Adventures of Mel

Author: Mel Lockcuff

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
Easy homemade sloppy joe stuffed peppers, made with ground beef and baked in the oven, are a healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

If you love sloppy joes and you love stuffed peppers, you are going to love this recipe. Combine the two and you’ve got a grand slam dinner recipe that’s pretty easy to make.

The best part about this stuffed pepper recipe is you don’t need any buns or bread, so it’s going to be a healthier option. Low carb is a necessity on our weekly dinnertime menu.

And who needs canned sloppy joe sauce when you can make your own? We like a good homemade sauce that’s not so thick and gooey. Sometimes I even make crock pot sloppy joes!

I sometimes use a colorful variety for our stuffed bell peppers, but you can pretty much use any color you want. Whether you want stuffed green peppers, red, yellow, or orange, it doesn’t matter.

You may also enjoy these stuffed peppers recipes: Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Peppers, Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers, Philly cheese stuffed peppers, and beef taco stuffed peppers.

DO I NEED TO PRE-COOK BELL PEPPERS BEFORE STUFFING THEM?

You can, but you don’t have to. This is usually done to shorten the cooking time.

The Cookful has a great explanation for how to pre-cook peppers.

HOW TO CUT THE PEPPERS WHEN MAKING STUFFED PEPPERS

While I usually cut my bell peppers in half, you can go with one of two options when prepping your bell peppers for a stuffed bell pepper recipe…
- Remove the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside.
- OR cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside. Just remember not to eat the stem if you leave the stem intact.
Not sure how to go about cutting up a pepper? Here’s a whole tutorial for how to cut a pepper 4 easy ways!

DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF FOR SLOPPY JOE MEAT?

No, you can use ground turkey or ground pork too, whichever is your personal preference.

We prefer ground beef, so this recipe is based around ground beef.

DO I NEED TO THAW THE MEAT BEFOREHAND? CAN I USE FROZEN GROUND BEEF?

You can use frozen hamburger meat to make the sloppy joe meat for your stuffed peppers, but you may need to sauté your onion and garlic in a different skillet so they can be added to the ground beef once it’s thawed.

We actually do this quite often because we forget to get the meat out, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

Since sloppy joes are a loose meat sandwich and you’re not making hamburger patties but rather going with that juicy burger texture for stuffed bell peppers, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

You can add the sautéed onion and garlic once the meat has loosened up.

When it’s browned, you’ll need to drain off any excess oil.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE STUFFED PEPPERS WITH SLOPPY JOE MEAT

I recommend using bacon grease for a li’l added flavor to the meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

Be sure to mince up the garlic and the onion really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and sauce.

You’ll start by sautéing the garlic and onion in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic and onion, cooking the mixture just until the meat is browned.

Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.

Once you add the sauce ingredients, give it a really good stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the meat mixture from the stovetop, and mix the shredded cheddar into it. Then spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the washed and prepared peppers.

Bake the stuffed peppers at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer. You may need to cover the peppers halfway through with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown on top.

Garnish with fresh basil if you want and serve!

MORE SLOPPY JOE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE SLOPPY JOE STUFFED PEPPERS

Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

Wooden Spatula

Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

Meat Thermometer

Baking Sheet

Aluminum Foil

SLOPPY JOE STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPE

If you love this sloppy joe stuffed peppers recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

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Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Easy homemade sloppy joe stuffed peppers, made with ground beef and baked in the oven, are a healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!
2 tablespoons bacon grease (*)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium yellow onion (minced)
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
4 whole bell peppers
Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
Mince the garlic and onion really well.
Sauté the garlic and onion in a large skillet.
Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic and onion, cooking the mixture just until the meat is browned.
Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
Add the sauce ingredients, including the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and light brown sugar, to the ground beef.
Give the meat mixture a really good stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the meat mixture from the stovetop, and mix the shredded cheddar into it.
Wash and prepare the peppers by either removing the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside. Or cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the washed and prepared peppers.
Bake the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer.**
Garnish with fresh basil if you want and serve!
*I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor to the meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

**You may need to cover the peppers halfway through with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown on top.

Dinner Ideas
American
easy stuffed peppers, how to make stuffed peppers, juicy burger, sloppy joe, sloppy joe recipe, sloppy joes, stuffed bell pepper recipe, stuffed bell peppers, stuffed pepper recipe, stuffed peppers
November 6, 2018
Gooey Butter Cake
Make a simple and easy St. Louis style gooey butter cake using a cake mix. Ooey gooey recipe for the best dessert you’ll ever have!

Growing up in St. Louis, gooey butter cake was a pretty popular dessert. My mom made it every once in awhile, and it was always so good.

St. Louis gooey butter cake is the perfect mix of ooey gooey, chewy, cream cheese deliciousness. With a chewy edge, crackling top, and soft gooey middle, it’s the best of the best when it comes to dessert recipes.

The original butter cake recipe comes from a school cookbook (from my elementary school), but I kinda changed it up just a little bit.

If you love this gooey butter cake, you’ll love my pumpkin gooey butter cake too.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR GOOEY BUTTER CAKE!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious ooey gooey butter cake recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

ST. LOUIS GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

Gooey butter cake was a staple growing up in St. Louis. St. Louis foods are the best!

I know right where you can find the best gooey butter cake in that wonderful city too. In fact, this yummy dessert is one of my 5 reasons why you should visit Soulard Market!

WHY USE A CAKE MIX?

Back in the day, cake mix recipes were pretty popular. We’d make all kinds of easy cake mix desserts, like cake mix cookies and cake mix cakes.

My favorite lemon poke cake with lemon glaze uses a box cake mix.

The recipes were easy, simple, and always delicious. And back then box cake mix hardly cost anything, definitely less than a dollar.

This recipe comes from those bygone days. And while I plan on developing an actual gooey butter cake from scratch, as in no cake mix, I’m not sure it can beat this family favorite recipe.

CAN I FREEZE GOOEY BUTTER CAKE?

While I’ve never needed to freeze it, I see no reason why you can’t freeze this cake. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

Also, allow enough time for it to thaw once you’re ready to get it out and serve it.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE AN OOEY GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

First up, the crust…

Start by melting the butter. Then beat 2 eggs and mix together with the butter.

And here’s where the cake mix comes in… You’ll need to mix that butter and egg mixture together with the cake mix. Then spread the mixture in an un-greased 9″x13″ cake pan.

Next up, the filling…

Mix together the other 2 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar.

Then spread it over the crust as a second layer to the cake.

And that’s it! You’ll bake it for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out barely gooey.

If you’re not sure, you can also check the internal temperature of the cake with a baking thermometer. According to The Kitchn, the internal temperature should reach 210°F.

After it’s cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes, you can dust it with powdered sugar.

IF YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE, HERE ARE A FEW MORE CAKE MIX RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE:

Strawberry Jello Cake Flag Cake

Grass Block Minecraft Cake

Raspberry Chocolate Cake in about a Minute

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can definitely mix gooey butter cake by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth cake batter.

Measuring Cups

Spatula

9″ x 13″ Cake Pan

Cake Tester or Toothpicks

Baking Thermometer

Powder Shaker – Such a nifty tool for dusting powdered sugar on your cake evenly; and it comes with stencil designs you can use for other sweet recipes.

GOOEY BUTTER CAKE RECIPE

If you love this gooey butter cake recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

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Gooey Butter Cake

Make a simple and easy St. Louis style gooey butter cake using a cake mix. Ooey gooey recipe for the best dessert you’ll ever have!
1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
4 large eggs
15.25 ounces yellow cake mix ((1 box))
8 ounces cream cheese
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
Beat 2 of the eggs together with the melted butter.
Add the cake mix to the butter mixture, and mix well.
Spread the mixture in an un-greased 9"x13" cake pan.
Mix together the remaining 2 eggs, the cream cheese, and the powdered sugar.
Spread the mixture onto the crust as a second layer to the cake.
Bake at 350° F for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out barely gooey.
Once the cake is fully cooked, remove it from the oven, and allow it to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Then using a shaker, lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the entire cake.
Allow the cake to cool and serve.
*You can also use a butter recipe yellow or white cake mix for this recipe.

**If you’re not sure if the cake is done, you can check the internal temperature of the cake with a baking thermometer (see above commentary for more).

Cakes & Cupcakes, Desserts
American
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November 5, 2018
Taco Sloppy Joes
Taco Sloppy Joes – How to make homemade taco sloppy joes with ground beef and all the fixings. Easy dinner recipe your family will love, especially the kids!

I’ve already shared how much I loved sloppy joes as a kid; and I’ve shared my love for tacos, especially ground beef tacos. So I thought it only appropriate to combine the two into a delicious new recipe, taco sloppy joes.

My kids weren’t too sure about this combination at first. And then we had them for dinner, and their minds were forever changed; I got lots of compliments that night.

I think it’s safe to say this recipe, much like Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, will be a regular on our dinnertime menu. The nice thing is you can eat these on a toasted bun, or if you’re trying to go more low carb, you can top off a bed of lettuce or spinach and make a taco salad instead.

You can even swap out buns for bell peppers and make the most delicious beef taco stuffed peppers.

While this sloppy joe makes a nice juicy burger, you can top it off with taco ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, and green onions if desired.

It’s a quick and easy sloppy joe recipe you can even make ahead of time, then pull out the meat and warm it up to go with all the fixings.

Who’s ready for a dinner recipe your kids will love? I’m ready to make them again.

More family favorite sloppy joe recipes your kids will love… Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers, Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, and Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE TACO SLOPPY JOES RECIPE!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for taco sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT ARE TACO SLOPPY JOES?

Just in case you’ve never had sloppy joes, they’re a sort of loose meat sandwich made with loose ground beef mixed with a tomato based sauce. The sauce usually has things like ketchup or tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sometimes a little mustard, and other ingredients.

Well, as can be expected, taco sloppy joes are a little bit different. They’re still a loose meat sandwich, but instead of ketchup, you make them with pretty much the same ingredients you’d use to make taco meat.

Some people use salsa or picante sauce to season their taco meat. I like to use a mix of ingredients like onion, garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, and chopped tomato.

And while I use ground beef, you can also make a good sloppy joe sandwich with ground pork or ground turkey.

Then you serve the meat on a toasted bun (or on a bed of lettuce for a low carb option), along with all the fixings you’d use in tacos.

CAN I USE FROZEN GROUND BEEF? DO I NEED TO THAW IT?

You can use frozen hamburger meat to make homemade sloppy joes, but you may need to sauté your onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a different skillet so they can be added to the ground beef once it’s thawed. We actually do this quite often because we forget to get the meat out, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

Since it’s a loose meat sandwich and you’re not making hamburger patties, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

You can add the sautéed onion, garlic, and pepper once the meat has loosened up.

When it’s fully cooked, you can drain off any excess oil.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE TACO SLOPPY JOES

This is a super easy sloppy joe recipe that’s perfect for taco lovers.

I do recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

Be sure to mince up the garlic, onion, and bell pepper really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and the sauce.

You’ll start by sautéing the garlic, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the vegetables, cooking the mixture well.

Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.

Once you add the sloppy joe sauce ingredients, just let the whole mixture simmer for a good 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, you can toast hamburger buns in another skillet or on a griddle in a little bit of bacon grease. Or you may choose a lower carb option and prep a plate of lettuce or spinach to go with your taco sloppy joe meat.

Add the meat to a toasted bun and top with your favorite taco ingredients, like lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar, mashed avocados, and maybe even green onions.

However you choose to enjoy your taco sloppy joes, they’re sure to be delicious!

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE TACO SLOPPY JOES

Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

Wooden Spatula

Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

All-in-One Avocado Slicer

Cheese Grater

TACO SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

If you love this taco sloppy joe recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION
Taco Sloppy Joes

How to make homemade taco sloppy joes with ground beef and all the fixings. Easy dinner recipe your family will love, especially the kids!
1 tablespooon bacon grease (*)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 medium yellow onion (minced)
1 large bell pepper (chopped)
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large tomato (chopped)
3 cups lettuce (shredded)
2 large tomatoes (chopped)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 whole avocados (mashed)
5 green onions (chopped)
Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot.
Then add in the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Add the onion and bell pepper in with the garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the garlic, onions, and bell pepper into the meat. Cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked.
Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
Mix the lemon juice, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped tomato into the meat, stirring until combined.
Let the taco sloppy joe mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, prep the taco ingredients, including lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, green onions, and whatever else you like on your tacos.
Serve on toasted buns or on a bed of lettuce or spinach.
**I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor it will give to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

Burgers & Sandwiches
American
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October 31, 2018
Hiking Hawksbill Crag in the Natural State
EXPLORING AND HIKING HAWKSBILL CRAG NEAR PONCA, ARKANSAS

What it’s really like to hike Hawksbill Crag, or Whitaker Point Trail, in Arkansas. An autumn hike on a beautiful trail in the Ozark National Forest.

For as long as we’ve lived in the Natural State, we’ve wanted to hike Hawksbill Crag Trail, otherwise known as Whitaker Point. A 2.9 mile roundtrip trail out and back, it’s a moderate hike to a rock formation that looks like a hawk’s beak jutting out from the side of the mountain over the valley below.

Fun Fact: Did you know that of all the hiking trails in Arkansas, Disney filmed the opening to Tuck Everlasting here?

Of course, we chose the yuckiest, rainiest, foggiest day ever. But our goal was to both avoid crowds and capture some beautiful shots.

I’m happy to report that we succeeded. While there were a few other hikers the afternoon we went, we had the trail mostly to ourselves; and when we reached the point, we had the entire Crag all to ourselves.

When we reached Whitaker Point, it was almost as if God parted the fog just enough for us to catch a glimpse of fall peeking through the cloudy mist.

Related: Hiking Bear Cave Trail in Petit Jean

HOW TO GET TO WHITAKER POINT TRAIL AND HAWKSBILL CRAG

There are a few ways to get to the trail, depending which direction you’re coming from.
- If you’re coming from Kingston or Ponca, continue on Highway 21 through Boxley Valley.
- Right before you cross the Buffalo River, turn right on County Road 5, or Cave Mountain Road, a gravel road that’ll take you 6 miles up the mountain to the trailhead.
Be sure to watch for elk as you drive through Boxley Valley.

While a lot of people have mentioned in reviews that you need four-wheel-drive to drive Cave Mountain Road, we didn’t find that to be the case. Sure, it’s steep and gets muddy when it rains (it was very rainy the day we visited), but other cars had made the drive.

More importantly, gauge it for yourself. Take your time if you do decide to venture up the road, and be prepared in case something happens because there are no gas stations; it is a wilderness area with just a few houses here and there.

DANGER, WILL ROBINSON

When you arrive at the small parking area, you can park on either the left or right sides of the road. A sign designates the trails and gives information.

