Firecrackers

What a easy recipe for Summer...

1/2 lb. mini carrots
1 C. water
1 C. Splenda
1 1/2 C. cider vinegar
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. chili flakes

Place carrots in a spring-top glass jar. Bring the ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Boil for 4 minutes. Slowly pour the hot pickling liquid over the carrots, filling the jar to the top. Allow the carrots to cool before sealing. Refrigerate for 2 days up to 1 week.

Original recipe courtesy Alton Brown, Food Network. (He uses sugar in place of Splenda & adds 2 dried chilies to the jar).

Bananza

Uniform banana slices in seconds, it's perfect! So easy & fun to use. Just squeeze the handle & it cuts five slices at a time. We found this clever kitchen tool at Bed Bath & Beyond (don't forget to take your coupon). Go bananas!

YouTube - Bananza

Copco Cold Tumblers

We are giving Copco Cold Tumblers a thumbs up! These bright colored stir 'n sip cups are fantastic for everyday use, especially on weekends for shopping. An Eco-friendly alternative to paper cups, the reusable straw stays put, & the tumblers keep drinks super cold. We purchased ours at Joann Fabrics with a 40% off coupon.

The Disposal Genie

What's new? The Disposal Genie with Soft Rubber Scraper Blade is "Neato Toledo" & a must have kitchen gadget. It comes in six colors (we bought a red one), your disposal can run with it always in place, & it has built in Microban protection (no mildew).

When inserted into the drain, it allows small particles of food & water to flow freely into the disposal while preventing silverware from slipping into the drain. Remove it & use the soft rubber scraper blade to clean off your dishes & cutting boards, and to safely feed waste into the disposal.

Frosting Cupcakes

Our second attempt at frosting cupcakes!

Our first attempt at frosting cupcakes!

Coupons

We found a great place to print free coupons & get on-line coupon codes. It's a terrific resource for Joann, Michaels, grocery, & restaurant coupons. You can also get on-line coupon codes such as Bath & Body Works. Go check it out, print & save!

Festive Holiday Treats #2

Elegant Raspberry Milanos

2 pkgs. Pepperidge Farm Milano Raspberry Cookies
White chocolate melting wafers
Colored sprinkles (Jimmies, sugar, & Non-Pareils)

Dress up Milano Raspberry Cookies. Melt white chocolate in a Wilton Chocolate Pro Electric Melting Pot; mixing well as chocolate melts. Remove cookies from pkg. & place evenly spread apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Dip cookies half way into melted chocolate; then dip into paper cupcake liners filled with colored sprinkles. After dipping into sprinkles, lay finished cookie on parchment paper until dry. Once cookies are dry, place each cookie into a cupcake liner, & fill a decorative tray. White colored sprinkles & red colored sprinkles are great; they work well for both Christmas & Valentine's Day!