Simple S’Mores Cake

If you are looking for an easy and yummy cake to make, you have come to the right place.  This Simple S'more Cake is so easy to make!  Get the kids in the kitchen to help make this one.  It uses a boxed cake mix and instant pudding.  Grab the recipe below.

Simple S’Mores Cake

1 package (about 15 ounces) milk chocolate cake mix

1 package (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding

1 ½ cups milk

1 cup mini marshmallows

3 milk chocolate bars (1.55 ounces each), broken into ½ inch pieces OR 1 cup milk chocolate chips

3 whole graham crackers, crumbed into ½ inch pieces

Preheat oven to 350° F.  Spray 13X9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix and milk in large bowl; beat 1 – 2 minutes or until well blended.  Spread batter in prepared pan

Bake 30 – 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. 

Turn oven to broil

Sprinkle marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers over cake.  Broil 6 inches from heat source 30 seconds to 1 minute or until marshmallows are golden brown. (Watch carefully to prevent burning.)

Cool at least 5 minutes before serving.

Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Black Eyed peas are a staple in the South.  Seriously.  If you live in the South and do not have black eyed peas in your pantry, you need to go shopping.  You can use dried or canned black eyed peas for this recipe.  For simplicity, I used canned.  


Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Items needed:

2 (15-ounce) cans Black Eyed Peas (drained)
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped Cilantro
3 Tablespoons Tahini
2 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
2 ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons bottled Minced Garlic
½ teaspoon Salt
Pita Bread or Chips for dipping

Drain black eyed peas really well, then place in a food processor along with cilantro, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, minced garlic and salt. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Serve at room temperature or place in the fridge to chill, then serve! 

I highly suggest you double this recipe, because it is delicious and will save you some time! 

Red, White & Blue Jello Trifles

If you are looking for that perfect dessert for your 4th of July cook out, these mini Jello trifles will do the trick,  So very easy to make, (like all my recipes), kids will enjoy them. Adults will adore them.  Just make sure you hide them until it is time for dessert or you might find them all eaten! 



 

Items needed:

2 (3-ounce) boxes Cherry Gelatin Dessert
2 (3-ounce) boxes Berry Bliss Gelatin Dessert
5 cups water for boiling, plus
Additional 4 cups cold water
1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip
10 Cherries
10 Mini Trifles

Place both boxes of cherry gelatin into a large plastic bowl, set aside. Place both boxes of berry bliss gelatin into another large plastic bowl, set aside. In a large pot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. (Use this amount because some of the water will boil down.) Once boiling, ladle out 2 cups hot water into the cherry gelatin and stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir, then place in the fridge to set for 4 or more hours. Ladle out another 2 cups hot water and add to the berry bliss gelatin, then stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir together, then place in the fridge for 4 or more hours to set. Set out mini trifles. Break red jello apart with fingers and drop down into the bottom of the trifles. Spoon in an even layer of cool whip. Break apart blue jello with fingers and drop down into trifle. Place additional cool whip in a plastic bag and snip the end with scissors. Top each trifle with cool whip and a cherry.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert

I always try and make my desserts from items I have on hand.  This Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert ius simple to make and very pleasing to the palate.  During these scorching hot summer days, this is my go-to dessert! 


Items needed:

5 cups Plain Corn Flakes (crushed)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) (cubed)
1 (1.75-quart) container Vanilla Ice Cream
1 (16-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed & divided)
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup Honey
Chocolate Syrup
Maraschino Cherries

Set out a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Let ice cream sit at room temperature for around 35 minutes. While the ice cream is thawing, place the corn flakes into a large container, then crush and set aside. In a large heavy pot and over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add corn flakes and sugar. Cook while stirring for around 5 minutes (it may take less time, watch corn flakes to make sure they don’t overcook). Place cornflakes to the side to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla ice cream, half of the container of whipped topping and ground cinnamon. Stir until completely combined. Place the remaining whipped topping back in the fridge for later use. Spread a 1/3 of the cooked corn flakes on the bottom of the casserole dish. Drop large dollops of the ice cream mixture over the corn flakes, then spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining corn flakes. Drizzle the honey over the corn flakes. Cover with foil, then place in the freezer for 6 to 8 hours. Remove and cut into squares. Top each square with chocolate syrup, a dollop of the additional whipped topping and a cherry, then serve.

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

I cook a lot of things using chicken stock, which I make myself using chicken leg thigh quarters or whole chickens that I've quartered. Over the years, I've picked up or developed a lot of recipes that make use of the chicken leftover from this process.

