Holy Yum! Chocolate Cherry Pie

This week's Holy Yum! Award goes to the Chocolate Cherry Pie made by Bunny @ Bunny's Warm Oven. It looks amazing! Check out some of Bunny's other amazing creations including her Strawberry Cream Pie and her Strawberry Upside Down Cake.

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Cherry Filled Pineapple Cupcakes

I guess I have been in a pineapple mood lately! When I made the Upside Down Sunshine Cake the other day, I only used half the cake mix. I decided to use the other half to make these fun cupcakes. The house smelled quite tropical with the smells of pineapples and cherries baking in the oven. To make these cupcakes, mix a box of pineapple cake mix according to the instructions, and then divide it among the liners in a cupcake pan. Then, drop a rounded teaspoon of cherry pie filling into the middle of each cupcake. Bake the cupcakes at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Top the cupcakes with vanilla frosting and a cherry! ENJOY!

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Sunday Mornings

Sunday morning is my favorite time of the week. It is the one morning of the week when I don't have to run out the door at the crack of dawn, and I can sit around in my PJs and relax. As I made pancakes this morning, I thought about some of my favorite Sunday breakfast memories. For some reason, Sunday stands out as the day when there was always a "special" breakfast. Here are some of my memories. Do you have any Sunday morning breakfast memories? Do you like Sunday mornings?

Sunday Morning Breakfast Memories

• Sitting in church hoping mom and dad were planning to take us out for pancakes when the service was over

• Going to the donut sale put on by the girl scouts and boy scouts after church, and getting sprinkle donuts...Then, sitting with several families and all the mothers exchanging coupons from the Sunday paper

• My mom making breakfast at home, and hearing her shake the bacon in a bag to get the grease off of it

• My dad eating eggs even though he was allergic to them, and then sneezing like crazy afterward

• Getting to drink "special" coffee my mom made for me.....milk with a teeny tiny bit of coffee...I blame her for my coffee addiction!
  

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Upside Down Sunshine Cake

Check out this BRIGHT SUNSHINEY cake! The original recipe calls for yellow cake, but when I found the pineapple cake mix, I decided that would taste even better. I also decided to drizzle a vanilla glaze over the top instead of using Cool Whip. This is the perfect Spring dessert! To make it even more colorful, you can add maraschino cherries in the middle of each pineapple ring. Another variation on this cake is to use peaches and raspberry gelatin. I bet that would be quite colorful too!

Upside Down Sunshine Cake
link to recipe at KraftFoods

1 pkg. (2-layer size) pineapple cake mix

1 pkg. (4-serving size) orange flavor gelatin

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple slices, in juice, drained

3/4 cup thawed Cool Whip whipped topping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Prepare cake batter as directed on package; set batter aside.
Spray 13x9-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray.
Sprinkle dry gelatin mix onto bottom of dish.
Top with pineapple rings.
Pour batter evenly over fruit in dish.
Bake 30 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in dish on wire rack 5 min.
Loosen cake from sides of dish.
Invert onto serving platter; gently remove dish. Cool completely.
Serve topped with the whipped topping.

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Muffin Mix Cookies

This recipe is easy and very versatile. The original recipe used a Jiffy muffin mix, but I used Betty Crocker's Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix. I also decided to heat up some chocolate frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds, and drizzle it on top. These cookies are extremely soft. I almost hesitate to call them cookies, because to me they are like mini muffin tops. I think I might make some Banana Nut Muffin Cookies next time. What flavor muffin mix would you use?

Muffin Mix Cookies

1 package muffin mix (16.4 oz)
4 Tbsp. milk
2 eggs
4 Tbsp. margarine or butter, softened

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine all ingredients and blend well.
Drop by spoonful onto baking sheet.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Remove from baking sheet while still warm.
Makes 24 cookies.

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Holy Yum! Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

I promise to have a new recipe posted soon, but I decided that it was time to give out a Holy Yum! award since I haven't given one out in several weeks! I would like to give this award to the Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake made by Tina @ Mommy's Kitchen. If you haven't visited this blog, it is a MUST READ! She has so many delicious recipes including Cake Mix Dinner Rolls, Chocolate Butterscotch Cake, and Chewy Butterscotch Cookies.

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The Betty Crocker Basket Winner

I really enjoyed reading the names of all your dream bakeries! Sharon @ Snippets and Bites is the winner of the Betty Crocker Gift Basket! She would name her bakery "Cup of Tea"!

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Buitoni Wild Mushroom Agnolotti

These Mushroom Agnolotti by Buitoni are all over the food blog world right now. I was so excited when the package from FoodBuzz showed up at my door, because I knew that I wouldn't have to plan dinner! I already had some tomato sauce in the pantry and some Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator.
If you are a mushroom lover, these tasty pasta pillows are definitely for you. The agnolottis are full of a delicious blend of mushrooms, cheeses, and garlic. They are perfect for when you need a quick meal because they are ready in minutes. I will definitely be buying some more of this pasta creation!

Don't forget to leave a comment to win the Betty Crocker Gift Basket!

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Cookbook Winner

The winner of the Food and Flavors of San Antonio Cookbook is:
spitfyr323



Don't forget to visit ChefBliss.com
for more chances to win this awesome cookbook!

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Betty Crocker Gift Basket Giveaway

This giveaway is in celebration of Betty Crocker's online cooking club The Mixer. See yesterday's post for info about this new exciting cooking experience. The Mixer gift basket is filled with a Betty Crocker mixing spoon, spatula, measuring spoons and cups, whisk, liquid measuring cup and a Betty Crocker Magazine - just the right items to help you prepare spectacular meals and desserts. To get a chance to win this gift basket, leave a comment telling me what you would name your bakery if you owned one!

Earn extra entries by doing the following and leaving a comment letting me know:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Write a blog post about the giveaway
  

This giveaway closes Sunday, April 19 at midnight central time.

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The Mixer and a Giveaway Preview

Betty Crocker has a new online cooking club called The Mixer. When you join The Mixer online (IT'S FREE!) you will be learning the ins and outs of cooking and baking, while interacting with Betty Crocker Kitchens experts LIVE during a class and connecting with an entire community of people just like you. What's great is that you can do it in the comfort of your own kitchen whenever it best fits your schedule.

Each week for six weeks, The Mixer will feature a new class line up complete with recipe demos, tips & techniques, flavor secrets and much more.

* Week #1 - Kickin Chicken Recipes and tips for making juicy, mouthwatering chicken

* Week #2 - Pastabilities Secrets of building flavor that will allow you to create your own signature sauces

* Week #3 - Greens with Envy Recipes for go-to salads

* Week #4 - Viva Tortilla Taking taco night to a whole new level

* Week #5 - Wok it Out Stir-fry techniques and recipes for easy
flavorful sauces

* Week #6 - Small Bites-Big Flavors Dips and appetizers that are easy and flavorful and guiltless desserts

Classes are held three times a week. Chat live with the Betty Crocker Kitchens Experts:

* Tuesdays 7 p.m. ET
* Wednesdays 9 p.m. ET
* Saturdays 4 p.m. ET

But don't worry if you miss it, you can always go back to watch the class on demand and get in on the conversation. For complete details on each of the classes simply go t0 www.bettycrocker.com/themixer and register to become a member.

Here is a preview of the prize for the giveaway that will start tomorrow. So come back for your chance to win. Until then, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Food and Flavors of San Antonio cookbook.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

I got a new stovetop griddle this weekend, and I am wondering how I ever lived without one. I have been using it all weekend. Easter morning brunch featured some chocolate chip banana pancakes. I used the following recipe and added chocolate chips. Is there any better flavor combination? What are your favorite pancakes flavors?

Banana Pancakes
recipe link at allrecipes.com

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ripe bananas, mashed

Directions:
Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil and bananas.

Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot.

Makes about 12 pancakes

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Food and Flavors of San Antonio Cookbook and check out ZestyCook's new clothes line that benefits a local food bank and his giveaway!

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Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day full of family, friends, and memories. It is raining here, but I am hoping the sun will come out later to brighten the day. So instead of posting a recipe, I thought I would share some of my favorite Easter memories, and I would love to hear yours!

Decorating Easter eggs has always been my favorite.

Going to Easter brunch with the family.

Easter egg hunts created by my grandfather, and finding eggs with the message he liked to write: "Lucky, Lucky, you found a bucky!" He filled all the other eggs with the change he saved all year.

Picking out Easter dresses to wear every year with my mom, grandma, and sister.

Sunrise services in lawn chairs.

And......these crazy Easter rolls from Great Harvest!

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Mexican Brownies

I promised you some highlights from Gloria's new cookbook, Food and Flavors of San Antonio, and I decided to start with the Mexican Brownies. When I saw this recipe, I knew that I had to make these. You can't go wrong with a decadent recipe that combines chocolate, cinnamon, and dulce de leche! As a bonus, these brownies start from a box mix and are super easy to make.

Mexican Brownies
1 19.8 oz package brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare brownies
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup dulce de leche

Directions:
Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package directions, adding cinnamon to the batter. Cool completely.

Place the cream cheese in a medium size bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Add the confectioners' sugar and dulce de leche. Beat until well mixed and creamy. Frost the brownies with the dulce de leche icing.

Serves 8

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Food and Flavors of San Antonio Cookbook Giveaway

It's a month long Tex-Mex celebration and you are invited to join. Several Fiesta Foodies and I have checked out Gloria's awesome new cookbook, and tried some of her amazing recipes. I tried the Doritos Chicken and loved it! Now it is your chance to join the party and get a copy of the cookbook for your enjoyment! Come back for more Tex-Mex fun this week as I try some more of her recipes and highlight some that other Fiesta Foodies have made.

7 Wonderful Ways to Win!

• Leave a comment about your favorite Tex-Mex meal
  
• Follow my blog and the Foods and Flavors of San Antonio blog... leave a comment!
• Stumble this post and leave a comment telling me you did with your stumble profile name.
  
• Follow me on Twitter and Twitter the giveaway... leave link in a comment!
  
• Write a blog post about the giveaway and leave a link in a comment!
  
• Write a blog post with a Tex-Mex recipe you made and link to the giveaway...leave the link in a comment!
  
• Add cookbook picture with a link to Foods and Flavors of San Antonio blog in sidebar for the month of April, and, of course, leave a comment letting me know.

Entries will be accepted until April 14 @ midnight Central time!!!

A month long giveaway with winners every week on several wonderful food blogs!
The giveaways are hosted at:
1. Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice
2. Megan's Munchies
3. ChefBliss.com
4. Mexican American Border Cooking

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Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies

I was in the mood for coffee tonight, but I decided it was too late to indulge in a cup. To fulfill my craving I decided to make some Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies. You can find the recipe over on Everyday Dish.
I can't sing the praises of these cookies enough. They were every bit as amazing as I hoped they would be. The espresso and chocolate flavors mingled just perfectly. Good news: They are vegan too! I just might be having cookies for breakfast tomorrow!!! :)

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The elembee Winner is.............

Congrats to Erin Semagin Damio! Please e-mail (megslp18@hotmail.com) your info so you can get your shirt!

Stay tuned everyone! There is a Tex-Mex Party starting soon on my blog!

Bake Sale!!!

Don't forget to visit the Bake Sale over at Inner Workings of a College Graduate. All funds raised from this event will go directly to Meghann's Team in Training Efforts to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart, so I am thrilled to be involved with this bake sale and thankful for Meghann's dedication to supporting the cause. I have donated my Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bread and there are tons of other wonderful treats from other awesome food bloggers! Go check it out!

Another Giveaway!!!

I promise to get back to some recipes soon, but I am so excited about this giveaway! Lisa of the Etsy shop ellembee has offered to give the winner of this giveaway their choice of any shirt from her shop. I was lucky enough to win one over on Priscilla's Baking Adventures, and I love mine. I get compliments on it all the time, and I can't stop wearing it. I think I might have to order another one, but it is so hard to choose from the awesome colors and styles. You have to go check out all the products over on ellembee. For a chance to win one of these trendy creations, go visit the shop, and then come back and leave me a comment telling me which shirt you would pick.

You can get extra chances to win by doing the following and letting me know that you did so with additional comments:

Follow Megan's Munchies
Get a free subscription to Megan's Munchies
Post about the giveaway on your blog

Comments will be accepted until Monday, April 6, at midnight central time.

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Winners and a Preview!

Congrats to the winners of the Get Active Prize Packs!!

Tami
when i started running my kids LOVED coming and watching my races. after each race they reenact the race for days and days, wearing my number and putting the medal around each others necks. i can't wait to run a race with them some day.

Anntje
Cute pack! To stay active I ride my bike & walk a lot... it also helps that I tend to really dislike driving. A good family activity to get the kids involved is swimming or walking the dog. I loved walking around the block with my dog as a kid!

Mary H.
To keep my kids active we instituted a "no TV on weeknights" rule. The funnest way we stay active is our jumping jack marathons. When we are in line somewhere and I see the wiggles start up, I'll assign everyone a certain number of jumping jacks to do - like "Joshua, give me 36 jumping jacks".

I will be back tonight with an AWESOME giveaway. Here is a preview:

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Soft Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate and peanut butter are always a fabulous pair. This recipe combines the two to make delicious soft and chewy cookies. These cake mix cookies are easy to make and there are only 4 ingredients. Enjoy!

Soft Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
link to recipe at Kraftfoods.com

1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 eggs

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place ingredients in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 min., then beat on medium speed 1 min. or until mixture pulls away from side of bowl and forms soft dough.

Shape into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Flatten each ball, in criss-cross pattern, with tines of fork dipped in sugar.

Bake 7 to 8 min. or just until edges of cookies are set. (Do not overbake.) Cool on baking sheet 2 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Makes about 44 cookies.

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