Elmo Birthday Cake

Christie Perkes'

Elmo Birthday Cake

Pattern from coloring book (attached)
1 - 9 inch round, layered cake frosted.
Butter Cream Frosting:
2 sticks butter (can use 1/2 shortening)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbls milk
1 tsp vanilla
(I made this recipe 1 1/2 times because I made 1/2 into chocolate to frost the cake. Add 4-6 Tbls of cocoa and 1 T. milk to make part of it into chocolate)

Use attached pattern of Elmo's face (or call Christie Perkes for a copy)
Cut out Elmo, his nose, and mouth (leave eyes)
Set Elmo pattern on cake and trace outline, nose, and mouth with a toothpick.
Use writing tip to trace black outline around face, eyes, nose, mouth (fill in mouth)
Use star tip to complete cake with white for eyes, orange for nose, and red for face.
Do a fun border with whatever is left in your tubes.
Have fun and remember, it is for a child who won't care if it's perfect!!
** I have the Wilton colors and a couple tips/bags if you want to borrow them.

Happy Birthday Ava!!!

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
http://picky-palate.com/2010/02/11/cinnamon-roll-sugar-cookies-yes/

2 Cups sugar
1 Cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup sour cream
6 Cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
~
12 tablespoons softened butter, (slice 2 Tablespoons 6 times totaling 12 tablespoons)
1 1/2 Cups packed light brown sugar, divided into 1/4 Cups
1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided

Frosting
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
2-4 Tablespoons milk, to thin icing

1. In an electric or stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream until well combined. Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined.

2. In 2 batches, place in plastic wrap in a disc shape and chill for at least 2 hours for best results.

3. Once chilled, cut each disc into thirds and roll into a 1/8 inch thick oval, about 12 inches X 5 inches. Spread each rolled pieces of dough with 2 Tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 Cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Start rolling from the long end closest to you, rolling into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut 1/2 inch pieces of dough then placing onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

4. To prepare frosting, beat the cream cheese until softened and smooth, slowly add powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency. Frost cookies then place in refrigerator until ready to serve. These are 100 times better chilled, trust me!!

Makes at least 6 dozen

Easy chicken Enchiladas

Dana Fuller's
Easy chicken Enchiladas

1 Costco rotisserie chicken shredded
1/2 an onion, minced
1 C. cilantro minced
pepper jack cheese, shredded
cheddar cheese, shredded
1 jar of Trader Joes enchilada sauce
corn tortillas

I shred up the chicken and mix in the minced onion and cilantro. I then add some shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese to the mixture. Add about 1/4 C of the sauce to moisten a bit. That is the extent of your filling.

I put a frying pan to med-high and add a T of olive oil. I then saute each side of the corn tortilla to soften it, adding more olive oil when needed. (Usually after 2 or 3 tortillas). I place them in the casserole pan and fill them with the mixture and roll them up placing them seam side down. I then pour the rest of the jar of enchilada sauce over the enchiladas. I top with more pepper jack and cheddar cheese and bake for 20 min at 350 degrees or until cheese is melted.