{taste this} frosted baseball cake batter krispie treats

I might have mentioned before that with both Bugs playing baseball, we are up at the ball park every day except for Friday.  TGIF has taken on a whole new meaning with me, ha ha!  And I might have a little reputation at the ball park for bringing treats almost every game - and you know me, I aim to please!
 
When the Bigger Bug's team was playing one of his best buddy's team, I knew we would all need a sugar rush since only one of us could go home as the winning team.  And something chewy and delicious and covered in frosting can soften that blow a little, right?!

Enter this quick and easy {taste this} post ... frosted baseball cake batter krispie treats!!

So, I've seen a ton of variations on this recipe.  I started with this recipe over at Gimme Some Oven, omitted the sprinkles and incorporated some of the stuff I read in the comments.  My treats were soft and you could definitely taste the cake batter. That's a win in my book!  So here is what I came up with:

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

4 tablespoons butter
One 10 oz. bag of marshmallows (I like the jumbo marshmallows, but you can use mini, too.)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups of crisped rice cereal
1/2 cup of dry cake mix (I used Funfetti.  Because it's fun and has sprinkles!)

In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter and marshmallows.  Stir until the marshmallows are just melted.  Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  In a large bowl, mix the cereal and dry cake mix.  Add 1/2 of the cereal mixture to the warm marshmallow goo, stir well and add the remaining 1/2 of your cereal mixture.

Spread into a large cookie sheet.  I found that since they already have cake batter and we're going to frost these, making them a little thinner was a pretty good idea. 

Once they were cool, I cut out krispie treat rounds using a juice glass, but you could use a biscuit or cookie cutter, too.  (You'll have all sorts of fun leftover pieces that are perfect to dip in the leftover frosting.  Or so I've heard ...)  Speaking of frosting, I frosted them with fluffy white frosting and added "stitches" using red decorating sugar.  You could also use red licorice strings, additional red frosting or red jimmies (those long sprinkles) for the stitches.

These are quick to make and completely appropriate for a night at the ball park!

For another option, insert a lollipop stick, dip each treat in almond bark and add the sprinkle stitches to make baseball krispie pops.  These would make the perfect themed favors for a baseball birthday party, fund raising bake sale or for a team party! 

Well, hope your day is a grand slam!!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page! 
 

{love this} introducing ... SimpleThanks

It's Monday.  Back to school and work.  For me, even though I totally love my job and co-workers, it can be a little bit of a bummer to wake up after an awesome weekend and realize that it's over.  Soooo ... I figured we could all use a little bright spot in our Monday and I wanted to share something to bring a little positive in!

If you are a regular reader, you might remember that my hubby, The Saint, broke his foot in January.  Almost 4.   long.   months.   ago.  And we realized that he would be out of work until MAY and we were looking at a $1500 deductible + 20% of his medical bills, a disability policy whose benefit had not been updated in 7 years, two surgeries, FMLA expiring just 9 days before his last follow up appointment ... life began to look down right impossible. 

And I know we're not the only ones.  Life is hard right now.  The economy is terrible, our kids deal with some pretty tough stuff in school, marriages are strained, families are stressed ... it is EASY to get down, depressed and cynical when so many things are outside of our control.
BUT ... I created a small way to start my day out on the right foot, put things into perspective and motivate me to view each day as a new and awesome opportunity ... introducing SimpleThanks!!

SimpleThanks was inspired by Thank40 ... a 40 day Facebook campaign started by my cousin's hubby to start each day with three things to be thankful for.  And when it was done, I decided that 40 days was awesome, but 365 days was even better!  So SimpleThanks was born and I thought I would share it with all of you!

Every day, I update my Facebook status with three things - big or small - that I am thankful for.  A great dinner, a sweet friend showing up to do our yard work in a BIG way one night, my favorite coffee creamer ... there is nothing too big or small to share.  And I have found that when I focus on finding three things I am thankful for, my day starts out just a little bit better!

So, if you want to join this journey and develop a daily attitude of gratitude, stop by and "like" SimpleThanks on Facebook.  Then, tag SimpleThanks (use the @ symbol followed by SimpleThanks - no space between the words) to share your gratitude with your Facebook friends and family!  And spread the word ... I'd love for SimpleThanks to start popping up all over Facebook!

Simply, thanks!

