Bacon Ranch Potato Salad #baconmonth #putsomepiginit

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad - Even people who don't like traditional potato salad like this! Perfect for cookouts or tailgating! #sidedish #baconmonth #putsomepiginit 


I was digging through one of my old recipe boxes the other day and ran across this recipe I got from a friend many years ago. I haven't made it in quite awhile and thought it would be the perfect side dish for our Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. It's perfect when you want a different kind of potato salad or for those people who don't like traditional potato salad.


This Bacon Ranch Potato Salad is perfect for cookouts, potlucks or tailgating parties since it's such a crowd-pleaser! It's easy to make and can easily be doubled to feed a small army! Enjoy!



Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
Printable recipe
Yield: 8 servings

2-2½ lb. red potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 pkg (1 oz.) ranch dressing mix
1 pkg. (12-16 oz.) bacon, cooked and crumbled
1½ cups (6 oz.) Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Season the water with salt, if desired. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and allow the potatoes to cook until tender - about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes in to a colander and run under cold water to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and ranch dressing mix. Add the potatoes, bacon, Cheddar and green onions. Gently stir the mixture until it is well combined. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours before serving. 



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Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Loaded Bacon & Cheese Fries
Macaroni Salad
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Elvis Puddin' Cookies #baconmonth #putsomepiginit

The "King" would approve of these Elvis Puddin' Cookies! A peanut butter, banana pudding cookie filled with bits of bacon and chocolate! #baconmonth #putsomepiginit


With all of these "Elvis" themed recipes on my blog, I'm starting to think I might need help! Maybe it's just the shock factor for me? People always seem to flock to bacon dishes and they tend to be surprised when you tell them there's bacon in any kind of dessert! At least in the dessert world, bananas and peanut butter sound like they belong with bacon, don't they? Making a dish or dessert with that combo seems natural and calling it "Elvis" comes with the territory - his sandwich preferences are quite well known after all.

Since bacon month is winding down, I have to tell y'all, I have had a ton of ideas to share over the past few weeks. My original recipe today was supposed to be a salad (I will probably be sharing that in the future some time!) How this ended up being cookies, I'll never know - other than it was a lightbulb moment! Or maybe my thought process is really that random?



Elvis Puddin' Cookies
Printable recipes
Yield: about 40 cookies

¾ cup butter (1½ sticks) butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 box (3.4 oz.) instant banana cream pudding
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup mini chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla; mix well.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and dry pudding. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in the bacon and chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat. Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in a covered container.



This is a cookie the King of Rock n' Roll would have loved!

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Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Elvis Banana Split
Banana Fluffernutter Crepes
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Onion Rings - Thin and Crispy!

These Thin and Crispy Onion Rings are perfect for burgers, as a side dish or eat them for a snack! You might want to double the recipe though - they're addicting! You have to wonder how something so simple can be so darn good?! #onionrings #sidedish #snacks

Call me crazy, but I love onions! I especially love these Onion Rings because they're thin and crispy .... and not full of some thick batter with a little bit of onion! You can taste the onion! I originally made these to go with hamburgers, but I couldn't stop eating them! Seriously ... I had to make more! Be forewarned, you will not be able to restrain yourself - or maybe that's just me?!
I know a few people who know these as "onion straws" ... whatever you call them, they're delicious! And simple!! Super simple! A mandolin or a food processor is the easiest way to get super thin slices - but if you don't have those tools, a sharp knife and steady hand will do the trick too! (watch those fingers though!)
In a pinch, regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice (1 tsp. lemon juice or vinegar and fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk - allow to stand for about 5 minutes before using) can be substituted for the buttermilk.
Serve these Onion Rings on your favorite burger, along side a juicy steak, as an appetizer or as a side dish. You really can't go wrong! Enjoy! :)



Onion Rings - Thin and Crispy!
Printable recipe
Yield: varies

1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying

Place onion rings in a container. Pour buttermilk over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit for at least an hour.

In a separate shallow dish (such as a pie plate), combine the flour with salt and pepper. 

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 375°F.

Working in batches, take some of the onions from the buttermilk and coat in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and immediately place the onions in hot oil. Carefully mix the onions in the oil with a metal slotted spoon (to break them up) and allow to cook until golden brown. Remove onions from oil with a metal slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining onion slices.



Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Loaded Bacon & Cheese Fries
Pesto Cheese Ball
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

How To Grow Your Blog e-Book

If you have ever wanted the "inside information" from some of your favorite bloggers, here is your chance! With more than 30 bloggers sharing all of their secrets, tips, tricks and tutorials - you can learn how to grow your blog with this e-Book! They did it and so can you! #ebook #growyourblog #bloggingtips



Have you heard? More than 30 blogger have put together an awesome e-Book FULL of blogging information. We're talking over 150 pages on everything you can think of! Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned blogger, you are sure to find some really great information in this e-book! In the How To Grow Your Blog e-Book, you will find topics like: starting a blog, writing a post, social media, how to get content seen, organization, and how to grow your blog! You're getting insider tips from more than 30 bloggers ... you're learning things that have worked for them - and may help you too!

