3 Ingredient Chocolate Muffins

Ever since I made these, I have wanted to try it with chocolate cake mix.  So when my mom came to visit this last time, she brought goodies (like she always does) which included a chocolate cake mix and a can of pumpkin.  I decided last night (when I was having sweet cravings) that today I was going to make muffins with it and add some white chocolate chips we had leftover from some cookies we made.  They turned out super yummy!  And, they are a healthier choice than regular cake since they have pumpkin in place of the oil and other ingredients.  (Pumpkin is a great superfood!)  Also, I should note that I couldn't actually taste the pumpkin in these muffins.  But, the pumpkin did give them a thicker, moist consistency perfect for muffins and also made them healthier :) 

Here's all you need....
(like my slightly damaged clearance cake mix box? ;)  My mom is a bargain hunter, that's where I got it from! 

Combine the pumpkin and cake mix, then add as many white choc. chips as you like!  The batter will be thick.  I actually added a little milk this time so that the batter would be a little easier to work with. 

Just ignore my ugly old muffin pan.  It's served me well ;)

Ahhh, yummy goodness :)  Great with a glass of milk!

All photos taken by Kristen (blog author) unless otherwise stated. Do not copy/save or print without permission. Thank you!

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting

With the fall season in full-swing after the Labor Day weekend, I was in the mood for a fall recipe when my mom was here visiting.  These pumpkin cupcakes hit the spot and were such a yummy treat! 
This recipe is a variation of a cake I saw on Pinterest (I did not come up with this cake recipe.)  For the (2 ingredient) cupcakes you will need only a cake mix and a can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling.)

For those who may be confused by this, you read it right and you only need a can of pumpkin and a cake mix.  Mix together with an electric mixer or hand-mix (which is what I did) until well blended.

The batter will be very thick.  Scoop out into cupcake papers and try to leave the top as smooth as possible because the batter keeps its shape and doesn't level out so the tops of the cupcakes will not be smooth if your batter is not smooth in the cups before baking (as mine were not ;)  Bake for about 20 minutes at 350.

For the frosting, my mom made buttercream frosting (2 sticks of butter and approx. 3 cups powdered sugar) and added half a package of cream cheese and Pumpkin Spice seasoning.  We didn't measure how much seasoning we used so just add to taste. 

I hoped to add drizzled caramel on top of these but we didn't get any so I added some festive candy corn.  These would be perfect for a fall party!

The candy corn turned out to be cute atop these little cupcakes...

I ate three of these babies today.  I cannot resist a tasty cupcake!

All photos taken by Kristen (blog author) unless otherwise stated. Do not copy/save or print without permission. Thank you!

Chili Mac Supreme (complete with Steak N Shake's "special sauce!")

Do you ever make homemade chili mac supreme?  It is such a great way to use up leftover chili and with the special sauce, it tastes just like Steak N Shake ;)  I made some tonight with our chili from last night.  Delish!

Just cook up some spaghetti noodles, top with chili (either leftover or canned.)  Add shredded cheddar cheese, onions and the 'special sauce.'  To make the sauce, it is simply ketchup and worcestershire sauce (about 1 cup ketchup & 4tbs worcestershire.)  I like to warm the sauce in the microwave.  Oh, so yummy!

All photos taken by Kristen (blog author) unless otherwise stated. Do not copy/save or print without permission. Thank you!

A yummy Valentine dessert!

It's been a while since I shared a recipe, so I thought I'd share this easy one for anyone looking for a great V-day dessert!  Personally, I like cooking a special dinner at home on Valentines instead of fighting the crowds and being in a noisy restaurant.  It's more private and romantic at home :)  Anyhoo, that's neither here nor there...back to the recipe!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
2 8oz packages of cream cheese
1 10 oz container of frozen sweetened strawberries (completely thawed and drained.  save 1/4 cup of liquid)
2 cups Cool Whip
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 graham cracker crust (I use chocolate)

Leave cream cheese out to soften (or if you are impatient like me you can soften in the microwave for a few seconds.)  Combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, strawberries and the strawberry liquid with mixer until well blended.  Gently fold in Cool Whip until blended.  Pour into pie crust.  Mixture will be thick.  Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired (which I did not do this time because they were $4...yikes!)  Chill for at least an hour before serving. 

I think this was originally a Cool Whip recipe but my mom always made it & that is where I got the recipe.  :)  Such a yummy pie and SUPER easy to make!  Enjoy!




P.S. I'm linking up to Young and Crafty's Free For All party :)
And...here






All photos taken by Kristen (blog author) unless otherwise stated. Do not copy/save or print without permission. Thank you!

Quck, Easy, Yummy Fall Recipe!

This recipe is one of my favorites & pretty much my go-to recipe for company since everyone always loves it & it's easy! I got this from my mom, but I think it's an old Longaberger recipe. Anyhoo, I certainly didn't come up with it ;) Oh, and did I mention it was easy?!?!

Taco Soup

1lb gound beef

2 cans black beans (rinsed & drained)

2 cans pinto beans (rinsed & drained)

2 cans diced tomatoes (I personally use the petite diced with onions, but that is just preference.)

2 cans creamed corn

2 cups water

1 packet taco seasoning

1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix

Brown beef (I usually use lean beef & leave the little bit of fat that cooks off in the pan for flavor, but you can drain it off.) Add all other ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce heat & let simmer for about 20 mins.

Please note: This makes a lot of soup!!! I always half the recipe (unless I am feeding a ton of people) and it is plenty for at least 5 hearty servings. If you half the recipe, don't forget to just use 1 cup of water but don't worry about halving the seasonings (I always use the same amount & its not too strong.)

Also, I personally love this dish topped with sour cream & served with tortilla chips (great for dipping!) I never even use a spoon ;) Hope you enjoy!

Feel free to post your fave fall recipe (or any recipe!)