Thin and Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies

For years I have been buying the perfect chocolate chip cookie at our local grocery store- Wegmans.  They are not a commercial cookie, they are actually baked at a bakery call Otterbein's.  Otterbein's Bakery has been in business since 1881 and has been a local favorite ever since.  I have tried to find a copycat recipe for their chocolate chip cookie, this is the closest I have come.  One day I was talking to my friend about favorite cookies and we both agreed that there is just something so special about the buttery goodness of those cookies.  She recommended this recipe to me.  It is not exactly the same, but it is close and I can make them at home!  BONUS!  That means I don't have the nutritional information haunting me every time I take one from the package.  lol

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt, 1/4 cup water, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.  Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Bake until cookies are golden brown 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Candied Almonds

I have had this bag of almonds in my pantry for what seems like forever.  Forever is a very loose term for me.  For example, I haven't been to the gym in forever (a week) or haven't had a milkshake in forever (3 days).  In reality, I have had the almonds since the fall.  Today is a snow day here in Northern Virginia because we have a tiny bit of ice, both of my kids and three more are spending the day here.  I have decided to do a little cooking and baking for the week.  I am hosting book club this week so I am looking to try out a few new snacks to serve up.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Almonds
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  In a medium sauce pan, combine honey, ginger, and cinnamon.  Warm on low and stir continuously.  This will take about 2 minutes.  Add in almonds and stir to coat.  Next, sprinkle in brown sugar and salt.  Stir to coat.  Spread almonds onto baking sheet.  For easy clean up make sure to line with parchment paper.  Bake for about 11-13 minutes.  Cool completely and break apart.  Enjoy!

Perfect BBQ Chicken

Recently I have been searching the internet for the "best" recipes.  I simply go to Google and type in things like best chicken recipe, best steak marinade, best side dish,  and many others.  I know that everyone has a favorite recipe that they think is the best.  That is what I am looking for.  Tonight we are trying what Kraft Foods calls Perfect Grilled Chicken.  It was perfectly easy and created tasty juicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup of BBQ sauce
• 1/3 Cup Caesar Dressing
• 1 lb of Chicken Breasts

Combine bbq sauce and dressing in a bowl.  Pour over chicken, covering all sides, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Grill until chicken is cooked throughout.

I served with Jalepeno Twice Baked Potatoes and Zucchini.

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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

We made a stop at one of our favorite local places to get produce, Farmer John's in Leesburg, VA.  We had a list of things we needed for the week.  Zucchini wasn't on the list but they looked OH SO GOOD!  I picked up a couple and quickly came up with some ideas including this yummy bread.  My kids don't like anything green were extremely happy to eat this even though the flakes of zucchini peeked through the deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ginger
• 1 Cup of White Sugar
• 1 Cup of Vegetable Oil
• 1 Cup of Brown Sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 2 teaspoons of Vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 -3 Cups of Grated Zucchini (skin on)
• 1/2  cup of mini chocolate chips

In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.  In a separate large bowl cream together with electric mixer the sugars, eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil.  Next, fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips.  Pour batter into two greased loaf pans.  Bake at 325 for 50-60 minutes.
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A Visit from the Tooth Fairy...

The Tooth Fairy visited our house last week.  Tucked inside of his Monster Tooth Pillow was a tiny letter from the Tooth Fairy herself.  Along with the letter, she also left Evan some VERY sparkly money! He was SO excited!

FREE Printable Banner Letters

This is a quick way to print a banner at home.  You can print it on any color card stock to make the perfect color combo to compliment the theme!
Simply right click on the letter that you need, save image, and print!

Weekly Menu #6

Monday
Pesto Chicken and Pasta
Side Salad

Tuesday
Tequila Lime Shrimp with Cumin Rice
Grilled Veggies

Wednesday
French Onion Salisbury Steak
Buttered Corn on the Cob

Thursday
BBQ Chicken Potato Skins
Sweet Potato Fries

Friday
Pocket Burgers with Crispy Onion Straws
Grilled Veggies

And as always, check out these snacks and desserts to bring an extra big smile to your kiddos face!

Be sure to check out our other weekly menus here.


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Loaded Potato Splats!