Since the chicken is already cooked, it lends itself very well to meals that can be made in time constrained situations. I freeze it in recipe size batches so that I can grab one and thaw it easily. Even If I forget to put it out of the freezer in the morning, it can be thawed out in a matter of minutes in the microwave. This has saved me on more than one occasion when a half day outing lasted way longer than it was supposed to and we don't make it home until dinnertime. Being able to put a home-cooked meal on the table in less time than it would take to order a pizza is priceless.


This is one of my families favorite "leftover" chicken recipes. It can be done with just about any kind of leftover chicken, or you can cook some specifically to make the recipe. I have to make double the recipe because my husband would probably cry if there were no enchiladas for a snack, and my 6-year-old would do the same if there were none for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked chicken, diced
1 package cream cheese, cubed
1 can chopped green chiles
1 package 6-inch tortillas, flour or corn your preference
1 can green chile enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded fiesta cheese blend or cheddar, your preference

Preparation:

Heat oven to  400°F. Prepare a 13X9-inch baking dish.

In a bowl, combine enchilada sauce with cream of chicken soup. Spread a thin layer of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

In a large skillet heat chicken, chiles, and cream cheese on medium heat until heated through and the cream cheese is fully melted.

Spoon mixture into tortillas, roll and place seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.

Granola Parfaits

I was extremely excited to make these delicious parfaits.  I was truly amazed at how delectable they are.  You can change up the dried fruits or nuts and make it your own.  This parfait is to-die-for, melt in your mouth goodness!  





Items needed:

2 ½ cups Old Fashioned Oats
2/3 cup dried Apricots (diced)
1/2 cup Blueberry Craisins
1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
2 Tablespoons Wheat Germ
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2/3 cup Agave Nectar
1/3 cup Canola Oil
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
Wax Paper
Vanilla Yogurt
Parfait Glasses

Grease and line 3 (11x17) inch pans with wax paper, set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine, oats, apricots, craisins, almonds, wheat germ and cinnamon. Blend together with hands. In a 1 quart pot combine, agave nectar, canola oil and coconut oil. Turn burner to low heat and once it is hot, add pot and cook while stirring for 4 minutes until coconut oil has melted. Remove pot from burner and pour over dry mixture. Stir together until completely incorporated. Pour mixture onto 1 of the pans. Bake at 325 degrees on the 3rd rack for 22 minutes, tossing mixture with a spatula every 4 minutes. Remove from oven and toss mixture onto the other 2 pans to dry out. Layer yogurt in the bottom of parfait glasses and then add a layer of granola. Repeat until glasses are filled.

Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

 Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is my favorite thing to grill.  Add your sides and you have a complete meal that the whole family is going to enjoy. Even the kids.



Items needed:

¼ cup White Distilled Vinegar
½ Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 cup Ketchup
4 Tablespoons Margarine (cubed)
½ cup Light Brown Sugar
½ Tablespoon Pepper
½ teaspoon Chili Powder
18 Chicken Drumsticks
Salt & Pepper (to lightly season)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring vinegar and Dijon mustard just to a boil. Add ketchup, margarine, light brown sugar, pepper and chili powder. Stir together and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring often. Let sauce cool and divide sauce in between 2 bowls. Lightly season chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper. Baste chicken with 1 of the bowls of sauce. Grill for around 20 minutes on one side, then turn and grill for another 20 minutes on the other side. Serve with other bowl of sauce, if desired.

Cherry Delight

Summer is upon us and this is the perfect dessert to celebrate all things SUMMER!  This dessert is easy to make and take to those pool parties and summer celebrations.

Items needed:

Crust:

1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) (softened)
1/2 cup finely chopped Pecans
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Spray an 8x11 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray, set aside. Combine all in a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter and pecans. Blend together with hands, then press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.

Filling:

1 (8-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed)
1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese while adding powdered sugar. Beat in milk and vanilla extract. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust.

Topping:

1 (21-ounce) can Cherry Pie Filling

Spread evenly over cream cheese mixture. Chill for a few hours, then serve.

Bolthouse Farms #Giveaway

Reviewz & Newz is happy to help promote this giveaway.

Giveaway Sponsored by Bolthouse Farms Giveaway Hosted by It's a Mom Thing Reviews & More Bolthouse Farms is a company committed to providing superior and more fresh products. They believe that it is incredibly important to connect people with fresher food in an easy and affordable way. Their beverages are MSG free, their 100% juices contain only fruit juice as a sweetener, and do not contain added preservatives. Bolthouse Farms offers a variety of beverages such as juices, smoothies, protein plus drinks, breakfast smoothies, and cafe options. Now you have a chance to enter to win a variety of their beverages!

