Oreo Truffles

Want a quick and easy dessert that is mouth watering? Well, here it is......Oreo Truffles!

What you will need:

1 pkg Original Oreos (Not double stuffed)--reserve 3 cookies
1 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
16 ounce vanilla almond bark

Instructions:

Spread a long sheet of wax paper out on the counter top or area you will be working on. Place 36 Oreos in a food processor or chopper. Do not separate cream from cookies--use entire cookie. You want finely ground cookie crumbs when you are done. Add cream cheese. Mix well. Form into balls.

In a separate microwavable bowl, melt the almond bark. Dip the Oreo balls into the vanilla almond bark. Place on wax paper. Grind the remaining 3 cookies into fine ground crumbs. Sprinkle across the truffles after dipping. Allow to sit up until hardened. You may leave out or place in the refrigerator. They sit up nicely however you decide to store them.

Enjoy!

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Who doesn't love an Old Fashioned Tea Cake? Tea Cakes are holiday tradition in our home. I am pleased to share this simple recipe for them with you!

What you will need:

1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter; add sugar and well beaten egg. Add salt and vanilla. Sift flour and baking powder. Add slowly to mixture, alternating with milk until mixed well. Roll 1/8 thick and cut into desired shapes with cutters. *Note: You will need flour for dusting your rolling pin and the dough as it will be slightly sticky (or at least mine was).  Bake for 10-15 minutes or until light golden.

Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole is one of my all time favorite side dishes year round. I have several recipe variations of this dish, however, this is one of the best I have ate!

You will need:

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (you may use canned if you prefer)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (not imitation flavoring)
• 1/3 cup milk

Topping

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans (you may substitute with walnuts if you prefer)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth.

Place mixture into a greased 9x13" baking pan.

Prepare topping by combining melted butter, brown sugar, flour and chopped pecans. Mix well. Drop by spoonfuls all over the top of the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes or until brown and bubbly on top. 

Enjoy!!

Strawberry Marshmallow Pie

If you like strawberries....and you like pie...then I have the pie for you! This pie is amazing. You may eat the entire thing yourself if you're not careful!

What you will need:

• 1 graham cracker crust
• 12 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1 - 7 oz. marshmallow creme
• 2 - 8 oz. whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 cup strawberries, diced or sliced thin
• lemon zest

Instructions:

Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly. Beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. 

Add marshmallow creme and beat into cream cheese until smooth and well mixed. 

Add one container of whipped topping into the cream cheese/marshmallow mixture; mix well.

Add strawberries to the mixture then lemon zest. Mix on medium-high until everything is incorporated. 

Pour into prepared pie crust and refrigerate for approximately 2.5 hours or until firm. 

Top with whipped topping as desired.  *Note: I topped my entire pie with whipped topping before refrigerating. 

Optional Crust: If you prefer to make your own graham cracker crust, I have included the recipe below.

Graham Cracker Crust

2 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter

In a bowl, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and mix. Press into the bottom and sides of a pie plate. Refrigerate the crust until you are ready to add the filling. 

Enjoy!!

Apple Dumplings

The perfect Fall dessert. This recipe is divine and could not be any easier!

Ingredients:

1 large apple (2 if small)
1 - 8 ounce (8 count) tube of crescent rolls
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp. flour
6 ounces Sprite 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Core and peel apple(s) into slices. Open can of crescent rolls and unroll. Place one apple slice on the wide end of the crescent dough and roll it up into the crescent roll shape. Fold both ends over and seal. 

Place into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Continue with other rolls. 

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix until just combined. Spoon over each crescent. Pour Sprite into empty space in the  middle of pan (DO NOT pour over crescents).

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crescents are golden brown. Serve warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream. 

2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

This recipe is super easy, fast and absolutely amazing! One of the best I had tasted in years. And, it is so versatile. You can alter it any number of ways.

You are sure to love this one!

My beautiful Sous Chefs!

What you will need:

1 16 ounce crunchy peanut butter
1 16 ounce vanilla frosting (not whipped)

Remove the lid and protective covering from the peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute on HIGH. Spoon into a medium-large mixing bowl. Next, remove the lid and protective covering from frosting and heat in the microwave for 1 minute on HIGH. Spoon into the mixing bowl with peanut butter. Stir well until blended.

Pour into a greased container. We buttered a 9" round cake pan. You can double the recipe and use a 9x13 pan if you desire. Otherwise, it makes just enough for a smaller container.

