Light As Air, Raspberry poke cupcakes

So a couple of weeks ago I posted my 30 before 30 list...things I want to accomplish before turning 30.
So far none have been completed :-( (but there is always hope...)
But I do distinctly remember saying I wanted to regularly post something..so much for that...huh!
I do however have tons of recipes to post, I have taken pictures of all. just too lazy to edit them all and get them up on here! one day girl...one day I will be super organized and prompt (HA! the computer just laughed at me)

This recipe has become a favorite of mine, it's quite simple really and nothing too hoity-toity...
I learned how to make this cake at camp (while I was working there as the cooks help) I just love the camp atmosphere, I never did as a kid, but now all grown up I actually wish i could go back and redo it all! oh the joys of bunking in creaky metal bunks while scaring ourselves silly with made-up ghost stories. the insane games, the oh so predictable foods...pizza, nachos and hot dogs anyone???
This cake was a staple at our summer camps. I had to remind myself to cut a piece and save it before everyone tore into it and devoured it.

It's a really easy cake to make and not as filling as most cakes. it's a simple white cake baked acording to the recipe or package instructions. Then left to cool in the pan. when cooled you poke the cake with a fork to make holes, the jello-mix is then poured over the cake/cupcakes and left to set in the fridge. As I said easy-peasy.
I ADORE whipped cream frosting because it's so light and airy, I don't care to much for the thick sickly sweet icing most cakes wear. I also decided to make cupcakes instead of the sheet cake, but both work fine.

I used the raspberry jello and the Betty Crockers white cake mix. Please disregard the melting whipped cream in the pictures...it was one of those days...where I get my good camera ready and everything set up, only for my good camera to die right when i try to take the first pictures...figures!

Raspberry Poke Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist white cake mix 
• Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
• 1 box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed (3 cups) (or make your own, get the recipe here)
• Fresh raspberries, if desired 

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). 
2. Make and bake cake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan. Cool completely in pan, about 1 hour. 
3. Pierce cooled cake all over with fork. In small bowl, stir gelatin and boiling water until smooth; stir in cold water. Pour over cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Refrigerate 2 hours. Frost with whipped topping; garnish with raspberries. Store covered in refrigerator.

Adapted from Betty Crocker, Whipped cream frosting courtesy of Annie's Eat's

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Wow what a mouth full huh! As I sit here eating the last...num num...cookie I realize...yikes...I just ate a whole plate full! So much for new years resolutions!
But these are great! very peanut buttery (just like my hubby likes it). It's like dipping a huge spoon into the peanut butter jar and then turning around dipping it into the chocolate fountain and then stuffing it into your mouth.
I'm not a huge peanut butter fan, don't get me wrong...I like it within reason. These are slightly too peanut buttery for me, but as I said my hubby LOVES them this way so win win I guess.
It's late and I'm rambling...I blame the chocolate-peanut buttery goodness ;-)
These are really easy to make, but be sure to follow the directions. If you don't let it boil for 2min the cookies won't set!!! very important! But have fun making them!
Enjoy these little "mind-fumbling" goodies!

Chocolate Peanut butter No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions

1. In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. 
2. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. 
3. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened. 

Amazing Waffles

I was a little leery about this recipe when reading the ingredients. But, this recipe is one of the best!...so far, when it comes to waffles!
Waffles are one of those things I thoroughly enjoy, but hate the process of making them. I found a waffle iron at a yard-sale for only...yes...only $2!!! and it's working great (well somewhat great for the price). So no my waffles are not the fancy round ones, but the traditional square (which btw if you go to Belgium, the majority of the waffles are square!).
Anyways these were wonderful! we had some great family time New Years morning eating these. The boys scarfed down an amazing amount of these ;-) (I doubled the recipe for our family of 4)
So without further adue here is the incredible edible waffle recipe (lol I crack meself up!) enjoy!

This is the day the Lord has made,Let’s rejoice and be glad today! 

 Psalm 118:24

Amazing Waffles

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp  Salt 
• 1 Eggs 
• 3/4 Cup All purpose-Flour 
• 1 1/2 tsp  White Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
• 3/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup Milk - Whole

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix well. 
2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, sugar and vanilla and mix well. Let the batter sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a waffle iron. 
4. Follow the directions on your waffle iron to cook the waffles. Serve immediately with butter and syrup. 

Serves 2-4 (I double the recipe to make enough for my family of 4)

Hope you enjoy!!!

HAPPY NEWYEAR!!! My 30 before 30 list!

Picture cutesy of andsoidontforget

 God has been good this past year! He has blessed us so much. My family and I have had a lot of changes happen this past year. Some good some bad but all done for God's glory! lessons were learned and spiritually growth ensued (although we have a long way to go! but excited to do so this next year).

New Year, usually has New Years resolutions, and sadly most of them don't even last one week (sigh, I speak out of personal experience).
This next year is the year before I turn  ...30...(eeeeeeeek) this is NOT a happy birthday...I'm an NOT excited about this one. But to make myself believe it will be OK...I have come up with a 30 before 30 list. Some things won't get done I'm sure, but I can dream right?
So if you can or want to help with any of these...puhleeeese let me know... :-)

My 30 Before 30 List:

1. Read the bible cover to cover

2. Plant an herb garden

3. Finnish painting/decorating the house

4. Lose 20 lbs

5. Read 10 books

6. Have my freezer stocked with homemade meals

7. Understand and use coupons (not necessarily become extreme)

8. Start a woman's bible study

9. Help someone find the Lord

10. Drive across the states

11. Have a date night at a fancy restaurant

12. Have a vacation with just my husband

13. Attend a Christian conference

14. Go to Ikea and actually buy something

15. Go to a theater production at the opera house

16. Learn how to make and decorate sugar cookies

17. Start a 365 project with pictures 

18. Take a photography class and somewhat understand photo-shop

19. Have a "top three" friends

20. Take a cake decorating class

21. Go on a marriage retreat

22. Save at least $2000

23. Have my room clean for an entire two weeks (they say that is how long it takes to break a habit!)

24. Pay off all debts early

25. Find a job I love and that works with our schedule

26. Learn to shoot

27. Make and Sell something I baked

28. Post regularly on my blog (once a week at least and keep up with the holidays)

29. Master the art of macrons and caramel

30a. Organize all my pictures on my laptop!
30b. Make it to my friends wedding in Belgium!!! (this one would make my year!!!)

I know...I know not the most exciting list! but for now it will do, I'm sure some things will change here and there as I remember some crucial things lol but for now this will suffice.
This year is going to be a busy one! but at least I have a goal!

What are some things you want to accomplish this year!???