Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

This is one of the easiest snack mixes I've ever made and it's super good!

What you'll need:
3 c mini pretzels
3 c oat squares cereal
2 tbsp margarine
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 c dried fruit

Mix pretzels and cereal in a plastic ziploc bag.  Combine margarine and brown sugar in a microwave safe bowl.  Melt in the microwave.  Stir in cinnamon.  Pour over dry mix in bag.  Seal and shake to coat evenly.  Bake in a 325 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes, until crispy and brown, stirring once or twice.  Let cool completely, then add the dried fruit.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes about 10 servings.

I used Oatmeal squares cereal the first time.  It was good!  I'm going to try either rice chex, corn chex, or wheat chex next time for a change.  Instead of cinnamon, I used an apple pie spice mix.  Fabulous!  And I used raisins for my dried fruit.  Though, you could use cranberries, cherries, blueberries, chopped apricots, really anything you have.  I'm going to add some lightly salted dry roasted peanuts next time too!  Can't go wrong!!  Enjoy!

Blessings,

Standing Strong

There is a lot going on in the news about Chick-Fil-A these days.  Fox News had an article about the appreciation day on Wednesday.  I experienced it first hand while driving.  There were cars lined up for blocks and police men directing traffic.  It was crazy!

It is sad that Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-Fil-A, has been singled out and ridiculed for his personal beliefs.  On the flip side, he has been singled out and supported for his personal beliefs.  I happen to agree with Dan Cathy and believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman.  It does not mean that I hate gay people.  I strive to love everyone, no matter what.  I am a Christian and I try to follow Jesus with my whole heart, try to be like Christ and look to Him in all things.  In the Bible stories we read, did Jesus not go to the hurt, the sick, the weary, the outcasts, the sinners and show them compassion, love, grace and mercy?  He did.  And that list of people Jesus loved includes every one of us.

It feels like Christians are under the microscope, being watched and ridiculed.  We need to stand strong in what we believe in.  It can be very hard to speak up sometimes, but our time on earth is short and I want to bring as many people to Christ as I can.  My heart aches for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.  Staying silent and lukewarm is not part of that plan.  Showing love and kindness, imitating Jesus, is the best way I know how.  Will you join me in standing strong and show kindness to those who don't know Jesus?  We are all children of God and should love one another.  We know it, now let's actually do it.

Blessings,

Waffle Iron Cinnamon Rolls

I saw this on Pinterest and had to try it.  They are awesome!!  Not to mention super easy, fast and phenomenal.

Here's what you need:
A waffle iron, small refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cooking spray.  It takes 2 to 2:30 minutes in the iron.

I stock up when they are on sale and keep my eye out for coupons...  :)

Spray your waffle iron with the non stick cooking spray, top and bottom. 

I like the smaller sized rolls.  They are the perfect fit for my waffle iron.  You only need to close the lid slightly when cooking them.  I do not flip my waffle iron over.

After 2 - 2:30 minutes, they are done!  SO much faster than the oven directions on the package.  (My husband's favorite part about making them; they're fast.)  

I frost them with the frosting included and we indulge ourselves!

You've got to try them.  Too easy to pass up!

Blessings,

Homemade Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Jman, my first born, was born while we lived in seminary housing at Bethel Seminary.  It was the best place to live while starting a family.  The support given by other women and moms was amazing.  When Jman was born, we had meals provided to us.  Our neighbors down the hall brought us one that included peanut butter chocolate chip pumpkin bread as the dessert.  It was fabulous!

Fast forward a little - while searching for family recipes in an old Lutheran church cookbook I got when I was 7, I found a Pumpkin Bread recipe from my great aunt.  So I tried it and added peanut butter and chocolate chips to it.  Let me just say that it is SO good!

I have decided to break my silence and share the recipe here.  You will not regret trying this!  

Pumpkin Bread - makes 2 large loaves or 4 small loaves

2  2/3 c white sugar

2/3 c shortening

4 eggs (beaten)

2 c pumpkin

3  1/3 c flour

2/3 c water

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1  1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

2/3 c nutmeats (optional)

2/3 c raisins or chopped dates (optional)

2/3 c peanut butter chips (I use big hand fulls)

2/3 c chocolate chips

Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly; add beaten egg, pumpkin and water.  Mix.  Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices.  Then add to mixture.  Stir in nuts and raisins or dates OR peanut butter and chocolate chips.  Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.  Freezes well.  

A few changes I make are:
Cut the sugar in half.  Really, do it.
Instead of shortening, use unsweetened apple sauce, 1:1 ratio.
3 1/3 c flour - I will use 1/3 c flax seed meal, 2 c whole wheat flour and 1 c all-purpose flour.  The last time I made it, I used 1/3 c all-purpose flour and 3 c whole wheat flour.  I switch it up in accordance to what I have in my pantry.

 It definitely is a favorite among my children, even BG who doesn't eat any bread.  His only exceptions are french toast, garlic bread and now pumpkin bread!  

Enjoy!

Blessings,