Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

I love Blueberries and when they are in season I'm always looking for new recipes to use them in. I recently stumbled across this one and after making it once I know I'll be making it forever.

Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Ingredients:
½ Cup butter, softened
¾ Cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 Tsp. vanilla
2 Cups flour
2 Tsp. baking powder
1 Tsp salt
2 Cups fresh blueberries
½ Cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. sugar, for sprinkling on top

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
Toss the blueberries with ¼ cup of flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk.
Fold in the blueberries.
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray.
Spread batter into pan.
Sprinkle batter with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

I love Pulled Pork and I've had it in several different restaurants all of the country. As fair as making it at home this is one of the most delicious recipes I've found.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork 

Ingredients:
1 Pork butt or pork shoulder roast
Salt, pepper and garlic powder
1 Can Dr. Pepper
Bottle of BBQ Sauce

Instructions:
Rub the outside of the roast with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Place into slow cooker.
Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 7-8 hours.
The meat will be very tender. Using 2 forks, shred the pork and place back in the juices.
Add barbecue sauce to taste.
Allow to cook an additional 30-60 minutes.

*If you want to add a little heat to your meat, add a little Cayenne pepper to the rub or Tabasco to the sauce.

Coconut Oil for Dogs

Campfire Cones

If you haven’t tried Campfire Cones before, you my friend, are missing out! Don’t let the name deceive you either, you do NOT need a campfire to make these fun s’mores-like treats.

Campfire Cones can be made on the grill and in the oven in addition to the option to heat them over a campfire.

Campfire Cones

Ingredients:
Ice Cream Cones
Aluminum foil
Favorite s’mores toppings: peanut butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, etc.

Directions:
Line each cone with peanut butter if you wish. Fill with your favorite toppings, I used chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Wrap each cone tightly with foil.

Oven directions: Bake at 350 for 5-7 minutes.

Grill directions: Place on a heated grill for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Campfire directions: Heat the foil-wrapped cones over a campfire for about 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted.

Bacon Tomato Bites

These may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I've   served them at parties, brunches, picnics and sometimes just made them for snacks.

Bacon Tomato Bites

Ingredients:
16 to 20 cherry tomatoes
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped green onions
3 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs snipped fresh parsley

Directions:
Cut a thin slice off of each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain.
*In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate for several hours.

*I add a little dry ranch powder to the mixture to bump of the flavor.

You are NOT a Mistake

🌻Never feel like you are a mistake. We were all created by God for a purpose. Even though it may not be clear God has a purpose for your life.🌻

📖For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10📖

Easy Peasy Bread

Love bread?

But don't think you have the time or trust your skills to make it.

The following is an easy peasy recipe that ANYONE can complete.

Easy Peasy French Bread

Ingredients
1½ cups warm water
1 tablespoon honey
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ tablespoons Active Dry Yeast
3½ - 4½ cups flour

Instructions
Combine water, honey, salt and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 mins until there is a foam on top.
Knead in flour until no longer sticky.
Cover with a towel and let it sit for 15 while preheating the oven at 425*
Cut slits in the top and bake for 15-20 mins.

*I’ve started adding garlic powder to the dough and sprinkling the top with oregano and some small pieces of butter to melt all over during the baking.

Aspartame Poisoning

When if first decided to get healthier I traded in my regular soda for diet soda. And, I did begin to lose weight but I also didn't feel like myself. A friend told me about the effects of Aspartame and once I looked at the symptoms it all made sense. Once I removed it from my diet I start to feel much better.

Aspartame is a sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar but has fewer calories. Aspartame can be found in diet sodas, coffee and yogurt. While aspartame products, such as NutraSweet and Equal, may appear to be a healthier alternative to sugar, there are a lot of side effects and the potential for poisoning.

For more information go HERE.

DIY Teeth Whitening

Today I'm going to introduce a homemade natural way to whiten teeth, with 2 easy ingredients.

Lemon or Lime Juice (or water)
Baking soda

Mix these items until they become paste like. Put on toothbrush and scrub your teeth thoroughly. Rinse. Repeat as necessary.

Caution: Please do not over do it as it may lead to you weakening your enamel. Once a week is recommended, try several weeks to see how it works!

French "Fried" Baked Potatoes

French "Fried" Baked Potato

French fries are the epitome of awesome but they aren't the best choice. Here's a better and just as satisfying option.

Ingredients:
Baking Potatoes 
Olive oil
Butter
Sea Salt and Ground Pepper 
*Ranch Powder (optional)

Directions:
Cut potatoes almost all the way through. Drizzle olive oil, add butter, sprinkle sea salt and pepper over the top. (*I like to spinkle some ranch powder for extra flavor.) Bake at 425° for 40 minutes.

Buzzed Cherry Bombs

Buzzed Cherry Bombs

Looking for a delicious, festive treat while showing off your American pride.

