Mini Cherry pies!

The Fourth of July has always seemed to be the kickoff of summer at our house. It opens up the summer festivities with fireworks, family and friends, BBQs, swimming, Popsicles, sparklers, and of course, all American cherry pie!

Last weekend my super sweet neighbor was 10 feet up in his cherry tree picking his beautifully ripe cherries. We had been watching them change vibrant colors for a month or so. I had the back door open and called to my daughter to come look, he was picking his cherries. I then hear a shout,"Bring me a big bowl, and I'll pick you some!" I did not hesitate. I was then the proud owner of 3 lbs of gorgeous ruby red cherries!

We of course savored every cherry we ate, but that's a lot of cherries! So I decided to do something fun with a portion of them and tried out mini cherry pies. You should know I am a cheater. I did not make my own crust. I bought the pre-made refrigerated pie dough by Pillsbury. I thought this would save me time and it did, but I think I'd make my own next time, but it did work!

The filling is beyond easy.

Ingredients:

approx 2 lbs cherries
1/2 cup sugar
Lemon or lime juice from half a lemon or lime
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp. ice water
1 egg lightly beaten

First you need to pit the cherries. I personally try to keep them as whole as possible but they break apart. That okay. You're going to eat them anyway!

When all the cherries have been pitted and stems removed, place in a bowl with 1/2 cup sugar and the lemon or lime juice, and mix.

Place the cherry mixture in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes or so.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and the ice water together. Then add to the cherries in the saucepan. Boil for a minute or so as it thickens, and then transfer the hot cherry mixture to a bowl and place in fridge to cool.

In the meantime, spray a muffin pan with cooking spray.

Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface and using a circle cookie cutter or similar, cut out the dough and place into the muffin pan. Also cut the dough how you'd like to have the pie tops. I did a few variations.

When the cherry mixture has cooled, place the mixture in each pie crust and then place on the top. Lightly brush tops with egg to make it shiny and sprinkle with sugar.

Cook at 350 degrees for about 20-30 min depending on your oven. They will look golden when done and the cherry juice may start to bubble up.

Let cool and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!



We enjoyed our mini pies! I think we will do it next time with fresh berries. (smacks lips!)

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

-Happy pinning!

Camping or Glamping?

Hello All!

If you haven't noticed, I disappeared for a while. Life got in the way. Wish I could say it was something interesting, but sometimes being an adult is just plain hard. Being a parent is hard. And sometimes, just getting through the day has to be enough. I make no pretense about anything other than that. For the last 6 months MY life has been hard, and I just haven't made the effort I was making before to find the time for myself, let alone to blog. I have remedied that today. Today I shall blog. It's nothing big. No current project or fantastical idea. Just something that is fun. Something for those who will find themselves sleeping under the stars next to a campfire with family and friends...or...for those more like myself...Glampers. Those campers who bring a little civilization with them in the form of a camper with running water and a shower. Ha!

I LOVE the smell of a campfire. That smoky goodness that sparks the memory of family and... S'mores. Hehe. As a kid I went with my church youth and spent a week in tents and sleeping bags, surrounding campfires with giggles and ghost stories, and hunting Snipes(mythical unreal creatures) until the group leaders sent us back to our tents. I was taught to love camping. Good times. Good memories.

For all those who will find themselves outdoors enjoying a summer retreat this summer(or even those just brave enough for their backyard), here are some SERIOUSLY fun ideas!

http://hip2save.com/2015/06/25/campfire-cones-fun-easy-summer-dessert/

Photo credit to hip2save.com

I kinda think its a sin not to make S'mores when you go camping, but this version? Jump in my mouth please! Don't these look absolutely delicious?! Pop on over to Hop2save's blog and check out this recipe and other way fun ideas!

http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/camping-hot-dog-recipe/

Photo credit to Frugalcouponliving.com

Looking for an easy campfire meal? Check this out! Campfire hot dogs on a stick! Visit frugalcouponliving.com for this recipe along with several others like Campfire Cinnamon Rolls and some great camping hacks!