As we got out of our car and prepared to enter the trail, a local woman drove up and wanted to know where we were from. She reminded me so much of my grandmother; I mean, it was uncanny the similarities, even the way she talked.

She proceeded to tell us how we needed to be careful and how dangerous the trail can be, emphasizing how many people had died out there.

Already kinda nervous to hike this trail, she just confirmed every fear I was feeling. Let me just say that hiking with boys is not for the faint of heart, especially when you already know all of the stories of deaths on and near the Crag, and a local native confirms all of your fears.

We had already laid down the ground rules, though, before we ever even left home for this hike. There would be no going close to the edge, no going out past the halfway point on the Crag, no shenanigans. I pretty much put my foot down, with Dan’s support, of course.

Before you enter this trail, know that it can be a very dangerous trail and many people have died on it, quite a few of them before they ever even reach the Crag. Rocks and roots are very slippery, especially in rainy conditions but also in normal conditions.

Boulders, the bluffline, and the Crag can all be very unsafe if not taken seriously and with extreme caution.

That said…

WHERE TO GET ON HAWKSBILL CRAG TRAIL

You’ll enter the trail to the Crag on the left side of the road, walk just a few feet down into the forest, and you’ll see a closed up box with a sign beside it.

This is where you can open up the box and sign in to let the rangers know you’re out there on the trail. You’ll need to sign back out on your return.

WHAT IT’S LIKE HIKING HAWKSBILL CRAG

Hiking Hawksbill Crag is pretty much a rite of passage for any Arkansas hiking enthusiast.

This trail is one of the most popular places to visit in Arkansas, specifically in the Upper Buffalo River Wilderness. In fact, they say it can get so crowded it’s impossible to get pictures alone out on the Crag.

Well, we picked one of the rainiest, chilliest, yuckiest days to go hike it, partially because it was the day we’d planned on hiking and partially because we wanted to avoid the crowds.

Our plan worked because we only met a few other people on the trail, hiking pretty much all by ourselves with no one else around. It was amazing.

The trail heads downhill, especially in the beginning, descending around 400 or more feet before you reach the Crag. There are a lot of tree roots and rocks to step on and over, which can get quite slippery on a normal day, let alone a rainy day.

You’ll hike through a switchback or two, cross a small creek, and hike through parts of the Ozark National Forest that look like they could be an enchanted forest. Small red trail markers are scattered on trees here and there to keep you on track.

A couple sections of the trail are quite tricky, one with a very narrow trail down a muddy slope and another part of the trail descending on the roots of a tree, as if they’re steps. Be careful of your footing so you don’t fall.

We climbed the trail, ascending on a couple of rock steps to meander through the forest just a bit, eventually following the bluffline as we kept trudging on toward the Crag.

Along the way are beautiful views of the Upper Buffalo River Wilderness, especially with the fog and the autumn colors. You’ll also see huge boulders and stunning rock formations.

Speaking of fall colors, the trees still had quite a bit of green, and others were bright and beautiful. Golden hues with yellow leaves gently falling to the ground were the theme of this rainy autumn day.

AND FINALLY… THE CRAG

Finally, you’ll come to a spot along the bluff line where you can see the Crag jutting out over the trees below. Photo opp!

Only a few more steps and you’ll come to the Crag where you can step into the light and just take in the view.

While the fog kinda covered up our view, it parted just enough so we could see tiny glimpses of fall peeking through the veil. The fog, the fact that it was dusk, and the cloudy conditions made it so eerily beautiful.

Having the Crag all to ourselves didn’t hurt either. I never imagined we would have an opportunity like this, and I kinda wish I’d snapped more pictures.

However, it was starting to get dark and we had a hike back out in the dark ahead of us, again not recommended. I can definitely see now how easy it would be to get lost.

We did make it out, though, and a plus to hiking in the dark? We couldn’t see the uphill battle we faced to get back to our 4Runner. Definitely a positive because the hike back out is no joke.

We have plans to go back and do a little waterfall hunting in the very near future. According to Tim Ernst’s book, Arkansas Waterfalls, there are 3 waterfalls in the area, and we’re on a mission to find them.

WILDLIFE YOU MAY ENCOUNTER HIKING WHITAKER POINT TRAIL

While we didn’t see any wildlife while hiking the trail, it’s a very real possibility you could.

While hiking Hawksbill Crag and spending any time in the Buffalo National River area, you may encounter the following animals:
- Black bears
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkey
- Skunks
- Opossums
- Minks
- Pheasants
Though we feared we might see a bear on that hike back out in the dark, we didn’t see one… Who knows if they saw us, though?

WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING TO WHITAKER POINT

Especially if you’re hiking with kids, you’ll want to pack a few things for your trip to Hawksbill Crag.
- Water – Pack plenty of water for everyone to stay well hydrated.
- Backpacks with snacks and other necessary items – Snacks and water can make all the difference in fueling your body back up before heading back uphill to your vehicle.
- Binoculars
- Hiking Carrier – This is hands down the BEST thing we could have ever gotten for our baby/now toddler. We’ve used it so many times. Read our review of our favorite baby carrier backpack.
- Shoes – While you’ll be wearing these and not necessarily packing them, I still think it’s worth mentioning wearing the proper footwear for this hike. You need good shoes for this trail, especially with all the roots and rocks.
SAFETY TIPS AND THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING THE TRAIL TO HAWKSBILL CRAG

Hawksbill Crag Trail is about 2.9 miles roundtrip. While it’s not a long hike, per sé, it’s still a moderate hike, and the trail back to the parking area is mostly uphill.

There are no bathrooms and no water at the trail head or along the trail. You can very likely find bathrooms in the nearby town of Ponca, Arkansas, before heading up the mountain to hike. Plan accordingly and pack plenty of water to carry along, so everyone will stay well hydrated.

Hawksbill Crag can get very crowded, so you may want to consider hiking during the week, avoiding the weekend.

If you get turned around, look for the small red trail markers here and there along the trail. While the trail is well traveled, there are lots of little trails that veer off the main trail, and the markers can help guide you.

Watch your step and wear good shoes. Especially watch for roots and trees sticking up out of the ground, for rocks, and watch your step on boulders and bluff lines.

It’s always a good idea to let someone know when and where you are going.

If you’re making the hike with kids, watch your kids closely because there are very steep and sheer drop offs, not to mention the Crag, on this trail. Keep little ones closer, maybe even using a hiking carrier like the one we mentioned above.

Check the weather before heading out. Avoid hiking in thunderstorms and other inclement weather. If you decide to hike in rainy or drizzly conditions, be very careful as the trail can be very slippery and dangerous.

Finally, leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. The more you practice this, the safer and more enjoyable hiking will be for everyone, including hikers who come after you.

The hike to Hawksbill Crag is one you’ll never forget. If you’ve been planning to make this hike, stop planning, get out there, and just hike it.

And if you need a nearby place to camp, check out our guide for camping in the Ozark National Forest.
October 30, 2018
The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar with the Best Toppings
Feed a crowd with the ultimate mashed potato bar at your next party, wedding, or celebration. How to create a crowd pleasing buffet with ideas for all sorts of delicious mashed potato toppings. It’ll be the talk of the party!

There are so many things you can do with a mashed potato bar; the choices for mashed potato bar toppings are endless. Pretty much anything you think up you can use.

It’s the perfect appetizer idea, or side dish, for a wedding or party. I experienced my first mashed potato bar, or rather a mashtini bar, at a blogging conference; I’d never seen such a beautiful thing in all my life.

It was filled with all sorts of delicious mashed potato toppings, along with all sorts of potatoes, including purple mashed potatoes! The mashed potatoes themselves were served in martini glasses, and you could go right down the buffet line, adding any mashed potatoes toppings you wanted.

You talk about delicious and one of my favorite things ever. That was hands down the BEST food I’ve ever had at a conference. Comfort food at its best, and man, was it delicious.

Why Create a Mashed Potato Bar?

When I created my first baked potato bar, I thought it only appropriate to also create a mashed potato bar. Because who doesn’t love a loaded down cup of hot mashed potatoes smothered in cheese and bacon?
- A mashed potato bar wedding buffet will definitely be a great idea and a favorite with guests.
- A mash potato bar is also perfect for that big holiday family gathering, like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or Easter dinner.
- New Year’s is also a great time to put together a mashed potato martini bar. To save on cost, make a big batch of mashed potatoes, and have each guest bring their favorite toppings to add to the ones you provide. Then you get different perspectives, different ideas, and guests get to contribute their favorite topping idea to the mix.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes

I’ve got you covered with this delicious and easy mashed potatoes recipe.

Ingredient Notes:
- Potatoes – I prefer to use yellow potatoes, but again, you can have fun with this and use all sorts of potatoes, including yellow, russet, red potatoes, even purple potatoes.
- Salted Butter – Don’t skimp on the butter; it gives the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream or Whole Milk – While you can use skim milk, you’ll get the best texture and flavor with whole milk or cream.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper – for added flavor.
Steps for Making Stovetop Mashed Potatoes:
1. Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes.
2. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan on the stove over low to medium heat, until they’re soft enough to easily jab with a fork, about 20-30 minutes.
3. Drain the water off the boiled potatoes, and leave them in the saucepan.
4. Add the butter and heavy whipping cream to the potatoes.
5. Use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also use a potato masher if you don’t have a hand mixer; your potatoes may just be a little bit chunky.
6. Once they’re whipped, they’re ready to serve.
If you’d rather, you can make Instant Pot mashed potatoes instead.

How to Set up or Assemble a Mashed Potato Bar

Gather your ingredients for your potato bar… You’ll need mashed potatoes and toppings. Your main work will be cooking the potatoes and prepping any toppings for your guests to choose from.

Whether you’re getting together with friends for game night, hosting a family dinner, or setting up a potluck, a mashed potatoes bar is the perfect way to feed and entertain your guests. And it really doesn’t take a whole lot of time and effort on your part.

Mash Potato Bar Ideas and Expert Tips
- If you’d rather use sweet potatoes over regular potatoes, you can make Instant Pot sweet potatoes.
- Prep the toppings, adding each topping to a separate dish or compartment for serving. Prepping may involve cooking, re-heating, or simply chopping.
- Set everything out buffet style, so your guests can create their very own delicious mashed potato creations.
- If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, try using a large charcuterie board with small bowls for a variety of toppings all around a large bowl of mashed potatoes.
- If you’re wondering how to keep the mashed potatoes warm without warmers, you can create a CrockPot mashed potato bar or Instant Pot mashed potato bar.
The Ultimate List of Mashed Potato Bar Toppings:

When it comes to what toppings are good on mashed potatoes, including what to put on mashed potatoes besides gravy, this list of toppings will answer that question in a most delicious way.
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Cheese Sauce
- Shredded Cheese – I recommend Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, Mozzarella, etc.
- Onions – red onion, green onions, caramelized onions, etc.
- Chives
- Cooked Broccoli
- Cooked Cauliflower
- Chili
- Meat for Sloppy Joes or CrockPot Sloppy Joes
- Taco Meat – beef taco meat, taco chicken, etc.
- Bacon or Bacon Bits
- Chopped Baked Ham or Pineapple Ham
- Pulled Pork
- Sausage
- Ground Beef
- Steak
- Cubed Pepperoni
- BBQ Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Pizza Sauce
- Turkey Gravy
- Ham Gravy or any flavor gravy when you know how to make gravy with cornstarch
- Gravy with Chicken Broth
- Green Chiles or Hot Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Salsa with basil
- Jalapeños
- Fire roasted green chiles
- Corn
- Peas
The sky’s the limit on ideas for a mashed potato buffet because there are so many toppings you can add to this list. But this is a great start.

Recipe FAQ’s

How much does a mashed potato bar cost?
Really, this depends. For a small family gathering, if you make your own mashed potatoes and put together just a few simple toppings, you can get away with less than $20. If you’re creating a larger buffet for a large crowd, your cost will depend on how many ingredients and supplies are needed to feed said crowd.

What potatoes are best for a mash potato bar?
While I do prefer yellow potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use any kind of potatoes you prefer, including Russet potatoes, red potatoes, even purple potatoes if you can find them. I’ve also gone so far as to search for the best mashed potatoes near me, and I found Bob Evans mashed potatoes in my grocery store. If you really don’t want to make mashed potatoes, ready made potatoes could be just the thing.

Can you make mashed potatoes and toppings ahead of time?
Yes, you can. You can make mashed potatoes and prep most of the toppings 1-2 days ahead of time. You’ll just need to store everything in airtight containers in the fridge.

How can you keep the mashed potatoes warm at a party?
You can either use a buffet server and food warmer. Or you can keep the mashed potatoes in a Crock Pot or Instant Pot on the “Keep Warm” setting.

How should you store leftovers?
Definitely store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

More Family Favorite Potato Recipes

If you love this mashed potato bar and think it’s as much fun as I do, you’ll love these recipes too…
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar

Feed a crowd with a mashed potato bar at your next party, wedding, or celebration. Ideas for all sorts of delicious toppings.
Stockpot
Hand Mixer
Potato Masher
Cutting Board
Vegetable Cleaver
Buffet Server and Food Warmer
Serving Bowls
Sectioned Serving Tray
Mini Appetizer Cups
Plastic Martini Glasses
Mashed Potatoes:
16 medium potatoes
12 tablespoons salted butter
4 tablespoons whole milk (or heavy cream)
2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
2 teaspoons ground black pepper (to taste)
Mashed Potato Bar Toppings:
1 1/2 cups salted butter
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups sour cream
3 cups cheese sauce
12 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (*shredded)
2 cups red onion (minced)
2 cups green onion (chopped)
2 cups chives (chopped)
6 cups broccoli (cooked)
6 cups sloppy joe meat
1 1/2 cups bacon (cooked and crumbled)
4 1/2 cups ham (chopped)
Mashed Potatoes:
Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes.
Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan on the stove, until they're soft enough to easily jab with a fork, about 20-30 minutes.
Drain the water off the boiled potatoes, and leave them in the saucepan.
Add the butter and heavy whipping cream to the potatoes.
Use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also use a potato masher if you don't have a hand mixer; your potatoes may just be a little bit chunky.
Once they're whipped, they're ready to serve.
Potato Bar Toppings:
Choose and prep your toppings*, adding each topping to a separate dish or compartment for serving. Prepping may involve cooking, re-heating, or simply chopping.
Set everything out buffet style*, so your guests can create their very own delicious baked potato creations.
* You can use any kind of shredded cheese you prefer. I recommend Extra Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, Mozzarella, etc.

*More mashed potato bar topping ideas include cooked cauliflower, chili, beef taco meat, taco chicken, pulled pork, sausage, ground beef, steak, bacon bits, cubed pepperoni, BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, pizza sauce, turkey gravy, ham gravy, ham gravy with cornstarch, chicken stock gravy, tomatoes, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, fire roasted green chiles, corn, peas, etc.

