Adventures of Mel

Category: Recipes

Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs
Learn how to make bacon Ranch deviled eggs with a handful of simple ingredients. These yummy finger foods are perfect for an Easter or holiday appetizer. This recipe is easy to make, and it makes enough to feed a crowd.

Eggs, eggs, and more eggs… Thanks to our chickens, we have plenty of eggs right now, something I’m over the moon about because that’s one thing I don’t have to buy at the grocery store.

Easter Sunday is right around the corner, so what better way to use them than by making a big batch of delicious Ranch deviled eggs with bacon to go with your traditional Easter dinner? Yum!

Random Fun Fact: Did you know some people call deviled eggs angel eggs? Essentially the same thing, but I just thought that was interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for a last minute appetizer.
- You can make Ranch deviled eggs with bacon or without bacon… Of course, I’m of the mind that bacon makes everything better.
- This recipe makes enough to feed a group of people, so it’s perfect for family dinner, holiday parties, etc.
- Simple ingredients… This means everything, especially with the costs of groceries these days.
- Even if you don’t necessarily have a get together to make them for, they make great snacks.
Ingredients and Substitutions Notes

You only need a handful of ingredients to make Ranch bacon deviled eggs…
- Hardboiled Eggs – You can boil these ahead of time, so they’re ready.
- Buttermilk Ranch Mix – I prefer to use Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch mix to make Hidden Valley Ranch deviled eggs. It’s easy and convenient.
- Condiments – You’ll need both mayonnaise and mustard. While mayo makes a lower carb version of these eggs, I’ve also used a dressing like Miracle Whip; but keep in mind, you may not need as much salt if doing so.
- Dill Pickles – Just mince them up.
- Bacon – I prefer to cook our bacon with breakfast and save it back in the fridge for use later; but you can also use precooked bacon and just pop it in the microwave when ready. Regardless which bacon you choose, it will need to be cooked and crumbled.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

Prep work mainly involves boiling the eggs ahead of time and allowing them to cool. You can also cook the bacon and crumble it.
How to Make and Fill Deviled Eggs

Peel and slice each hardboiled egg in half, removing the yolks and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Set the whites aside on a platter.

Add the Ranch mix, mayonnaise, mustard, and minced Dill pickles to the egg yolks, and mix together well.

Fill each egg white half with a spoonful of the yolk mixture.*

Cover and refrigerate the eggs for 1-2 hours.

When ready to serve, crumble the bacon on top of each deviled egg.
And that’s it! They’re ready to serve.
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

When is the best time to make bacon Ranch deviled eggs, the day before or the day of?
Personally, I’d rather eat deviled eggs the day of, but with maybe 2-3 hours to chill in the fridge. However, you can make them the day before, and they’ll be just fine. Now, if you are making them the day before, I do recommend crumbling freshly cooked bacon on the day of; if you add bacon the day before, it can get kinda chewy and tough from sitting in the fridge.

How should you store deviled eggs?
Definitely store them in an airtight deviled egg container with a lid, and in the refrigerator. You can also put them on a platter and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Can you freeze deviled eggs?
While you can freeze the yolk mixture, it’s best to not freeze the egg whites because they’ll become quite rubbery in texture.

More Delicious Recipes with Eggs

Don’t want bacon or Ranch? I’ve gotcha covered. Make these instead… Easy Deviled Eggs in 30 Minutes or Less.

I also have a whole gaggle of egg recipes. Here are just a few…
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!
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs

How to make bacon Ranch deviled eggs, perfect for an Easter or holiday appetizer. Easy to make, this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd.
Deviled Egg Container with Lid
24 large hardboiled eggs
2 teaspoons buttermilk Ranch mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard
1/4 cup Dill pickles (minced)
4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Peel and slice each hardboiled egg in half, removing the yolks and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Set the whites aside on a platter.
Add the Ranch mix, mayonnaise, mustard, and minced Dill pickles to the egg yolks, and mix together well.
Fill each egg white half with a spoonful of the yolk mixture.*
Cover and refrigerate the eggs for 1-2 hours.
When ready to serve, crumble the bacon on top of each deviled egg. Then serve.
*You can fill the eggs 3 ways…

Use a spoon to add the yolk mixture to the whites.

Snip the corner of a Ziploc bag with scissors, fill the bag with yolk mixture, and pipe the filling into the whites.

Or you can use a cake tip and pastry bag filled with the yolk mixture to pipe the yolk mixture into the whites.

When is the best time to make bacon Ranch deviled eggs, the day before or the day of?
Personally, I’d rather eat deviled eggs the day of, but with maybe 2-3 hours to chill in the fridge. However, you can make them the day before, and they’ll be just fine. Now, if you are making them the day before, I do recommend crumbling freshly cooked bacon on the day of; if you add bacon the day before, it can get kinda chewy and tough from sitting in the fridge.

How should you store deviled eggs?
Definitely store them in an airtight container with a lid, and in the refrigerator. You can also put them on a platter and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Appetizers
American
bacon ranch deviled eggs, Hidden Valley Ranch deviled eggs, Ranch bacon deviled eggs, Ranch deviled eggs, Ranch deviled eggs with bacon
March 23, 2017
Make an Easy Instant Pot Chili to Warm Your Heart and Soul
Chili and cornbread together is one of my all-time favorite meals; in fact, the whole family loves it. Of course, easy Instant Pot chili is even better because it makes dinner prep that much simpler.

Back in the day we used to make a vegetarian chili using soy crumbles. I’m not sure what I was thinking. My guys really didn’t like soy crumbles, but I’d “heard” they were healthier.

I’ve since come to find out that soy is really not that good for you, especially when you have thyroid issues (as I do). And to be quite honest, we love our meat.

We eat more of a low carb, high fat diet these days (most of the time… some of us still get a few carbs in). And ground beef is now a healthy addition to our Instant Pot chili.

We’ve been making this chili for awhile. I personally love a nice skillet cornbread with this chili.

And we’ve been known to serve it with tortilla chips if we don’t have cornbread.

But for the most part, we enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream and a bit of shredded cheddar. Sometimes I even use this chili to make the best loaded chili cheese fries.

If you love a warm bowl of chili, you’ll love this recipe. It’ll warm your heart and soul like no other. Below is the printable recipe. Enjoy!

Looking for more Instant Pot dinner ideas?
This chili also makes a tasty addition to your next Baked Potato Bar. And it would make and excellent chili dip.

Learn how to quickly use your Instant Pot with our Instant Pot Quick Start Guide, filled with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more!

Print the Recipe for Easy Instant Pot Chili
Easy Instant Pot Chili

Chilly nights call for a nice hot bowl of homemade Instant Pot chili to warm your heart and soul. Best served with cornbread and a dollop of sour cream.
Instant Pot
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 medium yellow onion (minced)
1 pound ground beef
32 ounces chili beans
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
16 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
3 tablespoons chili powder
Using the Sauté function on the Instant Pot, melt the butter right in the pot.
Then sauté the onion in the butter, 'til it starts to soften.
Stir the ground beef in with the onion, cooking 'til the meat is browned.
Add in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, molasses, and chili powder, stirring everything together.
Put the cover on your Instant Pot, seal the vent, and set it to cook for about 10 minutes.
Once it's cooked, let it naturally release pressure.
Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and whatever else your heart desires.
main dish, Soups & Stews
American
chili, chili recipe, easy chili recipe, easy Instant Pot chili, Instant Pot chili
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March 16, 2017
Make a Graham Cracker Leprechaun House for St. Patrick’s Day
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I’ve got a fun project kids will adore. It’s pretty much a spinoff of a favorite Christmas classic, but geared toward St. Patrick’s Day and the luck of the Irish. Instead of gingerbread, though, it’s a graham cracker leprechaun house.

I remember when I was a little girl, and my mom and I watched Disney’s classic, Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Remember that movie? Leprechauns and all the legend surrounding them just fascinated me as a kid. This would be the perfect movie to watch as you create your very own leprechaun house.

Before you get started making your own graham cracker leprechaun house, you’ll need a few supplies.

Supplies You’ll Need for a Graham Cracker Leprechaun House
- Cake board or small white cardboard squares for house to rest on
- Scissors
- Box of graham crackers
- Decorating Icing – I used Wilton Green Decorating Icing.
- Spice Drops or gum drop candies
- Skittles
- M&M’s
- Mini crackers
- Small green gummy candies
- Rainbow sprinkles and decorating candies
How to Construct Your Own Graham Cracker Leprechaun House

Your first step is to prep your cake board. You can cut it into smaller squares or use a smaller piece of cardboard wrapped in white freezer paper.

Next assemble your leprechaun house using graham crackers and Decorating Icing. Now here’s where it was a bit tricky for me in the beginning. Everything I’d read said to use Royal Icing, but I’m just going to be real here… I tried that, and it was horrible. It was horrible! A disaster of epic proportions. I’d bought a box kit, and I’m not sure what happened with it, but it just wasn’t for me. I think it had more to do with me than the icing; I just didn’t have the patience for it. But I was lucky that I actually had backup in the form of Wilton Decorating Icing. It worked great! And there was no mixing or hassle with it.

