Adventures of Mel

Author: Mel Lockcuff

Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins
Simple ham and cheese egg muffins are an easy and healthy breakfast and brunch recipe, perfect for busy mornings or make ahead freezer meals and snacks.

There are times when we’ll make breakfast ahead of time, like when we’re headed out on a dispersed camping trip or for mornings we know we may not have enough time to make a good breakfast. We love making Instant Pot hard boiled eggs, as well as bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast muffins for just such occasions.

Ham and cheese egg cups are also the perfect take along meal or snack. They keep well in the fridge, freezer, and cooler, and they’re full of delicious flavor.

Eat them with a fork, or eat them with your fingers, making them the perfect breakfast on the go. They’re a quick, healthy, low carb breakfast, giving you a boost of protein to give you a good start to your day.

Rather have sausage? No problem! Make low carb sausage egg muffins instead.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE HAM AND CHEESE EGG MUFFIN 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 ham and cheese egg muffins – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

CAN YOU MAKE AHEAD AND FREEZE BREAKFAST MUFFINS WITH EGGS?

Yes, you can. In fact, you can make enough for a whole week in just a short amount of time.
- Make a batch or two of breakfast egg muffins and allow them to cool.
- Then place them all in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze.
- When morning comes, simply warm them up in the microwave or the oven, whichever your preference.
Enjoy easy breakfasts every single morning of your week. Or feed a holiday crowd with egg muffin cups you’ve already made before the big day.

TIPS FOR HOW TO BAKE MUFFIN TIN EGGS

Baking ham and eggs in a muffin tin is actually really easy, even when you have multiple ingredients you’re trying to fit in each small muffin cup.

Make sure all of your ingredients are ready first… Ham is cooked and chopped (no need to cook deli ham), green onions are chopped, cheese is shredded, and eggs are whipped up with either heavy whipping cream or milk.

Spray the muffin pan with cooking spray before adding any ingredients to it. Then start by adding your meat.

Add the cheese.

Then sprinkle in the green onions.

Pour the egg mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full; this will leave a little room for expansion in baking.

Finally, bake the ham and cheese egg muffin cups, following the recipe instructions.

Ham and egg cups are another one of my favorite ham recipes to use up leftover ham or pineapple ham from the holidays or family dinners.

HOW TO TELL WHEN EGG MUFFINS ARE DONE

You’ll be able to tell when your egg muffins are done by both sight and touch. They’ll be fluffy and not jiggly in the middle.

Of course, if you really want to make sure the eggs are cooked through, you can always use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature. According to the Egg Safety Center, any type of quiche or egg casserole should reach a temperature of 160°F.

WAYS YOU CAN CHANGE UP BAKED EGG MUFFINS
- Add minced onions (yellow onions or sweet onions).
- Add chopped up spinach to the egg mixture.
- Use smoked cheese, Queso Fresco, or Cotija cheese in place of cheddar, colby jack, or pepper jack.
- Add a different type of meat, like sausage or bacon.
- Or go meatless.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY BREAKFAST IDEAS?

One of my favorite breakfast sandwiches is the Egg McMuffin, so it stands to reason I’d create McDonald’s Egg McMuffin and sausage egg McMuffin copycat recipes. And eggs in a basket has been one of my favorite breakfast treats since I was a little girl.

Moscato Mom has a delicious finger food breakfast idea for Ham, Cheese, and Bell Pepper Mini Quiche. Midlife Boulevard has a list of 10 easy and delicious keto breakfast recipes.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE HAM AND CHEESE EGG MUFFIN CUPS:

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

Cheese Grater

Liquid Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowl and Whisk

Muffin Tins

Cooking Thermometer (optional)

HAM AND CHEESE EGG MUFFINS RECIPE

If you love this easy breakfast 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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Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins

Simple ham and cheese egg muffins are an easy and healthy breakfast and brunch recipe, perfect for busy mornings or make ahead freezer meals and snacks.
Muffin Tin
4 ounces ham (chopped)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
3 green onions (chopped)
10 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pre-heat the oven to 375° F and grease a muffin tin.
Place a little bit of chopped ham in the bottom of each muffin cup.
Next sprinkle a little cheese on top of the ham in each muffin cup.
Then sprinkle green onions into each muffin cup.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full; this will leave a little room for expansion in baking.
Bake the muffins at 375° F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the egg muffins are fluffy, not jiggly, and have reached 160° F with a meat thermometer.
Allow the muffins to cool for 2 to 3 minutes in the pan; then run a table knife around the edges of the muffin cups, and pop the muffins out onto a wire rack to cool.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and sides!
*You can use any kind of cheese you like, including cheddar, American, pepper Jack, smoked cheese, Queso Fresco, Cotija cheese, etc.

*You can serve them immediately, or you can refrigerate or freeze them. Then pop them in the microwave in the morning, and enjoy a warm breakfast with hardly any effort! They’re perfect for a quick, on the go, healthy breakfast!

Breakfast & Brunch, Main Course
American
baked egg cups, breakfast egg muffins, breakfast muffins, easy breakfast, egg cups, egg muffin cups, egg muffin recipe, egg muffins, ham and cheese, ham and eggs, low carb breakfast, muffin tin eggs
December 17, 2018
Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
Fun and simple holiday recipe for kids! How to make Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats with a cookie cutter, gooey marshmallow treats, and candy.

Rice Krispie squares are such a simple, classic dessert. They’re the quintessential kid-friendly dessert.

They’re also really easy to decorate and reinvent every time a holiday or special event rolls around. I mean, how cute are these snowman Rice Krispie treats, these festive Fruity Pebbles Christmas treats, and heart shaped Rice Krispie treats?

You only need 5 ingredients to make ordinary Rice Krispie treats. If you’re decorating and making special rice crispy treat shapes, you may need a few more decorative ingredients like icing, marshmallow cream, and candy.

Christmas tree Rice Krispies treats are super easy to make, and they’re a festive addition to the holiday dessert table.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS TREE RICE KRISPIE TREATS?

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 Christmas Tree Rice Krispie treats recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

HOW DO I MAKE RICE KRISPIE TREATS?

You can follow this Rice Krispie Treats recipe to make a full pan of Rice Krispie treats.

I usually fill a 9″x13″ pan with this recipe. Sometimes I’ll use a regular cake pan, but if I know I’m cutting out shapes, I’ll use my more shallow brownie pan.

HOW TO MAKE RICE KRISPIE CHRISTMAS TREES

Once you’ve spread your Rice Krispies treats mixture in your pan, you can go ahead and start cutting out Christmas tree shapes with a Christmas tree cookie cutter.

Be careful because the treats will still be quite hot, so just take your time. Cutting out the Christmas trees will help them to cool more quickly, though.

WHAT SHOULD I USE TO DECORATE MY CHRISTMAS TREES?

First you’ll want to gather a few ingredients together, different candies and decorating icing.

And here is where I improvised… I had no icing on hand, and I didn’t really feel like making my usual favorite sugar cookie icing either. I looked around me, and happened to look over inside a cabinet, and what did I see?

A jar of Marshmallow Fluff… That’s right… Instead of using icing, I used Marshmallow Fluff, and it worked like a charm. I highly recommend it.

Other ingredients you may want to gather are M&M’s Minis, spice drops, sour straws, and Christmas sprinkles.

TIPS FOR HOW TO DECORATE CHRISTMAS TREE MARSHMALLOW TREATS

You can decorate these treats however you want. It’s a really fun thing to do with your kids too. Give them a buffet to work from, and watch their creative forces at work.

You can pipe a bit of marshmallow fluff on as tinsel, then place M&M’s Minis on the fluff as ornaments. The fluff will hold the candy in place.

Cut spice drops in half, which will give you a super sticky end to work with. Press that sticky end onto the Christmas tree and form a sort of spice drop tinsel (and even a star).

Sour straws are really sticky, so you can stick pieces of sour straws onto your trees as tinsel.

Then add sliced spice drops as ornaments.

Use Marshmallow Fluff to hold special sprinkles on the tree… I love these little snowflake sprinkles.

Marshmallow Fluff will pretty much hold anything on your cutout Rice Krispie trees that just won’t stick. It’s amazing stuff and works so much better than decorating icing, in my humble opinion.

LOOKING FOR MORE NO BAKE CHRISTMAS TREATS?

We absolutely love making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls every Christmas. Another one of our absolute musts at Christmas time are these Ritz Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Mommy Hates Cooking has a scrumptious looking recipe for Peppermint Mocha No Bake Cookies. Sprinkle Some Fun has a recipe for the cutest ever Grinch Rice Krispie Treats.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE CHRISTMAS TREE RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Dutch Oven or Sauce Pot

Heat-Resistant Spatula – This one is my go to spatula.

9″x13″ Baking Dish or Brownie Pan

Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter

Decorating Bag and Small Round Tip

CHRISTMAS TREE RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE

If you love this Rice Krispie treats 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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Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats

Fun and simple holiday recipe for kids! How to make Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats with a cookie cutter, gooey marshmallow treats, and candy.
5 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup Marshmallow Fluff
20 Sour Punch Twists (or Straws)
10 ounces M&M’s Minis
1 cup spice drops
1 cup sprinkles
Grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large sauce pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over low to medium heat on the stove.
Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the butter.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter mixture, stirring until the marshmallows have fully melted.
Remove the mixture from the heat, and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal.
Spread the Rice Krispies mixture in the prepared baking pan.
Cut out Christmas tree shapes with a Christmas tree cookie cutter, and place the Rice Krispie trees on a wire rack to cool completely.
For tinsel, pipe marshmallow cream back and forth on the trees, or pipe it onto the back of Sour Punch Twists (or Straws) to hold them on the trees.
Use M&M's Minis, spice drops, and sprinkles as ornaments for the trees. Cut spice drops in half, which will give you a sticky side you can stick onto the Christmas trees; or use a little marshmallow cream to hold the candies in place.
When you're all finished decorating, have fun serving and eating these festive treats!
*You can also use decorating icing, but Marshmallow Fluff works really well. You can use a regular cake pan, or to make cutting shapes easier, you can use a more shallow brownie pan. Be careful cutting out the trees because the treats will still be quite hot, so just take your time.

Desserts
American
Christmas recipes, Christmas treats, Christmas tree, marshmallow treats, no bake Christmas treats, Rice crispy treats, Rice Krispie Christmas trees, Rice Krispie squares, Rice Krispie treats, Rice Krispie treats recipe, Rice Krispies, Rice Krispies treats
December 14, 2018
Roof Top Tent vs. Ground Tent: The Inside Scoop
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A ROOF TOP TENT OR GROUND TENT

Pros and cons of a roof top tent vs. ground tent for camping and overland travel. The inside scoop on set up, storage, affordability, sleep space, and more.

Dispersed camping and overland travel have afforded our family the option to see places and go on trips we never would have had the opportunity to take otherwise. This was the goal when we made the decision to invest in a roof top tent.

We’ve always enjoyed camping, and we’ve experienced both the good and bad of both a rooftop tent and more traditional ground tent.

These days, since our family has grown, we actually use both kinds of camping tents. There are pros and cons to each.

The decision to buy a tent is an important one. It’s an investment, and we want to help you figure out the best option for your family, whether you enjoy wild camping or more traditional campground digs.

Wondering where to go camping? Check out how we find free campsites in the USA.

A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BUYING A TENT

You really need to ask yourself a few questions before you make the decision to buy a roof-top tent or a traditional camping tent…
- Do you like camping as a family and camping with kids? Is it something you can see yourselves doing for the long haul?
- What kind of camping do you plan to do? Boondocking? Traditional campground?
- What is your budget for a family tent/s? How many tents will you need?
- Do you have the equipment necessary for the kind of tent you’re purchasing? If not, do you have the budget for it, as well? (We’ll get into more detail about this in the pros and cons below.)
PROS OF A ROOF TOP TENT

A car roof tent is especially helpful when you do a lot of overlanding, off the grid travel, or boondocking with your family. It gives you the option to find free camping spots in places all across the country.

You can go just about anywhere with a rooftop tent. It doesn’t necessarily require a level place to park your tent as long as your tent is on a trailer and you have jacks to level it up.

A car top tent pretty much unzips and pops up. We’ll talk a bit more about this in the cons, but depending on personal preferences, it can be a really nice set up process.

A roof rack tent also saves on packing and storage space inside your vehicle. You don’t have to pack the tent, and you can just keep your sleeping bags in the tent.

Roof top tents usually have their own mattress too, so no need to buy an air mattress unless you want extra cushioning. I actually use a self inflating sleeping pad for a little extra cushion.

Also, when we’re camping in Big Bend National Park where it’s very very hot, we’ve discovered that the bit of shade it provides from the part that flips over with the ladders, is wonderful.

You can sometimes put an extra room or awning on rooftop tents for more space, shade, and privacy.

One thing I love about our CVT tent…

It gets us up off the ground. We don’t have to worry much about ground water or critters, and the fact that it’s off the ground means it has less of an impact when we’re not camping on a tent pad.

CONS OF A CAR ROOF TENT

Believe it or not, there are cons to owning a tent like this.

For one, the initial price can be quite expensive if it’s not a true investment for your family. A larger rooftop tent can cost upwards of $2500 or more.