What to make?  What to make?  The ongoing question for most people.  Today I needed side dish ideas.  I wasn't really up for finding a new recipe to try or making something that maybe just maybe everyone would eat, so I decided to put a very simple spin on an old favorite.  In my house you can't go wrong with anything that is topped with cheese and bacon.  Last year I started making these Flattened Redskin Potatoes and they are GREAT, I can't believe it has taken me until now to make them like this!  SO simple and tasted like I put a lot of thought and effort into it.

Ingredients:

• 6 Medium Redskin Potatoes (skins scrubbed clean)
• Olive Oil
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 3 Tablespoons Crumbled Real Bacon Bits
• Salt 
• Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
• 3/4 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Mix

Serves 4-6

Boil potatoes for 8-10 minutes or until they are tender enough to easily insert a fork or knife.  Remove potatoes from water and place on baking sheet.  Gently smash potatoes down with the bottom of a glass.  Lightly drizzle potatoes with olive oil.  Salt and pepper each potato.  Top each potato with bacon and cheese.  Bake at 400 until cheese is melted.  

Combine sour cream and ranch mix and stir until mixed well.  Serve on top of potatoes.  

Disney Bucket List- Fall 2014

This is our second trip to Disney World in 2014 and the shortest trip we have made as a family.  We will be at the parks for just FOUR days.  I used to think that four days was the perfect amount of time... 4 days/4 parks it should be plenty of time boy was I WRONG.  We plan to pack a ton of stuff into our four days before heading off for a 5 night Disney cruise.  Just as the rest of my Disney bucket lists this is not a Disney "must do" list, this is a list of new things that our family plans to enjoy while we are there.  I don't stress over the list and I have yet to complete everything on one of my lists.  As a Disney Vacation Club owner I plan to visit often and eventually I will cross them all off.  I choose my list by selecting a mix of items that are there for a limited time, the resort that we are staying at, and new things for us to try.

1. Festival of the Fantasy Parade- Earlier this year Disney World started a new afternoon parade called Festival of the Fantasy.  The parade celebrates many of the Fantasy Land characters such as Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Flynn Ryder, Rapunzel, Ariel, Cinderella, Bella, Minnie, Mickey, and many others.

2.  Attend Hollywood Studios FROZEN Summer- I was excited to hear that this limited time only event had been extended that included dates of our vacation.  It includes special events such as a Frozen Sing-a-long, ice skating, treats, parade, and an evening fireworks spectacular.

3.  Bay Lake Tower-  This is our "home" DVC resort, but we have never stayed there as a family.  I stayed there with the kiddos a few years ago and I am excited for all of us to stay.  The proximity to Magic Kingdom make it one of my top places to stay.  Something about being able to walk there makes everything so much easier.

4.  Moma Melrose's Ristaurante Italiano -  I like to try at least one new (to us) table service restaurant while visiting the parks.  This restaurant is located in Hollywood Studios so we have decided to to the Fantasmic Lunch package to guarantee a see for the show with out using a fastpass for it.  Italian food is one that that my kids will definitely eat so it is a perfect choice for my family.

5.  Enchanted Stories with Belle-  Since I have two boys you are probably wondering why I have included this on my list.  I am taking a recommendation from a friend.  She said that it is very interactive and her children LOVED it.  I hear it represents the magic of Disney to the fullest and I want to know more!

6.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train-  This is the newest ride addition to Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland.  It is a rollercoaster designed for everyone over 38 inches tall that is themed around the beloved Snow White.  It is extremely popular right now since it just opened in the spring so make sure you schedule a fastpass.

7.  Silhouettes of Kids- I am always looking for the perfect souvenir to take home from WDW.  My go to items are a Christmas ornament and lots of great pictures.  This time I plan to have the kids sit for a few minutes at Magic Kingdom to get this keepsake completed.  I am not sure of the price but from what I have read it should be less than $30 for both kids.  I will be sure to update with details like price and location when we return.

8.  Go on a Disney Cruise-  This has been on my BIG bucket list for A LONG TIME!  We actually booked this cruise 18 months ago and the fact that it is so close is giving me butterflies in my stomach.  We chose to do 4 days in the parks and then take a relaxing cruise after.  I am prepared to be WOWed!

