Learning With My Boys

Feb 1 -Tues -National Cake Pops Day (Cream Cheese Cake Pops)

Ingredients:

• 12 store bought sugar cookies
• 8 oz. block cream cheese
• Almond bark
• Sprinkles
• Lolli sticks

Directions:

1. Mix cookies and soften cream cheese in mixer.
2. Roll mix into balls and place on wax paper.
3. Place sticks into balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Melt almond bark on stovetop low heat.
5. Dip balls into melted almond bark and place back onto wax paper.
6. Add sprinkles.

Feb 2 -Wed -National Tater Tot Day (Taco Seasoned Tater Tots)

Ingredients:

• 32 oz. frozen tater tots
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Cheese sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Spread tots on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle with taco seasoning.
4. Bake for 30 minutes flipping halfway through.
5. Dip tots in cheese sauce.

Feb 3 -Thurs -National Carrot Cake Day (Carrot Cake Cookies)

Ingredients:

• ½  cup brown sugar
• ½  cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• ½ teas. Vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• ½ teas. Baking soda
• ½ teas. Baking powder
• ¼ teas. Salt
• 1 teas. Pumpkin spice
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 carrots)

Cream Cheese Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream softened cheese
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Combine sugars and butter; beat until fluffy.
2. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat at medium speed.
3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice; stir to combine.
4. Gradually add flour to butter mixture; mix on a low speed until just blended.
5. Mix in oats and carrots.
6. Chill dough in refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.
8. Scoop half ounce balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Transfer to oven, and bake until browned and crisped, 12 to 15 minutes.
9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
10. Make the cream cheese icing by using a hand mixer to whip together cream cheese and butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Whip in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add enough milk to get a super soft consistency.
11. Once cookies are cooled completely, spread cream-cheese filling onto a cookie. Sandwich together with a second cookie.
12. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Feb 4 -Fri -National Homemade Soup Day (Broccoli Cheddar Soup)

Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup Butter
• ½ Cup Diced Onion
• 1 Cup Shredded Carrots
• 3 Cup Broccoli Florets, chopped small
• 1.5 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• ¼ Cup Flour
• 2 Cup Shredded Cheddar
• Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper

Directions:

1. Place a pot over medium heat.  Melt Butter, add onions, carrots and broccoli.  Soften for about 5 minutes
2. Slowly stir and add in the broth, milk and cream.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
4. Continue stirring over medium heat until thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the cheese until smooth.

Feb 5 -Sat -World Nutella Day (Nutella Cookies)

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Nutella
• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 Egg

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients well.
2. Place them in balls on greased cookie sheet.
3. Dip a fork in sugar and gently press each ball a bit flat.
4. Bake for 6-8 minutes on 350 degrees.

Feb 6 -Sun -National Chopstix Day (Orange Chicken with noodles)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 TBS garlic – minced
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp ginger 
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp water
• 2 packs Ramen Noodle
• 1 bag frozen broccoli

CHICKEN Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tlbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts – cut into 1″ chunks
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs – lightly beaten
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, lightly spray a 9×13 inch glass pan, set aside.
   1. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, Sriracha, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, set aside.
   2. Place the cubes of chicken into a bowl with the whisked eggs, toss the chicken (taking care to let the egg drip off it) into a large ziplock bag full of the cornstarch. Zip and shake until evenly coated.
   3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Working in batches (3-4), add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
   4. Add the fried chicken to the prepared 9×13 pan. Whisk together a slurry of 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 tbsp. of water, add to the sauce and then pour over the chicken. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir and bake for 15 more minutes.
   5. Microwave broccoli for 5 minutes and then stir it into the chicken.  Bake for 15 more minutes
   6. Boil the Ramen Noodles for 3 minutes, drain, and add to the chicken dish.  Bake for 5 more minutes.  Remove and serve immediately.

Feb 7 -Mon -National Fettuccine Alfredo Day (Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo)

Ingredients:

• Fettuccini Pasta
• Alfredo Sauce
• Chicken
• Frozen Broccoli

Directions:

1. Season Chicken
2. Bake Chicken 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
3. Boil Pasta for 10 minutes
4. Add Alfredo Sauce to pasta
5. Shred chicken and add to pasta.
6. Broccoli bag in microwave for 5 minutes then add to pasta.

Feb 8 -Tues -National Potato Lover’s Day (Waffle Mashed Potatoes) 

I used this waffle mashed potatoes recipe from the Just A Taste blog.

Feb 9 -Wed -National Pizza Day (Pepperoni Roll)

Ingredients:

• Rhodes Frozen White Bread
• Olive Oil
• Pepperoni
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Garlic Salt
• Butter
• Margarine Sauce

Directions:

1. Set a loaf of the frozen bread on a bread pan loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for 4-7 hours to rise.
2. Roll out to 12×12 square and spread olive oil over it.
3. Lay out the pepperoni and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
4. Top with seasonings.
5. Roll up carefully and cut in half.  Place both halves on a greased baking pan.
6. Coat with melted butter and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes then slice.
9. Dip in marinara sauce while eating.

Feb 10 -Thurs -National “Have a Brownie” Day (Waffle Brownies)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 10 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water
• 2/3 cups mini chocolate chips
• Toppings: vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat a Belgium waffle maker.  In a large bowl mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Melt the butter and set aside to cool a little.
2. Beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and water in a small bowl. Whisk the egg mixture into the dry mixture, then quickly mix in the melted butter. Finally stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour one-third of the batter into the waffle iron, close and cook for approximately 3 minutes. Lift the lid to check the waffle. It should be fully formed, but soft to the touch. Carefully turn the waffle iron to flip the waffle out. The moment it starts cooling, it will crisp up. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. Serve as-is, with powdered sugar on top, or “a la mode” with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce!