https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/camping-hacks-you-must-try-this-summer?sub=3148576_2746726&utm_term=.wh5meyOWqy#.yid1jZYOJZ

Speaking of campfires...did you know if you burn sage in your campfire, you keep mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests at bay? Check it out at the above Buzzfeed link. She also has a fun list of camping hacks.

http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2016/04/10-games-to-play-around-campfire.html

Campfires aren't just for tinfoil meals and staying warm, they are for singing, telling stories, and of course games! Here is a link to some fun game ideas!

http://www.savingmoneycamping.com/the-best-camping-supplies-to-buy-at-the-dollar-store/

Photo credit: Savingmoneycamping.com

Camping can be expensive, even just short trips. Here is an awesome site to help you out on tips and tricks to keeping down the bill! This is a great camping website!

https://www.lookhuman.com/collection/1075-camping?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pint+lh+1075-camping&pp=0

If you're like me, you like a good outfit even when camping. This site has a ton of fun camping t-shirts, hoodies, and more!

https://www.buzzfeed.com/twopoodles/your-ultimate-camping-checklist-9g24?sub=2319916_1265531

Last but not least, the campfire! What's camping with no campfire? Surely not camping. Here's a great tutorial for making Fire Starter Kits. Please be mindful and follow your area's camping regulations during summer fire season! 

Summer is just around the corner and this three day weekend has jump started my motivation. Happy summer to you! Enjoy the warm weather headed your way! Enjoy your Glamping/camping!

And as always...Happy Pinning!

-Amanda

Five for Fall!

When I think of Fall, I think of chilly weather, hearty meals, sweaters and boots, pumpkin patches, colorful leaves, and apple pie. It's my favorite time of year! I'm also a bit of a Halloween nut. 

So in honor of October, here's Five for Fall: 4 new recipes and a craft!

1) Cheeseburger Casserole:

This is an easy week night meal with very little effort involved. It has the added bonus that the kids will eat it as quick as you make it. Ha! Visit: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/05/easy-cheeseburger-casserole.html for the recipe. I Love Six-Sisters recipes and have a few of their cook books. Such yummy ideas!

2) Loaded Potato Cheese Soup:

This wonderful potato goodness is now one of our favorite fall soups! SOOO delish! Try it in a bread bowl! Visit: http://www.thewickednoodle.com/loaded-potato-soup/ for the recipe and check out her other fantastic meal ideas! Plus, I love the name of the blog!


3) Pretzel Bites:

I thought homemade pretzel anything would be difficult, but as it turns out, it so easy and totally worth every ounce of effort. Perfect for football season! Visit: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/easy-homemade-pretzel-bites/ for the recipe. Lots of other great recipes to check out, and again, a fun blog name. :)


4) Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

Buyer....er, Baker Beware! These are ridiculous! ...and by ridiculous, I mean so delicious you will eat them all and have calorie count regret. Ha!  Perfect Fall treat! Visit: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/08/pumpkin-doughnuts/ for the recipe. For the glaze, it wasn't precise. It was 1/2 cup powdered sugar with about 1 tbsp milk and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Mix together and then dip donuts face down. Place on wax paper to dry. Or like her recipe above, you can roll the hot donut in cinnamon and sugar. Both were lip smacking good!

Candy Corn Jars:

And of course, our fun Candy Corn Mason Jars! Way too cute not to put out on the table with candles a glow or some treats hidden inside.

Supplies:

Mason jars

White, orange, and yellow acrylic craft paint

Sponge paint brushes

Small piece of sandpaper

Twine

Tape if desired

How To:

1) If you want, use tape to tape off your white and yellow sections. Just helps guide the lines. I didn't use tape since the wide sponge brush does a pretty even job. 

2) Start at top and paint the white. Get a good even layer on and let dry.

3) Paint the orange next and let dry.

4) Paint the yellow and let dry.

5) Repeat 2-4 for a second layer.

6) When jars are dry, distress a bit with sandpaper.

7) Tie twine around top.

Ta da!

