Category Archives: Creative Recipes

Quick Food and Drink Ideas for the Fourth of July

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Skewers of food can make party planning easy and visually appealing. Image courtesy of Pinterest via Martha McCall.

Skewers of food can make party planning easy and visually appealing. Image courtesy of Pinterest via Martha McCall.

In order for party planners to have enough energy to stay awake for the fireworks, the execution of creating great foods should be simple, visually appealing, and of course, crowd-pleasing.

Here are a few quick and easy energy-saving recipe ideas:

Love the Skewers:

This can be skewers of meat and veggies for the grill, appetizers of fruit and cheese, or anything else that can be jabbed with a stick.They can be laid upon a tray, poked into a cabbage head that has been leveled by slicing a piece off the bottom, Styrofoam, or in tumblers or glasses. For more info on skewer recipes see 50 skewer recipes by The Food Network.

Arrangement of Foods

Continue reading →

Sometimes Simple does the Job

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Banana Dolphins. Image courtesy of Luz's Unique Creations on Facebook.

Banana Dolphins. Image courtesy of Luz’s Unique Creations on Facebook.

We’re all in to creating, or at least most of us that visit this page, but sometimes…doing something so simple does the job in a big way: It puts a smile on the faces we love. Here is a healthy snack that only takes minutes to create.

You’ll need:

Bananas (washed)
Grapes – green and red (washed)
Small Containers
A Knife
A Black Marker (non-toxic)

1) Fill containers with grapes of both colors, leaving enough room for the banana to stick in.
2) Cut the end tip of the banana long enough to hold a grape and mimic a mouth.
3) Use the marker to make dots for the eyes of the dolphin.
4) Place each banana into the container, pull apart his mouth and place a grape in it.

Option 2: For Those with more Time on their Hands

Looking at this idea, another one came to mind: Instead of using grapes for inside the container, make blue gelatin.This can be achieved by either making the blue gelatin in a large bowl and after it firms up, scooping up pieces( it will look like waves) into each container or just pouring the gelatin into each individual container(which could be more cumbersome in the refrigerator), but it will look like still waters.
Place the cleaned and prepared bananas (as in in directions above) into the gelatin and place an orange fish cracker in the mouth.You can also scatter a few crackers on top of the “water.” Enjoy!

St. Patrick’s Day Food Fun

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Quick and easy shamrock cupcakes. Image courtesy of recipebyphoto.com.

With St. Patrick’s Day only a week away, the party planning better begin.We’ve all seen green beer and green hair, but how many of us can say we ate a green shamrock? These adorable shamrock cupcakes take only a few extra minutes of preparation compared to their regular counterparts.

You’ll need:

1 Cake Mix (any light-colored flavor)
Green Food Coloring
Cupcake Liners
Glass Marbles or Aluminum Foil (rolled into some balls)
Frosting (Green)
For the Smile: You can use black gel writer, or cut a small piece of black string licorice.
For the Eyes: Use paper dot candies and follow directions of my earlier post called Not the Gingerbread Cookies Your Grandma Made or buy pre-made edible ones.

1) Make the cake batter according to package directions and add green food coloring to your desired shade of green.
2) Place the wrappers in each muffin hole and in between the wrapper and pan, place the marbles or rolled foil to help  shape the shamrock.
3) Do not over fill each shamrock with batter- no more than 1/2 full.
4) Bake at the temperature directed by the cake mix box, but for a few minutes less than the time the box suggests.To ensure they are cooked, stick a toothpick into a cupcake and if the pick comes out clean – they’re done. Let cool.
5) Add green food coloring to white frosting if you didn’t purchase green frosting. Frost the cupcakes, add the eyes, and either the gel or tiny strips of black licorice for the smile.
6) Enjoy with friends and family and have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Indoor S’more Recipes

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S'more courtesy of FlickrCC 76454756 at N00/2987530248.

S’more image courtesy of FlickrCC 76454756 at N00/2987530248.

