Valentine Fudge

Oh fudge.  How I love thee.

This recipe is brought to you just in time to hunt down Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips and turn them into fudge for Valentine's Day.

If you can't locate Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (Amazon link below), or you don't fancy peppermint, I will provide alternate ingredients for ya.

You can thank me later.

But I must highly recommend the peppermint pieces route.  They make for some kick arse pink, minty fudge.

Before you gift this to anyone special, please adhere to Mommyhood packaging standards.  Package beautifully, with care.  Valentine cupcake wrappers are perfect little houses for heart shaped fudge.  Or invest in 1/2 pound candy boxes, and seal with heart stickers.

It's all about presentation.  And fudge.

Chocolate Peppermint Valentine Fudge

1 10 oz bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (OR, if preferred, white chocolate chips)
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk, separated
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Line 8x8 square pan with wax paper (9x12 works as well, just makes a thinner fudge).

Heat heavy saucepan over low heat.  Add milk chocolate chips and 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk.  Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan.

Place pan in fridge, allowing fudge to set.  Reheat saucepan over low heat. Add Andes pieces, reserving 1/4 bag for topping, and other 1/2 can milk.  Stir until smooth. 

Remove chocolate fudge from fridge and pour peppermint fudge over top.  Spread evenly, and gently tap dish to remove air bubbles.  Sprinkle with Andes pieces, gently pressing them into fudge**.

Return to refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before cutting.

I used a small heart cookie cutter for my fudge.  Feel free to do the same, or get crazy and try something else.

After all, it's the weekend.  Crazy is in.

Happy almost weekend!

**If you opted to bake with the white chocolate chips, use red sprinkles or sugars to decorate fudge**

Oh fudge.  How I love thee.

This recipe is brought to you just in time to hunt down Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips and turn them into fudge for Valentine's Day.

If you can't locate Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (Amazon link below), or you don't fancy peppermint, I will provide alternate ingredients for ya.

You can thank me later.

But I must highly recommend the peppermint pieces route.  They make for some kick arse pink, minty fudge.

Before you gift this to anyone special, please adhere to Mommyhood packaging standards.  Package beautifully, with care.  Valentine cupcake wrappers are perfect little houses for heart shaped fudge.  Or invest in 1/2 pound candy boxes, and seal with heart stickers.

It's all about presentation.  And fudge.

Chocolate Peppermint Valentine Fudge

1 10 oz bag Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips (OR, if preferred, white chocolate chips)
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk, separated
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Line 8x8 square pan with wax paper (9x12 works as well, just makes a thinner fudge).

Heat heavy saucepan over low heat.  Add milk chocolate chips and 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk.  Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan.

Place pan in fridge, allowing fudge to set.  Reheat saucepan over low heat. Add Andes pieces, reserving 1/4 bag for topping, and other 1/2 can milk.  Stir until smooth. 

Remove chocolate fudge from fridge and pour peppermint fudge over top.  Spread evenly, and gently tap dish to remove air bubbles.  Sprinkle with Andes pieces, gently pressing them into fudge**.

Return to refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before cutting.

I used a small heart cookie cutter for my fudge.  Feel free to do the same, or get crazy and try something else.

After all, it's the weekend.  Crazy is in.

Happy almost weekend!

**If you opted to bake with the white chocolate chips, use red sprinkles or sugars to decorate fudge**

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

An (almost disastrous) Trip to the Mall

This morning I packed up the Moopa and drove twenty five minutes to the mall.  I had a few Christmas returns in the dining room that were driving me nutty.

I also had several post-holiday coupons burning a hole through my purse.

As I was pulling off the exit at 9:50am, a terrible realization washed over me.  My stroller, with it's snack tray and child-securing you-shall-sit-so-I-can-shop-in-peace straps, was in my garage.

Gasp. 

I quickly remedied the initial stress with a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru.  My debacle called for venti.

