Homemade Fruit Snacks

My kids love fruit snacks, but I hate them! So I searched Pinterest for a few days looking for options to make homemade ones, after making a few changes & adjustments I settled on this one.

• 2/3 Cup Fresh Orange Juice (lemon juice if you like sour gummies)
• 2/3 Cup Fresh or Frozen Berries (I like the triple berry blend, strawberries, raspberries & blueberries - but a plain berry would work just fine!)
• 2 TBSP honey
• 4TBSP (or 4 small packets out of the Knox brand) Original Gelatin - unflavored

Pour juice and berries into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until berries become tender & begin to soften. 

Add honey & stir until completely incorporated. You will want the fruit to dissolve quite a bit until you have a compote - but it will still be thin. I like to smash the berries a little during this step to really let the flavors infuse. 

Puree in blender (Vitamix is THE BEST!) until it's a smooth liquid. 

Allow to set for 5-10 minutes, with the lid off the blender. 

Add in gelatin, 1tbsp at a time, mixing in between each tbsp added. You want your gelatin to be completely dissolved. 

Immediately pour into a pan. I used a smaller 7x11 pan I have and it worked great. 

Put into refrigerator for 30 minutes (I didn't even cover mine) then remove & cut. For the size pan I used I got 66 squares...6x11 cuts. I wanted them to be small squares to just hand to the kids. 

Nutritional Info (based on 7x11 pan), 1 small square

• 6 Calories
• 1 Carb
• 0 Fat
• 0 Protein
• >1g Sugar!!

So even if you let your kids have 10 squares

• 60 Calories
• 10 Carbs
• 0 Protein
• >10g Sugar

and compared to Kellogg's...

Kellogg's - Fruit Snacks

1. Servings:  10 pieces 1 pieces 1 container (25 pieces ea.)

Calories	70	Sodium	5 mg
Total Fat	0 g	Potassium	0 mg
Saturated	0 g	Total Carbs	17 g
Polyunsaturated	0 g	Dietary Fiber	0 g
Monounsaturated	0 g	Sugars	13 g
Trans	0 g	Protein	1 g
Cholesterol	0 mg

Here's the ingredient list copied directly from Kellogg's website...

CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, APPLE PUREE CONCENTRATE, WATER, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, GELATIN, CONTAINS TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF CITRIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, COCONUT OIL*, CARNAUBA WAX, YELLOW #5, RED #40, SODIUM CITRATE, BLUE #1.*ADDS A TRIVIAL AMOUNT OF FAT.

I'm not even sure I know what half of those ingredients are?! And, these are a whole lot cheaper! 

Here's what mine looked like after 30 min in the fridge...

As you can see, they are really good size!

You could totally get cute & do these in silicone molds, but for me squares work just fine :) 

Do you make homemade fruit snacks? Share your recipe if you do! And if you try these, I would LOVE to know what you think of them!

Love & Hugs, 

Jenny

The BEST Baked Potato Soup...Ever.

Several years ago I was introduced to what I believe to be, hands down, the best baked potato soup. Ever. Period. I love it. Those of you who know Ms. Donna Turpin, know she is the master at created a soup out of bits & pieces and this "throw together" was a real winner. When I asked for the recipe, she did her best to remember everything she put in it, and, then I have tweaked a little here & there.

Warning: This soup takes almost 24 hours to make, and, is a little expensive...BUT, I assure you, it's worth it. It makes 2 full crock pots, so perfect to share, or to freeze for later!

Ingredients for Round 1:
Ham Bone (next time you make ham, save the bone w/ all the little tiny pieces of meat on them for the soup - you can just throw it in a ziplock bag & put it in the freezer until your ready to make soup)
3-4 Chicken Leg/Thigh Quarters (these are cheap! Bonus!)
Chopped Celery, Carrots, Onion (just a little) - I like about a cup of each celery & Carrots.
Chopped Green Pepper (optional - but if you do it, only about 1/4-1/2 cup is plenty).
Green Onions if you have them.
4 chicken bullion cubes
Basil, Thyme & Lemon Pepper
2 bay leaves

**Start this in the evening, to let cook all night. In first Crockpot, place 1/2 chopped veggies, ham bone, & water (fill the pot), add 1 bay leaf & 1/4 tsp (or whatever you like to taste) of each seasoning, set to low & let cook all night.
In the 2nd Crockpot, place chicken (skin first to reduce fat), the other half of chopped veggies, the 2nd bay leaf & the same amount of seasonings, set to low & cook all night.