If you’re not using a camp trailer, you’ll definitely need a roof rack for the tent to sit on top of your car. And if your tent is on top of your vehicle, you’ll also need to find level ground to set it up when camping.

Especially if you do a lot of camping in the mountains, you may need to think about building a camp trailer so you can use jacks to level out the tent when the ground isn’t level. And then you can leave camp without having to tear down every single day.

Having a roof top tent on your vehicle when you want to go explore means you’ll have to take down and set up every day of your trip. You won’t be able to just drive away without losing your spot.

Depending on the height of your vehicle, you may need to carry a step ladder to help with set up and take down.

And, of course, you have to climb the tent ladder to get into and out of your tent, go to the bathroom, and grab the blankie you forgot to grab out of the 4Runner.

One more con is that you can’t simply walk into your tent. There’s not enough room to stand upright, so simple things like getting dressed can be more of a chore to do in the tent (unless you add an annex onto your tent).

Wind can be a game changer in any kind of tent, even a durable roof top tent…

Dan would tell you that set up can be a huge pain when it’s super windy; and if you’re like us camping all over the place in the mountains, the desert, or the plains, you will encounter wind.

We had one particular trip where we went out on BLM land outside Roswell, New Mexico. We’d just gotten everyone settled, when all of a sudden, the wind came gusting like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was the scariest thing.

PROS OF A GROUND TENT

If you don’t have the money to invest in a rooftop tent, a ground tent can be a much more affordable option. Most ground tents start in the $50 price range, sometimes even cheaper than that depending on the size tent you need.

You can literally just throw a tent in the back of your car and head out camping. No extra equipment needed for setup, besides maybe a tarp for the ground underneath and stronger tent pegs.

A simple camping tent can be a quick setup, especially if it’s one of these newer popup tents. And even a lot of the non pop up tents have improved to where they take just a few minutes to set up.

A ground tent is good for walk in sites, as well. If you do a lot of backpacking or you look for more private walk in sites at campgrounds (kinda like our site at Cosby Campground in the Smoky Mountains), a ground tent may be a better option for you.

CONS OF A TRADITIONAL CAMPING TENT

The cons of a traditional tent would start with being on the ground. There’s a higher risk of ground water getting in, and even critters getting in your tent if it’s not zipped up tight.

You have to find a level spot to set up the tent. Level isn’t an option in quite a few places, especially if you’re overlanding.

Speaking of a campsite, when you don’t have a tent pad available, you make more of an impact on the ground and hence the ecosystem with a traditional camping tent.

When it’s cold, you’re sleeping on or next to the ground, so you may be a little colder than you would be in a roof top tent.

And you’ll need an air mattress or sleeping pad for sure. The ground gets quite hard when you’re trying to get some shuteye.

DECIDING BETWEEN A ROOF TOP TENT OR A GROUND TENT

We actually use both a roof top tent and a ground tent when we’re camping now.

We have a ground tent for our older two boys because we’ve kinda outgrown the whole family sleeping in the rooftop tent together. They actually prefer to sleep on the ground too, so it works out well for us.

When you’re making your decision, it’s important to think about your own family’s preferences and the impact your purchase will have on everyone involved.

Ask yourself the questions I mentioned above. Study the pros and cons, and give yourself enough time to make a sound decision.

A tent is such a personal choice for any outdoorsman/woman. It’s your home away from home and can actually make or break a trip.

If you’re trying to make a decision but just not sure which one to go with, you can always reach out with questions. We have a lot of experience with both kinds of tents and would love to help however we can.

More camping gear suggestions for you:

Wash up with a Solar Outdoor Shower for Camping

The Ultimate Camping Checklist for Packing

Homemade No Rinse Body Wipes for Camping

Best Baby Carrier Backpack for Hiking and Outdoors

Camping Cooking Gear and Outdoor Cooking Tips

Happy camping!
December 13, 2018
Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls
Leftover Ham Crescent Rolls – Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!

Sometimes I think leftovers are even better than the main dish, especially when it comes to leftover ham and crescent rolls. When you combine the two with a few tasty ingredients, you’ve definitely got the makings of a delicious snack, lunch, or appetizer.

Not too long ago, I shared how to make the yummiest leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers. Well, now we’re going to do the same thing, only with ham.

Because Christmas and Easter are all about ham, right? So now you’ll have a way to use up all those holiday leftovers in a really delicious way.

These ham and cheese crescents really are the perfect finger foods to serve as easy appetizers or even a fun lunch with your kids.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR LEFTOVER HAM AND STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS?

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 leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

CAN I JUST USE DELI HAM IF I DON’T HAVE LEFTOVER HAM?

Yes, you can; in fact, that’s what I did for this recipe.

You can use any kind of ham, including a fully cooked ham, pineapple honey glazed ham, deli ham, or even chicken or roasted turkey.

You can also use sausage and make something similar to my favorite maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, only with crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.

DOES IT MATTER WHICH CHEESE I USE?

The type of cheese used is really up to the individual because cheese is such a personal choice. At least, that’s how I look at it anyway.

I’ve been a cheese lover since I was a kid, sneaking pieces of American cheese out of the fridge when Mom wasn’t looking. In fact, I’d have much rather had a slice of cheese over a cookie any day… Unless they were chocolate chip cookies, of course.

You can use just about any cheese you want with these. A few suggestions might be…
- American Cheese
- Extra Sharp Cheddar
- Smoked Cheddar – One of my favorites.
- Speaking of smoked, smoked Gouda would be fabulous, as would smoked Swiss or smoked Gruyére.
- Pepper Jack
Really, your options are limitless. Pick a cheese, any cheese, and you’ll have the most delicious crescent roll appetizers ever.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEFTOVER HAM AND TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS

The first step for making these easy party appetizers is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned crescent rolls (or you can make homemade crescent dinner rolls), leftover ham, stuffing, your choice of cheese, and green onions.

When I first made these, I used American cheese, but these days I’d rather use extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack.

Take each piece of crescent roll dough, and add a quarter slice of cheese (or shredded cheese), as well as a small pile of leftover ham.

Then add a bite of turkey stuffing (or Christmas stuffing or whatever type of stuffing you want).

Another additional ingredient idea is leftover cranberry sauce. You can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the ham for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

Finally, add a little pile of chopped green onions. Don’t leave these out because they add so much delicious flavor.

Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can. They’ll probably be a bit bulky and might not be quite as pretty as they normally would, but that’s ok; they’ll still taste amazing.

Finally, pop them in the oven and bake as usual, per the instructions on the can.

When you take them out of the oven, they’re best eaten while warm. Dip them in leftover ham gravy and enjoy!

Mmmm…. Happy Holiday Leftovers Season! You’ll find even more ideas in our big list of Christmas recipes.

MORE LEFTOVER HAM RECIPES AND CRESCENT ROLL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

These 3 easy appetizer recipes are 3 of my favorites; the ham and dill spirals are perfect for using up leftover ham. You can also make the most delicious ham and cheese egg muffins (recipe coming soon).

Venturing out into friend land, Mommy Hates Cooking has a Leftover Ham and Stuffing Frittata that looks out of this world amazing. And Crazy Adventures in Parenting made the most delicious looking Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Sandwiches.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE EASY APPETIZERS

Cookie Sheet – This is by far my favorite cookie sheet; I use it for so many things.

Cheese Slicer

Rustic Appetizer Server

Holiday Dessert/Appetizer Plates

Disposable Holiday Plates

LEFTOVER HAM AND STUFFING CRESCENT ROLLS RECIPE

If you love this leftover ham 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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Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls

Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!
2 cans crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups ham (leftover and chopped or sliced)
1 1/2 cups stuffing (leftover*)
2 cups cheddar cheese (**shredded)
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
Pre-heat your oven to 375°F.
Separate each crescent roll.
Add a bite of cheese, a small pile of ham, a bite of stuffing, and a sprinkling of green onions in that order.***
Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can, and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn a golden brown.
They’re best served while warm, right out of the oven.
*You can use leftover stuffing or even boxed stuffing for this recipe.

**You can use any kind of cheese you want. I’ve used American, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, etc.

***If you like, you can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

Appetizers
American
Christmas appetizers, Christmas party appetizers, crescent roll appetizers, crescent roll recipes, crescent rolls, easy appetizers, easy party appetizers, ham and cheese, ham and cheese crescent rolls, leftover ham, leftover ham recipes, stuffed crescent rolls
December 11, 2018
Easy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
How to make the best Rice Krispie Treats ever! Easy recipe for kids too. Makes a chewy, gooey, deliciously perfect dessert!

If it’s a classic treat you’re after, Rice Krispie treats are the perfect choice. And they don’t just taste good; they’re super easy to make too.

The best part is it only takes 5 ingredients to make these yummy Rice Krispie squares. And quite possibly, ingredients you already have in your pantry.

One of my favorite things about making marshmallow treats is they require only a teensy bit of stove time. If you’ve followed more of my recipes, you know how I feel about stove time.

My boys love it when I make Rice Krispies treats; and truth be told I love making them. They’re something I can make in a pinch, and something we can easily carry with us if we’re headed out on the road or just going outside for a picnic.

I love that they can be dressed up too. While original rice crispy treats are delicious all on their own, I also love making holiday Rice Krispie treats like a Rice Krispies snowman and Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats and Valentine Rice Krispie treats. Sometimes I use Fruity Pebbles instead of Rice Krispies to make my kids’ favorite Fruity Pebbles treats!

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WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

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 Rice Krispie treats 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:
- Salted butter – I prefer to use salted sweet cream butter for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract – This adds a nice vanilla flavor to the treats. And as usual, I love using my La Vencedora Mexican Vanilla.
- Salt – Just a tiny amount of salt really adds to the flavor.
- Mini marshmallows – We’ll talk more about the marshmallows below.
- Rice Krispies cereal – or any brand of crisp rice cereal. We’ll talk more about this too.
Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

Dutch Oven or Sauce Pot

Heat-Resistant Spatula – This one is my go to spatula.

9″x13″ Baking Dish

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Before you get started, prepare your baking dish by spraying it well with cooking spray.

Making Rice Krispie treats is a quick 3 step process…
1. Melt the butter in a large sauce pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop.
2. Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the melted butter.
1. Then add in the mini marshmallows, stirring until the marshmallows have fully melted.
1. Remove the mixture from the heat, and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies.
And that’s it! Just spread the Rice Krispies treats into a greased baking dish and let them cool.

Tip: When you’re spreading them into the pan, just lightly press them into the pan. Don’t overly compress them down.

We’re going for soft, chewy treats. Lightly pressing them down will help with keeping the treats soft and chewy, rather than hard and tough as nails.

WHAT KIND OF MARSHMALLOWS SHOULD I USE TO MAKE MARSHMALLOW TREATS?

While you can use either big marshmallows, jumbo marshmallows, or mini marshmallows, I definitely recommend using the minis. You can also use marshmallow fluff, although I’ve never tried that with this particular recipe.

You have to melt the marshmallows before mixing everything together with the Rice Krispies cereal. The mini marshmallows are an easier choice, as they melt a lot quicker than the jumbo marshmallows.

Plus if you have leftovers, you can put a handful in a cup of hot chocolate.

DO I HAVE TO USE RICE KRISPIES BRAND?

No, you don’t have to use brand name. You can use pretty much any crisp rice cereal for this Rice Krispie squares recipe, whether you choose to use the original Rice Krispies cereal, a generic brand, or a store brand.

Personally, I love using Aldi’s version of crisp rice cereal because it’s completely gluten-free and labeled as such.

CAN I USE MARGARINE INSTEAD OF BUTTER?

Make sure you use salted butter over margarine. Butter will give your Rice Krispies treats a richer flavor and texture.

WHAT CAN I ADD TO RICE KRISPIE TREATS?

There are a lot of different ways you can change up Rice Krispie treats to make them even more delicious, and sometimes more colorful too.

Try a few of the following options:
- M&M’s or other chocolate candies – I love Rice Krispie treats with M&M’s. My Valentine Rice Krispie treats are just one example of this, and they are so yummy.
- Use colorful marshmallows instead of plain old white marshmallows to add some color.
- Or try adding food coloring for special occasions, like these pink Rice Krispie treats. Hosting a baby shower? Make pink or blue.
- Add freeze-dried berries. Case in point, strawberry Rice Krispie treats are the absolute best!
- Make s’mores Rice Krispie treats by adding in chocolate chips and crumbled Golden Grahams cereal.
HOW TO COLOR RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Adding color to Rice Krispie treats is as easy as pie. It’s an easy way to dress up these treats for a special occasion like a wedding, baby shower, birthday party, or holiday.

Just be sure to add the coloring after your marshmallows have melted but before you add the cereal to the melted marshmallows. Stir that coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture, and then stir in your cereal, and you’ll have colorful treats for whatever occasion you’re celebrating.

HOW TO STORE RICE KRISPIE SQUARES

For best results, be sure to store your treats in an airtight container; they should keep on the counter for about 2-3 days.

