Ice Cream Cupcakes

Ingredients

• Cake mix


• Ice cream


• Fun Toppings

Make any sort of cake mix you like. Spray the muffin tins with nonstick spray. Fill the muffin tins only half as full as you normally would. For the mini muffin tins, use less than a teaspoon of batter. For the regular muffin tins, use about one Tablespoon of batter. Bake cupcakes at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the oven, let cool in their tins for 15 minutes. Make sure that none of the cupcakes stick to the pan, cover with plastic wrap and put in the freezer for 3 hours, or overnight is best.

Remove the cupcakes from the freezer when you are ready to use them. If some of the cupcakes have domed up while cooking, remove them from their cup and use a small serrated knife to even out the top of the cupcake. Remove the ice cream from the freezer to let soften before filling the cupcake tins. When ice cream is softened, use a quick hand to spoon and flatten ice cream on top of the cake. When all of the cakes are topped with ice cream, return to the freezer to harden for at least 4 hours.

Remove the ice cream cupcakes from their tins. Place the cupcakes on a plate and return to the freezer for 15 minutes.

Next apply whatever topping you like, such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, carmel, or sprinkles. Return to the freezer on the dish you would like to serve them on. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and eat promptly!

*I found this recipe on Joy the Baker's blog :)

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser." ~John W. Gardner

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping Ingredients *Recipe only needs 1/2 this, so freeze and save for when you make the muffins again!

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 12-14 regular-size muffin cups. In bowl, mix butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Beat in vanilla, baking powder and salt. With spoon, fold in half of the flour then half of the milk into batter; repeat. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into muffin cups and sprinkle topping onto each muffin. Bake 18-20 minutes.






"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt." ~Dorothy Day

Play Dough

Supplies

• 1 cup flower
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 cup colored water (use food coloring)
• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil

Mix in heavy saucepan; cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. It will form a rubbery ball. Stir with wooden spoon. Store in airtight container.




"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." ~Walt Disney

Post-Surgical Ice Pack

Supplies Needed

• 4 one gallon zip-lock freezer bags
• 1 full bottle of rubbing alcohol

Use:Apply 3-4 times daily for 15-20 minutes in between use of pain medications

Directions

1. Pour 3 and 1/4 cups of water into one zip-lock freezer bag
2. Then pour one cup of rubbing alcohol into same bag (Make sure quantities are exact)
3. Combine mixture by shaking the bag
4. Unzip the bag half way and squeeze out any excess air
5. When air is gone, tightly re-seal the bag
6. Take the full bag and place inside a second bag to prevent leaking, also removing the air
7. Lay bag flat on counter, making sure the water inside bag is spread out evenly
8. Take bag and place it in the freezer, laying it on a flat shelf with a hard surface (The bag cannot be placed sitting up)
9. Repeat steps one through nine to make a second ice pack

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

James 5:16

Giant Raisin Bran Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups Raisin Bran cereal crushed to 1-1/2 cups
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs

Stir together Raisin Bran cereal, flours, and soda. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat margarine, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs. Beat well. Add flour mixture. Mix thoroughly. Drop 1/4 cup onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Yeilds 16-20 cookies.




"The Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Proverbs 3:12

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup crisco oil
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/2 cups unsifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, oil, salt, and vanilla. After measuring flour, sift together with other dry ingredients. Roll dough into balls. (Dough will be soft.) Roll ball in sugar and flatten with cookie cutters, decorative cookie markers or use a fork making criss-cross patterns on the cookies. Place on lightly greased baking pans and sprinkle with festive sugar crystals. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. These cookies are not supposed to get brown, so do not overbake them. Recipe makes 5 dozen cookies.





"Our heats grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

• 1 cup Butter Flavor Crisco
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream Butter Flavor Crisco, 1-1/2 cups sugar, eggs and vanilla thoroughly in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Stir into creamed mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Roll balls of dough in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 6 dozen cookies.





