Pinterest made me! Kiss Pies!

Are you on Pinterest??

Let's just say: fantabulous idea OVERLOAD! ;-)

Source: picky-palate.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

If you're saying What's Pinterest?! I guess the easiest way to describe it is a visual bookmarking site. Once you find an idea that you love, you 'pin' it to one of your own virtual bulletin boards. You can follow friends or other pinners based on your interests, from food to home decorating ideas to fashion.

I'm a food/recipe follower. Surprised?! ;-)

One of my friends pinned this fun, sweet idea (left) from Picky Palate: Kiss Pies!

I immediately pinned the recipe, knowing I had both pie crusts and kisses in my freezer from my leftover Christmas stash.

I don't enjoy fussy cooking (rolling dough, cutting cookies, pinching dough), but these pretty little pockets were fun. They'd be perfect for a party!

I used regular kisses and sprinkled the tops with cinnamon sugar.

Pin It

I see endless possibilities here. Caramel kisses? Peanut Butter? Miniature Milky Ways?! Nom, nom!!





**DISCLOSURE: Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Craving Donuts?? Try these!

Did you miss this recipe the first time around??

I'm craving donuts today, so I thought I'd better share these delicious Doughnut (Hole) Muffins with you again!

They're (almost) healthy! Well, at least healthier than something you could pick up at the DD drive-thru and, in my opinion, better tasting!!

They're quick and easy, too! So, go get the recipe HERE!



**Disclaimer: Post *may* contain affiliate links.**

Turkey Crescent Wreath

I'm always looking for a new way to use up my leftover Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey, aren't you? I found this Turkey Crescent Wreath over on Bethany's blog and decided to give it a try.

Don't let the simple ingredients fool you - this recipe is fantastic! You could also easily substitute leftover chicken, as well!

(If you're a fan of Faith's Chicken Casserole, you'll LOVE these!)

You will need a tube of crescent rolls. Begin by unrolling the crescent dough and arranging a circle on a round baking sheet or stone, like this:

Combine 2 cups of shredded turkey or chicken, 1 8-oz package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion.

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, divide meat mixture evenly and place on large ends of crescent dough:

Wrap small end of dough over meat mixture and press to seal:

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Yep, that's it! Now, eat and enjoy! Yum, yum!

TURKEY CRESCENT WREATH

1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
2 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried minced onion

Arrange crescent dough in a circle, with large ends overlapping, on a round baking sheet. Combine turkey, cream cheese, seasoned salt, and onion. Place meat mixture evenly on dough. Wrap meat with small ends of crescent dough. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Recommend: YES

___________________________________

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

One of our favorite ways to use up the leftover Juicy Rotisserie Style Chicken is this:

Mmmmm... Buffalo Chicken Wraps.

I've got a basic recipe for you - but the amounts can change, depending on how much chicken you've got.

First, you should shred the chicken with a fork.

Then, you'll want to melt together some margarine (not butter this time!) and hot sauce (microwave is the easiest way).

How much, you ask?

Well, it depends on your heat tolerance level! ;-)

My basic ratio: 1:1 is mild. The more hot sauce, the hotter you get.

I usually use 1/4 cup of margarine (1/2 stick) and 1/3-1/2 cup of hot sauce for a medium heat level.

Once your 'wing' sauce is ready (you can buy buffalo sauce and marinades, but as I always have margarine and hot sauce in the fridge, making my own is much more economical), mix it with your shredded chicken until all of those meaty bites are coated.

Then, heap a hearty spoonful of spicy chicken in the middle of a warmed tortilla wrap (I've got a nice multigrain one in this picture):

Sprinkle with some shredded cheddar cheese and pour on a little bleu cheese dressing:

Top with some shredded, crispy, cool lettuce:

Roll...or wrap:

Cut...and eat! Make sure you've got napkins handy! Although less expensive than wings, the wrap is only minimally less messy! ;-) I've had plenty of hot sauce dripping down my fingers while eating one of these!


