Homemade Croutons

1} Cut or tear the bread into pieces and place on a cookie sheet.
2} Melt a stick of butter and mix with garlic salt, ranch dressing mix, or any kind of seasoning you want to use.
3} Brush over bread pieces using a basting brush.
4} Bake for about 15 minutes at 360 degrees.
5} Store in a ziplock bag.

This is a great way to use up old bread or the heels that nobody likes to eat, and your house smells really yummy while you're baking them.

Chicken Pesto Pizza

1 pizza crust (even refrigerated dough in the tube works well for something fast)
2 chicken breasts, diced and browned
1 bag of white cheeses (mozzarella/parmesan/asiago mixture is good)
1 jar of pesto (best part of the whole pizza)
cherry tomatoes, sliced
fresh baby spinach (whole leaf)
red onion, cut into large pieces

Bake crust for about 5 minutes at 425 degrees before putting toppings on (this makes it crispier). Spread pesto over crust (I like about 5 ounces, half a jar, per pizza). Layer toppings according to your taste buds. Bake until crust is golden brown.

Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes

2 eggs
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon

1. In mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until blended. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to egg mixture. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
2. Bake at 350' for approximately 20 minutes or until toothpick in the middle comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before moving from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar

In large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vailla, and salt until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Spread on cupcakes using knife or frosting tip.