A New Family Favorite

I just had to share this recipe with y'all.  Now, I have two very picky eaters in my house, so trying to please everyone is almost impossible when it comes to supper time.  However, I came across this recipe and decided that I'd try it.  It sounded really good and looked amazing in the picture that I saw.  I was AMAZED when everyone at the table that night said that they loved it :)  I shared this recipe with my sister, who also has some picky eaters as well, and her family couldn't get enough of it. 

I hope your family will enjoy this as much as mine does.  For those of you who have large families to feed, not only is this an inexpensive meal to make, it makes alot of it! 


ONE-POT SALSA BEEF SKILLET

1 lb. lean ground beef
2 cups water
1 cup Taco Bell Home Orignials Think N' Chunky Salsa
1 pkg. (14 oz.) Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup Mexican Style Shredded Cheese
2-3 green onions, chopped

~Brown meat in a large skillet; drain.  Return to skillet.

~Add water, salsa and macaroni: stir.  Bring to a boil: cover.  Siimmer on low heat  10 minutes or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.  Stir in corn and Cheese sauce; cook 2 minutes or until heated through.

~Top with shredded cheese and onions.

Enjoy!

"You Can't Beat the Real Thing"

I'm from the great state of Georgia, and when asked where this recipe originated from, I have to say that I'm not sure where it originated. I just know that it was always a “staple” dessert when I was growing up. It’s probable that I enjoyed it at church potluck suppers; my grandmother’s house; and at University of Georgia football tailgate parties (along with fried chicken, boiled peanuts, country ham biscuits and pimento cheese sandwiches!)”

When asked what makes this recipe southern, I have to respond with.....1. Coca-Cola (which was “born” in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886)..... 2. Pecans (Georgia is the largest producer of pecans in the United States)..... and 3. Buttermilk!

This cake is a delight to make and eat!  This recipe has great flavor and texture, it is straight-forward, and the story that accompanies it (The Coca~Cola Story can be read by going to.....www.thecoca-colacompany.com) is by far the best that there is.  Coca-cola cakes are a southern institution, and this is one of the best I’ve ever had. 

Enjoy :)


COCA~COLA CAKE

CAKE:
2 cups plain flour (unsifted)
2 cups sugar
2 sticks butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 whole eggs beaten
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups mini marshmallows

ICING:
1 stick butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
1 box confectioners powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
t tsp. vanilla

CAKE:
Combine sugar and flour in mixing bowl. Heat butter, coca-cola and cocoa to boiling and pour over flour and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, vanilla and marshmallows. Mix well. This will be a thin batter with marshmallows floating on top. Bake in greased and floured 9×13 pan at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Ice while hot.

ICING:
Combine butter, Coca-Cola and heat to boiling. Pour over sugar. After beating, stir in chopped pecans and vanilla. Spread over hot cake.

~Best when served warm with a large scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream!  :)

Back To School!!!

Yes my friends, today is the day that I act like a giddy school girl and dance around to the tune of "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"!!!  It's BACK TO SCHOOL DAY!!!!  

Yes, I'm excited to have some of my day back, but at the same time, I will admit that it is bittersweet.  My oldest baby is starting the 7th Grade.  She's growing up way too fast for me.  When I woke up this morning, my mind rushed back to the day that my husband and I dropped her off for her first day of preschool.  It seems like a lifetime ago and yet, it feels like if was yesterday. 

I'm gonna miss having her around to help me with things around the house and having her watch her little brother when I have a quick errand to run.  I'm also gonna miss laughing with her about something funny that we see on TV.  Not to mention my little shopping buddy!!!!

Well, Miss Morgan, you are growing up!  I just want you to know that I love you very much and I am very proud of the sweet young lady that you are growing up to be :)  But always know that even though you're growing up, it's ok to still be Mommy and Daddy's little girl! 

Now, go get em' girl!  You're gonna have a great 7th Grade year :)

Happy Trails!

In my never ending quest to find healthy snacks for my family to snack on, I came across this recipe.  It has been a HUGE hit!  We just can't seem to keep our hands out of the container that I've put it in.  I have to be honest, I wasn't sure how my family would like it........I mean, it has nuts, oats and fruit in it!!!!  You know, all the things that they are always trying to not eat.  Some how when you mix it all together and add some butter and honey, it makes all the difference!  Who knew?  :)

Almond, Toasted Oat And Cherry Trail Mix

1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
2/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
1 cup dried pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 small boxes yogurt covered raisins
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon stick light butter, or similar product, melted
1/4 cup honey


Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sided sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together rolled oats, cherries, pineapple, almonds, walnuts and salt. Drizzle with butter and honey and toss thoroughly.

Spread mixture evenly on sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning, about 20 to 25 minutes; let cool.
Add yogurt covered raisins after mixture has completely cooled. 

Place mixture in an air-tight container.


Enjoy!

I'm BACK!!!!!!

Wow!  I didn't realize until the other day just how long it has been since I last posted.  I mean really Jana!  It's been since Easter.  C'mon girl!  You're better than that!

Seriously, I've been busy.  Since school got out for the summer, I've been hitting it hard.  This summer has been wonderful.  Lot's have happened and I have alot to share with ya.  I'm gonna take it one subject at a time and try to post pictures to help tell my about my summer adventures.

I also have lots of new recipes to share with ya as well.  Yes, we've been eatin' good in the Springer house :)  

So, hang in there with me!!!  I promise not to leave ya hangin any longer!  I'm BACK people......I'M BACK!!!

 Until my next post............