Halloween 2011

The trick or treating is over, the goblins are in bed, and this mommy is exhausted. I wanted to share a few quick pics before I turn into a pumpkin.

I had a 20% off coupon so I let the kids choose their costumes at the Disney Store this year. I always had high expectations of making costumes for my kids (ok not actually "making" so much as putting together pieces to make one cheaper than buying one premade), but it's just not in the cards time wise.

They went straight for exactly what I knew they would.

I present Captain Hook and Ariel.

This was Riley's first time trick or treating and let me tell you, she caught on real quick! She RAN to each door and started knocking before I could even turn up the walkway.

This guy was a little slower, but thought he was pretty cool carrying his bucket with his hook.

Makes a great Captain Hook face, doesn't he?

They had a fun night, got lots of candy and looked super cute doing it.

Now it's on the next big holiday ~ Black Friday!!! Oops, I mean Thanksgiving...

Happy Halloween everyone!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 31) Chili - A Halloween Tradition

Well, it's DAY 31!! I did it!! I made it all the way through the challenge!!!

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE. 

So I'm a little bit glad this is over, I really enjoyed writing all of these posts, and getting back into the kitchen again. No matter if you're just cooking for two, or a family of eight, there's a sense of pride that comes with being able to create meals and serve them to your family. I've found some new recipes, remembered some that I haven't made in a while, and had a few mishaps along the way. All in all, I consider this challenge a success!

Here's the final meal of the series.

I used to spend a lot of time with my cousin's family when they lived nearby. One of her traditions that I always loved was chili on Halloween. I knew that I wanted to continue that tradition with my own family and I have. However, just like chicken noodle soup, there are a ton of chili recipes. This is my personal recipe.

Super Easy Chili
1 pound of ground beef
1/2 an onion, diced
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 can chili beans
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles and spices (like Ro-tel)

1. Heat a small amount of oil in a pot. Add onion and cook until soft.
2. Add garlic and stir.
3. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink.
4. Drain.
5. Return meat to the pot, add chili beans (with liquid) and tomatoes (with liquid). Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for an hour.

It's a very simple recipe, that is easy to make. It can also easily be done in the crockpot (you have to cook the ground beef first). I puree the tomatoes since no one in my family likes the tomatoes.

Thanks for stickin' around for these 31 posts! It's been fun but I'm ready to start sharing some other projects. I'll be back in a couple days to share some of what's comin' up!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 29) Mini Apple Pie Cups

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.

To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE. 

It's DAY 29!!!! I am so proud of myself for following through with this challenge. I veered slightly from the original path, since I actually planned to cook a little more than I did, but nonetheless, I tried a bunch of new recipes, pulled some old one out of the files, and even created a new recipe of my own! Read on to find out what that I created...

This may or may not be something new, but I searched the internet for something like this and couldn't find anything. So, I dub this my original creation! Woo-hoo! (if you've made this, or seen a recipe somewhere, please don't tell me. Let me revel in my pride for a few days.)

The other night I had a combination of things going on. I was craving something sweet, but not too sweet, I wanted to use up my last three apples and I needed a couple more posts for 31 Days of Simply Homemade. I didn't have much in the house to do any baking. No butter, no brown sugar, no eggs. But I did have biscuit dough, sugar and three apples.

Mini Apple Pie Cups
3 small or 2 large apples
3/4 cup white or brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or apple pie spice or just cinnamon would do)
2 1/2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup apple juice
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon, or pumpkin or apple pie spice

1. Peel, core, and dice your apples.

If you're cool like me, you'll peel it all in one strip. Oh yeah.

I yielded about 2 cups of apples, diced.

2. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until boiling. Mix flour and apple juice together and stir with a fork or whisk until there are NO lumps. Add to the apples to help thicken. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes.  Uncover the apples and remove from heat. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Before:

After:

Pretty, huh?

3. Mix 3 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon or spice together and set aside. Grease eight muffin cups in a pan. Press one biscuit into each cup making sure the dough comes up over the sides. (Now, here's what I would have done differently - roll or press the dough on a cutting board FIRST, then press into muffin cups. This would have made the cups thinner on the bottom and sides). Dust with cinnamon-sugar.

Place a scoop of apples into each cup. Dust with cinnamon-sugar again.

Press apple down into the cups gently.

4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.

5. Enjoy them. A lot.

I can see these making their debut at a party in the near future. Easy to pick up with your hands and eat as well. These little mini apple pies were absolutely delicious. Or maybe it was the taste of victory. I can't be sure.

These would be perfect for Thanksgiving, don't ya think??

