Dirt - Pudding Dessert

This past week I received a request asking for the recipe to the pudding dessert I served at my kids' birthday parties. My daughter was on Spring Break this week and I have no lunches to share, so I thought it would be the perfect time to share the "DIRT" recipe.

DIRT - pudding dessert

Adapted from KraftRecipes.com

2 cups cold milk

1- 4 serving size package of chocolate instant pudding

1 - 8 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed

3/4 -1 package of Oreo cookies, finely crushed

gummy worms or fruit snacks (optional)

1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor, or by hand in a ziploc bag.

2. In a large bowl beat the milk and pudding with a wire whisk, until well blended.

3. Allow the pudding mixture to stand for 5 minutes.

4. Fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture.

5. Layer the crushed Oreos and pudding mixture in a bowl, or individual cups.

6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

7. Garnish with gummy worms or fruit snacks, if desired.

 For my son's Ninja Turtle party I made a 1.5 batch the recipe and layered it in an 8" diameter round truffle bowl.

To make 1.5 times the batch the measurements are:

3 cups cold milk

1- 6 serving size package of chocolate instant pudding

1.5 - 8 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed

1 package of Oreo cookies, finely crushed

For my daughter's Little Miss Sunshine and Lalaloopsy parties, I layered the DIRT in a large bowl and decorated it with flowers and gummies.

For the Little Miss Sunshine party I made a single batch.

For the Lalaloopsy party I made a 1.5 batch.

TIP: I wrap the stem of the flowers in GLAD Press'n Seal before placing them in the "DIRT".

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Oreo Brownies

These brownies have been on my "must try" list for quite some time.

Now that I've tried them I'm mad I waited so long to make them!

They are a rich chocolaty brownie and the cream layer brings a great flavor to the entire treat. 

Oreo Brownies  

From Cookies and Cups

1 box brownie mix, prepared according to package directions (I used Pillsbury Fudge Brownies, Family Size)

1 package Oreo Cookies, divided into 3rds and coarsely chopped (I used the original ones)

1 - 8oz tub of Cool Whip, thawed

1 - 8oz block of cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat kind)

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil.

1. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions, and fold in 1/3 of the chopped Oreos. I made them in a 9x13 glass pan.

2. Bake the brownies according to the package, until a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean.

3. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined.
5. Fold the Cool Whip and another 1/3 of coarsely chopped Oreos, into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled brownies.
7. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and the vegetable oil on medium power for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
8. Spread the chocolate evenly over the cream cheese layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining Oreos on top of the melted chocolate.
10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

When serving, you may want to leave the brownies out until the chocolate layer softens a little. Otherwise when you cut it the chocolate cracks. 

When I make these again I think I will leave out the chocolate chips all together, and just sprinkle the last 1/3 of Oreos on top of the cream cheese layer.

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Monkey Bread

Monkey Bread is an oldie but a goodie. I remember loving this when I was a kid, but this past weekend was the first time I ever made it for my kids. Its cinnamon, gooey, goodness is just so good!

Monkey Bread

2 cans refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar

1. Prepare a bunt pan with cooking spray.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3. In a medium/large bowl with a lid or a large ziploc bag, place the granulated sugar, and cinnamon.

4. Cut the biscuits into quarters. I like to use a pizza cutter or kitchen shears to cut the biscuits dipped in warm water.

5. Place the cut biscuits into the cinnamon mixture and shake until the biscuits are evenly coated.

6. Place the coated biscuits and the remainder of the cinnamon mixture in the prepared bunt pan. Take care not to fill your bunt pan more than 2/3 full, or when the biscuits expand in the oven you may have a mess on your hands.

7. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter.

8. Add the brown sugar to the melted butter, and bring the mixture to the a boil.

9. Boil the mixture for 30 second.

10. Remove the butter mixture from the heat, and very carefully pour it over the biscuits the bunt pan. Try to make sure to coat the tops of all the biscuits.

11. Bake for 25-30 minutes. When you remove the bunt pan from the oven the biscuits will have expanded and much of the butter mixture will have soaked to the bottom of the pan.

12. Flip the bunt pan over on a plate and allow to sit for 5 minutes. This will allow the syrupy butter mixture to drain back through the biscuits.

13. Remove bunt pan and enjoy!!!

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Lunches Week 29 -{Easter & St. Patrick's Day Style}

Well, I wouldn't classify this as my favorite week so far this year. 

This past weekend I broke my foot, and now I have to wear a stylin' orthopedic boot for 6 weeks. Then my husband (who almost never gets sick) actually gets such a bad cold that they sent him home from work. Although I must admit him losing his voice has been entertaining...LOL   

MONDAY

I packed her some leftover shamrock pancakes and syrup, grapes, Lucky Charms, and a Capri Sun.