*You may need warmers to keep the mashed potatoes warm; you can also use a slow cooker or Crock pot. Otherwise, you may use a serving platter or serving bowls for toppings.

Side Dish
American
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October 29, 2018
Moist and Fluffy Chocolate Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes – Ultimate recipe for the best chocolate cupcakes that are so moist and fluffy. Frost with butterbeer buttercream frosting for the most decadent dessert!

These chocolate cupcakes really should be called death by chocolate cupcakes because that’s how I felt after taking just one bite. They’re so light, fluffy, and moist, it’s really easy to chow down on 2 or 3 before you even realize it.

Cupcakes are so easy to make, but I’m going to share a few tips with you for how to make a cake moist, fluffy, and soft. In fact, these cupcakes will likely be the softest cupcakes you’ve ever made.

Top them off with a butterbeer buttercream frosting, and you’ve got the makings of a most decadent dessert.

I’ve loved cupcakes since I was a little girl; every year my mom would make a batch of cupcakes for me to take to school and share with my friends on my birthday.

This chocolate cupcake recipe is perfect for a child’s birthday, for the holidays, or even for a fun after school treat for your kids. It makes the best Minecraft birthday cupcakes.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious chocolate cupcake recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

HOW TO MAKE CAKE MOIST (OR IN THIS CASE CUPCAKES)

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with homemade cake recipes in the past; sometimes I’ve gotten them right and sometimes they’ve been total flops. Thankfully, these cupcakes turned out perfect!

There are a few steps I took to ensure that our chocolate cupcakes would be very light, fluffy, and moist, just like my favorite yellow cake. And the steps I took to make moist chocolate cake actually worked.
- Use a mixture of butter and oil to make a moist cake.
- When you cream the butter and sugar (or mix the butter and sugar), do so for a good 5 to 8 minutes.
- When mixing the other wet ingredients in with your creamed mixture, only add the yolks of the eggs. Wait to fold the egg whites in after all the other ingredients have been added and mixed.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk. In fact, you can make your own buttermilk; I’ll show you how below. What buttermilk does is break down the gluten, which makes your cake softer.
- Use cake flour to make a lighter, softer cake. It really does make a difference.
- Sift your flour and dry ingredients together at least 3 times. My grandma would’ve said 7; she was a real stickler about sifting.
- Don’t mix the cake batter too long after adding the flour. Mix it just until it’s mixed. You can even alternate the flour mixture with the milk to be more aware of how long you’re mixing. Over mixing can make a cake more dense.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BUTTERMILK SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY IT

We almost never buy buttermilk. We just never use it because I know I can make my own when I’m baking.

My mom taught me this little trick when I was younger.

Just add about a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to a cup or two of milk; I usually use a tablespoon for every 1 to 2 cups of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Before you know it, you have sour milk or buttermilk. Works like a charm!

CAN I MAKE THESE CUPCAKES AHEAD OF TIME AND FREEZE THEM?

You can! In fact, Life as a Strawberry has a really helpful tutorial for How to Store and Freeze Cupcakes.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE CUPCAKES

Start by making your buttermilk and setting it aside so it can do its thing.

Then cream (or mix) the butter, oil, and sugar together for a good 5 to 8 minutes. You can also cream the egg yolks and vanilla extract in with the sugar mixture if you want.

Sift your dry ingredients together at least 3 times.

Then alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk to your creamed mixture, mixing after each addition.

Finally, when everything is mixed together, fold in the egg whites and mix together just until the batter is mixed.

Add cupcake liners to 2 large muffin tins, and pour or dispense batter into each cup, filling it 3/4 of the way full.

Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. You can use a table knife to go around the edges of the cupcakes if they stick to the pan at all.

Allow them to fully cool before attempting to ice the cupcakes.

Then top with a cupcake frosting like this deliciously creamy butterbeer buttercream frosting or regular buttercream frosting for the best chocolate cupcake recipe ever. Yum!

MORE CUPCAKE RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE:

Lime Vanilla Poke Cake Cupcakes

Scrumptious Poke Cake Lemon Cupcakes

Strawberry Filled Vanilla Cupcakes

Chocolate Bunny Tail Cupcake Bites

Valentine Snack Cakes Copycat Recipe

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can definitely mix chocolate cupcakes by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth cupcake batter.

Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

Egg Yolky Separator – Who doesn’t love a cute egg yolk separator?

Spatula

Muffin Pan with Cupcake Liners

Batter Dispenser – This makes it really easy to fill the cupcake liners.

Cake Tester or Toothpicks

Wire Rack

Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags – If you decide to decorate your cupcakes or even just want to swirl the icing on.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE RECIPE

If you love this moist chocolate cupcake recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

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Moist and Fluffy Chocolate Cupcakes

Ultimate recipe for the best chocolate cupcakes that are so moist and fluffy. Frost with butterbeer buttercream frosting for the most decadent dessert!
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups pure cane sugar
2 large eggs (separated*)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
If you’re making buttermilk, make it first and set aside.**
Cream (or mix) the butter, oil, and sugar together for a good 5 to 8 minutes.
You can also cream the egg yolks and vanilla extract in with the sugar mixture if you want, or you can add them in after the butter and sugar mixture is creamed.
Meanwhile, sift the dry ingredients together at least 3 times.
Then alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk to your creamed mixture, mixing after each addition.
Finally, when everything is mixed together, fold in the egg whites and mix together just until the batter is blended.
Add cupcake liners to 2 large muffin tins, and pour or dispense the batter into each cup, filling each cup 3/4 of the way full.
Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.***
Allow the cupcakes to fully cool before attempting to ice them. Then top with this deliciously creamy butterbeer buttercream frosting.****
*When mixing the other wet ingredients in with your creamed mixture, only add the yolks of the eggs. Wait to fold the egg whites in after all the other ingredients have been added and mixed.

**You can make your own buttermilk or sour milk. Just add about a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to a cup or two of milk; I usually use a tablespoon for every 1 to 2 cups of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

***You can use a table knife to go around the edges of the cupcakes if they stick to the pan at all.

****Icing not included in nutritional facts. See nutritional info for the butterbeer buttercream frosting at the link above.

Cakes & Cupcakes
American
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October 26, 2018
Camping at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas
CAMPING IN PETIT JEAN STATE PARK CAMPGROUND

Camping at Petit Jean State Park is a beautiful way to enjoy the park. With both open and more tucked in sites, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Petit Jean State Park Campground can be your “home away from home” while you explore all the wonderful trails and waterfalls that exist in the park, like Cedar Falls Trail, Bear Cave Trail, and Seven Hollows Trail to the Natural Bridge.

While we usually prefer dispersed camping out on our own, we’re still on the lookout for good dispersed camping in Arkansas. But for a developed campground, Petit Jean really does have different types of sites for any outdoor lover.

It somewhat reminded me of Cosby Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains.

We lucked out this time by reserving a site right next to a bubbling stream. I’ll tell ya, there’s nothing like sleeping in a tent to the sounds of a bubbling brook; never mind a sore back from sleeping in the tent, it’s still some of the best sleep you’ll ever get.

There’s only one campground on Petit Jean Mountain. While you can reserve a cabin, a yurt, or a room in Mather Lodge, we usually prefer camping because it’s more affordable.

We were excited to unplug and explore Petit Jean. Out of all the Arkansas state parks on our list, this is one park we’d been wanting to visit for a very long time.

WHERE EXACTLY IS PETIT JEAN STATE PARK CAMPGROUND?

The campground is right smack dab in the middle of Petit Jean State Park on top of Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton, Arkansas. At about 1180′ in elevation, the park is about an hour west of Little Rock.

While you can find some food and supplies on Petit Jean Mountain, you can also make the drive into Morrilton where you can find hotels, gas, and food. If you want a larger town, Conway isn’t too far down the road.

WHAT’S PETIT JEAN CAMPGROUND LIKE?

Petit Jean Campground has a total of 125 campsites, including 26 that are pull-thru sites. 35 sites have 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups; the other 90 sites have 30 amp electrical and water hookups.

All of the sites can be reserved through Reserve America.

You can choose from Loop A, B, C, or D; they have a group camping area, as well. You can choose between more open sites, more wooded sites, or sites with a view of Lake Bailey.

Every loop has one bathhouse with flushable toilets and hot showers. Trash and recycling receptacles are also available outside the bathrooms.

Just a short drive in either direction from the campground, you can explore the Visitor’s Center, the Petit Jean Country Store, various overlooks and trails, Mather Lodge, the Museum of Automobiles, and more.

When we arrived, we registered at the Visitor’s Center, a must do for anyone camping at Petit Jean. Then we made our way to Site 74.

Our site gave us enough room to back our 4Runner and camping trailer back in, set up our rooftop tent, and set up a tent for our older boys on the provided tent pad.

We really enjoyed being next to a small little brook that bubbled and babbled all night long. And while we were fairly close to the site on our right, there were still lots of trees to kinda give us a bit of the solitude we so crave when we’re camping.

OUR PETIT JEAN CAMPING EXPERIENCE

Campfires at night, exploring by day… Does life really get any better than that?

It’s so easy to get busy and to not get that time together as a family that’s really necessary in order to thrive. If you think about it, with today’s technology, the world is not just at our doorstep but literally in our homes every second of every day.

Nights in the campground were a time for us to roast marshmallows, chat around the fire, chase Zeke, and finally get that time together we so desperately needed.

The campsite was spacious enough that we had room for both our rooftop tent and the boys’ ground tent.

We set up our picnic table with a tablecloth and our box of camping cooking gear ready to do some outdoor cooking that night. We gathered firewood for the campfire and set out our camping chairs.

There was a bathroom right down the road, maybe a 2 to 3 minute walk from our site. Although we didn’t need to use it because we brought Randy, our faithful portable toilet (yes, the kids have named him, but that’s another story for another day).

And even though we had water at our site, we’re just so used to carrying our own water that we did, along with Campsuds. Since our trip was shorter, we decided to take along our favorite homemade no rinse wipes instead of worrying about the outdoor shower this trip.

Our first night was pretty quiet and peaceful, but as we got closer to the weekend and the campground started to fill up, it got a little louder. Most everyone that was there looked like they were escaping life for a few days, as well, just enjoying the peace of a campfire or the fun of a bike ride around the campground.

WILDLIFE IN OUR CAMPSITE

For the most part we enjoyed a really peaceful camping experience at Petit Jean. While wildlife is abundant in the park, we didn’t see a whole lot of animals in the campground.

We did have a cat that was trying to get into our trash. And then our second night, we had a family of raccoons come calling.

Being fall, we heard a lot of crows cawing and a lot of squirrels chattering as they gathered up stores of nuts for the winter.

PETIT JEAN CAMPGROUND AMENITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- Camp host
- Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Grills
- Fire rings – perfect for campfire cooking with the kids
- Picnic tables
- Tent pads
- Lantern poles
- Information/Contact Station
- Parking
- Trash and Recycling Station
- Fly-in tent sites at Petit Jean Airport
Learn more about Petit Jean and things you need to know before camping there. You can also check out our camping checklist for things you might need for your own camping trip.

If you’ve never camped before, I highly encourage you to do so. Camping is an experience that will definitely change your life for the better, and you may even fall in love with it.
October 25, 2018
Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes – Make your own homemade sloppy joes! Easy 30 minute sloppy joe recipe with a simple and delicious sauce. Serve on toasted buns or a bed of lettuce.

When I was a kid, sloppy joes were one of my favorite meals. Of course, Manwich was the sloppy joe sauce of choice back then.

But who needs canned sloppy joe sauce when you can make your own simple sauce? And it doesn’t have to be an overbearing sauce either, completely masking the flavor of the meat.

Nope, you can make a sauce with minimal ketchup, a little bit of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of brown sugar. And it’s out of this world delicious!

When I first made this recipe, it reminded me of the old days when Mom and Grandma would make the best juicy burger around. The toasted buns toasted in just a smidge of bacon grease really brought back a taste of home.

Tasty Tip: This also makes the best grilled cheese sloppy joes and sloppy joe shepherd’s pie! You can also make crock pot sloppy joes instead.

Are you ready for a dinnertime favorite your family will love? Let’s get to it!

More sloppy joe recipes you may enjoy: Taco Sloppy Joes, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers, and Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE SLOPPY JOES RECIPE!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT ARE SLOPPY JOES?

If you’ve never had sloppy joes, never fear. It’s never too late to add this yummy recipe to your weekly menu planning.

Sloppy joes are a sort of loose meat sandwich made with loose ground beef mixed with a tomato based sauce. The sauce usually has things like ketchup or tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sometimes a little mustard, and other ingredients.

You can also make a sloppy joe sandwich with ground pork or ground turkey.

It’s a very flavorful sandwich that’s otherwise known as a juicy burger (what my mama and grandma called it), loose meat sandwich, Manwich, dynamite, slush burger, tavern sandwich, a Maid-Rite, etc.

SLOPPY JOE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Garlic clove
- Yellow onion
- Bacon grease (you can also use butter or olive oil)
- Ground beef
CAN I USE FROZEN HAMBURGER MEAT? DO I NEED TO THAW IT?

You can use frozen ground beef. In fact, we do this quite often because we forget to get the meat out.

Since it’s a loose meat sandwich and you’re not making hamburger patties, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

When it’s cooked, you can drain off any excess oil.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES

Sloppy joes are one of the easiest meals to make. I totally get why my mom liked making them.

Now I do recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

Be sure to mince up the garlic and the onion really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and sauce.

You’ll start by sautéing the garlic and onion in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic and onion, cooking the mixture well.

Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.

Once you add the sauce ingredients, just let the whole mixture simmer for a good 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, you can toast hamburger buns in another skillet in a little bit of bacon grease. Or you may choose a lower carb option and prep a plate of lettuce or spinach to go with your sloppy joe meat.

However you choose to enjoy your sloppy joes, hopefully with a nice big batch of homemade steak fries, this is sure to be a family favorite recipe for many meals to come.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES

Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

Wooden Spatula

SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

If you love this sloppy joe recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

Make your own homemade sloppy joes! Easy 30 minute sloppy joe recipe with a simple and delicious sauce. Serve on toasted buns or a bed of lettuce.
1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 medium yellow onion (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar
Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot.
Then add in the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Add the onion in with the garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the onions and garlic into the meat. Cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked.
Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
Mix the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar into the meat, stirring until combined.
Let the sloppy joe mixture simmer for at least 5 minutes.
Serve on toasted buns or on a bed of lettuce or spinach.
*I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor it will give to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

Burgers & Sandwiches
American
easy sloppy joe recipe, homemade sloppy joes, how to make sloppy joes, juicy burger, loose meat sandwich, sloppy joe recipe, sloppy joe sauce, sloppy joes, sloppy joes from scratch
October 24, 2018
50+ Mouthwatering Apple Recipes
Apple Recipes – What to do with apples! 50 of the most mouthwatering apple recipes, including desserts, Crockpot recipes, preserving and canning, and more delicious ideas!

