Mississippi Knows Mud

Okay, I know I had planned on overhauling my blog. I haven't had time. What with Spring arriving and all that entails there aren't enough hours in the day. I have been baking, which is always a good thing. My guys need to eat and what better way to feed them than with some homemade yum?! So, I turned to some of my vintage cook books and came across an easy and oh so delicious recipe for Mississippi Mud. It's rich, simple, and doesn't take long to make. A great recipe for those days when time is of the essence.

Girl Scout Cookies and Pie

I grew up in a single family home. We didn't have two pennies to our name, but we always had a jar of peanut butter in the cabinet. It was something cheap that provided protein and I can remember going in to the kitchen for a snack and getting a scoop of peanut butter with some crackers. After years of eating it, you'd think I wouldn't want anything to do with it. That's not true at all. To this day I always keep a jar in my cabinet. It's my go-to snack in a pinch. When it came time to make this Baked Peanut Butter Pie I knew it would be a hit in my home.

Get Your Bite On

 Christmas is only a few days away and that means it's time to start baking and preparing for family get-togethers. Appetizers and desserts are at the top of the list for my favorite holiday treats. I wanted to make something easy and delicious, and that's when I came across this recipe for Hash Brown Bites.

They are fairly simple, yet packed with flavor. Red and green peppers add that holiday flair. These little things are really good and they're sure to be loved by many. My husband tends to be a picky eater and I couldn't keep him away from these. 

Super Simple Applesauce Bars

Fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves changing colors, harvesting of delicious fruits and veggies, and baking.  One of my favorite fruits to bake with would have to be apples. Everything from applie pie to these delicious Applesauce Bars. 

3-Ingredient Root Beer Pulled Pork

The best part of fall is digging out those crock pots. I use mine all year long, but not as much as I do during the fall and winter. If you're like me, you enjoy the idea of tossing some ingredients in, setting the timer, and walking away. Easy! Crock pot recipes are the best!

That's exactly what these Root Beer Pulled Pork sandwiches are. EASY! There are only three ingredients and the crock pot does all of the hard work. Can't get much easier than that! Here's a winner for those relaxing Saturdays or a Sunday football party.

Root Beer Pulled Pork

1 can of root beer
1 18 oz bottle of barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's)
3 lb boneless pork roast
hamburger buns (of course!)

Place pork roast in slow cooker. Pour can of root beer over top of it. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours.
When meat is really tender and easy to shred, drain root beer. I used my turkey baster to remove all of the root beer. Shred pork in crock pot. After you've removed all of the juices and shredded the pork, pour the entire bottle of barbeque sauce on. Stir. Keep warm until ready to eat.

You can also substitute Dr. Pepper for root beer if you'd like. They're both really good!

I hope you give this easy, delicious recipe a chance. I think you're really going to like it.

As always, thanks for reading.
Take care,
NB

Easy to Make, Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars

  

If there is one thing that can make my sons quiet for a few minutes, it's these Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars. They usually ask me to make them every few weeks. Of course, I always do. I mean, seriously, who doesn't like a little chocolate now and then? Since I don't purchase store made cookies or processed snacks, I try to find the easiest recipes I can to satisfy their sweet tooth.

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

 My sons were in the mood for some cinnamon rolls this past weekend so I headed on over to Pinterest to find a cinnamon roll recipe that wouldn't take me all day to make. That's where I found the recipe from Life Made Simple. It's super simple and only took about an hour to make. Definitely worth the time!

This recipe makes a 13x9 dish of rolls so you will have a lot of them. It would be a great recipe to make for a sleepover or family get-together. Or if you just have a sweet tooth. 

If you have a recipe that you feel tops this one, I'd love to try it out. 





One Hour Cinnamon Rolls                      

Prep time

45 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

1 hour

Yield: 12-15

Ingredients

• 2¾ c. all-purpose flour (I use unbleached flour for everything)
• ¼ c. sugar
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 egg
• 1 package yeast (or 2¼ tsp.)
• ½ c. water
• ¼ c. whole milk
• 1 tsp. salt
• 
  
• Filling:
• ⅔ c. brown sugar
• ¼ c. (½ stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• ¾ tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. almond extract (optional - I just used the 3/4 tsp of vanilla and it turned out great)
• 
  