Chill in the refrigerator for an hour or until set.

Enjoy!

**Recipe Variations**

Instead of Peanut Butter, use -

• Nutella
• A combination of 8 oz. Peanut Butter and 8 oz. Nutella
• Hershey Milk Chocolate Spread

Instead of Vanilla Frosting, use-

• Milk Chocolate Frosting (not whipped)
• Cream Cheese Frosting (not whipped)

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins - So Easy and Moist!

These muffins are so easy and moist! I admit I was skeptical making these with only 2 ingredients, however, I am a believer.

What you will need:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can pureed pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together well. Spoon into prepared muffin tins (use with cupcake/muffin liners if desired).

Bake for 15 minutes.

Yields: 12 muffins

Hawaiian Dream Cake

I have been seeing this cake pop up on various social media sites and decided I had to try it out for myself. I was not disappointed!

This cake is light and moist! And, oh so, delicious!

I recommend you try it!


Ingredients

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 - 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
1 pkg. 8 ounce cream cheese
1 pkg. 3 ounce instant vanilla pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 9 ounce container whipped topping
Nuts
Coconut

Directions

Prepare cake mix as directed on the box, using the reserved pineapple juice and water for the liquid as directed for the cake. Bake according to instructions in a 9 x 13 dish.

Set cake aside when done and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, blend together cream, pudding mix and milk until smooth. Fold in drained crushed pineapple and spread over the top of the cake. Cover with whipped topping and sprinkle with nuts and coconut. Refrigerate.

Frito Pie with Homemade Chili

Lunch today was Frito Pie! Fall is the perfect time of year for this old time favorite! And, when made with homemade chili, it takes this heavenly concoction to the next level.

I am including the recipe for the chili my family has used for years.

Ingredients

3 lbs ground meat (or turkey)
1 tbsp flour
2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz)
2 cans ranch style beans
Garlic salt, to salt
Chili powder, to taste
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste


Directions

Brown ground meat (or turkey). Add chili powder and garlic salt; stir into meat. Add flour and stir well. Add tomato sauce and 6 cans water (using the tomato sauce cans). Mix well. Stir in beans. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

**Add 1 1/2-2 tbsp cumin with garlic salt and chili powder for smoother flavor.


This is great stored and frozen for future use.


Great with crackers, on burritos, in enchilada casserole or on burgers!

Enjoy!

How to Make Soy Wax Candle Tarts -- DIY!

I have been making candles for well over a decade. I find it enjoyable! It's also a great way to make extra money!

What you will need:

• high quality fragrance oil (make sure it is safe for candle making)
• pillar blend soy wax (slab or wax flakes)
• your choice of container for the tars (I used clamshells for this tutorial)
• heavy duty aluminum pouring pot 
• wooden stir spoon (my preference)
• pot holder (the pot gets very hot)
• dial style wax melting thermometer (candy thermometer is same)

You need to melt 1 lb of wax over your stove. I have this down to a science. I know that the first bottom line on my melting pot is approximately 1 lb. (melted). Hobby stores sell wax in small 1 lb bags if you want to play it safe and not have to guess.

Watch your temperature carefully. Wax has a flash point, which is temperature at which it could catch fire. Your wax should have a warning label with this information. The wax I use has a pouring temperature of approximately 135-150 degrees. No need to get any hotter. 

Once wax is melted, slowly pour in your fragrance oil. Rule of thumb is 1-1 1/2 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of wax. 

Stir well for a minute or so. Turn burner off.

(Have your tart containers ready prior to pouring.)

Very slowly, using a pot holder and a paper towel (to catch drips in between containers), began pouring your wax/fragrance mixture. Fill to just below the top. Do not over fill. 

Keep in mind some waxes shrink once set and require a second pour. I am picky about my wax and ensure I order a low or no shrink wax. 

Let tarts cool. This process will take an hour or more.

Once cooled, label and seal for future use. 

*Note: These are great Christmas gifts!!

Tips for First Time Carnival Cruisers - Bon Voyage!

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming Carnival cruise!! You are about to embark on the experience of a lifetime!

Now, before I go any further, let me preface by saying that cruising is not for everyone. This is not to discourage anybody. It is simply the truth. If you have been researching, watching videos, the news, blogs, talking to friends/family, or other informational sources, you have probably already heard pros and cons. Much like anything in life, there are always those who have nothing but exciting things to say about the subject and there are those that have the "been there, done that--never again" view. And that's ok! Again, it's not for everybody.

