And Now I Remember Why I Don't Like Monopoly...

C#2 was whining and complaining that no one had ever played the board game Monopoly with her.  Wellllll, we had a sort of unexpected day off from school and I decided to get that off her ticket. We started at around 1:30 pm andddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd it didn't end until almost 6:00 pm.  I did tell her it was a long game, but, I don't remember it taking that long.

At around the 5:00 mark, she started quitting every five minutes and saying, "That's not fair. You aren't playing nice (aka letting her win.) blahhhhhhhh blahhhhhhhhhhh blahhhhhhhh..."  As a rule with all children and definitely when they are "older" I don't let them win. I mean come on. It is called reality. SOMETIMES-YOU-LOSE!  Get used to it.

I should state that when I was working for a school age child care, the fun thing to do was play card games with the children.  They (children ages 7-12) were playing spades, hearts, rummy, and the standard lame-o games war, go fish. Anyway, the ones that played the first mentioned games were "hardcore"! Same rules applied with them. We (me and the other teachers who did this) did NOT let them win.  So when it was all said and done we had third graders kicking some major card game @ss!!  And I am not even kidding!!

Anywayyyyyy, back to C#2.  I did win. I kicked her butt. I even traded the green properties with houses for her light blue properties with hotels and she still couldn't get it together. Of course, I did own most of the board.  And I did accept one of her not great deals for her, when the game was getting really boring.  But, I helped her, too. I did NOT buy Parkplace when she landed on it and didn't want it. I wanted to buy it sooooooo bad, but, being the "nice" Mommy, I didn't. I guess I should mention that later in the game when I landed on it, I did buy it! I know how special those dark blue properties are!!!

I am hoping C#2 got Monopoly off her radar for the rest of her life, but, she's still young, so more torturing may ensue.  Yay me.

On a side note from the last blog. We thankfully were missed by that dreadful Sandy. Not even a power flicker. And the kids had a day off school to boot! We are very, veryyyyyyyyyy thankful!

 My prayers are going out to all that were affected by this - NYC, NJ and the other areas.  Especially my SIL who didn't fare so well, either.

That's it for this morning. Till next time....

The calm before the storm.

The weather channel has been on ALL day. And it is slightly freaking out C#1. Of course, it doesn't help that TCW people are saying it is far worse than they were originally reporting. Nice. Real nice.

Thankfully we don't live  where it is going to be really bad.  We are just preparing for some major power outages.

I took a picture of our current situation outside:

It doesn't look like much. But, the wind is blowing and it has started to rain.

C#1 and C#2 were excited to come home early today. C#2 said they had a 15 minute lunch. Therefore she finished that once she got home.

I did "beat" the power outage with my coffee carafe. And I have made 20 cups. Not, that I am going to drink it all today. That would be bad!

I also prepared dinner. I pulled out some frozen chicken breast. And then it occurred to me, that I might not want to "deal" with that if the power goes out. Not very smart on my part. But, I didn't want to stuff it back into the upstairs freezer, since, by removing that chunk of meat, it actually made things fit nicer.

Yes, it's stuffed with ice cubes and large juice bottle cubes -- I hope I went overboard.

Anyway, back to my chicken dinner. I dipped the chicken in the olive oil I put in the skillet (I am assuming the power might be out and I do have a gas stove - AWESOME! - so I can definitely do this later.) I then sprinkled the breasts with salt and coated them with seasoned panko bread crumbs. I also had 1/3 of a container of mushrooms that needed to be used so I cut them up and surrounded the breasts with that.  I then put small bits of butter on the mushrooms and chopped up some fresh basil (I took my summer basil plant off the front porch and I am seeing how long it will last on my front table in the house.)

I slightly defrosted the chicken, but, it's still icy, so it will be fine on the stove for an hour or so.

And then C#1 went downstairs and I heard a very girlish scream. Lo and behold my friend, Dexter, or one of his relatives was prowling about inside the basement. 

 I was going to take him out (aka kill him), but, he got away.  Let's just say the rest of the family was not impressed with my assassination abilities or lack thereof. I think they are afraid he might come visit them in the night.

That's it for now... The wind has really picked up and is whistling around the house. This will definitely be testing our new siding/roofing.  Ughhhhh...

