Pizza Bites

For this batch I did some with wheat dough too.

These little things are amazing! I wish I had gotten this recipe long, long ago. I love that I can stuff them with just about anything and they taste wonderful! Tonight, I made a mixture similar to the one in my spinach enchiladas for one batch. The second batch I did with peperoni and jalapeno mozzarella cheese curds. YUM!

Pizza Bites

Ingredients:
1 batch pizza dough (I like Trader Joe's ready made dough)

For filling (any pizza toppings will work):
mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
Italian seasoning
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sliced pepperoni
Spinach & ricotta
Ham & pineapple

For topping:
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or cake pan. Divide the pizza dough into 16-20 roughly equal sized pieces. Take one of the dough pieces, flatten and top with a 1" ball of filling. Pull the edges of the dough around the fillings and pinch closed. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.

Lightly brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil (I just use my Misto sprayer). Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Serve warm, with dipping sauce as desired.

Source: adapted from Annie's Eats

Another Motherless Mother's Day

Today I woke up wondering what we'd be doing if my mom were still here. We would probably have a bbq over at my parents house and she would chase the boys around, read to them and sing them songs. It is so hard not having her here to know them and to watch them grow. Susie (my aunt) pointed out that little N is now saying ball. Woohoo, his first word! What a coincidence, H's first word was also ball. The little guy loves to play with any ball he can get his hands on. Oh, and also shoes and socks. Hard to believe he is going to one next month!

So Mother's Day is just sort of blaa for me and always will be.

Anyway, I'll end this with a picture of my mom (she was pretty sick here) the day H was born.

I love you Mom. I miss you. Happy Mother's Day...

Heaven in a Cookie - Nuff Said.

Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Adapted from: Brown Eyed Baker

Makes about 16 cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup chocolate chips (I used semi sweet and white)
½ cup broken up Reeces peanut butter cups

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

3. On medium speed, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to combine. On low speed, gradually add the flour until just combined. Stir in the oats, and then the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.

4. Use a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons) and drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet and then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Carrot Pudding - a Grammy Classic

I am a creature of habit and believe it or not, I eat a piece of this stuff every single day for breakfast. It is probably my favorite dish Grammy served at Friday night dinners. I know, I know, the name leaves you wondering what to expect. But, if you like carrot cake and a really moist, sweet thanksgiving stuffing, you will love this!

Carrot Pudding - A Grammy Classic

3 14.5 oz. cans carrots (drained and pureed)
2 1/2 c flour
1 c packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup oj
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c apple sauce
1/2 c vegetable oil
3/4 c raisins
cinnimon & sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix carrots, brown sugar, oil & apple sauce. In a separate bowl combine/sift baking powder, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add to puree a little bit at a time. Combine baking soda & oj. Add to mixture. Add raisins. Pour into a 9x13 greased pyrex dish and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and sugar. Bake 1 hour or until center is set. serve warm.