Items Needed:

Hard boiled eggs
Beets
Red cabbage
Turmeric
Hibiscus tea
Parsley
Vegetable oil, optional, for rubbing eggs after coloring

Instructions:

Prepare ingredients by cutting or grating

Add water to saucepan
Add ingredient and bring to boil

Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-30 minutes or until desired color. It should be a few shades darker then you want the color of your eggs.
Remove pan from stove and allow to cool to room temperature
Strain the dye using a fine mesh strainer into a bowl

Transfer dye into glass container

Add eggs and allow to set until desired color. This can even take a few hours depending on how dark you want your color.

Remove from dye and place on wire rack or paper towel
Allow to dry completely and rub with oil to make them shiny if desired

Tips:
Every egg will not turn out the same, even in the same dye color. There will naturally be different shades.
The Parsley dyed very light with 4 hours of soaking, but overnight it dyed darker.
You may need to use cheesecloth to strain the ingredients from the dye, depending on how small the pieces of ingredients are.

Just look at these results!

Rubbing a little oil on Natural Dyed Easter Eggs just makes them glow with their more muted coloring.

While you are having to boil eggs anyway, we have a great tutorial on the perfect way to boil eggs.  Just click on the link to check it out!

I hope that you AND your grandkids will enjoy using natural dyes for easter eggs this year.  We sure did!

The post Natural Dyed Easter Eggs appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

What do I put in a Charcuterie Board?

Usually the answer is…whatever you want! For this Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board we’ve included lots of yummy things some of which are seasonal but substitutions can easily be made.

Items we used:

Pirouette cookies, chocolate chips, popcorn, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, white candy melts, M&M’s, marshmallows, caramels, coconut, mini chocolate chips, peppermint Hershey kisses, gingerbread men, Ghiradelli peppermint squares, caramel and chocolate sauce and Andes mints. 

With this many options, there is always something for everyone.

Do you have a good Hot Chocolate recipe?

Glad you asked!  Yes we do.  Our favorite hot cocoa mix can be made ahead and then ready when you want to make hot cocoa fast. 

Hot Cocoa Mix

What else can you make a charcuterie board for?

One of our favorite other ways to make a Charcuterie Board is for snacks for kids.  Whenever we make these boards, we let the grandkids help create them and then they gobble the items down like nothing flat.  Our Christmas Charcuterie Board disappeared in a manner of minutes.  Bonus points that it was healthy for the grandkids too!

But here is our Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks:

What can I use for my Charcuterie Board?

We have used a myriad of different items.  A marble slab is always beautiful but we’ve also used wood boards, cutting boards and trays.  Large platters can also work.

We hope that this has opened your eyes to all the possibilities of doing a Charcuterie Board.  They are so fun!

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Peppermint Patties make such a great goodie gift and are surprisingly easy to make. 

One word of warning though.  When making these, do not put them with other candies or cookies on a plate or a container because that will make everything else taste like peppermint!  Speaking from experience…

Let’s get started.

Items Needed:

2 ½ – 3 cups powdered sugar, plus some for dusting
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Decoration
Additional chocolate for drizzle

Instructions:

In a large bowl, beat 2 cups powdered sugar, and butter until well combined

Gradually add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until well combined
Add peppermint and vanilla extracts and beat until well combined
Gradually add more powdered sugar until mixture is stiff

Place mixture on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log about 2 inches in circumference

Place in freezer to chill 20-30 minutes, or in refrigerator overnight
Using a sharp knife, cut log into pieces about ½ inch thick, roll into a ball using powdered sugar if dough is sticky

Using a glass dipped in powdered sugar, gently flatten ball into circle

Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet
Return to refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate
Add chocolate and shortening to microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stir
Continue heating for 20-30 seconds at a time and stirring after each heating
Stop just before chocolate is completely melted
Stir until smooth
Line another baking sheet with parchment paper
Remove patties a few at a time from the refrigerator and dip into chocolate

Let set until fully hardened.

Notes:
For drizzle – add melted chocolate to a plastic squeeze bottle and drizzle peppermint pattie after they are set
Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Print

Peppermint Patties

With creamy chocolate and a crisp, cool filling, these Peppermint Patties will become your new favorite holiday treat!

Course Candy, Holiday

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cooling 1 hour hour

Servings 16 Patties

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 - 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 TBL unsalted butter, softened
• 3 TBL Heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 TBL shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

• In a large bowl, beat 2 cups powdered sugar, and butter until well combined
• Gradually add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until well combined
• Add peppermint and vanilla extracts and beat until well combined
• Gradually add more powdered sugar until mixture is stiff
• Place mixture on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log about 2 inches in circumference
• Place in freezer to chill 20-30 minutes, or in refrigerator overnight
• Using a sharp knife, cut log into pieces about ½ inch thick, roll into a ball using powdered sugar if dough is sticky
• Using a glass dipped in powdered sugar, gently flatten ball into circle
• Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet
• Return to refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate
• Add chocolate and shortening to microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stir
• Continue heating for 20-30 seconds at a time and stirring after each heating
• Stop just before chocolate is completely melted
• Stir until smooth
• Line another baking sheet with parchment paper
• Remove patties a few at a time from the refrigerator and dip into chocolate
• Let set until fully hardened
• Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Notes

For drizzle - Add melted chocolate to a plastic squeeze bottle and drizzle on top of Peppermint Patties after they are set

Even if Peppermint Patties are not nostalgic for you like they are for me, whomever receives these as a gift will enjoy the creamy chocolate and crisp, cool center.  Pure holiday yum!