{what's shakin' link party} #6 & party faves

Happy Sunday and thanks for stopping by another {what's shakin' link party}!!    I hope you found a new recipe, a fabulous DIY project to add to your to-do list or found something inspirational at last week's party... I sure did!!  I cannot tell you how agonizing it is just to pick a few party faves.  But so we don't have a sixteen mile long post and because we have a party to get to, I picked 5.  And here are this week's party faves!!!

Homespun with Love linked up this olive cheese bread.  Which has three of my favorite things (besides my kids) in it.  Olives, cheese and bread, of course!  Because baking kids is frowned upon ;)  Seriously, Kristen, can we be BFFs?  And will you bring this every time you come over?!

And don't you just LOVE this super cute teacher gift from Liz at Love Grows Wild?!  Her flower pot teacher gift is so cute and I love the little ruler border.  A gorgeous flowering plant or even paper flowers with #2 pencils for stems would be awesome!  And did you see her handwriting?! 

And the DIY Metal Tabbed Growth Chart linked up by Amy at A Nest for All Seasons is pretty unbelievable.  I love the wood and metal tabs and just about everything about this!  I really love that you can just start it today, even if you missed a year (or 12 in my case, ha ha!).  Just gorgeous!

Have you met Gwen at The Bold Adobe?  She's spunky and sassy and updated a plain concrete planter with bright turquiose spray paint and metallic glaze!!  It almost makes me want to test out my black green thumb again! 

And last but not least, these adorable Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cupcakes from A Cupcake Love Affair!!  I adore the little lattice crust toppers and the strawberry rhubarb pie filling sounds a-mazing!  Yes, please!!

Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I may not be able to comment on each and every post but I appreciate every entry ... you make this party awesome!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #6! 

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY, projects, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole awesome thing all over! 

{create this} teacher appreciation gift - school days thank you cards & FREE printable

With teacher appreciation week coming up May 7th - 12th, families across the country will be showering teachers with thoughtful and heart felt gifts!  Now that the Bigger Bug is in middle school, I'm fairly certain he wouldn't appreciate toting cutesy crafty things or prettily wrapped home made goodies to seven different teachers all around campus for teacher appreciation week ... SIGH.


Lucky for me, the Little Bug is still in elementary school and I can still indulge in awesome crafty goodness to honor his three teachers with!  You know, like these ...
school days thank you cards!

These cards are a cute, quick and practical gift for your favorite teachers!  And since all you have to do is print, cut and glue ... these are super easy to make!  And who else would totally appreciate the dorky fun nod to flashcards, vowels and a dictionary but teachers!?

And since I love you, my awesome readers and visitors, you can find my printable here - each 2 page printable will make 6 cards!  Simply print it on white card stock, trim around the sentiments and adhere them to pre-made cards (or make your own from kraft card stock or scrapbook paper).  Embellish as much or as little as you want!


Put 6 cards in a cello bag and pop them in a lunch bag.  Tie on a index card gift tag and this easy teacher appreciation gift gets an A+!!

I feel like the crafty creative juices are flowing again and I was so happy to get in my craft room and make something!  Don't worry, my kitchen is still getting a work out and there are tons of recipes coming up, but there is just something about paper, ink and adhesive that does my crafty heart good :) 

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

PrintRunner {giveaway} winner!!

The winner of the 100 custom printed postcards from PrintRunner is ...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:2

Lucky commenter #2:

Alecia @ ChickenScratch NYApr 23, 2012 06:30 PM

I'm a follower!

Alecia, thanks for following, thanks for entering and CONGRATS!!  I am sending your contact information to PrintRunner today and you should be contacted soon with information on how to claim your prize!!

FREE Mothers' Day Ultimate Breakfast e-cookbook ... featuring yours truly!!

I am not even joking, ya'll!!  My humble crock pot breakfast casserole has been pretty popular and I noticed I was getting some serious traffic from AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes ever since they featured it on their site.  (Thanks you guys!!)  So when they asked if they could include my recipe in their free Mothers' Day e-cookbook, you better believe I couldn't type that email reply fast enough!!

So, without further ado, my "cookbook debut" in Mother's Day Ultimate Breakfast:  12 Mother's Day Recipes for Breakfast e-cookbook!!  Download your FREE copy right here and find my recipe on page 10!!  (And a snippet of my picture on the cover!)

Okay, my recipe is pretty darn good (and this author so humble, ha ha!) ... but what other recipes are included??

