Cooking Corner: Ice Cream Pie

I turn 28 tomorrow!!!  I can't even believe I'm going to be that old!  I still feel young at heart though.  For the last few years one of my friends have made me something and now it's just a tradition.  She makes me an Ice Cream Pie and I'm going to share the recipe with you!  It is honestly SO EASY!!!!!!  You don't even have to cook anything.  You can also customize it to whatever flavors you like.  I'm just sharing what I get every year.  If you make this tweet me a picture or tag me on instagram.  Enjoy!!

What You'll Need:

Oreo Pie Crust

Mint Ice Cream

Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

1. Take the pie crust and pack the ice cream into it.  Put in the freezer for about 2-3 hours.

2. Before eating top with chocolate syrup and start slicing.  Enjoy!

Cooking Corner: Toffee Chip Brownies

I'm back!!!!  I took some time off to just enjoy the start of the new year.  What a better way to come back then with a baking post.  Today I'm sharing the recipe for Heath Brownies!!!  I'm SO obsessed with these.  I know you are all probably eating healthy but a cheat day is fine.  We all deserve it!  I found this on the back of the toffee chip bag and I am SO glad I tried it.  I will be making these a lot!  If you make it tweet me pictures or tag me on instagram.  Enjoy!!!

What You Will Need:

1/3 cup butter or margarine

3 sections (1/2 oz. each) HERSHEY’S Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cups (8-oz. pkg.) HEATH Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 8-inch square baking pan.

Melt butter and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture, stirring until well blended. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake 20 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from sides of pan. Remove from oven; sprinkle with toffee bits. Cover tightly with foil. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Remove foil; cut into squares.

Cooking Corner: Easy Apple Crisp

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week already??  It isn't really a huge deal in my family but we do enjoy spending time together.  We usually spend the day playing games and eating A LOT.  Today I'm going to share the perfect dessert to bring to dinner.  A couple weeks ago I had Apple Crisp and became obsessed!  My grandma found this recipe on Pinterest and it's SOOO good!  You can make adjustments if you prefer.  We used different apples and oats.  If you make this tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

For the crumb topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, diced into small chunks

For the Apple filling:

3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin

3 Tbsp butter, melted

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.

3. For the Apple Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and flour until well blended. Add lemon juice, milk and vanilla and stir well. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour butter mixture over apples and toss to coat. Pour apple mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and top is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Add caramel sauce and enjoy!

Cooking Corner: Monster Cookies

I've been craving cookies lately!  A couple weeks ago my mom made me some Monster cookies.  I had never had them before but I LOVED them.  So I thought I would share the recipe with all of you!  This is the perfect way to use up any extra Halloween candy because you can put pretty much anything in them.  If you make these be sure to tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup butter

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

4 1/2 cups rolled oats

11.4 ounce bag M&M'S

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a very large bowl, beat the eggs.

Add the remaining ingredients in order, mixing well.

Scoop the cookie dough on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Cooking Corner: Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Can you believe tomorrow is the 4th of July?  I'm super excited to spend time with my family and watch fireworks.  I wanted to do a patriotic dessert so I headed to Pinterest!  I found a really easy Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake.  You may also know it as jello cake.  They are so good and you can make a ton of different flavors.  If you make this tweet me so I can see your cakes!  Have an AMAZING 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ingredients:

1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)

1 package of red jello

1 package of blue jello

1 tub of Cool Whip

Sprinkles or berries

Directions:

1.  Prepare and bake cake in 9X13 pan using directions on the box.

2.  Let cake cool for 15 minutes.  Use a fork and poke holes all over the cake in rows.  You should end up with about 15 rows.

3.  Mix red jello with 3/4 cup of boiling water until dissolved.  Add 1/2 cup of cold water and pour into every other row of holes.

4.  Repeat with the blue jello.  Cover your cake and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

5.  Spread the Cool Whip on top.  Add sprinkles or berries for decoration.

xo,

Jerica

Funfetti Whoopie Pies

Yesterday was my moms birthday and I wanted to make something besides a cake.  So I headed to Pinterest!  I decided to make Funfetti Whoopie Pies.  Everybody loved these!  It's a SUPER easy recipe to make.  I wasn't a huge fan of the frosting so next time I'll just buy some.  I also rolled them in sprinkles but you don't have to.  If you make them tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!!!!!