Hold on!  We’ve got some more great Christmas goodies for you!

White Chocolate Covered Cherries

Melting Snowman Cookies

The post Peppermint Patties appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

My grandkids in this family are 10, 7, 5 and 3.  Every one of them will love making this craft.  (They are BIG marshmallow lovers!)

Of course there will be plenty of eating chocolate on the way to make these so you may want to have some extra supplies on hand.

Marshmallow Snowman Craft

Items Needed:  Candy canes (If you can find straight peppermint sticks, those work great too), marshmallows, bag of black and vanilla frosting, orange gel, mini M&M’s, Hershey Kisses, Twizzlers,  and a screwdriver.   (Please clean before use!)

Instructions:

Remove plastic from the candy canes then break off the rounded top.

With the screwdriver, make a hole all the way through in the  marshmallows.

Insert the candy cane or peppermint stick into three marshmallows.

Place a dollop of white frosting in the hole of the top marshmallow.

Using the frosting as “glue” place a Hershey kiss on top for the hat.

Take a thin rope from the Twizzlers and tie around the “neck” of the snowman. 

With the vanilla frosting, “glue” some mini M&M’s onto the snowman as buttons.

With the black frosting, make two eyes for Mr. Snowman!

Make the carrot nose with a line of the orange gel.

Let the Marshmallow Snowman dry for a little while to help the frosting “set”.

Our cute little Marshmallow Snowmen are now ready to give away as a goodie gift.  That is, only if they don’t get eaten first!  No guarantees….

This craft was adapted from Baby Gizmo.

Two more fun Christmas Crafts for the kids:

Glitter Christmas Tree Ornament

Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

The post Marshmallow Snowman Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With a wonderful nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar these never last for long. Which is why it might be good to double the batch.   Here we go!

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined

Mix in salt and flour until well combined

Stir in nuts

Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
Add powdered sugar to medium bowl.

Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely

Store in airtight container.

Print

Snowball Cookies Recipe

It's not Christmas around our house until these cookies get baked. With a great nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar, they will soon become a family favorite for you too.

Course Cookies, Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes minutes

Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
• In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined
• Mix in salt and flour until well combined
• Stir in nuts
• Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
• Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
• Add powdered sugar to medium bowl
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely
• Store in airtight container

A wonderful addition to these cookies is eating them with some creamy hot chocolate.  It’s beginning to feel like Christmas already!

MORE great Christmas goodies!

English Toffee

Christmas Fudge

The post Snowball Cookies Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Historically Charcuterie Boards were created with artfully arranged cured meats and cheeses.  Nowadays you can make pretty much anything into a Charcuterie Board.

Including a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board.

These are extremely easy to make which makes it a fun thing to do with your grandkids.  My sister Tracy’s two little granddaughters helped with this Charcuterie Christmas Tree and then promptly ate almost the whole thing! 

Their mom was surprised because usually the girls only like “orange” cheese but they gobbled up all of the cheese. 

I think that letting kids help with dishes like this really helps them become invested and much more interested and willing to try new foods.

Just watch the cute little hands below as they help to create this beautiful masterpiece!

Items Needed:

Cranberries, seedless red, green and purple grapes, star fruit, kiwi, fresh evergreen sprigs, one large stalk of celery, thyme, rosemary or mint leaves, and a variety of cheeses.  We chose extra sharp white cheddar, a dill havarti and an italian fontal caravaggio cheese.  Really, any white cheese will do.  Or even “orange” cheeses will work!

Instructions:

Cut up your cheeses into cubes and also slice the kiwi and star fruit.

On a charcuterie board, start by laying out your evergreen sprigs.

Starting at the bottom, layer your first row of cubed cheese.

Follow the cheese by a row of grapes.  Whatever color you prefer.

Then continue to the top of the three as shown below:

When your layers are done, garnish with the sliced kiwi and the star fruit.

Sprinkle with fresh cranberries.

Finish with adding some thyme, rosemary or mint leaves.

So put your grandkids to work and then get prepared for a beautiful feast! 

Recipe adapted from Muy Bueno Cookbook

Are you loving the Charcuterie idea?  Here’s another great one that we have for you!

Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks

The post Christmas Charcuterie Board appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Some days I will add a few slices of oranges to give it a little citrusy smell.  Other days I might drop a few drops of almond extract for an even sweeter smell.

Another great thing about this Mulling Spices Recipe is that you can also use it to prepare a wonderfully spiced apple cider.

Here is what you will need:

3 oz cinnamon sticks
⅓ cup cardamom pods
¼ cup allspice berries
¼ cup whole cloves
¼ cup star anise pods
⅓ cup dried orange peel – store bought or dried in oven

Instructions:

Place cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves and star anise in large resealable bag

Crush lightly with rolling pin

Add orange peel to bag and toss to mix well
Store in airtight container

If you are simmering this on your stove, just place in a small pot with some water on low heat.

To serve as a drink, add 2 tablespoons of mix per ½ gallon of warm apple cider 

Print

Mulling Spices Recipe

Use to create a wonderfully spiced apple cider or simmer on your stove top. Either way, your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful smells of Christmas!

Course Drinks, Holiday, Non-Alcoholic

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 3 oz cinnamon sticks
• 1/3 cup cardamom pods
• 1/4 cup allpice berries
• 1/4 cup whole cloves
• 1/4 cup star anise pods
• 1/3 cup dried orange peel - store bought or dried in oven

Instructions

• Place cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves and star anise in large resealable bag
• Crush with rolling pin
• Add orange peel to bag and toss to mix well
• Store in airtight container

Notes

If you are simmering this on your stove, just place in a small pot with some water on low heat.

