If you find yourself short on time these busy days leading up to New Year’s, this recipe is for you! Mac and cheese is everyone’s favorite, and this is an easy way to make it without the hassle. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot and forget about it!

Photos: Crockpot Gourmet, Culinary Cory, Pip and Debby.

Make this pizza cake for your next birthday party and we’re sure that you will amaze your guests! The pizza cake won’t be forgotten, and we bet you’ve never had anything like this! Follow along with these simple steps to make the ultimate pizza cake for your next birthday party!

Ultimate Pizza Birthday Layer Cake

Serves 6

Make this pizza cake for your next birthday party!

Ingredients

• 2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce of your choice
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
2. Measure the diameter of your tall-sided pan. The pan used here is 6″ x 4″.
3. Unroll 1 can of dough onto a floured surface and press it out into a thin layer.
4. Cut out three 6″ rounds and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.
5. Remove rounds from the cookie sheet onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely.
6. Unroll the last can of dough and cut out two 6″ rounds from long edge of dough, and leave the opposite side untouched.
7. Place the rounds on cooled cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 8 minutes and remove from the cookie sheet to cool.
9. Line your tall pan with parchment paper, and allow the ends of the paper to stick up and out.
10. Cut out a long strip of dough that’s at least 1/2″ wider than the height of your pan.
11. Drape the long strip of dough around the inside edge of the pan to line it, and leave a 1/2″ part hanging over the outside edge of pan and bottom of pan open.
12. Pinch to seal.
13. Place 1 partially baked crust round in the bottom of your pan. Spread pizza sauce over the crust. Top with pepperoni and mozzarella. Repeat with other 3 layers.
14. For the top layer, place the last crust over the cheese and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Arrange pepperoni on top.
15. Fold the overhanging dough over the top layer of pizza cake to make a raised crust edge.
16. Bake the pizza cake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough around the edges is fully cooked.
17. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
18. Remove the pizza from the pan and brush with butter.
19. Cut out slices like you would a cake.

 Photos: Pillsbury

We love seafood, and now that the weather is getting chilly, making seafood stew is a great idea. Serve this tasty stew with crusty bread to warm yourself up this fall! In this recipe, crabs, clams, white fish, and shrimp infused with herbs were used, blending the flavors that will have your guests wanting more than one bowl!

Cioppino Stew

Seafood stew you can make on weeknights if you want a quick and healthy dinner!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red-pepper flakes
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes with juice, crushed
• 1 1/4 cups dry white wine
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup bottled clam juice
• 2 pounds shell-on king crab legs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 24 littleneck clams, scrubbed well
• 1 pound firm, skinless white fish fillets (such as red snapper, sea bass, or halibut), cut into bite-size pieces
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp (about 30), peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Add in thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
2. Add tomatoes and their juice, white wine, water, and clam juice. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add crab and clams. Simmer covered, until crab shells turn bright pink and clam shells open, about 10 minutes. Season fish with salt and pepper. Add fish and shrimp to stockpot. Simmer, covered, until fish is opaque and shrimp are pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard bay leaf and any unopened clams.
4. Remove pot from heat and stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Photos: Taste Food Blog, This Mama Cooks. Recipe: Martha Stewart.

We love stews! They’re great to make any time of the year, and they’re perfect for dinner on weeknights. Tomatoes, carrots, onions, beef, and celery are slow baked in red wine and tomato sauce in this comforting stew. Get out some crusty bread for dipping, and you have a delicious and protein-packed meal that is sure to satisfy your whole family!

Easy Beef Vegetable Stew

Easy enough to make for weeknight dinners, this beef stew is delicious and packed with protein. Leftovers can be frozen for future emergency dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds stew beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 10-12 small potatoes, halved
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 10-12 pearl onions
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350 F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a 10″ cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add beef and cook for 7-8 minutes until the meat is browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove the beef from the skillet and without removing the pan drippings, add the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, beef stock, and red wine. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced. Season again with a pinch more salt and pepper.
5. Return the beef to the pot, add in the onions and rosemary.
6. Place the skillet in the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Cook for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional

Photos and recipe: Roxana’s Home Baking.

This tiered hanging planter can be made in a day, and with basic woodworking tools. What’s great about this planter is when you water the top plant, the runoff from the previous pot drips into the plants below. All you need to do is place a little dish or bucket underneath to catch any excess water, and it makes watering all 4 plants a breeze!