9.  Family Picture on the Monorail-  We love all forms of Disney transportation because it means that we are in our happy place, however, the Monorail holds the top spot.  It is a ride all in itself.  I have pictures of my kids on the Monorail but none of the whole family.  Believe it or not, this might be the toughest item on my list.

10.  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party-  This is a special ticket event that is held select dates in September and October.  It is a Halloween party complete with costumes, trick-or-treating, special character appearances, parades, dance parties, and fireworks.  We are currently working on our costumes and I will share them later.

11.  Mickey Kitchen Sink- Last year we tackled the challenge of the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream at the Boardwalk resort.  This version of the kitchen sink is available at the Magic Kingdom and is is slightly smaller so maybe just maybe we will be able to finish it!

12.  Country Bear Jamboree- There are still 15 of the original attractions from opening day at Walt Disney World.  The Country Bear Jamboree is the last one of the 15 that our family has to do to have completed all of them.  Technically I saw the animatronic show as a kid, but I plan to officially check it off the list with my family.  It is an any height attraction that is one of the last attractions that was actually developed by Walt himself.

13.  Dole Whip-  Many people have a long list of their favorite snacks at WDW.  I bet most lists include this delicious treat.  I have tasted fellow Magical Mom Sherrie's Dole Whip, but this time I plan to enjoy my own.  It has even been suggested to me that I add some rum.  Shhh... don't tell.

I know that this list may seem long and ambitious for a short trip, but I plan to try my best.  I will update you when I return from the world!

Home Organization Binder- Tips and FREE Printables

As I have already said, I am on a major home organization project. With school starting, I need to get us all organized and I need to keep it all straight! I previously posted my 2014-2015 School Year Calendar and Planner Pages, so be sure to visit that post for those free printables and my tips on what binder/notebook system to use.

In addition to needing monthly calendars and planner pages, I added a few more things to my binder to help keep me organized. All files are listed below for you to download and use. I created 5 tabs in my binder-

• Calendar
• Planner
• To-Do List
• Menus/Grocery
• Budget

After the tabs, I included folders for each member of the family to stuff misc. paperwork. I also included a recipe folder to hold loose recipe cards I pick up along the way.

Here's to starting the school year off on the right foot!
 To Download, click on each link below:

Monthly Menu Planner

Weekly Menu Plan and Grocery List

To-Do List

2014 Budget Worksheets

FREE 2014-2015 School Year Planner Kit

UPDATED!! And just in time for back to school! This planner set is great for any mom, teacher or student. This year I have added more pages to make a complete planner.

I must admit, I am an organization junkie. But I also like my organization to be stylish. So while I love planners, the standard stuff you can buy already put together just doesn't do it for me. Several years ago I found a few products and websites that changed my life!

The first were Circo products by Levenger. They offered a fully customizable notebook/planner system complete with removable pages, inserts, tabs and folders. You had the flexibility to add and remove pages like a 3-ring binder, but with the flexibility and portability of a standard spiral notebook. I later found that Staples offers a more affordable version called Staples Arc in stores that I recommend because you don't have to order online and they are cheaper.

Yet I still ran into one of the same old problems- their planner pages that they offered just didn't suit my needs either! That is when I found this awesome website called DIY Planner. This website has lots of templates to create just about any planner pages you could imagine, and in lots of different sizes to fit just about any standard planner cover. However, I do find the site and templates a little difficult to navigate. So I just figured I'd share the calendar and planner pages I created for myself and make it a little easier for our readers.

Below area few "must haves" for any organized mom or teacher for this school year. Click on the links below to download the pages.The first is a monthly calendar for the 20145-2015 school year.  You can easily put this into an existing planner, use the Arc system I mentioned above, or keep in a 3-ring binder. Next, I have weekly planner pages for the entire school year. The monthly calendar shows a brief overview, but the weekly planner pages are your true tool to keep everyone in your family on time to events and appointments.They have hourly slots for each day of the week to record appointments, games, practices and events. Finish it off with Notes Pages and a stylish Planner Cover and voila! Super organized for the start of the school year:)

Click on each link below to be taken to the pdf file. Just save on your computer and print.