Linking:
Midwestern Sewing Girl's Thanksgiving Party!
Under the Table and Dreaming
Tempt My Tummy
Tuesday's Treasures
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 28) Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Bake

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE. 

I've had trouble coming up with the last few recipes I wanted to share for 31 Days. I thought I'd clear the cobwebs off of a few from the beginning of my first blog, Betty Crocker Wannabe. I still make this dish at least once a month. I think we'll be having it next week!

Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Bake

Ingredients:
3 small chicken breasts, cooked & cubed
1 can of cream of chicken soup (I used the reduced fat version)
1/2 can nonfat milk
About 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1-2 cups shredded Cheddar or Jack cheese
garlic powder (to taste)
pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
Breadcrumbs (optional)

Stir soup and milk together until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients, except 1/4 cup cheese and breadcrumbs, and mix. Pour into greased 9"x9" pan. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

This can easily be prepared the night before, and put into the oven when it's time for dinner. I usually serve this with a salad. I'd like to add veggies to it, but my kids would freak out if I did. Thinking some chili powder or Parmesan cheese might add a nice zing and round out the flavor. What do you think?
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 27) Arroz con Pollo/Chicken and Spanish Rice

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE. 

I love Mexican food. It's probably the one type of food I could serve in my home every day of the week and never get bored of it.

This is my cousin's recipe, which was taught to her by her husband's mother, who is from Mexico (never left, actually), and it tastes just like it came from an authentic Mexican restaurant. When we visit our cousin's home in Yuma, Arizona, we always know we are going to get amazing food because this woman is who has taught her all of these amazing authentic Mexican dishes. I love to add chicken to it, but it's amazing just on it's own.

The recipe calls for tomato bouillon, which has MSG, so obviously it's not exactly "good" for you, but I only use it when making this dish, and I don't do that often. I'm sure you could use chicken bouillon in it's place.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp oil
1 cup regular white rice
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 cups water
2 tsp tomato bouillon (or chicken)

1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp chopped garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
2 chicken breasts, shredded into chunks (optional)

Heat oil over medium high heat in a saute pan. Add rice and stir constantly until lightly browned.

Turn heat down and add the water and tomato sauce slowly and carefully to avoid splatters. Stir in seasonings.

Turn heat back up to medium high and bring to a boil.

Place chicken on top of the rice (this step is of course optional). Cover and turn heat down to low.

Cook for 24 minutes.

This is what it looks like when you open the lid. I forgot to take a picture before I started stirring it up. Doh.

This is seriously the best Spanish Rice I've ever tasted. It's fluffy and moist and yummy. Even better than some restaurants, I might add. Now, go make some!
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Mexican Chicken Casserole {31 Days of Simply Homemade: Day 26}

We went to a birthday party a couple of weeks ago and my friend made this awesome casserole (original recipe from Allrecipes). I had two helpings. I hadn't eaten breakfast, and it was really, really good. Don't judge me.

I decided to make it for my family as part of our three meals, one bag 'o chicken menu. I decided to take lots of pictures of this one. I don't know why. But I'm going to show them to you because I know you want to check out my hot photography skills. (I love my camera).

I followed the base recipe, but made some changes. Here's my version:

Mexican Chicken Casserole:

3 chicken breasts, diced, about 2 cups

1 cup salsa

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/2 4 oz. can diced green chiles (or use the whole can if you want a little more kick)

1/2 15 oz. can black beans

1 cup sour cream

1 tomato, diced

2 green onions, sliced

2 cups shredded cheddar/jack cheese

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8" square or round dish.

2. Place cooked chicken in a saute pan, add salsa and cream cheese and heat through until cream cheese is melted.

3. Add black beans and green chiles and heat through.

4. Layer ingredients in your prepared dish as follows:

Crushed tortilla chips

Chicken mixture

Sour cream

Tomatoes

Green Onions

Cheese

5. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with your favorite Mexican side dishes!

You could certainly leave out the cream cheese, but I like the creamy texture. This is similar to a green chili chicken enchilada recipe I have. Hmm, might have to dig that one out next...



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My Dresser is Being Featured on Roadkill Rescue!!!!!

Ohmygosh!!! I got an email yesterday that Beckie is featuring my daughter's dresser makeover  on Roadkill Rescue today!!! (insert happy dance here).

Beckie has five (yes FIVE) amazing blogs and I'm so excited to be one of her features. I encourage you to go check her out NOW!