If you want to freeze them, again store them in an airtight container, or wrap each square in wax paper and place them in a freezer bag. They should keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

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Easy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

How to make the best Rice Krispie Treats ever! Easy recipe for kids too. Makes a chewy, gooey, deliciously perfect dessert!
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Stainless Steel Knob and Loop Handles, 6 Quart
Cook N Home 5 Quart Stainless Steel Lid Stockpot
The Pampered Chef Classic Scraper
Anolon Bronze Nonstick Baking Pan With Lid / Nonstick Cake Pan With Lid, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch
5 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal*
Grease a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a large sauce pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop.
Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the butter.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter mixture, stirring until the marshmallows have fully melted.*
Remove the mixture from the heat, and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal.
Spread the Rice Krispies mixture into the greased baking dish and let them cool.
Cut into serving size pieces and serve!
*You can use any crisp rice cereal, whether you choose to use the original Rice Krispies cereal, a generic brand, or a store brand. Personally, I love using Aldi’s version of crisp rice cereal because it’s completely gluten-free and labeled as such.

*I recommend using a heat-resistant spatula for stirring the marshmallow mixture. This will allow you to easily scrape the sides of your pan and keep the mixture from burning.

WHAT KIND OF MARSHMALLOWS SHOULD I USE TO MAKE MARSHMALLOW TREATS?

While you can use either big marshmallows, jumbo marshmallows, or mini marshmallows, I definitely recommend using the minis. You can also use marshmallow fluff, although I’ve never tried that with this particular recipe.

You have to melt the marshmallows before mixing everything together with the Rice Krispies cereal. The mini marshmallows are an easier choice, as they melt a lot quicker than the jumbo marshmallows.

CAN I USE MARGARINE INSTEAD OF BUTTER?

Make sure you use salted butter over margarine. Butter will give your Rice Krispies treats a richer flavor and texture.

HOW TO STORE RICE KRISPIE SQUARES

For best results, be sure to store your treats in an airtight container; they should keep on the counter for about 2-3 days. If you want to freeze them, again store them in an airtight container, or wrap each square in wax paper and place them in a freezer bag. They should keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

WHAT CAN I ADD TO RICE KRISPIE TREATS?

There are a lot of different ways you can change up Rice Krispie treats to make them even more delicious, and sometimes more colorful too. Try a few of the following options:

M&M’s or other chocolate candies

Use colorful marshmallows instead of plain old white marshmallows to add some color.

Try adding food coloring for special occasions. Hosting a baby shower? Make pink or blue.

Add freeze-dried berries.

Make s’mores Rice Krispie treats by adding in chocolate chips and crumbled Golden Grahams cereal.

HOW TO COLOR RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Adding color to Rice Krispie treats is as easy as pie. It’s an easy way to dress up these treats for a special occasion like a wedding, baby shower, birthday party, or holiday.

Just be sure to add the coloring after your marshmallows have melted but before you add the cereal to the melted marshmallows. Stir that coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture, and then stir in your cereal, and you’ll have colorful treats for whatever occasion you’re celebrating.
Sweet Snacks
American
marshmallow treats, Rice crispy treats, Rice Krispie squares, Rice Krispie squares recipe, Rice Krispie treats, Rice Krispie treats recipe, Rice Krispies, Rice Krispies treats
December 10, 2018
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce
Delicious recipe for the best chicken enchiladas, made with corn tortillas and a creamy white sauce. How to make a Tex Mex dinner your family will love!

On a long ago trip to Texas, I ate the most delicious chicken enchiladas at a restaurant called Riverwalk Cantina. They were so good, we went back and ate there again.

My favorite dish was their creamy chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce. These enchiladas didn’t have the typical red enchilada sauce but rather a really creamy white sauce.

They were so delicious, I came home and recreated the recipe after that trip. And after a little trial and error, I ended up with a chicken enchilada recipe we’ve made over and over again.

While this is a fairly easy chicken enchilada recipe, it does require filling tortillas with the chicken mixture and wrapping them. Other than that, it’s a matter of making sauce and throwing it all together in a pan to bake.

You may also enjoy this CrockPot chicken enchilada casserole and turkey enchilada skillet casserole. And if you want easy, this slow cooker chicken enchilada soup has all the flavors of enchiladas without any hassle.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE CREAMY CHICKEN ENCHILADA 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 creamy chicken enchiladas – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

First things first, you’ll need to cook the chicken so it’s ready to use. Now you have two options here:
- You can use my favorite recipe for Instant Pot Taco Chicken. It’s so good in enchiladas, chicken tacos, chicken nachos, chicken fajitas, and one of my favorite soup recipes, Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
- Or you can use pre-cooked chicken, maybe fajita chicken, you buy in the freezer section at the store.
I prefer shredded chicken enchiladas, so I just prefer to make my own. But again, it’s your kitchen, your time… Either one will work.

LET’S MAKE THE CREAMY ENCHILADA SAUCE…

This homemade enchilada sauce is actually really easy to make, even though it does require just a little bit of stove time.
- Start by sautéing the onion in the butter.
- Then stir in the cream cheese and let it melt.
- Add the sour cream, whipping cream, green chilies, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Then just let it all mesh and cook together until it starts to thicken up.
- Finally, add in the freshly diced tomatoes, just stirring them into the sauce.
And that’s it… It’s ready to go.

WRAP THE CORN TORTILLAS AND PUT IT ALL TOGETHER…

After putting a tablespoon or so of taco chicken in each corn tortilla, you’ll loosely wrap it up and add it to a lightly greased baking dish.

Once all the enchiladas are made, pour the white sauce over them.

Then add the tomatoes and green onions on top (or you can wait and sprinkle the green onions on after baking), and generously sprinkle on the cheese.

Be generous with the cheese.

And that’s about the gist of it… Your homemade chicken enchiladas are ready to go in the oven.

We serve any Tex Mex food we make with fresh tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, and sour cream on the side. As Zeke would say, “Num nums, Momma. Num nums!”

CAN I FREEZE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS?

Yes, there’s really no reason why you can’t make these up ahead of time and freeze them. Just make sure you cover them well to prevent any freezer burn.

LOOKING FOR MORE TEX MEX RECIPES?

We make all sorts of Tex Mex and Mexican food, and sometimes we’ll even go out to dinner. One of our favorite meals we have on a pretty regular basis is ground beef tacos. Sometimes we even switch it up and have fish tacos with fruit salsa instead.

Speaking of fish and seafood, I love making crab enchiladas too.

Occasionally for lunch, I’ll make the boys cheesy chicken quesadillas.

If it’s more enchiladas you’re looking for, my friend Kristy from Mommy Hates Cooking has you covered with breakfast enchiladas and these delicious looking Air Fryer cheesy beef enchiladas. And my friend Kelly from Eat Picks has a super easy make ahead chicken enchilada recipe (made with a red sauce).

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

Sauce Pot

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

Spatula

Baking Dish

CHICKEN ENCHILADA RECIPE

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Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce

Delicious recipe for the best chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce, made with corn tortillas. How to make a Tex Mex dinner your family will love!
1/2 cup picante sauce
1 1/2 pounds chicken (cooked and shredded)
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 medium yellow onion (minced)
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
4 ounces green chilies (diced)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
2 cups tomatoes (diced)
12 corn tortillas
5 green onions (diced)
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F, and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Combine the picante sauce and shredded chicken in a container, and let it marinate in the fridge while you're making the enchilada sauce.
Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over low to medium heat.
Sauté the onion in the butter until it turns a light golden color, about 5 minutes or so.
Add the cream cheese to the onion, stirring well until it melts.
Then add the sour cream, heavy whipping cream, green chilies, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack to the sauce mixture.
Let the sauce simmer, constantly stirring, until it begins to thicken up, probably 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir 1 cup of the freshly diced tomatoes into the sauce. Turn the burner on low and keep the sauce warm at this point.
Add a heaping tablespoon of the marinated chicken to each corn tortilla, and loosely wrap each enchilada.
Place each chicken enchilada in the prepared baking dish.
When all of the chicken mixture has been used, pour the white sour cream sauce over the wraps, spreading it around evenly.
Add another cup of freshly diced tomatoes, as well as the rest of the cheese and the green onions, to the top of the enchiladas.
Bake at 350° F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are cooked through.
Serve with freshly diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream on the side.
*You can use either picante sauce or salsa, or you can make my recipe for taco chicken and forget the picante sauce/salsa altogether.

Dinner Ideas, main dish
Tex-Mex
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December 7, 2018
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Make the best chocolate crinkle cookies ever! Made with cocoa powder, they’re a classic, family favorite Christmas cookie with a yummy chocolate mint twist.

Every Christmas I make a few of our favorite Christmas cookies, including cutout sugar cookies, hot chocolate cookies and crinkles. This crinkles recipe has become a staple Christmas dessert, even making it into Thanksgiving festivities this year.

While I used to make chocolate crinkles with a brownie mix, I don’t anymore. In fact, I’m actually pretty proud of this recipe for perfectly gooey chocolate mint cookies.

While the cookie dough is easy to mix up, it is a thicker, stickier dough. It’s a lot like brownie dough in that way.

The cookies themselves are coated in powdered sugar and infused with peppermint flavor. They’re best when they’re warm and gooey from the melted chocolate chips and mint baking chips.

If you enjoy these Christmas cookies, you may also enjoy these reindeer thumbprint cookies, butter almond snowball Christmas cookies, and chocolate lover’s Christmas light cookies.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES?

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 scrumptious crinkles recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE CRINKLE COOKIES

Your first step will be to soften the butter, which you can do by either getting it out of the fridge ahead of time and letting it sit or putting it in the microwave for a few seconds.

After creaming (or mixing) together the butter and sugar, mix in the eggs and the flavored extracts.

Sift the dry ingredients, and add them to the mixture.

Then comes the best part… Fold in the chocolate chips and mint baking chips, making sure they’re mixed into the dough really well.

DO I NEED TO CHILL THE COOKIE DOUGH?

You can if you want to, but you don’t have to. Here’s a tip, though.

These cookies are best when they’re warm out of the oven. In fact, they can be a little stale after a day or two (unless you pop them in the microwave and warm them up).

However, when you chill the dough, it helps to keep the cookies fresher for longer. I chilled my dough for about 4 hours the last time I made a batch, and the cookies were still fresh as a daisy and quite delicious 2 to 3 days later.

So… My recommendation is to chill the cookie dough for a good 3 to 4 hours before baking.

HOW DO I FORM THE CHOCOLATE CRINKLES FOR BAKING?

Once you have your baking sheet out and ready to go, oven pre-heated, and cookie scoop in hand, take the following steps:
- Scoop about a tablespoon or so of cookie dough.
- Drop that scoop of cookie dough into a small bowl of powdered sugar and roll the dough ball around, making sure it’s good and coated.
- Then just place each sugar coated dough ball on your baking sheet and you’ll bake according to the recipe instructions below.
These really are the best Christmas cookies ever; they’re one of my favorite Christmas recipes.

I dare you to try and stop at just one.

CAN I FREEZE THESE COOKIES?

You can freeze the cookies, but I’m not sure how fresh they’ll taste later on… I’d almost recommend freezing the cookie dough over the already baked cookies if possible.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CRINKLES

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with Mixing Bowl

Sifter

Cookie Scoop

Cookie Sheet

Wire Rack

Christmas Cookie Jar or Festive Christmas Tin

LOOKING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES?

Nothing says Christmas quite like a warm batch of gingerbread cookies.

Mommy Hates Cooking has a scrumptious alternative to milk chocolate with these White Chocolate Christmas Cookies. And Around Our Family Table has a super easy recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES RECIPE

If you love this chocolate crinkle cookie 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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Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Make the best chocolate crinkle cookies ever! Made with cocoa powder, they’re a classic, family favorite Christmas cookie with a yummy chocolate mint twist.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups cane sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mint baking chips
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream or mix together the softened butter and sugar.
Mix the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture.
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
Fold the chocolate chips and mint baking chips into the mixture by hand.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop about a tablespoon of cookie dough, and drop it into a small bowl of powdered sugar; roll the dough ball around, making sure it’s coated with powdered sugar.
Place each sugar coated dough ball on the cookie sheet, and bake at 350° F for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
*I normally use an ungreased cookie sheet, but depending on the kind of baking sheet you use, you may want to spray it with a little cooking spray.

Cookies & Bars, Desserts
American
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December 6, 2018
Easy Orange Sherbet Punch Recipe
Inspired by family tradition, orange sherbet punch is easy to make and the perfect recipe for Christmas, weddings, baby showers, and holiday parties.

Soon we’ll be celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year, believe it or not. This orange sherbet punch is a recipe very similar to the sherbet punch my grandmother made every single Christmas without fail.

Orange sherbet really does make the best holiday punch. While I love the non alcoholic punch all by itself, the sherbet adds a creamy delicious froth that leaves behind an epic sherbet mustache.

Out of all the punch recipes in the world, this one is my favorite by far. I’ve even added it to my list of favorite Christmas recipes because it truly is the best.

If you’re looking for a Christmas punch or party punch you can throw together in just a few minutes, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’d rather have a different flavor, you may enjoy my Polyjuice Potion recipe, aka lime sherbet punch.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR ORANGE SHERBET PUNCH?

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 sherbet punch recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

A HOLIDAY PUNCH THAT BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES

Every Christmas my grandma would set the punch bowl out on top of her big console tv. Little handled glasses hung on the sides of that punch bowl.

Grandma, my mom, and aunts would scoop orange sherbet as fast as they could, topping that delicious party punch with every scoop.

