Tasty Thursdays #30

Thank you all for contributing to the last party.  Over 200 link ups!!  Keep them coming and spread the word.  I can't wait to see what wonderful recipes and projects you link up this week.
What a fun way to get to know you!!

Stay tuned...my blog will soon have a new look.  Can't wait to show you!!

Have you seen my latest post?  These Avalanche Bars will melt in your mouth.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES.
Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins from Half Baked Harvest

Pepperoni Bubble Bread from Tempting Thyme

Lemon Chewies from It Bakes Me Happy

Butterfly Melted Crayon Art from Five Little Chefs

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins from Tar Heel Taste Bud

Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button. 

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>

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkIksn40pLI/UA9e6vIZlDI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mE_NGKGbljY/s800/moochblogTHURSfeature.jpg" alt="The Mandatory Mooch" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Party Guidelines:

 I would love for you to link back to Tasty Thursdays on your blog, or add it to your party list. 

Link something new or a great oldie that you haven't shared before...no limits.

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

The Hoo Rag - a product review

Have you ever heard of the Hoo Rag?  I was lucky enough to receive one in the mail to review.  What a great product with so many versatile uses.  It is a seamless bandana that comes in a variety of colors and styles.  You can pick the one that best suits you.  My daughter loves the one that we got.  This is her favorite way to wear it....keeps her hair out of her face while cooking.  So fun!! 

Here are the many other ways to wear the Hoo Rag.  So what are you waiting for?  Go order one (or more) for yourself!!!!

PONY TAIL RAG If you want to keep your hair out of your face, and not look like a tiny Chewbacca, try Pony Tail Rag style.  Use your Hoo Rag to tie up your hair, and rest assured that you are rocking the sweetest possible pony tail accessory on the market, and do not resemble a Wookie.	FACE RAG Perfect for desert journeys, ranching, and paintball, Face Rag style boasts extreme versatility and protection.  Cover your mouth and nose with your Hoo Rag to prevent dust, dirt, and non-toxic paint from getting into your lungs.	ALICE RAG Who needs a beret when you can simply wear Alice Rag style with the design and style of your choice.  Wrap your favorite Hoo Rag around your hair to keep it up and out of your face, all while lending to your air of mystery and sensuality.
BALACLAVA RAG For maximum protection from the sun, or maximum anonymity, Balaclava Rag style takes care of business.  Cover your entire face except for your eyes and achieve complete Hoo Rag ninja status, a new breed of ninja that wears sunglasses.	HEAD BAND RAG Nothing says sweetness more than rocking Head Band Rag style with your favorite design.  Wrap the Hoo Rag around your forehead to keep hair and sweat out of your eyes, and make yourself look like John McEnroe.  Which is awesome.	NECK RAG Sure to drive the boys crazy ladies, is the classy and sassy Neck Rag style.  Wrap your stylish Hoo Rag around your neck to draw some attention, and immediately transform into a cowgirl or Daphne from Scooby Doo.
PIRATE RAG There’s a little bit of “Arrrr Matey” in all of us, which is why you rock Pirate Rag style.  Pillage and plunder in a friendly and responsible way by wrapping your Hoo Rag completely around the top of your head, and covering your skull.	THE NECK WARMER Perfect for partying outside on cold nights, or when shredding on the slopes, The Neck Warmer style is the perfect way to look stylish while keeping your neck and throat warm.  No one likes having a frozen neck, we feel your pain.

Avalanche Bars

These aren't your ordinary krispie treats.  They are hardened with white chocolate and simply melt in your mouth.  Bet you can't leave them alone!!

(printable recipe) 

Ingredients:

12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips (or one pkg of vanilla almond bark)

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 cups Rice Krispies

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips + 2 Tbsp for garnish

1. In microwave-safe bowl heat white chips for 1 minute.  Stir and continue in 30 second increments until chips are melted.  
2. Combine the peanut butter with the melted chips, add the krispies. 
3. Let cool approx 15 – 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes or so to help cool. 
4. Add the marshmallows and the mini chocolate chips and stir to combine. 
5. Line 9x9 pan with aluminum foil (my own added trick), folding extra over edges of pan, grease lightly.  Dump mixture into pan.  Spread evenly, pressing lightly with the back of your spoon. Press the remaining chocolate chips into the top for garnish. When the bars are completely cooled, pull out of pan by lifting aluminum foil, cut into squares and enjoy! 

Source:  "mooched" from www.cookiesandcups.com

Linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!! 

Please stop on over to say hi on Facebook and Pinterest

Thanks ~ Nichi

Tasty Thursdays #29

Thank you all for contributing to the last party.  I can't wait to see what  wonderful recipes and projects you link up this week.  I love making connections with all of you each week. 
What a fun way to get to know you!!

Have you seen my latest post?  These Chocolate Macadamia Lacey Cookies
are delicious and part of a great program to find a cure for breast cancer.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES.
Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Chocolate Cherry Chunk Brownies from Steak N Potatoes Kinda Gurl

Giant Sweet Orange Rolls from Feeding My Giant

Crock Pot Coconut Curry Chicken from Carissa Miss

Banana Bundt Cake from Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Mardi Gras Gumbo from The Cookbook Project

Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button. 

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>

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkIksn40pLI/UA9e6vIZlDI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mE_NGKGbljY/s800/moochblogTHURSfeature.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, add a text link, or add Tasty Thursdays to you linky party list.  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.

Pass the Plate program - Chocolate Macadamia Lacey Cookies

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to receive a box of these amazing Chocolate Macadamia Lacey Cookies from my sweet blogger friend, Sharon at Lilikoi Joy.  It was part of the Bebetsy's Pass the Plate project through Kitchenaid's Cook for the Cure® program.  Joining passionate cooks to support the fight against breast cancer.  I'm now on the search for one dear blogger friend to recieve a sweet plate of treats from me in the mail and will post about it.  Until then, enjoy THIS amazing recipe from Sharon and tell her I sent you!!


A little more about the program:
BeBetsy was inspired by Kitchenaid's Cook for the Cure® program to support the fight against breast cancer through culinary fundraising with programs like this one. The plate is a beautiful 2012 plate designed and signed by famous French chef Jacque Pepin. Each time the plate is passed on from one foodie to another (it gets registered), Kitchenaid makes a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.  This program is dear to my heart for many reasons but recently a family member was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.  So, if you are interested in being a part of this cause please let me know.  I would love to pass on the plate to you with some tasty treats.

I was so excited to get this package of treats from Sharon.  My kids and I dove into them as soon as we got home.  Oh my goodness,  They were delicious!!  Thanks again, Sharon!!

The cookies were packed well.  Look at the sweet heart shaped one in the center of the container.  What a fun touch.  I served them on the plate that says "cook for the cure".  What a fun program...and all for a good cause.

Tasty Thursdays #28

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!  Thank you all for contributing to the last party.  I can't wait to see what  wonderful recipes and projects you link up this week. 

Have you seen my latest post?  These Edible Hearts are a fun addition to any treat.

Now on to the terrific FEATURES.
Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Chili Con Carne from Karen's Kitchen Stories

I Heart You Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes from Lady Behind the Curtain

Most Requested Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese from Chatting Over Chocolate

Heart Cupcake Pops from Sugarkissed

 Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button. 

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>

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkIksn40pLI/UA9e6vIZlDI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mE_NGKGbljY/s800/moochblogTHURSfeature.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, add a text link, or add Tasty Thursdays to you linky party list.  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.

Guest Post - Apple Bread by Deb from Cooking on the Front Burner

Happy Monday!  I'm Deb and today I am happy to have a guest post with Nichi at The Mandatory Mooch... Thanks for having me!  I've been blogging for 2 years and in fact this week is my 2 year anniversary.  Come back on February 13th to join in my giveaway.

Featured today is a blast from the past when The DIY Guy was a wee lad.  This is his mom's recipe and I've made it a few times over our almost 30 years together! What I like about this recipe is that it comes together quite quick - the longest part is waiting for the dough to rise but after it bakes and comes out of the oven - you don't need to wait long to eat it.  It is best served warm and the cinnamon and apple aroma will have people running into your kitchen pronto!

Recipe Source:  Family Fav
(printable recipe)

The first step is placing melted butter, cinnamon and sugar in a 9x9 plan.  Next place thinly sliced apples and pecans (or you could use walnuts, raisins or craisins) on top.

The dough is mixed a a bowl and then dropped by small spoonfuls onto the above mixture.  Since the dough is...well a dough... you will need to probably use your hands to make sure it is evenly distributed. It is OK to have some dough not touching as below - when it rises those spaces will get filled up.

Once it is covered and rises for about an hour, it is baked at 375 for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown.  Remove from oven and immediately flip onto a square platter.

Let cool slightly then slice up and enjoy!

If you have leftovers (you might not!), just place in the microwave and warm up a bit.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and if you give it try, let me know - I would love to hear what you think!

If you are reading this from Nichi's, I hope you will stop by to see me!
Deb - Cooking On The Front Burner

Edible Hearts

Looking for a great way to top your Valentine treats?  This is it.  A simple and quick edible heart that will make your Valentine smile.  I made these toppers for some cupcakes this weekend by using THIS same technique for my Edible Snowflakes. 

Supplies needed:

chocolate almond bark (or chocolate of your choice)

piping bag and tip

parchment paper

Heat chocolate or almond bark in microwave at 30 second intervals until melted.  (I prefer almond bark because it sets up quicker.)  Let cool a few minutes so it isn't too hot to pipe.  Put into piping bag with small tip.   Draw or print a heart design onto paper and put under parchment paper for template, or just create your own like I did. 

Pipe design slowly onto paper.  Complete heart and slide design under wax paper to begin the next one.  Let dry completely.

Carefully peel snowflakes off of wax paper and place on cupcakes or cookies.

The finished product!!

Linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!! 

Please stop on over to say hi on Facebook and Pinterest

Source: a Mandatory Mooch original

Tasty Thursdays #27

Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to contribute to last week's party.
I love seeing all of the terrific projects and recipes.  

Keep the passing the word about my Facebook page.  

I will do another fun giveaway when I reach 1000 "likes"!!



Now on to the terrific FEATURES.
Be sure to visit them, pin them, and enjoy them!!

Chocolate Ice Cream Sammies from Posed Perfection

Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes from Sweet Southern Blue

Chicken Taco Casserole from Six Sisters' Stuff

Cinnamon Gummy Candy from It Bakes Me Happy

Modge Podge Toy Box Makeover by Just a Little Creativity

 Congrats to you all.  Feel free to grab a "Featured" button. 

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>

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com" title="The Mandatory Mooch" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkIksn40pLI/UA9e6vIZlDI/AAAAAAAAAdg/mE_NGKGbljY/s800/moochblogTHURSfeature.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, add a text link, or add Tasty Thursdays to your linky party list.  If you don't link back...you can't be featured.

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