Mini Taco Scoops Recipe

Mini Taco Scoops

For Game Day or Any Day…

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Oh, boy! Is your mouth watering just looking at that picture? Mine is. These Mini Taco Scoops are so scrumptious. They burst with flavor, and are super easy to make too.

I previewed these Mini Taco Scoops in my Game Day Party post that featured the Snickers Mini Pudding Parfaits along with the Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches. So, be sure to check that out, because these snacks make a perfect trio.

Mouth watering Mini Taco Scoops are a perfect #GameDaySnack ! #Recipe #Appetizer

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Mini Taco Scoops

The Ingredients Are Simple:

Tostitos Scoops, Hamburger, Taco Seasoning, Tostitos Chunky Salsa (I used the medium flavor), Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, and Fresh Cilantro.

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Here’s What You Do:

In a skillet, brown your Hamburger Meat making sure to stir it well, so the hamburger breaks down into smaller pieces
Drain off any excess juices
Add one packet of Taco Seasoning according to the packet instructions
Now it is time to layer your Mini Taco Scoop

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Take a Tostitos Scoop and put a small amount of Taco-Flavored Hamburger in it
Then add a little Salsa
Add a tiny dollop of Sour Cream
Sprinkle some Shredded Cheese
Top with a Fresh Cilantro leaf

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That’s it, you’re finished! These small bites are a perfect amuse bouche (Top Chef would be proud – LOL). The flavors are wonderful, and the fresh cilantro really makes them pop…YUM!

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You can make the Mini Taco Scoops and place them on a platter, or you can set up a build-your-own Mini Taco Scoops Bar. I like to do both. I have a platter of them on the table and set up the bar around them. That way, guests know what they are supposed to look like when they go to make their own.

Serve Mini Taco Scoops on a platter, or create a make-your-own bar! #GameDay #PartyIdeas #Recipe

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These tasty snacks go quickly, so be sure to have plenty of fixings!

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Want a Printable Recipe? Get it Here!

5 from 1 reviews

Mini Taco Scoops

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

20 mins

An Easy and Delicious Appetizer Snack that bursts with the flavors of Mexico! Perfect for Game Day or any Party.

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Appetizer

Ingredients:

Tostitos Scoops
Hamburger (coordinate the amount with the Taco Seasoning, usually 1 lb. per packet)
Taco Seasoning
Tostitos Chunky Salsa (I used the medium flavor)
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese
Fresh Cilantro

Directions:

In a skillet, brown your Hamburger Meat making sure to stir it well, so the hamburger breaks down into smaller pieces
Drain off any excess juices
Add one packet of Taco Seasoning according to the packet instructions
Now it is time to layer your Mini Taco Scoop
Take a Tostitos Scoop and put a small amount of Taco-Flavored Hamburger in it
Then add a little Salsa
Add a tiny dollop of Sour Cream
Sprinkle some Shredded Cheese
Top with a Fresh Cilantro leaf

Notes

Make the Mini Taco Scoops and place them on a platter, or you can set up a build-your-own Mini Taco Scoops Bar. I like to do both. I have a platter of them on the table and set up the bar around them. that way guests know what they are supposed to look like when they go to make them on their own.

3.5.3208

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Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches

You Won’t Believe How Easy These Tasty Treats Are!

In my Game Day Party post, I included these amazing little frozen snacks. But, I wanted to share with you just how easy they are to make. You will be shocked! I know I was. I do have to confess, these Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches had a slightly different beginning…

My original ideas was to let the ice cream sandwiches thaw just a little and push skittles onto the ice cream sides (creating a rainbow of polka-dots), and then, re-freeze them. This did not work. The whole Skittles were too heavy for the slightly melted ice cream, and they would not stay in place. What a mess I had! Then, Rory told me of something she had seen while cruising Pinterest that got her attention. I wish I had the PIN to link to, because they deserve some credit.

UPDATE: Rory found the PIN. It’s for a Skittles Poke Cake–click here.

So, get out your Magic Bullet, Ninja, or whatever food processor you have, and let’s get busy!

You Won’t Believe How Easy These Tasty Treats Are! #Skittles #IceCreamSandwiches #Recipe

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Skittles Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

This recipe has only TWO INGREDIENTS:

Ice Cream Sandwiches
Skittles

Here’s what you do:

Line a baking dish with Wax Paper
Keep your Ice Cream Sandwiches in the Freezer. Work with them from there, one at a time

Take a small handful of Skittles and put them in your processor.

Pulse it a few times until you have Skittles Powder with some tiny chunks left in it. You will be surprised how fast this goes!
Pour the Skittles powder into a container with an air-tight lid
Repeat and Make enough Skittles powder to coat the edges of your ice cream sandwiches

Make your own Skittles Powder! #DIY #Skittles #IceCreamSandwiches

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Put some of the Skittles powder onto a small plate
Take your first Ice Cream Sandwich out of the freezer, and unwrap it. I cut my sandwiches in half to have smaller snack-size treats.

