The light at the end of the tunnel.

I can finally see it. The light. I've only got six more months of school left. I thought it was never going to get here. This was my third attempt and my third "career" change. I guess it's true when they say, "third times a charm." :) It  helps that I have a great support system. I didn't really have that before. I can honestly say it really helps. I like hearing, "I'm so proud of you." It really keeps me encouraged and motivated. One of the biggest reasons I decided to go back was because of Kaleb. I have a child now that I need to help support and I don't want to struggle. I don't want to live paycheck to paycheck. I mean honestly, no one does. Once I graduate and get a job, then Maury will be able to go back to school. He's been talking about it for a while. :) I'm super excited for him. I know he's doing it for the same reason's I am. I'm glad that were both determined to make better lives for ourselves and for Kaleb. It's been a rough ride but we've made it through so far. Were almost there. I can see the light.

Oreo Cupcakes.

Yes, I'ts another recipe. A lot of people are asking me for this recipe so what easier way then to blog about it. :) This recipe is from scratch, so if you don't want to make the batter then I'm sure buying a box of white cake mix will be OK. I'm also going to put two different types of icing on here. :)

Oreo (or Cookies-N-Cream) Cupcakes - makes 24

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour, plus 2 Tbsp for the Oreo chunks
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 2/3 cup sugar
3 large eggs- you can use egg whites too.
1 pkg Oreo Cookies (~45 cookies)

Preheat over to 350F. Insert liners into a medium cupcake pan. 

Twist apart 24 Oreos. Place the wafer with filling on it, filling side up, in the bottom of each paper liner. Cut other wafers in half. Save 24 halves to place in the frosting. Crush the other wafer halves, also for garnishing.

Cut the remaining Oreo cookies into quarters with a sharp knife. Toss with 2 Tbsp flour and set aside.

In a large bowl cream the butter until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the milk and vanilla and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix until integrated. Stir in sugar. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat for 30 seconds. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. Add the egg whites. Beat for 2 more minutes. Stir in the quartered cookies.

Fill the cupcake lines three-quarters full. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan.

Frosting
8 oz cream cheese at room temp
1 stick butter at room temp
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy.

Add vanilla extract. Slowly add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

You do not have to add oreo's as a garnish. I crushed some up really small and added it to the icing. The icing wasn't as thick as I thought it was going to be. I put it in the fridge to let it thicken up. But once it sits out for a while I'm sure it will soften up. It's still really good. You can also use a recipe with whipped topping.

Frosting #2

1 3/4 cups plus 2 tbsp. whipping cream
3 tbsp. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
6 tbsp. Oreo cookie crumbs

To prepare the frosting, in the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.  Beat on medium-high speed until the whipped cream holds stiff peaks.  Gently fold in the cookie crumbs with a spatula.

You can scoop it into a pastry bag or ziplock bag(just cut a hole on the bottom) and squeeze it out onto the cupcake. You can also just use a knife or spatula. This one will probably be a thicker frosting. I'm going to try this one next time.

Chicken Enchiladas

I got this recipe for Chicken Enchiladas from someone at school. It's freaking delicious. It's not your typical mexican dish you would get from the restaurant but it's pretty freaking close. I also make it with some spanish rice and I always have to have some sour cream. :) The first time I made them it took me forever. I was like there is no way in hell I'm going to be making these that often because of all the standing and work I had to do. After I've made it a couple times I've learned that if you go ahead and start with the other preparations and cooking the other things it will definitely speed things up.

Ingredients 


3 to 4 Chicken breasts
2- 8 ounces of cream cheese
16 ounces of Salsa
1/4 block velveeta cheese
8-10  tortilla wraps
3/4 cup of milk


Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• You can either cook the chicken in the oven for a hour or boil the chicken. Boiling the chicken takes less time.
• While the chicken is cooking, put the cream cheese and salsa in a pot and cook until cream cheese is completely melted and mixed with the salsa.
• Once the chicken is done and it has cooled off enough to touch it, shred it and mix it in with the salsa mixture.
• Take 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 block of Velveeta(cut into cubes) and put in another pot. Cook on medium to high but make sure you watch it so the milk doesn't burn. Once the cheese starts melting I use a whisk to break it up and mix it. It works so much better that way.
• While the cheese mixture is cooking, start spooning in the salsa mixture into the tortillas. Fold them and lay them down in the dish you are using. I use the big pyrex dishes and can fit like 5 to 6 in each one.  This recipe makes enough for 2 pyrex dishes.
• Once the tortillas are rolled up and the cheese mixture is done, you will pour the mixture over the tortillas and put in the oven for 15 minutes. In order to have enough of the cheese mixture for both dishes you will need to double the ingredients(milk and cheese). 

I remember the first time I made these my aunt said she wanted to lick the plate. lol I'm not going to lie, I totally wanted to also. If you end up making this let me know how it turned out and what you  thought. Hope you enjoy.

Welcome!

Most people who create blogs have a reason or purpose. It may be about coupons, fashion, or keeping contact with family. My blog will be nothing like that. It's pretty much going to be totally random. It's just something else to keep me busy and entertained when I should probably be sleeping. Like being a  SAHM and a full time student isn't enough for me. I guess I need some type of outlet or just some other people to listen to me ramble on and give my husband a break. LOL. Plus, I figured since all the cool kids are doing it maybe I should hop right on that cool train. hahahaha. So hopefully I can keep people entertained or at least somewhat interested in my awesomeness!

Speaking of awesome, Check out this video of LA'SARAH.

Until next time.....