Happy Halloween!!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!  Due to the holiday, Tasty Thursdays will be up and running early tomorrow morning instead of tonight.  Enjoy the trick or treating and have a safe night!!

Our pumpkins are ready to greet visitors tonight!!

Pumpkin Pudding Dessert

Every time there is a birthday at work we have to celebrate with food.  It is a must!!  Gotta have a table full of wonderful food waiting for that special person.  We love birthdays!!  This past week I took this dessert.  Little to say it didn't last long.  This was what was left after everyone devoured it.  I would say it was a successful dish...wouldn't you??

(printable recipe)

Ingredients:

1 box of Cheesecake Jello Pudding

1 box of White Chocolate Jello Pudding

3 1/2 cups crushed Chocolate Chip cookies (I used Nabisco Chips Ahoy)

6 Tbsp. butter (melted)

1 can pumpkin pie filling

1 tub whipped topping

Milk for the pudding

Directions:

1.  Mix melted butter with 3 cups of the crushed cookies until moist. Press mix into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. 

2.  Mix cheesecake pudding with 1 3/4 cup cold milk. Spread over the cookie crust. Let set in the fridge for 10 min. 

3.  Mix white chocolate pudding with only 1 cup of milk, whisk until starting to firm. Add the canned pumpkin and mix well. Spread over the first layer of pudding.  Let set in fridge for another ten minutes.

4.  Top with container of whipped topping and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of crushed cookies.

4.  Freeze until 1 hr. before serving.  Store in fridge or freezer.  (I just put it back in the fridge...until I ate the rest).

Source:  "mooched" and adapted from www.naptimecreations.com 

Linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!! 

Tasty Thursdays #14

Sorry the party is up a bit late.  It has been a very busy week at work for me.  Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  What a great list of recipes, crafts and projects!!  I enjoy looking at each link.  Keep passing the word!!

Head over and "like" my Facebook page.  Once I get 500 "likes" I will do a fun giveaway.

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  These Mallow Pops are perfect for your kids upcoming Halloween parties!!

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

Caramel Apple Chewies from Jazzy Gourmet

DIY Crate Tutorial from I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Peach Shortcake Muffins from Addicted to Recipes

Strawberry Margarita Squares from Steak N Potatoes Kinda Gurl

BBQ Nachos from This Gal Cooks

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!

Mallow Pops

I love to spend late nights in my kitchen after my husband and kids are in bed.  But, I'm a night owl.  No early morning fun for this gal.  I just don't function well.  I seem to get a second wind late at night and my mind wanders with baking, craft, and project ideas.  These were a fun late night creation this week that I made for my sister's birthday.  We had a small gathering to celebrate and I wanted something fun for the kids.  Aren't they cute??  They would also be a great treat for your upcoming classroom Halloween parties.

(printable recipe)

1 pkg. of almond bark or white chocolate
1 bag of large marshmallows
paper straws or lollipop sticks (I cut straws in half)
sprinkles
wax paper

Push straws or sticks half way through marshmallows

Dip in bark or chocolate

Dip into colorful sprinkles

Place on waxed paper to cool

Source:  The Mandatory Mooch original

This recipe was featured on Michelle's Tasty Creations

Linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!! 

Tasty Thursdays #13

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  What a great list of recipes, crafts and projects!!  I enjoy looking at each link.  Keep passing the word!!

Head over and "like" my Facebook page.  Once I get 500 "likes" I will do a fun giveaway.

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  These Mini Apple Pies are a fun treat for your fall gathering!!

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

Spooky Soap Dispensers from Posed Perfection

Pecan Pie Cupcakes from Jo and Sue

Meringue Bones from Baking in a Tornado

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies from Norrey

Cheesy Jalepeno Artichoke Bread by Michelle's Tasty Creations

 
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!

Mini Apple Pies

Being a working mother and wife makes for a crazy life.  I need simple quick recipes that I can share with my family.  Today I'm sharing my newest creation...easy Mini Apple Pies.  They will fill your house full of a warm cinnamon apple smell without slaving away in the kitchen.  I can't wait to try them with other wonderful fillings too.  I hope you enjoy!!


Makes approx. 20 mini pies

Ingredients:
2 refrigerated pie crusts
1 can apple pie filling
cinnamon and sugar

Unroll pie crust on floured surface

Cut out circles with cookie or biscuit cutter.  I used a 2.5" biscuit cutter.

Chop 1/2 can of pie filling into smaller chunks

Place pie crust circles on a baking sheet.  I always use parchment paper.  Add a teaspoon full of filling to middle and top with another circle.

Crimp edges with a fork

Cut vent hole in the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Bake at 450 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.

 

Source:  A Mandatory Mooch original

This recipe was featured as a guest post on Lady Behind the Curtain

Also featured on My Turn (for us)

Also linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!! 

Creamy Potato Soup

Needing a warm easy soup recipe to add to your fall dinners?  This is it!!  I got this simple recipe from a good friend of mine.  We enjoy exchanging recipes and creating dishes for our families.  However, we both work full time.  So, the recipes must be easy with no strange hard-to-find ingredients.  When she told me about this soup I couldn't wait to try it.  It is my new favorite hearty soup dish that will warm you up and please the family.  And you don't even have to peel and cook a single potato!!

(printable recipe)

Ingredients:
30 oz bag of frozen, shredded or cubed hash browns
32 oz container of chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onion, chopped (I used dried onion)
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
8 oz cream cheese (not fat free, it wont melt in)
 
1. In a large pot, combine everything except cream cheese.  Cook over medium heat until heated through.
2. Soften cream cheese in microwave.  Add to soup pot.  Mix in well and heat until thoroughly melted. 
 
** This is great with toppings of cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream
 
** This recipe can also be done in the crockpot.  Put all ingredients, except cream cheese in crockpot.  Cook on low for 4 hours, stir occasionally.  About 1 hour before serving, add in the cream cheese and heat until thoroughly melted.

**  If freezing this soup:  In a large freezer bag, combine everything except cream cheese.  Double up on your freezer bag and squeeze out any air to avoid freezer burn.  Label it and put a date on it. Thaw, put in crockpot or soup pot, and follow above directions.

Source:  "mooched" from a good friend who "mooched" it from Joyful Momma's Kitchen 

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

Bowdabra Bow Maker - Review and Projects

Have you ever heard of the Bowdabra?  Oh my gosh, this bow making tool needs to be in every crafty persons arsenal.  I was lucky enough to have the ladies at the Bowdabra company send me one to review.  It comes with an explanatory CD that is easy to understand.  I was able to make some beautiful bows for my projects within minutes. 

When you think of making a bow do you think of all of the fun options?  I didn't.  I was amazed at the different types, sizes, and ribbons that you can use.  I can't wait to purchase the Mini Bowdabra to make some smaller bows for my girls hair clips, gift accents, and more.  Please take some time to visit the Bowdabra site and tell them I sent you.  Want to purchase a Bowdabra product?  They are at craft and retail stores in your area.  I saw one yesterday at Walmart.  Enjoy the fun!!

My first attempt at a fold and twist bow.

My first bow was added to my front door wreath for a Halloween accent.

I couldn't stop....had to make a fun hair bow for my daughter.

Got extra tulle?  How about a fun scrunchy bow.

It only took me a few minutes to create this fun tulle bow to put on a present.

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

The following projects were developed by the Bowdabra team.  I can't wait to try these too!!

HALLOWEEN FEATHER BOA WREATH TUTORIAL LINK

HALLOWEEN TREAT BAGS TUTORIAL LINK

HALLOWEEN BOUTIQUE BOW TUTORIAL LINK

Okay, so run right out and get you a Bowdabra or Mini Bowdabra.  Let me know how you like it and what projects you create.  Thanks, Nichi

Tasty Thursdays #12

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute last week.  What a fun list of recipes and projects!!  I enjoy looking at each link.  Keep passing the word!!

Head over and "like" my Facebook page.  Once I get 500 "likes" I will do a fun giveaway.

In case you missed my most recent blog post...please check it out.  These Smore Brownies are sure to please any hungry bunch!!

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

Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups from Table for Seven

 Vanilla Meringue Swirls for Halloween from Happier Than A Pig In Mud

DIY Halloween Plates from Decorated Chaos

Glazed Doughnut Muffins from HammockTracks

Peanut Butter & Jelly Poke Cake from Hungry Little Girl

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!