Cream Cheese Mints

I found this recipe on Pinterest, and it reminded me of some mints someone made for one of my bridal showers. I made a batch a few weeks ago and they were just like I remembered them. So I made another batch today and thought I would share the recipe on my blog.

They are really easy to make, but time consuming to roll out all of the balls. They are Michael approved, so that means they have to be good.


Here is the recipe and directions:

Homemade Cream Cheese Mints

Yield: 70 U.S. quarter-size mints
Calories per mint: about 10
Note: I typically double this recipe

1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon pure peppermint or mint extract
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
(Optional) Food coloring


Directions:

Line baking sheets with waxed paper.

In a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer beat together softened cream cheese and peppermint extract.

Note: While creaming the cream cheese is the ideal time to add food coloring to dye the dough.

Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth, kneading in the last of the powdered sugar with hands or a heavy spoon.

Using a 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon, form mixture into balls the size of a cherry.

Place two rows of dough balls 1/2-inch or so apart, then flatten with a pretty stamp or a fork, like I do. If you'll lay out a couple rows first, by the time you're ready to roll out the third row, the tops of the dough balls are dry enough to flatten easily without having to dip and re-dip the fork in powdered sugar.

Let the mints stand overnight. Every several hours, gently turn them over.

Store in an airtight container.

 

 

Kettle Corn Love

So, the last few weeks, Andrew and I have been on a major kettle corn kick. Andrew has perfected the recipe and technique, so I thought I would share it with you.
The recipe is as follows:
1/2 cup un-popped pop corn
Vegetable oil - enough to barely cover the pop corn (see picture below)
1/4 cup sugar
Salt - to taste

First, you will need a large pot with a tight fitting lid.

Pour the popcorn into the pan.

Pour in enough oil until the popcorn is barely covered and then stir.

Turn stove on high heat and wait to hear the oil sizzle.

Once the oil starts to sizzle, pour sugar in, and stir very well, to coat all kernels with sugar.

Spread out all of the kernels, so there is a single layer on the bottom of them pan.

Now just wait for the pop.

After the pop corn has started popping, give the pot a good shake. Continue to shake every 20-30 seconds.

Once the popping has slowed down (about 2-3 seconds between pops) remove from heat.

Stir the popcorn.

Add salt to taste and continue stirring.

Pour into a bowl and enjoy!!

We have tried different brands of popcorn and so far, the yellow corn seems to pop up the best. We are in search of the popcorn that will give us the biggest popped kernel. If you know where we could get some, please let us know.
Please let me know if you try making it, and how it turns out. Happy Popping!

More Baby Food

Last week I made a ton of baby food, and it has been great having it in the freezer. When it is time for Michael to eat, I just grab a few "cubes" out of the freezer, put them in the microwave, and in about 15 seconds, Michael has a meal. Here is what I made: Green Beans Carrots Apples Pears Peaches Prunes The easiest to make are the ones you can find in the frozen food section in the grocery store. I was able to get the Green Beans, Carrots, and peaches that way. Then you just throw them in the steamer, let them cook, then puree, portion out and freeze. Really easy. I started taking pictures while I was making all of the food, but then decided I was making too much to take that many pictures. So, here are pictures of the green beans and carrots. If I make anything super interesting, I will take some more pictures. The most time consuming to make were the apples. I had to peel, chop, steam, puree, and portion out. If I had an apple peeler, it would have make this a lot easier. Maybe next time I make apples, I will borrow an apple peeler from someone. That would save a ton of time. Michael is getting the the point where he is almost ready to eat table food, so I'm not sure how much more baby food I will need to make.

Making Baby Food

Thursday, I decided to try making my own baby food. I started with Sweet potatoes.

I used the website wholesomebabyfood.com as a reference.

I started out with two medium size sweet potatoes.

Washed them, and let them dry.

Took a fork and poked holes all over.

Wrapped them in plastic wrap, and put them in the microwave for 8 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

After they were done cooking, I took them out, unwrapped them, and let them cool for a few minutes.

I cut them in half and scooped out all of the "meat" and put it in a container.

Then I took my Kitchen Aid Stick Immersion blender, and pureed them.
Then I added water. A lot more water than I thought I would need, but I didn't want the sweet potatoes to be too thick.

After they were good and mixed, I spooned them into an ice cube tray and put them in the freezer.

After a few hours, they were nice a frozen, so I took one out for Michael to eat, and the rest I put in a zip lock back and labeled the bag with what it was and the date.

I think he liked it. What do you think?

I figure Michael can eat 1 or 2 of these cubes in one sitting, so I have at least 6 servings, but probably more.

Total cost to make: $1.36

Total time to prepare: 30 minutes

I will definitely be doing this again. Maybe I'll try carrots next. Any suggestions would be great.

The best thing about making my own baby food is that I know exactly what is in it.

Completed Nursery!

YEAH!! We are finally done with the nursery, and I love how it turned out!

This is what you see as you walk in the door.

I know the chair is big, but at 2am, comfort is the most important thing.

His book shelf and closet.

A close up of the crib. I love his bedding!

His name blocks that I made for him.

Here is the changing table / dresser.

Just a couple of the pictures from his newborn photo shoot.

My Bible study teacher actually saw this in Marsalls and told me about it. It was the only one and only thing like it there.

Leather plaid wall hangings (see below for the story on them)

Another picture of his book shelf. I built this myself!

Inside his closet. It is getting more and more full.

And the most important thing that makes this nursery compete - A Beautiful Sleeping Baby Boy!

In case you are wondering, here is where we got everything.
Bedding: Pottery Barn - Madras Nursery Bedding

Furniture: JC Penny - Cherry Finish Renew Standard Crib and Cherry Renew Combo Dresser by Rockland
Recliner - Big Lots

Curtains - Target - Sailcloth Window Panel Pair - Navy

Book Shelf - Target - Circo 9 Cube Organizer Marine Blue

Name Blocks - Made with love by Momma

Michael Canvas - Marshalls

Plaid Wall Hangings - Coach (I used to work there and they were used as a display. When they were done with them, they were going to throw them away, and I asked if I could have them. I have held on to them for over 6 years. I knew they would be used one day!)