Absence and Pumpkin French Toast

Poor little neglected blog! Shame on me, but I just have not been in the "blogging groove". And its not that I had nothing to blog about because I sure have! But everytime I started to blog, my thoughts were just not in the right place, and it would have come across as whining or complaining...and that is not what I intended this venture to be...so I would start to type...then backspace backspace backspace...delete! Then I was totally bummed because half of my photos on my blog posts are gone....forever! And its all my fault! One night as I was laying in bed on my Ipad, I got this message about syncing photos to all of my devices. Now I am computer savvy enough to know what that means, BUT not thinking, it also meant photos I decided to delete from my Ipad would also delete them from my other devices...hence my blog! I was so pissed off at myself!! So now most of my past blog postings are free of photos!!! I guess all I can do is begin again...and NOT delete photos from one device!
That being said...since I have blogged, my hubby has mended from a broken leg, a cracked tooth and now he has bronchitis! Thats alot to happen in a matter of 8 weeks! And as most of you know, men are terrible patients!!! Yes you are...admit it...you know you are! So I am thrilled that he is doing much better and hopefully will be back at work full time in less than a week!!!
He and I took a short 2 day trip to Natchitoches (in Central La) so he could just check on the job that did him in. His boss told him...take your wife! So I went along, thanks to my boss for letting me off at the last minute. I have never actually been to Natchitoches, just passed thru. It is such a quaint town with brick streets and lots of antique shops lining the streets.We really just rode around since he was not supposed to be walking much...but if you know us, we love to just ride around and site see!

 

This was our view for dinner...beautiful!

The entire downtown was decorated for fall

 

The colors were amazing

We are planning on going back when he is feeling better so we can visit all of the shops and spend money!

I ALMOST like this place as much as I like Natchez!! ALMOST!

Fall is definitely  here...if you can't tell by the weather you can tell by all of  the

pumpkin recipes on Pinterest!

SO naturally I have to share a pumpkin recipe with you!

Pumpkin French Toast

Yield: About 9 slices

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 eggs
• 2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 9 slices Texas toast (or other white bread such as Challah or French bread)
• Butter, for griddle
• 
  

Directions

• Preheat an electric griddle to 350 degrees (a non-stick skillet set over medium heat also works fine). In a mixing bowl whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger until well combined. Pour into a shallow dish.
• Butter griddle and dip bread into egg mixture (allowing a few seconds for it to absorb mixture. I also squeeze gently to soak the mixture to center), then rotate and coat opposite side. Transfer to griddle and cook until golden brown on bottom, then lift, butter griddle once more and flip french toast to opposite side and cook until golden brown. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup. 

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST 

30-40 YEARS AGO

If I could talk to myself 30-40 years ago
this is what I would tell myself....(I borrowed this from a fellow blogger)
1. Basking in the sun with baby oil and iodine sounds like a fabulous idea, especially when you lay out on the roof to maximize it’s effect while skipping school, but 20 years from now you will find freckles, age spots, wrinkles and that huge skin cancer on your back. It will cost you a fortune to remove the age spots and freckles, the wrinkles will not make you look sophisticated, and Botox/Restylene is expensive. Skin cancer can kill you. Please wear sunscreen everyday.

2. The really hot guys who really have no direction in life at 25 will also have no direction in life at 45. If his only ambition is to install
car stereo’s in his momma’s garage, he’s not for you. Stay away from him and all the others like him unless you are prepared to support them for the rest of your life. They will bleed you financially and emotionally the rest of your life.

3. Most of the cool kids in high school that picked on the quiet nerds? Those nerds end up signing their paychecks. I bet Bill Gates loves going to his high school reunion. Those kids that were quiet and studious just learned early that being different is cool. You should try to have their self esteem.

4. Some of those quiet kids in school that no one understood were different because their home life was horrible and they needed you to reach out to them but you were to selfish to realize that. Realize that you are not the center of the universe. Realize that everyone is not as fortunate as you.

