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Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast

Breakfast for dinner is like the greatest idea ever. No one ever moans and groans about that. The thought of gooey syrup or loaded up eggs makes everyone in our house smile. One day this week when my dinner plans fell through we went to plan B, French Toast. But we gave it a spin making it Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast with the addition of Bailey’s coffee creamer.Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast #kidsinthekitchen

We happened to have a sliced loaf of country bread leftover from the weekend. That’s something that never happens. I said breakfast for dinner and the kids immediately say pancakes or waffles. They prefer sweet breakfast for sure. I mentioned French Toast and got YES’s all around.

I turned to Shae and said it’s time to make dinner. She cracked the eggs, whisked them up, dunked the bread and sprinkled the cinnamon. She was the last to eat because she wanted to be sure she made dinner not just her serving. She’s not too eager to use the spatula right now. She got a little burn a week ago and it tore down her confidence in the kitchen a little. We have to build up those skills a little more again.Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast #kidsinthekitchen

French Toast is always one of those meals that gets eaten so quickly. It takes just a little syrup or honey or powdered sugar to make it perfect. This one was doctored up with my coffee creamer. I don’t use it very often so I thought it would make a tasty addition to the egg mix instead of milk. I now want to try this with all different kinds of creamers.

Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast

Ingredients

  • Hearty Sliced Bread
  • 4-6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flavored creamer
  • cinnamon
  • butter for pan

Directions

In a large skillet melt a teaspoon of butter over medium heat.
In a wide bowl whisk together eggs and creamer.
Dunk bread in egg mixture and place in hot skillet. Fit 2-3 slices in pan but don’t overcrowd.
Sprinkle cinnamon on bread in the pan.
Flip over to brown second side of bread. Continue through loaf of bread, adding more butter as needed.
Serve with butter, syrup or honey and powdered sugar.

Having the right bread is key for this recipe. It doesn’t work as well with super soft breads as you won’t get a really good crisp. Don’t skip the butter either.Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast #kidsinthekitchen

Vanilla Brown Sugar French Toast

Ingredients

  • Hearty Sliced Bread
  • 4-6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flavored creamer
  • cinnamon
  • butter for pan

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet melt a teaspoon of butter over medium heat.
  2. In a wide bowl whisk together eggs and creamer.
  3. Dunk bread in egg mixture and place in hot skillet. Fit 2-3 slices in pan but don't overcrowd.
  4. Sprinkle cinnamon on bread in the pan.
  5. Flip over to brown second side of bread. Continue through loaf of bread, adding more butter as needed.
  6. Serve with butter, syrup or honey and powdered sugar.
https://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/10/vanilla-brown-sugar-french-toast.html

Come join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers, Sara at Sensibly Sara, Kate of Busy Bee Kate & Jeannette of EcoIncognito each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

You’ll find these and many more ideas for healthful and unique food fun on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.
Linky Rules, #kidsinthekitchen

#KidsintheKitchen Weekly Linky






Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TruMoo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The candy is about to roll in. Trick or Treating is such a big deal with my  kids. It’s like a competition who can get the most candy. What they don’t seem to understand is they visit the same houses so the quantity is the same. Then when we get home everything goes into one bowl, a communal bowl, a family bowl of goodies to be enjoyed over the next few months.

Candy is important for kids but that’s not how we live our lives all the time. We are pretty healthy eaters. The kids have balanced meals and snacks but we don’t deny some treats and sweets. Sometimes this means cakes, cookies and candy. Sometimes this means an icy cold glass of TruMoo Chocolate Milk.Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake
 photo TruMooHALLOWEENOrangeLogo-1_zps3ce13877.jpg

TruMoo Chocolate Milk has just the right about of sweetness and the creamy silky finish. For a long time chocolate milk has been seen as an unhealthy choice for a kid’s diet due to the added extra sugar & calories. TruMoo offers their flavored milks with NO high fructose corn syrup and less sugar then other brands.Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Nutritionally 1 cup of low fat chocolate milk comes in at 140 calories and provides 25% of your needed calcium. This equals the amount of calcium on 5 cups of broccoli. No matter how hard you try you’re not going to get a kid to sit and eat 5 cups of broccoli a day.  Give in and feel good about TruMoo Chocolate Milk.

