Weekly Obsession

I promise that I'm back with these posts!  They are my favorite because I love sharing things that I've been loving.  I am constantly discovering new stuff that I'm obsessed with.  My weekly obsession is.....Oreo candy bars!!!!!  You guys I can't even tell you how obsessed I am with these!!!!!  One of my friends let me try one a few months ago and I've been hooked ever since.  I always have at least 5 in my fridge at all times.  Honestly, I don't even share them with anybody.  It's basically a deconstructed Oreo turned into candy bar form.  It's really hard to explain but trust me just try it.  It will change your life!!!  What have you been obsessed with?

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!

Weekly Obsession

I'm back!!!!!!  Things have finally calmed down so I can get back to posting more.  I've really missed sharing what I've been obsessing over.  So that is where I'm going to begin!  My weekly obsession is....German Chocolate Bars.  The brand Choceur is my favorite by far though.  A friend bought me a pack and it's already gone!  I literally got it on Monday.  They taste like fancy kit kats which I'm totally fine with.  They are also individually wrapped which I love.  I'm pretty sure you can buy these at Whole Foods.  I need to buy like 20 more packs!  I highly recommend it!!!  What are you loving?

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.

What I Got For Christmas 2016!!

I am finally back!!!  I took time away from blogging for the holidays.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  I sure did!  It was SUPER busy but that is what makes it so fun.  Every year I watch What I Got For Christmas videos on YouTube.  I just find it so interesting and fun.  Last year I did a post sharing what I got and you guys seemed to like it.  So here is this years What I Got For Christmas post!  What was your favorite gift?

First up my little sister got me this snowglobe.  I actually collect them so I was very happy.  It is super beautiful and glittery which fits my personality perfectly! I love that it says the year as well.

She also bought me this olive bomber patch jacket.  I love this!!!!  It is really comfortable and the inside is bright orange.  It is the perfect addition to my wardrobe and jacket collection.

From my mom I got these pajamas.  I wore these all day on Christmas and I just love them.  The pants are like leggings which is what I basically live in.  I will honestly wear these all year!

She also bought me a bunch of these solar powered dancing toys.  I am obsessed with these!  I probably own 20 and will definitely buy more.

My friend bought me hot pink sequin uggs!!!  I was SO shocked!  I've never owned a real pair so I'm very happy and grateful.

Last but not least, my older sister got me some sheet masks and an Ulta gift card.  I've been dying to try some sheet masks.  Also I pretty much spend all my money at Ulta so it is perfect for me!

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

Weekly Obsession!

Can a gift be an obsession?  Well it is this week!  My weekly obsession is....Godiva Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles!!  I'm obsessed with Godiva chocolate already to be honest.  One of my friends brought me these on Valentine's Day as a surprise.  I was instantly guilty because I'm not a strawberry fan.  I tried one anyway and I'm SO glad I did!!  It tastes nothing like strawberry.  It's very creamy and rich and SO delicious!  I want like 12 more bags.  PS if you put them in the freezer it's on a whole different level!!!  I must get more!  What have you been loving?




xo,
Jerica

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

Weekly Obsession!

I've made a life changing discovery.  My weekly obsession is.... Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun!!!!!  Even though it's -12 outside I can't stop eating this ice cream.  It is SOOOO AMAZING!!!!  I love cinnamon rolls as well as ice cream so combining them is genius.  There are chunks of cinnamon roll all over plus there is a swirl of icing throughout.  OMG I just can't get enough!  You must try it out!  You won't regret it!!!!!  What's your favorite flavor?





xo,
Jerica

What I Eat In A Day | Weekend Edition

Hey everybody!  I love reading and watching What I Eat In A Day posts.  I just find it really interesting and it gives me ideas of things to try.  Today I thought I would do a What I Eat In A Day but for the whole weekend.  It was a pretty chilled weekend but I thought I'd share anyway.  If you want more of these let me know.  What was your favorite dish this weekend?

Friday:

8:15 AM: I went out for breakfast today.  My friend and I decided to meet up every Friday for donuts and to catch up.  This morning I had a fudge cronut with some apple juice.  A cronut is a cross between a croissant and a donut.  I highly recommend it!

10 AM: For a snack I had a banana and some water

12:30 PM: For lunch I made a giant salad.  It had cucumber, chicken, bacon, cheese, a boiled egg, and croutons.  I used ranch for my dressing.  I also had some Mountain Dew and water.

2 PM: I had a piece of cake for a snack which wasn't that good

5:30 PM: For dinner I had fish, potato salad, and peas.  I drank some Dr. Pepper too.

6:15 PM: Dessert time!  I had banana bars that my grandma made.

9:30 PM: While catching up on some TV I had popcorn and M&M's.  Also Dr. Pepper to drink.

Saturday:

8:30 AM: For breakfast I had a boiled egg, hash browns, and toast.  I had orange juice and water also.

11:30 AM: I had some grapes and water as a snack

1:30 PM: My mom and I went out to a late lunch.  I had lasagna and breadsticks.  I had a root beer to drink.

5:45 PM: For dinner I had chicken strips and fries.  I drank cherry flavored water.

9 PM: For dessert I had cookie dough ice cream

Sunday:

8 AM: For breakfast I had scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.  I also had a glass of orange juice.

10:15 AM: I had an apple with peanut butter and water.

12:20 PM: My grandma made fried chicken, potatos, and green beans.  To drink I had raspberry tea.

1:15 PM: I ate a red velvet cupcake which are my favorite

5:35 PM: For dinner I had leftover lasagna with a salad.  I had water to drink.

6:30 PM: For dessert I had cookies that I made

10 PM: Before bed I had brown sugar cinnamon poptarts




xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I haven't done a weekly obsession in awhile.  Sadly today's isn't very exciting.  My weekly obsession is.....Tomato soup!!!!!  If you didn't know I've been sick lately.  I just haven't even been that hungry.  Soup will make you feel instantly better.  These on the go soups are the best!  You can buy any flavor you want too.  It's perfect even if you aren't sick.  It's just been SO cold that this will help keep you warm.  What's your obsession?




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