Caramel Corn

My neighbor introduced me to this deliciously addiction snack! It's so simple to make & my boys absolutley LOVE it! A large bag does not last long here!!

1 large bag Popcorn Twists
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda

Dump the twists into a roaster. Put butter, sugar & corn syup into a large pot. Whisk together & being to a boil. Add baking soda. The caramel will foam up (which is why you need the large pot). After the caramel starts to deflate, pour over twists in roaster. Stir to coat all pieces. Bake at 250*F for 45 minutes, stirring ever 10 minutes. Pour onto wax paper, and let cool. After it has cooled down, break up the larger pieces & store in a covered container.

Carrot Cake

Nothing says Easter like carrot cake! This one is very easy to make, thanks to a cake mix, and just by adding some of your favorites, it can be totally customized to suit your tastebuds!!

1 box Spice Cake mix
2 cups shredded carrots
1 can crushed pineapple
1 cup raisins
1 cup coconut
1 cup walnuts - I never add these, due to hubby/oldest son allergies!

Mix up cake mix as directed on box. Stir in carrots, pineapples, & other add ins (I find carrots & pineapples to be the most important!). Pour into greased cake pans, and bake at 350*F until toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely & frost with cream cheese frosting.

Brownie Cheesecake

This is a quick dessert that looks fabulous!!

1 box of Brownie mix
8oz cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar

Prepare brownies as directed on mix (with eggs,water & oil). Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Beat cream cheese, egg & sugar together, until smooth. Place drops of cream cheese mixture on top of brownie batter, and use a knife to swirl. Bake as directed on brownie mix.

Roasted Asparagus

This is another favorite in our house, and screams spring/summer!! A quick & easy side dish you can make in the oven or on the BBQ!

1 bunch of asparagus
2 handfuls of mushrooms, either sliced or chunked
1/2 red onion, cut into slices
2 tsp garlic
1 TBSP lemon juice
2 tsp dill (I use dried)
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Drizzle of Olive Oil

Toss asparagus, mushrooms, onions, garlic, dill & lemon juice together, and place in baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over top & toss to coat. Place lemon wedges on top & bake at 350*F for 15 minutes (or on BBQ for about 20 min). Be sure asparagus stays tender crisp, if baked too long, it will get soggy!

Hippity Hoppity Easter Time!

I just love Easter! It is such a fun, spring holiday! Well, this year not so much, as we got a foot of snow in 24 hours! ICK!

Here is our Easter menu for tonight!
- Ham
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Asparagus roasted with mushroom, red onions, dill, lemon & garlic
- Stuffing
- Marinated veggie salad (peppers, carrots, celery, broccoli & cauliflower) - possibly
- Cheesecake Brownies
- Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting

We are having our Easter supper with friends & family. I have been cooking away since first thing this morning! Chocolate chip pancakes, ham, scalloped potatoes, & cheesecake brownies are all ready to go! Closer to supper time, I`ll make the stuffing & asparagus!

Dessert is my favorite though! I made a delicious Cheesecake Brownie, and currently have a (last minute) carrot cake in the oven. That will taste amazing with cream cheese frosting!!

Do you have any family traditions that you have to have with Easter dinner? What is one food you can`t celebrate Easter without??

The recipes for the aspargus, cheesecake brownies & carrot cake will follow :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with those you cherish!!

Robyn :)

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

This is my 7 year old`s favorite meal, and it is SO easy! Especially after I learned the "Great Meatball Trick"!!

3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP cornstarch
Meatballs (your own or premade)

Whisk everything together, and place in a roaster or in your slow cooker (I prefer slow cooker). If you are making your own meatballs, do as you wish. I add onions, crackers, egg, hot sauce, mustard & ketchup (shhh don`t tell G!), and seasoning. Now, for the meatball trick! As you roll your meatballs, toss them into a pot of boiling water! Let them boil until they float to the top (about 10 minutes). This not only helps keep their ball shape, but it also boils out any fat in your hambugrger! After the meatballs rise to the top, scoop them out with a slotted spoon & put into your sweet & sour sauce.

Oven Directions - 350*F for 2 hours
Slow Cooker - Turn to low for 5-6 hours

Enjoy with rice. Yummy!!

Happy Valentine`s Day!

I love Valentine`s Day! I always plan yummy meals with lots of treats for my 3 boys. I try to decorate too, it just depends on the hockey schedule that week, LOL!

Today, R has hockey after school, and A wants to skate at the outdoor rink. That means they wo`t be home until later, which gives me lots of time to prepare!!

Then menu is sweet & sour meatballs with rice, salad, & glazed carrots. I am also making red velvet cupcakes. This is my first attempt, so I am using a boxed mix I picked up last week. Should this work, I`ll attempt the real deal! I am also making chocolate dipped strawberries.

I even bought Valentine candy to decorate with! Nothing is better than edible decor!! I will be sure to share photos once everything is set up :)

I hope you are able to spend this day with the ones you love most! Have a great day!