Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe comes from Keeping Up with the Joneses. I've made tons of different recipes for Chocolate Chip Cookies over the years. They've all been pretty good, but I'm still looking for "the one". What attracted me to this recipe was the size of the cookie. I was looking for a bigger cookie to make and these were the perfect size. They were light, moist and oh so sweet. Two thumbs up in my book!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour, plus 2 Tbsp
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 (12 oz) package of semi-sweet chocolate chips


Instructions:
Beat butter and sugars at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until blended.

Combine flour, soda, and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in morsels. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-covered cookie sheets. Note that the mixture is so moist and gooey that it can't be shaped into perfect balls, but it doesn't matter, just drop them with a spoon as best you can :)

Bake at 350° for 8 to 14 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. For me, these were perfect at 12 minutes!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Makes: 4-5 dozen, depending on size

Cranberry Chocolate Scones

This is the first time I've ever made scones.  I enjoy eating them at Starbucks, I just thought they were too much work to make.  Last week, we had a breakfast meeting at work.  I decided to pull out an easy recipe for scones I had found a while back.  The recipe was from Southern Living.  This is a basic recipe, you can add mixins create the scone you want.  I added 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  I personally loved my creation and my team did as well.  There weren't any leftover!  Now that I know how easy scones are to make, I'll be making them more often.  

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup whipping cream, divided
• Wax paper

Preparation

• 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender until crumbly and mixture resembles small peas. Freeze 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. cream, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
• 2. Turn dough out onto wax paper; gently press or pat dough into a 7-inch round (mixture will be crumbly). Cut round into 8 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush tops of wedges with remaining 2 Tbsp. cream just until moistened.
• 3. Bake at 450° for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden.
• Sweet Variations
• Chocolate-Cherry Scones: Stir in 1/4 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped, and 2 oz.coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate with the cream.
• Apricot-Ginger Scones: Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots and 2 Tbsp. finely chopped crystallized ginger with the cream. Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze after baking.
• Cranberry-Pistachio Scones: Stir in 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries and 1/4 cup coarsely chopped roasted salted pistachios with the cream.
• Brown Sugar-Pecan Scones: Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans with the cream.
• Savory Variations
• Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Scones: Omit sugar. Stir in 3/4 cup (3-oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon, 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, and 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper with the cream.
• Ham-and-Swiss Scones: Omit sugar. Stir in 3/4 cup (3 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese and 3/4 cup finely chopped baked ham with the cream. Serve warm with Mustard Butter: Stir together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard, and 1 Tbsp. minced sweet onion.
• Pimiento Cheese Scones: Omit sugar. Stir in 3/4 cup (3-oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and 3 Tbsp. finely chopped pimiento with the cream.
• Rosemary, Pear, and Asiago Scones: Omit sugar. Stir in 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh pear, 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese, and 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary with the cream.
• Festive Touch
• Bite-Size Scones: Pat dough into 2 (4-inch) rounds. Cut rounds into 8 wedges. Bake as directed for 12 to 13 minutes.

Teacher's Survival Kit

This year I am the third grade team leader.  We have 8 ladies on our team, which is a pretty large team.  I always like doing little things for my team at the beginning of the year.  This year I decided to do a survival  kit to give each of them at our first team meeting.  I had a found a lot of great ideas on Pinterest and some teacher sites, which helped me create the survival kit I used.  I found the small drink tubs at Target in the dollar section and used Sharpie paint pens to personalize each one.  Then, I filled the inside with some tissue paper and all of the items below.  My team really enjoyed these gifts and I know we all have a great year ahead of us.  

TO DOWNLOAD THIS PRINTABLE GO HERE. 

Crayon Monogram

I started with a plain wooden letter.  Next, I painted it green.  I painted two coats on all sides except the front.  Since the crayons will cover the front.  After that, I painted a coat of Mod Podge over the green.  Let it dry.  The final step is to hot glue the crayons to the front of the letter.  I didn't do a particular pattern, but I tried my best to make sure the Crayola logo on all the crayons lined up.  I tried a few different directions and decided it looked best with all the crayons facing the same way.   In order to get the crayons in the middle to fit, I used a knife to cut them.  That's it, simple as that. I can't wait to add this decoration to my classroom!

Back to School- Classroom Welcome Sign

I've decided to stick with my sports all star theme again this year in my third grade classroom.  This year, I decided to make a welcome sign for the door in my room.  Here is what I did: 

I started with a plain wood framed chalk board.  I found it in the wood section of Jo Ann Fabrics.  

