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BBQ Meatballs…craig’s favorite

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my feast of goodness cookbook.
it’s a cookbook from the church craig and i were married in….made in the 90’s.
it’s one of those that all the women of the church submit recipes for as a fundraiser.

it has been well loved.
it’s a mess….dirty, crumpled, pages falling out.
i left it on a hot burner once and the cover is burned!

on page 56 is Judy Schroeder’s Meatballs.
yum.
i have been making this meal for 15 years.

i don’t know who judy schroeder is.
but i thank her for this wonderful meal.

you will need this ……and brown sugar.

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now….you can’t make this meal without getting your hands dirty.

everything goes in a bowl and you mash it up.
i have always used my hands.
if you want to take your time with a spoon….that is up to you.
i can’t imagine it working though.
my hands have always been what i use.
i guess you could wear gloves.
i don’t.

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it’s slimy.

mix it up till it looks like this.
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then you make them into meatballs.

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i should have had 24 but i ended up with 25.
just make it fit.

(it is killing me not to mention anything about pete schweddy right now…..)

put in your oven at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes.
while it’s cooking you make your bbq sauce.

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super easy.
take the pan out of the oven and put on the sauce.

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i just put one spoonful over each meatball.
of course….i have to leave a few without sauce….for the picky eaters.

then you put it back in the oven for 10 minutes until it’s bubbly hot.

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and that’s it.
we ALWAYS have mashed potatoes with this dish.
and i feel weird that there is nothing green on this plate.

i also feel weird wearing heels and white pants while holding a plate of meatballs!

is this weirder??
smiling AT the camera with a plate of meatballs?
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the point of making this meal was to make craig smile.
he did.
he walked in the door and smiled and said “OHHHH! it smells goooood in here!”
exactly what i wanted to hear.
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annie threw a major fit about having to eat a meatball
even after i had made it without sauce JUST for her.

she. threw. her. Β meatball.

do you think june cleaver had to deal with that?

****update!!
catsup is ketchup.
my grandmother always pronounced it catsup…so i didn’t even think to mention what it was.
yes….catsup IS ketchup.
πŸ™‚

******second update!
i had just come from church and that is why i am dressed up.
craig stayed for church business at the last service of church so i was able to prepare
“sunday dinner” the way he grew up with…and loves.
i don’t usually deck out in jewelry and white pants to make saucey meatballs.
but i wanted to still look cute when he got home.

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Emily - I am feeling homesick for the midwest (from KC, but living in Baltimore for a while now) and for some reason this recipe was in the back of my mind, so I made it for dinner tonight. Perfect! I made it with roasted brussell sprouts and red potatoes. Delicious! Thanks for making me feel a little closer to home!

eds - I make my meatballs in my KitchenAid (paddle attachment) and to make them into balls I use a scoop (like the ones for cookies or for filling muffin tins).

Wendy - I have to watch that SNL skit every Christmas!! Always gives me the laugh I’m in desperate need of around that time of year. πŸ™‚ Mmm….Schweddy balls!!

Brittany - Made these last night and they were delish!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Anna - DELICIOUS!!! My hubby (Craig) loved these as well! However, I think if he were to check your blog, he’d like your attire much more than mine. I mixed them up, threw them in the pan, and jumped on the treadmill for 30 mins. I had planned on showering before serving, but it was the baby’s (11 week old) feeding time. I took no picture of my sweat drenched hair and running clothes.
But seriously, these were great. My 3 year old asked for seconds!

robyn - Thank you so much for sharing this! I always just get frozen and making a similar sauce in the crockpot, but this sounds much yummier! I am making this tonight, and we are going to eat in the dinning room! We never eat in there, but hey this is a special meal!

Andrea from O-H-I-O - We have cookbooks that we give to brides at our church that have that exact same cover!! I found them in a cupboard about two months ago and we have been giving them away again since.

natalie k - this post made me laugh out loud. three times. thanks meg.

Anne-Marie - Love your simple recipes! Please keep them coming. I think you are a SUPER-creative, fun mom, and your family is adorable! Thank you for sharing you daily days with all of us. Your blog always makes me smile.
AM in CT

karen - lol!! Classic shot of you looking at the camera!!!!

Courtney Walsh - Meg,
Been without internet since our move, but I am loving catching up with you and your vacay. I made meatball subs tonight for dinner and they DID smell sooo good. Can’t believe I didn’t think about Pete Schweddy once while I was making them. Sure would’ve gotten a laugh out of my husband if I’d named them though! πŸ™‚

Sara - OMGsh, that Pete Schweddy reference cracked me up!
These look delish – thanks for sharing!

Colleen/And Baby Makes Five - These look and sound delicious, Meg!
It’s been such fun to read your latest summertime posts. So funny. So sweet. So “it’s summer and the kids are home and driving me crazy” true. Keep ’em coming!
And I just have to marvel at your pristine white pants. That’s no easy feat with a house full of kiddos. Way to go!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - So, I made your recipe last night, and to say that they were a hit would be a HUGE understatement!!!
Thanks, Megan!!!
My oldest, who will turn 12 next week, even asked for me to make them again as his birthday meal!
Now that’s a compliment!!!

Lacey - do you know how absolutely beautiful you are? I just found your blog last week, and have gotten very little sleep since then trying to read it while my kiddos are asleep. No worries though. have a great day!

Elma - Thanks for the recipe!! I went out and bought corn. Will make the meatballs tomorrow:) You look fabulous!!!

Kat - You always look gorgeous Meg! Especially your hair, it really suits you like that.
I hear ya with having to alter recipes for the fussy eaters.
Hey, did you catch the meatball? lol. Sounds like my fussy eater. Oh the joys!

Melanie - Now what I wanna know is…did Craig actually appreciate you looking cute when he got home…did he even notice?! (Cuz you are…but sometimes men don’t notice when we look especially nice. You know, where you still could’ve been in a ratty t-shirt & sweatpants & he wouldn’t have known the difference!)
~Melanie
http://www.comfyhouse.blogspot.com

Amanda - So funny, this is one of my husband’s favorite recipes, too. Except instead of bread crumbs, my recipe calls for rolled oats. It’s yummy and my husband begs for it!

Tracy Fisher - I can’t wait to make this meal for my husband. No “green” and all! It looks delicious. I might even wear my pearls if I can find them. haha
Tracy (www.tfisherart.com)

Mindy Harris - recipe looks yummy–i’ll have to try it. your apron is just delightful. and you are so cute in these pictures, as always.

Vera - That picture of you smiling at the camera with the meatballs is ADORABLE. This looks yum – it’s funny, that’s pretty much exactly how I make meatloaf, which I always serve with mashed potatoes. Will have to try it this way!

Rebecca - So glad Typepad suggested I stop by ~ It’s great. The recipe sounds delicious…and your reference to Pete Schweddy ~ just too funny, cracked me up!
The days of kids throwing food have passed here but you reminded me of one evening when during dinner our daughter flung mashed potatoes on the wall behind her just because the peas had “gotten stuck” and she was trying to shake them off. πŸ™‚

Krista - Isn’t it so frustrating when you try to anticipate your kids’ quirks (no sauce) and they STILL don’t eat it????? I would love to have seen Annie throwing her meatball across the room. You look cute as a button in your black & white outfit!

katie - i just read a few comments and i have to disagree with Janine. don’t retype it. don’t put it in sheet protectors. one of the things i love most about the cookbooks i use alot is remembering things like leaving it on a burner once (even though i’ve never done that). sheet protectors have no character. or cute cover.

Christine Brown - Meg…are you a Premier Jewelry Lady?! Or you just love the jewelry??!!! (I’m a Jewelry Lady and recognized that Lady Fair bracelet and necklace right away!) You look MAHVELOUS!!! Jewelry = always good!! πŸ™‚

Bec - Mmmmm….this sounds a lot like my mom’s meatloaf recipe. Could be fun to make them into meatballs! Kind of like mini meatloaf bites πŸ™‚

Dina - just found you through my typepad updates email! that means you’ve hit the big time, girl! beautiful blog on the simplistic blessings of life (an oxymoron, perhaps?). continue living (and blogging) out loud so God’s glory is reflected through you!

Rhonda Roo - You peeps are all silly up in here. Meatballs in white pants, a shmillion questions, rainbow brights and slip and slides, happy babies what what what?
I must now therefore love you to pieces.
And visit often, and put you on my twinklestars blogroll, ohhh yes.
πŸ™‚

Nan - Sounds good but where’s the recipe? I looked in your sidebar, and yes, I’m an idiot, so I didn’t find it…help!

Kelly - You are cute!

Amy J. - I have that cookbook, too… small town, for ya! I’ll have to try those meat balls.. yum.

Christine Ishmael - thanks for the recipe, had everything including the hamburger I never put in the freezer ready to go…it’s in the oven now…my sauce is not bubbling yet…hope I made it right!

Honey - Thank you for telling us that Annie threw her meatball. That will make me smile all night long. Of course, it’s always funnier when it’s not your own kids! πŸ™‚

RLG - Great post, Meg. I love that you do special things for your man despite how busy I KNOW you are. The picture of you in pearls with the blue plate special is AWESOME. I will try your recipe b/c they are always amazing. Thanks for sharing. xoxo

www.Kellyloves.wordpress.com - lol – i had to do a double take – at first – I thought you were going to add chocolate chips to the meatballs! hilarious!
http://www.kellyloves.wordpress.com

crystal b - I am laughing my head off at the questions about catsup and the comments you made about your outfit! Too funny. I love these meatballs! Strangely enough, I have this recipe in one of my old church cookbooks too! Next time I make them, I’m wearing my white pants. I think it might make them taste better if I look cute while I’m cooking. And you are right, mashed potatoes are a must with anything meatloaf-ish, which is what these meatballs remind me of. You will be happy to know that my son has …. and does ….. throw meatballs. He hates catsup more than anything. Even if I leave the catsup off his meatballs, they were near catsup and that’s enough to throw him over the edge. Kids are weird.
Hey, how did the photos with Blue Lily turn out? I ran into her before I left on vacation and asked her about her recent trips including her shoot with you. She said you had such a fun family! Can’t wait to see what happened!
Looks like you are having a really fun summer with your cute fam!

Amanda C. - Ohhh, Annie! I used to throw fits when my parents made me eat meatloaf! I hate meatloaf and every time my mom made it, my dad would say, “you have to eat 5 bites!” and I would get so angry!!

kathy Eller - LOOVE that cookbook!! I have been wanting to make meatballs. You made it feel doable:)I want necklaces like yours now:) Thank you for your amazing post and sense of humor… You encouraged us to eb cool like you without showing off how cool you are. Thank you for that:)
<3 Kathy
Having a Hallelujah Good Time
http://www.handfulofellers.blogspot.com

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, perfect! I was needing an idea for dinner tonight! (My roast has gone bad πŸ™ the fridge needs to be cleaned – but I DO have hamburger meat!!)

Henita Riesen - Thanks for the great tasting recipe! I made it for supper all the way over the ocean here in Germany! A new favorite I think!
By the way…I really enjoy your blog! Lots of inspiration and makes me feel like I am not alone in the world of mommy-hood.
I love your bright colors!

Joyagg - Those look yummy – I just might have to make them this week. Thanks for sharing.

robin - i love you…i love your blog…you make me laugh out loud to the point that my husband says, “what are you laughing at???” and most of the time i’m so engrossed in reading what you are “saying” that i don’t even hear him ask… πŸ™‚
in light of the Pete Schweddy comment… πŸ™‚ your meatballs look so perfectly round and juicy… mmmmm, i can just imagine what they are like when i…. never mind πŸ™‚
and well, i TOTALLY relate to the “throwing” event from Annie…our daughter is the PICKIEST eater ever…and well, at 21 months, suffice it to say that we’ve seen food fly when she doesn’t want to eat it… tough love…tough love…

katy - *would have lost my mind if one of the kids threw a meatball (it would’ve been my daughter for sure)…ugh
*I make my meatloaf about the same way, same sauce too….if i don’t have breadcrumbs, I’ll use crunched up saltines or even dry stove top dressing …i sprinkle the stove top on the top of the meatloaf too, on top of the sauce…then cover w/ foil and bake.

Sara @ It's Good to be Queen - oooh, those look so yummy!
that’s hilarious that annie threw her meatball! probably not to you at the time, but funny nonetheless. πŸ˜‰

Staci Danford - My “big” son is leaving to go back to college on Sunday.. and I know he will Totally LOVE those. I’m gonna make them before he leaves. Thanks bunches.
Staci

Jen - 1. My husband (Derek Enger…from GEFC) and I hung out with “Chicago Dave…and kids” the other night while “Chicago Jen” was at work. I asked Dave how you guys met (aside from GEFC) and he gave me the short version…”and we lived in the same apartment complex”. SO glad I got the long version in your previous post (the way a women would tell it) πŸ™‚
2. I WILL be making these meatballs for my husband SOON.
3. SOOOO glad you mentioned Pete Schweddy…I was thinking of that from the beginning of the post.
4. LOVE your blog!!!
~Jen (also from Chicago…but NOT the REAL Chicago Jen)

Debby Graber - Megan, I find it so funny that so many people haven’t heard of this recipe! I think it is a favorite around here! One of Adam & Al’s favorites too! I will make them this weekend when the Arkansas kids come! Thanks for the idea!