What you will need:

– scrap wood

– jigsaw

– terracotta pots

– rope

– 3/8″ boring bit

– paintbrush and paint

– drill

– plants

– metal ring

Step 1:

Measure the plank of wood and mark it to create a square with 3/4″ to 1″ of space around your pot.

Step 2:

Trace the lip of the pot onto the wood. Trace a circle within the circumference of the one you drew but spaced 1/4″ from the outer circle. You can also use a circular template that’s 1/4″ inches smaller that the radius of the pot to do the same thing. You’ll end up with 2 concentric circles. One has a radius of 1/4″ smaller than the first. Repeat with all 4 squares.

Step 3:

Clamp the first piece of wood to a stable surface. Drill a hole into the center of the circles with the 3/8″ boring bit. This will provide space for the jigsaw blade to enter the wood so you can begin cutting. Work slowly and in sections. Use the jigsaw to cut out the shape of the inner circle. Repeat with all 4 squares.

Step 4:

When you’ve cut out the inner circles, clamp a single square down to a piece of scrap wood. Using a ruler, make a dot in the 4 corners of the squares, 1/2″ in from each side. Use the 3/8″ boring bit to drill holes through the wood at the 4 corner marks. Repeat with all 4 squares.

Step 5:

If you like, you can paint the sides of your squares. You can also paint your rope if you want a different color. Only paint the 2 cut edges on each square, and position the squares on the ropes so that the unpainted and painted edges alternate when it’s hanging.

Step 6:

It’s now time to hang your squares! Space your plants 12″ apart (choose more or less depending on the size of your plants). Cut 4 lengths of rope and tie them together in a knot 6″ from the top. Use the 6″ rope strands to secure the ropes to the metal ring.

Step 7:

Hang the ring and slide the first wood square onto all 4 strands, about 12″ from the top knot. Tie a knot directly underneath the wood square on all 4 ropes. Place the plant into the opening, making sure it’s level.

Step 8:

Repeat step 7 with the remaining 3 squares. After the last square is on and the knots are tied underneath, cut off any extra rope.

Finished! Find a sunny spot for your new planter and fill the squares with your plants.

Photos and idea: Design Sponge.

We’ve all heard stories that you shouldn’t wash your wooden deck with a power washer. If done improperly, a power washer can actually etch the wood and ruin your deck. With these helpful tips, your deck will look good as new, and with a power washer, can be done in the blink of an eye.

How to Choose the Right Pressure and Tip for Your Deck

Power washers are versatile and they can be used for almost any task. They have different pressure ratings and tip styles depending on what you need to use them for. To clean wood, use the following pressure and tip selections:

1. Make sure you use a low pressure as possible, while still effectively cleaning your deck.

2. Soft wood like cedar or pine needs to be cleaned at about 500 psi. Harder woods may go higher, but never use more than 1200-1500 psi.

3. Preferably, you should use a fan tip or a rotating tip.

4. Start the water pressure by depressing the trigger away from people and windows, and at least 24 inches away from your wooden deck. Feather the water pressure into the range of 12-18 inches from your deck.

5. Never get closer than 12 inches from your wooden deck (unless it’s at a low pressure).

6. Before washing your entire deck, test the pressure and effectiveness in an inconspicuous area.

Washing Technique

1. Set your pressure first to 600 psi to see if it will be effective on your deck. Increase pressure as needed to clean the deck properly without damaging the wood surface.

2. Engage the power washer trigger away from the deck and lower the wand to 12 inches from the surface. Use a sweeping motion to clean the deck. Keep a consistent distance as you sweep.

3. Work with the grain of the wood by spraying lengthwise with the deck boards. You want to get an even clean without any cleaning edges visible.

If you are unable to wash your own deck or do not have the power tools, consider hiring a professional. One of our favorite Long Island power washing companies is Beyond Maids inc. at 74 Newark st. Lindenhurst NY 11757 call 631-774-2685.

Raised Wood Fibres

Sometimes during power washing, raised wood fibres can appear and create a rough surface. You can fix this by sanding the area smooth. Make sure you check for raised fibres around handrails, as they can give you splinters.

Photos: PRT Landscaping, Grime Blaster, A Glass Act.