I covered the wood edges of the frame with different sports ribbon, to match my sports theme.  I attached it to the back of the sign with hot glue.  

I then used wood sports decorations on each of the corners.  I used hot glue to attach them.  

To finish it off, I used Sharpie Paint Pens to write on the chalk board.  You could write in chalk and change the words as you wish.  I wanted it to stay, so I used white paint pen.  

Back to School- Crayon Wreath

I'm officially back to school this week. As sad as I am to see summer go, I'm looking forward to a new school year.  To kick off back to school I'm focusing on classroom DIY creations this week on the blog. I'm starting things out with a crayon wreath.  

I've seen a few of these wreaths popping up on Pinterest over the past few months.  I had searched high and low for a tutorial, but didn't have much luck.  I believe the original idea was from Hobby Lobby, but I couldn't find step by step directions.  So, I played around and after many, many failed attempts I found a way that worked.  I bought two embroidery hoops, one smaller than the other.  I lined up the hoops and placed my crayons around the outside.  After I had lined everything up I started gluing (hot glue).  The key that I found was to line up the ends of the crayons while gluing.  My goal was to keep the bottom ends of the crayons together and form a circle as I glued.  The tops of the crayons will be separated, but not by much. I glued about 2 boxes of crayons around the wreath.  When I was finished, I made a bow for the top.  This covered/ hid the nails that were in the top of the embroidery hoop. I hot glued the bow on in the top center of the wreath.  After that, I took coordinating ribbon and hot glued a loop to the back of the wreath.  This is what I will use to hang the wreath.  Last, I bought 2 wooden already painted apples from Michael's.  I used the Sharpie paint pens to write my last name and room number  I hot glued them to the wreath for the perfect finishing touch.  

Skinny Loaded Nachos

I've been following Gina's Skinny recipes for a while now, but this is the first one I've made.  I made this one for the Bucs preseason game last night.  It's a perfect football snack/ dinner.  I made a few changes to the recipe, which I noted below.  Hubs and I put this in the middle of the couch and picked at it during the game.  Next time, we will have to invite friends over because there was tons left over!  Be sure to make this for one of football parties this season.  Go Bucs! 

Ingredients:

• 4 oz baked tortilla chips (I used Baked Tostitos Scoops) I used a bag
• 8 oz 99% lean turkey breast 1lb used
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup fat free spicy black bean dip mashed black beans and mixed 1tbs. salsa
• 1 1/3 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese like Weight Watchers
• 2 cups pico de gallo salsa 1 can of rotel
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 2/3 cup fresh cilantro

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°. Place 1 oz (about 14) chips on four oven-proof dishes or one large baking sheet. 


Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over high heat. Add turkey. Season with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through, breaking up meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. When cooked, add bean dip and mix well.

Spoon the turkey mixture over the chips and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake until cheese melts, about 6 minutes.

Remove the nachos from the oven, top with pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro and jalepeños. Serve immediately.

Pepper Jack, Chicken and Peach Quesadillas

I've had this recipe saved for over a year now.  After organizing my recipe binder, I pulled it out knowing it would be a perfect summer dish. And that (plus grocery shopping) is all I did for this dinner.  I have to give all the credit to my husband for making it.   I was working away and he was asked offered to make dinner.  He did a fabulous job.  I love the kick the pepper jack gave this dish along with an added sweetness of the peaches.  A wonderful combination.  The recipe is from Cooking Light. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
• 1 cup chopped skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast
• 1 cup thinly sliced peeled firm ripe peaches
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooking spray

Preparation

• 1. Combine honey and lime juice in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir sour cream into honey mixture; cover and chill until ready to serve.
• 2. Place tortillas flat on a work surface. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons cheese over half of each tortilla; top each tortilla with 1/4 cup chicken, 1/4 cup peaches, and 1 teaspoon cilantro. Fold tortillas in half.
• 3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Place 2 quesadillas in the pan, and top quesadillas with a cast-iron or other heavy skillet. Cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until tortillas are crisp and lightly browned (leave cast-iron skillet on quesadillas as they cook). Remove quesadillas from pan; set aside, and keep warm. Repeat procedure with the remaining quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve with sauce.

Creamy Ravioli with Squash, Lemon and Chives

I love stopping by Keeping Up with the Jonses to check out the recipes posted each Monday.  I found this one a while back and saved it in a special place (Pinterest).  Here is where you can find the recipe online.  I really enjoyed this pasta.  It took no time to make. The fresh veggies added color and flavor to make this a fabulous summer pasta.  