Janine - You should retype all of those recipes, put them in laminated sheet protectors and into a binder. You’ll be glad you did. Especially if this cookbook is so well loved and falling apart now. With that sauce on top it sounds like your meatballs are like mini meatloaf servings. And who doesn’t love a good meatball!

Jessica - I have the same IKEA apron! I just bought it. I love it πŸ™‚

Laura - My husband is going to be sooo happy when he walks in from work this evening! Thanks Meg for another “ridiculous” recipe! πŸ™‚ p.s. you look fabulous!

ann - HI Meg,
Your meatballs look awesome…have you ever cooked them on the stovetop with some oil? My family LOVES them browned then topped with sauce. YUMMY
I had to laugh when I saw your cookbook…I have Notre Dame High School one my brother gave me in 1994 and it looks the same but I use it all the time! Great recipes!
You look so cute holding that plate of food with your pearls on! A real Betty Homemaker! XO Ann

Leah - These look delicious. Can’t wait to try them!

elisa - I love your bracelets!

patti - yum…I have an awesome recipe for meatballs too…this one looks easier. Oh, and if you wanted to add green, put some dried parsley in the meatballs! πŸ™‚

tara pollard pakosta - they look YUMMY!!!

Katie - I have that same shirt! And that looks sooo yummy!

Arielle - I’m a huge fan of our church cookbook, for some of the same reasons that I love recipes from blogs. It’s just nice to be able to know that real people are making these things in real homes. Thanks for sharing- the meatballs look delicious!
On another, random note, I saw this post over at I Suwannee yesterday and immediately thought of you:
http://www.isuwannee.com/2010/08/not-over-rainbow.html
Hope you like all of the rainbow fun! πŸ™‚

Beth - You are so cute–I wondered about the jewelry πŸ™‚ Those look tasty, my husband loves meatballs, too. AND, my mom always, always, says “catsup/ketchup, whichever” every single time she serves it! Silly.

Amy Coose - This sounds yummy, I’m sure DH would love it. And I can’t believe you didn’t mention Schweddy either, LOL! πŸ™‚

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Well mission accomplished! You made your man good food and you looked cute as a button too. Never heard of Pete Schweddy.

Jessica @ This Blessed Life - I love everything about this post. “Do you think june cleaver had to deal with that?” Oh my goodness, perfection!

Lauren - My mom calls it catsup too. I have no idea why, but she has for as long as I can remember… but her mom didn’t call it that. We live in Philadelphia, PA, not many people here pronounce it that way =) So I knew exactly what you were referring to!

beth - Love meatballs so gonna have to try this recipe….I always buy the ones already made in the store but no more if we like these….I can see that meatball thrown across the room…My Lexi sounds just like Annie…they have a mind of their own.
Cute daisy bowl…love me some daisies! Where did you get it…dollar store? they seem to have so many cute dollar store food servers now so I figured this is where it came from.

Staci - You’re so cute πŸ™‚ I’m not much of a “meat” girl myself, but my hubby would love it if I made these πŸ˜‰ I might have to wear gloves ;( And did you crack up or what when Annie threw her meatball across the room!!!??? I might’ve laughed at that πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Jen - Yum-O!! And we love Pete Schweddy too! wink wink

Marisa - Ooh, that sauce is similar to my meatloaf sauce. Or, er, Martha’s meatloaf sauce. Yummy!

nella paper studio - I am SOOO making this for my boyfriend tonight! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚
Elizabeth
nella designs paper studio

kristi rediske - Looks great-I think I may have to cook that for my husband but I dont think I am going to dress up so much and put jewelry on-you are exceptional-does that sound right-it was a compliment-HA! Anyway-you sure look good after cooking a meal.

adrienne - looks like comfort food to me!! i’ll have to try it πŸ™‚

Nicole Q. - Never made meatballs so I think I’ll add this to the list! I laughed at Annie throwing a meatball . .. she could fit into our family. HA!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Well, thank you ma’am!
Now I know what’s for dinner at our house tonight!
I love Duerksen family recipes!!!
πŸ™‚

Lisa - Dinner. Tonight. Thanks.

Mary - That is one awesome looking meal that says “down home cooking from the Midwest” all over it.
Let me say it for you. “Schweddy Balls” hahaha. Love me a little Saturday Night live.
~mary~

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Megan,
For everyday regular people, I would have to say, yes the picture of the smiling mom holding meatballs in her Out on the town garb is strange. For a world class blogger…just perfect : ) So glad you share the everyday. Wow, have never had a meatball thrown…Yet. Thank goodness there wasn’t any sauce. Made me laugh.
Dana

Kandi - You’re too funny, I’m so glad I ran across your blog the other day. Love the Pete Schweddy comment, lol. That looks like a perfect meal to me, thanks for sharing Judy Schroeder’s recipe. πŸ™‚

Julianne Brimner - This is one of my hubby’s fave meals, too….and the recipe I use (very similar to yours) came from the cookbook from his home church. Don’t you love it when they walk in and say it smells good?

Leslie - Did you notice that they have also officially changed the spelling on the label as well? I remember as a kid that it was always Catsup and that looked so strange! The other day I noticed it was Ketchup now.
Such important details I share! πŸ˜‰

Nancy - Those look fabulous. Meatballs make the world go round in my house. That leads to my comment about Schweddy… thank you for the 5:00 am smile. One of the best skits, EVER!

Julie - I wonder what will have more comments… the meatballs, Pete, or your white pants and heels. It’ll be like the vote for Lauren’s shirt. Anyway, I’m excited to try these. Your recipes have never let me down. My kids would love the meatballs. Now mashed potatoes… I have one who would throw those. Seriously. June Clever and her children are not for real. All real kids throw temper tantrums… and food. Right?
Haha… Pete Schweddy. What cracks me up about that comment is I was just thinking about him yesterday. It was so hot. I wanted to make a reference on FB, but I restrained myself. I’m glad you didn’t.

Tara - i literally laughed out loud at my computer over the “white pants, heels, holding a plate of meatballs while smiling for the camera” part of this post!
you are TOO funny. Now, I’m going to get my coffee.

Holly - well now that looks yummy! I might have to try that. Meg I love your recipes because well our families are abotu the same size so there is no guess work when it comes to whether or not I need to double it.

Carrie - Sorry…one more thing.
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, but I see you used dried onions. How much dried?

Carrie - Funny…I was feeling silly because I though about Pete Schweddy as soon as I saw the word meatball. HA!
These are going on dinner list.
Thanks Meg!

Julie - That does look good! Those cookbooks are always the best cookbooks! And I’m not surprised that’s his favorite ~ that is a very meat and potatoes meal ~ a guy meal!!! Thanks for sharing.

Jaime @ Mamarazzi - I had to google Pete.
Abt died laughing.
I always make my meatballs in a pan on the stove.
Never thought to bake them.
I find myself spelling Ketchup “catsup” all the time.
It’s weird. I think it’s supposed to be spelled that way, but someone commercialized it and changed the spelling.
Not for sure; I am just sayin’
Great recipe! Thanks for sharing.

Kimberlee J. - Great…I have that cookbook. πŸ™‚
The first pic of you holding the plate of meatballs is a good one…in white pants and heels, Mrs. Craig.
And did B on one of the hottest days of last weekend start pulling out the “Schweddy” quotes. Oh yes he did.

Gemma - Yummy Yummy!! It’s 8:30am here in London, UK and I’m wanting to eat this NOW lol ! It looks great Meg, Will have to give it a try : )
Gemma x

amanda - This looks delicious! I think I’ll make it for dinner tomorrow (or really today … must go to bed!) Ugh – a writer’s hours …

Leonie - thanks for the edit Meg…. I have to google a lot of USA recipes and casup threw me completely,……. I am pretty sure I can use tomato sauce… an Aussie staple…. have a great day…… or sleep I am thinking!

Lisa - You do stay up late! πŸ˜‰ Its midnight in Oregon and I’m only up cause I can’t sleep. Hate when that happens. And I’m working this whole week at VBS at our church and its surprisingly exhausting so I am wishing I was getting a wonderful nights sleep right now! I think my hubby would LOVE this meal. Not so sure about one of my kids though. But I’ll have to give it a try. πŸ™‚ Can you tell I’m tired? I hardly ever comment on blogs and here I am not only commenting but blabbing on and on about nothing. Think I should try again to sleep. Night!

Leonie - what is casup??????????? is that tomato sauce?????? that is what the picture looks like, my boys (hubby included) love meatballs… I have a wonderful italian meatball recipe but this could be something different to try out…. I am just returning to work it sounds like a great working night meal… thanks Meg…

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Pam’s Cheesecake

i have this friend Pam.
she took me to africa with her….we text everyday…she makes so much good food it’s unreal.
she made this cheesecake for a party at my house.
i can’t even describe it.

words can’t describe how i feel about this cheesecake.
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she
created it.
she worked with ingredients from scratch…for years…and CREATED it.
i mean seriously…who does that?

PAM does.
and she agreed to let me blog it.
with pictures.
you are such lucky readers!

here goes…

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you need these goodies.
4 packages of cream cheese.
i told you it was good.
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put fudge stripe cookies in a big ziploc bag.
and smash them up.
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add melted butter and sugar to the cookies in the bag.
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and smoosh it all into a spring form pan.

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microwave the cream cheese 1 – 2 minutes.
then blend it in your mixer.
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with all the other ingredients too.

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is that not the prettiest thing you have ever seen?!

you bake it for 45 – 50 minutes at 350.
take it out of your oven (try not to cry about the perfection you about to enjoy…)
leave it in the pan.
let it cool.
then put it in the refrigerator or freezer….you could even leave it overnight.

but that is crazy talk…who would wait a whole day to eat this?!
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then pam taught me how to make homemade whipped cream.

it is so easy.

you put whipping cream in a mixing bowl…and mix it.
that is it.
um…..DUH.
why didn’t i know that?!
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pam, the way you cook and bake is an art form.
you are awesome.
i love this cheesecake.
Β 
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Please leave pam some love on her blog today.
she deserves it.

love you pam!
Β 

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Sally - Quick question – what size pan do you use? 8″? 9″?
Also, what size sour cream – 8oz or 16oz – this picture you posted looks like 16oz but the recipe says a small tub.
Thank you SO Much!

qasb - sorry but can u give me the exact measurements? ounces?

Katie - What are the specific ingredient amounts or is this not meant to be a shared recipe? I’m confused?

Melia - I am curious as to the measurements of all the ingredients, and what exactly is needed. It looks so delicious, but I want to make sure I have everything correct!

ginny - what size springform pan? i have a box with 3 of them in it. please and thank you!!!

Ola - I’m sorry but could you list the ingredients somewhere, I am not from the States so I might need to substitute some and I also don’t know the amount πŸ™‚ Thanks! This looks delicious and I want to try it for our anniversary.

TonyaElise - Question for your friend Pam: I LOVE this cheesecake! But every time I make it, it cracks when it cools. I was wondering if hers cracked too, or if she knew a secret to keep it from cracking down the middle. Crack or no crack, still the BEST cheesecake EVER! Thank so much for sharing the recipe!

Amanda - Found this from Joy’s Hope, and I am upset that I have no reason to make cheesecake in the near future!

Jessica - Okay, Meg (and Pam), I made this two weeks ago and my husband and friends think I am amazing now that I know how to make cheesecake. THIS cheesecake. Even my MIL was impressed. It was so easy. I am so glad my first cheesecake was this one.
I will be laminating the recipe (actually have to print a new one b/c one of our friends read it and wrote on it, “YES!!! Make for C.J.” Ha ha. Or maybe I’ll just leave it as is. Thanks to both of you for sharing and making me look good. πŸ™‚

teresa - i made it for father’s day…it was yummy beautiful!

Alaina - Meg~ When you say a small sour cream, do you mean the regular 16 oz size (can’t see the size in the pic), or the 8 oz? I’m in the middle of making this recipe and am a little confused. Hope to hear soon. It looks so divine! Thanks for sharing.

Em @ Bunch of Scrap - Back to report that I made the cheesecake, it sat overnight… I about died not being able to eat it right away but we FINALLY got to try it last nigt…. OMG you are right! The BEST ever! My hubby wants it as his birthday cake now! Thank you Pam for perfecting this over the YEARS… wow, YUMMY!

Michelle Whitlow - I made this recipes. SO YUM!!! And my daughter is in love with it πŸ™‚

got2havefaith - fudge striped cookies as the crust…she is a GENIUS!

Cassie - it’s baking in the over RIGHT NOW. πŸ™‚
so excited! i’m bringing it to a b-day party tomorrow.
love you.
love pam.
and i love this cheesecake, too. πŸ™‚

Elise - Between you and Julie, y’all are trying to make us all fat{er, in my case}. That looks so good…Seriously gonna have to try this!!
Elise

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Holy yowza.
ps – Matt Seracen made me cry last night.