To construct your graham cracker house, I recommend following this wonderful tutorial from Happiness is Homemade. Just be sure you have plenty of graham crackers on hand.

Decorate Your Graham Cracker Leprechaun House

Once your house is constructed and has had a chance to meld together enough that it’s not going anywhere, it’s time for the fun part… Decorating! This is where all your candies and sprinkles come in.

There really is no set way to decorate a leprechaun house. But I do recommend LOADS of rainbow colors, in the form of spice drops (or gum drop candies), M&M’s, Skittles, sprinkles, and more. Use your Decorating Icing to attach everything to your house.

You can use mini crackers as windows. I found small green apple gummies that I actually cut with scissors to hopefully look more like 4-leaf clovers.

You can create a door with icing and sprinkles. Skittles make a wonderful rainbow path through clouds of mini marshmallows. Just be creative and have fun with it! The decorating is especially fun for kids, though they may eat more than they decorate, fair warning.

Happy decorating your very own graham cracker leprechaun house this St. Patrick’s Day!

Can’t make it just yet? Pin it for later!
March 3, 2017
How to Make an Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Cold and flu season has descended upon us like a million bats out of you know where. Our oldest has the flu as I write this, which means it’s time for a little TLC with homemade Instant Pot chicken noodle soup.

Dan and I actually made this a few weeks ago for one of our first weekly shows, and it was a huge hit.

I don’t know if it’s because it’s chicken noodle soup or because it’s made in the Instant Pot. But I do know that it’s become one of my favorite soups, especially this time of year.

What Is It About Soup?

There’s just something about chicken soup when you’re sick. It’s soothing, it’s delicious, it’s piping hot, and it’s full of good wholesome nutrition.

We prefer to make it homemade. We used to stock up on cans of chicken noodle soup every fall, but then we started making more homemade soups because canned got to be so expensive.

When we tried canned again for a quick meal, it just didn’t taste good anymore. Our taste buds had gotten accustomed to home cooked soup right from our very own kitchen.

You might think homemade is time-consuming and difficult to make. But not so, especially when you make it in the Instant Pot (or even a good old-fashioned slow cooker).

Our Instant Pot has become a staple in our kitchen. We use it for everything, from making baby food to making entire meals, like Caulifower, Sausage, and Chicken Casserole or Chili.

There are a few veggies to chop for this soup, but you can chop them ahead of time to save you even more time and energy. And you could always make a batch of this soup and freeze it for when you need it.

Looking for more delicious soup recipes?
Below is the printable recipe for our delicious chicken noodle soup. You can also watch us make it on our weekly show. Enjoy!

Print the recipe for Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

How to make an easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup you can depend on, sick or not. Add to your stash of easy chicken recipes!
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 1/4 cups onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 1/4 cups carrots (chopped)
1 1/4 cups celery (chopped)
1 pound chicken (cooked and chopped)
4 cups chicken broth
1 package homestyle noodles
Dash of celery salt (optional)
Cook chicken beforehand in Instant Pot.
Remove and set aside.
Wash and chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Sauté all the vegetables in butter in the Instant Pot for 2-3 minutes, or until soft.
Add in chopped chicken and broth, stirring well.
Add noodles and cook ’til the noodles are done.
Add a dash of celery salt, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!
Soups & Stews
American
chicken noodle soup, Instant Pot chicken noodle soup
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February 12, 2017
Easy and Fun Valentine Marshmallow Pops
Use candy melts and marshmallows to make easy Valentine marshmallow pops. A kid-friendly Valentine’s Day recipe, they make perfect party treats with oodles of decorating ideas.

If you’re still looking for a fun treat to make with your kids this Valentine’s Day, Valentines marshmallows are something both you and your kids will love. Awhile ago, I shared my recipe for cherry chip cake pops…. Valentine marshmallow pops are a slightly easier treat and oh so fun and kid-friendly to make.

Ingredient Notes:

Snowman marshmallow pops are another fun marshmallow dessert for kids, especially during the wintertime.

Gather a few supplies, including the following:
- Marshmallows – Use regular marshmallows, jumbo marshmallows, or sometimes you can find heart shaped marshmallows in stores around Valentine’s Day.
- Wilton Candy Melts – You can use any color you want, including pink candy melts, white melts, red, etc. You can also use chocolate melting wafers.
- Valentine Sprinkles – All sorts of Valentine-themed sprinkles.
- Paper Straws – use these for the lollipop sticks.
- Paper Towel for Work Space – This will catch all the extra sprinkles and drips from the melted candy melts. It definitely makes cleanup a LOT easier afterward.
- This Wilton Cake Pops Decorating Stand comes in handy too.
How to Make Valentine Marshmallow Pops
1. The first step is to place marshmallows on the paper straws. Insert the paper straws into the center of your marshmallows, letting the straw act as a lollipop stick.
1. Be creative and make different designs, like doubling up heart shaped marshmallows on one stick.
How to Melt the Candy Melts and Chocolate for Dipping

Depending on the dipping candy you decide to use, you can melt it a couple different ways:
- Melt 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 chocolate warm for dipping. If you’re wanting to use different colors, this may not be the easiest way to melt the candy melts. So instead…
- Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go. Just follow the package instructions for melting. Usually, you heat and stir in 15-second intervals until the candy is melted and smooth enough for dipping.
One Important Tip: Depending on the type of chocolate you use, some people like to add shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coat and stretches the chocolate a little further. If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step.

Dip and Decorate Marshmallows
1. Dip the marshmallows in the melted candy melts, letting excess candy drip back into the bowl.
1. Now you’re ready to immediately grab the sprinkles and decorate before the candy coating hardens. You can create polka dots all over the marshmallows with candy beads and shake little sprinkles or hearts all over. Maybe even sprinkle a little candy sugar on top. Just be creative and let your kids do their thing; you never know what they’ll come up with.
1. Place the Valentine marshmallows in the marshmallow pop holder, and let the candy coating set.
There’s nothing like festive Valentine dipped marshmallows to wish someone a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can, though it’d probably be best to make them only 1-2 days in advance, so they don’t get stale.

How should I store marshmallow pops?
They should be stored in an airtight container in a slightly cooler environment. Not chilled in the fridge, but you want them to keep their shape and the candy to not melt… So you don’t want them next to a stove or oven.

MORE VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS YOU’LL LOVE
Make a homemade dinosaur Valentine box to hold all your special Valentines!

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!
Valentine Marshmallow Pops

Use candy melts and marshmallows to make easy Valentine marshmallow pops. They make perfect kid-friendly Valentine's Day party treats.
Wilton Cake Pops Decorating Stand
Valentine Paper Straws
Paper Towels
12 ounces marshmallows
12 ounces candy melts
1/2 cup Valentine sprinkles
Insert the paper straws into the center of your marshmallows, letting the straw act as a lollipop stick.
Be creative and make different designs, like doubling up heart shaped marshmallows on one stick.
How to Melt the Candy Melts and Chocolate for Dipping
Depending on the dipping candy you decide to use, you can melt it a couple different ways… Melt 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 chocolate warm for dipping. If you're wanting to use different colors, this may not be the easiest way to melt the candy melts. So instead…
Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go. Just follow the package instructions for melting. Usually, you heat and stir in 15-second intervals until the candy is melted and smooth enough for dipping.
Dip and Decorate Marshmallows
Dip the marshmallows in the melted candy melts, letting excess candy drip back into the bowl.
Immediately grab the sprinkles and decorate before the candy coating hardens. You can create polka dots all over the marshmallows with candy beads and shake little sprinkles or hearts all over. Maybe even sprinkle a little candy sugar on top.
Place the Valentine marshmallows in the marshmallow pop holder, and let the candy coating set.
Then they're ready to serve and enjoy!
One Important Melting Tip: Depending on the type of chocolate you use, some people like to add shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coat and stretches the chocolate a little further. If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can, though it’d probably be best to make them only 1-2 days in advance, so they don’t get stale.

How should I store marshmallow pops?

They should be stored in an airtight container in a slightly cooler environment. Not chilled in the fridge, but you want them to keep their shape and the candy to not melt… So you don’t want them next to a stove or oven.

Desserts
American
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January 28, 2017
Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies for Valentine’s Day
Remember when you were a kid and Valentine’s Day meant school parties with homemade Valentine boxes, gobs of Valentines, and yummy heart shaped treats like heart shaped chocolate whoopie pies?

With the holiday of love and hearts and sprinkled cupcakes just around the corner, Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a most scrumptious treat, as are heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes.

This Recipe Has a Story

This recipe happens to be my grandma’s recipe for chocolate whoopie pies.

We didn’t really call them whoopie pies. Ever. I’m not sure why.

But that’s really what they are. Only our icing is more of a creamy sugar cookie icing made with powdered sugar.

I think original whoopie pies have a sort of marshmallow cream icing. Either way, they’re one of my favorite cookies.

Grandma would mix these up and pop them in the oven. When they came out, the entire kitchen smelled like chocolate.

We’d smooth a bit of icing on one cookie and sandwich them together.

To this day, they’re still a family favorite. Her recipe lives on.

How to Make Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Below is the printable recipe.