Till next time.

Preparing for the storm...

I had a brilliant thought on Thursday and got all the storm necessities bought - aka bread, juice boxes, chips.

A two pack, of course, from my lovely Sam's Club.

And I am very thankful I did. I have seen many posts where these items are scarce with the impending storm.  I did not, however, buy any water. I figured I would make due with what's in the fridge and we have a wide assortment of other beverages to fill the gap.

Water and beer, of course.

And if this thing happens like it's supposed to, the power will be out. I think that is the major concern this time around. Sooooooooooooooo, since I didn't think of it on my last shopping venture, I ventured to a local general store and bought some baby wipes. NOT for a baby, but, for any prolonged lack of a shower.. And we have mouthwash -- lots of it (notice the twin pack message on the side of the mouthwash.)

I also found the box of batteries, wrangled up three flashlights, an aim & flame,  and a bunch of tea light candles. 

I found my coffee percolator. And also my carafe. If I can beat the power outage, I hope to have the carafe full of coffee. That thing will keep things hot for at least 12 hours!  

Since we came home early, I decided to do some baking. I had two loaves of frozen bread dough that had risen and then were not used. I had to put it in the fridge and hope it didn't "kill" it. I found a Mr. Food recipe for "Pizza Bread." And it turned out just fine.

I took many liberties. It's basically roll out your dough, smear some olive oil on it, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni, 3/4 cup pizza cheese, spaghetti (or Italian) seasonings, and garlic powder. Roll up like a jelly roll and bake up to 30 minutes, until it's brown.

And I made cornbread muffins. I added about 1 cup more sugar than the recipe said. And also honey and brown sugar, but, they still weren't too sweet. But, I slathered one of them with butter and added a little bit of honey and then they were delicious!

I do have a really good recipe somewhere, but, I couldn't find it. The hubby liked them, so it was all okay.

Hopefully things won't be too bad with the weather. But, only time will tell.

Till next time...

Sugar Cookie Pop Tarts?!? Helllllz Yeahhh!!

On my last "fun" trip to Walmart to do the price match thingy, yet again, I was looking to maybe snag a couple more boxes of those super delicious, but, rare and elusive Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts. Welllll, in their normal spot (that was normally empty) there was this:

oh-my-goodness-sugar-cookie-pop-tart-those-are-probably-the-best-ever-EVERRRR-i-am-sure-of-it!!!!!

Andddddddddddd they are all cutesy, cutesy on the inside.

That must mean they are healthy and nutritious and a breakfast of champions!!

Well, they are delicious (especially with coffee.) I do love me my sugar cookies wtih frosting.  And the cute seal ---- well, I'm not sure what that accomplished, but, whatever.

Needless to say I bought 5 -- yes F-I-V-E boxes. And I might share if you visit me, but, no promises.

I also discovered that Walmart also carries Herdez Verde (green) Salsa. I have no idea if it's any good, but, I am assuming it's great. I do love the rojo variety!

I must also mention that I saved a whopping $38.50 doing price match at Walmart!!!!!!!  I was able to get London Broil for $3.48 lb, versus $6.48 Walmart price. I love, love, loveeeeeeeee price match!!  AND I was able to get 33.9 oz coffee for $5.99, versus $8.98 Walmart price! YAHOOOOO!!

Anywayyyyyyy, my shopping trip also includes Sam's Club and I found some very interesting items in my last browsing fest.

Salsa Queso Cheetos?! Well, I will certainly give them a whirl. Besides, these weird finds are generally very limited at Sambo's. Here today, gone tomorrow.

AND I also found this:

This will taste most amazing with my Idared apples. And since it IS Sam's Club it comes in a two pack. 

ANDD this is apparently a Sam's Club exclusive?!?

I'm thinking the two pack part is the exclusive part. This dressing is amazing though. C#1 is completely in love with it. And I found if you add a smidgen of vinegar to this, it tastes like the real restaurant deal.

ANDDD we also found this:

C#2 and I were standing in the store sniffing the bag. I didn't notice any weird looks. But, we were too busy boogering up the bag to really give a sh*t!