• Slow Cooker Blueberry Pancakes
• Best Ever Slow Cooker Oatmeal
• Hot Tots Breakfast Casserole
• Bacon Wrapped Egg Bundles
• Chocolate Nut Blondie Oatmeal

Treat your mama on Mothers' Day, delight your brunch guests or just rock out your crock pot on the weekend with these awesome breakfast recipes!

Feelin' a little like a (modest) rock star ;)  Hope your day and weekend are awesome!!

{taste this} key lime curd for a pretty homemade gift

Okay, so you know I am on a citrus kick lately, right?  And I shared this super easy eggless lemon curd recipe recently?  To fill these a-mazing tres limones cupcakes?

Well, I guess I just couldn't leave well enough alone because I had to try substituting key lime juice for lemon juice for this key lime curd!  There is no butter and no egg yolks ... just 4 simple ingredients!

Key lime is not just for pies anymore ... bake up some scones, biscuits or waffles - or just toss some bread in your toaster  - because you definitely want to {taste this}!

easy eggless key lime curd
Based on the original recipe found here
Yield:  about 1/2 cup

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup key lime juice (I used Nellie & Joes key lime juice but you can juice key limes, too)
2 teaspoons of lime zest

 In a saucepan, mix together the sugar, water and cornstarch. Bring it to a boil on low-medium heat and whisk constantly. This mixture needs to get fairly thick - almost like a thick pudding consistency. When the mixture thickens, reduce your heat to low and stir/whisk for another minute. Remove the mixture from the heat, place in a non-metallic bowl and add key lime juice and zest. Allow your key lime curd to cool and thicken at room temperature. Then, store in your fridge for up to a few days.

This is a really sweet treat for gift giving - teacher/volunteer appreciation, Mothers' Day or even a co-worker's birthday ... I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate a homemade gift! 

To package this as shown above,:  Prepare one batch of key lime curd and let cool.  Spoon into a small canning jar.  Place the flat lid on the jar and place a cupcake paper over it.  Now, screw on the canning ring (over the cupcake paper) and use striped bakers twine to add a sweet little lime 'to & from' tag.

Add this to a small basket with a pretty dish towel, a recipe for your favorite scone and a few limes and this would be an adorable house warming or new neighbor gift!!

All of the recipes from my Spring citrus baking frenzy series (and tons of other recipes) can be found on my tasty stuff page :) 

Come back again some time ... the door is always open!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{giveaway} 100 custom printed postcards from PrinterRunner!!

It's giveaway day today ... WOO HOO!!  One of my fantastic readers will receive 100 postcards courtesy of PrintRunner!!  PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Southern California and I am super excited to partner with them!

Postcards are not just for dropping a line while on vacation anymore! 

They are a fantastic way to get the word out about anything and everything ... your blog, Etsy store, brick and mortar store, small business or an upcoming event!  These would also be wonderful birth announcements or personalized family thank you cards!

And online postcard printing could not be easier when you print online with PrintRunner!

Their online design tool is really easy to use ... upload your images, resize them, add text or shapes or lines to create a postcard that reflects your personal style!

Now onto the fun part ... the GIVEAWAY!!

Here are the details on what one lucky winner will receive:

• 100 5x7 custom printed postcards
• 4/0 front only printing on 14 pt. paper with a UV coating on the front
• rounded corners - oh, fancy!
• postcards will be ready to ship in 4 business days
• open to US residents only, 18 years old and above

I'm sure you're asking, "But Keri, how do I win?!"  Here you go ... please leave a separate comment (include your email address, please) for each entry!

• Be a follower of shaken together - here at the blog, by email or on Facebook.  Leave a comment to let me know how you stay connected!
• Leave a comment letting me know how you plan to use your postcards if you win!
• Visit PrintRunner on Facebook (like them if you want) and let them know shaken together sent you ... come back and leave a comment!

That's it ... easy peasy! 

In order to get your prize to you as soon as possible, this giveaway is only open until 8pm EST on Thursday 4/26/12.  Please note that you cannot have won a PrintRunner giveaway in the last six months.  Winner will be notified by email (or here on the blog) and I will need your contact information (name and email address) no later than 4/27/12 to be included in this month's prize awarding.  Otherwise, you will be awarded the following month.

And go!!


Disclaimer:  Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway!! I will also receive a set of postcards for hosting this!!

he's 12 today ...

... he chews gum like it's going out of style
... he wants $150 Nike shoes
... he has a "girlfriend"
... he's sarcastic, groans about school and homework and rolls his eyes
... he loves video games
... he hates applesauce and mashed potatoes
... he wants to be a baseball player or cop or army guy when he grows up
... he has secrets
... he is growing up faster that I care to admit

And I ...