I went above and beyond and made the kids one of their favorite treats. Milkshakes. Not just any milkshake. Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshakes.  This idea comes from knowing the candy bars are going to be making their way into our way very soon. Here’s a way to use up the candy in a new and fun way. This is meant to be a dessert, a fun dessert that the kids will remember and ask for over and over.
Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake-serves 2

Ingredients

  • 3-4 scoops Chocolate ice cream of choice (we used chocolate marshmallow)
  • 1-2 cups TruMoo Chocolate Milk
  • 4-6 fun size Snickers bars
  • chocolate syrup
  • caramel syrup
  • whipped cream
  • mini chocolate chips

Directions

Rinse mugs/glasses with water and place in freezer while building milkshake.
In a blender combine ice cream and candy, blend for 5 seconds to chop candy.
Add 1 cup of milk to blender (more or less depending how thick you prefer your milkshake). Blend for another 5-10 seconds.
Remove glasses from freezer and drizzle inside with caramel and chocolate sauce.
Pour milkshakes into each glass and top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips or chopped candy pieces.
Add a straw and spoon and enjoy.

This is just one way to create an indulgent treat from wholesome chocolate milk from TruMoo. visit their website for more delicious TruMoo Halloween recipes or on Facebook or Pinterest to treat your family to something new and yummy.
Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake #TruMooTreats

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake

Double Chocolate Candy Bar Milkshake

Ingredients

  • 3-4 scoops Chocolate ice cream of choice (we used chocolate marshmallow)
  • 1-2 cups TruMoo Chocolate Milk
  • 4-6 fun size Snickers bars
  • chocolate syrup
  • caramel syrup
  • whipped cream
  • mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Rinse mugs/glasses with water and place in freezer while building milkshake.
  2. In a blender combine ice cream and candy, blend for 5 seconds to chop candy.
  3. Add 1 cup of milk to blender (more or less depending how thick you prefer your milkshake). Blend for another 5-10 seconds.
  4. Remove glasses from freezer and drizzle inside with caramel and chocolate sauce.
  5. Pour milkshakes into each glass and top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips or chopped candy pieces.
  6. Add a straw and spoon and enjoy.
https://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/10/double-chocolate-candy-bar-milkshake-trumootreats.html

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S’mores Chex Mix

2014 disclosure
Halloween in just weeks away and the neighbors and I are planning a big community party and parade. We’re a small community but there are lots of families that would really enjoy this event. I’m in charge of snacks for the party after the parade. I know with kids there are lots of food restrictions but Chex Mix is one of those things that can lots of different tastebuds.S'mores Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Halloween Treat #ChexMix

Our S’more’s Chex Mix isn’t geared just towards the kids though. This fall favorite flavor seemed like a no-brainer when it come to putting together a menu plan for our party. Our weekend firepits are gonna have to come to a stop sometime soon but the flavors can be enjoyed all year long just by whipping up a quick batchS'mores Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Halloween Treat #ChexMix

S’mores Chex Mix
Ingredients

  • 3 cups Vanilla Chex
  • 3 Cups Rice Chex
  • 3 cups graham cereal or teddy bear graham cookies
  • 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 TBLS butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1-2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

In a large bowl combine cereal/cookies and half of the mini marshmallows.
In a double boiler melt chocolate with butter and cream till smooth.
Pour melted chocolate over cereal/cookie mixture and stir with a rubber spatula for 1 minute.
Add remaining marshmallows and continue to stir till cereal/cookies are coated with chocolate.
Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and thoroughly mix/shake to coat cereal/cookie mixture. Add more or less sugar as you prefer.
Store in a tight storage container.