Happy Fall! enjoy the cool off and change of season!

Happy pinning!

Homemade Kool Aid Playdough!

My kids have been asking to make homemade play dough and slime. Slime. Really? hehe. So I started with the play dough because it seemed the cleaner of the two.

My mom used to make me play dough as a kid that was just water, flour, and salt. She'd add a little food coloring and I'd spend the day making all sorts of animals, flowers, and whatever whimsy my heart desired. When my kids asked to make some, I felt a flutter of nostalgia and to the kitchen we went!

This recipe was easy, and for the most part, not too messy. It made quite a large amount, so I split each color between them. Turned out perfect! It was colorful, smelled good(doesn't taste good as my son figured out!), and was soft. Kids spent all afternoon with out an argument among them as they sat enjoying their creations...among them a tea set, flowers, dinosaurs, and Spider Man. Gotta love imagination! It also has lasted over two weeks!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 envelope unsweetened Kool Aid
1 cup water
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

1. Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, Kool Aid, and water in medium saucepan. Stir in oil.

2. Mix over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until mixture forms a ball in the center of the pan. Dough will darken in color.

3. Remove from the pan. IT WILL BE HOT! Sit for just a moment to cool and then knead softly.

4. Store in airtight container or Ziploc bag.

The colors I used:

Red-Cherry
Orange- Orange
Yellow- Lemonade
Green- Lemon Lime
Blue- Blue Raspberry
Purple-Grape
Pink- Strawberry Kiwi

Depending on the flavors your store carries, you can match the packet flavor to the color fairly easily. I found the yellow light at first but it darkened up. You can always add extra food coloring.

Here was my inspiration. Recipe was from homeschoolcreations.net. Pop on over to find more fun kids ideas!

http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2013/03/koolaid-playdough-recipe/

                                

Enjoy the soft play dough with the kiddos. Obviously there's a future post on slime. Ha! Until next time.

Happy Pinning!

Piano Make-over!!!

I am sorry to say that this post is beyond over due. I finished the piano last fall! Sigh. So many things going on and time just got away from me. But as they say, better late than never!

Making over a piano is beyond a doubt my favorite project so far. I confess it was a ton of work (sorry folks, this one involves sanding!), but every bead of sweat was worth it! I get compliments on it every time someone comes over. Hey, an aqua piano is a pretty good conversation starter. And my daughter has begun piano lessons on it. I love how it turned out so much!  If you are thinking about giving your current piano a face lift, I say do it! It was so worth it!

Here it is before and after:

This is a 4 part process:

Part 1: Take piano apart into several pieces. I did NOT take out all the keys, however, you can if you want to. The keys are generally numbered. I just covered and taped mine up since I was trying to avoid extra work. Take the top lid and the key lid off.  Protect the insides folks! Cover and tape every thing up good and tight. You don't want the instrumental parts to get paint or dust from all the sanding in them. Each piano style is different so it may look different when you do this to yours.

Part 2: Sand that piano down! Every nook and cranny needs to be sanded smooth so that the old finish is sanded off. It should be nice and smooth to the touch. There are so many angles and sides to a piano. Make sure to get them all.

Part 3: Paint! I used Valspar Paint and Primer in One in the color Sea Kiss. Satin Finish. You will need to paint a coat, let it dry, then lightly sand it smooth. repeat this step for several layers. This helps it adhere and become virtually chip proof. It also helps it become smooth and streak free.

Part 4: Top coat! I used my every trust worthy Polycrylic in Gloss finish. This is a very important step as it seals the paint and protects from dings, dents, and chips.

Here's what you will need:

1) A sander(I used an orbit), and sand paper of various grits. The higher the number the finer the        finish. For instance 80grit is for sanding off the old finish vs 220 for sanding each layers of paint. You can experiment to what grit works best for you.
2) Tape and paper to cover the exposed areas.
3) Paint rollers and brushes.
4) Your choice of paint color.
5) Primer if you don't use a paint and primer in one.
6) Clear top coat.
7) Additive for the paint called Floetrol. It slows paint drying time down so you can't see the strokes. Great stuff!

