Thanks

Thank you Shantelle for the candy and recipe. That candy truly melts in your mouth. I'm cutting back on sugar right now so I only allowed myself a small bite and froze the rest. It's pretty tempting, knowing there is more so close.
Thanks for the recipe you sent, Heather. I'm going to make it as soon as I see cranberries in the store. It is SO GOOD.
Today is the first day I have pulled the blog up since my last post. Shame on me. There are so many great posts from you all. I will make a point of checking in more often, since we canceled Facebook and don't get any info there now.
Natalie, you are polishing up some very good habits with the couponing and better eating practices. Keep up the good work.
After that comment, I'm embarrassed to add a recipe that is definitely not healthy eating. But it was a great hit with everyone we shared with. If you try it, I know you'll like it.

TOFFEE CRUNCH COOKIES

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups quick oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows

Beat butter with sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Beat in flour, baking soda and baking powder. Fold in oats, cereal, chips and marshmallows.
Drop by 1-2 tablespoonsful onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in a 350' over for 10-12 minutes.

This is a 'keeper' cookie recipe. Yummy!
This recipe came from "Two Peas In Their Pod" recipe blog. It's a good one to check out.

Happy Grandparents Day

I just wanted to wish all the grandparents that are part of this blog a Happy Grandparents Day.  In Brazil they make a big deal out of these kind of days.  They have Mother's Day and Father's Day, but in addition to this they do Grandparents day and Kid's Day.  On these days the kids give gifts to their grandparents and visit them, and I have decided to try to teach my children this holiday as well.  I just have to try to remember when Children's Day is (not that they really need another excuse for presents, but maybe they will get a special treat that day or something like that).
Anyways for gifts for the grandparents today I decided to go Brazilian and make Brigadeiros.  Yummy stuff for those of you who don't know.  I know Jeremy would know.  What they are (according to Tyrel) is a chocolate version of caramel.  It has the same texture as caramel, and is gooey like caramel, and well it is a favorite treat of mine.  :)  The recipe is so easy and only uses 3 ingredients.  So if any of you want to get your Brazilian on here is the recipe...ENJOY!!!

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 Tablespoon butter

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan over medium hear, combine cocoa, butter and condensed milk.  Cook, stirring constantly (otherwise it will burn just like caramel can) until thickened (thick enough to show bottom of pan during stirring).  Remove from heat and pour mixture into a lightly greased dish (I have found that something like a 9X13 cake pan works great!) and allow to cool completely to room temperature.  With slightly greased hands (although your hands will still end up a complete mess from these) form small balls and roll in sprinkles, coconut, or powdered sugar (Brazilian's use the chocolate sprinkles if you want to be really authentic).  *As a side note they will be a little soft after rolling, but if you would like them a little harder just leave out over night and they harden up*

Don't those just look amazing?  And the possibilities with these are endless.  You can add candy or nuts in the middle, or even strawberries.  Plus they are awesome for parties (because you can make a ton and people can really only eat about 2-3 at a time).  

Anyways Happy Grandparents Day...I hope it has been an incredible day for you.  Thank you for all that you do!  Without grandparents this world would be VERY lost!  We love you!

Cranberry Salad from Kristi's shower

As requested by Grandma here is the cranberry salad recipe :)

Mimi’s Cranberry Salad

(not quite so sweet)

1 package fresh cranberries                                  1 cup sugar

2 scant cups miniature marshmallows                1 cup whipping cream

1 8 ounce crushed pineapple, well drained

Put the cranberries through the blender on coarse setting.  Add sugar and chill for 2 hours.  Add crushed pineapple, marshmallows.  Whip the cream and fold into the cranberry mixture.  Chill 4 hours or over night.  This recipe can be watery.  Drain the pineapple on a paper towel.  When whipping the cream make sure it is very stiff.  Fresh cranberries are found in the produce section of supermarkets in November and December.  They also freeze well and can be stored in the freezer for a year.