Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wicked Good Wednesdays #25


 Co-hosted by Rachel at {{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's
Wicked Good Wednesdays Party
over at Rachel's site!

For those of you who are here this week...
THANK YOU for joining us!!!

If you participated or will be participating this week, please grab our button!

THANK YOU!!

WELCOME TO THE 25th INSTALLMENT OF
WICKED GOOD WEDNESDAYS!!!

Can you believe it's almost the end of MAY?!?!
This year is FLYING!!!
With our two daughters home from college and our son ending school
on Thursday, summer's already upon us here at the 365 home.
I just can't believe it!!
I must be getting old. haha

Thank you, FRIENDS for everything you brought 
to share this week - 
scrumptious food, awesome graduation ideas, and great ideas for drinks!
THANK YOU!!!
Keep 'em coming!!! I'm always excited when the next week starts
'cause I can't WAIT to see what comes next!!
 
Now on to business...
Our Most Clicked Link of the Week goes to...

Dark Chocolate Reese's Pieces Heath PB Chip Cookies 
from
 Persnickety Plates

Melissa said these might just be the best cookies she'ever made!
They're so packed full of yumminess, how could they NOT be?! 
My Wicked Pick of the Week goes out to...

New York Cheesecake from 
Bakewell Junction

Annamaria brought us a taste of NY!
If you've ever had a slice of NY cheesecake then you know how good the stuff is.
And now, you can make it at HOME!!!
Two of my Wicked Favorites were

Knock Off Panda Express Orange Chicken 
from White Lights on Wednesday

Orange Chicken from Panda is one of my family's most favoritestthings to eat!
no joke.
So, I was thrilled when I saw that Julie had submitted this!
I think I'll make it as a surprise one night.
AND

Down and Dirty Frozen Margarita from 
Miss Information


I don't do it too often, but it is nice to relax with a refreshing drink after a long day at work,
especially with the nights becoming SO warm SO early here in Phoenix.
One of these...or maybe a couple of Kelley's frozen concoctions will be sure to relax me.
Weekend, here I come!
Thank you all again SO very much for participating!!
If yours was selected as a Wicked submission, please grab our Wicked Feature button.
 to let everyone know you were
WICKED!!



Also be sure to head on over to Rachel's site, 
{{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life 
to see what she has picked as her favorites!!
Now onto the PARTY!!!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Taco Dip ~ The Secret Recipe Club

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Here we are again -the third Monday of the month.
I just cannot believe how very fast the weeks go by.
My daughters have finished their year at college and my son will finish his sophomore year of high school on Thursday.
This. Year. FLEW!

How 'bout you, do you think it's gone by fast?

We've been busy the last week with getting the girls organized here at home, work...
AND we have a new family addition.


I am IN LOVE with that little black nose and his puppy breath!!


Oh, and those EYES!!!


Yes, his name is Keiser and he is a 9 week old Golden Retriever. He is absolutely one of the cutest things I've ever seen. And the best part?
He gets along famously with our almost 9 year old Golden, Brady.
They are spitting images of each other and love, love LOVE to play tug of war with Brady's rope toy.
Who needs TV when you can just watch the dogs play together?!

Secret Recipe Club

So, back to the post. Otherwise I'll be talking about the puppy ALL day...
Every third Monday of the month Group C of the Secret Recipe Club has its' reveal day.
This means that every member of the group finally gets to post what recipe they chose from the blog that we were assigned earlier in the month.
It's based on Secret Santa and it is SO much fun!! If you're interested, you should check it out and request to join!
Our group leader is Debbi of Debbi Does Dinner... Healthy & Low Calorie and the head of the entire gang is April from Angel's Homestead. They aren't the only two who do a lot of work - there are quite a few women who make sure things run smoothly every month and they ALL deserve a BIG thank you!!!!
Now onto the exciting stuff!!
For the month of May, I was assigned to...


She has A LOT of recipes to choose from on her blog, so I had absolutely NO trouble searching for something the family would like. The only problem was, after I narrowed it down to about three, I had trouble choosing between those. haha. 
Let's see, there was Christine's Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Cake, her Peanut Butter Cookies with Salted Peanut Caramel (the family was REALLY disappointed I didn't make these, so I promised them I'd do it another time), and the incredible looking Apple Pie Cookies! I really had a craving for some desserts, can you tell?
In the end though I decided that since I don't have a recipe for a dip / appetizer thingy here at 365, it would be best if I made Christine's Taco Dip. And it really was a no-brainer since the family is NUTS about tacos and chips! YAY, Me!!
It was simple, quick, and well, you'll read my rating after the recipe. 
I didn't change a thing, but I did leave out the olives. There's only one person in the family who will eat them and sorry Mr. 365, but garnishing the dish with a whole bunch of olives just for you ain't worth my picking 'em all off, so I can enjoy it, too. I did however place the jalapenos over the whole thing as opposed to just on half as I had originally planned. So, I do consider that in that case, I took one for the team.
Capiche?


