• Travel & Vacation: Cruising with the Family

    Snapping a picture of Jake from across the table

    After a fun full day at Labadee, Haiti swimming in the Aqua Park,  zipping down the giant water slide, and time at the beach while some people went parasailing.  We enjoyed some evening activities on the boat after our great day at Haiti.  That night the girls ate lobster, tiger shrimp and steak for dinner.  They had a grand time hanging out with the entire family.

    Karlie was so happy!  She got her own lobster tail (and she eat it all)! 🙂

    One kiddo down during dinner….it’s been a busy day!

    Singing “Happy Birthday” to Amber!  Happy Birthday Amber!

    Singing “Happy Birthday” to Josh!  Happy Birthday Josh!  Amber and Josh got an awesome piece of cheesecake in celebration of their birthday.

    Family at evening dinner

    Zach and Nicko hanging out at the table

    Leo all smiles

    Karlie Kool Kat

     Hanging out with my sweet nephew!

    Do you see the girls in this picture? They are on up a floor higher than us.

  • Thanksgiving Recipe: Hugs & Kisses Cheesecake

    The best for last…..yes dessert!  I love dessert, pretty much any type of sweet is good with me!  I started making this chocolate chip cheesecake about 10 years ago.  Not sure where we got the recipe from but it has been a hit at many events.  If you are looking for something delicious but different for the Thanksgiving dessert try this one out.

    Hugs & Kisses Cheesecake:

    • 2 – (3 ounce) packages of Cream Cheese, softened
    • 1 (14 ounce) can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1 cup mini Chocolate Chips
    • 1 teaspoon Flour
    • 1 prepared Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust (8 or 9 inch) OR make your own with 2 cups of Oreo Cookies and a tablespoon of melted butter.
    • Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses (optional on top as decorations)

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix cream cheese until fluffy; slowly beat in the Sweetened Condensed Milk until smooth.  Add egg and vanilla and mix well.

    Toss chocolate chips with flour and stir into cream cheese mixture.  Pour into the crust.

    Bake for 35 minutes or until the center springs back when lightly touched.  Cool completely.

    Optional – Chocolate Glaze:  Heat 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/4 cup whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat.  Stir until thickened and smooth.  Immediately spread over cooled cheesecake.

    Optional – Decorate the edges of the cheesecake with chocolate shavings and / or Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses.

    Once complete refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serve chilled.

    Picture courtesy of Tastebook!