Tap the ice cream edges in the Skittles powder until all sides are covered

Place Skittles crusted sandwich in the wax paper lined dish and put into freezer
Repeat these steps until all of your Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches are made
Once finished, cover the dish with Plastic Wrap

And here is what you end up with…

See how they look on your Game Day table?

A perfect frozen treat for Game Day! #Skittles #IceCreamSandwiches #GameDay

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Here is a Printable Recipe just for You!

5 from 1 reviews

Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches

Save Print

Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

A super easy and delicious ice cream treat with the taste of the rainbow--Skittles.

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Dessert

Ingredients:

Ice Cream Sandwiches
Skittles

Directions:

Line a baking dish with Wax Paper
Keep your Ice Cream Sandwiches in the Freezer. Work with them from there, one at a time
Take a small handful of Skittles and put them in your processor.
Pulse it a few times until you have Skittles Powder with some tiny chunks left in it. You will be surprised how fast this goes!
Pour the Skittles powder into a container with an air-tight lid
Repeat and Make enough Skittles powder to coat the edges of your ice cream sandwiches
Put some of the Skittles powder onto a small plate
Take your first Ice Cream Sandwich out of the freezer, and unwrap it. I cut my sandwiches in half to have smaller snack-size treats.
Tap the ice cream edges in the Skittles powder until all sides are covered
Place Skittles crusted sandwich in the wax paper lined dish and put into freezer
Repeat these steps until all of your Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches are made
Once finished, cover the dish with Plastic Wrap

3.5.3208

I know you and your family will enjoy these scrumptious Skittles Ice Cream Sandwiches!

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Have you ever seen or heard of Skittles Powder before?

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SNICKERS® Mini Pudding Parfaits for Game Day

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GameDayGlory #CollectiveBias

Pudding Parfaits, great GAME DAY flavors, and tasty treats from SNICKERS®, Skittles®, TOSTITOS®, and Pepsi™.

SNICKERS® Mini Pudding Parfaits

A Tasty Game Day Treat

#GameDayGlory

Well, here it is–the time of year we all start planning for the big game day parties. Just like any party, you want your guests to have a great time, and you want to enjoy it with them. But how do you do that, when there is so much to do? Huddle up and make a Plan! And, I have some ideas to help keep you from fumbling.

5 Must-Haves for Game Day:

Great Food: Big games and great food go hand-in-hand. Set-up one main area for food service. This will allow you to keep a watchful eye out for anything that needs replenishing. Plus, everyone will have the opportunity to interact during the game. Make sure you have a variety of “meal-type” foods and plenty of those tasty “snack-type” foods. You could get really creative, and build a Snack Stadium! Snap a photo and post it to Instagram using #GameDayGlorySweepstakes to enter for a chance to win, or go vote for your favorite Snack Stadium. Check out more snack tips and a yummy recipe below.

Game Day Glory Sweepstakes

Two Viewing Areas: Let’s face it, some guests are there to WATCH the game, and others are there to SOCIALIZE while watching. Having two viewing areas gives the more intense football fans a place to cheer on their team and avoid possible penalties.

Kid Sitters: Are you having kids at your game day party? Then, make it easy on yourself, and hire a sitter or two. Having a little pass interference to wrangle those active partiers, is a good thing. Whether entertained by watching the actual game, the puppy bowl, playing games or crafting, you and your adult guests will appreciate being able to enjoy the game. Give the kids their own smaller snack station that the sitters can help maintain.

Name Tags: Not for you, but your DRINKS! Confusion reigns supreme when it comes to which drink is who’s on game day. Use plastic cups and provide a Sharpie for name writing. Make tags and attache them to rubber bands for guests to attach to their cup, bottle, or can. Create personalized labels for your drinks. See more ideas here and here.

Friendly Competition: Is it really game day without a little friendly competition? Regardless if your scrimmage line is “buy-in” or “just-for-fun,” everyone enjoys the comradery and game-time interaction. Add another bit of fun to the usual football pool with my Game Day BINGO! This is a set of 8 cards that print two to a page. Seven cards are ready to play, and one card is blank–perfect for you to customize. Get the Free Printable Download below.

5 Must-Haves for your Game Day Party. #Recipe #Printable #GameDayGlory AD

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Now, let’s get to the yummy stuff! Big games and great food go hand-in-hand, and everybody loves the savory flavorful offerings of ribs, burgers, and dogs. But, you can’t just “snack” on the big stuff. So, I’m sharing some easy ideas that will add a 2-point conversion to your touchdown!

