Tex Mex Crackers

Back in December I made these Ranch flavored oyster crackers. They were super addictive and I put them on everything from soup to salads.  I could not stop eating them.

So when I saw this recipe for Tex Mex Crackers in the kid's recipe book American Grub, by Lynn Kuntz, I knew I had to make some right away.

I fiddled with the recipe just a wee bit.  The original directions do not call for baking the coated crackers.  This made the crackers really greasy, and the seasoning stuck to your fingers, not the crackers when you tried to nibble on a handful.  Not good.

Over all, these were a tasty treat.  They weren't as addictive as the ranch crackers, but that was a good thing.  It helped facilitate portion control. And that is a good thing, particularly since oyster crackers have a fairly high fat content when it comes to crackers.

Here's what we did when we made our version of the Tex Mex Crackers:
1 12 oz pkg oyster crackers
1 1/2 T Taco seasoning
1/4 t chili powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1/8 t oregano
1/8 t cumin
1/3 c oil (I think 1/4 c would be sufficient)

Mix. Bake 250F for 15 min. Stir every 5 min.  Cool and eat.

Ranch Oysters

Ok...so they aren't really oysters. Oysters are gross. These are ranch flavored Oyster CRACKERS. (The only kind of oysters one should really eat...if you know what's good for you!)

I found this super simple recipe for ranch oyster snack crackers from examiner.com.    They take 20 minutes tops to make, and that's only if you're a slow poke like me.  I think they'd make a great last minute snack to take to a party!  You can even go crazy and use them on your soup, or in lieu of  croutons in your salad. 

Ranch Oyster Crackers from The Examiner
1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 t dried dill weed (or to your taste)
1/2 t garlic powder (or to your taste)
1 box or bag oyster crackers

Preheat oven to 250°. In a large mixing bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and mix well. Stir in oyster crackers mix to coat. Pour crackers onto a large cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. Cool and add to a covered container.

'11 Happy Dance #16: Milk Jug Butterflies

Blockette was nice enough to take this picture for me.

I saw this tutorial for milk jug butterflies over on Alphamom. I thought they would be a fun craft to do on a day where it was just too hot to go outside and play.  It's just sharpies and plastic from a gallon of milk.  I love crafts where I don't have to buy any new supplies!

We got four butterflys from one milk jug. I decorated the one at the top and Blockette did the other three. The black outlining and cutting was a bit on the tricky side, so I did that part.  I strung them with some embroidery floss and hung them in the front window.  On a sunny day, they glow in the sunlight. When I've got the windows open they spin a bit in the breeze which gives the impression that they are flying. 

Blockette and I are going to make some more as decorations for her birthday party.  I cut them out from the milk jug differently and was able to get 6 this time.  We're about ready to finish another gallon of milk, so we should have 10-12 to hang up for her party.  I'm going to do my best to remember to post pictures of the decorations next week.