We’ve spent the last couple of months making weekly trips to the orchard and making all sorts of delicious apple recipes. I’ll tell ya, I’m really going to miss the orchard when it closes for the season.

There is nothing quite like apples fresh off the tree. And there’s nothing quite like fresh apple recipes like apple pie, applesauce, and apple butter.

From preserving apples to baking apple desserts and even making dinner, there’s really no limit on what to do with apples. There are so many ways you can use these wonderful fruits.

APPLES ARE GOOD FOR YOU TOO!

Apples taste so good, it almost seems wrong that they’re so good for us.

Did you know apples are a good source of the following…
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
- Fiber
Not that desserts are necessarily good for us, but apples themselves and some of the things you can make with them, can pack quite the punch when it comes to nutrients our bodies need.

Below you’ll find 50 ways to use apples, plus kitchen tools you may need when working with apples.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED FOR MAKING APPLE RECIPES

Apple Corer/Peeler/Slicer – This actually makes the process of chopping up the apples a lot quicker.

Paring Knife – for trimming off any bad spots or slicing the apples. My paring knife is kinda like my spatula… I can’t cook without it.

Food Mill or Immersion Blender – You might want this if making applesauce or apple butter.

Jars and Lids – I prefer jelly jars or pint jars. In fact, we usually try to keep our pantry stocked with jars. But don’t forget the lids and rings. They can be easy to forget, and before you know it, you have all the jars you need but no lids.

8-Quart Instant Pot

Slow Cooker

Pastry Blender – I love my simple pastry blender. The mixture doesn’t get stuck in it like it does the bigger pastry blenders.

Rolling Pin – Definitely need this if you’re making pies.

Glass Pie Plates – This pie plate is my old faithful pie plate; I’ve had it forever, probably since we got married. Mine actually has the fluted edge sorta built in too, so you can press it in and get somewhat of a decorative edge without a lot of handiwork on your part.

Adjustable Pie Shield – Protects your pie crust from burning.

Muffin Tin or Bread Pan

Baking Sheet, Baking Pan, or Bundt Pan

50 APPLE RECIPES – WHAT TO DO WITH APPLES

Here are a few yummy apple recipe ideas, including some really great ways to preserve apples so your family can enjoy them for weeks to come.

You’ll find recipes for preserving apples, canning apples, dehydrating apples, apple desserts, apple muffins, apple cinnamon snacks, and even some savory apple recipes!

Instant Pot Apple Butter – Adventures of Mel

Easy CrockPot Apple Butter – Adventures of Mel

Stovetop Traditional Apple Butter Recipe

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp – My Gluten-Free Kitchen

Easy Baked Apples – Create Kids Club

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Sliced Caramel Apple Pops – Busy Mommy Media

How to Make Apple Juice without a Juicer – Adventures of Mel

Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free} – Mama Knows Gluten Free

Puff Pastry Apple Tart with Goat Cheese and Honey – Umami Girl

Apple Pie Turnovers – Butter Your Biscuit

Easy No-Peel Instant Pot Applesauce – Adventures of Mel

Paleo Apple Blondies with Maple Coconut Glaze – What Great Grandma Ate

Apple Protein Muffins – One Clever Chef

How to Make Apple Chutney – Cadry’s Kitchen

No-Peel Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce – Adventures of Mel

Chicken and Apple Cheddar Dumplings – Sugar Dish Me

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake with Pecan Crisp Topping – The Unlikely Baker

Apple Pie Filling – Beyond the Chicken Coop

Homemade Apple Jelly without Pectin – Adventures of Mel

Mouthwatering Gluten Free French Apple Cake – Fearless Dining

Homemade Oven Baked Apple Chips – She Loves Biscotti

Dutch Apple Crumb Pie – Adventures of Mel

Bourbon Apple Pecan Bread Pudding – Soulfully Made

Sugar Free Apple Butter Recipe – Eating Richly

Apple Walnut Bread Stuffing – Adventures of Mel

Sugar-Free Stuffed Baked Apples – Veganosity

Greek Yogurt Apple-Cinnamon Bread – Kristine’s Kitchen

HALFWAY THERE…

Easy Slow Cooker Mulled Cider – Adventures of Mel

Delicious Toffee Apples – Supergolden Bakes

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Natalie’s Happy Health

Homemade Apple Galette – Marsha’s Baking Addiction

Apple Bundt Cake with a Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze – Adventures of Mel

Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecake – Sweet Spicy Kitchen

Apple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix – Adventures of Mel

Caramel Apple Pops – DIY Candy

Apple Dumplings – Celebrating Sweets

Apple Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes – Adventures of Mel

Easy Blackberry & Apple Jam – Fab Food 4 All

Pumpkin Pie Applesauce {in the Instant Pot} – We Are Not Martha

Classic Apple Pie Recipe – Saving Room for Dessert

Maple Pork Chops with Apples and Onions – Adventures of Mel

Easy French Apple Jam Recipe – The View from Great Island

Pull Apart Apple Cinnamon Bread – Baking with Mom

Make Your Own Apple Sugar – Learning and Yearning

Caramel Apple Donut Holes – Adventures of Mel

3 Minute Sugar Free Instant Pot Pear Applesauce – Recipes to Nourish

Apple Quickie Recipe – Adventures of Mel

One-Minute Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Mighty Mrs.

Apple Stuffing Crusted Pork Chops – Caroline’s Cooking

Apple Crumble without Oats – Adventures of Mel

Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider Mulled Wine – Good Life Eats

Looking for more fall favorites?

Deliciously Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Creamy No Bake Pumpkin Dessert

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Classic Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake
October 23, 2018
Dreamy Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting
Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting – Harry Potter fans unite with this dreamy butterbeer buttercream frosting. Easy recipe for a fluffy icing, perfect for cupcakes and cake decorating!

Being the Harry Potter fan that I am, I thought it only appropriate to create a yummy butterbeer buttercream frosting. This recipe is one you will definitely enjoy, especially if you love both butterbeer and buttercream icing.

After creating my own butterbeer recipe, my friend Linda from Life on Summerhill, suggested I make a butterbeer frosting. I mean, how brilliant is she?!

This frosting is so creamy delicious on my favorite dark chocolate cupcakes. You’re going to love it.

It’s a mix of that buttery butterscotch flavor with the creamy texture of a dreamy buttercream frosting. So scrumptious!

Add butterbeer to your breakfast and brunch plans with butterbeer pancakes from scratch. They’re oh so delicious.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious butterbeer buttercream frosting recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS BUTTERBEER?

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what butterbeer actually is.

We first tried butterbeer while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. It’s a drink made famous by the Harry Potter series of books, written by J.K. Rowling.

It’s a buttery, butterscotch, sweet drink, with a hint of caramel, that’s served hot or cold. It’s described as a “less-sickly butterscotch” and even has a little bit of fizz to it.

Fandom explains what butterbeer is, where it came from, and what it’s all about.

WHY DO YOU USE BUTTER INSTEAD OF SHORTENING?

In my original buttercream frosting recipe, as well as my chocolate buttercream frosting, I explain why I prefer to use salted butter and make my buttercream without shortening.

Using all butter creates a very flavorful frosting, perfect for that buttery butterbeer taste.

I also recommend using salted butter, because the salt in the butter adds a richness to your buttercream. It gives it a zing that unsalted butter just can’t do.

Also, it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to your frosting, especially when trying to get a good consistency and texture.

While shortening does add stability to the recipe, heavy whipping cream can do the same thing.

CAN I FREEZE BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you think about it, bakeries put their cakes in a cooler to store them for their customers.

Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. I always have a little bit of icing leftover, and I usually freeze it for the next time we need it.

BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM ICING INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Butter extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream soda
TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING WITH A TASTE OF BUTTERBEER

Making homemade buttercream frosting is easy. Butterbeer buttercream frosting is no different, besides a few extra ingredients.
- First, make sure you soften the butter. Try to get it out ahead of time and let it soften naturally; don’t be like me and use the microwave to soften it, therefore melting it.
- Next, mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, butter extract, caramel extract, butterscotch topping, heavy whipping cream, and cream soda.
- Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
Finally, if your frosting seems a little thin, you can add in a little extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. And it tastes divine!

MORE HARRY POTTER FOOD YOU WILL LOVE:

Polyjuice Potion recipe

And my friend Linda will show you how to make the prettiest decorations for a Harry Potter celebration!

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can definitely mix homemade frosting by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth texture.

Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

Spatula

Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags

BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE

If you love this butterbeer buttercream frosting recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

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Dreamy Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting

Harry Potter fans unite with this dreamy butterbeer buttercream frosting. Easy recipe for a fluffy icing, perfect for cupcakes and decorating!
1 cup salted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
1/4 teaspoon caramel extract
1 tablespoon butterscotch topping
5 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon cream soda
Mix together the softened butter*, vanilla extract, butter extract, caramel extract, butterscotch topping, heavy whipping cream**, and cream soda.
Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
If your frosting seems a little thin, you can add in a little extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, butterbeer buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. It tastes divine!
*Make sure you soften the butter first. Try to get it out ahead of time and let it soften naturally. Don’t be like me and use the microwave to soften it, therefore melting it.

**You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature.

Desserts
American
butterbeer, butterbeer buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, buttercream icing, Harry Potter, Harry Potter food, homemade buttercream frosting
October 22, 2018
Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe
Easy recipe for a low carb meatloaf made with cauliflower and ground beef. Simple, healthy dinner idea and comfort food recipe with absolutely no ketchup!

Meatloaf is one of my favorite meals, but my regular meatloaf has oatmeal, ketchup, and BBQ sauce, which all spell carbs, pretty much a no go for Dan. So I decided to work on a low carb meatloaf recipe he could enjoy too.

I’m not sure if this could be considered a keto meatloaf; I don’t know enough about keto ingredients at this point. BUT I do know it’s one recipe you can add to your list of low carb foods.

Now it is a work in progress, meaning I may be coming back to tweak it as I continue making it. I like to do that when I remake things over and over… I’ll tweak ingredients and sometimes it turns out even better than before.

This easy meatloaf is definitely delicious just the way it is, though. Even without all the ketchup and BBQ sauce that’s in my favorite meatloaf with oatmeal, it still has a ton of flavor.

And if you’re making meatloaf and need fewer servings, you can always cut the recipe in half– or you could use it to make mini meatloaf muffins! I like to make enough so that we can have meatloaf sandwiches (or salads) the next day for lunch.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE LOW CARB MEATLOAF RECIPE!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for low carb meatloaf – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make this low carb meatloaf…
- Ground beef
- Eggs
- Small onion
- Steamed cauliflower rice
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Seasoning salt
- BBQ Seasoning
You can also add a little parmesan, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup if you want more flavor… Parmesan is definitely something I add to my baked Italian cauliflower meatballs, but unfortunately, I didn’t have any on hand for my homemade meatloaf.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE A LOW CARB MEATLOAF

Meatloaf is super easy to make, which is why it’s usually on our menu at least once or twice a month. It’s basically a throw everything in the bowl and mix it up type of recipe.

I’d suggest using a leaner ground beef that won’t shrink as much when baked. Meat with more fat will leave a ton of liquid in the pan when it’s done baking, and it’s liable to shrink up big time.

We usually buy beef from our local butcher shop, and it’s about a 90/10 mixture, which works really well for meatloaf. That mixture still gives off a little bit of juice but not so much that our meatloaf is sitting in a bunch of liquid.

The steamed cauliflower rice will help the meatloaf to be moist… Normally, I use oatmeal, but the carb content in oatmeal deterred me from using it for this recipe.

As for seasonings, we kept it simple. Salt, pepper, seasoning salt, and a Texas Style BBQ Seasoning (Great Value brand) we found at Walmart; I still like just a hint of BBQ flavor in my meatloaf.

HOW LONG TO COOK MEATLOAF

You’ll bake meatloaf at 350° in the oven.

Meatloaf usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to cook all the way through. You want to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160° with a meat thermometer.

When it’s done, you can just remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes while you finish prepping the rest of your meal.

WHAT FOODS ARE GOOD TO PAIR WITH MEATLOAF?

Normally, I’d say to serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Yum! Unfortunately, mashed potatoes are definitely not low carb.

So you might want to go with a better option like maybe a colorful salad, green beans, or broccoli. And remember, there’s cauliflower in the meatloaf, so you’ve already got a few hidden veggies.

CAN I FREEZE MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can. Meatloaf would make an excellent freezer meal or make ahead meal.

MORE DINNER IDEAS WITH GROUND BEEF AND/OR CAULIFLOWER:

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs – which you can pair with Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti.

Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice

Sausage and Chicken Instant Pot Casserole

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY MEATLOAF RECIPE:

13″x9″ casserole or baking dish – I love using this size baking dish to make a big 2-pound meatloaf that will stretch to give our family of 5 more than one meal.

Large mixing bowl – This makes it easy to just dump in all the ingredients and start mixing.

Meat thermometer – We use ours all the time; it really helps to tell if the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.

LOW CARB MEATLOAF RECIPE

If you love this low carb meatloaf recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION
Low Carb Meatloaf

Easy recipe for a low carb meatloaf made with cauliflower and ground beef. Simple, healthy dinner idea and comfort food recipe with absolutely no ketchup!
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs
1/2 cup onion (minced)
1 cup cauliflower rice (steamed)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon BBQ Seasoning (*)
Pre-heat the oven to 350° and spray a 13"x9" baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, and cauliflower rice.
Sprinkle in the seasonings, including the salt, black pepper, seasoning salt, and BBQ seasoning; and mix together well.
Add the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking dish, and pat together into a loaf.
Bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160° with a meat thermometer.
When the meatloaf has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for just a few minutes while you finish prepping the rest of your meal.
Serve with your favorite sides** and enjoy!
*I used Great Value brand Texas Style BBQ Seasoning, but you can use any low carb BBQ seasoning.

Normally, I serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, mashed potatoes are definitely not low carb. So you may want to serve it with something like a colorful salad, green beans, or broccoli.

Dinner Ideas
American
easy meatloaf recipe, homemade meatloaf, how long to cook meatloaf, how to make meatloaf, low carb meatloaf, making meatloaf, meatloaf
October 19, 2018
12 Things to do in St. Louis with Kids
Things to do in St. Louis – 12 fun things to do in St. Louis with kids on a family vacation, including outdoor adventures, historical sites, museums, and free activities!

You’ll find all sorts of things to do in St. Louis, Missouri, especially if you’re traveling with your family. There’s no end to the adventures you can have, whether you live there or are just traveling through.

