Easter is aproaching heres a great idea to add on your egg hunt. The original cake pop technique and recipe can be found here. I used strawberry cake mix and cream cheese frosting for these pops. For decorating the pops: White Candy Melts (from Michael's) Sanding Sugars (assorted colors from Surfas, 1 lb. for $3.96) Jimmies (assorted colors from Surfas, 12oz. for $3.55) Paper Lollipop Sticks (from Michael's) Styrofoam Block (from Michael's) Fake Grass (from Michael's) White Square Container * Shape the cake balls into an egg shape. * Melt candy, let cool slightly. Dip in candy coating. Tap lightly to let extra drip off. * Sprinkle entire egg with sugar or jimmies. Use a bowl sprinkle over. * Let sit in the styrofoam block until dry. * Repeat with varying designs and colors. Once dry, cut styrofoam to fit container. Add grass on top of styrofoam. Insert cake pops into styrofoam and cover stick with grass. TWITTER @GigisAdventures Credit Bakerella

I was at my In laws last night and my mother in law Debbie had made these cupcakes and they were delish!!! Make sure if you are making them have a hot cup of coffee for it:) BOSTON CREAM CUPCAKES Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for tins 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup whole milk 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for tins 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Vanilla Cream Chocolate-Ganache Glaze Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour standard muffin tins. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Warm milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Beat eggs and sugar with a mixer on high speed until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Beat in dry ingredients. Bring milk and butter to a boil. With mixer on low speed, add milk mixture to batter, and beat until smooth. Add vanilla. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each halfway. Bake cupcakes until light gold, about 15 minutes. Let cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Let cool. Using a serrated knife, cut each in half horizontally. Spread 1 tablespoon vanilla cream on each cupcake bottom. Sandwich with top. Spoon glaze over each, and serve immediately. Make them with your favorite sugar baby apron. @GigisAdventures Twitter

Make Your Own Taco Chips Ingredients * 1 (12 ounce) package corn tortillas * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil * 3 tablespoons lime juice * 1 teaspoon ground cumin * 1 teaspoon chili powder * 1 teaspoon salt Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Cut each tortilla into 8 chip sized wedges and arrange the wedges in a single layer on a cookie sheet. 3. In a mister, combine the oil and lime juice. Mix well and spray each tortilla wedge until slightly moist. 4. Combine the cumin, chili powder and salt in a small bowl and sprinkle on the chips. 5. Bake for about 7 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for another 8 minutes or until the chips are crisp, but not too brown. Serve with salsas, garnishes or guacamole. Sabroso Tacos INGREDIENTS: Soft Tacos Hard Tacos Ground Beef Taco Seasoning Mix Refried Beans Cheese Tomatoes Iceberg Lettuce DIRECTIONS: Take A soft taco and spread the refried beans on it. Layer it with cheese. Make up your hard taco with ground beef and cheese. Wrap the soft taco around the hard taco and heat in the oven. Add all your veggies and sauces after. My absolute fave is adding ranch to a taco sooo yummy!! Or even Jalepeno Ranch. quesadilla con queso INGREDIENTS: flour tortillas shredded Cheddar cheese onion red, green pepper chicken or beef seasoned with tex mex Directions Place tortillas on a baking sheet add all ingredients fold and bake. fresca salsa de aguacate Ingredients: * 2 tomatoes, chopped * 2 avocados, peeled and chopped * 1 jalapeno chili, seeded and minced * 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley * 1 Tbsp. lemon juice * 1/2 tsp. salt * 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper * 2 tsp. chili powder Preparation: Combine all ingredients in small bowl, cover and chill 1-2 hours to blend flavors. Store in refrigerator up to 8 hours. sandía margarita Ingredients * 2 1/2 cups seedless (or seeded) watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes, rind discarded before measuring * 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice * 4 ounces tequila * 2 ounces orange flavored liqueur * 1 1/2 cups ice * Lime wheel or watermelon wedge, for garnish Directions Put cut watermelon in a plastic bag and place in freezer for a minimum of 2 hours. (If time does not permit this step, add a few extra ice cubes when blending, the difference is not that significant.) Stuff all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth. Garnish rim of glass with a lime wheel or a watermelon wedge and serve immediately. Churros A Mexican Dessert Ingredients * 1 cup water * 2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil * 1 cup all-purpose flour * 2 quarts oil for frying * 1/2 cup white sugar, or to taste * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in flour until mixture forms a ball. 2. Heat oil for frying in deep-fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pipe strips of dough into hot oil using a pastry bag. Fry until golden; drain on paper towels. 3. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll drained churros in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Mexican Flan Ingredients * 1 cup white sugar * 3 eggs * 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk * 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk * 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt sugar until liquefied and golden in color. Carefully pour hot syrup into a 9 inch round glass baking dish, turning the dish to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Beat in condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla until smooth. Pour egg mixture into baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil. 4. Bake in preheated oven 60 minutes. Let cool completely. 5. To serve, carefully invert on serving plate with edges when completely cool.