Everyone would grab a cup, and the punch seemed to refill itself as everyone enjoyed it. Looking back, I realize now how much pride and happiness Grandma got out of having everyone in her home.

Personally, I love a good non alcoholic drink recipe. My family doesn’t really drink, and we have a lot of kids in the family who love to enjoy a really good punch.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS SHERBET PUNCH

While Grandma used 7-Up in her punch, I love to use Cranberry Sprite. Really, any lemon lime or cranberry lemon lime soda will work.

I also use a little less cranberry apple juice than Grandma used. 3 cups seems to be just the right amount of juice.

Just a couple of tips…
- Chill the juices and soda ahead of time so they’re nice and cold, and the sherbet won’t melt as fast.
- Definitely be sure to get your sherbet out of the freezer ahead of time so it’s easier to scoop when you’re ready for it.
- 1/2 gallon of sherbet seems to do the trick, but if you want more, add a whole gallon. No one will ever complain of too much sherbet.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A SHERBET PUNCH RECIPE

Punch Bowl

Ice Cream Scoop

Punch Cups – These Glitter Plastic Cups and Snowflake Tumblers are so pretty. But my favorite is the Moose Mug from Christmas Vacation.

EASY ORANGE SHERBET PUNCH RECIPE

If you love this sherbet punch 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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Click on the video below to see how easy it is to make orange sherbet punch!
Orange Sherbet Punch

Inspired by family tradition, orange sherbet punch is easy to make and the perfect recipe for Christmas, weddings, baby showers, and holiday parties.
Punch Bowl
46 ounces pineapple juice
3 cups cranberry apple juice
2 liters lemon lime soda
1/2 gallon orange sherbet
Combine the pineapple juice, cranberry apple juice, and lemon lime soda in a large punch bowl, stirring well.
Then scoop orange sherbet on top, placing scoops all over the top of the punch.
Serve immediately!
I highly recommend chilling the juices and soda beforehand; this will help the sherbet not to melt so quickly.

*You can use any lemon lime or cranberry lemon lime soda for this sherbet punch.

*If you like more sherbet, feel free to add a whole gallon.

Beverage, Drinks
American
Christmas punch, easy punch recipes, non alcoholic punch, non alcoholic punch recipes, orange sherbet, orange sherbet punch, party punch, punch recipes, sherbet, sherbet punch, sherbet punch recipe
December 3, 2018
Red-Nosed Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies
Bake a yummy batch of reindeer thumbprint cookies, decorated with pretzels and strawberry jam. Easy recipe for your Christmas party or cookie exchange!

One of my favorite old-time Christmas specials, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, inspired these li’l reindeer thumbprint cookies. Strawberry jam really does make the brightest red nose.

Thumbprints are must have Christmas cookies. Just like our favorite cut out cookies, hot chocolate cookies and mint chocolate crinkle cookies, they’ve become tradition every year in our kitchen, and my boys look forward to the Christmas tins being filled with all our favorite holiday cookies.

While these reindeer cookies may seem like a lot of work, they’re actually really easy. All you need is a little time, and really, baking and cookie decorating are great ways to spend quality time with your kids this holiday season.

This festive thumbprint cookie recipe is just the thing for a holiday party or cookie exchange. They also make the best homemade gifts for your neighbors, as well as cookies for Santa.

They’re just one of many family favorite Christmas recipes.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR REINDEER THUMBPRINT COOKIES?

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

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE REINDEER THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Your first step is to mix up your cookie dough.

Start by creaming together (mixing together) the butter and sugar. Then mix the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract into the creamed mixture.

Sift together your dry ingredients, and then gradually mix them into the creamed mixture.

HOW TO FORM THE THUMBPRINTS
- Using a cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon or just slightly smaller scoop of dough, and roll it into a ball.
- Repeat the above step with the rest of the dough, placing the dough balls on an un-greased cookie sheet. Be sure to leave enough room between each cookie for your antlers. We’ll get to those in a minute.
- Using a smooth bottomed glass, you’re going to press each cookie flat.
- Then press your thumb into the center of each cookie, leaving enough room for eyes above and mouth beneath.
Life Made Sweeter has an awesome tip in her recipe for Easy Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies… She uses a round 1/4 teaspoon to make the perfect indentation in the middle of her thumbprints. So brilliant!

NOW LET’S GET TO THE COOKIE DECORATING TIPS

Once your thumbprint indentations are made, you’ll fill each thumbprint with a tiny spoonful or dab of strawberry jam. You can add as little or as much as you prefer, but don’t overfill because the jam may run out of the cookies as they bake.

Also, try to use a thicker jam. This will help prevent any mishaps with Rudolph’s nose during baking.

Break mini pretzels in half, and place one on each side of your thumbprint cookies, to serve as antlers.

You’ll need to bake the cookies at this point and allow them to cool before adding tiny eyes and a mouth with black frosting or decorating gel (though I prefer frosting because it hardens). If you don’t want to use black frosting, you can use candy eyeballs instead.

And then just give them a sprinkling of powdered sugar, using a powder shaker.

CAN I FREEZE THESE DECORATED CHRISTMAS COOKIES?

So if you’re wanting to make these holiday cookies ahead and freeze them, I’d recommend freezing the dough… Or you can freeze the already formed reindeer thumbprints.

I don’t know that I’d recommend freezing them decorated and all because I’m not sure how the pretzels would handle freezing and thawing.

But you can definitely freeze the dough or unbaked cookies themselves.

IF YOU LOVE THESE REINDEER COOKIES, YOU MAY ALSO LOVE SOME OF OUR OTHER FAVORITE CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES:

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Chocolate Lover’s Christmas Light Cookies

Butter Almond Snowball Christmas Cookies

30 of the Most Scrumptious Classic Christmas Cookies Ever

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE JAM THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with Mixing Bowl

Sifter

Cookie Scoop

Wire Rack

Powder Shaker

Christmas Cookie Jar or Festive Christmas Tin

RED-NOSED REINDEER THUMBPRINT COOKIE RECIPE

If you love this red-nosed reindeer thumbprint cookie 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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Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies

Bake a yummy batch of red-nosed reindeer thumbprint cookies, decorated with pretzels and strawberry jam. Easy recipe for your Christmas party or cookie exchange!
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup cane sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup strawberry jam
2 cups mini pretzels
1/4 cup black decorating icing
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream or mix together the softened butter and sugar.
Mix the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture.
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, a little bit at a time.
Using a cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of dough, and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough, placing the dough balls on an un-greased cookie sheet. Be sure to leave enough room between each cookie for the antlers.
Using a smooth bottomed glass, press each cookie flat.
Press your thumb into the center of each cookie, leaving enough room for eyes above and mouth beneath.
Fill each thumbprint with a tiny spoonful or dab of strawberry jam.
Break mini pretzels in half, and place one on each side of each thumbprint cookie, to serve as antlers.
Bake the cookies at 350° F for about 15 minutes, or 'til the cookies are set.
Remove the cookies from the oven, and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
After the cookies have cooled, use black decorating icing to add eyes and a little smile.
Finally, using a powder shaker, sprinkle the reindeer cookies with powdered sugar.
*You can use any flavor of red jam you prefer, including strawberry, raspberry, cherry, etc.

*I recommend using black decorating icing, decorating gel, or candy eyeballs for the eyes. If you want homemade frosting, you can make an easy sugar cookie icing; but you won’t need very much just for eyes and smiles.

Christmas, Desserts
American
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November 30, 2018
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
Enjoy the best of both worlds with grilled cheese sloppy joes, the ultimate comfort food sandwich made with ground beef, homemade sauce, and melted cheese.

Grilled cheese has to be one of the most comforting of all comfort foods, besides maybe macaroni and cheese. Combine grilled cheese with sloppy joes, though, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food.

My kids love a good grilled cheese sandwich. I mean, who doesn’t? Especially when the weather starts to turn cold, it’s one of our favorite go to lunch ideas.

I love a little bit of meat on my grilled cheese too, whether it’s ham, turkey, or sloppy joe meat. It just adds a real oomph to the whole sandwich.

This grilled cheese recipe is an easy meal you can throw together in no time, especially if you’ve already made the homemade sloppy joes ahead of time. Did you know that you can make slow cooker sloppy joes?

Pair it up with a batch of homemade steak fries, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love time and time again.

If you love this easy sloppy joe recipe, you may also enjoy Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE GRILLED CHEESE SLOPPY JOE 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 grilled cheese sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE GRILLED CHEESE SLOPPY JOES?

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

Grilled cheese sloppy joes are exactly what they sound like. A loose meat sandwich with melted cheese, grilled between two slices of buttered bread.

DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF?

Nope. While I prefer to use ground beef, you can also make a good sloppy joe sandwich with ground pork or ground turkey.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES

I recommend using bacon grease for added flavor to the meat mixture (maybe even for grilling the sandwiches, but we’ll get to that in a minute). However, no worries if you don’t have bacon grease; you can also use butter or olive oil.

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

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.

TIPS FOR HOW TO CREATE SLOPPY JOE GRILLED CHEESE

Meanwhile, while the juicy burger meat is simmering, prep your bread and cheese.

Butter the outside of 2 slices of bread, a set of slices for each person you’re feeding. You can even brush on a bit of bacon grease, or you can add a little bacon grease to the griddle for frying.

TYPES OF CHEESE YOU MAY WANT TO USE FOR GRILLED CHEESE:
- American
- Cheddar
- Smoked Cheddar
- Pepper Jack
- Smoked Gouda
- Gruyeré
- Swiss
Honestly, the list could go on and on. In fact, The Daily Meal has a list of the 11 best cheeses for a grilled cheese sandwich.

PUT YOUR GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH TOGETHER

Once the sloppy joe meat has finished cooking, add the desired amount of meat to each sandwich, along with 2 or 3 slices of each person’s favorite cheese.

Slap the cover on your sandwich, and fry it in a skillet or on a griddle until each side is golden and the cheese has melted. Turning the sandwich with loose hamburger meat can be tricky, but a little easier if you use a wider spatula.

You can even sprinkle a little bit of fresh basil on each sandwich once they’re fully cooked. Yum!

MORE SLOPPY JOE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

Taco Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

25+ Sloppy Joe Recipes for Dinner Tonight

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES

Skillet and Griddle – 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

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

Cheese Slicer

Grilled Cheese Spatula

GRILLED CHEESE SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

If you love this grilled cheese 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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Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

Enjoy the best of both worlds with grilled cheese sloppy joes, the ultimate comfort food sandwich made with ground beef, homemade sauce, and melted cheese.
1 tablespoon bacon grease ((or olive oil))
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
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
8 slices bread
8 slices cheese
Heat the bacon grease, or olive oil, in a large skillet over medium heat 'til hot.
Sauté the garlic in the bacon grease for 1-2 minutes.
Stir 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 over low to medium heat for at least 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, prep your bread and cheese. Butter the outside of 2 slices of bread, and repeat with a set of slices for each person you’re feeding.
Once the sloppy joe meat is finished cooking, add the desired amount of meat to each sandwich.
Then add 2 or 3 slices of each person’s favorite cheese.
Slap the cover on your sandwich, and fry it in a skillet or on a griddle over low heat 'til each side is golden and the cheese has melted, probably about 5-10 minutes.
Once your sandwiches are grilled, they're ready to serve with your favorite side!
*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.

*You can use your choice of cheese. We usually choose between American, extra sharp cheddar, pepper Jack, etc.

*Turning the sandwich with loose hamburger meat can be tricky, but a little easier if you use a wider spatula.

Burgers & Sandwiches, Main Course
American
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November 28, 2018
12 Cool Camping Gifts under $20
Find inexpensive cool camping gifts for outdoorsy people who love to camp, including clever camping gadgets and tools they’ll actually use. Gifts for the entire family, including your pets.

These are camping gift ideas for anyone who loves camping and the outdoors. It’s chock full of camping gifts under 20 bucks.

It’s also filled with outdoor gifts you’ll actually use, whether you’re cooking over a campfire, need a light to light your path, or gotta clean your boots before you step inside.

Some are more unique camping gifts, while others are more common sense. You can use these ideas for camping Christmas gifts, birthday presents, special occasion gifts, and maybe even stocking stuffers.

So, let’s get to the list of ideas, shall we?

Cool Camping Gifts under $20

#1 – Pocket Stove

This handy little pocket stove is great for both backpacking and dispersed camping, as well as emergency kits for both your home and car.

This would be handy on every camping trip we’ve taken where it starts to rain just as we’re going to make dinner. It’s a no-fail setup and easy to use in situations where you need to cook quick or just heat something up.

Made of durable galvanized steel, it folds into a compact size that’s perfect for on the go. It also comes with fuel tablets that burn about 12 minutes each.

#2 – Dog Shields

We have Chuck to take on all our adventures with us, and we know a lot of our readers have pets they love and adore, as well.

Dog Shields are tubular bandanas that give your furry friend protection from the heat. They also have reflective strips so your dog will be easy to see when you’re out exploring.

They come in so many different styles and colors. Choose the one you that best suits your pet! Personally, I love the lumberjack style.

#3 – Wingman Flashlight

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve gone camping, while missing headlamps and flashlights. Thankfully, we usually have more than one.