With that being said, I have put together this piece in hopes of being a source of great information for you based on my experience. 

My first cruise was November 2014. We went as an entire family. A few members of the family had already cruised previously. The vast majority of us were first timers. Needless to say, it was an experience! A great experience! Would I do it again: YOU BET! I have cruise fever every day of my life! 

The first thing you obviously need to do is research destinations, pricing, budget, availability and then finally book your cruise. We did not use an agent. We booked directly through Carnival. I'm sure there are wonderful reasons why you may choose to use a travel agent, however, this is the method we chose and it was so easy and painless!

The Carnival page looks like this.

The interface is very user friendly. You can "Learn" about Carnival Cruise Lines, "Explore" cruise destinations and on-board activities, "Plan" your cruise and "Manage" your cruise once you have booked with Carnival. 

After you have booked, you have a countdown to cruising that updates daily on your log in page. You will be allotted a set amount of time to confirm and check in for the cruise. Again, the interface is user friendly and will walk you through everything. In my experience, I did not have to ask or research this information because Carnival made it so easy for me to do myself. As a matter of fact, I have since helped a lovely lady friend of mine with this step.

*Note: You will need to print out your boarding passes and luggage tags. When attaching your luggage tags, follow the instructions carefully. They must be folded a particular way and attached to all luggage.  Your boarding passes need to kept in a safe place and have on your person at time of embarkation. 

Carnival designates a window of time for boarding. I recommend boarding early. We arrived when they opened the terminal for boarding and, although, there were many other cruisers awaiting to board, it really took no time at all. Considering hundreds of people were there, I think we boarded in less than an hour. The terminal check-in agents worked diligently and fast. And they were very nice! Can't say I'd have maintained a big smile and a "bon voyage, safe travels" in the midst of that hustle and bustle! 

Once on the FunShip (aka Carnival Triumph), it was smooth sailing. lol 

We boarded and found our rooms quickly. As we made it to the last check-in where we picked up our Sail and Sign Cards we were told that lunch was awaiting us. Believe it or not, that, in itself, was exciting. (*Side note: Your Sign and Sail Card is your EVERYTHING on board. It's your identification, your method of payment for extras not included in the cruise, your door key, etc.)

Our stateroom was on Deck 8. We opted for upgraded rooms with balconies, as seen below.

What you need to know about the Staterooms (What's Included?)-

Amenities included:

• Bathrobes
• Hair dryer
• Basic shampoo (dispenser mounted on shower wall)
• Basic body wash (dispenser mounted on shower wall)
• Small safe for personal belongings
• Television
• Ample drawer and closet space (this does not mean pack your entire closet!)
• Bathroom including toilet and shower
• Telephone
• Lighted vanity
• Individual climate control
• Nightly turn down service including those adorable towel animals, chocolates and your itinerary for the upcoming day, "Fun Times"

(forgive the wrinkles in the bed; we couldn't wait to sit on it!)

What you need to know about the eateries and dining-

After getting settled into our room, we headed to the Lido Deck (on Deck 9). This is where you will find the food! Keep in mind, this is separate, and not the same as, the Dining Rooms. Those are located on lower decks.

Personally, I love....love.....LOVE....the Lido Deck! Lido Deck includes all you can eat eateries. Most all stay open late and one (I believe) is 24 hours. I could be mistaken about that though. 

Eateries include:

• Guy's Burger Joint  
• BlueIguana Cantina

• Carnival Deli (located in the Lido Restaurant)
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner (located in the Lido Restaurant)
• Pizza Pirate  (late night snack---doesn't she look thrilled!)
• The Sweet Spot (located in the Lido Restaurant)
• Chopsticks 
• The South Beach Club Lido Deck
• Strategically placed beverage stations (FREE tea, coffee, hot chocolate and lemonade) 
• Red Frog Rum Bar

*This is not a comprehensive list, but outlines most. Trust me, there are many choices and varieties of foods to choose from. 

My personal favorite..............Guy's Burger Joint!!! In my opinion, one of THE BEST burgers I have ever ate! And the toppings/condiment bar is awesome!

The all you can eat eateries are included in your cruise! This means they are FREE. Aboard your FunShip, there are certainly specialty restaurants that are not included and cost are in addition to your cruise. I encourage you to explore Carnival's page and research these prior to embarking. And, note, we never once ate at any of these eateries. For us, there were simply enough to choose from without the desire to pay extra for a meal. 

