Pepperoni and Mozzarella Garlic Crescent Rolls

When you have children, you can never go wrong with anything that involves pepperoni and cheese, or anything that resembles pizza anything.

These are always a huge hit, I make them with either the plain crescent rolls or the Garlic Butter ones, which by the way, are our favorite for this recipe.....and I call it recipe lightly because it's so easy to make that you don't really need a recipe for it, but I'll tell you how I make them anyway.

Pepperoni and Mozzarella Garlic Crescent Rolls

1 tube of Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls
Pepperoni slices
Mozzarella cheese sticks


Open the tube, and separate the crescent rolls into triangles.  On each one, place 5 pepperoni slices, or whoever many you want but I find that 5 works well.  Also place half of a mozzarella cheese stick and roll up.

Place on a cookie sheet

and bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until dough is cooked and they're looking nice and brown.

That's it!

You can serve them with marinana sauce if you wish, but my kids prefer them as is.



Pepperoni and Mozzarella Garlic Crescent Rolls

1 tube of Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls
Pepperoni slices
Mozzarella cheese sticks


Open the tube, and separate the crescent rolls into triangles.  On each one, place 5 pepperoni slices, or whoever many you want but I find that 5 works well.  Also place half of a mozzarella cheese stick and roll up.

Place on a cookie sheet

and bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until dough is cooked and they're looking nice and brown.

Looking for a new template for your cooking blog????

Come on in and sit with me for a few, I want to tell you about one of my blog readers who is a fantastic graphic designer.

Elsa is not only the designer behind ERM Design Studio, but she's also a wonderful Army wife and a mommy to a little one, and her specialization????  Design fantastic templates and logos for Wordpress and Blogger.

She is just starting out, and since she's such a sweet lady, I thought I would help spread the word and hopefully send some people her way.

Matter of fact, right now, she's having a Super Summer Sale and everything is 50% off.  You have to go check it out.

While you're there check out her portfolio, her tutorials and her freebies.

And just for my readers, she is offering this beautiful printable grocery list.

YOU WILL RECEIVE: • One high quality 8.5 x 11 inch (landscape) PDF printable files; a weekly meal/grocery list planner.

So go on, get over there and claim your free Grocery List :)

She's also got some new products up, like the Fourth of July Celebration

 Just in time for Fourth of July :)

I love helping out small businesses and friends and I think it's imperative that we help each other out, especially when trying to get the business off the ground.

So if you're in need of a new blog makeover or if you know someone who is, won't you go over and visit Elsa?  Tell her I sent you and I'm sure she'll work with you and deliver exactly what you're looking for ;)

You can also find her on Facebook!

Menu Plan Monday - June 18th

Another Monday and another week of meals all planned out.

I honestly don't think I could make it without a menu plan, been doing it for almost 2 decades and it's just become a part of my routine, not to mention it cuts down on the grocery budget too.

Here's mine for this week:

Monday June 18th, 2012
BREAKFAST: Cereal, Juice
LUNCH: Grilled Cheese and Tomato
DINNER: Beef Pot Pies, Salad

Tuesday June 19th, 2012
BREAKFAST: Cinnamon Toast, Milk
LUNCH: Egg Rolls, Veggies
DINNER: Waffles with Vanilla Custard

Wednesday June 20th, 2012
BREAKFAST: Toad in a Hole, Juice
LUNCH: Pizza Rolls
DINNER: Baked Potato Bar

Thursday June 21st, 2012
BREAKFAST: Muffins, Milk
LUNCH: Mac and Cheese, Fruit
DINNER: Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers (using my Turkey Tender recipe)

Friday June 22nd, 2012
BREAKFAST: Pancakes, Juice
LUNCH: PB and J Pockets

DINNER: Homemade Cheesy Garlic Pizza

Saturday June 23rd, 2012
BREAKFAST: Sausage Biscuits, Tea/Coffee/Hot chocolate
LUNCH: Beanie Weanies

DINNER: Peter Pan's Pasta

Sunday June 24th, 2012
BREAKFAST: Oatmeal

LUNCH: Chips and Homemade Salsa

DINNER: Breakfast for dinner......sausage links, bacon, eggs

Lucky Leaf Winner

Thank you all for entering the giveaway, and even though only one can be the winner, don't let that stop you from trying out the Lucky Leaf Brand, you won't be disappointed :)

So I used Random.org and the winner is:

#32 -  Staci 

Congratulations Staci, I'll be contacting you real soon :)

Sloppy Joe Bun Buggy

So in my attempt to keep my kids minds off daddy being gone, I have tried to make them fun meals, something that will bring a smile to their faces.

Tonight's dinner definitely did that.

Back when Jasmine was in kindergarten, the school had a book fair and one of the books I picked up was this really cute little book of Kid's Snacks.  It's filled with really cute ideas.

I wish you all could have seen their faces when they came to the dinner table, they were so shocked and excited.  The next few minutes were spent comparing buggies, telling each other stories about where they were driving, and even crashing one of the buggies and then putting it back together again LOL

I think mission accomplished and score another for mommy.