I NGREDIENTS 1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 (3 ounce) package lime flavored gelatin mix 3/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup butter 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 4 cups confectioners' sugar DIRECTIONS Combine cake mix, gelatin mix, oil, eggs and orange juice. Pour into three 8 inch cake pans. Bake according to instructions on box. Allow to cool, then frost. To make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add lime juice and confectioners sugar. Mix well. @GigisAdventures (TWITTER)

 

Shortbread cookies

 

This is my Grama's traditional shortbread recipe and no Christmas would be complete without them. There really easy and can be done with cherries or with sprinkles, so they are lots of fun for the kids to get their aprons on and help.

 

 

- Use a very sharp knife this slices the cells in the onion and does not crush the cells causing the mist that gets in your eyes making them burn and tear up. (if you can't shave with the knife it's not sharp enough

 

 

 

Bring on the holidays!!

Cant wait to make this for my Christmas Guests! And every sexy Hostess needs our Sexy Red Christmas Apron to greet her guests. I love Holiday Entertaining.

Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe

 

I love these!! They make such a great party Snack!!

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups

 

One Of my favorite deserts!!

 

FRUIT TRIFLE

1 qt. strawberries, washed and hulled (or use fresh sliced peaches or blueberries, about 4 c.) 2 tbsp. confectioners sugar 1 c. milk 1 c. sour cream 1 (3 3/4 oz.) pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix Orange juice or sherry 1 (10 3/4 oz.) frozen pound cake sliced into 1/4-inch slices 1 c. heavy cream 2 tbsp. confectioners sugar   Save a few whole berries. Slice strawberries and combine with sugar. Mix milk and sour cream and proceed with package directions on pudding mix. Place 1/2 of cake slices in bottom and partially up sides of 3- quart glass bowl. Slices may overlap. Drizzle with orange juice or sherry. May use strawberry juice if any collects from sliced berries. Cover with half of pudding, then half of strawberries. Repeat - cake, pudding and fruit. Whip cream and cover top of trifle. Decorate with whole strawberries. Refrigerate until ready to use. Can be made day ahead but I find cake tends to become soggy. Best made early in the day of use.

 

Uncle Kevin's Special soup

 

This soup family favorite and it so easy!! Great when the kids come for lunch!

 

 

2 pgks of chicken noodle soup

1 cup of fine egg noodles

1 can of tomato soup

Bring water, chicken noodle soup and egg noodle to boil and boil for a few minutes before adding the tomato soup.

This is so easy and goes great with a grill cheese.

 

 

She can help too!

Little kids love this soup!!

 

 

Yummy stew!

 

 

 

I use a pressure cooker to make my stew it makes the meat tender and you can cut it with a fork. But be careful and read directions very carefully when using a pressure cooker.

If a pressure is not available a slow cooker works just fine , star first thing in the morning.

Brown meat in olive oil with salt and pepper, when browned add the onions, celery, and garlic.

 

If using a pressure cooker you need to read the directions, this will ensure safety and a great meal!

Ingredients:

Stewing beef, onions, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

Potatoes, celery, carrots, turnips and any other veggies you want to add.

Start by placing pot on burner medium heat, add olive oil and stewing beef. Brown stewing beef, add onions, salt, pepper and fresh garlic. Add ¾ cup water cover with lid bring to pressure(according to directions). Cook under pressure for 15 min, turn of heat. When pressure has subsided remove lid, add your desired veggies. Add enough water to cover meat mixture. Bring to pressure for five minutes, turn of burner. When pressure has subsided open lid mix and enjoy!!!!!!

