dirt dessert, Christmas style

We love Christmas around here and got a head start this year when one of my kids wanted to celebrate Christmas for her birthday.  She wanted dirt dessert and said we should put some trees in the dirt so we came up with these edible trees made out of waffle cones, icing and candy "ornaments".  I thought we were pretty darn clever. :)

dirt dessert
our dirt dessert recipe is HERE. 

slow cooker pork roast with gravy

Dinner doesn't get any easier than this or more comforting.  Throw 4 ingredients into a slow cooker and force yourself to buy a container of already-mashed mashed potatoes.  Grab a fruit tray and dinner is served!

slow cooker pork roast with gravy (adapted from dinners, dishes & desserts) 
3-4 pound pork loin roast
1 packet onion soup mix (I bought mine at Trader Joe's- no MSG and fewer ingredients)
2 cups chicken broth
1 packet pork gravy mix 

Place pork loin, onion soup mix and chicken stock into a slow cooker.  Cook on high for 8-10 hours.   Shred pork.  Serve over mashed potatoes.

Hershey's "perfectly chocolate" chocolate frosting

This is the best chocolate frosting!  I remember when I was a kid I always requested a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for my birthday.  This is the same chocolate frosting my mom always made and she found the recipe on the back of  the Hershey's cocoa powder just like I did this morning.  Mmmmm!!!

Hershey's "perfectly chocolate" chocolate frosting
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup Hershey's cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Melt butter (I used the microwave).  Stir in cocoa powder.  Alternately, add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency.  Add more milk if needed.  Stir in vanilla.  About 2 cups frosting.

guacamole stuffed chicken breasts

Introducing my new favorite thing to eat- guacamole stuffed chicken breasts!  I took a picture before baking know that afterwards I wouldn't want to prolong eating them and I was right.  I served them with a salad and green beans.  I could eat this meal all over again.  Right now.

guacamole stuffed chicken breasts (adapted from the wholesome dish) 
3 giant boneless, skinless chicken breasts, filleted
1 container guacamole
2 large eggs
1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Use a mallet to pound each chicken breast thin and flat.  Set aside.
Divide the guacamole between the chicken pieces and spread it into a thin layer.  Roll up the chicken, starting with the skinniest edge. 
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
In a separate bowl, add the breadcrumbs and spices.  Stir to combine.
Roll the stuffed chicken in the eggs.  Let the excess egg drip off.  Press and roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs.  Shake off the excess breadcrumbs.  Place the chicken seam-side down in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Discard the remaining egg and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and its coating is golden brown and crispy.

mini pancake kabobs

I saw these and they were so cute I had to make them.  Next time I will replace the banana with a slice of peach or strawberry but the banana was all I had on hand this time.  The kids went crazy for them, even my husband. Wait!  I just saw on the blog I heart naptime that they used  Nutella and strawberries- I totally should've used that.  That's what I'm doing next time.

mini pancake kabobs (I heart naptime)
pancake batter (follow directions on package)
fruit
peanut butter or nutella
syrup for drizzling

There's not much to tell.  I made some Krusteaz pancake mix and used a teaspoon to drop the batter into the skillet.  I made the little pancakes then alternated pancakes, peanut butter and bananas on a fancy toothpick then drizzled some syrup on top.  Next time I will alternate pancakes, nutella and strawberries!

easy homemade salsa

Don't not make this recipe simply because I am not a photographer and can't make foods look as delicious as they really are. I was so glad I had seen this recipe and purchased the ingredients because I had forgotten about it until just minutes before the missionaries came to dinner.  It's delicious.  My son asked, "Can you just always make salsa?"  With a recipe like this the answer is yes.

easy homemade salsa (dinners, dishes and desserts)
1 large can whole tomatoes
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 jalapeno, minced (I used one but I should've used two!)

Put everything into the blender and process until smooth.  That's it!

Store in an air tight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.  I doubt it will last that long in this house!

black and blueberry crumble

My friend Deon dropped this by one evening as a thank you for my husband going to scout camp.  We saved it until the morning and when my husband returned the family enjoyed it together.  This crumble was a big hit and the consistency was perfect.  It was like dessert for breakfast.

black and blueberry crumble (my friend Deon)
filling
3 cups fruit
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar, optional

crust and topping
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Press crust into pan and bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees.  Add fruit minus the juice.  Add topping and bake 12-15 minutes.  Should be golden and bubbly.