Keep this gluten free by omitting the graham cereal and cookies and adding more Rice or Corn Chex. Or add gluten free graham cookies that can be found at many grocery stores today.

S'mores Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Halloween Treat #ChexMix

S'mores Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Halloween Treat #ChexMix

Serve this mix in little treat bags or cupcake liners for kid size portions.S'mores Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Halloween Treat #ChexMix

S’mores Chex Mix

S’mores Chex Mix

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Vanilla Chex
  • 3 Cups Rice Chex
  • 3 cups graham cereal or teddy bear graham cookies
  • 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 TBLS butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1-2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl combine cereal/cookies and half of the mini marshmallows.
  2. In a double boiler melt chocolate with butter and cream till smooth.
  3. Pour melted chocolate over cereal/cookie mixture and stir with a rubber spatula for 1 minute.
  4. Add remaining marshmallows and continue to stir till cereal/cookies are coated with chocolate.
  5. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and thoroughly mix/shake to coat cereal/cookie mixture. Add more or less sugar as you prefer.
  6. Store in a tight storage container.
https://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/10/smores-chex-mix.html




Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies #kidsinthekitchen

When fall rolls around the tastes for snacks and treats change. When it’s time for dessert its usually fewer requests for ice cream but more for gooey brownies. After School Snacks are now warm or spicy or sometimes a little of both like these oatmeal raisin butterscotch cookies. Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors

 Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors

With a big dose of cinnamon and a pinch each of chili, ginger, clove and nutmeg they give off a warmth that feels so good especially as the season cools off. Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors

Shae saw me bring home a huge container of oatmeal and said she wanted to make cookies. Who am I to deny a girl and her cookies. I gave her all the ingredients, the recipe and let her get to work. Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors  Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors

Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies-makes 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 white sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch each of chili powder, ginger, clove & nutmeg (cardamom would be a great here too)
  • 1/2 salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare 2-3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl cream together butter and sugars till creamy.
Beat in vanilla and eggs till smooth. Occasionally scrape down sides.
In a separate bowl blend together flour, baking soda, spices and salt
Add flour mixture to sugar and eggs slowly to prevent flour from flying into theair. Do not over mix.
Add oats, raisins and butterscotch chips and blend for 10 seconds.
Drop heaping spoonfuls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 11-13 minutes and cool on wire racks. Cookies should be crisp on the edges and bottom and chewy in the middle.

 Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies Recipe, kids in the kitchen, cooking with kids, fall flavors

 These are quickly becoming a family fall favorite. What flavors do you crave in the cooler weather?

Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies

Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 white sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch each of chili powder, ginger, clove & nutmeg (cardamom would be a great here too)
  • 1/2 salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare 2-3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl cream together butter and sugars till creamy.
  3. Beat in vanilla and eggs till smooth. Occasionally scrape down sides.
  4. In a separate bowl blend together flour, baking soda and salt
  5. Add flour mixture to sugar and eggs slowly to prevent flour from flying into theair. Do not over mix.
  6. Add oats, raisins and butterscotch chips and blend for 10 seconds.
  7. Drop heaping spoonfuls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
  8. Bake for 11-13 minutes and cool on wire racks. Cookies should be crisp on the edges and bottom and chewy in the middle.
https://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/10/spicy-oatmeal-raisin-butterscotch-cookies-kidsinthekitchen.html

Come join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers, Sara at Sensibly Sara, Kate of Busy Bee Kate & Jeannette of EcoIncognito each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

You’ll find these and many more ideas for healthful and unique food fun on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.
Linky Rules, #kidsinthekitchen

#KidsintheKitchen Weekly Linky






Sweet & Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken #recipe

It was a hot and humid day and I had no desire to man the grill to cook dinner. The house was cool because the air was cranked down to 70 degrees so the kitchen felt very good to cook a meal. I’d been craving Chinese food for days but instead of ordering I created. Our favorite General Tso’s Chicken inspired this Sweet & Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken #recipe

I had 8 small chicken breasts from Five Star Home Foods to use and I wanted something that was different from our normal meals.  I also knew I had to make lots of adjustments to the heat level for different members of the family. Rob loves lots of spice and heat. Sabreena and I can deal with some heat but Shaun and Shae have more tame palates. The sauce on the side provides the kick that Rob likes. Doing a separate sauce lets each person add just as much as they want.