And if you are visiting from Beckie's blog, Welcome!!! I'm so glad you are here. I have lots of other projects that I've posted here on the blog; you can find some of my favorites on the sidebar. I also offer printables and blog design (Christmas printable party coming in December!!). Currently I'm posting a series of recipes and cooking posts called "31 Days of Simply Homemade."

Thanks for stopping by, and if you're not already I hope you will become a friend of A Simply Klassic Home!!

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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 25) My Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

*This is the first of three chicken recipe posts. I created three meals from one bag of frozen chicken breasts. Bam. (sorry, couldn't resist).

My Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
It is important to state that this is MY recipe, not The Pioneer Woman's, not Betty Crocker's, just Mine. Not that there's are bad, or anything, ya know. But just like meatloaf, if you search for chicken noodle soup recipes online, you will find, oh, about a million.

I prefer not to touch chicken bones (ew) so I make a water/broth first with boneless chicken breasts, then add one package of broth and a cube of bouillon.

Ingredients
10 cups water
1 package frozen boneless chicken breasts (about 8-10 breasts)
36 oz package of chicken broth
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion diced
2 tbsp chopped garlic2-3 carrots, diced
2 celery stacks, diced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 bayleaf
1/2 package of egg noodles

First , boil the water, then add the frozen chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then turn to medium heat and boil for about an hour to an hour and a half. Remove chicken breasts, and strain broth into a bowl.

Add olive oil to the pot. Saute onions until just soft, then add garlic, carrots and celery. Saute for a few minutes, then add the broth from the cooked chicken and the package of broth and bring to a boil. Add the bouillon cube and stir until dissolved.

Shred or chop about three chicken breasts. Add seasonings and chicken to the broth and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.Add the egg noodles and cook about ten minutes, or until noodles are done.

Serve with a side salad and lots of warm bread. Yum. Chicken Noodle Soup=Perfect comfort food.

This recipe makes about six servings.

Tomorrow I will share the second chicken recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole.
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 24) Halloween S'mores Teacher Gift & Printable

You may not have known this, but in my late teens and early 20s, I was a preschool teacher. I taught for six years, only to realize that (unfortunately) preschool teachers are just not regarded as true "teachers" but more as babysitters, especially when you are working in a full time care setting versus a half day program, and this is evident in the salary. At times it can really seem a thankless job. Don't get me wrong, I really did love my job but it just didn't pay the bills.

Since that experience, It has been my goal that I would make sure my children's teachers, from preschool through high school (or as long as my children will let me!) know that they are appreciated, at least by me! I also want to make sure to teach my children small ways to show appreciation for the people who care for them day in and day out.

Last week I showed you what my kids are taking to school to share with their friends, and today I'm going to show you what they are taking for their teachers!

Another Pinterest inspiration! I knew this would be a cute and inexpensive way to show the kids' teachers that we appreciate them.

Here's what you need to make your own S'mores treat bag:
2 Halloween Peeps Ghosts (they have jack-o-lanterns too!!)
2 Graham crackers
2 Hershey's chocolate minis

Put all ingredients in cello bag, tie with a cute ribbon and you've got a super cute gift that anyone would love to get!

I made the tags in Photoshop and if you'd like them here they are. Just click to enlarge, right click, and save.
 

You could use Publisher or Photoshop to add text, or simply hand write. Printables are for personal use only.

Just a small, simple treat, but their teachers will know that we love them, and that's what really matters!

How do you show appreciation to the caregivers in your children's lives?
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 23) Menu Plan

This week we have lots going on, and two nights where we won't be home until late, so the dinners are gonna be easy ones!

Last night I boiled and shredded/chopped a bag of frozen chicken breast so I would have meat to make three meals this week.

Sunday: Chicken Noodle Soup
Monday: Arroz con Pollo
Tuesday: Mexican Chicken Casserole
Wednesday: choir night - kid's choice
Thursday: Burritos
Friday: Halloween carnival at school
Saturday: Leftovers

I'm leaving Saturday open as leftover night, since we may have plans that night. Hopefully cooking the meat this weekend will help me better follow along this plan!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: (Day 22) Mini Meatloaf in Under 30

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

I had every intention of making a crockpot meatloaf last night. I mixed the ingredients, had it all ready to go, and then forgot to put it in the crockpot. Dangit.

So, when I got home from work and needed to have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, I made "mini-meatloaves" instead!

25 Minute Mini-Meatloaves
*If you were to search for a meatloaf recipe, you will find about a thousand...this is my personal go-to recipe, and I don't actually measure, so amounts are approximate.
1 lb ground beef/pork/turkey or a mixture
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp worsteshire
2 tsp season salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp chopped onion
1 egg

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Shape into six mini-loaves and place in a greased 9x13 pan. Spread a little ketchup or tomato sauce on top to keep from drying out.

