A Recipe Review - Green Beans with Apple Cider (Excellent Holiday Recipe)

Well, I have to admit when I was watching Rachael Ray cook this dish on her show a few months back, I was more than a little skeptical. I am not a fan of apple cider, and the mere thought of pairing the sweet and tangy flavor of apples with the savory flavor of green beans seemed more than a little crazy. But, the recipe reviews on the Food Network page were more than promising, so I decided to give them a try. As is customary for my cooking, I strayed from the recipe, by following some suggestion offered in the reviews, as well as adding my own touches along the way.
First of all, 3/4 C. of apple cider is just not enough for 2 bags of green beans. As was suggested by several reviewers, I used half of the container of apple cider (I bought 1/2 gallon), and rather than letting it reduce for 5 minutes, I let it reduce for 30 minutes. I then added the green beans, brought them to a boil, and then reduced the heat and let them simmer for 10 minutes, while I finished the rest of the meal. I then tossed in some almonds before serving. My daughter, as well as my husband, said they were the best green beans I had ever made.
Whether you are having ham, turkey, or pork for your holiday meal, these green beans will be the perfect side dish.
Green Beans with Apple Cider-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/green-beans-with-apple-cider-recipe/index.html

THE MOM BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all you hard working moms out there! :)


Twas the night before Christmas,
when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring,
and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping,
all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie,
flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring
in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle
propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard
the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh,
"Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush
still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,
and saw the old man.

He was covered with soot,
which fell when he shrugged,
"Oh great," muttered the mom,
"Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa,
"I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially
difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want
is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled,
"So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered,
"What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa,
I've no time to chat."

Then out walked the clone -
Her identical twin,
The same hair, the same eyes,
the same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust,
she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy,
and she'll do the rest.

"Fantastic!" the mom cheered.
"My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read,
I'll sleep a night through!"

>From the room above,
the youngest did fret.
"Mommy! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet."

The clone replied,
"I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled,
"She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one
and hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child
in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best mommy ever.
I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed,
"And I love you, too."

The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's LOVE
she is trying to steal."

Smiling wisely Santa said,
"To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother
is needed here."

The mom kissed her child
and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa,
for clearing my head.

I sometimes forget,
it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old
for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle
began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone,
"It works every time."

With the clone by his side
Santa said "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom,
You will be all right."

~Author Unknown~

A Recipe Review - Cosmopolitan

Ok, I'm no bartender, in fact, I'm not a big drinker, or even a social drinker, but one evening I had hit my limit, and wanted to chill out. I was a huge fan of Sex and the City, and still watch the reruns, and was fascinated with these little pink drinks they were always drinking. I scoured the internet, and found a recipe for these pink goddess drinks, that looked simple enough to make. So, I told my hubby he should go to the liquor store and get himself some beer because I thought he was working too hard. Oh, and by the way can you get these items for me while you're there? Oh and stop by the grocery store and pick up some cranberry juice please?

Half an hour later, I was on my way to making my pretty pink drink, and looking and feeling fabulous like they did in the show. Thank goodness I took a small sip instead of a big ole' gulp! That little sip just about knocked me out of my chair! It was terrible!

Not wanting to let the ingredients go to waste, I tried the recipe again, with a lot less vodka, and a little more juice. I still could barely choke it down! In the end, hubby got my pretty pink drink, son got the cranberry juice, an almost full bottle of vodka is still chillin' in the fridge, and I'm still trying to chill out.