 

Sweet & Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2″ pieces
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 2 TBLS Soy Sauce
  • 3 TBLS Chili Garlic sauce (Huy Fong Vietnamese Chili Garlic Sauce is my go to)
  • 2 tsp chopped garlic
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • scallions
  • jalapenos
  • cooking oil for frying

 Spicy Chili Sauce

  • 1/3 cup chili garlic sauce
  • 2 TBLS honey (or more)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce

Directions

In a large bowl thoroughly mix together the chicken, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, black pepper, vinegar and ginger and set aside for at least 2 hours.

In a small bowl mix together the chili garlic sauce, honey and soy sauce. Set aside so the flavors come together. *Add more or less honey to adjust the heat level to your preference.

To cook the chicken bring 2 inches of canola or peanut oil to a medium high temperature, 350 degrees. Drain the marinated chicken and coat pieces in cornstarch, shaking off to remove excess.

Fry the chicken pieces and carrots  in small batches till just cooked, turning to brown on all sides then set aside while remaining chicken cooks. I kept mine on a plate in the oven at low heat.

Serve over rice with chopped scallions and thinly sliced jalapenos and spicy chili sauce on top or as a dipping sauce on the side.

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken #recipe

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken #recipe
I’ve been wanting to make this again. I actually crave it, think about it.

As with any recipe adjust seasonings to your preference. Recipes (except for baking) should never be the final say on a dish. Use it as a guide to create something you and your family will love and want to make again and again.

For the best recipes start with quality ingredients. Using Five Star Home Foods for the past 3 months has inspired many new recipes.




Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Here’s another snack time adventure with me and Shae. This time I wanted to see what all the hype was about homemade cheez-its.  I’ve seen so many recipes saying how good they were, how easy they were, blah blah.  This is our version of homemade cheese cracker for #kidsinthekitchen.Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchenFirst off I’ll start off by saying these tasted nothing like cheez-its. But that’s a good thing. These were by far better.  Their real cheese  and butter flavor cannot be imitated in a box.  The ingredient list if short, the mixing was easy and they baked quickly.  They do take some time to create especially if you want small bite size crackers.  I’m guessing they made bigger would work too but I like the small pop in your mouth size of these.

Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Shae was the main chef again so that’s telling you how simple this truly was.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (not bagged shredded)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 4 tbls butter slightly softened, cut into cubes
  • 3-4 tbls cold water

Directions

In the bowl of your mixer or food processor add all of the ingredient except for the water.

When the cheese mixture resembles pebbles or gravel start adding water 1 tablespoon at a time of the cold water. Let the dough blend for a few moments in between to allow water to be absorbed.

Once dough just starts to stick together remove it from mixer/processor and knead for 2 minutes on the counter and form into a ball. Do not add any other flour.

Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove from fridge, divide into 2 sections and start working on 1st half.

Roll out dough till 1/8″ thick.

Using a bench scraper or knife cut your dough into bite size squares, approx 1″ x 1″.  Don’t let those little end bits go to waste, bake them up too.

Arrange your crackers on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350° for 16-19 minutes till golden brown. The darker they are the more crisp they will be.

Top with salt, parmesan cheese, chili powder, fresh herbs or pepper if you desired.

Remove from baking sheet and allow to cool thoroughly for 1 hour. The temptation is great but the longer they sit the more crisp they’ll be. I find them several hours later.