And the thing is, there are a lot of free or nearly free things to do in St. Louis. You just have to do your research before you go.

Hopefully, I can help you cut down just a teensy bit on that research by giving you a few suggestions for fun things to do in St. Louis. Whether your family is like mine and seriously loves the outdoors or yours is more of an indoor museum kind of family, you’ll find that many St. Louis attractions appeal to both types.

Also, St. Louis makes a great spring break family getaway. There are just so many wonderful things to do!

And what I love about the city of Saint Louis is its history. I love all the historical places, the architecture, St. Louis foods, you name it… St. Louis is chock full of history and culture.

Below are 12 things you may want to add to your travel itinerary. Some are free (or nearly free), and others are not, but in my opinion, are totally worth the cost.

1. Explore Gateway Arch National Park

The Arch is a national landmark and definitely can’t be left off the list of what to do in St. Louis, especially with kids.

While it’s free for you to explore all around the park and inside the Arch Museum, you’ll likely have to pay for parking and there is a charge to go up in the Arch for a view of the city.

Visit the Arch, explore the Old Courthouse, take a walk or scooter ride around the park, and maybe even take a ride on a riverboat.

2. Take a Walk in Missouri Botanical Garden

My mom used to take me to Missouri Botanical Garden when I was a little girl. I remember being mesmerized by all the little trails that wound here and there throughout the garden.

With 79 acres, including more than 4,800 trees, the garden is a nature lover’s paradise. I remember especially loving the tropical rain forest theme of the Climatron, or geodesic dome.

3. Go Shopping at Soulard Farmer’s Market

Grab your reusable bags and head out for some fresh produce at Soulard Market in the Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis.

You’ll find both free and metered parking.

You’ll also find the most delicious gooey butter cake at Soulard Bakery and the most refreshing Virgin Bloody Mary at Norton’s Cajun Corner.

4. Head to the St. Louis Zoo

Go see all the animals at the St. Louis Zoo, including animals from many different regions around the world.

While admission to the zoo itself is free, other activities inside the zoo like the Children’s Zoo, the train, and the Sea Lion Show are not. While the extra activities are affordable, you can still have a lot of fun without doing any of them.

Tip: Save money for activities by parking for FREE on the street; you will have a bit of a walk if parking outside actual zoo parking, but it’s usually not too far.

5. Pick a Museum, Any Museum

St. Louis is full of awesome museums, including options the whole family will love like…
- Real adventure begins at City Museum, where you can live out your childhood dreams and even ride down a 10 story slide.
- Let your inner science geek and astronomy buff out at the Saint Louis Science Center and McDonnell Planetarium.
- Got a plane, train, or automobile enthusiast in the family? I do! Visit the National Museum of Transportation.
- One of my favorite field trips as a kid was the Magic House, where kids can really get hands on with all the exhibits and even make their hair stand on end.
6. Visit Grant’s Farm and Home

History buff in the family? Visit the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, where you can go in Ulysses S. Grant’s home and barn and explore around the grounds.

Go across the street to Grant’s Farm where you can see animals from around the world, ride a camel, visit the Budweiser Clydesdales (requires a private tour), and more.

7. Watch the St. Louis Cardinals or the St. Louis Blues

Take in a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium. You can even take a guided tour of the stadium.

Or take in a hockey game at the Enterprise Center, and watch the St. Louis Blues duke it out on the ice.

8. Walk Across Chain of Rocks Bridge

Originally a famous landmark for anyone driving Route 66, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is now part of the Route 66 Bikeway.

At midpoint the mile-long bridge makes a 30-degree turn above the Mississippi River. It’s really a sight to behold and one of the most unique old bridges I’ve ever seen.

9. Have a Picnic in Forest Park

Forest Park itself with 1,371 acres could take a day or more to explore, especially if you add in attractions that are in and around the park.

Maybe take a break from city life and enjoy a day in the park. Pack a picnic lunch, go for a bike ride, go ice skating, and more in one of our country’s largest urban parks.

10. Get a Root Beer

Whether you want a full meal or just a bottle of root beer, Fitz’s Root Beer is another fun stop while you’re in St. Louis.

Watch the bottling line at work while you enjoy a frosty mug of your favorite soda.

And while you’re in the Delmar Loop area, why not explore all the little shops and restaurants that abound in this fun, quirky area of the city?

11. Go Inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

I love visiting cathedrals wherever we happen to roam. I love to go in, sit down, and just soak up the quiet peace and tranquility.

The Cathedral Basilica made my head and neck ache from all of my craning to see every detail. Its domed ceiling is filled with mosaics, made up of millions of tiny pieces of tile, that took nearly a century to complete.

It is absolutely beautiful and costs nothing to visit.

12. Take a Drive

Take a drive around St. Louis and surrounding neighborhoods.

Drive through downtown past the gorgeous colonial architecture of City Hall and the old Union Station. Take a drive around The Hill neighborhood, where you can enjoy some of the most delicious Italian food in the city. Drive around neighborhoods filled with craftsman style houses near Washington University.

Take a drive and explore this beautiful city filled with historic buildings, beautiful architecture, and so many wonderful things to see.

Whatever you choose, there are all sorts of things to do in St. Louis with kids, whether you want to get outside or would rather stay inside. It’s easy to create a LOT of fun memories in a very short time, especially when you’re exploring with your family.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:

What It’s Like to Visit the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri

8 Delicious St. Louis Foods and Where You Can Eat Them
October 18, 2018
Two Ways to Make Easy Bisquick Campfire Drop Biscuits
How to make quick and easy campfire drop biscuits, using a Dutch oven or pie iron, on the grill or over a campfire. Simple Bisquick recipe for deliciously fluffy biscuits.

Drop biscuits are one of my favorite camping recipes because they complement a dinner of beef stew or a breakfast of eggs and bacon really well. They’re an easy camping food you can make ahead or cook over the campfire.

And in this case, I’m going to show you how to make easy biscuits, without any rolling out and hardly any mixing, for your next camping meal.

You’ll only need 2 ingredients for these easy drop biscuits. And you’ll only need a couple of supplies you probably already have in your camping stash to make this easy biscuit recipe.

You may also enjoy easy Bisquick cinnamon biscuits and Bisquick drop scones.

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I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR DROP BISCUITS!

If you’d rather skip all of my baking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious campfire drop biscuits recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card with a longer how to video.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR EASY DROP BISCUITS:

You’ll need a couple of ingredients for making biscuits the easy way…
- Your favorite biscuit mix
- Milk
WHY USE BISCUIT MIX?

You can use any kind of biscuit mix you want… I’ve used both Bisquick and Pioneer Mix.

The reason I use biscuit mix is because it’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s simple. When you’re packing up everything your family needs for a week of campfire cooking, it’s much easier to pack a box of biscuit mix than to pack every individual ingredient you need to make homemade biscuits.

I usually buy a box or even a couple envelopes of biscuit mix just to make life easier while camping. We’ve also enjoyed making other Bisquick recipes like campfire cinnamon rolls.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE CAMPFIRE DROP BISCUITS

Start by mixing the biscuit mix together with the milk in a mixing bowl.

You can knead the biscuit dough in the bowl just a bit; then drop each biscuit into place on a well greased tin foil pie plate or into a pie iron (see instructions below).

If you’re mixing them ahead of time and waiting until later to cook them, you can cover them with plastic wrap, and then place the whole pie plate down in a plastic gallon bag, seal it, and place it in your cooler.

TIPS FOR HOW TO BAKE DROP BISCUITS OUTDOORS

You’ll need one of two things… A Dutch oven (preferably with a tripod if you’re cooking them over the campfire) and/or a pie iron.

Pie irons are fun because then everyone can cook their own, and kids love being able to make their own.

DUTCH OVEN BISCUITS:

For drop biscuits, you can make a sling with aluminum foil.

Place your uncovered foil pie plate down into the Dutch oven using your sling. We like to put a few jar rings in the bottom of our Dutch oven, so our pie plate isn’t sitting directly on the bottom of the Dutch oven.

If you’re using a grill, place the Dutch oven on the grill above the coals.

If you’re baking them over a campfire, I suggest using a tripod, so that your Dutch oven can sit up off the fire, and the bottoms of your biscuits won’t burn.

Let the biscuits cook over the campfire or on the grill for probably 15 to 20 minutes. Just check them frequently to make sure they don’t burn.

PIE IRON BISCUITS:

For a pie iron recipe, spray the inside of your pie iron with cooking spray.

Place 2 or more drop biscuits inside, close it up, and hold it over the grill or fire.

Cook the biscuits for around 15 to 20 minutes. Just check them frequently to make sure they don’t burn.

Either way you bake your quick biscuits, when they’re done, you’re ready to serve them with your meal. You might even enjoy a spoonful of apple butter, apple jelly, blackberry jam, or strawberry jam with your yummy drop biscuits.

Learn how to make coffee over a fire, and you can even dip your biscuits in your coffee. Yum!

MORE EASY CAMPING RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:
KITCHEN AND CAMPING TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE EASY DROP BISCUITS:

Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a bowl to mix up your biscuits.

Foil Pie Plate – This makes it easy to store your biscuits in the cooler until you’re ready to cook them.

Dutch Oven – If you want to make a whole pan of drop biscuits, you can cook them in a Dutch oven, either over the campfire on a tripod, or on the grill.

Pie Iron – If everyone would rather cook their own biscuits, this is the perfect way. It’s so fun!

CAMPFIRE DROP BISCUITS RECIPE

If you love this drop biscuits recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

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Easy Campfire Drop Biscuits

How to make quick and easy drop biscuits, using a Dutch oven or pie iron, on the grill or over a campfire. Simple Bisquick recipe for deliciously fluffy biscuits.
3 cups biscuit mix
1 cup whole milk
Mix the biscuit mix* together with the milk in a mixing bowl.
You can knead the biscuit dough in the bowl just a bit; then drop each biscuit into place on a well greased tin foil pie plate.
If you’re mixing the biscuits ahead of time and waiting until later to cook them, you can cover them with plastic wrap, and then place the whole pie plate down in a plastic gallon bag, seal it, and place it in your cooler.
Dutch Oven Recipe Instructions:
When you’re ready to bake the biscuits, you can make a sling with aluminum foil.
Place your uncovered foil pie plate down into the Dutch oven using your sling.**
If you’re using a grill, place the Dutch oven on the grill above the coals.
If you’re baking them over a campfire, I suggest using a tripod, so that your Dutch oven can sit up off the fire, and the bottoms of your biscuits won’t burn.
Let the biscuits cook over the campfire or on the grill for probably 15 to 20 minutes. Just check them frequently to make sure they don’t burn.
Pie Iron Recipe Instructions:
For a pie iron recipe, spray the inside of your pie iron with cooking spray.
Place 2 or more drop biscuits inside, close it up, and hold it over the grill or fire.
Cook the biscuits for around 15 to 20 minutes. Just check them frequently to make sure they don’t burn.
*You can use any kind of biscuit mix you want, whether it’s Bisquick, Pioneer, or another brand of biscuit mix.

**We like to put a few jar rings in the bottom of our Dutch oven, so our pie plate isn’t sitting directly on the bottom of the Dutch oven.

If you can’t use a campfire or grill, because there have been many times we were in that exact situation, you can cook them in a Dutch oven on your camp stove.

Either way you bake your quick and easy drop biscuits, when they’re done, you’re ready to serve them with your meal. You might even enjoy a spoonful of apple butter, apple jelly, blackberry jam, or strawberry jam with your yummy drop biscuits.

Camping Recipes
American
Bisquick recipes, campfire cooking, camping food, camping food ideas, camping recipes, drop biscuits, dutch oven camping recipes, pie iron
October 17, 2018
Quick and Easy Butterbeer Recipe
How to make a super simple, quick and easy, homemade butterbeer recipe. Just mix and stir your favorite sweet drink from the Harry Potter series.

It’s been a couple of years since we last visited the Wizarding World in Universal and had a big tall glass of butterbeer. So I thought it was high time that I make my own butterbeer recipe.

As I mentioned with my Polyjuice Potion recipe, I’m creating a few Harry Potter recipes for my fellow Harry Potter fans. I’ve heard tell there’s a new movie coming out in November, and it’s got me all excited.

This homemade butterbeer is a little different from other recipes I’ve seen in that it makes a smaller amount, AND it’s quick and easy… No stove time with this recipe!

That’s right, no standing in front of the stove stirring. You’ll basically mix your ingredients in your favorite mug (or in a punch bowl for a larger amount) and serve it. Easy peasy!

You may also love this butterbeer buttercream frosting that pairs so scrumptiously with chocolate cupcakes, it’s not even funny. And if you need a good breakfast recipe, butterbeer pancakes from scratch are the best!

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE BUTTERBEER RECIPE!

If you’d rather skip all of my mixing tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for Butterbeer – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS BUTTERBEER?

If you’ve never had butterbeer, you’re in for a real treat, my friend.

Butterbeer is a drink the characters in the Harry Potter series enjoyed from time to time, especially when visiting Hogsmeade.

It’s a sort of butterscotch (caramel-ish) sweet drink that’s served hot or cold (cold in this case). It’s described as a “less-sickly butterscotch.”

It also has a little bit of fizz to it, and in the series, possibly a little bit of alcohol.

Now mine doesn’t have any alcohol, simply because I don’t like the taste of it. But it’s definitely something you can think about adding, maybe a little bit of rum?

Fandom has a really good explanation of butterbeer and all the who/what/when/where/why/hows of it.

BUTTERBEER INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

You’ll need a few butterbeer ingredients to make your own yummy Harry Potter drinks:
- Whipped Cream
- Butterscotch ice cream topping
- Salted butter
- Butter extract
- Caramel extract
- Cream soda
DO I HAVE TO USE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM?

While I prefer to use homemade whipped cream, you can totally use store bought.

I prefer the texture and the ingredients that are in homemade whipped cream. It’s really simple and easy to make.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE BUTTERBEER

Butterbeer is super easy to make. In fact, you can mix it up in a bigger batch for a large group and use a punch bowl; or you can mix up a small amount for individual mugs.

First you’ll mix together the whipped cream, butterscotch topping, melted butter, butter extract, and caramel extract in a small mixing bowl.

Add a tablespoon of the whipped cream mixture into the bottom of your mug. Then pour in 1/2 cup of the cream soda and stir.

Add another tablespoon dollop of the whipped cream on top and stir. It’ll fizz up and the whipped cream mixture will expand, creating a fizzy top that’ll give you a butterbeer mustache when you drink it.

Now these instructions are for a smaller mug. If you’re mixing up a taller, larger mug like I show in the pictures, you’ll want to double the amounts I give.

Usually less is more when it comes to butterbeer because it can be a really sweet drink. The smaller mug is usually enough for me to curb my butterbeer cravings.