This drink helps me to relax and think clearly.  It also makes me happy.

Next stop was the Target adjacent to the mall.  I plopped Moopa in a cart and made record time to the baby aisle.  I perused the stroller selection, looking for the least hideous design with the cheapest price.  I settled on a pink Cosco umbrella stroller.  It required just about no assembly.  It screamed "open and go".

I was meaning to buy a new stroller anyway...wasn't I?  Something lighter and smaller?  With swivel wheels and a small sun shade?

I walked my purchase over the Cafe area, disposed of all packaging, and popped the wheels on that bad boy.

Within 20 minutes of realizing my morning at the mall might play out like a Greek tragedy, the tragedy was averted.

I had a Starbucks in hand and new stroller with a happy Moopa.  She was extra smiley because she managed to swindle a new Cinderella phone out the deal.

Rascal.

As always, a happy Moopa equals more time at the mall.

Have a good one!

This morning I packed up the Moopa and drove twenty five minutes to the mall.  I had a few Christmas returns in the dining room that were driving me nutty.

I also had several post-holiday coupons burning a hole through my purse.

As I was pulling off the exit at 9:50am, a terrible realization washed over me.  My stroller, with it's snack tray and child-securing you-shall-sit-so-I-can-shop-in-peace straps, was in my garage.

Gasp. 

I quickly remedied the initial stress with a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru.  My debacle called for venti.

This drink helps me to relax and think clearly.  It also makes me happy.

Next stop was the Target adjacent to the mall.  I plopped Moopa in a cart and made record time to the baby aisle.  I perused the stroller selection, looking for the least hideous design with the cheapest price.  I settled on a pink Cosco umbrella stroller.  It required just about no assembly.  It screamed "open and go".

I was meaning to buy a new stroller anyway...wasn't I?  Something lighter and smaller?  With swivel wheels and a small sun shade?

I walked my purchase over the Cafe area, disposed of all packaging, and popped the wheels on that bad boy.

Within 20 minutes of realizing my morning at the mall might play out like a Greek tragedy, the tragedy was averted.

I had a Starbucks in hand and new stroller with a happy Moopa.  She was extra smiley because she managed to swindle a new Cinderella phone out the deal.

Rascal.

As always, a happy Moopa equals more time at the mall.

Have a good one!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Memories

Over the past few days I have been experimenting with a digital scrapbooking software called My Memories.  The company was kind enough to contact me and give me a code to test the software. 

And I must admit this stuff is fancy-schmancy.

I have long been a fan of scrapbooking, even though I am limited in my abilities.  What I love about My Memories is how it blends online photo editing with scrapbooking.  But this software is more than just albums and pictures.

You can create movies, photo books, calendars, labels, invitations, gifts and even cupcake liners. 

You can sit for hours creating, all without the mess.

On my sidebar I have a link with a coupon code to save up to $20 on one of the My Memories downloads.  Even if you just want to browse, I encourage anyone who loves to get creative with photos to check the site out.

There are even a few free downloads to enjoy.

On my Reviews Blog, MommyViews, I am hosting a giveaway for a FREE digital scrapbooking download.  Winner will be chosen with enough time to make some awesome homemade Valentine's!

Happy Wednesday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  I am receiving no monetary compensation for this "review", just the pleasure of toying around with the software.

To purchase software, visit My Memories and don't forget to use code STMMMS79034to save up to $20!

Over the past few days I have been experimenting with a digital scrapbooking software called My Memories.  The company was kind enough to contact me and give me a code to test the software. 

And I must admit this stuff is fancy-schmancy.

I have long been a fan of scrapbooking, even though I am limited in my abilities.  What I love about My Memories is how it blends online photo editing with scrapbooking.  But this software is more than just albums and pictures.

You can create movies, photo books, calendars, labels, invitations, gifts and even cupcake liners. 

You can sit for hours creating, all without the mess.

