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Reindeer Cupcakes

I have wasted much time this morning fuddling with my blog header, making a mess of it, and eventually giving up until I have more time to waste.

With a school gift fair awaiting my arrival, I shall make my Reindeer Cupcake post simple and concise.

To make these cupcakes:

DO use any flavor cupcake mix you desire and bake as directed.

DO frost generously with chocolate frosting, and use small pretzels for antlers.

DO have red M&M's handy, preferably the festive holiday version currently overpriced at several supermarkets.  Use red M&M for Rudolph's nose.

DO make your life simple and place a dab of vanilla frosting where each eye is to be placed, and use any small chocolate you have for the eyes.  I used chocolate chips.

DON'T leave finished cupcakes on dining room table, comfortably in reach of toddler.
Mommyhood Footnote:  I apologize to the fifth grade class.  Moopa ate some of your profits for today's bake sale.

Happy Wednesday!
I have wasted much time this morning fuddling with my blog header, making a mess of it, and eventually giving up until I have more time to waste.

With a school gift fair awaiting my arrival, I shall make my Reindeer Cupcake post simple and concise.

To make these cupcakes:

DO use any flavor cupcake mix you desire and bake as directed.

DO frost generously with chocolate frosting, and use small pretzels for antlers.

DO have red M&M's handy, preferably the festive holiday version currently overpriced at several supermarkets.  Use red M&M for Rudolph's nose.

DO make your life simple and place a dab of vanilla frosting where each eye is to be placed, and use any small chocolate you have for the eyes.  I used chocolate chips.

DON'T leave finished cupcakes on dining room table, comfortably in reach of toddler.
Mommyhood Footnote:  I apologize to the fifth grade class.  Moopa ate some of your profits for today's bake sale.

Happy Wednesday!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Bake Along Challenge: Rainbow Cookies

Hugs & Cookies xoxo - "Rainbow Cookies" - Bake Along

This week I did my second bake along challenge given to me by Danielle at  Hugs & Cookies XOXO

The bake along was for her Rockin' Rainbow Cookies. 

Now let me just back up and tell you that I have always loved to cook, but I have never really thought of myself as much of a baker. 

When I joined the bake along,  I knew that I would be making somethings out of my "comfort zone" 
and things they I would normally not make.

That's why I joined!! 

Not to mention, it's really fun!

Danielle said that these are the first cookies gone off of her cookie plates, I will have to say that hers, are MUCH prettier than mine!

Here are hers:



I decided to change it up a bit and make them more Christmasy, 

 Using red, white and Green batter and white chocolate for the outside.

my (not so rockin') rainbow cookies


I'm not sure what went wrong with mine?

She dunks hers in chocolate, and I thought that looked cool! 
The recipe said to frost the tops, but I decided to follow her lead and dunk mine!

When I dunked them, the cakey crumbs fell into the chocolate and then stuck to the outside!!  
The chocolate seemed really thick?

So, after I had dunked and dusted a few with sprinkles to cover up the crumbs,
 I decided to ":frost" the tops of the others. 

They are really pretty, and they taste super good.  

I love raspberry and almond, I cut mine with a biscuit cutter




Here is Hugs & Cookies XOXO Recipe:


Rockin' Rainbow Cookies



8 OUNCES ALMOND PASTE
3/4 C SUGAR
1/2 TSP. ALMOND EXTRACT
3/4 C. BUTTER (1 1/2 STICKS)
3 EGGS
1 C. FLOUR
1/4 TSP. SALT
2/3 C.RASPBERRY JAM
1 BAG GHIRADELLI BITTERSWEET CHOC CHIPS



LINE THREE 8X8 PANS WITH NONSTICK FOIL.  PREHEAT OVEN TO 350.  IN MIXER, BEAT ALMOND PASTE, SUGAR, EXTRACT AND BUTTER TILL CREAMY.  ON MEDIUM, ADD EGGS TILL INCORPORATED.  ON LOW, ADD FLOUR AND SALT.  DIVIDE THE BATTER EVENLY INTO 3 BOWLS-APPROX. 1 CUP IN EACH.  TINT EACH BOWL A DIFF COLOR:PINK, YELLOW, GREEN.  SPREAD EACH INTO ONE OF THE PANS AND SPREAD EVENLY WITH OFFSET SPATULA.  BAKE 10-12 MINS UNTIL JUST BEGINNING TO BROWN IN CORNERS.  DON'T  LET CAKES BROWN.  COOL 30 MINUTES IN PANS.  FLIP ONE LAYER ONTO COOKIE SHEET LINED WITH NONSTICK FOIL AND PEEL AWAY THE FOIL IT BAKED ON.  SPREAD ON 1/3C. JAM.  FLIP ANOTHER LAYER ONTO THE JELLY-REMOVE FOIL AND SPREAD WITH THE REST OF THE JAM.  TOP WITH FINAL LAYER.  IF YOU LIKE YOURS FLATTER, PLACE FOIL ON TOP AND WEIGH DOWN WITH HEAVVVY BOOKS AND/OR CAS TO FLATTEN WHILE CHILLING IN FRIDGE. I DID NOT WEIGH THESE DOWN AS I WANTED A TALLER PRESENTATION.  ONCE FIRM, MELT CHOC CHIPS IN MICROWAVE AND SPREAD ON TOPS.  CHILL AGAIN.  LET SIT A FEW MINS AT ROOM TEMP BEFORE CUTTING OR CHOCOLATE WILL CRACK.



THIS RECIPE DOUBLES WELL-JUST USE 9X13 PANS.  FOR THE ONES ABOVE I CUT THE COOKIES USING COOKIE CUTTERS AND FULLY DIPPED IN THE MELTED CHOCOLATE!  SO PSYCHED TO SEE YOURS! SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO ADD CHOC SPRINKLES ON TOP TOO-JUST AN IDEA!




ooey gooey raspberry center


So, All in all, I guess they weren't a total failure.  In my book, they can't be bad if they taste that good!

My oldest daughter keeps making me laugh, she keeps saying, 

"can I have another one of those colored zebra cakes?!



Happy Baking!!

Michaela
Hugs & Cookies xoxo - "Rainbow Cookies" - Bake Along

This week I did my second bake along challenge given to me by Danielle at  Hugs & Cookies XOXO

The bake along was for her Rockin' Rainbow Cookies. 

