How to tell your man you love him.

Today in the mail came a package of coupons. I thumbed through them expecting the same old advertisements and anticipated throwing them all in the recycle bin.

But one coupon in particular sparked my interest.

So apparently they are marketing this new chocolate covered bacon to men. What? We women don't love bacon too? Maybe the carnivorous men are more apt to devour this new concoction. But hurry it's limited time only - just in time for Sweetest Day! There's no better way to say "I love you honey" than fat lard covered in chocolate.

And if you happen to miss your once in a lifetime opportunity to indulge yourself with this artery clogging delectable delight, I happened to find a chocolate covered bacon recipe so you can do it yourself. Now that would be a memorable way to celebrate Sweetest Day.

Bacon and chocolate = the way to win a man's heart (via stomach).

I suppose a side of antacid would be a nice compliment to this "treat."

Us American's will dip anything in chocolate. To your health!

Warning

This serves as your warning.  

I am about to share with you the most addictive homemade item known to all chocolate lovers.

I bring you. . . . . 

The 5 minute Chocolate Mug Cake (scream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

It's like Warm Delights meets Betty Homemaker-Do-It-Yourself.  

All I can say is thank you to Together We Save for leaving a comment on my blog the other day. If it hadn't been for her visit and comment, I would have never found out about this simple and highly addictive recipe.

Here it is and don't say I didn't warn you.  The name should be changed to 5 Minute Chocolate Crack Cake.  Seriously.

• 4 TBSP flour
• 4 TBSP sugar
• 2 TBSP cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 TBSP milk
• 3 TBSP oil
• 3 TBSP chocolate chips
• splash of vanilla extract

In a large microwave-safe mug add dry ingredients and mix well.  

Add the egg and mix well. 

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and vanilla and mix well.

Put mug in microwave and cook for 3 minutes (using a 1000 watt microwave).

The cake will rise over the top of the mug - it's ok.

Allow to cool a little.  Tip out onto plate or eat out of the mug.  

I like to sprinkle it with powdered sugar, whipped cream or serve it with ice cream to punch up the calories.  Why not - you're already eating homemade cake!

Enjoy your awesomeness-in-a-mug.

Church food

I was baffled the other day when Luke came up to me saying he was hungry and wanted 'church food.'

"Church food, what is that?" I asked Luke throwing out options that I guessed may be some kind of snack they gave the kids.

"Goldfish?"  

No.

"Graham crackers?"

No.

"Cheese stick?"

No.

"Vanilla wafers."

No.

What the heck would be considered church food? I wondered.  So I asked Luke if we had church food in our house and if he would show me.  He took my hand, walked me to the refrigerator, opened the door and pointed to the top shelf.  

"That momma, church food, up there."

On the top shelf were eggs, yogurt, sticks of butter, and a casserole dish.  

"Ah-ha!  I got it now, you want a yogurt, right Luke?"

"NO! I want THAT church food!" he demanded.

Finally, I realized what on God's earth he was talking about.  I had made a cinnamon roll french toast dish for bible study on Wednesday and there were a few pieces left.  I told the kids they couldn't have any unless there were leftovers because it was for church - hence the 'church food' classification.  

Luckily, he got his wish and was a happy boy. He just brought a whole other meaning to the phrase 'soul food'. 

"Church Food"

(a.k.a. Cinnamon French Toast Bake)

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (12.4 oz each)
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup half and half (or heavy whipping cream)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup syrup

Heat oven to 375.  Pour melted butter into ungreased 13x9 glass baking dish.  Separate each can of dough into 8 rolls (set icing aside). Cut each roll into 8 pieces; place pieces over butter in dish.

In medium bowl with wire whisk, beat eggs. Beat in cream, cinnamon and vanilla until well blended. Gently pour over roll pieces. Sprinkle with pecans (optional), drizzle with 1 cup syrup.

Bake uncovered for 20 - 28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes.

Microwave icing (10 - 15 sec) or until drizzling consistency.

Drizzle icing over top.

Worth getting up for in the middle of the night.

Oh yes.  These are my downfall at the moment.  I have made 2 batches just this week.  You have to treat yourself once in awhile (or more often as I have demonstrated.)  But I am counter balancing this by putting in extra time at the gym. I have to thank my MIL for the crack cookie recipe.  These were gobbled up over the holiday and it was perfect because I never got around to making my own sugar cookies.

But, these aren't your ordinary sugar cookie.  They are called vanilla wafer sugar cookies.  They are thin and crispy and oh so addicting.  Paired with a glass of milk, you have yourself the perfect midnight snack.  Except I am finding myself not only eating them at midnight, but around the clock.  

You were warned.

Vanilla Wafer Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 cups flour (sifted)

Cream butter, shortening and sugar.

Add salt and vanilla.

Add eggs and beat well.

Stir in sifted flour.

Chill dough for an hour or overnight. 

Drop from spoon a few inches apart on stone. 

Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in flour or sugar.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or if using a stone (recommended) for 14 min.

Cool before frosting.

Frosting

powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter 

1/4 - 1/2 cup half and half (or milk or evaporated milk)

dash of salt

1 tsp vanilla

food coloring

Melt butter, add milk then add powdered sugar to desired consistency.  

Add salt and vanilla. 

Use hand mixer until smooth and creamy.