On my sidebar I have a link with a coupon code to save up to $20 on one of the My Memories downloads.  Even if you just want to browse, I encourage anyone who loves to get creative with photos to check the site out.

There are even a few free downloads to enjoy.

On my Reviews Blog, MommyViews, I am hosting a giveaway for a FREE digital scrapbooking download.  Winner will be chosen with enough time to make some awesome homemade Valentine's!

Happy Wednesday!

Mommyhood Footnote:  I am receiving no monetary compensation for this "review", just the pleasure of toying around with the software.

To purchase software, visit My Memories and don't forget to use code STMMMS79034to save up to $20!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Not really sure why I never blogged this recipe?

It wasn't until today when I was asked for it by a fellow foodie, that I remembered that I hadn't!

So thanks for that.... because this is one worth enjoying!!

whipped cream on that?

We started a tradition in December of 2010, of a holiday get together at our house with a few of the couple that we run around with.

It's now referred to as "Holiday Frolic."

It's Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, FUN!

By mid-December, we are all ready for a BREAK, aren't we??

ain't that the truth?

So, everyone brought an appetizer to share, and the martinis were shaken!

"shake it honey!"

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Decorate the inside of a martini glass with a swirl of chocolate syrup.

In an ice-filled martini shaker add:

1 shot of Vanilla Vodka

1 shot of Bailey's 

1 shot of Godiva White Chocolate Liquor

1/2 shot of  Peppermint Schnapps

a splash of cream

Shake well and strain into glass.

Top with whipped cream, and add a candy cane for stirring.

Cheers to the holidays and to Girlfriends!!

Not really sure why I never blogged this recipe?

It wasn't until today when I was asked for it by a fellow foodie, that I remembered that I hadn't!

So thanks for that.... because this is one worth enjoying!!

whipped cream on that?

We started a tradition in December of 2010, of a holiday get together at our house with a few of the couple that we run around with.

It's now referred to as "Holiday Frolic."

It's Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, FUN!

By mid-December, we are all ready for a BREAK, aren't we??

ain't that the truth?

So, everyone brought an appetizer to share, and the martinis were shaken!

"shake it honey!"

White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Martini

Decorate the inside of a martini glass with a swirl of chocolate syrup.

In an ice-filled martini shaker add:

1 shot of Vanilla Vodka

1 shot of Bailey's 

1 shot of Godiva White Chocolate Liquor

1/2 shot of  Peppermint Schnapps

a splash of cream

Shake well and strain into glass.

Top with whipped cream, and add a candy cane for stirring.

Cheers to the holidays and to Girlfriends!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dr. Phil, Thank You

"You've got to do more than tell your child what not to do" ~ Dr. Phil

image via google

I will begin by stating I don't watch Dr. Phil.  I haven't read his books.  I don't read his articles or follow his show.

I'm sure he's fabulous, but he doesn't air on Nickelodeon, Sprout, PBS or the Disney Channel.  Or Good Morning America. 

But a long time ago, I read one of his articles.  Or saw a show.  Ah heck, I can't even tell you where I got this from.

I just remembered it.  And I remembered it was his.  I have kept it with me ever since because it just made sense.  

I have heard countless amounts of parenting advice from countless amounts of people.  We all have.  Everyone loves to share their nap tricks and diapering bravado.  There are recipes to remember and cleaning secrets to try.  As with much of the information my brain has tried to absorb these past 10 years I have forgotten 90% of it.

The best advice has come from my mother.  That I can say with certainty.  

But this advice from Dr. Phil, about "doing more than telling your children what not to do" resonated with me from the moment I heard it.  Or read it.  Or ate it for breakfast.

I like to imagine him saying it in his "twang".

This advice seems so simple.  Of course we need to do more than tell them what not to do.  We all know that.  But we all forget to do it.  And we forget all the time.

"Don't throw sand!"  "Stop yelling in the house!"  "Don't poop on the floor!"  