Are you ready? On your mark...Get set... GO!!!!

Make sure you are in a well ventilated area! Take your piano apart. Make sure to save the hardware to the side so it doesn't get lost.

Tape it all up. Make sure the majority of dust and paint will be sealed out. Be gentle around the keys.

Sand it down. Don't be afraid! This takes a bit of time, but its really not that bad. Be gentle on the front legs as for most pianos they are not actually weight baring.

Bust out those paint rollers and brushes and start painting. If you are using a separate primer, paint a good 2 layers on first. Then paint. You can add the Floetrol to the paint by following its directions. Be patient as you let each layer dry. Then sand it gently smooth. repeat until it looks as you desire.

Clear Top coat! This was by far the hardest step. I do not advise adding Floetrol as it can cloud up the clear coat finish. Polycylic is water based and dries fast. While this is a good thing, it means you can see your brush strokes if you get hasty. So small areas at a time and be patient. If you have a paint sprayer, that would be ideal, but for those of us who don't, little bits at a time. Polycrylic is very wet and runny. I actually solicited some help from my neighbor who works with wood on a regular basis. I was trying to go too big too fast. He helped save the day! So trust me, do it right and you win every time. :)

Let it dry and cure before you set anything on it. I let mine sit for two weeks before I brought it in the house.

Lastly, with polycrylic or any type of clear coat for that matter, it will get "burned" if it gets too much direct sun. This means that it will yellow. Darker colors are less noticeable obviously, but if you go lighter, keep it mind.

I really hope I'm not forgetting anything...

This project took me a few weeks. I'd go out and work on it step by step. Bit by bit. In the end, the time I put in returned the favor by sitting in my living area looking cutesy!

My next project is to paint the wall behind the piano and do a new picture gallery. Where one project ends another begins!

If you have any questions, send em my way! I'd love to hear from you on your piano make-overs.

Happy Pinning!

Five Cupcake MEALS and some Cupcakes!

How's every one's summer going so far? Ours has been harried, hectic, and of course, lively! Trying to keep the kiddos busy while out of school.  I've taken them to the pool, to the park, had friends over, played outside with sidewalk chalk, rode our bikes and roller blades, busted out the Slip n'Slide, and generally they can be found with an ice cold Popsicle in hand. Summer time is in full swing!

As you may remember, my daughter loves to bake. I was perusing Pinterest for some new cupcake recipes for us to try, and stumbled across several that had nothing to do with a sweet tooth. A light bulb went on. Wouldn't it be fun to do a week of "cupcakes" for dinner? The kids would think its a hoot! Mind you, these recipes are not full of sugar and spice, but full of flavor in every bite. Below you will find 5 recipes for dinners in a muffin tin and a new scrumptious cupcake recipe to boot!

Yes, the kids indeed found the week of cupcake meals deliciously fun and ate every bite!

Here is my list of fun "cupcake" dinners:

1)  Mac and Cheese Cupcakes

These Mac and Cheese Cupcakes were so easy and so darn good! The Ritz cracker bottom sealed the deal. The mac and cheese sticks together well and doesn't make for a huge mess when the kids take the wrapper off. My only advisory is to make sure you do as directed in her recipe and spray the liner with cooking spray so it doesn't all stick to the paper, especially the Ritz cracker bottom. Kids really enjoyed this different take on Mac and Cheese. For this tasty recipe click here:

http://www.afamilyfeast.com/mac-and-cheese-cupcakes/

2) Taco Cups

This recipe is an adaption from several. Basically its a taco in a wonton instead of shell.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef(or turkey)

Taco seasoning of your choice

Re fried beans (optional)

Wonton wrappers

Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack

Your choice of taco toppings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, hot sauce, etc.

Directions:

Brown ground beef. Add taco seasoning. Add refried beans to the meat and 1/2 cup water if you want at this stage.( I did not use the refried beans.)

