Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
• Canned Pie Filling (Peach)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Remove cinnamon rolls from packaging and flatten to fit into muffin tin cups.
3. Spoon the pie filling in each cup
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-18 mins.
5. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool.
6. Remove the rolls from the muffin tin and drizzle the icing over the rolls.
7. Serve warm.

Notes:

• Using canned pie filling is an easy shortcut to a delicious dessert.
• You can use other flavors such as apple, blueberry or cherry as well.

Be sure to follow along to see what the next recipe will be…

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Ingredients:

• Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella or Blended Cheese Mix)
• Pepperoni Slices
• Marinara Sauce (Optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Add cheese blend to muffin pan cups
• Top with pepperoni slices. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 mins.
• Allow the crisps to cool before removing from the pan.
• Serve warm.
• Serve with Marinara sauce for dipping (optional).

Notes:

• Possible Variations:
  • Use Italian seasonings or experiment with others.
  • Instead of pepperoni slices, try sausage crumbles or other pizza toppings you love!

This is a family favorite in my house! I hope your family will love it as much as we do! Be sure to follow along with the Muffin Mania series to see what the next recipe will be.

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Ingredients:

• Simply Lemonade
• Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice
• Freeze dried strawberries

Directions:

1. Fill the cup with ice or as much as desired.
2. Place a handful of freeze dried strawberries in a cup.
3. Fill the cup halfway with Lemonade.
4. Pour Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice to fill the cup.
5. Place a lid on the cup and swirl to mix or use a spoon to mix.
6. Enjoy!

Add this refreshing drink to your rotation this spring and summer. It is a great addition to any picnic or backyard BBQ, and the best part is adults and kids will enjoy this cool refreshment. This is a part of the Quench Your Thirst series!

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Places to Visit on Your Scenic Route:

• National Parks: Did you know there are 63 National Parks in the United States? One of the best things about these parks is that a lot of them offer military discounts.
• State Parks: State parks offer great views and many have picnic areas which make them a great rest stop for lunch or exercise.
• Walking Trails/Parks: Almost every major city will offer a nice trail or park that is considered pet-friendly. Finding a nice trail will be a great way to stretch your legs after being in the car for a long period of time.
• Lakes/Beaches: Depending on what route you take you may not encounter a beach, but there are over 125,000 lakes in the lower 48 states. Don’t forget to pack a comfortable leash during your trip. I’m sure your pet will want to get out and maybe take a dip in the water…if it’s allowed.

Get out and enjoy the open road! So, slow down and enjoy new sights, sounds, and smells. Your pet will appreciate having a new environment to explore as this provides mental enrichment, and of course, having a travel buddy will bring you comfort as well.

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There are many things you can do as a parent to prepare your teen for “The Real World”. Now, this takes patience, especially since kids think they have all the answers. Try to focus on ensuring your child can apply basic life skills, time and financial management, problem solving, and self care. 

Here are some helpful tips:

• Basic Life Skills: Driving, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, using basic tools, and looking for a job.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, studying, completing assignments on time, and using a planner.
• Financial Management: Managing a checking account/debit card, building savings/emergency fund, and budgeting.
• Problem Solving: Identifying the problem, using critical thinking skills, and developing solutions.
• Self-Care: Take breaks when stressed, disconnect from social media, take care of your physical health, and choose your friend groups wisely.

If your child will remain at home while attending college, you’ll have more time to focus on development. However, those who are getting your child ready to leave the nest will have limited time to prep before dropping them off on campus. I highly recommend starting to purchase the dorm essentials early as the costs can add up quickly. Below is a basic list of things your child could need for the dormitory.

Dorm Essentials:

• Personal/Health Items: Toiletries, towels, pillows and blankets, shower tote, shower shoes, and medications/prescriptions.
• Laundry Supplies: Detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket, and hangers.
• Room Essentials: Food storage containers, bedding, plates, utensils, alarm clock, and wall hooks. 
• Supplies: Calendar, laptop, pens/pencils, highlighters, paper, backpack, folders, and binders.
• Appliances: Coffee maker, small fan/heater, TV, and lamp.

It’s crazy how fast eighteen years seem to fly by, but early preparation will ease some stress for you as a parent and your future student. Be sure to maximize your savings by stocking up on essentials at your local Exchange and Commissary. Enjoy your time together before they head off to college and make as many great memories as you can.

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Ingredients:

• 20 oz bottle, Sprite
• 2 Cherries
• 2 tbsp Maraschino Syrup
• ½ lime wedge

Directions:

1. Fill your cup with ice or as much as desired.
2. Pour the soda over the ice.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of Maraschino syrup.
4. Add 2 cherries.
5. Add ½ lime wedge.
6. Mix with a spoon.
7. Enjoy!

This refreshing drink is just perfect for the spring or summer! My family asks to have this all of the time and I hope your family enjoys it that much as well!

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Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry Dough
• Butter, softened
• Cinnamon 
• Sugar

Directions:

1. Remove puff pastry from packaging and lay flat on the counter or a cutting board. 
2. Combine the cinnamon and sugar mixture and set aside. 
3. Spread the butter on the bottom sheet of the puff pastry and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
4. Using a pizza cutter or knife and cut into strips. Since we are using a mini muffin pan you will cut the strips in half to fit into the muffin cups.
5. Roll the strips and place into the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top of each cruffin.
8. Allow cruffins to cool and serve warm.

Enjoy these flaky and buttery pastries with your morning coffee or hot tea. Grab some puff pastry sheets from your local Commissary and get baking!

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Things to Do Before a Road Trip with Your Pet: 

• Plan your stops: If possible, map out your route to include pet friendly stops for potty breaks. Planning ahead for overnight stays is recommended as well since all hotels don’t accept pets. Keep in mind hotels may charge an additional fee for pets so you may need to budget a little extra money.
• Pack a pet travel bag: Pack a bag that includes all the essentials (leash, feeding/water bowls, toys, treats and poop bags). 
• Immunizations: Make sure your pet is up to date on all shots prior to leaving your duty station. If the need arises to board your pet, you may be required to show proof of vaccination.
• Prepare your vehicle: If you don’t already have one, it’s highly recommended to purchase a seat cover or large blanket to protect your car seats. Be sure to lock your windows and doors to avoid any issues while driving.
• Pet Identification: Ensure your pets contact information is up to date on their collar/tag just in case they get loose or wander off. 

Road trips can be so much fun. Plan a few stops to take in the sights and create memories along the way. This also gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Did you know that some pets can experience motion sickness? 

Follow these tips for a stress free and exciting adventure. Can you think of any other ideas?

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Ingredients:

• Pillsbury Pizza Crust
• Pizza Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Pepperoni Slices

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Remove pizza crust from packaging and lay flat on the counter or a cutting board.
• Use a pizza cutter or knife and cut the dough into strips. 
• Sprinkle the cheese on the bottom of the crust and top with the sauce and then pepperoni slices.

• Roll the strips and place into the muffin cups.
• Bake for 18 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Serve warm.

Enjoy these hot and cheesy bites! They are great for date night, a weeknight dinner, or a special treat for the kiddos. Grab the ingredients during your next Commissary trip.

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Mini Pies

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Funfetti® Frosting 
• Keebler Ready Crust Mini Graham Cracker Crusts
• Cool Whip

Directions

1. Combine the frosting and cool whip in a mixing bowl.
2. Fold in the cool whip and mix until frosting is light and airy.
3. Spoon frosting into graham cracker crusts and top with sprinkles.

Enjoy the warm weather this season. Get outside and hike, bike or maybe even start a garden. While you are indoors, hop into the kitchen and make this delicious treat that the whole family will just love.

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