Lazy Girl Cinnamon Sticky Buns

Ahhhhh.... a three day weekend. Let's not forget this isn't all about an extra day off work, but about liberty, freedom, and the right to be an American. However, that is an entirely different post.

I woke up craving something good (as in tasty, not healthy) for breakfast. With at 40 or so minute commute, I usually grab a granola bar, fruit, or yogurt. What I really wanted though was something sweet, syrupy, sugary, and delicious, but without the work...

After seeing what was on hand, I decided to create something.

1. Can of Grands Homestyle Biscuits
2. 2 tablespoons of butter (melted)
3.  1/2 cup of maple syrup
4. 1/2 cup (or so) of syrup
5. 1/3 - 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon
6. A couple tablespoons of brown sugar (I eyeballed it!)

And voila! We have Lazy Girl Cinnamon Sticky Buns.

Pre-Heat oven to 375
Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together in a small cup/bowl
I used a loaf pan, but a bundt or small cake pan would work as well.
Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour half of the melted butter in the pan topped with half of the maple syrup.
Sprinkle the pan with half the brown sugar mixture.
Layer the biscuits and overlap the edges.
Pour remaining butter mixture and maple syrup on top of the biscuits.
Top it off with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
Throw those babies in the oven about 25-27 minutes.

Add a banana, cup of coffee, Parks and Rec, and I've had a delightful morning!

Red, White, and Eww.

Happy happy Independence day! I hope you're enjoying your 4th of July!

 

For me...It's 5pm, and I just got out of the shower. I would say I was lazy today, but it was the complete opposite. I tackled all those household things I have put off for quite some time.

If you live anywhere near southeastern Kentucky, more than likely your 4th of July festivities have been rescheduled due to the weather. Our fireworks have been pushed to Saturday in my small town. It's hard to plan something, when your holiday falls in the middle of the week. Joe and I both have to work tomorrow. No long weekend for us!

What else to do on a rainy Thursday afternoon with all 4th festivities canceled? Clean this house! Well, let me rephrase... tackle those projects I absolutely did not want to do! Shampoo carpets and finish up some laundry.

If you are a pet owner of any kind you know the importance of shampooing carpets. You can always quickly clean up those pet accidents, but occasionally you need a super hot, deep carpet cleaning. Pet dander is no fun! Especially when 2 out of 3 friends are allergic to cats, and can't visit your house without leaving with complimentary Benadryl.

This flufftastic mess if why I am shampooing my carpets on my day off!

We borrowed a carpet shampooer from some family members. Filled it with water and solution. (I used my own cleaning solution, but that's a post in itself) Shampooed away. I am always amazed at how disgusting the water looks when you empty the tank. EWWWWW! My floors are that disgusting?! In my small house, it took maybe two hours or so to finish the only three rooms with carpet. It's like getting a new house!

Shampooer I used? Bissell PowerSteamer PowerBursh. It's lightweight compared to others, glides easily, and user friendly. No tricks to remove and fill the tank for use.

After working all day in the house, I needed some pampering time. Plus my pedicure was pretty chipped, and my nails needed some TLC. I did give myself a pedicure and re-paint my toes and fingers. I sat on the edge of the bathtub soaking my feet in lavender infused water, and slathered my fett in MK's Mint Bliss lotion. There is something about the lavender and mint mixture that makes my feetsies thank me. I topped it off with a fresh coat of pink nail polish. It's made by NYC (New York Color) called Love Me Red Crème. I think it's a very deep pink, definitely not a red and has a bit of a sheen luster.

 

I am wrapping up this day, and getting ready for work tomorrow. I might even make muffins for those of us less unfortunate workers who didn't schedule Friday off work!

Trying to talk Joe into watching Les Mis and lots of love until next time.

Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle Recipe

Invited to a cook-out? Offered to bring a dessert? Stressing because you can't think of anything that is quick and easy? 

 

 

That is me every holiday, event, or get-together. However, I have found my go-to recipe that, so far, everyone has enjoyed! All the ingredients are things you would have in your pantry at any given time. I have discovered that late spring to late summer is the best time to make this dish, as it is prime time season for beautiful strawberries and blueberries.

 

One year, I took this dish to Thanksgiving because my cousin begged and pleaded for it. He ate, no joking, half of the trifle dish he enjoyed it so much. Then thanked me endlessly because he said it is one of his favorite desserts. I am glad I went through the struggle of finding acceptable fruits and spending the time to layer it to perfection. My dear cousin who loves the Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle passed that following Christmas. This dish is near and dear to my heart. I remember the first time I made it after he passed, I cried and cried while preparing the ingredients. No lie, that time it was made with love and tears.

 

 

Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle

 

This picture does not do it justice, but it was A Ha! blog post!

 

 

Ingredients:

2 Blocks of Cream Cheese: Softened

1 Tub of Whipped Topping (*I have learned through trial and error, the Great Value brand works 10x better than name brand.)

1 Cup of Sugar

1-2 Carton(s) of Blueberries (depending how blueberry-y you want it)

1-2 Carton(s) of Strawberries: Sliced (depending how strawberry-y you want it)

1 Bag or Tub of Strawberry Glaze (Sugar Free works well too)

1 Angel Food Cake (I buy pre-made to save on time)

 

Tools:

1 Large Mixing Bowl

1 Medium Mixing Bowl

Hand Mixer

Clear Deep Bowl or Trifle Dish (recommended)

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the topping.

In the large bowl, using the hand mixer, mix together cream cheese, whipped topping, and cup of sugar until fluffy and light. This step does take some time to ensure the ingredients are mixed well together and the mixture is not grainy from the sugar. Unfortunately, a hand mixer is a must! It is soooo hard to get the ingredients mixed properly without one!

 



 

Step 2: Prepare the fruit glaze/mixture.

In the medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, blueberries, and strawberry glaze. Make sure all fruit is coated with the glaze. *Leave some strawberry slices and blueberries to garnish*

 

Step 3: Prepare the Angel Food Cake

Tear the angel food cake into bite size pieces.

 

Step 4: Get to Layering!

In your trifle dish, place a layer of angel food cake pieces to cover the bottom of the bowl. Layer with some of the fruit mixture. And... layer with the whipped topping. Continue with this pattern until all the ingredients are gone. *Be sure that your top layer is the whipped topping!!!*

 

Cake, Fruit, Whipped Topping, Cake, Fruit, Whipped Topping..... shew! Usually this recipe will let you layer the trifle dish two complete times.

 

Step 5: Garnish and ENJOY!

Once the dish is layered, garnish with any leftover strawberries or blueberries. Eat and Enjoy!

 

This dish does need to stay refrigerated as long as possibly. This allows the glaze and whipped topping set and not be so runny while eating. This yields 8-10 medium servings and 12-14 small servings.

 

Enjoy this quick, easy recipe with your family this holiday.

 

Sending sweet love to my cousin above and lots of love until next time!