I am looking for a sweet drink that doesn't taste like it's full of alcohol, even though it is. I used to get cherry limeades at the club in my younger years, and after 4 or so of those I was a tad bit tipsy. If anyone out there has a sweet tasting drink recipe that you think I might like, please send it my way. I don't like anything that remotely resembles the smell or taste of coconut, so please don't send these. :)

Cosmopolitan-
Rating - 1 Smile
http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink234.html

Corn Nuggets

If you like those sweet, delicious corn nuggets you can find on your plate at Red Beans, or on most Chinese buffets across the county, then you will love this recipe. With just a few tweaks, you can make a delicious side dish that tastes similar to the original.
The basic recipe, by itself is good, but I thought it was missing something, so I made a few changes. First of all, I didn't like the consistency of the batter, so I added 1/2 C. of cornmeal. I also didn't think the batter was sweet enough, so I substituted cream corn for the yellow corn, and added a total of 1/4 C. sugar. These changes seemed to do the trick, and made the corn nuggets delicious!
If you are going to give this recipe a try, please try it as it is written first, you may like it just the way it is. Fry up a couple of them, using the original ingredients, and then if you need to add extra sugar, or cornmeal, you still can.
If you have a corn nugget recipe that you and your family like, please share it. I am always looking for new recipes, and would love to give it a try!
Corn Nuggets-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.thatsmyhome.com/momsdiner/corn-nuggets.htm

A New Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

This is just so funny! I hope it puts everyone in the mood of the season!

You should try this! Sure to bring smiles from your guests!
Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

A Recipe Review - Baked Chicken with Stuffing

Hearty, classic meal. This is the time of year I love to search for new recipes that use stuffing. We love stuffing around here, but I don't want to take away the anticipation of our traditional turkey and stuffing Thanksgiving meal, so I try to find meat other than turkey to combine with stuffing. The day I found this recipe, I was tired from not feeling well all day, and was looking for something quick and easy for the family. This recipe had everything I was looking for, simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and a wonderful flavor. If your family likes mushrooms, you may want to try substituting the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a little different taste.
All in all, this recipe tasted great. I paired it with buttered rolls, instant mashed potatoes, and a can of green beans for a complete meal.
If you are in a hurry, and looking for a hearty meal for your family, I'm sure you will like this one.

Baked Chicken with Stuffing-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1939,150190-238202,00.html

A Recipe Review - Mexican Lasagna

I was scouring the internet for new Mexican recipes to try, and I just couldn't find exactly what I had in mind. So, I decided to experiment, and the result was a dish that kept them coming back for more!
I starting searching for a bean burrito casserole, (I ate one of these casseroles at a church potluck 20 years ago, and have been searching for the recipe ever since) but I just couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to combine a couple of different recipes, and add a few of my own ingredients, and try something different.
My family loves pinto beans, and they were delicious in this recipe. You could substitute the pinto beans with refried beans, and I'm sure it would taste just as good. All of the recipes I came across called for the addition of brown rice, but it was late and we were hungry, so we didn't have time to wait an hour for it to cook. Luckily, I had a package of Uncle Ben's 90 second microwavable Spanish rice in the cabinet, so I used it instead. It added so much flavor, that I will probably continue to use it every time I make this recipe.
I don;t know what else to say about this recipe. It was hands down the best recipe I have ever created on my own. In fact, both of my kids, including my incredibly picky 3 year old son, loved it. They were all fighting over the leftovers, which by the way, the casserole tastes even better reheated. So, if you are looking for a crowd pleaser, that will have them fighting for the leftovers, give this a try. If you decide to try it, and you make some changes, please post a comment, and let me know how it turned out. :)

Mexican Lasagna-

Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.ddhfavors.com/store/FCrecipe.asp?iCID=5&r=1&Category_Name=Meats

A recipe Review - Fresh Basil Pesto

Ok, so I had all this fresh basil from my garden and had no idea what to do with it, when a friend suggested I make a pesto sauce. At that point, I had never even tried pesto sauce, as for some reason many green foods just didn't appeal to me (I was 24 before I would even touch guacamole! I love it by the way), so the thought of making a pesto sauce never entered my mind. But, not wanting my basil to go to waste, I thought what the heck, and hit the internet in search of a recipe.

As I was making this recipe, my daughter passed by me in the kitchen, and made her usual yuck face that she makes every time I try something new that she thinks looks less than appealing. I have to admit, deep down inside, I was making the same face as I saw this green goop forming in my chopper. But I also have to admit that nothing smells better than fresh basil and garlic being chopped together.

