Chocolate Covered Oreo Balls

I made these for Roberto and some of his teammates (and a few for me, of course) last month, and they were a huge hit! This recipe only has 3 ingredients, which makes it so easy. These would be especially perfect to serve at a party. A great bite-sized dessert and a total crowd pleaser. I promise you that I had way more than I intended to, they were just too good!

 

Ingredients

1 package of oreos (36 cookies)

8 oz cold cream cheese

8 oz bakers semi-sweet chocolate 

 

Directions

Crush oreos and mix with cream cheese (save a bit of crushed oreos to sprinkle on top). Form one inch balls and place on cookie sheet that is covered with wax paper or foil. Melt chocolate in microwave then drizzle over the balls. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and ENJOY!

 

*I found that these tasted best when left in the fridge longer than at room temp. So leave in the fridge up until you are ready to serve.

*Also, how good would these be with white chocolate drizzle?! Next time I think I will test that out.

 

Have a great Wednesday, friends! 

Homemade Brown Sugar Granola Bars

These were so delicious. The perfect amount of crunch and sweetness and the ideal morning, day, evening, anytime snack! Robert and I both, thoroughly enjoyed these. We also loved them because if we did not want a bar, we could crumble them up and put it on top of some yogurt with fruit or in cereal with milk. Try these ASAP, you will not be disappointed.

Ingredients

7 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup oil (vegetable or even better, coconut oil)

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup sliced almonds

3/4 cup honey

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

Adjust oven rack to the middle of the oven, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line (about) an 18 x 13 rimmed backing pan with foil (the pan does not have to be this exact measurement, just close). 

Combine oats, oil and salt in a large bowl and mix until oats are coated. Transfer this mixture to a (different) baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until pale gold, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and lower temp to 300 degrees F. 

Combine honey and brown sugar in a saucepan and cook over medium hear until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes...stir constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cinnamon. 

Combine the oats, nuts, and honey mixture in a large bowl. Stir until oats are coated with honey mixture. 

Spray the baking sheet (with foil) with non-stick spray then place granola mixture on the baking sheet and spread in an even layer. You might want to taste test here...soo good:) Firmly press the mixture into the pan, making a flat, tight and even layer. Bake until golden about 30-40 minutes.

Cool in the baking sheet for 10 minutes and then cut into the bars! Do not wait longer than this because bars will harden and be difficult to cut. I used a sharp knife to slice the bars. Now allow bars to completely cool before you dig in.

The bars can be stored in a covered container and last about 2 weeks. Enjoy! 

Adapted from Delectably Mine.

I promise you each step is worth it...these bars hit the spot!

Delicious Blueberry Muffins

I have been baking quite a bit lately and am continuing to learn it is something I really enjoy. It is my happy place if you will! I have quite a few delicious recipes to share with you and today I am going to start with the classic blueberry muffin. I made these on Easter and Robert and I thoroughly enjoyed them for our Easter brunch. 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable or coconut oil

1 egg

1/3 cup of milk

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Topping

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons softened butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line muffin tin with muffin cups. Mix all dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl combine wet ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. Gently fold blueberries into mix and spoon into muffin cups. Makes about 10-12 regular sized muffins. Mix topping ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle over top of batter. Bake about 25 minutes (my oven gets very hot so for the last 5 minutes I placed foil on top to keep tops from getting too golden). 

Serve with a glass of milk, maybe a little butter and enjoy!!

This recipes was adapted from Diana at Eating Richly.

Linking up with Kate, Mary, Susan and Kristen.

Roasted Almond and Orange Toss Salad

My mom, aunts and grandma have made this salad for as long as I can remember. It is the perfect salad to pair with almost any meal. It is great for date night, for the family or for a party and is always a crowd favorite.

Robert and I paired it with our steak and baked potatoes on Valentines and it made the meal. I love this family favorite and cannot get enough!