Store in an airtight container.Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe #KidsintheKitchen

Ours were gone in less than 3 days and that was because we rationed them. I’m going to invest in a simpler cutting method or maybe even cookie cutters for next time. I already know there’s going to be a next time.

Homemade Cheese Crackers

Homemade Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 4 tbls butter slightly softened, cut into cubes
  • 3-4 tbls cold water

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of your mixer or food processor add all of the ingredient except for the water.
  2. When the cheese mixture resembles pebbles or gravel start adding water 1 tablespoon at a time of the cold water. Let the dough blend for a few moments in between to allow water to be absorbed.
  3. Once dough just starts to stick together remove it from mixer/processor and knead for 2 minutes on the counter and form into a ball. Do not add any other flour.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Remove from fridge, divide into 2 sections and start working on 1st half.
  6. Roll out dough till 1/8" thick.
  7. Using a bench scraper or knife cut your dough into bite size squares, approx 1" x 1". Don't let those little end bits go to waste, bake them up too.
  8. Arrange your crackers on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  9. Bake at 350° for 16-19 minutes till golden brown. The darker they are the more crisp they will be.
  10. Top with salt, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, fresh herbs or pepper if you desired.
  11. Remove from baking sheet and allow to cool thoroughly for 1 hour. The temptation is great but the longer they sit the more crisp they'll be. I find them several hours later.
  12. Store in an airtight container.
https://lookwhatmomfound.com/2014/09/homemade-cheese-crackers-recipe-kidsinthekitchen.html

Come join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers, Sara at Sensibly Sara, Kate of Busy Bee Kate & Jeannette of EcoIncognito each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

You’ll find these and many more ideas for healthful and unique food fun on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.

Linky Rules, #kidsinthekitchen

#KidsintheKitchen Weekly Linky






Shepherds Pie Dinner with Manwich Thick & Chunky

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Family meal time is important. It’s often the only time in a day that we all come together to reconnect after busy days at work and school. Coming together around the table lets us talk about not just our days but about family matters, events coming up and of course to share laughs. Making sure we have hearty, healthy and delicious meals encourages more time gathered around the table. One of my latest meal creations came from the help of Manwich with this Turkey Manwich Shepherds Pie.

 photo ManwichShepardsPiedish_zps4b2d44ec.jpg
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I’ll be honest the idea of a Manwich sloppy joe sandwich is not my favorite. Strictly due to the mess involved I avoid making them and serving them. What I do enjoy is the slight bbq tangy flavor that comes from the sauce so I knew I had to recreate a family favorite with a Manwich twist. I turned to Manwich because I trust them to provide easy weeknight meals without artificial flavors or preservatives.

Over the last 2 weeks the temperatures dropped, it’s definitely not summer any more. The cooler nights invite more comforting meals and to my family there isn’t much more comforting and belly filling than shepards pie. My regular recipe is very simple but I knew I could kick it up TONS with the addition of Manwich Thick and Chunky. The texture was just right for this recipe.
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Manwich Shepards Pie #Recipe @socialspark #ad #manwich

Manwich Shepards Pie #Recipe @socialspark #ad #manwich

 photo ManwichShepardsPiefinished_zps6f776eef.jpg

 photo ManwichShepardsPie_zps55d1dd41.jpg

Manwich Shepards Pie

Ingredients

  • 3lbs homemade mashed potatoes
  • 1 1/3 lb ground lean turkey or beef
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • salt & pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • Manwich Thick and Chunky
  • shredded cheese optional

Directions

Start with a creamy delicious homemade mashed potato base. Mine consists of 3lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes, 3 tbls butter, 3 tbls sour cream, 3 tbls cream cheese and warm milk.

In a large skillet over medium heat cook down your onions and ground meat, season with salt, pepper & oregano. Add frozen corn and Manwich Thick and Chunky and stir to combine.

Preheat your oven for 350°.