2013-2014 School Year Calendar

2013-2014 School Year Weekly Planner Pages

Notes Pages

Planner Cover Page

Please stay tuned as I post all of my pictures of my actual family planner notebook with these calendar and planner pages!

Lemonade Stand Sign & Bunting Banner {FREE PRINTABLE}

Summer is coming to an end, and if you are like us, you are probably trying to check items off of your Summer To-Do List. One of the items on our list is to have a Lemonade Stand. My kids have been wanting to have one for years, and 2 of our neighbors are having yard sales this weekend, so I figured it's the perfect weekend to have a Lemonade Stand!

This Free Printable Lemonade Stand Sign and Bunting Banner is perfect for your Lemonade Stand. It is super cute, easy, and did I mention, FREE?

Mickey Sunglasses

We are counting down the days to our very first Disney Cruise.  I have taken on the challenge of participating in the Fish Extender Gift exchange on board the ship.  We have 20 cabins in our group with a variety of ages and some with kids and some without.  As soon as I saw these  polka dot sunglasses at my local Target I knew that they would be perfect for all of the Disney Gals in the group.  With a price tag of just $1, I bought all that they had and then went to the next Target looking for more!

The sunglasses were incredibly easy to assemble and took no time at all! For under $25 dollars, I have 20 FE gifts that are practical, fun, and Disneyfied! (Probably not a word, but I am still going with it)

Materials:

• Red Gems
• Sunglasses
• Super Glue
• Tweezers

Who is going on a Disney Cruise? WE ARE!

In just about 60 days the Lewis Family will embark on their very first Disney Cruise.  Scott and I have cruised with other cruise lines before, but we are SUPER excited to take the kids on this adventure. We started planning this cruise almost 18 months ago and I cannot believe that it is right around the corner.  The remainder of summer vacation and getting ready to head back to school are sure to help us pass the time.

I like to think of myself as a Disney expert.  I keep up with all of the news and follow and read lots of sites for updates and ideas.  However, this Disney Cruising thing was all new to me.  It is like learning a totally different theme park inside and out.  Lots of the terminology was the same and of course the magical things that are available are similar, but the amount of information can be overwhelming. Anyways.... I have learned a lot and I plan on sharing it with you!

Oh and I forgot to mention we are also doing 5 days at the parks before the cruise.  This means that I have double planning duty!!!!  I am doing my best... less than 60 days!  Before this I had never heard of Fish Extenders, Door Decorating, Pixie Dusting, Pirate Nights, and dozens of others.  I know, I know.... what the heck is a fish extender?  I thought the exact same thing. I will save that for another day.

Summer Steak

We have started off summer (okay I know it's not technically summer yet, but June means summer to me) and are cooking on the grill multiple times a week.  I have scoured the internet for marinade recipes for chicken, steak, and pork.  A variation of this one was ALL over pinterest.  It didn't give exact measurements but this is what I used and I think that it turned out GREAT!  I am super excited for summer and all of the delicious cooking that goes along with it.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup steak sauce (I used A1)
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I used Kraft Zesty Italian)
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 4- 8oz Steaks (I used Sirloin)

Serves 4

Combine all ingredients in small bowl and whisk together.  Pour over steaks and marinate for about an hour.  Grill to desired temperature.  

Crispy Ranch Chicken

The kiddos may have finished school ten days ago, but I myself just finished yesterday. I am officially back! Those classes kicked my butt!   I know that I have slacked a little for the last few months, hopefully I can make up for it!  I have still been crafting, cooking, and creating I just haven't had time to blog about it all.  Life. Is. Crazy.  I am ready for summer vacation and FUN FUN FUN!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon Pepper
• 2/3 Cup Panko Crumbs
• 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Ranch Salad Dressing
• 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• About 3 Chicken Breasts

Serves 4-5

First I pounded the chicken breasts to about a half inch thick and then I cut them into thirds.  My chicken breasts were pretty big, so you may only be able to cut them in half.  Next, combine all of the dry ingredients on a large plate and place the ranch dressing in a shallow bowl. 

One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the ranch dressing and flip to cover then dip to coat each side with the panko mixture.  Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.  

Cook chicken for about 8 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.  Remove chicken from skillet and place on paper towel for about a minute and then serve.  

I served with Spicy Potato Wedges and Steamed Asparagus.