The Wingman Flashlight is easy to keep in your pocket, as it weighs only 0.3 ounces; it’s also 3 inches long.

It operates in high, medium, and low, so it’s perfect in whatever situation you find yourself in. Also, did I mention it’s waterproof?

#4 – Backpacker’s Pantry Hot Apple Cobbler

One of the things our boys love most about camping is the food. We usually eat food we never eat any other time, things like campfire peach cobbler and Dutch oven blueberry cobbler, washed down with a cup of hot campfire coffee.

Dessert is a must! And it’s great to add to your list of stocking stuffer ideas.

This delicious hot apple cobbler feeds two. All you need to make it is water.

#5 – Telescopic Stainless Steel Pocket Sized Fire Bellows

The last time we went camping at Petit Jean State Park, we had the hardest time keeping our fire going. We used a big piece of cardboard to fan the fire and keep it going.

This little pocket bellows, coupled with our easy homemade fire starters, would’ve been so handy to have.

Made of stainless steel, this collapsible fire bellowing tool can be extended to 48cm, allowing you to get oxygen directly into the fire. Pretty cool, huh?

#6 – Hammock Tree Straps

We take our hammock on every single camping trip. We may not always be able to put it up, and sometimes we forget, but man it’s nice to have when we’re sitting somewhere more than a day.

Hammock tree straps protect the tree and still allow you to hang your hammock. You know, leave no trace.

They have a weight capacity of 700 pounds, and they also have 16 adjustable loops. More importantly, they don’t stretch.

#7 – MSR Piezo Igniter

If you use a canister stove, this igniter will definitely come in handy. With the push of a button, you can easily light your stove.

#8 – Paracord Bracelet Survival Tool

Safety comes first when you’re out and about in the great outdoors. Especially if you’re hiking with kids or exploring with your family, safety skills are really important.

This survival bracelet comes in medium and large sizes. It’s lightweight and comfortable, and it’s equipped with a compass, fire starter, emergency knife, and whistle.

#9 – Boot Scrubber with Scraper

There’s usually no doubt it’s going to rain when we decide to go camping or hiking. And rain means mud, lots and lots of mud.

This boot scrubber with scraper is perfect for cleaning off those muddy boots before you go inside, whether you’re tent camping or RV camping. It has strong bristle brushes that clean both mud and snow off your shoes.

#10 – Salt and Pepper Shaker

A salt and pepper shaker is the one thing you can’t forget to add to your campfire cooking equipment. Of course, it’s probably the one thing you’ll forget.

Enter the GSI U.L. Salt and Pepper Shaker, an ultralight, ultra-compact, waterproof shaker.

#11 – 3 Pack LED Camping Lanterns

No matter where you camp, whether campground or dispersed, you want to make sure you have enough light. Headlamps are the way to go, but it’s also good to have a lantern or two.

This portable lighting set is a great choice for couples and families. They’re battery powered and extendable, meaning they’re easy to carry and take with you.

#12 – Stormproof Match Kit

Building a campfire can mean the difference between eating and not eating, or the difference between staying warm and freezing.

Everyone should have a set of stormproof matches if they’re headed into the wild. This kit has a waterproof ribbed container (easy to hold if your hands are cold), and the matches themselves are waterproof and windproof.

The matches stay lit for 15 seconds, giving you enough time to start your fire or light up your stove.

Bonus Item – Camp Stove Toaster

I couldn’t resist adding this one last item in because I love our little camping toaster. It toasts 4 pieces of bread at a time for breakfast.

Of course, I could go on and on with this list. Things like cast iron, water bottles, hoodies, a pie iron, first aid kit, quick drying cloths or towels… See, I could go on and on for days, because there are just so many great ideas.

Looking for More Camping Gear?
- We’ve created the ultimate camping checklist for you!
- I love to take these easy camping body wipes on every single camping trip.
- This solar outdoor shower is a life saver when it’s been a few days since civilization.
- Get the inside scoop on rooftop tent vs. ground tent, and what we think about both.
- This baby carrier backpack got us thru many a trip when we had a toddler not so long ago.
What other great camping gifts and outdoorsy gear would you add to these cool camping gift ideas? Leave me a comment with your ideas!

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.
November 26, 2018
Easy 4 Ingredient Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
How to make dreamy, creamy 4 ingredient buckeyes, peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. Easy small batch buckeye recipe perfect for the holidays! It’s the quintessential must have Christmas candy and holiday dessert.

Every Christmas since I was a little girl, I’ve made buckeye candy, or easy chocolate peanut butter balls with a creamy peanut butter center. If you’ve never had homemade buckeyes, they are the #1 must have Christmas candy.

When I was a kid during the holiday season, we’d store all the Christmas candy, including chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls, in the stairs that led up to my room because there was no heat or insulation. So they’d stay nice and chilled, and they were pretty easy to access on the way to my room.

It just wouldn’t be the holidays without a small batch of buckeye balls and Ritz crackers with peanut butter. In fact, this small batch buckeyes recipe is one of our family’s favorite Christmas recipes. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day too, especially if your significant other loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

Sometimes I like to make them crispy too. Rice Krispie peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are just the ticket. If you want even quicker and easier (no rolling or dipping), you’ll love buckeye bars.

Why I Love This Easy Buckeye Recipe
- Classic peanut butter balls consist of a creamy peanut butter center inside a chocolate coating.
- This buckeye balls recipe is super easy to make and only requires 4 ingredients.
- Kids can get in on the fun of making them too, as it’s a very kid-friendly recipe.
Is There a Difference Between Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls and Buckeyes?

Actually, yes, there is. And I didn’t really think it was that big of a deal until a few years ago, when a friend from Ohio (where the state tree of Ohio is the Ohio Buckeye tree) educated me otherwise.

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls are just that… They’re completely covered in chocolate. Buckeye candy is mostly covered in chocolate but with a bit of the peanut butter uncovered, so to look like actual buckeyes.

Ingredients and Substitutions Notes

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to make this easy buckeye recipe…
- Salted Butter – Be sure to give the butter time to soften and come to room temperature before mixing. You can also substitute plant-based or vegan butter if you need to make dairy-free buckeyes.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – You can also sub crunchy peanut butter. I do recommend using a regular creamy peanut butter vs. a natural peanut butter, where you have to stir in the oil before using, because the chocolate will coat better with less oily peanut butter.
- Powdered Sugar or Confectioners’ Sugar
- Chocolate Melting Wafers – You can use any type of melting chocolate, but I do recommend using a higher quality chocolate for better flavor. I have used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but an actual melting chocolate has better flavor, in my opinion.
How to Make 4 Ingredient Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls
1. Your first step will be to soften the butter and adding it to a large bowl. You can soften it by either getting it out of the fridge and letting it sit beforehand or putting it in the microwave for a few seconds.
2. Add in the peanut butter with the butter.
3. Finally, add in the powdered sugar.
4. Mix everything together until it’s blended well.
How to Shape the Peanut Butter Balls
1. At this point, you’ll need to shape all of the dough into creamy peanut butter balls. You’ll take about a tablespoonful or small cookie scoop of the peanut butter mixture and begin to roll it between your hands. Shape it into round 1-inch balls and place each one on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
1. Add toothpicks (for dipping) to each ball.
Once all of the dough is rolled into balls, chill the whole sheet in the fridge or freezer for about half an hour.

How to Melt Chocolate for Dipping

While your peanut butter balls are chilling, it’s a good time to melt the chocolate and get it ready to go.

Depending on the chocolate you decide to use, you can melt it a couple different ways:
- Melt it using a double boiler on the stove – This is basically a pan inside of another pan with boiling water in the bottom pan. It allows for more even melting without burning, and it also keeps the chocolate warm for dipping.
- Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go.
- Use a fondue pot and make it a family affair.
Also, depending on the type of chocolate used, some people like to add vegetable shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coat and stretches your chocolate a little further. If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step.

I started using Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers a few years ago, and I love them so much better than almond bark. They’re so much easier to work with, and they have fantastic flavor.

How to Dip the Peanut Butter Balls
1. Dip the chilled peanut butter balls, leaving the very top part of each undipped, so to resemble an actual buckeye. We’ve used a regular table fork in the past, as well as tongs or toothpicks. You can also use a dipping fork or tool to dip your peanut butter balls into the chocolate.
1. At this point, you’ll need to chill the buckeye peanut butter balls for about 15-20 minutes in the freezer; then remove all the toothpicks and cover up each toothpick hole with your finger (totally optional).
As you can see in most of my pictures, I didn’t really care about the holes being there… But if you do, just smooth it over.

Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

For best results, make sure the peanut butter you’re using isn’t a super greasy peanut butter. If it’s too oily, the chocolate may not want to coat the peanut butter mixture.

Put the melted chocolate in a deeper dish for dipping; I prefer my 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup because I can use it in the microwave, and it’s the perfect depth and breadth for dipping.

My homemade buckeyes usually have kind of a chocolate ring around the bottom of the buckeyes. You can avoid this by letting excess chocolate drip off the buckeye after dipping; and just lightly press the bottom of the buckeye on a separate sheet of wax paper before putting it back on your cookie sheet.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter to make buckeye candy?
If you like to have a little crunch to your peanut butter balls, you most certainly can use crunchy peanut butter. I’ve also used honey peanut butter, which really does make delicious peanut butter balls.

How do you keep buckeyes from sweating?
Keep them chilled. Freezing or chilling the dough before dipping, then after dipping, will make the buckeyes sweat if removed from the fridge or freezer. So when not eating, keep them stored in the fridge.

How should you store buckeye candies?
As noted above, be sure to keep this candy in an airtight container, lined with wax paper, in the fridge. They can be kept out, but they won’t keep as long as they will if you keep them in the fridge.

Can you freeze chocolate peanut butter balls?
Yes, you can. You can freeze them before or after dipping. Just be sure to store them in an airtight, freezer-friendly container to avoid freezer burn. They should keep for up to 3 months.

More Easy Candy Recipes:

If you love this small batch buckeye recipe as much as I do, you’ll love these candies 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!
Easy 4-Ingredient Buckeyes Recipe

How to make dreamy 4 ingredient buckeyes, peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. Easy small batch buckeye recipe perfect for the holidays!
Mixing Bowls
Baking Sheet
Wax Paper
Double Boiler
Candy Dipping Tools
Festive Christmas Tins
3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter*
1 cup powdered sugar
10 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
In a large bowl, mix up the first three ingredients, including the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
Take about a tablespoonful or small cookie scoop of the peanut butter mixture and begin to roll it between your hands. Shape it into as round of a ball as you can and place it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
Continue rolling until all of your peanut butter mixture has been rolled into 1-inch balls.
Add toothpicks (for dipping) to each ball.
Chill the peanut butter balls in the fridge or freezer for about half an hour.
Melt the chocolate according to package directions.*
Once your chocolate is ready to go, you can remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the freezer, and start dipping right away.
As you partially dip each buckeye into the chocolate, using a toothpick or dipping tool, place it back on the wax paper lined cookie sheet.*
Chill the chocolate covered peanut butter balls in the fridge or freezer ’til set, probably about 15-20 minutes.
Then remove all the toothpicks and cover up each toothpick hole with your finger (optional step).
Store them in an airtight container or festive Christmas tin, lined with wax paper or parchment paper, in the fridge.*
*For best results, make sure the peanut butter you’re using isn’t a super greasy peanut butter. If it’s too oily, the chocolate may not want to coat the peanut butter mixture. You can also use crunchy peanut butter.

*How to Melt Chocolate for Dipping:

Melt it using a double boiler on the stove – This is basically a pan inside of another pan with boiling water in the bottom pan. It allows for more even melting without burning, and it also keeps the chocolate warm for dipping.

Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go. I like to use my 2-cup Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup for dipping. Whatever you do, put the melted chocolate in a deeper dish for dipping; I prefer my Pyrex measuring cup because I can use it in the microwave, and it’s the perfect depth and breadth for dipping.

Use a fondue pot and make it a family affair.

Also, depending on the type of chocolate used, some people like to add vegetable shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coating and stretches your chocolate a little further.

If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step. I started using Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers a few years ago, and I love them so much better than almond bark. They’re so much easier to work with, and they have fantastic flavor.

*My buckeyes usually have kind of a chocolate ring around the bottom of the buckeyes. You can avoid this by letting excess chocolate drip off the buckeye after dipping; and just lightly press the bottom of the buckeye on a separate sheet of wax paper before putting it back on your cookie sheet.

*They can be kept out, but they won’t keep as long as they will if you keep them in the fridge.

Can Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Be Frozen?

Yes, they absolutely can. You can freeze them before or after dipping. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or festive Christmas tin to avoid freezer burn.
Candy
American
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November 23, 2018
Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes
Pizza Sloppy Joes – Easy recipe for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes! Delicious family dinner made with ground beef and all the cheesy, saucy goodness of homemade pizza.

We’re full steam ahead with the next stop on our sloppy joe journey with these lovely li’l pizza joes. Made with ground beef, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, pizza sloppy joes are the best of both worlds.

Unlike our original homemade sloppy joes or slow cooker sloppy joes, this sloppy joe recipe has absolutely no ketchup in it. Instead we went with a homemade pizza sauce, made with crushed tomatoes and all the seasonings.