Julie - wants.
now.

amy d - YUM!!! hoping this will be served at a upcoming block party!
(hint, hint πŸ™‚

amy jupin - oh holy hell.
this looks good.
i will be making this soon!

kristine - oh and btw you mentioned that you text everyday, and wasn’t getting a phone with texting on your bday list of things to do?!??! hooray for you!

kristine - what i love about pam is that she **let her hair down** to frost it (or whatever a topping on cheesecake is called). she’s adorable and her blog is hilarious and beautifully filled with baked goods. thanks for sharing and btw she got a lot of hits via you. nice props πŸ™‚

Tracy Fisher - OMG (yes, I got that from my 13 yr. old)… I can’t wait to make this. Yum! By the way, do you know what I made up for my texting friends? LGTFAGOWAG (…it means Let’s Get Together For A Glass Of Wine And Giggles). Don’t tell my 13 yr. old!
Tracy
p.s. you should write a cookbook! I’d buy it in a heart beat πŸ™‚

The Lady of the House - Nummy Num! Num! Thanks Pam! & Meg πŸ™‚

{beth} - this looks AMAZING! …and I am not even a cheesecake person.

ann - You should really be arrested for posting that. That looks deadly good!

emily b - Umm, I need some of that right now… but I need to pack and do laundry… baking a cheesecake probably won’t be a part of trip preparations… I’m in a quandry!
Oh, flash of brilliance! I WILL make it when we get home, and that will be my happy thought as we make the somewhat depressing drive home from the mountains next week.
Thank you for sharing!

Logan - Oh dear mercy……That is beautiful and it is those Fudge Stripe cookies that caught my eye first!!! My grandmother is the only person I have ever known that bought Fudge Stripe cookies and it was such a treat to have them at her house. I am going to make this as soon as I buy a spring form pan. Amazing!!!

Karina - I could just about swim in freshly whipped cream. I add a little icing sugar and vanilla. Do be careful not to over-whip it, or you’ll end up with butter. (Yummy butter, but still no longer whipped cream.)
Someone mentioned having cheesecake as their wedding cake. My husband is lucky I didn’t marry a cheesecake – I love it almost that much.
Do I take it your ban on sugar is over? LOL.

Jocelyn Stott - Making…this…soon. YUM! And yes, homemade whipped cream is the only way to go.

Courtney Walsh - I confess I only recently made homemade whipped cream too! I used whipping cream, sugar and vanilla for mine. it is ridiculous. This looks amazing!! Wish it was gluten free! lol πŸ™‚

tara pollard pakosta - cannot wait to try this out!
what a GREAT friend!
tara

Tam - fudge stripe cookies for a crust-genius! I can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing the recipe.

Sandy - You had me at the fudge stripe cookies!
I think I’ll make this and surprise everyone at my nephew’s graduation party on Sunday. Yum.

`Kelly - Oh my word. That just made me day.

Amy Aspiras - Looks SO light and fluffy….and that crust…genius! Thanks for sharing.

shelly - Thanks for sharing, looks delish!

Staci - Oh mannnnn….this is going to be the death of me πŸ™‚ Fudge-striped cookies….cheesecake….TOGETHER….yup, I’m dead πŸ™ Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚ Gonna go show Pam some love now πŸ™‚

Sharla - Thanks for sharing!

Janine - Sounds like a good recipe for New York style cheesecake. I will have to try this one. My dad and my friend make an amazing cheesecake like this, and while not checking the measurements this is pretty much their recipes. I love the cookie crust idea instead of regular old graham crackers. Did she bake it in a water bath? Oh and here’s a tip – try vanilla extract and lemon zest for a different flavor. OMG so yummy. You can also just let the cream cheese come to room temp instead of microwaving it but maybe the microwaving makes it smoother. I’ll have to try that. Thanks for a new variation on an old classic!

Tess S. - this looks so good. soooo good!
extra tip for whipped cream… add a little sugar and vanilla extract. YUM!

Carrie - SO glad you learned the art of homemade whipped cream. It is so so good. I hope my friends don’t read this today – they think it is amazing that I make homemade whipped cream. Now they will know how easy it is. πŸ™‚

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - What are you doing to me Meg and Pam?? I want cheesecake so bad now it hurts!!!

Micah - Oh my goodness. I can’t WAIT to try this!!! I love how you used fat free sour cream – to counter act all the other fat? Ha!

Kimberlee J. - I was trying to figure out what to make for family coming to town this weekend—I think this it!

Shana - i love you too pam!

Casey - I don’t care for cheesecake normally, but this looks divine! Might just have to add it to my list.

Lisa - mmm now this does look good. Im wondering… 4 blocks of cream cheese equates to how many grams? We cant buy it in blocks over here, its tubs all the way.
xxx

pam - We made your Restaurant Margaritas and we just about died they were so amazing. Your taste buds hit it dead on with the Margaritas….we’ll try this and see. :o)

Amy Lynne - Ya, well, I think I’ll be making this today! We LOVE cheesecake. In fact we had cheesecake for our wedding cake!

Jill - Oh boy, I’m reading this and it’s 7:30 in the morning, and I really want to make it RIGHT NOW!

Michelle - Amazing. Truly amazing. We live in Australia. Think Pam would mind whipping (pun fully intended!) one up and sending it to us? Oh yes, it might not travel well in the post πŸ™‚ Seriously, it looks divine. Thanks for sharing.

Jeannette - This looks so yummy, ever at 6:45 in the morning!!! Is there really a timeframe on when you can eat dessert, I think not :o)
thanks Pam for letting Meg share this with everyone, now I am off to Wally World to buy the ingredients. Hmmmm maybe I better wait until my 4 year old gets up.

Gemma - OMG Megan I can’t believe you didn’t know how to make whipping cream…you’re S0 FUNNY!
Cheese cake looks yummy btw : )
Gemma X
http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/

Julie - I LOVE cheesecake. It is my favorite dessert. If this is the BEST cheesecake EVER in the history of cheesecake, then I HAVE to try it! Thanks Pam and Meg for sharing!!

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margaritas

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Β i told you last month that my mom makes AMAZING margaritas.
i am here for a visit and asked her if i could blog it.
of course she said yes.
Β 

you need:
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frozen limeade, tequila, triple sec and a beer. (any brands are fine for any of these i am sure)

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pour the limeade into the blender…

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use the empty limeade can as your measuring cup.
fill it 2/3 full of tequila
then 1/3 full of the triple sec

pour it in the blender too.

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fill your blender with ice.
lots of ice.

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then blend it.
it will be slushy yumminess.

after that is done THEN you add one bottle of beer.

DO NOT USE THE BLENDER after the beer is poured in.
you will have margaritas all over the place.

(i may have done that once in my kitchen but no one can prove it so i am not admitting to anything….)
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oh……yeahhhhhh.

i won’t tell you how many i had.

Or how many pitchers we made….Β 


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mom made a big dinner for everyone.
we call it “polynesian chicken”…you start with rice and then you continue down the line of food
adding what you like to your plate.
i choose rice, chicken, sauce (cream of chicken soup), cheese, pineapples, chow mein noodles & coconut.
but everyone always a different meal at the table.
it’s good.
(the strawberries/bananas/yogurt/cottage cheese are side dishes…not part of the polynesian chicken)
Β 
we ate on the patio in the perfect summer weather.
a still summer night.
my sister and her girls came for the night too.
it was so nice to spend some time together.
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we got the kids to bed and my mom, dad and my sister and i talked into the night.
a really nice evening.

ahhhhh……

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you have to try my mom’s margaritas.
they are just yummy.
they do not taste like a margarita mix…it tastes like a restaurant margarita…a mexican restaurant!

Β mmmmmmm….mmmm….mmmmm!

Β 

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Β ***AND***

you can make these on the rocks instead of frozen.
just make it in a pitcher and add 1/2 a can of water to it.
then serve it over ice.

it is really good that way too!Β 
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ICEAGE - These are great! Never thought of beer as a component of margarita mix. Big fan of Blue Moon anyway, so this was perfect. Thanks…

POOPSICLE - Yea, its called LIMEADE!!! LOL

Bailey C - Ladies Night In tomorrow and margaritas are on the menu. I remembered this post and although I still have yet to try them myself, we will all be experiencing them together…can’t wait!!

Sokiram - 6e2I guess I was living under a rock for so long that I came to know about this rucuks just now. Any email from Dunn Timothy goes straight to my trash for obvious reasons but nothing derogatory. I understand why the members of this sorority and its supporters are not happy with this media disclosure but all it does is the exposition of the suspension and contains none of the details, however grave, that led to this situation. What I don’t understand is why are the same people taking a jab at the writer’s writing skills. Are you trying to make a point? The report is a simple explanation of the recent probation and nothing else. It’s not suppose to be filled with satire and metaphors to lure the readers. I think if the editors had done the latter, there would be an even bigger fire.Sororities girls are not saints, let’s get that clear. Such matters should be known to the rest of the campus because when they come knock my door to save that poor girl in Africa, I wanna know whether they are worth the trust. Rather than using these social cause as a veil, sororities have to really feel for these cause. Being a member of a sorority is not just a stepping stone for your future career or for your sense of security.Girls drink, do wild stuffs and there is nothing to be ashamed of. You are allowed be humans. Just own up to it. PS: I like all the attention that Concordy is getting. Can’t we have it more often? Does anyone even read the Sports Section?, other than the one who wrote it and the one about whom it is written? No offense to the writer and the players. I just think it’s too long and veryyyyyyy boring ..

Rattikarn - Ohhh this sounds so yummy! I might just have to go buy these inreedignts and have one tonight! Heck, why wait, maybe I’ll have one this morning! Thanks for the recipe Meg!

Tammy - We had these last night at a party. They were the BEST! Thanks!!

Bridget Gladman - Love this receipe! We made 5, YES 5 pitchers of it one weekend. UMMM GOOOD! Thanks for sharing.

Jill - So I am usually the cook, I am always the DJ but I am never the bartender. That is my husband’s job. But last night this recipe gave me the courage to give it a whirl and OH.MY.GOODNESS. Success on my first try. πŸ™‚

Meredith - I’d missed reading your blog for a week or so and was catching up and saw this. I got my boyfriend to sit down and read over it (we love margaritas) and he said that in Mexico, if you wanted a very similar drink, you’d need to order a michelada! In Mexico, they have both drinks, the difference being a michelada has lime and beer (and sometimes spices)!

Marisa - We made these today for our post-ballet-recital bash. (For the grown-ups, anyway.) They were yummy! Thanks (to you and your mom) for sharing!

Courtney - Okay, I had a party last night and tried out these margaritas. They were awesome! The beer cut a bit of the “twang” out and tamed the super sweetness. No more margarita mixes for me…I’m sold!!!

lifeologia - Your mom is AWESOME. How cool that you both can enjoy some margarita’s – my mom’s not that cool πŸ˜‰

matt - I’m always trying random stuff in our margaritas so thanks for posting your mom’s recipe. It looks wonderful. I personally think one key to a good margarita is to make it reeeely cold. My only beef is the salt. The salt never comes out right. It’s always chunky and not pretty like a string of aciduous pearls. So if you have tips on the salt rim I’m all ears. Oh, and I see someone posted about adding sugar and salt. great idea heather! I’ll try it.

our life in a click - I always make mine with limeade also but sometimes leave out the triple sec. I never heard of adding a beer. Must try this sometime. Looks like a fun night!
I like doing half sugar/half salt for the rim.
heather

Meg - Drank these last night from jelly jars, on the patio, with some of my favorite “church mommies.” they were delish! thanks for sharing.

linda lou - i’ll be over for a margarita when i’m in the neighborhood next time do i need to call ahead of time? (:

Lisa Currie-Gurney - WOW, DID I SERIOUSLY JUST TYPE MAIN, NOT MAINE? CAN YOU TELL THE KIND OF DAY I’VE HAD.
THINK I NEED ONE OF YOUR MUMS MARGARITAS!
HUGS FROM MAINE

Lisa Currie-Gurney - LOVE THAT YOU SPEND THE NIGHT AT YOUR MOM & DADS, DRINK HER MARGARITAS, EAT, AND TALK INTO THE NIGHT…
MY FLORIDA SISTER COMES UP TO MAIN IN JULY. I BOOKMARKED THIS FOR FUTURE REF.
HUGS FROM MAINE

kat - Oh my yummy yum yum! I can’t wait to try that Margarita recipe, I wonder how it would taste with a Bud Light Lime? Sounds delish. I love Blue Moon, that sounds like the perfect choice. Wow. Thanks for sharing. Looks like me and the hubs will have to test it. Can’t wait.

Jessica - WE have that too but we call it Hawaiian Haystacks. Always a hit! That reminds me, we haven’t had that in a while!

Julie - YUMMO!

Queen Bee - I hate margaritas. I want to like them, I truly do. I try and try but alas, me no likie tequila. I think I might try to make these substituting in some other various alcohol that I do like….. um, maybe a strawberry flavored wussy liquor. I’m such a GIRLIE GIRL when it comes to alcohol.
I tell you what though — You and Your Mom Kick Ass. Plain and simple.