... stash a double pack of gum in his backpack
... make him buy Nikes on sale at Kohl's
... hope she doesn't break his heart
... share his sarcastic sense of humor and help him make a fossil at the last minute
... only let him play video games on the weekend
... make mac and cheese just for him
... hope he finds a career that he is passionate about and work doesn't feel like "work"
... secretly hope he knows he can confide in me about anything
... still brush his hair off his forehead 

and pray for him at night
and cheer him on at the plate
and cry a little on the first day of school
and get a lump in my throat when he stands on the pitchers mound
and hope he always sticks up for his little brother
and that he doesn't make the same mistakes I did

To my Bigger Bug, you were the first one I felt move in my belly, the first one to sing a lullaby to, the first one to cause my breath to catch in my throat, the first ride to the ER, the first one dropped off at school for the first day of kindergarten and the first one to look at the Little Bug and ask to hold "the babe".

My birthday hope for you today is that you rely on God, believe in yourself, know the right thing to do and have the courage to do it, stand up for what you believe in and never forget to be a gentleman.  I love you my Bug.  Happy happy birthday!

Love,
Mom

{what's shakin' link party) #5 & party faves

Today is a pretty special day in our house!  The Bigger Bug is 12 years old!  A dozen years!  One year away from being a teenager!!  He is currently sleeping wedged between a chair and the wall on his floor with 4 of his friends littered on his bed, his chairs and under his desk and it's too dark to tell, but I bet they all look like they've visited a tattoo parlor.  Guess that's what happens when you add 5 boys + brownie sundaes +washable markers until 2am in the morning!  (Sorry Moms ... we tried for a double digit bed time, ha ha!)

Enough about me, let's talk about you guys ... how about some party faves?!

You make it SO hard to pick just a handful of favorites ... but I had to narrow it down to just a few!  But since there is a birthday around here, I figured I would feature great ideas for parties for this week's party faves!

I do my all stunts shared these oh-so-adorable felt berry place card holders!!  I want to have a party just to make these!!   The berries would be cute for a little one's make believe kitchen, too!

These rainbow m&M cookie bars from Shugary Sweets are a perfect treat for a party ... you could tweak the colors of frosting to fit just about any theme!  And I'm so glad to have the cookie bar and frosting recipes!

Something from Cassie stopped by and I l-o-v-e this houndstooth cupcake tower she linked up!  Switch up the paper and cupcake toppers to fit your party theme and you have a show stopper!

Hi! It's Jilly shared her clothesline photo display.  I think this would be such an easy way to showcase pictures of the birthday boy/girl or guest of honor at any celebration!  Twine + clothes pins + photos = awesome!

Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I may not be able to comment on each and every post but I appreciate every entry ... you make this party awesome!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #5! 

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY, projects, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole awesome thing all over! 





 
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{love this} a life lesson & a FREE printable ...

... because the two go hand in hand, naturally, right?!

Our family attends a small, non-denominational church that is casual and laid back and just feels like home.  Blue jeans, family picnics on Easter, BBQ in the courtyard :)  Our pastor is a "real" guy with a lovely wife, three kids and regular old life that happens like everyone else.  Last Sunday, he shared his momma's three hour rule of "get mad, cry about it, and get over it".  Three hours.  Deal with it.  Work through it.  And move on.  I LOVE IT! 

And it got me thinking about the little things I hold on to when I really should just be getting over them.  Words said in a moment of frustration, a minor annoyance, an off hand comment, a bad decision, someone who wronged me, getting cut off in traffic, when The Saint forgets to take the chicken out of the freezer, the last minute school project ... anyone else need to loosen their fingers with me and just let.  it.  go?

Now, three hours might be too long for the truck with no turn signal and may not be quite enough for the comment made by a close friend, but I think the concept behind it is brilliant. 

So you know what?  I tweaked the phrase a little (I love alliteration!) and made a little "printable" that you (and me!) can print out and stick on your fridge, hang at your desk or tape to the corner of your mirror!
 

You should be able to right click and save (or the equivalent) but if not, leave a comment with your email address and I'll shoot it to you directly!

Just for the record, I am not trivializing major life changing events or flippantly referring to devastating family issues, but rather I am targeting those every day occurrences that take up too many of life's precious moments.  Life is short!

