Chocolate Peanut Butter Strata

We made this recipe for Father's Day because we were looking for a new dessert, and it is SO yummy! It's rich and creamy and satisfies every chocolate/peanut butter bone in your body :-)

First Layer:  Oreo Crust

28 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreo)  for crust, 8 cookies for topping (a 14 oz. package has 36 cookies), cookies need to be crushed into crumbs
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted

Combine cookie crumbs and powdered sugar.  Whisk until well mixed.  Add melted butter.  Pour the mixture into a 9"x13" pan and press into the bottom. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.  Refrigerate the chocolate pie crust for at least an hour.

Second Layer:  Whipped Cream Cheese

One 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cool whip
One package Snickers or Reese's peanut butter cup candy bars, cut into small chunks

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together.  When well blended, fold in cool whip.  Spread on top of the crust. and refrigerate.  Spread half of the candy bars on top of the cream cheese.  Refrigerate.


Third Layer:  White Chocolate Pudding (optional layer)

One 3 oz. package instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk
1 cup cool whip

Mix pudding with milk until pudding starts to thicken.  Fold in cool whip.  Spoon over cream cheese layer.

Fourth Layer:  Chocolate Peanut Butter

One 6 oz. Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix
3 cups milk
1 cup cool whip
1/2 cup peanut butter (Creamy or Chunky)

Mix pudding and milk until pudding starts to thicken.  Fold in the cool whip and  peanut butter.  Spoon over vanilla pudding layer.  Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbs and remaining candy bar chunks over the top of the top layer.

Fifth Layer:  Cool Whip (or whipped cream)

Put a dollop of whipped cream on each cut piece OR you can spread the cool whip over the whole top.  If you spread the cool whip over the whole top, sprinkle the cookie crumbs and candy bar chunks on the cool whip, not the chocolate layer.  Refrigerate.

ENJOY!

Quilt Pattern "Darling Daughter"

For Christmas this last year I made all of my girls specialized quilt patterns and they all absolutely loved them.  I came up with a little poem that was unique for each one of them, and appliqued the poem around the edges of the quilts.  Being as I'm sure all mothers feel the way I do about my darling daughters, I'm sure you could say the same things to your girls! This quilt pattern measures 61" by 75", and it was so much fun to make! Show your daughter how much you love her and bundle her with love by making her this special quilt pattern.  To download this quilt pattern, click HERE.  For more family-oriented quilt patterns, see the other family QUILT PATTERNS that I made and choose one that is perfect for your family members. 

And, as always, for fun and easy party ideas VISIT MY WEBSITE

Inspiration "Sweetness In Ancestors"

Trying to get your family excited about family history? Perhaps you're about to teach a Relief Society, Priesthood, or Primary lesson on family history and you're looking for a fun display or a handout? Or maybe you still haven't done your visiting teaching for June?  You still have one more week! Regardless of the circumstances, these homemade family-history inspired treats are bound to delight and motivate! We all need to remember the "sweetness" of our ancestors and the sweetness of doing family history, and this sweet reminder is the perfect way to remember those who have gone before us.  You can print off these fun family history handouts for free just by following the instructions below--all you need is a computer and a printer! 

Click here to download. For more fun family history handout ideas, see this post.  We hope you enjoy!

For more fun party ideas and themed patterns, visit our WEBSITE.

Delicious Homemade Apple Pie

My daughter made this delicious apple pie for Father's Day and it was a huge hit.  

Making The Crust:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup ground almonds (we ground our almonds in a blender)
2 sticks butter, cut into cubes and chilled
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 to 6 Tbsp. cold water

Combine the flour, almonds, salt and brown sugar in a food processor/blender and pulse to mix.  Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  You want the butter chunks to be pea size.  Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time until your dough begins to clump together.

Remove dough from processor and place on a floured counter top. Divide the dough into two balls.  Gently roll each dough ball out into a circle.  You should be able to see little bits of butter through the dough.  The butter makes the crust flaky.  Roll the dough around your rolling pin and gently place it in a 9" pie pan.  You will repeat this process for the top of the pie after you have placed the filling inside.