By the time you wake up, your house will smell AMAZING!

Round 2: In the morning....
Pre-bake 3-4 pounds of potatoes in the oven or microwave (I prefer the oven, they hold up better), let cool completely, peel & dice (large chunks are fine, but small are better for some too.

Remove meat from crock pots. Pull any ham left on the bone off & place in pot, remove any extra chicken skin or fat, then dice or shred chicken & place back in bot.

4 hours before serving....
Mix the 2 pots of broth, each pot should have some chicken & some ham broth. This is a royal pain, but it makes the soup by blending the 2 flavors. I have found the easiest way is to find the largest bowl you have, pour both pots in, mix, then redivide in the 2 pots.

take your cool, diced potatoes & evenly split them between pots

Round 2 "Extras":
1 block of cream cheese
1 small container sour cream
1 block of cheese (I like colby, but cheddar is fine)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (could easily substitute mushroom or celery soups)
2 more chicken bullion cubes
1 pound of cooked & crumbled bacon

Take EVERYTHING listed above, and, evenly divide it between the 2 crock pots. For the block cheese, I find it better to take the time & shred it, then just chunk it up (it doesn't melt as well). After everything is in, continue to cook on low 4 hours. (I check seasonings after about 2 hours - that's a good point to know if it needs more of anything). Continue to stir every now & then as it has to melt the cream cheese & regular cheese.

Enjoy! Be ready to feel the most amazing euphoria after eating this soup. I'm fairly sure this soup is served in Heaven. It just must be.

Homemade Brownie Mix

Cole LOVES brownies. They are his absolute favorite - and, I search everywhere for a great box mix. But, no more! I found an online recipe for a homemade base mix, changed it up a bit & now have (what I think is) the best brownie mix! And, the nice part - the base mix makes a lot & can be stored for several pans of brownies!!

Base Mix (makes 18 cups mix or (4) 9x13 pans of brownies)
8 c. Sugar
4 c. Flour
2.5 c. Baking Cocoa
4 tsp. baking powder
4 tsp. salt
2 c. shortening
- in a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder & salt. Cut in teh shortening until the mixture resembles course crumbles.
- store in airtight container, in a cool place (I like fridge or freezer) for up to 6 months.

Cole's Favorite Chocolate-Chocolate Brownies!
4 c. brownie mix
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chocolate chips
- in a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs & vanilla; mix well. (note: this is a very thick, sticky mix! not like the box mix)
- fold in chocolate chips
- spread into a GREASED (I use crisco) pan - 13x9 - and spread as even as you can. (again: this is THICK & does not pour like a box mix)
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. (mine was about 48 minutes, but, another oven was closer to 40). Insert toothpick to check doneness.
- Cool 10-15 minutes on rack - then cut & remove from pan.

These are soooo good!

Menu Planner...April 25-30

Monday...Grilled Chicken Breast, Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Bread
Tuesday...Greek Salad, Vegetable Soup, Grilled Cheese
Wednesday...Hamburgers, French Fries, Applesauce
Thursday...Salad, Homemade Pizza
Friday...Sloppy Joes, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn
Saturday..Family Choice!

Menu Planner...March 28-April 3

Because I was sick last week & didn't cook as often as I usually do, we have several repeats this week.

Monday
Breakfast: Toast & Bacon
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets
Dinner: Fish & Shrimp

Tuesday
Breakfast: Donuts
Lunch: Sandwiches
Dinner: Hamburgers, French Fries, Applesauce

Wednesday
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Grilled Cheese, Pita Chips & Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Thursday
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans

Friday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Swirl Bagels w/ Honey Cinnamon Spread
Lunch: Sandwiches & Chips
Dinner: Farmers Pork Chops & Broccoli w/ Cheese Sauce

Saturday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs & Bagels
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Pizza Out

Sunday
Brunch: Biscuits & Gravy, Omelets & Hashbrowns
Dinner: Hot Ham & Cheese Subs

Menu Planner...March 21-27

Hopefully, were back on track!