In a large casserole dish spread your prepared mashed potatoes and top with the meat mixture. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.

Bake in a 350° for 30-40 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly. Serve alongside steamed broccoli or your own favorite veggie.Manwich Shepards Pie #Recipe @socialspark #ad #manwich

 photo ManwichShepardsPieeating_zps1d0b5d38.jpg
The meal was well received. I already knew the kids loved sloppy joe sandwiches but I didn’t expect such rave reviews. I really liked this dish too and will be adding it into our winter meal rotation. I’ve even going to check out the other Manwich recipes because I already know it’s good for so many other things.

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Fried Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings #kidsinthekitchen

This might be my proudest moment ever as a parent. Cooking with the kids has had many stumbling blocks and of course successes. One of my favorite moments was when Shae and I made our own chewy soft pretzels and the non-cooking post with the clay mini food. This week for #kidsinthekitchen Shaun stepped up to the plate and cooked these Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings just about by himself.

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Shae and I started on our own like usual. I cut & cored the apples, Shae made the batter, cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar glaze.  We had a little assembly line going and I attempted to have her add the apples to the oil but she was scared so I stepped in for that.Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Shaun wandered in and immediately wanted to help. He took over at the stove and manned the frying stage.  I stepped to the other side of the kitchen and let him do it. He did wonderfully with very little guidance from me.  We didn’t have the Copper Crisper from New Easy so I was nervous with him being so close to a pot of hot oil but he proved himself worthy.  Shae kept saying that they were doing so good they could make these all the time. I squashed that idea and made sure they understood this was a parent supervised activity.Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

They made a great team. Shae dried the apple rings, dipped them and Shaun fried them. Great teamwork.

These tasted just like the apple cider doughnuts we get from the orchard. The apple is still a bit firm but the cinnamon and crisp batter are warm and inviting and it’s easy to eat and eat and eat.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium size apples, we used honey crisp but granny smith would be great
  • 1 cup plus 1 cup complete pancake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbls sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tsp milk
  • canola or vegetable oil for cooking

Directions

In a large sauce pan heat oil up to 350 degrees

Slice peeled apples into 1/2 inch thick rings.  Using a small cookie cutter (or large frosting tip) remove core and seeds.

Set aside on paper towels to dry.

Mix 1 cup pancake mix & 1 cup of water till most lumps are gone, set aside.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl, set aside.

Mix powdered sugar and milk in small bowl till smooth, set aside.

When oil has come to temperature dip apple rings in remaining dry pancake mix then into prepared pancake batter. Shake excess batter off apple rings before gently dropping in oil.  I had Shaun hold 1 inch of the coated apple in the oil to set before dropping in. This helped them from sticking to each other.

As they turn a golden brown gently turn them and cook the other side. The rings should be done in 3-4 minutes.

Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while they are hot. Drizzle them with glaze as you serve them.

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with Glaze #kidsinthekitchen #cookingwithkids #recipe #apples

Come join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers, Sara at Sensibly Sara, Kate of Busy Bee Kate & Jeannette of EcoIncognito each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

You’ll find these and many more ideas for healthful and unique food fun on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.

Linky Rules, #kidsinthekitchen

#KidsintheKitchen Weekly Linky





Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

Breakfast is the most important meal of my day. I love having something special and delicious first thing in the morning like chocolate chip waffles or Nutella and banana pancakes. Basically I just like having chocolate and candy for breakfast. One of my favorite special breakfasts to have is monkey bread. Its essentially just biscuits cut up and covered in caramel sauce but it’s one of the most delicious things you can have. One morning this week, I decided to make it for my family. There are so few ingredients you can almost always whip some monkey bread up in the morning. This recipe is adapted from Andrea Lynn, Salted Caramel Monkey Bread.Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

For the caramel:

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt, not-optional

For the monkey bread:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 cans (4.5-ounce) Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/3 cup melted butter