To Make The Apple Pie Filling:

2/3 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
7-8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup apple juice, plus 1/2 tablespoon flour (place apple juice in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.  Slowly add the flour whisking as you add.  Cook until juice is a syrup consistency).
2 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, flour and spices in a bowl.  Mix the apples so they are well coated.  Add the apple juice syrup and vanilla.

Spoon the apple filling into the bottom crust.  

Roll out 2nd ball of dough and repeat as above.  Place on top of apple filling.  Trim excess dough with kitchen shears.  Fold dough under itself so that the edge of the fold is flush with the edge of the pan.  Flute edges using thumb and forefinger or press with a fork.

Whisk two egg whites with 1 tablespoon sugar and brush on top of the crust.  Cut a piece of tin foil larger then the pie and cut a hole in the center large enough to cover the center of the pie, but not the edges.  Place tin foil  on top of pie and fold over edges.  The only thing that is covered is the pie edge.

Place pie in a preheated 375 degree oven.  Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until juices are bubbling.  Take tin foil off last 10 minutes to brown.  Let pie stand for 1 hour and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.  

Baby Quilt Pattern "Little Girls

"Dress up, high heels, 

Strings of Pearls,

Oh thank heavens for

Little Girls!"

Today I thought I'd post this fun baby quilt pattern because with summer here, it's baby shower season! We threw this cute baby shower for my daughter last summer, and her sister designed this adorable quilt pattern for her.  Around the sides of the quilt is a cute poem about little girls that my daughter wrote, and then the top is made just by piecing together large blocks which makes this  a super easy quilt for even beginning sewers to make! You can download this cute baby quilt pattern just by clicking HERE

For more fun ideas for parties and baby showers, visit our WEBSITE

Joy In Family History

These hand-outs are great for family history reunions, lessons, or for visiting teaching.  

To download these ideas click 

HERE

at Parties and Patterns.

Homemade Party Favors "Patriotic"

It's Patriot Season, it's time to be true

And fill up your house with red, white and blue!

Invite your friends over as is custom to do

and wow them with flags at your fun BBQ!

These homemade party favor ideas "patriotic" are inspired by the stars and stripes that make our country great! Everyone throws BBQs for the 4th of July (and even the 24th of July in Utah), but this year give your BBQ a little extra pizzazz and really make some fireworks by wowing your guests with these fun patriotic cake pop tags, patriotic cupcake holders, and more!

I have only given a few of our "Patriotic" homemade party favor ideas on this blog.  To download all of the "Patriotic" ideas click HERE at Parties and Patterns.

Turkey Burger With Pizzazz

Amy's Kitchen

Looking for something new to do for dinner? These turkey burgers are a family favorite for us. 

These turkey burgers are healthy and yummy.  Your family is sure to love them.

Recipe:

2 Tbsp. oil

4 Tbsp. chopped onion

4 Tbsp. chopped pepper

4 Tbsp. black beans

1 tsp. cumin

12 oz. ground turkey/chicken

4 whole wheat buns

1 avocado sliced (optional: guacamole)

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 

     (found in the Mexican section of your grocery store) 

Lettuce

Cucumber

Tomato

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil  and add onions, saute for 2 minutes, add peppers and cook for another 2 minutes or until tender.  Add black beans, chipotle peppers and cumin.  Cook for another 2 minutes.  Let mixture cool.  Combine the turkey and mixture and form into patties.  Cook patties in the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil.  (We also like to cook the turkey burgers on a George Foreman Grill.)  Place patty on a bun with the avocado, lettuce, cucumber and tomato.  So yummy!

Baby Quilt Pattern "Baby Beehive"

Know someone who's about to bring home a little baby bumble bee?

Help them get their little beehive ready!

My daughter designed this quilt and made it for her sister-in-law, and it was a huge hit!

