Super Bowl Sunday Recipe: Easy Crockpot Queso Dip

Time for some Reader Mail: 

"Dear Southern Fried Bride, What is your favorite Super Bowl Sunday recipe? Love, Connie in Oklahoma" 

One of my favorite wedding gifts we received is a crock pot. At one of our wedding showers, Craig and I received seven crock pots as gifts from loved ones and what treasured memories of us opening up each of those crock pots at that shower. I love the ease and convenience a crock pot can bring to preparing meals and appetizers. For Super Bowl Sunday, I will be making and serving up this game day crowd-pleasing favorite: an easy, cheesy crockpot queso dip made with lightened-up sausage.     

"Southern Fried Bride's Easy Crock Pot Queso Dip" 

1 lb. Jimmy Dean light sausage, browned and drained

2 lbs. American cheese, sliced in cubes

1 (10 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies 

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Brown sausage. Drain. Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Place crockpot on LOW heat setting. Cover with lid and heat one hour. Keep on LOW setting until ready to serve. Serves 8-10. Enjoy!

"Be Yourself, Together" with Target Wedding- Sponsored Post

I am a Target fan. It is my go-to website for gifting across the miles and I can be found perusing my local store on any given day. One of my common gifting pursuits at Target is shopping for an ideal wedding gift for a special couple in my life. 

"Influencer Network asked me to talk to you about this year's Target Wedding theme, which is "Be Yourself, Together". I love that this theme celebrates the distinct personalities of each person in the relationship and combines to make something truly unique for the couple. 

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

One of my favorite ways to personalize a couple's wedding gift is by choosing a gift they have chosen on their registry, choosing a stylish home storage basket to place the gift, then filling it with smaller favorite household gifts. Target Wedding makes this so easy and fun.

I went to my local Target store and shopped for a special engaged couple in my life. This is the gift basket I assembled for this couple.

Here is how I chose this gift basket:

-The couple chose this fun wall picture on their registry and I was immediately drawn to it as my gift choice. I love the sentiment! Target has such a collection of fun and functional wall art. 

-I then chose a home storage basket that would be large enough for the picture to be displayed in for gift-giving. Target has an amazing collection of stylist home storage baskets, a fun accessory in the home. I like to chose a basket in a brown color because I love the look when it is paired with so many other colors.  

-Since the picture has a fun shade of blue along with the classic brown, I chose to fill the basket with some of my fun household accessory picks in this shade of blue. I chose my go-to Target brand of kitchen towels, Room Essentials in a fun blue print as well as a classic blue towel. I also chose measuring cups, a can opener, tongs and baster to finish out the basket. This gift basket was a big hit with the couple. 

Among the countless possibilities available to register for at Target, here are my Top 5 Wedding Registry Picks:

1. KitchenAid Ultra Power 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer- KitchenAid has a brand reputation that has been passed down in my family for generations. This appliance is my top pick because it is a multi-use kitchen tool that can be used for countless cooking and baking projects with lasting durability and ease of use. 

2. Olde Thompson 16 Jar Spice Rack- This is not your mother's spice rack! I love this space-saving design and it comes complete with 16 go-to spices with easy-to-read labels.

3. Calphalon Kitchen Essentials Hard Anodized Non-Stick Cookware Set- I am a Calphalon fan because of the durability, non-stick ease and even-cook quality of this brand. 

4.Keurig Elite Single Cup Home Brewing System- I can't say enough about the convenience and the ease of a Keurig for coffee lovers. Endless possibilities allowing each cup to be a personalized cup of coffee.

5. Room Essentials Solid Kitchen Towel- Target's line of Room Essentials kitchen towels are my go-to towels for drying my dishes and glassware for in my opinion, one of the most important accessories in my kitchen. A soft yet durable kitchen towel that dries clean without lint residue and has a great price point.

What is the best, most unique wedding gift you have given or received? Do you see any products on the Target website that could help with recreating that gift? You can find lots of ideas at #TargetWedding

FTC Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Target as an Influencer Network- Sponsored Blogger. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

Remembering Elvis: "Peanut Butter and Banana Delight Cake"

I was brought up in an Elvis-loving household and I was taught full-well that January 8th was his birthday. Every year, this day doesn't pass that I don't reflect on my fond memories of his music and movies from my childhood years into adulthood. My favorite movie was "Blue Hawaii". Another favorite is "Viva Las Vegas". My favorite songs, well then this would be a very long post, so I will share a few at the top of my list: "A Little Less Conversation", and "Viva Las Vegas" and "It's Now or Never". I was a very little girl when Elvis died in 1977, but I remember how the grown-ups in my family were so sad. 

I see peanut butter and banana dessert combinations that tend to have a peanut butter frosting. I serve up my peanut butter and banana cake with a banana buttercream frosting and a light, fluffy peanut butter layer cake. 

Warning: Be advised, serving this cake to your loved ones may have the same effect it has when I serve this cake to my family and friends, making them "All Shook Up". 

"Peanut Butter and Banana Delight Cake" 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter chips, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon Rodelle pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups 2% milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and dusting of flour. In mixing bowl, add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add vanilla. Add dry flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk, until all of dry mixture and milk have been added. Set aside. Melt peanut butter chips on top of stove by placing chips in small saucepan over low heat and stir often until chips are melted OR in microwave by placing chips in microwave-safe bowl and microwave at Medium (50%) for 1 minute and stir. If chips are not melted, microwave at Medium an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and smooth when stirred. Add melted peanut butter chips to mixture and mix until well combined.  Divide batter evenly into baking pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. 

"Banana Buttercream Frosting"

1/2 stick butter, softened

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons 2% milk

1 teaspoon banana extract

Place butter in mixing bowl. Blend with mixer on low speed until fluffy. Gradually add confectioner's sugar, banana extract and 3 tablespoons milk until all ingredients are blended. Increase to medium speed and beat 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy. If mixture becomes stiff, add additional 1 tablespoon of milk. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Enjoy!

Review and Giveaway: Old El Paso Frozen Entrees for Two

My family has long enjoyed the taste and variety found in Old El Paso products and I was excited to see them offer the convenience of frozen entrees for two rather than the higher number of portions found in family sizes.  

I had the opportunity to try one of the new frozen entrees. I love that these are handcrafted and come in such a fun variety of choices. My favorite is the Chicken Quesadillas. To me, a good quesadilla has a soft, chewy quality in the tortilla on the outside and a tasty and juicy filling on the inside. That's exactly what I found when I tried the Old El Paso Chicken Quesadillas. I found it so convenient that they are portions for two people, perfect for sharing with a friend I invited over for lunch. It was ready in minutes and a big hit with my friend as well as myself.
    

You can find more information about the frozen entrees on the Old El Paso website here and on their Facebook page here. 

One of you will receive an Old El Paso prize pack! The winner will receive a coupon for one Old El Paso Frozen Entrée of your choice (value up to $7.99), a Mexican Tile Chip & Dip Bowl and Serving Platter set and a $10 Visa Gift Card. To enter, leave a comment below and let me know which one of the frozen entrees you would be interested in trying. Giveaway closes Wednesday, November 27 at 8:00 pm EST. 

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. All opinions in this blog post are my own. 

Recipe Corner: Sweet Potato Bread with Marshmallow Glaze

This recipe is one of the fun ways I have changed up traditional sweet potatoes and marshmallows on our holiday dinner table this year. This dish was a staple in our home when I was growing up and we always had marshmallows and pecans on our sweet potatoes, a tradition which I carry on as an adult in my home. I made a sweet potato bread with a marshmallow glaze. One of my Grandma Cleva's dear friends recently gifted me with a bottle of Rodelle pure vanilla extract and I absolutely loved the quality and taste of this extract in my marshmallow frosting recipe. This makes a wonderful dessert and is perfect for a breakfast bread or fun holiday snack. 

"Southern Fried Bride's Sweet Potato Bread with Marshmallow Glaze"

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup no-sugar-added applesauce
1/4 cup nonfat or 2% milk
1 cup sweet potatoes, mashed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 9 x 5 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In mixing bowl, combine flours, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar. Set aside. In separate bowl, combine  egg, milk and applesauce. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture in thirds until all of dry mix has been added. Stir in mashed sweet potatoes. Spoon batter into loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Glaze, if desired, with marshmallow glaze. Enjoy! 

 

"Southern Fried Bride's Marshmallow Glaze"

4 oz. light cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
1/2 tsp. Rodelle pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar

In mixing bowl, add cream cheese, marshmallow creme, vanilla and powdered sugar and mix on medium speed until mixture has a glaze consistency. Add powdered sugar and mix until well-combined. Pour glaze over sweet potato bread and garnish, if desired with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons chopped pecans. Slice and enjoy!