Mini Taco Scoops

Mini Taco Scoops are amazing bites (a perfect amuse-bouche) are made with TOSTITOS® Scoops –use the Party Size– and TOSTITOS® Medium Chunky Salsa. Serve this with a glass of Pepsi™ for a perfect pairing.

Luke loves these. Sometimes he adds another TOSTITOS® Scoops chip as a top and calls it a Taco Ball.

Skittles® Ice Cream Sandwiches

Oh, yum! You won’t believe how easy these are to make. These Skittles® Ice Cream Sandwiches are crusted with Skittles® powder! Get out your Magic Bullet, Ninja, or the like, and make quick work of this project–and I do mean quick!

And now, for the MVP of this party… A sweet treat Pudding Parfaits Recipe that looks great and tastes even better!

SNICKERS® Mini Pudding Parfaits

This is such an easy recipe for pudding parfaits. All you need is Vanilla Instant Pudding, Milk, SNICKERS® Minis, and Whipped Cream.

The MVP of Game Day – SNICKERS® Mini Pudding Parfaits! #Recipe #GameDayGlory AD

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Here’s the Play-by-Play:

Add Pudding Mix and cold Milk to a bowl and Whip for 2 minutes
Let Pudding chill in refrigerator for at least 5 minutes

Unwrap SNICKERS® Minis – 4 pieces for each mini pudding dish
Chop half the amount of SNICKERS® Minis into small chunks–use a knife
Set the unwrapped whole SNICKERS® Minis aside for later

Here’s a helpful HACK: Fill a plastic baggy with your pudding and cut the tip off one corner. This will allow to fill the serving dishes quickly and without any mess!

Put a small amount of Pudding in the bottom of serving dishes

Sprinkle pudding with a layer of chopped SNICKERS® Minis
Add another layer of Pudding
Sprinkle another layer of chopped SNICKERS® Minis
Top with another layer of Pudding
Place desserts in the refrigerator to set, at least 2 hours

Take leftover unwrapped SNICKERS® Minis and divide them, 2 per pudding serving
Cut one SNICKERS® Minis (per serving) into four pieces–corners-to-corners
Remove Pudding cups from refrigerator and top each with Whipped Cream

Take one whole SNICKERS® Minis and place on top in the center of each dessert
Use the four cut pieces (with the inside of the candy bar showing) to go around the center SNICKERS® Minis

Here is a delicious Printable Recipe:

5 from 1 reviews

SNICKERS® Mini Pudding Parfaits

Save Print

Prep time

2 hours 20 mins

Total time

2 hours 20 mins

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Dessert

Ingredients:

1 - 5.1 oz. box Vanilla Instant Pudding
3 Cups - Milk (cold)
4 - SNICKERS® Minis per pudding serving dish for shot-size (more if making larger servings)
Whipped Cream

Directions:

Add Pudding Mix and cold Milk to a bowl and Whip for 2 minutes
Let Pudding chill in refrigerator for at least 5 minutes
Unwrap SNICKERS® Minis - 4 pieces for each mini pudding dish
Chop half the amount of SNICKERS® Minis into small chunks--use a knife
Set the unwrapped whole SNICKERS® Minis aside for later
Put a small amount of Pudding in the bottom of serving dishes
Sprinkle pudding with a layer of chopped SNICKERS® Minis
Add another layer of Pudding
Sprinkle another layer of chopped SNICKERS® Minis
Top with another layer of Pudding
Place desserts in the refrigerator to set, at least 2 hours
Take leftover unwrapped SNICKERS® Minis and divide them, 2 per pudding serving
Cut one SNICKERS® Minis (per serving) into four pieces--corners-to-corners
Remove Pudding cups from refrigerator and top each with Whipped Cream
Take one whole SNICKERS® Minis and place on top in the center of each dessert
Use the four cut pieces (with the inside of the candy bar showing) to go around the center SNICKERS® Minis

3.5.3208

You can’t have a big game without a little cheerleading. So, I created this cute Chalkboard Flag Banner to help boast my special treats. Take a look…

The Playing Field:

You can’t have a Game Day Party without a proper playing field. See how this one played out…

Rock Game Day with #SNICKERS #SKITTLES #TOSTITOS and #PEPSI #GameDayGlory AD

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Rory and I had a great time shopping for our Game Day Party. We found everything we needed at our local Walmart store… and then some. LOL

Have a fantastic Game Day, and don’t forget to ENTER the #GameDayGlorySweepstakes or VOTE for your favorite Snack Stadium!

Looking for more recipes and Snack Stadium ideas? You can find them here!

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What are you planning for Game Day?

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~Lorelai

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Easy DIY Table Runner

A simple and creative table runner could be just what you are looking for to bring a little something extra to your table or buffet. This is a great idea for any party.

Easy DIY Table Runner

Change It Up for the Holidays and Re-Use It Too!

Last Thanksgiving, we hosted the family dinner. Now, I have hosted many large family parties for holidays and other occasions over the years; but this time, I had a much smaller house to make the most of in a functional and pretty way. I no longer had the drop-leaf tea cart or extra buffet to use for additional serving space, and that meant my table had to be special without a centerpiece taking up valuable space.

I love setting a beautiful table, and making it all festive and seasonal, so what was I going to do? I plowed through my tote of Autumn decor, and found some silk leaves in all the gorgeous autumn colors. And then, I had a fantastic idea–I could create a lovely table runner with these leaves!

To make this idea be functional, I needed to construct a table runner and not just throw loose leaves all over the place. Loose leaves would be a mess and a nuisance as guests passed dishes around the table. But, I also did not want to ruin my silk leaves. I wanted to use them again. So, here’s what I came up with…

Simple creative Table Runner perfect for your next party! #DIY #Tablescape #TableRunner

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Easy DIY Table Runner

Here’s What You Need:

Silk Leaves (Snowflakes, Hearts, Shamrocks, Flower Petals, Stars, Cupcakes, Dinosaurs, or any shape of choice–think Die Cuts)
Tape

How-To:

If you have items of different colors or sizes, separate them by color and size.
Take a couple of pieces and turn them upside down on your work surface.
Tape the pieces together so the tape will not show from the front side.

Add one piece at a time, taping them together until you have constructed the length or shape table runner you like–the possibilities are endless.

Carefully flip the runner right side up, and place on your table.

Could this project be any simpler? I don’t think so. And, I have to tell you, my table runner was a huge hit at Thanksgiving.

I love the way the runner has a little depth with the openings left in the design and the ruffled, not quite flat lay of the leaves. Our food platters sat atop the runners easily, but the leaves poked out in vibrant bursts of color, absolutely stunning. I used leaves in other areas for decoration, so it all tied together nicely.

If you have the room, a centerpiece would be wonderful, and imagine how lovely a few candles would be.

Packing away the table runner was easy-peasy. Simply remove the tape, and throw it away. I placed my silk leaves back into their boxes, and they are ready to use again next year. I wonder what I’ll do with them then?

If you are looking for something fun, different, functional, and super easy for your holidays or special occasions, this is a great table runner idea! An idea even the kids can help make. So, give a little pop to your decor.

Easy party idea that fits any theme. Get Creative! #DIY #PartyIdea #Entertanining

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I’d love to see what you create…

Here’s a Printable Tutorial of this DIY Project:

5 from 1 reviews

Easy DIY Table Runner

Save Print

Creating a DIY Table Runner for any holiday or special occasion.

from: Life With Lorelai

Ingredients:

Silk Leaves (Snowflakes, Hearts, Shamrocks, Flower Petals, Stars, Cupcakes, Dinosaurs, or any shape of choice--think Die Cuts)
Tape

Directions:

If you have items of different colors or sizes, separate them by color and size.
Take a couple of pieces and turn them upside down on your work surface.
Tape the pieces together so the tape will not show from the front side.
Add one piece at a time, taping them together until you have constructed the length or shape table runner you like--the possibilities are endless.
Carefully flip the runner over and place on your table right side up.

3.5.3208

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What creative ideas do you have for low-space table decor?

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~Lorelai

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Recipe Card Organization and Free Download

Michelle James stops in to bring us a great project for the New Year… Recipe Card Organization! Put some order in your kitchen.

Recipe Card Organization and Free Download

Hi! I am so happy to be back on Life With Lorelai today. I am getting ready for a huge pantry organization re-vamp at my house, and part of that includes the recipes that are everywhere! I am not talking about the books, but the single recipes that people give me–they are just thrown in a pile in the pantry. Then, when I go to look for a particular recipe, I have to dig for a long time to find it; unless, I get lucky and it has fallen on the floor or something.

I finally decided to do something about it!

Recipe Card Organization

Get your Recipes organized in the New Year – #RecipeCard #Organization #DIY

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I had purchased an organizational file/drawer at a garage sale this past summer for .50¢, I think. I had actually given it to my husband, but I decided I needed it and asked him if I could have it back. I am terrible that way.

It was pretty dirty and awful!

I gave it a good bath and took it straight out to the garage for some paint. We had some green and some white spray paint so that is what I chose. These colors match nicely with my kitchen, and I am hoping to bring some of the same colors into the pantry as I organize.

Here it is after being painted. It looks much better, right?

The size was very different for pre-made recipe cards. There were some cards that came with it so I used these for a size template to create my own.

They are 7 1/8 x 3 ¼ .

I put three on a page and printed 10 pages to start.

Then, I decided to create a 4 x 6 that is a more general size to fit in photo books to use as a recipe holder, or a photo/shoe box that you can decorate and use as a recipe holder.