Once home we popped a couple of these into the toaster oven and slathered a healthy amount of butter on each piece and boy oh boy!! Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo flippin' good!!!  If these weren't so perishable, I'd buy 5 bags at a time.

There is also an impending storm. We will be happy lil campers with our Sugar Cookie Pop Tarts, salad dressing, cheetos, and apple dip. There will be a fight over the English muffins -- since there is only one bag. *sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh*

Till next time...

Super, Easy, Yummy, Quick Pesto/Feta Chicken and Faux Peanut Butter Blossoms

I had a couple of chicken breasts thawed out for dinner and the challenge is to find something different that everyone would like.

I had recently purchased a massive chunk of feta cheese from my Mom, who bought an even bigger chunk from my SIL. Anyway, I was able to smoosh most of it into a large bowl, but, there was still a 3x3 chunk I needed to use.

My bestie and I made a point of making loads of pesto this past summer and then I continued the process at my house. That said, I have a whole bunch of little baggies filled with this deliciousness!

Sooooooooooooooooo... I retrieved one small baggie from the freezer and proceeded to mix a few tablespoons of the pesto with a healthy bit of feta cheese.

I cut the chicken breast into four pieces, then cut a small pocket into each slice (although that appeared to be unnecessary, since it tasted just fine slopped onto the top - only - on breast pieces I messed up.)  I then fried each piece on both sides for a few minutes in a large pan with oil.  Then I transferred them to a glass baking dish and stuffed each piece with the cheese and then added the leftovers on top of each breast.  I drizzled a little bit more pesto sauce and then baked them for 10-15 minutes -- till they were done.

Everyone liked it!! WIN!!  I made it twice in 24 hours! 

My Mom was coming over and I decided to try that artichoke cheese dip that made the chicken amazing -- I blogged the recipe in September.

http://beckysbiscuits.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-made-this-ma-zing-chicken.html

Anyway, I made the actual dip and then made fried flour tortilla strips. The hubby and I went to TGIF and their one appetizer had these. I was sooooooooooooo intrigued and had to try it. Well it worked. All you have to do is cut up a flour tortilla or two and fry them in canola oil. Easy peasy and yummy, too!!

The Mum and I then had a dessert of "Faux Peanut Butter Blossoms." C#2 and I discovered this trick after everyone whined and complained that they wanted Hershey kisses on these cookies. You take two cookies and put a kiss on each one - microwave them for 15-17 seconds and once done, moosh the chocolate into the cookie. It completely works and tastes amazing!!

There ya have it. My eating habits from the last couple days.

Till next time...

PS.  C#1 and I have a new routine. He practices his instrument and then I have to SEE him put the mouthpiece into his bag -- so far so good.  Hopefully we can both stick to it!

Breakfast, anyone?! And kids these days...

I got the bright idea to make peanut butter cookies for the last presidential debate tonight.  I figured we would need something nice and sweet to eat while we watched two grown mean argue with each other.  I am definitely NOT one of those "undecided", but, I like to be prepared for whatever b*tching will ensue on the social media, after these lovely events.

In making these cookies, I also found another breakfast of champions:

Peanut Butter Cookies!

Well actually this was the breakfast of champions:

PB cookie dough!!

You have your healthy dose of eggs, a little bit of milk and the other stuff.  I think I ate enough dough for breakfast and lunch. And I had to make a sacrifice and eat one of those poor cookies that decided to fall apart and be a PITA!

These also taste good with coffee.  Walmart started carrying the "Coffeemate Peppermint Mocha" Creamer. Whoohoo! I am not sure how good that would taste with pb cookies, so it's just as well, I've already had my daily allotment of cookies.

This morning was quite interesting for C#1 and me.  I had another divine thought (yes, this has happened before) to actually ask C#1 to show me his instrument's mouthpiece.  You know to make sure he actually has it in his possession for band lessons. He has band lessons of some sort everyday and the fact that he was selected for a "big deal" event next month - he needs his mouthpiece.  Anywayyyyyy, he looked through his bag and couldn't find it. Then I told him to look in his room.  He does a quick scan and then stops and says, "I'm going to miss the bus. I had it! I don't know what happened!!"  I said, "Stop flitting around and LOOK FOR YOUR MOUTHPIECE!!!!!"  I grabbed his back pack, dumped everything out and then he finds it. It was on his music stand. I stuff everything back into his bag and he races out the door.  I am hollering after him, "PUT YOUR MOUTHPIECE IN YOUR BAG!! DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THE BUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He's done that, in case you didn't already know. UGHHHHH!  