To serve as a drink, add 2 tablespoons of mix per ½ gallon of warm apple cider 

No matter which way you use this mix, the wonderful smells (and tastes) of Christmas will warm your heart.

OOOOH.  Have we got another great cider drink for you.  Take a look!

Hot Apple Cider

The post Mulling Spices Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

When my own kids were little, they used to love hanging ornaments on the tree that they personally made.  My grandkids are no different and I know that they will love hanging this cute little reindeer on their tree.

Plus who doesn’t love the wonderful Christmas smell of cinnamon? 

Here is what you will need for this craft:

Glue gun, scissors, sparkly yellow paper, red christmas bells, colored twine, cinnamon sticks, red and green buttons and some googley eyes.

Instructions for the tree:

Cut two pieces of cinnamon sticks about 3 inches long.

With a glue gun (please use adult supervision with littler kids!) glue one cinnamon stick perpendicular to the other cinnamon stick

Cut two more cinnamon sticks a little smaller than the bottom stick.

Glue them onto the “base” cinnamon stick

Glue your red and green buttons onto the “branches”. It’s fun if the buttons are different sizes.

Cut out a star out of the yellow sparkly paper.

Glue on to the top of the tree.

Cut your twine and then fold in half.   Glue this onto the back of the cinnamon stick.

This cute little tree is now ready to hang!

Instructions for the Reindeer Ornament:

Cut three pieces of cinnamon stick about 3 inches long.

Cut your twine, fold in half and then glue in the middle of one stick.  Please use adult supervision when using a glue gun with littler kids!

With a glue gun, glue two pieces together to form a “V”.

Glue the last cinnamon stick across the other two cinnamon sticks.

Glue a red jingle bell at the point of the cinnamon stick to form Rudolph’s nose.

Glue on the googley eyes.

Rudolph is ready to fly through the sky! 

We hope that your grandkids love these Cinnamon Stick Ornaments and that they will remember making them with you for years to come!

Wait! We’ve one more Cinnamon Stick Ornament for ya!

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree

The post Cinnamon Stick Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I have to admit, it does make them look rather special.

Whether you make these for a cookie exchange or are making them for grandkids, this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe will be a favorite. 

Ingredients:

4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted

Set aside to cool
In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition

Add vanilla and beat well
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined

Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap

Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes

Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Print

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These festive Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a favorite for cookie exchanges or just to make for family. You might want to double the batch!

Course Cookie, Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs large at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
• Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted
• Set aside to cool
• In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
• Add vanilla and beat well
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
• Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined
• Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap
• Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
• Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
• Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
• Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
• Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes
• Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
• Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Watch for more Christmas Cookies to come!

Need more cookies for a Christmas Cookie Exchange?  Here you go!

Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Melting Snowman Cookies

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe

The post Chocolate Crinkle Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I know that they will be so proud to put these on their Christmas tree.

They would also be very cute attached to a Christmas goodie that you are giving to your neighbors.

Or attached to a wrapped present.  So many fun ways to use these!

Let’s get ready.

Glitter Christmas Tree Ornaments

Items needed:

Clear, plastic ornaments (we purchased ours from Hobby Lobby)
Beacon Glitter It or polyethylene finish (You can purchase this from Amazon HERE )
Red and Green Glitter
Funnel
Cup, for excess glue and/or glitter
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue dots or hot glue

Instructions:

Remove the tops from the ornaments. Pour a small amount of “Glitter It” into the ornament and slowly swirl around until the inside is coated.

Remove the excess Glitter It by pouring into a cup.
Using a funnel, pour glitter into the ornament and shake around until completely coated.

Tap the ornament upside down over a different cup to remove excess glitter.
If a thicker coat of glitter inside the ornament is desired, allow the ornament to dry and repeat the previous steps.

Let ornament dry completely.

Once the glue is dry, replace the cap.
Cut ribbon to the desired length and tie into a bow.
Using either a glue dot or hot glue, attach the ribbon to the ornament. If using a hot glue gun with children, please provide adult supervision.

You can make these with any color glitter to match your tree, wrapping paper etc.  I’ll ask my grandkids what color they want to use to see what they come up with. So fun!

More Ornament Fun!

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Ornaments

Craft Stick Christmas Tree Ornament

The post Glitter Christmas Tree Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Don’t these just look donut store-bought worthy?  I thought so.

These would be so amazing dipped into some creamy hot chocolate.

Just sayin.

So get your donut baking pan out.  Here we go!

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

½ cup oil, vegetable or canola
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (See our recipe to make this HERE)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk
Cinnamon Sugar for topping, ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon mixed together

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Coat donut pans with non-stick cooking spray
In a large bowl beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and pumpkin until smooth

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking powder
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until smooth

Fill donut pan about ¾ full ** see notes in recipe below

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned
Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes
Remove from pan
If using glaze, let donuts cool completely, then dip into glaze

Seriously if you made too many of these, people would want them forever and you’d have to start your own donut business. 

So yummy.

Print

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

These Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for a cool crisp fall morning, especially if they are dipped into some creamy hot chocolate!