5. Being a cheerleader or a beauty queen never really gets you anywhere in life. No one will ever ask you in a job interview if you can do a back handspring. This I promise.

6. Studying and working hard gets you everywhere. There are no shortcuts in life. You may read the Cliff Notes but you still don’t know the whole story.

7. You may not know at 18 what you want to do for the rest of your life and that’s OK…you may not know until you’re 38 or 48 or 58. Sometimes you may never know. The important thing is you know who you are and what you stand for.

8. Not everyone can be doctors or lawyers and that doesn’t make you any lesser than a person. Blue collar workers are the backbone of our country. Not everyone can be great but you can be great at what you do.

9. Pick a career that makes you happy and fulfills you, no matter what the pay. If you enjoy what you do, the money will come.

10. You, yourself are enough. You don’t need someone else to make you happy. If you can’t be happy with yourself, you can’t be happy with someone else.

11. You can’t fix someone else’s problems, so don’t waste your time.

12. Always take time for yourself. Learn to enjoy time alone. Be happy in your solitude. You can be your best company.

13. Always take time for your girlfriends. Don’t flake out on them when a new guy comes along. Don’t forget about them when you get busy with your new baby. You need them and they need you. They will be there for you when your whole world falls apart and you will need them to help you pick up the pieces.

14. Tell the truth, even when it isn’t in your best interest. Even when it means everyone else thinks your crazy…or a bitch…or stupid. You will sleep well at night knowing you did the right thing.

15. Keep your word. Do what you say and mean it.

16. Before you marry you should experience three situations with your significant other:
A. You both should take care of each other during a bout with the stomach virus. Nothing brings out the worse in people than diarrhea and vomiting.
B. Go on vacation and work through a difficult situation like losing your luggage. Knowing how your partner handles the simple stresses in life will give you an idea how he/she will handle your relationship.
C. Let them meet your entire extended family, even the ones that you don’t claim.

17. Learn to laugh at yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. It really does look funny when you fall down the steps. Laugh and laugh hard.Life is too short to be a stick in the mud.

18. Regrets are a waste of time.

19. Real love is fireworks. If you don’t feel it, it’s not right. Don’t let anyone tell you different and don’t settle.

20. Don’t let fear hold you back.

21. Stop using all that hairspray. You’re really destroying the ozone layer at break neck speed and big hair really doesn’t flatter you anyway.

But most of all, I’ve learned that love, family, friends and health are the cake of your life. The rest are just icing.

And my cake taste great.

DRAMA AND FRESH FIG CAKE

I read this today on a blog that I follow and BOY did it make sense...especially with all of the drama we face daily via "Facebook"! 

“Their drama is NOT mine to deal with.” 

– Honestly, you can’t save most people from themselves, so don’t get sucked too deep into their drama.  Those who make perpetual chaos of their lives won’t appreciate you interfering with the commotion they’ve created, anyway.  They want your “poor baby” sympathy, but they don’t want to change.  They don’t want their lives fixed by YOU.  They don’t want their problems solved, their emotional addictions and distractions taken away, their stories resolved, or their messes cleaned up.  Because what would they have left?  They don’t know and they aren’t ready to know yet.  And it’s not your job to tell them. --

Pretty powerful words huh? Yeah I thought so too.Oh sure we are all guilty of the infamous postings saying we are aggravated, or angry or sad...and sometimes (most times) we are just venting and maybe looking for a virtual hug...or validation. I am learning that all I can do is offer that virtual hug...say I am here if you need me...and not get sucked too deep into their drama...because God knows, I have enough of my own drama!!!

I hope you are having a blessed Sunday!

OH how figs remind me of my MawMaw!!!That woman could cook up some mean fig preserves. I used to love to sit in her kitchen when she cooked and talk with her....and learn! And after she jarred those preserves, she would toast some bread with a small pat of butter, figs and a cup of coffee milk! 

Comfort food at it's finest!!!!

 I miss those days so much! 

I miss her even more!