You can make these round or heart shaped. To get the heart shape, I used a Wilton heart shaped whoopie pie pan.

If you don’t want to buy the pan, I imagine you could use a heart shaped cookie cutter to form each shape with dough. Just be sure to remove the cookie cutter before baking.

This is the most scrumptious cookie… If I could call it the king of cookies (besides my favorite chocolate chip cookies), I totally would. Enjoy!

MORE VALENTINE TREATS YOU’LL LOVE
- Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie treats
- Valentine snack cakes
Pack up your treats and Valentines in a DIY dinosaur Valentine box, and carry them to school.
Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Chocolate sandwich cookies are a favorite family recipe passed down from generation to generation. Whether you call them sandwich cookies or whoopie pies, Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies really do make a yummy Valentine's Day treat.
Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups cane sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
Icing:
2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup whole milk
3 cups powdered sugar
Cookies:
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
Cream (or mix) the butter and sugar together.
Then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Whisk or sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. If the batter is too thin, you may need to add just a bit more flour.
Spray the whoopie pie pan with cooking spray. Drop 1-2 teaspoonfuls of cookie dough into each heart and smooth out.
Bake at 350° F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and place on a wire rack to cool.
Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Add the milk to the mixture.
Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go. You want a good consistency, not too runny or the cookies will slide apart; you want the icing thick enough to stay on the cookie but not so thick that it breaks the cookies apart when trying to spread it. Once everything is mixed together, the icing should be smooth and creamy, free of any lumps.
After the cookies have cooled, sandwich them together with the icing.
Serve and enjoy!
Valentine’s Day
American
chocolate whoopie pies, heart shaped chocolate whoopie pies, heart shaped whoopie pies, Valentine whoopie pies
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January 20, 2017
Little Debbie Valentine Snack Cakes
Learn how to make a copycat version of sweet Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes. Heart shaped cakes are layered with a vanilla white creme filling inside and covered with a pink shell on the outside. They’re the perfect treat for a Valentine’s Day party!

Little Debbie Valentine Cakes… Who doesn’t love these scrumptious little cakes covered in a sweet pink shell?

Along with Christmas Tree Cakes, these heart snack cakes are one of my favorite Little Debbie treats. I say treat because they are an every once in a while treat, something to look forward to.

That being said, my boys have been trying to get me to try making more than a few Little Debbie copycat recipes for not just one but a few of our favorite Little Debbie treats. Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, what better time to try making Little Debbie Be My Valentine Snack Cakes than now?

If you’re looking for more heart shaped treats, you’ll love these heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes and heart shaped Rice Krispie treats. Pack up your Valentines in a sweet dinosaur Valentine’s Day box.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk about a few of the ingredients…
- Cake Mix – While I prefer to use cherry chip cake mix because it gives a slightly pink tone to the cakes and I love the flavor of cherry chip, you can use any flavor you want. White cake mix or strawberry cake mix are a couple of yummy options that come to mind. You can even make Little Debbie Valentine chocolate cakes; use a chocolate cake mix or use this homemade chocolate cupcakes recipe for a moist chocolate snack cake.
- Cream Cheese – I recommend using full fat cream cheese vs. low fat.
- Butter – Use real salted butter rather than margarine; margarine will change the texture and outcome of your cakes.
- Marshmallow Fluff – You can use any marshmallow cream, but I love actual Fluff brand. Holy cow, the creamy factor that Marshmallow Fluff adds to frosting is ah-mazing.
- Candy Melts – If making pink Valentine’s Day Little Debbie cakes, you’ll want pink and white candy melts… Pink for the coating, white for the little decorative dribbles on top.
How to Make Little Debbie Valentine Snack Cakes

I had to think about this recipe for quite a while before attempting to make it; if you think of it like cupcakes, it’s really pretty simple to make.

First, Make Heart Shaped Cakes:
1. Mix the cake mix according to the package directions.
2. Spray a heart shaped mini cakes pan with cooking spray. Then fill the heart shapes in the pan with batter, about 2/3 of the way full.
3. Bake according to package directions for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
4. Remove the cakes from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.
Next Mix the Filling:
1. Mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
2. Add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
3. Then add in Marshmallow Fluff, making sure all the ingredients are mixed.
4. Once the cakes have cooled, slice them in half horizontally, add a layer of creme, and sandwich them back together.
Now Coat the Snack Cakes:
1. Melt the pink candy melts, according to package directions. Note: It can be difficult to shake excess candy coating off the cakes as you’re dipping and rolling, and the coating may need to be just a bit thinner; it may help to add a tablespoon of shortening to it during the melting process.
2. Gently dip (or roll) the cake sandwiches, one at a time, in the melted candy coating.
3. Set each dipped cake on wax paper. You may need to spoon a bit of candy coating on top of each cake once you’ve set it on the wax paper.
4. Once all the heart cakes have been coated, allow them to chill in the refrigerator until the coating has hardened.
5. Then melt the white candy melts, according to package directions.
6. Drizzle over the top of each cake in whatever pattern you desire. I used a bottle with a cake tip for this step.
7. Again, allow to chill until the candy coating has fully hardened.
These sweet little snack cakes were a hit with my boys, which is really what mattered. The cakes were gone in no time.

More Valentine’s Day Recipes
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!
Little Debbie Valentine Snack Cakes

How to make a copycat version of Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes, pink heart shaped cakes layered with a vanilla white creme filling.
Heart Shaped Muffin Pan
Cake –
15.25 ounces Cherry Chip cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
Filling –
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup Marshmallow Fluff
Coating –
12 ounces pink candy melts
12 ounces white candy melts
Cake –
Mix the cake mix according to the package directions.
Spray the pan with cooking spray. Then fill the heart shapes in the pan with batter, about 2/3 of the way full.
Bake according to package directions for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.
Filling-
Mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
Add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Then add in Marshmallow Fluff, making sure all the ingredients are mixed.
Once the cakes have cooled, slice them in half horizontally, add a layer of creme, and sandwich them back together.
Coating –
Melt the pink candy melts, according to package directions. See Notes below.
Gently dip (or roll) the cake sandwiches, one at a time, in the melted candy coating.
Set each dipped cake on wax paper. You may need to spoon a bit of candy coating on top of each cake once you've set it on the wax paper.
Once all the heart cakes have been coated, allow them to chill in the refrigerator until the coating has hardened.
Then melt the white candy melts, according to package directions.
Drizzle over the top of each cake in whatever pattern you desire. I used a bottle with a cake tip for this step.
Again, allow to chill until the candy coating has fully hardened.
Store the pink heart snack cakes in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
It can be difficult to shake excess candy coating off the cakes as you’re dipping and rolling, and the coating may need to be just a bit thinner; it may help to add a tablespoon of shortening to it during the melting process.

Desserts
American
Be My Valentine snack cakes, heart snack cakes, Little Debbie copycat recipe, Little Debbie heart cakes, Little Debbie Valentine cakes, Little Debbie Valentine heart cakes, Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes, Valentine snack cakes, Valentine’s Day Little Debbie cakes
January 17, 2017
The Best Most Scrumptious Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
When I was about 12, we went from living in the city to living “in the country.” We lived on a farm in a charming old 2-story farmhouse.

My room had no heat or insulation (though I did have a very comfy electric blanket to keep me warm). So on really cold winter days, I’d spend my time in the kitchen; that’s how I developed my love for baking.

I remember many a time rolling out dough for my mom and grandma’s cinnamon rolls recipe.

Family Recipes Are the Best

My mom taught me how to make these cinnamon rolls. Every time I make a batch, I re-live those days in the old farmhouse.

I loved rolling them out on the old pull-out wooden cutting board in our farmhouse kitchen, filling them up with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. Raisins are very important; the more the merrier, according to my dad (and me).

Then I’d carefully roll up the dough and slice rolls.

Then place each roll in a baking pan.

This recipe also happens to be my grandma’s bread rolls recipe with just a few extra steps added to make cinnamon rolls.

Homemade cinnamon rolls make the perfect breakfast treat, especially on a cold day when it’s nice and warm inside.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Watch this video to see step-by-step how to make these scrumptious cinnamon rolls.

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for an easier version of this delectable treat, you’ll love these easy biscuit cinnamon rolls or cinnamon biscuits.