Ingredients

Salad:

1 Large Bag of Salad

1 cup sliced almonds

2-3 tablespoons of sugar

1 can of mandarin oranges

Dressing:

2 TBS sugar

2 TBS white balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil

dash of Louisiana hot sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Roast almonds and sugar in pan on low heat until golden. In a small bowl (I always use a coffee cup), whisk all ingredients together for the dressing. Add salad, roasted almonds and oranges to your salad bowl. When ready to serve, make sure dressing is well mixed and pour over salad, toss and serve.

During the summer, my mom will sometimes add strawberries as well and it makes it even better! 

Enjoy!

Linking up with Kate, Mary, Susan and Kristen

Menu Roundup

A little goal of mine this past month, was to find a few meals (healthier ones) to add to our meal rotation. You know a few meals that are so tasty and simple that we can add them to the list of our "go-to" meals.

I am happy to report that we tried lots of new recipes this month (which is an accomplishment in itself!), some were perfect and some not so much. A few things to remember...I have to figure out meals that fill up my 6-10 husband which can be a challenge and I wanted to find some recipes that incorporated vegetables because I am awful at getting my veggies in!

So today I am sharing with you the recipes that we thoroughly enjoyed and felt like accomplished both goals well. And hopefully it will help add some new ideas to your weekly menu!

*I am awful at remembering to take pictures of our meals, so all photos are from the original website and recipe (links included). Maybe I can make this a monthly thing and add my own pictures...we shall see.

Baked Chicken Parmesan
I actually made this last night and it was so good! We added ours with a little whole wheat pasta, but if you want to stray from carbs, the chicken would be just great all by itself. Pair with a salad and you have a delicious dinner!

note: I halved this recipe for just the two of us. Also, I had two chicken breasts so I halved each one as the recipe calls for. I thought for chicken parmesan they were still a little too thick, so maybe next time I will pound them a little to thin out a bit more.

Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir Fry
Yall, this was so good! We ate this all by itself (and it was very filling) but you could definitely put it on top of rice if you wanted to. This will be made lots more...so tasty and a great way to get some veggies in!

note: I did not use fresh garlic or ginger because I did not have any on hand. Instead, I used the powder/spice version of both and it still tasted great to us. Next time, I will try the fresh stuff just to see the difference.

Mini Turkey Meatloafs
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I was not even sure if I liked meatloaf! But these were so good and made the perfect little servings. Great for dinner or great to store in the fridge for a quick lunch. For dinner you can pair with a vegetable, like green beans, and maybe even potatoes to have a full and filling meal. This one did not keep Roberto full so much, so this one is more for me and then a great snack or light lunch for the husband;)

Spinach Taco Burgers
We ate ours with lettuce as the bun and some sriracha sauce...a very good combination. It is also a sneaky way to get some veggies in. I am like a little child, I need my veggies hidden!

note: We did not have taco seasoning so I instead used Italian herbs and it was very good. Next time though I will make sure to try with taco seasoning.

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

We made this 3-ingredient dip one night when we had friends over and it was a hit! Not a meal but a very delicious new found snack. Melissa suggested adding cinnamon as well and I have a huge love for cinnamon...so next time that will be added!

And there ya have it! Five new recipes that we will most definitely be making again. I know I am always looking for new ideas (especially healthy ones) so hopefully this will be of help to some of you as well!

Linking up with Shannon.

Five on Friday / Super Bowl Menu

This weekend we will be celebrating the Super Bowl in full force. The distance and midnight start time here in Poland will not stop us! Football, good food and funny commercials? Yes, please! It will be like I am back home...a great taste of America.

One of my favorite parts is all the fun food that goes along with the game. Here are a few recipes I found on Pinterest that look perfect...still trying to decide which ones I will make!

O N E / Nacho Bar
 I love the idea of a nacho bar and we are in serious need of some Tex Mex around here! It would be so simple and so yummy.

T W O / The Perfect Dip
Bacon and cheese in a dip? Sounds pretty amazing to me. I have been wanting to try this out for a while, so maybe this weekend is it!

T H R E E / Cheese Platter
Roberto and I love a good cheese, cracker and salami snack. It is nothing fancy but put it in the shape of a football? So festive!

F O U R / Pretzel Bites
Lisa shared this delicious soft pretzel recipe this week! And I think it will be a must for us on Sunday...the perfect Super Bowl snack.