Creamy Ravioli with Squash, Lemon and Chives

Ingredients:

16 to 18 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli (I used 20 oz Bertoli Four Cheese)

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 shallot, chopped

4-5 summer squash (yellow squash and zucchini), thinly sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper

3/4 cup heavy cream (I went closer to 1 cup with the increase amount of pasta I purchased)

1 Tbsp grated lemon zest

1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with a little olive oil to keep from sticking.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the squash and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook, tossing often, until the vegetables are just beginning to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream and lemon zest and cook until the vegetables are tender and the cream is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the squash mixture, Parmesan cheese, and ½ teaspoon salt to the pasta and toss gently to coat. Serve sprinkled with the chives and additional Parmesan cheese.

Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Smores Pie II

My first smores pie was a hit, but very, very rich.  I wanted to attempt another one, using half the cookie dough. And that is exactly what I did. This dessert took about 20 minutes to make and another 10-15 to cool and harden.  It was darn tasty.  I'll be keeping the ingredients on hand at all times when I need another quick go-to dessert.  Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

Mini Marshmallows (large will work too)

Baker;s Dipping Chocolate in Milk Chocolate 

1 tub of Cooke Dough (or break and bake)

Directions: 

Press cookie dough into a pie pan.  I slightly greased mine, even though I probably didn't have to.  I allowed the cookie dough to soften a but before pressing it also.  Bake the cookie dough as directed on the package but take it out two minutes before it is done.  I baked at 350 for 10 minutes, then took it out.   Next, pile the marshmallows on top of the baked cookie dough.  Put it back in the oven for a few minutes, until the marshmallows start to expand.  Once marshmallows have slightly expanded switch the oven to a low broil.  This will slightly brown the marshmallows.  I only left it in for about a minute.  Then, melt the chocolate according to the directions on the cup.  With a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows.  Cool.  We didn't want to wait long, so we put it in the freezer for 10 minutes.  Cut and serve.  

Buffalo Chicken Bundles

One of my favorite things about football season is making buffalo chicken dip.  It is hands down, one of my favorite dips.  Not only to make, but to eat as well.  When thinking of a meal I wanted to make for my Mr's birthday, I thought up this creation.  I had all the ingredients for the dip and a can of crescent rolls.  I put them together to make my new favorite bundle.  These are AH-Mazing! Next time, I'll probably add chopped celery to the mix.  You've got to try these.  

Ingredients: 

1 can/roll/tube of crescent rolls

1/4 cup of blue cheese dressing

1/4 cup of buffalo sauce

2 cups of shredded chicken

1/2 cup shredded cheese (any kind) 

Directions: 

Unroll dough into 4 squares (2 triangles together).  Pinch together edges.  

2.  Place chicken into a mixing bowl.  

 3.  Add both dressings to the bowl and mix.  

4.  Scoop mixture towards the bottom of the dough squares.  

5.  Sprinkle cheese on the top of the chicken mixture.  

6.  Fold dough over and pinch all edges together.  

7.  Brush a little EVOO and spices over the top of each bundle. We used a spice mixture. 

8.  Bake at 375 for 12 minutes or until dough is slightly brown. 

9.  ENJOY!

Stromboli

When I grew up we had pizza for dinner every Friday night.  It was our family tradition, one I plan on continuing when I have kids.  Hubs and I love pizza and enjoy making it on our own.  I saw a picture on Pinterest, which was my inspiration for this dish.  To be honest, I didn't know whether to title this post stromboli or calzone.  I can never remember the difference.  Either way, this is an easy dinner, perfect for a Friday night.  Enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

Pizza Dough (I used Pillsbury ready made dough)

Pepperoni (1/2 cup)

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2/3 cup)

Italian Spices 

EVOO

**any other toppings you desire**

Directions:

1.  Unroll dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  

2.  Pile your toppings down the middle of the dough.  

3.  Pour cheese over toppings.  

4.  Cut the edges of the dough.  I used a smooth knife, you can also use kitchen scissors. 

5.  Fold edges over the center.  I started at the top and folded in a downward slant.  

6. Pour 2 tbs EVOO into a small bowl.  Add spices.  I added basil, oregano and garlic salt.  

7.  Brush mixture over the dough.  

8.  Bake at the temp and for the amount of time directed on the dough. I think mine was 375 for about 12-15 minutes.