Here's a little something special for the adults.

Buzzed Cherry Bombs

Ingredients:
Maraschino Cherries (with stem)
Vanilla Vodka 
White Chocolate Chips 
Blue Sugar Sprinkles

Directions:
Soak Cherries in Vodka overnight.
Pat dry.
Dip in melted White Chocolate
Roll in Blue Sprinkles

Enjoy.

DIY Jewelry Cleaner

Sometimes I notice after a while my jewelry just doesn't seem to sparkle quite as much. And, that is expected with normal day to day activities. Instead of running out and buying some complex cleaner I just threw together a few household items and within less than an hour the sparkle was back.

DIY Jewelry Cleaner

Materials:
1 Tbs Salt
1 Tbs Baking Soda
1 Tbs Dish Detergent 
1 Cup Water
1 Piece of Aluminum Foil

Directions:
1. Heat water in microwave for 1-2 minutes.
2. Cut piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover bottom of bowl.
3. Pour hot water into bowl.
4. Place salt, soda and dish washing liquid into the bowl.
5. Place jewelry on top of foil and let set 5-10 minutes.
6. Remove jewelry and rinse in cool water and dry with soft cloth.

Be Not Conformed

📌With all the changes going on in this world I hear people saying all the time you just have to roll with it.

But that isn't the case. Just because a government agency says something is legal doesn't make it legal.

And I don't want to conform to the ways of the world. I've got a home Heaven that is so much better and I'm gonna go there sooner or later.📌

📖And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 
- Romans 2:12📖

Frozen Flavored Grapes

For an easy treat on a hot Summer day these grapes are an usual and amazing treat.

Frozen Flavored Grapes

Ingredients:
Grapes
Box of Jell-O

Instructions:
Take grapes off stem. Place in storage bag or air tight container.  Rinse. Pour off water, leaving grapes damp not wet. Sprinkle of your favorite flavor of Jell-O. Seal. Shake. Place in freezer. Makes an unusual and delicious snack on a hot Summer day.

With all the flavors of Jell-O the options are endless.

*Use frozen grapes to in drinks to keep them cool with out watering them down. Perfect for chilled wine.

Wilted Leaf Salad

This is my go to salad after a long day. It makes a delicious meal all on its own or you could always serve it with some fish, chicken or really just about anything.

Wilted Leaf Salad

Loose leaf lettuce, torn into pieces.
(I prefer to substitute to Spinach)
1 Bunch Green Onions, chopped
2 Boiled Eggs, chopped
1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Vinegar 
2-3 Tbs Sugar

Place leaves into a large salad bowl. In a large skillet, fry bacon until it is crisp. Drain all but 4 Tbs of grease from skillet. Add water, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Pour mixture over lettuce. Add eggs, onions and bacon. Serve immediately.

*I also add a little shredded Cheddar or even Mozarella cheese.
*I also add Mushrooms when I have them on hand.

Can my Dog eat this?

Cooler Corn

Having a weekend get together and want an easy way to prepare some Corn on the Cob. Well, with this method it has never been easier.

Cooler Corn

Husk and clean all the corn. Place in the bottom of a squeaky-clean large insulated picnic cooler.
Pour the boiling water over the corn (2 quarts of boiling water per dozen ears of corn). Close the lid and let set for 30 minutes.
Drain the water out from the plug and keep the lid closed.
This will keep the corn warm for about 2 hours.

Cool Whip Pudding Pops

3 ingredients. 5 minutes prep. Frozen deliciousness.

1 Pkg Instant Pudding
1 1/2 Milk 
2 Cups Cool Whip

Cool Whip Pudding Pops

Dissolve pudding in milk, whip in cool whip.
Spoon into 3 oz Dixie cups.
Insert Popsicle stick.
Freeze.

With all the different flavors of pudding, the options are endless.

Ted 2

This film tells the story of a talking teddy bear who sues the government, so that he gets recognised as a human being and get human rights such as marriage and drivers license.

"Ted 2" is a hugely politically incorrect film, with a lot of swearing, sexual and crude humour. It is not usually a type of film I like, but "Ted 2" does have a way to get to my heart. It is sweet and emphasises a lot of love and friendship.

Towards the end, the film gets very touching, and it made my eyes well up.
Having a touching plot, together with a funny script makes "Ted 2" very entertaining, way more entertaining than I expected.

Starring:
Mark Wahlberg
Seth MacFarlane
Amanda Seyfried
Giovanni Ribisi
John Slattery
Jessica Barth
Morgan Freeman

Jesus is Still King

📖This country may seem in the midst of shambles and we can only hope their is some kind of revisions in the future.

But until that time I'll cling to the knowledge that know matter who is President that my Jesus is still King and is still in control.📖

👑Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. - Psalms 72:11👑

Dark Chocolate Cream Pie

I'm not a big fan of chocolate, unless it is Dark Chocolate. And, there is an amazing recipe for Dark
Chocolate Cream Pie that I think everyone should have.

