DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘baking’

Baked Ziti

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScrubCloth #CollectiveBias

 

My hubby has one favorite meal that he loves to make and that’s Baked Ziti. So when I asked him if he would show me how so that I could make it for him for Father’s Day, he reluctantly kindly agreed.  However, I must admit that his version turned out to be much better than mine and it definitely was a lot less messy!

how to make baked ziti

 

After work I stopped at Walmart to pick up the following ingredients but had to make a second trip because I had forgotten the shredded cheese.  This should have been the first indication that I wasn’t ready to take over his recipe.

Ingredients:

1 Box Penne Pasta or Ziti Noodles – cooked according to package directions

2 Jars of Marinara Sauce

3 lbs Ground Turkey (chicken or beef) – browned

Shredded Cheese (3 cheese mixture)

 

However, while there I also picked up a 2-pack of Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloths which definitely came in handy as you can see why! 

These Scotch-Brite Scrubbing Dish Cloths are textured fiber dish cloths featuring two sides with scrubbing dots on one side so you don’t need to use a scrub brush.

 

baked on mess

 

 

Once home, I tried to keep hubby out of the kitchen while I prepared the Ziti but he couldn’t help from popping in and out checking to ensure that I was following his directions.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Boil water and cook pasta according to box directions, drain but do not rinse noodles

drain but do not rinse noodles

 

Brown ground turkey in skillet with a little olive oil for approximately 25 minutes

cook ground turkey for 25 minutes

 

Drain Ground Turkey then put a layer of noodles at the bottom of the pan, top with Marinara Sauce, ground turkey and cheese, stir to mix all ingredients. Repeat with a second layer and top with a more cheese.

Hubby said it’s the cheese that makes the Ziti thick and tasty but there is no need to measure it, just add what you want!

marinara sauce

 

baked ziti recipe

 

marinara sauce and ground turkey

The pasta and ground turkey was already cooked so I put the pan in the pre-heated oven just long enough to warm and melt the cheese which was about 30 minutes. 

Obviously, if using a glass pan you should coat with cooking spray otherwise, you will have a baked on mess which is exactly what I had.

I poured 1/2 cup of pure baking soda into the pan and then added 1/2 cup of white vinegar.  The foaming action began to dissolve some of the baked on mess and the scrubbing cloth took care of the rest.

 

I let the pan soak with the baking soda and vinegar so by the time I had finished eating simply using the non-scratch side of the scrubbing dish cloth had this pan sparkling again. 

I was ecstatic because the last thing I wanted to do was spend the next hour scrubbing the pan while hubby sat on the sofa watching the game!

Clean-Up-with-Scotch-Brite-173

 

Needless to say, I will leave the Baked Ziti recipe to hubby so the next time he will have the pleasure of using a Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth to clean up the baked on mess. 

These new Scotch-Brite dish cloths are available at Walmart in 2 packs in tan, coral, and navy for $4.98 and there is a $1 off instant redeemable coupon available on the product.

shopping at Walmart

 

The Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth combines the best of a high quality dish cloth with the power of Scotch-Brite® scrubbing dots so it definitely made for a quicker and easier clean so I was able to join hubby on the sofa before the game ended!

where to find Scotch Brite in Walmart

 

Nest weekend I will try another recipe and if you too are looking to try something new, check out these great recipes and cleaning tutorials here .


4 Ingredient Apple Turnovers ~ A Quick & Easy Sweet Treat

DISCLOSURE: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Pure Via®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PureViaSweet http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

You know that we love to have a little something sweet after dinner and with apples being so plentiful I decided to make a few turnovers using only 4 ingredients, apples, refrigerated biscuits, Pure Via Sweet, and cinnamon. 

I had plans on going to the orchard but the weekend was busy and Malik brought home a friend from college so I just grabbed a few apples along with a box of Pure Via Sweet from Walmart.

Apple Turnovers with Pure Via Sweet

With a coupon I was able to save $.55 on one box of Pure Via Non-GMO, All Natural, Zero Calorie 40 ct. packets, but it’s only while supplies last so click here to see if it’s  still available.

Also, on most packages there’s a sticker with an offer for a free song and cookbook/songbook download from Jewel, but you can also take advantage of that offer by clicking this link: http://purevia.com/Jewel-Tunes/

Pure Via in Walmart

Just like my grandmother, I also like apple turnovers and these are really quick and easy to make.  Using Pure Via which is made from the pure extract of the stevia leaf, a natural alternative to sugar made these taste great.

