Homemade Turtles

So after a dinner of some baked ziti, we wanted something sweet.  After the long day I've had, I wanted something quick and this definitely hit the spot in more ways then one.

This was so quick & easy its ridiculous.  It only took a few minutes to do and was easy enough for my son to help make (as he stole a few Rolos in the process).  I had seen this recipe a few times on Pinterest and glad I finally took the time to make.  I hope you enjoy as much as we did!

I used mini pretzels with salt, however you can use pretzels without salt also.  Salt actually brings out the chocolate taste and compliments it.  You can use the regular mini pretzels or square pretzels.  I would also recommend having everything set up ready to go since you have to do pretty quick.

Ingredients

20 mini pretzels
20 Rolos, unwrapped
20 pecan halves

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

On a cookie sheet places pretzels down.

Place 1 Rolo on top, once done, carefully place pan in oven.  Cook approximately 2-3 mins.

Remove from oven, quickly place 1 pecan halve on top, press down slightly.  Once done, place cookie sheet in freezer (to help the chocolate harden quicker) for at least 15 minutes.

Enjoy! <3

Mini Corn Dogs

I love recipes that are simple & delicious. I saw a blog recently for corn bites on The Farm Girl Recipes blog (http://thefarmgirlrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/09/corn-dog-bites.html?m=1) and its something I do occasionally but with a few different twists.

This is also a great recipe you can do with your kids since the can help with making them. Recipes like this are great because YOU control how healthy they are. Most store brand corndogs have a lot of preservitives and fillers. I don't know about you, but I like knowing what's in my food.

Many of the foods that we eat and serve our families are full of stuff like this. This is one of the reasons our kids are growing as fast as they are and are seeing a rise in cases of disorders. With going to school, I learned the importance of freshness, and how easy it really is. This is why I started this blog. I want show people how easy it is to have quick, easy & delicious meals, made from scratch or with very few processed items. This recipe is one of my processed recipes, but overall healthier then the store bought.

Mini Corn Dogs

Ingredients
12 Turkey Hotdogs (you can use any kind of hotdog)
1/2 cup flour 1 box Jiffy Corn Bread Mix (made as directed)
Milk (as needed)
1/4 cup sugar
36 toothpicks

Directions
1. Heat 3in of oil in a pan over medium, or preheat deep fryer to 350 degrees
2. Cut the hotdogs into thirds
3. In a bowl make corn bread mix, mix with 1/4 cup sugar, add milk to batter until it is almost pancake thin 4. Put 1/2 cup flour in seperate bowl
5. Stick each hotdog with a toothpick
6. Holding the toothpick, dredge hotdog in flour (shake off excess), then coat with batter (make sure hotdog is covered), place immediately into hot oil.
7. If cooking in pan cook about 1-2 min on each side until golden brown, in deep fryer I used my basket to weigh them down since they float up, fry until golden about 2-3 min.
8. Once removed, dry on a paper towel lined plate, remove tooth picks, or keep in (just be careful of toothpick) and eat like mini corndogs
9. To keep warm, place in 200 degree (warm) oven, until all are done.

I served ours with a Hickory Sweet Chili BBQ Sauce. It was equal parts of Hickory Honey BBQ sauce and Sweet Chili Sauce.

Making Memories

For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite memories is being in the kitchen making cookies with my mom. It's memories like that which last a lifetime. Being a mother myself, I am happy to be able to finally create some with my son who is 10.

Tonight after dinner came my sons usual question, "What's for dessert"? Being that I don't keep many sweets in the house, I had to do some digging. Lo and behold I found a bag of Betty Crocker Snack Size Chocolate Chip cookies.

I love this product! They are super easy to make (only have to add 1/2 stick of butter & 1 Tbsp of water) and taste yummy! I usually keep walnuts & pecans pieces on hand and add a handful and stir in. I've found a good trick in making snack size cookies (1~2 bites), is using the Tablespoon, makes the perfect bite! After they cooked we enjoyed the "memory" of eating them. :)