And if you’re looking for holiday recipe inspiration, check out my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.
Mama’s Cinnamon Rolls

Cozy up with the best most scrumptious cinnamon rolls recipe ever! Homemade cinnamon rolls make the perfect breakfast treat, especially on a cold day when it's nice and warm inside.
Dough:
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon cane sugar
1/2 cup warm water
2/3 cup cane sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups warm water
6 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup cane sugar
3/4 cup raisins
Icing:
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
5 cups powdered sugar
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside in a warm place, where it will bubble and rise.
Cream (or mix) together 2/3 cup sugar with the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
Add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture, along with an additional 1 1/2 cups warm water.
Sift the flour and salt together in a separate large bowl.
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, and mix well. For this step, I like to use the dough hook on my stand mixer.
Turn the dough into a large greased bowl or stockpot, and let it rise to the top or almost to the top (may take 2 to 3 hours). Keep the bowl or pan covered.
Once the dough has risen, grease a 9×13 baking dish and an 8×8 baking dish.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Coat generously with flour by turning and shaping. No kneading is necessary. Roll the dough out to the desired thickness, about 1/2 inch or more.
Brush the melted butter onto the dough.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar.
Sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar mixture all over the buttered dough, and sprinkle on the raisins.
Somewhat tightly, roll the dough into a long, thick roll.
Then slice it into approximately 1-inch wide pieces.
Place the cinnamon rolls, face up, into the greased pans, and let the rolls rise for 2-3 hours.
Once the rolls have risen, pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
Bake the rolls at 350° F for about 10 to 15 minutes; then cover with foil, and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the middle to cook thru without burning the tops.
To make the icing, mix together the softened butter and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
Add the milk to the mixture.
Then slowly mix in the powdered sugar. You want the icing to be thin enough to brush onto the cinnamon rolls.
Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven, and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Keep the rolls in the pan.
Brush the icing onto the tops of the cinnamon rolls, and serve them immediately.
*Sometimes before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture, I’ll save back a little less than half the dough to make regular bread rolls.

Breads & Muffins, Breakfast & Brunch
American
cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls
Can’t make them just yet? That’s ok! Pin the recipe for later!
January 12, 2017
30+ Super Easy Appetizers for a Crowd
Super easy appetizers anyone can make, perfect for your holiday party. This list of 30+ recipes includes finger food appetizers, quick and easy dips, and more. Who doesn’t love the bite-sized deliciousness of a simple appetizer?

The holidays mean loads of holiday parties and events with loads of finger foods. It’s a great time to have an arsenal of easy appetizer recipes, like leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls, you can turn to when you need something quick and easy.

This list of simple appetizers is a list of recipes that aren’t just easy; they’re really delicious too.

In fact, sometimes we make finger foods and appetizers just because we want to, no party plans in sight. Did I mention they’re great for game day too?

I’m definitely adding these appetizers to my lists of favorite Easter recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, and Christmas recipes.

What Can I Bring to a Party Last Minute?

When it comes to easy party foods and finger foods, you want to keep it as simple as possible but still make sure it tastes good. Keep it simple with as few ingredients as possible, and hopefully ingredients you already have on hand.

Great options for simple appetizers and good finger foods include…
- Pinwheels
- Bacon wrapped anything
- Cheese and crackers
- Apples and cheese
- Meatballs – These baked Italian cauliflower meatballs are my favorite.
- Little Smokies
- Raw vegetables and dip
- Easy dips – like this creamy bbq chicken dip.
… And the list goes on.

Planning Easy Appetizers

When planning easy apps for a crowd, there are 4 things you need to think about.

1. Timing

What appetizers can sit out, which ones can you make ahead, can you freeze any ahead of time, and are there appetizers that need to be made last minute right before the party or event? Figuring out the timing of making all the appetizers will help you plan an appetizer menu that works for you, not against you. It’ll also help you know how to give people tasks when they ask how they can help.

2. Serving

How much of each appetizer do you need to make? How many people will be in attendance, and how much will you need per person? Think serving sizes; also think about making extra on the most popular appetizers people love the most.

Once you figure out how many and how much, you’ll need to think about serving dishes, platters, bowls, and such. Also plates, napkins, and utensils needed.

3. Dietary Restrictions

Yeah, dietary restrictions can be a major bummer, but think about your guests who are living with those food restrictions… Even more of a bummer for them if there’s nothing they can eat. Ask your guests if they have any restrictions, and try to plan a few appetizers or snacks they can enjoy, as well. Think about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.

4. Can You Turn the Party into an Appetizer Potluck?

Instead of doing all the work yourself, ask everyone to bring their favorite snacks, dips, and finger foods. Talk about cheap easy appetizers… Less work for you and everyone involved, and everyone gets to graze on their favorites. It’s a win-win!

Finger Food Appetizers

Super simple bites and foods you can eat with your fingers… Sometimes I’d rather have the appetizers over the main meal. Your guests will feel the same with this delicious array.
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/dill-pickle-ham-roll-ups/” newtab=”0″ name=”1. Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups” summary=”<p>Whip up a batch of dill pickle ham roll ups in 10 minutes or less. These easy to make pinwheels make perfect snacks and party appetizers.</p>” image=”56265″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/apple-cheese-and-crackers/” newtab=”0″ name=”2. Apple Cheese and Crackers” summary=”<p>Top crackers with apple slices and cheddar to make apple cheese and crackers, an easy snack and basic appetizer idea grown-ups and kids will love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56342″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/bacon-wrapped-apples-with-cheese/” newtab=”0″ name=”3. Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese” summary=”<p>All you need are 4 ingredients to make bacon wrapped apples with cheese. Insanely delicious, easy appetizer recipe, perfect for a party.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56195″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://theforkedspoon.com/bacon-wrapped-shrimp/” name=”4. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp” summary=”<p>Delicious bite-sized bacon wrapped shrimp are the best quick and easy appetizer, perfect for game day, holidays, and special occasions. Made with juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, then brushed with a sweet and spicy honey Cajun glaze.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56435″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://nibbleanddine.com/smoked-salmon-canapes/” name=”5. Smoked Salmon Canapés” summary=”<p>Smoked salmon canapés are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer with only 8 ingredients; and you can make them in about 15 minutes! </p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56436″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/maple-bourbon-grilled-shrimp-kabobs/” newtab=”0″ name=”6. Maple Bourbon Shrimp Skewers” summary=”<p>Easy recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs marinated with the most delicious, two ingredient, maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade, then skewered with pineapple chunks and thrown on the grill.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”34952″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/maple-sausage-stuffed-pastry-bites/” newtab=”0″ name=”7. Maple Sausage Stuffed Pastry Bites” summary=”<p>Maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, made with cream cheese and spinach, are the ultimate appetizer and finger food idea for your holiday party.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”32369″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/appetizer-recipe-taco-bites/” newtab=”0″ name=”8. Taco Bites” summary=”<p>Little taco bites snacks are super easy to make, and they contain fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”21975″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/chicken-dip-pinwheels-appetizer/” newtab=”0″ name=”9. Chicken Dip Pinwheels” summary=”<p>Chicken dip pinwheels may be bite-sized, but they pack a delicious, flavor-filled punch. Add a little lettuce for a bit of green, and you've got an appetizer your guests will love.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”24801″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://confessionsofparenting.com/cranberry-brie-bites/” name=”10. 15 Minute Cranberry Brie Bites” summary=”<p>Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! With a beautiful cranberry sauce over melted brie in Filo shells, these simple cranberry appetizers are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56422″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://budgetdelicious.com/buffalo-chicken-meatballs/” name=”11. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs” summary=”<p>Enjoy the great taste of Buffalo wings in convenient meatball form!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56423″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://xoxobella.com/homemade-mini-pizza-bagel-bites/” name=”12. Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites” summary=”<p>Once you know how to make bagel bites, you'll want to rustle up this bite size pizza snack all the time. Homemade mini pizza bagel bites are a great lunch, snack or appetizer. Give these easy DIY pizza bagels a try!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56424″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/crispy-bacon-wrapped-asparagus/” name=”13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus” summary=”<p>This oven baked bacon wrapped asparagus recipe includes tips to make it extra crispy, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56425″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/leftover-ham-and-stuffing-crescent-rolls/” newtab=”0″ name=”14. Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls” summary=”<p>Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”38063″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://crazyadventuresinparenting.com/2015/10/spinach-balls-great-for-football-entertaining.html” name=”15. Easy Spinach Balls” summary=”<p>Get ready for this delectable spinach balls recipe which can be made gluten-free or no-carb, easy peasy.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56427″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://blackberrybabe.com/2021/06/16/puff-pastry-wrapped-asparagus/” name=”16. Cheesy Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus” summary=”<p>Cheesy puff pastry wrapped asparagus is a wonderful side dish or great appetizer! This tasty recipe uses just 6 ingredients, including fresh asparagus.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56428″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://eatpicks.com/ham-roll-ups/” name=”17. Easy Ham Roll Ups” summary=”<p>This easy ham roll ups recipe is perfect for your next appetizer or snack set up. With only 3 ingredients of sliced ham, cream cheese, and green onion, you can serve retro ham pinwheels for any party or holiday table!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56429″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://inspiredbycharm.com/brie-fig-and-prosciutto-crostini/” name=”18. Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini” summary=”<p>Inspired by a charcuterie, the wonderful flavors of this brie, fig, and prosciutto crostini will delight you and your guests, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56430″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.simplystacie.net/air-fryer-crab-rangoon/” name=”19. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon” summary=”<p>Air fryer crab rangoon is a quick and easy appetizer that's ready to eat in less than 20 minutes. The wonton is crispy on the outside with creamy crab filling on the inside. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56432″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.wholesomeyum.com/bacon-wrapped-dates/” name=”20. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese” summary=”<p>Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese make a classic appetizer! Just 4 Ingredients to make this EASY bacon wrapped stuffed dates recipe.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56433″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://recipesfromapantry.com/corn-ribs-air-fryer/” name=”21. Corn Ribs Air Fryer Style” summary=”<p>Making corn ribs air fryer style is a fun twist on traditional corn on the cob. This infamous recipe really is the perfect appetizer, party food, snack, or side dish.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56434″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://thegirlinspired.com/charcuterie-cups/” name=”22. Charcuterie Cups” summary=”<p>Charcuterie cups provide a creative twist to the everyday charcuterie board! Load clear plastic cups with assorted snacks of choice for a decorative and fun hand-held party appetizer.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56482″]
Easy Party Dips

Don’t you just love a good dip? Family and friends will love these hot and cold dips that pair so well with tortilla chips, crackers, potato chips, fresh raw veggies, and more.
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/easy-chili-cheese-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”23. Easy Chili Cheese Dip” summary=”<p>How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”44118″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/bbq-chicken-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”24. Creamy BBQ Chicken Dip” summary=”<p>BBQ Chicken Dip, made with cream cheese, is an easy appetizer recipe. Pair it with tortilla chips for a delicious snack your friends and family will love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”33009″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/game-day-recipe-bacon-cheddar-bbq-ranch-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”25. Bacon Cheddar BBQ Ranch Dip” summary=”<p>Bacon cheddar bbq ranch dip is a tasty appetizer your guests will love. Pair with your favorite snacks, like chips, crackers, and raw vegetables!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”51736″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/snowman-pimento-cheese-ball-recipe/” newtab=”0″ name=”26. Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball” summary=”<p>Festive snowman pimento cheese ball you can serve with crackers, pretzels, or a fresh veggie tray. Perfect for a Christmas party!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”21525″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.saltysidedish.com/fiesta-corn-dip-with-rotel/” name=”27. Fiesta Corn Dip with Rotel” summary=”<p>Fiesta corn dip recipe with whole kernels of corn, green onions, and loads of cheddar cheese makes the perfect easy and cold large party dip. It's a no fail Mexican party dip that every one is sure to love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56483″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://julieblanner.com/creamy-spinach-dip-recipe/” name=”28. Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese” summary=”<p>Creamy spinach dip with cream cheese is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great last minute appetizer that feels anything but last minute.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56484″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://unsophisticook.com/chips-and-dip/” name=”29. Copycat Lawson’s Potato Chip Dip” summary=”<p>If you're a chips and dip junkie, you're going to love this out-of-this-world easy chip dip… AND it doubles as a delicious veggie dip!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56485″] [wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.westviamidwest.com/5-minute-crack-dip/” name=”30. 5 Minute Crack Dip” summary=”<p>This 5 minute crack dip comes together in 5 minutes and is perfect for serving with crackers. Ideal for holiday party appetizers, game day snacking, or just to serve with cocktails!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56486″]
Looking for More Easy Appetizer Recipes?

Here are a few more easy appetizer ideas you can add to party plans…

I love making leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers, especially after a holiday when I have plenty of leftovers. You can also catch me guest posting over at Around My Family Table, where I shared this super easy recipe for cranberry cream cheese appetizers.

I definitely want to try this recipe from The Salty Side Dish for Pinwheel Sandwiches with Cream Cheese. Yum! If you want a slow cooker dip you can throw together in minutes, CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Dip is just the thing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make These Yummy Appetizers

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

Apple Corer, Slicer, and Peeler

Serving Platter

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.
December 26, 2016
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
It’s been so long since I’ve actually made gingerbread cookies. We usually always make our family recipe for soft cut out sugar cookies, hot chocolate marshmallow cookies, Jacob’s favorite mint chocolate crinkle cookies, and our favorite reindeer thumbprint cookies.

But we hardly ever make gingerbread cookies. I’ve made them before, but they’ve always been either a really difficult recipe or frankly, just haven’t tasted that great.

Not so with this recipe. These cookies are slightly chewy with a somewhat crunchy edge. You are going to love it!

These chewy gingerbread cookies have disappeared from our cookie jar rather quickly. In fact, I’ve considered making another batch.

Though these cookies are cutout cookies, don’t let that stop you from making them. Like my grandma’s gingerbread loaf recipe, they’re so simple. I’m definitely adding this recipe to my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.

Kid-Friendly Recipe for Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

We actually have all sorts of things planned for this week (or rather, I have a few surprises up my sleeve).

The week before Christmas we usually do a little Christmas school, where instead of hitting the books, we do fun Christmas-y things, like make all sorts of goodies, start a Christmas puzzle, put together a gingerbread house, read Christmas books, go shopping for any last minute gifts, go see Christmas lights, and just spend time together.

Baking together is one of our favorite things.

With this recipe, we chose to make Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and stars.

Creating recipes like this gives opportunity to teach kids a few cooking skills… For instance, they can learn how to roll out dough. Warning: They may even fight over who gets to roll the dough.

They can also cut out the cookies and put them on the cookie sheet. My boys love to actually decorate cookies with Easy Sugar Cookie Icing, though I’m not sure how much decorating gets done vs. eating.

Looking for more Christmas cookie recipes?
You can find even more holiday recipes on my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations!

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Below you’ll find the printable recipe. This gingerbread cookie recipe is adapted from the Gingerbread Boys recipe in the old 1969 version of Betty Crocker’s Cookbook. Don’t you just love vintage cookbooks? Within the pages are treasures to be found.

I tweaked and added a few things to give the recipe my own touch. Also, just a helpful note, the cookies are even better the next day. I hope you enjoy!
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Grab the ingredients, a few decorations, and your family, and make Chewy Gingerbread Cookies together. They're scrumptious classic holiday treats inspired by a vintage cookbook.
Cookie Dough:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Cookie Icing:
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
6 cups powdered sugar
Gingerbread Cookies:
In a large mixing bowl, cream or mix together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, and dark brown sugar.
Add the molasses, milk, and lemon juice, mixing well.
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing well.
Cover the dough, and chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours.
Pre-heat the oven to 375° F.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, coating the dough with flour and kneading it until it's less sticky and more pliable.
Then roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out cookies with floured Christmas cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet, and bake at 375° F for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Cookie Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened salted butter and vanilla extract.
Add the milk to the mixture.
Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go; the finished icing should be smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Decorate the gingerbread cookies with icing, sprinkles, and nonpareils.
Christmas, Desserts
American
chewy gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, homemade gingerbread cookies
December 19, 2016
Yummy Snowman Marshmallow Pops Inspired by Winter
Christmas always gets me in a crafty mood, and more times than not it inspires me to make something for or with my boys. My middle child especially loves to craft and create, and these Snowman Marshmallow Pops, inspired by both Pinterest and winter, are definitely something we have to make during the holiday season.

This recipe is definitely going on my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.

Want to make them with your kids? You just need to gather a few supplies.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make Snowman Marshmallow Pops

Honestly, just let your imagination be your guide when gathering supplies. There are a few basics that you’ll want to have on hand, but as far as candy and the rest of your “sweet” decorations go, let your kids have fun with it and decide what to use.

Supplies and Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo marshmallows
Regular sized marshmallows
Mini marshmallows
Paper straws or cake pop sticks
Wilton Decorating icing in your favorite colors
Round cake tips w/ couplers
Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey’s Kisses (Hugs would work great too)
Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts
Cake Pop Decorating Stand (Wilton has a basic cardboard stand that is affordable and works great)

How to Make Snowman Marshmallow Pops

Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, it’s time to get creative. You can use a mix of different sized marshmallows to create your snowmen. I made some triple stack and some more roly-poly.

Trim the snowmen to your heart’s desire; the sky really is the limit once you get going because it’s really quite relaxing and fun. Place a Hershey Kiss on the top of the snowman to create a sort of stocking cap. Or you can use a Reese’s Mini to create more of a traditional “Frosty” hat.

Use mini marshmallows, a little icing, and smaller lengths of the Airheads candy to create earmuffs, or as my kids called them, “Awesome headphones.”

Also, use the Airheads belts to create scarves. Then decorate the snowmen with the Decorating Icing, forming carrot noses, eyes, smiles, and buttons.

This might be a fun activity for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Create a decorating table, and let all the kids create their own snowman treats.

Looking for more Christmas sweet treats?
Can’t make them just yet? Pin it for later!

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!

What candies and decorations would you use for your own Snowman Marshmallow Pops?
Snowman Marshmallow Pops

Use marshmallows of all sizes to make yummy snowman marshmallow pops. They're a scrumptious Christmas craft or holiday party idea, and kids love decorating these festive treats.
Cake Pop Sticks
Round Cake Tips
Cake Tip Couplers
Cake Pop Decorating Stand
16 jumbo marshmallows
16 marshmallows
Decorating Icing ((variety of colors))
16 Hershey Kisses ((or Hugs))
16 Mini Peanut Butter Cups
64 mini marshmallows
Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts
Place marshmallows on cake pop sticks; use a variety of large and jumbo marshmallows. You can make some triple stack, some with a jumbo body and large head, and so on.
To give the snowman a hat, use a Hershey Kiss or Mini Peanut Butter Cup, attaching either one with a dab of Decorating Icing.
To create earmuffs, cut smaller lengths of Airheads Sour Belts, long enough to drape over the snowman's head; dab Decorating Icing on 2 mini marshmallows, and attach 1 to each end of a shortened Sour Belt. Then place the earmuffs on the snowman.
Use the Airheads Sour Belts to create scarves around your snowman's neck.
Use Decorating Icing to decorate each snowman, forming carrot noses, eyes, smiles, and buttons.
This might be a fun activity for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Create a decorating table, and let all the kids create their own snowman treats.
Desserts
American
snowman marshmallow pops
December 17, 2016
30+ of the Most Scrumptious Classic Christmas Cookies Ever

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without my family’s traditional recipes, especially when it comes to classic Christmas cookies. I’m thinking of my mom’s Christmas sugar cookies, my favorite thumbprint cookies, and more.

Holiday cookies bring a touch of cozy to the season. There are so many delicious holiday recipes.

The Internet makes it really easy to swap recipes back and forth with people near and far. I love that, don’t you?!

As we embark upon the Christmas holiday, I hope you are enjoying every moment. Nothing says Christmas like tried and true, stand the test of time, traditional, classic Christmas cookies.

Below you’ll find a collection of 30 Classic Christmas Cookies to inspire your holiday season. Enjoy and Happy Baking!

Classic Christmas Cookies – Recipes 1-10

1. Slovak Christmas Honey & Spice Cookies by Kid World Citizen
2. Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
3. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&M’s by Creations by Kara

4. Red-Nosed Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies by Adventures of Mel
5. Pfeffernusse Cookies by Clever Pink Pirate
6. Traditional Spritz Cookies by Cincy Shopper

7. Ultimate Soft Chocolate Drop Cookies by The Baking ChocolaTess
8. Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies by Mom Endeavors
9. Christmas Candy Cane Cookies by Home Cooking Memories
10. Apricot Pinwheel Cookies by Create & Babble

Classic Christmas Cookies – Recipes 11-20

11. Gingerbread Cookies by The Kitchen is My Playground
12. Butter Almond Snowball Christmas Cookies by Adventures of Mel
13. Clementine and Clove Spritz Cookies by Wholefully

14. Easy Sugar Cookies by Blooming Homestead
15. Granny’s Hard Boiled Egg Cookies by The Ugly Duckling House
16. Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by Adventures of Mel

17. Peppermint Twist Macarons by Savory Experiments
18. Chewy Lemon Snowdrop Cookies by Wholefully
19. Linzer Thumbprint Cookies by Healthy Seasonal Recipes
20. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies by The Country Chic Cottage

Classic Christmas Cookies – Recipes 21-30

21. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies by Finding Zest
22. Shortbread Jam Thumbprint Cookies by Bless This Mess
23. Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies by Baking Beauty

24. Toffee Shortbread Cookies by Love to be in the Kitchen
25. Crumbly Walnut Crescent Cookies by Living Sweet Moments
26. Hot Chocolate Cookies by Big Bear’s Wife

27. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies by Smashed Peas and Carrots
28. Old Fashioned Snowball Cookies by To Simply Inspire
29. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by Today’s Creative Life
30. Cutout Sugar Cookies by Adventures of Mel

If you want even more holiday recipe inspiration, you may enjoy my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.

What’s your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?

December 8, 2016
How to Make a Festive Rice Krispies Snowman

One of my favorite magazines and one I’ve actually been subscribed to for awhile is Taste of Home. They always have the most down-to-earth, delicious recipes with beautiful photos that make my mouth water.

While browsing through an old issue awhile ago, I noticed a Rice Krispies ad with a recipe for Snap, Crackle, Snowmen from another reader.

These adorable holiday food crafts inspired our own festive Rice Krispies Snowman. I’ve since had so much fun making the cutest Christmas tree Rice Krispie treats, colorful Christmas Fruity Pebbles treats, and Rice Krispie Valentine treats.

While we didn’t follow the recipe to a T, we tried making these together and ended up having a LOT of fun. They are the perfect holiday project for kids. They’re definitely going on my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.

Make Rice Krispies Treats

First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, and plenty of candy embellishments.

Mix up the Rice Krispies Treats as usual. We did double the recipe, so we’d have enough treats for all of us to share in the fun.

Let the Rice Krispies cool just slightly but not too much.Then begin to form snowmen.

Rice Krispies Snowman

To make a snowman, form round treats for the head, middle, and base of the snowman; then put them together. The more the Rice Krispies cool, though, the harder it is to get them to form and stick; so, you definitely don’t want to wait long at all.

Decorate Your Rice Krispies Snowman

Lay out all your decorating treats in a candy bar of sorts.

We used spice drops, mini marshmallows, mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, sour strips, and mini pretzel sticks. Use the candies in creative ways to decorate your snowmen.

The boys had a blast decorating and came up with some pretty interesting characters.Jacob ended up with a chicken.

Jaden, well, I’m not sure what his was, but he was being silly, as usual.

He’s the comedian in the house; we’re always saying how he’s going to be a comedian when he grows up because he constantly makes everyone laugh.

Even Dan got in on the fun, even though he changed his snowman from a beach snowman to…. Well, I’m not sure.

The most important thing is we had fun.

These holiday treats are all hands on and are the perfect activity for a chilly afternoon during the holidays. They also make a great Advent activity.

Looking for more Christmas sweet treats?

Yummy Snowman Marshmallow Pops

Ritz Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Snowman in a Pudding Cup

Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries

Chocolate Covered Almond Coconut Trees

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pops

What treats or crafts are you enjoying this holiday season?

Disclosure: This holiday food craft was inspired by the original recipe found in Taste of Home Magazine.

November 29, 2016
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie
How to make southern sweet potato pie from Grandma’s recipe box. Simple and easy, old-fashioned, family favorite Thanksgiving dessert from scratch.

This delicious southern sweet potato pie recipe is one I’m sharing from my grandmother’s recipe box (though I’ve tweaked it just a bit). The recipe card actually has my Aunt Jennie’s name written at the top, along with a date from 1980.

As a little girl, we would often visit family in Texas, including my Great Aunt Jennie. Aunt Jennie was one of a kind, and it was always fun going to see her.

While I’ve never been a huge fan of sweet potatoes, I do love me some good old-fashioned sweet potato pie… And apple crumble pie and classic pecan pie and caramel custard pie, yum!

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, and you’ve got a very yummy holiday dessert.

This southern style sweet potato pie is super easy to make, and it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. But unless you’re using canned sweet potato, be sure to cook your sweet potatoes beforehand and have them ready to go; I prefer to cook my sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.

Also… Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is just as much a holiday staple as sweet potato pie.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

If you’d rather skip all of my baking 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.

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DOES SWEET POTATO PIE TASTE LIKE PUMPKIN PIE?

Sweet potato pie is basically a sweet potato custard pie. So, yes, it’s a lot like your classic old-fashioned pumpkin pie, only it’s made with sweet potatoes.

It has the same look, a similar taste (personally, I think it’s better than pumpkin pie), and a very similar texture.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Pie crust
- Sweet potato purée
- Eggs
- Flour (all-purpose flour OR a cup for cup gluten-free flour)
- Sugar
- Salted butter
- Evaporated milk
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
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

Glass Measuring Cup – for measuring out liquids.

Pie Plate

Pie Shield or Aluminum Foil – to keep the edges of your crust from burning.

Baking Tester – Check whether your pie (or cake) is done.

Wire Rack – for cooling the pie.

Pie Server

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

HOW TO PREP FRESH SWEET POTATOES FOR PIE

You can either boil, pressure cook, or bake the sweet potatoes.

If you decide to boil or pressure cook the sweet potatoes, you’ll need to wash and peel them before you cook them. If you decide to bake them, you can bake them in the skins, and then remove the skins after they’ve cooled.

Then just purée the sweet potatoes in a blender or with an immersion blender to get them ready for pie. You’ll want a smooth, creamy texture to your sweet potato purée.

To make the whole process easier, I usually just pressure cook the sweet potatoes in my Instant Pot, then peel them and mash them up, right in the pot, with my immersion blender.

HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO PIE

Before you get started, just make sure you’ve got your mashed sweet potatoes and an unbaked pie crust ready to go. Let’s talk about the crust and the filling…

MAKING THE PIE CRUST:

If you prefer a traditional roll-out crust, this pie crust is the way to go. If you want to keep it easy, try making this easy no-roll pie crust.

You may also want to buy or make a pie shield to keep the edges of your crust from burning.

MAKING SWEET POTATO PIE FILLING:
1. Using a mixer, mix together the sweet potato purée, eggs, flour, sugar, softened butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Add in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whipping the mixture until it’s blended well. You may need to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl and mix again.
Then just pour the batter into your prepared, unbaked pie shell.

Bake according to the instructions in the recipe card below. Then allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.

Once your pie has cooled, I recommend chilling it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing into it. This is one pie that just gets better and better the next day and the day after that.

Once it’s chilled, you can slice it, add a dollop of whipped cream, and you’re all set to enjoy every bite, along with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Nothing like coffee to bring all the flavors full circle!

CAN I USE CANNED SWEET POTATO TO MAKE THIS PIE?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potato, which is certainly easier to do.

Though I still prefer to use fresh sweet potatoes for the flavor. They just require a little more prep work.

