March 10th, 2013

Bunny Pretzels & Easter Extravaganza

 

 It’s almost Spring.

I have to keep telling myself that. Because currently, outside my window all I see is a flurry of snowflakes whipping through the air.

But this is the last of it…or at least that’s what ‘they’ keep saying.

If you live in a state where you have four distinct seasons, you hear me loud and clear.

These bunnies though, they scream spring and hint that there really is warm weather around the corner. Never mind the fact that there is eight inches of snow on the ground and snowmen still standing in virtually every neighbors’ yard…

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March 6th, 2013

{Chow Mein} Easter Nests

What happened? It’s March. Which means St. Patrick’s Day. And Easter this year too!

I must say, I love the bright colors that we associate with Easter, it means warm weather is *slowly* approaching. Can you tell how much I love winter? If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time you’ve probably figured this out. And if you’ve read my about page, you’re probably wondering why I live where I do!

These nests are easy to pull together and you could totally bring the whole family in to help.

Three ingredients and virtually no thinking involved – sold?!

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February 25th, 2013

Homemade *Shamrock* Marshmallows

So, it happens to be that it was (and is!) cold outside. Surprise, surprise Minnesota.

What does that have to do with anything?

Well, I’m glad you asked, because I couldn’t find a dang candy thermometer in the kitchen to save my life. Nor did I really want to go all the way up to the store to get a new one.

(I’m officially talking to myself on my blog, don’t mind me.)

And I thought, I’ll try to make this recipe without the thermometer (I know…bad me).

And…

After I researched tons of marshmallow recipes online, watched marshmallow-makin’ videos (and in that time probably could’ve already returned from the store w/ my new thermometer, but that’s besides the point) I had decided that I had it pinned down to exactly how long it would take for my mixture to get to 240 degrees.

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February 19th, 2013

Chocolate Caramel Swirl Cracker Candy

Let’s talk. You and I…

I, like most of you, feel like I am always running, rushing, in a hurry to get somewhere, to do something.

Whether it’s rushing to work or trying to beat traffic, trying to get to the gym after work. Not to mention trying to get a parking spot at the gym, ugh. Then rushing to get the pup from doggy day camp (oh yes, I do) and running to the store because I realize I ran out of half & half (and no one in my house can live without it). I could go on and on…but the fact of the matter is, sometimes life can be so busy, so complicated.

Take a little time for yourself today and relax. Breath. Stop rushing, for even just an hour.

Make yourself a little snack. A snack that is delicious yet simple and although it may not be the cutest thing on pinterest, it tastes dang good and will be made over and over.

Cracker Candy Swirled with Chocolate & Caramel.

Crackers. Salty ones. Any salted cracker will do here. I think if I made this again, I’d use square shaped ones, aka saltines.

Melt Chocolate Candiquik and stir mixed nuts directly into the tray

Pour Candiquik mixture over the crackers and use a spatula to spread evenly across the top of the crackers…

Then I melted some caramel and swirled it over the top of the chocolate.

Sprinkle with a little sea salt if your heart desires. I found that it added just the right balance of sweet and salty.

Easy peasy.

Enjoy!

 

Linked to: Inside Bru Crew Life, Pint Sized Baker, Mrs. Happy Homemaker

February 12th, 2013

Vanilla Bean Cake Doughnuts with Chocolate and Toasted Coconut

 

As I was watching the news the other night they began to speak about cravings.

Oh, cravings.

And what to do about cravings…how do you supress them?

Well, I have just the solution for ya – eat what you’re craving. Easy. They should’ve had me on the news to solve their “issue”, sheesh.

I however, see no issue here. We can all treat ourselves to a little somethin-somethin here and there. It’s not like we’re eating this stuff for breakfast. Err…okay, not always.

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January 25th, 2013

Valentine Surprise Cookies

 

This is how my Wednesday started: I was deep in thought during my morning commute drive.

Deep in thoughts filled of cookies and Valentine’s day. (Wouldn’t the world would be a little more peaceful if more people shared my thoughts!?)

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January 15th, 2013

Skinny Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

 

Ok, I want to chat about those energy/health bars.

You know the ones, they are sold next to the vitamins in most grocery stores…

I’ve tried several different brands of them. Several different flavors. Nada.

I was truly excited the first time I tried one. Chewy chocolate fudge brownie - YES, please! Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter. Count me in.

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January 4th, 2013

Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites

No bake cookie. Energy bite. Call it what you wanna call it. These ‘bites’ are dang good.

They kinda make you forget that they have NO oil, NO butter, NO anything super bad for ya.

After all, a little sugar never hurt anyone. Hence, energy bite.

Peanut butter, oats, a few raisins and a couple other things is all you will need. You probably even have all of these ingredients in your pantry.

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December 27th, 2012

Turtle Cheesecake Shooters

Turtle Cheesecake = creamy, smooth, chocolatey, caramely goodness.

Turtle Cheecake in a shot glass = see ‘turtle cheesecake’ + New Year’s party(!?) + a totally fun way to serve cheescake.

It also meant, me, stocking up on shot glasses. The store clerk probably thought I was ready for a boozy night of fun. But in reality…she had no idea.

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December 26th, 2012

New Year’s Clock Cookies

New Year’s Eve…a perfect time to indulge and eat these rich cookies filled with a peppermint buttercream frosting…dipped in chocolate.

They are as good as they sound. Better, in fact.

I’ve used this recipe on several occasions, and just altered the shapes of my cookies.

I even had a stranger tell me she would buy my flowers and dinner – just for sharing this recipe with her. True story.

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December 21st, 2012

Sugar Plum Gingerbread House

Can I live here?

It looks peaceful.

And pink.

Everything in it’s little 1 foot wide world is just so cute.

And I’m pretty sure I could live off of the snow.

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December 14th, 2012

Snowmen Cookies

 

It’s been a while since I’ve made these…and then I realized, even though you may have seen them before, I’ve never blogged about them. Plus, I’ve made a couple changes to the originals.

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