Cake Ideas and trial-runs

I have some work to do on these fondant lilies, but here's a peek at my first try:

These are some goodies that I made for a friends' bridal shower:

Smoothie secrets

My girls LOVE smoothies.  And I have discovered that I can use them to sneak in some veggies too!  For my girls, I get the Dannon All-Natural Vanilla Yogurt, and add fresh fruit and a handful of baby spinach or lettuce leaves.  Bananas will do a decent job masking the green flavor.  When I make one for myself I add protein powder and make it my solitary mid-day meal.  I've used everything from strawberries to peaches and even an apple-cinnamon one.  Stick in a straw and watch them disappear!

Hazelnut No-Bake Cookies

Another recipe that stemmed from my daughters' peanut allergy, this was a FANTASTIC discovery.  Nutella (and a handful of off-brand hazelnut spreads) doesn't contain traces of peanuts.  Wanting an alternative to the Soy butter that I had been using in my no-bake cookies, I gave it a whirl.  They are delicious!  Here's the recipe that I used:

My girls enjoy helping me "drop" these cookies.

Hazelnut No-Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Nuttela
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups dry oatmeal  (I've used both instant and old fashioned, and both worked)

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, mix the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk, and bring to hard boil for 2 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes, then add the vanilla and oats.  Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper to cool.

Mac'N'Cheese

This is another recipe that comes a-dime-a-dozen, but it is treasured in this house and worth sharing.  I think it originally came from a Betty Crocker book?  I had a copy written on a recipe card from my mother-in-law since my bridal shower, and it has been committed to memory for years.  When my kids will eat nothing else, they will eat this.  It takes less than 20 minutes start to finish.  You can change it up to keep it interesting, and the leftovers do well microwaved with a teaspoon of milk or baked until crispy on top.  I have made this meal AT LEAST once a week for the last 9 years.

Macaroni and Cheese

1/4 cup butter
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 oz. elbow or small shell macaroni noodles

Prepare pasta as directed.
Over medium heat melt the butter.  Add the salt and pepper, and stir in the flour until smooth and bubbly.  Add the milk, increase heat to high, and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add the cheese, reduce heat to medium and stir until melted and mixed.  Pour over pasta.  TA-DA (as my girls would say).

Some variations:

Substitute chopped onion and garlic for the salt and pepper, or try tomatoes, hot dogs or pepperonis.