Course Breakfast

Keyword Pumpkin Donuts

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 18 donuts

Equipment

• Donut Baking Pan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup oil, vegetable or canola
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice ** see notes
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 TBL milk

Cinnamon sugar for topping

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Coat donut pans with non-stick cooking spray
• In a large bowl beat together the oil, eggs, sugar and pumpkin until smooth
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking powder
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until smooth
• Fill donut pan about ¾ full ** see notes
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned
• Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes
• Remove from pan
• If using glaze, let donuts cool completely, then dip into glaze

Notes

**Donut pan - to make filling the pan easier, use a plastic decorator bag or resealable bag

We make our own Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix with our recipe HERE

Glaze - Add powdered sugar to medium bowl, add milk and whisk until smooth
Add additional liquid if the glaze is too thick. Dip donuts top side down into glaze and place on a wire rack to drip off excess.

Cinnamon Sugar - combine about ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, sprinkle immediately over glazed donut

Are you a pumpkin lover?  Check these pumpkin recipes out!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Pumpkin Muffins Ever

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

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The post Pumpkin Donuts Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With all the yummy flavors of a perfect fall recipe, pumpkin, cinnamon, spice and pecans, this will become a family favorite to make during the beautiful autumn days.

Let’s get this cake started!

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients:

4 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (See our recipe for this HERE)
1 teaspoon salt
1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix, butter golden or yellow
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Additional toppings:

Whip cream
Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel topping
Pecans, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Spray 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
In a large bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, spice and salt until well combined

Pour pumpkin mixture into baking dish

Sprinkle with dry cake mix

Chop pecans and spread evenly over cake mix

Melt butter in microwave safe bowl and drizzle over nuts

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Serve warm or room temperature with whip cream or ice cream if desired

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator.

Print

Pumpkin Dump Cake

With all the great fall flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, spices and pecans, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is fall dessert perfection.

Course Desserts

Keyword Pumpkin Dump Cake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 15 people

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 4 eggs large, room temperature, beaten
• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix, butter golden or yellow
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Spray 13x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
• In a large bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, spice and salt until well combined
• Pour pumpkin mixture into baking dish
• Sprinkle with dry cake mix
• Chop pecans and spread evenly over cake mix
• Melt butter in microwave safe bowl and drizzle over nuts
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Serve warm or room temperature with whip cream or ice cream if desired
• Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator

Notes

Addional Toppings if desired:

Whip cream
Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel topping
Pecans, chopped

There you go.  Fall dessert perfection. 

OOOOH!  More Fall Goodness is below.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Best Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Chocolate  Chip Cookies

The post Pumpkin Dump Cake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I am really getting in my Instant Pot because it makes cooking so easy.  I have really been enjoying our Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes.  They make a great side dish.

With this Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake, I am definitely going to add some heavy whipping cream to top it off!

Low Carb Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:
1 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons powdered erythritol sweetener
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoon butter, melted

For the cheesecake:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
⅔ cup canned pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 cup powdered erythritol sweetener
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice  (We have a great recipe for this spice mix! Click HERE.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Prepare a 7.5 inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray, wrapping aluminum foil around the bottom to protect from water seepage.

With a fork, stir together the almond flour, powdered erythritol sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and melted butter for the crust.

Press the almond flour mixture into the springform pan in a flat, tight layer. Set aside.

Place a trivet in the bottom of the electric pressure cooker liner. Add the minimum required amount of water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree and sweeteners, continuing to beat until completely blended, about 2 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, as well as the heavy cream, pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat just until combined.

Transfer the mixture to the springform pan and spread evenly. Cover the springform pan with aluminum foil to avoid condensation water dripping onto the cheesecake.

Place the springform pan onto the trivet inside of the Instant Pot. Cover the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to sealing. Program for manual or “pressure cook” for 35 minutes.

When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the electric pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure until the pressure pin drops. Remove the lid, press to “cancel” the “keep warm” cycle, and allow the cheesecake to continue cooling inside the pressure cooker for 20 minutes before removing.

Release the springform pan and remove cheesecake.  Let cool.

Replace the aluminum foil with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Oh and don’t forget the whipped cream!

Print

Low Carb Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Creamy as can be, this Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect low carb ending to a great Thanksgiving meal.

Course Dessert, Holiday, Thanksgiving

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 TBL powdered erythritol sweetener
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 TBL butter, melted

For the Cheesecake

• 2 pkgs (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 2/3 cup canned pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 cup powdered erythritol sweetener
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 TBL heavy cream
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

• Prepare a 7.5 inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray, wrapping aluminum foil around the bottom to protect from water seepage.
• With a fork, stir together the almond flour, powdered erythritol sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and melted butter for the crust. Press the almond flour mixture into the springform pan in a flat, tight layer. Set aside.
• Place a trivet in the bottom of the electric pressure cooker liner. Add the minimum required amount of water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree and sweeteners, continuing to beat until completely blended, about 2 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, as well as the heavy cream, pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat just until combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the springform pan and spread evenly. Cover the springform pan with aluminum foil to avoid water dripping onto the cheesecake.
• Place springform pan onto the trivet that is inside of the Instant Pot
• Cover the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to sealing. Program for manual or “pressure cook” for 35 minutes.
• When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the electric pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure until the pressure pin drops. Remove the lid, press to “cancel” the “keep warm” cycle, and allow the cheesecake to continue cooling inside the pressure cooker for 20 minutes before removing.
• Release the springform pan and remove cheesecake
• Replace the aluminum foil with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Notes

We have a great recipe for the Pumpkin Pie Spice!  Click HERE.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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It is great to have this on hand so that you’ll be ready to go for your fall apple pie dishes.