I had to run to the store in the morning to get heavy cream and biscuit dough but everything else was right there in my cabinets. There are two main steps to making monkey bread, coating the biscuit pieces and making the caramel. I cut up the biscuit dough into small chunks and shook them in a mixture of white sugar and a little cinnamon. I put them in a greased bundt pan and sprinkled a little bit of the leftover sugar on top. I also added some chopped pecans for extra goodness. Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

In a saucepan, I mixed a 1/4 cup of butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream together. Then I added a good shake of sea salt and poured the caramel sauce over the biscuits. Then I baked it at 350 for 40 minutes until the biscuits were totally cooked.

Before it cools off, you have to flip the bread out on to a plate. The caramel will have melted and pooled at the bottom and will run down the sides of the bread and harden. It looks so delicious and tastes just as good. Just wait for it to cool down a bit and pull out chunks and enjoy.Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam Salted Caramel Monkey Bread #recipe #streamteam

With our monkey bread in our laps, Shae and I cuddled up on the sofa and watched some My Little Pony, one of her favorite shows on Netflix. (and maybe one of the cutest cartoons ever.) I already miss spending time with her now that she’s away at school. But we will always have great cartoons to watch together.Netflix Stream Team




Use #TexasPete to Spice up your Meals #FeedingAmerica

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Texas Pete for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Something happened with Rob’s palette 2years ago. He started craving super spicy foods and adding hot sauce to everything. Now when it’s time to set the table for any meal the kids are required to grab hot sauce along with any other condiments needed. Texas Pete Hot Sauce is one we’re going to try because I found this chicken wing recipe that sounds amazing.

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CHA! HOISIN-GLAZED ROASTED CHICKEN WINGS

These lip-smacking, delicious, party-style chicken wings are marinated in CHA! by Texas Pete® and roasted in the oven until golden brown and delicious, then finished with an explosive CHA! hoisin glaze.

YIELD: 48 party wings

PORTION (Serving Size): 1 party wing

INGREDIENTS:

Wings

Chicken wings, fresh: 4 lbs. or 48 party wings

CHA! by Texas Pete®: 1 cup

Butter, salted: 1 stick

Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

CHA! by Texas Pete®: 1⁄2 cup • Hoisin sauce: 3⁄4 cup

Scallions, sliced thin for garnish: 1 bunch

PREPARATION:

Marinate the chicken wings in the CHA! by Texas Pete® for 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After 24 hours, place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Melt the stick of butter and pour over the chicken wings. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Place the chicken wings on as many baking trays as needed, keeping space between each chicken wing and not over-crowding the pans. Roast the chicken wings in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, fork tender and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Flip them once halfway through the cooking process so they crisp evenly on both sides. Depending upon the size of the wings, you may need to cook them for over an hour. While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze and slice the scallions.

Mix the 1⁄4 cup of CHA! by Texas Pete® with the 3⁄4 cup of hoisin sauce and mix well. When the chicken wings are finished cooking, carefully place them into a large mixing bowl and toss them with the spicy CHA! hoisin glaze. Arrange the chicken wings on a serving platter, garnish with the sliced scallions and serve.

Texas Pete CHA! Hoisin Glazed ChickenWings

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With football season just starting I could make these easily for a crowd and adjust the heat for mild taste buds or make them more fiery for my husband who wants heat on everything.  Texas Pete is more than just hot sauce too. You can find Texas Pete Hot Sauce and condiments and ingredients to fit your own meal plan. You can also find Texas Pete Hot Sauce recipes online to try for yourself.

Choose Texas Pete to kick up so many other dishes like macaroni and cheese, tacos, ribs and even baked potatoes topped with cheese. Best of all Texas Pete will be donating $1 to Feeding America (up to a $5,000 total donation!) for every social share of THIS post.

Help get them to their goal with a little social clicky above or below. Let me know where to find your share.

How do you like to use hot sauce in recipes?  

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