Taco Dip -makes one 9-inch pie plate full

1 lb. ground beef
1 package taco seasoning OR my Homemade Taco Seasoning (I would have used this, but I didn't have any more on hand)
1 15 ounce can refried beans
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1 tomato, diced
jalapeno slices to taste
chopped red onion
black olives (if desired)
tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare a pie plate by spraying it with cooking spray.
Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.


 Drain the fat and add the packet of taco seasoning. Cook according to directions. Let cool slightly.


Spread the refried beans on the bottom of the pie plate.


Cover completely with the tacoed (my new word) ground beef.


Spread the sour cream on top of the beef.


Top it off with the shredded cheese.



Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Top with desired remaining ingredients.



I rate everything I make on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the best and this Taco Dip earned 4 rolling pins!
It was fabulous, easy and quick to make.
This will be a great thing to make not only as an appetizer, but on a weeknight when I'm working late and need something quick for dinner.
OR if I need a 16 year old boy to make dinner when I'm on my way home!  
(wink, wink)
Be sure to check out Christine's blog and all of the other fantastic recipes my fellow bloggers have made from their assigned blogs!

I give you BIG baking hugs and muffins!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Wicked Good Wednesdays #24


 Co-hosted by Rachel at {{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's
Wicked Good Wednesdays Party
over at Rachel's site!

For those of you who are here this week...
THANK YOU for joining us!!!

If you participated or will be participating this week, please grab our button!

THANK YOU!!

WELCOME TO THE 24TH
WICKED GOOD WEDNESDAYS!!!

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day!
We added a new member to our family.
Yes, I am a grandmother...
to my daughter's new Golden Retriever puppy.
He is awfully adorable!

Thank you all for joining us again this week!
Once again, you ROCK and have brought.
some absolutely INCREDIBLE submissions.
THANK YOU!!!
 
Now on to business...
Our Most Clicked Link of the Week goes to...

Overnight Blintz Bake from
White Lights on Wednesdays

Julie made this wonderful dish. It's going to be a hit
here at our house because the cheese blintzes I make with crepes is a family favorite!
My Wicked Pick of the Week goes out to...

Greek Chicken Pasta from 
I Got This Martha

I can never have enough recipes for chicken and this one from Jeni
is simple, quick and healthy for a weeknight dinner after work!
Two of my Wicked Favorites were

DIY Del's Lemonade from 
Soliloquy of Food & Such


Kim has hooked me again with another Rhode Island staple -
Del's Lemonade.
I grew up on this stuff and remember it best when we'd be at the beach and hear the horn
from the infamous green and yellow truck. We'd all bolt out of the water for some money!
AND

Cajun Chicken Pasta from 
From My Perspective


This dish gives me another chicken recipe and some spice to give Mr. 365
a kick in his taste buds during dinner.
I'm not usually one for spices, but I think I could sacrifice and give this one a try -
take one for the team so to speak! haha
Thanks, Summaiyah.
Thank you all again SO very much for participating!!
If yours was selected as a Wicked submission, please grab our Wicked Feature button.
 to let everyone know you were
WICKED!!


Also be sure to head on over to Rachel's site, 
{{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life 
to see what she has picked as her favorites!!
Now onto the PARTY!!!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Wicked Good Wednesdays #23


 Co-hosted by Rachel at {{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's
Wicked Good Wednesdays Party
over at Rachel's site!

For those of you who are here this week...
THANK YOU for joining us!!!

If you participated or will be participating this week, please grab our button!

THANK YOU!!

It's GREAT to "see" you again, 
FRIENDS!!!!
Welcome to the 23rd party of 
Wicked Good Wednesdays!!!
I CANNOT believe we've done this for 23 weeks ALREADY!!!!
Your response and support has been 
AHHHHH-MAZING!!!
THANK YOU!!!!

College is over this week, so I'm off to pick up our youngest daughter
tomorrow and then on Thursday it's the Mr.'s turn.
I am SO excited to have the WHOLE family home for the summer!!
They will be gone for one week however when they spend 
time with family back in little ol' Rhody.
That week, I look forward to having the hubby
ALL to myself. Well, ok, with the dog, too, I suppose.
What are your big plans for the summer?
I sure do hope it's an awesome one for you!!
 
Now on to business...
Our Most Clicked Link of the Week goes to...

How I Lost 30lbs. in 3 Months - Part 1 from 
My Turn for Us

WOO HOO!!
LOOK at Miss Evelyn!! *thunderous applause*
Not only has she been eating healthy to reach a goal,
but she's been doing it with exercise, too!
Keep it up, Evelyn and best wishes for continued success!!
My Wicked Pick of the Week goes out to...

Limoncello Cocktail Cake & happy Alex day 
from Cooking with Curls


As you may well know, I LOVE lemon!!
Lisa made this fantastic cake for her son Alex for his birthday.
Lisa, MY birthday is in a couple months!! (hint, hint) hee hee
Two of my Wicked Favorites were

Disappearing Double Strawberry Cookies
from A Handful of Everything


Strawberry is one of my favorite flavors!
Krista has me hooked with these icing covered cookies,
especially now that it's getting to be STRAWBERRY season!
WOO HOO!!
AND

German Chocolate Meringue Cake 
from Sweet Twist of Blogging

Ooh la la!!
Meg made this beautiful cake and while I'm not one to really
enjoy a piece of typical German Chocolate Cake,
I think this might win me over.
Thank you all again SO very much for participating!!
If yours was selected as a Wicked submission, please grab our Wicked Feature button.
 to let everyone know you were
WICKED!!


Also be sure to head on over to Rachel's site, 
{{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life 
to see what she has picked as her favorites!!
Now onto the PARTY!!!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Wicked Good Wednesdays #22


 Co-hosted by Rachel at {{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's
Wicked Good Wednesdays Party
over at Rachel's site!

For those of you who are here this week...
THANK YOU for joining us!!!

If you participated or will be participating this week, please grab our button!

THANK YOU!!

Thank you all again SO much for joining us every week!
I'm loving that we have people who have become
"regulars" and that each week we get to be introduced
to some pretty wonderful NEW blogs (well, new to me, at least)!
I LOVE seeing all the INCREDIBLE contributions every week!!
You all are SO very talented and creative.
I give each of you a BIG baking hug!
THANK YOU!!!!!
 
Now on to business...
Our Most Clicked Link of the Week goes to...

Butterfinger Muddy Buddies from 
Crumbs and Chaos

Becca made this yummy treat! I LOVE Muddy Buddies 
AND Butterfingers, so why the heck not put the two together?!
My Wicked Pick of the Week goes out to...

Striped Summer Fruit Tart from 
the Plaid & Paisley Kitchen


Summer will be here before we know it and 
nothing speaks summer to me more than fresh fruit.
Chandra made this gorgeous tart and 
I'm sure it's not only beautiful to look at, but delicious as well!
Two of my Wicked Favorites were

Four Ingredient Apple Pie from 
Rebekah of Schenewark Farm


Rebekah made this Apple Pie for her son, Levi's ninth birthday.
I wouldn't mind one of these on my special day! 
And it sounds SO easy!!

AND

Devil's Food Cake Mix Cookies from 
Sourdough Native

Kari had my taste buds salivating when I read the title.
Devil's Food Cake Mix.
When I was little, I especially liked the Devil's Food mixes because 
the batter tasted so doggone good.
These cookies are just what I need this time of the month.
(was that TMI?)  ;-)
Thank you all again SO very much for participating!!
If yours was selected as a Wicked submission, please grab our Wicked Feature button.
 to let everyone know you were
WICKED!!


Also be sure to head on over to Rachel's site, 
{{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life 
to see what she has picked as her favorites!!
Now onto the PARTY!!!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wicked Good Wednesday #21


 Co-hosted by Rachel at {{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's
Wicked Good Wednesdays Party
over at Rachel's site!

For those of you who are here this week...
THANK YOU for joining us!!!

If you participated or will be participating this week, please grab our button!

THANK YOU!!

I CANNOT believe how quickly every Tuesday comes.
Last night, Rachel asked me for the party link and I was like,
"OMG, it's Tuesday?!?! When the HECK did THAT happen?!?!"
The weeks are FLYING!
Our daughters are done with school in just over two weeks 
and the boy is done at the end of May.
Then before you know it, summer will be over. 
Wow, do I sound like Debbie Downer.
Don't mean to be, just observing how busy I get and how things move so very quickly.

I hope you are all well and that you are taking time to smell the roses!
Thank you again SO much for your contributions!!!!
This little linky party is growing and it's all because of your 

WONDERFUL submissions!
PLEASE keep them coming (and spread the word!)!!!
 
Now on to business...
Our Most Clicked Link of the Week goes to...

Zucchini & Onion Pie from 
The Pin Junkie

Bonnie made this fabulous pie. I'm always looking for more zucchini recipes
because during the summer those things multiply in our garden like
rabbits!
My Wicked Pick of the Week goes out to...

Mason Jar Mantle Makeover from 
The Resourceful Gals


What a GREAT idea from Julia! I NEVER would have thought to use my mason
jars this way! LOVE it!
Hmmm...now all I need is the mantle to get me started....
Two of my Wicked Favorites were

Maple Bacon Rice Krispie Treats 
from The Sweet Chick


We can't get enough of Rice Krispie treats around these here parts.
Mr. 365's favorite is ones with peanut butter, but I'm thinking these ones
that Carole made might give those a run for their money!
and
Caramel Pretzel Brownies 
from The Vegetarian Casserole Queen

Caramel, pretzels and chocolate brownies...
I have to ask, does it get any better than THAT?!
Madge made these beauties and I'm sure they'd satisfy some serious PMS cravings!!
Thank you all again SO very much for participating!!
If yours was selected as a Wicked submission, please grab our Wicked Feature button.
 to let everyone know you were
WICKED!!


Also be sure to head on over to Rachel's site, 
{{{I Love}}} My Disorganized Life 
to see what she has picked as her favorites!!
Now onto the PARTY!!!

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