MORE HARRY POTTER PARTY IDEAS YOU WILL LOVE:

And my friend Linda, from Life on Summerhill, will show you how to make the prettiest decorations for a Harry Potter celebration!

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE HARRY POTTER BUTTERBEER:

Liquid Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowl

Fun Mugs – Some of my favorites are this Magical Marauder’s Map Mug, this Hedwig Mug, this Morphing Book Cover Mug, this Espresso Patronum Mug, and this Butterbeer Mug.

BUTTERBEER RECIPE

If you love this butterbeer recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

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Quick and Easy Butterbeer Recipe

How to make a super simple, quick and easy, homemade butterbeer recipe. Just mix and stir your favorite sweet drink from the Harry Potter series.
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 tablespoon butterscotch topping
1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
1/2 teaspoon butter extract
1/4 teaspoon caramel extract
2 cups cream soda
In a small mixing bowl, mix together the whipped cream, butterscotch topping, melted butter, butter extract, and caramel extract.
Add 2 tablespoons each, of the whipped cream mixture, into the bottom of 2 mugs.
Then pour 1 cup of the cream soda into each mug and stir.
Add 2 more tablespoons of the whipped cream on top of each mug and stir.
The mixture will fizz up and the whipped cream will expand, creating a fizzy top that’ll give you a butterbeer mustache when you drink it.
Looking for a festive Harry Potter mug? Some of my favorites are this Magical Marauder’s Map Mug, this Hedwig Mug, this Morphing Book Cover Mug, this Espresso Patronum Mug, and this Butterbeer Mug.

Drinks
American
butterbeer, butterbeer recipe, Harry Potter, Harry Potter drinks, Harry Potter recipes, how to make butterbeer
October 16, 2018
8 Delicious St. Louis Foods and Where You Can Eat Them

St. Louis Foods – St. Louis has the best food, including gooey butter cake. 8 must try St. Louis foods, and restaurants where you can eat and enjoy with family and friends.

Some of the best food in the country can be found smack dab in the middle, in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis foods include a wonderful mix and array of Midwest tastes coupled with ethnic and cultural traditions.

I might be a little partial to Saint Louis food, since I spent half my childhood there. I have a feeling that even if I were just a traveler passing through, I’d still have a love for all of it.

Nothing delves you into a place quite like the food. For it’s in the food and the people who make that food where you discover all the stories, traditions, flavors, and personality that come together to make a city like St. Louis the place that it is.

The city of St. Louis is a very special place that doesn’t get enough recognition, in my opinion, compared to bigger cities like Chicago and New York. Don’t get me wrong, those bigger cities have wonderful food and places to explore; but even a smaller city like St. Louis is bursting at the seams with all sorts of good things to eat.

Below you’ll find a listing of some of our favorite St. Louis foods, as well as some of the best restaurants in St. Louis.

Looking for more St. Louis family fun? You may also enjoy these St. Louis adventures: What It’s Like to Visit the Arch, 5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market, and 12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids.

1. Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey butter cake is one of my favorite desserts of all time. My mom would make it homemade, and it’s pretty much a St. Louis staple.

Gooey butter cake (and pumpkin spice gooey butter cake) is an ooey gooey cake made with butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. It has a chewy edge and slightly salty crust with a gooey sweet center.

Apparently, it was an accidental dessert created by a German American baker back in the 1930’s. Nowadays you can’t walk into a St. Louis bakery and not find this sticky gooey treat.

Places to Eat in St. Louis: My personal favorite place to get gooey butter cake in St. Louis is Soulard Bakery at Soulard Market; theirs is just the right texture, thickness, sweetness, everything.

You can also find it at Park Avenue Coffee, Gooey Louie’s, Missouri Baking Company, and so many more places, I could go on and on because it’s that good.

Soulard Bakery: 730 Carroll Street; St. Louis, MO 63104.

2. Toasted Ravioli

Yet another St. Louis staple is toasted ravioli, a crispy, breaded, meat-filled, deep-fried ravioli best served with a sprinkling of parmesan and dipped in marinara sauce.

Most of the stories you’ll read of its origins point to the Italian neighborhood in St. Louis known as The Hill, where they say it was another accidental discovery.

The Hill St. Louis is where baseball greats like Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola, Sr., grew up. You’ll find many of the best Italian restaurants on The Hill.

Places to Eat in St. Louis: We really enjoyed the toasted ravioli from Mama Toscano’s, family owned for four generations. The ravioli is handmade and so delicious.

Culture Trip provides a whole listing of other places where you can enjoy the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis.

Mama Toscano’s: 2201 Macklind Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63110.

3. Pretzels and Pretzel Sticks

If you haven’t been to Gus’ Pretzel, another family-owned and operated business since 1920, you’re missing out.

Their menu includes pretzel sticks and fresh pretzels, including cinnamon-sugar pretzels and garlic-butter pretzels. They also offer pretzel sandwiches, pretzel endz, deli sandwiches, and dips.

While parking is behind the restaurant, you may want to go in the front door, where you can actually watch the pretzels being made as you walk toward the counter.

Gus’ Pretzel: 1820 Arsenal St.; St. Louis, MO 63118.

4. Concrete and Frozen Custard

Any St. Louis native will tell you where you can get the best frozen custard and that’s Ted Drewes.

Since 1930, Ted Drewes has been serving frozen custard to St. Louis residents and visitors. We couldn’t make a trip and not pay a visit for some delicious custard treats.

The menu includes treats like concretes, malts, shakes, sundaes, floats, ice cream sodas, and a mean banana split. My personal favorite is the Lemon Crumb concrete with vanilla custard, lemon cream, and graham crackers… It’s so good!

You can also get the Muddy Mississippi, filled with vanilla custard, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and pieces of cone.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: 6726 Chippewa; St. Louis, MO 63109.

5. Hot Salami Sandwich

Gioia’s Deli in The Hill neighborhood is home to the “famous homemade hot salami.” In fact, Gioia’s actually has 3 locations and is celebrating 100 years this year!

While in town, we knew we wanted to try their original hot salami. We’re a sucker for a good deli, as well as a good sandwich.

Their hot salami sandwiches are made to order, so you can get just about anything you want on your sandwich from dressings to toppings and cheeses.

My hot salami sandwich did not disappoint; and it was so big I was able to eat part of it the next day for lunch too. Also, I may be the only one excited about this, but you can buy strawberry Vess soda at Gioia’s Deli. Yum!

Gioia’s Deli: 1934 Macklind Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63110.

6. Fitz’s Root Beer

Wanna eat a yummy meal and watch root beer and other flavored sodas on a vintage bottling line? Fitz’s Root Beer is one of the most fun places to eat in St. Louis.

Fitz’s Root Beer started as a drive-in restaurant with root beer and hamburgers back in 1947. Then it went away for several years before it came back in 1993.

You can enjoy your original recipe root beer in a frosty mug or straight from the bottle. They also serve other flavors, including diet root beer, cream soda, orange, pumpkin, peach, berry pomegranate, grape, strawberry, key lime, black cherry, and more.

They even have their own Fitz’s Root Beer BBQ Sauce, and it is so good.

After you’re finished eating, you may as well go out and explore the Delmar Loop, where you’ll find all sorts of fun quirky shops and restaurants.

Fitz’s Root Beer: 6605 Delmar Boulevard; St. Louis, MO 63130.

7. “Rajun Cajun” Bloody Mary

Dan will tell you where to get the best Bloody Mary drink in all of St. Louis, and that would Norton’s Cajun Corner at Soulard Market. In fact, it was so good he went back for another one the next day.

I’m pretty sure it was the best Bloody Mary he’s ever had. Rimmed with their signature Norton’s Cajun Spice and topped with a stalk of celery, I know it looked amazing.

Their menu options, including gumbo and jambalaya, looked and smelled delicious.

Norton’s Cajun Corner: 730 Carroll St.; St. Louis, MO 63104.

8. Thin Crust Pizza

Anyone will tell you the place to eat pizza in St. Louis is Imo’s Pizza, where you can get another Saint Louis staple, thin crust pizza.

Started by Ed and Margie Imo back in 1964, Imo’s offered both pick-up and delivery. The pizza chef they hired made the pizza with a thin crust and used Provel cheese instead of the typical mozzarella.

Now Imo’s is a franchise and has 96+ stores.

You’ll find Imo’s Pizza in locations all across the city, as well as in suburbs and locations outside the city.

St. Louis foods are not to be missed, whether you’ve lived there for 50 years or are just traveling through. Whether you’re in the mood for a full on dinner, a snack, dessert, or even just a drink, St. Louis restaurants have you covered.

Happy eating!

MORE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

What It’s Like to Visit the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri

12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

October 15, 2018
Easy Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
How to make mulled cider in your slow cooker. Warm apple cider filled with cinnamon, spices, and a smidge of brown sugar, perfect for the holidays!

‘Tis the season for warm drinks, soft blankets, good books, and apple pie spice with all of its fall spicy goodness. Even though I love summer, I love this time of year when the temperatures drop and mulled cider becomes the beverage of choice.

While I’m more of a hot chocolate girl myself, I do love a warm mug of cider, especially when my house smells as good as it does after an afternoon of slow cooking a batch of spiced cider.

This hot apple cider is so easy to make, anyone can make it. It doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or time in the kitchen.

Are you ready for an apple cider drink that will get you in the mood for fall? This is most definitely it.

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR MULLED CIDER!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious mulled cider recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT IS APPLE CIDER? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPLE JUICE AND APPLE CIDER?

You can use either apple juice or apple cider for this recipe.

There are a few differences, though, between apple juice vs apple cider.

Apple cider is a thicker, more opaque apple juice, and it may have pulp and chunks of apple left behind. Apple juice is a thinner, more transparent liquid without any pulp left behind.

In terms of commercial apple cider vs apple juice, apple juice is pasteurized and has a longer shelf life than apple cider.

If you have fresh apples and want to make the juice yourself, here is a fairly simple recipe for how to make apple juice in your Instant Pot. You can also use the same recipe to make a thicker apple cider drink.

WHERE TO BUY APPLE CIDER

If you decide to actually go with cider and buy it instead of making it, you can usually find it at any grocery store, orchard, or maybe even a farmer’s market.

If apple cider isn’t available where you live and you decide to buy juice instead, you could go with a thicker juice, maybe Simply Apple or something similar.

APPLE CIDER BENEFITS

Remember the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Apples have a ton of nutritional value and are a great addition to our diet.

While you’d probably get a LOT more benefit out of the whole apple, apple juice is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It’s also a great source of antioxidants.

Now with the added sugar (I use 1/4 cup of brown sugar), this hot cider won’t be quite as good for you, but it is delicious, so I guess you could say that’s a benefit too.

APPLE CIDER INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

You’ll need a few ingredients to make this delicious mulled cider.
- Apple cider or apple juice
- An orange
- Whole cloves
TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER

Making apple cider is really easy. Just a few steps and you can walk away and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.

You’re essentially going to combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker. But the orange and cloves require a bit of attention first.

You can wash and slice the orange, add the cloves to the orange slices, and then add the slices to the slow cooker. Or you can wash and peel the orange and stick the cloves all over in the orange, then add the orange to the slow cooker.

Note: You can leave the peeling on the orange, but it may add a little bitterness to your hot cider.

Once you’ve decided what to do with the orange, just combine all the ingredients and give it a good stir. Then cook everything on low for about 4 hours.

Homemade apple cider makes your house smell so good.

Once it’s cooked, strain out any loose cloves, the oranges, and the cinnamon sticks. You can serve it up in your favorite mugs, and maybe add a cinnamon stick for garnish.

IF YOU LOVE THIS MULLED CIDER RECIPE, TRY SOME OF OUR OTHER APPLE RECIPE FAVORITES:

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Apple Crumb Pie

Homemade Apple Jelly without Pectin

Easy No-Peel Instant Pot Applesauce

No-Peel Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce

50 Mouthwatering Apple Recipes

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE HOT APPLE CIDER:

Slow Cooker

Orange Peeler

Wooden Spoon

Festive Mugs – I love Peanuts mugs, this Mr. Tea mug, and I also love enamel mugs. So fun! Because why shouldn’t you have something fun to drink from? Right?! Right!

MULLED CIDER RECIPE

If you love this mulled cider recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

How to make slow cooker mulled cider. Warm apple cider filled with cinnamon, spices, and a smidge of brown sugar, perfect for the holidays!
2 quarts apple cider (or apple juice)
1 whole orange
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3 whole cinnamon sticks
Pour the apple cider or apple juice into the slow cooker.
You can wash and slice the orange, add the cloves to the orange slices, and then add the slices to the slow cooker. Or you can wash and peel the orange and stick the cloves all over in the orange, then add the slices to the slow cooker.
Add the brown sugar, allspice, and cinnamon sticks to the cider in the slow cooker, and give it all a good stir.
Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook everything on low for about 4 hours.
Strain out the oranges, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
Serve it in your favorite mugs, and maybe add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
*You can use apple cider or homemade apple juice for this recipe.

*Leaving the peeling on the orange may add some bitterness to your apple cider.

Drinks
American
apple cider, apple cider recipe, crockpot apple cider, hot apple cider, hot cider, how to make apple cider, mulled cider, slow cooker apple cider, slow cooker mulled cider
October 12, 2018
5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri
CULINARY ADVENTURE AT SOULARD MARKET IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

5 reasons to visit Soulard Market, the historic St. Louis Farmer’s Market that began in 1779. Culinary travel adventure full of history and delicious food!

Soulard Farmer’s Market is a historic farmer’s market that’s been around since 1779. Yes, you read that right, since colonial days of old.

And though it doesn’t make me colonial, I remember going there with my mom when I was a little girl. I also remember Mom would always try to save money by finding free parking on the street.

Soulard holds kind of a special place in my memories because we went there a lot. Whether we were shopping for fresh produce or picking up auto parts nearby, the area brought back a lot of memories for me on a recent trip to St. Louis.

Even though the market has changed and grown through the years, just walking into the market made me want to reminisce about the old days. Good food always has a way of doing that, doesn’t it?

And so I give you 5 reasons you should visit Soulard Market on your next trip to St. Louis, Missouri.

For this list, I’m going to do something a little different and count down; because even though they’re all very good reasons for visiting the market, #1 is my absolute favorite reason why you should get yourself to this historic St. Louis Farmer’s Market.

Looking for more St. Louis family fun? You may also enjoy these St. Louis adventures: What It’s Like to Visit the Arch, 8 Delicious St. Louis Foods, and 12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids.

5 REASONS EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT SOULARD MARKET

#5. Buy Anything and Everything You Can Imagine

While you’d think this reason would be #1, you’ll understand when you get there.

