Triple Berry Cherry Cake

When I asked our mom what kind of a cake she wanted for her Birthday {which is today - Happy Birthday Mom!} she responded that she wanted a princess cake - so, this was my attempt...

Our mom has been going to Weight Watchers for a few years {and she looks amazing} and this year, I joined her, so with that in mind, the cake is pretty low calorie and light.

1 box Cherry Chip Cake Mix (dry - do not prepare)
1 can Diet Cherry 7-up
1 cup frozen berry mix (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 container (12 oz) lite Cool Whip
1 small box black cherry jello (dry - do not prepare)

Mix cake mix, 7-up and berries together. Divide batter in half, place in two 9 inch pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Add jello mix to cool whip and fold until well mixed. Layer cake, cool whip, cake and frost cake with remaining cool whip.

Crock Pot Chicken Shred

This recipe is so easy and versatile! It can be served as a taco, taco salad or over rice. If you're only cooking for two - you can test it out in a variety of ways because there will be leftovers!

3 chicken breasts, raw
1 can (small) Spicy V8
2 Tablespoons Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Dip Mix (seasoning) - can use taco seasoning
1 can black beans
1 can Rotel - can use salsa if you don't have Rotel

Coat crockpot with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in, cover with V8 and seasoning. Add black beans and Rotel 30 minutes before serving.

I cooked mine in my crockpot on high for 4 hours. If your planning yours for a week day and have an 8 hour (or more) work day, cook on low.

The pictures I'm including are of my version of the taco salad from day two. Day one we enjoyed as tacos. :)

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.

This past weekend my little family was invited to a Quarter Packer Party.  You know, it's a party for the first quarter of the game only because it's a 7 pm game and there are babies invited.  Genius!

When I found out soup was on the menu I got to work coming up with a recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.  And the best part?  You make it in the crock pot!

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Recipe by Mom Taught Us

4 cups beef broth
1 bottle pale ale (or whatever beer you have on hand)
2 cups milk
12 ounces velveenta cheese
1 can cheddar soup
1 cup ketchup
1 pound ground beef (cooked up with onion and garlic to taste)
1 package smoked bacon (if you are local, I highly recommend Nueske's Cherry or Apple Wood Smoke) (cooked and cut into bite size pieces)
Splash of bacon grease
2 cups diced hashbrowns
1/2 cup dried soup greens (this was from the amish market and could easily be omitted)
Salt and pepper to taste (you probably won't need much salt thanks to the bacon)

Place all of the ingredients in a crock pot and cook on low for about 8 hours. Serve topped with shredded cheese for the effect of a melty burger.

This soup was pretty delicious. I was nervous after adding the beer; the flavor was pretty strong through most of the cooking process, but calmed down upon the soup's completion.

No picture, as usual, with soup. I need pointers on photographing soup!

Chicken & Stuffing Bake

If you are in the mood for some comfort food; this is a quick, easy & delicious recipe.

1 box Stove Top Stuffing (any variety)
3 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
Vegetable of your choice - peas, green Belen's, broccoli, corn (I used corn)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Prepare stuffing according to box. Set aside.

Combine the rest of the ingredients and place into a greased 9x13 dish. Top with stuffing. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until done.

This is a great recipe to use to create a new, different recipe from leftovers.