Homemade Lemonade sortof...

We made this recipe last weekend and just loved it. It was gone in a day. So easy and refreshing...

1 Cup Lemon Juice (I use ReaLemon from concentrate)
1 Cup Sugar/Splenda
8 Cups Water

Mississippi Mud Brownies...

I have NO IDEA why these are called Mississippi Mud Brownies, nor do I care. They are absolutely scrum delicious!

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup flour (less flour makes them gooey, which is how we like it)

1/2 cup cocoa

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp vanilla

1 cup pecans (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees, butter 9x13 pan. Cream together sugar and butter in large bowl.

Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in remaining ingredients. *Helps to have a HANDSOME mixer.

Spoon Batter into pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.




Don't forget to CLEAN the beaters.

Let cool for 5 minutes (if you can wait that long, I usually can't). Serve with a big glass of milk.

We are loving summer vacation so far. Lots of movies, swimming and otter pops. Of course, my kids are in summer school. No "I'm bored" goin' on around here. I like to keep them busy. Does anyone have any cool summer plans?

Taco Salad

Here is another family favorite recipe. Every ingredient is optional and feel free to add anything you want to it. I keep it simple for the kids:

1 1b. ground turkey or beef
1 small can of green chilies
1 can of pinto beans

Shredded Lettuce
Dice Tomato
Shredded Cheese
Tortilla Chips


Brown the meat in a pan, add green chilies and beans. Heat thoroughly.

Once the meat mixture is done, layer the following:

Spread out tortilla chips on plate
Add meat mixture
Cheese (so it melts onto the meat)
Lettuce, tomato and more cheese
Ranch dressing to top it off



Dinner has to be simple and easy in our chaotic house. BUT yummy as well.

Panini's

The best little appliance I own is this Grilling Machine. We never make burgers on it. We use this fabulous machine for sandwiches, tacos and burritos. Recently I made one of our favorite sandwiches, the PANINI. So simple and quick. Here is what you need:

Avocado Ranch Dressing: 1/4 cup of ranch dressing and 1 small avocado, pitted, peeled and mashed.

Sourdough Bread

Butter for the bread

Sliced deli turkey

Crispy cooked bacon

A tomato

Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese

While the Grilling Machine is heating, butter the bread and start layer all ingredients.

I grill two at a time until done. And there ya go...yummy!

See what I have to deal with while cooking? These puppy dog eyes...