Pecan Pinwheels: A 5-minute Dessert

Hi, Islanders!  It's been forever.  Like, forever.  I've been living and loving and loving life as I'm living it.  I've promised some updates but for real, they're on the back burner because I've got some 5 minute ideas I need to share over the course of the next few days.  First up?  A five-minute Dessert!

Pretty Pecan Pinwheels

Supplies

- Store-bought pecan pinwheels
- Canned whipped topping
- Chocolate or caramel syrup
- Crushed pecans

Step-by-steps

1.  Remove pecan pinwheels from package.  Tip: if preparing for immediate consumption, warm the pinwheels up prior to assembly.

2.  Top with whipped cream.

3.  Drizzle with syrup.

4.  Sprinkle pecans on top.

5.  Place on platter and get ready for compliments :)

This is the perfect dessert for the commuter who wants to participate in the office potluck but doesn't have the means to carry a lot of food on the road; these supplies pack easily in most bags and can be assembled onsite!  I also love that they look fancy and homemade.  Plus, they're effortless and affordable!

Head to your local grocery store and whip up some  last-minute and fabulous desserts!

Feel Better Slush Recipe!

I mentioned in the Easter wrap-up that Munch was sick over Spring Break.  She had come down with a stomach virus and, according to the doctor, ituse s symptoms could linger for a few days.  Munch returned to school for one day and woke the following morning under the weather.  I determined that she was dealing with those aforementioned lingering symptoms and was most bothered by the dehydration effects, particularly the headache, from the bug.

To re-hydrate and to combat the fever while offering her electrolytes and (shhh!) fooling her into thinking it was a treat, I came up with the sick slush recipe.  This one is DEF for the books!

All you need is your favorite flavor of sports drink and ice!  Combine 1/2 cup of ice with 1/2 cup of sports drink and blend until smooth. You may decide to add ice and/or sports drink until the texture you prefer is desired.  Pour into a cup with a straw and enjoy!

That's it.  Two ingredients.  Three Steps. And yummy!

Make it.  You'll thank me for this.

Munch didn't want to eat or drink but when I put the feel better slush in front of her?  SUCCESS!  This drink would make a great treat in the summer when the kids don't want to stop playing to drink water.  Mix up some slush and rest easy!

Coq Au WEEKNIGHT!

Coq au vin (French for chicken cooked in wine) can take two days to prepare if you include marinating the chicken overnight.  I followed a recipe many years ago for a healthier alternative (no bacon and no butter) but I've simplified it for our everyday lives.  I'm sharing our everyday version today.  Get excited because it's super easy and super yummy!

Photo taken before baking

Super easy and super delicious all year long!  Here's the recipe card!

Day 23: $3 Pumpkin Drop Cookies

You know, everything in my mind doesn't come out as I plan.  Sometimes, things turn out better and on some rare occasions, things just fall short.  I haven't quite decided where this recipe falls but I know this:

It's good.  REALLY good. 

Are you wondering how something can be so good and still be a flop?  I'll get to that.

So, I had this vision.  I saw the cute paper straws DT has for the fall holidays and the Baker's chocolate and thought I could create a 2-ingredient cake pop.  One that requires no egg, and would just roll, freeze and dip perfectly.  In my mind, I was going to break the internet.  Wait.  You don't know what a cake pop is?  I found this infographic:

Source

It's an accurate and hilarious description of the difference between cake pops and bake pops.  I assumed everyone knew what a cake pop was... Until recently when I was talking to Devona. Get this, she's a baker chick who has never had a cake pop.  To clarify, she's made bake pops but doesn't know the original recipe calls for a truffle-like consistency (aka - cake dough). WHAAAAAT?!

HOW ARE WE EVEN STILL FRIENDS?!

Day 22: $6 Chili Recipe

So, I know you don't believe it but YES, the Dollar Tree (DT) sells chili.

AND NO.  I don't care how great the reviews are, I'm NOT talking about canned chili!  This month's challenge has forced me to LOOK for cool things at DT.  It's been fun! While searching, I scanned the food aisles and this McCormick seasoning packet caught my eye.  

Hmm, skillet chili.  Sounds interesting enough...  The package said all I needed was a 1 can of tomatoes, 1 can of red or kidney beans and a pound of ground beef.  I made ours with a can of fire roasted tomatoes (purchased from DT), a can of Goya brand kidney beans (purchased from DT), a pound of ground turkey (purchased for $1.89 from Aldi), and I served it over white rice (purchased from DT).  That's $4 at DT and $2 from Aldi for the meat.  A meal for 4 adults for less than $10?!  Unheard of!