It’s like a rite of summer passage: Having get-togethers, building a fire and making S’mores. But building a fire isn’t always possible. Below are indoor recipes that will squelch anyone’s craving for a real S’more without lighting a match.

S’mores in the Oven

You’ll need:
Graham Crackers
Chocolate Bars
Marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay cracker squares on a cookie sheet. Place 1 marshmallow on each cracker. Bake approximately 6 minutes or until marshmallow is softened. Pull sheet out of oven, add chocolate squares and top with another graham cracker.

S’more Trifle

1 Dark Chocolate Cake Mix
1 Box Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 Large Container of Marshmallow Cream (Like Fluff)
1 Cup Crushed Graham Crackers
1 bag  Milk Chocolate  or Semi-Sweet Chips
1 Large Whipped Cream Tub
Chocolate Bars

1) Make the cake and pudding following their box directions.

2) As the pudding is setting in the fridge, slice the cake into small cubes (1-2 inches) and break up your chocolate bars into small pieces.

3) In a large bowl, work in layers by placing cake cubes on bottom, marshmallow cream on top of cubes, add a layer of pudding, crushed crackers, chocolate bar pieces, and whipped cream. Repeat, except you’ll alternate the chocolate bar pieces with chips.  Top off the last layer with the rest of the chocolate chips/bar leftovers.

Easy No-Bake S’more Bars

S’more Sandwich Bars

If you have a favorite indoor S’more recipe you’d like to add, please feel free to shoot me an email. Thanks –  have a great summer!

Quick Last Minute Red, White and Blue Recipe Delights

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Image called Caaake, courtesy of FlickrCC 12818386@N00/7560097470.

Image called Caaake, courtesy of FlickrCC 12818386@N00/7560097470.

Flag Cake (pictured right)

Bake a cake following package directions, top with either white frosting or whipped cream (the kind in the tub) and add berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc.) to represent stars and stripes.

Patriotic Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes according to package, top with white frosting or whipped cream (tub kind) and cut red string licorice strips to fit for stripes and add a blueberry or blue M & M for the star.

Red, White and Blue Parfaits or Trifle

Buy 2 pound cakes and cut them into cubes. Place one layer of cubed cake on the bottom of a trifle bowl or clear plastic cups. Add a layer of whipped cream (the kind in a tub) and add a layer of berries.  Repeat, alternating red or blue-colored berries.

Make Your Own String or Edible Easter Basket

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Make your own chocolate baskets to hold goodies in. Image courtesy of Flickr 51633081 @N04/6905180828

Make your own chocolate baskets to hold goodies in. Image courtesy of Flickr 51633081 @N04/6905180828

Over the years, I’ve learned a plethora of craft and food ideas for almost ever holiday. Yet, sometimes the simplest ideas are still the best.

A Better String Egg

I ran across a way to make your own Easter basket with a bit of string, a balloon and a water/flour paste that gives a good visual on what it looks like to wrap the string on the balloon. But instead of using a flour paste, use Elmer’s or a non-name brand white glue. It hardens well in a shorter period of time and instead of dipping the string, take a foam paint brush and “paint” the glue over the string wrapped around the balloon. Then once everything is completely dry,  pop the balloon and cut a hole where you want to add some goodies.

DIY Chocolate Basket

Another way I’ve made a quick Easter egg basket is by simply melting some chocolate and drizzling layers of it over a balloon(as pictured above). I would sometimes even use multiple colors of chocolate for a different effect. Luckily, Chica and Jo have a great tutorial with images of their chocolate baskets.

You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up a few of these baskets. If you have any photos of your creations, I’d love to see them – and Happy Easter!

Dog Gone-It Good: Dog Biscuit Recipes

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Dogs deserve a holiday too. Image courtesy of FlickrCC 23561056@N00/6075785813.

Dogs deserve a holiday too. Image courtesy of FlickrCC 23561056@N00/6075785813.

With INTERNATIONAL DOG BISCUIT APPRECIATION DAY almost at our door steps, it’s about time to run to the store for some extra treats or make them.