Monday
Breakfast: Toast & Bacon
Lunch: Taco Salad
Dinner: Chicken & Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli & Cheese Sauce

Tuesday
Breakfast: Donuts
Lunch: Pigs in a Blanket, Veggies & Dip
Dinner: Salad, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese

Wednesday
Breakfast: Cereal & Fruit
Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Pita Chips & Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Dinner: leftovers

Thursday
Breakfast: Granola Bars
Lunch: Sandwiches & Chips to-go (traveling in the car)
Dinner: Eat Out: Brass Door!

Friday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Swirl Bagels w/ Honey Cinnamon Spread
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Fruit
Dinner: Hamburgers, Chips

Saturday
Breakfast: Sausage Bread
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Homemade Rolls

Sunday
Breakfast: Sausage Bread & Omelets
Lunch: Ham & Cheese Wreath
Dinner: Soup & Sandwiches

Menu Planner...February 28-March 6

Monday...Vegetable Beef Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Cupcakes
Tuesday...Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & Salad
Wednesday...Beef & Noodles, Coconut Cream Pie
Thursday...Hamburgers, French Fries, Mac & Cheese & Applesauce, Milkshakes
Friday...Homemade Pizza, Blonde Brownies
Saturday...Eat Out :)
Sunday...Leftovers

Menu Planner...February 21 - 27

Monday...Fried Rice & Egg Rolls
Tuesday...Chicken Enchiladas
Wednesday...Asian Noodle Skillet
Thursday...Vegetable Soup & Grilled Sandwiches
Friday...Pork Steak, Baked Potato, Steamed Veggie
Saturday...Chicken Quesidillas
Sunday...Homemade Pizza

Breakfast Items: Baked Grits, Breakfast Hash, Breakfast Pizza, Homemade Waffles w/ Honey Cinnamon Spread

Homemade Fried Chicken

If you love Fried Chicken, this is the perfect recipe for making it at home.

1 C. Flour
3/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Sage
1/4 tsp. pepper
chicken (see note below about chicken options)
Oil or Shortening to Fry with

Pan Gravy Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. Flour
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 & 1/3 C. Milk

In a large resealable bag, combine Flour, Salt, Thyme, Sage & Pepper.
Add chicken (a few pieces at a time) and toss to coat.
Add 1/4 inch of oil to a deep skillet & heat (around 350 degrees is good for frying)
Add Chicken (leave plenty of room to safely turn the chicken), and, brown on both sides.
Reduce heat to very low, cover, and, let fry for 30-35 minutes - make sure that the chicken reaches 180 degrees at minimum to ensure it's done.
Remove chicken, place on paper towels to drain.
Drain off all but about 2 inches of the oil drippings, and, leave all the browned bits. Add flour & salt - stir until blended. Gradually add the milk.
Bring to a boil and cook & stir until thickened (a minute or two).

I love to serve this meal with Mashed Potatoes (covered in the pan gravy), Green Beans & Cole Slaw :)

**This recipe is perfect for budget cooking. You can use drumsticks, thighs, frozen leg & thigh quarters, or breasts. You can purchase a whole fryer chicken & cut up yourself to save even more - but I usually just purchase pre-cut pieces that are on sale, or the frozen leg & thigh quarters at Aldi.

On another note, I suffered a pretty good burn Friday when I made this from grease splatter - so, ALWAYS keep the kiddos away from the stove. In this instance, I just turned the chicken too fast.

Farmhouse Mac & Cheese

This is a wonderful baked macaroni & cheese. I usually make a half-batch for just Jas & I (Cole doesn't eat mac & cheese...along many other things) and that's the way I have my recipe written...so just double it for a larger family :)

2 C. Shredded Cheddar
1 C. Macaroni Noodles (cooked & drained)
1/2 TBSP. Butter
1/2 C. Milk
1 Egg
1/2 tsp. salt
Black Pepper & Garlic Powder to taste
1/2 C. Finely Crushed Cracker Crumbs (I use saltines or ritz, either is good)

Preheat oven to 350 degree.
Cook & Drain Macaroni, then toss noodles in butter.
Combine milk, 1/2 cheese, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic powder & cracker crumbs.
Stir Macaroni & Cheese mix together, pour into baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake until heated through & cheese is melted. Approx. 30 minute.

This is a heartier recipe with the added cracker crumbs and could work for a stand alone lunch or light dinner. I could also see adding fully cooked, diced ham to make it a complete meal.

