for about 2 minutes or until warm. 
3. Warm your tortilla for 25 seconds in the microwave and place the egg in the center.  Top with a few tablespoons of black beans, same with the salsa and 1 tablespoon of green chiles.  Finally sprinkle in the cheese and cilantro and wrap up.  Continue process with remaining eggs.  Mexican breakfast on the go!

 Lucy~

Breakfast Strawberry Ice Cream

Ice cream for breakfast....that will get your kids attention, and they won't even know it's good for them!  This is so tasty and just sweet enough that you will even want to serve this for dessert :)  My daughter had this for a snack yesterday and she had fun dolling it up jimmies and a little whip cream....she loved it!

credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/5042573615/

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 ripe avocado, removed from the skin and diced
2 tbl plain yogurt
2 tbl honey

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and smooth.  Add a tablespoon or so of water or apple juice if it is too thick and has trouble blending.

Top with your favorite ice cream toppings if desired!

Lucy~

Healthy Banana Split

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you understand that eating healthy is only realistic and long-term, if you can have a sweet once in a while. Here's a healthy alternative to the banana split sundae!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carreralee/4250765754/

You'll Need:

• a banana split down middle
• strawberries sliced
• greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• granola of your choice (organic, un-sweetend)
• drizzle chocolate syrup

Enjoy this guilt-free treat this summer!

~Sizza

DIY Miracle Grow (Chemical Free)

Yes, there is an easy to fertilize your plants without store bought chemicals!  You probably already have everything you need to create this simple fertilizer.....perfect for all your spring and summer plants!

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0095009/photos/james_mann/8429732100/

You'll Need:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 tbl epsom salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ammonia

Mix all ingredients into the gallon of water and use once a month on your plants.  Your plants will thank you :)

Lucy~

Overnight Vanilla Ice Cream

This ice cream is so easy to make it's almost dangerous!  Use this basic recipe and add in whatever you like from flavorings to fresh fruit or chocolate chips :)

credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cowbite/3452599539/

Ingredients:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.  Gently fold in the condensed milk and vanilla.  Store in an airtight container and freeze at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.

Optional add ins:

Peppermint chocolate chip: substitute 1 tsp vanilla extract for 1 tsp peppermint extract and add in 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Oreo:  fold in 5 crushed Oreos

Fresh fruit:  add in a handful of fresh seasonal fruit (blueberries, strawberries or raspberries)

Candy Bar:  roughly chop 1 of your favorite candy bars and gently fold into mixture

Tropical coconut:  substitute the vanilla extract for 1 tsp almond extract and add in 1/2 cup coconut and 1/2 cup macadamia nuts or nut of your choice

Lucy~

Cookie Dough Cheesecake (Yes, it exists)

This has to be a figment of my imagination.Cookie dough and cheesecake, in the same place at once?

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62650750@N07/6078791256

You'll Need:

 1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies
 1 cup white sugar
 1/4 cup melted butter
 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, diced
 2 cups sour cream
 3 eggs
 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 1/4 cup butter
 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
 1/4 cup white sugar
 2 tablespoons water
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
 2 teaspoons white sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix the chocolate wafer cookie crumbs with 2 tablespoons of the white sugar, and the melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of one 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 8 minutes.
To Make Cookie Dough: In a bowl beat 1/4 cup butter or margarine with the brown sugar and 1/4 cup of the white sugar. Stir in the water and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla. Beat in the flour and the semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until combined.
To Make Cheesecake: In a food processor or with a mixer beat 1 cup of the white sugar, and all the cream cheese. Add 1 cup of the sour cream, the eggs, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla. Mix well and pour into prepared crust.
Drop cookie dough in 2 tablespoon portions evenly over the top of the cake, pushing dough beneath the surface. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 40 minutes. Cake will jiggle slightly in center. Spread topping over hot cake. Let cake cool than chill in a refrigerator until cold, at least 4 hours.


Great idea for a treat on a hot summer day!

- Sizza

Tea Cup Candles

These cute little candles make great favors for bridal showers or birthday parties..and make great use out of antique tea cups that can be found in any thrift store!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18670024@N06/2164790981/

What you'll need:

Nested pans
Partially burned candles
Candy or candle thermometer
Tongs
New wicking
Teacups
Wick sustainers
Wooden skewers

Directions:
1. In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs.

2. Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom.

3. Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick.

~MLE

Buffalo Wing Hummus

Recently I saw a tub of buffalo flavored hummus in my local supermarket.  As much as I wanted to try it I wasn't willing to pay almost $5.00 for a small tub.  Here's an easy way to make traditional hummus at home!

credit: http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0095009/photos/ilovemypit/4955086525/

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) can chickpeas, reserve the liquid
• 3 tbl lemon juice
• 2 tbl tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbl olive oil
• 2 tbl hot sauce
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until creamy.  Add in some of the reserved chickpea liquid if mixture is too thick.  Place into a serving dish and top with crumbled blue cheese (if desired).  Serve with veggies or put a dollop in your sandwich!

Lucy~