Florida and Pina Coladas!

Here is a picture of my friends in Pensacola, Florida. Winnie and Richard, We were at a cute place on Pensacola beach called the Dock.It is right on the beach. I am standing in the sand taking the picture. We ordered Pina Coladas and they put an extra shot of 151 rum in a test tube and floated it in the drink. HELLO! We felt no pain after that and I was glad not to be driving! Had a blast and can't wait to go back!

One more from the heart!

Ooey-goey Butter Cake

From Family Circle, May 2008

Crust:
1 box 18 oz yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1 package 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 box (16 oz) confections sugar (sometimes called powdered sugar)

Heat oven 350 degrees, lightly spray a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with Pam or non-stick spray.

Crust: in a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg and melted butter.
Mix well until dry indgredients are moistened.
Pat Lightly into prepared baking pan, covering bottom and sides.
Set aside.

Filling: In another large bowl, beat cream cheese till smooth.
Add eggs and vamilla extract and beat until well combines.
Beat in melted butter until evenly blended.
On low speed, gradually beat in a box of confectioners sugar.
Beat until smoth.

Spread cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, until sides are set and center is still a little wiggly.
Remove from oven and cool completely.
Dust with confectioners sugar and cut into 20 squares.

Personal notes: I made this for a neighborhood pot luck and EVERYONE wanted the recipe. It was gone first before any other dessert! It is really good, warm, cool, and the next day!

Recipes from the heart

For all my friends who live far away and don't get to enjoy my cooking! Love you all!

Taco Soup

1 pound of ground beef
1 large onion, minced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 package of dry ranch dressing, like Hidden Valley
2 small cans of chopped green chilis
2 -15 oz. cans of ranch style beans with jalapenos
2-10 oz cans of mild diced tomatoes with green chilis, like Rotel
2 -29 0z cans of hominy (I used green beans and it rocked! Less starch, more vegetables!)

In large pot/pan over medium heat, suate ground beef, onions and crushed garlic till browned. Add dry ranch dressing mix, chopped green chilis, bean with jalapenos and the diced tomatoes. Stir in 3 cups of water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let simmer for 40 - 45 minutes.
Add rinsed hominy (or green beans)
Cook 5 more minutes.

Serve with typical mexican toppings: Sour cream, Shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes: I made this for my boyfriend and he is a picky eater! He loved it with the green beans and it is spicy! I like that it is dump and heat and Yummy!

Let me know how you like it! I hope to post more recipes soon!