Cheap and Easy Homemade Ice Cream

What you will need:

2c half and half
1tsp vanilla extract
2tbs sugar
1/4c salt
1 bag of ice
1 sandwich bag
1 one gallon bag (optional)
1 27.08oz container with lid (we used an old Folders coffee container)
tape

Serves 2
***Don't worry if you are a little short on any of the ingredients. It will still turn out amazing***

Step 1:
Measure out the first three ingredients (half and half, vanilla, sugar) and dump them in your sandwich bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag without spilling- then seal.

Step 2:
Fill your container half way full with ice then cover with half of your salt.

Step 3:
Place your sandwich bag full of ingredients in the center of your container then fill the rest with ice. Use the remainder of your salt to poor on top.

Step 4:
Put the lid on and tape it up to make it extra secure (I used painters tape). Do it qickly before the container gets to cold, or the tape wont stick. If your doing this inside and your afraid of the container busting open you can use a gallon bag for steps 2 and 3. Then place the steeled bag in the container. So If it does bust open your not left with a mess.

Step 5:
Set a timer for eight minutes then take your container and start rolling. My 2yr old and I sat on the floor in the living room and rolled it back and fourth. You can even go outside and roll it down a hill. Have fun with it.

Step 6:
After your eight minutes are over, open everything up, and enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream.

Originally when I found this recipe it was for "hand shaken" ice cream in a bag. We tried it that way with the kids a couple of times but it was messy, and hard work. The bag was heavy and hard to shake so the kids lost interest quickly. Besides that our poor little fingers were freezing, the bags either got a whole in them from our vigorous shaking and perspired so punch by the time we were done I had one huge puddle on my counter top. Also, after shaking ten minutes with the bag tycnech the ice cream didn't come out nearly as solid as when it was rolled. However if you don't happen to have a Folgers can or some kind of container on hand a gallon bag will do. The most important thing is that you have fun doing it. Enjoy!

Healthy Strawberry & Blackberry Snack Wheels

 I try my best to provide my toddler with a healthy variety of snack foods. Sometimes I find myself struggling to come up with new ideas, and not reaching for something prepackaged. So I was very pleased with myself when I put this colorful delight together to switch things up.

My son's eyes light up when he see's this colorful snack. I think he thinks they are some kind of  "special treat". I used whole wheat mini bagels, Philadelphia cream cheese (you can use light to make it a bit healthier if you prefer), strawberries cut in 1/8in slices, and blackberries cut in half. Toast your bagel if you prefer, smear a small amount of cream cheese once they've cooled, then pace your fruit, and voila.

 Healthy Facts About Strawberries:

• They give you whiter teeth. Ever heard of strawberries and baking soda as teeth cleaner? Try it. Put 1 large strawberry in a blender together with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and blend well. You can also mash the strawberry using a fork and mix the baking soda in. Use it like toothpaste and spread it on to your teeth gently. Leave it for 3-6 minutes and cleanse your teeth with water afterwards. Just make sure you brush your teeth with your preferred commercial toothpaste after so there won’t be strawberry stain or taste left.
• Strawberries also prevent constipation and even colon cancer because they wash away harmful toxins in our intestines.
• Strawberry consumption also increases memory.
• Strawberry has antioxidants that protect our immune system. So try a strawberry dipped in melted chocolate for a double boost of disease-fighting antioxidants.
• These red berries also keep our eyes bright. Studies on eyesight reveals that eating at least 5 strawberries a day could keep your vision clear.
• Pregnant women may also get a good amount of folic acid from eating strawberries.
• Strawberry is low in calories (32 kcal/100g) and fats but rich source of many health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
  
• Strawberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Scientific studies show that consumption of straw berries may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.
  
• Fresh berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (about 98% of RDI), which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.
  
• The fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
  
• Strawberries contain vitamin A, vitamin E and many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.
  
• They contain good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and is important for prevention of dental caries. 

Healthy Facts About Blackberries:

• Blackberries are one of the top ten foods containing antioxidants.
• Blackberries are packed with polyphenols helping to prevent cancer and heart disease.
• Blackberries are filled with anthocyanins (antioxidants which give blackberries their deep purple color) which help in memory retention and the risk of hypertension. 
• Blackberries are said to strengthen blood vessels, help fight heart disease and help improve eyesight.
• The high tannin content of blackberries help tighten tissue, relieve intestinal inflammation, and help reduce hemorrhoids and stomach disorders.
• Ohio State University found that blackberries may protect against esophageal cancer, a cancer caused by gastric reflux disease.
• Blackberries have shown to protect against other types of cancers. They contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), a compound believed to play a vital role in preventing breast and cervical cancer.
• Blackberries are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Manganese and fiber.
• The high fiber content of blackberries help reduce risk of intestinal disease and the risk of developing diabetes.Blackberries are a healthy food choice that kids and adults love. They are a great way to refuel after a hard workout and help aid in fighting obesity. See a recipe for Blackberry-Blueberry Cobbler from my site last year.

Sausage and Zucchini Stuffed Red Peppers

 These stuffed red peppers are scrumptious. Everybody who's tried these loves them, even the picky eaters. My fiance lights up when he hears we're having stuffed peppers for dinner, and my mom is always taking the leftovers to work with her. Every time I go to make these I have a hard time finding the recipe, even though I should have it memorized by now. I figured it might be a good idea to make a easy to find hard copy. Plus, something this delicious needs to be shared. Please try this recipe and share it with the ones you love. They will love you for it;) Enjoy!