Now let me just back up and tell you that I have always loved to cook, but I have never really thought of myself as much of a baker. 

When I joined the bake along,  I knew that I would be making somethings out of my "comfort zone" 
and things they I would normally not make.

That's why I joined!! 

Not to mention, it's really fun!

Danielle said that these are the first cookies gone off of her cookie plates, I will have to say that hers, are MUCH prettier than mine!

Here are hers:



I decided to change it up a bit and make them more Christmasy, 

 Using red, white and Green batter and white chocolate for the outside.

my (not so rockin') rainbow cookies


I'm not sure what went wrong with mine?

She dunks hers in chocolate, and I thought that looked cool! 
The recipe said to frost the tops, but I decided to follow her lead and dunk mine!

When I dunked them, the cakey crumbs fell into the chocolate and then stuck to the outside!!  
The chocolate seemed really thick?

So, after I had dunked and dusted a few with sprinkles to cover up the crumbs,
 I decided to ":frost" the tops of the others. 

They are really pretty, and they taste super good.  

I love raspberry and almond, I cut mine with a biscuit cutter




Here is Hugs & Cookies XOXO Recipe:


Rockin' Rainbow Cookies



8 OUNCES ALMOND PASTE
3/4 C SUGAR
1/2 TSP. ALMOND EXTRACT
3/4 C. BUTTER (1 1/2 STICKS)
3 EGGS
1 C. FLOUR
1/4 TSP. SALT
2/3 C.RASPBERRY JAM
1 BAG GHIRADELLI BITTERSWEET CHOC CHIPS



LINE THREE 8X8 PANS WITH NONSTICK FOIL.  PREHEAT OVEN TO 350.  IN MIXER, BEAT ALMOND PASTE, SUGAR, EXTRACT AND BUTTER TILL CREAMY.  ON MEDIUM, ADD EGGS TILL INCORPORATED.  ON LOW, ADD FLOUR AND SALT.  DIVIDE THE BATTER EVENLY INTO 3 BOWLS-APPROX. 1 CUP IN EACH.  TINT EACH BOWL A DIFF COLOR:PINK, YELLOW, GREEN.  SPREAD EACH INTO ONE OF THE PANS AND SPREAD EVENLY WITH OFFSET SPATULA.  BAKE 10-12 MINS UNTIL JUST BEGINNING TO BROWN IN CORNERS.  DON'T  LET CAKES BROWN.  COOL 30 MINUTES IN PANS.  FLIP ONE LAYER ONTO COOKIE SHEET LINED WITH NONSTICK FOIL AND PEEL AWAY THE FOIL IT BAKED ON.  SPREAD ON 1/3C. JAM.  FLIP ANOTHER LAYER ONTO THE JELLY-REMOVE FOIL AND SPREAD WITH THE REST OF THE JAM.  TOP WITH FINAL LAYER.  IF YOU LIKE YOURS FLATTER, PLACE FOIL ON TOP AND WEIGH DOWN WITH HEAVVVY BOOKS AND/OR CAS TO FLATTEN WHILE CHILLING IN FRIDGE. I DID NOT WEIGH THESE DOWN AS I WANTED A TALLER PRESENTATION.  ONCE FIRM, MELT CHOC CHIPS IN MICROWAVE AND SPREAD ON TOPS.  CHILL AGAIN.  LET SIT A FEW MINS AT ROOM TEMP BEFORE CUTTING OR CHOCOLATE WILL CRACK.



THIS RECIPE DOUBLES WELL-JUST USE 9X13 PANS.  FOR THE ONES ABOVE I CUT THE COOKIES USING COOKIE CUTTERS AND FULLY DIPPED IN THE MELTED CHOCOLATE!  SO PSYCHED TO SEE YOURS! SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO ADD CHOC SPRINKLES ON TOP TOO-JUST AN IDEA!




ooey gooey raspberry center


So, All in all, I guess they weren't a total failure.  In my book, they can't be bad if they taste that good!

My oldest daughter keeps making me laugh, she keeps saying, 

"can I have another one of those colored zebra cakes?!



Happy Baking!!

Michaela
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Festive Cherry Pie Jell-O

cherry pie jell-o

I would just like to make it known that I am not a huge fan of Jell-o.  
It's okay in it's plain form, but when those Jell-o salads start getting funky stuff like marshmallows, cool whip, fruit and even NUTS? in them... that's when my nose has always turned up.

My Aunt Carol is an awesome cook, and we take turns throughout the year having dinner at their house and at our house. I always look forward to her meals.

A couple of years back, she made this Jell-o and I almost didn't try it.  

But I couldn't hurt her feelings, and honestly... my kids are there, I always make sure they try EVERYTHING, so I have to set an example right?

So I did.

And boy was I glad.

So, here is where I start over. 

I have never been a huge fan of Jell-O. 

But I have ALWAYS been a huge fan of PIE!

I especially love cherry pie.  Something about cherry pie filling is just 

so.darn.good.



This recipe is super easy, and can I just tell you my favorite thing to make when I make a ham?  
They pair together perfectly. 
With the holidays coming up, ham season is here, 
And it's red, so it's festive.
It's again, easy, and it certainly won't break the bank.

Give it a whirl...
It might make a Jell-o believer outta you!





Cherry Pie Jell-O

1 large box of cherry Jell-O
Water
1 Can of Cherry Pie filling

Dissolve jell-o in 2 cups of boiling water.  Add 1 1/2 cups of cold water, 
 put Jell-o in the refrigerator to set.
When the Jell-O is set, stir can of pie filling into prepared Jell-O.

Ding! Done.



cherry pie jell-o

I would just like to make it known that I am not a huge fan of Jell-o.  
It's okay in it's plain form, but when those Jell-o salads start getting funky stuff like marshmallows, cool whip, fruit and even NUTS? in them... that's when my nose has always turned up.

My Aunt Carol is an awesome cook, and we take turns throughout the year having dinner at their house and at our house. I always look forward to her meals.

A couple of years back, she made this Jell-o and I almost didn't try it.  

But I couldn't hurt her feelings, and honestly... my kids are there, I always make sure they try EVERYTHING, so I have to set an example right?

So I did.

And boy was I glad.

So, here is where I start over. 

I have never been a huge fan of Jell-O. 

But I have ALWAYS been a huge fan of PIE!

I especially love cherry pie.  Something about cherry pie filling is just 

so.darn.good.