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20 minutes.

This was an easy one for me to make quickly after work and not have to wait an hour for a full meatloaf to cook. Throw it in the oven, throw the kids in the bath, and when the bath is done, dinner is done!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: {Day 21} Pork Fried Rice (An Idea for Leftovers)

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

Yesterday I shared my favorite recipe for slow cooker pork tenderloin. As I stated, whenever I make any type of white rice, I double the amount I need. Today I'm going to show you what I do with the leftovers...

A couple of days later, I took out the leftover rice and pork and threw it in a skillet with a little oil, some salt & pepper, onion & garlic powders, soy sauce and egg and voila! Pork Fried Rice!

Pork Fried Rice
2 cups cold cooked rice, straight out of the fridge
Pork, chopped, (leftover chicken or steak works well also)
2 eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
1 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Garlic powder
Chopped veggies (carrots, corn, bell pepper, onion, etc)

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a very hot skillet or wok. Saute the vegetable and the meat until veggies are soft and meat is heated through. Add rice and stir fry well. Make a large well in the center of the rice mixture by pushing the rice to the sides of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs, one at a time, into the center well and scramble continuously. Once cooked, incorporate into the rice and repeat for the second egg. Turn heat to low, stir in soy sauce then remove from heat.

I realize that it would look much prettier with some colorful veggies, but then my family wouldn't eat it and that would kind of defeat the purpose. So, I serve a salad on the side.

Two meals, one great recipe!

What do you do with your leftovers?
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31 Days: (Day 20) Halloween Treat Mix and Free Printable Label

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

My kids are attending a new preschool this year, and I love it. The teachers are wonderful, the director is so sweet and my kids are learning something new every day. I cannot tell you the joy it brings my heart to hear them singing songs about Jesus, and telling me all of the things they learned that day.

One of the things I do miss, however, is that they don't have a Halloween party. Being a more conservative Christian school, they focus on the "harvest" instead, which is perfectly fine with me, since I'm not a huge fan of Halloween anyway.

I knew I wanted to make up some kind of treat for my kids to take to school, like I did last year, but without a party I knew I had to come up with something different. When I saw this photo on Pinterest, I thought it would be perfect for a school snack for Halloween! I mentioned it to the director and she loved the idea! And since I couldn't just send it to school in a plain 'ol ziplock baggie, I made a little printable label to go with it.

Ingredients:
Autumn M n Ms candies
Chocolate Cherrios
Candy corn
Raisins
Dried cranberries
Pretzels
Cheese-its

The idea is to include any snack food that is in the same fall color family. Other alternatives include: Cocoa Puffs, peanuts, Honey Nut Cherrios, Bugles, Goldfish, Reese's Pieces.

If you'd like, you can have the printable. Just click on it to enlarge, then right click and save. It's made to fit a standard, snack-size ziploc bag. I added text to the back side with my children's names on it. You could do this in Publisher, or simply write on it. Enjoy!

For PERSONAL USE ONLY. Not to be claimed as your own or sold for profit. Thank you.


On Monday I'll show you what my kids are giving to their teachers!

I"m linking to:
House of Hepworths
Tatertots And Jello
At the Picket Fence
The Shabby Nest
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Under the Table and Dreaming

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31 Days of Simply Homemade: {Day 19} Amazing Pork Tenderloin

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

I love cooking meals that can do double time. This Pork Tenderloin recipe is not only amazing and tasty and wonderful, but you can save the leftovers, and have a whole other meal!

Amazing Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
2 pounds pork tenderloin
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup apple juice
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste
 
Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet. Pour water, juice, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible. Sprinkle with pepper, cover, and cook on low setting for 4-5 hours. When serving, I always pour a little of the leftover liquid on top as I plate it.

Doesn't this look yummy??

I serve this with sticky rice and veggies. I cook twice the amount of sticky rice we need, and I will show you why in tomorrow's post!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: {Day 18} Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

When I saw this recipe on Pinterest I knew it was right up my ally.

These are the only ingredients:

A can of pumpkin and a box of cake mix. Of course I added my own touches, but seriously this "semi-homemade" recipe couldn't be easier!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
(I know what you're thinking...PUMPKIN and CHOCOLATE? But oh yes, let me tell you - This. Is. Awesome. Seriously, you can't beat the subtle taste of pumpkin with the added sweetness of milk chocolate.)

