Random Picks: Cake Pops

I recently got interested in making cake pops. They looked fun, easy, and we all like a small sweet treat once in awhile. I saw a really fun looking cookbook, "Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistable Mini Treats" with all the fun ways to display them and ways you could make them for the holidays, birthdays, or everyday treats.

The first time I made them I had a mess on my hands. My cake balls seems lumpy and I had melted chocolate all over. Although they tasted good, they didn't look so pretty. I had used a boxed strawberry cake mix with white chocolate coating and some sprinkles on top.

I had an excuse to try again. My son's preschool was celebrating July birthdays early since school was ending and decided to make each kid in his class and two teachers cake pops. WOW! They turned out amazing. The balls were not lumpy and the chocolate coating was so smooth. This time I used a white cake mix with a light cocoa chocolate coating, dipped in sprinkles. I wrapped each one in a plastic treat bag and tied it with ribbon. Everyone seemed to enjoy them!

Recipe: Chicken Club Pizza

It seems at least once a week (usually on a Friday) my family has pizza for dinner at home. With two adults in the house working full-time, and two hungry kids when we walk in the door, we are tired at the end of the week and want something quick for dinner. I came across this recipe on Kraft.com. I love the mix of chicken and bacon on pizza topped with lettuce and tomatoes. Pure yumminess! It is very easy to prep after a long day and can get it on the table quickly for the family to enjoy!

1 can (13.8 ounce) refrigerated pizza crust (I used the premade Boboli brand pizza instead)
1/4 cup Mayo with Olive Oil Mayonnaise

1/2 cup Ranch Dressing, divided
1 1/2 cups shredded Kraft triple cheddar cheese with a touch of Philadelphia, divided
1 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
1 1/2 cups finely shredded lettuce
1 tomato, finely chopped

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix mayo and 1/3 cup dressing; spread onto crust.

Top with half the cheese, chicken, remaining cheese and bacon.

Bake 5 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted.

Top with lettuce and tomatoes; drizzle with remaining dressing.

Happy eating!


Recipe from Kraftrecipes.com

Guacamole

I love chips and dip! That salty crunch is just so satisfying. I also enjoy a good guacamole on the side. While I was grocery shopping yesterday, I got an instant craving for guacamole. I went to the refrigerated dairy section and found many varieties/brands of guacamole. It was hard to decide so I grabbed a small container of La Mexicana Guacamole. It has a layer of salsa on the top, plus it came in a smaller container (I got the 10-ounce size) which was smaller than my other options, since I needed just a little bit. As soon as I got a chance to take a bite I was instantly disappointed and disgusted. There was a certain spice that was not satisfying and almost tasted like it had too much lemon juice in it–quite sour. I’m still on the lookout for a good store bought guacamole. In the meantime, while I continue my good-quality tasting, store bought guacamole search, here is the homemade guacamole recipe my family uses:

1 avocado, peeled, sliced, and smashed
2 tablespoons sour cream
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
A few splashes of hot jalapeño sauce
1 slice of white onion, chunked in small pieces, sautéed, optional

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
NOTE: If using the white onion, you can use it raw, however it can overpower the guacamole so I like to sauté it for a minute so it’s not so oniony, but still gives a nice flavor.

For every whole avocado you use, double the recipe. For example; if you use 2 whole avocados, use 4 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon seasoning salt, 2 slices of white onion, etc.

Check back for updates while I continue my search for a ‘good-quality tasting, store bought guacamole’.

Happy Cooking!