I think he was trying to see how bad a "swear" I would say. I am proud to say the baddest one was "Freaking!"  I did say something about "irresponsible", since this is turning into a recurring event.  Therefore it was an accurate statement.  

I then made an after school list:

Emphasis on #3!!!!  Now we just have to make sure he follows said rules...

Anyway, back to a more yummy topic.  I had a few more Cortland apples to use up and found a recipe for "German Apple Pie."  I made a double crust and didn't need the top crust. And I couldn't make a nice top crust, if I wanted to.  So I had the bright idea to use a cookie cutter and make it all pretty.

The hubby even really liked it.  He did the cheddar cheese/apple pie thing.  I'm not a fan. I prefer it with ice cream, but, too each his own.

And thankfully I found the recipe online, too!

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/German-Apple-Pie

Till next time...

A Rice-A-Roni Treat and a Super Busy Day!

I had chicken breast out for dinner and had to figure out something interesting to make with it.  Decisions, decisions...  I then got the urge to make something TexMex.

I have always loved "Rice-A-Roni." I have my favorite flavors. Back in the day I would make a meal out of a box of this "gourmet" food item.

Anywayyyy, I foraged for a box of Spanish "Rice-A-Roni." And Whaaa-LA! I cooked it up using most of the directions. Instead of diced tomatoes, I added about 1/2 cup of salsa instead. Then I set that aside and cut up the chicken breast into cubes.  I added this to sauteed chopped onions and minced garlic and then added "Southwest Chipotle" seasoning, S&P and a little bit of chili powder.  I then added a quart bag of frozen whole tomatoes and a frozen bag of corn on the cob kernels, once the chicken was mostly done.

After the above was almost boiling I added the cooked rice and cooked until it was heated through.

I sprinkled eat serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

It was delicious!!!! And everyone liked it. Well almost everyone. C#2 has a slight aversion to rice and only ate a couple bites.

Then today C#1 had an appointment. He is in a different school and we/I wasn't sure of the correct procedure.  Sooooooooo being the lovely parent that I am, I called the school to get the lowdown.  Is that over parenting?  Should I have let him figure it out?  I guess I will never know.  I know when I was a poor, little student I had to figure out all that crap on my own.  But, in my defense it made it easier for everyone and everything worked out perfectly!

I then got home and thought I would have beat the hubby after a super busy day --- read cramming as many things into a trip, since gas is just under $4.00 a gallon. Here's a quick run down, in case you care.

Post office --> grocery store (for hubby's special beer) --> school -->  appointment --> bank --> barber shop (C#2's hair was getting tooooo long) --> gas station --> HOME!!!

But, back to the hubby actually being home -- early.  Jeez Louise! Why's he home already?!?! He was actually scaring off the snow, for the next few years, by attaching his new toy, a snow thrower, to the tractor.  I sure hope that works -- although that makes for an expensive "snow deterrent."  I will let you know how effective it actually is.

That's it for today. Till next time....

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Maple Frosting and a Corn Maze

I was doing my normal perusing of the news and happened upon this lovely recipe.

http://magazine.foxnews.com/recipe/pumpkin-spice-cupcakes

I printed it out and finally made them. I did have a partial can of pumpkin and this was the perfect solution.

CUPCAKE BATTER NOTES: I used pumpkin spice in place of the nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon request and then still added more cinnamon. I also added vanilla to the cupcake mix and the butter I used WAS salted -- I just didn't add the salt. ANDDDDDD I replaced the honey with maple syrup to go along with the theme. And I did NOT add the 1/3 cup hot water when mixing. I used a hand held mixer and it worked just fine.

FROSTING NOTES:  I only did HALF of the frosting ingredients and still had leftovers. I'm not sure why they had you make so much. I did go a little bit heavy on the maple syrup - for taste. And of course I added MORE vanilla than it said. I did not do any of the fondant stuff. I was just making this for the fam and they didn't need all those extra pretties.

