Flower Power Cupcakes

Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 4 hr 12 min
Makes: 24 servings




What You Need!
1 pkg. (2-layer size) white cake mix
1 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
Few drops food coloring, any color
24 JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
24 JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1/4 cup colored sugar or colored sprinkles

Make It!
PREPARE and bake cake batter as directed on package for 24 cupcakes; cool completely in pan. Pierce cupcakes with wooden skewer or large fork at 1/4-inch intervals. Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Spoon 2 tsp. gelatin over each cupcake. Refrigerate 3 hours.

TINT COOL WHIP with food coloring; spread onto cupcakes.

CUT each large marshmallow crosswise into 5 pieces with clean kitchen shears to resemble flower petals. Arrange 5 petals in flower shape on top of each cupcake. Place 1 miniature marshmallow in center of each. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Keep refrigerated

Thanks Kraft

Easter Cookie Pizza

Makes: 12 servings
Bake: 15 to 20 minutes


1 20-ounce roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 16-ounce can vanilla frosting
Yellow paste food coloring
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Green food coloring
1 1/2 cups jelly beans and/or egg-shaped candies
Directions
1. Press cookie dough slices into a greased 13-inch pizza pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Tint frosting with yellow food coloring. Spread over cooled cookie. Tint coconut with green food coloring. Sprinkle tinted coconut and candies over frosting before it sets. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes 12 servings.

To Present This Gift... Working in 1-inch sections at a time, place a small amount of glue on the pie server handle. Wrap with a chenille stem. Add more glue and a chenille stem of another color. Continue working in this manner until the entire handle of the pie server is covered with chenille stems. Let the glue dry. Tuck server between pizza and pan; wrap pizza with cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

Also try this... Wrap the handle of the pie server with variegated yarn in Easter colors.

To present this gift you will need:
Thick white crafts glue
Pie server with a straight handle
Chenille stems in lime green, yellow, purple, pink, and orange
Cellophane
Ribbon

How to Celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday

Theodor Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, created some of the most famous character in the world of children's literature, including the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat. Even years after his death, his popularity lives on. You can celebrate his birthday every March 2.

Step 1: Talk about your favorite Dr. Seuss books, including "Green Eggs and Ham," "Cat in the Hat" and "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Discuss your favorite lines and characters.

Step 2: Read the books. Take turns reading Dr. Seuss aloud with other Seuss fans. You are never too old to enjoy silly rhymes, and you may be surprised how fun it is.

Step 3: Enjoy other Dr. Seuss media, whether it be Moxy Fruvous or Jesse Jackson performing "Green Eggs and Ham," the Chuck Jones or Jim Carrey versions of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," or even "The Seussical."

Step 4: Spend the day talking in rhyme, as if you were the Seuss, Stick your thumbs in your ears to make antlers like a moose, Try to act very silly, try to act quite absurd, And if stuck for a rhyme, simply make up a word. Because Dr. Seuss made up words all the darn time, So just make up a creature, like Fremblety-Frime.

Step 5: Write down some of your rhymes so you can enjoy them later. Once you have a collection of your own rhymes, you can read them aloud every March 2.

Step 6: Have some Seuss re-enactments. Make some green eggs and ham with a little food coloring, or buy some sticker-stars to become Sneeches

Teaching Kids Lessons Beyond Dollars and Cents

Teaching Kids Lessons Beyond Dollars and Cents





Given the economic crisis, now, more than ever, it’s important to teach the children in your life about the basics of money management. And to take it a step further.



Kids today learn about money the same way most adults did -- by watching and listening to those closest to them. While getting a weekly or monthly allowance and saving for the “must-have” toy are certainly important life lessons, there is another element that is much easier for adults to overlook. Sharing and giving back.



“Saving, spending, and sharing can be the cornerstones of a financial education foundation that can last a lifetime for kids, “ says Laura Dierke, financial education program manager with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a faith-based financial services organization. “Most of us have a pretty good handle on how to teach the basics of saving and spending. But lessons on sharing aren’t always as easy.”



This April 24, during Financial Literacy Month, parents have the opportunity to take a first step in teaching this lesson during the first-ever national Teach Your Kids to Share Day. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans established the event to bring parents and kids together to learn about spending, saving and sharing not only their money, but also their time and talents. More than 50 cities across the United States will be hosting a Teach Your Kids to Share Day event filled with fun and interactive workshops.



Spending, saving and sharing may be simple concepts, but making intentional decisions about these three S’s is an important part about helping children develop healthy money habits.



Here are three ways you can use to start the lesson at home:

* Discuss with your child how you spend, save and share your money. For example: explain how you spend money on groceries and the home; how you save money by depositing money in the bank; and how you share money by supporting your place of worship or a charitable cause.



