Monkey Munch

9 c. Chex cereal
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Melt peanut butter, butter, chips in microwave until melted. Add vanilla. Stir into large bowl with chex cereal. Place powdered sugar in gallon sized ziplock bag and add covered cereal. Close to shake and coat thoroughly. Spread on large pan to dry. Store in a new large ziploc bag, but it won't last long!

The Crew

I don't know who had the bright idea to go on a scout camping trip the first week of school, but they did anyway. (It was not a mother I can assure you.) My son has been in scouts since he was old enough to join and this past week was also his first week of middle school after a relaxing summer. What people don't tell you about this transition from elementary is they will have a great time the first week getting new stuff like lockers, gym clothes, books, etc. The second week is when the "meltdown" happens. This is when they are terrified they won't know what to take to each class or what to bring or have enough time at their locker. Their new reality NOW scares them. I was expecting it last week, but this morning I was caught totally off guard. Add to this anxiety the fact that your little one slept outside on the ground and is totally exhausted and you can imagine my morning. I saw the biggest crocodile tears and sobbing I have seen in recent years. He is tired and scared. Please pray for him as he goes through his week. This photo is from the weekend. He is on the far left and his dad is on the far right. This was also the first camping trip (of countless ones) that his dad was not there. He was only there to pick him up. Although he won't tell anyone but me....he really missed having his dad with him. All of these boys except the three biggest boys have been together since they started scouting. I hope they all make Eagle Scout one day.

This is what I need...

I WON SOMETHING!!

Since my blog is all made over I have decided to be more active and leave comments, enter contests, etc. in an attempt to get some actual followers on my blog. So far so good....I won a book that I really wanted at www.foreverfoldinglaundry.com.

Isn't it beautiful?

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pasta Salad

3 pounds Chicken, Cooked And Diced/shredded
6 ounces, weight Dry Pasta, Cooked And Drained
4 whole Ribs Celery, Thinly Sliced
¾ c. Golden Raisins
¾ c. Slivered Almonds
½ cups Mayonnaise
½ cups Sour Cream
1 cup Heavy Cream
3 T. curry Powder, More Or Less To Taste
1 Tablespoon Sugar, More Or Less To Taste
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions

Boil chicken to cook. Boil pasta in chicken broth. (I used a rotisserie chicken.)

Dice/shred chicken. Drain pasta.

Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, curry powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.

Combine chicken, drained pasta, sliced celery, raisins, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour curry dressing over the top. Fold together with a rubber spatula. Make sure it’s all combined, then add more of whatever it needs. Make sure the sweet/savory balance is right for you! (I like mine a little sweet.)

Chill for several hours. Serve with juicy grapes on the side.

Recipe and photo from -- http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Ho Ho Ho!

I found this at a trendy gift store in town for a whopping $38!!! I thought this would make a great hostess gift or something to take to a Secret Santa party this season. I think I can make if for under $15. Check back later and I will give an update.

The New Me!!!!

I hope you love the new blog design as much as I do. Kelly at Fabulous K Creative has really outdone herself. I am hoping some new folks will read this and maybe check out some of my favorites and get to know new people as I have done. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

If you are new to blogging, be sure to check out some of my other favorite blogs on the right side. Don't be surprised if you look at the clock and several hours have passed. Just sayin...

Peach Blueberry Cake

From my coworker Julie.

1/3 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. almond extract
2 c. blueberries
2 c. diced fresh peaches
2 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Topping: 2 T chopped pecans & 2 T brown sugan
Glaze: 1 c. powdered sugar, 1 T butter, 1/4 t vanilla, milk to desired consistency

Cream butter and sugar and add eggs one at a time beating well. Beat in milk and flavorings. Stir in flour, salt, baking powder and fruit. Spread in 9X13 pan and sprinkle topping over mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Pour glaze over after cooling slightly.

Swimming

Summer is almost over...ahh the joy of swimming!

Mere's Chicken Salad

1 rotisserie chicken
chicken broth
mayo
celery
pecans
craisins (my addition)

Take chicken off bone and add chicken broth until moist. Add small amount of mayo and chopped celery, pecans, and craisins until desired taste.

Yum Yum!!

Kitchen Dreaming continued...

I think I may have forgotten these two in my original post....

Cheater Toffee

Cheater Toffee
-1.5 sleeves of saltine crackers
-1 cup butter
-1 cup sugar
-1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

On a rimmed cookie sheet, lay out the crackers whole, sides touching. Melt the butter and sugar together on stove top until sugar is no longer 'grainy'. Pour over crackers.
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes (crackers will be toffee colored).
Pour bag of chocolate chips over top, melt in oven for 2 minutes.
Spread chips smoothly over crackers. Refrigerate for 1+ hours.
Take out and break into pieces.

Kitchen Dreaming....