Fresh Fig Cake

Ingredients
¾ cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups fig preserves

 Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add milk. With mixer on low, slowly add flour followed by dissolved baking soda. Beat in vanilla. Add fig preserves and beat until just blended. If using a stand mixer, be sure to scrape sides and bottom of bowl to ensure even mixing. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 12 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes to one hour. Cake will flatten and pull away from sides of baking dish as it cools. Serve warm with whipped cream. 

FRESH FIG CAKE 

Reflections and Star Spangled Pie

MOMASTERY

I have followed her blog for a long time and I have always admired her ability to be blatantly honest and truthful, no matter what. You either love her or you don't. Me? I love her and wish I could be more like her...blatantly honest...no matter what. But you see IF I do that, then someone will be hurt and I have this problem with hurting people...even to the point of I'd rather hurt or be hurt instead. Yes I know that is not being true to myself...but it's who I am. The times I have attempted to be honest with my feelings, I ended up so upset for hurting that other person and felt like shit about myself. I guess I truly live up to my nickname my sister gave me...Swiss Miss...you know, like Switzerland...not wanting to take sides...wanting everyone to love me. And in all honesty...its damned hard living up to that also!! Geez what a mess huh?

This morning I read a quote on someone's Facebook page and I have not been able to get it out of my head since....

"IF YOU THINK SOMEONE'S POST IS ABOUT YOU

TRUTH IS IT PROBABLY ISN'T, BUT YOU PROBABLY SEE YOURSELF IN IT.

SUGGESTION: DON'T GET UPSET WITH THE MIRROR...

FIX THE REFLECTION"

Powerful words huh? 

So I will work on fixing the reflection and pray that I can accomplish that. 

Being true to myself...so I can love ME!

Thank you G for being my inspiration.

 

STAR SPANGLED PIE

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups Keebler® Chips Deluxe® Rainbow Bite Size cookies
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust
Red, white and blue sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop cookies. Set aside.

2. In small mixing bowl beat cream cheese on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and lemon juice. Beat until combined. Fold in cookies and whipped topping. 3. Spread in crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until set. Garnish with sprinkles. Store in refrigerator.

*NOTE: Soften cream cheese in microwave at high for 15 to 20 seconds. - See more at: http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/recipes/details/star-spangled-pie.html#sthash.BzaeYXbx.dpuf

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups Keebler® Chips Deluxe® Rainbow Bite Size cookies
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust
Red, white and blue sprinkles - See more at: http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/recipes/details/star-spangled-pie.html#sthash.BzaeYXbx.dpuf

 INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups Keebler® Chips Deluxe® Rainbow Bite Size cookies

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust

 Red, white and blue sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop cookies. Set aside.

2. In small mixing bowl beat cream cheese on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and lemon juice. Beat until combined. Fold in cookies and whipped topping. 3. Spread in crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until set. Garnish with sprinkles. Store in refrigerator.

*NOTE: Soften cream cheese in microwave at high for 15 to 20 seconds.    

                    -

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups Keebler® Chips Deluxe® Rainbow Bite Size cookies
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust
Red, white and blue sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop cookies. Set aside.

2. In small mixing bowl beat cream cheese on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and lemon juice. Beat until combined. Fold in cookies and whipped topping. 3. Spread in crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until set. Garnish with sprinkles. Store in refrigerator.

*NOTE: Soften cream cheese in microwave at high for 15 to 20 seconds. - See more at: http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/recipes/details/star-spangled-pie.html#sthash.BzaeYXbx.dpuf

When It Rains...CHOCOLATE !

Literally, when it rains, it pours! Not to mention all the rain we have been having over the last several days, with more to come this week, + it's the start of hurricane season...let me list the things that have gone wrong...are you ready?

 1. A week ago, Addie's car crapped out to the tune of a fuel pump/tank worth $800!

2. Our BIG TV crapped out to the tune of a new one...won't even tell you how much that cost!

3. They have been trying for 2 weeks to set up the pool...too much rain!

4. New bathtub installed in Jordan and Kristen's house...something wrong with the shower/faucet part.

5. Rene' is walking around like a 90 year old man...between his knee and his back...

he is hurting...knee surgery coming   soon. 

