winter--errr--autumn wonderland?!

it started snowing yesterday in the late morning. its still lightly snowing...more than 12 hours later! this is nuts! luckily we've only got about 2 inches, not the 5 they predicted! last year on october 27th-ish we got about 6 inches in 5 hours! i remember because one of emiliy's therapists got stranded here all afternoon! we live at the top of sparta mountain...i call it the twilight zone! we always experience more rain and more snow than any other part of the town! people are always shocked when they see the snow for the first time because 2 minutes down the road there will be nothing! so this is a heavy wet snow. hubby got about 5 fire calls in the middle of the night.(he's a volunteer fire fighter btw) mostly for downed trees and arcing wires. ugh, so i'm pooped from hearing his pager go off all night! we had a tree come down across our driveway, but hubs was able to move enough of it so we could get the cars out.

ok, moving on from the yuck-tastic snow! how about some yummies?! this week i made kraft foods' "the best meatballs". this is my second go with them. i wanted to make sure they were as good as the first time i had them. they did not disappoint! they will definitely be staying in the rotation! so here ya go...
The Best Meatballs
2 lb. ground beef 1 pkg. (
6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken(i used store brand)
1-1/4 cups water

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

LINE 2 (15x10x1-inch) pans with foil; spray with cooking spray. Mix ingredients until blended; shape into 32 (1-1/2-inch) balls, using 1/4 cup for each.

PLACE 16 meatballs in each prepared pan. Bake 16 to 18 min. or until done (160ºF).

(this pic is from the kraft foods website)

these are so easy, and so yummy. i've had them has meatball subs as well as over pasta. i plan on making a bunch to freeze. hubby and kiddies love them-bonus!


the office staff that hubby works with has been asking for me to bake something. who am i to refuse?!

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped
*i used my smallest cookie scoop, and ended up with about 65 cookies...get extra cups just in case this happens to you!!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well.
Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.(*i did not cool and remove from pan...i only have 2 mini muffin pans!! lol...i just used a fork to carefully remove them)



i hope everyone has a great weekend!! oh, and don't forget to check out vicki @ frugal mom knows best. she has tons of great halloween stuff for you to do with your family...as well as some giveaways...come on...ya know you want to ;o)