You can download the free file with both sizes at the end of this post.

Once I had my cards done, I wanted some divider pages. I used some scrapbook paper and cut it to the same size as my cards. Then, I cut some 2 ¾ x 1 ¼ size pieces with a coordinating paper. I folded them in half lengthwise and wrote the categories I wanted: Main Dish, Sides, Salads and Desserts. I used an adhesive tape runner to attach them to the divider cards.

The last thing I did was print the word “Recipes” onto a piece of the same cardstock that I used for the divider cards, and cut it to fit into the front of the drawer handle.

I am really happy with the way it turned out! What do you think? Do you have a system for your recipes?

Don’t forget to click on the link at the bottom and download the files. Enjoy!

Download Recipe Cards Here

Get your FREE DOWNLOAD Recipe Cards today! #Printables #RecipeCards #DIY #Organize

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~Michelle

Visit Michelle at her blog, Michelle James Designs!

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Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken

Oh, boy! We have a delicious Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken for you today from our Regular Contributor, Deborah Ward. You are going to love this…

Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken

Last summer on my blog, Kentucky to Cali, I posted an amazing recipe for roast beef. This roast is simply amazing! My daughters, who are pretty picky, will ask for it often. You can find the recipe for my heavenly roast here. You might also know this recipe as Mississippi Roast. I’ve just tailored it to fit my family a little better.

However, new year, new budget. I am trying to trim as much fat as possible off of our monthly expenses, so that means not so expensive cuts of meat. While a roast big enough to feed my family will cost me at least $12, I can get a pack of 10 chicken thighs for around $5 if I catch the sales right. Come to find out, I am the only one in my house that will eat chicken on the bone. SO…you can also do this recipe with chicken breasts. The last time I checked, you can get a pack of about 6 frozen chicken breasts for around $6.

New Year, New Budget, DELICIOUS Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken #Recipe #CrockPot #Chicken

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What You’ll Need:

6 chicken thighs (or whatever pieces you prefer)

1 package brown gravy mix

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 stick of butter cut into pieces

½ cup of water

How to:

Place chicken into slow cooker. Add brown gravy and ranch dressing mixes. Then add butter cut into smaller pieces. Last, add ½ cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Suggestions:

With an hour left, take chicken out of slow cooker and take off bone and shred. Place shredded meat back into cooker for remaining time. This will enhance the flavor.

To go with my roasted chicken, I decided to make rice and gravy. I also heated up some mixed veggies to add some color. Have you heard the saying, “Eat a rainbow”? I don’t think they were talking about fruity candies!

Making gravy is super easy, but is one of those things that seems a little intimidating if you’ve never done it. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

½ cup drippings from roasted chicken

½ cup flour

1 ½ cups chicken broth

How to:

After you have roasted your chicken, remove from pot. Remove ½ cup drippings in all of their fatty goodness. Add to a medium sized pan and turn burner heat onto medium.

Once warmed, add ½ cup flour and begin to whisk like your life depends on it. Once the flour and drippings are combined add 1 ½ cups chicken broth and continue to whisk until a nice thick gravy is formed.

If you find this is a little too thick, add some more chicken broth. Salt and pepper to taste. I also like to add some garlic powder, but that is completely optional.

Get Your Printable Recipe Here:

5 from 1 reviews

Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken & Gravy

Save Print

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

4 hours

Total time

4 hours 15 mins

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Main

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken:
6 chicken thighs (or whatever pieces you prefer)
1 package brown gravy mix
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 stick of butter cut into pieces
½ cup of water
Ingredients for the Gravy:
Ingredients:
½ cup drippings from roasted chicken
½ cup flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth

Directions:

How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken:
Place chicken into slow cooker. Add brown gravy and ranch dressing mixes. Then add butter cut into smaller pieces. Last, add ½ cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
How to Make the Gravy:
Making gravy is super easy, but is one of those things that seems a little intimidating if you’ve never done it.
After you have roasted your chicken, remove from pot. Remove ½ cup drippings in all of their fatty goodness. Add to a medium sized pan and turn burner heat onto medium.
Once warmed, add ½ cup flour and begin to whisk like your life depends on it. Once the flour and drippings are combined add 1 ½ cups chicken broth and continue to whisk until a nice thick gravy is formed.
If you find this is a little too thick, add some more chicken broth. Salt and pepper to taste. I also like to add some garlic powder, but that is completely optional.

Notes

Suggestions:

With an hour left, take chicken out of slow cooker and take off bone and shred. Place shredded meat back into cooker for remaining time. This will enhance the flavor.

To go with my roasted chicken, I decided to make rice and gravy. I also heated up some mixed veggies to add some color. Have you heard the saying, “Eat a rainbow”? I don’t think they were talking about fruity candies!