My boys have really been enjoying all of these delicious sloppy joe recipes. I’m pretty sure their favorite so far have been the taco sloppy joes, the Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, and the grilled cheese sloppy joes.

Personally, I really enjoyed the sloppy joe stuffed peppers.

Just like our other juicy burger recipes, you can serve pizza joes on toasted buns or for a lower carb option, on a bed of lettuce or spinach. Either way, they make a really tasty family meal.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR PIZZA SLOPPY JOES?

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 pepperoni pizza sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT IS A PIZZA SLOPPY JOE?

If you’ve never had sloppy joes, they’re a loose meat sandwich made with loose ground beef that’s 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.

Pizza sloppy joes are a loose meat sandwich, but instead of ketchup, they’re made with a homemade pizza sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF? CAN I USE OTHER MEATS?

Pizza joes would taste incredible with a little bit of Italian sausage or regular sausage mixed in with the ground beef. Or you can even use ground turkey instead of beef.

Think pizza when you’re making these… What are your favorite meats when you go to order or make pizza?

DO I NEED TO THAW THE GROUND BEEF? WHAT IF IT’S FROZEN?

You can use frozen hamburger meat to make homemade sloppy joes, but you may need to sauté your garlic in a different skillet so it can be added to the ground beef once the meat has thawed. We’re really bad about remembering to get meat out to thaw, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

Since it’s a loose meat sandwich and you’re not having to shape 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 will steam the meat.

You can add the sautéed garlic once the meat has loosened up. And when it’s fully cooked, just be sure to drain off any excess oil.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES WITH A PIZZA TWIST

This is a really easy sloppy joe recipe that’s perfect for both pizza lovers and sloppy joe lovers.

I recommend using bacon grease for added flavor to your 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 really well. I prefer to mince it up so that it blends well with the meat and the sauce.

Sauté the garlic in bacon grease in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic, cooking the mixture well.

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

Add the sloppy joe sauce ingredients, including the crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and chopped pepperoni. Let the mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.

Place the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cooked juicy burger mixture, and stir it in as it begins to melt.

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 pizza sloppy joe meat.

Add the meat to the buns, lettuce, or spinach, and enjoy a flavorful dinner with your family. This is an especially kid-friendly meal that’s sure to be on your menu again and again!

WANT MORE SIMILAR DINNERTIME GOODNESS?

My friend Kristy, from Mommy Hates Cooking, has a delicious recipe for Root Beer Sloppy Joes.

And my friend Lisa from Crazy Adventures in Parenting, has a yummy recipe for Pizza Stuffed Burgers.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS PIZZA SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

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

Cheese Grater

PEPPERONI PIZZA SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

If you love this pepperoni pizza 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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Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Easy recipe for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes! Delicious family dinner made with ground beef and all the cheesy, saucy goodness of homemade pizza.
1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup pepperoni (chopped)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot.
Then add in the garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes
Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the 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 crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and pepperoni into the meat, stirring until combined.
Let the pizza sloppy joe mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
Finally, top the meat with the shredded mozzarella right in the skillet and let it begin to melt.** Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
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.

**It will help the cheese to melt a little faster if you place a lid on the skillet.

You can add a little bit of chopped basil for extra flavor, if desired.

Burgers & Sandwiches
American
easy sloppy joe recipe, homemade sloppy joes, juicy burger, loose meat sandwich, pepperoni pizza, pizza joes, pizza sloppy joes, sloppy joe recipe, sloppy joe sauce, sloppy joes
November 20, 2018
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers
Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls – Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!

Every Thanksgiving we buy a turkey to cook on Black Friday or over the weekend. Even though we usually enjoy dinner with family on Thanksgiving Day, we always plan to make our own too, along with turkey gravy and all the fixin’s.

It’s sorta become a family tradition. Of course, we have a ton of leftovers afterward, so leftover turkey sandwiches on homemade dinner rolls, cheesy turkey noodle casserole, and turkey enchilada casserole are a given for the next day or two.

One year instead of ordinary sandwiches, we tried something new. We stuffed crescent rolls with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese, creating the most delicious crescent roll appetizers ever.

Turns out, these little Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect finger foods to serve at holiday parties or even just lunch with the kids.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS?

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 leftover turkey crescent rolls recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

DO I HAVE TO USE LEFTOVER TURKEY?

Nope, the great thing about these stuffed crescent rolls is you can make them with roasted turkey, chicken, or even make leftover ham crescent rolls!

You can also use sausage and make something similar to my favorite maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, only with crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.

They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from Christmas and Easter.

DOES IT MATTER WHICH CHEESE I USE?

Ok, so cheese is really up to the individual because cheese is such a personal choice. At least, that’s how I look at it anyway.

I’ve been a lover of cheese since I was a kid, sneaking pieces of American cheese out of the fridge when Mom wasn’t looking. In fact, I’d have much rather had a slice of cheese over a cookie any day… Unless they were chocolate chip cookies, of course.

But no, you can use just about any cheese you want with these. A few suggestions might be…
- Good old American Cheese
- Extra Sharp Cheddar
- Smoked Cheddar – One of my favorites.
- Speaking of smoked, smoked Gouda would be fabulous, as would smoked Swiss or smoked Gruyére.
- Pepper Jack
Really, your options are limitless. Pick a cheese, any cheese, and you’ll have the most delicious appetizers ever.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS

The first step for making these easy party appetizers is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned crescent rolls (or you can make homemade crescent rolls), leftover turkey, stuffing, your choice of cheese, and green onions.

When I first made these, I used American cheese, but anymore I’d rather use cheddar or pepper jack.

Take each piece of crescent roll dough, and add a quarter slice of cheese, a bite of turkey stuffing, and a small pile of leftover turkey.

Another additional ingredient idea is leftover cranberry sauce. You can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can. They’ll probably be a bit bulky and might not be quite as pretty as they normally would, but that’s ok; they’ll still taste amazing.

Finally, pop them in the oven and bake as usual, per the instructions on the can. When you take them out of the oven, they’re best eaten while warm.

Mmmm…. Happy Thanksgiving Leftovers Season!

MORE EASY PARTY APPETIZERS YOU’LL LOVE:

3 Super Easy Appetizer Recipes Anyone Can Make

Chicken Dip Pinwheels

Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CRESCENT ROLL RECIPE

Cookie Sheet – This is by far my favorite cookie sheet; I use it for so many things.

Cheese Slicer

Rustic Appetizer Server

Holiday Dessert/Appetizer Plates

Disposable Holiday Plates

LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS RECIPE

If you love this leftover turkey 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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Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!
2 cans crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups turkey (leftover and shredded)
1 1/2 cups stuffing (leftover*)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (**shredded)
1/3 cup green onions (chopped)
Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
Separate each crescent roll.
Add a bite of cheese, a bite of stuffing, a small pile of turkey, and a sprinkling of green onions in that order.***
Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can, and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn a golden brown.
They’re best served while warm, right out of the oven.
*You can use leftover stuffing or even boxed stuffing for this recipe.

**You can use any kind of cheese you want. I’ve used American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, etc.

***If you like, you can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

Appetizers
American
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November 19, 2018
Classic Yellow Cake Recipe
Make a deliciously moist and fluffy yellow cake topped with chocolate buttercream frosting. Classic homemade dessert recipe!

Growing up in the 80’s, yellow cake was one of the desserts of choice. I’m not sure if it was because we always used a cake mix or because it was so delicious with chocolate frosting.

Either way, I grew up kinda loving this yummy dessert. So, I decided to give it a go making a yellow cake from scratch.

This is a really easy yellow cake recipe, and I’ll give you a few tips below on how to make a cake moist and fluffy. While making my chocolate cupcakes, I learned a few tips and tricks to getting that perfect soft texture.

Top this cake with chocolate buttercream frosting, and you’ve got the perfect classic dessert. It’s so simple yet so delicious!

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR YELLOW CAKE?

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

HOW TO MAKE CAKE MOIST

You can ask my family. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with homemade cake recipes in the past.

I’ve even gotten confused while trying to make recipes from my grandma’s handwritten recipe cards, and I’ve totally messed up the simplest of recipes. There’ve been times I got them right, and other times they’ve been total flops.

I’m learning as I go, though. And I love to share with you what I’ve learned through my own trial and error process of learning how to be a better cake maker.

There are a few steps I took to ensure that our yellow cake would be very light, soft, fluffy, and moist. These are the same steps I took to make these deliciously moist and fluffy chocolate cupcakes.

The steps I take to make a moist yellow cake actually work.
- 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 if you keep reading. 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

Why buy buttermilk when you can make it yourself? My mom taught me this little trick back when I was a budding baker in our old farmhouse kitchen.

All you’re really doing is souring the milk with a little bit of vinegar.

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.

So I have the right amount of liquid, I’ll usually pour my vinegar into the measuring cup first; then add the milk to my desired level or measurement.

And that’s it! Before you know it, your milk will be perfectly soured like buttermilk.

CAN I FREEZE HOMEMADE YELLOW CAKE?

You can. In fact, The Bearfoot Baker has a really helpful tutorial for How to Freeze a Cake Before Frosting It.

HOW DO I GET THAT YELLOW COLOR TO MY CAKE?

The yellow color really comes from the natural ingredients you’re going to use, no artificial colors whatsoever.

You’ll be using butter and eggs. And the butter extract will give the cake a buttery flavor, kinda like a butter recipe yellow cake mix.

TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE THIS YELLOW CAKE RECIPE

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

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

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, being careful not to over-mix.

Pour the cake batter into a well-greased 9″x13″ cake pan, and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. You can also make 2 round cakes or cupcakes, but keep in mind, baking times may differ.

When the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to fully cool before attempting to frost it. If you’re making round cakes or cupcakes, let the cakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Once the cake has fully cooled, you’re ready to top it off with delectable chocolate frosting and enjoy every bite, along with a cup of coffee. Can’t forget a warm mug of coffee to bring all the flavors full circle!

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A YELLOW CAKE

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can absolutely mix up a yellow cake by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth cake batter.

Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

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

Spatula

9″ x 13″ Cake Pan

Cake Tester or Toothpicks

Coffee Maker with Coffee – Some of my favorite memories are dessert with my grandmother. She always loved a hot cup of coffee with her dessert.

YELLOW CAKE RECIPE

If you love this yellow 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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Classic Yellow Cake Recipe

Make a deliciously moist and fluffy yellow cake topped with chocolate buttercream frosting. Classic homemade dessert recipe!
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups pure cane sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 large eggs (separated*)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 1/2 cups unbleached cake flour
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 and sugar together for a good 5 to 8 minutes.
You can also cream the oil, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter extract in with the sugar mixture if you want, or you can add them in after the butter and sugar mixture is already 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, being careful not to over-mix.
Pour the cake batter into a well-greased 9″x13″ cake pan.
Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.
When the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to fully cool before attempting to frost it. If you’re making round cakes or cupcakes***, let the cakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Once the cake has fully cooled, top it with delectable chocolate buttercream frosting****, slice, and serve.
*When mixing the other liquid 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.

***Keep in mind, if you’re making round cake or cupcakes, cooking times may differ.

****Icing not included in nutritional facts. See nutritional info for chocolate buttercream frosting at the link above, included in the recipe instructions.

Cakes & Cupcakes
American
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November 16, 2018
Seven Hollows Trail to the Natural Bridge in Petit Jean
HIKE SEVEN HOLLOWS TRAIL TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE IN PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

Hike part of Seven Hollows Trail to the Natural Bridge at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. A moderate hike with caves, rocks, and beautiful scenery.

On a recent trip camping at Petit Jean State Park, we hiked several trails, including Cedar Falls Trail, Bear Cave Trail, and part of Seven Hollows Trail. While we didn’t have time to hike the entire trail, we had just enough time to hike to the Natural Bridge.

And what a wondrous hike it was! I think Seven Hollows won our hearts and became our favorite trail in all of Petit Jean State Park.

We fell in love with it because it was such a quiet, peaceful trail without crowds of people. We even had the Natural Bridge all to ourselves.

It was a really beautiful trail. The trees were gorgeous as they were starting to lighten up for fall; and the rock formations, caves, and bubbling stream were just spectacular.

If I had one day to spend in Petit Jean, I’d spend it on Seven Hollows Trail; that’s how much I loved this trail.

HOW TO GET TO SEVEN HOLLOWS TRAIL IN PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

Petit Jean State Park is close to both Morrilton, Arkansas, and Dardanelle, Arkansas, pretty much in the heart of the Natural State.

Seven Hollows Trail is just past Bear Cave on Highway 154, the main route that runs through Petit Jean Mountain.

A parking lot provides ample parking, as well as signs with information about the trail.

Walk past the signs right onto the trail, following the light blue trail markers as you make your way down the trail. You’ll also see occasional mile markers, letting you know how far you’ve gone.

WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE HIKING TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE

The Seven Hollows area is originally what inspired the creation of Petit Jean State Park as one of the Arkansas State Parks, and I can definitely see why.

As you make your way down the trail, you’ll pretty quickly come to a fork in the trail. You can choose to go left toward the Natural Bridge, or you can go right toward the Grotto.

We chose to go left, since we only had time to go to the Natural Bridge this trip; though we plan to go back and hike the entire trail in the near future.