I hope you {love this}, too!  It was just a little something that moved me and I figured maybe it would be just what someone else needed :)  

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{create this} rustic Spring wildflowers table

Our house has a fire place but no mantle.  Which is fine.  Sort of.  Unless you want to decorate and dazzle with a wonderfully gorgeous mantle full of seasonal goodness.  And can't.    

BUT ... I have just been asked to decorate the table in our church's foyer each season.  AND it is sort of mantle-like.  AND the perfect stage for the unbelievably awesome mantle ideas shared all over the blogosphere!!  I see a new Pinterest board in my future ;) 

Anyway, my mom and my good friend Darlene got together to decorate the table and got crafty!  So do you want to see what we came up with?

You can {create this} rustic Spring wildflowers table!!  

First off, the gorgeously vintage metal watering can and metal 'vases' were borrowed from my truly talented, magical, creative thrifter/designer/visionary/collector/friend, Susie!!  She blogs over at From My Home to Yours and her blog is full of all sorts of divine vintage goodness (and a sweet new puppy named Rebecca!).  You should see her design studio ... sigh.  Yesterday, I told her I want to be her when I grow up, ha ha!

And back to the table ... We layered a white table cloth and a burlap table runner and tied the runner at the sides with turquoise ribbons.  In the delightfully galvanized and weathered containers, we piled in wildflowers we found at Old Tyme Pottery and some white daisies ... simple and just so pretty for Spring!

Wanna make the the mason jar Spring 'flowers'?  I used cupcake papers, doilies, kraft paper punches and some simple white letters layered together - just like I did for my layered paper flower garland.  These would make a SUPER cute bunting for just about any occasion so I wouldn't be surprised if you see these again sometime!  We adhered each flower to a bamboo skewer, tied a ribbon around the skewer, stuck them in some mason jars and added a little moss.  We wrapped each jar in burlap and added a coordinating scalloped punch, too. 

Simple.Springy.Vintage.Lovely.

I am already planning for our summer and back to school tables, so don't be surprised when you start seeing me pin like mad :)

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{taste this} key lime shortbread bites with key lime glaze

How about that title!!  Can you believe I'm posting a citrus recipe that does not have lemon in it?!  My good friend Holly - one of my faithful taste testers, blog readers and fellow baseball mom - requested a key lime dessert.  And she has perfect timing because I am still cranking out citrus inspired desserts like they're going out of style!

Like these key lime shortbread bites with key lime glaze ... Yep, you're going to want to {taste this}!! 

Key Lime Shortbread Bites

From the Taste of Home Cookies Magazine

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons key lime juice

2 teaspoons grated key lime (or just plain ol' lime) zest

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (I omitted these in this batch because Holly doesn't like nuts.)

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Then, beat in lime juice and peel.  In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt and add gradually to creamed mixture.  Stir in the nuts (if you use them).

I made two batches of cookies.  The second time I chilled the dough for a while (just because my pans were too hot to bake another batch on right away) and the second batch came out a little fluffier.  Moral of the story?  I would chill your dough :)

Roll dough into 1 - 1 1/2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet or baking stone.  Bake at 400* until the bottoms are lightly browned - about 8-10 minutes.  Allow cookies to cool on wire racks and make the key lime glaze ... recipe below.

Key Lime Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup key lime juice

1 teaspoon finely grated lime peel

Stir together and drizzle pour drench your cookies in the glaze.  Allow the glaze to set (if you can wait that long) and store in an air tight container.

With their soft crumbly shortbread base and kicky key lime glaze, these really do taste like ...



These are not a super sweet cookie ... buttery with a tangy little zip and they would be a great way to end a rich meal, serve with coffee or add to a Spring Time buffet or party table.  Oh go on ... make a batch!  Do you really need an excuse to bake cookies?

Coming up this week?  A sweet Spring table and another citrus recipe that makes a great home made gift!  Stay tuned and see you soon!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{what's shakin' link party} #4 & party faves

Did you have a great Easter?  Our family did Easter-y things like Easter baskets and chuch.  This year, our church did a big family picnic at the park so alas, there are no pictures of the fam in their easter finest ... but hope everyone had a wonderful week! 

It was a pretty quiet party last week ... everyone must have been on Easter egg overload ;) 

How about a few party faves?!

You probably know the lovely and talented Jocelyn from Inside BruCrew Life but there is no way I could overlook her amazing Almond Joy Krispie Treats ... I am a sucker for anything coconut!  Who am I kidding?  I love everything she makes!!