Menu Planner...February 14-20

Monday - Happy Valentines Day!
Breakfast: Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Lunch: Hot Dogs
Dinner: Heart-Shaped Homemade Pizza

Tuesday - Happy Anniversary Big Nana & Papa
Breakfast: Eggs, Toast & Bacon
Lunch: leftover Pizza
Dinner: Sausage Balls & Farm House Mac & Cheese

Wednesday - Happy Birthday Little Nana :)
Breakfast: Pancake Sandwiches
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets
Dinner: Leftovers

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Donut Holes
Lunch: Spaghetti
Dinner: Ham & Cheese Quiche

Friday
Breakfast: Hashbrown Bake
Lunch: Nachos
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans

Saturday
Breakfast: leftovers
Lunch: Chicken Fried Rice, Egg Rolls
Dinner: Date Night! eating out

Sunday
Breakfast: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch: Omelets & Hashbrowns
Dinner: Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad

Menu Planner...February 7-13

Guess I'm running a bit behind this week?! Ha! I'll still share what we've already had :)

Monday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls
Dinner: leftovers

Tuesday
Breakfast: Toast & Bacon
Dinner: Baked Potato Soup & Steak Sandwiches

Wednesday
Breakfast: Apple Slices & Toast
Lunch: Hot Dogs, Pretzels & Orange Slices
Dinner: leftovers

Thursday
Breakfast: Bagels w/ Honey-Cinnamon Butter
Lunch: Pizza
Dinner: Hearty Cheese Tortellini (with Beef & Sausage), Salad & Homemade Bread

Friday
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Ranch Wraps
Dinner: Bacon-Cheese Topped Chicken, Salad, Steamed Veggies

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: Seasoned Steak Wraps
Dinner: leftovers, Coconut Cream Angel Pie

Sunday
Breakfast: Homemade Donuts
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger Roll-Up, Homemade Chips
Dinner: eat out :)

Menu Planner...January 31 - February 6

Next week will be a busy week for us. The boys & I are going out of town for our dear friends Adoption (yay!), then we are bringing Granny back home with us for a few days. We are also expecting a Friday night sleepover from Aunt Mana! In addition, I'm trying to become a little more intentional about Breakfast & Lunch plans to see if it helps Cole eat better...this is my trial run.
What an exciting week :)

Monday
Breakfast: Biscuits & Gravy
Lunch: Hot dogs, Homemade Mac-n-Cheese
Dinner:Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Homemade Potato Chips (first attempt!)
Tuesday
Breakfast: Toast & Bacon
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets & Orange Slices
Dinner: eating out (Alfonso's Pizza!!)
Wednesday
Breakfast & Lunch we will be out of town
Dinner: Potato Soup (in the freezer from last week), Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Thursday
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Biscuits
Lunch: leftover soup & salad
Dinner: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Homemade Bread
Friday
Breakfast: Hashbrown Casserole & Toast
Lunch: Meatloaf Sandwiches, Cheesy Potatoes
Dinner: Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad, Garlic Bread
Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: Steak, Baked Potato, Green Beans & Salad, Homemade Rolls
Sunday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch: leftovers or eating out (not sure yet!)
Dinner: Chili-Frito Pie

Garlic Tortellini

I got this from my girlfriend, and, it is a FAVORITE in this house. So yummy, so easy, so fast!

2lbs Cheese Tortellini (My favorite kind is Schwan's, but, I may be partial!)
2 Sticks Butter
1 pint Half & Half
1/2 pint Heavy Whipping Cream (about a cup)
Small can of Mushrooms OR FRESH mushrooms sliced (fresh are my preference when I can get them reasonably priced)
1/4 Cup Minced Garlic

OK here's the cool part....
Toss ALL of it into a crockpot on high for 2 hours, or low for 3-4 hour, stirring every so often.
Add 1/3 Cup Parmesean Cheese before serving.

Yep, that's it. And it's YUMMY!! I also 1/2 the recipe if it's just Jason & I. It's VERY filling!!

Enjoy :)

Menu Planner...January 24-30

Last week I caught an amazing last minute sale on a Beef Roast so I ended up substituting homemade Beef & Noodles that we ate for a couple of days...so you will see a couple of repeats this week that we didn't get to last week.

Monday...Loaded Baked Potatoes & Salad
Tuesday...Grilled Chicken Breasts, Twice Baked Potatoes, Steamed Veggies
Wednesday...Chili-Cheese Dogs, French Fries
Thursday...Turkey Pot Pie, Mashed Potatoes
Friday...Garlic Tortellini & Garlic Bread
Saturday...Birthday Party at Chuck-E-Cheese!
Sunday...Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, Green Beans

A Christmas Morning Tradition...