Jessica - Oohhh Im definitely going to make this tonight! Nothing beats the Florida heat like a good margarita! Thank your mom for sharing this recipe!

Tam - a beer! Brilliant addition. I can’t wait to try them!

Stina - We are in Wyoming and call that rice dish a Hawaiian Haystack. Funny thing. My husband is born and raised in HI and not only never heard of them his whole life…but was absolutely horrified that we would put cream of chicken and fruit, or anything close to either, on rice. lol.
I wonder if it’s just called that because of the fruit? All my in-laws were appalled when he told them. Darn haoles! πŸ™‚

Kelley - I made these margaritas last night and they ROCKED! I know I will not make them any other way from here on out. Thanks for sharing this deliciousness!

Selina - Yum! I wish I could find limeade here in Australia. πŸ™

Jamie - Made these today for our Memorial Day celebration and they were a huge hit. We even already had Blue Moon in the fridge! Of course Midwesterners know how to make the best Ritas! Thanks for the post.

sarah - One of my friends asked recently if I knew about a margarita that added a beer in the mix. I told her about the ones your mom made us that night when we were there… they’re were delish.
We have plans to make them for one of our next ‘sisterhood’ gatherings πŸ™‚
The food looks so yummy!

Christina-fivewalkers - Yum! And it sounds like a perfect evening. I am going to see my parents very soon (my dad is retiring after 36 years pastoring one church) and I am sooo excited. So are the kids. πŸ™‚ Thanks for adding to my anticipation. But, they don’t drink, so I’ll have to do the margaritas with someone else. πŸ™‚

Jessica @ One Shiny Star - We call then Hawaiian haystacks too, and they are ever popular and church gatherings! Yummm. Looks like a good start to the summer!

kristine - i love that your mom drinks margaritas!
your mom is gorgeous!
and has beautiful hands too!
btw the pic of your sister reminded me that i copied one of your “things to do” and added “vacay with my sister” to mine. i hope you get to do yours too!
happy holiday weekend! xo

Rachel / cREaTe - funny funny – just read Ann Marie’s comment & yes – the recipe i use is technically called “knock ya nakeds”. πŸ™‚ small world … wonder what its origin is!

Rachel / cREaTe - very similar to the margarita recipe i use … except add a can of sprite & instead of 1/3 can full of triple sec – just make it all tequila. oh & no ice. but maybe that’s why they’re super strong. maybe some ice would help. πŸ™‚ ha ha ha LOOKS LIKE FUN!

tara pollard pakosta - they sound delicious!!!
I just saw a recipe on the barefoot contessa
show and it was for pineapple margaritas, they sounded
yummy too (it was triple sec, tequila, ice, pineapple juice and the juice from limes)
I want to try this one!
sounds like a delightful evening!!!
tara

mandy - i would love to know how your mom makes the chicken for the pol chicken??? i had this at a friends house one time, but have never been able to make it the same…thanks friend!

chasity - wondering if there is a good non-alcoholic version.
it’s against my religion to drink alcohol…something to think about.

Staci - Sooooo making these TO-DAY!!!!! Just got back from a week at Disney…I need to triple the batch I think πŸ™‚ I’ve missed your blog πŸ™‚

Ann Marie - I have a very similar recipe for these! They are called ‘Knock you naked margaritas’. We always have them on the rocks but instead of adding water we add a can of 7up

Robyn - how did you get such an amazing photo of the lanterns. i can not for the life of me get nighttime photos.

Trish - yummers… gonna have to wait awhile since i’m 30 weeks pregnant and planning to nurse til he is one! oh well, I will just live through you πŸ˜‰

Tanya - Sounds and looks like a great meal and evening!

Krista - YUMMMMMMM, I am soooo thirsty right now (at 12:15 in the afternoon) for one of those. Interesting recipe, I am writing it down now so I can try it when I have company!

Melanie - Yummy! I am going to have to try this! I don’t drink but I love maragrits!

Patty - Beer in a margarita? Gotta try this!

Holly - I a definately going to try these! What a fun night!

Sara Cameli - This makes me miss you all so much! Love the photos of your Mom and Lorel! πŸ™‚ Wish I lived closer…boo hoo. Not that I need Margaritas to love you all! ha ha.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Margaritas are the only alcohol drinks that I think actually tastes good. I’ll have to try it sometime. Looks like you had a fun time. That polynesian chicken buffet looked interesting too.

jennifer - Ooooh! Those will definitely be made at some point this weekend!
Funny story about that beer… About a year ago, the county that we live in decided that our street name needed to change because there was another street about a mile away with a very similar name. We live on a small cul-de-sac with only three houses, so they sent us each a letter and told us to come up with a new street name. We thought we were moving at the time, so didn’t put our suggestions in and another neighbor could care less, so my next door neighbor submitted her choice and we now live on Blue Moon Ct. Named after the beer! I love my neighbor, she’s the best! And she’s going to LOVE your mom’s margarita recipe.
Thanks for sharing!

~Stefanie - I had been waiting for you to post this recipe since you mentioned your mom made the BEST margaritas! Would have never thought to add a beer, we will be trying these out tonight! Thanks Meg’s mom πŸ™‚

susan - wish I was there!! love your pics..can you post some from further away so we can see the whole atmosphere?? xoxo

Jo @ To a Pretty LIfe - My mom used to make chicken and ricelike that and I’ve been wanting to make it. I just have to go get the groceries for it. You’ve given me more ideas for toppings, thanks!

Kari - Sounds yummy! My mom is diabetic and we make the On the Border light margaritas – you can buy the mix at Target. There is only about 40 calories in one I think (not counting the tequila).
I can’t wait to make your rainbow cupcakes this week for the last day of school. Just did a Chicago Cubs groom’s cake this weekend – love to bake!

Lisa - You go Mom!

Casey - Need to try the margaritas with beer……on my list!
And, I love the idea for dinner. Well done!

tami reed - Thats looks yummy!!!

adrienne - just wrote it down! … will be great on memorial day while floating in the pool!

Sarah @ Dream in Domestic - Those look good! I’ve never had a margarita before. I turn 21 on Thursday – I’ll have to add these to my list of things to try! Thanks for sharing!

Kimberlee J. - Hello summer margaritas. I love you.

Jeanne - This is my favorite recipe too ! Your mom is one wise woman:-)

Rachel - YUM!! This is my recipe, too, minus the beer! We call them “Rachel’s Famous Margaritas” (I make all my friends call them that. It’s not like I have a big head or anything.) Now I’ll HAVE to try the beer in it!! And my fav beer too!! LUH-HUV Blue Moon.
Thanks for sharing! Great pics!

Jennifer - Yum! I love margaritas and am definitely going to try your mom’s version πŸ™‚

Gemma - It all looks lovely!! The lanterns look so pretty too πŸ˜€
I’ve never treid a margarita but will remember this one if I ever make one : )
Gemma @ Musings of a gem X

Lynda - *waving*..HI MUM!!!!:)…Sounds like a great day/evening/night…..even without the margaritas;).
Hmm…maybe I’m gonna make some tequilla sunrises tonight….has nothing to do with your margaritas…maybe only the tequilla….;)…I’m not a drinker so don’t know how a margarita is gonna “work it’s magic”;)
Maybe someday!!:D

Lori - We are going to try this! Margaritas are my favorite but we never make them because they DO NOT taste like they are from a restaurant! Too boozy- ugh. I’ll drink one, with salt of course, and think of you and your Mom! Please thank her for sharing! Yippee!!! Lori

Kathy - A beer I would never have thought! Looks like a great evening!

Elise - We call polynesian chicken “hawaiian haystacks” and I love love love them.
Any suggestions to make your mom’s delightful margaritas virgin?

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peanut butter pie {craig’s favorite}

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craig’s birthday was last week.
on easter he asked for a peanut butter pie….ON easter day.
yeah no.
i was busy…making coconut cream pie for my sugar-deprived self.
but i remembered his request and made it for his birthday.

if you like peanut butter….you HAVE to make this.
everyone who tries it says something like “OHHHHH! YUUUUMMMM!” after their first bite.
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first i made PW’s pie crust.
(i am wearing a quilted apron…made of all polyester pieces…from the thrift shop….i love it.)
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roll it out.
this is a labor of love….it’s messy.
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make it look pretty.
then bake it for 10 – 15 minutes.
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mix peanut butter and powdered sugar together with a fork…
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until it looks like this….
then put 3/4 of it at the bottom of your cooled pie crust.
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my pie crust baking skills are very raw.
it hasn’t worked quite right yet…doesn’t keep it’s shape.
but i will just keep practicing.
it tastes fabulous though…and i don’t even like pie crust!
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don’t laugh at my pie crust…i am trying here people!!
it’s not pillsbury and THAT is the important part of this story.

whisk the pudding mix with milk and pour on top of the peanut butter crumbles.
refrigerate it for a few minutes for it to set.
Β 

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after it’s set, spread a container of whipped topping on top of the pudding.
(or you could make homemade whipped cream…if you are awesome)
sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbles on the whipped cream.
refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

this is so good.
i think it may be a midwest recipe.
it seems like it is….but maybe i am way off.
it makes me think of church potlucks or family renuions.
in a good way.

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Randi - Made this last night, my husband loves it!

Chad - I have wanted to find this recipe for about 15 years. I had this pie a few times at church potlucks but the lady that made it refused to share the recipe. I do not see where you have it posted either. Can you help me find it?
Chad

Denise - Please post the link for the recipe because I can’t find it.

lisa - this is very close to the recipe my husband uses for his peanut butter pie recipe which he ‘borrowed’ from an amish bakery in ohio! it’s awesome!!! lucky you πŸ™‚

sarah - i’m making this tomorrow for a baby shower i’m hosting. the guest of honor is going to LOVE this!
one question: when it’s cut into slices does it keep it’s shape? i want to pre cut the pie and have it on plates ready for serving. but i won’t do it if it’s not going to look beautiful.
any suggestions?

Kathy Young - Hi Meg, I’ve never posted before but I do follow and enjoy reading your blog. I read other poster’s tips for pie crust & agree that you can’t stretch pie dough much because it will shrink back. When you flute the edges, be sure to snag it over the edge of the pie dish a little with each pinch to give it something to “hold” on to while baking. Then either prick it well with a fork or weight it to prevent it from bubbling while pre-baking.
After that my best advice is to relax and go with however the finished crust turns out because something made at home with love beats store bought any time no matter what it looks like! πŸ™‚

Michele - Made this yesterday. It was so yummy! TFS!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Yum!
And.. God heavens, you have pretty hands!
πŸ™‚

juliann brenner - Oh Megan, this looks so delicious……..I bet it would be tasty with mini-recees cups crumbled on top – PB and chocolate and pie crust, oh my.

Mansi - Hi Meg,
I have been following your blog since last 1.4 years.
You have been such an inspiration & the blog is full of colors & blessings.
No wonder, each of us dream to have an ideal house like yours.
I am from India & unlike you all, belong to a different segment of world where women are still bound by so many roles & responsibilities that most of us prefer to give up on our hobbies & craft skills.
I have recently thought of starting an inspiration blog that might help me to share some good practices of the west with the east.
Please feel free to visit my blog http://mansirana.blogspot.com/2010/04/indians-can-never-think-like-americans.html
It’s not as good as yours but I am trying πŸ™‚
Please feel free to share some suggestions to make it better.

Karen - Oh man, don’t all guys LOVE peanut butter!?! I love your pie crust… it’s homemade! YUM. Thanks for the recipe!

Gemma - That looks great but unfortunately i’m allergic to Peanuts! If I wasn’t I would definately make it..
If any of you get a chance please take a peek at my blog http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/
Gemma X

Elizabeth - Yum. I wish that I could have a piece right now! I was a pastry chef before I became a mother, and I have a couple of tips for you about pie crust if you’ll forgive my presumption:
1. Don’t overmix the dough — use cold butter and/or shortening, and you should see little bits of it scattered throughout
2. Blind bake your crust. After you lay it out in the pan, lay a sheet of tin foil over it and fill it with beans. Bake it that way and it won’t shrink down.
Yay!

robin - OK, I didn’t put on any cute apron, but I made this pie tonight and it was DELISH. I even got inspired and went all out with a stouffers family lasagna and garlic bread beforehand. My family was SHOCKED and are being so nice to me. πŸ™‚ Thanks for the wonderful recipe!

Tanya H - oh my YUM! Thank you!!!

Rebekah - That looks SO good! I wish I could make one. My daughter is allergic to peanuts and while we do keep a jar in the house for my husband and me to have sandwiches once in a while, I don’t cook with them because I’m afraid the fumes might cause her to have an allergy attack! Maybe one day when she’s not at home… πŸ™‚

Melanie - I made PW’s cinnamon rolls this past week and there is an art to dough. Just keep practicing. You will get it.
I don’t eat anything peanut butter except plain old pb&j. The pie looks good though.

candace - oh, that sounds (and looks) goooood! can’t wait to try it, but i will be honest, it will probably be in a pillsbury pie shell. πŸ™‚

kathleen - hi, love your blog…love the pie. I am going to have to try to make it. Have you ever tried the trick with foil and no pie weights… that’s what finally conquered my wonky pie crust… smittenkitchen.com is where I found it.
I’ve always wondered if phrases like “easy as pie” and “pie crust promise, easily made easily broken” were sarcastic, because I found pie crust to be the most challenging thing I had ever tried… and I cook alll the time….