Since this site is dedicated to being creatively frugal, I’ve posting some dog biscuit recipes I’ve either made in the past or have always wanted to try. I hope your pooch enjoys them.

Peanut Butter and Garlic Doggie Biscuits

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour

½ cup Corn Meal

¼ cup Peanut Butter (creamy NOT crunchy)

2/3 cup Beef, Chicken or Veggie Broth

1-2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda and 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions: Continue reading →

Part 3 of Edible Valentine Gifts – A Drinker’s Delight

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Image of Orange Cranberry Spice Vodka courtesy of Flickrcc 17287632 at N00/5192950427

Image of Orange Cranberry Spice Vodka courtesy of Flickrcc 17287632 at N00/5192950427

This is the last part of my three-part series on Edible Valentine Gifts To Make. Instead of focusing on food, we’ll be focusing on beverages.

I’ve given gallons upon gallons of these recipes over the years. The dollar store sometimes has decorative bottles to pour your creations in. You can also find inexpensive decorative bottles at your area thrift store.

Mock Amaretto

2 C. Water

3 C. Sugar

¼ Teaspoon Lemon Extract

1 Teaspoon Chocolate Extract(home recipe here)

2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

8 Teaspoons Pure Almond Extract

1 Bottle of Vodka (24-26 oz.)

Directions: Place water, sugar, lemon extract in large pot. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently. When sugar has melted completely (no granules present) turn off heat and set mixture aside to cool.

Once cooled, add the rest of the ingredients, stir well and bottle.

Copy Cat Kahlua Continue reading →

Part 2 of Edible Valentine Gifts: Hot and Spicy Addicts

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Everyone has a weakness. For some, hot and spicy foods gives them a real rise. If your loved ones really enjoy hot and spicy treats, continue to read.

Add a few valentine stickers and a bow and your Valentine gift is ready. Photo courtesy of FlickrCC 10774420@N00/4188529390

Add a few heart stickers and a bow and your Valentine gift is ready. Photo courtesy of FlickrCC 10774420@N00/4188529390

Cranberry Salsa

1 Bag of Fresh Cranberries

2/3 C. (or more depending on taste) Sugar

1-2 Tbsp. Mint leaves

6-8 Tbsp. Lime Juice

¼ Tsp. Ground Ginger

Approx. ¼ Cup of Sliced Canned or Jar Jalapenos or 1/3 Cup Fresh with Seed Removed

1)      Chop cranberries in processor to your preferred texture (I prefer chunky, but have made it smoother).  Add the rest of the ingredients.

For Gifting:  Place in a jar, decorate it with heart stickers and/or ribbons.

Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips Continue reading →

Edible Valentine Gifts – A Three Part Series

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It’s only the first week of January and I’m already looking ahead to the next holiday – Valentine’s Day. I usually make tasty treats to give out, especially since my bank account has been drained with the past Christmas shopping spree. Yet, for all the people on my love list, I still give them individualized attention to what their tastes are.

This will be 3-part post series in these food categories: Sugar Addicts, Hot and Spicy Addicts, and Drinker’s Delights.

For The Sugar Addicts:

Cookies on a Stick

If time is a factor, I’d suggest buying the packaged sugar cookie mix. Otherwise, The Decorated Cookie has a sugar cookie recipe with many other clever cookie ideas.

Image courtesy of FlickrCC 61365821-at-n07-6872600665.jpg

Image courtesy of FlickrCC 61365821-at-n07-6872600665.jpg

After cookies are cooled and decorated, get a Valentine coffee mug (a Dollar Store buy) and fill it half way with Styrofoam. Push your cookie sticks into the foam, add some confetti or gift bag filler to cover the foam.Tuck in any loose pieces or use a mini hot glue gun to secure small pieces. Optional: add ribbon to the handle or on the sticks themselves.

Homemade Peanut Butter Balls: If your valentine really digs peanut butter cups, this is the recipe for you. Since they are so tasty, I use them for Halloween(as eyeballs) and Christmas too. You’ll find the recipe in my post An Eye For All Seasons.

Copy Kat Mounds Candy Continue reading →