Sloppy Joe Bun Buggy

Source:  Silly Snacks

Hotdog Buns
Homemade Sloppy Joe Mix (or your favorite sloppy joe recipe)
Pretzel sticks
Cucumber, sliced
Olives


Don't slice the hotdog buns.  Using a knife cut a hole on the top of the bun and scoop out the inside.

Take a pretzel stick and gently stick it through the bun in the back, from one side to the other, then pop on a cucumber slice on each side for the back wheels.  Do the same with the front.

For the lights, cut a black olive in half, then break a pretzel stick in half, gently push it through the front of the bun where you want the light located, stick half of an olive on there.

Fill the inside of the bun with sloppy joe meat mixture.

That's it.  Easy Peasy but they look really cute :)

And according to Nicholas, this poor buggy crashed LOL

Sea Serpents

Boy did we have a tough day today.

My kids favorite fish died and they were just devastated, my 9 year old moreso.  He is so upset, hurt, angry at this and it's a hard thing to watch and help him through.

So I decided that for dinner I would make them something fun to dinner.  Out came this little book I've had for about 10 years now, with all sorts of silly snacks/meals for the kids.

Sea Serpents started forming in the kitchen and were very much enjoyed by the kids.

These are really quick to make and if you want to make your kids smile, this is the way to go.

Sea Serpents

1 (8-ounce) package crescent dinner rolls (8 rolls)
cereal rings
1 egg, beaten
Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and poppy seeds (I used flax seed)
1 can (6 ounces) water-packed tuna, drained
Mayonnaise
Red pepper strips


Separate dough into triangles. Press each triangle into serpent shape, with thin tapered tail and wider head, on baking sheet. Head should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Press cereal rings onto head for eyes. Brush dough serpents with egg; sprinkle with choice of seeds. Bake according to crescent roll package directions.

Remove from oven to wire racks; cool. Slice head end lengthwise to form "mouth." Mix tuna with mayonnaise to taste. Fill mouth with tuna mixture. Add pimiento strips for tongues, if desired. Garnish with parsley, if desired, for "seaweed."

Serving Suggestion
Fill the mouths of these hungry creatures with peanut butter, egg salad, chicken salad or strips of cold cuts.

Lucky Leaf Review and Giveaway

A season filled with graduation celebrations, Father’s Day, picnics and family vacations is just around the corner. This summer, LUCKY LEAF® wants to help you celebrate with refreshing summer treats including our Frozen Pie Pops, Fruit Smoothies, Fruit Cookie Pie and Perfectly Peach Cinnacake. You can create these quick and easy desserts for celebrations or even lazy summer days. 

So I'm once again working with the wonderful folks at Lucky Leaf and we're celebrating summer and all the fun things about it, the get togethers, the potlucks and barbecues and family gatherings.  All the yummy food that comes with it.

Making delicious desserts for these occasions does not have to be something intricate.  It does not have to revolve around amazing masterpieces that take hours to make.

You can serve up some really delicious yummy stuff using but a few simple ingredients.

I was sent a few Pie Fillings, a few recipes and the most adorable Ice Pop Molds.

Now I will tell you that one thing about making pops for the kids, that really irritates me, is trying to get them out of the mold.  I get so frustrated having to run water over them, or smacking them on the side of the counter while the kids stand there waiting......and I always, always, always end up removing the pop only to find that either the stick came out on it's own, or there is a big chunk of the pop left in the mold.  Annoying!

These are silicone molds and if I tell you that they were the easiest pops to get out, you will have to believe me, I wouldn't lie to you.  The little tab makes removing these SO EASY.  

I just pulled up on the tab and they came right off, perfectly swirly pops.  Love it!

Frozen Pie Pops

1/2 21-oz. can LUCKY LEAF Premium Pie Filling (any flavor)
1 cup milk
1/2 lemon, sqeezed

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth and pour blended mixture into ice pop molds.

 Freeze.  Serve as ice pops.  Pour any remaining mixture into a freezable container and serve as frozen pie treat.

Here are the finished pops

I love the no drip cups, great for keeping little hands clean.

Now the other recipe I tried was the Perfectly Peach Cinnacake.  Or rather, I wanted to try, but I didn't have any Peach pie filling OR yellow cake mix because the pie filling the kids picked for their pops was the Peach one.  Doh!

So I improvised and used a Cinnamon Streusel Cake mix AND a Lucky Leaf Apple Pie Filling.

Oh.My.GOSH!

Wow that is one yummy cake.

Here is the original recipe for you, which I totally plan on trying when I make it to the store this weekend and get some more Peach Filling.  I basically followed the same recipe just adapted it to what I had on hand.

Amazing Apple Cinnacake

1 18.25 oz. package Cinnamon Streusel Cake
1 21 oz. can LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Blend together dry cake mix(muffin bag in the box), 1/2 can of the LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling and eggs in large mixing bowl.  Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining pie filling until well mixed.