Meredith - I make the same recipe but with homemade pudding instead of the box kind. It is delicious. The funny thing is, whenever guests have it, everyone agrees it is such a southern recipe! (I’m in North Carolina.) I guess we all like to claim the really good recipes. πŸ™‚

Alicia - I am sorry to be laughing out loud at your pie crust…only because I know from experience, sadly. Glad to hear about the weight things. You really crack me up–much love!

Kellie Dugan - I have never heard of this type of peanut butter pie recipe. I will have to try this. My hubby loves peanut butter anything.
I just purchased your “4” shirt from etsy. Thanks, I had not even thought of what my son would wear for his BD. Oh the things that slip our mind till the last minute.

Bec - I’m definitely going to give it a try with chocolate pudding! (I had mono for a month straight once and all I could eat was jello and vanilla pudding so they are on my dislike list now)

Lisa - Um Yummy, I was thinking that it would be so easy to substitute the peanut butter if you had nut allergies to something like chocolate spread. MMMMMMM

Amy - This is a great pie. Some have commented about using chocolate pudding. I make it both ways and it is great both ways. When you use chocolate pudding, you can also add chocolate shavings/sprinkles on top with the peanut butter crumbles. Also very good. Hmmmm, I think I need to go make a pie!!

merlin - That pie crust spells L-O-V-E, and that makes it perfect!

tess s. - i just made this recipe. i used a graham cracker crust because it’s what i had. i also mixed in cool whip with the pudding mixture and then added some on top too. i’m not sure how the graham cracker crust and the peanut butter crumble will hold up together but here’s hoping. thanks for the recipe!
my husband walked into the kitchen as i ws making the pie. “is that a peanut butter pie?” me: “yes” him: “really?!?!?” i think it’ll go over just fine.

Lee Ann - You just made my DAY!!! I was looking all weekend for a PB pie recipe that had the crumbles on top!!! My baby sitter (when I was a little girl) made one like this! I can’t wait to try it!!!
Tips for the pie crust. Put it in the freezer (after it’s in the pan) for a bit before you bake it. If it’s super cold, it won’t shrink as much. you can also buy “pie weights” at a kitchen store, and they keep it from bubbling up so much. Awesome start!!! I’m a pie crust snob πŸ™‚

karin c - Pie crust is an interesting breed! I can’t see how you placed the rolled out dough in your pie plate, but remember that if you pull the dough up to cover the plate (stretching it to fit) that the pie dough will shrink back to the original size it was before you stretched it. That’s my guess on your shortened sides.
Pie weights or beans will keep the bottom from rising and being lopsided, they will keep the bottom flat.

Cami - Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚ I have a son who honestly lives on peanut butter.

Jemm - That looks awesome! You can’t go wrong with homemade crust. I bet your hubby was very happy.

Tam - oh yum! that looks delicious. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing the recipe, it’s a bit different from the PB pie we make. I can’t wait to try it!
Happy Belated Birthday Craig!

Natalie (The Sweets Life) - wow i am from the midwest and have never seen this before, ever! I’ve only made FROZEN pb pie, which is also delicious (and so so easy, recipe here if you want to try: http://www.thesweetslife.com/2009/09/frozen-peanut-butter-pie.html)
I’m curious to try this version now too, thanks!

Kimberlee J. - Can’t wait to try this!

ETruitt - My mother-in-law makes this every year for my husband on his birthday. They call it “Robert Redford Pie”. Maybe it was a favorite of his too??

tinycandi - That looks amazing! I’ve never actually made a pie before (aside from helping my grandma make pies since I was little…didn’t require a lot of work on my part)…but I may just have to try making this one!

Tanya - I am now starving

Courtney Walsh - I am a huge PB pie fan!! Would be fun to put some little mini Reeses’ on the top, just because, you know, I love those too!
About the crust…do you sort of wrap it around the edge of the pie plate? I am certainly no expert, but I do make a mean apple pie (seriously, it is A.MA.ZING.) and the recipe actually says to wrap it around the edge of the plate an it works like a charm! (Of course, you cover it with another layer of crust, so maybe that’s why it holds up so well.
Hm. At any rate, it’s worth a shot, no? I don’t really think it matters since this pie is gorgeous and looks super yummy! πŸ™‚

Nancy - Alison will love this. She’s a huge peanut butter fan. As for pie crusts…I have a really easy and yummy recipe that you mix in the pie pan…no rolling out the dough. Doesn’t get any better than that!

RLG - Can’t wait to try it. BTW, I made the chicken enchiladas for my family when they came to visit. My mother actual said, “These are the best enchiladas I’ve ever had.” And she’s the cook in the family, not me. So thanks for making me look so good, Meg. Much love to you. xoxo

Bethany - I agree with Carrie, you need pie weights… Bed, Bath and Beyond usually carries them for about 5 bucks. They’re well worth the investment and they can be used over and over. Peanutbutter is one of my favorites, I’ll have to give this a try!

Lori - Yum! thanks for sharing!

Julie - I have a son who will LOVE this! Thanks for the recipe!

Angel/TaDa!Creations - This looks heavenly and probptly made it on the menu for when my bestest blogging friend comes to visit me in 2 weeks (we’ve never met in person). She loves peanut better! I can’t wait to swap stories over this one.

Tricia - Oh.My.Goodness. I am on this ridiculous reese’s pb cup thing lately and if you threw chocolate shavings on top of that pie, I would probably eat the whole thing!!
Yum!
Thanks for sharing and happy belated, Craig.
XO*Tricia

Anna Marie - I had peanut butter pie for the first time a few months ago and I couldn’t believe I had never had it before! “Where have you been my whole life???” It was very similar to yours except for the crumb stuff which sounds like “icing on the cake”…I mean pie πŸ˜‰

Grace - Wow. I think I need to stop reading blogs when I have to be on strange diets. I went off sugar last week and now I have to be on a clear-liquids-only diet.
And I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER PIE.
Sigh.
It sure looks tasty! πŸ˜€ And I’m trying it as soon as I possibly can!

Tara - hummmmm??? who is my life is having a birthday??? I wanna make one!

Casey - I am making this TONIGHT! No… make that NOW! Yummy. Who doesn’t love peanut butter pie?? Thanks for sharing!

`Kelly - As “fate” would have it, today is my husband’s birthday. Too bad he doesn’t like peanut butter. Yeah, I know, it’s wrong but I don’t hold it against him. My birthday isn’t until November but good thing Mother’s Day is coming up! I’ll make it for myself then! πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing – yum!

Staci - My hubby would love this πŸ™‚ We make a version of it….only it is peanut butter ICE CREAM pie πŸ™‚ Heavy cream, vanilla ice cream, pb and then you freeze it!….oh man, I want some right now πŸ™‚ “Pie, Pie, me oh my…I love pie!!!” Do you know what movie that’s from?

Heather - Okay, is it too early in the morning for all this goodness? I think I’ll have peanut butter pie for desert – after my cereal. Yum!

Jessica - One Shiny Star - What kind of pudding mix is this, vanilla? I wonder if it would be good with chocolate… ya know, kind of like a Reese’s cup?

Melody - Meg, my mom worked at Marie Calender’s in the 70’s here in California, and she said they had peanut butter pie there and it was “to die for.” She said their version was like a peanut butter type custard with meringue on top. YUM!

Mary Beth - I was just thinking about making a pie this weekend…you have me craving your peanut butter one for sure! thanks for sharing it with us!

Carrie - You need pie weights – or save money and use dry beans when you blind bake a pie crust.
After you have placed the crust in the pie plate, just prick the crust a couple of times with a fork, place some parchment paper on the crust, and then put the dry beans in on top. This will help keep it from shrinking.

Laura Phelps - next year I will hire you to make me a birthday pie
and I will come to your house to get it
and stay for a couple of weeks
and help with the kids
and bake with you
and go to thrift shops
and drink coffee
and to the commenter above, Jenn…you can make a chocolate cookie crust, or add chocolate chips, or drizzle a chocolate ganahche on top….

Jen - Yum! I have a certain 13 yo who would LOVE this. I may just have to figure out a way to add chocolate though–chocolate pudding instead? Chocolate pie crust? Chocolate whipped cream??? Thanks for sharing!

mom - Meg-
Just as a side note – the first time we ever had this recipe it came from your Grandmother Ranney. She had it somewhere and came home and made it for every family event for several years. The last time I made it for a family gathering she said, “This is wonderful. Where did you get the recipe?” I said, “From you!” She didn’t remember ever making it!
But it’s a keeper.

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great news!

IMG_6992
did you know that if you learn how to make pie crust from scratch…. 
and then how to make a coconut cream meringue pie from scratch on your stove top….

it has no calories and you can eat as much as you want just that first time?

and your husband will think you are hotter than hot.
 
that's my story and i am stickin' to it. 
 

carissa... brown eyed fox - i love you so!

Michelle Whitlow - I agree!!! Oh, and if you eat a salad you’ll actually have negative calories!! hehe

jimaiemarie - hahah!! you are too funny, this looks SO GOOD!!!!!

Lauren - This is a late comment…but I love reading about your family and life–your craft space is absolutely beautiful and cheery. Also, Scott’s list of questions was precious. And I’m going to make this pie for my grandpa because it’s our mutual favorite πŸ™‚

Molly Green - Ooooohhhh…yummy!

Frogemama.blogspot.com - Learning new things calories don’t count. Neither do calories consumed during volunteer meetings/events. They become voluntary calories and volunteer to not go straight to our tushies. It’s nice!

Diana - ROTFL! you go girl!
great job! proud of you!
β™₯

Helen Wall - You are so funny. Thanx for the giggle.

Craig's Mom - Unlike the rest of you who just get to drool over the pie, I actually got a piece and it might have been the best piece of coconut cream pie I’ve ever had and it’s my favorite! Great job, Meg….the whole meal was delicious.

Holly - oh my! That looks delish!

Christina - I’m all about sticking to the story…but somehow they always stick to me. Hmmm.
About PW’s pie crust…I bet it’s awesome, but if you like to substitute something for shortening then just use butter. Shortening is just wrong. πŸ™‚

Melanie - Yummy! I just made my hubby two coconut cream pies and they are gone. He thinks that I am hotter than hot too:)

Elizabeth - Great story!!!
Too Funny!!! Love it :]
Elizabeth

jeanne - Very good story…that looks soooo good. One of my favorites!!!

chasity - that’s great news since i’m starting my diet today!

Krista - You are braver than I would ever be, home-made crust AND meringue all on one shot? You’re awesome!

tam - oh it looks delicious! Coconut cream is my favorite!

Laura Phelps - looks great, but I am not buying your story.
good try, Meg.
Good try.

patti - meringue is mostly air anyways…right? RIGHT?? πŸ˜‰

LOL - when will you fill up the shop?

Anna - Same for double layer strawberry cake with cream cheese icing!!!!
At 7.5 months preggo, you are hotter than hot!!!
So Bad!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Well, that’s what I’ve heard!
I’m all over this one. I’ve always wondered about her crust…

Amy - looks divine! wish I had some!

Thea - Well, they do say the way to a Man’s heart is through his stomach!! πŸ™‚

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Does this work for store bought apple pie, strawberry shortcake and peanut butter cups?? I know…I know;) It doesn’t hurt to ask. Looks so yummy:)

Amy at The Red Chair Blog - Really?! Who knew! Thanks for filling us in!
I’m hosting a giveaway on my blog and wanted to invite you to hop over if you’d like a chance to win the item of your choice (up to $35 value) from any of CSN’s 200+ online stores πŸ™‚
Amy

Staci - Oh man πŸ™‚ I am not a huge coconut pie fan…but you make me want to make this RIGHT NOW!!!!!! I ate sugar yesterday for the first time in over 40 days….I waaay overdid it and felt YUCK-EEE last night πŸ™ Uggh πŸ™ So today, it’s back to protein shakes and I’m just going to go through my life pretending it’s Lent all the time πŸ™‚ Happy Day to you!!!!!

Mishy - no calories! you’re a genius!! lol It`s looks deliciuos!!

jack - Now that is great news indeed!

purejoy - are you kidding me?? now i’m feeling like i need to perform in the kitchen. pfsh. i’m competitive that way. but if i wait long enough… the feeling will pass. :o)
such a feat of beauty. seriously. it looks good enough to eat!! and no calories! you’re a genius!!

morningt - Looks scrumptuous and I don’t even like coconut!

Julie - I’d stick to that story too! Looks delicious!

Holly - I’m stealing your story and sticking to it as well πŸ™‚

Dana Banana - LOVE IT!!

Vera - Something that gorgeous can’t possibly have any calories!

Brooke - right on!

Julie - I don’t know about your story (haha!), but your pie looks DELICIOUS! Yum!!!