It only takes 5 minutes to make and you won’t have to hunt for what you need.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

Ingredients:
¼ cup ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together

Store in an airtight container.  It yields 5 tablespoons which should be plenty for lots of baking!

Print

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

A great spice mix for all your fall apple dishes

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 5 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp ginger

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
• Store in an airtight container

MORE APPLE-Y GOODNESS!

Salted Caramel Apple Pies

Apple Pie Caramel Apple

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I was thinking these might be cute at each place setting with sayings on the turkey about why they are “thankful” for that person sitting in that place. Or your guests can also write what they are thankful for.

Wouldn’t they be a fun addition?  Family and friends will also love the candy inside as an extra treat!

Here is what you will need:

• 4 oz mason jars 
• Red candy of choice (we used swedish fish)
• Glue. This can be tacky glue, glue dots or a glue gun.  (Adult supervision is best when using a glue gun)
  
• Googley eyes
• Colored Construction paper in yellow, orange, red and brown
  

Instructions:

Fill mason jar with your red candy. 

Cut out four feathers about 4 inches in length.

Cut out a triangle about one inch in length

Write the things that you are thankful for on the feathers.

Glue the googley eyes and the beak on to the from of the mason jar.

Glue the feathers on to the back of the jar.

Now these Mason Jar Turkey Favors are ready for the table! 

I know my grand kids will be so excited to have their creations on the table this year.  I for one am so thankful for THEM!!

Here are a few more turkey ideas!

Rice Krispie Turkey Drumstick

Oreo Turkey Cupcakes

The post Mason Jar Turkey Favors appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

This green bean casserole recipe is easily doubled if you are expecting a crowd.  Easily the best thing about this recipe is the crunchy onions on the top which add such a great flavor.

Another easy thing about this recipe is that it takes almost no time in the kitchen.  Easy to prepare and quick to cook.

One of my most favorite memories of Thanksgiving is that of my great uncle Ira.  He believed that dessert (pie) should be eaten first at a Thanksgiving meal and that he did.  We kids thought it was hilarious when he would be eating his pie while we were starting on our turkey.

Whether you eat these green beans before or after your pie, you won’t be disappointed.  Don’t forget to loosen your belt to make room!

Print

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Course Side Dish

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 3 cans 14.5 oz each green beans, french style or cut, drained
• 1 can 10.75 oz cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 6oz can french fried onions

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• In a large bowl, combine drained beans, soup and milk until well combined
• Stir in ½ cup fried onions
• Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Remove from oven and add remaining fried onions
• Bake for 5 minutes longer
• Serve immediately
• Store leftovers in airtight container

Notes

For 13x9 baking dish, double the recipe

And now for pie!

MORE Thanksgiving ideas!

Rice Krispie Turkey Drumsticks (for the kids!)

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

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For some reason, when I make these cookies for my grandkids, I feel like they are a little healthier than regular cookies even though they have plenty of chocolate chips in them!  And boy, do my grandkids gobble them up!  These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies never last long once they know I’ve made them.

Here are the ingredients for these cookies:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice  (check out our great recipe for this!)
1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup for garnish)
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional 

Recipe Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy

Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices
Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture until well incorporated

Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets

Add the 1/2 cup chocolate chips on top to garnish.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks
Place cookies in an airtight container and store for several days at room temperature; freeze for longer storage.

See how great they look?  They taste amazing too which is why they never last for long.  Which is why I’m on my way to make some right now!

Print

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yummy pumpkiny goodness in a soft cookie. And did I mention they have chocolate chips?

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Total Time 21 minutes minutes

Servings 50

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cup brown sugar packed
• 1 ½ cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy
• Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture until well incorporated
• Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using
• Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks
• Place cookies in an airtight container and store for several days at room temperature; freeze for longer storage

Are you in the mood for more pumpkin?  Take a look at these!!

The Best Pumpkin Muffins EVER

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

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This is a great craft for littler hands but before we start with the instructions we want to make sure that grandparents and parents use an empty Tide PODS tub, and to always keep liquid laundry packets up, closed and safely out of the reach of children and vulnerable family members.  Taking these steps is the most effective way to prevent accidents with a liquid laundry detergent.

Ok! To make this Tide Pods Turkey, you will need the following:

1 empty Tide laundry pods container

Turkey Template printed out on printer paper or 8.5 x 11 blank adhesive label

Liquid glue or Glue Dots

Scissors (if not using a cutting machine)

Craft foam sheets in red, green, yellow, and orange

Instructions:

1. Remove the top from the container and discard.

2.Wash the container then remove the label from the laundry pods container by soaking in hot water, scraping, and then using GooGone to remove completely. You can also use a heat gun to warm the label but the ease of this option varies based on the brand. For instance, I found using a heat gun to be easy on Gain containers but difficult on Tide containers.

3. Print template and cut.

4. Apply the template to the side of the container with the liquid glue or the glue dots.

5. Cut foam sheets into strips that are 2 inches wide by approximately 8 inches long. Attach the strips to the back of the container in a fan shape.

And there you go!  A Tide Pod Turkey Craft that is bright and festive that your kids can also enjoy playing with. 

And YOU can also feel good that you are recycling and helping the environment.  I love these kinds of crafts!

Wait!  You need a few more turkey ideas for Thanksgiving?  Here you go!

Thanksgiving Wreath

Oreo Turkey Cupcakes

The post Tide Pods Turkey Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Before we start the tutorial, let me share Grammy’s Rules for Slime!

1.  Wherever we make the slime, it cannot be over carpet. Kids need to sit on the floor or on a chair that has no carpet underneath.