This recipe is super easy, and can I just tell you my favorite thing to make when I make a ham?  
They pair together perfectly. 
With the holidays coming up, ham season is here, 
And it's red, so it's festive.
It's again, easy, and it certainly won't break the bank.

Give it a whirl...
It might make a Jell-o believer outta you!





Cherry Pie Jell-O

1 large box of cherry Jell-O
Water
1 Can of Cherry Pie filling

Dissolve jell-o in 2 cups of boiling water.  Add 1 1/2 cups of cold water, 
 put Jell-o in the refrigerator to set.
When the Jell-O is set, stir can of pie filling into prepared Jell-O.

Ding! Done.



reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Homemade Christmas Decorating Ideas via Pinterest

While I run to the store and make my first of several returns for the season, I shall share some of my favorite Christmas decor from Pinterest.

There is no better time wasting site than Pinterest.  If you are not already addicted, save yourself and forget I ever mentioned the place.

My current handmade favorites...

Excellent and easy outdoor idea:

Arm yourself with colorful cookie cutters, ribbon and a glue gun for this one:

Gorgeous for the window:

The mantle, using paper Christmas plates:

December 1st is Thursday.  Get your decorating boots on and get to work!

xo
While I run to the store and make my first of several returns for the season, I shall share some of my favorite Christmas decor from Pinterest.

There is no better time wasting site than Pinterest.  If you are not already addicted, save yourself and forget I ever mentioned the place.

My current handmade favorites...

Excellent and easy outdoor idea:

Arm yourself with colorful cookie cutters, ribbon and a glue gun for this one:

Gorgeous for the window:

The mantle, using paper Christmas plates:

December 1st is Thursday.  Get your decorating boots on and get to work!

xo
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Christmas Classic

The past few days, with Christmas music and movies officially "in season", we have watched quite a bit of Rudolph.

I only bring out Christmas movies, decor, music and anything else "holiday" the week of Thanksgiving.  On January 1st, we tuck everything safely away until Christmas comes round' again.

Every Christmas season, for as long as I can remember, I have watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  I can still see myself in my parent's kitchen, sporting my feet pajamas, awaiting the Rudolph special.

When I was growing up DVD's didn't exist and VHS tapes were few and far between.  We patiently waited for the once or twice showing on the cable networks.  And we watched every minute, commercials included.

Commercials were for "wishing".  And we wished for it all.

I will never tire of these Christmas classics.  I hold them as close to my heart as I hold Skinny Minty ice cream.

And as outdated as those little clay figures appear, they will never go out of style.
image via www.tvparty.com

Happy start to the holiday season!

The past few days, with Christmas music and movies officially "in season", we have watched quite a bit of Rudolph.

I only bring out Christmas movies, decor, music and anything else "holiday" the week of Thanksgiving.  On January 1st, we tuck everything safely away until Christmas comes round' again.

Every Christmas season, for as long as I can remember, I have watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  I can still see myself in my parent's kitchen, sporting my feet pajamas, awaiting the Rudolph special.

When I was growing up DVD's didn't exist and VHS tapes were few and far between.  We patiently waited for the once or twice showing on the cable networks.  And we watched every minute, commercials included.

Commercials were for "wishing".  And we wished for it all.

I will never tire of these Christmas classics.  I hold them as close to my heart as I hold Skinny Minty ice cream.

And as outdated as those little clay figures appear, they will never go out of style.
image via www.tvparty.com

Happy start to the holiday season!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

If You Want Somethin' Done...

For the past two football banquets, my son's team has had no year end video.  We sit through every other team's music and photos on a large projection screen.  Our players wait and wait, and no video featuring their football season appears.

This year, I blogged much about their losing record.  These boys also experienced an abrupt end to their season due to a freak October snow.  Their football season has been peppered with obstacles.

Today is our football program's banquet, and our team deserves a film to commemorate their season.  Last night I asked Hubby to email the head coach to make sure someone prepared a film. 

Just as I suspected, no one had. 

Now, I have never made a DVD in my life.  I am lucky I have taught myself to edit photos and keep a blog.  But this mama was not having 28 hard working football players disappointed.  Last night I opened our "DVD Maker" program on our computer and I got to work.

I scrolled through hundreds of photos and dug out my old Guns N Roses "Use Your Illusion II" compact disc. 

And I made a pretty awesome tribute film for 28 super awesome boys.

If you want something done, fight through your computer illiteracy and do it yourself. 

Hallelujah and Happy Sunday!

Mommyhood Footnote: Long live Axl Rose.
For the past two football banquets, my son's team has had no year end video.  We sit through every other team's music and photos on a large projection screen.  Our players wait and wait, and no video featuring their football season appears.

This year, I blogged much about their losing record.  These boys also experienced an abrupt end to their season due to a freak October snow.  Their football season has been peppered with obstacles.

Today is our football program's banquet, and our team deserves a film to commemorate their season.  Last night I asked Hubby to email the head coach to make sure someone prepared a film. 

Just as I suspected, no one had. 

Now, I have never made a DVD in my life.  I am lucky I have taught myself to edit photos and keep a blog.  But this mama was not having 28 hard working football players disappointed.  Last night I opened our "DVD Maker" program on our computer and I got to work.

I scrolled through hundreds of photos and dug out my old Guns N Roses "Use Your Illusion II" compact disc. 

And I made a pretty awesome tribute film for 28 super awesome boys.

If you want something done, fight through your computer illiteracy and do it yourself. 

Hallelujah and Happy Sunday!

Mommyhood Footnote: Long live Axl Rose.
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Forever Thankful

Thankful for family.  Thankful for good friends. 

Thankful for warm hugs and wet munchkin kisses. 

I have a roof over my head all day, I have a pillow for my head at night.  We enjoy very occasional nights out and we laugh together on many nights spend in. 

I'm thankful we have food in the fridge, and I have the luxury of setting the thermostat at a toasty 65 degrees.

Our house is not fancy, but we have one.  My couches may have tears and marker scribbles, but they sure are cozy. 

Our life is full.  Our health is strong.  Our struggles are small in comparison to what I've seen in my lifetime.

And I haven't seen much. 

I'm forever thankful, in everything. 

Always.

Wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY Thanksgiving!
image via Google Images
Thankful for family.  Thankful for good friends. 

Thankful for warm hugs and wet munchkin kisses. 