Frosting:

3 egg whites

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

6 Tablespoons flour

2-4 tablespoons milk

2 1/4 cups crisco

6-7 cups of powdered sugar

Directions:

With electric mixer, whip all ingredients together until the consistency of a thick whipped cream.

Spread between two whoopie pie cookies. I use a heavy ziploc bag, fill it with icing, and cut a whole in the corner of the bag. Then pipe it onto the two cookies.

Whoopie Pies:

One Funfetti Cake Mix

Ingredients on the back of the mix

1 1/4 cup flour

Directions:

Beat all ingredients together for two minutes with electric mixer.

Drop by tablespoons full onto greased cookie sheet. (Or cookie sheet lined with parchment)

Bake in a 350*F oven 12-14 minutes or until firm and edges are light golden brown.

Let cool, take two cookies and fill with with whoopie pie frosting!!!

xo,

Jetica

Cooking Corner: White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies

This is part two of my Valentine's Day baking ideas.  Yesterday I shared Strawberry No Bake Cookies.  Since I have a party tomorrow I needed to bring treats.  I LOVE brownies so I searched Pinterest for some festive ones.  I found the perfect recipe!  Today's recipe is White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies.  Blondies are just a vanilla brownie.  In our case they will be pink!  If you make these tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix

1/2 cup Canola Oil

1 Egg

1/3 cup Milk

3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips (For Drizzling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x7 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add the milk slowly. You want the cake batter to be as dense & thick possible. Mix in the white chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are just turning brown.

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes so the center sets, then melt your white chocolate chips and drizzle them on top of the bars, if you choose. Once the bars and the melted chocolate have cooled, cut your blondies using a serrated knife.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies

Valentine's Day is only a few days away!!!  I'm actually going to a party so I needed treats to make.  So I headed to my favorite site Pinterest to find something yummy.  I found two so come back tomorrow for that one!  Today's recipe requires no baking so it's going to be super easy.  Today's recipe is Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies.  I did Healthy No Bake Chocolate Cookie awhile ago but these are pink and more festive.  If you make these tweet me a picture so I can see.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups Sugar
3/4 (1 1/2 Sticks) Butter
2/3 cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 – 3.9 oz pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
4 cups Minute Oats
3/4 cup Strawberry Milk Powder Mix

Directions:

Melt butter, milk, and sugar in a large pot on medium-high heat.

Let boil for two minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until evenly blended.

Drop large spoonfuls on wax paper to cool and harden.

xo,

Jerica

Weekly Obsession!!!!!!

I haven't shared an obsession is a while.  Today is a bonus because it's actually two combined into one.  My weekly obsession is........ The Kitchen!!!!!!  To be honest I'm just obsessed with the Food Network.  That's the bonus but I picked The Kitchen because I watch it pretty much daily.  If you've never heard about it, basically it's a talk show and cooking show all in one.  They give you tips and share simple recipes.  Also, the hosts are great!  It's great chemistry and they are SO funny together.  New episodes air Saturday mornings but you can usually catch it on in the afternoon during weekdays.  Go check it out because you'll love it!!!  What have you been loving?





xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Non Sloppy Sloppy Joes

One of my favorite meals has always been sloppy joes.  They are just a classic dish but they are very messy.  My mom found a recipe that I like to call Non Sloppy Sloppy Joes.  I'm obsessed with them!  I have two small nieces and these are perfect for kids.  I figured I'd share since the Super Bowl is coming up.  These would be perfect for any party though.  If you make these send me a picture on Twitter.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef, cooked, drained

1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 oz)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375° F. In large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain. Stir in sauce and chili powder; simmer 5 minutes.

Press each biscuit into 6-inch round. Spoon 1/3 cup meat mixture and about 1 tablespoon cheese onto center of each round. Fold dough in half over filling; press to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 9 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

It's Christmas Eve!  Today is the last recipe in my holiday series.  If you missed my last recipe I shared was Chocolate Fudge.  Today's recipe is my new favorite.  My cousin actually gave it to me.  I'm eating one right now!  It's Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.  They are super easy to make too.  If you make them tweet me pictures!  Happy Holidays!!!!!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter softened

2 ounces cream cheese softened

2 eggs

1 package Red Velvet Cake mix

Powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add eggs and beat until well incorporated. Slowly add in the red velvet cake mix.

Remove cookie dough to a small bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour so the dough stiffens up a bit.