1 box of Yellow Cake Mix
1 can Pumpkin
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (optional)

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spraying 2 muffin pans with cooking spray or lining them with cupcake liners.

Beat pumpkin, cake mix and optional spice with a mixer on medium/low speed until well combined. I was a little nervous not adding any liquids to the mix, but the batter came out nice and thick and smooth.

Add the chocolate chips and fold just until incorporated. Using a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop, fill muffin pans about 2/3 of the way with batter.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

You could add a little dusting of powdered sugar for some added yumminess. The boy absolutely loved these and requested them in his lunch every day until they were gone (which wasn't long!)

Now, go make these! You can thank me later!!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: {Day 17} Pizza Pockets

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

I don't know about you, but I love Hot Pockets. Don't judge.

However, they can get pretty pricey. I mean, a box of two pockets costs anywhere from $2.50 to $4, right?

So I decided to see about making them myself.

Here's how I did it:

Simply Homemade Pizza Pockets
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 pound ground beef
2 Tbsp diced onions
1 Tbls minced garlic
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
1/2 cup mozzerella cheese
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for a few minutes until they are just soft. Add garlic and mix. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, add salt and pepper to your liking. Cook thoroughly, drain and return to skillet. Add tomato sauce and cheese and mix well.

Spread crescent dough rectangles on a cookie sheet, pressing seems together. Spoon about 2 tbsp meat mixture onto dough and fold two opposite sides, then bring up the other two sides to form a pouch.

Now, I actually made these two different sizes. The smaller ones, using just a triangle of the dough, worked well for my munchkins.

Just roll them up like you would a regular crescent roll and pinch the sides closed.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven.

They were really good, and the kids of course loved them. Add a little ranch or even marinara for dipping and you will have happy campers all around!

He likes it! He really, really likes it!!

I have tons of recipes for crescent rolls. Think I may have to break out another one...

Do you have a favorite semi-homemade recipe?


Linking up:
House of Hepworths
Tempt My Tummy
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Life, Blog News and 31 Days Menu Plan

It's time again to lay out the menu plan for the week.

I don't know why I bother, because I've been a slacker this week and only cooked two of the meals I said I would - FAIL!

But it's a new week so we shall try again!

Menu Plan for the week of October 16
Sunday: We're going to a Hockey Game!!! GO DUCKS!!!
Monday: Pork Tenderloin
Tuesday: Crockpot Meatloaf
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Thursday: Lemon Chicken
Friday: Pizza Pockets
Saturday: Babysitter's choice (Mommy's goin' out!)

Now for some miscellany life and blog news...

As much as I'm enjoying my 31 Days series, I feel like I haven't had any time to share our lives with you! So here's what's up...

We had family photos taken today and the photographer was so amazing! She was actually a friend I knew in high school and she's awesome! We had so much fun and I can't wait to be able to share the photos with you all. She said it would only take a week or at most, two. Wow!

I am so excited to be taking Cooper to his first hockey game tomorrow!! He is just about beside himself with excitement. My dad was always a huge, HUGE hockey fan and I'm thrilled to be able to pass that on to my son. I got him a jersey for his birthday and personalized it with a nickname that was my dad's, my brother's, my sister's and now is passed down to my son. {GO DUCKS!!}

I got a little ancy with my blog design and made some changes. What do you think? I LOVE IT! I think it's my favorite design to date. I redesigned the Simply Klassic Design site as well so they are coordinating. I thought it might be a good time for a GIVEAWAY in case any of you are thinking about making some changes to YOUR blogs; watch for that coming soon after the 31 days series is finished. I'll be offering a holiday design special as well.

I have something else fun in the works too...coming in December: 12 Days of Christmas Printables. I have several new FREE printables designed or in the works, and I've even asked a couple of bloggy friends to help me out by designing one for you as well. I can't wait!!!

Whew! Lots going on, so stick around!!!
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31 Days of Simply Homemade: {Day 15} White Chocolate Popcorn

For all of the 31 Days of Simply Homemade posts, see HERE.
To see all of the Day One with a complete list of 31 Days posts, see HERE.

As promised, here's the recipe for the white chocolate popcorn, originally from Perfectly Imperfect:

White Chocolate Popcorn
1 bag of microwave Kettle Corn
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Yup, that's it!

Pop the popcorn in the microwave - watch closely so it doesn't burn. Remove and pour popcorn into a bowl.

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwavable dish at 20 second intervals, stirring each time. This usually takes about a minute, but watch closely so as not to overcook.

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the popcorn and stir. Serve in a pretty bowl.

This has become another addition to my sweet treats for parties list.
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