Train potty

You have heard of a Pizookie, right?
Also known as a pizza-cookie.
I am pretty sure BJ's Restaurant is the originator of the pizookie.
My first time having a pizookie was in 1997, my freshman year of college at Pearl Street BJ's in Boulder, Colorado. Since then, I have been HOOKED at this simple & delicious dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with Vanilla Ice Cream & other goodies....what's not to like?
Since I first had a pizookie, many, many, many years ago, I realized that I could very easily & inexpensively make this at home.
So, here is...Mel's Pizookie: Cheater Style.

All you really need is this bag of Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (yes...store bought mix...for shame! ha!) The reason I like this mix is because you can buy it on sale for $2. So cheap!
And, all you need to add to it is an egg & softened stick of butter, then mix.

Then, spread dough into a pie dish (I spray the dish with Pam)

Another reason I like this mix is because it has TONS of chocolate chips!

Bake your pizookie for about 20 minutes at 375.

When it is golden brown on top, it is ready. Do NOT over bake your pizookie!!!
I like them slightly under-done so that it is gooey & yummy. Nothing worse than an over cooked pizookie.

I usually let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving it. Yum.

Now it is time to serve your pizookie. At the reastaraunt, they just dump the ice cream on top. But, I like to serve it individually.

Instead of just ice cream, I like to add other goodies! Go big or go home!

Here is my pizzokie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whip cream & pecan bits.
Oh, yeah...and I eat it with a spoon.
Eating ice cream with a fork is just doesn't work for me.

So good. You will lick your bowl clean.

This is one of my last minute go-to desserts.
I always stock up on this mix when it is on sale.
I am all about the cheater pizookie because it is so easy & cheap and it is a total crowd pleaser!
This dessert is perfect for last minute plans. I always have the ingredients on hand. I have made this many times when we had youth group kids come over, game night with neighbors, or coming back to our house after dinner with friends. It takes 2 minutes to make & 2o minutes to bake. And, who doesn't love warm chocolate chip cookies topped with ice cream?
What are you waiting for...go make Cheater Style Pizookie, you won't be disappointed!

Linking up with Jonnique!

Seven years ago I won a contest for one free airline ticket.

When I called to confirm my win, the representative from American airlines asked where I'd like to fly, and on a whim I said, "New York City." I was 23, single, and eager for an adventure before I began my second year of graduate school. Turns out, I had some childhood friends living in the big apple, so I had an apartment to crash at each night. I had a fabulous time!

Two weeks after I returned to Texas from New York City, I started hanging out with the new guy at church. His name was Johnny. Early on, way before we were even in the "talking stage," he came over to my apartment to borrow a game for a church activity. I happened to be scrolling through my NYC pictures, and he listened while I described my trip. While perusing through the pictures of Central Park and Belvedere Castle, I randomly said, "That's where I'll get proposed to someday." I had told all my other friends and family the same explanation, so it was with Johnny. 

I thought nothing of that comment until months later when he did propose, in Austin, Texas. He mentioned that he almost booked a flight to NYC to pop the question at that special castle. However, he was worried about the logistics of pulling off such a huge surprise. I happily married him anyways.

Now, in 2015 we made the trip back to New York City to celebrate my 30th birthday. And we took pictures atop of Belvedere Castle. It helped that some awesome friends joined us on this trip, and one of those friends is our favorite family photographer. I'm so glad we celebrated my birthday with a couples vacation!

One of my regrets about traveling to NYC while I was single was that I had all these memories but no one else to share them with. I could tell stories, but the memories were mine alone. Now I have Johnny and our group of friends to reminisce with, and New York City has a stronger place in my heart. Traveling with your spouse is truly more fulfilling. Plus, a vacation with friends (and without kids) is a blast!

I'm so grateful for Judy and Julie, my fantastic friends! This trip has been a long time coming.

Julie had tried to organize the trip in the past, but I kept getting pregnant and throwing off her plans.

As we walked around the city, I kept remembering pictures that I had taken seven years ago. Turns out I got "duplicates" of many of my previous photos this time around. And I make similar poses in pictures too.