Gemma - LOL naughty naughty!
Come and take a peek at my blog if any of you get a chance…:D
Gemma X

Susan - I like that story!

Tanya - Looks like I need to learn πŸ™‚

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lasagna

IMG_1704

i decided to post this because…i have heard more than one woman say “i have never made lasagna.”

WHY??

they said it’s “too hard”….or “you can buy it frozen”
too much work?
it’s really not…you can make it in 20 minutes…probably.

and this is nothing gourmet by any means but you don’t look to me for that anyway do you?Β 


to make it
my way (probably the same as the box says) you will need these ingredients.
Β 
IMG_1604
as you can see i have no problem using generic brand foods.

boil a big pot of water for your noodles.
begin browning the ground beef.
i add salt and pepper and minced onion to the ground beef.

and while those two are going…combine your cheeses and egg in a mixing bowl.
sometimes i throw in some minced garlic too.
you could add parsley to the cheese mixture but my kids would pick at it and say “eeeewwww” so i don’t.


IMG_1609 Β IMG_1606Β Β IMG_1612

cook the noodles according to the box.
and drain them in a collendar when they are tender.
i run them under cold water because they are so hot to work with if i don’t.

add your sauce to your browned ground beef. (after you’ve drained the grease out of your pan)


IMG_1613 Β IMG_1614

in a 9×13 pan put a spoonful of sauce on the bottom of the pan to keep anything from sticking.
then begin layering…first 4 noodles.

IMG_1615Β Β IMG_1616

then a layer of sauce….and then a layer of cheese mixture.

IMG_1617 Β IMG_1620

and repeat those layers again.
then cover the whole dish with shredded cheese.
IMG_1622
and bake it at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes.

yum yum yum.
IMG_1704
everyone loves this at our house!

i almost always make two when i make this.
one for the freezer and one for thatΒ night.

and this is a great dish to bring to new mom or friends that need a night off from cooking dinner.

************************************************

************************************************

 

Jennifer - My family love this recipe and we make it on a regular basis!

Kirsten - Love Julie and Julia!!!! What a fabulous idea!

melissa mae - nothing like homemade lasagna! I’m making my moms recipe on Sunday. YUM! As for sugar…oh my, you and I are in the same boat. Oh, how I love sugar. I am also on a “no sugar” kick and I lost 5 pounds. Totally worth it.

Tasha roe - Looks delish! Have you ever put it jn the crockpot? No need to cook noodles or check on it

Meg - I have never heard of making lasagna with Cottage Cheese. Around these parts we make it with Ricotta Cheese. I’ll have to try it with the Cottage Cheese.

Heather K. - Julie & Julia is awesome!

Nikki - This looks yummy. And to offer you some encouragement, I gave up all refined sugar several months ago. I lost 45 pounds and feel better than I ever have. Eventually my taste buds did adjust and sugar really doesn’t taste that good any more (and I LOVED sugar!) and other flavors suddenly taste amazing. Keep at it!

tara pollard pakosta - there is a way easier way to make it right on the stove top too! I can’t remember , but I think it was a Kraft recipe YUMMY! your pix are GREAT! tara

Ashley Crenshaw - I made your lasagna last night and my husband LOVED it! Finally, I can get him off of the frozen kind. (Blah at frozen lasagna.) Thanks Meg!

Melanie - Meg, I have made the french toast many times. My family loves it. I even blogged about it and I told everyone that I got it from you. It is delish.

wakana - i’ve never tried cottage cheese so i will try yours next time i make “ba-zanya” (my little daughter calls that way!)

the wild raspberry - loved julie and julia….
i make lasagne without cooking the noodles….just cover with foil while baking….then you don’t have to wrestle sticky noodles.

Traci - looks yummy. i just made my first homemade lasagna last year. found a recipe to make the day before and you don’t even have to cook the noodles. it is so good and my family asks for it all the time now. what took me so long?

princess lasertron - I *just* watched julie and julia YESTERDAY and I don’t know if I’m just hormonal or WHAT but I cried through the whole thing. I am so moved by two women paving their own paths and living their best lives.

Janine - Easy sugar free recipe…
My grandmother used to make these and I will admit they do satisfy a sweet tooth. Core & peel a whole apple and put it in a deep baking pan. Pour diet black cherry soda (random generic is fine.)on the apple and inside the core to coat them. Let the apple sit in about an inch or so of the soda and bake till the apple is soft and the soda syrupy. It’s sweet and the only sugar in it is the natural sugar from the apple.
I have also made pumpkin pie using splenda and it came out great. (used the recipe off of the Libby can and followed the splenda subtituting rules)
Splenda brown sugar does have some sugar in it but it does make a great low sugar apple crisp.
Don’t forget about sugar free jello.
I need to give up sugar too. It’s so hard. Good luck.

Amanda Mc - Yummy, too bad I live in a place that doesn’t eat beef (India), but I could substitute, just wouldn’t taste nearly as good! Your daughter Lauren would do fine here though πŸ˜€

Christina - Don’t boil the noodles, and that’s one less pot to clean! πŸ™‚ I add a little extra sauce and 15-20 minutes to the cooking time, and it’s so good.

linda lou - i got two julie & julia’s for christmas took one back and got 4 other movies in place of one since it was so expensive, and have watched it several times now. meg you can make the lasagna for me and i’ll pay YOU!!
blessings,
lindalou (amy d mom)

Beth - Ummm, I can’t see my first comment, which I really left. Anyway, my second comment, minus my first comment, sounds a bit schizophrenic. My first comment (which I can’t find) said you should watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpunQZ4cUyI on youtube. I might have posted it in your comments section before, but I do think you’ll love it (it’s about ART, not sugar).

Beth - Oh, well, ok, you didn’t say “sugar, sugar I love you” but what you did say made me think of that song/video anyway πŸ™‚ That’s just the way my mind works I guess. I still think you’ll love it.

DreamGirlLisa - Love you Megan, but not sure about the jarred sauce and cottage cheese(I love it, but not in lasagna, I use ricotta). I do love to cook though, so making the sauce from scratch is all part of it for me, but also why I don’t make lasagna too often. I loved Julie & Julia too, definitely one of my new favorites too.

Jenni - Yummy!!! Yes, that movie is a must see. FYI, I have your plates! πŸ™‚

courtney - can not wait for lasagne…I am nine months pregnant and the idea of that much acid in my tummy makes me green, but oh my once my little is here; bring it on! Your blog is awesome! Congrats on the HOMIE too!

Lori - I have never attempted Lasagna but I’ll definitely put it on my list of things to do. And, yes, I did see Julie and Julia-loved it!

christi - you are always SO practical. so practical. and i watched the movie twice last weekend … LOVE IT!!!

Jessica Defibaugh - Great Job! I did see the movie and yes one of my all time favorites!

feather - i am such a lover of lasagne. however, my kids don’t eat mixed foot. mixed food…you know, chili, soups, casseroles, lasagne. i will never understand them.

Tonya - Thanks for the inspiration! I haven’t made a lasagna in years but we’re having it tonight!!! I made mine with whole wheat pasta and added wheat germ & pureed carrots to my sauce. Gotta do whatever I can to sneak healthy stuff into my guys!

Janine - ok, so I have to admit I am a little grossed out by the cottage cheese thing. I have never heard of using cottage cheese, and I never liked it. I always use Ricotta cheese and I spice the cheese up with herbs. I guess all that matters is that your family loves it. And you can easily make a small tray (use a mini loaf pan) for Lauren without meat.

janet - Thanks for the quick yummy recipe! Found you via Seleta’s site. If it makes you feel any better, or gives you some hope, I was a true sugar addict. Seriously, seriously addicted. I gave it up last January 1st. I honestly thought I was going to die from with drawals. It got better each week.I did still eat fruit etc. ( no pineapple). I lost 40 pounds, and have never felt better! πŸ™‚ I can honestly say, I don’t even miss the sugar! Giving up sugar was the absolute BEST thing I ever did! I don’t even like the taste of it anymore~Good luck Meg!

megan - hilarious my easy lasagna recipe is almost identical! i always use cottage cheese in place of ricotta and i always use prego sauce with mine too. i usually double and freeze one.

Collette - Agreed that lasagna is so easy to make that I usually make 2 at a time (one for now and one to freeze). I prefer veggie lasagna (mmm, spinach) to meat, but both are good. And I stopped cooking my noddles first and most of the time they are just find. Maybe just a tad not soft enough, but it saves time. Nothing wrong with generic, it’s all pretty much the same in the end – just less pretty packaging.

Renee - Are you trying to make me fat, Meg? Cause all of your recipes make me eat like I haven’t had a meal in a week! This from the woman who has given up sugar! LOL For me, lasagna will always be one of those meals that tastes better when somebody else makes it, know what I mean? But I’m still going to try your recipe (cause I always do). xoxoxoxo

Angela Neil - Looks delicious! And easy to make too!

Dianne Avery - Tell Lauren to make a separate batch with Morningstar Crumbles. I’m a lifelong veggie and I love the stuff. I’ve made lasagna with it for friends and they didn’t even realize that they weren’t eating meat. It works great for Tacos too.

Carisa - We love it too! I never cook my noodles and i don’t even purchase the “no-boil” kind. Just layer them in there. My cheesy layer is cream cheese and sour cream too…light of course! πŸ™‚

carissa... brown eyed fox - i’ll take it… a bite… BIG one… that is! πŸ™‚
yum!
and i love how salad just melds right in as the perfect side… with ranch of course! πŸ™‚
now if i could just try making it! πŸ™‚

Danielle @ Transforming Home - Alright. You convinced me. No more frozen. I will make it from scratch next time.
Danielle

Shelly Reil - Please, PLEase, PLEASE!!! Don’t even boil the noodles!! Layer everything with noodles uncooked, Bake at 350 covered with foil for 30 minutes, and uncover and bake another 15 – 25 minutes. That simple!! Don’t need special pasta either, it all works! Saved you some water, and the hassle of ripping and tearing the cooked noodles

Diane Rathbun - Lasagne is wonderful, I agree. I almost always use the oven ready noodles which is nice and my own spaghetti sauce. Whenever we have spaghetti I always make a huge pot of sauce and throw the leftovers in the freezer, that way we have another round of spaghetti or sauce for lasagne ready for a quick meal!

Courtney Walsh - I actually make lasagna as one of my “easy” dinners. Sometimes I prepare it ahead in the morning and then bake it closer to dinner time. I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese too and LOTS of garlic (in my beef too!! yum) and we all absolutely love it!
Oh, I have to tell you I’ve more or less given up sugar too and I feel your pain. It’s really, really hard!!

Jess - I also never attempted lasagna because I thought it was hard to make. Yours looks simple and yummy!

amanda - I’ve gotten quite a response asking me about my crock pot lasagna, so here’s the recipe!
Ingredients:
1lb ground beef
1 box lasagna noodles
2 jars spaghetti sauce
1 large tub ricotta cheese
1 large bag mozzarella or italian blend shredded cheese
Parmesan cheese
Whatever spices your heart desires
1. Season, cook, and drain ground beef
2. Add sauce to beef
3. Mix parmesan cheese and salt and pepper into ricotta cheese
Layer into the crock pot however you want. I do it like this:
Noodles, ricotta, sauce, grated cheese, repeat until full.
It’s so quick and easy and you don’t have to cook the noodles! Also, sometimes I skip the beef and just use the sauce and cheese and it’s still super yummy and even quicker!

Anna - And for those chaotic nights when you only have a short time to get food to the table before your 2.5 year old has her “I’m hungry now” fit… there is Skillet “La-bong-ya” as my little one calls it. This is my weeknight lasagna.
Cook Ground Beef, Add Spaghetti Sauce, Salt, Pepper, and Minced Onion, 1.5 cups of water, then break the Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles into pieces and add to mix, let boil 15-20 mins until noodles are tender (I’m sure there is a fancy name for that), As it cools add the cheese on top. Hubby says it taste just like the other, but he’d rather the traditional layered type.

Val - When my son was little he pronounced it “jon-g”.
And I use the no-boil, ready to use lasagna noodles… you can’t tell the difference!

Mindi - Looks yummy! My best friend, who is admittedly not a chef, makes her own version of lasagna called “la-la-la-lori!”

Janet Biernacki - It is a great movie..I’ve seen it twice.
I’m a big fan of Prego as well…plus no boil noodles. And..I use ground turkey sometimes. Or when I want to make my hubby swoon will use ground turkey, plus ground beef , plus sausage.
Kudos to u and the no sugar! You can do it.

4JJM - Lasagna is so easy, I agree – and I don’t even cook the noodles first – just use the hard noodles in the recipe and they come out perfect every time!

Kim - Thanks for posting! I’m even making lasagna without cooking the noodles first! It is so nice to get rid of one step in the process!

A pocket full of posies... - YUMMM!!! and LOVED “Julie & Julia”!!! one of my new forever favorites too!
sorry on the “sugar thing”!- I’ll keep praying!
Blessings!
Jill

Immyyas - I’ve never made lasagna before either. My sisters always tell me how easy & quick it is but never have said “Hey, here is the recipe give it a try!” I enjoy cooking & make tons of things way more complicated than this… I do believe I will have to give this a try. Looks Yummy!!!