F I V E / Veggie Sticks
Having guests over? Add in this healthy snack served in a very cute way. These individual servings of vegetables are the perfect addition to your football spread.

What are you serving this Sunday? I would love more ideas!

Want to see more of what I am pinning? Follow me here!


Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren and Jennie.

Christmas Candy + A Polish Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

I am dropping in to share a delicious Christmas candy recipe. Then I will be taking the next few days off from my computer to soak in this wonderful time of year!

I have so many sweet Christmas memories from growing up. One of which involves Christmas candy. My granny makes the most delicious candy each year...think lots of chocolate and lots of yumminess. I have plenty of memories of eating this great stuff, but also of baking and making in the kitchen during Christmas with my mama...following in my Granny's footsteps. This is a tradition that I love (I mean who wouldn't?!) and one I will happily continue.

Being away from home, I will not be able to enjoy my Granny or my mama's candy this year. So I got to work in the kitchen and made one of my favorites (thanks to my aunt Julie's recipe!)...Peanut Butter Balls.

And now it officially feels like Christmas!
 

*This recipe makes a ton. I was only making enough for Roberto and I and some friends, so I halved this (and it was still a lot!). But if you are wanting to make enough to pass out or take to an event make the whole recipe!*

Ingredients

1 lb. powder sugar

18 oz peanut butter

1/4 lb. butter

3 lbs. Chocolate Almond Bark

Directions

Mix peanut butter, powder sugar and butter together. Roll peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. If the balls do not feel firm enough place on baking sheet in fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, which makes dipping in chocolate easier. Either with a toothpick or spoon dip the balls into chocolate and place on wax paper or foil to dry. You can either dry at room temperature, which takes a bit longer, or in the fridge {I prefer fridge}. Once dry- ENJOY!

And now moving on! A little life update- Christmas style!

Last night we went to the team's Christmas dinner and had the best time. I at some point wanted to get the traditional Polish Christmas experience- and last night I got it! Here in Poland, they officially celebrate Christmas on the 24th. They do so by waiting for the appearance of the first star. Once it appears, well wishes are said and a meatless meal is served. {I know there are plenty more little details/traditions but this is the main gist I got from a friend last night!}

For last night's dinner, we received a traditional Polish Christmas meal of beet soup with dumplings, lots of fish "appetizers" {which are actually enjoyed after dinner} and a delicious fish entree.

We are so grateful for experiences like this. We definitely have to put ourselves out there and get out of our comfort zones at times- but it is such a lovely experince! And we are so appreciative to learn about and be welcomed into a new culture.

Merry Christmas, friends! I hope your days are filled with overflowing love, abounding joy and too many laughs. I am so grateful our Savior came into this world as a little baby, giving us the greatest gift we have ever known and showing us a love like no other. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate!

Have a beautiful Christmas!! And enjoy some Peanut Butter Balls!

Mama's Taco Soup

My mom has made this soup for as long as I can remember. It is thick, hearty and so delicious. It is the perfect recipe for a cool winter night! And so easy...like throw everything in a pot and you are done easy.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef {browned and drained}

1 medium onion

2 cans of corn

2 cans of beans {pinto, black or ranch style- take your pick!}

1 can petite diced tomatoes

1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix

1 package Taco Seasoning

Directions

Brown ground beef along with chopped onion. Drain. Combine all ingredients in crock pot or large pot.

Cook in Crock Pot on low for 6-8 hours

OR

Simmer on stove for 2 hours.

Top with a little cheese and enjoy!

Linking up with B Loved Boston ,Carly, Ashley and  Join the Gossip.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love a simple chocolate chip cookie, and throw some oatmeal in there?? Yes, please.

This recipe was passed down to me from a friend and it is plain delicious. Perfect to wrap up to take to a neighbor or friend and perfect for your after dinner dessert.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

2 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 packages (12 oz. bags) of chocolate chips (whatever type/size you would like)

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Mix butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla together. In a separate bowl mix flour, salt and soda, then add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Fold in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. Bake at 365 degrees for 10 minutes.

