Kroger Deal

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  Now it is time to think of our resolutions.  One of mine is to continue to find deals and cut costs when I can. 

I wanted to share a great deal going on right now with Kroger and Proctor and Gamble companies.   Starting on 12/26 to 1/12, when you buy any four participating P&G products, you will automatically receive $4 off your grocery bill when you swipe your Shopper’s Card.

This Promotion is available at Kroger (or one of the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s).  To save even more money on your purchases, before you shop, be sure to check out Kroger.com to download digital coupons for your favorite P&G products to save even more.  

Here are just a few of the great brands participating in the event: Bounty®, Tide®, Charmin®, Dawn®, Febreze®, Swiffer®, Always®, Pantene®, CoverGirl®, Prilosec®, Pampers®, Gillette®, Old Spice®, and many more.

From Blogher and Kroger I was given a $25 gift card to use on this promotion.

I was thrilled and here is what I bought.  I received $4 off and could have bought 4 tubes of toothpaste if I was counting my expenditures as I was shopping!!

Enter To Win A Kroger Gift Card

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Ice Cream Ornaments

This will be my last post before Christmas and first I want to thank my followers for your support this year and look forward to providing you all with another year of recipes, tips and giveaways.

Are your kids tired of the Christmas cookies sitting around the house the past week?  Are you in the mood for a little different dessert for Christmas Dinner?

I have a Holidays notebook that I often pull out pictures from magazines and found this one from a few years ago.  The idea was from a Walmart advertisement and thought it was cute and easy.  The kids would have fun doing this as well.

Scoop out your ice cream and freeze for 30 mins to an hr.

Then take them out and decorate with sprinkles, or as my daughter suggested afterwards the Ice cream sauce that hardens.

Meanwhile, using a skewer gently make holes on top of peanut butter cups.

Add Licorice--I used the pull apart kind

Put them together and serve.

Triple Chocolate Coffee Cake-One for you One for a friend

Need something special for a holiday breakfast or brunch event.  Try this Great Southern Living Triple Chocolate Coffee Cake.  Not only is it delicious but the recipe makes 2 square pans so you can give one away and enjoy one yourself.  Of course you can give both away!!

Another great thing about this recipe is that is uses a cake mix as the base.  I don't think anyone would even know!!

This time I made one in a regular square baking pan and the other in a disposable foil container.  The ones at Walmart were colored and came with the see thru lids.

The only adjustments for this recipe was I did not have sour cream on hand so I used greek yogurt.
Also the baking time was longer than suggested.


Tie the one you are giving away in a cute ribbon and you have the perfect gift that was baked with love.

Yield: Makes 2 (9-inch) coffee cakes

Ingredients

• 1  (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix
• 1  (3.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
• 2  cups  sour cream
• 1  cup  butter or margarine, softened
• 5  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 3  cups  semisweet chocolate morsels, divided
• 1  cup  white chocolate morsels
• 1  cup  chopped pecans, toasted

Preparation

Beat first 6 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 30 seconds or just until moistened; beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels; pour batter evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch square cake pans.

Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pans on wire racks.

Microwave white chocolate morsels in a glass bowl at HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until morsels melt; stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle evenly over cakes; repeat procedure with remaining cup of semisweet morsels. Sprinkle cakes evenly with pecans.

Peppermint Striped Cookies

The reviews of these Peppermint Layered Cookies from My Recipes were so good I thought I would give them a whirl.  However, I was wondering if there was an easier way to do this.  After reading a reviewer state she made a layered cookie in a pan I thought I would revise this one.

I also did not want 70 cookies so I halved the recipe.  For the complete recipe you can look here.

 I love using silpats or wilton silicone   baking sheets

Ingredients

• 1  cup  unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/3  cups  sugar
• 3  cups  flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2  teaspoon  baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1  egg plus 2 egg yolks
• 2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
• 1/2  teaspoon  peppermint extract, divided
• 20  to 25 drops red food coloring
• 15  to 20 drops green food coloring
• 10  ounce  white chocolate, finely chopped
• 5  ounces  peppermint candy canes or peppermint candies, finely crushed Red sprinkles

Preparation

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl.

2. With mixer running, add egg and yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Slowly add flour mixture and beat on low just until combined.

 Divide dough into thirds. Shape one third into a disk; set aside. Return another third to mixer, raise speed to medium-low, and add 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract and red food coloring; shape into a disk and set aside. Clean mixing bowl and paddle attachment. Put last third of dough in mixing bowl and beat in remaining 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract and green food coloring; shape into a disk and set aside.

Layer a loaf pan with saran wrap.  I used a mini loaf pan for a half recipe. Press dough into the pan one color at a time.

Refrigerate for a few hours or freeze for 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat Oven to 350.  Take out the entire dough loaf.  Trim off the ends if not even and slice into 1/3 inch piece.

I cut most of them in half for shorter cookies

Note: Store cookies, peppermint ends up, in an airtight container at cool room temperature or in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze cookies for up to 2 months.

. Bake cookies 7 minutes, then switch positions of baking sheets and bake until bottoms are light golden brown, 7 minutes more. Cool cookies on wire racks..