• Vanilla glaze:
• 1½ c. powdered sugar
• ¼ c. (½ stick) butter, melted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp. milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast and salt.
2. In a small microwave safe bowl (or glass measuring cup), combine the sugar, butter, water and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is hot and the butter is almost melted (it took about 1 minute 30 seconds on HIGH in my microwave). Gradually add the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
4. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and set on the lowest mixing setting for 4 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest on the counter for 5 minutes.
5. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it measures a 16x9 inch rectangle. Prepare the filling by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl except for the butter. Spread the butter over the top of the rolled dough, then cover with the filling. Tightly roll the dough and cut into 12 portions. I like to use dental floss for this... I also cut it in half, then fourths etc. That way my pieces are all uniform in size (you may have a few smaller pieces from the ends, just arrange them around the larger rolls).
6. Place the rolls into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish and gently press a piece of aluminum foil over top. Turn OFF your oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the rolls from the oven and turn ON your oven to 375 degrees. Once heated, bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown in color.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before frosting. While rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and beating by hand or with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread over the tops of the rolls.

Notes from Life Made Simple:

-I always add a "hint" of almond extract to the filling. Feel free to use only vanilla extract, or only almond extract.
-If you live in a dry place or have trouble with baked goods drying out quickly, you may want to fill a separate 9x13 inch baking dish with boiling water and put in on the lowest rack in your oven right before you proof the rolls (place them in the warm oven to rise). This will ensure that the rolls stay moist and elastic. You will keep the water in the oven until they are baked.
------------------------------------------------

Okay, there you have it. Easy and delicious cinnamon rolls. Please share this recipe with your friends so they can enjoy them as well. Don't forget to send me your cinnamon roll recipes to try.

As always, thanks for reading.

Take care,
NB

100 Days of Pinterest: Lemon Zucchini Bread

Well, the day has come. I have reached 100 Days of Pinterest! It's been a long, inspiring journey. I went from dwelling on how unlucky I was, to marveling at how talented I am. I think anyone who has been handed a diagnosis such as multiple sclerosis can relate to those feelings of pity, anger, and depression. I needed an escape from those emotions and this 100 Days of Pinterest challenge helped me to get away from those feelings. Of course, I still have my days when I feel like total hell. That's to be expected. However, I have stopped obsessing over a disease that I can't fix. I have redirected my energy to a better place, and that has been such an amazing result.

When I created this challenge I had no idea that I was a foodie or even had the ability to do half of the projects I attempted. Yes, I failed at making caramels the first two times. However, I didn't give up and I was successful the third time around. I discovered my passion for creating things that were better for my family than the processed foods that are so convenient. I have also met some really great people in the blogging community along the way. It's been a process that has benefited my overall well-being and I am thankful that I took the challenge on. I was hesitant at first, but once I got going I couldn't stop being inspired.

That being said, let's get on to the recipe that was my favorite from the past week. Since it's garden harvest time, I stuck with something that can be made with those zucchinis that are ready to be picked or found at your local farmer's market. This Lemon Zucchini Bread is amazing. It's also a healthy alternative to last week's Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (<----SO GOOD! Click there, you know you want the recipe).  It has fresh lemon and lemon zest inside that make it a perfect summer treat. I made a loaf for a family get-together and it didn't last long.

Here's the recipe.

Lemon Zucchini Bread With Lemon Glaze
Originally posted on NancyCreative.com

Makes one 9×5″ loaf

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 Tablespoons lemon juice)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup grated zucchini (you don’t need to peel the zucchini before grating it)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×5″ loaf pan; set aside.
In large bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In medium bowl, beat 2 eggs well, then add canola oil and sugar, and blend well. Then add the buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest and blend everything well. Fold in zucchini and stir until evenly distributed in mixture.
Add this mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and blend everything together, but don’t overmix.
Pour batter into prepared 9×5″ loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (if your oven tends to run hot, check the loaf after 40 minutes; also, if you make this in an 8×4″ loaf pan, your baking time may be a little longer…about 5 to 10 minutes more). Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack and cool completely. While loaf is cooling, you can make the glaze…
LEMON GLAZE

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 Tablespoons lemon juice)

In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until well blended. Spoon glaze over cooled loaf. Let glaze set, then serve.
---------------------------------

That's it. Since I took this to a family get together and didn't feel like making two loaves, I sliced the bread as normal and then halved each piece and put them on a serving platter. That way, instead of eight slices of bread, I had sixteen half slices. Worked perfectly. There is an excessive amount of lemon glaze, so put as much glaze as you want on the loaf. You may have some left over, or you may go glaze crazy and pour the whole amount on the loaf. It's all you, do your glaze thing!