The colors are so fun and happy, and this is a super easy quilt pattern.  This baby quilt pattern "baby beehive" is the perfect size for a crib or to hang on a wall in a nursery--or to just snuggle with! If you're not an experienced quilter, then this quilt pattern is perfect for you to start out on--it consists of very simple sewing and applique.  You can download baby quilt pattern "baby beehive by clicking HERE.  We hope you enjoy!

For more fun gifts, patterns, and party ideas, visit our WEBSITE

Homemade Party Ideas "Ties For Dad"

It's Father's Day on Sunday,

Hip hip, hooray!

It's time to get going

and plan the big day!

You'll leave dad crying

and wiping his eyes,

when he comes downstairs seeing

this big fun surprise!

Don't neglect taking care of the big guy that's been taking care of you over the years.  Rain, snow, and sun, dads everywhere put on their starched shirts and ties and head off to work so that we can live comfortably.  This Father's Day make your dad GLAD to wake up and see ties--all over the house! With this homemade party ideas "Ties for Dad" theme, you can decorate everywhere with fun little surprises for dad to find around the house.  This homemade party ideas "Ties for Dad" theme comes with  printable bottle labels, printable candy boxes, printable father's day cupcake liners,  printable candy bar holders,  printable gift boxes, printable gift tags, and a super fun printable Father's Day banner that your dad will just love! Happy Father's Day!!!

For more Father's Day ideas, click HERE

For more fun party ideas, visit our WEBSITE

Summer Strawberry Cheesecake

This mock cheesecake brings back memories of my childhood.  I love how easy and delicious this recipe is and you don't have to heat up your oven.  This recipe is also great made with blueberries.  My daughter Amy recently made this recipe and it didn't last a day in our house.

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup powdered sugar

6 Tablespoons melted butter

3/4 cup chocolate chips

2 tsp. shortening

Whisk the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar together until well mixed.  Add the melted butter and press mixture into a 9" pie pan.  Let set in the refrigerator for an hour.

Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together.  Pour into the graham cracker crust and spread evenly over the bottom of the crust.  Set in refrigerator until firm.

Cheesecake Filling:

1 package cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla

1 (8 oz. container) whipped topping

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla together until well mixed.  Fold in the whipped topping and spoon into the graham cracker crust. 

Strawberry Topping:

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup strawberry jelly

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Shortening

Place strawberries on top of pie filling.  Heat the strawberry jelly until melted and spread over the strawberries.  Melt the chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp. shortening.  Place the chocolate in a squeeze bottle and drizzle over the top of the strawberries.  Keep pie refrigerated.  

Blueberry topping:

1 1/3 cups fresh blueberries

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon water

1/8 tsp. lemon rind

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Combine 1/3 cup berries with sugar in a small sauce pan.  Simmer on low heat until sugar is melted and mixture is liquid about 5 minutes.

Combine cornstarch and water in a bowl.  Add to blueberries and cook over medium heat until 

mixture comes to a boil and is clear and thick.  

Pour mixture into a bowl and let cool.  Fold in 

remaining blueberries, lemon rind, cinnamon, 

nutmeg and butter.  Spoon on top of cheesecake 

filling.

Beginner Baby Quilt Patterns "Rock a Bye Baby"

Rock a Bye Baby

In a tree top

When the wind blows

The cradle will rock!

My daughter Megan loves to make quilts for the nieces and nephews in our family. (She is a beginner quilter and quilt designer). Her quilts always have a nursery rhyme theme.  These quilts are adorable hanging on a wall, snuggling with or hanging over a rocking chair.  This beginner baby quilt pattern "Rock a Bye Baby"  measures approx. 381/2"x431/2".  This quilt has the nursery rhyme poem appliqued around the border, but you can personalize anyway you like. You can find the full pattern and instructions by clicking on this link

"Rock a Bye Baby"

Homemade Gift Ideas Father's "A Head Above The Rest"

                          

Dad you've always been the best,

at least a head above the rest!

Sorry for not always coming when called--

I see it's making you go bald!

Give your dad something fun for Father's Day this year--fill this homemade gift idea father's day "A Head Above the Rest" will all of his favorite treats and surprise him!  You can print out Homemade Gift Ideas Father's "A Head Above The Rest" for FREE just by following the instructions below!

Looking for other homemade gift ideas for Father's Day? Click HERE

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE!

Homemade Gift Idea Father's Day "Read All About It"

Homemade gift idea for 

Father's Day

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
We know your dad is rather rad
he makes you happy when you're sad
he's always good for a little cash,
and don't forget that great mustache!
So why not make him shout "hooray"
by brightening up his Father's Day?


This homemade gift idea for Father's Day "Read all about it" is just a fun goody bag that you can fill with all of your dad's favorite treats! Since every dad is unique and special, this is a unique and special way of showing how much you care.  With this father's day homemade gift idea, you can make dad his favorite treat, buy him a special present, or even fill the sack with fun memories and coupons! So treat your dad to something he deserves, a homemade gift that he's sure to remember forever! You can print this homemade gift idea Father's Day "Read all About it"  by following the instruction below!

Looking for other homemade gift ideas for Father's Day? Click HERE

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE!

Printable Tags Labels "Ballerina"

Tie them to drinks or even chip bags, 

there are so many uses for these birthday tags!

Printable tags labels "Ballerina" carry your ballerina theme throughout your entire ballet party! Put them on anything that you want to make your ballerina birthday party extra special.

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE.

Printable Napkin Rings "Ballerina"

Forks, knives, spoons, and things

look cuter in these napkin rings!

Don't let your ballerina birthday disappoint, decorate it to the max with these printable napkin rings "Ballerina." Everything looks neater, cleaner, and classier when it's bundled together, and it's a great way to make sure every place setting is set perfectly! You can print off printable napkin rings "ballerina" by following the instructions below!

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE.

Printable Money Pocket "Ballerina"

Toys may break or burn to ash

so nothing's better than good old cash!

You don't need to wonder what your little ballerina wants most--picking out your birthday presents is the most fun thing to do (and comes with the least disappointment).  Use this printable money pocket "ballerina" to give your ballerina birthday girl money, and then take her to pick out a present all for herself! 

Click here to download.

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE

Printable Invitation "Ballerina"

Come to my party, pretty please,

this cute invitation seems to tease!

The funnest part about birthday parties can be sending out invitations--especially when they're this fun! Get all of your guests excited for your birthday party by sending out this printable invitation "ballerina"--there's no way they'll want to miss it! You can print out this printable invitation "ballerina" by clicking here.

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE.

Printable Cupcake Liners "Ballerina"

There's no better little birthday treat

than this ballerina cupcake sweet!

Cupcakes are so trendy, but you still have to dress them up cute! Printable cupcake liners "ballerina" is a cute and easy way to make your cupcakes extra adorable.  You can print these printable cupcake liners "ballerina" 
by clicking here. 

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE

Printable Banner "Ballerina"

You don't need a high class photo scanner,

to print of this ballerina birthday banner!

Printable banner ballerina is the perfect touch on your ballerina birthday party! 

To download the banner click

HERE

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE

Party Favor Idea Party Blower Tags "Ballerina"

To speed up a party that's going slower,

all you need is the ballerina party blower!

Party Favor Idea Party Blower Tags "ballerina" is a fun way to liven up any party--even my grown kids love to play with these! 

You can print party favor idea party blower tags "ballerina" by clicking here.

For more great party ideas, visit our WEBSITE.

Homemade Party Favor Goodie Bag "Ballerina"

She'll get tutus, frills, and ballet shoes

but then again that isn't news!

But just so that she doesn't brag

Reward her guests with goody bags!

This homemade party favor goody bag "ballerina" is a great way to pass out party thank yous! To download packet click here.

For more great party ideas, visit our 

WEBSITE.