Spread half the batter in a greased 13″x9″ baking pan; sprinkle with half of the streusel mix in the little bag. Repeat with the remaining batter and finish off with the streusel mix.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.  Cool. Delicious topped with whipped cream!

Makes 12 servings

This cake was fantastic.  I think it would be perfect for any occasion.

So all in all, once again Lucky Leaf does not disappoint me.  I was a huge Lucky Leaf Pie Fillings fan before I even started blogging and over the years I've just grown to love them even more, these are the only pie fillings I use, like EVER!

Lucky Leaf is wanting to share some goodness with one of my readers.

The lucky winner will receive a box with Lucky Leaf Pie Fillings, Adorable Ice Pop Molds and some recipes.  You know you want it :)

Here are the rules:

- Leave a comment including an email where I can reach you.  PLEASE make sure there is a way to reach you, if your number is picked and there is no email, I will have to pick someone else.


- Tell me if you have tried the Lucky Leaf Pie Fillings and which is your favorite.

Contest is open to US residents only.  You must act quick though, as I'm only running this contest until Friday the 15th.    So get your name in, tell all your friends etc.

Good Luck!


NOTE:  For those that have never heard of the Lucky Leaf Brand or can't find it in their stores, you can locate the closest store to you by going to this page and entering your zip code.  You can also purchase the pie fillings online by going to this page.  :)

Baked Potato Rounds topped with Herb Mayonnaise

So remember I made the Herb Mayonnaise the other day???

I love that stuff, it's so good, even my 9 year old boy loves it and he's the mayo man in the house, if it's not good mayo he won't touch it.
I was craving potatoes today for lunch so I quickly threw this together and they came out really good.

Now don't think I'm giving you this great new recipe, I'm sure most of you already know how to do this yourselves, but I just wanted to share anyway :)

Baked Potato Rounds

Medium Red Potatoes
olive oil
salt and pepper
garlic powder
onion flakes
rosemary
shredded cheese
bacon bits
Herb Mayonnaise


Cut the potatoes in half, place them on a paper plate and then pop them in the microwave.  Just follow the directions on your microwave for cooking potatoes.

Check on them halfway through, you don't want mushy stuff, you want them to still have a little bite to them.

Pull them out and then carefully slice each half in half again.  You want potato rounds, or slices :)

Spray a baking pan with some non stick spray and lay the potatoes on it.  Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on some salt and pepper to taste, garlic powder to taste, onion flakes and then a little fresh rosemary.

Next, add a little bit of cheese and top with a few bacon pieces.  I prefer real bacon but bacon bits work in a pinch.

Bake at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melting and the potatoes are a little brown.

Remove from the oven, add a dollop of Herb Mayonnaise and enjoy.

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

I don't even know what to say about these, other than.

OH.MY.GOODNESS.HEAVEN.ON.A.PLATE!

I've heard of the cinnamon roll/cinnamon bun pancakes for a while but hadn't yet tried them.  Well the kids asked for pancakes for dinner and I was going to make the pumpkin pancakes but, when given the choice between the two, the kids picked this one.  I'm so glad they did.

Wow, they wolfed these down and said they were the best pancakes ever.  They also asked me to make them for daddy when he returns, so it will be done :)

This recipe comes from Baked Bree.

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup melted butter
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Put all of the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Whisk the dry ingredients together.

Add the wet ingredients and whisk together until well combined.

Preheat a griddle or large saute pan over medium heat.  Cook until brown on both sides.


To make the frosting:
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons milk

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and a pouring consistency.  If too thick add more milk, if too thin, add more sugar.

These pancakes are the perfect way to start a day.  Make some and share them with someone you love.

Menu Plan Monday

Come on in everyone, let me show you what I have planned for the next week.

You won't see anything special or new here, just very easy, picked by the kids meals.

Monday 4th
Breakfast:   Blueberry Muffins, Juice, Coffee
Lunch:   Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner:   Pumpkin Pancakes

Tuesday 5th
Breakfast: Oatmeal, Apple Juice
Lunch: Mac and Cheese
Dinner: Chicken Sandwiches, Veggies

Wednesday 6th
Breakfast: French Toast Sticks, chocolate milk
Lunch: English Muffin Pizzas
Dinner: Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips

Thursday 7th
Breakfast: Cereal w/milk, Apple Juice
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Apple slices with peanut butter
Dinner:  Pigs in a Blanket, Salad

Friday 8th
Breakfast: Cinnamon Toast
Lunch: Mini ravioli for kids, Salad for me
Dinner:   Homemade personal pizzas

Saturday 9th
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Toast
Lunch: Beef pot pies
Dinner:  Chili Fries


Sunday 10th
Breakfast: Refrigerator Oatmeal
Lunch: Tuna chickpea Salad
Dinner:   Ice Cream Sundaes

So, I'm curious, what's on your menu plan for this coming week?   If you want to get some ideas or want to share your own menu, go on over to Laura's blog "Orgjunkie" and add your name to the Menu Plan Monday list :)