FEATURES OF SEVEN HOLLOWS TRAIL TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE

The trek to the Natural Bridge is close to 1 1/2 miles, making it right around 3 miles roundtrip. If you hike the entire Seven Hollows Trail, it’s about a 4 1/2 mile loop and takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

There are sections of the trail where you’re making a slight descent and other parts where you’re climbing back up. The trail has a lot of rocks and tree roots, signature features of many an Arkansas hiking trail.

Don’t just rush to the Natural Bridge, because there is so much to see as you saunter along through the forest.

Trees with canopies of leaves overhead, massive boulders and sandstone bluffs, the stream… Give this trail the time and attention it deserves all along the way; drink it all in.

We followed the stream, crossing it here and there, all the way through the first hollow. We could hear it bubbling and flowing as we stopped to admire sandstone bluffs and take in scenic views of the forest.

The boys couldn’t resist walking up the trails to a cave or two, stepping just inside to let out an echoing call.

At one point, we passed a tree that had seemingly grown into a boulder that looked as if it’d come to rest on the tree. The tree had a huge knot that had grown into the side of the rock.

DON’T MISS THE NATURAL BRIDGE

We didn’t even know we were at the Natural Bridge until we actually rounded the corner and saw the sign that pointed up to our left. We thought what we were seeing was just a huge tower of rocks.

Then we rounded the corner, saw the sign, and looked up to our left. And there it was…

The Natural Bridge is quite the majestic sight. And it’s a natural stopping point for a break on the trail, as well as a beautiful photo opp.

Sit a spell and just take it all in; maybe grab a little fuel for the hike back up the trail.

You can hear the creek flowing below as you climb up and around the huge rock formation. Just be careful; the rocks can be slick.

According to the Seven Hollows brochure, the large sandstone arch is thought to have once spanned this entire first hollow, but parts of it have worn away or collapsed. In fact, if you look down through the hollow, you can see the collapsed portions of the bridge.

Kinda the way I felt while hiking Hawksbill Crag, I didn’t really want to leave such a peaceful spot.

WILDLIFE YOU MAY ENCOUNTER HIKING SEVEN HOLLOWS TRAIL

Again, we didn’t see a lot of wildlife on this trail. But that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

That said, you may see a few birds and animals in Petit Jean State Park, including the following:
- Rabbits
- Quail
- Birds
- Deer
- Possums
- Skunks
- Bobcats
- Foxes
- Black Bears, etc.
Anytime you get out into nature, especially in the Natural State, you’re sure to see some sort of wildlife if you just take the time to look and observe.

WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE

Especially if you’re hiking with kids, you’ll want to pack a few things for your trip down Seven Hollows Trail.
- 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 out onto the trail.
- 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 rocks and tree roots.
- A copy of Arkansas Hiking Trails and/or Arkansas Waterfalls by Tim Ernst, especially if you plan to hike to the Grotto. These books give you all the ins and outs of hiking trails and waterfalls in Arkansas; Arkansas Waterfalls even mentions other falls in the area you may want to see on each journey you take.
SAFETY TIPS AND THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING SEVEN HOLLOWS TO THE NATURAL BRIDGE

Seven Hollows Trail is a 4 1/2 mile loop trail; if you hike to the Natural Bridge and back, it’s between 2 1/2 to 3 miles roundtrip. While it’s not a long hike, per sé, it’s still a moderate hike, and the last part of the trail is the more strenuous part of the trail.

In fact, when we go back, we plan to hike to the Grotto first and then loop around to the Natural Bridge, mainly because we know what to expect on the uphill sections in this part of the trail.

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

The trail is not accessible for wheelchairs.

There are no bathrooms and no water along the trail. Mather Lodge is just up the road and does have restrooms, along with a restaurant. Be sure to plan accordingly and pack plenty of water, so everyone will stay well hydrated.

If you happen to get turned around, look for the small light blue trail markers or paint marks here and there on trees along the trail. This trail is really well traveled, though, and pretty easy to navigate.

Watch your step and wear good shoes. Especially watch for rocks sticking up out of the ground, and watch your step as you cross muddy, rocky areas with water or climb around on boulders.

If you’re making the hike with kids, watch your kids closely because there are bluffs and steep areas on this trail. Keep little ones closer, maybe even using a hiking carrier like the one we mentioned above.

Check the weather before you head out hiking in Arkansas. Avoid hiking in thunderstorms and other inclement weather. If you decide to hike in rainy or drizzly conditions, be very careful as parts of the trail could be very slippery.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Finally, our motto: 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 Natural Bridge is a gorgeous hike and totally worth every step. It’s Arkansas hiking at its best and truly a Natural State treasure you’ll never forget.
November 15, 2018
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
How to make the most delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with ground beef, mushrooms, and provolone. Easy dinner idea and recipe!

Back in college, I was introduced to my first Philly cheesesteak on a trip to Philly. Before that, I’d really never heard of a cheesesteak and really had no idea what it was.

And then I married a guy from Pennsylvania who absolutely loved a good Philly cheese steak sandwich. In fact, it became a regular part of our menu.

Combine his favorite Philly cheese steak with my favorite sloppy joes, and you’ve got the makings of a really yummy dinner.

The nice thing about Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes is that without the toasted buns, the meat mixture is fairly low carb. So pair with a bed of lettuce or spinach and you’ve got a much healthier option.

And if you’re in a pinch and need a super quick dinner, you can totally make this juicy burger up ahead of time and just warm it up for dinner. Easy make ahead meal for the win!

Another couple Philly cheesesteak favorites around here are this Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich, roast beef Philly cheesesteaks and Philly cheesesteak peppers. Yum!

I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK 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 Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

WHAT IS A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOE?

Don’t worry, before college I’d never heard of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich either.

A Philly cheese steak sandwich is basically a sandwich made on a hoagie with smaller, thinner pieces of beefsteak and cheese. What cheese goes on a Philly cheese steak depends; it can be provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz.

A Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe is made with ground beef instead of beefsteak. And like a cheesesteak, it has peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

Instead of serving this loose meat sandwich on a hoagie, you serve it on a toasted hamburger bun, just like a sloppy joe.

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

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, mushrooms, 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, mushrooms, 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 PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES

I recommend using bacon grease for 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, mushrooms, 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, mushrooms, and bell pepper in a large skillet.
- Then add the ground beef and mix together with the vegetables, cooking the mixture well.
- Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
- Whisk together the beef broth and flour in a separate measuring cup.
- Once you add the sloppy joe sauce ingredients, including the broth mixture, just let the meat simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
- Finally, top with the Provolone right in the skillet and let it melt. Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
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 cheesesteak sloppy joe meat.

Spoon the meat onto a toasted bun and serve it while it’s all toasty warm!

MORE SLOPPY JOE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Taco Sloppy Joes

Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

25+ Sloppy Joe Recipes for Dinner Tonight

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK 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

Pyrex Measuring Cup and Whisk

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

If you love this Philly cheesesteak 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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Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

How to make the most delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with ground beef, mushrooms, and provolone. Easy dinner idea and recipe!
1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
1/2 large green bell pepper (chopped)
2 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces Provolone cheese
Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot.
Then add in the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add the onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper in with the garlic and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.
Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the garlic, onion, mushrooms, 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
Whisk together the beef broth and flour in a separate measuring cup.
Mix the beef broth mixture, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper into the meat, stirring until combined.
Let the cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
Finally, top the meat with the Provolone right in the skillet and let it melt.** Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
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.

**It will help the cheese to melt a little faster if you place a lid on the skillet.

Burgers & Sandwiches
American
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November 13, 2018
One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Easy recipe for the best milk chocolate buttercream frosting, perfect for decorating or piping onto cake and cupcakes. Fluffy, creamy, and silky smooth!

There’s nothing quite like a swirl of chocolate buttercream frosting to top off a piece of cake or a cupcake. Better yet, pair it up with marble cake, and you’ve got the best of both worlds.

This homemade chocolate icing is very creamy, and it’s the perfect fluffy frosting for cupcakes. It’s very silky, and works really well as a chocolate frosting for piping onto cupcakes or for cake decorating.

In fact, I use this chocolate frosting recipe in my Minecraft grass block cake recipe.

Being a rich buttercream frosting, a little bit goes a long way. Combine its buttery flavor with chocolate and you’ve got the makings of a heavenly chocolate buttercream icing for chocolate lovers.

This is one recipe where I might contend with my kids as to who gets to lick the beaters.

More of my favorite buttercream recipes include this vanilla buttercream frosting recipe and butterbeer buttercream frosting.

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WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

If you’d rather skip all of my buttercream tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the 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:
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract – While you can make chocolate frosting without almond extract, I wouldn’t recommend it. This extract gives an added pop of flavor and helps the chocolate flavor to really stand out.
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – I use regular milk chocolate cocoa, but you can make a dark chocolate buttercream with dark cocoa.
Keep in mind, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

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

Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

Spatula

Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags – if you want to decorate a cake or cupcakes.

Cake Turntable with Icing Spatula and Icing Smoother – A turntable really makes it easier to frost a round cake, because you can turn as you go.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Before making any type of buttercream frosting, you want to first soften the butter.

You can do this by letting it set out for a little bit before cooking, or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (but try not to let it melt).

Now to mix up chocolate buttercream with cocoa powder…
1. Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
2. Then add in the heavy whipping cream and mix well.
3. Add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and let the mixer work its magic for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, chocolate buttercream frosting that’s perfect for decorating cakes, piping onto cupcakes, and more.
WHAT TASTES BEST WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM?

Homemade yellow cake or yellow cake cupcakes definitely taste delicious with chocolate icing.

As do chocolate cake and fluffy chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate on chocolate is absolutely delicious.

WHY NOT USE SHORTENING INSTEAD OF BUTTER?

Mainly because I’m not a huge fan of shortening, and I’d rather use butter. I’ve never been a fan of shortening based buttercream because I always feel like there’s something missing in the taste of it.

Using salted butter will create a very flavorful frosting; but if you’d rather not have all of that buttery flavor, you can cut the butter in half and substitute shortening instead.

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

WHY SHOULD I USE SALTED BUTTER?

I do recommend using salted butter for this recipe, because the salt in the butter adds a richness and a better flavor to your buttercream than unsalted would.

And it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to frosting, especially when you’re trying to get a good consistency and texture without any grit.

DOES BUTTERCREAM FROSTING NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?

We usually let our cupcakes or cakes with buttercream icing sit out of the fridge for 2-3 days max.

However, if you were to add cream cheese to your frosting, then it would need to be refrigerated right away.

CAN I FREEZE MILK CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

Yes, you can! In fact, I always have leftover icing, so I usually throw it in the freezer to keep it for next time.

Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, so it won’t get freezer burn.

HOW CAN I ADD TO THIS BUTTERCREAM ICING RECIPE?

Here are a few more ways you can change up this buttercream frosting recipe…
- Add a flavored extract for additional flavor… Think maple, caramel, peppermint, etc.
- If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute the same amount of shortening for half the butter.
- You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but keep in mind, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature. A softer icing may not work as well for piping and decorating; and heavy cream adds stability.
IF YOU LOVE THIS HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ICING, TRY SOME OF OUR OTHER FROSTING FAVORITES:
GET THE PRINTABLE FROSTING RECIPE

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One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Easy recipe for the best milk chocolate buttercream frosting, perfect for decorating or piping onto cake and cupcakes. Fluffy, creamy, and silky smooth!
IMUSA USA Hand Mixer with Case 5-Speed
Rorence Stainless Steel Non-Slip Mixing Bowls With Pour Spout, Handle and Lid, Nesting Set of 3
GLOUE Heat-Resistant Baking Spoon & Spatulas – Ergonomic Easy-to-Clean Seamless One-Piece Design – Nonstick – Dishwasher Safe
Kootek 42 Pieces Cake Decorating Kits Supplies with 36 Numbered Icing Tips, 2 Silicone Pastry Bags, 2 Flower Nails, 2 Reusable Plastic Couplers Baking Frosting Tools Set for Cupcakes Cookies
Kootek 11 Inch Rotating Cake Turntable, Turns Smoothly Revolving Cake Stand White Cake Decorating Kit Display Stand Baking Tools Accessories Supplies for Decoration
Icing Spatula, U-Taste Offset Spatula Set with 6″, 8″, 10″ Blade, 18/0 Stainless Steel with Premium PP Plastic Handle Angled Cake Decorating Frosting Spatula Set of 3
1 cup salted butter* (softened*)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream*
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Then add in the heavy whipping cream and mix well.
Add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, chocolate buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. Not to mention, it tastes really delicious.
*If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute shortening for half the butter. I do recommend using salted butter for this recipe, because the salt in the butter adds a richness and a better flavor to your buttercream than unsalted would. And it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to frosting, especially when you’re trying to get a good consistency and texture without any grit.

*You can soften butter by letting it sit out for a little bit before mixing up the frosting, or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (but try not to let it melt).

*You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but keep in mind, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature. A softer icing may not work as well for piping and decorating, because heavy cream adds stability.

Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?

We usually let our cupcakes or cakes with buttercream icing sit out of the fridge for 2-3 days max. However, if you were to add cream cheese to your frosting, then it would need to be kept in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze milk chocolate buttercream frosting?

Yes, you can! In fact, I always have leftover icing, so I usually throw it in the freezer to keep it for next time. Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, so it won’t get freezer burn.