Ingredients:

1 medium Granny Smith apple

Refrigerated biscuits, use as many or as few as you need

Ground Cinnamon

A few packets of Pure Via Sweet

1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine

Ingredients for Apple Turnovers with Pure Via

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Wash, core and slice apple

Remove and separate biscuits from the can, roll or flatten by hand

Place 1 slice of apple on biscuit and sprinkle with a little Pure Via Sweet and cinnamon

Fold biscuit in half, crimp edges with a fork

Roll or flatten biscuit, add apple sprinkle cinnamon and Pure Via

Fold biscuit in half and crimp ends with a fork

Brush tops with melted butter

Sprinkle tops with a little more Pure Via Sweet and Cinnamon

Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown

Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle a little Pure Via Sweet

Serve warm and enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy

Make sure to check out Pure Via on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest for more recipe ideas and money saving offers. 

Do you have an apple recipe to share?Smile

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Wellness Wednesday ~ Hibernating at Home

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to Wellness Wednesday.  

As the daylight hours get shorter and the temps a little chillier your mood may begin to mellow. Gone are the long sunny days spent outdoors and you may feel like hibernating at home.

Now is the perfect time to indulge the senses with affordable yet comfortable items that will enhance our mood and not break the bank.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw

Concepts - Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw
Sofa Shawl

Sofa Shawl

Having a sofa shawl or blanket is a must-have to grab on a crisp Autumn evening while watching tv or reading. Toss it into the dryer with a sheet of fabric softener for an added indulgence for the senses.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw – $21.99 (72% off), Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box

Kennedy Mfg - Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix - No Sugar Added 30/Box
Nestle Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love to indulge with a cup of hot chocolate, especially after a long day of shopping or shoveling snow.  Yes, I said the “S” word and unfortunately it will be here before you know it.  

I will sometimes add marshmallows or a shot of Brandy to make my own little hot toddy #drinkresponsibly  

What is your favorite hot beverage?

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box – $8.79, See Site shipping – Available at WEBstaurant Store

 

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492

Woodstock Chimes - Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime - DCW17 WS492
Woodstock Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes

I used to think that wind chimes were just for the summer but now I keep them out all year long.  I love the serene sounds that they make and unless there’s a howling winter storm it does have a calming effect.

I have several types, bamboo, glass and metal, which I change from season to season.

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492 – $15.00, 5.37 shipping – Available at Target.com

 

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim

Corning - Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid - Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim
Corelle Electric Potpourri Warmer

Potpourri Warmer

Do you remember the DIY article that I wrote for Parade Magazine?  I love the scent of of warming Potpourri so if you don’t have a pot, put some in a jar with mini lights.

Now is also the perfect time to stock up on the summer fragrances to use next year.

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim – $19.99, 8.99 shipping – Available at Replacements

 

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)

Crock-Pot - SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)
Stainless Steel Crock Pot

Crock Pot

Last but certainly not least is a Crock Pot.  I have several, but when we do break away from the house and travel I like taking a tasty treat.  This year before leaving to visit relatives for the holiday, I’ll make a Slow Cooked Apple Pie, then leave the Crock Pot as a gift to them.

What is your favorite Crock Pot Meal?

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware) – $39.00, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 How do you like to Hibernate at Home?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.


Autumn Activities ~ How Do You Mark The Change In Seasons?

Hello friends,

Fall doesn’t officially begin until 10:29 tonight, but over the weekend I got a jump start with some Autumn Activities. I finished clearing the pool deck, cleaned and removed the seat cushions, put away the patio umbrellas then pulled out my large Pumpkin floral arrangement. However, my most favorite Autumn activity begins in the kitchen, with baking and Crock Pot meal making.

Hello Autumn Pumpkin Spice Style

Two weeks ago while shopping at Super G I noticed a large selection of Pumpkin Spice products so I decided to pick up a box of Cake and Muffin Mix and a pack of Pumpkin Spice Pudding. Personally we are more of a Sweet Potato Pie eating family but I keep hearing about Pumpkin Spice this and Pumpkin Spice that, so I decided to give it a try.

@GiantFood

I made these cupcakes using only two ingredients, Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin Cake Mix and a can of Libby’s Pure Pumpkin. What’s the verdict? I am now a Pumpkin Spice lover. First of all I would never have imagined that you could make a cake or cupcakes using only two ingredients and have it be flavorful, I was also afraid that it would taste like pumpkin pulp.