This patriotic toast is perfect for a Fourth of July breakfast. Cream cheese, raspberry jam, blueberries, and bananas make it healthy and filling. Make it in the morning, or have it for brunch. Pair it with a nice, cold glass of milk to top it off!

Putting together this toast is easy, there isn’t even a recipe! Take a piece of toast and slather with cream cheese. Layer on raspberry jam and create a star corner with blueberries. Arrange halved banana slices to make the stripes. Get the kids to help you assemble this tasty toast, we’re sure they’ll be grabbing seconds!

Want more patriotic recipes or decor ideas? Take a look at these!

American Flag Party Fruit Skewers

Easy Patriotic Bandana Decor

Patriotic Porch Decor Ideas

This DIY is perfect for people who are on a budget, but still want their windows to offer some privacy. It’s also great for renters, because the fabric peels right off the window when you’re ready to take it down, or just want a change! We’ve teamed up with Fairclaims Roofing to help give us some tip on this easy window privacy idea!

What you will need:

Fabric of your choice, water, cornstarch, scissors, ruler, a piece of paper, and a paintbrush.

Step 1:

Measure your window that you want to cover and cut out a piece of paper to the exact measurements. Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles, and lay the paper flat on the fabric. Cut the fabric out to the size of the paper.

Step 2:

Mix equal parts cornstarch and hot water and brush it onto the window with a paint brush. Smooth out the fabric so it covers the window from end to end.

Step 3:

To remove, simply peel the fabric off the window and wash the window with warm water.

Photos and idea: Anna Belvita.

Who needs store-bought salad dressing when home-made is way better? Here are 4 salad dressing recipes that you need to know by heart! Use them as dressing, or as a dip. Our home-made Italian dressing can even be used to marinade fish or chicken! Making your own home-made salad dressings are super simple and quick to make, even if you are short on time.

Easy Ranch Dressing

This dressing is best when made fresh, but it can sit for up to 3 days in the fridge. This recipe makes enough to dress 1 salad.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp buttermilk
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1-3 tsp finely chopped fresh chives, mint, or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk together buttermilk and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.
2. If you like, whisk in rice vinegar, garlic powder, and herbs.
3. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Blue Cheese Dressing

This dressing is perfect as a dip, or drizzling over iceberg lettuce topped with bacon bits. This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of dressing, and can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl, use a fork to mash mash the cheese and sour cream together until a chunky paste is formed.
2. Mix in buttermilk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper

Balsamic Vinaigrette

This balsamic vinaigrette is a salad staple that every cook should know. Really simple, this barely even needs a recipe. With only 4 simple ingredients, this dressing is simple to make but big on flavor. Makes about 1 cup of dressing. This dressing will keep on the counter for several weeks, but refrigerate if you add any fresh ingredients

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper
• Extras: mustard, shallots, garlic, fresh/dried herbs, honey or brown sugar.

Instructions

1. Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a jar or other air-tight container.
2. Add a big pinch of salt and a little bit of black pepper to taste. Screw on lid and shake well.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Italian Salad Dressing

Red and white wine vinegar add plenty of punch to this salad dressing. The mustard adds the perfect tanginess and also thickens the dressing, while the honey helps balance all the ingredients. This dressing is not only for salads, but can be used as a marinade for fish and chicken, too. You can also use it as a veggie dip. This recipe makes 1 1/2 cups of dressing, and can be stored in the fridge for several weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 2 tbsp finely chopped shallots
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp salt (add more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in an air-tight jar or container.
2. Shake well until the mixture is well-combined and until it has thickened.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Photos: The Kitchn.

Everyone knows that bundt cake and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly! This poppy seed bundt cake is the perfect companion to your coffee. Whether it’s sitting outside with a good book, slice of bundt cake, and a cup of coffee, or serving it to your guests as a dessert, we’re sure that this cake is perfect for any occasion! In this recipe we used vanilla pudding mix, which adds the perfect taste and sweetness to this cake.

Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

Easy and quick cake that you can whip up anytime! Perfect for coffee or tea breaks and dessert. We’re sure your guests will be impressed and reach for seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease and flour a 10 inch bundt pan.
3. In a bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, and poppy seeds. Make a well in the center and add the water, oil, and eggs. Beat on low until well combined. Pour batter into bundt pan.
4. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Leave it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Photos: Bite, Herald Sun