Of course, if it is on SouthernPlate.com, you know it’s a favorite of mine so I hope you’ll enjoy all of these. Be sure and let me know which are your favorites in the comments section below and if you have time, I’d love it if you read my letter at the bottom of this post. I know you’re busy and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking a few minutes out of your day to spend with me.

Gratefully,

Christy

Almost No Sugar Ice Cream Grahamwiches

I dearly love these little wonders and they can be made at a fraction of the cost and calories of what you’d buy in the store. What’s even better is that they are absolutely delicious and super easy!

Frozen Cranberry Banana Salads

This was one of Granny Jordan’s signature recipes and I’ve never met a person who didn’t fall in instant love with them.

Ashley Mac’s Coconut Caramel Pie

Ashley Mac’s is a treasure located in Birmingham, Alabama. The owner shared her signature recipe for this delicious pie in a guest post on SouthernPlate.com!

Front Porch Salads

On those days where I’m really hot and need a special fruity treat, these really hit the mark. My mother loves them, too!

Mandarin Orange Pie

If you love the icing on my Mama’s Mandarin Orange Cake, you’re really gonna love his cool and fruity pie!

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This is just a sampling of some of the many shortcut and quick fix desserts on SouthernPlate.com. If there is something in particular you are looking for be sure and check out the index or type it into the search box in the top right hand corner.

To go directly to the dessert index, click here (scroll down a bit until you see Category: Dessert).

If you’re looking for some main course ideas that are easy on the budget, check out my 20 Recipes for Ground Beef post!

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend. I’m getting ready for my son’s twelfth birthday party tomorrow. We’ll be having a slumber party so y’all say a quick prayer for me that my walls are still standing when I take them all home on Thursday. He has become quite the trekkie as of late. So much so that his cake, instead of saying “Happy Birthday” is going to say “Live Long And Prosper”. ~giggles~ Don’t you just love your kid’s personalities? Both of my kids have added such sparkle to my life!

There is another significant birthday this week as well. Three years ago this Friday, I started my first post on Southernplate.com. It sure has been a wild and wonderful ride and I never expected all of the blessings Southern Plate has brought into my life. What I am most grateful for is my Southern Plate Family, which wouldn’t be the same without you.

I’ll be around this week, but in and out as I get ready for Brady’s birthday and prep for a little business travel but I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you. Southern Plate would be nothing without you and the rest of the Southern Plate family. I hope you know how very dear you are to me.

Gratefully,

Christy

“If you can’t see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.”

Jyl Nipper on her Facebook.

(You can join me on my Facebook by clicking here)

A note about Facebook: Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world? Well let me tell ya, Facebook is a fertile field just waiting to be planted! Being positive in your status updates has a ripple effect on everyone who reads them so go ahead, inspire someone! In the end, I bet you’ll feel pretty uplifted and encouraged yourself!

Check out all of the great links below by clicking on the names and tell me what you’re cooking up this weekend in the comments section below!

Miss Mary Anne’s Twinkie Cake

Chocolate Sundae Cake

For more of my favorite Refrigerator Cakes, be sure and check out:

Elvis Presley Cake

Butterfinger Cake

Daddy’s Coconut Cake

Mandarin Orange Cake

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

~Robert Schuller

Submitted by Amy. Submit your quote by clicking here.

Got a question that needs a quick answer? Need help or some suggestions for an upcoming meal? Wanna share a victory in your life, or just check in and chat about your day?

Join us all on the Front Porch!

Southern Plate’s Front Porch Forums are where we all congregate to sit a spell and chat a bit with each other. We share recipes, stories, and so much more. We already have over 18,000 posts so there is always a conversation to join in. Membership is free! Just click here and register in the top right corner. All memberships are manually approved (it may take a few hours for yours to become active), so register now to be able to chat with us anytime you like!

I had a great live chat with folks over at the Front Porch last night and we’d love to have you at the next one.

Click here to visit the Front Porch.

Note: Anyone can read the forums but in order to respond you must register first.

With lots of us having apples in season now, I thought I’d bring all of these to you in one swoop so you can browse and find some new favorites. Each recipe is printer friendly and from my personal collection. Have a great Apple Season!