Once chilled, roll the cookie dough balls into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place onto a parchment-lined sheet tray.

Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until cookies puff up and begin to crack on the tops

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Chocolate Fudge

I'm very excited for today's recipe.  In case you missed it, I'm sharing a holiday recipe every Thursday through Christmas Eve.  Last week I shared a cookie recipe for Oatmeal Scotchies.  This week I'm sharing Chocolate Fudge.  My grandma makes this every single Christmas.  I look forward to this every year!  This isn't her recipe but it's similar.  If you make this tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cup white sugar

1⁄2 cup cocoa

1 cup milk

4 tbsp butter, or margarine

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Grease an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.

Combine sugar, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.

Place a candy thermometer in the pan and cook until the temperature reaches 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.

Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat.

Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Oatmeal Scotchies

I'm back with another holiday recipe!  In case you missed it, I'm going to share my favorite holiday recipes every Thursday until Christmas Eve.  Last week I shared Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole so go check it out!  This week I'm sharing Oatmeal Scotchies.  These are my all time favorite cookies.  It is basically a chocolate chip cookie but instead of chocolate chips you use butterscotch chips.  My sister bakes them every Christmas and they last about 5 minutes.  They are so good!  If you bake these send me on Twitter so I can see them!  I hope you enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Butterscotch Chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole

It's December finally!  That means eating lots of yummy treats.  I've decided to share some of my favorite recipes that I eat around this time of year.  First up is Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole!  If you love cinnamon rolls then you must make this!  This would be perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning.  It's very easy to prepare.  My cousin and I made this and it was SO good!  We ate pretty much the entire thing.  If you make this then tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 12 oz tubes of cinnamon rolls cut into quarters- divided

4 eggs

½ cup whipping cream

3 Tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

Spray your crock with cooking spray.

Place a layer of cinnamon roll pieces to cover the bottom of your slow cooker completely. (Reserve icing packets)

Beat eggs, cream, maple syrup, vanilla and spices until blended well.

Pour evenly over the rolls in the slow cooker.

Place remaining roll pieces on top and spoon one packet of icing evenly over rolls.

After about an hour of cooking stir well so everything cooks evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours or until sides are golden and rolls are set.

Drizzle remaining icing over top and serve warm.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Frankenstein Treats

Halloween is only 9 days away!!!!  I'm actually getting super excited.  Today I thought I would share a really cute and easy treat.  This would be perfect for a party or just to enjoy yourself!  I'll probably be enjoying these while I carve pumpkins with my nieces.  Tweet me pictures if you try them out!  Also let me know if you want more Halloween themed posts in the comments.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of butter

10 oz of marshmallows

6 cups rice krispie cereal

10 drops yellow food coloring

10 drops blue food coloring

Melted chocolate

Candy eyes

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a pot and add the marshmallows.  Stir until all melted.

2. Add food coloring and stir until the mixture is green.  Add cereal a little at a time and stir until combined.

3. Press cereal mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Let it cool for about 30 minutes.

4. Cut into squares and remove from pan.

5. Melt the chocolate in a bowl and dip the tops of the rice krispie treats in it.  Set on wax paper to harden.

6. Put some melted chocolate into a ziplock bag and snip off one corner.  Use this to stick on eyes and draw the mouth.

7. Let set for about 20 minutes.  Then enjoy!

xo,

Jerica

What I Eat In A Day

Today I wanted to try a different type of post,  I enjoy reading what people eat throughout the day.  It gives you different ideas to try and incorporate into your meals.  It also helps you keep a food journal which I really enjoyed.  If you guys like this type of post then let me know.  Maybe I'll make this a regular post.  What do you guys eat?  Let me know!


8 AM: For breakfast I felt very hungry.  I had a frozen waffle and a hard boiled egg.  I also had a glass of apple juice.

10 AM: For a snack I decided to eat a banana.

12:30 PM: I made a PB&J sandwich for lunch.  I used organic oat bread with peanut butter and organic grape jelly.  I also had some chips and carrots with ranch.  I drank a glass of water.  For dessert I had a cupcake.

3 PM: For my afternoon snack I had two Oreo cookies

6 PM: My grandma invited me over for dinner.  I had roast beef, mashed potato, and peas with carrots.  I drank a glass of Mountain Dew.  For dessert I had a root beer float.

