Peanut Butter Cup cookie muffins

A decided to try a new Christmas cookie recipe this year that involves peanut butter cups and I made them especially for our youngest grandson.  He loves peanut butter cups so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it.  Won't he be surprised!!

I cut the peanut butter cups in half because I thought even though these were supposed to be mini peanut butter cups they seemed large. It worked out well by doing so.

I taste tested them and they are delicious and easy to eat without making a mess. I think the kiddo's will like them Mom!

Enjoy!

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 T whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 chopped unsalted peanuts
1 bag12 oz. miniature peanut butter cup candies, unwrapped

Heat oven to 350.  Grease or as I did place mini muffin liners in a mini muffin tray.  If not using liners grease with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.  In medium bowl, beat sugar, peanut butter, butter on medium speed 2 minutes.  Beat in egg, whipping cream and vanilla. On low speed beat in flour until blended.  Stir in peanuts.

Shape dough into mini cookie balls.  Place each ball into each muffin cup.

Bake 12 minutes.  Remove from oven, immediately place 1 mini or 1/2 piece of  mini peanut butter cup into center of each cookie.  Bake 2 minutes longer.  Cool in pan or cooking rack.

Some general tips on sprucing up your home and making it clutter free!

Whether you are planning on selling your home or that you feel it's time to get a little more organized here are a few of the things I do to keep my home organized.  I am by no means a trained interior decorator but if I can make my house tastefully decorated and clutter free you can as well.  All it takes is putting your mind to it and not ignoring a few simple no no's.

First to make things easy let's start with eliminating all the clutter.  Books, magazines, newspapers must go!!  Go through them and keep a few that are important to you but get rid of all else. You have to! that's a start!  

Kitchen counter:  You must clear all unnecessary items.  Depending on the size of your counter and space, only allow items that you use frequently on the counter.  Example:  Coffee maker, toaster and possibly utensil keeper. Salt and Pepper shaker too! Eliminating items will give your kitchen a free flow and look so much neater and yes larger!

A very handy utensil and easy to grab for that tool you need immediately.

Living room, Dining room: Time to let go of all the nick knacks and books laying on tables.  A few items (as in one or two) look nice.  Anymore makes your tables look cluttered and I don't think you want that!  Again your rooms will look larger and neater. Check out the cookbooks in the next room..I use an upright plant stand to store my cookbooks. 

Simplicity is best.  A few books or magazines and throw away the rest...or donate!!

Choose either a table cloth or place mats.  A versatile centerpiece you can change different color schemes for the seasons. I use mine all year.  I change the bottom dish items spring, fall and holidays. (This is my spring/summer)

Bath:  Again get rid of clutter on counter.  The only thing that should be on your counter is a soap dispenser and hand towel.  If possible place a nice hand towel rack on wall.  It'll look much neater. Place any other items under cabinet or in a bin(basket) that you can store either in your cabinet or under sink.

A small flower arrangement might add a nice touch

Bedroom:  Any dressers should be clear for the exception of a lamp or phone.  I hate to repeat myself but the room will look larger as well.  Keep draperies to a minimum. If you don't have them already, shades, mini blinds or light valances really are enough.  No bulky draperies (remember you want the room to look large)

A valance, blinds, or sheer drapes is all you need.  You do not have to have all three.

9/9/12
4/19/13

Christmas Party Wreath

Yummy Appetizer for any party including Football!


We entertained over the weekend and I want to quickly share with you a recipe where I used Pillsbury crescent rolls to make this delightful looking as well as delicious appetizer.

I'm always looking for easy appetizers and this one from Pillsbury was easy and enjoyed.  2014The only thing I would do differently would be to double the sour cream.  I love lots of topping and I think this would definitely help.

Here's their recipe.  I did adapt some things to my liking.  Enjoy!

2- pkg. crescent rolls 1-8oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp. dill weed (I think a package of dried ranch dressing might give it a little more flavor)
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper

Celery leaves to garnish

I added some red and green grapes for garnish

Remove crescent rolls from package. (do not unroll).  Cut each tube into eight slices.  Arrange in an 11 in circle on an ungreased 14 inch pizza pan.

Bake 375 for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Note:  do not over bake. Cool for 5 minutes before carefully moving to serving platter; cool completely.


In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, dill and garlic powder until smooth.  Spread over wreath; top with broccoli, celery and red pepper.  Form a bow garnish with celery leaves.  Enjoy!