I have this  nifty flower cupcake maker pan and thought I'd try it out. Well, these are the ones I didn't frost and they are slightly scorched, because of my over hot oven. However...

You can't really see the pretty flower cupcake part, because there's frosting all over them. I need to rethink what muffins/cupcakes to  make so that I can showcase that fine mold -- next time.

And maple buttercream frostingggggg. Yummmmmmmmm!!!

These lovely cupcakes are a hit and so delicious!! I don't know why I don't fix pumpkin stuff ALL year instead of just in the fall. 

This past weekend we went to a local corn maze. We've lived at our humble abode for many, many years and finally went.  It was fun. We basically followed C#1 and C#2 around -- whoever we deemed was in charge. Let's just say there were some arguments and debate on who was the better leader. 

Andddd unfortunately it is that time of year, too...  Halloween candy. UGHHHHH!!  Between baking and extra sweets, I'm going to weigh 500 lbs when this is all said and done.  At least we picked the good mix -- no grody kinds that no one will touch.

Till next time...

The BEST Pop Tarts EVERRRRRRRR!!

I am not a huge fan of Pop Tarts. I don't believe all those vitamins and minerals declarations, but in a pinch, for the kids, I guess they're okay (they couldn't be any worse than some of the cereal I buy.) C#1 and C#2 would beg to differ, I'm sure. But, a few weeks ago while doing my price match thingy at Walmart, I found "Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie" PopTarts.

I couldn't reach these specifics tarts and had to lift C#2 up, so she could grab two boxes. 

And on a completely different note -- I saved almost $17.00 using price match - YAHOOOOO!!

Anywayyyyyyyyyyy, we got home and C#2 insisted on trying one of these.  I convinced her to give me a little taste and all I can say is "WOW!"  They taste amazing -- for a Pop Tart!!

So, the next time I went to Walmart to buy some more they had none, zero, nil, nada, ZILCH! Ugh! And the next time I went ---> same, SAME! 

I decided to look on Amazon and Ebay to see if they had them. And I could buy one lovely box of these for a whopping $15.00!!! OYE!! Bank robbery!!!

Today we ended up back to Walmart. Lo and behold they had 4, yes FOUR boxes!! And being the greedy B*tch that I am, I said, "We MUST take them ALL!!!!!" Which we did. And they only cost ------- wait for it --------------------------> $3.50 per box!!! Even if we get sick of them after box number one, two or three, the expiration on these is September 2013. Lots and lots of time to consume.

There you have it. My Pop Tarty adventure!

Till next time....

Pumpkin Dessert Time!!

I made this really amazing pumpkin dessert. But, first let me tell you about a wonderful soup.  After I made that super delicious cheesy potato soup, I found a Paula Deen baked potato casserole -- I blogged about it. Any way I did the same thing with the leftovers, of this casserole, as I did with the cheesy potatoes and it was even better!  The hubby could not stop gushing about it.

It was thick and chunky, since it was baked potatoes. I would post the recipe, but, it is basically the same as the one I posted previously.

http://beckysbiscuits.blogspot.com/2012/10/cheesy-potato-soup-twiced-bake-potato.html

Yesterday I was messaging my SIL and she happened to mention that she was going to make a pumpkin dessert, using cake mix, that I have made in years past.  What a fantastic idea!!! So this morning I decided to  gather said ingredients and put it together.

"Pumpkin Pie Crunch" from The Cake Mix Bible by Favorite Brand Name Recipes, Page 222.

1 can (16oz) solid pack pumpkin

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (I used half and half -- since I bought too much and needed to use it.)

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I used cinnamon)

1/2 tsp salt

1 pkg Yellow Cake Mix (I have used white, carrot and vanilla in place of yellow and that worked just fine.)

1 cup chopped pecans (I did not use, since the peeps in my humble abode would have complained.)

1 cup butter or margarine, melted (I only used 3/4 cup - 1.5 sticks)

Whipped topping (I used cool whip)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 13x9x2 inch pan.

2. Combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt in large bowl. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden. Serve with whipped topping. Refrigerate leftovers.

It doesn't look pretty, since it was still warm and kinda sloppy. But, it still tastes amazing!