Gratefully,

Christy

Good N Easy Cake with Homemade Whipped Cream

This cake is so good. I especially love it in the evenings with a cup of coffee. Great story behind the recipe, too!

Apple Orchard Snack Cake

This is one of my favorites because it is filling and not very sweet. Great for breakfast, dessert, or a coffee treat.

Apple Dapple Cake

Classic favorite that still wows the crowds! Served at many a family reunion and church luncheon.

Freezing Apples – and what the old folks taught me.

How to freeze apples the old fashioned and simple way.

Apple Skillet Cake

This recipe is from Granny Jordan. Every bite is infused with apple/cinnamon goodness!

Easy Fried Pies

A quick and easy version of my granny’s classic fried pie recipe!

Chicken Salad (with apples!)

I love chicken salad, this is the recipe my mother and I use for little luncheons and such.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Not only is this my favorite apple butter, but WOW does it make your house smell good! Yes, you can make this!

My Apple Pie

My special apple pie recipe. The one my Father in Law says is as good as his grandmothers.

Hot Apple Flautas

This is something I often make as a late night treat after the kids are in bed. One of mine and Ricky’s favorites!

Fried Apples

Love these apples in their thick, rich sauce!

Apple Doozie

I can’t control myself around this!

Apple Fritters

Love these. Need these now. Probably making them after I finish this post.

Even more Southern Plate Apple Recipes!

• Apple Spice Muffins – my absolute favorite muffin. Bar none. I make these for company a LOT. Older post, pictures not so hot
• Apple Cream Cheese Cobbler from Bill Gent- So incredibly easy
• Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Pinwheels – Oh yum, and so pretty and easy.
• Rustic Apple Strudel - and why I love my imperfection.
• Candied Apples – that you eat with a fork!

Homemade CinnaBuns

Is the dad in your life a fan of those mall cinnamon buns? This homemade version is sure to knock his socks off, and my shortcut makes them easy for everyone. Don’t forget to put a pinch of cinnamon in the cream cheese icing for that little extra oomph of flavor!

Slow cooker pork roast and veggies

This is my husband’s all time favorite meal and so very easy to prepare!

The post for this recipe also includes some great make ahead ideas to have a great meal for Father’s day.

Read about the wonder of simple things and a simple cake

And if you’re looking for a lighter tasting dessert using fresh berries and fruit, this simple cake is a wonderful way to serve them!

Haven’t found just the right recipe yet?

Browse Southern Plate’s index of over 400 recipes by clicking here.

For our Father’s day, I’m cooking a big breakfast, and an even bigger supper!

What are your plans? Share your ideas and inspire us in the comments section!

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard.

Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass”

“We’re not raising grass” Dad would reply, “We’re raising boys”

~ Harmon Killebrew

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Gratefully,

Christy

Bama Steak Sandwiches

With a husband who is a big fan of Philly steak sandwiches, these always get me rave reviews

(even though I could just about make them in my sleep, they’re just too easy!)

Taco Soup

Open the cans, dump it in. Supper, anyone?

Click below for eight more of my favorite quick and easy recipes!

Hobo Packets

Make everyone happy without making a mess!

Pizza Rolls

Lifesavers if you know you have a busy week coming up!

Taco Pizza (and my version of Border Patrol)

This is absolutely delicious and much more filling than regular pizza. Very easy to customize, too!

Had fun writing this post

Spaghetti Lover’s Soup (Use up that leftover Spaghetti sauce!)

Hand me a bowl of this soup and I’ll be as happy as a pig in slop! It’s just that good!

Steak Tips Over Rice

Cook ‘em in the slow cooker all day and make some quick rice. No one will know how cheap these “steak” tips were!

Deep Dish Pizza

I’ll admit that I currently have a bit of an addiction to this dish. It’s just so good, hearty, and comforting.

Leftovers heat up like a dream in the microwave, too. Customize it to your family’s tastes!

Not Your Average Joe Sloppy Joes

I love sloppy joes, this takes ‘em up a notch.

Perfect Man Food: One Skillet Chili Bake

Loved by men the world over! Eat it with chips, no utensils needed!

A little video update of how the book is coming and what I’ve been up to!

Be truthful.

If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.

Mark Twain (submitted by Karen) Submit your quote here.

Just keep it between the ditches…

~Old Southern Saying

Gratefully,

Christy