Microwave white chocolate and tip the top 1/3 into the chocolate and then sprinkle with candy cane or red sprinkles.  Let the dry completely.

Very festive and worth trying for 4th of july in red white and blue!!!

Picture from My recipes.com

Smores in a bag and Homemade Luminaries

You have to love the south, school was canceled 12 hrs before the snow fell.  Unfortunately today was going to be a day of wrapping presents with the kids out of the house.  Instead, we put together or neighbor gifts and the kids loved walking them over.

I usually enjoy making something a little special for the neighbor kids outside of the "household" gift.  Last year each child was given a Reindeer Pretzel.

This year I found this cute idea For Smore Kits on Southern Plate.  They would make cute class room treats as well.Since I still had a bunch of Hershey Bars left over from Halloween it was an easy pic.
The website even has a PDF to print out with the directions your children can color.
All you need for these kits are:
Cellophane bags
1 Large Graham cracker per set
1 small size chocolate bar
Marshmallows

This kids helped decorate the labels and  prepare the individual bags.  I bought the Kroger Brand graham crackers and to my surprise they were already in squares.  No wasted crackers trying to break them in half!! They may not taste as good as the brand names but for a smore for a child, they only care about the chocolate!!

Instead of white marshmallows I had the christmas ones.  Not sure how they will melt but they were more festive.

Having another snow day tomorrow, I wonder what we will get ourselves into.

Having a party, how about making your steps light up with homemade luminaries.

All you need are:

 paper bags, I had white ones, which when I used them there was no snow

 glass jars, 

tea candles (real or battery)

Rocks

Hole Punches

Just punch away on the paper bag--not unfolded so you have the same design on both sides.  

Place the jar with the candle and the rock in the bag and light.

Just be sure to watch them as anything lit is dangerous.

Inexpensive and an extra touch as guests approach the house.



Still time to enter the Holiday Treats Giveaway on CLOSE TO HOME REVIEWS.
$25 grocery store gift card plus a few other goodies.

Snowmen Cookies

First of all I would love if you voted for my Caramel Thumbprint cookies in the Cookie Exchange Contest, I did not realize the voting did not start at my first post.

Please Vote Here, cookie #16!!

My 9 year old and I did some baking this weekend. I saw some cookies in the Popcorn Factory catalog and thought they were so cute and could easily be made.

Just use your favorite sugar cookie dough (We used a box mix since she was in charge of making them)and roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls

Press lightly with the bottom of a glass to flatten.

Add chocolate chip eyes and mouth. We used regular sized chips for eyes and minis for the mouth. Cook according to package directions.

Allow to cool.

Add the carrot nose. I had orange chocolate discs that I melted in a sandwich bag in the microwave. You can also use cookie icing, colored frosting or a candy corn.

I think the girls at her cookie exchange will like these.

You might also like my snowmen cookies from last year.

Happy baking!!

Stockings are Not Just for the Mantel.

I was in line at Crate and Barrel last year and browsed over to the "impulse buy" section near the registers. They had the cutest mittens stuffed with chocolate covered pretzels.

If you have not figured out yet, I did not want to spend $10 on something that we could probably make for less, considering I needed to make 6 of them for teachers gifts.

So when this holiday season rolled around I thought I would have to go to the Dollar store for a cheesy felt stocking. To my surprise Michael had a large variety of stockings for under $1. If you have a coupon you can really get these for a steal.

The kids and I made chocolate covered pretzels with minimal decoration. This time I melted slightly in the microwave then continued over a double boiler. I brought the double boiler onto the counter and the chocolate stayed perfect. I might try my crock pot next time, anyone ever done that.

Wrapped four of them them up in pretzel bags with a bow and put them in the stockings.

I would be happy to get a sweet treat like this.

The best part is that the stockings are large enough for the pretzels and a gift card, or Key Fobs, if you want to add a little something.

Not interested in making a sweet treat, pick some up for a cute place holder of your silverware.

Almost at 100 Google friends, having a giveaway to celebrate, so share with your friends.

If you are a Facebook friend you can join google too!

One Cookie dough--3 flavors, help me choose

I was looking for a recipe for a cookie exchange and found Caramel Thumbprints in the December issue of Family Fun Magazine. They looked delicious and easy because you use a Rolo Candy as the center instead of making a caramel center and drizzling with chocolate like many recipes call for. Plus I use Rolos in my Turtle Pretzels so I would have them in the house anyway.

So tonight I decided I would test the recipe before I made 5 dozen. I finished the dough and it needs to cool in the fridge for 30 minutes. Of course I needed to try the dough first, which is a rich, decadent chocolate dough that would probably do well on its own. It is a little dry but I guess it resembles a short bread dough.

After 30 minutes, I used a scoop to make tablespoon balls. So much easier as the rolling process is minimal with the scoop.

Dipped them in the egg and chopped pecans and then baked. Well before I put them in the oven I was thinking wow these would be pretty good with a mint flavor center. Then I thought I have mini Reece's cups too, and who does not like chocolate and peanut butter (unless you have allergies); so I left a few nut free to try the other flavors.

