Sounds So Good.

Another delicious sounding cake:

Cake:
1 yellow cake mix
1 small pkg instant chocolate pudding
2 c water
2 eggs

Combine ingredients. Bake at 350 for about 25 min. Let cake cool completely.

Frosting:
1 cube butter (melted & cooled)
1 c (heaping) powdered sugar
1 T water
8oz Cool Whip

Mix first three ingredients then fold in Cool Whip. Frost cooled cake and sprinkle 3 crushed Heath candybars over top.

Salad. Yum.

We love salads. Even Addie loves them. But then again, what doesn't Addie love?! Besides, what's not to love about a salad in summertime? They're quick. They're easy. And generally you can get the bulk of the ingredients at the Farmer's Market. (I love to think I'm supporting our local farmers) So I'm always on the lookout for new salad recipes. Found one!

Chinese Chicken Salad
1 head Napa Chinese cabbage (cored and cut into thin strips)
1 bunch green onions, sliced into small pieces
2-4 grilled chicken breasts (chopped)

Layer cabbage, onions, and chicken breasts into 4 salad bowls and set aside.

Make Dressing
Combine all items in saucepan and boil for one minute:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3/4 cup peanut oil
2 tbl. soy sauce

Make Topping
In separate saucepan:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sliced almonds
2 packages broken ramen noodles (do not add seasoning)

Melt butter then sauté almonds and noodles until the mixture is lightly browned. Let cool. Sprinkle cooled topping on each salad and drizzle each with dressing.


this recipe is courtesy of Jeanette Lynton via her blog

Going Green.

I think I've done it. I've gone green. My purse is green. My lock for the Y is green. My favorite reusable bag is green. My library bag is green. I even want to repaint our bedroom green. Hmmm, who would've thought?!

It's Official!

It's official. I am going back to school. I start at Rasmussen on July 6th for their Paralegal program. While I'm a little bit nervous, I mean I haven't stepped foot in a classroom in over 18 years, my general overall feeling is one of excitement.

I'm excited to be doing something for myself. I'm excited to be doing something that will better our family. I'm excited at the prospects that this job will bring. And I'm very excited to finally be getting into a field I've always loved: law.

I'm sure our family life will change quite as bit as I'll be going to school full time. Marty and the kids will have to pitch in a lot more on the homefront, but I think the change will be good. Besides it's only for 18 months. We can do that no problem!

Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Mmmmm.

Chicken Salad for a Crowd
4 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup diced celery
2 diced green onions
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp paprika
ground pepper to taste

Make It!
Mix together the mayonnaise, paprika, seasoned salt, celery, onions and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Add chicken and mix until well incorporated. Season with black pepper to taste. Chill for at least one hour in your fridge. Serve on croissants.

Chocolate Fix.

Twix Bars
48 Club Crackers
1 c. Graham Cracker Crumbs
3/4 c. Brown Sugar
1/3 c. White Sugar
1/3 c. Milk
1/2 c. Margarine

Make It!
Place one layer of Club Crackers in a 13×9 pan. Combine remaining ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring to boil stirring constantly for approximately 5 min. Mixture should look like caramel and begin to pull away from side of pan. Pour over crackers, carefully, immediately place another layer of crackers on top pushing them down gently. Place in fridge to cool.

Meanwhile, in a microwave bowl, combine 2/3 c. Peanut Butter and 1 c. Milk Chocolate Chips for 2 min. Stir well and spread on top of the crackers. Place back in fridge till firm.

Discovered: A New Park.

We discovered a new park to play at today. The kids had a blast and the weather was beautiful. I have to say it was great getting outside after being cooped up in the house for three days because of the crummy weather.

Got Flowers.

I got these flowers from Noah for Mother's Day today. He made this is school. I'm quite certain that these flowers are currently my most prized possession!

Chicken Recipe.

Found a new chicken recipe that I can't wait to try. Love that it's a crockpot recipe!

Brown Sugar Chicken
6 boneless, skinless breast halves
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
2/3 cup vinegar
3 cloves smashed and chopped garlic
2 T soy sauce
1 tsp ground black pepper

Make It!
Place the chicken into a crockpot. Cover with the brown sugar, pepper, chopped garlic, and soy sauce. Add the vinegar, and pour in the soda. Beware, it will bubble! Cover and cook on low for 6-9 hours, or on high for 4-5.