Meanwhile, spray 2 muffin tins with cooking spray. Fill each well with a won ton wrapper. Now spray the won tons lightly with cooking spray. (This helps make them crispy)

When beef mixture is ready, fill each won ton half way. Top with cheese. Place in oven at 350 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes. (Many recipes layer a second won ton, meat, and cheese to add a second layer. I did not as my pan was too shallow.)

Serve hot with the taco toppings of your choice. I also served mine along with some fresh juicy watermelon. Fresh fruit always compliment tacos in my opinion. Ha!

I also tried these with mini muffin tins which were just as successful.

These required zero effort and were a fun new way to do Taco Tuesday!

3) Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

These little deep dish pizza's were a total hit with the kids! Used those little mini peperoni's and string cheese instead of shred. Cheesy pizza treat! Served these along side an Italian salad. For this fun recipe go to:

http://www.plainchicken.com/2013/04/deep-dish-pizza-cupcakes.html

4) Mini Pot Pies

I also adapted this recipe from several recipes I saw. I kept it as simple as possible so it was fast and easy.

Ingredients:

1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces

1 to 2 cans 8 count biscuits

1 can cream of chicken

Bag of frozen mixed veggies(your choice what kind. I stayed simple and used carrots and peas)

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a skillet, cook chicken breasts until cooked through. Removed and cut into bite size pieces.

In a bowl, mix chicken pieces, frozen veggies, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and salt and pepper.

Spray muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Place a biscuit in each well and press against sides and bottom to form a cup. In each cup, place a good amount of the filling. I'd say 2/3 full.

Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes. 

Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Serve.

These were surprising! They were just like little pot pies and my kids gobbled them up! A must try!

5)  Mini Meatloaf aka Individual Meatloaf

This recipe is straight from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. Sorry Pinterest, sometimes outside sources trump all. Se La Vie...

Ingredients:

2 eggs beaten

3/4 cup milk

2/3 cup dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 tbsp snipped fresh parsley(you can use dry to substitute)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried sage, basil, or oregano

1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lamb, or pork

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp dry mustard

In a bowl, combine eggs and milk. Then stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Add meat. Mix well. Add the mixture into each well of a greased muffin tin. Pat into the wells. 

Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes(depending on your oven) or until internal temp is 160 degrees. Spoon off fat.

In a small bowl combine ketchup, sugar, and mustard. Spread on tops of meatloaf. Bake about 5-10 minutes more.

Let stand 5 minutes and then serve.

I've used this go to recipe for 10 years and haven't found one I like better. Hey, if its not broken!

~And lastly, for our sweet tooth, Blackberry Lime Cupcakes:

What can I say about this tart treat? Its perfect for summer that's for sure! These feature a lime cupcake with Blackberry butter cream frosting and a blackberry to garnish. My daughter and I had a great time trying these out. I gave a plate away to my neighbor who gave me a big two thumbs up! For this delightful recipe visit:

http://urbanbakes.com/blackberry-lime-cupcakes/

I hope your summer is going on with out a hitch. If there's any struggle start with the cupcakes first! ;)

~Happy Pinning!

It's Summer time!!!

Summer is here!!!! Normally I'd say FINALLY! But this has been an unusually warm year. School is out, the temps are hot, and I've already been sun burned. Bust out the Slip N' Slide and lets do this right! Ha!

Here are some fun summer ideas to try with the kiddos! Side walk chalk, hand print art, and a tasty cupcake recipe. We had so much fun with these!

Break out the sidewalk chalk and create your own masterpeice! Google has some great ideas!             

I am a HUGE fan of capturing my kids hand and footprints in new ways. I love to hang them up on display, and its fun to look back and see how small they really were ...  Oh how fast they grow!

These cupcakes were delicious and so easy! Visit her blog for the recipe.
http://desertchica.com/2015/02/root-beer-float-cupcakes/#_a5y_p=3420636

These cupcakes were delicious and moist! A must try this summer! 

I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July! I hope to get back to posting to the blog more regularly again. Keep an eye out for some more summer fun!

-Happy Pinning!