 I served the peppers on a bed of whole grain brown rice with garlic bread on the side.




Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausages, casings removed
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (about 1 large)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 4 medium-size red bell peppers (each about 4 to 6 ounces), halved lengthwise, seeded
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix first 9 ingredients in large bowl until well blended. Fill pepper halves with sausage mixture, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Arrange in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)

Bake peppers uncovered until tops are browned and thermometer inserted into filling registers 165°F, about 1 hour. Transfer peppers to platter. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve. 

Serves 8

Shark Cake Topper

I made this shark cake for my nephews eleventh birthday. Originally we decided on a shark fin but I couldn't resist making something a little more challenging that I knew would wow my nephew. Here are the steps I took to make the cake topper.

Step 1 Shark Teeth:
Days before assembling my shark topper I hand molded the shark teeth with fondant. I just flattened the fondant and cut out triangles in different sizes. To make them more realistic and sharp looking I flattened two of the edges with my fingers. Then you set them out to dry for a couple of days so they harden. I would suggest making extras just  in case some brake.

Step 2 Mold Shark:
I made a batch of Rice Krispies treats (the recipe is on the rice krispies cereal box). I used the whole batch to mold my shark head. Be sure to make indentations for the eyes and cut the mouth open.

Step 3 Frost Shark:
Once your happy with the shape of your shark cover with a layer of frosting. This will help your fondant stick and minimize bumps.

Step 4 Color Fondant:
I cheated and bought my fondant from the store then colored about a tennis sized ball worth of it. I used cauliflower blue gel food coloring. Apply to the center of your fondant ball with a toothpick then knead the color in until it's completely blended. The amount of gel food coloring completely depends on what shade of color you are trying to achieve.  I would start with very little food coloring and add more until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 5 Roll it out:
You'll need to roll out your blue colored fondant along with white (same size). Roll your fondant out about an eighth inch thick. Make sure you roll it out larger than the surface that needs to be covered, keeping in mind the shape and indentations.

Step 6 Apply Fondant:
I started by cutting the bottom of my fondant to make
 a strait edge then lined that up with the base of the shark. Use your hand to smooth surface and fill the indentations. You'll end up with a fold of extra fondant on the nose area, just cut and smooth seem with fingertips. In addition you will have to cut off the extra fondant making a straight line down the middle of your shark. Do the same with the white fondant.


Step 7, 8, 9...:
Cut a Whopper in half and use some left over frosting to glue his eyeballs on. I painted the inside of his mouth with rose peddle pink gel food coloring. The gums are made out of pink frosting that I happen to have a tube of on hand. I added pink gel on top of that to give it a realistic wet look. I also cut slits on the sides for his gills and put some pink gel inside. I poked holes for his nose with a cake decorating tool (a skewer will work), added the teeth, and for the finishing touch I steamed it to give it a wet look.


If your not using your shark topper right away don't forget to REFRIGERATE IT.

Zucchini Carrot Muffins

These Zucchini Carrot Muffins are delicious and a great way to sneak some vegetables into your kids diet without a fuss. I’ve tried a healthier version of this recipe a few times (substituting some sugar with applesauce, and additional whole wheat flour). The texture just never came out right.  I even baked it for almost double the time required and the middles still came out gooey. Gooey middles aren’t very reassuring when egg is one of the ingredients in the recipe.  I found a few other similar recipes that I added to, and took some things out, coming up with my own concoction.  They turned out great. These would be a hit with both moms and kids at a morning play date, or just to have around the house for a healthy snack.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1cup all-purpose flour
1cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups finely shredded unpeeled zucchini
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
Preparation:
Grease and flour 12 muffin cups or use paper cups. Heat oven to 375°.
In a mixing bowl, beat the oil with eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract.
Combine the flour, soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; add to the wet ingredients; stirring until blended. Fold in the shredded zucchini and carrots.
Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or granulated sugar, if desired. Bake for 20 minutes. Let them cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes then place on the wire rack.

Makes 12

Hug a Pretzel

Here's a quick, cheap, and easy snack that is sure to impress. Usually I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate, but in this case the combination of white chocolate, milk chocolate, and salty pretzel complement each other perfectly. Enjoy!

All you need is one bag of these butter snap pretzels, and a bag of Hershey's Hugs.
Step #1: Put a layer of pretzels on the pan.
Step #2: Place one Hug on each pretzel.
Step #3: Place in oven on 350 for two minutes.
Step #4: Place another pretzel on top of the kiss, and let cool.

The hardest part is unwrapping all the Hugs, but worth it. Plus the kids like to help with the unwrapping anyway :)

Clean Out the Fridge Smoothie

If you have a toddler in the house, like us, then your probably going to have a verity of fruits available. Sometimes we don’t get to all our fruit before it goes bad. A great way to get rid of an abundance of fruit before going bad is to make SMOOTHIES. It’s a healthy snack that the kiddos love, and love to help toss the ingredients in the blender. For this smoothy we just through together all the fruit we had available that was nearing it's expiration date along with a few other ingredients, hence the name Clean out the Fridge Smoothy. It's easy and delicious.

Ingredients
1 banana
about 1/2 cup blueberries
1 peach snack cup in light syrup (drain the syrup)
2 yoplait snack cups (strawberry banana flavor)
about 1/3 cup milk
about 1 tsp sugar