Dark Chocolate Cream Pie

Ingredients:
1 ready made graham cracker crust
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups sweetened dark chocolate, chopped (you can use the baking chips)
1/3 cup heavy cream
8 ounce container of Cool Whip

Instructions:
Melt chocolate and cream in the microwave for about 45-60 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir until chocolate is completely melted, creating a chocolate ganache, if needed heat for an additional 10 seconds.
With a mixer, cream softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add chocolate ganache, reserving out about 1/4 cup for the drizzle on top of your pie, and mix again till all combined.
Still using the mixer, on low speed, add in Cool Whip. Once combined, pour filling into crust.
To drizzle chocolate. If chocolate has thickened, place back in microwave for 10-15 seconds to liquify. Place melted chocolate in a plastic bag and then cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Drizzle chocolate over pie in the pattern of your choice.
Refrigerate pie for at least 4 hours before serving.

This pie also freezes well, remove pie from freezer about 1 hour before serving.

Choice

Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake

Light, healthy and delicious. This dish is able to please the heartiest of appetites.

Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake

Ingredients:
2 (16 oz total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and fresh pepper to taste
4 tsp Basil Pesto
1 medium tomatoes, sliced thin
6 tbsp (1.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
Wash chicken and dry with a paper towel. Slice chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season lightly with salt and fresh pepper.

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy clean-up.

Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spread 1 tsp of skinny pesto over each piece of chicken.

Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

To Grill: Grill chicken over medium flame on both sides until cooked through in the center.  Lower flame, top chicken with tomatoes and cheese, and close grill until cheese melts.

Sweet Hawaiian Chunked Chicken

Want something you can throw in the crock pot in the morning, go to work or run errands and not worry about. Then serve it to thankful family and bask in their praises.

Sweet Hawaiian Chunked Chicken

2 lbs Chicken Tenderloin, chunked
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce

Put all the ingredients in a crock pot and turn on low for 6-8 hours.

*I've added vegetables about an hour before finish.
*This is also good served over rice.

Drinking Water at the Correct Time

Crock Pot Steak Fajitas

I crave Mexican food on a weekly basis and my favorite meal is Fajitas. I recently found and easy way to enjoy this meal at home anytime I want.

Crock Pot Steak Fajitas

Ingredients:
1 large onion, sliced
3 bell peppers in variety of colors
1½ - 2 lbs. thin sliced beef, cut in strips (I use flank steak)
1 packet fajita seasoning
Instructions:
Place onions and peppers in crockpot.
Place sliced beef on top of peppers and onions.
Sprinkle fajita seasoning over beef.
Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Serve in tortillas with any fixings you like.

The Lord Looks At Your Heart

👫How easy is it to take one glance at someone and immediately make an assessment of who you think they are? I know I'm guilty of it.

The Lord knew even way back in the OT days that this would be the case and let us know that He doesn't judge based on outward appearances but by what's in our hearts.👫

💙But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. -1 Samuel 16:7💙

Happy Birthday America

Happy Birthday America 

Fireworks Safety

Patriotic Rock Napkin Holder

Patriotic Rock Napkin Holder

All you need is some nice flat rocks to make this Patriotic Rock Napkin Holder to keep your napkins from blowing away during these festive barbeques and picnics. Not only are they useful they are also extremely patriotic.

Supplies:
Large Clean Rocks
Red, White and Blue Acrylic Paint
Paint Brushes
Star Stickers

Instructions:
Paint the rock white. Let dry. Paint one end blue. Paint red stripes across the other side. Let dry. Stick on some stars.

Strawberry and Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake

Delicious, easy and even patriotic. Do I need to give you anymore reasons to make this desert?

Strawberry and Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake

Ingredients:
2 - 3.4 oz pkgs. Cheesecake flavored pudding
4 1/2 cups milk
2 -  15.25 oz boxes golden Oreos
1 lb package strawberries, washed and sliced
1 pint blueberries
12 oz Cool Whip

Instructions:
1. Make both cheesecake flavored puddings according to directions on package, using 4 cups of milk. Set aside.
2. Put remaining 1/2 cup milk into a small bowl.
3. Dip Oreos in milk quickly and then place into the bottom of a 9x13 pan, making a single layer.
4. Spread half of the cheesecake pudding on top of the Oreos.
5. Add a single layer of strawberry slices on top of the cheesecake pudding.
6. Spread half of the Cool Whip on top of the strawberries.
7. Dip remaining Oreos in milk quickly and place on top of the Cool Whip, in a single layer.
8. Top Oreos with remaining cheesecake pudding.
9. Add a layer of blueberries, reserving about 1/3 cup for the topping.
10. Top with remaining Cool Whip.
11. Chop the remaining strawberry slices and add those and the remaining blueberries to the top of the cake.
12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.