I made these with my little siblings back in the states and then stuffed them in these Target dollar section bags closed with a sticker. Add in a mix of adult and kindergarten gold sharpie writing...and you've got the perfect little Thank You gift!

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This weekend I finally was able to make a pumpkin dessert and one of my favorites...Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! A family I babysat for made these when I was over one time and that is when I decided Pumpkin desserts are just the best in the world.

These muffins are soft, moist and provide the perfect balance of chocolate and pumpkin. Basically? They are so good.{also read more for some life updates at the end!}

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs 

1 can Pumpkin Puree

2 cups sugar

3 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

12 oz chocolate chips

Mix oil, eggs and puree. In separate ball mix together sugar, flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased muffin tin about 2/3 full.  Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

Enjoy!

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Now some life updates!

Today I am leaving Texas, well America, and headed to see my hunky husband! Tomorrow I will arrive in Poland and get to hug my loves neck and I cannot wait. Although, I am so sad to leave my family and friends here. I truly will miss them so much. It makes me want to cry right now typing that out. But then I think of my hubby and this journey God had placed before us and...so much JOY comes over me! Bittersweet for sure. But such comfort in knowing I will be in my hubby's arms soon {ahhh!!!}and grateful for this opportunity. 

So Poland and Roberto....here I come! 

Prayers for safe travels and not so sad goodbyes would be so greatly appreciated!!

Also, make sure to link up with these lovely ladies for this holiday fun!

Bran Muffins

Bran Muffins, oh how delicious you are. Yes, I said bran, yes like the nasty cereal. But these muffins are no where near nasty {or healthy for that matter}. They are just totally TASTY.

Ingredients: 

2 cups All Bran

1 cup 100% Bran

1 cup boiling water

2 eggs

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cup flour

2 1/2 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Mix bran and boiling water in a mixer together. 

After mixed, add eggs, shortening, sugar and buttermilk to the bran mixture. Mix well.

In separate dish combine flour, soda and salt. Then add to mixture. Mix well.

Grease muffin pan. 

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. 

*huge perk: this mix can be stored in container in fridge for 7, yes seven, weeks! So handy for busy mornings. Grab the mix out of the fridge, bake a few muffins and enjoy!

Before inhaling, top with butter {a must}. Now enjoy!

Linking up for What you Wish Wednesday and Whatever Goes Wednesday. 

The Delicious Oreo Layer Dessert

Y'all. This dessert is delicious. I took it over to my dad's for dessert one night and it was a hit! Kids, adults...everyone loved it. When you take home an empty pan, you know it was a good one.

Thanks to Nap Time Creations for the fabulous recipe. 

Ingredients
 1 package of Oreos

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. milk

2 pckg. instant chocolate pudding + Milk to prepare pudding

12 oz. container Cool Whip

Directions

1. Crush Oreos. Set aside 1/4 cup to garnish top. Mix the rest of the oreos with butter. Press into a 9x13 pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

2. Combine cream cheese, sugar, milk and 1 1/4 cup of the cool whip. Spread mixture over crushed oreo layer.

3. Prepare chocolate puddings as directed on package. Spread over layer two. 

4. Spread the rest of the cool whip on top for the final layer. Garnish with the leftover oreos. 

Eat and Enjoy!!

Linking up with Sweet Sharing Monday and B Loved Boston.

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Picnic: Whole 30 Style

 

 

In honor of my last day of the whole 30 (yes last day!!), I thought I would share a picnic Robert and I enjoyed a couple of weeks ago. Full recap of my/our whole 30 journey to come tomorrow!

Part of my April goals was to go on a picnic. Robert and I just love a good picnic. We usually go on one and enjoy sandwiches and such. But since we are on the Whole 30 challenge, we had to get creative and it actually turned out pretty well!

We first feasted on Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad...

 

I layered the ingredients (lettuce, cucumbers and carrots) in little jars with the chicken on top (we went without the dressing).  

Up next- Chili Lime Sweet Potato Chips and Fruit Salad.

Our chips turned out a little soggy and I think it was because they were not thin enough. Next time I will try a mandoline to get thinner slices.