One of the questions I get asked all of the time is, "what is my secret" to Facebook. It's no secret really, but I do have some tips that have worked for me - and they're included in this e-Book! Even though I have been blogging for 2½ years, I have found some very useful information in the How To Grow Your Blog e-Book! Since I tend to favor Facebook, I suck when it comes to other social media platforms - but thanks to some of my bloggy friends who helped write this book, I now know the things that work for them and I can't wait to start implementing them! I also can't wait to read the organization chapter - I NEED that info! ;)
Meet the bloggers behind the How To Grow Your Blog e-Book:

The Best Blog Recipes | Buns In My Oven

Six Sisters Stuff | Your Homebased Mom

Your Modern Family | Say Not Sweet Anne

Living Better Together | Play.Party.Pin.

Just Us Four | This Silly Girl's Life

The {Sweet} Tooth Life | Deliciously Sprinkled

Creme de la Crumb | Bakerette

Seven Thirty Three | The Stitchin' Mommy

Beauty Through Imperfection | Pint-sized Treasures

Life With The Crust Cut Off | Love Bakes Good Cakes

DesignedByBH | Mother's Niche

I Dig Pinterest | The Whole Smiths

Titi-Crafty by Camila | Food Faith Fitness

Food Folks and Fun | Life Currents

I'm Topsy Turvy | Mommy is coocoo!  

Click here to see more details and to purchase the e-Book! Since it's an instant download, you can start learning and growing your blog immediately! 

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Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends #43

Welcome to Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends! I'm so glad you stopped by! This is an anything goes, no rules party! Link up your recipes, projects, crafts, printables ... and yes, you can even link up your giveaways!

If you don't already follow us on Pinterest, I would love for you to follow us - you can even do it right here:

Love Bakes Good Cakes
My Turn for us

Love Bakes Good Cakes has teamed up with My Turn for us to bring you the best "no rules" party around! We try to promote as many links as we can on social media - to bring more exposure to all of your projects!

Let's check out this week's features:

Features - Top to bottom, Left to right
MOST VIEWED - Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts from The Seasoned MomBlueberry Pancakes from Jodie FitzDIY Upcycled T-shirt Scarf from You Brew My TeaDIY Canvas Wall Art from A Mom's TakeBuckeye Brownie Cookies from OMG Chocolate Desserts
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Disclaimer: By submitting a link to this party, you are allowing authorization for your projects to be shared and/or featured on social media and our blogs. All features will be linked directly back to the original site. Any links shared will link back to the party and your corresponding number in the party.

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Orange Chicken (Better Than Panda Express) #SuccessRice

Orange Chicken (Better Than Panda Express!) - Who needs takeout when you can make it better at home? #chicken #SuccessRice #ad


I have been craving Orange Chicken for weeks. Yes, for weeks! Although, it sounds easy enough to just go pick up some takeout from one of my favorite local Asian food joints - it's not that easy .... it's a 20 mile trip - one way!! We live out in the middle of the desert, literally. Thankfully, I keep a well stocked pantry which allows me to make some of my favorite takeout meals at home! Thanks to Success® Rice for sponsoring this post written by me. 
Having Success® Rice in you pantry is perfect for a busy weeknight or for entertaining with family and friends. Being able to take shortcuts in the kitchen without sacrificing quality or taste, will help you pull off a successful dinner. Some of my favorite dinnertime shortcuts are bagged salads, jarred sauces and of course, Success® Rice.

Success® Jasmine Rice is the only Boil-in-Bag Jasmine rice available. It has a buttery, nutty fragrance, silky, smooth grains and delivers fully cooked rice in 10 minutes! It's pre-portioned, BPA-free boil-in-bag means no mess and no measuring involved! Success® Rice cooks up perfectly every time. The brown and white rice can sit up to 30 minutes before being served - giving you plenty of time to get dinner together and it's foolproof!
Success® Rice has four varieties available including: Success® Whole Grain Brown Rice and Success® White Rice, and globally-inspired aromatic varieties of Success® Rice, including fragrant Thai Jasmine or Basmati Rice. Success® Jasmine Rice is perfect for Asian-themed dishes, while Success® Basmati Rice is perfect for Indian-themed dishes. With Success® Rice, you can easily take your family on a culinary journey at mealtime!
Your favorite takeout place doesn't have anything on this homemade version of Orange Chicken! This is easily one of my family's favorite weeknight meals - and it's the dinner Isaac requested for his birthday this year! I hope you enjoy!



