Things I Should Not Eat...But Will

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

{Picture via Lemon Drop}

Orange Julius

{Picture via Sweet Treats and More}

Turtle Cheesecake Bars

{Picture via Louanne's Kitchen}

I wish I could magically snap my fingers and these little nuggets would appear in my hand.

Feel free to drop by anytime if you have one of these with you.

Happy Friday!!!

Jackie's Cheesecake Chimichanga

This is THE dessert.  The dessert that will add to your curves.  That's a nice way of saying it will make you F-A-T.  I think this is precisely why my BFF Jackie made this when we were at their house for dinner.  We also had some pretty rockin' ribs courtesy of her husband, Steven.  Not to be confused with my Steven.  Her Steven is white.  My Steven is mocha.  Or Puerto Rican.  However you want to look at it.  Today I prefer mocha.  Tomorrow, I'll probably go with Puerto Rican.

Anyway, we're really discussing the deliciousness of the Cheesecake Chimichanga, and Jackie's ploy to enlarge my back side even more than it is.  If I consume any more of these slices of heaven, people will start to ask where I purchased my Silicone Booty Pads.  Jackie, even though I'm on to your evil plot I completely appreciate you sharing this recipe with me and the rest of the bloggy world.  And, I know you don't aspire to make me fat.  At least I THINK you don't...

For the rest of you, consider yourself warned.  Deliciously fattening recipe ahead.  Make at your own risk...

Cheesecake Chimichanga

2 cans crescent rolls

24 oz cream cheese (blocks)

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

(additional ingredients for topping listed below)

• Layer a greased 9x13 dish with one can of crescent rolls.
• Cream together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
• Spread on top of crescent rolls.
• Layer top with 2nd can of crescent rolls.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 stick butter

• Mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon.
• Melt 1 stick of butter and mix with sugar and cinnamon combo.
• Pour on top and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Once it cools refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Additional toppings: strawberries and whip cream (just because you'll need more calories)

It's okay to love and hate me for posting this.  I understand.

Happy Cooking!!!

Christmas Baking Goodies...The Pics

I realize it's almost been a full week after Christmas, but I wanted to post what each one of the baking goodies looked like for future reference.  If there ever is a future for these tasty treats.  Judging by how fast these plates were cleared of their deliciousness at my house, I think the future is pretty promising.

{I only have the recipes for the Toffee and Peanut Butter Clusters}

On a side note, I hope you all have a very Happy New Year! We're celebrating at home with the Kueny's, and having some oh so healthy buffalo wings, homemade french fries, fried mozzarella sticks, baked beans, and an ice cream cake.  Nothing like ringing in the New Year with a full year's worth of cholesterol in one evening!  I see some baked fish and steamed veggies in my very near future.  I will pay for all this grease consumption.  I just know it.  However, it's worth it every once in a while.  Remind me of that later.  M-kay?

English Toffee

Is it even Christmas without toffee?  Nope.  Santa's not gonna stop by your house if English Toffee is not on a Christmas plate with a small 8 oz glass of milk and a chaser of egg nog.  I know he's picky, but you gotta do what the Big Man asks.  So I'll help you out a little.  I'll give you my recipe for English Toffee.  You're welcome.  You're very welcome.

*NEWS FLASH*  If you don't have time to stand over the stove for a good 10 minutes, don't even start the toffee.  It takes time, attention, and gusto.  Lots of gusto.

English Toffee
2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp Cream of Tarter
1/2 bag milk chocolate chips

• In a non Teflon skillet, melt sugar and butter together.
• When the mixture starts to bubble, add Cream of Tarter.
• Stir constantly with a wire wisk on high heat.
• Mixture will get syrupy and start to smoke (that's a good sign).
• Keep stirring quickly until mixture starts to scorch to a nice toffee color.
• Pour onto an ungreased cookie sheet with a lip.
• Spread the mixture as thin as you can immediately (it sets fast).
• Sprinkle the half bag of milk chocolate chips on top.  Allow to melt for about 3-5 minutes.
• Spread melted chocolate over the toffee. 
• Let cool completely and break apart.
• Enjoy!

PB Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I love this dessert because I almost always have the ingredients in my pantry.  It's fairly easy to throw together, and it is to die for!

PB Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg milk chocolate chips

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, PB, sugar, and brown sugar.  Mix in eggs one at a time.   Beat well between each egg.  Add vanilla.
• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Gradually add to creamed mixture.
• Stir in chocolate chips.
• Spread into a 13 x 9 inch greased baking dish.
• Bake @ 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.  Cool before serving on a wire rack.

Happy Cooking!

Peanut Butter Clusters

Parties, luncheons, parties, kids getting ready to be home for Christmas Break, more parties...What do all these have in common? An event where you need some snacks! Here's a delicious, and easy snack that can be made and ready to go in 20 minutes.

Peanut Butter Clusters*

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 cup crushed ridged potato chips

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter cips and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
• Add peanuts and chips. Stir until coated.
• Drop level tablespoonsfuls onto waxed paper lined baking sheets.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Store in air tight container.

Happy Cooking!

*If you are planning on using this recipe for your child's school Christmas Party, please check with the school/teacher for any Peanut Allergies. These delictable treats could be deadly to a child with an allergy.