3.5.3208

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to eat bland or processed foods. Just think of your favorite recipes and find ways to make them a little friendlier to your wallet. And remember, shop your pantry first, then check out the sales flyers!

Use creativity to make your favorite dishes budget friendly! #SlowCooker #Chicken #Recipe

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Visit Deborah at her blog, Kentucky to Cali!

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Best Homemade Fudge Ever – Recipe

Regular Contributor, Deborah Ward, brings us her recipe for the Best Homemade Fudge.

The Best Homemade Fudge

A Traditional Christmas Food

I love homemade fudge! I love it so much that I only allow myself to make it once a year. The week of Christmas is special in our household. It’s the one week that we don’t worry about calories, sugar, fat, or any of those other “bad” things. My home is magically transformed into Mrs. Claus’s cozy kitchen. Dreams of chex mix, cookies, pie, rolls, and, of course, fudge dance through our heads.

I love all of the foods unique to this season that have become family traditions. My grandmother always made turkey soup and chex mix with bacon grease and Cayenne pepper. Both of these things my mother now makes to keep the tradition alive. My dad loves to make his grandmothers special recipe rolls and “tea cakes”, which are a hard, less sweet cookie. So delicious! He is always good for a Christmas wild-card. One year he made fruit cake using rum and bourbon. It was actually very yummy. And, my sister always makes her special peppermint cake. Since we won’t be spending Christmas together this year, I bet my husband will ask me to make that. He loves it!

Since moving to So Cal, we’ve learned about a holiday traditional. Tamales! I never would have guessed, but you won’t find me complaining. I love them so much!! One of my husband’s employees gave him a dozen homemade tamales for a Christmas gift. Yum!

I’ve played around with various fudge recipes, and even bought easy to make fudge kits at the store, but could never quite find a recipe that everyone loved. Hubs wants peanut butter, Tiny Dancer doesn’t want nuts, but I do. Finally, I found a recipe that I was able to tweak, and create the perfect, just right for us, homemade fudge.

Homemade Fudge

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
¼ tsp salt
2 cups mini-marshmallows
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to:

Line an 8” square baking pan with foil.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add in marshmallows, chips, and vanilla, and stir for 1 minute, or until everything is melted and combined.
Add mixture to foiled baking pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until solid.
Once firm. Remove from pan by lifting foil edges. Cut into one inch pieces.

Suggestions:

Add ½ cup of nuts.
Substitute other types of chips. (i.e. milk chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, etc.)

Here’s a Printable Recipe just for you!

5 from 1 reviews

Best Homemade Fudge Ever - Recipe

Save Print

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

2 hours

Total time

2 hours 15 mins

Best Homemade Chocolate Fudge - a Traditional Christmas Food

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Candy

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
¼ tsp salt
2 cups mini-marshmallows
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Line an 8” square baking pan with foil.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add in marshmallows, chips, and vanilla, and stir for 1 minute, or until everything is melted and combined.
Add mixture to foiled baking pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until solid.
Once firm. Remove from pan by lifting foil edges. Cut into one inch pieces.

Notes

Suggestions:

Add ½ cup of nuts.

Substitute other types of chips. (i.e. milk chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, etc.)

3.5.3208

I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas full of love, family, and all of your favorite traditional foods!

Visit Deborah at her blog, Kentucky to Cali!

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~Lorelai

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Caramel Creme Pie Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Kraft. All opinions are mine alone. #SweetenTheSeason #CollectiveBias

Caramel Creme Pie

Inspired by the Movie

Christmas With the Kranks

I am so excited to bring you this delicious Caramel Creme Pie recipe. I love the holidays, Christmas and Halloween being my favorites. Part of my every year traditions is watching as many of the wonderful Christmas movies as I can. One of my most loved Christmas movies is Christmas With the Kranks, starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. If you haven’t watched it, put it on your MUST SEE list for this season!

In the movie, the daughter, Blair, is coming home unexpectedly for Christmas, and her parents have to throw together a fabulous Christmas Eve party in a few short hours. Unaware of what has been going on at the house while she has been away, Blair, makes a request for her favorite Caramel Creme Pie, and that is the inspiration for this scrumptious recipe.

Blair’s coming home for Caramel Creme Pie! ad > https://cbi.as/14g74 < #SweetenTheSeason

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So, I made a quick trip to the Holiday Bake Center at my local Walmart, and picked up the few items I needed. This is such an easy and inexpensive recipe–only 6 ingredients, plus one optional.

I already had a pie crust at home along with some milk and heavy cream, so I grabbed these items off the shelves…

… Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Filling, Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, Kraft Caramel Bits, and a Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Bar. Now, all that was left was to make my pie!

Caramel Creme Pie — easy as can be!

The Ingredients:

1- 5.1 oz. box Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding, 1- 11 oz. bag (approx. 1-1/2 cups) Kraft Caramel Bits, 1/4 cup Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, 2 teaspoons Heavy Cream, 1-1/2 cups Milk (cold), and 1- Pie Crust (baked or ready-to-eat).

NOTES: Save out a few Kraft Caramel Bits for garnishing the finished pie. You will use the rest of the Heavy Cream to make whipping cream for pie decoration and / or serving. Use whatever type of pie crust you desire.

OPTIONAL: Shave some Baker’s Premium White Chocolate to garnish the finished pie.

The How-To:

Melt Kraft Caramel Bits with 2 teaspoons Heavy Cream in a double boiler
Pour melted caramel into a bowl
Add Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme and combine (leaving some streaks is just fine)

Add Pudding Mix to a large bowl
Add cold Milk
Whisk briskly for 2 minutes
Add Caramel Mixture to the Pudding
Mix well. (If caramel has cooled too much, heat in microwave for 15 seconds at a time, until it is soft enough to combine).

Pour pie filling into baked or ready-to-eat Pie Crust
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours
Whip Heavy Cream into Whipping Cream
Pipe Whipped Cream onto pie as desired for decoration. (I used a zippered plastic bag with a hole cut in one corner as my piping bag).
Top whipped cream with the set aside Kraft Caramel Bits
Top pie with strips and curls of Baker’s Premium White Chocolate

Here’s a Holiday Baking Hack just for you…

We all know just how beautiful strips or curls of chocolate look atop your favorite desserts–not to mention tasty too. So, make easy work of stripping and curling your Baker’s Premium White Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bars by using your handy-dandy Vegetable Peeler! Now, that’s a great Holiday Baking Hack!

Check out this awesome Holiday Baking Hack. Make your life easier! #SweetenTheSeason #BakingHack

Click To Tweet

See how lovely the Caramel Creme Pie looks on a Christmas table. This would be the perfect dessert for your next holiday party, Sunday Dinner with the family, or anytime.

Here’s a Printable Recipe for the Caramel Creme Pie:

5 from 1 reviews

Caramel Creme Pie Recipe

Save Print

Prep time

30 mins

Cook time

3 hours

Total time

3 hours 30 mins

Caramel Creme Pie inspired by the movie Christmas With the Kranks. A delicious, easy, and budget friendly dessert for your Holiday Parties, Sunday Dinner with the family, or anytime.

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Dessert

Ingredients:

1- 5.1 oz. box Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding
1- 11 oz. bag (approx. 1-1/2 cups) Kraft Caramel Bits
1/4 cup Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme
2 teaspoons Heavy Cream
1-1/2 cups Milk (cold)
1- Pie Crust (baked or ready-to-eat).
NOTES: Save out a few Kraft Caramel Bits for garnishing the finished pie. You will use the rest of the Heavy Cream to make whipping cream for pie decoration and / or serving. Use whatever type of pie crust you desire.
OPTIONAL: Shave some Baker's Premium White Chocolate to garnish the finished pie.

Directions:

Melt Kraft Caramel Bits with 2 teaspoons Heavy Cream in a double boiler
Pour melted caramel into a bowl
Add Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme and combine (leaving some streaks is just fine)
Add Pudding Mix to a large bowl
Add cold Milk
Whisk briskly for 2 minutes
Add Caramel Mixture to the Pudding
Mix well. (If caramel has cooled too much, heat in microwave for 15 seconds at a time, until it is soft enough to combine).
Pour pie filling into baked or ready-to-eat Pie Crust
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours
Whip Heavy Cream into Whipping Cream
Pipe Whipped Cream onto pie as desired for decoration. (I used a zippered plastic bag with a whole cut in one corner as my piping bag).
Top whipped cream with the set aside Kraft Caramel Bits
Top pie with strips and curls of Baker's Premium White Chocolate

Notes

Holiday Baking Hack!
Use a Vegetable Peeler to shave Chocolate Bars into Strips and Curls.

This recipe is inspired by the movie Christmas With the Kranks -- a MUST SEE for any holiday movie watch list.

#SweetenTheSeason

3.5.3208

Let’s #SweetenTheSeason with a Caramel Creme Pie and @Kraftfoods ad –> https://cbi.as/14g74

Click To Tweet

Be sure to check out more yummy Recipes and Holiday Hacks at Kraft. How do you like to use Kraft Caramel Bits and Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme?

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Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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~Lorelai

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

Holiday Tags – Free Printable

To ring in December, we have some Holiday Tags with Free Printable from our Regular Contributor, Michelle James.

Hi, and welcome to December. I hope everyone in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving and didn’t eat too much. I know I did.

Are you excited for the Holidays, or is it just another part of the year for you? I have mixed feelings. I really love the holidays once they are here, but as they are approaching, I sort of dread thinking about all that goes along with them. I guess it makes me tired.

