happy new year!

We've been partying non-stop around here. Hence, the lack of posts.

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a great start to the New Year!

Here are some details from our New Year's Party.

I made this banner out of cardboard and tinsel. It was Martha's idea, not mine.

cinnamon oatmeal pancake mix [gift idea + recipe]

This year for neighbor gifts, we wanted to do something that would be useful and not contribute to the sugar overload that usually happens this time of year. So, we made {cinnamon oatmeal pancake mix} and packaged it up all cute. Thanks to my cousins for the great recipe!

It's a win-win. Easy for us. Convenient for the busiest time of the year. And cute. Not to mention they are so yummy! Here is how they turned out...

Here is the recipe:

Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancake Mix

ingredients: 

4 cups quick cooking oats

2 cups flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup non-fat dry milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

directions: 

mix all together. place in airtight container. store in a cool,dry place. use within 6 months. the entire batch will make 4 batches of pancakes. each batch makes 16-20 pancakes. 

to make pancakes:

in medium bowl, beat 2 eggs. beat in 3 Tbsp. oil gradually. alternately stir in 2 cups of mix and 1 cup of water. drop onto lightly greased skillet. when batter starts to bubble, turn pancakes over. cook about 2 to 3 minutes.

chocolate covered spoons + hot chocolate [gift idea]

I'm sending my little sister in Arizona a package so she can have a "White Christmas".

One of the things I included was chocolate covered stirring spoons. 

They were simple and fun to make! 

What you'll need: melting chocolate (or chocolate chips), crushed candy cane, and plastic spoons

Melt the chocolate for about 30 seconds or until it is completely melted. 

Then dip the spoon in the chocolate and sprinkle with peppermint before it cools.

Let it cool on wax paper for about 15 minutes. 

Package in cellophane and bundle with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

christmas sundaes

We made these festive sundaes for a dinner we hosted. It was a hit! 

Never underestimate what using a cookie cutter to shape your brownies can do!

Sprinkle shaved candy canes on top for extra festiveness.

festive nachos

If you want a quick and festive snack, make some festive nachos.


All you need:

red and green tortilla chips
cheese

Melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or for crispy nachos, use a toaster oven.