Cookie Dough Frosting

Words cannot describe the deliciousness permeating from this frosting! Have I mentioned that I LOVE chocolate?! If that info hasn't been communicated yet, let me state for the record that I'm a chocoholic. No shame in my game, LOL! Well, I headed over to Sally's Baking Addiction which is quickly becoming my addiction.  Every recipe I have tried from this site is scrumptious!  We were having a multi-birthday party at our house, and I was procrastinating (surprise, surprise) on making dessert.  I took a shortcut by using a box cake for the cupcakes; however, I did splurge on the icing.  When I found this recipe for Cookie Dough Frosting, I knew I had to make it.  Words cannot describe the yumminess of this frosting!  Everyone enjoyed the cupcakes, especially the icing.  Somehow I ended up with more frosting than needes (darn!), so the kids and I enjoyed the icing for a few extra days.  (When I say "the kids and I," I mean that they had a spoonful or two and I had a little extra helping... hee hee.)  Next time, I will definitely make the whole thing from scratch.

Mmmm... chocolate!

My taste-tester ;)

Mods: none, cookie dough perfection!
The Verdict: Yummy! Making this again, but the whole recipe next time.
Recipe: Fudge Brownie Cupcakes with Cookie Dough Frosting

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Have you visited Chef in Training blog yet?  Well, mosey on over when you have a moment or two or three... I find myself 10 recipes in (usually in the desserts genre) after remembering that I was looking for a dinner idea.  Her recipes are nothing short of amazing!  The pics seem to jump out at you.  I wish they would, her food always looks so much better than mine!  I found her pin for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and finally had the chance to make it this week.  The ranch Alfredo sauce was divine! 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta... Nom! Nom!

Mods: none, perfect the way it is ;)
The Verdict: Yummy! Making this again.
Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chocolate Banana Bread Brownies

Sounds divine, doesn't it?  That's because they are!  I had some ripe bananas that were dying to be made into banana nut bread.  I was going to use my go-to recipe; however, I ran into this delish recipe on Six Sisters' Stuff and had to try it.  If you haven't been to this website yet, you should check them out.  These gorgeous ladies are amazing and inspiring. Back to the chocolate banana goodness... The recipe was easy to follow, and luckily I had all ingredients on hand.  (If I didn't have everything, I would've made a quick run to the store.)  The aroma coming from the kitchen drew everyone in.  Now, we do eat dinner together as a family nearly every evening; however, mornings are crazy around our house.  I try to have at least one breakfast together on the weekends.  Family gathering at breakfast... mission accomplished. I think the bananas are much happier as chocolate banana bread brownies rather than banana nut bread ;)

Coffee, chocolate banana bread brownies... bliss!

Mods: None, this recipe is perfect the way it is.
Verdict: Yummers!  Will make again soon ;)
Recipe: Chocolate Banana Bread Brownies

Red Wine Berry Spritzer

A long, busy, stressful week calls for a cocktail. When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I HAD to try it. It's a mini-me version of a punch recipe I use often. The verdict, you ask? Love it! I'm all about quick & easy recipes these days but it must be delish... not only does this cocktail meet all three requirements, it exceeds them. In fact, it may be a lil too convenient if you catch my drift ;)  Hop on over to Angie's Kitchen and check out her recipes.  You won't be disappointed! 

Bottoms up!

Mods: Just one, I could not find La Croix mixed berry at my grocery store, so I used the store brand.
The Verdict: Yummy! Making these soon at the next girls night.  
Recipe: Red Wine Berry Spritzer

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

Easy, yummy recipe I found on Pinterest.  I have been craving pumpkin desserts, pumpkin lattes, etc.  Is it Thanksgiving yet??  When I ran across this recipe on Pinterst and saw how simple it was, I had to try it.  The recipe comes from the following My Baking Addiction. Every recipe that I have tried from this site is nothing short from amazing.  Beware wasteline... this recipe was simple and quick, I can see myself making these yummy pumpkin trifle often. I can't wait to share them with coworkers tomorrow or rather, today... just realized it is 1AM. YIKES!!!

Isn't he so cute?! I just wanna bite him ;)

Mods: I baked gingerbread cookies, crumbled them, and used the crumbs as the cookie layers. I also sprinkled the crumbs on top of the dessert. I made cute mini gingerbread man cookies and placed them on top of each trifle. They are so cute, they look like they are taking a dive into the delish, pumpkiny goodness. 
Verdict: Yummy!  I may have to eat one of these yummy trifles tonight for a midnight snack... Just don't tell anyone ;)  Diet, what diet?!
Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

The Inaugural Post

Welcome to my blog!  It isn't much yet, but I hope that it becomes a repertoire for my pinning experiences.  I am not a DIY expert nor am I a chef.  I'm just a mom who loves to be crafty (when I can), likes to share experiences/ideas/disasters with others, and is obsessed with Pinterest.  Hope you enjoy my little corner of the blogosphere.  You can find me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/vera_j_rogers/.  As the saying goes, happy pinning!