* Ask your child to write down how they want to spend their money, what they want to save their money for and how they want to share.



* Work together on establishing a guideline on how they’ll manage their money. For example -- if you set “share 10 percent, save 10 percent and spend 80 percent” as a guideline, the next time your child gets $20 as a birthday gift, the child should divide the money to meet the guideline.



Most importantly, make sharing an ongoing conversation. Talking with your child is one of the best ways to build a financial foundation for the whole family.



Amidst today’s turbulence is a silver lining. While many of us re-evaluate our attitudes toward our financial choices, we have an opportunity to take a step back to make sure we are passing on important lessons beyond dollars and cents to the next generation.



To learn more about Teach Your Kids to Share Day or register for an event in your area, go to www.thrivent.com/shareday.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dinnertime Pizzazz for Less than $10

Dinnertime Pizzazz for Less than $10




The experts at Target and SuperTarget offer tips to keep meal costs down:


* Buy on sale. Check weekly ads in-store and online for deals.  

 

* Try the store brands. Brands like Archer Farms and Market Pantry at Target and SuperTarget taste great and cost less than national brands.


* Plan a weekly menu. Use that as a basis for your shopping list. You’ll stretch your dollars and your leftovers. Last night’s roast chicken is a perfect filling for taco night. Sautee the remaining shredded chicken with onion, warm up corn tortillas and add salsa, guacamole and a squeeze of lime juice.



* Buy larger portions on sale to split up into smaller packages or freeze.



* Make it a challenge. Bring the family to the grocery store and challenge everyone to come up with a meal for $10 or less.



Don’t think a family meal for less than $10 is possible? It’s not only possible; it’s a piece of cake to make. Try the following delicious recipes using Market Pantry ingredients from Target:



Enchilada Lasagna Pie



Ingredients:

8 ounces. lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 (10-ounce) can red or green enchilada sauce

4 corn tortillas, quartered

1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese



Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F.  

2. Cook beef and onion six to eight minutes or until beef is browned; drain. Season to taste.  Stir in beans.



3. Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce in 8-inch deep dish pie plate. Layer half tortillas, beef mixture, half remaining sauce and half of cheese over sauce in dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and sauce.  



4. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese. Bake five more minutes or until cheese melts. Enjoy topped with sour cream and chopped cilantro (optional).



Makes four servings. Prep time: 15 minutes, Total time: 50 minutes



Salad with Mexican Vinaigrette



Stir two tablespoons chopped cilantro into 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing. Serve over mixed greens, tomatoes and green onions.



A Twist on Flan



Spoon caramel ice cream topping over a dish of vanilla pudding. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.



Date night doesn’t have to mean dinner and a movie out on the town. When you throw in a babysitter your simple night out could cost more than $100. Stay in, rent a movie and make the following recipe for a delicious homemade dinner. Prepare frozen spinach and artichoke purses as an appetizer, an artisan French petite loaf and a mixed salad for course number two and warm some prepared molten lava cakes topped with whipped cream for dessert.  You’ve got a restaurant-quality experience on your home turf. Candles optional.  



This menu of Archer Farms items makes a great dinner for two for less than $15.



Archer Farms Seared Patagonian Scallops with Herbed Linguini Alfredo



Ingredients:



8 ounces linguini (from a 16-ouncepackage)

8 ounces Archer Farms wild-caught Patagonian scallops, thawed (from a 16-ounce package)

2 teaspoons butter

1/2 cup prepared Alfredo sauce (from a 12.3-ounce jar)

2 tablespoons dry white wine

2 tablespoons garlic and herb cheese spread

1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley



Directions:

1. Cook and drain linguini as directed on package.



2. Meanwhile, blot scallops with paper towels. Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Add scallops to skillet, not touching, in single layer.  


3. Cook one minute or until well browned; gently toss to turn. Cook an additional minute or until just opaque. Stir in remaining ingredients except parsley. Heat just until hot.  



4. Spoon scallops and sauce over pasta in serving dishes. Sprinkle with parsley.



Serves two. Prep time: 15 minutes, Total time: 15 minutes



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Game Day Gift Ideas for the Basketball Fan on Your List

Game Day Gift Ideas for the Basketball Fan on Your List


Nearly everyone has a basketball fan in their life. Instead of celebrating the game with yet another T-shirt or a tie with a team logo, get creative and give a gift that anyone with a passion for the hoops can appreciate.



There are many ways to enjoy basketball -- watching at home, attending the game on campus, playing in the driveway and more. True fanatics love them all, so make their hoop dreams come true by covering a little bit of everything.



* Give a top-quality basketball for play during halftime. Discourage injury fouls by gifting whistles for a rousing well-officiated game.