Saucy Grilled Pork

Until about a year ago I thought that cooking pork on the grill was weird, but after trying a few recipes suggested by some friends I quickly changed my mind.  This recipe could be done with pork chops but I think that pork tenderloin is much more likely to be tender and juicy.  This recipe was adapted from one that I made a long time ago that used most of these ingredients to create a rub for a whole pork tenderloin.  I decided to turn it into a marinade and slice into pieces for less cook time.  I made the entire meal on the grill which made for a super easy clean up!  I made green beans and potatoes in foil packs- no additional pots and pans!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Pork Tenderloin cut into Medallion pieces
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Cup Catilina Dressing
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil

Serves 4

In a small bowl combine all ingredients except pork and mix well.

Take each piece of pork and give it a gentle pound with your fist to slightly flatten it.  Pour marinade mixture over pork and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

 Preheat grill.  Sear each side of the meat.  Then grill until desired internal temp.  Mine took about 5 mins on each side. 

Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

A few months ago I posted a recipe for Broccoli and Cheddar rice that we all enjoyed, but I came across a different recipe that said you could make it ahead of time.  Anything that I can make ahead of time is a winner in my book.  I tweaked the original recipe a bit.  Believe it or not I actually reduced the amount of cheese!  I also eliminated the Ritz cracker topping because my husband finds crumb topping (except the sweet stuff on top of muffins) to be completely unnecessary.  I liked the large chunks of broccoli in this (vs. little tiny pieces) because it actually made me feel like I was eating a vegetable.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Minute Brown Rice
• 1 (14.5 oz) Can of Chicken Broth
• 3 Cups of  Broccoli
• 6 oz of Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
• Pepper to Taste

Serves 6

Bring chicken broth and broccoli to a boil.  Add rice, stir, and reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 6 minutes.  Turn of heat, add Velveeta cubes, stir, and cover for additional 5 minutes.  Stir to mix cheese throughout.  Add pepper to taste and Enjoy!

The original recipe says to cover and refrigerate if you are making it ahead of time.  I only made mine about an hour a head of time so I just left it covered on the counter and reheated it on the stove.  I will post an update when I actually make it a day in advance.

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Balsamic Grilled Sirloin

Throwing together a marinade can be as simple as looking through your refrigerator and pantry and throwing things together which is exactly what I did here.  Sometimes they get rave reviews from the family and other times I just toss the paper that I wrote down the ingredients and measurements on and we forget about it.  This one was a little different from most other marinades that I make because I don't think I have ever made one with balsamic vinegar.  I am glad I gave it a try because it added a different flavor to set it apart from the others and we all loved it!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 4 Tablespoons Italian Dressing
• 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 Tablespoons A1 Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
• 4 Sirloin Steaks (about 6 oz each)

serves 4

Combine all ingredients, except steaks, in a small bowl.  Whisk ingredients.  Pour mixture over steaks and let marinade for about 30 minutes.  Grill steaks to desired temperature.  

You can serve steak whole or slice across the grain and serve over rice.  I served with Paprika and Parsley Roasted Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus.

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Honey Nut Crescent Rolls

For several years I have been tearing recipes out of magazines thinking that I will make them someday.  I found this in my recipe folder and it is dated 2005.  Yes, you read that right 2005!  I am proud of myself for making a recipe that I held onto for 9 years!!!!  That is older than my kids!  Anyways... I made these for Easter dinner and they were yummy.  I am not going to lie, they were a little on the sweet side and I don't think that I could eat these very often, but they were a great treat.  I actually cut the amount of filling in half from the original recipe (from Food and Family Winter 2005) because I thought they would be too rich and I was right!  

Ingredients:

• 2 Packages Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
• 4 oz of Cream Cheese- softened
• 3 Tablespoons of Honey-divided
• 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
• Ground Cinnamon

Makes 16 Rolls

Preheat oven to 375.  Using a mixer, combine cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of honey.  Then stir in sliced almonds.  

Unroll crescent dough into the already perforated triangles.  Place 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese/honey mixture near the long end of the dough.  Then roll it to the opposite point.  Place on ungreased baking sheet or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake for 12-14 minutes.  Drizzle with remaining honey and serve warm.

 

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