TUESDAY

She had a bunny shaped sandwich, carrots, corn chips, a mini fruit roll-up, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

WEDNESDAY

She had a bunny shaped sandwich, carrots, squeezable applesauce, pretzels, and a Capri Sun.

THURSDAY

I packed her an egg shaped sandwich, carrots, squeezable applesauce, pretzels, and a Capri Sun.

FRIDAY

She had a peep shaped sandwich, corn ships, carrots, two peeps, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water. 

The products used in this post are listed below.

The container with green inserts is the Rubbermaid LunchBlox entree with trays*.

The clear container with 3 sections is an EasyLunchBox*.  

The tiny clear container is an EasyLunchboxes Mini-Dippers*.

The silicone cups are Wilton pastel cupcake liners*. 

The silicone flower cup* is Wilton.

The squishy packs with the applesauce in them are Squishy Snack Paks.

Check out my review of Squishy Snack Paks here!

*Affiliate links are in the post.

 I'll Be Linking Up At Some Of These Parties!

 

Green St. Patrick's Day Pancakes

Lately Sundays mean pancakes for dinner in our home. I'm not really sure how this came to be, but pancakes are easy and make everyone happy; so I'm sticking with it. Since St. Patrick's Day fell on a Sunday this year green pancakes were a must!

All you need to do is add some green food coloring to you favorite pancake recipe, and you are good to go!

You can even fill a squeeze bottle with the pancake mixture, and make shamrocks. First using the squeeze bottle draw your outline of the shape you want. Then fill the center.

*Affiliate links are in this post.

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Lunches Week 28 -{Easter & St. Patrick's Day Style}

My son has been waking-up at all times of the night thinking that it is morning, and is ready to go for the day. Needless to say I have been one tired Mama. This week was my son's first week using his new clock to wake-up to. 

The clock lights up green when it is "ok" for him to get out of bed in the morning. After the first few days of use I thought I had wasted $40, but after only one week he is staying in bed until the clock lights up green. The past 2 days when he got out of bed at 7am I was so excited! I think that this the latest I have slept since he was born 4 years ago!!  

The clock I bought him is called American Innovative Teach Me Time! Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight. It can be found at Amazon.com for $40.

Now if anyone has any tips on how to get him to stay in bed at night when we put him down, I would be happy to hear them!!!!!!!!!


MONDAY

She had a bunny shaped sandwich, carrots, grapes, organic honey pretzels, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

TUESDAY

I packed her a tulip shaped sandwich, squeezable applesauce, carrots, a S'mores granola bar, and a Capri Sun.


WEDNESDAY

She had pierogies, a Z-bar, carrots, grapes, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

THURSDAY

I packed her a shamrock shaped sandwich, carrots, popcorn, some green M&Ms, and a Capri Sun.

FRIDAY

She had a leprechaun shaped sandwich, squeezable apple sauce, carrots, popcorn, some green M&Ms, and a Capri Sun.

The products used in this post are listed below.

The container with green inserts is the Rubbermaid LunchBlox entree with trays*.

The clear container with 3 sections is an EasyLunchBox*.  

The tiny clear container is an EasyLunchboxes Mini-Dippers*.

The silicone cups are Wilton pastel cupcake liners*. 

The silicone flower cup* is Wilton.

The squishy packs with the applesauce in them are Squishy Snack Paks.

Check out my review of Squishy Snack Paks here!

*Affiliate links are in the post.

 I'll Be Linking Up At These Parties!

 

Tomato Basil Quinoa

I have been on a quinoa kick lately, so it was just a matter of time before I mixed it with my two favorite things; tomato, and basil. I just love the smell and taste of fresh basil, it soothes my soul.

This dish can be served warm or cold. It is a great side to a meal, but can be served on its own as well.

Tomato Basil Quinoa

1 1/2 cups Quinoa, rinsed and drained

2-4 teaspoons of olive oil

1/2 a small Vidalia onion, finely chopped

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1 handful of fresh basil, chopped

fresh mozzarella pearls, or mozzarella chopped

fresh ground pepper, to taste

sea salt, to taste

1. Cook your quinoa; according to package directions, and set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan, over medium heat. 

3. Add the chopped onion, and cook until translucent.

4. Add the tomato to the onion and cook, stirring frequently until the tomato is soft.

5. Add the basil and cook for 1-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Stir the quinoa into the tomato mixture. 

7. Remove from heat, and stir in the mozzarella cheese.

8. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Serve and enjoy!

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Nutella Puppy Chow

Last week I started a new exercise program, so it makes complete sense that my kids would be begging me to make them a goodie this weekend. We had a pretty busy weekend planned so it had to be something that I had the ingredients for, and something that is super simple to make. A ton of different ideas went through my head, but I knew I would eat them with the kids. My solution was to make something that I am slightly allergic to, so I wouldn't be able to eat a lot of it...LOL!

