Cake Bites

It’s based on a mix, but I imagine you can follow the same directions substituting from scratch cake and frosting (I’ll try that one day). You can try it with any flavor cake combinations.


1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Caramel Brownies

Made these for a lady in our ward and the were ooey, gooey, divine!

Caramel Brownies2/3 c. evaporated milk, divided (separated)
14 oz. pkg. caramels
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 pkg. German Chocolate cake mix
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

Melt caramels and 1/3 c. evaporated milk over low heat. Stir until all is melted and combined, remove from heat. (Unwrapping the caramels is the most tedious part of this recipe.) :)

In medium bowl, combine the melted butter, remaining 1/3 c. evaporated milk and cake mix.

Spread 1/2 the batter into a greased and floured 13 X 9" pan. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips and pecans. Spread melted caramel mixture over the chips and nuts. Drop remaining cake batter on top in "blobs". (Don't worry about spreading the batter out; it will spread while baking.)

Bake an additional 15-20 minutes.

Let rest for at least 4 hours. For best results, make the day before.

Easy Chicken Parmesan

chicken breasts
eggs
bread crumbs
olive oil
salt & pepper
marinara sauce
diced ITALIAN tomatoes
Mozz cheese
nooodles

Dip chicken breasts into 1-2 beaten eggs, roll around in bread crumbs, and slightly brown on pan covered in olive oil. Salt & pepper each side while it's cooking, then place into baking dish. Spoon marinara/tomato mixture around chicken breasts, but don't cover them. Cook for 45 min (give or take 10 min) @ 350. Cover chicken w/ mozz cheese about 10-15 min before it's done in the oven. Make noodles while chicken is cooking and you can use extra sauce mixture for noodles too. So so yummy and really easy!!!

Super easy Valentine treat

Move over stovetop method-this way is sooooo much easier! I mentioned to a friend that my batch of RK treats were hard (overcooked the marshmallows) so she introduced me to her simpler recipe. They are easier and really moist and chewy. Yum!

Microwave in glass bowl for 1 min:
10 oz. bag of mini marshmallows (make sure they are fresh-older ones, won't work)
3 T butter
-stir-
Microwave again for 30 sec.
-stir-
Add 6 C. Rice Krispies
*and 1 C. Valentine M&M's (frozen/fridge is best-so they won't melt)

Fluffy Ham and Egg Strata

12 slices white bread, buttered and cubed.
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 c. ham, cubed
10 eggs
3 c. milk (For richness, you can use some half and half or evaporated milk)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 T. minced onion. You can use any onions you have. I usually add more than this.
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Alternate layers of cubed bread (first), cheese (second) and ham (third) in buttered 9 x 13 pan or 2 qt. baking dish. Make two complete layers before adding egg mixture.

Blend eggs, milk, mustard, onion and seasonings. Pour over layered mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until set. This casserole will set more after taken out of oven. Because of the amount of eggs, it is super fluffy.

Tips: You can substitute ham with canadian bacon, bacon or sausage - whatever you have. You can add peppers, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes. Enjoy it for dinner, also!

Spaghetti Carbonara

This is a favorite in our house. Riley always ask for 2nds and 3rds! I love it because its so easy, and a complete meal in one!!

1 pound spaghetti

4 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tsp salt

2 tablespoons chopped frozen spinach

**You can use a few handfuls of fresh spinach, or sometimes I use broccoli instead

1/4 cup butter

1 cup grated parm cheese

1/2 - 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Beat eggs, milk, garlic, and salt as for scrambled eggs. Add spinach to mixture. (if using broccoli, don't add to egg mixture - roast broc in oven for 10 minutes then add at the end)

Cook and drain spaghetti. With spaghetti in drainer, melt butter in pot. Add spaghetti and egg mixture to the pan. Stir constantly until eggs are nearly cooked. Add parmesan cheese and bacon and finish cooking.

We sometimes add fresh tomatoes to the top.

** Healthy options: Use turkey bacon in place of real bacon, and margarine in place of butter.

The Best Ever Banana Bread!

Preheat oven to 325
1 1/3 C. Oil
4 large eggs
3 C. sugar
6 ripe bananas, mashed
1 C. Sour Cream (you can use fat free)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients in large bowl on low until smooth

4 C. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 C. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Mix in flour and soda on low until flour disappears.  Do no overmix.  Stir in nuts (if skipping the nuts, please add 1/2 cup more flour).

Fill 3 or 4 greased and floured loaf pans 2/3 full.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar to form a delicious crust.  Bake for 40 to 60 minutes.  Bread is baked when top is crowned and light golden brown and tests clean with a toothpick.  Remove and cool for 5 minutes.  Turn loaves out and cool until room temperature. Store bread well wrapped in the refrigerator.