Pineapple Pina Colada Cake

Pineapple Pina Colada Cake

Here is the recipe for the cake I made for BUNCO. It was light and airy, but I honestly think I would have toasted the coconut on top. I also did not do as the directions below list- I did not exactly measure my coconut out. I made the base two days ahead and put the whipped topping on the day of the event. I think it might actually be good to make it with a frozen pina colada mix.

Pina Colada cake- from "Add The Pounds" cookbook, page 61.
1 package yellow cake mix, calling for 3 eggs.
1 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
1 16 ounce can of cream of coconut
1 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple
1 8 ounce container of Cool Whip

Prepare the cake mix as directed but add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter. Bake in a 9 x 13 inch greased pan as directed. Remove cake from oven and while still warm poke holes. Spread cream of coconut over the top, allowing it to seep through the holes. Sprinkle 1/4 of the remaining coconut on top. spread the undrained pineapple. Allow this to cool completely. After it has cooled, cover with the whipped topping. Garnish with the remaining coconut. Keep refrigerated. ENJOY!

Loving Some Pasta!

Again, I am WAY behind at updating. . .I plan to do better!!

So, I posted a mobile picture of this on FB, and had a request for the ingredients. . . I also took pictures with my Cannon. . .

Here is my attempt as I did not measure anything for this, but it is really easy!! The veggies came from my garden!!

2 Bell Peppers, cut into pieces
7 Tomatoes, cut into pieces
Fresh Basil
Fresh Oregano
Some EVOO
Approx. 1/4 cup of chicken broth

Bring the above to a boil, let simmer.

Cook Whole Wheat Pasta while the above is simmering. . .

ENJOY!

Saving some money. . .Eatin' at home!

I've been quite busy with growing fresh produce as well as freezing several items. I love the local farmer's market, but have found that the Briley farm is the best! :) I have been twice to the farm as well as their stand and plan to go back. . .Here is my freezer. . . with some of the items!

Snow Cream. . .

I honestly can't recall having snow cream as a child. Quite Fankly, we did not have snow very often. My sister can recall having it on one occasion, but she says I was really small; therefore, I may not remember it. I was not going to make any this snow, but as I have strep throat, I thought perhaps snow cream would feel good. So, I put my pan and bowl outside last night. . .



And, today, mixed up a yummy treat!


My recipe came from Paula D. so I can't take credit for it!

Yummy Meal. . .

Thanks to a blogging buddy, I was able to have a free trial of Old El Paso products. I actually have enough for one more meal planned. . .I fixed this for my bible study group. It was yummy! :)

Soups On!

I love this Loaded Baked Potato Chowder recipe from Pampered Chef and it is SO EASY!

Yummy Holiday Treats!

I had a great time last night with some dear friends! I will post pictures later. Several folks asked about the CrockPot Wassail I served at the party.

It was good and I had just tried it for this event. :)

Here is the link to the Blog.

Soups On

So I know I have made several posts the past few days. . . It seems I am catching up. Although I do not feel well, I am making a recovery. I have bursts of energy and find myself not wanting to sit still. Lately, I have become a fan of making two-three meals over the weekend in order to help out my busy week. Soup seems to be one of my favorite meals for several reasons: Number one is it easy, Number Two it tends to be cheaper, Number Three I like it!

Last week I made Chicken Corn Chowder. This week I made Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup. I can't take credit for this idea, as a friend initially shared it with me. I have added a few of my own ideas, but it is relatively easy and can be modified based on what's in your cabinet.

So, here goes the general idea. . .
Crock Pot Soup:
1 pound hamburger (I have used other beef items with great results), Cooked and drained.
2 tablespoons Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning Mix
5-6 cans of vegetables (I have also used frozen or fresh when in season) My favorites include Corn, Carrots, Green Beans, Peas, Mushrooms, Potatoes. or, again, whatever is in my cabinet/freezer.
1 can diced tomatoes
1 jar (large size) Spaghetti sauce I usually pick a basic flavor. I have also used homemade.
1 can tomato paste.

Combine all ingredients, add 1 1/2 jars of water to the crock pot. Cook for 5-6 hours. Enjoy!

Strawberries. . .

I have been able to enjoy a few strawberries from my garden as well as some of the herbs. . . Lots of fun!!

Hope you have a blessed day! I am back to my "to do" list. . .

Giveaway

Check out the $5.00 Dinners for gift card giveaway!!

Organizing around the House. . .

On this past Saturday, I was waiting for the painter to return to complete the paint on my upstairs bookshelves. I decided to do a little organizing of my pantry. A goal for 2009 is to be more frugal. . . Well, ya can't cook dinner/meals if you don't know what's in the pantry! Since I moved in May, I have not had the time to clean out and organize my pantry. It was really on my nerves! :0) So, here are before and after pictures. . .

Giveaway

Head on over to $5 dinners blog for a chance to win a $25.00 KROGER GIFTCARD!!

Good Luck!

Christmas 2008!

Even though I spent most of the holiday lying around. . . I thought I would post a few pics of the day







Here are some shots of the family. . . I think I look pretty good considering I was on pain medications and having had surgery a few days before the holiday.

Mixin' It Up

I recently made some homemade gift mixes for my coworkers. Here are few pictures. Also, for more great gift mixes check out Southern Plate- a blog I love to follow!!

The first is a Fruit Crisp Mix. . Of course, I had to mix up some for me. It was really good. :o) Thanks to Southern Plate for the recipe!

The Final Product:

All put together. . .


Mixin' It Up. (18 bags total!)



I also made a hot chocolate mix bag for everyone and placed the items in these bags from Target!! :o) Love a good Target deal!