How many times do we tell them what to do?  How many times do we gently explain what is appropriate?

"We play with sand like this (example), because it hurts when it gets in your eyes." 

"We speak in the house like this (example) because Daddy's on the phone."

"We poop in the toilet like this (example) because..." 

Squash the poop example.  You get the idea.

I will stop here and say I am not perfect.  I am so fabulously far from perfect I could post for hours about all my flaws.  Parenting and otherwise.  I lose my temper and I lose my patience and I constantly lose my keys.

And my mind.

But I have always made an effort to tell my children how to behave.  How to speak.  How to love. 

 

Even better, whenever possible, I show them. 

And I am just sending a reminder to all the mommies and daddies out there to do the same.  I'm even reminding myself.

Because we're not raising babies, we're raising people.

Happy Tuesday!

"You've got to do more than tell your child what not to do" ~ Dr. Phil

image via google

I will begin by stating I don't watch Dr. Phil.  I haven't read his books.  I don't read his articles or follow his show.

I'm sure he's fabulous, but he doesn't air on Nickelodeon, Sprout, PBS or the Disney Channel.  Or Good Morning America. 

But a long time ago, I read one of his articles.  Or saw a show.  Ah heck, I can't even tell you where I got this from.

I just remembered it.  And I remembered it was his.  I have kept it with me ever since because it just made sense.  

I have heard countless amounts of parenting advice from countless amounts of people.  We all have.  Everyone loves to share their nap tricks and diapering bravado.  There are recipes to remember and cleaning secrets to try.  As with much of the information my brain has tried to absorb these past 10 years I have forgotten 90% of it.

The best advice has come from my mother.  That I can say with certainty.  

But this advice from Dr. Phil, about "doing more than telling your children what not to do" resonated with me from the moment I heard it.  Or read it.  Or ate it for breakfast.

I like to imagine him saying it in his "twang".

This advice seems so simple.  Of course we need to do more than tell them what not to do.  We all know that.  But we all forget to do it.  And we forget all the time.

"Don't throw sand!"  "Stop yelling in the house!"  "Don't poop on the floor!"  

How many times do we tell them what to do?  How many times do we gently explain what is appropriate?

"We play with sand like this (example), because it hurts when it gets in your eyes." 

"We speak in the house like this (example) because Daddy's on the phone."

"We poop in the toilet like this (example) because..." 

Squash the poop example.  You get the idea.

I will stop here and say I am not perfect.  I am so fabulously far from perfect I could post for hours about all my flaws.  Parenting and otherwise.  I lose my temper and I lose my patience and I constantly lose my keys.

And my mind.

But I have always made an effort to tell my children how to behave.  How to speak.  How to love. 

 

Even better, whenever possible, I show them. 

And I am just sending a reminder to all the mommies and daddies out there to do the same.  I'm even reminding myself.

Because we're not raising babies, we're raising people.

Happy Tuesday!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pocket Pies

Happy National Pie Day!!

heart shaped spiced peach pie pockets

I found these ADORABLE pocket pie presses made by Nordic Ware a week or so ago and 

of course I fell in love.

I (heart) Pie

I mean, c'mon, I LOVE anything heart and of course, PIE!
So this morning I decided in honor of National Pie Day I would bake up something cute for dessert tonight.

What makes a Monday better than dessert, right?


Here was the problem at hand... WHAT kind of pie to make?
The recipe that Nordic gave was for raspberry pie.  Now I would love that, but my oldest daughter hates ANYTHING with seeds. Raspberries were out.

I decided on a spiced peach pie filling.  I used a can of peach pie filling, cut the peaches into smaller bites,  and jazzed it up with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and a pinch of cloves.

just a pinch will do ya!


I *almost* always make my own pie crust.  But today I cheated and bought the Pillsbury roll out kind.
They worked just great!

filling the pie press

When they are pressed you simply lay them on a parchment covered baking sheet, brush them with beaten egg and dust them sugar.  I used cinnamon sugar to amplify the "spice" flavor!

ready to go in the oven!

