Cafe Rio Chicken...possibly

I admit it, I've become a Pinterest addict. There are just so many cool things that people share, or 'repin' which is the correct Pinterest term. You can find anything from crafts to recipes to fashion to photography, and anything else you can possibly think of. You can 'pin' anything that interests to you to one of your own boards.

I found this recipe on Pinterest.  I've been into crockpot cooking lately, and this sounded good and so easy so I gave it a shot.  I'll be honest, I've never eaten at Cafe Rio so I really have no idea if this is even close to what they serve, but I do know that this makes a yummy chicken dish. (winner, winner, chicken dinner!)  I served it as as chicken tacos with a dallop of sour cream and some cheese. Delicious!  This will likely be my 'go-to' chicken taco recipe.  Try it and see if you agree.  :-) 

You'll need:

2 lbs chicken breasts
1/2 a small bottle of zesty italian dressing (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 pkt ranch dressing mix (mixed with 1/2 cup of water)
1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 Tbsp. ground cumin

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on High 5-6 hours OR on Low 8 hours. Shred with fork and serve in salads, burritos, tacos…etc. You can also double or triple this to make extras for freezing. Then simply thaw and reheat for a lickity split meal.

Thank you, Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms!

10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Pet

1. When you Adopt a pet, you are saving a life.

2. When you Adopt a pet, you will receive a lifetime of love from a pet so grateful to you that you will not believe it. They always know you saved them.

3. When you Adopt a pet, you make room for one more at the Shelter or Rescue, so you are actually saving 2 lives at the same time.

4. When you a pet, you are taking money away from puppy mills and pet stores making their business less profitable.

5. When You Adopt a pet, you are going to save money. You will just pay a small adoption fee, instead of an outrageous 'price' from a breeder or pet store.

6. When you Adopt a pet, they will usually come already fixed and up to date on their shots. All these things would often cost a lot if you had to pay for them yourself.

7. When you Adopt a pet, they will often be healthier than one that comes from a puppy mill, where in breeding is rampant and living conditions are often appalling.

8. When you Adopt a pet, you will get support from an entire community of pet lovers who appreciate what you did, and you will even get discounts from some amazing Vets!

9. When you Adopt a pet, you are setting a great example for others with your compassion.

10. When you Adopt a pet. you will be my hero.

by Chris Hoar, Pet Pardons
 

Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Who doesn't LOVE FALL?! I am mezmerized by the changing colors and cooler weather.  I get so excited the first time I'm able to wear a sweater and boots.  There are several pumpkin patches in the area where, not only can you purchase a pumpkin, but you can spend the day taking hayrides and drinking cider. It's simply a perfect family outing.  It's this time of year that inspired me to make these yummy pumpkin patch cupcakes.  These are so good! I'm not sure which part is better...the fluffy pumpkin cake, or the cinnamon-cream cheese frosting, but combined, they're the perfect combination to welcome Fall.   I hope you enjoy them!

You'll need:
1 (15 ounce) can canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix with pudding
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
 1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
 4 cups confectioners' sugar
 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin tins with cupcake liners. Whisk together the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and apple pie spice. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and oil. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the vanilla.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

To make cream cheese frosting: Cream together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla. Spread frosting over cooled cupcakes.

Thank you to Sinful Southern Sweets!