Soulard Market offers both locally grown and shipped in goods. When I say locally grown, I mean produce that’s been grown in both Missouri and Illinois, since Illinois is literally right across the Mississippi River.

You’ll find all sorts of good things, including meats, cheeses, farm fresh eggs, breads and other baked goods, pastas, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh flowers from Soulard Florist, all kinds of spices at Soulard Spice Shop, cheeses, jams, jellies, candy, popcorn, souvenirs, and so much more.

I could likely spend most of my time and a LOT of our money at Soulard Spice Shop, where you’ll find spices, seasonings, and dressings of all kinds. It smells so amazing.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it all.

#4. The Historical Significance of Soulard Farmer’s Market

Like I mentioned above, Soulard Farmer’s Market began in 1779 as a field where farmers would meet to sell their products, which included produce, dairy, and livestock.

A 122-acre plot was gifted to Antoine Soulard by his father-in-law in 1795, and that plot included the farmer’s market. After a series of events, including the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, a legal battle, and Antoine’s death, Julia Soulard, his widow, acquired the deed to the land in 1836.

Julia is the one who officially set aside two city blocks for the farmer’s market in 1841. Since then it has had 2 buildings, and the current building was built in 1929 in the Renaissance style of Italy.

The first floor of said building has all the shops and is connected to the open-air farmer’s market. I had no idea, but the second floor has both a gymnasium and a theater.

#3. That Soulard Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Soulard Market is pretty relaxed, and the people are friendly. You’ll have about 147 stalls to browse.

Take a walk or a scooter ride in the Soulard neighborhood, and you’ll find beautiful colonial architecture and brickwork, loads of restaurants and good places to eat, and beautiful churches.

#2. The Bloody Mary Drink at Norton’s Cajun Corner

Dan loves a good Bloody Mary drink. He usually always gets the non alcoholic version, just because neither one of us likes the taste of alcohol. (We don’t like coffee either. Haha!)

The Bloody Mary at Norton’s must have been good because we went back the next day for a second one.

I’m pretty sure it was the best Bloody Mary he’s ever had. I know it looked amazing.

#1. Gooey Butter Cake at Soulard Bakery

Now you understand why I had to save this one for #1.

Seriously, the BEST gooey butter cake in likely all of St. Louis… I say likely because I only tried one other place, but I didn’t need to try anymore after getting this piece from Soulard Bakery inside the farmer’s market.

I almost want to say it was just as good as homemade, if not better. It was that good.

It was just the right thickness, the right texture, the right sweetness, everything!

If you’ve never had gooey butter cake, it’s a St. Louis staple. I grew up enjoying my mom’s gooey butter cake, and now I make it for my kids.

It’s the most delicious ooey gooey cake made with cream cheese and powdered sugar. You can make it homemade or even with a cake mix; it’s delicious either way.

Here’s my recipe for semi-homemade gooey butter cake… You may also enjoy pumpkin spice gooey butter cake. You’ll thank me later.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HEAD TO SOULARD FARMER’S MARKET IN ST. LOUIS

Soulard Farmer’s Market is located at 730 Carroll Street in St. Louis, Missouri. Parking is available both on the street and in a parking lot next to the market; both free and metered parking are available.

There are a few things you should know before heading out to the market on your St. Louis travels.
- Soulard Market hours are Wednesday through Saturday, year round. Hours are 8am to 5pm Wednesday thru Friday and 7am to 5:30pm on Saturday.
- The Soulard Market website gives info on when are the best times to shop and which days have more vendors. Since we shopped during the week, there were not near as many vendors as there would be on a Saturday. Saturday farmer’s market for the win!
- You can also find information on which seasonal foods will be available on the Soulard Market site.
- Bring cash. Some vendors take cards, but many take cash only. An ATM is available on site.
- While pets are not allowed, service animals are welcome.
- The market is partially wheelchair accessible.
- And as for restrooms, I am not sure. I didn’t see any while we were there, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any.
If you’ve never been to Soulard Market, the good news is you can go anytime year round. And you’ll definitely find the best gooey butter cake around at the market!

MORE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

What It’s Like to Visit the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

8 Delicious St. Louis Foods and Where You Can Eat Them

12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
October 11, 2018
20+ Easy Halloween Movie Night Snacks Anyone Can Make
Your go to list of favorite Halloween movie night snacks and treats for the whole family. Easy, spooky snacks and desserts both kids and adults will love. So easy, anyone can make them!

Halloween is right around the corner. If you’re hosting a Halloween party or movie night, you’re probably looking for the best Halloween movie night snacks you can make in a jiffy.

I’ve got you covered with 20+ ideas for yummy Halloween movie desserts and Halloween food snacks, some sweeter than others.

When it comes to Halloween party food, you can jazz up just about any type of food to make it festive, and in this case a little spooky too.

Not a Fan of Scary?

I’m not a fan of really scary stuff either, whether it’s horror flicks and slasher films, or scary treats. I mean, the scary movies I do like are either old Alfred Hitchcock films or more thriller type movies like The Sixth Sense or A Quiet Place.

So I tend to err on the side of somewhat spooky but also cute and fun when it comes to Halloween desserts and Halloween snacks for party events (even this cute Garfield Halloween costume I made).

When Should You Host Your Halloween Movie Night?

If you want to host more than just a family movie night, you’ll want to consider the perfect time of year to host.

While Halloween night might be a little busy for most people, what with trick-or-treating and parties or events, you might think about hosting in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Really, anytime during Halloween season in the month of October, and probably a weekend, will be the best time that works with most people’s schedules. So pick a time, tell your friends and family, and start planning a really fun night.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Halloween Treats

Here are a few tips for keeping things easy in the kitchen when you’re figuring out what to make for Halloween movie night:
- Save time by buying pre-baked. If you need a baked treat, save time by using a mix or buying it already pre-made. While I love homemade and it’s my first choice, it’s not always feasible, especially when life gets really busy.
- If you need icing or frosting, again, buy pre-made. No judgment here.
- Need to pipe icing onto your Halloween treats? Use icing tubes you can get at any grocery store in the baking aisle.
- Think of how you can use already made foods in a creative way… For example, making donuts or Oreo cookies into spiders or Twix bars into mummies (see recipes below).
- Make no bake desserts. Because no bake is awesome.
- Instead of cookies, make bars. Instead of cake pops, make a whole cake. Think easy.
- Need a pie crust? Again, use a pre-made crust. Or make a shortcut no-roll pie crust.
- Think about putting together a buffet, like maybe a caramel apples buffet with melted caramel and fun toppings.
- Put together a charcuterie board, in this case a Halloween movie night snack board, and set it on your coffee table in the living room. Finger foods on a board make great snacks!
- Veggie trays and salty snacks are always a great idea.
Kitchen Tools You May Need to Make Halloween Movie Treats
- Mixer
- Brownie Pan or Cake Pan
- Pastry Bags (or Sandwich Bags)
- Cake Tips
- Glass Pie Plates
Halloween Movie Checklist

Of course, we’d be remiss to not mention a few family favorite Halloween movies to go along with your tasty snacks… Again, I’m keeping it pretty family-friendly here, so if you want scary horror movie marathons of movies like Nightmare on Elm Street, I ain’t your girl.

Here are just a few suggestions…
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (because of course)
- Beetlejuice
- Hocus Pocus
- Practical Magic
- Harry Potter collection
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
- The Addams Family
- The Haunted Mansion
- Ghostbusters
- Edward Scissorhands
- Halloweentown
- Coraline
- Gremlins
- Goosebumps
- The Sixth Sense
20+ Halloween Movie Night Snacks

Here are a few yummy recipe ideas for your Halloween party food menu, including some really cute Halloween treats all your guests will love. All of these treats will have a slightly spooky feel and maybe even a cute factor going for them too.

You’ll find easy Halloween food, sweet treats, and movie snacks like Halloween brownies, party punch, cookies, no bake desserts, treats on a stick, Halloween cupcakes, and more!
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41000″ name=”Twix Bar Mummy Brownies” summary=”<p><a href=%22null%22></a>Twix Bar mummy brownies are quick and easy Halloween treats you can make with a box mix, fun size candy, icing, and candy eyes!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.prettymyparty.com/easy-mini-chocolate-donut-spiders/” name=”Mini Chocolate Donut Spiders” summary=”<p>Make mini chocolate donut spiders with mini donuts, pretzels, candy eyeballs, and chocolate sprinkles. Spooky treats kids will love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36905″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.burlapandblue.com/halloween-treat-idea-easy-dipped-pretzels/” name=”Halloween Dipped Pretzels” summary=”<p>Kids can help make these super cute no bake Halloween dipped pretzels with candy melts and candy eyeballs. Such a fun activity for a party!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36906″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41010″ name=”Pumpkin Patch Brownies” summary=”<p>How to make quick and easy pumpkin patch Halloween brownies for kids, a fun Halloween treat recipe with candy corn pumpkins and green icing!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.mommyhatescooking.com/bake-spider-pudding-pie-3″ name=”No Bake Spider Pudding Pie” summary=”<p>Make a no bake spider pudding pie with a cream cheese filling in a chocolate cookie pie shell, and topped with the cutest Oreo cookie spiders.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36909″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.sugarandsoul.co/goosebumps-punch-recipe/” name=”Goosebumps Halloween Punch” summary=”<p>You only need 4 ingredients to make this green Goosebumps Halloween punch. It's the perfect drink for a Halloween party!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36910″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41016″ name=”Peanut Butter Corn Flake Bars” summary=”<p>Mix up a batch of Corn Flake bars with peanut butter, marshmallows, peanuts, and candy corn. Quick and easy treats you can make in a jiffy!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.mamagourmand.com/gluten-free-halloween-spider-cookies/” name=”No Bake Spider Cookies” summary=”<p>Easy no bake spider cookies will be a hit with both kids and adults this Halloween. These gluten-free cookies combine peanut butter cups and Rice Krispies for a cute treat all can enjoy!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36912″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://artscrackers.com/2014/09/22/pumpkin-patch-pudding-fall-dirt-cups/” name=”Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups” summary=”<p>Pumpkin patch pudding dirt cups are simple, so they're the perfect fall treat to involve kids in and enjoy on a Halloween movie night.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36913″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41004″ name=”Frankenstein Brownies” summary=”<p>Frankenstein brownies are the cutest Halloween treats. They're quick and easy frosted Halloween snacks anyone can make, and especially fun for kids. </p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://niftymom.com/2016/10/monster-treats-stick/” name=”Monster Treats on a Stick” summary=”<p>Dip Rice Krispie treats on a stick into melted purple, green, and orange candy melts. Then add candy eyes for fun monster treats on a stick!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36915″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://recipesfromapantry.com/halloween-marshmallow-pops-monster/” name=”Monster Halloween Marshmallow Pops” summary=”<p>These Monster Halloween marshmallow pops are easy Halloween treats that require only 5 ingredients and come together in just a few minutes.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36916″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41008″ name=”Chewy Monster Cookies” summary=”<p>How to make soft and chewy monster cookies from scratch, loaded with peanut butter, oats, M&M's, and chocolate chips. But watch out, cuz they'll disappear fast!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://crazyadventuresinparenting.com/2018/08/frankenstein-cupcakes-recipe.html” name=”Frankenstein Cupcakes Recipe” summary=”<p>If you’re in need of a non-scary Halloween recipe for a Halloween party, look no further! These Frankenstein cupcakes for Halloween are PERFECT!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36918″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.homeandplate.com/blog/halloween-mummy-apple-crypts/” name=”Mummy Apple Crypts” summary=”<p>Turn a simple homemade apple pastry into a fun and healthy Halloween treat. Mummy apple crypts are cute yet scary and spooky.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36919″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41012″ name=”Whipped Cream Ghost Brownies” summary=”<p>Whipped cream ghost brownies are the easiest Halloween treats ever! Fun and spooky Halloween idea for kids, using whipped cream and candy eyeballs.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://crayonsandcravings.com/witch-hat-cupcakes/” name=”Witch Hat Cupcakes” summary=”<p>Witch hat cupcakes are made by topping cupcakes with sugar cones and adding detail with icing. These Halloween cupcakes will be a hit at your Halloween party.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36921″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://juliassimplysouthern.com/2018/08/white-chocolate-boo-nana-ghost-pops.html” name=”White Chocolate BOO-Nana Ghost Pops” summary=”<p>Make this fun and easy Halloween treat with melted white chocolate covered bananas that look like ghosts.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36922″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41022″ name=”Polyjuice Potion Recipe” summary=”<p>Brew a simple Polyjuice Potion recipe for a transformative experience at your Halloween or Harry Potter party. Easy, fun, non alcoholic, lime sherbet punch!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.eatsamazing.co.uk/family-friendly-recipes/dessert-sweet-treat-recipes/ghostly-mini-cheesecake-bites-recipe” name=”Ghostly Mini Cheesecake Bites” summary=”<p>Ghostly mini cheesecake bites are the perfect dessert for a Halloween party. Whip up this quick & easy Halloween dessert in minutes – just 6 ingredients!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36924″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/halloween-witch-finger-butter-cookies/” name=”Halloween Witch Finger Butter Cookies” summary=”<p>Hosting a Halloween movie night? Shape Buranelli cookies into witch finger cookies, and lay them in edible dirt. Creepy but delicious buttery witch cookies. </p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36925″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”41014″ name=”Spooky Graveyard Brownies” summary=”<p>Easy graveyard brownies, perfect for your Halloween party. Use Milano cookies, Oreos, and candy pumpkins to decorate these spooky treats!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe”] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.reneeskitchenadventures.com/2016/10/pumpkin-patch-cake.html” name=”Pumpkin Patch Cake” summary=”<p>Pumpkin patch cake starts with a simple made-from-scratch chocolate cake, topped with chocolate frosting and then decorated for the season with mellowcreme pumpkins. </p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”36928″]
Hopefully, you’ve found plenty of Halloween inspiration for your Halloween party menu. Happy Halloween to you and yours!

I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to leave a comment, and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can subscribe to my email list too.
October 10, 2018
What It’s Like to Visit the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
EXPLORE THE ARCH IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, WITH YOUR FAMILY

Everything you need to know for your family’s visit to the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. From the tram to the museum, parking, fun things to do, and more!

The Arch has always held a fascination for me, ever since I was a little girl growing up near St. Louis, Missouri. I remember the day we finally got to go up in it and look out over the city of Saint Louis and the Mississippi River with Illinois beyond.

I knew I wanted our boys to experience that same feeling of awe that I had as a little girl looking out over such a view. So we planned a trip to St. Louis, with the Gateway Arch as one of our focal places of interest while there.

It was definitely the highlight of our trip, not just because of the view but because of our entire experience. Gateway Arch National Park goes on my list of favorite places we’ve visited as a family.

And even though it’s not the beach, it makes for one of many wonderful and unusual spring break destinations for families.