2. Any cute little child with long hair, must have it back in a pony tail.

3. And lastly, slime can only be played with in a room without carpet! (There’s that carpet again)  No taking slime into a bedroom. 

As long as those rules can be followed, then this Grammy is ready to make slime!  Let’s start with the ingredients.  The ingredients listed below will make ONE batch.  So if you want all three colors, you’ll need to adjust quantities.

6 ounces of white Elmer’s glue, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 tablespoons contact lens solution (this solution must have boric acid in it for the slime to work).  Lastly you can add 2 tablespoons of water to your glue before the baking powder if you’d like your slime to be a little stretchier.

For the green slime, you’ll need 6 ounces of Elmer’s green glitter glue

For the orange slime, you will need some orange food coloring.

Also needed will be some small glass jars, googley eyes, a sheet of black felt, scissors and some type of adhesive – glue dots, tacky glue or a glue gun (Use glue gun only with adult supervision)

Now we are ready to start!  Squeeze all of the 6 ounces of glue into a small bowl.  We are showing the green glitter as our example.

If you are adding water, do that step now. Mix well. 

NOTE:  If you are making the orange slime, add the food coloring now to the white glue mix to make it orange.

Then add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into the glue.

Next it is time to add the contact lens solution

Start to mix everything together.   This part may be challenging for some kids and adult supervision might be required.  If the mixture is too sticky add a little more contact lens solution. When the mixture is looking fairly solid, let your kids knead it until everything is thoroughly blended and it is looking like slime!

Next cut out the jar’s facial features out of the black felt.

We just eyeballed what we wanted and then cut those shapes out. Then with whatever kind of glue you are using, glue them on along with the googley eyes.  If using a glue gun, we recommend adult supervision.

After playing with the slime, place slime in your Halloween Slim Jar for easy storage.

See?  Making this Halloween Slime is not so bad!

If you still aren’t up to making slime, try these fun Halloween Crafts!

Salt Art Spider Web Craft

Coffee Filter Halloween Bats

The post Halloween Slime Jars appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I love making any kind of craft with my grandkids with items that I already have around in my house.   These Cat and Pumpkin Halloween Masks are perfect for that. 

Using paper plates and either construction or cardstock paper, I can have these ready for my grandkids to make in a jiffy.  Here is what you will need:

Paper plates, some colorful cardstock paper, pen or pencil, scissors, a hole punch, tacky glue or gluestick, orange and black acrylic paint, and a foam brush.  Also needed is a straw, dowel or pipe cleaner to help hold up the mask. We used a dowel.  You will also need this free template compliments of Oh Happy Day!   Click HERE for template.

Start by painting the back of the paper plate with the orange and black paint.

While the paint is drying, cut out the shapes from the template.

With your pen or pencil, trace the shapes on to the back of the colored paper as desired.

Cut out the shapes that you just traced.

Trace two circles for the eyes and then cut them out.

Glue the shapes on to the front of your mask.

Using the hole punch, punch some holes for the cat’s whiskers. Then glue them on.

Because we used a dowel for our support, we glued them on with a glue gun.  A straw or pipe cleaner will also work.  If you choose to use a dowel, make sure any children who use a glue gun uses it with adult supervision.

And now it’s time to play!  These Cat and Pumpkin Halloween Masks will provide HOURS of entertainment and play for your kids and grandkids.

Happy Halloween!

We’ve got some more super fun Halloween Crafts for you.  Take a look!

Sparkle Spiders

Coffee Filter Bats

Salt Art Spider Web Craft

The post Cat and Pumpkin Halloween Masks appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Making your own pumpkin pie spice is super simple and needless to say, it just tastes better than the kind you buy at the store.  That’s the way it is about anything that is homemade versus store bought.  Don’t even get me started on the difference between homemade and store bought fruit jam!

Here’s the quick recipe!

Print

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

Course Baking

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 Tablespoons

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended
  
• 
• 
• Store in an airtight container
• 

We have a pumpkin recipe that is in our top ten most viewed recipes on our blog.  The recipe does not call for pumpkin pie spice in particular but lists cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The next time I make these muffins, I am going to substitute 2 1/2 teaspoons of this spice mix to 1) make the recipe a little easier and 2) to see if it makes it even just a little better!

Here’s the link to the recipe:

The Best Pumpkin Muffins Ever

They seriously are so moist and we get SO many compliments on them.

So one pumpkin lover to another, this mix is so versatile and you will use it to make so many yummy pumpkin dishes.  Enjoy!

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This craft is a good one for littler kids since it requires just a little cutting and some gluing and then you have a fun spider to hang. 

The items that you will need for the craft are:

Sparkle paper (9 x 12) found in most craft stores,  googley eyes in different sizes, 4 pipe cleaners per spider (we used sparkly ones),  scissors, stapler, paper hole punch and some glue.  We used a glue gun but regular liquid glue will also work.  

First start out by tracing a circle on the back side of your paper.  Using a bowl or a plate works great for this.

Cut your circle out.

Take your four pipe cleaners or chenille stems and fold them in half.  Then cut at the fold to make four stems of the same size for the legs.

After cutting the pipe cleaners, make a little bend in them at around the 1/3 mark to create the legs.

Now you can either staple the legs on to the spider or if you are using a glue gun (with adult supervision) you can glue the legs on. Glue four legs on each side of the spider.

Face side up, with liquid glue or a glue gun, glue the googley eyes on. We used 8 eyes per spider.  Anywhere your kids want to glue the eyes on is fair game!