Entry-Form

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 cups mashed Bananas 
2 sticks Unsalted Butter (1 cup) (softened)
2 cups Sugar
3 large Eggs
1 ½ cups Buttermilk
1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan, set aside. Mash bananas, set aside. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Sift into a mixing bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat butter while adding sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat in vanilla extract. Beat in bananas. Pour batter into pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Frosting:

1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
1 stick Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) (softened)
4 cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Chopped Pecans

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and butter. Slowly add powdered sugar while beating. Beat in vanilla extract. Frost cake with mixture. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Fast, Cheap, and Easy.

When it's hot out I like to keep the cooking to a minimum to keep from heating the house up. Anything that can be cooked on a small appliance is a real winner.If it's a quick fix, doesn't cost a lot, and is easy, I'm even more on board. One of our absolute favorite fast, cheap, and easy small appliance meals is chicken quesadillas. They can be made on/in several appliance. Indoor electric grill, toaster oven, sandwich press, electric griddle, or even a waffle iron. We've also made them on a campfire and an outdoor grill, which makes them great for camping too.

Win a $50 Little Caesars Gift Card

Reviewz & Newz is happy to promote this giveaway.  Reviewz & Newz  is not responsible for shipement of prize and was in no way compensated for this post.

Hosted by: Tales From A Southern Mom and Hints and Tips Blog Sponsor: Little Caesars Prize: $50 Gift Card to Little Caesars

Have you tried the new Stuffed Crust Deep Dish Pizza from Little Caesars? It is really good, and it is one that of course my whole family can agree on. They all love the cheesy stuffed center, and the deep dish crust. The pizza is pretty amazing!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Jennie-O

Jennie-O as some great recipes for Cinco de Mayo!  I am especially pleased with these Miami Steet-Style Turkey Tacos .  I was pleasantly surpised to find out that there are made with Lean Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey from Jennie-O and topped with a mango citrus slaw.  Each taco contains only 180 calories.

You can eat guilt free for Cinco de Mayo with this great recipe from Jennie-O.  This is easy to make in under 30 minutes(HELLO!) and is a low calorie meal!  What are some of your favorite meals to make with Jennie-O products?

Jennie-O provided me with coupons in exchange for this post.

Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Tired of the same pasta meals? These stuffed jumbo shells will make you mouth water. They are sure to please any crowd.

Mother's Day Heart To Heart Collection Gift Box Giveaway

Here is a neat gift for Mother's Day!  Reviewz  &Newz is happy  to promote this giveaway.

Mother's Day Heart To Heart Collection Gift Box Giveaway

Sponsored by: Mochidoki

Hosted by: Daily Deals From a Nerd Mom

Ends 5/2/16

Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states

Flavors in the Heart To Heart Collection Gift Box include:

• Vanilla Chocolate Chip mochi Ice cream hearts decorated with pink and white chocolate
• Raspberry mochi ice cream dipped in white chocolate and finished with cranberry crystals
• Strawberry mochi ice cream dipped in pink and white chocolate tie dye then drizzled with semi-sweet dark chocolate

Old Time Candy

Look at this wonderful box of candy from Old Time Candy!  I chose the 1980s box and I see some of my favorite candies in this box., From Pop Rocks to Giant Sweet Tarts, this box was filled with FOUR POUNDS of candy.    Missing from the box are a box of Mike and Ike, because, well, I ate them before I took the picture!  You can win your very own box of Old Time Candy, a $39.99 value by entering the Rafflecopter below.

Who Wants Guacamole?

Avocado season is in full swing and the price of these delectable fruits has come down to a price that makes it friendlier to making guacamole. I do make guacamole year round, regardless of price, but from April thru September when the prices are down, we have guacamole in the fridge pretty much constantly.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This simple, yet elegant salad is paired with a poppy seed dressing.  Feta cheese, strawberries and pecans, never tasted so good.

Pure Spoons Purees Giveaway

Thanks to Tales from a Southern Mom for hosting this giveaway.  We are always happy to help promote such a wonderful giveaway.

Hosted by: Tales From A Southern Mom

Slim Fast Giveaway

Thanks to Andrea's World for hosting this giveaway for Slim Fast.


SlimFast is so much more than just shakes now. SlimFast has 100 calorie snacks, individually packaged to enjoy anywhere. Lots of mouth-watering varieties like Sour Cream & Onion or Mesquite BBQ Baked Crisps (chips), Cinnamon Bun Swirl or S'Mores Drizzled Crisps, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bites. SlimFast also has the meal replacement products that they built their name on, but they come in the for of delicious bars like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Caramel Almond Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew. There is also meal replacement smoothies (that come as a powdered mix.) There are still shakes too. They come in re-closable plastic bottles now.