Party Time

Today we will travel to Lake in the Hills to celebrate grandson Collin's birthday. I talked to my son, John, and asked what I could bring. He said that I didn't have to bring anything. I asked to talk to Collin, but he wasn't home, so John gave me his cell # and I called him. Wished him a happy birthday and then asked what he would like me to bring. He thought for just a bit and then said a veggie pizza. This seems to be my family's favorite snack food. I have made so many of them...I could do it in my sleep. Once I sprinkled an assortment of veggies  mixed up and spread all over the top...that wasn't a hit...they like the veggies separated. I asked Collin what his favorite toppings were and he said green onions, and black olives. Here's the way I make a veggie pizza.

I put two pkgs of crescent rolls on a jelly roll pan. Spread them out and press together the seams...fitting it into the pan like a pie crust. Then bake it at 375 till browned.

While this is baking I mix 2 softened pkgs of cream cheese with 1 cup of mayo and lots of dill weed. When the crust is cooled I spread the cream cheese mixture over it...almost to the edge. I chill that for a couple of hours or overnight....covered loosely with foil. 

Then I cut it into squares. Then the fun begins...start cutting up carrots, peppers, olives green and black, cherry tomatoes, green onions, pickles, broccoli, anything that your family likes. Then I put something different on each square across the top and down the sides until it is filled. It looks kind of like a patchwork quilt in  my imagination. I sometimes sprinkle with shredded cheese or more dill weed, or fresh chopped parsley. A very pretty thing to take to a party and everyone finds something on it that they like.

I made some rice krispy treats too....only a different way. I have heard of Nutella, but I've never tried it. So, I found a recipe using it and thought I would try it out on the family.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 5-6 cups rice cereal  

 Topping:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup Nutella

Method:

1. Heat marshmallows, butter and Nutella in glass bowl in microwave.  Stir every thirty seconds until smooth. 
2. Pour marshmallow mixture over rice cereal.  Stir to coat evenly.
3. Press mixture into a greases 9" X 13" pan.
4. For topping, combine ingredients in a glass bowl and microwave on high, stirring every 15-30 seconds until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.  Spread over pan of rice krispee treats.
5. Chill for an hour before cutting into squares.

We tasted these and they are pretty good. I make another using peanut butter chips and chocolate chips that are actually better I think. You use a whole jar of Nutella in these so they are a bit expensive to make. 

 So, we are headed for an afternoon of fun with the kids.The weather is so perfect today...we had a good rain day before yesterday and things are greening up again. 

Have a great day everyone,

Balisha