Happy Easter Nests

I made these 'nests' for the grandchildren and they loved them! I use the same recipe for Krispie Treats except I use Chinese egg noodles instead of Rice Krispies. Since they really don't have much of a taste to them, they do really well for nests.

German Chocolate Cookies

We have a local bakery here called Parsons which makes the BEST chocolate cookie--ever!!! In fact, if you don't get there by 2 pm, they're alllll gone! This is my attempt to come a little close in duplicating these gems...Start with a German chocolate cake mix and add 2 eggs, 1/2 c. shortening, 1/2 c. softened butter.
Mix well -- it will be thick.



I used the largest scoop I have -- the one on the left. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, drop batter and bake at 375 for 14 mins. (adjust time if you use a smaller scoop)



Oops what happened to that half cookie at the top?


Now, for the toppings...

Using a can of coconut/pecan frosting (or your own homemade version), place a dollop on each cookie. Then put a generous spoonful of chocolate fudge on top of that. So wonderfully messy!



I used the following recipe for the fudge...(but you could use Mrs. Richardson's fudge ice cream topping or a fudge frosting recipe)

Melt and cook the following together:

1 c. chocolate chips

1/2 c. butter

**3c. powdered sugar**

1 13oz. can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)

Stir constantly and cook until thickness of hot fudge - around 10-15 mins.

Add 2 tsp. vanilla. Cool in the refrigerator.

**If making this recipe for an ice cream topping use only 2 cups powdered sugar - I added one more to make it thicker for these cookies.**

Yummy

I Can See Clearly Now

The house is 30 years old and was in desperate need of new windows. The big bay in the living room had 'sprung a leak' -the seal had broken so it looked like the windows were filthy because of the moisture in between the double panes. They probably don't change anything for you, but for us, they make a HUGE difference. I still need to re-hang the blinds and curtains. I don't want to!! I changed the style here. The old one was one large window and I thought 2 would give the room more character. The old kitchen window would slide to the side and had no grids.

This is the old sewing room - now guest room. I had the grids placed only in the top half of the hung windows and a narrow grid in the middle of the bay.

The office.

This was not an inexpensive project, but to me, it was worth every dollar, and we'll save a little in our heating and electric bills.