Tasty Tuesday--Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Cheese & Bacon

I've got a delicious surprise to share with you today. They are easy and delicious and one of our family favorites! I've shortened the method a bit by using Market Day's Baby Baked Potatoes, but you can easily steam or pre-bake the potatoes (I'll share that method with you, too!).

These pair up perfectly with grilled BBQ Ribs. I'll share that recipe with you next week!

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Cheese & Bacon
(adapted from Kraft Magazine)

1/2 bag of Baby Baked Potatoes (Market Day) or 1.5 lbs small red potatoes
Salt & Pepper to taste
Italian Seasoning to taste
3 Tbls Shredded Cheese
1 Tbls Bacon Bits
Cooking Spray

Follow the instructions on the bag for preparing the Baby Baked Potatoes via the microwave. If you have the small red potatoes, pierce and microwave until soft, turning often, about 10-15 minutes. Allow potatoes to cool slightly on a lightly sprayed cooking sheet. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take the bottom of a glass and press down on the potatoes to lightly smash, but still keeping the form. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle seasonings over potatoes. Place in oven for 10-12 minutes, turn over and cook for about 5 more minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon and place under broiler for 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately.

We've made these with cheese and bacon and without, but the family prefers them with the extra goodies! Hurry up and try these--you'll be glad you did!

SUMMER FUN!! Ideas to Keep the Kids Busy!

As I mentioned many times before, my kids are out for the summer! With the help of my blogging friends, I put together a list of fun things to keep the kids busy--rain or shine!

Getting Organized for Summer Learning--we all know how important it is! Find out My Scraps tips!

Did you know that many bowling alley's offer a free bowling program during the summer? Check it out over at There's Magic Out There.

Using your imagination and creative tools to create one-of-a-kind artwork! I like it! Find out the how-to over at Gummy Lump.

In the hustle and bustle of summer vacation, we can foget the need to relax and truly enjoy our surroundings. Perhaps Yoga could help! Get tips over at Comeback Momma.



Glamamama's Goodies shares ideas for rainy day activities.

For those who are local, there is an amazing zoo to visit in our neighborhood. Check out the details over at We Have It All.

I thought I would share our family list--the kids and I came up with this together! To print, just RIGHT CLICK picture, select SAVE AS and save in your desired file as a JPEG and print!

Super Simple Coach Gifts!

We've hit sports season full swing in our household. Thankfully, one of those sports has ended and we are back to a manageable schedule (sorta!). Hailey finished up her volleyball season at the local YMCA two weekends ago, but her Pizza Party was this past week. Unfortunately, it landed on the same night as a soccer game, so she was unable to go. We quickly stopped by the party on our way to the game to present her coach with a little gift. He was a great coach and really encouraged her to move forward with volleyball. It was a great season!

I framed this volleyball subway art that I created. To PRINT, right click, select SAVE PICTURE AS and download to your desired folder. Print on 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock paper. I cut mine down to fit into a 5x7 picture frame. 

I then made a customized candy wrapper for him.

They are simple gifts, but at least he knows we appreciate what he did for the girls! Now, I'm off to run in the 5k Color Vibe run with a few friends! I'll post pictures later on Instagram--come check them out!