Homemade Icees

We have enjoyed this homemade version for years.  It is a perfect cool down when it is hot.  Just don't sip it too fast :) 

Recipe from: Mostly Homemade Mom

1 packet Kool Aid (any flavor but cherry is our favorite)

2 cups seltzer or club soda (I use club soda)

1/2 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups ice

Dissolve sugar and kool aid packet in one cup of the club soda, you can do this right in the blender. Add ice and pulse until all ice chunks are gone. Add remaining one cup of club soda and blend. Pour into glasses and serve.

Simple Marinated Chicken

I loved how simple the ingredients were and how fantastic this chicken tasted.  John was also happy with this chicken, it is likely to be appearing for dinners often throughout the summer. 

Recipe from: Mix It Up

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano

1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup vinegar
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Combine mix with oil and vinegar and add raw chicken.  Marinade chicken at least 2 hours in the fridge a day if possible. 

Cilantro Lime Guacamole

This guacamole was fantastic for Chili's Tortilla Soup.

Recipe from: Craftaholics Anonymous

2 Ripe Avocados
1/2 fresh Lime
3 Tablespoon Diced Jalapeño pepper, I used ground up Jalapeño powder I made from dried Jalapeños
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Black Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4Cup Cilantro, chopped {about 1/4 bunch}

Remove the peel and pit from each avocado and place in a medium bowl. Gently mash with a fork, leaving it a little chunky. Squeeze the juice and some pump from one lime onto the avocados. Then sprinkle on salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Then fold in cilantro and jalapeño peppers. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. 

Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup

So I've never actually had this soup at Chili's, but this recipe it is so good!  The cilantro lime guacamole really adds to it, don't skip it!

Recipe adapted from: 52 Ways to Cook

2 Cups Chicken Stock
1 tsp Ground Cumin
2 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Fresh ground Black pepper
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
1 pint enchilada sauce
12 Corn tortilla Chips (soup thickener)
1 Cup Frozen Corn, thawed by running hot water while straining
1 pint black beans
2 Cups Meat from a Rotisserie Chicken (I used one pint of canned chicken)

8 OZ Colby Jack Cheese, grated
8 OZ Cheddar Cheese, grated  
1 cup half and half
Juice of 1/2 a Lime
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Garnish with Sour Cream, Cilantro Lime Guacamole and crunchy Tortilla Strips

This is a crock pot recipe made in two stages. First can cook all day while the final stage will take an hour before it is ready to serve... First, set your crock pot to high.

Put chicken stock, enchilada sauces, spices, corn, crushed chips and beans in crock pot.  Stir and place on high for about 3 hours.

Add the cheeses and stir to combine and allow to melt (about 20 minutes set on high)

Add the juice of 1/2 a lime.  Serve warm garnished with sour cream, Cilantro Lime G
uacamole, and crumbled chips.

Strawberry Danish Dessert

This is a recipe I got from my mom years ago...many years ago, it is one of the first recipes I got from her and I have held on to it and used it many, many times.  So I was surprised that I couldn't find it on my blog today when I went to make it.  So I dusted off my old recipe box and dug it out....

1 pkg strawberry kool-aid (or another flavor if you want to change the flavor)
1 cup sugar
4 Tbsp cornstarch

Mix all together in a heavy pan.  *Make sure all lumps are out before adding water!

Add 1 3/4 cups water and bring to a boil.  Stir continuously!  When desired thickness is reached remove from heat, this only takes a few minutes!  Stir in strawberries (or other fruit of your choice). 

Easy No Bake Cheesecake

This is one of John's favorite desserts, and it's perfect for summer because it is cool and refreshing and does not need any baking.

1 graham cracker crust
2 pkgs. cream cheese, room temperature
1 8 oz tub cool whip
1 cup powdered sugar
a splash of lemon juice, optional but it tastes great!
Fruit topping of your choice, we like strawberry

Beat cream cheese until smooth, mix in cool whip, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.  Blend until smooth and well mixed.  Pour into graham cracker crust and top with fruit topping of your choice. Refrigerate until set. 

Easter Bunny Cupakes

My kids loved these Easter cupcakes the most, the bunnies turned out super cute! 

Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting topped with M&M eyes and large heart sprinkle for the nose.  Then I cut some bunny ears out of cardstock and tucked them into the frosting.