The first is a Turkey Alfredo pizza: it's so yummy and so easy! Start with your favorite baked crust. I use Baboli, the regular thick one. I then spoon Alfredo sauce over the crust. You can make your own or buy an already prepared one from the store. I use Bultoni but you can use any kind really. Then top with chopped fresh spinach and chopped left over turkey. Finally sprinkle about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or a blend of shredded Italian cheese. Place in a pre heated oven (450 degrees) for about 8-10 minutes. The pizza can be placed on a cookie sheet for a softer crust or directly on to the middle rack for crisper crust. Isn't that easy? Easy but such a nice snack when watching the football games all weekend- I have tried this with my family and they loved it. I added fresh ground pepper before serving just cause I like a little kick- in fact I think I might even put red pepper flakes on my pizza this year. Really you can take this in so many directions - add banana peppers or switch it up and use a good red sauce, add basil and you have a Chicken Parmesan type pizza- if you do this why not sprinkle some Parmesan on just before serving?! I am getting hungry as I write this...

That is just one way to use your leftover turkey.   If you are interested in other recipes, email me directly, sharonmuse@amusingtreats.com in the meantime- please share your ideas and have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Huffington Post reports that...

Chocolate decreases the risk of stokes

... boosts heart health

...it fills you up - this one I know is true!

... protects your skin from UV damage

Chocolate can quite coughs

It can boost your mood - this one I've tired first hand and it really works!

Chocolate also improves blood flow and vision and may even make you smarter!!

Now who doesn't want all of those benifits in their life:)  Here is a link to the articile just in case you want to verify it yourself - it does sound too good to be true but I read it on the internet so it has to be true right?...fingers crossed! 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/dark-chocolate-health-cholesterol-blood-sugar_n_1452799.html?1335760997&ref=health-news#s818275&title=Chocolate_Decreases_Stroke

Baked Deviled Eggs Casserole:

Servings 8

Prep time: 45 minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

8        large hard boiled eggs

1        8 ounces carton sour cream

2        Tablespoon prepared mustard

          Salt and pepper to taste

2        Tablespoon Butter

½       cup chopped onion

½       cup chopped fresh green pepper

½       cup chopped fresh mushrooms

2        Tablespoon All Purpose Flour

1        cup heavy cream

¼       cup pimentos, chopped

          Salt and Pepper to taste

1        cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Split eggs and remove yolks.  Make filling by combining 3 tablespoons sour cream, mustard, salt, pepper and egg yolks.  This mixture should be firm.  Fill egg whites with mixture and set aside.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Melt butter in skillet. Sauté onion, bell peppers and mushrooms.  Stir in flour.  Add remaining sour cream, heavy cream, pimentos, salt and pepper.  Place deviled eggs in a 9 x 13 inch buttered baking dish.  Cover with sauce.  Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over sauce.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.  Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.  May be held on a hot tray.  This is an excellent dish for a buffet.

(Recipe is from the cookbook Jacksonville & Company)

Have you ever heard of dying eggs with silk ties?  I just found this and can't wait to try it this year - the results look amazing and while it is a bit more involved than other processes, I think you will be thrilled with the look!

I found these beautiful eggs via Pinterest on http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/03/silk-dyed-eggs-aka-tie-dyed/  There you will learn exactly how to create like masterpieces. If you try these, please let me know how it goes.  

Another great idea I found on Pinterest (love this site, don't you?) is:

On this site you will find 12 really original and artistic ideas for decorating your eggs. http://www.curbly.com/section/Craft

You will need to scroll down just a bit until you see the title "12 Modern Easter Egg Ideas"  but trust me it is worth the scroll plus you might find other DIY projects to do.

I know time is tight for all of us but I am going to try very hard to create something new and different with my eggs this year - write back and let me know how yours turned out... however you decided to decorate them.  

The Daily Beast.com says "It turns out that chocolate—especially dark chocolate—reduces body mass, prevents blood clots, improves numeracy, may prevent cancer, and doesn’t ruin your complexion."

The Huffington Post says, " Research published Monday suggested that regular chocolate eaters may more frequently have lower BMIs."

I am telling you - this is exciting news! Of course this doesn't mean that we can go crazy and chow down on all kinds of chocolate.  What it does mean is that an ounce or so of dark chocolate is A-Okay and can even help us.  Yippee!!  I just had to share this good piece of news...does anybody have anymore fantastic news like this? Feel free to share with us all!

The Times Square Cronicles says "StinkyKids the Musical, is a strong contender for one of the best children’s musicals I have seen."

Off Off Broadway World said that the show is "funny and entertaining to both the kids and the parents in the audience.  Not only did the adorable Stinky Kids not stink at all, they managed to make my whole family laugh."

Our own Atlanta mom, Britt Menzies wrote the book StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors - the book that started this all!  We are so proud of Britt and her StinkyKids and so excited to be a part of opening day.   Go to http://www.vitaltheatre.org/ to purchase tickets.  Here are a few pictures from opening day:

Here is Britt with the cast! 

The StinkyKids audience enjoyed some Amusing Treats after the show.

Along with other bakeries, Amusing Treats was featured on CBS Better Mornings yesterday.  We had the best time and the folks at Better Mornings were so nice!  Here is a link to the spot: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/category/209315/bettermornings