Mardi Gras

Today someone said, "You should out your life out there." "I do!" was my response. 



Today we hosted a Mardi Gras Playdate! What a GREAT time!! The kiddos all played soooo well together and even had an impromptu craft session with gitter glue after lunch. And I enjoyed some much needed Mommy time with friends!

Look at all the Creative Kiddos!

We made Masks!

And Mardi Gras Beads. 

I made these "beads" last night from penne pasta. It is so easy!

Put a handful into a baggie and add 1 T vinegar and some food coloring. Shake it up and let it dry for about 30 minutes.

Really…it is that easy!! 

And the nice things about the pasta is that the younger kids can string it because it is bigger!

I made some easy recipes today for our lunch playdate and 2 people asked if I would post them. So here they are. 

Nothing fancy, just good!!

I took this picture before I put the
tomatoes and cheese on this morning.

Veggie Pizza

2 8 oz refrigerated crescent rolls

2 8 oz packages cream cheese (you can use low fat)

1 cup miracle whip (loe-fat here too if you wish)

1 package dry ranch dressing mix

1 cup of each of your favorite Veggies, such as broccoli, pepper, carrots, tomatoes

1 cup cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Roll crescent dough out onto 13 x 9 baking sheet and pinch together. Bake for 12 minutes and remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 min. Do not remove from pan.

In a small mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, miracle whip and ranch dressing mix. Spread over cooled crust and top with veggies and cheese. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

I took this picture after I got a request to post
this recipe. I guess everyone liked it!

Mac N Cheese

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

10 tablespoons butter, divided

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces processed cheese food (eg. Velveeta), cubed
• 3/4 cup Ritz Crackers
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• Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni.
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• Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.
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• I made this the last night and then added the crackers and butter this morning and baked for appox 50 min.
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• I may actually make this again this weekend and out some truffles in it to make it more "grown up."
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• And who can have a Mardi Gras 
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• Party 
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• without 
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• • KING CAKE
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I made mine out of Monkey 
Bread!
Delicious!!
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