I don't sew (I wish I could!) but I totally LOVE owls and this Owl Quilt Top shared by Jessica at Olives Originals is adorable with a capital A!!  My grandma made The Bugs quilts when they were little and they are still some of my most favorite gifts :)

And I know that Easter is over, but seriously pin this for next year!  Alecia over at Chicken Scratch made this super cute Peep-tastic Family Portrait and you better believe I am making one of these next year!! 

**If you want to pin these (and of course you do!), please head over to the original sources!

Thanks to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I may not be able to comment on each and every post but I appreciate every entry ... you make this party awesome!!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #4! 

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. I will be your hostess with the mostest every weekend - what better way to start the week?!
2. You link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY, projects, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
3. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
4. I will pick out some party faves and feature you (here, on Pinterest or on Facebook) and you grab a button.
5. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  It's not a requirement but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole awesome thing all over! 





 
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{love this} funny searches that landed you here ...

A blog is a funny thing.  I remember my mom saying "What in the world is a blog?" when I first started, ha ha.  But the searches that might get you here are even better.  And you are some funny, funny people.  I'm glad you're here ... however you got here!!

• skeleton horse ... this is always a top search.  Right up there with fish skeleton.  All because I was going to frame a cool horse skeleton from the Graphics Fairy for some man cave art.  But hey!  Welcome!
• pharmacy jokes ... "A man walks into a pharmacy ... "
• color of bacon toothpaste - I do know of bacon toothpaste, however, I unforunately (or fortunately?) have no feedback on the color of said toothpaste.  But now I'm curious ... per some Google research, it appears to be clearish brown.  YUM.
• pharmacy etiket - not one, but two phoenetic people searched for this in one day!  I would say wait your turn in line and be polite to the pharmacist are fairly standard pharmacy rules.
• chocolate pudding, cool whip, thin mints, firefighter - one of these things is not like the other, ha ha!  But the first three in the list do = my thin mint pudding trifles!  And I'll take the 4th item in the list any old day ;)
• upcycled pet potten - sounds very British, don't you agree?  "I put the pet potten in the boot." 
• how do you catch a porcupine? - Veeeerrrrry carefully, I would wager.  And with gloves.  And a face mask.  And chain mail. 
• thin butter cake pie - I, too, would love to be thin.  However, the butter, cake and pie don't seem to be the vehicle to get there.  Sigh. 

In any case and whatever wacky search might have led you here ... I hope you found what you're looking for!  What about you?  What are your funniest searches? 

{try this} baked potato bar & potato topping with a kick!

Need a fun idea for your next pot luck or party?!  How about a baked potato bar?! 

And the photos were a last minute idea (hello ... Keri?  This could be a great post!) and they were taken on my phone, so there are only two and they are via Instagram, ha ha!

I think I've mentioned this, but I'm on the Event Planning Committee for my office and we normally have about 40 folks, give or take.  We have had a blast planning Cinco de Mayo fiestas, holiday sweet swaps - hey, that sounds familiar! - tailgate pot lucks ... give us a reason and we will celebrate! 

We are always looking for fun ideas that feed a crowd but stay within our budget ... so this year for St. Patrick's Day, we decided to host a baked potato bar and potluck!   

Here are a few tips and pointers so you can {try this}!

1.  We baked our potatoes at home wrapped in foil and kept them warm in crock pots set to low.  I've even found that you can "bake" your potatoes in your crock pot!  The potatoes stayed piping hot and they were easy to transport.  Great for taking home leftovers, too!

2.  If you are the "host", provide the traditional toppings - butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits and chives - and ask your guests to bring in their favorite specialty toppings.  We had a salsa/queso topping and a spicy beef horseradish topping (recipe below!) but homemade chili, a fresh salsa or broccoli cheese soup would be great, too! 

3.  We found that folks wanted to try several toppings and combinations so the smaller baking potatoes were perfect and as a bonus, they took less time to cook.

4.  Sturdy plates and silverware (if you are using disposable) are a must!  These loaded potatoes get heavy so don't skimp on the paper plates.  And if you leave the skins on your spuds (washed, of course), quality plastic silverware is the only way to go!

And as promised, here is the baked potato topping that gets its kick from horseradish and Beau Monde spice!  We all just had to have the recipe!

