Samoas ~ The Girl Scout Cookie Clone

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My husband (aka, "tt") loves the Samoa girl scout cookie and will purchase several boxes from the girls during the selling season. I was looking around for an interesting cookie to make and came across this one. I changed several things from the original recipe (www.bakingbites.com) to give it my own spin and I have to say, that they came out marvelously! My only complaint was that I didn't make enough as they were spoken for rather quickly! Next time, I will make a double batch of these. I probably will be making them sooner than later!! I don't want you to be disappointed -if you are of the "slice and bake" cookie mind, making these cookies might not be for you. These cookies do take time and effort and a bit of skill. Some may call them tedious to make...I call them WORTH IT!! I broke the project up into two days so that you don't feel like you are spending too much time in the kitchen. It was totally manageable this way and one I would recommend. 

Mexican Stacked Dinner! Ole!

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 Football Season is upon us, and this is perfect for munching on during game. Chances are good you have a member of your household chomping at the bit, to watch football!!  Unless you live in another country, in which case you likely could care less about an American football game! This is also the perfect dinner for the kids! With school starting soon, this would be a fun to eat, one dish meal!

A "Duck" blanket using Minky!

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Moose and Bandit!

It’s no secret that Fall is quickly approaching and I must say I’m really excited.   It’s not that I don’t love Summer...…obviously I do, but there comes a time when a girl wants to dress in faded jeans, boots, sweaters, scarves and watch the leaves change colors. Even if the temperature hasn't dipped too much yet, the evenings are becoming noticeably shorter. It makes me all fuzzy and warm on the inside just thinking about it! Soon the pumpkins and apples will be appearing beside the peaches, corn and tomatoes.....ahhh, and, I just love watching the changing leaves! So much so, that Wee Bear and I are leaving for three weeks to see the East Coast leaves turn. I have loved the West coast color changes, all my life, going on long drives up to Kelowna, British Columbia over the North Cascades Highway, Highway 2 to Leavenworth and down the coast on Hy-way 1  through Oregon. This year we are going to New York, see a few Broadway shows, visit some friends and board a ship to Montreal!! Yippeee! There are multiple stops for eating lobster rolls in Maine, salmon in Nova Scotia and viewing the beautiful East Coast Fall leaves through the St. Laurence seaway to Quebec, then to Montreal and all it has to offer. Wee Bear has been brushing up on his French and I have downloaded a app to my Iphone that translates! Can't wait!!

Blueberry Streusel Muffins!

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I have been thinking about adding a blueberry bush to my garden and I think I just got the incentive after visiting my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house over the weekend for a BBQ. As I wandered through their backyard with the dogs, I came across a blueberry bush that was bursting with fresh ripe blueberries ready for picking! 

I asked my sister-in-law if I could take a bag of blueberries and she said sure, but under one condition...If I made something with them and shared. I said "of course!" and immediately thought of blueberry muffins! Everyone was excited, even Wee Bear, who said he loved blueberry muffins. 

TT's Favorite Chicken Salad!

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 I have been making this salad for 20+ years. My children loved this one growing up, and it continues to be a popular choice, for a gathering on a warm Summer day. Admittedly, Sweet One has been making it more than I in recent years, it became a popular choice in her family as well. But, last weekend TT and Sweet One invited the family to their "Block Party". I made this salad as it is a perfect one to transport.

Easy Italiano pasta salad! È fantastico!

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I love macaroni salad. I’m also particular, and picky about macaroni salad. Seriously! If I am going to eat macaroni salad it has got to be worth the carb load! I have issues, is what I’m saying. I don't like macaroni salad that is gloopy or overly vinegary. I do like a macaroni salad that is creamy, but still light, I like it with a subtle blend of spices and I like macaroni salad with a confetti of color, good texture, flavor and spice.

This side dish took about fifteen minutes, working time, to make. It was so easy. But more than that, it was absolutely delicious.

Rum Cake...a must bake!

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I have been making this cake for many years. It all started with a colleague I worked with at a dialysis company 6 or so years ago. She would make this delicious and moist cake and bring it into the office to share. You could smell the aroma of the rum and butter from your desk, it was heavenly! Since then, I have taken this recipe with me and baked my own version to share with other colleagues, family and friends for years. It makes about 12 servings so it's great for a crowd or large dinner gathering. It would also be great served with afternoon tea.