Next make a hole at the “top” of your spider with the hole puncher. Tie some yarn through the hole and you are ready to decorate your house with some Halloween sparkly glam!

Sparkly Spookiness!

I promise that your kids and grandkids will be so proud of their glittery creations!

Looking for more Halloween Crafts?

Coffee Filter Halloween Bats

Salt Art Spider Web

The post Sparkle Spider Halloween Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Turning a holiday into any kind of party is my favorite thing to do with my grandkids. Just some little extra touches can make holidays very memorable for little ones.  This Halloween Drink is a perfect example. 

On a scale of 1-10 for easiness, I would have to say this scores a 1, being super easy but delivers a 10 as far as “wow” power for little kids.

Print

Halloween Drink

Course Drink

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 6 minutes minutes

Servings 2 -8

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Fun Halloween bottles or cups
• Sports drink gatorade or other fruit juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Orange or Lime Sherbet
• Optional Additions
• Gummy candy

Instructions

• Add scoops of sherbet to glass
• 
• Pour sports drink over sherbet until glass is about ¾ full
• 
• Fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime soda
• 
• Add in gummy candies if you desire
• Some fun straws make a great addition!
• 

Notes

This can also be made into large batches for parties

You can use some plastic halloween cups that you can purchase from The Dollar Tree.  Or you can also grab these glass milk bottles below.  They are great to use for other holidays.

Just add some cute stickers and you are ready to go! 

And if you are looking for another drink recipe for Halloween, we’ve got some fun ones for you right here:

Polyjuice Potion

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

The Bloody Shirley Temples are great for older kids.  I can promise that they will want to help make their own and won’t soon forget that they drank their Halloween Drink with hospital syringes! 

Happy Halloween!

The post Halloween Drink appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Today’s Halloween craft is incredibly easy but these are also so fun to decorate your home with.  We’ve made our monsters plain and easy to paint but let your kids use their imagination if they want to make them spookier.

Here are the items you will need for this project:

Blank Canvas frames.  You can use any size that you want and they are easily found at Wal-mart, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.  You will also need foam paint brushes, black sharpie marker, and then some white, black, orange, green and purple acrylic paints.

To make the pumpkin picture, take a foam brush and cover the entire canvas with orange paint.  Let dry completely.

After this has dried, take the black sharpie marker and make a Jack-O-Lantern face. Paint in the pumpkin’s face and let dry.

Obviously the ghost is super easy. You don’t need to paint the canvas white but you can if you’d like.  Take the black sharpie marker to make a ghost face and then paint with black paint.

Next is our Halloween Frankie.  With a foam brush, paint the entire canvas with a bright green paint.  Let dry completely.

Take the black sharpie marker and draw downward spikes for his hair.

Paint them in with some black paint.

Next, using the below picture, just free hand drawing Frankie’s face.  Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect!  If your kids are old enough, let them draw this part themselves.  It will make their picture an original!

Now take the white paint and paint the eyes and tooth.

Last but not least is our one eyed monster.  On this one, you can have your kids follow our example or let them go crazy and create whatever kind of monster they want to make. 

For our one eyed monster, paint the entire canvas with a bright purple paint.

Using the sharpie marker, create a squiggly mouth and a large circle in the middle for the eye.  Use your white paint to fill in the eyes and tooth.  Let that dry then you can also add a black dot in the middle of the eye.

These are now ready to hang to make your house spooky for Halloween! 

Here are some more Halloween craft ideas to make your house even spookier!

Coffee Filter Bats

Cheesecloth Ghost Decoration

The post Monster on Canvas appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

These Mummy Calzones would have captured their attention and got them to eat before the sugar rush came!

Although this looks fancy, it is easier to make than you think.  I encourage you to try it as I know your kids will gobble it up and it will get some good food in their tummies before Halloween.  Just look.  It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare!

Print

Mummy Calzones

Course Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Author Mummy Calzones

Ingredients

• Pizza dough refrigerated or homemade
• ¼ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 egg for egg wash
• 1 black olive for eyes optional
• Cooked Sausage
• Pepperoni
• Cooked Bacon
• Any other favorite pizza toppings

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Roll pizza dough out onto large cookie sheet
• 
• Using a small spatula for guidelines, cut strips on both long sides of dough, leaving 2-3 inches in the center uncut
• 
• Spoon pizza sauce down the center
• 
• Add cheese
• 
• Then add pizza toppings and more cheese
• 
• Wrap the calzone beginning at the bottom and slightly criss crossing and overlapping the dough
• 
• In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water
• Brush egg wash over pizza dough
• 
• Bake for 25-30 or until golden brown
• Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes
• To serve as Mummy for Halloween, slice black olive to make eyes
• 

We promise that this will be a “Yummy Mummy” that your kids will love!

Here are two more SUPER fun Halloween recipes!

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

The post Mummy Calzones appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

This summer, four of my grandkids came to our house for a week for Grammy’s Camp and we did this salt art activity.  The kids especially loved watching the paint colors bleed into the salt!  So it is kind of a science experiment/art activity and your kids will love it too.

Here is what you will need:

Construction Paper, pencil or a white pen, Elmer’s Glue, regular table salt, a soft brush and watercolor paints. 

We used black paper for this project but we have also done it on white.  Both will work but I think the black really makes the colors stand out.

Instructions:

Draw a dot with the pencil or pen to make the the center of the spider web. 