IS SOUTHERN STYLE SWEET POTATO PIE GLUTEN-FREE?

You can absolutely make it gluten-free by substituting a good cup for cup gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. And then also make the pie crust with gluten-free flour.

Also, be sure to check labels on any of the above ingredients, just to be safe, especially the spices you use.

HOW TO TELL WHEN SWEET POTATO PIE IS DONE

You can use a toothpick, table knife, or cake tester to see if your pie is done, but being that this is more of a sweet potato custard pie, you may still see a bit of residue on your tester. So this may not be an accurate way of telling whether or not it’s done.

When you go to take it out of the oven, your pie should still be a little bit jiggly. If it’s more than just a little jiggly, it needs more time in the oven.

It’s a delicate balance between under-baking and over-baking when it comes to custard pie. On one hand, you don’t want it to be uncooked in the middle; on the other hand, you don’t want it to crack and be too dry.

The pie will continue to cook even when you take it out of the oven. As it cools, it will firm up; placing it in the fridge after cooling will help even more.

If you’re looking for more holiday recipes, you’ll find a whole slew of them on my lists of the Thanksgiving Recipes and the Christmas Recipes.

CAN YOU FREEZE SWEET POTATO PIE?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

You may also want to make it in a pie dish you don’t plan to use again before you take the pie out of the freezer; or use a disposable aluminum pie plate.

The Kitchn has a great tutorial on how to freeze pumpkin pie with all sorts of helpful tips that would work just as well for sweet potato pie.

GET THE PRINTABLE SWEET POTATO PIE RECIPE

If you love this 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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Southern Sweet Potato Pie

How to make southern sweet potato pie from Grandma's recipe box. Simple and easy, old-fashioned, family favorite Thanksgiving dessert from scratch.
2 cups sweet potato purée
2 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 single pie crust (unbaked)
Using a mixer, mix together the sweet potato purée, eggs, flour, sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
Add in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whipping the mixture until it’s blended well. You may need to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl and mix again.
Pour the mixture into your prepared and unbaked pie crust.
Bake the pie at 350° F for about 1 hour, or until it’s firm.
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.
Once your pie has cooled, I recommend chilling it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing it. This is one pie that just gets better and better the next day and the day after that.
Once it’s chilled, you can slice it, add a dollop of whipped cream, and serve.
*You can use canned sweet potato if you want. Though I still prefer to use fresh sweet potatoes for the flavor. They just require a little more prep work. You can either boil, pressure cook, or bake the sweet potatoes. To make the whole process easier, I usually make Instant Pot sweet potatoes, then peel them and mash them up, right in the pot, with my immersion blender.

**You can make this pie gluten-free by substituting a good cup for cup gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. And then also make the pie crust with gluten-free flour. Also, be sure to check labels on any of the above ingredients, just to be safe, especially the spices you use.

5. When you go to take it out of the oven, your pie should still be a little bit jiggly. If it’s more than just a little jiggly, it needs more time in the oven. It’s a delicate balance between under-baking and over-baking when it comes to custard pie. On one hand, you don’t want it to be uncooked in the middle; on the other hand, you don’t want it to crack and be too dry. The pie will continue to cook even when you take it out of the oven. As it cools, it will firm up; and placing it in the fridge after cooling will help even more.

Can you freeze sweet potato pie?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

Desserts, Pies & Pastries
American
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November 7, 2016
Apple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix for On-the-Go
Lately, I feel like we’re run ragged; we’re constantly on-the-go between doctor’s appointments, activities, homeschool co-op, and other everyday adventures. With our eating habits in even more of a changing state, I’ve really been trying to up our snack game, so we have healthier things to snack on, like trail mix, readily available.

I’ve found that through the week, if it’s not easy(ish), we just won’t take the time. So, it’s important to set the stage over the weekend for healthier eating habits by prepping certain foods and snacks. With all the outdoor activities our family enjoys, trail mix is a definite win in the snack cabinet.

This trail mix pairs perfectly with so many of the outdoor activities we love to do, like camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

I’ve found myself craving certain autumn flavors, things like pumpkin and all the apple recipes with the flavors of apple cinnamon. It was only natural to create a trail mix with a slight hint of fall.

This trail mix is full of yummy, energy boosting bites and it’s great because we can all enjoy it, including Dan who’s gone completely low carb, no sugar with his food choices. He may wanna leave the apple cinnamon bites alone (and maybe even the pistachios… Who knew they had a tad bit of sugar?), but the almonds, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds are fair game.

Below is the printable recipe. Enjoy and let me know if you decide to make it!
Apple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix for On-the-Go

Apple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix is full of yummy, energy-boosting bites with a slight taste of fall, in case you’re craving autumn flavors. It’s an easy snack recipe you can prep ahead of time and grab on-the-go.
1 1/2 cups roasted pumpkin seeds
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 1/2 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup Golden Flaxseed
1 1/2 cups Apple Cinnamon Bites (these are dried fruit bites I found in our local produce section)
Mix all ingredients together, and store in a re-sealable bag or tightly closed container.
Eat on-the-go and enjoy!
Sweet Snacks
American
apple cinnamon trail mix, homemade trail mix, pumpkin seed trail mix, trail mix
Not ready to make it just yet? It’s ok. Pin it for later!
October 9, 2016
Scrumptiously Healthy Nut Butter and Chocolate Granola Bars
The last few weeks have brought a lot of “lemons” into our lives. You know the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” If taking charge and grabbing life by the horns entails making lemonade, then I guess that’s where we’re at right now. This recipe for granola bars comes from a desire to provide my guys with more “healthy” to snack on. It was born from all the lemons life’s thrown our way here lately.

Healthy doesn’t have to equal expensive or difficult either. In fact, this recipe is probably going to be a favorite for years to come. I can’t believe I hadn’t made my own granola bars sooner. It’s so easy, and I know every single ingredient that’s in these little buggers.

From natural peanut butter to a li’l bit of honey, flaxseed meal, almonds, oats, and dark chocolate chips, they are one scrumptious snack filled with both protein and a li’l fiber.

They even satisfy the sweet tooth but definitely not in a too-sweet way.

More snack bar recipes you may love: No Bake Peanut Butter Bars.

Below you’ll find the printable recipe. Enjoy!
Nut Butter and Chocolate Granola Bars

Healthy doesn’t equal expensive or difficult. No-Bake Nut Butter and Chocolate Granola Bars are healthy snacks, filled with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Grab the easy recipe for these scrumptious treats!
1 cup natural peanut butter (or another nut butter)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 1/3 cups old-fashioned oats
6 ounces semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
Add peanut butter and honey to medium-sized saucepan and warm on stove, mixing together ’til creamy.
Remove from heat, and right away, stir in flaxseed meal, sliced almonds, oats, and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips may melt a bit, but they really give the bars a nice, chocolatey texture.
Press mixture into square 8×8 pan.
Cover and place in fridge for about an hour.
Cut into bars, serve, and enjoy!
Sweet Snacks
American
chocolate granola bars, homemade granola bars, nut butter granola bars
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September 12, 2016
The Best Peach Cobbler Ever, Made in a Cast Iron Skillet
Every time I make this cobbler, it just seems to get better and better. When I made this particular one to share as a recipe, I kid you not, my guys pretty much devoured it in a day.

I really do need to be more strategic about when I make this and make it when we’re about to have company, so we don’t eat it all ourselves. I did get a little bit… just a li’l.

And I must say that you can’t have peach cobbler without a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It just wouldn’t be the same.

So, if you plan to make this, get to the store and get yourself a carton of ice cream to go with it; or better yet, make homemade vanilla ice cream.

Wanna make dessert over the campfire too? Here’s an easy peach cobbler recipe! I also make a campfire cherry cobbler, and with just 2 ingredients, you can make cast iron blueberry cobbler.

If you love peaches, you’ll love this peaches and cream Instant Pot oatmeal recipe.

Peach cobbler is probably the easiest recipe, besides chocolate chip cookies, you could ever make. Ingredients are simple and the crust is a press-in crust, my favorite type of pie crust.

The more tedious part is peeling and slicing the peaches, but even that isn’t bad. Fair warning, though… If you don’t watch it, you may not have as many peaches in your cobbler as you first started out with… They’re hard to resist.

You can use a regular baking dish. I’ve made this in a round glass casserole dish for years, but while I was pregnant and more prone to anemia, we really started using more cast iron for cooking. So, I decided to give Dan’s favorite skillet a try.

A cast iron skillet makes a super delicious cobbler.

Looking for more pie recipes?
If you prefer a traditional roll-out crust, you may enjoy this pie crust. If you wanna keep it easy, you may enjoy my Easy Shortcut No-Roll Pie Crust.