I've now made a Double Chocolate and a Lemon Zucchini bread. I wonder what other flavors of zucchini bread I can find? Do you have any ideas? I would love to hear them. You can send me an email with your recipe to: womaninthemancave@yahoo.com or you can post them here. Either way, I'd love to give them a try. I'm on the lookout for a great regular zucchini bread recipe and I hope you can help me out!

As always . . .

take care!
NB

Taco Tuesday: Egg Roll Taco

We love taco nights in our house. That being said, I found a great recipe on Pinterest for Egg Roll Tacos. These things are fabulous and a nice little change from the regular old taco shells. 

Here's how to make them:

 Taco Egg Rolls

Originally posted on awkwardkitchenette.com

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
8-10 egg roll wrappers
1 package Mexican shredded cheese



Step 1: Brown and drain ground beef.

Step 2: Season according to taco seasoning instructions.

Step 3: Turn off heat, and mix in shredded cheese with taco meat.

Step 4: Fill egg roll wrappers.

Step 5: Brush egg rolls with olive oil. 

Step 6: Bake at 375 for 15 minutes, flipping egg rolls at 8 minutes.

Step 7: Serve hot with sour cream!

These things are really good! I think you could even add some re-fried beans and other diced up veggies to really make these things plump. I want to try adding a little rice the next time around. 

Do you have an amazing taco Tuesday recipe to share? I'd love to give it a try. 

As always, thanks for reading.

Take care,
NB 

100 Days of Pinterest: Day 41 - Pizza Waffles

This past week has been filled with cleaning and sleeping in. My sons' last day of school was last Friday, so we are taking advantage of being able to sleep in a bit. I don't know about you, but I love to sleep in whenever I get the chance. I'm lucky, because I'm a rep for a HUGE company and I make my own schedule. I pick the days I do visits and I schedule the time I start. It's really nice to have a job that is so flexible. Especially since I am a mom and also because I have MS and there are some days when I just don't feel well. I can reschedule my work for a later date and time.

I'm not sure how homeschooling my youngest son will be this fall, but I am excited for the change. I'm interested in seeing how other parents deal with homeschooling their kids and holding down a job. If you or someone you know does both, I'd be interested in hearing from them (womaninthemancave@yahoo.com). I was going to go with online schooling, but I've done some research and learned that they are following common core educational standards. My son has struggled with the common core learning style, so it doesn't make sense to subject him to that anymore. I'm nervous about the whole thing, but anything is better than watching him struggle. Right?

Okay, as always I've been working on my Pinterest challenge. I tried making butter the other day. That was a HUGE fail. I think the cream was just too cold and possibly too fresh. I am going to try again with some that is closer to room temperature and maybe a few days old. I tried it with fresh raw milk and skimmed the cream off the top the day after I got the milk. I'm thinking I may have to try a few different approaches until I get it. Thank goodness my best friend's family owns a dairy farm.

I also worked on making hummingbird feed (sugar water without dye). I am also making a gnome garden. We had to put the finishing touches on hold until I can find a Hot Wheel tire. What happened to the days when I'd bitch about the little toy cars all over the house? Now there are laptops, tablets, and shoes instead of the Hot Wheels, LEGO's,  and Thomas the Train toys that used to reign supreme (my boys have grown too fast...someone make it stop).

The favorite from this week's Pins has to be the Pizza Waffles. I guess anything pizza is a winner in my house.  A few weeks ago I made the Mini Pizza Cupcakes and those were a hit, so I should have figured these would be just as awesome and Man Cave Approved!

 I love waffles, so I have a waffle maker in my kitchen arsenal. I know not everyone has one, so maybe you could experiment with a George Foreman grill or something like that. I'm not saying it will work, but it may. These things were super simple. You just cut a slit in biscuit dough, put the ingredients you want into the center, pinch the dough shut, and then put them in the waffle maker until they are nice and done. I noticed the ones that were lighter brown were not fully cooked, so let them get a little darker. Not burnt, but more done. Once they're done you can dip them in pizza sauce or ranch dressing.  I made pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza, and ham n' cheese ones. The pepperoni pizza ones were the overall winner.  Who knew?  (I did. My guys love pepperoni)

I think next time I make these I'm going to try cinnamon and sugar or fruit filled waffles. I have a feeling they will work, but I won't know until I try them. How will you stuff these? I'd love to get some more ideas for these waffles.

Don't forget to find me on Pinterest:  Woman in the Man Cave
Or on Twitter: @NmsBauer

Take care,
NB