Bowtie Chicken Alfredo

This recipe has been moved to The Traveling Circus.

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Bowtie Chicken Alfredo

Grasshopper Cupcakes

For our young women's activity last week we did Cupcake Wars. I provided cake mixes for them to chose from. I also provided a bunch of random ingredients that they could chose from like cookies, candy, fruit. They were required to pick at least two ingredients to incorporate into their cupcakes. We split them into two teams. Half of them stayed at my house and the other half went over to another leader's house to bake. When we were finished, we had judges pick the best cupcake. It was a lot of fun! When I tasted this cupcake that the girls made, I thought it was one of the best cupcakes I have ever had. So I decided to share the recipe. I think I'm definitely going to make this again. Who knew a bunch of Mia Maids could create a cupcake so delicious?

Printable Recipe

Grasshopper Cupcakes
1 devils food cake mix
ingredients on the back of the box (eggs, water, oil)
1 package grasshopper cookies

Prepare cake mix as directed on the package. Line 2 muffin tins with cupcake liners. Place a grasshopper cookie at the bottom of each liner. Place remaining cookies in a large ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour crushed cookies in cake batter and stir to combine. Divide evenly among cupcake liners. Bake according to directions on the package. (I had to bake mine about 5 minutes longer.) Let cool before frosting.

Frosting:
6 Tbsp butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
Hershey's chocolate bar for garnish

To make frosting, beat butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of the powdered sugar, mixing well. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining sugar. Frost cooled cupcakes. Grate chocolate shavings on top of cupcakes.

Past Recipes:
One year ago: Chocolate Cake
Two years ago: Oreo Cupcakes
Three years ago: Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Printable recipe

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

1 tomato, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (8 3/4 oz) can corn, rinsed and drained

crushed tortilla chips, optional

Dressing:

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2/3 cup light sour cream

1 Tbsp canned chipotle in adobo sauce, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

juice of 1 lime

1/4 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients for the dressing; mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Toss together romaine, chicken, tomato, avocado, red onion, black beans, and corn. 

Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad. Toss gently to coat. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips.

Serves 6-8

Past Recipes:

One year ago: Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Cupcakes

Two years ago: Favorite Meatloaf

Three years ago: Calzones

Recipe adapted from Nutmeg Notebook

Barbie Party

Last weekend my daughter had a Barbie party for her 5th birthday. I like to do things a little simple but I still want it to be a fun party. This party turned out great. Here are some of the things we did.

I made pink cupcakes and topped them with some printable cupcake toppers that I found online. I just printed them out on card stock and taped a toothpick to the back and stuck them in the cupcake. It was super easy and it turned out way cute! You can find a few links for these here and here.

Nail Polish Bites- These look just like bottles of nail polish but they're made out of marshmallows dipped in colored white chocolate with a tootsie roll on top. These were so fun!

At the party, the girls got their hair and nails done. It was so much fun. After they were all beautified, I took a picture of each of them in this life-size Barbie box. Here is my sweet birthday girl in the Barbie box.

I just used a large box (our tv came in this box) and I wrapped it with pink wrapping paper on the outside and decorative wrapping paper for the inside back. Then I found some logos that were online and I printed them out. It was a little time consuming but pretty easy. Hey, if I can do it, anyone can!

My other daughter in the Barbie box...

 I found this cute Barbie game at the party store.

Here is a group picture of all the kids who came.

Here I am with my cute girl. I think I'm a little too big for the Barbie box :)

This was such a fun party. I'm so glad I got to do this for my sweet girl!

Nail Polish Bites

This recipe has been moved to The Traveling Circus.

Click the link below for the recipe

Nail Polish Bites