6.Dealing with a couple of deaths in the family...that is never a good thing.

7. Did I mention that we have had tons of rain with more to come?  

But I have always tried to look on the bright side so let me list 7 good things that are happening...

1. The sun is shining really bright as I am typing this!

2. Rene' and Jordan found a great deal on a TV at Sam's that is even larger than the one we had.

3. The bathtub faucet thing can be fixed!

4. Addie's car is running better than ever...altho she has new car fever!

5. A couple of graduations in the family...a new chapter in some young ones lives!

6. Josh makes us smile all the time with his antics...love that kid so much!

7. God is Good....all the time!

Pretty good huh? And I didn't even have to sit and think about those 7 good things! So maybe when it rains...it does pour...but the sun always comes out at some point! And sometimes, we just have to make our own sunshine.

CHOCOLATE GLAZED CHOCOLATE CAKE

1box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ butter recipe chocolate cake mix 

3/4 cup chocolate milk 

1/3 cup butter, melted 

3 eggs 

1 container (8 oz) sour cream 

1 package (4-serving size) chocolate fudge instant pudding and pie filling mix 

1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

Rich Chocolate Glaze

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons butter 

3 tablespoons light corn syrup 

1 1/2 teaspoons water

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan).  Generously grease and lightly flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan, or spray with baking spray with flour.
In large bowl, mix cake mix, chocolate milk, butter, eggs, sour cream and dry pudding mix with spoon until well blended (batter will be very thick).  Stir in chocolate chips.  Spoon into pan.
Bake 56 to 64 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center.  Cool 10 minutes in pan.  Turn pan upside down onto cooling rack or heatproof serving plate; remove pan.  Cool completely, about 2 hours.
In 1-quart saucepan, heat glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently, until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is smooth.  Drizzle over cake.  Store loosely covered. 

NEGLECT & OLD FASHION CUSTARD PIE

NEGLECT

verb (used with object)

1. to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight: 

I am sorry little blog for neglecting you for so long...there are no excuses so I will make none! Life just gets in the way sometimes ya know?

We have been so busy over the last several weeks and weekends!! The first weekend in April, my children (Addie, Jordan and Kristen) and my husband surprised me with a 60th birthday party. I was very surprised (not only by the party but by the fact that I am now 60!!!) and it was an amazing party shared with family and some old friends! Everyone had a great time, including the little ones! 60?? wow I can hardly believe it!

 

My crazy kids...love them so much!

 

 Our Family...my world!!!

 

 Me, my Mom and my sweet siblings!

 

As you can tell from these few pictures...it was the perfect party!

Then came Easter! This year we decided to stay home and BBQ with family!

We had such a wonderful day...everything was perfect!

The food, the weather, the company and Dude !

Dude is our newest member of the family....

isn't he adorable?

 

Josh just loves his rabbit...he has a leash and walks him around the yard!

Next up...chickens!

E I E I O !!!

 The kids had a blast in the bounce house (best investment ever made)

 

and so did some of the adults!!

 

Made some wonderful memories!!

This weekend was just a laid back-do whatever you want to do-nothing weekend!

One of those sit down and catch a couple of fish weekend...so they did!

 

Life is good!

And we are blessed!!

Speaking of memories...

Old Fashion Custard Pie! 

1 unbaked pie shell ( deep dish)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
2-2/3 cups of milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

 Beat your eggs slightly, then add sugar, salt, nutmeg, and milk.

 Beat well and poor into the unbaked pie shell.

 Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. 

Sprinkle the top of pie with fresh ground nutmeg and serve. 

The Simple Things & Cake Batter Pancakes!!