So, I finished chopping the green goop, and placed it in the refrigerator to chill while I made the rest of our meal; spaghetti and meatballs, and garlic bread. My husband was the only one brave enough to try it, and he said he liked it. But, if you know my husband, you know that if he really likes something, he goes back for more. He not only didn't go back for more of the pesto, he didn't even finish what was on his plate. So, I think he was trying not to hurt my feelings.
All in all, the recipe wasn't bad, but it really wasn't that good either. I don't know if something was missing, or if that is how pesto is supposed to taste. Either way, it's not something I care to make again anytime soon.

Fresh Basil Pesto -
Rating - 2 Smiles
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001329fresh_basil_pesto.php

A Recipe Review - Mississippi Mud Cake

I must be in another one of my chocolate moods, or maybe the nice cool air has awoken my need to bake, either way, this recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
When I was growing up, my grandmother made a Mississippi Mud cake that was to die for. It was smooth and delicious, and incredibly RICH! It was wonderful! Well, she passed away on New Year's Eve of 2000, and sadly, I never wrote down any of her delicious recipes. So, I hit the internet in search of this recipe from my childhood, and I was happy to find it right off the bat.
If this recipe isn't the same one she used, I can't tell. It is rich, chocolaty, and just to die for! Let me warn you though, you need to really love chocolate (I mean really love it) if you are going to make this recipe! It is RICH! A small piece of this cake is all you need at one time to get your chocolate fix.
If you store it in the refrigerator, it enhances the flavors, and makes the cake even better.
I thought I would share this recipe with you, since the holidays are fast approaching. It is the perfect holiday treat, and will put smiles on the faces of all who try it. Enjoy!!
Mississippi Mud Cake-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/166/Mississippi_Mud_Cake12401.shtml

AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Well, here it is the 13th day of September, and I am finally finding a few spare minutes to sit down and write. I have been super busy with my business, www.ddhfavors.com (YEA!) and now I am watching my brother's 2 sons, who are 2 and 3, during the week while he works. Oh, and in case you didn't read my plea for potty training help from last month, I also have my own 3 year old son. So, I have two 3 years olds, and a 2 year old running around here every day. Did I mention that they are ALL BOYS?!?!?! God bless my 10 year old daughter, she is a big help, in fact, she is keeping them occupied right now.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. I've had a few people contact me to make sure I was alright (thank you), so I figured I should post an update. I plan on writing a few posts this weekend; there is a lot of stuff going on in the world that I would like to comment on. Did you all hear that our government granted Mexican trucks cart blanch to the entire nation? In case you missed it, here is an article: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20625369/. It's a good read.
Well, my peace and quiet is over as I am surrounded by toddlers. I promise to post more recipe reviews in the next few days; I have a lot to share. :)
~Dana~

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

You Are Strawberries with Cream

Fresh and uncomplicated, you are always enjoyed but often overlooked. You're confident in who you are. You don't need a facade to feel better about yourself.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

A Recipe Review - Perfect Mashed Potatoes

My family loves mashed potatoes, and while we usually opt for instant potatoes for a quick fix, I love to make real mashed potatoes every once in a while. The problem was, I didn't like the way my mashed potatoes tasted, until I found this recipe.
I always thought a potato is a potato is a potato, but that isn't true. Each type of potato has a distinct flavor, and each type of potato has very distinct purpose. The trick to truly divine mashed potatoes, is the use of Yukon gold potatoes, as this recipe shows you. I always used regular russet potatoes, and I just did not care for the taste. No matter what I added, cream cheese, sour cream, cream, etc., they just didn't taste right. So, I scoured the internet for the perfect potato recipe, and after much searching, I found this recipe. It intrigued me because it was more than just s recipe. It provided a thorough explanation of the different types of potatoes, and it made perfect sense.
If you love mashed potatoes, but have been unable to find a technique for creamy, buttery potatoes, then this is the recipe for you. Enjoy!
Perfect Mashed Potatoes -
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001509perfect_mashed_potatoes.php

If you have a mashed potato recipe that you would like to share, please post a comment here, and include the recipe. I would love to try it out, and let you know what we think, :)

When did our children become public domain?

OK, I just had to weigh in on the controversial decision Elizabeth and John Edwards made regarding their children. In case you missed it, the article can be found here http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/us/politics/26kids.html?pagewanted=2

In an effort to stay close to their children while on the road, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards made the decision to take their children with them on the campaign trail. This means that rather than attending school with their friends, they will be schooled while on the road by their mother, and a tutor. They will spend their days viewing life through a bus window, and their nights in a Comfort Inn. Sounds like a terrible life for a child doesn't it? If you think so, you are not alone; you will find many a blogger who feels that the Edwards' decision was made simply for political gain. Many believe they are using their children as pawns; blazing a whole new trail in the political frontier; a trail that leads to poor parenting. But I do not agree; in fact, I find the mere implication that Mrs. Edwards is in any way a bad mother for making this decision deplorable at best.

In case you have not heard, Mrs. Edwards is living with stage 4 cancer. While the cancer is not curable, it is treatable, and they are doing their best to do just that. But the truth of the matter is, there is no way of knowing exactly how long she has left on this earth, and I can not fault her one bit for wanting to spend every opportunity she can with her children. In fact, none of us knows for certain how long we will have to spend with our families, so making the decision to spend as much time as possible with them should be applauded, not condemned.

As I was reading more about the Edwards family, I was saddened to learn that they lost their 16 year old son, Wade, in 1996. He was killed in an automobile accident, when a gust of wind swept his jeep off the highway. Thankfully, I have never lost a child. I pray I never have to suffer this unimaginable pain, but I'm positive that losing a child would force any parent to take a step back and examine the quality of the time they spent with their departed child. If they felt that they did not spend enough time with their child, they will probably examine the time they spend with their other children and make any changes necessary to enhance the relationships. This makes perfect sense to me. I already know that I do not spend enough quality time with my children, and I have made an effort to change that this year.

So why I ask you has the decision the Edwards' made started such a war among mommies? The answer is simple; our children are no longer our children, they are public domain. Have you ever had to slap the hands of your child while in public? Notice the disapproving looks you receive from other mommies? I suppose the better alternative would be to allow your child to pull the middle can out of the large display at the end of the aisle, and knock the entire thing down. Sure, they made a huge mess, but you didn't slap your child's hand and that is after all what is most important.

What about the emergency room. Ever had to take your child in for stitches after a simple bike accident? What about a bone break after falling out of their tree house? If you have, then you know all too well about the endless list of questions that you will be asked; and the insinuations that you abused your child. This is completely and utterly ridiculous! Now, if this is the third time in a year that your child has been seen for injuries like this, then I can see a point in looking into the matter. But if your child has never darkened the door of an ER for injuries like this, then let's save the persecution for when it is truly needed.

So when did our children become public domain? When did a decision to home school your children become up for public debate? When did any decision we make about our children become everyone else's business? Last I checked, I gave birth to my children. I feed them, clothe them, and make sure all of their needs are met. When they are sick, I don't see the public at large rushing in to take care of them, and pay for their health care. When I'm short on cash, and my daughter needs lunch money, I don't see donations piling up. But let me slap my 3-year old son's hand at the grocery store after telling him to stop pulling stuff off the shelves over and over again, and see what happens. Suddenly, every mommy within a 5 aisle radius is pulling her soap box out from the bottom of her cart to criticize me. You know what, he is mine, not yours. End of discussion.

I think that if we would be more concerned with what is going on in our own backyards, and less concerned with what our neighbors are doing, this world would be a better place. If parents felt safe enough to discipline their own children, without the fear of having SRS knock on their door because a neighbor felt they were being too harsh with their child, then maybe, just maybe, we wouldn't have the gang violence problem, drug problem, and any of the other problems that are plaguing our youth. Our kids would be happy, and healthy, because their parents would no longer be busy worrying about what other parents were doing with their children. So, they would have the time to worry about what them, and what they are doing.
I commend Elizabeth Edwards for her decision to care about the well being of her own children, and do what is best for them. Maybe if more parents would take a stand like this, the future would look a little brighter.
Just my two cents, for what's it worth.
~Dana~

HELP!! My 3-Year Old is Turning Me Into a Zombie!!!

My son is almost 4 (will be the beginning of December) and he is literally turning me into a zombie! From the time he started walking, he has walked himself to our room, and crawled into bed with us at sometime in the middle of the night. At first it was cute, but now it is driving me mad! I purposely keep myself up until after midnight in the hopes that he will fall asleep in his own bed, and when he does, I sneak upstairs, trying not to wake him. But like clockwork, at 3am there he is.
We have a king sized bed, but when your son sleeps sideways, it doesn't really matter how big your bed is. To make matters worse, he's been going through this I want mommy to do everything phase for about the last 2 years, so he sleeps as far away from his dad as possible. That leaves me with a tiny sliver of the edge of the bed to try and sleep on. So, I spend what's left of the early morning hours hanging on to my sliver for dear life. Let me tell you, it's tough to get any sleep, knowing that you can fall off the bed at any moment.
And as if this wasn't bad enough, this morning I woke up laying in pee soaked sheets. This was very ironic since we were up until well after midnight listening to my son scream at the top of his lungs because he wanted his cup. My husband and I have stopped letting him take a cup to bed with him, as we are trying to potty train him (that's not going well either), but apparently he found a drink somewhere.
So, I am desperate here. Am I the only one out there who has gone through this? Can someone please give me some good advice on how to get him to sleep in his own bed? And while your at it, how the heck do I potty train him? You can see my previous post on this issue; he is so stubborn!!
Many many thanks in advance! :)
~Dana~

A Recipe Review - Bean Potato Enchiladas

OK, I can already hear most of you; "mashed potatoes in Mexican food, huh", but this recipe is actually quite tasty.
I made a few adjustments when I made the recipe, and I think there are more adjustments to be made the next time. I used instant mashed potatoes instead of making the mashed potatoes from scratch. I really didn't care for the texture of the mashed potatoes, so I think next time, I will make them from scratch, but not mash and whip them as the recipe calls for. When I make taco meat, I add little cubed pieces of potato, so I think I will try that.
I also suggest that if you try this recipe, you use two cans of enchilada sauce instead of one. I always use extra enchilada sauce when I make enchiladas of any kind because my husband likes his enchiladas saucy. But it also keeps the shells from drying out while baking.
All in all this was a pretty good recipe. If you are a vegetarian, then this would be perfect for you. I think next time, I will add some ground beef, and maybe cut down on the amount of taco seasoning I use. But it is definitely a keeper. :)
Bean Potato Enchiladas-
Rating - 3 Smiles
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bean-Potato-Enchiladas/Detail.aspx

A Recipe Review - Bean Burrito Casserole

If you are in a pinch, and need something quick and simple for dinner, this is your recipe. The main ingredient is frozen bean burritos, which most of us have in our freezers. It's so easy to make that my husband actually cooked it himself! I pre-heated the oven, and put all the ingredients on the table for him, but he did the rest. He was quite impressed with himself, and I have to admit that I was too. :)
This recipe seems very versatile to me, so I'm sure you can use any type of burrito you would like to use. Beef and bean burritos would be good, and I bet those frozen chimichangas you see in the freezer section of the store would be awesome too.
Both of my kids loved this recipe, and that's tough for me to do. My son usually eats anything, but my daughter is a very picky eater, and she loved it!!

Bean Burrito Casserole-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bean-Burrito-Casserole/Detail.aspx

Chinese anyone?

You Are Chinese Food

Exotic yet ordinary. People think they've had enough of you, but they're back for more in an hour.

What Kind of Food Are You?

