I got this idea from chatting with Kellie, from Chicks With Kidz, she had a great idea/suggestion to include my kiddos in making our own variations of trail mix.  We eat granola regularly for breakfast, but I have always been the one mixing it up!  With her encouragement my one year old now has a way to “help mommy” cook breakfast!  Thanks Kellie!  We are always looking for ways to include our kids in household chores and activities!
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How to make your own Granola Mix:
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Grab handfuls of any or all of …

My son loves being a helper and was thrilled when he got to make lunch for us today! We are eating pancakes – yummy! How fun is it to mix breakfast with learning our letters! We have a set of cookie cutters that are in the shapes of capital letters (thanks Laney). Here is a tip that we use to decrease the likelihood of massive pancake batter spills while using cookie cutters to make pancakes in particular shapes, maybe it will help you!
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We used a dry …

Today’s Fantastic Friday shout-outs all have one splendid theme, “dessert”. I have a massive sweet tooth and am seriously itching to try making my very own thin mint cookies (why does Valentines Day mean Girl Scout Cookies in my mind?), these melt-in-your mouth mini-cheesecake cookies, homemade cream soda-pop, and fudgy molten chocolate cake. I am exploding in anticipation! Alas, I’m snowed in… I sense a grocery trip in my future. Till then, check out these “Fantastic Friday” posts… and if you have any sites to share …

We love Fantastic Friday (every Friday – or nearly every one) we like to mention some of our favorite posts of the week.  This week I found a bunch of home remedies including DIY cough drops, recipe to make your own really nice smelling disinfectant spray, and a bunch or chicken soup and make-ahead meals you can have waiting in your freezer.  Everyone hates being sick.  Here are some simple things that you can make and prepare to help you fight those germs!
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Homemade cough drops.  You can find instructions on …

My kids love granola bars and I love having them eat healthy breakfasts and snacks! These are great for those “on-the-run” mornings!  The oatmeal makes them feel full, the dried fruit makes my fruit-loving little man happy and the flaxseed adds brain-friendly fats.  These granola bars will keep for a week or so, but for longer shelf-life, freeze them!
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Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats (grind 1 c up in the blender or food processor for more consistent texture)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup …

Today my 11 year old made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It turned out great. However, I would add pumpkin pie spice and maybe a tad more vanilla. But I can’t leave anything alone..I have to tweak it all. Normally she does also but this time she followed the recipe. Let’s call it Home Econ 101! LOL.

My favorite mug and cookies! WOW..I really know how to treat myself!
INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup canned or fresh pumpkin
1 Cup white sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
1 T vanilla extract
1 egg
2 Cups chocolate …

Whenever  someone has a baby, families from our church provide several nights of meals  This is a tremendous help to the families adjusting to a new family member. I have a special meal I always take to a family in need.  My husband loves shepherd’s pie, and it is easy to make.  It freezes well too.  The recipe is so simple, it is easy to multiply to share easily, or prepare ahead for your own family.  The measurements aren’t a science, but that’s part of the fun of making …

As it is getting cooler it is getting near the time to cut down the basil bush… yummy, pesto!  I was beyond thrilled to have discovered a pesto recipe, that is really easy.  With permission from Val, I’ve re-printed it here for you.   Hope you will get to enjoy pesto this winter.
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Basic Pesto for Freezing

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
2 – 3 garlic cloves, peeled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Put everything in a food processor and pulse …

These chicken bites taste just like buffalo chicken wings, only without the bones and no delivery fee!
Ingredients:
3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 Tablespoons of flour
3 Tablespoons of chili powder
1 Teaspoon Onion powder
3 Tablespoons of Olive oil (or canola)
Cayenne Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the chicken and pound it lightly.  Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.  Set aside.
Mix the dry ingredients and coat the chicken.  Fry the chili-dusted chicken in hot oil.  Serve immediately.
For a hotter flavor, increase the ratio of chili powder to flour.  Enjoy!

These are incredibly yummy and freeze well.  I make a massive batch and put them in the freezer for us to grab for lunches as needed.  My favorite variations are Ham and Cheddar (pictured), Bacon, Mushroom and Swiss, Spinach and Feta, we’ve even made it with leftover pizza toppings!  Be creative – it’ll taste great!
Using the bread recipe here, roll out the dough about half an inch thick.
Layer first with the veggie if you are adding one (we love onions!), add the meat and top with the cheese.  You will …