WHAT TASTES BEST WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM?

Homemade yellow cake or yellow cake cupcakes definitely taste delicious with chocolate icing. As do chocolate cake and fluffy chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate on chocolate is absolutely delicious.

Icing & Frosting
American
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November 12, 2018
The Most Scrumptious Pumpkin Roll Ever
How to make the best pumpkin roll with a delicious caramel cream cheese filling. Classic Thanksgiving dessert recipe that’s sure to be a family favorite!

Pumpkin roll is one of our family’s favorite Thanksgiving desserts. While it may seem a bit complicated and difficult, a pumpkin roll really isn’t all that difficult to make.

I actually adapted this particular pumpkin roll recipe from a recipe we found a long time ago in a vintage recipe collection we used to have, called My Great Recipes. It was a collection given to us by a friend, and all the recipes were on cards in long, brown, plastic, see-through containers.

When we did a big purge and got rid of a few things, I held on to this particular recipe card because it makes such a scrumptious pumpkin roll. Honestly, I wish I’d kept the whole kit (sigh). Live and learn, I guess.

Anyway, instead of a regular cream cheese filling, I like to add just a hint of caramel to the filling. It gives the pumpkin roll even more of an edge, and it’s so delicious!

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE? TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN ROLL!

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

DOES IT MATTER WHETHER OR NOT I USE CANNED PUMPKIN OR HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PUREE?

Nope, they’re the same thing. You can use homemade pumpkin purée, or you can just buy canned pumpkin.

The only difference I notice when using either/both is that homemade pumpkin purée can have a bit more water and be a little more juicy than store bought canned pumpkin.

Homemade pumpkin purée is really easy to make, though. The recipe involves roasting the pumpkins, then just blending the pumpkin flesh into a smooth purée.

HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN ROLL

Your first step is to combine the eggs and sugar. Then add the pumpkin and lemon juice, mixing until blended.

Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt to a sifter; I like to sift the dry ingredients together because that’s how my mama trained me… Sift those dry ingredients!

Once sifted, add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing well.

Add a sheet of wax paper to a jelly roll pan (more on what this is in a minute). Then spray it down with cooking spray.

Spread the batter onto the wax paper, spreading it out evenly and smoothly.

Bake the pumpkin cake at 375° for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE?

That’s ok! What is in pumpkin pie spice is a mixture of spices, including ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; it may also include cloves and allspice.

You can use these spices, individually, if you have them. You’ll just need to use a smaller amount of each spice you choose to use, so they can work together to create the amount of pumpkin pie seasoning you would need, in this case, a teaspoon.

I would definitely try to use cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and even allspice if possible.

WHAT IS A JELLY ROLL PAN?

Basically, a jelly roll pan is just a cookie sheet with raised sides. It prevents the cake batter from going off the sides of your pan.

HOW TO ACTUALLY ASSEMBLE A PUMPKIN ROLL

You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on a flour sack towel to give your pumpkin roll an even prettier, more festive, almost snowy look. Then place the pumpkin cake on the towel, peel off the wax paper, and let it cool for 10 minutes longer.

After allowing it to cool, roll the cake up in the towel, and set it aside while you mix up the cream cheese filling.

Rolling up your pumpkin roll in a towel is supposed to help it not be too moist and also help it not crack. It may or may not crack while you’re doing the final rolling; just take your time and don’t rush.

Once your filling is mixed up and creamy smooth, unroll the cake and spread the filling on the cake.

Then roll the cake back up into a scrumptious pumpkin roll (minus the towel).

Wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it cool in the fridge for about an hour.

You can slice it up when you’re ready to serve it, but keep any leftovers in the fridge.

Mmmm…. mmmm…. Such a yummy, moist, sponge-like cake roll! The caramel cream cheese filling is the BEST!

Pumpkin roll is definitely one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes of all time.

CAN I FREEZE A PUMPKIN ROLL?

Yes, you can. Freezing a pumpkin roll shouldn’t hurt the integrity of your roll or your filling one bit.

Just be sure to wrap it well in both plastic wrap and freezer paper or place it in a freezer bag for freezing. That way you can hopefully prevent freezer burn.

IF YOU LOVE PUMPKIN ROLL, YOU MAY LOVE THESE PUMPKIN RECIPES!

Deliciously Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Creamy No Bake Pumpkin Dessert

Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Pear Spice Cake

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A PUMPKIN ROLL:

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

Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

Sifter

Spatula

Cake Tester or Toothpicks

Jelly Roll Pan

Flour Sack Towel

PUMPKIN ROLL RECIPE

If you love this pumpkin roll 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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Best Pumpkin Roll Ever

How to make the best pumpkin roll with a delicious caramel cream cheese filling. Classic Thanksgiving dessert recipe that’s sure to be a family favorite!
Cake Roll:
3 large eggs
3/4 cup cane sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup unbleached cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon caramel extract
Pre-heat the oven to 375° F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar.
Add the pumpkin and lemon juice to the egg mixture, mixing until blended. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing well.
Add a sheet of wax paper to a jelly roll pan. Then spray it with cooking spray.
Spread the batter onto the wax paper, spreading it out evenly and smoothly.
Bake at 375° F for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.
Turn the cake onto a clean flour sack towel sprinkled with extra powdered sugar. Cool 10 minutes longer.
Carefully peel off the wax paper; then roll the cake up in the towel and set it aside while you mix up the cream cheese filling.
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter.
Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and caramel extract, mixing until smooth.
Unroll the cake and evenly spread the filling over it.
Remove the towel and roll the cake back up into a pumpkin roll.
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Slice before serving and enjoy! Keep leftover slices refrigerated.
*You can use either canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin purée. They’re the same thing, so it doesn’t matter which one you use.

Desserts, Thanksgiving
American
how to make a pumpkin roll, pumpkin desserts, pumpkin puree, pumpkin recipes, pumpkin roll, pumpkin roll recipe, thanksgiving dessert recipes, thanksgiving desserts
November 9, 2018
Hiking Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park
TAKE A HIKE DOWN CEDAR FALLS TRAIL IN PETIT JEAN

Cedar Falls Trail is a strenuous hike that ends with a waterfall in Petit Jean State Park. What it’s like to hike this beautiful Arkansas trail.

While camping at Petit Jean State Park, we did several hikes, including the infamous hike to Cedar Falls and a hike down Seven Hollows Trail to the Natural Bridge.

Out of all the Arkansas State Parks, Petit Jean is one beautiful state park; and Cedar Falls is one heck of a waterfall to hike to in the Natural State.

We were a little apprehensive about this Arkansas hiking trail because we’d read a lot about it before ever embarking upon it. It was said to be a little crowded and popular; it was also said to be a very strenuous trail.

We couldn’t not hike down to the falls, though, especially once we’d seen them from the overlook. I can’t imagine how it’d be during spring break, when all the trees are starting to leaf out and bloom.

After visiting Petit Jean and the many wonders of Petit Jean Mountain, I can easily see how this park and this trail have become one of the most popular places to visit in Arkansas.

Related: Hiking Bear Cave Trail in Petit Jean State Park

HOW TO GET TO CEDAR FALLS TRAIL IN PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

Petit Jean State Park is close to both Morrilton, Arkansas, and Dardanelle, Arkansas.

Cedar Falls Trail is on Petit Jean Mountain and begins behind Mather Lodge in Petit Jean State Park.

You can leave your car parked in the Mather Lodge parking lot.

Walk through the breezeway to the left of the main lodge entrance, and you’ll be met with the most amazing view. Keep walking down the steps, and the trail starts to your left.

Follow the red trail markers; they’ll guide you all along the trail.

Cedar Falls Trail is the most popular trail in Petit Jean State Park, so it can get a little crowded. We found that to be the case the day we hiked it in mid October.

WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE HIKING TO CEDAR FALLS

As you make your way down the trail from the Lodge, you’ll pass a couple of signs, including one that warns that this is a strenuous hike. It is a strenuous hike, mainly because of the very beginning and end of the trail.

Cedar Falls Trail is right around 2 miles roundtrip. It’s a steep climb down and a really huffing puffing climb back up when you return.

But really, the ascent on the way back up wasn’t near as bad as I expected it to be. As long as you take your time, stay hydrated, and give yourself a little fuel in terms of snacks, it can be done pretty quickly and easily.

Once you’re past the descent, the rest of the trail is pretty level and easy, besides a little rock hopping here and there.

The trail descends through a rock staircase between two boulders. Then it keeps climbing down and down, through several switchbacks, over rock steps, and down a very rocky trail.

If it’s been raining recently and water is flowing well, you can stop and take in a small waterfall on the descent.

Before you know it, you will have descended about 200 feet in elevation in the first 20 minutes or so.

AFTER THAT INITIAL DESCENT…

Once you get through the initial descent, the trail seems to flatten out just a bit with little climbs here and there.

You’ll cross a foot bridge (2 person max) over Cedar Creek. There was no 2 person max sign until we’d already crossed over the bridge, hence the photo above.

Anyway, cross over the footbridge; then take the trail to your right. Only 1/2 mile to go!

The trail winds along the edge of Cedar Creek at this point, with several opportunities for gorgeous photos and videos, especially if the creek is really flowing.

Don’t just rush to the falls, because there is so much to see as you saunter along beside the creek.

Trees with canopies of leaves overhead, massive boulders, Cedar Creek, bluffs… Give this trail the time and attention it deserves all along the way; drink it all in.

AND FINALLY, CEDAR FALLS…

You’ll hear it way before you ever see it. And if it’s really flowing, it’ll be kind of like a roar.

Then your heart will begin to race because adrenaline will hit and it’s all you can do to not run. Round another boulder in the trail, and there it will be.

It’s hard to put Cedar Falls into words, and pictures could never do it justice. There’s nothing like seeing it in person.

It was one thing to see this 95′ waterfall from the overlook, which was amazing in and of itself. But to be up close with the falls was a mesmerizing experience.

Grab a spot on a boulder and just take it all in for a little while, maybe grab a little fuel for the hike back up that crazy ascent.

There will likely be a lot of people taking it in with you. Some may even climb up close to the waterfall, which really puts its massive size into perspective.

The bluffs around the waterfall are layer upon layer of rock. If the trees are changing, add in vibrant fall colors to the beauty of this place.

Cedar Falls is one place I was a bit reluctant to leave, and not just because of the uphill climb we faced on the way back out. Much like Hawksbill Crag, I knew we’d stumbled on another Arkansas treasure, and I just wanted to stare at it a little while longer.

TAKE THE BEAUTY OF CEDAR FALLS HOME WITH YOU!

In fact, my friend Jeanetta, from Jeanetta Darley Art, has kicked off a new series. It’s called The Beauty of the Natural State.

She recently hiked the trail and created a beautiful print of Cedar Falls, just in case you’re like me and want to stare at it just a li’l longer, in your own home even! Be sure to check out her shop!

WILDLIFE YOU MAY ENCOUNTER HIKING CEDAR FALLS TRAIL

I’ll be honest, we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, and I think it’s because this is such a well traveled trail. We did see a dead raccoon just off the trail, not sure what had happened, but other than that we didn’t see much.

Come to think of it, we also had a family of coons visit us in the campground. So Petit Jean must be a haven for raccoons.

That said, you may see a few birds and animals in Petit Jean State Park, including the following:
- Rabbits
- Quail
- Birds
- Deer
- Possums
- Skunks
- Bobcats
- Foxes
- Black Bears, etc.
Anytime you get out into nature, especially in the Natural State, you’re sure to see some sort of wildlife if you just take the time to look and observe.

WHAT TO PACK FOR HIKING TO CEDAR FALLS

Especially if you’re hiking with kids, you’ll want to pack a few things for your trip to Cedar Falls.
- 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 up that steep ascent.
- 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 rocks and steep steps.
- A copy of Arkansas Waterfalls by Tim Ernst. This book gives you all the ins and outs of waterfalls in Arkansas and even mentions other falls in the area you may want to see on each journey you take.
SAFETY TIPS AND THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING CEDAR FALLS TRAIL

Cedar Falls Trail is right around 2 miles roundtrip. While it’s not a long hike, per sé, it’s still a moderate hike, and the last part of the trail back to Mather Lodge is a very steep climb.

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

While the trail to the bottom of the falls is not accessible for wheelchairs, the trail to Cedar Falls Overlook is. And it’s a beauty of a view.

There are no bathrooms and no water along the trail. Mather Lodge does have restrooms, along with a restaurant; be sure to plan accordingly and pack plenty of water, so everyone will stay well hydrated.

Cedar Falls Trail can get very crowded, so you may want to consider hiking during the week, avoiding the weekend. Also, hike really early in the morning to avoid a crowded trail.

If you happen to get turned around, look for the small red trail markers here and there along the trail. This trail is really well traveled, though, and pretty easy to navigate.

Watch your step and wear good shoes. Especially watch for rocks sticking up out of the ground, and watch your step as you cross muddy areas with water or climb around on boulders.

Swimming is not allowed, so don’t swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

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

Check the weather before you head out hiking in Arkansas. 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, our motto: 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 Cedar Falls, Arkansas, even with that steep descent and ascent, is totally worth every step. It’s Arkansas hiking at its best and truly a treasure you’ll never forget.
November 8, 2018