I am Paper

You Are Paper

Crafty and creative, you are able to adapt freely to almost any situation. People tend to underestimate you, unless they've truly seen what you are capable of. Deep down, you're always scheming and thinking up new plans. Your mind is constantly active. You are quite capable of anything you dream of. You can always figure out a way to get what you want. You can wrap a rock person up in your sheet of trickery. A scissor person can sneak up and cut you to pieces. When you fight: No one can anticipate your next move If someone makes you mad: You'll attack them mercilessly when they're unprepared

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

A Recipe Review - Tollhouse Pie

OK all you chocolate lovers out there, this is the recipe for you!! I decided to switch it up, and review a dessert recipe today.
I actually found this recipe years ago, but I'm in the mood for chocolate, so I'm off to the kitchen to make this as soon as I am finished here. If you have ever had Tollhouse pie in a restaurant, then you know how good it is. It's basically a giant chocolate chip cookie in a pie crust, and it is heaven on a plate! This recipe, although not exactly like the pies in the restaurant, is so rich and good that you won't care that it doesn't taste exactly like the restaurant pie.
I've made this a couple of times, and the first time I used a regular pie crust like it calls for. I'm not a big fan of regular pie crusts, so the second time I made it, I used a graham cracker crust, and the third time (did I mention I love chocolate?) I used a shortbread crust. Both of these crusts were delicious!!
If you are a chocolate lover, then this is a must try recipe! I guarantee you will love it!
If you have a favorite dessert recipe you would like to share, please, please send it to me at ddh_favors@yahoo.com I am always looking for new recipes, and all will be appreciated. :)

Tollhouse Pie-

Rating - 4 Smiles (although 1,000 is more like it)
http://www.recipesource.com/desserts/pies/15/rec1513.html

Supporting Your School Through the PTO

Well, I just had my very first ever PTO meeting last night, and I am overwhelmed to say the least. I always thought being a part of the PTO would be fun, and I'm sure it will be, but I never had any idea what these ladies go through every school year. WOW!! I would recommend that everyone out there help out your child's PTO at least one time. You will come away with a new respect for the amount of time and effort that goes into all those extra things the PTO is in charge of.

Fundraisers - Your PTO is most likely in charge of all of the fundraisers that take place throughout the school year. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that needs to be done to make these fundraisers successful. For example, the box tops, labels, and Tyson programs that your school may be in charge of. I bet you didn't know that once you drop off your labels and box tops at school, your PTO members have to take every single one and cut the small portion that each company requires, and then bag them or rubber band them in certain quantities. A successful fundraiser of this nature can being in thousands of labels and box tops so just imagine the amount of time it takes for the PTO members to sit and cut all of these out. My advice to you is to ask one of your PTO members exactly what portion is needed from each label and box top, and make sure yours are cut out. You have no idea how much this will be appreciated.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Gifts - You may not be aware, but in most schools, the PTO is in charge of gifts for the teachers and staff for Christmas, birthdays, and appreciation weeks.
Room Mothers/Fathers - If you have a child in elementary school, then you are familiar with all of the holiday parties that take place every year. Your PTO is in charge of selecting room mothers, and making sure to communicate with them regarding these parties.

There are so many other ways that your PTO helps out your school from coordinating parents to help out with field trips, helping teachers, yearbook, special activity days, and the list just keeps going. And did I mention these wonderful men and women are volunteers?
So, if you want to help out your school, and make a difference, consider volunteering for the PTO. It will be a very fun and rewarding experience, and I'm sure you will find yourself drawn to it year after year. If your schedule just will not allow you to volunteer, then you can do your part simply by participating in the fundraisers that your child brings home. The fundraisers are generally the biggest money maker the PTO has every year, and the profits from them allow them to fund more programs for the school. Even if can only afford to purchase one tub of cookie dough, or one roll of wrapping paper, every little bit helps.
So, get out there and support your school and your PTO! :)

A Recipe Review - Cheddar Biscuits like Red Lobster's

This recipe was a God send!! Although I haven't made them recently, they are a family favorite here in my home. They are the perfect addition to any seafood meal (they made the shrimp scampi a little better), and are very versatile so you can use them to accompany any meal.