The mix was a bit thicker, more of a muffin consistency which is why the tops are peaked so the next time I will only fill half the tin.  Not only were these cupcakes moist and tasty, the added topping of Buttercream frosting and sugar sprinkles had me pouring a tall glass of cold milk – yum yum good!

Hello Autumn Pumpkin Spice Style

 

Hello Autumn Pumpkin Spice Style

 

Hello Autumn Pumpkin Spice Style

My next Autumn baked dessert will be Cranberry Bread! “can ya smell what I’m cookin?” Oh, and I found these Pumpkin Spice Sweets Terra Vegetable Chips, they are nestled in my floral arrangement – and I am looking forward to trying them as well. So now that I’m hooked on Pumpkin Spice do you have any recommendations?

@Terra Chips

How do you mark the arrival of Autumn?

I linked up with the SITSGirls Back to Blogging Challenge, so go check out some other great Autumn posts.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Chicken Kabobs & Lemonhead Lemon Bars | Friday Foodie Feature

GiftedLiving - Live Happy!
Hello friends,

the summer may be fading fast, but don’t put away the grill just yet, why not fire it up and make some chicken kabobs for dinner tonight?  Kabobs are a quick and easy way to cook both your meat and veggies together on a stick whether it’s with chicken, beef or seafood. chicken kabobs with macaroni salad If using wooden skewers, allow them to soak in water for about 15 mins, this will prevent them from scorching or burning too badly.

soak wooden skewers

I like using cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers.

veggies for the kabobs

Cube boneless, skinless chicken, then sprinkle on a little pepper and any seasoning of your choice.

marinated chicken diced Thread chicken cubes and veggies onto the skewer.

chicken kabobs

Before placing the kabobs onto a high, preheated grill, spray them with a little cooking spray or brush with olive oil.  Grill for approximately 10 minutes or until done, you can also brush on a little barbecue or hot sauce if you prefer.

chicken kabobs

You know me, I have to have a little something sweet, so for dessert I made Krusteaz Lemon Bars but with a twist, crushed Lemonhead Candy sprinkled on top.

Lemonhead Lemon Bars

Lemonhead Lemon Bars

Following the directions on the box, I baked the Lemon Bars then allowed them to cool before adding some crushed candy.

August Review Weekend 222

crushed lemonheads sprinkled atop the lemon bars

What is your favorite dessert?  Mine is cake and ice cream…why…because tomorrow is MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Recipe Weekend 005

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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JuiceBeauty.com


A Little Something Sweet ~ Mini Banana Loaf

Hello friends,

I remember when I was growing up my grandmother always had to have “a little something sweet” after eating dinner.  She believed everything in moderation and never over ate, but she loved her sweets. She would also proudly remind me that the most she ever weighed was 120 lbs, and that was when she was pregnant with her twins, my mother and uncle.

I haven’t seen 120 lbs since the birth of our first son, but I also believe everything in moderation.  Sunday dinners are my favorite meals to cook and sometimes I too like to have “a little something sweet” after eating.  

Recently while looking through the clearance racks at Walmart I found these Welcome Home Brands Mini Baking Pans.  They are made from oven safe paper and are a perfect size for “a little something sweet” dessert.

Mini Banana Loaf

 I cooked chicken and collard greens for dinner and then decided to make some Jiffy Banana muffins using the mini Baking Pans instead of a muffin tin.  Following the box directions I filled each mini pan with 1/2 batter without pre-greasing which wasn’t necessary. After putting them on a baking sheet, they were placed in a pre-heated oven at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes.
$5 Off Orders Over $50 at TimeForMeCatalog.com
Mini Banana Loaf

The mini banana loaf removed easily from the pan, there was no scorching and the bread was delicious, which was made a little more so when topped with banana slices and cherry sauce – just “a little something sweet!”

Mini Banana Loaf Mini Banana Loaf

How about you, do you like to have “a little something sweet” after dinner?

Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty!


Poke Cake | Labor Day Dessert


Hello friends,

 

are you gearing up for this long Labor Day Weekend?  What are your plans, will you be heading to the parks, a pool party, or just chillaxin at home?  I will be doing a little grilling using the Yoshi Grill Mats, cleaning out a few closets and watching movies.