Heather - I just watched Julie and Julia for the second time last night. I adore it! It makes me want to wear pearls and buy butter.

Amy - My kids love Lasagna! I have to laugh at your prep pictures. My girls got in this huge discussion how annoying it is that there parents only buy the white stuff (Great Value)So when they get home I will show them this picture.
We decided to a cook book in a year but NOT Julia Childs I am not sure butter for every meal is such a great idea.

Courtney - I saw Julie & Julia last week… so good! Are you a Glee fan? Did you notice Sue? Just wondering, I love Glee πŸ™‚

Janelle - I love making a lasagna – mainly because my husband is under the impression that it is super hard to make and I must be a goddess for knowing how to do it. So stop going around telling everyone it is easy!!!

Laura Phelps - I loved Julie & Julia more than I love lasagna
and I buy the NO BOIL noodles…makes it that much easier
you can also add cooked spinach, feta cheese, sliced fresh tomato on top…
ya know, to make sure your kids don’t eat it…

Rachel / cREaTe - LOVE lasagna … it IS easy & yet looks fancy. πŸ™‚ my recipe has you lay thin tomato slices across the very top, sprinkled with some parmesan … nice fresh touch. another little tip my recipe came with: alternate your layers of the lasagna noodles to go lengthwise on one layer, then lay across the width [or on a diagonal] on the next layer & keep alternating to make it easier to cut & hold its shape instead of all sliding out. a little cutting is involved on the width layer… but i think it does help.
might have to make ma-zan-ya maΓ±ana! πŸ™‚ ha ha [that’s what you should call it when you make it the night before … the maΓ±ana mazanya.]

mikki roo - I know so many people who say they don’t make lasagna too! I have no idea why because it’s my stand-by when I can’t think of anything else to make. It’s easy, filling & everyone loves it! Like some others said, I use the no-cook noodles but I do soak them a few minutes in hot water (just in a 9×13 pan) so they have a head start. So much simpler!

Tracy - mmmmm! My mouth is watering – what a perfectly easy and great short cut recipe!
I think i need breakfast now….mmmmm!
xoxo

Lisa - Looks delicious!
I’m thinking of switching blog domains to typepad. Do you pay a monthly fee to allow you complete design control? If so any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Take Care,
Lisa

Christy - Yum! I am the designated lasagna maker in my family (took the title from my sister). I use ricotta cheese & Barilla (plus one can tomato sauce & one can diced tomatoes for my marinara). I also like to add some shredded zuchini to get some veggies in & no one is the wiser. πŸ™‚
There is also a great recipe for skillet lasagna from Country Home or Country Living mag a few years ago. It’s a great week night dinner as it only takes 10 minutes to cook!

angela - Have you ever tried NOT boiling your noodles? Works great and it saves you a step! Love your Annie!

Hattie - I make my lasagna the exact same way! I’ve been bugging my hubby to order Julie & Julia from netflix for me, I can’t wait to watch it.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Prego Tomato Basil Garlic is my FAVE! I also use a lot of generic food…but some things, like salsa and spaghetti sauce, are too important. πŸ™‚
Julie and Julia – We loved it! Stanley Smoochie. πŸ™‚

The Lady of the House - Man! I love your Annie – she’s a doll! What she calls lasagna is hilarious! Looks really good and thanks for sharing your way of doing it! Always fun to see how other people do things… Julie & Julia was totally marvelous!

jen - Why the cottage cheese and not ricotta? I’ve never heard of using cottage.

Beth - This made me laugh out loud! I just made out my menu for the week and I’m making your crescent chicken, baked french toast (for breakfast for dinner), my own ‘no boil noodles’ lasagna, AND cream puff dessert. Ahhhhhh, do you hate me? I will take extra bites for you, my dear. πŸ˜‰

Trasie Bressler - Hey! Did you know they are doing Pickalicious at the crown up town starting in Feb.?
Just thought I would pass that info along since one of your girls loves that book.

Trasie Bressler - Ok so that looks too good to eat. Love that stuff but I use the no cook noodles because I can never get the one that you have to cook right.
I want to know what the side of your 9 x 13 pan says……LOL!!!

Deanna from dedeetsyshop - I am making lasagna tonight too! It is one of our favorite dinners! I actually make it pretty much the EXACT same way you do, only I don’t even mix the meat and sauce. The meat just gets layered on the sauce! Yummy!
I LOVE your blog by the way! πŸ™‚

linda@LimeintheCoconut - I make it all the time…but still even LOVE seeing it be made! Yum! Now I wanna make it for dinner!

Tara @ the cinnamon post - Julie & Julia is a sweet movie…I just wish Julie in real life was more like the character in the movie. I watched it with my daughter Charlotte who thought Julie’s meltdowns were much like mine. Lovely.
~Tara

Cori - I think i’ll pick up some stuff to make lasagna today. This week is a quiet week kid activity wise but next week looks a bit crazy on the old calender. Wouldn’t it be great to pop this into the oven one night. You are an inspiration to me Meg with your Sugar thing. I need to kick my habit and soon!

Donna - Ummm. I love lasagna. When I was growing up my grandma’s would make it all the time for me. My mom said it was “too much work”. So naturally, I was intimidated by it. Then one day I psyched myself up for “all the work” and made me some lasagna. Ha! Too much work? I actually found it to be one of the easiest, quickest and most delicious meals to prepare. Unfortunately, there are a few cheese haters in my family who won’t eat it, but there are a few more of us who just love it and I make it often. I boil up some penne noodles and throw some sauce on top for the cheese haters on lasagna night. Tonight I am making my families favorite meal – Calzones – now that is a bit of work. I will post it on my blog later tonight.

Ivy Bettinger Smith - Sometimes I use spiral noodles if I dont have any lasagna noodles. Also I like to add in cream cheese and sour cream in between my layers. I just get a spoonful and use my finger to kinda plop in down in between the layers…yum!

julie y. - meg…lasagna really is so easy, thanks for reminding us bloggers. and the no-boil noodles are just as yummy and make it even easier. btw…your post will be up tomorrow. i started to “designer spotlight” today, and have lots of creative ppl. thanks again for sharing with me! blessings!!
xoxo julie!!

Karen Gerstenberger - Yes, I just saw it 2x last weekend: once with friends at a Julie & Julia party at my house (it’s on my blog, but beware – there was sugar & chocolate involved), and once with my husband, because the friends were chatting through the movie. It’s a great one. If you haven’t read Julia Child’s book, “My Life in France,” it’s wonderful, too.
We love homemade lasagne, and one interesting difference in ours is that I use the pasta sheets that my fabulous grocery store makes fresh, & then freezes. They don’t require pre-cooking; you can just lay a full sheet in the pan, and then add your other ingredients, lay another sheet down, etc., and bake.
I love your blog!

Angela - I’ve been a full time, stay at home mom of 3 boys, 18, 14, and 7 for the last 15 yrs and pasta is a huge staple in our house, mostly because it’s so filling. My recipe is the same as yours, except for the onion, my husband and boys won’t eat it, so I add onion powder. We watched Julie and Julia a couple of weeks ago and loved it but I don’t aspire to cook such grand things. lol

Staci - YUMM-MEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! I agree, it really isn’t that terribly hard to make πŸ™‚ Your’s looks super yummy! (I will have to say…I’m with Lauren, I don’t LOVE beef so much…but I will eat it in ma-zan-ya!) Oh Annie…how I love ya πŸ™‚

Daniela - Hi, I always read your blog, it’s wonderful.
I am Italian, I live near Bologna, in Emilia, the region where Lasagne are born.
The ground beef is ok, sausages are ok too, but not the cheese sauce: the real thing is Besciamella, that is, BΓ©chamel sauce, which is really very easy to do, you only have to combine flour, butter and milk.
For a medium pan, half liter of milk, 50 g of flour and 50 g of butter; melt the butter, add the flour, toast for 2 minutes, add the milk, stir and cook for some minutes; the more you cook it, the firmer it becomes. Add some REAL parmesan to the BΓ©chamel sauce and a BIG quantity on the last layer of bΓ©chamel.
Enjoy !!!
Daniela

Diane - I love lasagne. It’s not hard to make but I do make a huge mess in the kitchen when I make it. The great thing about it is that you can make it and freeze it for another day. I can make one pan for my carnivores and one for the veggievores.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - One of my favorites. Yummy!!!
Eat fruit with plain yogurt or a protein bar…something as a substitute. Keep your goals close to your heart, so you don’t waver. You can do it MEG. The new improved body and emotions are worth it:)

Amy - Mmmm. That looks delicious!!

Dina - Have you ever used the noodles that you don’t have to cook? They’re amazing! Makes it even easier:-)
I’ve been wanting to see J & J. Good to know it won’t disappoint:-)

Holly - Oh Yum! I am so making that this weekend!

Lauren - Julie & Julia is definitely on the top of my favorites list! LOVED it!
And I can’t wait to make your lasagna!
Thank you so much for blogging! It always makes my day!

amanda - I make lasagna in the crock pot. SO easy and the house smells like heaven all day!

BriBedell - I have never had ground beef in lasagna. I use Italian sausage. Also just the bag Italian cheese, no cottage cheese but it does look very good with the cheese mixture! Oh and mushrooms too..yum..lol I love all of your recipes they are so easy πŸ™‚

Nancy - Ok. I’ll add the lasagne to my list. I won’t tell you what i have made… but I always love it and it is multicolored and has a few layers.

kat - I received Julie and Julia in my stocking at Christmas and I LOVE that movie. It is so cute, and a much have for anyone who loves to cook! πŸ™‚

kat - We love lasagna at our house too! Homemade is way better than frozen any day!!! My daughters call it “De-san-ya” which makes me laugh and think of designer lasagna.

rebecca - I did see Julie and Julia and now I am reading the book…I think this may be a rare instance when the movie is better than the book!

Christy - sounds easy., I have been contemplating about trying Pioneer Womans Recipe. Thanks!!

Debra - Looks yummy. I’m joining you on the sugar thing. (sigh)

Dana Banana - That is my exact recipe for lasagna! Way too easy, don’t know why people think it is so hard to make. I am doing without most sugar here, so I feel your pain. Jonathan watched Julie and Julia with me the other day, even he liked it. Take care!

Stephanie - Aaaah…just saw Julie & Julia last night! I LOVED IT!! I wrote a post this morning about how I hate to cook. I envy you, I wish I found cooking simple or fun. Your lasagna looks yummy.

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glazed apple bars

for a brief time…i was a youth sponsor for our high school youth group at our IL church.
i remember just a few things from that experience.

playing poor man’s lacrosse….


wearing my maternity overalls to youth group…
*why do i remember
that? Β Β & Β why did i have so many pairs of maternity overalls?

crying during the lessons….
*i have ALWAYS been a cry-er.
cried through my entire wedding…cry at commercials…movies…EVERYTHING..i cry a little probably every day…but i am not sad…i am tenderhearted? Β gushy? Β over-emotional? hormonal?!!

AND JP’s mom’s apple bars.
i remember the night he brought them and i fell in love with them…my life changed forever.
i ate waaaaaay too many.
now i want to share this yumminess with YOU.
Β 
Relax…it has apples….so it’s healthy!

first you combine 4 C. flour, 1/2 t. salt and 2 C. sugar
second,Β cut in 3 sticks of butter.

butter = that’s dairy = healthy!
Β 
when it’s crumbly you are finished. (i use my hands for this step, works better than anything i’ve tried)

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take half of your crumbly mixture and press it into a jelly roll pan.
Β 
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peel and slice 5 granny smith apples….cover the pressed down crumb mixture with these apples.
Β 

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combine 1/3 C. sugar and 1 t. cinnamon, sprinkle it over the apples.
crumble the remaining flour/sugar/butter mixture on top of the apples.
bake it at 350 degrees for 50 – 60 minutes…until it is crispy on the bottom.

after i put mine in the oven i looked out my kitchen window and saw the girls.
i love that view.
cooking or cleaning in my kitchen and watching the kids play at the same time…..{{{HAPPY SIGH}}}.
(this weekend was VERY cold suddenly…soccer/football games were torture.)

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after it bakes, let it cool.
make a glaze with 1 C. powdered sugar, 1 t. vanilla, 1 T. water.
drizzle it over entire pan of bars.
cut into squares and ENJOY.Β 

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last night someone said “it’s like eating an apple pie with your hand.”
i agree.

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you will love it.
and you won’t be able to stop nibbling at it all day.
i know this because i have been doing just that since breakfast.


and thank you hanna for sending these with JP to youth group 9 years ago. Β Β 

 

Gemma - Hi Meg!
Just wanted you to know how much we love this recipe here! They are in the oven at the moment and they smell amazing.
I read your blog daily but always come back to this post EVERY Autumn just to find this recipe. It’s my own little tradition : )
Thank you so much.
Gemma xXx

upvc windows - Glazed apples contain a sweet syrup-like liquid that gives the fruit a dessert appeal. Cooking the apples on the stove top softens them. Soft-glazed apples are best when served warm because they taste similar to apple pie without the crust. Serve the homemade glazed apples as a side to a main dish such as pork chops, or top them with whipped cream to enjoy the apples for dessert.