Last, I made the Guacamole Chicken Salad that is all over Pinterest. And it was so good! We experiemented and put the salad on a cucumber with a pecan on top. Not too bad. 

We had a wonderful afternoon out in the sun soaking it up and eating. It was a great little day date! 

Burger Bowls

This is a favorite meal of mine right now. It is yummy and follows the Whole 30 rules! And even better?? It is quick and easy! Ladies and gents, I introduce to you the Burger Bowl...

Ingredients

1 lb. Lean Ground Beef 

salt and pepper

2 tomatoes, chopped

Romain Lettuce

Avacado

Mustard or Frank's Hot Sauce (Whole 30 acceptable) 

Directions

Brown ground beef in skillet, season with salt and pepper, or other spices you like. While meat is cooking, cut up avocado, tomatoes and lettuce. When meat is done, drain excess grease. Now it is time to make your bowl! Lettuce, meat, tomatoes then avocado. Add your sauce and enjoy!

Robert and I have really enjoyed this meal, especially when we need something quick.

Easy, simple, healthy and delicious. Great for a week night meal!

Five on Friday

The end to another week! We have had a great week here! The best part is that our friends Laurie and Layne arrived yesterday! It is the best. We have a fun weekend and week ahead full of enjoying time with our friends and exploring Nuremberg! And now linking up for another Five on Friday with Natasha, Darci, April and Christine!

{ONE}
There is barbeque in Nuremberg! And I had no idea. Some of our friends here tried it out and thanks to them we headed there next day! And it was good barbeque, it was such a treat...a little taste of home! Once we got our food I picked up my sandwich right away to dig in (i have to have at least one bite before the blessing, don't you?!) and Rob said "Wait! Aren't you going to take a picture?" I looked at him with the biggest smile, of course I will take a picture (especially since he asked!) ...it is picture worthy that's for sure.

{TWO}
A second wedding post is up...the start to the big day! I posted pictures and talked lots about the "Getting Ready" process and what all happened before the ceremony! Go check it out here!

{THREE}
And after that hearty BBQ meal we made some delicious meals on healthier side! This is one of our favorites right now...

We bake chicken, either the day of or even the day before for cold chicken, with a few spices! Put that on top of spinach lettuce and add mandarin oranges, thinly sliced apples and some balsamic vinegar! We usually eat this with a little side of crackers and cheese as well. So good and simple!

{FOUR}

I am starting a little series titled "Life in Germany". I will talk about just everyday happenings and difference here in Germany. I am excited to share and also to have it documented so I will always remember! You can checkout my two post so far...Life in Germany: A Day in the Life and Life in Germany: An Apartment Tour.

{FIVE}

Last Saturday we had a fun day! It started off with the BBQ, a trip to Starbucks to work on our Wedding book (finally got it ordered!) and a night at the movies! We saw American Hustle and it was pretty good! We are trying to see as many of the Oscar Best Picture Nominees as we can before the awards! So far our favorites are 12 Years a Slave and Gravity. Both very powerful and great movies in very different ways. 

I am so glad you stopped by! I hope you all have a great weekend! Enjoy some fun and relaxation!

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A little Valentine Breakfast

Since Rob will be out of town tomorrow, we decided to do a little Valentine celebrating today! To start the day off we had a little pancake breakfast! Heart Pancakes to be exact!

Just use whatever pancake batter you like or even make your own! I put the batter in a big Ziploc and snipped one end off. With a lot of trial and error, I found that the easiest way was to make the outline of a heart and then fill it in! (Warning: it is a little messy, but worth it!)  And cook just as you would with regular pancakes. You will have some that turn out like this....

isn't it a beaut? but hey it still tastes good.

 

And then you will have the pretty ones that make you say "hey it's valentines!"

 

 

Pair with a little fresh fruit and voila!

 

 

side note: My mom cut our oranges up like this all the time. And this is now Rob and my favorite way to eat them. I buy quite a few at the grocery store then cut them up and store them in a container in the fridge. Much less messy and so easy to eat!

 

A fun, little, festive treat for Valentine's Day and one that will make your loved ones very happy..,

 

 

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day!