As I was contemplating about what I wanted to blog about today...I drew a total blank! So I just sat...and listened. Listened to the sounds around me...there is the sound of the TV as Rene' watches....ready for this?  Sanford and Son! Seriously, that is what he is watching...he loves that show. I think it reminds him of his Dad...they used to watch it together and laugh and laugh! Simple things ! Then outside I hear Josh laughing as he is running around blowing bubbles...he has been doing that all afternoon. Every once in a while he comes to the patio doors and says  "Look YaYa, I'm blowing bubbles" and of course every single time I praise him with "WOW those are some awesome bubbles buddy!" He runs off yelling "Thank you YaYa". Simple things! Then there is the sound of Addie on her cell...texting and talking about her plans for the evening. Its nice to be young and be all excited about Saturday night plans! Simple things! And we can't forget Kristen coming in asking "what would you like for supper"...Poppa says whatever ya'll want! To which she replies "steak, baked potato with all the fixings and cheesecake"! Then she says "I'm kidding, I don't even like steak"! So we settle on pigs in a blanket and mac & cheese...Simple things! I love my family...I love having them all close by....I love Saturday afternoons! Simple things!!

This is as simple as it gets...this little man was in his glory! Look at that smile on his face!!!

And now for a simple recipe...pancakes...using cake mix...perfect for a birthday breakfast !

 CAKE BATTER PANCAKES!

Pancakes

1

cup Original Bisquick® mix

1

cup Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix

3

tablespoons candy sprinkles

1

cup milk

1

teaspoon vanilla

2

eggs 

 

Glaze and Garnish

2 1/2

cups powdered sugar

3

tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons milk

1

teaspoon vanilla

Additional candy sprinkles

1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)
2. In medium bowl, stir together pancake ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until pancakes are golden brown. Stack on serving plates.
3. In small bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with whisk until smooth.
4. To serve, top each serving with glaze and additional candy sprinkles.

Makes 10 servings 

CAKE BATTER PANCAKES

 

 

 

Throw Me Something Mister! & Banana Cream Squares

It's Mardi Gras 2014 ! The biggest free show on Earth! If you have never attended a Mardi Gras in New Orleans...you MUST!  Put that on your bucket list...at least once! You have to experience it! Its fun...its wild...its like nothing else you will ever attend! I promise!

 Crowds on Bourbon Street

 

Hands reaching out for those plastic treasures

 Amazing floats all hand crafted

 

Mardi Gras Jester

 

Enjoyed by the young...

 

and the old

 

Treasures that everyone fights for (and you don't even have to flash to get them)

 

and of course, Mardi Gras is not complete without a King Cake

 

So come to the Mardi Gras...I promise you will leave with a love for the city!

 

 

 Mardi Gras History and Traditions

 

I have been craving banana pudding with vanilla wafers all afternoon!

I came across this recipe for

Banana Cream Squares!

They look super simple to make and supper yummy to eat!

I may just have to make these tomorrow!

I will let you all know how good they are.

BANANA CREAM SQUARES

 

1/2

cup butter or margarine, cold

1

pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix

1

egg, slightly beaten

1

package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1

can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1

tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1

box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix

3

medium ripe bananas, sliced

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, cut butter into cookie mix using pastry blender or fork, until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup mixture for topping. Mix egg in remaining mixture until incorporated. Press crumbs evenly in bottom of dish. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown around the edges. Cool completely.
3. In 15x10x1 inch pan, place the reserved topping crumbs in a thin layer. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until light golden brown. Cool completely. Crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
4. In 3-quart mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed, for 1 minute or until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk. Beat until well blended. Beat in the whipped topping until smooth. Add the pudding mix and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes or until everything is well combined.
5. Spread 1/3 of the pudding mixture onto cooled base. Arrange bananas in a single layer over pudding, Top with remaining pudding mixture and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the pudding.
6. To serve, cut into 24 squares, 4 rows by 6 rows, and serve individually.

Makes 24 servings 

 

 

Open Mouth...Insert Foot ! & White Chocolate Funfetti Chip Cake

What a week it's been. Not only was it cold again but I suddenly out of nowhere developed a nasty sinus infection and a cough you would expect out of a 90 year old Grandpaw! I was so glad I was off on Wednesday and thought I could rest all day and kick it, but no...this crud had other plans for me. So I was out of work on Thursday and felt worse than I did Wednesday!! Thank goodness for antibiotics and Nyquil because by Friday I was feeling 50% better...good enough to go into work. It was a very long day, but I made it through! Today is even better...not coughing as much .... not to mention the weather is absolutely gorgeous is south Louisiana! Darn bi-polar weather!!!