"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Peanut Blossom Cookies

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 48 chocolate candy kisses, foil removed

Combine all ingredients except candy kisses in a large mixing bowl. Mix on lowest speed of mixer until dough forms, or mix together by hand. Shape dough into balls using approximately one rounded teaspoon for each. Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in an oven which has been preheated to 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. When you remove the cookie sheets from the oven, press a candy kiss firmly into each cookie so the cookie will crack around the edges. Makes about 48 cookies.




"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~Lou Holtz

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2-1/4 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 2-3 dozen large cookies.






"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will suceed."
Proverbs 16:3

Homemade Three Musketeer Bars

Ingredients

• 4 cups Chocolate Chips
• 8 ounces Frozen Whipped Topping
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with wax paper. In a medium bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, or use a double boiler. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat melted chocolate for about 30 seconds. Add frozen whipped topping to the melted chocolate and beat until well combined and fluffy, 30-60 seconds more. Spread chocolate mixture evenly into prepared pan (if mixture is too stiff, press into pan with lightly dampened hands). Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Remove pan from freezer and turn chocolate mixture onto a cutting board; cut into one-inch squares. Return squares to freezer for another 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 cups chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and stir until well combined. Dip frozen chocolate squares into melted chocolate coat. Place on wax paper to set up. Keep chocolates in an airtight container in the refrigerator.







"For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."
Luke 12:34

Apple Pie

Ingredients

• 4 large tart apples
• 1 deep dish pie crust
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine

Thaw pie crust 10-15 minutes. Soften butter. 

Poke holes in pie crust. Peel apples and cut in eighths; arrange in 9 inch pastry lined pie pan. Mix 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon. Sprinkle over apples. Sift 1/2 cup sugar with flour and cut into butter till crumbly (Use fork to help with crumbles). Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes; Cover with foil and cook another 5-10 minutes.





"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix
• 1 big box chocolate pudding
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup oil
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 large eggs
• 6 oz. chocolate chips
• Chocolate icing (2 containers)

Mix all this together. Pour in two greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When done, ice with chocolate icing.





"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family hapinesses." ~Joyce Brothers

Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 20 to 30 oreo cookies
• 1/2 gal. vanilla ice cream
• 1/3 cup margarine, melted

Place cookies in a plastic bag. Roll cookies with a rolling pin to crush. Add melted margarine to crumbs, mix well and press as crust into oblong pyrex dish (9x13). Place crust in freezer until firm. Remove ice cream from freezer to soften while crust hardens (30 to 45 minutes). Spred softened ice cream over frozen crust. Return to freezer.


Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet morsels
• 1 T. margarine
• 1 T. vanilla
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 small can evaporated milk
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Mix all ingredients and cook over double boiler stirring frequently until fully melted, well mixed, and sllightly thickened (about 30 minutes). Cool (thickens further while cooking) and spred over ice cream. Top with pecans, if desired. Return to freezer until ready to serve.






"For it is only by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8

Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs separated
• 3 ripe bananas
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt

Cream the shortening, sugar and egg yolks. Put the egg whites in a small mixing bowl and set aside. Mash the bananas and add to the creamed mixture slong with the 3 tablespoons of milk. Sift dry ingredients together and add to the creamed mixture. Beat egg whites toll stiff peaks form; fold gently into other mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured tube pan or loaf pan and bake in 350 degree oven about 40 to 50 minutes. Check cake as it should not be overbaked. Remove from oven and let cool in pan 10 or 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on cake rack.



"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strengh and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup corn bread stuffing mix
• 1 8oz. can seasoned tomato sauce
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

In a large bowl, gently break up ground beef; add other ingredients and toss gently to mix. Shape mixture into one large or two small loves. Bake covered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking about 30 minutes more, or till done. Allow meatloaf to rest about 5 minutes after coming out of the oven.

"Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowldege to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him."
Daniel 2:20-22

Lemon Chicken

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds chicken parts (thighs and legs recommended), skin-on, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 Tbsp melted butter

Place lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, whisk to combine. With the tip of a sharp knife, cut into each chicken piece one or two times by about 1/2 an inch (this will help the marinade penetrate). Place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a gallon-sized freezer bag so that all chicken pieces are coated with the marinade, seal the bag and place in a bowl in the refrigerator. Let marinate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade and place in a single layer in a large baking dish, skin side up. Reserve the marinade. Use a pastry brush to brush a little melted butter on to each piece of chicken.
Bake for a total of 50 t0 55 minutes, until the skins are crispy brown, and the chicken is cooked through, juices running clear. Half-way through the baking, at about the 25 minute mark, baste the chicken pieces generously with reserved marinade.
Depending on the size of the breast, they may be ready before the thighs, so if you are cooking a mix of chicken parts, keep that in mind, you may have to take them out of the oven before the thighs. Once cooked let rest, covered in foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
Pour the juices from the pan into a serving bowl. Serve the chicken with the juices on the side or a little poured over the top of the chicken. Serves 4-6.

"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." ~Lao Tzu

Mom's Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• Oregano to taste
• Basil to taste
• Dash of garlic salt
• 16 ounce jar of Ragu sauce
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste

Brown ground beef in large pot over medium heat. Then add oregano, basil, garlic salt, sauces, and paste. Stir well and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over pasta.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. he makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name's sake. Even though I walk throughh the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Pslam 23

Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Bisquick
• 2 eggs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan. Cook and stir beef and onion until brown. If desired add a dash of oregano along with the salt and pepper. Drain off any excess grease. Spread beef in pie plate; sprinkle with cheese. Beat milk, egg and Bisquick together till smooth. Pour mixture over beef and cheese. Bake till golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." ~ Mark Twain

Chili

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb. ground beef
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz.) kidney beans
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Dash of salt and pepper

Brown ground beef; drain. Add all ingredients. Simmer in crock pot for 3 to 4 hours.

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Corn Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 dash salt
• 1/4 cup milk

Mix ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Homemade Potato Chips

Ingredients

• Russet(baking) potatoes
• Butter, melted
• Coarse salt to taste

Peel and slice the potatoes 1/16 inch thick. Pat the potatoes dry between paper towels and arrange in one layer on a baking sheet. Brush the potatoes with the melted butter, bake them in a preheated 500 degree oven for 2-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Sprinkle chips with the salt. Allow to cool before serving.





"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Toasted Pita Chips

Ingredients

• Whole-wheat pita bread
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut pita bread into thin slices. Places slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over slices, followed by salt, pepper and oregano. Be sure all slices are coated. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until chips begin to brown. The bread will toast and become chips.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~Robert Brault

French Toast

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 8 slices of bread
• Butter
• Maple Syrup

Beat eggs, milk, and cinnamon together. Wisk until well blended and pour into a shallow bowl. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing bread to soak up some of the mixture. Melt some butter over a large skillet on medium high heat. Fry until brown on both sides, flipping the bread when necessary. Serve with hot butter and maple syrup.





"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1lb. sausage
• 6 eggs beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 2 slices cubed bread
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard

Brown sausage and drain well. Beat together eggs, milk, salt, and mustard. Layer in 8x8 baking dish- bread, sausage, cheese, egg mixture. (May assemble and refridgerate the night before and bake in the morning.) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.





"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
~Robert Louis Stevenson

Frito Dip

Ingredients

• Hormel chili- no beans
• 8 oz. cream cheese (Use 8 oz. cream cheese for each can of chili)

Heat to melt cream cheese into chili.

Serve with Fritos.

Enjoy!

Sausage Puffs

Ingredients

• 2 -1/2 cups Bisquick
• 10 oz. package sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 lb. hot uncooked sausage
• 3-4 tbsp. milk

Mix all ingrediants together. Shape into small balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.




"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6