Julie in GA - I’m making these right now…just sounds so yummy! Of course, keeping my apple-loving girl away from the Granny Smiths has been hard the last 2 days. She got one of them already, so I’m down to only 4, but I figure I can stretch them! Love your blog, Meg! Can’t wait to hear about your trip when you come back — a life changing experience for certain!

Colie - I made these apple bars at a friends house last night. They just had a baby so my mission was to hold the baby (and give her free hands) and then make the dessert. I scored on both, and these bars are omg sooo yummy. Thank you for sharing the recipe! I love your blog- it’s colorful and inspirational. thank you also for sharing your life with us. πŸ™‚

angela - It’s Halloween morning. I am about to make these apple bars. Seriously, I had to come back here to check and see if it REALLY had THREE sticks of butter. Oh. My. Can’t wait to try them!

Katie - Those bars were the most delicious thing I have EVER tasted (& I have tasted quite a few delicious things). I will be coming back to this recipe again and again. Thanks for sharing. Your blog continues to be a great read. Thanks for sharing your life with us πŸ™‚

christi - i’m going to make these right now!!

jaslyn - Thanks for sharing this recipe. I made this for my brother’s birthday and it was gone in less than 10 minutes!!!!!!! I used honeycrisp apples instead of granny smith and they were amazing!

Lacy Brauner - I love this recipe! I totally had a dislexic moment and read it wrong and used too much butter..so I improvised and used more cinamon! we love cinimon!!I love your blog and look at it everyday! it is so inspiring to me!2 i love everything you post! It is still hot here in Houston, so I made those bars with chicken pot pie hoping it would influence some cold weather to stick around a while! I love everything you post and embed on your blog! If I ever got an email or anything I would feel like I was talking to a clelbrity, i just love it! my fave! Me and my bffs do a cookie baking party every year, but I love your craft nite at christmas! You have inspired me to be more creative and imaginative! Thank you and keep it up meg!!

Micah - “you will love it.
and you won’t be able to stop nibbling at it all day.”
That sounds like a very good reason for me to NEVER MAKE THESE!!! LOL! j/k of course, I don’t have that much restraint ;). Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it!!

Alisa - after reading this I went to the store to go buy some more butter and some apples. I made them for our dinner at church last night and got rave reviews and people wanted to know why I hadn’t posted the recipe so I made a post today linking to this heavenly little treat. Thanks so much for the great recipe. I will definitely be making it again very soon. I can see why you remember them so well.

DreamGirlLisa - Sounds wonderful, thanks for sharing. Love your new banner too πŸ™‚

Amy - I just pulled mine out of the oven. They smell divine! Can’t wait till they cool enough to try some with some vanilla ice cream (can you say sugar high??).

Jennifer - I made these yesterday, like I ran, literally ran out to get GS apples, came home and made these awesome things! FABULOUS! I can’t get over how good they are! I shared some with my neighbors and they agree! Thanks Meg! I’ve tried nearly every recipe you’ve posted and everything is great! Please share more recipes! Please please! πŸ™‚

Cate O'Malley - Had company for dinner tonight, and with half a bag of apples still left on the counter from recent apple picking, I knew these would be perfect for dessert, and they were. Alone. Or with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with caramel syrup. Definitely going into rotation.

Miranda - Soon as I seen your recipe, I scrounged around and had everything and made these VERY YUMMY bars. Delicious!! Thanks for sharing! They were a big hit with the man too πŸ™‚

michelle - uh… you’re KILLING me! i think i may need to send you a copy of my newest little painting πŸ™‚
out of duty, i will be trying this recipe.

Laura Phelps - well, there goes my 4th day of no sugar.
I made it
I ate it
I regret it…but regret never tasted so good.
and I linked you big time in a post tonight…I mean, if I am going to blow my diet, I want EVERYONE to blow their diet with me!

Hannah - That looks AMAZING!! I think I know what I will be baking tomorrow πŸ™‚ All my friends still rave about the rainbow cake I stole from your blog πŸ™‚

Karen - Mmm I’m putting apples on the grocery list. Your reasons why that recipe is healthy have conviced me. πŸ˜‰
Also, I cry at commercials a lot too.

Jenn - Um, yes please! Want to pack some up and send them cross country? Just kidding, I may just have to try this recipe this weekend, YUM!

Rachel / cREaTe - YUM. i didn’t think i was going to like the “glazedness” … but it seems subtle. and as long as there’s a delicious salty sweet crumble, i’m GAME. there’s nothing like fall desserts! thanks for sharing!
i think i cry about once a day, too. TOTAL SAP. but tender-hearted is such a nice word for it. πŸ™‚

patti - i just had to come back and post that i made these today…the power even went out half way through. i had to “rebake” them without knowing how long they’d been cooking prior to the power going out. but they turned out delicious!! thank you again for sharing the recipe.

Ruth H. - I’m sure it has been said before, but I’ll say it again: you have the prettiest blog! I’ve had so much fun lately imagining what my life would look like through the lens of your camera….the most mundane tasks become so delightful when I do that.
I think I’ll go sign up for a photography class.

Jaime - OH my…thanks so much for sharing this. I have been so craving an apple pie and this looks even better!

Julia - I love it when the kids are in the yard and I check on them through the window – great picture.

Cassie - perfect timing.
i have a big bowl of apples that we picked in wisconsin that i JUST said i needed to use up.
my glazed apple bars are baking in the oven right now!
also…you should add your little tip of using your hands to mix up the crumble part to your recipe on the sidebar. i was using that recipe and getting very frustrated that it wasn’t combining until i went back to the original post and saw your tip. ah yes…much better!
can’t wait to taste this!!
wishing you all lived closer so i could have you kansas girls over for coffee and glazed apple bars in the morning! (plus, i sure could use some help with this etsy shop!:))

Kristine Robb - those sound/look scrumdidlyumptious! i think i will try them this weekend!
i think we wore those maternity overalls so we could eat lots of apple bars! (whyyyyyyyyyyyy was it cool to wear overalls? so frumpy! i hate seeing those pics! ha ha!)

Stephanie Carroll - Healthy or not, I’m making them for Bible study next week!

susie whyte - meg–i had some questions for you about your typepad…i tried to email you, but my computer’s settings are set on “super safe”.
my best friend in germany is wanting to start a new blog for her bakery goodies and i was telling her about how the pictures look on here. could you email me a ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ on whether it’s cost worthy and such? or even just leave it on my comments on my blog. thanks so much!!

Staci - Mmmmmmm….I might just have to make this while we are on Fall Break πŸ™‚ YUMMY!!!! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

Keri ~ ForeverFoldingLaundry - Wouldn’t you know I just happen to have several Granny Smith apples in my fridge waiting to be used. Combine those with this rainy day we’re having and you have a perfect fall combo. Thanks, Meg! πŸ™‚

Sharla B. - I should have worn maternity overalls for pics yesterday! πŸ™‚ These apple bars look way too good.

Melanie - I cry too. I have been doing a lot of that lately. With this huge move that is coming up and knowing that I am GIVING my house away, there have been lots of tears.
I made your baked french toast the other day and it was wonderful.
I feel a lot of baking in my future. It is already cold where we are moving:(

Jenn Thomas - Thanks for putting this recipe on – I was going to call and ask for it – all our pieces you sent home with us are GONE!

Tracy - YUM! Thanks for the new recipe, Meg! These look DELICIOUS and look like great snacks for my kid’s school lunches! :o)

deb meyers - I cry, too. I think it is like sweating when you work out, some people sweat a lot, some barely glisten.
Thanks for the recipe! We’re invited to an apple pie social this weekend and these look perfect.
deb meyers

patti - this is just what i needed for a windy, blustery, rainy day here in sacramento, ca. we went from 80 degree fall days to a huge storm over night. i need some comfort food and yummy smells in the kitchen. i just went to apple hill and have tons of granny smiths – so excited!
thanks so much for sharing!!

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - these look better than the double d’s {heehee}
will try them tonight!!

Jami - You are my FAVORITE blog! I cry all the time too! I am a nanny and yesterday I cried because I have been with the family for 4.5 years now and I keep track of everything that I do in a day with the girls in a nanny log. Yesterday I went through ALL the logs (literaly hundreds of them) and was bawling at how much we have been through. (Even me having my own baby 6 months ago) :)I cried a second time cause my best friend is pregnant and I am so excited for her. I am going to make these today and when the girls come home from school they will have a nice treat waiting for them! Thank you.

Kelly - I thought I liked you. In fact your’s is one of my favorite blogs. And then you go & post something like this! Something that I will no doubt bake and love and eat most of it without any help from my kids or husband. Thanks a lot.
No really, thanks a lot! πŸ™‚

Laura Phelps - I am on my 4th day of no sugar…this could possibly put an end to that!
thanks for sharing this…it is cool and rainy-like here today (meaning not raining, but looks like it might)and I only have one cake to do…hm…this might be a nice afternoon surprise for the kids!!!
have a great day!

Linda@ Restyled Home - I’ve said it before, will you be my mother?
If you want an excuse for a good, hard cry then check out the link I just posted on Facebook. I couldn’t catch my breath for crying, and not in a sad way!
Cheers,
Linda

Summer - I’m a cryer as well…I laugh too much and cry a little. Anyway, these look very yummy and I love the watercolor picture! As always, Thanks!

susie whyte - nothing says “good morning, sunshine!” like a little fruit with your sugar. lol.

H-Mama - my oldest dd is very tenderhearted…
that looks yummy. i think i just gained 5 lbs reading about it… or did i lose 5 lbs since it’s healthy? πŸ˜‰ needless to say, that dessert would not be safe in our house. ha…

Tiffany - I am a daily crier too…I used to be embarrassed about it, now I embrace it because it’s who I am!! And, I am so making these today!!

Dina - ummm…could we be related in some way??? I too am a daily crier … yet not a sad person … anything with apples and THAT much butta’ can’t be anything but heaven … and … we have that EXACT playset (did you get your’s at Sam’s too:-)?)

Leigh - I went apple picking with my 14 year old son over the weekend in Ellijay, Georgia. Beautiful! I will make good use of this recipe. Thanks! You’re girls look so cute in their hats and scarfs.

sandy toe - I saw glazed apple bars in my google reader and had to come over…oh it feels like a day for this!
sandy toe

Sarah @ Clover Lane - I’ll try this soon….looks great. And I’m really impressed that your kids have mittens/hats/winter coats on as they play outside…I haven’t even brought those down from the attic yet, and my kids are freezing everyday!

Jen CD - I am going to try and make these in Colombia…thanks!

Nancy-The Goat and The Kid - Shut the door, I am making this today. It is our first rainy day in MONTHS!!! Looks delicious. Overalls… Here’s a little memory of mine about overalls….I packed non-maternity overalls to come home from the hospital after having my 9lb baby. They couldn’t even slide over my big bootie. I cried. My husband had to drive home for my maternity pants. What was I thinking??? πŸ™‚

Mrs. - Brrr! I don’t like seeing your girls all bundled already! We are still waiting for our hard frost here in Cincinnati. I am still carefully tending geraniums I plan to save this winter. I think your moc apple pie looks like the perfect end to a chilly fall day.

Kathy - OMG that looks delish and I swear you said it was fat free right!! Loved when my teen was little watching her play outside. Now if I watch my teen she says WHAT!!

Lauren - Just an FYI – a mentally healthy person has 3-4 good hard cries per month! I’d say you’re right on track!

Lisa - GREAT POST… ARE YOU SURE WE’RE NOT FRIENDS/NEIGHBORS?
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
HUGS FROM MAINE

Wendy - Oh Wow, Meg!! These look amazing! Would I be a bad person if I served these with a little ice cream on top? πŸ™‚ So much for the diet.

Ashlee Archibald - Look soo yummy!! πŸ™‚ Thats a great view πŸ™‚ I whole heartly agree πŸ™‚

Emily@remodelingthislife - Looks delicious! I have been making apple crisp over the past couple of weeks and it disappears so fast. I think I’ll try this. I had to nod along about being able to cook and watch your kids play outside. That is the best part of my kitchen too. And I rolled my eyes when hubby wasted all my cupboard space by putting in windows. Like he always says, he knows best.

pve - just why do I not live right next door, I would smell all that goodness and just walk right over and demand a piece! Hand it over!!! there…did I make you cry??
Great photos even in not so great light. (c’mon!)
pve

Jerri - Oh yummy, can’t wait to try this recipe! We love the French Toast casserole that we got from here.

Deborah Clark - This looks so yummy, would love to make it for the kids (lol) can you give me the measurements for the butter in grams, we don’t have sticks downunder.
D. Clark – New Zealand

Pineapple Princess - Oh, ya! Now THAT looks good!
I love watching my kids play, too. Happy sigh.

Lisa - That is mean. I am a mumma trying to lose weight here. πŸ™‚ Seriously that looks so yummy.
The hut outside your window looks fun too. I think I may have to get hubby to build one… or perhaps better still get a builder in.

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