Nutella Puppy Chow 

Adapted from Chef In Training

1/2 cup butter

1 cup Nutella

1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

13 cups Chex cereal (a 12oz box works fine)- I used Rice Chex

3 cups powdered sugar

1. In a large stock pot, over medium-low heat, melt butter and chocolate chips, stirring constantly. 

2. When it is all melted, turn the heat down to low and add Nutella, stir until mixed.

3. Pour cereal into the Nutella mixture and gently stir until coated.

4. Place 2 cups of powdered sugar in a large bowl that has a lid.

5. Add the Nutella/cereal mixture to the powdered sugar. Place the lid on the bowl and shake. If necessary add more powdered sugar (up to 1 cup) to the bowl, replace lid and shake until all cereal in evenly coated.
6. Pour out onto a cookie sheet and allow to cool

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Lunches Week 27 - {Easter Style}

On Monday I went to Target, and apparently my little stroll through the Easter section, made a huge impact on the lunches I made for my daughter the rest of the week. 

MONDAY

She had taco turkey, shredded cheese, tomatoes, tortilla chips, Greek yogurt (not pictured), and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

TUESDAY

I packed her a carrot shaped sandwich, carrots, wild rice with mixed veggies, a squeezable applesauce, and a Capri Sun.

WEDNESDAY

She had an egg shaped sandwich, white cheddar popcorn, carrots, grapes, and a Capri Sun.

THURSDAY

She had a bunny shaped sandwich, squeezable applesauce, grape tomatoes, popcorn with M&Ms, and a Capri Sun.

FRIDAY

I packed her a bunny shaped sandwich, carrots, grape tomatoes, cheese doodles, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

The products used in this post are listed below.

The container with green inserts is the Rubbermaid LunchBlox entree with trays*.

The clear container with 3 sections is an EasyLunchBox*.  

The tiny clear container is an EasyLunchboxes Mini-Dippers*.

The silicone cups are Wilton pastel cupcake liners*. 

The silicone flower cup* is Wilton.

The squishy packs with the applesauce in them are Squishy Snack Paks.

Check out my review of Squishy Snack Paks here!

*Affiliate Links.

 I'll Be Linking Up At Some Of These Parties!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats

I am totally convinced that cereal was invented so that we could all enjoy cereal treats, not so that it could be drench in milk.  If the Trix Treats I shared with you didn't convince you of this, then the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats I'm sharing today will.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats

Recipe Adapted From Cookies & Cups

1 - 12.2 oz box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch

3 cups Rice Krispies Cereal 

6 Tablespoons Margarine

2 - 10.5 oz. bags of mini marshmallows (set aside 1/2 of one of the bags of marshmallows)

1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (optional)

1. Prepare a 9"x13" baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.

2. In a large stock pot melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add 1 1/2 bags of marshmallows to the pot and stir until they are melted.

4. Remove the pot from the heat. 

5. Add the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Krispies, and 1/2 a bag of mini marshmallows to the pot with the melted marshmallows and butter. Stir until everything is coated.

6.  Spread the cereal mixture in the prepared baking dish. You can either spread the mixture by using a spoon, or my favorite way, spray your hands with a little cooking spray and press it down.

7. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals. 

8. Spread melted chocolate on top of cereal bars.

9. Once cool, cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes.

Everyone loved these just as they were, but next time I think I'll leave the white chocolate off or switch it with milk or dark chocolate.

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Lunches Week 26

This week at my daughter's school they celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday, so of course I had to make her a special Dr. Seuss lunch too!

MONDAY

I packed her heart shaped pancakes and syrup, carrots, apple slices, and a Capri Sun.

I soaked the apples in ginger ale for 10 minutes to prevent browning.

TUESDAY

She had a cupcake shaped* sandwich, pudding, carrots, red peppers, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

WEDNESDAY

I packed her a duck shaped sandwich, carrots, squeezable applesauce, animal cookies, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

THURSDAY

She had a butterfly shaped sandwich, Cheez-Its, carrots, Hello Kitty fruit snacks, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water.

FRIDAY

I packed her a "Cat In The Hat" shaped sandwich, "Cat In The Hat" marshmallows, carrots, Goldfish Crackers "One Fish, Two Fish" style, and a Sistema Twist N' Sip* of water. 

 

The products used in this post are listed below.

The container with green inserts is the Rubbermaid LunchBlox entree with trays*.

The clear container with 3 sections is an EasyLunchBox*.  

The tiny clear container is an EasyLunchboxes Mini-Dippers*.

The silicone cups are Wilton pastel cupcake liners*. 

The silicone flower cup* is Wilton.

The squishy packs with the applesauce in them are Squishy Snack Paks.

Check out my review of Squishy Snack Paks here!

*Affiliate Links.

 I'll Be Linking Up At Some Of These Parties!