* Don’t settle for basic sports memorabilia like a jersey or team ball. Go the extra mile and find an autographed version. You’ll get points if you track down a favorite player and have them sign and personalize something for your hoops addict.



* Get ready for game day with a basket filled with favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy while watching the action. A six-pack of premium beer, fresh tortilla chips and hot salsa and a gift certificate for pizza delivery are just a few ideas for your snack menu.



The Samsung HDTV has a huge, 1080p high definition screen and a slim and stylish design with a wide screen, so everyone in the room can see every play. Sharp resolution and multifunctional features like an InfoLink RSS feed and DLNA certification make the TV the digital hub of the living room.



* Give a DVD collection of highlights from a favorite team, and classic basketball movies like “Hoosiers,” “White Men Can't Jump,” and “He Got Game.”



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Be Smart With Your Shopping Cart

Be Smart With Your Shopping Cart


In these tough economic times, every little bit counts when making household budgets stretch. Though money may be tight, there are many simple ways to save by trimming your grocery bill.



Kim Danger, value expert and creator of www.mommysavers.com, offers some tips for how to get the most out of every dollar without sacrificing quality. You may be surprised to learn that saving big is not just about looking for the cheapest items on the shelf -- it's about shopping smart.



Coupon Shopping

The first steps to saving begin long before you set foot in the store. The days of waiting a whole week to clip a few coupons in the Sunday paper are long gone; just go online and let the virtual clipping begin. A great place to start is on the manufacturer's Web site. Companies update their sites frequently and it's a quick and easy way to find great deals. After arriving at the store, search for your favorite brands that are on sale and stock up. The biggest savings come from combining in-store deals with the coupons you've brought with you.



A Little Work Pays Off

If you're willing to put in a little bit of time in the kitchen, you can save big at the checkout. Veggies cost less when you peel and cut them yourself and fruit juice concentrate is more economical than buying pre-mixed juices. Another great way to save even more money is to create your own marinades, seasoning blends and salad dressings. Taking a few extra minutes in the kitchen can save a bundle instead of buying pre-prepared food from the store -- and also ensures that your family has a delicious and healthy meal.



Look Beyond the Price Tag

Evaluate your shopping choices carefully. For example, a good place to start is laundry detergent. A detergent like Tide may not be the least expensive product on the shelf, but because the next leading detergent can contain up to 80 percent water, you may end up having to use two or three capfuls to get your clothes clean -- and that isn't a bargain. It is a good reminder to look at a product's overall value if you really want to shop smart.



Make One, Freeze Another

When shopping without a list or on an empty stomach, you're more likely to make unnecessary purchases that can really affect your budget. Before you leave the house, plan your meals for the entire week and grab everything in one big trip. Another way to save time and money is to buy enough ingredients to make multiple meals that freeze well. This way, you can cook several portions of your favorite dish at once. Freeze what you don't eat, so when you don't feel like cooking, you have a great meal that is not only quick and easy to prepare, but is also cheaper than ordering in.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Three Ways to Save Money With Coupons

Three Ways to Save Money With Coupons





Today’s shoppers can print coupons from the Web, add electronic coupons to their store savings cards and even use their cell phones to select coupons to be redeemed at check out. It’s easier than ever to cut that food bill in half thanks to coupons, and here are three easy ways to get started saving money in new ways.



1) Click-and-Print Coupons: There are several Web sites that compile grocery coupons so you simply click on the ones you want, then print and cut them out to take to the grocery store. You can also find printable coupons on the Web sites of your favorite brands, like Pillsbury.com and BettyCrocker.com.



2) Electronic Coupons: Online coupon sites like Shortcuts.com allow you to load electronic coupons onto your store savings cards. No need to print or clip. Just click on the coupons you need and they’ll be automatically redeemed at check out when you use your store savings card.



3) Mobile Coupons: You can now get coupons right from your constant companion, your cell phone. One service to check out is Shortcuts.com Mobile (go to www.shortcuts.com on any cell phone with a Web browser). Just  click the coupons you want and within five minutes they’ll be loaded up on your store savings card and ready to use at check out.



It’s easy to save money at the grocery store, especially when you have the right tools, like your computer and your cell phone. In no time you’ll be saving serious dollars in the check out line.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Big, Bountiful Salads That Satisfy

Big, Bountiful Salads That Satisfy


The days when salads were strictly a side dish to something more important -- they’re so over. A big, bountiful salad deserves to be the center of attention.



Whether you’re on a special diet or just looking to eat in an interesting, healthful way, there’s no reason to settle for boring combos. A well-made salad should deliver a lively interplay of flavors and textures. What’s more, the salad needs to be substantial enough that you don’t get hungry an hour later. On both scores, ingredients such as avocados, nuts and hard-cooked eggs qualify as great salad builders. Each contributes a distinctive flavor and texture, while satisfying hunger pangs for hours.



