Tasty Tuesday: Pink Flamingo Cake

This YUMMY recipe came across my Facebook page some time ago.  When the NEW Flamingo prints with Thirty One arrived this Spring (yes, it is Spring at Thirty One), it seemed the perfect time to share it…

Thank you Delish for today’s recipe….

If the name didn’t hook you, the hot pink, amazing-tasting cake itself will. But really, pink flamingo cake, how could anyone resist it??  This fun, fruity feast looks great and tastes even better! It gets the majority of its flavor and color from cherries, both maraschino cherries and cherry jello, with a touch of pineapple in the frosting to round out the overall flavor and bring a little more brightness to the dish.

Think of the fun everyone will have when they cut into the cake, thinking it will be an average vanilla or chocolate, BUT find a bright PINK interior.  This is a nice, simple recipe anyone can tackle – even the kids!  Flamingo cake could become one of YOUR summer go-tos.

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to prepare     Serves: 12-16

INGREDIENTS

Cake:
1 (15.25 oz.) package white cake mix
1 (3.5 oz.) cherry jello mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple
1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (16 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, halved, juices reserved

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl or mixer, beat cherry jello mix, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract into white cake mix until just combined, then pour into greased baking dish.
3. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.
4. Remove from oven and let cool.
5. Place crushed pineapple, with juices, and halved cherries in a large bowl and sprinkle pudding mix on top.
6. Fold in frozen whipped topping and 1/4 cup cherry juice until smooth and combined, adding more cherry juice, if desired.
7. Frost (cooled) cake and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until set.

Take your flamingo cake on the road in Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set! The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!

Have a recipe you want to share?  Send it to me and if I share it in my blog, you will receive a FREE gift!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day1

Tasty Tuesday: Personal S’mores Pies

I LOVE S’more!  I remember sitting at my best friend’s house in the summer, letting the kids make s’mores in the fire pit.  Of course, they were also a favorite treat when we were camping when I was a kid.

Being a Weight Watcher, I would love to have them more often but the problem is I can’t stop at just one.  One turns to two and then two… you see where I am going with this, right?

I was so excited to see this recipe from Hungry Girl – not only is it low in points (calories) but I can make then any time at HOME!  You can bet I will be stocking up on the ingredients…

Prep: 20 minutes     Cook: 15 minutes     MAKES 6 SERVINGS
1/6th of recipe (1 mini pie): 149 calories, 6g total fat (2g sat fat), 128mg sodium, 20.5g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 8g sugars, 3.5g protein.  SmartPoints® value 6*

Ingredients:

Crust
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 tbsp. powdered peanut butter
2 packets no-calorie sweetener (like Truvia)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt

Filling
2 tbsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup mini marshmallows
2 graham crackers (1/2 sheet), finely crushed

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 6 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.
• To make the crust, pulse oats to the consistency of coarse flour in a small blender/food processor.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter for 20 seconds, or until melted.
• In a large bowl, combine ground oats, melted butter, and remaining crust ingredients. Mix until uniform with the consistency of wet sand.
• Evenly distribute mixture among the 6 cups of the muffin pan, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crusts. Press it into the edges and up along the sides.
• Bake until firm, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven, and set oven to broil.
• Evenly distribute 1 tbsp. chocolate chips among the crusts (1 tsp. per crust). Top with marshmallows and remaining 1 tbsp. chocolate chips.
• Cook until marshmallows have melted and lightly browned, about 1 minute.
• Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
  

Want the perfect way to travel with your S’more supplies?  Try the Perfect Party Set.  An entertaining wonder! This thermal keeps your food warm or cool on your way to the party, with two compartments sized to fit 9” x 13” pans. Approx. 6″H x 16.25″L x 10.25″D (expanded)

Hope you have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

The first Monday of the New Year….. some are off from work, while others are struggling to get it together.  Some are ready to JUMP right into their New Year’s Resolutions while others are wondering why they made them.  Which are you?

For me, I am looking forward to the New Year with anticipation of all God has in store for me.  Leaving my part-time job.  Trusting and having faith God will provide for our needs (without the use of credit cards).  Excited. Scared, Nervous.  #changeisintheair….

So what were your New Year’s Resolutions?  Here are the TOP 10 for the year (and most years).

 

Let me help you with YOUR New Year’s Resolution…..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Top 5 Picks

Another Monday Morning after a busy weekend.  Over the last week I have seen local stores (including WAWA) change their decorations and product from a fall theme to Christmas.  REALLY!  We are only 11 days into the month of November and already we are counting down till Christmas?  Can we get to Thanksgiving before we start counting down?  We seem to go from Halloween to Christmas, glazing over Thanksgiving as if it barely exists.  Well, why should I be any different, right?

So, here are some of my customers top picks from Thirty One for this holiday gift giving season:

  Our Large Utility Tote in the Snow Daze print personalized at an additional cost.  This versatile bag has webbed handles secured with grommets, a wire support around the top to help to hold its shape and collapses for easy storage. Use this tote for: storage, grocery shopping, carrying presents to family and friends and the list goes on…

Our amazing “Perfect Party Set” (on the left) is back and available for customer purchase! It is thermal to keep food warm, and expandable! It holds up to 2 9×13 casserole dishes and is “Potluck Perfect”!!   A great way to carry your contribution to the family holiday dinner.  And the new Perfect Bottle Thermal (on the right) makes a great gift when paired with your host’s favorite wine!  How about your favorite school bus driver with a LARGE bottle of water?

  The Organizing Utility Tote is part of our Spirit Collection and makes the perfect gift for that special man in your life. This tote has 7 outside pockets (2 with mesh).  You can have it personalized with a special message for that someone special, or you can choose from one of 63 College logos.  This is great for tailgating, storing items in the car, or just going on a road trip.

 My last recommendation is our “Gifts for Under $20”.  These are great gifts for teachers, bus drivers, bosses, co-wokers, friends, family and anyone else that you want to make feel special.

I have now added my blog to the “Christmas Countdown” craziness.  If you already have a Thirty One consultant, please consider placing your order with them.  If you don’t and are interested in any of these AMAZING products, check out my website.

This holiday season consider doing business with a small business – whether it be a local merchant, a direct seller or a crafter for when you buy from them you are helping to keep your dollars within your local community.  I won’t promise that this is my last holiday product pitch but I will keep it to a minimum.

Make your list, check it twice and start to shop EARLY to avoid the rush.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

#hope  #hopes31