This holiday is going to be bittersweet because it’s the first one without Malik and also because it’s the last official one of the summer. I keep telling myself, “this too shall pass!”

A few weeks ago, I decided to make a Poke Cake after seeing a recipe for one online.

Poke Cake Recipe

  

Hubby was a little skeptical because he had never heard of pouring jello over a cake, thinking it would be too soggy so in his mind he didn’t like it even before tasting it. Poke Cake Recipe

Using Duncan Hines cake mix and following the box directions I allowed the cake to cool before poking in the holes.

Poke Cake Recipe

While the cake cooled, I made the gelatin, using Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry for a holiday “red white and blue” theme.

Using a wooden skewer I poked random holes into the cake, stopping half way through then poured the liquid gelatin across the top.

poke cake

The pan was then placed in the refrigerator for approximately three hours to set.  After removing the cake from the pan it was frosted and topped with canned strawberries.

Poke Cake Recipe I loved it, hubby, again not so much but of course my mini men ate several slices.  

 

Have you ever made a Poke Cake?  If so, what jello and toppings did you use?  
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Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 for the #WWDParty.

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Mason Jar Dump Cake

Hello friends,

are you ready for the weekend?  Here it is the middle of August so raise your hand if you’ll be heading to the beach or the shore this weekend?  Not me, but I will be hanging poolside, I hate traffic, I get enough of that during the week!

 

Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is for anyone with a super duper sweet tooth.

bowie state orientation 032

I made this cake in small Mason Jars but should have used a little less cake mix because they were too sweet even for Malik.

Mason Jar Dump Cake Ingredients

My son loves Pineapple Upside Down cake so I decided to make the dump cake using the same ingredients.  Boxed cake mix, crushed pineapples, maraschino cherries and butter.

bowie state orientation 013

After spraying the jars with cooking spray, I layered a few spoonfuls of crushed pineapples on the bottom then topped with a few cherries.

bowie state orientation 015

Dump in some cake mix, but not too much which is why I think it was a tad bit too sweet or it could have been the pineapples. Top the cake mix with 3 or 4 pats of butter.

bowie state orientation 018

Place jars on baking sheet and put into a pre-heated oven, bake according to time listed on the box or until the tops are crispy brown.

Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake  

Pour a tall glass of milk and enjoy!

 

What is your favorite cake recipe?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the Weekend Wind-Down Party!

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Brownies in a Bowl | FAIL

Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.

Today’s Friday Foodie Feature comes with a warning!

Duncan Hines Brownies in a Bowl I decided to make Duncan Hines milk chocolate brownies in a bowl instead of a pan.  I followed the directions on the box, however, since I baked them in Pyrex bowls they should not have been filled to the top!

Duncan Hines Brownies in a Bowl

Spray the bowls with non stick cooking spray, pour in the batter but DO NOT OVERFILL, otherwise the insides will not be done in the amount of time stated on the box.

Spray with non-stick cooking spray

 

DO NOT OVERFILL I eventually scooped the partially baked brownies out of the bowls and put them into a baking dish to finish cooking.

Duncan Hines Brownies in a Bowl

It was Malik who asked if there were supposed to be gooey on the inside.  So before realizing they were not completely done, I had topped each with a few scoops of Duncan Hines cherry topping and a few whooshes of Reddi Wip Cream.

Duncan Hines Brownies in a Bowl

This delicious dessert looked wonderful and after completely baking tasted just as good!

Have you ever had any cooking failures?

lucy-2

Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Blueberry Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Hello friends, and Happy Fri-Yay!

You guys know that I have been on this baking kick lately but I definitely need to scale back before the bathroom scale steps forward too much!  The problem seems to be there are so many new cake mixes on the market and those pretty colors just seems to draw me in – lol

Just take a look at these amazing Blue Velvet Cupcakes and tell me that they don’t draw you in!

Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix

It’s was also due to the fact that hubby was fasting for Ramadan so I liked to have something a little extra sweet for him to eat after his evening meal.

The recipe was easy, only calling for butter and eggs but the batter was thicker than regular cake batter.  This was probably due to the fact that were more calories…I never check so it didn’t matter anyway.

Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix

After they cooled I frosted and then topped them with a fresh blueberries and sprinkles  – another Duncan Hines dessert winner!

Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix Duncan Hines Blue Velvet Cake Mix

 

Which is your favorite, cake or cupcakes?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty!