Adventures of Mel

Author: Mel Lockcuff

DIY Garfield Costume for Kids
Whip up a homemade Garfield costume for kids with minimal sewing and a dab of Garfield makeup. Anyone can make this easy DIY costume, supply list included; it’s especially perfect for Halloween!

Every year I say I’m going to make the boys’ costumes, and every year Halloween gets away from me, leaving us scrambling the night before.

Well, not this year, because we’ve been busy! Jaden kept changing his mind on what he wanted to be for Halloween. Finally, he decided on a Garfield Halloween costume.

I waited a few days before I started purchasing supplies, just in case he changed his mind again. Nope, Garfield it was.

This DIY Garfield costume is really pretty simple to make. In fact, why not make some Halloween treats to go along with your costume making? Like chewy monster cookies or Frankenstein brownies. Or better yet, Frankenstein Rice Krispie treats. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Costume
- This costume is easy to make, and requires minimal supplies.
- It also requires minimal sewing for those who are sewing challenged.
- You can make this a Garfield baby costume, toddler costume, or adult costume. It works for anyone, any size, any age!
- It’s the perfect costume for Halloween, Garfield cosplay, theatrical productions, and more!
Supplies and Materials Notes:

You’ll need a few supplies and tools for this Garfield costume DIY…
- Orange footie pajamas with hood – That’s right, we’re making a Garfield onesie. Again, while I’m focused on making this for a child, you can buy the right size for anyone and apply the same instructions to that size costume.
- Matching (or near-matching) orange fleece fabric – Try to find the same color as the pajamas you get.
- Large roll black Duck Tape and Mini roll black duct tape
- Small piece poster board
- Quilt batting
- Orange thread
- 1-in. thick foam – enough for 2 ears
- Foil pan & trick or treat bucket
- Glue sticks
- Costume makeup
Tools You’ll Need:
How to Make a Garfield Costume DIY

When making this costume, we decided to make the Garfield portion of the footie pajamas a temporary thing. Jaden wanted to use them as jammies after Halloween.

So we used Duck Tape for the stripes and tacked the ears and tail on. That way, everything will be easy to remove when Halloween is over.

Just a Few Important Notes:

It’s a good idea to wash the pajamas before you start crafting. That way they’re clean and ready to be decorated.

You’ll also need to make a template for the stripes on Garfield’s back. I looked at various images of Garfield on Google and decided to go with 4 stripes.

Making a template out of a smaller piece of poster board makes cutting the Duck Tape stripes so much easier and more efficient. The size of the stripes will depend on the size costume you’re making.
Make the Stripes:
1. Roll out a piece of Duck Tape, place your template over the Duck Tape, and use a craft knife to cut the shape out of the Duck Tape.
2. Then apply each stripe to the back of the footie pajamas.
3. After placing the larger stripes, mark where you want to place the ears. Then cut a smaller stripe template for stripes that go up the hood of the pajamas, and cut the stripes. Place each stripe up the left side of the hoodie, matching in place with the stripes on the right side of the hoodie. I placed 4 stripes on each side of the hood.
Now for the Garfield Ears:
1. Begin by cutting 2 small semi-circles out of the 1-in. thick foam. Place the semi-circles on the extra fleece fabric, and draw an oval around the shapes, leaving about 1 inch extra for the hem.
2. For each ear, fold the oval shaped fabric in half, and sew around the edges, leaving 2-3 inches open for stuffing with the foam shape. Then turn the ears right side out and stuff with the foam shapes.
3. After stuffing, close up the ear with a needle and thread.
4. Tack the ears to the top of the hood where you’d previously marked for the ears to go. Using an image of Garfield as your guide, color in stripes and outline the ears with a black “Stained by Sharpie” fabric marker.
And Finally, Garfield’s Tail:

My husband, Dan, actually came up with this tail shape for me; he’s more of an artist than I am when it comes to designing/drawing. It turned out awesome!
1. Fold more of the extra fleece fabric in half, and draw your shape, making sure to draw the tail large enough for the hem.
2. Cut the tail out of the folded fleece, cutting both pieces of fabric. Then sew it together.
3. Once the tail pieces are sewn together, it’s time to turn the tail right side out and stuff it with quilt batting. Make sure the tail is full to the gills with quilt batting. Once it’s full of batting, tack the tail to the back side of the costume.
4. Cut 4 more stripes out of the Duck Tape. 2 stripes will be very small, and 2 stripes will be more of a medium size. Place the stripes on the tail. Then, using an image of Garfield as your guide, color in the end of the tail with the fabric marker.
Add the Finishing Touches to Your Homemade Garfield Costume

Finally, it’s time for the props.

Garfield loves his lasagna, so I hot glued Jaden’s trick or treat pumpkin bucket inside a foil pan labeled ‘Lasagna’. Easy peasy!

And Jaden decided that he needed to also have Teddy with him (aka, Pooky), since Garfield loves his Pooky the Teddy Bear.

We needed a little Garfield makeup, so we added a little costume makeup for whiskers and such, and he was all set. So stinkin’ adorable, y’all!

And that’s all there is to it! Such an easy costume to make; all you need are a few supplies and a couple hours.

Garfield is in the house, yo! And Jaden is so excited for trick-or-treating this Halloween. Have to say, I’m pretty excited too!

More Halloween Costumes for Kids
If you love this Garfield outfit as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the DIY on Facebook and Pinterest!

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.
Garfield Costume DIY

Whip up a homemade Garfield costume for kids with minimal sewing and a dab of Garfield makeup. Easy DIY costume, supply list included.
1 craft knife
1 cutting mat
1 black “Stained by Sharpie” fabric marker
Sewing machine
1 hand sewing needle
Sewing scissors
Hot glue gun
1 pair orange footie hooded pajamas*
1/2 yard matching fleece fabric
1 large roll black Duck Tape
1 mini roll black Duck Tape
1 piece poster board
quilt batting
orange thread
1 piece 1-inch thick foam
1 foil pan
1 trick or treat bucket
costume makeup
hot glue sticks
Roll out a piece of Duck Tape, place your template* over the Duck Tape, and use a craft knife to cut the shape out of the Duck Tape.
Then apply each stripe to the back of the footie pajamas.
After placing the larger stripes, mark where you want to place the ears.
Then cut a smaller stripe template for stripes that go up the hood of the pajamas, and cut out the stripes.
Place each stripe up the left side of the hoodie, matching in place with stripes on the right side of the hoodie. I placed 4 stripes on each side of the hood.
Begin the ears by cutting 2 small semi-circles out of the 1-inch thick foam.
Place the semi-circles on the extra fleece fabric, and draw an oval around the shapes, leaving about 1 inch extra for the hem.
For each ear, fold the oval shaped fabric in half, and sew around the edges, leaving 2-3 inches open for stuffing with the foam shape.
Then turn the ears right side out and stuff with the foam shapes.
After stuffing, close up the ear with a needle and thread.
Tack the ears to the top of the hood where you’d previously marked for the ears to go.
Using an image of Garfield as your guide, color in stripes and outline the ears with the fabric marker.
Fold more of the fleece fabric in half, and draw your shape, making sure to draw the tail large enough for the hem.
Cut the tail out of the folded fleece, cutting both pieces of fabric. Then sew it together.
Once the tail pieces are sewn together, it’s time to turn the tail right side out and stuff it with quilt batting. Make sure the tail is full to the gills with quilt batting.
Once it’s full of batting, tack the tail to the back side of the costume.
Cut 4 more stripes out of the Duck Tape. 2 stripes will be very small, and 2 stripes will be more of a medium size.
Place the stripes on the tail.
Then, using an image of Garfield as your guide, color in the end of the tail with the fabric marker.
Hot glue a trick or treat pumpkin bucket inside a foil pan, labeled ‘Lasagna’.
Add a stuffed teddy bear for Pooky the Teddy Bear.
Use costume makeup to make Garfield makeup, including whiskers, a pink nose, and other Garfield facial features.
And that’s it! Your costume is ready to go!
*Wash the pajamas before starting to craft the costume.

*You’ll need to make a template for the stripes on Garfield’s back. Making a template out of a smaller piece of poster board makes cutting the Duck Tape stripes so much easier and more efficient. The size of the stripes will depend on the size costume you’re making.

Halloween
DIY Garfield costume, Garfield cat costume, Garfield costume, Garfield Halloween costume, Garfield outfit, Halloween costume, Halloween costumes for kids, homemade Garfield costume, how to make a Garfield costume
October 28, 2014
Travel the Highest Paved Road in North America – the Road to Mount Evans in Colorado
Just beyond Denver, outside Idaho Springs, stands beautiful Mount Evans, a 14,265′ beast of a mountain in the Front Range of Colorado. We originally drove the 14 mile trek up the mountain a few years ago, but this year we went back for a second trek up the mountain. This time was far less lonely, as there were plenty of other adventurers exploring right along with us; and we saw so much more wildlife this time than we’d seen on our previous trip. This is one trip I’ve been so excited to share because, like our Crystal Mill, Colorado, road trip, it’s a trip I could honestly do over and over again; the views from the top, including those of the Continental Divide, just never get old.

Imagine a road that leads up a mountain…no guard rails, no walls, and really no shoulder room at all…a road that seemingly leads to the clouds or sits on the edge of Heaven. Long poles stand in the air, showing the direction the road takes in winter when snow covers the road so deep the path is unrecognizable. That road is Highway 5, from Echo Lake to the top of Mount Evans; it’s the highest paved road in North America. The first time we drove this road, I needed a paper bag; I don’t know why I was so scared. Sure, there are sheer rock walls and drop offs that make me think of the road in Arizona we drove where cars were scattered down the side of the mountain, having missed the curve and gone over the side. But all in all, the second time around was so much better; you can ask Dan. Though we were all a bit nervous (it felt like we were taking a risk), we were so excited we could hardly stand it. Mount Evans is a wild, untamed, less explored, off the beaten path, beautiful, amazing place. The road is only open through the summer into usually the first weekend of October; in fact, it’s closed for the season now. But it’s definitely one place that should be on everyone’s Colorado bucket list.

The Road to Mount Evans

You can read a little bit about the history of Mount Evans and how the road was built through the US Forest Service. The road actually opened up for the public to drive in 1931. It travels to 14,130 feet in elevation.

The road is fairly smooth when you enter the gate at the bottom, and it remains pretty smooth until you get closer to Summit Lake. Then the road gets quite rough. Driving through a few parts of the road, some of the edges looked as though they were eroding away, so that made the ole heart skip a beat. There are places to park along the way and get out and explore, though. The views are awe-inspiring, just amazing, views like we had never seen before. The closer you get to the top, the more switchbacks you’ll drive.

Recreational Areas on Mount Evans

Along the way are places to catch a scenic view, get out and explore, hike…there are several trails leading here and there, especially at recreational spots along the way. Mount Goliath Natural Area and Dos Chappell Nature Center is one of the first stops. Explore the nature center, or walk around an alpine garden amongst Bristlecone Pines that are 900-2,000 years old.

Summit Lake Park is probably my favorite stop because it’s just so breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to a rather flatter spot nearer the top of the mountain where a lake rests. There are patches of snow here and there. It’s green and gorgeous and reflective and filled with wildlife.

We walked the trail back to where we could also view Chicago Basin. Pictures just don’t do it justice…

At the top of the mountain, once you’ve reached the end of the road, lies the Summit with the ruins of an old restaurant, an observatory, and a short hike to the very top of Mount Evans.

This is where my story becomes a tad bit sad…Jaden and I were hit hard with altitude sickness; oh, let me tell you, altitude sickness is very real. So, we were forced to stay at the Summit while Jacob and Dan walked to the very top, though they also started feeling the effects the higher they climbed. Oh, I was so bummed. But I wasn’t about to let it stop the guys from taking off and finally getting to see the very top; it was something we’d all waited for and looked forward to with anticipation. Finally, they made it to the hallowed benchmark at the very top.

Even without hiking the extra hundred or so feet in elevation, the views from the Summit are spectacular. There are times when you’re above the clouds; this particular day happened to be quite sunny, and the clouds were higher up. The brilliance of the sun shining down through the clouds with mountains all around…views of the Continental Divide. These Rocky Mountains are where my heart truly feels at rest.

Wildlife on Mount Evans

Along the way, we happened upon Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep (which we confused with mountain goats).

Marmots played here and there. And the Mountain Goats at the top were just gorgeous! They climbed up on top of the building, all around on the rocks…this was their home. Babies stole my heart when they pitifully bleated for their mamas.

It was such an awesome experience getting to enjoy the wildlife this time ’round, seeing so many different types of wildlife that call Mount Evans home.

Details for Your Trip to the Top of Mount Evans

Again, altitude sickness….My thoughts were that it would take a strenuous hike to get sick. Not so! The drive ascends rather quickly, and it’s easy to start feeling the effects right away. Drink plenty of water and take your time! You’ll want to take plenty of water and a few snacks with you. It also gets pretty cold the higher you go, so pack jackets, and maybe some gloves and hats too. It’s also important to note that just like any other mountain hike or mountain adventure, the weather can change in a snap. Make sure you’re prepared in case the weather should take a turn for the worse. And I think it goes without saying, but vehicles over 30′ long…not wise, just not good (shaking my head vehemently back and forth). Oh, and don’t feed the animals!

Wondering about facilities or accessibility? Vault toilets are available at 3 recreational stops along the way, including the Summit. Summit Lake does offer an accessible trail, as well. If you’re packing a picnic, Summit Lake is a great place to stop and enjoy a bite to eat. Again, though, pack your jacket!

There is a recreation fee to enter the Mount Evans Recreation Area, and you pay as you enter the gate to the road. A regular 3 day pass for 1-12 persons is $10/vehicle. Motorcycles are $3/person. A season pass is only $25. And if you’re like us and hold a Federal Recreation Passport or National Parks Annual Pass, you can enter for no charge at all.

The road does become quite narrow and parts of it are a bit intimidating, but it’s so worth the drive. We wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, and I recommend it to anyone I know who’s going to Colorado. It’s such a beautiful drive and something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Can’t visit just yet? Pin it for later!

More Colorado treasures you may enjoy visiting:
October 7, 2014
“Home”sick for a Mountain View Chalet in the Colorado Rockies
Earlier this year as we waited out the cold winter months, we sat down one day to plan our vacation. We try to go somewhere as a family every year, whether it’s a favorite spot or exploring somewhere new with our kids. Growing up the daughter of a farmer/truck driver, I’d traveled to nearly all the lower 48 states by the time I graduated high school. Travel is in my blood…. and I think it’s safe to say that it’s in my boys’ blood too, especially Jacob who has a list a mile long of places he wants to go next. When we started thinking about where we wanted to go, it seemed like we all had the same goal in mind…. We just wanted something simple, some place we could relax. For us that place was Colorado. Once we knew what we really wanted, that’s when we found Mountain View Chalet; it was as though it was meant to be from the get go.

None of us were quite sure what to expect; we’d read that if you visit the Chalet in the winter months, you for sure need AWD or 4WD. Traveling back a gravel road and then a mile or two back a private drive, we finally arrived at our little cabin in the woods. It was dark, and by dark I mean pitch black, not another soul around. The little gas burning stove in the kitchen was going, and the cabin quickly warmed as we got settled. Though it was dark when we arrived and we were a little cranky at the point of exhaustion, the next morning we woke up to what words can’t even describe…. beauty beyond words. Windows and a skylight lit up the cabin, and I couldn’t help but enjoy the view from every single window.

While the cabin itself had Wi-Fi, good cell coverage, and satellite tv, we were miles from anyone else, and the quiet was almost surreal. Oh sure, I’d sit outside in my favorite spot and listen to the train far off in the distance, and occasionally, I’d hear the purr of a chain saw…. but it was so quiet and peaceful.

We got quite comfy in our little cabin, with Dan and I in the loft and the boys on the futon bed below. Critters walked around outside at night, and the first night there, I may have accidentally scared Jaden with the thought of Sasquatch (bad mama). We had to conserve and watch our consumption of both electricity and water, as the cabin was off the grid with solar power and a water cistern, along with gas. It was actually really good for us to think about these things, and I think we brought home a few new habits from that experience…. good, conserving, money saving habits.

Instead of rushing through breakfast, a picnic table afforded us a spectacular mountain view as we ate. In the distance we could see an old mine (there were mines everywhere, so fascinating), snowy mountains, Devil’s Thumb sticking up off the side of a mountain, other cabins, and miles upon miles of trees. Just about every morning, I’d head out to my favorite spot on the bench or hammock swing (they really had thought of everything when they built this cabin), and I’d gaze out over the mountains. I can still feel the breeze blowing through the aspens, blowing through my hair; I can still hear the click-click-click of the grasshoppers, the squirrels chattering; I can still smell the wonderful scent of pines.

Our boys had the run of the land, exploring to their hearts’ content, playing checkers with stones on the outdoor checker board.

About a half mile walk away lay an old pioneer cemetery. All around were pinecones to pick up, trails and forest to explore. A fire pit lay just up the hill, and of course, we couldn’t not have a camp fire complete with hot dogs and s’mores. The stars…. Oh my goodness, the stars! While we can see the stars really well from where we live now, there’s just something beautiful about viewing the stars from 9,000 feet in elevation, in complete and utter darkness with no lights around. We stood huddled together (either because we love each other or because we were skeered of the dark), pointing out the Space Station, constellations, and planets.

Each day was a gift in and of itself. Each day we’d get up and decide then and there what we wanted to do that day. No plans, no reservations…. just us and the Rocky Mountains. We went fishing at Snowline Lake, free fishing permits provided at 2 fish/day. We spent time exploring old cemeteries, ’cause we’re weird like that. We explored the little mountain town of Nederland, pretty much falling in love with its quirkiness and small town feel, making little trips into town here and there, whether to the little mountain grocery store, the Mountain People’s Co-Op for fresh fruit, the book shop, or the bakery. We traveled up Mount Evans, where I proceeded to get sick as a dog with altitude sickness (altitude sickness is real, people!). We took old dirt roads up through the mountains, driving through old abandoned mining towns, old mines everywhere. We went into Hidee Gold Mine and mined for gold (which we got to carry out with us). We hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park. We spent lazy mornings in the hammock.

We perused the book shelf in the cabin, and I had the fleeting thought that I think I could actually get into birding….

There are so many other things I can’t wait to write about, but for now, let me just say this…. A simple vacation is the best vacation. One day at a time, complete and utter simplicity, a little cabin in the woods, a mountain town nearby…. Simple was everything to us this year.

I could write more of a review of our cabin, but reflecting on the simplicity this cabin brought to our vacation means so much more. As I sifted through photos picking out the ones I wanted to share, Jaden walked by and exclaimed that this was our cabin in Colorado! He started to get a little sad, and frankly, so did I. I can’t really explain it because even though the cabin isn’t ours, I feel a little homesick for it. I’m homesick for a Mountain View Chalet in the middle of nowhere in the Colorado Rockies. Homesick for that precious time we had as a family.

As we were getting ready to leave, I took out the guest book to leave a note, and I felt like I couldn’t thank the owners enough. They’ve created something very special in this hand-crafted cabin, and they’re sharing this special place with so many others. It’s not just a family retreat for them…. it’s the means to a simple vacation for so many others who come to the mountains for a quiet retreat. It’s simplicity at its best…. beauty in all its splendor.

Get all the deets on Mountain View Chalet…. you may find yourself enjoying a simple vacation very soon.

Have you ever enjoyed a simple vacation? Been to a place your family could or maybe does go back to year after year? Tell me about it in the comments.

More Colorado treasures you may enjoy visiting:
September 23, 2014
Slow Cooker Recipe – Green Beans, Potatoes, and Sausages
Last week I headed to the local farmer’s market to find some fresh eats. Our garden is just starting to produce, so I love visiting the market and getting a few things I can’t quite get out of my garden yet.

I have a couple of favorite vendors I love to buy from, one being an older gentleman who always has the best potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and more. He’s always been the sweetest guy, and I just love buying from him.

This time he had mounds of fresh green beans. I got a big bag of beans, and he asked me what I was going to do with them, whether I was canning them or freezing them. I mentioned making a big pot of green beans, potatoes, and sausages.

He then proceeded to invite himself over, asking me when they would be done. I cracked up laughing.

He’s definitely my favorite farmer, ’cause he kinda reminds me of my own dad and grandpa.

After digging a few potatoes from our own patch in the back yard, I set to work.

Snapping the beans is probably one of my favorite parts, it’s just so relaxing. Of course, my helper supervised as I snapped, and the boys had to come out and snap a few.

This is something my mom always made when I was growing up, especially during the summer gardening season. I’ve kinda carried the tradition over to my own family.

Every summer when beans come on and potatoes are ready to dig, I make a big, huge pot of beans.

It’s a fantastic meal, healthy and delicious. The sausages add flavor to the beans and potatoes, almost to the point that you hardly need any salt.

It’s filling and the best part is, my kids love it.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. I hope you enjoy!

Looking for more potato recipes?

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The Ultimate Baked Potato Bar

The Ultimate Mashed Potato Bar
Slow Cooker Recipe – Green Beans, Potatoes, and Sausages

Garden fresh green beans and potatoes with sausages in the slow cooker.
3 + quarts of green beans
6-8 potatoes
2 packs Lit’l Smokies
8 + cups of water
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Wash and snap green beans. Wash and chop potatoes. Add green beans, potatoes, Lit’l Smokies, and water to slow cooker.
Cook on high for about 4 hours or until beans and potatoes are tender and everything is cooked through. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker
American
green beans potatoes and sauasages, slow cooker green beans, slow cooker green beans and potatoes, slow cooker recipes
July 29, 2014
Strawberry Blackberry Muffins
Bake up a batch of soft and fluffy strawberry blackberry muffins to serve with breakfast or brunch. Delicious bakery style muffin recipe that’s filled with berries and so simple and easy to make!

This is the perfect time of year for any type of berry recipe. This past weekend we were so busy trying to get things done outside, that I felt the need for a baking break. What better thing to do than to make homemade blackberry strawberry muffins?

Spread a little butter on berry muffins, and you have a delicious snack filled with wonderful, berry-licious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Muffins are so easy to make, especially when you use muffin liners, making for easy cleanup. These muffins are almost as easy as my Bisquick muffins.
- They’re filled with strawberries and blackberries.
- These muffins are so soft and fluffy.
- They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack.
- Most of the ingredients, you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients and Substitutions Notes:

You need a handful of simple ingredients to make these muffins.
- Unsalted Butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter, so I can more easily control the amount of salt that goes into the muffins.
- Cane Sugar – You can also use granulated sugar.
- Large Egg – The fresher, the better, especially if you have farm fresh eggs.
- Whole Milk – You can substitute 2% milk or even skim milk, but I prefer to use the wholesome goodness of raw whole milk.
- Baking Powder – If you decide to make these muffins gluten-free, you might also want to add a little bit of xanthan gum, along with the baking powder.
- Salt – My favorite type of salt is Redmond sea salt.
- All-Purpose Flour – We use an unbleached all-purpose flour; you can also make delicious muffins with a good gluten-free flour.
- Berries – You’ll need chopped up blackberries and strawberries for these muffins. You can also use frozen berries instead of fresh; just don’t thaw them first; go ahead and add them into the batter frozen.
How to Make Strawberry Blackberry Muffins

While you do need to wash and prep the berries, making these fruit muffins is a pretty simple process.

I do use cupcake liners (just to save time washing the muffin tin), but you don’t have to use them. You can bake muffins without any liners at all; just be sure to grease the cups in the tin.

Be sure to pre-heat the oven to 375° F before mixing up the batter.
Mix up the Muffin Batter and Bake

Cream (or mix together) the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg, and blend in the milk.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour. Then stir those dry ingredients into the buttery sugar mixture.

Gently fold the chopped berries into the batter.

Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin; I like to use a batter spoon to make this step a little bit easier.
1. Then just bake the muffins at 375° F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
We love to slice open the muffins and slather them up with fresh butter; they’re oh so good!
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

How do you keep berries from sinking in the muffins?
This batter is a really thick muffin batter, so it’s very unlikely the berries will sink. If it were a thinner batter, I’d recommend rolling the berries in the flour mixture before mixing them into the batter; but it’s really not necessary because of how thick the batter is.

How should I store leftover muffins?
You can store them in an airtight container on the counter. If you want them to stay fresher for longer, you can put them in the fridge, then re-heat before eating.

Can I freeze berry muffins?
Yes, you can. In fact, it’s really easy to do so. Just put them in a freezer bag or airtight container and put them in the freezer. They should keep for at least 3 months.

More Berry Recipes

Some of my favorite recipes include strawberry and blackberry recipes, but I also love blueberries. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Homemade blueberry muffins
- Blackberry jam without pectin – You can serve this with your muffins, yum!
- Strawberry shortcake with biscuits
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!
Strawberry Blackberry Muffins

Bake a batch of soft and fluffy strawberry blackberry muffins to serve with breakfast or brunch. Deliciously easy bakery style muffin recipe!
Large Mixing Bowl
Muffin Tins
Cupcake Liners
Batter Scoop
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup cane sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup strawberries (chopped)
1/2 cup blackberries (chopped)
Pre-heat the oven to 375° F. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Cream (or mix together) the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Then beat in the egg, and blend in the milk.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then stir those dry ingredients into the buttery sugar mixture.
Gently fold the chopped berries into the batter.
Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tins; I like to use a batter spoon to make this step a little bit easier.
Bake the muffins at 375° F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve while warm. We love to slice open the muffins and slather them up with fresh butter.
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container on the counter. If you want them to stay fresher for longer, you can put them in the fridge, then re-heat before eating.

Breads & Muffins, Breakfast & Brunch
American
blackberry strawberry muffins, strawberry blackberry muffins
May 22, 2014
Raspberry Lemon Butter Cookies
Have you ever been to tea? Maybe you’ve gone to a local tea room, or maybe you’ve had tea with a special little one in your life.

These little cookies are the perfect treat for an afternoon tea or even a get together, like a party, bridal shower, or baby shower. Of course, they also make the perfect homemade gift for Mother’s Day.

This recipe makes a light, buttery cookie with a taste of lemon and a soft raspberry center. The lemon and raspberry together make these cookies a delectable treat.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe for your convenience. Enjoy!

Looking for more scrumptious cookie recipes?
Raspberry Lemon Butter Cookies

Raspberry lemon butter cookies are the perfect treat for an afternoon tea or even a get together, like a party, bridal shower, or baby shower.
1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Raspberry Jam
Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in the egg. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well.
Sift dry ingredients together; then add to creamed mixture. Mix well.
Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet, forming a round cookie with each teaspoonful of dough. Press thumb into each cookie center, making sure sides of cookie are rounded up around the thumbprint. Add a dab of raspberry jam to thumbprint of each cookie.
Bake at 350° for about 10-12 minutes, or until bottom edge of cookie begins to turn golden. Cool cookies on wire rack. If desired, sprinkle cookies with just a light sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy!
Cookies & Bars
American
butter cookies, lemon butter cookies, raspberry cookies, raspberry thumbprints
May 8, 2014
65 Movies from the 90’s for a Family Movie Night
A while ago, I came up with a list of 55 Movies from the 80’s. That was so much fun that I decided to do another, focusing on different movie eras, genres, and type of movie night (whether family, date night, chick flick, whatever). This time I’m focusing on movies from the 90’s that’ll work for your family movie night. If you want more info, you can find all of these movies on IMDb.

It kills me to think that the 90’s are that long ago now…. geez, time flies! There were some pretty awesome movies made in the 90’s. Use this list, arranged in alphabetical order by title, to create amazing family movie nights with your own family. Most of all, enjoy! (And stay tuned, as I’ll have another movies from the 90’s list coming soon, geared more toward date night.)

Family Movies from the 90’s
1. A Walton Easter, TV Movie, 1997
2. A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion, TV Movie, 1993
3. A Walton Wedding, TV Movie, 1995
4. Alaska, rated PG, 1996
5. Angels in the Outfield, rated PG, 1994
6. Beauty and the Beast, rated G, 1991
7. Beethoven, rated PG, 1992
8. Camp Nowhere, rated PG, 1994
9. Casper, rated PG, 1995
10. Christy, TV Movie (also a series), 1994
11. Cool Runnings, rated PG, 1993
12. Cop and a Half, rated PG, 1993
13. Curly Sue, rated PG, 1991
14. Dr. Dolittle, rated PG-13, 1998
15. Ever After: A Cinderella Story, rated PG-13, 1998
16. Father of the Bride, rated PG, 1991
17. Father of the Bride Part II, rated PG, 1995
18. Fly Away Home, rated PG, 1996
19. Ghost Dad, rated PG, 1990
20. Happy Christmas, Miss King, rated PG, 1998
21. Home Alone, rated PG, 1990
22. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, rated PG, 1992
23. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, rated G, 1993
24. Hook, rated PG, 1991
25. Iron Will, rated PG, 1994
26. It Takes Two, rated PG, 1995
27. Jack, rated PG-13, 1996
28. Jetsons: The Movie, rated G, 1990
29. Jumanji, rated PG, 1995
30. Jungle 2 Jungle, rated PG, 1997
31. Jurassic Park, rated PG-13, 1993
32. Kindergarten Cop, rated PG-13, 1990
33. Little Giants, rated PG, 1994
34. Look Who’s Talking Too, rated PG-13, 1990
35. Major Payne, rated PG-13, 1995
36. Mighty Joe Young, rated PG, 1998
37. Mrs. Doubtfire, rated PG-13, 1993
38. Mulan, rated G, 1998
39. Muppet Treasure Island, rated G, 1996
40. Muppets from Space, rated G, 1999
41. My Girl, rated PG-13, 1991
42. My Girl 2, rated PG, 1994
43. October Sky, rated PG, 1999
44. Operation Dumbo Drop, rated PG, 1995
45. Rigoletto, unsure of rating, 1993
46. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, rated PG, 1999
47. Swing Kids, rated PG-13, 1993
48. That Darn Cat, rated PG, 1997
49. The Air Up There, rated PG, 1994
50. The Indian in the Cupboard, rated PG, 1995
51. The Little Rascals, rated PG, 1994
52. The Mighty Ducks, rated PG, 1992
53. The Muppet Christmas Carol, rated G, 1992
54. The Rocketeer, rated PG, 1991
55. The Rugrats Movie, rated G, 1998
56. The Sandlot, rated PG, 1993
57. The Santa Clause, rated PG, 1994 (can you believe it’s been 20 years?!)
58. The Secret Garden, rated G, 1993
59. The Three Musketeers, rated PG, 1993
60. Toy Story, rated G, 1995
61. Toy Story 2, rated G, 1999
62. What About Bob?, rated PG, 1991
63. White Fang, rated PG, 1991
64. Wild America, rated PG, 1997
65. Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, rated G, 1991
Did I miss one of your favorites? What was your favorite family-friendly movie from the 90’s?
April 5, 2014
Fruit Kabobs with a Philly Cream Cheese Chunky Fruit Dip #SpreadtheFlavor
Spring has finally sprung, and it brings with it a desire for fresh fruits and veggies.

My boys love when we have fresh berries, kiwi, pineapple, and other fruits for breakfast. So, while Dan made waffles Sunday morning, I dug out the kabob sticks, fresh fruit, and the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread I’d picked up at Walmart during my grocery run.

What better way to enjoy breakfast than with wholesome, nutritious fruit kabobs and a creamy yet very chunky fruit dip made out of Philly Cream Cheese Flavored Spreads?

Below you’ll find a printable recipe for the chunky fruit dip. And if you love these fruit kabobs, you may also enjoy this yummy marshmallow fruit salad. And you’ll definitely love these mini fruit pizzas!

Using Philadelphia Flavored Cream Cheese Spreads to Make a Chunky Fruit Dip

I made the dip by combining an 8 oz. tub of Blueberry Cream Cheese and an 8 oz. tub of Strawberry Cream Cheese. Then I added in fresh fruit, including chopped strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, along with a teensy amount of powdered sugar to give just a slight bit of sweetness to the dip.

The dip made the perfect side to the fruit kabobs and was so creamy, chunky delicious. As I was eating the dip, I could almost imagine using the flavored cream cheese to make a frosting for cupcakes…. something to think about.

Of course, Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreads also come in other flavors, as well. So, the possibilities for creamy treats are endless.

With flavors like Chive Onion, Garden Vegetable, and Jalapeno, you can make more savory treats, as well. Sometimes I even make garlic parmesan chicken kabobs. Yum!

Making the Fruit Kabobs

Back to fruit, though. As for the accompanying kabobs, they were super easy to make. The most work was washing and prepping the fruit.

You can use any type of fruit you want; we used strawberries, kiwi, bananas, blackberries, pineapple, and blueberries.

There’s really no rhyme or reason to putting the fruit on; the bigger the chunks the better, though.

Once the kabobs are put together, you’re ready to serve alongside the fruit dip made with Philadelphia Soft Cream Cheese Spreads. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Philadelphia Cream Cheese Flavored Spreads?
Philly Cream Cheese Chunky Fruit Dip

What better way to enjoy breakfast than with wholesome, nutritious fruit kabobs and a creamy yet very chunky fruit dip made out of cream cheese?
1 – 8 oz. container Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese
1 – 8 oz. container Philadelphia Blueberry Cream Cheese
1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
1/4 cup blackberries/blueberries (combined and chopped)
1 tbsp. powdered sugar
Wash and chop fruit. Mix all ingredients together. The dip will have a chunky texture with chunks of real fruit.
Serve with fresh fruit, on a bagel, or however your heart desires. Enjoy!
Breakfast & Brunch
American
chunky fruit dip, cream cheese dip, cream cheese fruit dip, fruit kabobs
April 3, 2014
Relax at Anchor Inn & Cottages on Sanibel Island

With spring here and summer just around the corner, I’m starting to feel that little itch to travel and explore.

One of our favorite places to visit is Sanibel Island (and Captiva, of course). Such a peaceful, serene place we have not found anywhere else.

It’s as if, once you cross over the bridge to Sanibel, you enter a whole different world and definitely a different lifestyle. It’s so laid back, which brings me to my main focus…. relaxing at Anchor Inn & Cottages on Sanibel Island.

Last year when we visited Sanibel, we made reservations at this little inn, largely based on reviews via TripAdvisor. The reviews were not wrong; it was a wonderful place to stay.

We rather enjoy the smaller, hole-in-the-wall type of places when we’re visiting different areas or on vacation. It’s always easier to meet interesting people and get to know the lay of the land when staying somewhere authentic.

Rooms at Anchor Inn & Cottages

Anchor Inn & Cottages boast several units, including standard size rooms, one room efficiencies, two room efficiencies, and their historic A-frame cottages.

We chose to stay in a two room efficiency, which was plenty big enough for our family of four. Outside our front door was a small porch area with table and chairs, as well as ceiling fans to keep a breeze blowing.

Our room consisted of a living area with sleeper sofa……..one bedroom…. ….a small dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms.

The entire unit was quite comfortable and gave us all the room we needed for a quiet stay; the bedroom gave more privacy, as well, from the rest of the unit.

We also had a back door, and outside our back door was a small piece of paradise.

We could go out and sit in chairs, watching the turtles swim and play in the water. Other wildlife was in abundance; all we had to do was look out our back door.

I couldn’t help but imagine an alligator making his way up on the bank…. my imagination likes to get the best of me sometimes. It was such a beautiful place to rest and relax.

Amenities at Anchor Inn & Cottages

Anchor Inn provides several amenities, including a heated pool with patio area.

Other amenities include cable tv, wireless internet, in-room coffee service, free boat and trailer parking, and complimentary beach gear. Towel service is provided, as well; we had only to place our towel bin outside our door every morning, and by the time we returned, dirty towels would have been replaced with fresh.

They also provide several activities, including tetherball, picnic tables and barbecue areas, horseshoes and shuffle board, and bike rentals for the famous 30 miles of bike trails all over Sanibel Island.

The location is really convenient, as well. We were able to walk to a nearby convenience store, and an island grocery store was not far of a drive at all. The bike trail winds right past the front of the inn’s entrance, so basically, you step out your front door…. and there’s the bike trail, amazing.

Would we stay at Anchor Inn again? Most definitely. It’s affordable and clean, and we very much enjoyed our stay. Hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Yes, we would definitely stay here again, and I’d recommend the inn to readers, friends, and family.

I find myself wanting to meander over the bridge again to visit this peaceful island away from it all….

Want to explore more Beach Destinations? Follow my Pinterest board….
Follow Mel Lockcuff – MamaBuzz’s board Beach Destinations on Pinterest.

March 25, 2014
French Toast Cream Cheese Bagel Spread Recipe
Bagels have been a favorite breakfast item since Dan and I got married.

Before I met him, I’d hardly ever had bagels; growing up in the Midwest, they just weren’t that big a deal…. until I went to school in upstate New York and had the opportunity to visit New York City.

Mmmm, bagels in NYC are the best.

Anyway, occasionally, I like a flavored spread for my bagels. But store bought spreads can be a bit pricey, which is why I like coming up with my own flavored bagel spreads.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. This bagel spread is super easy to make and only involves 4 ingredients. Rock on, right?! Enjoy!
French Toast Cream Cheese Bagel Spread

This French toast cream cheese bagel spread is super easy to make and only involves 4 ingredients.
1 – 8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup maple or pancake syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 cup powdered sugar
Using a mixer, mix all ingredients together, blending well. Serve with a warm bagel, spreading on bagel to desired thickness.
This probably goes without saying, but be sure to refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy!
Breakfast & Brunch
American
bagel spread, cream cheese bagel spread, French toast bagel spread
March 6, 2014
Inside the USS Razorback Submarine in Little Rock, Arkansas

Have you ever been inside a real submarine? I’d never been down inside a submarine before a couple weeks ago. We were in Little Rock for the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, and we were crossing over the Arkansas River, making our way home. As we came to the other side, I happened to look down and see, of all things, a submarine on the banks of the river. Jaden gasped when he saw it. Of course, we had to go check it out! It was one of those spur-of-the-moment roadside stops that we usually like to make when traveling together as a family. Of course, the boys were ecstatic and couldn’t wait to see and explore this awesome military installation right there in the Arkansas River.

As we walked up to the location, we found that this was an actual museum, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, and the submarine we’d spotted was the USS Razorback. Interesting fact: The USS Razorback was, in fact, not named after the famous Arkansas razorback, but rather the Razorback Whale. She was built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. She served in World War II and in Vietnam; she was also active during the Cold War.

During World War II, she patrolled, sunk Japanese ships, captured Japanese POW’s, and rescued American pilots who’d been shot down. I believe our tour guide said that 1 in 6 submarines were destroyed during World War II, and that usually meant no survivors; so, the fact that she and her crew survived is nothing short of a miracle. In fact, if I remember correctly, she didn’t lose a single sailor.

In 1970, the USS Razorback was sold to the Turkish Navy, which is why there’s a Turkish flag flying alongside the United States flag on the sub; however, the city of Little Rock bought the sub in 2004. Visitors can tour the submarine, exploring both the outside and climbing down into the submarine to walk through from end to end. You can read more about her history on the museum’s website.

As we met our tour guide, he told us a bit of the history of the USS Razorback, and then he took us up on the ship itself. We started at the end of the submarine, climbing down in, via a ladder and a fairly skinny hole. Space was tight, and as we got down in the bowels of this huge ship, I couldn’t imagine having to live like that for months at a time or longer. Amazing men, these sailors who volunteered to serve in submarines, because they weren’t forced into this; and only men served in submarines. Yes, the Navy paid them double the wages, but they raised their hand to serve in a sub. Bunks were tight, and just to give you a small picture, this was a top bunk that noone wanted, mainly because there was little space between the bunk and the vent, as you can see. Can you even tell there’s a bunk there?Men shared the bunks, taking triple shifts – meaning they worked one shift, slept another shift, and had “down time” the other shift. As one was rolling out of bed to go to work, another was rolling right into the same bunk to take his place. They called it hot racking.

Because of the heat from the engines, the temperature on the sub stayed in the upper 90’s on into the 100’s. So, you can imagine how hot, sweaty, and stinky these guys must have been. Water was also limited, so they took very few showers and then only 30 seconds at a time. Our tour guide told us that they generally worked in their underwear and flip-flops because of the extreme heat.

As we walked through, we saw the tiny bathrooms, the mess hall, the kitchen, and more. Food was stored wherever possible. The question was asked what would happen if someone died while out to sea. As a matter of fact, the body would be stored in the freezer, right along with the food. The freezer was actually below your feet in the mess hall; there was a ladder that went down to it in the mess hall floor.

The officers’ quarters were a bit more roomy, and we even happened on a few Louis L’Amour books in the Officers’ dining area. The Officers ate the same food but did have a separate kitchen and dishes; they actually used fine china.

Then there was the control room, where all the main action took place. You wouldn’t believe all the buttons and levers….

Of course, my boys were mesmerized by the torpedo room…. ….also with real torpedoes still in the sub, though not active torpedoes. They were both asking questions throughout the tour; they just came alive with everything they were seeing and were soaking it all up.

USS Razorback Hours, Tickets and Info

The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-5pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm. Full admission for adults is $7.50; children under 12, seniors, and military are $5. Museum with no submarine tour is $2. If you are visiting, I recommend ladies wear pants (skirts and ladders just don’t mix in such tight quarters), and closed-toe shoes like sneakers, no flip-flops. Between ladders and making your way through different compartments, it’s just better to be completely comfortable and able to freely move from place to place.

The museum is also available for group events like birthday parties, group tours, school field trips, and something my boys got pretty hyped up about…. a group sleepover in the actual submarine with a real submarine veteran. You can find more info about the overnight stays aboard the USS Razorback here. Prices are very reasonable, in my opinion; this is something we may have to do at some point because sleepover guests get to explore even more parts of the submarine than the general public. The boys would just eat that up. As a homeschool mom, I was also thrilled to find that the museum provides lesson plans and activities on their website, as well. Very cool!

You’ll also find other exhibits at the museum. We definitely need to go back to explore even more.

Happy travels!

March 4, 2014
Carrot Bread Recipe
Sometimes a good bread recipe, whether it’s yeast bread or banana bread, is just what the doctor ordered.

This carrot bread recipe is from my grandmother’s recipe box. It really reminds me of zucchini bread or banana bread, mainly because of its texture and the way it slices.

I made it awhile ago, but I’m pulling this recipe back out. Hope you enjoy!

Looking for more homemade muffin or sweet bread recipes?
Carrot Bread

This carrot bread recipe is from my grandmother's recipe box. It really reminds me of zucchini bread or banana bread, mainly because of its texture and the way it slices.
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Mix sugar, oil, and eggs well. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mixing well. Add grated carrots and chopped nuts.
Bake in greased and floured loaf pan at 375° for about 55 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Serve and enjoy!
Breads & Muffins
American
carrot bread, quick bread recipes, quick breads
February 27, 2014
Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
With the Winter Olympics coming up later this week, an appetizer recipe seemed just the thing, especially in light of Olympics watch parties that may be taking place. This particular recipe could work as either an appetizer or lunch.

We like to have quesadillas for lunch sometimes, along with fresh fruit; the kids love when we have them. They’re super easy to make, and they’re pretty healthy, depending on your ingredients.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Enjoy!

More Tex Mex recipes you may enjoy:
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Make cheesy chicken quesadillas with fajita chicken, and serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, and avocado.
1 can fat-free refried beans
1/2 pkg. (11 oz. chicken breast strips, cooked)
1-2 to matoes (chopped)
3-4 small peppers (chopped)
3-4 green onions (chopped)
1 cup shredded Cheddar
Salsa (sour cream, and avocado)
with this recipe, you can make about 2 quesadillas, possibly more depending on how high you pile the ingredients inside the quesadillas.
First spread about 1/3 cup fat-free refried beans on two tortillas. Sprinkle chicken breast strips around each tortilla. Add tomatoes, peppers, green onions, and Cheddar. Top with a tortilla.
Bake at 350° for about 15-20 minutes, or until edges start to crisp.
Slice and serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Enjoy!
Appetizers
Tex-Mex
chicken quesadillas, quesadillas, Tex-Mex recipes
February 20, 2014
Strawberry Buttermilk Dinosaur Pancakes Recipe
Jaden is totally mesmerized with dinosaurs right now. From books to movies to toys, the boy just loves dinosaurs.

So, I decided to come up with a fun new recipe for kids. And why not make one of Jaden’s favorite things to eat in one of his favorite character shapes…. Dinosaur Pancakes.

These Strawberry Buttermilk Dinosaur Pancakes were a bit tedious to make…. Dan and I worked on them together. But it was so worth it seeing Jaden’s face.

More pancake recipes you may enjoy:
- Apple Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes
- Butterbeer Pancakes from Scratch
- Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
- Heart Shaped Buttermilk Pancakes
- Heart Shaped Pancakes with chocolate chips
Print the recipe for Strawberry Buttermilk Dinosaur Pancakes
Strawberry Buttermilk Dinosaur Pancakes

How to make strawberry buttermilk dinosaur pancakes kids will love for breakfast or brunch!
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pure cane sugar
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Stir together egg, buttermilk, and oil; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
Wash, stem, and chop strawberries. Mix into batter.
Heat a lightly greased griddle.
Spray each cookie cutter very well with cooking spray. Place cookie cutter onto griddle.
Carefully pour, or squeeze if using a squeeze bottle, batter into each cookie cutter. Do not remove cookie cutter just yet; allow pancakes to cook until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked.
Then carefully remove cookie cutter from pancake.
Carefully turn the pancake, and cook the other side.
Serve with fresh fruit, butter, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Pancakes, Waffles, & French Toast
American
breakfast recipes, buttermilk pancakes, dinosaur pancakes, dinosaur shaped pancakes, strawberry buttermilk pancakes, strawberry pancakes
February 13, 2014
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and these little treats are the perfect homemade gift and easy to make too.

Growing up, my dad loved his chocolate covered cherries, especially at Christmas time, one reason I’m adding this recipe to my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations. We’d get him a box every single year, and if we didn’t, he’d buy his own.

One year, I made him a batch of homemade; but this year, I decided to make some for Valentine’s Day instead.

These chocolate covered cherries are filled with a creamy white filling and, of course, Maraschino cherries.

I used Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers, which I found at our grocery store.

Looking for more festive sweet treats?
Below you’ll find a printable recipe. Enjoy!
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries

These homemade chocolate covered cherries are filled with a creamy white filling and, of course, Maraschino cherries.
10 ounces Maraschino cherries
10 ounces dark chocolate (melting wafers)
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon whole milk
The first step is to make the creamy white filling for the chocolate covered cherries. Start by melting butter, then add in vanilla and almond extract. Mix in powdered sugar and milk, starting with 1 tbsp. milk and adding more as needed to get filling to just a slightly thicker consistency. You want the filling to be somewhat thin but thick enough to not make a complete mess when you go to fill the candy mold.
Melt the chocolate according to package directions. I found it helpful, at this point, to then add my chocolate to a decorating bottle; I did the same with the creamy filling.
Start by adding a bit of chocolate to the bottom of your candy mold. Then add a whole cherry or piece of a cherry, depending on the size of your candy mold. Add a bit of the white creamy filling, probably about 1/2-1 tsp. Then finish off with the melted chocolate, surrounding the cherry and creamy filling.
Once all candy sections are filled, place candy mold in freezer for 5-10 minutes or until candy is set. Pop out of candy mold and serve. Enjoy!
Candy
American
chocolate covered cherries
February 3, 2014
Appetizer Recipe ~ Taco Bites
The big game will soon be here, and even though we don’t necessarily enjoy football, we usually have a movie night right around that time and enjoy a few of the snacks that go along with a big game party.

I’ll usually make our normal Barbecue Chicken Cream Cheese Dip, and sometimes I’ll make one of the boys’ favorites, “Puppy Chow.” This year, I’m adding something new to the mix…. Taco Bites.

These little snacks are super easy to make, and they contain fresh ingredients, making them somewhat healthy, as well. We enjoyed a batch for lunch one day recently.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh veggies on the side. Enjoy!

Looking for more delicious appetizers and snacks?
And since Taco Bites make such a delicious party appetizer, I’m definitely adding them to my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.
Appetizer Recipe ~ Taco Bites

Little taco bites snacks are super easy to make, and they contain fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese.
12 corn tortillas (mini size)
1/2 lb. ground beef (fully cooked)
3/4 cup Picante Sauce
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 cups lettuce (shredded)
1 cup grape tomatoes (chopped)
3/5 cup Sour cream
Fully cook ground beef in skillet and drain. Add Picante Sauce to ground beef and warm.
Warm mini corn tortillas between 2 paper towels on a plate in the microwave, until they become pliable and easier to work with. The next step involves a muffin tin; you’ll need 12 muffin cups. Place each mini tortilla in a muffin cup, working with it to make it fit down in the cup. It helps to add a tablespoon full of beef at this point.
Once all tortillas are fitted into place and beef mixture added, bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until tortillas are crunchy.
Remove from oven, adding cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Finish each taco bite off with a dollop of sour cream and serve. Enjoy!
Appetizers
Tex-Mex
taco bites
January 30, 2014
Moist and Delicious Chocolate Cake Recipe
Did you know that today is National Chocolate Cake Day? Homemade chocolate cake has kinda been the bane of my kitchen existence over the past couple of years. You have no idea how many cake disasters I’ve had, trying to get the recipe right.

This time I finally succeeded in both correctly deciphering Grandma’s recipe and in baking a moist, delicious chocolate cake.

As it baked, I’ll tell you, I was a bit nervous; but oh boy, did I succeed this time. I’m really not trying to brag…. I’m just in shock and so excited that it finally turned out the way it should!

Now, on the other end of things, chocolate cake has got to be one of the hardest things to photograph; I’d venture to say that it even trumps burgers and sandwiches for me in difficulty.

But oh, does the taste make up for it. Sooooo moist, rich, and delicious, just like my favorite yellow cake. It only takes a little sliver of this bad boy to enjoy the chocolate fix you’ve been craving.

Grandma has a friend’s name written on this particular recipe, so I imagine Grandma sitting in that person’s kitchen copying down the recipe because she must have loved this cake.

The recipe card is also well worn and used, signifying that it must have been a favorite.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. This is most definitely one of the most delicious chocolate cakes I’ve made thus far…. it’s a treat to enjoy with family and friends, perfect for that potluck dinner.

During the holiday season, serve a slice with a dollop of Peppermint Whipped Cream. Enjoy!

Looking for more scrumptious cake recipes?

Carrot Sheet Cake

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Pear Spice Cake

Deliciously Easy Lemon Cake

Gooey Butter Cake
Moist and Delicious Chocolate Cake

Grandma's recipe for a delicious chocolate cake. A treat to enjoy with family and friends, perfect for a potluck dinner.
Cake:

8 tablespoons salted butter

1/2 cup canola oil

1 cup water

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

8 tablespoons salted butter

1/2 cup buttermilk

6 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional)

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cake: Pre-heat oven to 350°. Grease cake pan/s.

Bring 1 stick butter, oil, and water to a boil. Remove from heat and mix in sugar, flour, and cocoa powder.

Beat eggs with baking soda “dissolved” in buttermilk or sour milk (make sour milk by combining milk with 1 tbsp. vinegar). Add this to mixture above, also adding in vanilla. Mix well.

Pour batter into prepared cake pan/s. Bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan for about 10 minutes before removal, if removing to frost.

Frosting: Melt 1 stick butter with buttermilk or sour milk, but do not boil. Remove from heat.

Beat in powdered sugar to right consistency; add vanilla, cocoa powder, and nuts, if desired.

Once cakes have cooled, frost to desired thickness. Grandma’s recipe says to frost while warm, so I’m wondering if she made this in a bundt pan. I made 2 round cakes, so I waited ’til my cakes had cooled to frost.

Serve and enjoy!
Cakes & Cupcakes

American

chocolate cake
January 27, 2014
Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Party Drink Recipe with a Touch of Tangerine
It’s no secret to any of my friends that I don’t drink. I just really don’t like the taste of alcohol at all; there’s something about the taste that I can.not.stand…. Same with coffee. Believe me, there have been many a time where I’ve wished I could sit down with a glass of wine at night or with a cup of coffee in the morning. But my taste buds won’t let me. Since Dan and I do like to sit down with a glass of sparkling grape juice every once in awhile, I thought it’d be fun to create a sparkling non-alcoholic party drink recipe, especially in honor of New Year’s Eve.

How to Make a Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Party Drink

If you’re like me and just don’t drink at all, you may enjoy this non-alcoholic version of a celebratory drink. The nice thing is that it’s so easy and simple to make. I’m definitely adding this recipe to my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.

I hope you enjoy!

Looking for more festive beverage recipes?
Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Party Drink with a Touch of Tangerine

Non-alcoholic sparkling drink with just 3 simple ingredients. Easy to make and perfect for a party!
1 cup sparkling white grape juice

1 cup ginger ale

1 teaspoon tangerine juice ((just a spritz))
Simply mix the ingredients together.

Then squeeze in a bit of fresh orange or tangerine juice. Just a spritz or two will do.

Finally, add a touch of orange peel or a slice of orange for a decorative touch.

Serve and enjoy!
Beverage

American

non-alcoholic party drink, sparkling drink
Want to pair this drink with a platter of simple to make appetizers? Check out these 3 Super Easy Appetizer Recipes for New Year’s.
December 30, 2013
Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball Recipe
Knowing that I wanted to come up with a fun appetizer recipe for New Year’s, it just seemed logical to include one of our favorite snacks, pimento cheese. And, of course, it had to have a theme…. so one of my personal favorites at this time of year, a snowman.

Dan and I had a lot of fun experimenting with this recipe and came up with it together. We schemed and experimented, adding ingredients until the pimento cheese tasted just right.

Below you’ll find the printable recipe and how to. This recipe is so much fun to make; the cheese ball formed into a snowman is really like an empty canvas just waiting to be decorated.

My advice is to be creative with the decorating and use what you have. I used black olives for the eyes, mouth, and buttons. Then peppers for the nose, scarf, and hat. The nice thing about pimento cheese is that it was so easy to decorate; everything stuck fast so easily.

When all is said and done, serve Frosty with snack crackers or pretzels, whatever you or your guests enjoy. The nice thing about the decorations is that if using olives and peppers, they’re completely edible and pair well with the cheese. Enjoy!

Looking for more delicious holiday appetizers or snacks?
If you’re looking for more holiday party recipe inspiration, be sure to check out my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.
Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball

Festive snowman pimento cheese ball you can serve with crackers, pretzels, or a fresh veggie tray. Perfect for a Christmas party!
16 ounces cream cheese

24 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

4 ounces pimentos (diced)

1/4 cup mayo

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
Mix cream cheese, shredded Cheddar, and pimentos. Add in mayo, vinegar, and sugar, blending ingredients well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator, and use 2/3 of the mixture to form the base of the snowman. Then use more cheese to shape his head and add that on to the base. Shape and round the cheese ball, adding in bits of the cheese mixture to fill in gaps and make him look like you want him to look.

Now it’s time to decorate. Wash any veggies you’ll be using. Chop olives into longer pieces for the eyes; then chop small bits of olives for the mouth. Olives should stick fast to cheese ball with just a tiny bit of pressure. Slice sliver of orange pepper to look like a carrot nose. Then slice red pepper (or whatever color you prefer) into small strips for the scarf; I found that using smaller strips held better to the cheese. Slice top of pepper and remove seeds. Add to top of snowman’s head for a hat. Chop ends of 2 olives and use for buttons. Add 2 pretzel sticks for the arms.

Finally, add parsley around snowman for garnish. Serve with crackers, pretzel sticks, or whatever snacks you and your guests may enjoy.

(Disclaimer: Always remember to refrigerate snowman when not enjoying as an appetizer or snack.)
Appetizers

American

pimento cheese ball, snowman cheese ball
December 26, 2013
Chocolate Covered Almond Coconut Trees
One last candy recipe before Christmas is here, a holiday recipe for chocolate bark Christmas trees with almonds and coconut filling!

Ok, so originally, I was hoping for more of an “Almond Joy” feel to these little treats, but instead they’re more like an “Almond Joy” chocolate bark. No mind, though, because they were still a hit, especially with my oldest, who happens to be my harshest critic.

To make these candy trees, I used this Wilton Bite Size Tree Mold. Below is a printable recipe for these festive sweet treats. Enjoy!

Looking for more Christmas sweet treats?
And if you’re looking for more holiday recipe inspiration, check out my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.
Chocolate Covered Almond Coconut Trees

How to make delectable little chocolate bark Christmas trees with almonds and coconut filling. Festive Christmas candy with hints of Almond Joy.
4 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 cup coconut (shredded)
1/3 cup marshmallow cream
12 whole Almonds
10 ounces dark chocolate (melting wafers)
Melt chocolate candy coating according to package directions.
Next, melt butter and mix with coconut flakes and marshmallow cream, forming a soft, sticky filling for the trees.
Add small amount of chocolate to candy mold, covering bottom of each candy space. Add one almond on top of chocolate; then add small amount of coconut filling (about a teaspoon), covering each almond. Cover with chocolate candy coating.
Chill candy trees in freezer until set. Pop out of mold and enjoy!
Candy
American
almond coconut trees, chocolate covered almond coconut candy
December 23, 2013