I have a roof over my head all day, I have a pillow for my head at night.  We enjoy very occasional nights out and we laugh together on many nights spend in. 

I'm thankful we have food in the fridge, and I have the luxury of setting the thermostat at a toasty 65 degrees.

Our house is not fancy, but we have one.  My couches may have tears and marker scribbles, but they sure are cozy. 

Our life is full.  Our health is strong.  Our struggles are small in comparison to what I've seen in my lifetime.

And I haven't seen much. 

I'm forever thankful, in everything. 

Always.

Wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY Thanksgiving!
image via Google Images
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Thanksgiving, Really?

I feel as though I blinked and it's November.  Last I remember it was Halloween.

I'm guessing the chaos of snow in October, and going a week without Internet or phone afterward assisted in the time lapse.

This evening in Shop Rite was my first "the holidays are upon us" experience.  I struggled to navigate my cart through the swarms of shoppers as I perused the baking aisle.  Throughout the store people were busy loading their carts with yams, brown sugar, turkeys, hams, stuffing and cans of gravy.

I bought a chocolate covered marshmallow Santa and three 1/2 gallons of Turkey Hill Ice Cream.
The ice cream was on sale for $1.99.  Nothing like a good deal during the holidays.

I have no excuse for the marshmallow Santa.  It was just nice to see him again.

Wishing everyone a stress-free kick-off to the holiday season!  Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving!
I feel as though I blinked and it's November.  Last I remember it was Halloween.

I'm guessing the chaos of snow in October, and going a week without Internet or phone afterward assisted in the time lapse.

This evening in Shop Rite was my first "the holidays are upon us" experience.  I struggled to navigate my cart through the swarms of shoppers as I perused the baking aisle.  Throughout the store people were busy loading their carts with yams, brown sugar, turkeys, hams, stuffing and cans of gravy.

I bought a chocolate covered marshmallow Santa and three 1/2 gallons of Turkey Hill Ice Cream.
The ice cream was on sale for $1.99.  Nothing like a good deal during the holidays.

I have no excuse for the marshmallow Santa.  It was just nice to see him again.

Wishing everyone a stress-free kick-off to the holiday season!  Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Happy 9th Birthday to Our Twins... Tie Dye Cupcakes and Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

tie dye birthday party cupcakes


ice cream sandwich cake

This past weekend we celebrated the birth of our twins.  They turned nine on Sunday!

When they were born, I said I would never call them "the twins." For a very long time we called them "the babies."  I know that they will always be MY babies, but once they began elementary school I started getting some strange looks when I said it.

Sure I can call them by name, and we do, but when you're "lumping them together" in conversation, it's hard not to call them the twins. 

When they were born, our son, "Baby A" was born exactly one minute early.  He brags about being older to her all of the time. I really think she likes being the baby though...so it worked out okay!

We were so blessed that our twins were healthy and weighed a good amount when they were born.  I was in the hospital with toxemia for 3 days prior to their birth.  The doctors were waiting until they were 34 weeks gestation. The day that they were, they weighed me at 8 AM, then again at noon. I had gained 4 pounds in 4 hours!  I was so full of water, my feet looked like Fred Flintstone's. 

My doctor decided we couldn't wait any longer.

We had already anticipated a C Section, because Baby A was breach. I had never had a C Section before and I was scared. The known C Section became an emergency C Section, because they were coming early!

Ready or not... here they come!

Hayden and Josie were born, and weighed 6.4 and 6.5!

They were able to go to the regular nursery, and bypass the NICU. 

Praise, God!

here they are...my BABIES!!  I wish I could just pick them up and kiss those chubby baby cheeks!!

For the first two years of their life they weighed within a couple of ounces of  each other. Then Josie had a growth spurt that has continued! I know that someday she won't outweigh her brother by 10+ pounds, but it does bother him! (especially when he weighs in for sports!!)

Anymore, people question whether or not they are twins, or just close in age. 

So, I guess calling them "the twins" just clarifies that!

For their birthday, they invited a few friends to a local business here called CREATE. It is an awesome place where people can do all kinds of art and projects.  They have camps during the summer and on school breaks that my kiddos LOVE to attend!  So this was what they decided would be a fun time for them and their friends!

They painted canvases for their rooms, using paints and stamps and stencils.  Kiersten, did such an awesome job with the kids!

Kiersten helping Hayden and Josie


some of the drying art work

the kids and their masterpieces

After they painted they opened gifts and enjoyed the tie dye cupcakes that the three of us had made!

how cool are these?!?


I arranged the cupcakes on a painting palette, aren't they cute!?


tie dye cupcakes


ready to blow out the candles


cupcake anticipation

the girls with Josie


The party was held on Saturday.

Yesterday, Sunday, was their real birthday. Keeping with tradition, they got to choose what they wanted Mom to make for dinner. Sometimes with twins, that can get very interesting.

This year, since their day was on a weekend, they conspired to get two meals out of the deal!

For breakfast, Hayden chose Dad's omelets. Daddy makes the best omelets!


omelet on the "birthday plate"

For dinner, Josie chose Shrimp and Crab pasta.  This is a family favorite!! I have already posted this recipe and you can find it HERE.

shrimp and crab pasta on the "birthday plate"


Time for Birthday cake! (or pie...)

Josie is a pie eater like her mom!! She asked for a Village Inn French Silk pie.  Hayden requested an ice cream sandwich cake. This is a cake I have made A LOT, and I always manage to make it different.

Hayden's ice cream sandwich cake

here are my BIG 9 year olds with their desserts


I have never made tie dye cupcakes before.  I have seen people post them online, and always wanted to try!  I was trying to decide what would be cool for treats for an art themed birthday and figured I had my chance!

There really isn't a "recipe" so I will tell you what I did.

Tie Dye Cupcakes

Make a white cake mix according to the box instructions. Divide batter into four bowls (or however many colors you want) I used red, blue, yellow and green. Color the batter with food coloring.

Spoon colors randomly into cupcake liners.  After that, take a toothpick and give the batter a quick swirl!

Bake them and you will get this out of the oven!

psychedelic!

I made my buttercream recipe and I flavored it with almond, because my kids love that!  I colored the frosting to match the cupcakes and frosted them with a knife so they would be smooth, and look like paints on my palette.