Orange Chicken (Better Than Panda Express)
Printable recipe
Yield: 6 servings

For the chicken:
1½-2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 eggs
splash of milk
1-1½ cups cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:
1 cup orange juice
zest of 1 large orange
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup sugar
½ cup rice vinegar
1 tsp. Sriracha sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp. cornstarch

Additional Ingredients:
Success® Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Sliced green onions (optional)

Heat oil in a fryer to 375°F.

In a shallow dish (such as a pie plate), combine the eggs and milk. Place the cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Season the cornstarch with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

Dip the chicken pieces into the cornstarch, shaking off the excess. Place the chicken into the egg mixture coating well, allowing excess to drip off. Place the chicken back into the cornstarch, coating well. Shake off the excess cornstarch and place the chicken pieces into the hot oil. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your fryer. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces until they are all golden brown and no longer pink. (To keep chicken warm when cooking in batches, place on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.) 

Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package directions. 

While the chicken and rice are cooking, you can prepare the Orange Sauce. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, constantly stirring, until the mixture has thickened and reduced by half. Set aside.

Once all of the chicken is cooked, gently stir it into the prepared Orange Sauce, coating all of the pieces.

To plate: Place Success® Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice on a plate or in a bowl. Top with chicken. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.


Visit the Success Rice website for more recipe ideas and for more info about cooking with the four different varieties. For recipe inspiration, lifestyle tips and more, like and follow Success Rice's social media pages: Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 
Do you have a favorite Success® Rice, or is there one you would like to try? I would love for you to tell me in the comments!
Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Orange Slice Cupcakes
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Success® Rice.

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Sweet & Salty Trail Mix #SnacktoSchool #LoveYourRaisins

Sweet & Salty Trail Mix - a convenient and portable choice for wholesome, healthy, on-the-go snacking.  #SnacktoSchool #LoveYourRaisins #CleverGirls

We're finally getting back into a school routine at the Love Bakes Good Cakes house. Let me tell you, I may be reconsidering how we homeschool the kiddos in favor of year-round homeschool from now on! I'm sure public school teachers have quite the adjustment during the first week or so of school too ... it is a job trying to get everyone on the same page - and I only have 3 little people this year!
Now that we're figuring out our schedule, I feel like I can relax just a little bit. The older two kiddos pretty much know how things are done during the school year, but for Gabriel, he is easily distracted (as most five year olds are). He loves doing "school" (as he likes to say), but sometimes becomes frustrated that things aren't all play anymore.

To help motivate him - and to give our family an easy and healthy after school snack, I had Gabriel help me mix up some homemade Sweet & Salty Trail Mix. If I can be perfectly honest, I want to cry when I see the prices of the premade trail mixes at the store! I really cannot justify spending so much money on something we can just as easily make at home! 
I turn making trail mix into a learning experience. Gabriel likes to count the scoops as we add them to the bowl and add them all up. We sometimes do patterns while we eat the trail mix and he even tries to teach Abby her colors with the M&M's. Learning never ends when you have kiddos - there are tons of opportunities to get them involved and make learning fun - and they may not even realize they just added 7 cups of ingredients or created an awesome pattern with trail mix! :)
Some of the reasons I love this Sweet & Salty Trail Mix is that it's simple and easy! It contains California raisins which are all-natural and dried by the sun! The ingredient list on my raisin box says it all - one ingredient: raisins! Pair that with some of my favorite nuts to give this trail mix some healthy, unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E and other essential vitamins and minerals! For a sweet treat and an extra bit of antioxidants, I add dark chocolate candy pieces! This makes a convenient and portable snack idea. And did I mention, delicious?! 
Did you know that according to the USDA, raisins are the most economical dried fruit?! My kiddos love to add raisins to muffins and oatmeal at breakfast time - and of course this trail mix for snacking! California raisins come by their sweetness naturally - there is zero fat, no cholesterol and no added sugar. Plus, raisins offer 9% of your daily fiber and potassium, and 6% of your daily iron (per quarter cup serving). 



Sweet & Salty Trail Mix
Printable recipe
Yield: 7 cups (one serving is about ¼ cup)

2 cups California raisins
1 cup lightly salted sunflower seeds
1 cup whole natural almonds
1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
1 cup roasted and salted pistachios
1 cup dark chocolate M&M's

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently until thoroughly combined. Place in an airtight container.



For more information about California raisins, be sure to check out www.loveyourraisins.com or follow California raisins on Facebook or Twitter! If you visit their Facebook page, you can sign up to receive a California raisins prize pack (limited supply, while quantities last). 

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Cookie Mix
Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved