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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Put A Little Love in Your Heart...and Your Tummy!


I have a confession to make.  I just can't say "no" to Red Velvet anything!  It's my favorite cake in the world! 
These red cookies are a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 45 min
Cook Time: 12 min
These are easy-to-make cookies, but the batter is very thick. It might seem very strange to work with such a thick batter, but not to worry... they bake up just fine :)

Ingredients:

COOKIES:
1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix (I used Duncan Hines)
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
4 to 5 large egg whites (start with 4... see *tips below)
1/2 cup sour cream
FILLING:
24 Hershey's "Hugs" Kisses (White Chocolate + Milk Chocolate), unwrapped
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix 4 egg whites and sour cream, then use a WOODEN SPOON to mix it into the dry mixture. The mixture will be very thick. Add an additional egg white if it's impossible to stir. A thick batter is what you're looking for though.
You'll think it's way too thick (I did. I thought... there is no way this is going to work out!) but it does work out and bakes up into a tender cookie.
3. Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to drop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Press a kiss into the cookie dough, and then top the kiss with another tablespoon of dough. Just kind of plop it on top... it will bake together in the oven and keep the Kiss inside. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough. Bake 12 to 13 minutes, until the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. If you'd like to frost them, you should do so just before serving them. Use your favorite frosting recipe, use a canned frosting (for ease) or use my quick recipe. Just use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese with 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and drizzle in enough whipping cream or milk to create a nice spreading consistency, adding more powdered sugar if needed. Spread the frosting on the cookies. Top with decorative sprinkles, if desired.

Tips:

*If topped with the homemade cream cheese frosting, the cookies will need to be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container. Bring to room temperature when ready to serve or nibble.

Photo and recipe from www.recipegirl.com

Today I Wore...


Top - The Limited
Pants - NY&Co

Monday, February 13, 2012

Taco Soup in the Crock Pot


I have been dying to try this recipe I found on Pinterest and last night I finally did.  I love Taco soup and this one was great.  It cooked all day and my house smelled amazing.  This was a chunky soup and was very filling.  I changed the recipe around just a little (not much) for this post, but the original recipe can be found by following the link.
Ingredients:
--2 cans of light red kidney beans

--2 cans of pinto beans

--2 cans of corn

--1 large can of diced tomatoes

--1 can tomatoes and chiles

--1 1/2 packets taco seasoning

--1 packet  dry ranch dressing mix

--1 1/2 lb browned ground turkey or hamburger

--shredded cheese and sour cream for embelishment

The Directions:

--brown meat and drain all grease

--add meat to crockpot

--sprinkle seasoning packets on top of meat

--drain and rinse the beans and add

--add the ENTIRE contents of the corn and tomato cans
--stir.

cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5. I think the longer you cook soup, the better, so if you have the time, opt for cooking on low. Stir well, and serve with a handful of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.


http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/02/original-taco-soup-crockpot-recipe.html

Today I Wore...


Sweater - Ann Taylor Loft
Scarf - vintage
Cords - London (Victoria's Secret)
Shoes - Esprit

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Today I Wore...


Cardi - Moa Comoa (Steinmart)
Shirt - INC (Macy's_
Pants - NY&Co

You Are My Sunshine

Since yellow is my favorite color, I was thrilled to see it popping up so often in the new spring collections.  This bright color is so summery and looks great with a tan.  It just has a tropical feel.  And don't let anyone tell all of you blondes out there that you can't wear yellow because you can.  The trend seems to be more toward a bright, lemon yellow rather than the subdued pale yellow that was popular this winter.  It looks fabulous paired with stripes, with navy, or in a solid dress.  You can bet the yellow section of my closet will be growing this spring!  Happy Shopping :).


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Today I Wore...


Dress - Old Navy
Jeggings - Hue (Dillards)
Boots - Michelle D (Dillards)

Ugh!  I'm having such a bad hair day.  Hate to even post this picture.