Chipped Beef & Horseradish Baked Potato Topping or Dip
This is a family recipe shared by my awesome co-worker, Rob :)

2 jars dried beef
2 cups sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip.  But I'm mayo all the way!)
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 teaspoons Beau Monde spice
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Rinse the dried beef in warm water and pat with paper towels to remove excess water.  Chop into small pieces and set aside.  Mix the remaining six ingredients and then stir in dried beef.  Add additional horseradish or Beau Monde spice to taste - get spicy if you want!!  Allow to chill several hours prior to serving.

This makes a great dip with crackers or toast points, but we dolloped it on warm baked potatoes and it was SO good!  Cool sour cream, slightly salty beef and a little kick from the spice ... for me, it was unexpectedly awesome!

Hope you were inspired to {try this} for your next potluck, party or get together!

I know I promised you a {create this} crafty tutorial and one is coming this weekend ... stay tuned!  And there will be a {taste this} post and there will be key lime involved!!  And look for new features and a new {what's shakin' link party} on Sunday - woo hoo!!

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{taste this} tres limones cupcakes

So, I took five years of Spanish in middle school and high school and managed to get all "A"s in every class ...  que bueno!  Sadly, I didn't follow it up with any conversation classes (boo!) and I have been reduced to mainly disjointed phrases, a decent recollection of vocabulary and a passable ability to read some Spanish.  But that doesn't stop me from giving a nod to five long years of Spanish classes every now and again. 

Like for today's {taste this} recipe for tres limones cupcakes!!  That would be "three lemons" and you are going to love every one!!

Let's get this lemon show on the road! 

1.  I baked lemon cupcakes - from a box or from scratch, take your pick.  Let them cool.

2.  Then, I made a batch of the easy eggless lemon curd that I shared on Monday.  DIVINE.  Lemon heaven!

3.  To top these sweet treats, I made a variation of my favorite frosting that is so easy and versatile ...

Mix together one small box of lemon instant pudding and one cup of cold milk.  Fold in one 8 oz. tub of thawed Cool Whip and gently incorporate it into the pudding mixture. 

Core each cupcake, spoon in a dollop of lemon curd and pipe on this delightfully light lemon topping ...

These got rave reviews at work and at the ballpark (my two favorite taste testing locations, ha ha!) and I have to say, this is probably my new Spring/Summer go-to dessert!  The cake is sweet, the lemon curd tart and tangy and the topping is fluffy and has just enough lemon to bring it all together!

I've still got a few more citrus recipes up my sleeves ... check out my taste this page for the other recipes in this series that are sure to make you pucker up!  I am still working on a crafty tutorial for a {create this} post and there is a {try this} post in the works, too!

More lemon to love ...

Lemonades No Bake Cheesecakes

Gingersnap Lemon Layer Dessert

Soft Lemonade Sugar Cookies

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!

{taste this} easy eggless lemon curd

I am still smack dab in the middle of a baking series all about citrus!  I've made lemon cookie white chocolate truffles and soft lemonade sugar cookies ... and a few other goodies that are coming your way! 

Today, for {taste this} I wanted to share an amazing recipe for easy eggless lemon curd!

... it is really just SO good!!  Tangy and tart and velvety smooth ... pale yellow and lusciously lemon!  And you'll need it for an upcoming recipe this week, so make a quick batch and hide it in your fridge ;)

Easy Eggless Lemon Curd
Original recipe found here
Yield:  about 1/2 cup

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (I used about 1 1/2 lemons)
2 teaspoons of lemon zest*

*Tip:  zest your lemons, then juice them.  Spoken from experience, ha ha.  I had 1 1/2 mangled lemons on the counter and a poor little naked lemon in my fridge.

In a saucepan, mix together the sugar, water and cornstarch.  Bring it to a boil on low-medium heat and whisk constantly.  This mixture needs to get fairly thick - almost like a thick pudding consistency.  When the mixture thickens, reduce your heat to low and stir/whisk for another minute.  Remove the mixture from the heat, place in a non-metallic bowl and add lemon juice and zest.  Allow your lemon curd to cool and thicken at room temperature.  Then, store in your fridge for up to a few days.

(Just FYI, when I went to use my lemon curd, it hadn't quite set up all the way.  I put it back in my saucepan, brought it to a quick boil and it thickened right up.)

You can spread this on toast or an English muffin, top a fresh blueberry muffin or make lemon bars.   Or just sneak it by the spoonful ...

This project or recipe was shared at the blogs on my Link page!