As I said though, I do love them once they arrive.

I love to create fun digital products for the holidays including scrapbooking cards, tags, wine bottle labels, and more.

My first creation of this season is some holiday tags. They are small so can hang on a gift, or small bottle of wine. I think they are a lot of fun and can be used for many ideas.

I am going to print a couple of pages of these, cut them apart and have them ready when I need them.

Tis the Season for Holiday Gift Tags! Get FREE PRINTABLES here! #Holiday #GiftTags #Printables

Click To Tweet

My favorite way is to hang a tag on a gift along with a fun, sparkly snowflake. I got these at a discount store, and I love the way they look hanging with the tag. And you get 10 in the package. That is a great, inexpensive way to brighten up a gift.

I think they would look festive on a package as well.

I have already told you before that I love to offer a free printable to my readers and what better way to kick off the season, right?

Click HERE to Download Printable!

So, to download these tags just click on the link below.

I hope you enjoy the tags and be sure to check out my blog for other printables such as my Wifi Password Printable that has been really popular.

See you next time!

Michelle

Visit Michelle at her blog, Michelle James Designs!

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Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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~Lorelai

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Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe

Simple Mac and Cheese

A Satisfying Comfort Food

Life is hectic. I long for the days when the kids were little and didn’t have crazy schedules. Alas, those days are gone. Now, I have to contend with dance classes and various doctors’ appointments. Oh, and add to that all of their social engagements. Yesterday was one of those days. Crazy, crazy, crazy! So, when it came time for dinner, I had two options: take-out or make it simple.

As always, I chose the make it myself simple route. I hate paying a small fortune for food that I could easily make myself. Since time was short, I decided on a Simple Mac and Cheese dish. Shells and cheese actually, but let’s not split hairs.

For those busy nights, I also like to keep bags of frozen veggies in the freezer. You know, the ones that you can microwave right in the bag. If you want to add some meat to it, you can throw in some cooked bacon (and jalapenos) or some already grilled chicken. I believe you can find that in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Busy or hectic life? Try this Simple Mac and Cheese #Recipe for #Dinner tonight! #MacAndCheese

Click To Tweet

Gather all of your ingredients. I like to have mine measured out and ready since we’re making a roux and things happen so quick. Once you have boiled your pasta, drain it in a colander and set aside. Use the same pot you used to boil the pasta, to make the sauce. (One pot, less cleaning!)

Get your pot nice and hot, and then add the butter. Once it is melted, add the flour and whisk, whisk, whisk! Once the butter and flour are completely combined, add milk and whisk until thickened.

I was recently teaching my daughter how to make a roux. She complained that it wasn’t getting thick. I told her that that is how it works. It’s thin, it’s thin, and then bam! Thick!

Now that your sauce has reached the desired thickness, add the cheese. For my mac and cheese, I add: cheddar, mozzarella, and a wild card. It really depends on what I feel like that day or what I have on hand. Stir until completely melted.

When your cheesy sauce is ready, add the pasta back into the pot and stir. I keep my heat on low during this step to make sure everything gets warmed back up.

Serve and Enjoy!

Ingredients:

16 oz pasta (macaroni, shells, penne…whatever)
6 tbps flour6 tbsp butter (not margarine)
2 cups whole milk
3 cups of cheese (you can use 3 cups of the same or mix it up and use three different)
Salt and pepper to taste.

How to:

Cook Pasta according to the instructions on the box. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter. Once melted, add flour and whisk until completely combined.
Add milk and whisk until it reaches desired thickness.
Add cheese to pot and stir until melted.
Add pasta to pot and stir until combined.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Here’s a Printable Recipe just for you…

5 from 1 reviews

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe

Save Print

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

20 mins

A Simple and delicious Mac and Cheese recipe from Life With Lorelai's Regular Contributor, Deborah Ward.

from: Life With Lorelai

Type: Main

Ingredients:

16 oz pasta (macaroni, shells, penne…whatever)
6 tbps flour
6 tbsp butter (not margarine)
2 cups whole milk
3 cups of cheese (you can use 3 cups of the same or mix it up and use three different)
Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:

Cook Pasta according to the instructions on the box. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter.
Once melted, add flour and whisk until completely combined.
Add milk and whisk until it reaches desired thickness.
Add cheese to pot and stir until melted.
Add pasta to pot and stir until combined.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Suggested add-ins:
Bacon
Grilled Chicken
Jalapenos

3.5.3208

Craving #Cheesy and Delicious? Try this Simple Mac and Cheese #Recipe #EasyDinner

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Don’t you just love simple and delicious meals like this Mac and Cheese? I know, I do!

Visit Deborah at her blog, Kentucky to Cali!

…

Do you have a favorite comfort food recipe?

…

What do you like to add to your Mac and Cheese?

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Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

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~Lorelai

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com