9 PM: I always have cereal before bed.  So I had some Captain Crunch Berries.  Also I had a glass of water.




xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Quick And Easy Pumpkin Muffins

It's finally October!!!!!  You know what that means...PUMPKIN TIME!!!!!!  I've been waiting until October to post a recipe that I'm obsessed with.  It's Pumpkin Muffins!!!  My mom and I discovered it last year and now we eat them every morning.  Sadly we can only have them around this time of year.  They are SUPER easy because it only requires two ingredients.  Yes, TWO INGREDIENTS!  Once you make them more often, you can add spices to fit your taste.  If you make them tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!

What You'll Need:

1 Box of Vanilla Cake Mix

1 Can of Pumpkin Pie filling

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Line your muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. Dump cake mix and filling into a medium bowl and mix together.

3. Scoop the mixture into cupcake liners

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Let them cool and enjoy!

*You can eat them plain or top them with whatever you like.  I do Cool Whip or Cinnamon Sugar!*

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Zucchini Bread

This is my FAVORITE time of year for baking.  It's starting to get colder outside and baking just makes everything cozier.  One of my favorite foods is zucchini bread.  Don't worry, you can't even taste the zucchini.  That was why it took me awhile to try it but I'm SO glad I did!  I found this recipe on Pinterest of course!  I did slightly alter it though so I thought I would share the recipe with you guys today.  If you make this then make sure you tweet me pictures!  Also let me know any recipes that you want to see!

Ingredients:

1 pound zucchini (Make sure it is finely shredded and placed in a towel to remove excess moisture.  You’ll end up with about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup plain yogurt (not fat-free)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or sour cream

6 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray

2. Chop the ends off the zucchini (just 1/4-inch off each end) and finely shred the zucchini, peel and all. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, wrap the towel, and wring the ends (like a an old-fashioned candy wrapper) to squeeze out all the excess water. You should have about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of dry zucchini. Set the zucchini aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.

4. In a smaller bowl, whisk the sugar, yogurt, eggs, lemon juice or sour cream, and butter until combined.

5. Gently fold the yogurt mixture and zucchini into the flour mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.

6. Bake until golden brown for about 45-55 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes then turn out into wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour. Store well-covered for up to three days.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Watermelon Cupcakes

I love cupcakes!  I could eat one every day and never get tired of it.  Awhile back I saw a recipe for watermelon cupcakes and thought it was interesting.  I'm not a huge watermelon fan but I decided to try them.  They are actually really good!  They are the perfect summer treat.  I wish I made them sooner!  If you make these tweet me a picture @jerica_89.

What You'll Need:

Cupcakes:

1 Box of White Cake Mix + Ingredients Called For On The Package

1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

1 Package of Watermelon Jello

Red and Yellow Food Coloring

Frosting:

1 Cup Butter, Softened

3 Cups Powdered Sugar

3 Tablespoons Whole Milk

2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Green Food Coloring

Directions:

For Cupcakes:

Preheat oven and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
Prepare batter according to package directions. Stir in jello mix. Stir in red food coloring. Stir in a little yellow food coloring until you reach your desired shade of pink.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Fill cupcake liners ~2/3 of the way full and bake according to package directions.

For Frosting:

Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla.
Gradually add powdered sugar a little at a time. Add milk as needed.
Stir in green food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Spread or pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Chocolate Turtle Brownies

I have been CRAVING brownies lately!  It's all I want to eat as a snack which is weird because I'm not a huge brownie fan.  So I went to Pinterest and found a recipe from one of my favorite cooking sites Six Sisters Stuff.  All of their recipes are amazing so check them out!  This recipe is for Chocolate Turtle Brownies.  I can't get enough!  I figured I would post this just in time for the weekend.  If you make these send me a picture on Twitter @jerica_89.  Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

3 cups milk chocolate chips, divided

½ cup butter or margarine, cut into pieces

3 large eggs

1¼ cups flour

1 cup sugar

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped walnuts

20 caramels

1½ tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non stick cooking spray. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Melt 1½ cups chocolate chips and butter in a large bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth.

3. Stir in eggs, then add in flour, sugar, baking soda and vanilla. Stir together well.

4. Spread batter into the greased pan, then sprinkle with chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.

5. Microwave caramels and milk in a small bowl for about 1 minute. Stir and then continue to microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until all is melted and smooth. Drizzle over warm brownies.




xo,
Jerica