Have you ever made a comment to someone and the minute it came out of your mouth (or typed words) you just knew it could be taken the wrong way? Yep, happened to me too! That's the problem with email, social media etc...you cannot get your tone of voice, your emotions across simply by typing them, hence they can get misconstrued! And I know I can try to explain and say I am sorry only so many times...the words once spoken {or typed} are out there. My heart was so heavy all afternoon yesterday that I could barely concentrate on my work, thank goodness we weren't too busy. I apologized...and explained...but have not heard back from her yet. So I am not sure if she is really upset with me, angry, hurt or just has not had time to respond. She is the last person I would ever hurt intentionally. She has been there for me countless times...she is my BFF, my shoulder to lean on, my sista....my Chiquitita. And I love her very much. I know we will be just fine...but Lord I hate it when we aren't. 

Are you watching the Olympics? USA took the first Gold Medal! How awesome is that?

GO TEAM USA !

 

Here is a simple "fun-fetti cake to bake...maybe for your family for Valentine's Day?

 Hmmmm now that's an idea!!

Enjoy!!!

WHITE CHOCOLATE FUNFETTI CHIP CAKE

 

Ingredients

1 white cake mix

1 box instant white chocolate pudding mix (4 serving box)

1 cup plain greek yogurt

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cup milk

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles + more for topping

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening divided

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, yogurt, eggs, oil, and milk. Beat on low for 1 minute, then beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in the sprinkles and mini chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into a greased 10 inch bundt cake pan. Bake at 350* for 55 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a plate to cool completely.
2. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl with 1/2 teaspoon shortening. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and creamy. Place in a plastic baggie with one tip cut off and drizzle over the top of the cake. Repeat with the white chocolate chips. Top with the extra sprinkles. Let set before serving. Keep covered on the counter for 4-5 days. Makes 1 cake/14 slices.

This cake recipe is compliments of....

White Chocolate Funfetti Chip Cake 

Seriously Leon? And French Toast Monkey Bread!

We have just experienced a winter storm named Leon! Leon is a name of Greek origin meaning "LION". Well he came in like a lion, lingered like a kitty, caused havoc in some cajuns who really don't know how to deal with these winter-like conditions. But we survived Leon...we were prepared...we hunkered down with supplies that we normally stock up on for hurricanes. And we waited...for snow...or sneaux! But Leon said noooooo... but here's a little sleet and icy roads for ya! Thank you Leon, how kind of you! Our experiences with hurricane preparations served us well! We got this! South Louisiana...it's home and we love it!

The extent of our ice...

Mighty impressive huh? 

Are you ready for spring? Yeah I thought so.

Here is a yummy French Toast Recipe for you to try...de-lish!!

FRENCH TOAST MONKEY BREAD

 2 rolls of Pillsbury Crusty French Loaf
4 Eggs
1 cup of Milk
1 tbsp.  Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Cinnamon/Sugar (whatever ratio you like)
1 cup Maple Syrup
A Bundt Pan (any baking dish will work)

Directions

Bake up the French Bread according to the package directions..set aside!
Cube the bread into approx.  1.5?  pieces and add them into a large bowl…

In a medium bowl mix the Milk, Eggs, Vanilla and Cinnamon Sugar until it’s smooth and custard-like. 

 Pour it over the bread cubes…
Let that soak for about 10 minutes, stirring to make sure it’s evenly coated.
Pour the Maple Syrup into the bottom of the Bundt Pan (or your baking dish)…

 Then top the Syrup with the Custard soaked French Bread and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until it’s firm and bubbly!  Let it cool slightly…

Invert your serving platter onto the top and flip it out!  Serve and enjoy!

This recipe compliments of...

FRENCH TOAST MONKEY BREAD