Bisquick baking mix is recommended on the recipe, but I discovered that the Wal-Mart brand baking mix tastes as close to the real thing as you can get, and it's less expensive.

I have to admit that even I was amazed at how much these biscuits tasted like the real thing. If you love Red Lobster's Cheddar Baby Biscuits, then you will love this recipe!!


Cheddar Biscuits-

Rating - 4 Smiles
http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/R/89.htm

A Recipe Review - Emeril's Shrimp Scampi

I absolutely love shrimp scampi, and I have to say my mouth was watering while watching Emeril cook this on his show a few weeks ago. It looked so good that I just had to try it. But sadly, it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. :(

I still haven't put my finger on it yet, but it was just missing something. It seemed like all the elements were there, garlic, lemon, butter, olive oil, but it just lacked the zing that restaurant shrimp scampi has. Maybe it just didn't have enough of some of the ingredients; perhaps the garlic, or maybe it needed onion instead of capers. My guess is that it was the lack of onion. I never cook with capers, so I have become accustomed to the taste of onions, and generally put a little in almost everything I cook. I will try the recipe with more garlic, and onions instead of capers and let you know how it turns out.

I did notice that Emeril has several new shrimp scampi recipes online now, so I'll probably try one or more of them in the weeks to come.

If you are looking for a mild, easy to make shrimp scampi recipe, then you will love this. If you are like me, and are looking for something with a little kick to it, then you might want to try one of the other shrimp scampi recipes Emeril has to offer, or change the elements in this recipe to suit your taste buds.

Emeril's Shrimp Scampi

Rating - 2 Smiles
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-shrimp-scampi-recipe/index.html?rsrc=search

Do you have a delicious recipe you would like to share?

If you have found a recipe in a cookbook, magazine, or on the internet, or if you have a family recipe that everyone in your family raves about, then I would love to give it a try. I also would love to try any recipe you have found that sounds good, but you're not sure what it will taste like. If you want a guinea pig, I'm your girl. I am always looking for new recipes to try out on my family, and I would be happy to write a review on it, and share it with the world.
Please send your recipes to ddh_favors@yahoo.com and please let me know if you would like a written review, or if you are just sharing it for me to try. If you would like a review, and you have found a link to the recipe, please provide the link, so I can link to it in the Recipes I have Reviewed section of the blog. :)

A Recipe Review - Rachael Ray's Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake Baked Ziti Yummo!

If you like Italian food, but don't have the time to cook it the authentic way, then this is a must have recipe for you. This recipe aired on Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals at the beginning of last year, but I notices that is is set to air twice in September of this year as well.

My kids and my husband love Italian food. In fact, if it wasn't for me, they could probably eat it in some form every day of the week. As I get older (I'm 31, but feel much older most of the time) I am finding that there are just certain foods that I love that I just can't eat anymore. Italian foods, and most Mexican foods (my absolute favorite) are sadly among the not so good for my stomach foods. But, I was once able to eat them at one time, so I figure I can at least review them so that those of you with younger stomachs can enjoy them. :)

OK, back to the recipe. I have to say that I was impressed with the simple ingredients and abundance of flavor. Baked ziti is my husbands favorite meal, so when I put this dish down in front of him, his eyes glazed over with delight. I didn't even have to tell him that it wasn't baked; which is my favorite part of this dish! It really does taste like you've been slaving away for hours in the kitchen. The last step of broiling the dish to melt the cheeses is what gives it that baked in the oven look and taste.

When Rachael says it's enough to feed a crowd, she means it. This meal provided our family of 4 with a hearty dinner, and enough for my husband and myself to have lunch the next day, with quite a bit left over. I actually froze the left over leftovers, and we had enough for lunch a couple of weeks later. This truly is the meal that keeps on giving.

Rachael Ray's Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti-

Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/scuderi-kids-fast-fake-baked-ziti-recipe/index.html?rsrc=search