When I was little my Grandma always made my favorite pie as a child, Chocolate Meringue, when I would visit her. She made the most amazing pie crust!! 

After she had the pie ready to go in the oven, there was always "left over" pie crust.  She would roll it out for me and dust it with cinnamon and sugar.  I would stand by the oven wand watch it bake!!

I don't know what I was more excited about, that cinnamon pie crust, or the actual pie itself!

I decided to do the same today with what I had left over.
I cut them out in heart shapes with my medium sized scalloped heart cookie cutter and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon and sugar.

hearts dusted and ready for the oven


The pies bake quickly, only about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
They smelled HEAVENLY!!

warm from the oven


The hearts only baked about 9 minutes.

I love how they got all puffy!


I sampled a couple ( I made extra! ) with my coffee while they were warm!!


Serving them with Blue Bunny Cinnamon ice cream.
There is plenty of filling left over, so I think topping the ice cream with that is an outstanding idea!!

mmmmm yummy.



Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pie Pockets

1 can peach pie filling, cut peaches into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
2 Pillsbury roll out pie crusts
cinnamon sugar mixture
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine pie filling with ginger and cloves and set aside.
Each pie crust will initially make 2 pockets.  Cut pockets out as directed on pie press package.
With a pastry brush brush egg around edges of hearts.
Fill with 2 Tablespoons of filling.
Press together, remove and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush tops of pies with egg, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Bake pies approximately 15 minutes.

I made five pockets out of the 2 crusts, after rolling the leftover crust back out. I could have gotten six,  but tonight I only need five.

I used the remaining to cut my heart shaped pie crusts out, and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake the cinnamon pie pieces only about 9 minutes.

this was seriously, so. darn. good.


Happy Monday, and Happy National Pie Day, friends!!

Thanks for visiting, I just love having company over.

Come back soon!

Happy National Pie Day!!

heart shaped spiced peach pie pockets

I found these ADORABLE pocket pie presses made by Nordic Ware a week or so ago and 

of course I fell in love.

I (heart) Pie

I mean, c'mon, I LOVE anything heart and of course, PIE!
So this morning I decided in honor of National Pie Day I would bake up something cute for dessert tonight.

What makes a Monday better than dessert, right?


Here was the problem at hand... WHAT kind of pie to make?
The recipe that Nordic gave was for raspberry pie.  Now I would love that, but my oldest daughter hates ANYTHING with seeds. Raspberries were out.

I decided on a spiced peach pie filling.  I used a can of peach pie filling, cut the peaches into smaller bites,  and jazzed it up with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and a pinch of cloves.

just a pinch will do ya!


I *almost* always make my own pie crust.  But today I cheated and bought the Pillsbury roll out kind.
They worked just great!

filling the pie press

When they are pressed you simply lay them on a parchment covered baking sheet, brush them with beaten egg and dust them sugar.  I used cinnamon sugar to amplify the "spice" flavor!

ready to go in the oven!

When I was little my Grandma always made my favorite pie as a child, Chocolate Meringue, when I would visit her. She made the most amazing pie crust!! 

After she had the pie ready to go in the oven, there was always "left over" pie crust.  She would roll it out for me and dust it with cinnamon and sugar.  I would stand by the oven wand watch it bake!!

I don't know what I was more excited about, that cinnamon pie crust, or the actual pie itself!

I decided to do the same today with what I had left over.
I cut them out in heart shapes with my medium sized scalloped heart cookie cutter and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon and sugar.

hearts dusted and ready for the oven


The pies bake quickly, only about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
They smelled HEAVENLY!!

warm from the oven


The hearts only baked about 9 minutes.

I love how they got all puffy!


I sampled a couple ( I made extra! ) with my coffee while they were warm!!