Below is a printable recipe. If you decide to make it, you’ll have to let me know how long it lasted in your house. Enjoy!
The Best Peach Cobbler Ever, Made in a Cast Iron Skillet

Peach cobbler is probably the easiest dessert recipe you could ever make. Ingredients are simple, with a press-in crust! Bake it up in your favorite cast iron skillet, serve with vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear.
Crust:
2 cups flour
3-4 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3-4 tbsp. milk
Filling:
8-12 peaches
1/2-2/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 tbsp. corn starch
1/4 cup salted butter
1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring down to 375 degrees.
For the crust, combine dry ingredients and set aside.
Combine softened butter and milk in smaller bowl.
Add to dry ingredients, stirring with a fork.
Set aside 1/4 of dough for topping.
Press the rest of the dough into a baking dish or large cast iron skillet. Press up the sides until the crust covers the dish or skillet.
Wash, peel, and slice peaches.
Add in sugar, salt, corn starch, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Pour peach mixture into crust, and top with sliced butter.
Finally, crumble your saved crust topping over the peach mixture.
Bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour, until crust is golden brown.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Pies & Pastries
American
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August 6, 2016
Fruit Pizza Bites with Puff Pastry Cups
Lately I’ve felt the need to do more with my Jaden to both spend more time with him and keep him busy through the day. Since Baby Zeke was born, we’ve been pretty consumed with everything baby. If I let Jaden, he would stay on electronics or watch tv all day long. Sure, he loves to go outside, go swimming, and play with his army men; but he can get sucked into electronics like nobody’s business. This week we’ve made a couple of treats together, including these yummy Fruit Pizza Bites. Made with Puff Pastry Cups, they’re the perfect summery bite-sized treat, and they’re so easy to make.

Fruit Pizza is one of my kids’ favorite desserts, especially Jacob. He usually asks for it every birthday. These bite-sized fruit pizzas are a spin-off of our favorite dessert, made with berries. They’re perfectly kid-friendly to make, and you can whip up a batch in hardly any time at all.

Baking the Puff Pastry Cups according to package directions is your first step. When they come out of the oven, use the tip of a wooden spoon to smash down the middle of each cup. Once they’ve cooled, add a tiny dollop of the cream cheese mixture. Then top with a berry… …or in true Jaden fashion, a pyramid of berries. Yum! That’s all there is to it. They’re so fun to make and eat.

Below you’ll find the printable recipe. Enjoy!

Looking for more no bake pastry and pie recipes?
Fruit Pizza Bites with Puff Pastry Cups

Fruit Pizza Bites, made with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, is a spin-off made with Puff Pastry Cups, and it’s so kid-friendly to make, perfect for summer. Grab the printable recipe!
1 box Puff Pastry Cups
1 8 oz. box cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Strawberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Bake the Puff Pastry Cups according to package directions.
When they come out of the oven, use the tip of a wooden spoon to smash down the middle of each cup.
Once they’ve cooled, add a tiny dollop of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each Puff Pastry Cup.
Wash all berries.
Prep strawberries by stemming and slicing.
Top each cup with a berry, or if desired, a pyramid of berries.
Serve and enjoy!
Desserts
American
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How do you keep your kids busy and active? Share your best tips in the comments below!

Can’t make them just yet? Pin the recipe for later!
July 1, 2016
10+ Scrumptious Recipes Using Leftover Baby Food

Who would have thought that leftover baby food would make a fantastic ingredient for all sorts of scrumptious recipes? I know I didn’t, back when my older boys graduated to regular food from baby cereal and baby food. It just wasn’t something I’d ever really thought about.

Going through a few rough patches in our life together has really given us a desire to not waste anything… I won’t say we never waste anything, but we’re a lot more mindful of it and it stings when something is wasted.

Now that we’re about to have another baby, I’ve stocked up on a few things, and some of those things I’m already using in scrumptious recipes we can enjoy now.

The ideas are endless. There are so many ways you can use baby oatmeal, from adding it to smoothies, breads, cookies, meatballs… No chucking that box of baby cereal when baby’s done with it. Instead, I’ll find delicious ways to add that nutrition to different recipes we create, whether for meal time, snacks, or dessert.

Below are several ideas for using Gerber baby food and baby cereal in different recipes. I can’t wait to try a lot of these myself.

Scrumptious Recipes Using Baby Food or Baby Cereal

1. Blueberry Oat Crumb Bread by Mommy Snippets
2. Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites by Arts & Crackers
3. Berry Oatmeal Bread by Mommy Hates Cooking
4. Sweet and Savory Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal Crepes by Adventures of Mel
5. 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bites by The Frugal Mom
6. Homemade Baby Cereal Bars with Fruit by This Mama Loves
7. Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles for Breakfast or Dessert by Ginger Casa
8. Banana Berry Oatmeal Muffins by Mommy’s Fabulous Finds
9. 3 Ingredient Breakfast Cookies by Nerdy Mamma
10. Morning Glory Muffins by Espresso and Cream
11. Strawberry and Blueberry Pancake Muffins by Kat Balog

For more recipes and ideas for using leftover baby food, be sure to follow the #CookingwithGerber hashtag on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of social media.

May 21, 2016
Sweet and Savory Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal Crepes
Do you enjoy crepes but, like me, have never made them? Don’t let that stop you. When it comes to crepes, I’m not gonna lie… I’d never made them before this recipe came to fruition in the ongoing list of ideas going through my head at any given time. But I have to say, I believe I’m sold on making crepes. They’re so easy to make and scrumptious too. I love that they can be made savory or sweet, meaning every person in my family is happy. What originally inspired these crepes was Gerber Oatmeal Cereal. Yet another inspiration point for these particular crepes was the fact that strawberries are ripening across Northwest Arkansas, and my boys wanted to go pick berries. Berries, oatmeal, my desire for a new recipe… You get the picture.

I normally love berry picking every year, but this year my 9 month pregnant belly is kinda hindering me in some ways, including bending over to pick a whole flat of berries. But that didn’t stop us from going and letting the boys pick ’til they had a crate full of red, juicy berries that looked oh so good. It didn’t take them long because the berries were in abundance and absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t resist picking a few myself.

Now, as for Gerber Oatmeal Cereal Single-Grain (because that’s what I used in this recipe)… My boys were all excited when they came in the kitchen and they asked me what I was making. Then my oldest saw the baby cereal sitting on the table. He was a bit skeptical… “Baby food in crepes?” Once he tried a bite, though, I’ll tell you, his skepticism didn’t keep him from eating and enjoying every bite of scrumptious strawberry crepe. Our first ever batch of homemade crepes was a hit!

I love the fact that not only can I keep this cereal stocked in my cabinet for this third baby boy that’s about to make his way into our family, but I can cook other things with said cereal, as well. We used baby cereal with both Jacob and Jaden, and I plan to use it again with this one; it was a great way of introducing them to solid foods, not to mention satisfying their hungry little bellies. If you have leftover baby cereal, it’s a great way to add nutrients (like iron, B vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc, and calcium) to different recipes, including desserts or sweet treats. I’m looking forward to making my next batch of muffins and subbing in a bit of nutrient rich cereal for part of the flour. You’ll find 4 different kinds of Gerber cereal that make great recipe substitutions at Walmart… MultiGrain Cereal, Oatmeal & Banana Cereal, Lil’ Bits Oatmeal Banana Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cereal Single-Grain.

Back to the crepes…

This crepe recipe is similar to a pancake recipe, only it uses a slightly thinner batter, that and there’s no baking powder or baking soda. That way the crepes can really spread out in the pan without puffing up into pancake form. I added crushed strawberries to the crepe batter itself, and I also added chopped strawberries to the cream filling.

Mix your batter. Then cook each crepe on a griddle, spreading each crepe out with a spoon, so it’s nice and thin. They don’t take long to cook; once they’re fully cooked, you can lay them out on a cutting board to cool. Once cooled, you can either stack them or fill with the cream filling and fold the sides over on top of each other.

More Pancake Recipes
Below you’ll find the printable recipe with full instructions. Enjoy!
Sweet and Savory Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal Crepes

Homemade Sweet and Savory Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal Crepes, made with baby cereal, are so simple and easy to make, scrumptious too! Print the recipe for this breakfast and brunch favorite.
Crepes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Gerber Oatmeal Cereal Single-Grain
3/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. butter (melted)
1/3 cup strawberries (washed and crushed)
Extra strawberries for garnish
Cream Filling:
1 pkg. cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tbsp. milk
3/4 cup strawberries (washed and chopped)
Stir together flour, oatmeal, and salt in medium-sized bowl.
Make well in center of dry ingredients, and add in eggs, milk, and butter, mixing well.
Mix in crushed strawberries.
Heat griddle on medium to medium-low heat.
Spoon batter onto griddle, spreading in a circular motion ’til spread fairly thin.
Cook ’til crepe starts to set well, then flip and cook other side (probably 1-2 minutes per side).
Cool on cutting board.
While crepes are cooling, mix together cream filling ingredients.
Spoon cream filling onto middle of each crepe, and fold sides over on top of each other.
Place crepes on plates to serve, and add extra strawberries on top for garnish.
Serve and enjoy!
Pancakes, Waffles, & French Toast
American
oatmeal crepes, strawberries and cream crepes, strawberry crepes
Can’t make the crepes just yet? Go ahead and Pin them for later! They’ll be waiting when you’re ready. Also, note that you can follow the hashtag #CookingwithGerber on social media for even more ideas, recipes, and inspiration surrounding Gerber Cereal.
May 5, 2016