Feb 11 -Fri -National Peppermint Patty Day

I used mini peppermint patties in the kids lunch boxes!  My son also took a bag to share with his class.

Feb 12 -Sat

Feb 13 -Sun -National “Italian Food” Day (Baked Spaghetti Pie & Meatballs)

Ingredients:

• 1 package spaghetti
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Cook and drain spaghetti noodles.
3. In a separate pan, brown and drain ground beef.
4. Add spaghetti sauce and warm through.
5. Spray a pie dish or casserole dish with cooking spray, then add spaghetti noodles.
6. Top with sauce and ground beef mixture.
7. Top with cheese.
8. Place in oven for around 10 minutes or until cheese is brown on top.
9. Serve with garlic bread and salad.

Feb 14 -Mon -National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day (Valentines)

We get the kids a small chocolate heart box for Valentine’s Day each year.

Feb 15 -Tues -National Gum Drop Day

Gave the Kids Gum Drops in their lunch today with a note that said, “Happy Gum Drop Day”!

Feb 16 -Wed -National Almond Day (candied almonds)

Ingredients:

• 1 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups raw almonds
• 2 Tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Whisk the egg white and vanilla.
3. Place the almonds in the egg mixture and stir them until they are all coated.
4. Combine the sugars, cinnamon, and the salt large bowl.
5. Add almonds to  the sugar mixture.
6. Stir very well, until the almonds are coated.
7. Add to the crock pot.
8. Cook on low for 3 1/2 hours with the lid on, stirring every 20 minutes.
9. After cooking, pour in the water and stir well, to make a crunchy outside.
10. Leave in the crock pot for an additional 30 minutes.
11. Line a baking sheet, with wax paper, then single layer the nuts so that they do not all clump together.
12. Let stand for 20 minutes, then enjoy.

Feb 17 -Thurs

Feb 18 -Fri

Feb 19 -Sat -National Chocolate Mint Day (Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies)

• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• 12-14 drops green food coloring
• 2 large eggs
• 21/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 6 ounces Andes mint chocolates , chopped

Directions:

1. Add the butter and sugar to your stand mixer on medium high speed until light and fluffy then add in the extract, food coloring and eggs one at a time until fully combined.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt then add it into the stand mixer on low speed until just combined before folding in the mint chocolate and chocolate chips with a spatula.
3. Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 8-10 minutes in rounded tablespoon sized scoops (makes 48 cookies).

Feb 20 -Sun -National Muffin Day (Cinnamon Roll Muffins)

I used this cinnamon roll muffin recipe from the Create Yum blog.

Feb 21 -Mon -National Biscuits and Gravy Day

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage
• 2 TBS butter
• 1/3 Cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ Cups milk
• 1 teas. Pepper
• ½ teas. Salt
• ¼ teas. Garlic powder
• 1/8 teas. Paprika
• 2 can biscuits

Directions:

1. Brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add butter and stir until melted.
3. Sprinkle flour and stir for 1 min.
4. Pour 1 cup of milk to prevent lumps.  Slowly stir in the rest of the milk.
5. Simmer until gravy thickens about 10 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and add the spices.
7. Serve over biscuits.

Feb 22 -Tues -National Cherry Pie Day (Cherry Cheese Pie)

Ingredients:

• 1 Graham Crust
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• 14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
• 1 tea. Vanilla
• 1 can Cherry Pie Filling

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Bean in the milk until smooth.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla.
4. Pour into pie crust and chill for 3 hours.
5. Top with cherries and refrigerate.

Feb 23 -Wed -National Banana Bread Day

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ¾ cups butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 overripe bananas
• 2 cup flour
• 1 ½ tea. Baking soda
• ½ tea salt
• 1 tea. vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the eggs, butter, and brown sugar.
3. Mash in the bananas.
4. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
5. Lightly grease 2 bread pans.
6. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Feb 24 -Thurs -National Tortilla Chip Day (Mexican Cheese Dip)

We tried this Mexican Cheese Dip to eat with our tortilla chips from the Jen Around the World blog.

Feb 25 -Fri -National Chocolate Covered Nut Day (Peanut Clusters)

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce bag) semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (10 ounce bag) peanut butter chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
• 1 16 oz. Jar salted or unsalted peanuts

Directions:

1. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and coconut oil in covered crockpot on low. Place a layer paper towels right under the lid. 
2. Stir every 20 minutes until melted.
3. Once melted stir in peanuts. 
4. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on wax paper covered cookie sheets.
5. Allow to set in refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Feb 26 -Sat

Feb 27 -Sun -National Chili Day

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. Ground Beef
• 1 chili brick
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 cup water
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can light red kidney beans
• 1 can dark red kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• Shredded Cheddar
• Oyster Crackers

Directions:

1. Brown and drain beef.
2. Pour soup, beans and water into a large pot on medium heat.
3. Add the chili brick and beef.
4. Bring to a boil and stir for 5 minutes.
5. Lower heat and simmer for 30+ minutes.
6. Serve with shredded cheese and crackers.

Feb 28 -Mon -National Chocolate Soufflé Day (Chocolate Soufflé)

I tried to make this soufflé from the Seasons and Suppers blog.

Feb 29 -National Frog Legs Day