Book Review and Giveaway: "The Sparkle Box"

I was blessed to be sent a copy of "The Sparkle Box" to review for you, but I truly had no idea how this children's book would impact me as an adult with the timeless spirit of the true meaning of Christmas. I found that at the heart of this story is the message that my family strives for, found in Matthew 25:35. 

The author Jill Hardie has woven a heartfelt story about the season of giving against the backdrop of the commercialism the world tries to bring to this blessed time of year. She was inspired after she and her family chose to place a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday and instead of the world's holiday commercialism, there was joy and peace in their hearts. 

In Jill's story, a little boy named Sam is drawn to a sparkly box his family has placed on their mantel for the Christmas season. Sam learns an important lesson when he opens "The Sparkle Box" and his mother explains to him that the acts of kindness their family does for other people are, in fact, a gift for Jesus because Jesus said in His Word that whatever we do for people in need, we do for Him.  Their acts of kindness are written down and placed in "The Sparkle Box" as each one represents a gift for Jesus. I love that each book comes with its own fold-out "Sparkle Box" included so children and families can put the message of this story into action in their own homes during the Christmas season. 

This video preview of the book gives you a glimpse into the heart of the story, so wonderfully told through the words and pictures.

I was immediately taken with the beautiful cover of the hardcover book, geared for ages 4 to 8, and the gorgeous illustrations throughout the book by illustrator Christine Kornacki that bring to life Jill's story. 

The book can be purchased for $19.99 through the Ideals Books website here.

Giveaway:

It is the author's hope that this story will spark a new Christmas tradition in your family this year. One of you will win a hardcover copy of this book to share with a special young person in your life! To enter, leave a comment below with an act of kindness you have either received or given and let me know who you would like to share this book with, if you are the winner. Winner must reside in the US or Canada. Entries close on Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 pm EST.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

DVD Review and Giveaway: "Dear Mom, Love Cher"

Her identity in the entertainment industry is among the rare acts so widely-known that their first name stands on its own. Cher's documentary "Dear Mom, Love Cher" was featured as a Mother's Day special on the Lifetime TV Network and is now available on DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $14.98.  I've long been a fan of Cher since I was a little girl first introduced to the music of Sonny and Cher. I was honored to receive the DVD  with an opportunity to review this documentary. 

In this DVD, Cher presents a beautiful tribute to the love between a mother and daughter. I loved getting a glimpse into the life of the superstar Cher through looking at the life of her mother Georgia. I believe it is in looking at a person's life that you always learn life lessons. 

Georgia Holt shares an incredible closeness with her two daughters, Cher and Georganne and her grandchildren. You see through the course of this documentary that it is Georgia, who was born Jackie Jean in Arkansas, who has a story all her own. I saw glimpses of the same kind of drive to succeed that her daughter Cher has exemplified throughout her career in entertainment. I saw a mother's love of music, acting and singing that was passed on to the next generation with her daughter Cher's love of music, acting and performing. 

You see life's ups and downs through stories of marriage and divorce, resulting in six failed marriages and Georgia's decision that after 6 tries, being single is just fine with her. 

It is through the parent's life that you begin to see glimpses into the life of their child, and I enjoyed getting to see parts of Cher's childhood reflected in the story. 

The mother's career in acting and music  had their own ups and downs through the years and it was at age 50 that she had the opportunity to record her own album.

At age 86, she shows she still can sing so beautifully as a DVD special feature includes a duet with her daughter, Cher and their harmonies show a heartwarming testament to the music of mother and daughter. 

I enjoyed seeing so many pictures of the family throughout the documentary, rare TV footage of Georgia's early performing career along with so many personal family stories told by members of the family. I found this to be a heartwarming tribute from a daughter to her mother and an enjoyable viewing experience.  

One of you will win your own copy of "Dear Mom, Love Cher" on DVD, valued at $14.98. To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me if you have a favorite memory of a loved one in your life, living or passed. Entries close Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 pm EST. Winner will be announced immediately.  

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network and we help promote, sometimes for a professional fee, entertainment industry projects we find meaningful. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I was not financially compensated for writing this blog post. I received this DVD to review and a DVD to give away to one of my readers.