Its so easy you'll still have time to kick back with the girls!!

 

 

 

Banana Bread

Ingredients

2 cup Whole-wheat flour

1 ½ tsp Baking powder

½ tsp Baking soda

¼ tsp Salt

¼ tsp Ground cinnamon

¼ tsp Cloves

2 Eggs, beaten

3 Large mashed bananas

1 cup Sugar

½ cup Olive oil

¼ cup Millet

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom and ½ inch up the sides of an 8”x8” baking pan. In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients, set aside.

2. In a medium bowl combine bananas, eggs, oil, and sugar. Add mixture to flour mixture, stir until just moistened. Add the millet and mix.

Spoon batter into pan, if you want you can sprinkle brown sugar on the top before baking, bake for 45-55 (depending on how much banana is used) until fork or toothpick comes out clean

Looking for a refreshing light meal for summer this is one of my favorite choices and I love topping it with a piece of grilled chicken. My favorite thing to sip on my deck in summer is a crisp chilled glass of white wine, my favorite is gewurztraminer. Hope you enjoy:)

Marla's Marvelous Cesar Salad

What you will need

Dijon mustard

Olive oil

White wine vinager

1 lemon

Salt and pepper

6 cloves of garlic

Parmeson cheese

Asiago cheese

A head of romaine

Croutons of your choice (I like multigrain)

Opitional

Lea and pearins (a dash)

Tabassco Sauce(a dash)

A spinkle of Sugar

 

 

 

 

In a cup or small bowl with lid pour ½ cup of olive oil , then ¼ cup of white wine vinager, add ¼ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, squeeze half a lemon in, mince garlic very finely with a little salt to make a paste then scrape in to your bowl , then shake for a few seconds add salt and pepper to taste , then add 2 tablespoons of parmeson cheese let it sit in the fridge for about half and hour. Then prepare your romaine wash and rip add your croutons , shake your dressing and pour over salad mix with tongs and then sprinkle asiago chees on top.

Great with chilled white wine and grilled chicken for those hot summer nights.

 

 

No need for a full apron for this meal it so easy you'll probably wear it just to look cute;)

 

 

 

 

Missing my Gramma today and her yummy baking, I cant wait for her next visit.

I am going to ger her to make these for me, because no matter what you just can't make them like she can.

I remember being a little girl and smelling that cinnamon and butter coming from the oven, waiting for them to be done so I could have a red rose

tea with her and dip the cini mini in it.

Heres a recipe for them!!!

1 can of refrigerated "crescent" rolls.
Unroll and pinch together the seams between the triangles {you'll be left with 2 rectangles}
Spread butter over your two rectangles.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Roll up.
Cut into ciniminis.
Bake on parchment paper according to directions on package... I think it's 375 for 8-10 mins.

@GigisAdventures

 

 

Cleaning products safe for your kids and pets

After a long winter, it's time for spring-cleaning. Unfortunately, the ever-expanding arsenal of home cleaning products now includes several dangerous weapons, loaded with strong, artificial colors and fragrances and harsh cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia and acids. These chemicals can produce indoor air pollution by off-gassing toxic fumes that can irritate eyes and lungs. (Children and pets are most at risk.) Many cleaners also contain unnecessary antibacterial agents (pesticides, technically), that can actually make bacteria stronger, and more resistant to antibacterial drugs.

And commercial cleansers cost a lot. So make your own! Even the biggest messes and toughest stains can be attacked effectively with baking soda, borax, lemon juice and other simple ingredients.

Once you know what these ingredients can do, you can start to see all the ways they can be used around the house:

• Baking soda: Cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours. We buy it in bulk at Costco.
• White vinegar: Cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains, and wax build-up. The acid in vinegar can kill 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs in one application.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Disinfectant, safer to use than chlorine bleach for disinfecting and whitening.
• Liquid castile soaps: Found in health food stores and are safer than commercial liquid cleaning products. If you can’t find any in your area, you can always find some on Amazon.com. We have used the Dr. Bronner’s brand.