Valentine Oreo Cookies

 

2 boxes strawberry flavored cake mix

1 cup vegetable oil (or 1 1/2 cups shortening)

4 eggs

Combine ingredients in mixing bowl til well blended. Form dough into a 1-1 1/2" balls. To shape into a heart I took a butter knife and sliced into one side of the ball just a little bit to make the top of the heart. I then took the dough that is on each side of the knife and pulled away from the knife, creating space between the slit I made with the knife. I then squeezed the dough together on the opposite end from the slit, creating the bottom point of the heart. I did have to flatten the top (face) of the heart just a bit too. Be creative and make a heart how you can.

Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 min. Til the top starts to crack and lose it's gloss.

Let the cookie cool then make a sandwich with the filling...

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

1 TB vanilla

2 3/4 cups powdered sugar

*I found this recipe on pinterest. I was worried the strawberry cookie was going to be too sweet, but the husband gave them 2 thumbs! Definitely a fun new Valentine treat we will be doing again!

Team Kenton

UPDATED...
Dear Family and Friends...
I want to share with you about an AMAZING young man.

Kenton Reynolds....

I first heard about Kenton from seeing on several signs around town that said, "TEAM KENTON". I was very curious to find out what TEAM KENTON was and it didn't take me long to find out on FB seeing as all my neighbors knew who HE was.

Then, my daughter, Brindley came home from school and told me about Kenton. She knew Kenton from school. She shared with me how funny Kenton was and that everyone loved to be around him. Brindley said that one time on the bus ride home they were talking and he told her how excited he was to go to Young Men's at church.

I have been following his story for awhile now. Kenton was diagnosed with Leukemia in June of 2012. He has gone through all the treatments along with a bone marrow transplant. Last week they shared with everyone the news that no one wants to hear.

I want everyone to know of this Young Man. With out even meeting him in person, he has taught me and my family so much. He is a Super Hero to me. Our family prays for him daily and I ask if all of you would remember him and his Dad, Mom and younger sister in your prayers.

You can find out more about Kenton and his family on his FB page: TEAM KENTON

From what I understand, the parents are taking time from work to spend their time with him. Their income will be cut and they will need help with expenses. Even $5 will help them. If you would like to help you can do a paypal donation at (chubby dog@comcast.net), or you can donate at Wells Fargo Team Kenton account. Thanks so much!

Kenton, you are one of Heavenly Father's choicest spirits.

Steak Marinade AKA Carne Asada Marinade

Recipe taken from Allrecipes.com.

3/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup lime juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon finely chopped canned chipotle pepper (we substitute crushed red pepper for this) 

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (we leave this out for the steak marinade)

1/2 cup olive oil

If using for steak marinade:

Whisk all ingredients together. Place 3 lbs of your choice of cut steak in a double zip gallon bag. Pour marinade in back. Zip it and massage meat with the marinade. Place in fridge and let marinate for several hours. The longer the marinate the more flavor in the steak. We usually start it 18-24 hours before. Turn steaks and massage them every few hours. (I don't miss my sleep to do this. :)) When ready, remove steaks from bag, grill them over medium high heat til cooked to your likeness. (When blood starts to sweat from the top of the steak, turn it over.) Discard the used Marinade!

If using for a marinade for Carne Asada:

Combine the orange, lemon, and lime juice in a large glass or ceramic bowl along with the garlic, soy sauce, chipotle pepper, chili power, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and cilantro. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until marinade is well combined. Remove one cup of the marinade and place in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for use after the meat is cooked.

Place the flank steak between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound the steak with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/4 inch. After pounding, poke steak all over with a fork. Add the meat to the marinade in the large bowl, cover, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Remove the steak from the marinade and grill to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Discard used marinade. Remove meat from heat and slice across the grain.

Pour the one cup of reserved, unused marinade over the hot meat and serve immediately.

**Jim found this recipe and used it for Carne Asada when we did our Cinco De Mayo dinner. I was hesitant to try it, but when I did...I LOVED IT! We now use it to marinate our steak. I don't use my Hienz 57 anymore! YUMMIEST WAY TO HAVE A STEAK!