Take “Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing,” for instance. Thick avocado slices take the lead in a main-course salad that also features grilled beef strips -- all presented on a bed of greens and dressed with a brightly flavored Asian dressing.



This inspired combination not only delights the eye and appetite, but equals a well-balanced meal. The beef provides protein, of course, but many people don’t realize that avocados supply nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. In addition, these rich-tasting fruits contain "good fats" -- the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kinds that are considered good substitutes for foods high in saturated fat. Also worth noting: Avocados can help the body absorb higher levels of fat-soluble nutrients, such as beta-carotene, that might be found in other salad ingredients.



You may think that a salad with exotic flair, like this one, is hard to shop for. Not true! The beef, greens and dressing ingredients are easy to find -- and Hass avocados are always in season because they grow year-round in Mexico’s rich volcanic soil, with just the right mix of rain and warm sun.



Buy avocados from Mexico ripe for immediate use, or firm for salad making later in the week. Firm avocados will ripen to perfection when held at room temperature for one to three days. When soft to the touch, they’re ready for the big salad toss.



Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing



8 ounce flank or round steak, grilled

3 cups mixed salad greens

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)

3/4 cup snow peas

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

2/3 cup bottled or homemade Asian salad dressing (recipe below), divided

1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted, peeled and diced            



Slice steak thinly across the grain; set aside. In large bowl, combine salad greens, red pepper, scallions, snow peas, cilantro and 1/2 cup salad dressing; toss gently. Place on four serving dishes, dividing equally. Top with sliced steak and avocado, drizzle with remaining dressing. Garnish with cilantro or parsley leaves, if desired.



Asian Salad Dressing: In measuring cup, whisk together 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger), 2 teaspoons sugar and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil until well combined. Makes about 2/3 cup.



Serves 4.



For more information and great recipes, visit www.theamazingavocado.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Child-Friendly
St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Pot o’ Gold Trail Mix
Mix together 1 cup each of cheese puffs, cheddar-flavored popcorn, small cheddar-flavored crackers, chow-mein noodles, peanuts, and french fried onion pieces. Serve the mix in waffle bowls.

Leprechaun's Shake
1 cup skim milk
2 scoops vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2-3 drops green food coloring

Pour all ingredients into a blender and whirl until smooth and green. Serve with a shamrock.

St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops

St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops

If you are looking for a fun and easy recipe to do with the kids, try these deliciously simple St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops. The kids will smile and giggle while making these treats, and will have something fun to give to family, friends, and classmates!


You will need:

20 vanilla wafer cookies
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 12-ounce bag white chocolate chips
green and yellow gumdrops
green Dots
green and yellow Nerd candies
Cake decorating writer gel in green, yellow, red, orange, and black
1 tube of green cake decorator frosting with tip
green and yellow decorator sugar
green food coloring
ice cream or lollipop sticks
wax paper or paper plates


Instructions:
Spread peanut butter onto the flat side of the cookies. Place an ice cream stick into the peanut butter on half the cookies. Top with another cookie so the stick is sandwiched between the two cookies.

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, one minute, then in 20 second increments, stirring until smooth. Before melting, seperate the white chips into two bowls. After melting, add a few drops of green food coloring to one of the bowls of white chips to make green chocolate.


Dip cookie pops in the melted chips, covering completely. Sprinkle with green and yellow sugar and lay or stand on waxed paper or paper plates. Place in refrigerator to chill.


Fun Variations

Leprechaun
After coating with white chocolate, dip top of pop into green sugar. Slice two yellow gumdrops to make beard. Allow to dry on wax paper. Use black and red decorator gel for eyes and mouth and for trim on hat.

Rainbow with Pot of Gold
After coating with white chocolate, cut a green Dot in half lengthwise, adhere to chocolate. Before chocolate has a chance to dry, place 3-5 yellow candy nerds "in" pot. Create a rainbow with various colored decroator gel.

Shamrock
After coating with white chocolate, sprinkle with yellow decorator
sugar, then draw on a shamrock using green cake decorator icing.

Four Leaf Clover
After coating with green chocolate, use green sliced gumdrops to create clover leaves. Slice a small strip out of remaining gumdrop for stem. Use a green candy Nerd for the center of the clover.

Note: Another variation is to use vanilla or chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter for the filling.

These can also be made without sticks. Use one stick to be able to dip the cookies in chocolate and roll in sprinkles, then remove the stick and put on wax paper or paper plates, then chill

Leprechaun's Lemonade
Mix 2 parts lemonade, 1 part lemon-lime soda, and 1 part Surge soft drink.