As previously mentioned, the Dining Rooms are on the lower levels. When you book your cruise, you will have the option to choose what dinner time you wish to attend. If memory serves me correct, the options include 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. dining. The dining room is included in your cruise. And note that just because you have reserved seating, this does not mean you have to attend. You may choose to attend a few nights or every single night on board. We did and enjoyed every minute of it. 

Keep in mind, the Dining Room does have a dress code. Don't panic! It's nothing too rigid, however, flip flops are not allowed, for one. Most nights are Cruise Casual (some restrictions).

Included in the Dining Room experience is the Captain's Dinner. This, of course, requires formal dress attire. If you choose to attend, wear your best duds! 

Every night the Dining Room features a full course meal. Your wait staff work hard to cater to your every need. This includes entertainment!

I recommend eating in the Dining Room at least once or twice while on your cruise. The food is absolutely superb and the service of this level is hard to beat!

 If you are like me and love specialty coffee, then, at some point, you will give in and pay for at least one. I found mine at the Coffee Bar. *Note: This is not included in your cruise. You pay extra for it. And by Day 2, I was in dire need of a good iced coffee!

(And......just like that......I was one happy cruiser!)

The Coffee Bar also serves specialty desserts. 

(And, I might say this one in particular is quite tasty!)

5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call-

Cozumel, Mexico

Our first stop was Cozumel, Day 3. What a beautiful place! 

Don't forget to take your Sign and Sail Card (it must be scanned upon departure from the ship and upon return) and your Passports (you must show your passports before leaving the port and getting back on board the ship). 

I also recommend taking a large supply of $1 bills. There are many great deals to be made!

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Our second and last port of call was Yucatan (Progreso). Here, you can visit the Mayan Ruins. We did not schedule any excursions. We simply toured the area then went back to the ship. Even still, this took 3-4 hours. 

(Somebody clearly was not ready for us! lol)

(This kind gentleman hopped on the bus at one of the stops and serenaded us!)

Once back on the Triumph, we actually took a nap! You may catch yourself doing this quite a bit during your cruise. There is so much excitement and things to do, you easily tire and find yourself needing to go back to your stateroom mid-day for a catnap. 

Fun Things We Did On Board-

Mini Golf (Deck 12)

Spiral Waterslide (Deck 14 slide entrance)

Pools/Heated Spas

Triumph Shops 

We shopped, of course! Believe it or not, there are some amazing deals to be had while on board! I actually shopped for Christmas for several individuals and paid half of what I normally would by shopping the sales. 

Underground Tokyo Arcade

*Note: Some machines take cash, however, most require your Sign and Sail Card.

Dive-In Movie (Pool Side)

Some tips for packing-

Don't over pack! I did and now I know better........it's simply not necessary. We ended up with extra clothes we never even wore. Shoes, as well. 

Bring approximately 3-4 interchangeable outfits. It's okay if you wear the same shirt or bottoms more than once. Really....it is.

As far as what type of clothes to pack, this is determined by the geographical region you are cruising to.  The Western Caribbean cruise is down by the equator. Regardless of the time of year, pack for warm weather! It may be cold when you board, but it will be warm where you are headed!

Large luggage can not be carried on. They must be checked in with a curbside porter.  Carry-on luggage must be no larger than 16"H x 24"W and weigh no more than 50 lbs, 2 per person. If you can pack your clothing and toiletries in carry-on size luggage, go for it. You will not be held up having to wait for your luggage upon embarkation and debarkation. However, I will say this, Carnival is very organized and we found our luggage pretty much right away. 

If you would like to wash an outfit or two while out to sea, Carnival FunShips do have a laundry facility on board. 

If you get seasick easily or you are not sure if you will, definitely pack motion sickness medication such as Dramamine. You may also want to look into the bracelets or patches they make for motion sickness. I used Dramamine, however, have been told the others work well also. 

*Note: I am so glad we packed this medicine because on Day 2, my daughter and I both got a little seasick. And the medication worked wonders! We were fine the rest of the cruise. 

It is also wise to pack some pain medication (OTC such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and upset stomach medication. From experience, the constant loud music and excitement on board, while fun and enjoyable, could bring on a headache or two. And an upset stomach is easy to achieve with all of the all-you-can-eat food choices on hand. 

I hope this has helped you with planning and understanding the process of the cruise and what to expect. It is certainly not in-depth, but I do hope these highlights were beneficial to you. 

Enjoy yourself and make lots of memories!

Happy Sailing!

*Information accurate as of November 2014.