One of the things that I love most about Christmas is traditions. I have worked so hard to start traditions with our family that our boys can look forward to and count on every year. One of our favorite things is FOOD - so it's only fitting that we have a traditional Christmas Morning Breakfast :) I make the same things every year, and, my boys gobble it up!

Sausage-Cheese Bread


Egg Bake




Cheesy Potatoes


Yum!!

Homemade Bread Recipe

This is my all time favorite bread recipe. We go through 2 loaves a week usually. It holds up wonderful for sandwiches - which is not usually true with homemade bread. Jason hates for me to buy store bought bread anymore!

Ingredients:
3 & 1/2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour (plus a little more for surface dusting)
2 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees)...i have also used 1/2 & 1/2 or heavy cream
1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees)
2 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
3 TBSP honey
2 & 1/4 tsp instant yeast (or 1 envelope)
Crisco for greasing bread pan & bowl to rise in

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Place flour & salt in bowl of kitchen aid mixer, using bread hook - begin to mix on lowest setting.


In one sauce pan, melt 2 TBSP Butter
In another sauce pan, add 1 cup milk & 1/3 cup water & raise to EXACTLY 110 degrees (this is REALLY important!)





In a bowl, mix melted butter, milk/water mix, honey & yeast until dissolved. Slowly add this to the flour & salt mix while mixer is on lowest speed.
Once it begins to incorporate, turn the mixer to a med-high setting & allow the bread hook to knead for 10 minutes.
Turn the oven off.

Remove dough, place on lightly floured counter & knead a few turns. Place in a HEAVILY greased bowl, turning a few times to coat the dough with the crisco. Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the oven. Let rise 40-50 minutes.


Remove dough from bowl, and, place on a lightly floured surface. Pat to a rectangle shape as below.



Begin to roll, sealing edges & ends as you roll.



Place bread dough in the heavily greased bread pan & press dough to sides of pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place on top of oven allow to rise an additional 20-30 minutes.



Preheat oven to 350 degrees during 2nd rise. Boil 2 cups of water & place in a pan on the lowest oven rack.

Bake Bread for 40-50 minutes on highest oven rack. Bread should be 195 degrees when finished.





Allow bread to sit in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack. The key to a good sandwich bread is NOT to cut the bread until it's cooled.



I hope you enjoy this bread as much as we do!

Menu Planner...January 17-23

Monday...Hot Dogs, French Fries, & Baked Beans
Tuesday...Lasagna HH, Garlic Bread
Wednesday...Chicken Breast, Steamed Veggies & Baked Potato
Thursday...Beef Stroganof, Homemade Bread, Salad
Friday...Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, Salad, Homemade Bread
Saturday...Pizza & Chips
Sunday...Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes & Corn

I have no idea what our sweet treats for the week are yet, maybe Chocolate Chip cookies :)

Menu Planner...January 10-14

A few of my friends have asked about how I plan my menus...so I decided to add this to my blog. If anything is a recipe..It will be in italics and I'm always happy to share recipes.

Our weeks are a bit different than some, with Jason gone 2 nights a week - we do a pretty light meal those nights, and usually, kid friendly :) And, if your looking for extremely healthy food - this isn't the blog for you! We are a house of boys & kids, and, at this time in our life, getting a veggie or fruit in the meal is peace enough for me :)

Monday...Salad, Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
Tuesday...Salad, Pesto Gnocci & Homemade Bread
Wednesday...Italian Beef & Potato Salad
Thursday...Chicken Patties, Tater Tots & Corn, Fresh Veggies & Dip
Friday...Salad, Garlic Tortellini, Garlic Bread
Saturday...Loaded Baked Potato Soup & Homemade Bread
Sunday...Deer Steaks, Baked Potato, Green Beans & Bread

Our Breakfasts are very low key here...cereal, toast & bacon, fruit, and, (yes, bad I know) Chocolate Donuts.

Lunches are usually pretty boring too since it's just me & the boys. Chicken nuggets, hot dogs, sandwiches, leftovers. The only thing is we always have either fresh veggies or fruit.

Our sweet treats this week will be brownies & lemon cookies.

If your having something great to eat this week I would love to hear about it!