Taco Soup

  

Every fall I get in the mood for warm soups, rich desserts, and snuggling up with a blanket to watch football.  This is the recipe that is requested by my family year after year with the first chill in the air.  I hope it brings as much warmth to you as it does us.
 

Ingredients:

2 lb. hamburger meat

2 pkg. taco seasoning
4 c. water
2 can pinto beans
1 can chili beans
1 can chopped green chilies
1 can stewed tomatoes (I cut these up smaller)
1 can corn

Directions:
1.  Brown meat.  
2.  Put all ingredients (do not drain cans) into large soup pot or crock pot and heat through.  
3.  Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and Fritos or tortilla chips.

**This soup freezes great too.  I like to make a double batch and put half in the freezer.  It is also one of my "go to" recipes to take to friends or family in a time of need. 

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

 

Tasty Thursdays #10

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  What a wonderful group of recipes and projects!!  You guys are terrific!!  Keep passing the word!!  I'm posting the party a bit early this week because I'm heading to a conference.  Enjoy!!

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  My Nilla Wafer Treats are a quick and easy recipe.  Be creative with your own combination of frosting and sprinkles for any occasion!!

Now on to the terrific FEATURES from last week's party.

Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Strawberry & Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Cupcakes from Flour Me With Love

Ginger and Lime Sandwich Cookies by Pint Sized Baker

Fall Yarn Wreath from The REAL Housewives of Riverton

Glittery Pumpkin Cookies from Lizy B Bakes

Samoa Brownies from Flavors by Four

Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button at the bottom of my blog. 

Now on to the next party!!
New features will be posted next Thursday!!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" alt="The Mandatory Mooch" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Party Guidelines:
**If you "like" my Facebook page, you will see some of your links featured over the next week.
**I will also be pinning some of my favorites each week after the party is over.

1. Grab my button or add a text link somewhere on your post.  If you don't link back...you can't be featured.

2. Would love for you to follow me through Facebook, GFC, Pinterest, or all.

3. Link something new {MUST BE MADE BY YOU} or a great oldie that you haven't shared before.

4. No etsy shops, giveaways, round ups, business links, please.

5. Link up to your post, not your main blog

6. Link as many items, recipes, crafts, etc... as you want.

Now I want to see what you find tasty this week!

Feature Blog - {allons-y kimberly}

Today I'm featuring a very crafty blogger named Kimberly from {allons-y kimberly}.  For those of you that don't know, allons-y is French for "let's go". 

 

So, "let's go" to Kimberly's world and explore her talent of crafting.  These are a few of my favorite projects that she has created.  Please visit her blog, and tell her I sent you.    

How about a great way to organize your closet?  She came up with an easy and fun way to get you ready for the week.  I really need to do this with my kids.  Click HERE for the full tutorial.

This is a fun project to show where your love story began.  She takes a map, embroiders a heart marking the spot, adds the finishes touches to make a unique display.  Click HERE for the full tutorial.

These pained glass vases are still one my my favorite projects.  She recycled the glass by simply using contact paper and paint to make them a fun art piece of their own.  Click HERE for the full tutorial.

What fun and amazing projects.  I love how simple they are to create and have a masterpiece of your own.  I hope you enjoyed meeting Kimberly!!

** If you would like your blog to be featured, please send me an email at mandatorymooch@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to show off your talent...cooking, crafting, etc... 

 

Nilla Wafer Treats

The neighborhood I live in has an annual fall chili cook-off.  We gather around on a September evening anxiously awaiting our chance to try many crockpots full of tasty concoctions.  After some very serious taste testing a winner is crowned.  This year I was out of town for a few days before the cook-off.  I literally got back in town one hour before the gathering.  I knew I couldn't show up empty handed...so these lovely little treats were born.  They are a lot like my Mini Cannolis that I made a few months ago.  However, they are a little simpler but just as tasty.  They would be great for any gathering, school party, or birthday treat.   Let your creativity run wild with different combinations of frosting and sprinkles!!

(printable recipe)

Makes approx. 60 - 70 treats

2 boxes Nilla Wafers
1 pkg. vanilla almond bark (or white chocolate, melted)
1 can vanilla (or flavor of your choice) cake frosting
sprinkles
powdered sugar
wax paper
 

Spread frosting onto one wafer and top with another creating a mini sandwich

Melt almond bark or chocolate in microwave in 30 second increments until smooth.  Dip wafers in melted bark or chocolate.

Dip in sprinkles and lay on wax paper to cool.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Serve immediately or store in a covered container after set.
 

My girls even talked me into making more and selling them at a lemonade/treat stand.  What a great way to celebrate a beautiful fall day.

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Source:  a Mandatory Mooch original recipe

Tasty Thursdays #9

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  I was so impressed by all of the wonderful recipes and projects!!  You guys are great!!  Keep passing the word!!

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  My Grandma's Cut-Out Cookies are a fun and easy recipe.  The dough is instantly ready to cut out, no refrigeration needed.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES from last week's party.
Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Fabulously Frugal Pumpkins from Posed Perfection

Maple Glazed Applesauce Donuts from Pamela's Heavenly Treats

 Jello Sugar Cookies from Chocolate, Chocolate & More

Apple Cider Muffins from It Bakes Me Happy

 

Reese's Smore Brownies from Adorned from Above

Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button at the bottom of my blog. 

Now on to the next party!!
New features will be posted next Thursday!!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" alt="The Mandatory Mooch" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Party Guidelines:
**If you "like" my Facebook page, you will see some of your links featured over the next week.
**I will also be pinning some of my favorites each week after the party is over.

1. Grab my button or add a text link somewhere on your post.  If you don't link back...you can't be featured.

2. Would love for you to follow me through Facebook, GFC, Pinterest, or all.

3. Link something new {MUST BE MADE BY YOU} or a great oldie that you haven't shared before.

4. No etsy shops, giveaways, round ups, business links, please.

5. Link up to your post, not your main blog

6. Link as many items, recipes, crafts, etc... as you want.

Now I want to see what you find tasty this week!

Co-hosting Marvelous Mondays on This Gal Cooks

Hello everyone!! I am co-hosting Marvelous Mondays on This Gal Cooks this week. Thanks to Julie for the honor. It is a separate and wonderful linky party from my Tasty Thursdays. If you post a link it will be shown on all of the blog pages of the hosts...that's 4 blogs!! Please link up and enjoy the party. 

 

And just in case you missed my latest recipe posts please check them out...

Indoor Smore Bars - a great fall treat for any gathering

Grandmas Cut-Out Cookies - a super easy recipe that is ready to roll out immediately

Now, let's turn it over to Julie... 

************************************************************

Good evening, everyone! Welcome to Marvelous Mondays week 11! I hope you all have had a great weekend. This week's co-hosts are:

Julie from This Gal Cooks

Nichi from The Mandatory Mooch

Jessica from My Beautiful Life

Jessica from Sewing our Life Together

Be sure to stop by these wonderful blogs and say hello! We cannot wait to see what you have to share this week! Also, if you missed last week's features, be sure to check them out here.

Also, if you are interested in co-hosting during the month of September, please contact me (thisgalcooks@gmail.com) and let me know when you would like to co-host.)

<a href="http://www.thisgalcooks.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q543/jmurkerson/marvelousmondays2.png" /></a>

Rules:
1. A follow of your hosts via Google Friend Connect, Twitter, Blog Lovin, Facebook or RSS Feed is greatly appreciated. 
2  Check out your fellow bloggers' projects. Leave them some wonderful comments to let them know that you stopped by.
3. Link up your recipes, crafts or DIY projects. No giveaways or shops, please.
4. Grab a button. It's not mandatory but it helps get the word out about the party.

Grandma's Cut-Out Cookies

My grandma was an amazing baker.  She always had several sweet options for dessert on her counter.  I still remember the excitement, every time I went to her house as a kid, knowing there would be a treat waiting for me.   What would be hiding in the tupperware containers on the counter?!?!  I loved that they weren't clear containers that I could see through too.  It made the anticipation even better.  Did Grandma make sugar cookies?  pinwheels? or these cut-out cookies?  I always had to peek on my way into the house.

She passed away almost 2 years ago.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and the lessons that she taught me.  Most of all I loved how she enjoyed making people happy with her amazing talent in the kitchen.  This recipe was one that she made for all of the holidays.  They are instantly ready to cut out...no waiting a few hours for the dough to chill in the refrigerator.  I hope these cookies can bring your family together like they did for us.  And a special thanks to Grandma for always satisfying my sweet tooth!! 
 

Ingredients:
3 1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla


Directions:
1.  In medium bowl sift dry ingredients together, set aside.
2.  Cream shortening and sugar together.  Add milk, vanilla, and eggs.
3.  Gradually add dry mixture until just moistened.  Roll and press into a ball.
4.  Roll out dough onto floured surface, cut out with cookies cutters.
5.  Press in sugar and sprinkles.
6.  Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Source:  My sweet grandma's cookbook

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

My oldest daughter helping out

My youngest working hard

Pressing the cut-out dough into sprinkles

The finished product

Some blue ones that we also made

Tasty Thursdays #8

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  There were over 130 link ups!!  You guys are awesome!!  Keep passing the word!!

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  These Indoor Smore Bars are great for any occasion.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES from last week's party.  

Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Butterfinger Mousse Cheesecake from Inside BruCrew Life

Chicken Bombs from Dishing With Leslie

Nail Art from Magazine Pages from allons-y kimberly

Zucchini Chips from Fort Mill SC Living  

 Mom's Sunday Fruit Salad from Yummy-Healthy-Easy

Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button at the bottom of my blog. 

Now on to the next party!!
New features will be posted next Thursday!!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" alt="The Mandatory Mooch" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Party Guidelines:
**If you "like" my Facebook page, you will see some of your links featured over the next week.
**I will also be pinning some of my favorites each week after the party is over.

1. Grab my button or add a text link somewhere on your post.  If you don't link back...you can't be featured.

2. Would love for you to follow me through Facebook, GFC, Pinterest, or all.

3. Link something new {MUST BE MADE BY YOU} or a great oldie that you haven't shared before.

4. No etsy shops, giveaways, round ups, business links, please.

5. Link up to your post, not your main blog

6. Link as many items, recipes, crafts, etc... as you want.

Now I want to see what you find tasty this week!

Indoor Smore Bars

Who doesn't like a smore?!?!  They are just one of those desserts that you simply can't resist.  My family always had them at the campground with a freshly browned mallow squeezed between two graham crackers and chocolate.  We would even add some peanut butter once in a while.  Mmmmmm.....  After smashing them together you got the joy of white gooey yumminess all over your sticky fingers.  Well, if you aren't at a campground or have access to a toasty warm fire, these treats will please a crowd.  They are terrific for a quick dessert, recipe exchange, or family gathering.  No one can seem to resist the crunchy, chewy, chocolatey mix!! 

(printable recipe)

4 cups honey graham cereal
3 tablespoons margarine
6 cups miniature marshmallows

1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

1.  Coat a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray. 
2.  Place cereal into a large bowl; set aside.   
3.  In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt margarine. Introduce marshmallows and corn syrup and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. 
4.  Remove from heat and pour over waiting cereal; stir well to coat. 
5.  Press into prepared pan.  Cool completely before cutting into squares. 

Source:  unknown..been in my personal cookbook for many years

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Apples Galore Recipe Series

Today I've been invited by Savannah at HammockTracks  to take part in her "Apple Galore Recipe Series".  It is a collection of terrific apple inspired recipes to get you in the mood for fall.  I'm contributing my Apple Dump Cake recipe that many of you have seen before.  I hope you all enjoy this great recipe, visit HammockTracks, and get inspired to try a new fall dish by checking out the other recipes below.

Apple Dump Cake

This is a recipe that may have been passed down in your family.  I have had it many times, but always made by someone else.  I decided it was time to try it out myself.  If you like apple crisp or apple pie, this is an easy treat that will please your tastebuds.  I can still smell my kitchen full of warm apple cinnamon smell.  Mmmmm...

** We actually ate this for dessert, and then breakfast the next morning.  Great for both!!

 (printable recipe)

2 cans apple pie filling
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 box yellow cake mix
2 sticks butter
1 cup pecans, chopped 

whipped cream or ice cream 

Dump two cans of apple pie filling into a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Crumble the dry cake mix over the apple mixture. Sprinkle the pecans over the cake mix. Slice each stick of butter into 12 equal pieces, and place the pieces on top. Cook at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. 

Source:  "mooched" from www.tastykitchen.com

Tasty Thursday #7

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  I can't believe this is already my 7th linky party.  Keep passing the word!!

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake will get you in the mood for fall.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES from last week's party.  

Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream from My Turn (for Us)

Mashed Potato Casserole from Table for Seven

Special Tooth Fairy Pillow from Bell Jar Vintage

Creamy Pea Salad from Love Bakes Good Cakes

Pumpkin Toffee Cookies from Lemons for Lulu

  Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button at the bottom of my blog. 

Now on to the next party!!
New features will be posted next Thursday!!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maCAKzy_8N0/UA84BtuDhUI/AAAAAAAAAcw/VDpHnk0w_ts/s800/moochblogTHURS.jpg" alt="The Mandatory Mooch" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Party Guidelines:
**If you "like" my Facebook page, you will see some of your links featured over the next week.
**I will also be pinning some of my favorites each week after the party is over.

1. Grab my button or add a text link somewhere on your post.  If you don't link back...you can't be featured.

2. Would love for you to follow me through Facebook, GFC, Pinterest, or all.

3. Link something new {MUST BE MADE BY YOU} or a great oldie that you haven't shared before.

4. No etsy shops, giveaways, round ups, business links, please.

5. Link up to your post, not your main blog

6. Link as many items, recipes, crafts, etc... as you want.

Now I want to see what you find tasty this week!