I was going to wait until after dinner to eat this, but, I could NOT help myself and had an after breakfast snack. And then I had two helpings and want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

But, I will not. No I won't. You can't make me. It smells so good. No no no no no no no no no NO!!!!!!!!

Okay I must go and get some coffee and hopefully that will satisfy me... Yeah right.

Till next time.

My Furry Friend Dexter & Apple Cream Pie

I was headed down to the "library" to get something - I don't remember what - and as I was opening the door in the dark garage, I almost smooshed my new furry friend, Dexter.

After making a slight shrieking noise, I ran back upstairs and grabbed a ruler and my camera. I was sure Dexter wanted his picture taken. Of course, he was all squirmy and jumpy,so it was kind of a chore and scary to actually get the picture with the ruler.  

I decided to let Dexter live. Even though C#1 and DH didn't agree. He was inside the garage. Which means he was close to getting up into the actual house. Which would in fact result in an immediate death sentence.  But, maybe he'll just go into the ground like a nice little spider and take a nap.  Or maybe he'll show up in the house and face his ultimate doom. 

I still have some apples to use and found this delicious recipe that I just had to try:

Apple Cream Pie

This recipe came from The Taste of Home Classic Cookbook on page 281.

4 cups thinly sliced apples

2 tablespoons sugar (or more!)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup butter

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1-1/2 cup cold milk, divided

1 pkg (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp grated lemon peel (I didn't have any, so I used lemon juice)

1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked

1/4 cup apricot or strawberry jelly, melted (didn't do)

In large skillet, saute apples, sugar, lemon juice in butter until apples are tender. Cool. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth; gradually beat in 1 cup milk, dry pudding mix and lemon peel. Add remaining milk; beat until thickened. Spread into pastry shell. Arrange apples over filling. Brush with preserves. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.  Brush with additional preserves if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.

There was some skepticism with this mystery pie, since the fam loves the traditional apple. But, this one proved to be winner and super easy!!  I will definitely be making it again!

That's it for today. Till next time...

Cheesy Potato Soup & Twiced Bake Potato Casserole

C#1 had his first marching band extravaganza and on my way home I thought of a "fun" thing to make for lunch.

I should add that C#1 whined and complained about going to this "graded" event. But, when he was done, he decided he had a good time...

Anyway, I realized I had leftover cheesy potatoes and decided to figure out a way to make that into soup.

First off you will need leftover cheesy potatoes:

2lb bag hash browns

1 can cream of chicken soup (I usually use cream of chicken -- it tastes better.)

1 pint sour cream (or more)

salt/pepper - onion salt (or garlic powder)

10 oz of cheddar cheese (or more)

Mix all of the above ingredients and then bake for 45-55 minutes at 350.

Onto the soup:

Saute 1/4 onion and minced garlic

Add 1.5-2 cups leftover cheesy potatoes,  2 cups milk, 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes

1/2 cup velveeta cheese... Add whatever water to make it more or less creamier.

Sprinkle with granulated garlic, more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese... Eat and enjoy!

And then today I was making a "favorite" (not really) hot dogs and that usually is accompanied by some sort of potato.  DH suggested cheesy potatoes, but, I just made those and was determined to find something new to make.  I happened upon a recipe in Paula Deen's Celebrates! book on page 209.  Of course, there is loads of butter and cheesy goodness!

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

8 medium potatoes, about 4 pounds

One 8 oz package cream cheese, softened at room temperature (I only used 4 oz.)

1/2 cup butter (I only used 1/4 cup)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 pint sour cream

2 garlic cloves minced

Salt and Pepper

Chives and cooked bacon for garnish (I didn't do either -- too lazy.)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Bake the potatoes for 1 hr and 15 minutes (I microwaved them for about 20 minutes total -- all cut up -- much quicker.)

Then the recipe gets all wordy. I mashed the potatoes -- skin and all with all of the above mentioned ingredients (use only 1.5 cups of cheese,) minus the chives and bacon.  Spread into a greased casserole 10x13 or smaller. Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot. Sprinkle with remaining one cup of cheese and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese melts.  

It was delicious! It definitely tasted like a baked potato all mushed together! It will be getting a big smiley face with a "Super Yummy!"

So there you have it. Some starchy recipes to add to your repertoire.

Till next time...