Looking for more St. Louis family fun? You may also enjoy these St. Louis adventures: 5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market, 8 Delicious St. Louis Foods, and 12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids.

WHAT DOES THE GATEWAY ARCH REPRESENT?

The Gateway Arch represents a gateway to the West. It’s a symbol of westward expansion in the 19th century and what that meant for our country.

According to the National Park Service, “The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.”

The national park consists of 90.96 acres, including both the Arch and the Old Courthouse, along with beautiful trails all around the Arch.

WHEN WAS THE ST. LOUIS ARCH BUILT?

The Arch’s design was created by architect Eero Saarinen, who entered his design in a competition in 1947-1948. His monument design won the competition.

The Arch was then built from 1963 to 1965. It cost less than $15 million to build it.

HOW TALL IS THE ARCH?

The Arch is 630 feet tall at its highest point. And fun fact: It actually sways when you’re up there.

In fact, the Arch sways up to 1 inch in 20mph winds and is actually built to sway up to 18 inches. Can you imagine?!

The foundations of the Arch go 60 feet into the ground. The Arch itself is constructed of stainless steel.

CAN YOU GO INSIDE THE ST. LOUIS ARCH?

Yes, you can, and if you have the opportunity to actually take the tram ride to the top, I highly recommend it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While there are exits at both ends of the Arch, the only entrance is up the sidewalk a ways from the ends.

You’ll walk toward the grassy knoll that extends out from the Old Courthouse to find the entrance, where you can go in and purchase tickets, get more information, and head through security.

After going through security, you’ll take a walk through the museum in order to get to the tram and the gift shop. You’ll have opportunity to explore the museum both before and after going to the top.

The Arch Museum is filled with history, including stories of pioneers and westward expansion.

One of the most memorable exhibits for me was about the St. Louis Fire of May 1849, that destroyed a great deal of St. Louis, including the Riverfront and many steamboats.

The museum also houses artifacts like a stagecoach, a covered wagon, and an authentic life sized tipi.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A ST. LOUIS ARCH TRAM RIDE TO THE TOP

As you hop into line for either the North or South tram just outside the museum, you’ll have a bit of a wait to get to the top. The entire tour, including pre-boarding, can take about an hour, depending on how long you stay at the top.

Be careful not to get in line any earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled time, though.

After scanning tickets, you’ll slowly move toward the entrance to the St. Louis Arch elevator, where you’ll meet your guide for your trip to the top. She’ll assign you a tram car number for your ride up.

After watching a short movie about the years when the Arch was being built, they’ll snap a quick picture, which you can purchase when you come back down. Then you’ll walk down the stairs to the tram doors.

Before you can enter your car, people coming down will empty out of it. Get ready to squeeze in because it’s a tight fit; each pod holds only 5 seats, perfect for our family of 5.

The doors will seal, and up and away you’ll go. You’ll be able to see out the windows of your door all the way up. So you’ll be able to see down, as well as the stairwell that seemingly goes on and on forever; you’ll get a glimpse of the inner Arch, which includes a lot of concrete.

Jacob mentioned he’d hate to be the maintenance guy that forgets a tool and has to walk all the way back down to get it. I’d have to agree with him.

VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE ARCH

Once you’re at the top, you can stay as long as you like. There will be guides and even a park ranger or two.

Enjoy the view of the city on one side and the view of barges gliding by on the Mississippi River, bordering Illinois, on the other side. As a little girl, I remember being fascinated by the swimming pools on the roofs of hotels.

If the sun’s out, you might capture a picture of the Arch’s shadow.

My boys really enjoyed being up there, even with the swaying we felt as we tried to walk down the center aisle. Zeke was just mesmerized by all of it, by the cars, the barges, the city, the riverfront.

I couldn’t help but be a little mesmerized myself. It’s easy to forget how small we really are as human beings.

Warning: It can get quite crowded, and you’ll likely rub shoulders with other people perched on a ledge gazing out at the city. Also, as you make your way down to the tram, you’ll need to pack in super tight as you wait for the trams to empty so you can get back on and head back down to the bottom.

The whole unforgettable experience is worth the wait time, worth the crowds, and worth being packed like sardines in a pod that feels like it’s going to the moon.

HAVE A LI’L FUN OUTSIDE THE ARCH TOO!

I think we had just as much fun on the ground as we did going way up high. We took some time to walk up to the Old Courthouse.

We also took time to get a few pictures and go for a scooter ride.

Which brings me to the scooters in St. Louis… You’ll likely see them on just about every corner. They are so fun!

I imagine locals probably get annoyed, but we had fun zooming up and down the tree-lined pathways all around the Arch.

And we weren’t the only ones. Many many visitors were enjoying this fun, unique way to explore the city.

Disclosure: Technically, you’re supposed to be 18 and have a driver’s license to ride the scooters. Don’t judge. And don’t follow our example. (I know, I know, shame on us, since we all took turns on the one scooter we could find at the Arch… But man, it was fun.)

WHERE IS THE GATEWAY ARCH?

Gateway Arch National Park is located at 11 North 4th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, on the St. Louis Riverfront.

You can enter via the riverfront, the Walnut Street Bridge near the Old Cathedral, or through Laclede’s Landing.

They offer a Pedestrian Map to help you find your way.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND GATEWAY ARCH PARKING?

Finding St. Louis Arch parking is not for the faint of heart. Even though you’ll likely have to pay, there are plenty of places to park; you just have to find them.

The Arch itself has no parking.

While we parked in a parking garage just down the way from the Gateway Arch Grand Staircase on the other side of Eads Bridge, you can also pay for parking on the levee near the riverboat dock, just off South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd.

The parking garage cost us $7, and it was good for all day. We did have to walk maybe 1/4 mile, but it was a nice walk along the Mississippi River and underneath the beautiful arches of the Eads Bridge.

Get Around St. Louis lists available parking facilities all around the city of St. Louis.

HOW DO YOU GET ST. LOUIS ARCH TICKETS?

Gateway Arch tickets can be purchased online, and they highly recommend reserving them in advance, especially if you’re visiting in peak season. We purchased them online the day of, but there were only 2 time slots available, so I’d probably recommend advance purchase, as well.

They also have combo tickets available, so you can do a ride to the top and a riverboat cruise; or you can watch the Documentary Movie. Just be sure you’re buying what you mean to buy before clicking.

It’s relatively easy to buy tickets from your phone and have them sent to email. That way there’s no need to even print the tickets.

St. Louis Arch prices range from $3 to $34.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO THE ST. LOUIS ARCH

There are a few things you need to know before heading to the Arch:
- You will need to allow enough time to get through security. While our wait time was maybe 10 minutes, you may have a much longer wait during peak times.
- While most facilities at Gateway Arch National Park are wheelchair accessible, there are a few that are not, including the tram ride to the top, the second and third decks of riverboats, and the upper floors at the Old Courthouse.
- Service animals are permitted.
- Strollers are allowed everywhere except the tram and the Observation Deck at the top. There is an area to park your stroller before heading up.
- There are no seats and no restrooms at the top of the Arch.
The St. Louis Arch is an unforgettable place and one we’re definitely adding to our list of favorite places.

If you’ve never been, now is the time to go explore and check out all of the renovations that have been made, spend some time in the park, and maybe even reminisce about old times.

MORE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, FAMILY TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

5 Reasons to Visit Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri – a historic farmer’s market that began in 1779.

8 Delicious St. Louis Foods and Where You Can Eat Them

12 Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
October 9, 2018
No-Peel Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce
How to make easy, homemade, no-peel, Instant Pot cinnamon applesauce, a delicious recipe for canning or freezing. Make it smooth or chunky, no sugar added!

Instant Pot cinnamon applesauce is really easy to make and made pretty much the same way as regular Instant Pot applesauce. You really just need to add cinnamon to the mixture.

This applesauce recipe only calls for 4 ingredients, and none of them includ added sugar. If you use the right apples, which we’ll talk about below, you won’t need additional sugar because it’ll be sweet enough on its own.

Think about it… Natural ingredients, no need to actually peel apples, all the nutritional benefits of those peelings, and it’s all made in the Instant Pot.

The fact that it’s pressure cooked takes the work out of making applesauce because you don’t have to stand in front of a hot stove stirring the day away. Instead, just add the ingredients to your Instant Pot pressure cooker, push a couple buttons, and let it do the majority of the work for you.

Now you can peel your apples if you want to; it’s totally up to you. If you use an immersion blender and not a regular blender, you may have some tiny pieces of peeling still left in your sauce.

There’s really no reason, though, that you can’t fill your pantry with jars of homemade applesauce. And can I just say it tastes so much better and has a much better texture than store canned applesauce. So much better!

Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Looking for apple recipes? Here are 50 mouthwatering apple recipes you may enjoy!

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR CINNAMON APPLESAUCE!

If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for cinnamon applesauce – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST APPLES FOR APPLESAUCE?

Fall is probably the best time to find the best apples for applesauce, although you can use pretty much any apples you can find, whether you’re shopping at the store, an orchard, or the farmer’s market.

In the fall, though, I recommend buying seconds at a local orchard if you have one, and sometimes you can find them at the farmer’s market.

Buying seconds usually ensures that you can buy a HUGE box of apples for a lot less than normal cost, which is going to save you a ton of money.

One thing you need to know, though… It does take a LOT of apples to get a little bit of applesauce, fresh homemade apple juice, apple jelly, or apple butter. But in my opinion, that homemade flavor and texture of home canned applesauce is totally worth it.

WHAT KIND OF APPLES SHOULD I USE TO MAKE APPLESAUCE?

Some apples are sweet and some have a more tart, sour taste. Also, some apples are crisp, while others are softer.

When making a batch of homemade applesauce, I like to use a sweeter apple that has a little bit of tartness to it. I prefer not to add any sugar, so I want the unsweetened applesauce to taste really good all on its own.

Most people recommend using a softer apple for applesauce; it doesn’t even matter if your apples are mushy since they’re going to be made into mush anyway.

We’ve found that Jonagold apples make the BEST applesauce. They’re sweet with just a little bit of tartness. And they mash up really well.

Other best apples for applesauce may include:
- Jonathan
- Braeburn
- Honeycrisp
- McIntosh
- Winesap
- Rome
- Golden Delicious
- Cortland
- Fuji
- Gala
- Ambrosia
You can also try mixing and matching different kinds of apples to get the flavor you want for your applesauce.

WHY ADD LEMON JUICE TO AN APPLESAUCE RECIPE?

You’ll find different opinions about this topic when you research, but there are two main reasons home canners give for adding lemon juice to home canned applesauce.
1. It helps preserve or protect the color of your apples over time.
2. It can help make the applesauce more acidic for home canning. Wind fallen apples (including seconds) can have a lower acidity and a higher mold/bacteria count than unblemished apples.
Even though their explanation is focused more around homemade jam, The Kitchn provides a great explanation for why it’s important to add lemon juice.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON APPLESAUCE IN THE INSTANT POT

For this Instant Pot applesauce, you’ll need about 6 pounds of apples, just a little bit of lemon juice, water, and cinnamon.

You can make this recipe on the stovetop, or you can even make it as Crock Pot applesauce; keep in mind that cooking times will vary.

You can also make applesauce from the leftover apple mush you have when you make apple juice.

Here’s how to make a stand alone cinnamon applesauce recipe:
- Wash, core, and slice the apples. Be sure to cut out any bad spots, as well.
- Put the sliced apples in your Instant Pot.
- Add the lemon juice, water, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot, as well. If you want to mix everything together, you can; but there’s really no need to until after it all cooks.
- Put the lid in place on the Instant Pot, and press Manual or Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
- When it’s finished cooking, allow the pressure cooker to do a natural release.
- Purée the mixture with an immersion blender, or mash the apples with a potato masher.
Note: If you want to eliminate any tiny pieces of peeling in the sauce, you may want to blend with a regular blender. It’s up to you how you prefer the texture and consistency.

CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE?

Yes, you can freeze applesauce. In fact, you can freeze or can applesauce, whichever you prefer.

My mom used to freeze a LOT of the applesauce she made when we were kids growing up. She’d keep freezer safe plastic containers just for storing things like homemade applesauce.

HOW DO I CAN APPLESAUCE?

Applesauce canning is actually pretty simple. We use a water bath canning method.

Should you choose to can your cinnamon applesauce, Ball has wonderful Canning Guides to guide you through the process. You can also consult the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving.

This applesauce recipe for canning makes probably around 4-6 pints total. It’s so delicious served on homemade biscuits, toast, and cornbread. Yum!

MORE APPLE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:
Learn how to use your Instant Pot with our Instant Pot Quick Start Guide, filled with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more!

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE INSTANT POT CINNAMON APPLESAUCE

Jars and Lids – I prefer jelly jars or pint jars. In fact, we usually try to keep our pantry stocked with jars. But don’t forget the lids and rings. They can be easy to forget, and before you know it, you have all the jars you need but no lids.

Canning Funnel – for pouring the applesauce into the jars without making a mess.

Jar Lifter

Apple Corer/Peeler/Slicer – I’m telling you, this tool is so worth every penny we spent at the thrift store, but I’d order one brand new too. It saves so much time.

Paring Knife – for trimming off any bad spots or slicing the apples.

Immersion Blender or Potato Masher – This will allow you to get the texture or consistency that you want.

Instant Pot – We used our 6-quart Instant Pot.

CINNAMON APPLESAUCE RECIPE

If you love this cinnamon applesauce recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

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No-Peel Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce

How to make easy, homemade, no-peel, Instant Pot cinnamon applesauce, a delicious recipe for canning or freezing. Make it smooth or chunky, no sugar added!
6 pounds apples (unpeeled)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cinnamon
Wash, core, and slice the apples. Cut out any bad spots, as well.
Put the sliced apples in your Instant Pot.
Add the lemon juice, water, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot, as well. If you want to mix everything together, you can; but there’s no need to until after it all cooks.
Put the lid in place on the Instant Pot. Press Manual or Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
When it’s finished cooking, allow the pressure cooker to do a natural release.
If it seems like the applesauce will be a bit watery, drain a bit of the water before mashing the apples.*
Purée the mixture with an immersion blender, or mash the apples with a potato masher.** It’s up to you how you prefer the texture or consistency.
Preserve using your preferred method, whether you choose to freeze or can the applesauce.***
*You can drink the apple juice if you choose to drain the apples before mashing.

**If you want to eliminate any tiny pieces of peeling in the sauce, you may want to blend with a regular blender. It’s up to you how you prefer the texture and consistency.

***If you choose to can it, Ball has wonderful Canning Guides to guide you through the process. You can also consult the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving.

Sauces & Dressings
American
applesauce, applesauce recipe, cinnamon applesauce, Instant Pot applesauce
October 8, 2018