Ta-Da!


ice cream sandwich cake


The ice cream sandwich cake recipe is from Kraft.  I made this for Easter a couple of years ago and the kids polished it off!!   Whenever I make it, it always turns out different.  This time, I made it with Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches! For this size I used the basic recipe. I topped it with more hot fudge and Hayden added some jimmies. I sprinkled more cookie crumbs around the bottom.

Last year for my oldest son's birthday I tripled it and made this huge one for him and his friends.

triple batch ice cream sandwich cake

I will share the recipe as Kraft has it on their website, by sharing the link to it. 
But use your imagination! The options are endless!



Ice Cream Sandwich Cake




I hope they had a great birthday, they sure seemed to!! 


Happy Birthday, BABIES!!


Love, 
Mom









tie dye birthday party cupcakes


ice cream sandwich cake

This past weekend we celebrated the birth of our twins.  They turned nine on Sunday!

When they were born, I said I would never call them "the twins." For a very long time we called them "the babies."  I know that they will always be MY babies, but once they began elementary school I started getting some strange looks when I said it.

Sure I can call them by name, and we do, but when you're "lumping them together" in conversation, it's hard not to call them the twins. 

When they were born, our son, "Baby A" was born exactly one minute early.  He brags about being older to her all of the time. I really think she likes being the baby though...so it worked out okay!

We were so blessed that our twins were healthy and weighed a good amount when they were born.  I was in the hospital with toxemia for 3 days prior to their birth.  The doctors were waiting until they were 34 weeks gestation. The day that they were, they weighed me at 8 AM, then again at noon. I had gained 4 pounds in 4 hours!  I was so full of water, my feet looked like Fred Flintstone's. 

My doctor decided we couldn't wait any longer.

We had already anticipated a C Section, because Baby A was breach. I had never had a C Section before and I was scared. The known C Section became an emergency C Section, because they were coming early!

Ready or not... here they come!

Hayden and Josie were born, and weighed 6.4 and 6.5!

They were able to go to the regular nursery, and bypass the NICU. 

Praise, God!

here they are...my BABIES!!  I wish I could just pick them up and kiss those chubby baby cheeks!!

For the first two years of their life they weighed within a couple of ounces of  each other. Then Josie had a growth spurt that has continued! I know that someday she won't outweigh her brother by 10+ pounds, but it does bother him! (especially when he weighs in for sports!!)

Anymore, people question whether or not they are twins, or just close in age. 

So, I guess calling them "the twins" just clarifies that!

For their birthday, they invited a few friends to a local business here called CREATE. It is an awesome place where people can do all kinds of art and projects.  They have camps during the summer and on school breaks that my kiddos LOVE to attend!  So this was what they decided would be a fun time for them and their friends!

They painted canvases for their rooms, using paints and stamps and stencils.  Kiersten, did such an awesome job with the kids!

Kiersten helping Hayden and Josie


some of the drying art work

the kids and their masterpieces

After they painted they opened gifts and enjoyed the tie dye cupcakes that the three of us had made!

how cool are these?!?


I arranged the cupcakes on a painting palette, aren't they cute!?


tie dye cupcakes


ready to blow out the candles


cupcake anticipation

the girls with Josie


The party was held on Saturday.

Yesterday, Sunday, was their real birthday. Keeping with tradition, they got to choose what they wanted Mom to make for dinner. Sometimes with twins, that can get very interesting.

This year, since their day was on a weekend, they conspired to get two meals out of the deal!

For breakfast, Hayden chose Dad's omelets. Daddy makes the best omelets!


omelet on the "birthday plate"

For dinner, Josie chose Shrimp and Crab pasta.  This is a family favorite!! I have already posted this recipe and you can find it HERE.

shrimp and crab pasta on the "birthday plate"


Time for Birthday cake! (or pie...)

Josie is a pie eater like her mom!! She asked for a Village Inn French Silk pie.  Hayden requested an ice cream sandwich cake. This is a cake I have made A LOT, and I always manage to make it different.

Hayden's ice cream sandwich cake

here are my BIG 9 year olds with their desserts


I have never made tie dye cupcakes before.  I have seen people post them online, and always wanted to try!  I was trying to decide what would be cool for treats for an art themed birthday and figured I had my chance!

There really isn't a "recipe" so I will tell you what I did.

Tie Dye Cupcakes

Make a white cake mix according to the box instructions. Divide batter into four bowls (or however many colors you want) I used red, blue, yellow and green. Color the batter with food coloring.

Spoon colors randomly into cupcake liners.  After that, take a toothpick and give the batter a quick swirl!

Bake them and you will get this out of the oven!

psychedelic!

I made my buttercream recipe and I flavored it with almond, because my kids love that!  I colored the frosting to match the cupcakes and frosted them with a knife so they would be smooth, and look like paints on my palette.

Ta-Da!


ice cream sandwich cake


The ice cream sandwich cake recipe is from Kraft.  I made this for Easter a couple of years ago and the kids polished it off!!   Whenever I make it, it always turns out different.  This time, I made it with Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches! For this size I used the basic recipe. I topped it with more hot fudge and Hayden added some jimmies. I sprinkled more cookie crumbs around the bottom.

Last year for my oldest son's birthday I tripled it and made this huge one for him and his friends.

triple batch ice cream sandwich cake

I will share the recipe as Kraft has it on their website, by sharing the link to it. 
But use your imagination! The options are endless!



Ice Cream Sandwich Cake




I hope they had a great birthday, they sure seemed to!! 


Happy Birthday, BABIES!!


Love, 
Mom









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The Elf on the Shelf

Next week, our elf Stanley will be arriving at our home.  He is a trusted elf, straight from Santa's workshop.

He has been visiting our home for several years, and he has truly given us one of our most cherished holiday traditions.

Stanley arrives right after Thanksgiving, and he stays through Christmas Eve.  He watches all we do, and he makes nightly trips to the North Pole to report back to Santa.

Stanley is a gem.  He waits for the munchkins to find him every morning, and he brings all necessary correspondence with him when he makes his nightly voyage to Santa.  This cuts back on postage costs and keeps all "wish lists" up to date.

The only trick with Stanley is you can't touch him.  If he is touched, his magic is gone.

And this Elf is true magic in our home.  He is a refreshing, welcome guest throughout the Christmas season.

If you celebrate this season with Santa, I highly recommend welcoming one of Stanley's friends your home. They may look a tad creepy, but they sure do lend a hand. 

And a watchful eye. 

Read more about Stanley here.  And then get your butt to the local bookstore.

No time for the bookstore?  Amazon has your back.

Next week, our elf Stanley will be arriving at our home.  He is a trusted elf, straight from Santa's workshop.

He has been visiting our home for several years, and he has truly given us one of our most cherished holiday traditions.

Stanley arrives right after Thanksgiving, and he stays through Christmas Eve.  He watches all we do, and he makes nightly trips to the North Pole to report back to Santa.

Stanley is a gem.  He waits for the munchkins to find him every morning, and he brings all necessary correspondence with him when he makes his nightly voyage to Santa.  This cuts back on postage costs and keeps all "wish lists" up to date.

The only trick with Stanley is you can't touch him.  If he is touched, his magic is gone.

And this Elf is true magic in our home.  He is a refreshing, welcome guest throughout the Christmas season.

If you celebrate this season with Santa, I highly recommend welcoming one of Stanley's friends your home. They may look a tad creepy, but they sure do lend a hand. 

And a watchful eye. 

Read more about Stanley here.  And then get your butt to the local bookstore.

No time for the bookstore?  Amazon has your back.

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A Not-So Twilight Night

I am horrified to admit I did not attend the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn last night.  I unsuccessfully scrambled for weeks to find a theater showing all four Twilight movies in a row.

When Eclipse premiered, myself, my sister and my sister-in-law bought tickets to a "Twilight Experience".  The evening was positively awesome.  We wore our "Team Edward" tees and in between movies we shuffled in and out of our seats for popcorn, potty breaks and soda refills.

Yes, we are corny and we love it.
This year, with work, Gymnastics practices, cub scout meetings, and school bus arrivals we could not make a midnight movie.  We are die-hard "Twi-Tards", yet here I sit, with no memories of a Breaking Dawn movie last night.

We could have scrambled to the theater, waited in line and returned home jubilant but sleepy eyed.  We instead have chosen to wait until tomorrow.  If we weren't getting the "Twilight Experience", we at least wanted to get dinner.

Mommies have to chose their outings wisely.

Hope all the Twi-Moms had a fabulous evening at Breaking Dawn!
I am horrified to admit I did not attend the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn last night.  I unsuccessfully scrambled for weeks to find a theater showing all four Twilight movies in a row.

When Eclipse premiered, myself, my sister and my sister-in-law bought tickets to a "Twilight Experience".  The evening was positively awesome.  We wore our "Team Edward" tees and in between movies we shuffled in and out of our seats for popcorn, potty breaks and soda refills.

Yes, we are corny and we love it.
This year, with work, Gymnastics practices, cub scout meetings, and school bus arrivals we could not make a midnight movie.  We are die-hard "Twi-Tards", yet here I sit, with no memories of a Breaking Dawn movie last night.

We could have scrambled to the theater, waited in line and returned home jubilant but sleepy eyed.  We instead have chosen to wait until tomorrow.  If we weren't getting the "Twilight Experience", we at least wanted to get dinner.

Mommies have to chose their outings wisely.

Hope all the Twi-Moms had a fabulous evening at Breaking Dawn!
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Thanksgiving Dessert: Rice Krispie Turkey Pops

This week Kellogg's was kind enough to email me their Thanksgiving Recipes.  Thank you Kellogg's.

In this informative email, they had a recipe to make Turkey Pops.  They are certain to please young palates everywhere.

The Kellogg's recipe used melted chocolate to coat the krispie, I used chocolate frosting.  Chocolate frosting is quicker and more "user friendly".  I also used the candy corn tips for eyes rather than purchase any small white candies.

For Thanksgiving I will go the "dipped in chocolate route", but for this example I felt the need to keep everything as simple as possible.

Rice Krispie Turkey Pops
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
  • - or -
  • 4 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 6 cups rice krispie cereal (a shout out to Kelloggs for the great recipe) 
  • 1 container chocolate frosting
  • 1 1/3 cups candy corn
  • 24 lollipop sticks or wooden ice cream sticks 

Directions

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add rice krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.

3.  Using two butter coated sandwich bags, shape mixture into balls slightly larger than golf balls.
4.  Gently cut white off of two candy corns for eyes, set aside.

5.  With chocolate frosting, coat the top half of the krispie ball.  Add 4-5 candy corns (pressing top of candy corn down into ball)  along top to create feathers.  Add eyes.

6.  Press candy corn into center for nose.
7.  If desired, insert Popsicle stick.

Arrange pops in a glass for easy transportation, and enjoy!
This week Kellogg's was kind enough to email me their Thanksgiving Recipes.  Thank you Kellogg's.

In this informative email, they had a recipe to make Turkey Pops.  They are certain to please young palates everywhere.

The Kellogg's recipe used melted chocolate to coat the krispie, I used chocolate frosting.  Chocolate frosting is quicker and more "user friendly".  I also used the candy corn tips for eyes rather than purchase any small white candies.

For Thanksgiving I will go the "dipped in chocolate route", but for this example I felt the need to keep everything as simple as possible.

Rice Krispie Turkey Pops
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
  • - or -
  • 4 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 6 cups rice krispie cereal (a shout out to Kelloggs for the great recipe) 
  • 1 container chocolate frosting
  • 1 1/3 cups candy corn
  • 24 lollipop sticks or wooden ice cream sticks 

Directions

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add rice krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.

3.  Using two butter coated sandwich bags, shape mixture into balls slightly larger than golf balls.
4.  Gently cut white off of two candy corns for eyes, set aside.

5.  With chocolate frosting, coat the top half of the krispie ball.  Add 4-5 candy corns (pressing top of candy corn down into ball)  along top to create feathers.  Add eyes.

6.  Press candy corn into center for nose.
7.  If desired, insert Popsicle stick.

Arrange pops in a glass for easy transportation, and enjoy!
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Gift Ideas to Support Our Local Communities

With the holidays rapidly approaching, and Black Friday sales being advertised everywhere we turn, what to give this season is most definitely a hot topic.

I received a wonderful email this week that stressed the importance of supporting our local communities.  Obviously there are many items that we will be buying at big name retailers, especially when price is most important.

But for many friends and family, a gift that supports the "mom and pop" businesses is unique.  And it is much appreciated.

For these small businesses, you are not just a number.  You are a face, and a name.  Supporting them gives to your loves ones, but to your community as well.

This year think about a gift certificate to grab dinner at a local restaurant.  Not a national chain, but a family owned establishment.  Buy a basket of baked good from the bakery, or a platter from the deli around the corner.

Stop in that small gift shop downtown.  Paint pottery, browse handmade crafts or have professional pictures taken by a local photographer.

Give a small membership to a local gym, or a gift card to have a car detailed.  Support your favorite hairdresser and give a certificate for a new cut and color. 

This season, let's have concern for small businesses, neighbors and our friends.

We can all save money on that new string of Christmas lights and tip our mailman instead.  We can eat local, and tip our servers.  We can remember our teachers, garbage men and our babysitters.

I'll be buying plenty where the price is right, but I'll also be plunking down some "green" right downtown.

Hope you all do the same! 

Have a fabulous Wednesday!  

Mommyhood Footnote:  Check out the 3/50 Project, which helps us all locate and support the "mom and pop" shops nearby!
With the holidays rapidly approaching, and Black Friday sales being advertised everywhere we turn, what to give this season is most definitely a hot topic.

I received a wonderful email this week that stressed the importance of supporting our local communities.  Obviously there are many items that we will be buying at big name retailers, especially when price is most important.

But for many friends and family, a gift that supports the "mom and pop" businesses is unique.  And it is much appreciated.

For these small businesses, you are not just a number.  You are a face, and a name.  Supporting them gives to your loves ones, but to your community as well.

This year think about a gift certificate to grab dinner at a local restaurant.  Not a national chain, but a family owned establishment.  Buy a basket of baked good from the bakery, or a platter from the deli around the corner.

Stop in that small gift shop downtown.  Paint pottery, browse handmade crafts or have professional pictures taken by a local photographer.

Give a small membership to a local gym, or a gift card to have a car detailed.  Support your favorite hairdresser and give a certificate for a new cut and color. 

This season, let's have concern for small businesses, neighbors and our friends.

We can all save money on that new string of Christmas lights and tip our mailman instead.  We can eat local, and tip our servers.  We can remember our teachers, garbage men and our babysitters.

I'll be buying plenty where the price is right, but I'll also be plunking down some "green" right downtown.

Hope you all do the same! 

Have a fabulous Wednesday!  

Mommyhood Footnote:  Check out the 3/50 Project, which helps us all locate and support the "mom and pop" shops nearby!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Homemade Runzas (bierocks) and some birthday love to my "Sistah"

homemade Runzas


I was one of those unfortunate girls that grew up without a sister.

I have, however, been so blessed though, to be surrounded by wonderful girlfriends.

I met my friend, Teresa in middle school.  She and I have been close ever since.

She doesn't have a sister, either.

So, for the longest time, we have referred to each other as "sistah."  People have been asking us for years if we were, so we figured that we would run with it!

When we were Seniors in High School, Teresa and I both took our first plane trip to San Diego.

here we are on the plane... check out that 80's hair, baby!

We had such a fantastic time!

She and I couldn't have been more different in High School. She was a cheerleader, and involved in so much. I just "put my time in " at school, and lived for my job and the weekends. 
(don't get me wrong, I wasn't a sluff-off... I just wasn't all rah-rah I love High School!)

She and I have spent so many nights having sleepovers and talking into the wee hours about all things important. (boys...duh!)

When I was in high school I  worked at Berman's Leather as a sales associate.  I LOVED that job!!  

I was so sad the last day that I worked there.

Teresa took a job right down the mall from me at a shoe store, called Backstage.  
I think this is where our love of shoes began!!
It was awesome to have her working just down the mall from me.  We hung out all of the time!
(did we get into a little trouble? us? no way!)

One of the things T and I loved to do was go to concerts!!  
Have I mentioned what a 80's hair band rocker I was??

T and I before a concert in the late 80's

Well, we grew up, and I got married and Teresa finished college right about the time I had my first child.  
Teresa took a job with Merck Pharmaceuticals.
 She was placed in Louisiana! I was devastated!

(sad face)

She has always made it a point to come home to visit me.  And no matter how much distance is between us,  or how much time passes,  we pick up right where we left off.

When we had our second child, we asked Teresa to be her God-Mother.  Teresa has always flown home whenever the kids had an important event.

this is T with our oldest daughter, her God-daughter,  this year in California


When our twins were born, 6 years later, we asked her to be God-Mother to our youngest son.


Aunt T with our youngest son,  her god-son,  this past February


She is such a caring and compassionate person, who could be more suited?

A couple of years ago, Teresa married a man named Kris.  Good thing she still had that love of concerts, she met him at a Nickelback concert!

Kris works for Nickelback as a guitar tech.  They fell instantly in love.

Kris is actually from Canada, and when they were trying to decide where to make their home in the US, they settled upon San Diego.  Teresa took a transfer and they moved.

(San Diego..is there a pattern here?)

We try to get out to visit them at least once a year, and she travels here to visit her Mom, too.

It is always such a huge treat when we get together!!

T and I on our trip to San Diego last winter -- Chinese restaurant, can you tell?? :)

So, now that I have babbled on, you may wonder why I am talking about her on a post for Runza sandwiches?

Well, if you have been to Nebraska, you probably have heard of Runza. It's a local food chain here, and this sandwich is their specialty.

Teresa used to stop there right when she got off of the plane!

Tommy Lee, the drummer of Motley Crue, spent some time in Nebraska a few years ago when he did a reality show called Tommy Lee goes to College.  



He attended the University of Nebraska and even played in the drumline at the Husker games!  



And...he got addicted to Runzas.
 It's one of the featured foods at our football games! (they make a great hand warmer, too!)

Before their concert here last summer, he tweeted "Just had my Runza...now I am ready to rock!"

Well, after Teresa married Kris, she became a vegetarian.  I am not really sure how it happened, but that Runza eating, Omaha Steak loving girl eats tofu!  

So even as she is planning her tofurkey Thanksgiving, I still think of her and her love for Runzas back in the day.  My kids LOVE them, so I thought I would try to make them from scratch!

homemade Runzas


Homemade Runzas

2 pounds of ground beef
1 head of cabbage
2 onion
3 loaves of Rhodes frozen white bread dough
vegetable oil
salt and pepper
mozzarella cheese optional

Take your bread loaves out to defrost.
When they are workable, cute each loaf into 1/4s and roll into balls to rise. (about 2 hours)

In a food processor, shred your onion and your cabbage up very fine. Place in separate bowls.

Brown your ground beef with onion and salt and pepper, chopping beef up very fine. 

Drain beef of excess fat.

After beef is cooked, add cabbage to it, cover and wilt cabbage down. (about 10-15 minutes)

Pound balls of dough down and roll out flat.  Place a couple of scoopfuls of beef mixture into the center of the bread. (add cheese to top if you desire) 
Fold sides in, then the seams up and over and place seam side up on a cookie sheet.

I got 6 to a cookie sheet.

Rub tops with vegetable oil.

I let mine continue to rise for about an hour.  They will look REALLY puffy, but that's okay!

Bake in a preheated, 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, a little longer if they aren't completely browned.

We served ours with crinkle cut fries, because that's how Runza does it!

Would you like to learn more about Runza?

Click HERE for the history of  Runza.


I did find a vegetarian version of these while looking at recipes, made with beans.  Maybe she will try them?

My new category of meatless items was put on my blog with Teresa in mind.

Even though she doesn't eat them anymore, they will always remind me of her!


Happy Birthday, to my sistah!!



watching a Husker game in San Diego last fall









homemade Runzas


I was one of those unfortunate girls that grew up without a sister.

I have, however, been so blessed though, to be surrounded by wonderful girlfriends.

I met my friend, Teresa in middle school.  She and I have been close ever since.

She doesn't have a sister, either.

So, for the longest time, we have referred to each other as "sistah."  People have been asking us for years if we were, so we figured that we would run with it!

When we were Seniors in High School, Teresa and I both took our first plane trip to San Diego.

here we are on the plane... check out that 80's hair, baby!

We had such a fantastic time!

She and I couldn't have been more different in High School. She was a cheerleader, and involved in so much. I just "put my time in " at school, and lived for my job and the weekends. 
(don't get me wrong, I wasn't a sluff-off... I just wasn't all rah-rah I love High School!)

She and I have spent so many nights having sleepovers and talking into the wee hours about all things important. (boys...duh!)

When I was in high school I  worked at Berman's Leather as a sales associate.  I LOVED that job!!  

I was so sad the last day that I worked there.

Teresa took a job right down the mall from me at a shoe store, called Backstage.  
I think this is where our love of shoes began!!
It was awesome to have her working just down the mall from me.  We hung out all of the time!
(did we get into a little trouble? us? no way!)

One of the things T and I loved to do was go to concerts!!  
Have I mentioned what a 80's hair band rocker I was??

T and I before a concert in the late 80's

Well, we grew up, and I got married and Teresa finished college right about the time I had my first child.  
Teresa took a job with Merck Pharmaceuticals.
 She was placed in Louisiana! I was devastated!

(sad face)

She has always made it a point to come home to visit me.  And no matter how much distance is between us,  or how much time passes,  we pick up right where we left off.

When we had our second child, we asked Teresa to be her God-Mother.  Teresa has always flown home whenever the kids had an important event.

this is T with our oldest daughter, her God-daughter,  this year in California


When our twins were born, 6 years later, we asked her to be God-Mother to our youngest son.


Aunt T with our youngest son,  her god-son,  this past February


She is such a caring and compassionate person, who could be more suited?

A couple of years ago, Teresa married a man named Kris.  Good thing she still had that love of concerts, she met him at a Nickelback concert!

Kris works for Nickelback as a guitar tech.  They fell instantly in love.

Kris is actually from Canada, and when they were trying to decide where to make their home in the US, they settled upon San Diego.  Teresa took a transfer and they moved.

(San Diego..is there a pattern here?)

We try to get out to visit them at least once a year, and she travels here to visit her Mom, too.

It is always such a huge treat when we get together!!

T and I on our trip to San Diego last winter -- Chinese restaurant, can you tell?? :)

So, now that I have babbled on, you may wonder why I am talking about her on a post for Runza sandwiches?

Well, if you have been to Nebraska, you probably have heard of Runza. It's a local food chain here, and this sandwich is their specialty.

Teresa used to stop there right when she got off of the plane!

Tommy Lee, the drummer of Motley Crue, spent some time in Nebraska a few years ago when he did a reality show called Tommy Lee goes to College.  



He attended the University of Nebraska and even played in the drumline at the Husker games!  



And...he got addicted to Runzas.
 It's one of the featured foods at our football games! (they make a great hand warmer, too!)

Before their concert here last summer, he tweeted "Just had my Runza...now I am ready to rock!"

Well, after Teresa married Kris, she became a vegetarian.  I am not really sure how it happened, but that Runza eating, Omaha Steak loving girl eats tofu!  

So even as she is planning her tofurkey Thanksgiving, I still think of her and her love for Runzas back in the day.  My kids LOVE them, so I thought I would try to make them from scratch!

homemade Runzas


Homemade Runzas

2 pounds of ground beef
1 head of cabbage
2 onion
3 loaves of Rhodes frozen white bread dough
vegetable oil
salt and pepper
mozzarella cheese optional

Take your bread loaves out to defrost.
When they are workable, cute each loaf into 1/4s and roll into balls to rise. (about 2 hours)

In a food processor, shred your onion and your cabbage up very fine. Place in separate bowls.

Brown your ground beef with onion and salt and pepper, chopping beef up very fine. 

Drain beef of excess fat.

After beef is cooked, add cabbage to it, cover and wilt cabbage down. (about 10-15 minutes)

Pound balls of dough down and roll out flat.  Place a couple of scoopfuls of beef mixture into the center of the bread. (add cheese to top if you desire) 
Fold sides in, then the seams up and over and place seam side up on a cookie sheet.

I got 6 to a cookie sheet.

Rub tops with vegetable oil.

I let mine continue to rise for about an hour.  They will look REALLY puffy, but that's okay!

Bake in a preheated, 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, a little longer if they aren't completely browned.

We served ours with crinkle cut fries, because that's how Runza does it!

Would you like to learn more about Runza?

Click HERE for the history of  Runza.


I did find a vegetarian version of these while looking at recipes, made with beans.  Maybe she will try them?

My new category of meatless items was put on my blog with Teresa in mind.

Even though she doesn't eat them anymore, they will always remind me of her!


Happy Birthday, to my sistah!!



watching a Husker game in San Diego last fall









reade more... Résuméabuiyad