Serving them with Blue Bunny Cinnamon ice cream.
There is plenty of filling left over, so I think topping the ice cream with that is an outstanding idea!!

mmmmm yummy.



Heart Shaped Spiced Peach Pie Pockets

1 can peach pie filling, cut peaches into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
2 Pillsbury roll out pie crusts
cinnamon sugar mixture
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine pie filling with ginger and cloves and set aside.
Each pie crust will initially make 2 pockets.  Cut pockets out as directed on pie press package.
With a pastry brush brush egg around edges of hearts.
Fill with 2 Tablespoons of filling.
Press together, remove and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush tops of pies with egg, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Bake pies approximately 15 minutes.

I made five pockets out of the 2 crusts, after rolling the leftover crust back out. I could have gotten six,  but tonight I only need five.

I used the remaining to cut my heart shaped pie crusts out, and brushed them with egg and dusted them with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake the cinnamon pie pieces only about 9 minutes.

this was seriously, so. darn. good.


Happy Monday, and Happy National Pie Day, friends!!

Thanks for visiting, I just love having company over.

Come back soon!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tale of a Garage Treadmill

If anyone isn't a regular reader of this blog (gasp), they may need a refresher on my treadmill debacle.

Long story short, it didn't fit down my basement stairs.  My carpeted, semi-cozy basement which was awaiting its arrival.

It now resides in my garage.

Longer story is here.  Read up if want a chuckle.

Anywho, last week I was determined to get back on the horse.  From March until November I make every effort possible to run a few miles at least five times a week.  I run during naps, before Hubby leaves for work or after he returns home.

Over the summer months I love my runs enough to run four miles most days.  Sometimes more.

My story changes once the weather turns.  Around the end of October I lose my steam.  Every year, I take a "running hiatus" from November until January.  I give myself permission to let myself do nothing in terms of exercise.  I accept the fact that I will be cursing my way back into shape.

When my treadmill was forced to live in my garage, alongside the garbage pails and paint cans, I was left no choice but to make some lemonade.

Hubby positioned our new hamster wheel to face the windows.  We added a small space heater, which truthfully does just about nothing.

Last week, I bundled up and hopped on that treadmill for my first run since October.  The garage was a balmy 45 degrees. 

I forced a 5K right out of me.  Once I hit two miles I knew another mile was somewhere deep inside.

And it was. 

To everyone out there who is "resoluting" to exercise, I say get on that horse.  Push through the winter blues in your winter hat and bright pink fleece.

And watch those minivans drive by as you plug away on that hamster wheel.

If anyone isn't a regular reader of this blog (gasp), they may need a refresher on my treadmill debacle.

Long story short, it didn't fit down my basement stairs.  My carpeted, semi-cozy basement which was awaiting its arrival.

It now resides in my garage.

Longer story is here.  Read up if want a chuckle.

Anywho, last week I was determined to get back on the horse.  From March until November I make every effort possible to run a few miles at least five times a week.  I run during naps, before Hubby leaves for work or after he returns home.

Over the summer months I love my runs enough to run four miles most days.  Sometimes more.

My story changes once the weather turns.  Around the end of October I lose my steam.  Every year, I take a "running hiatus" from November until January.  I give myself permission to let myself do nothing in terms of exercise.  I accept the fact that I will be cursing my way back into shape.

When my treadmill was forced to live in my garage, alongside the garbage pails and paint cans, I was left no choice but to make some lemonade.

Hubby positioned our new hamster wheel to face the windows.  We added a small space heater, which truthfully does just about nothing.

Last week, I bundled up and hopped on that treadmill for my first run since October.  The garage was a balmy 45 degrees. 

I forced a 5K right out of me.  Once I hit two miles I knew another mile was somewhere deep inside.

And it was. 

To everyone out there who is "resoluting" to exercise, I say get on that horse.  Push through the winter blues in your winter hat and bright pink fleece.

And watch those minivans drive by as you plug away on that hamster wheel.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad