Day 171: Millie's Birthday Cake

Day 171.

I usually make Millie's birthday cakes, and this year she said she wanted a mermaid cake. This was the best I could come up with! I'm not a professional by any means, but I like doing it. :)

Here's what you'll need.


A baked and cooled 9x13 cake


2 cans of icing
Food coloring
Graham crackers
and a Barbie doll


Let's start with the water. I added about 10 drops of blue coloring to one can of icing.


Stir well.


And cover the entire cake. I used the edge of my knife to create "waves" in the icing.


Place some graham crackers into a zip top bag.


And use a heavy bottomed pot to smash them to crumbs.


Use the crumbs to create a beach for Barbie.


I wrapped Barbie's legs in plastic, just so she'll clean up easier when we're finished.


Plop her down on the beach.


We decided to go for pink for her tail. I used about 6 drops of coloring.


Stir well.


Pipe stars to make Barbie's tail, and border.


Ta-da! Like I said, I'm no professional, but I have fun doing it. Amelia's not too picky, either. :)

Day 170: Chauncey Ball League Nachos

Day 170.

This is the final recipe of Chauncey Ball stuff. This cheese sauce is served with nacho chips or big pretzels. Mmmm.

Here's what you'll need.

1 lb. sausage
1 stick butter
2 lbs. Velveeta
1 can Rotel
1 jar CheezWhiz or cheddar cheese sauce


Chop the Velveeta into chunks.


Add the sausage to a hot skillet.


Place the Velveeta and cheese sauce into a crockpot. I like to use crockpot liners here, 'cause this gets messy.


Add in the can of Rotel.


Melt the butter.


And add it to the crockpot too.


Once the sausage is browned, drain it well.


Add it to the crockpot.


Stir it all together and let it melt.

Day 169: Brownie Ice Cream Sammies

Day 169.

Millie had been begging me to buy ice cream sandwiches next time we went to the store. Well guess what we forgot to buy? So we tried these instead, and honestly? I think I prefer these.

Here's what you'll need.

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup flour


Preheat oven to 350*.
Line a jelly roll pan with foil.


In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.


Add in sugar, vanilla and cocoa.


Whisk until smooth.


Add eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition.


Add flour and salt, stirring until very smooth.


Pour into foiled pan.
Bake at 350* for about 10 minutes, or until set.


Once brownies are baked, stretch a sheet of parchment paper on the countertop. Turn pan upside down onto parchment.


Lift pan and peel away foil to expose brownies.


Invert pan on top of brownies.


Give it a good smoosh.


Place some cans in the pan, on top of the brownie to squish it. Leave it alone for 30 minutes.


After 30 minutes, remove the cans and pan.


Cut into squares.


To assemble sandwich, place one brownie square on a plate.


Top with ice cream.


And add another brownie square.


What a happy kid!

You can also assemble these, then wrap in parchment paper. Stick them in the freezer, and you've got sandwiches ready.

Day 168: Green Bean Pilaf

Day 168.

We are always looking for new and interesting side dishes. This one fit the bill!

Here's what you'll need.

1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup thin spaghetti, broken up
1 cup white rice
1 3/4 cup chicken stock
1 cup frozen green beans


Begin by melting the butter in a lidded skillet.


Add in the spaghetti and let it brown slightly.


Once it begins to brown, add the rice.


Give it a good stir.


Pour in the chicken stock.


Bring to a boil. Place a lid on it and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.


Add in the green beans (and a glug of chicken stock if it seems dry) and slap the lid back on it. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until beans are done.


Stir well.


Serve hot.