After 10 minutes you take them out of the oven and add the chocolate pieces....

Here is the combo I tried. I was looking for my peppermint kisses but could not find them so I did find Junior Mints from Halloween that would give a similiar flavor.

After 3 1/2 minutes took them out and here are the results.

Let them cool and I had the awful task of trying them all.....

Peanut butter

Caramel

Which do you think was the best....

I am not sure what I should chose for the cookie exchange. Or should I make a variety of the flavors. I was pleasantly surprised with all the different combos and best yet I am putting this recipe up for a contest to win $100 Scharffen Berger Prize Pack:

So Please go Vote for me!!

Come Join the fun with My baking Addiction, Good Life Eats and Scharffen Berger

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, slightly softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg, separated
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 26 chocolate-covered caramel candies, such as Dove or Rolo

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder and set aside.

2. Using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and mix until blended, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture in two batches and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

3. Heat the oven to 350º. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the egg white with a fork. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the pecans; put the rest on a plate. Roll 1 tablespoon of the dough into a ball, coat it with egg white, and roll it in the nuts. Repeat with the remaining dough. Put the cookies on the sheet, leaving about 3 inches between them. With your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie, then reshape the outside edges, if they crack.

4. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, then take them from the oven and gently press a caramel candy into each cookie. Bake until the chocolate and caramel soften, about 4 minutes. Grease the tines of a fork with butter and press on each candy to flatten it slightly. Sprinkle on the reserved nuts, then cool the cookies on a rack.

   
   

   

Review of Natural Dynamix FiberDX Gummies

When I was asked to review a Natural dietary supplement, I was more than willing as I give my children vitamins almost daily and need to find something new for adults.

I was sent a 7 day supply of FiberDX Gummies, for adults. Plus an additional 2 pack of calcium gummies that my children were thrilled with. They gobbled them up, as they do with our other gummy vitamins.

Natural Dynamix,www.naturaldynamix.com was started by a dad who wanted to give his kids a fun way to take their vitamins. He then expanded his products to include adults.
The gummies are sugar free, gluten free and made with all natural colors and flavors. Most importantly they are made in the USA.
The FiberDX Gummies reminded me of the candy Dots. Although the texture was more of a Dot that was out of the bag for a day. This may have been due to the packaging and not being able to be fully secured during the week. With 4 grams of fiber per serving, 2 gummies, I did not see that much of a change in my digestive system. However, since the week included Thanksgiving, I am sure that the body was not getting good amounts of good fiber and able to stay balanced!!

I would definitely buy these in the future if I needed help maintaining my bowel integrity instead of the fiber powder you put in water and have to drink. I have gone that route in my lifetime and hope not to again.

Check out there website store for the other great products available for both children and adults. As a bonus they are offering free shipping. The prices seem reasonable to what you might pay for at Target, but these are all natural. I just looked at the ingredients to the store brand children's multi vitamin and there were several "other" ingredients listed.

I was given this sample free from Blogspark and Natural Dynamix in return of an honest review.

Easy Christmas Place cards and Party favor

I made these place cards for our Christmas Eve dinner last year and never got around to posting them.  This is such an easy and inexpensive touch you can do for your guests and leave them with a memory of the night as well.

Simply buy solid colored Ornament balls, I chose the smaller ones this time.  Micheal's often have these on sale for under $4 for a pack.

Using Sharpie markers or the new Sharpie paint pens write your guests name on the ornaments.  I added a little holly and candy cane to compliment the table cloth.  Add a ribbon at the top and place at the table.

So simple!!

This past year we also received a holiday ornament done similarly (Our last names and year) from a neighbor as a gift.  It was on a larger clear ornament but very thoughtful and festive.

Another great idea for Christmas  Placecards are the Cocoa Cones, I made, just add the names on each bag or label.

What are some of your favorite Christmas Place card ideas?


50 cards for $12.99 shipped, check it out from Vistaprint

How about a Holiday Mug for only $1.99 from Vistaprint

Free Christmas Decorations-or a reason to trim some trees

Not all of your decorations have to be store bought and plastic.  I love spending an hour looking around the yard, or neighborhood, and looking for some fresh greenery to cut and fill the house with.  Good excuse to get the kids out for some fresh air.

Evergreens are a given, but how about using some Magnolia, Holy or boxwood.  Ask some neighbors if you can trim a few branches as the tree won't mind the grooming.

This year I cut some branches of a Dogwood and spray painted them white.
Think of the possibilities, if you prefer red or bright green go for it.  They will act as a great accent in the arrangement. Here is a red glittered branch I bought at Michael's and served as my inspiration.


Here are the white branches I spray painted and  I used in an outdoor arrangement.  We also got a big rain storm a few nights ago and they stayed well.

How about finding pinecones and adorning them with some glitter.  The kids will love making these and your neighbors won't care if you help get them off their lawns.  Best part you don't have to put them in the attic in January, they can go back out in nature.

Here is a wired arrangement made from boughs you can often pick up where they sell christmas trees.  We have not gotten our tree yet, so this is from last year.