Mmmm, yum, yum, yummy!

Another fabulous non-casserole way to use up leftover chicken! ;-)

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).** ___________________________________

Simple Oven Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Potato Wedges are one of my husband's favorite side dishes.

I love them because they are soo easy and you can flavor the potatoes to suit any dish.

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Now, wash your potatoes. Cut into wedges, chunks, or fries. Place on a baking sheet.

Lightly drizzle with oil (many people like olive oil, I prefer canola oil). Use your hands to toss the potatoes so each one is evenly coated with the oil.

Now, season! I usually keep them simple with just a sprinkling of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, but the possibilities are certainly endless!

Roast in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, minimum, or until potatoes are golden and crispy and easily pierced with a fork. (Roasting time will vary, depending on the size and cut of your potatoes).

Now, eat and enjoy!


By the way, The Creative Side of Me finally has a fan page on Facebook and I'd love if you would fan me!! Check out my right sidebar or click HERE!

Recommend: YES




___________________________________

Tags: potatoes oven roasted potatoes recipes simple side dishes

Chex Party Mix

What?? You've never made homemade Chex Mix before?!


Oh, believe me when I say homemade is sooo much better than the little storebought packages! And, believe me, too, when I say how WONDERFUL Chex Mix smells when baking. Oh, YUMM!

Chex Mix is soo easy to make and is the perfect snack food for your holiday company!

I grew up before bagel chips were invented included in the original recipe - lol - but, they do add another great texture and flavor to the mix. I usually find bagel chips in the deli/bakery section of my grocery store.

You can also find many variations of "Chex Mix" now. Try the winning recipe in the recent Chex Mix recipe contest: Buffalo Chex Mix! MMM! Or, our family's other favorite: Muddy Buddies, which is a sweet peanut butter and chocolate coated chex mix!

Ok...so, get ready for your next party by making some Chex Mix!

ORIGINAL CHEX PARTY MIX

6 tablespoons butter or margarin
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups Corn Chex cereal (the last time I made this, I forgot to buy the corn chex, so I just doubled the rice chex...but, don't forget the wheat chex!)
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts (I use only peanuts)
1 cup pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite size bagel chips or regular size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Melt butter in large roasting pan in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container. 12 cups snack.

Recommend: OH, YES! ;-)




___________________________________

Tags: chex mix chex party mix recipes

Caramel Apple Dip

I combined a couple of different recipes to come up with this light and fluffy dip.


CARAMEL APPLE DIP

20 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup water
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (fluff)

Place caramels and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave, on high, for 1 minute. Stir. Continue cooking and stirring at 30 second intervals until caramels are melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add marshmallow cream and cooled caramel mixture and beat until creamy.

Serve with sliced apples or other fruit (To keep apples from browning, sprinkle with lemon juice).

Recommend: YES




___________________________________

Tags: apple dip caramel apple dip fruit dip recipes

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Ok, I had a hard time getting a good picture of this dip. There was no way I could get a picture that told just how deeeeelicious it was!


It really DID taste just like a jalapeno popper!! I served it with bite sized tortilla chips...and, YUM! I've got enough ingredients for another batch, so I'll be making it as part of Thanksgiving Day treats! Mmmmm!


If you like jalapeno poppers...but not the price and time, make this dip for your next get together! I guarantee that your guests will ask you for the (super simple) recipe!

JALAPENO POPPER DIP

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained
2 oz canned diced jalapeno peppers, drained (I could only find sliced, so I ran them through my mini food chopper)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup bread crumbs

In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in chilies and jalapenos. Pour mixture into a pie plate or shallow oven-safe dish.

Mix melted butter with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs until combined. Sprinkle evenly on top of cheese mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Serve warm.

Recommend: YES




___________________________________

Tags: jalapeno popper dip jalapeno poppers recipes appetizers party food