Then draw lines through that dot making them go all the way to the edge of the paper.   A ruler helps to make real straight lines, but you can also just draw these on your own. Space your lines farther apart rather than closer so there is room for the upcoming glue.

Next draw curved lines between the straight lines, connecting them to look like a web. Again, spacing the lines farther out from each other will help later when you use the glue.

With your glue, trace along all of the lines of the spider web being pretty liberal with your glue. 

While the glue is still wet, sprinkle your table salt on all of the spider web lines.  If your glue starts to dry, you can work in sections.  Glue a section, then sprinkle the salt.  Then repeat on another section.

Cover the glue lines generously!

Let the glue dry overnight then carefully remove the excess salt by lightly shaking the paper on it’s side. It should end up looking like this:

With your watercolor paints, dip your brush into the water and then the paints and then drop some color onto the salt. Do not brush the paint down a line of salt.  Just drop colored drops of water onto the salt. This is the part that my kids loved the best!  Watch how the color bleeds and moves down the line of salt. So fun!

Kids will want to make this Salt Art Halloween Web Craft over and over again! The good news is that you can make this with all sorts of designs.  I found a ton of lined designs on Pinterest for free that I just downloaded on white paper and then let the kids go.  This was a super great activity that I know your grandkids will love too!

Here are two more great Halloween ideas to make with your kids!

Coffee Filter Halloween Bats

Halloween Snack Mix

The post Salt Art Spider Web Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I have little grandkids who are pretty much obsessed with Halloween but at the same time are pretty scared to see Halloween decorations.

They will actually freak out and start to cry when they see the Target Halloween decorations up.  Then they will turn right back around and will say that Halloween is their favorite holiday and will want to read Halloween books.  Go Figure. Their mother (my daughter) and I think it’s hilarious.

However these Halloween Bats are not scary for them and hopefully they won’t be for your grandchildren either.  A fun and colorful Halloween decoration, kids will want to make a ton of these and then put them up all around the house.  What a cheap way to decorate!

Print

Coffee Filter Halloween Bats

Course Halloween

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Wooden Spring Clothespins
• Round Coffee Filters
• Assorted Googly Eyes
• Black Blue and Purple Washable Markers
• Tacky Glue
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Fine Paintbrush
• Black Cardstock
• Scissors
• White Gel Pen
• Spray bottle filled with water
• Brown Paper or plastic grocery bag

Instructions

• Flatten coffee filters out and then draw patterns with the blue, black, and purple washable markers.
• 
• After the coffee filters have been colored, place them on a brown paper or plastic grocery bag and then spray them with your water bottle to make the marker colors bleed. Let dry.
• Clip your clothespins onto a scrap of cardboard and paint all sides black. Let dry.
• 
• With your tacky glue, glue the eyes to clothespin. Let dry.
• 
• Draw mouth and teeth with white gel pen. Let dry.
• 
• Fold coffee filter in half, then in half again and then once more.
• Cut a scalloped edge.
• 
• Unfold the filter to where it is back to being folded in half. Cut a 3 inch slit up the middle. Do not cut all the way up and through the fold.
• 
• Cut little triangle ears from black cardstock and glue to clothespin. Let dry.
• 
• Pinch the coffee filter a little bit to make wings and then clip on the clothes pin.
• 

Have a fun and safe Halloween everyone!

Here are two of our most popular Halloween posts to complete your Halloween fun!

Bloody Shirley Temples (non-alcoholic!)

Polyjuice Potion

The post Coffee Filter Halloween Bats appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Successful snack ideas also depend on letting my grandkids help make the treat.  This Halloween Snack Mix really fit the bill because it doesn’t need to look perfect.  Kids love dumping the items all over the pan.  And although it looks messy, it wasn’t really that messy to make which is another plus in my book!

Grandkids will love the amazing mix of goodies that go into this treat.  I have a ton of Halloween sprinkles so you can use up whatever is in your cupboard with this. But you might need to have them eat it at your house before mom comes to pick them up. 

Hey, it’s a grandmother’s right to spoil, right? 

Print

Halloween Snack Mix

Course Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 5 cups Pretzels
• ½ cup Chocolate chips
• 3 cups Bugles
• 1 cup Pumpkins
• ½ cup Peanut M&Ms
• ½ cup M&Ms
• Additional Toppings
• Candy eyes
• Sprinkles
• Candy melts

Instructions

• In a large bowl combine the pretzels and bugles until well combined
• Spread mixture out on a baking sheet in to a even layer
• Add in the chocolate chips, pumpkins, and M&Ms
• Melt the candy melts per the instructions on the package.
• Drizzle on the melted candy melts
• Add on candy eyes and any additional sprinkles

And it is also a grandparents prerogative to be able to send the kids home after they eat said treats!  Truth.  It’s a rule.

This post is written in 2020 and I’m wondering if there will even be trick or treating this year.  Either way, I hope you have a safe Halloween with your little ghouls and goblins. 

Gosh we’ve got some other great Halloween Treats for you!  Check these out!

Halloween Candy Jars

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

The post Halloween Snack Mix appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Summer looks a little different this year, and many of us have had to postpone our beach vacations for a season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own backyard beach party! Get ready to dig out your swimsuit because we’re bringing the beach to you! Here are 23 ideas for a beach staycation! 

1. Beach and Sea Squish Bags– Kids can start to explore the wonders of the ocean with Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s sensory bags.

2. Water Fight Kit– Can’t have a beach day without water and Inner Child Fun‘s water fight kit is just the thing!

3. Butterscotch Crunch Starfish– These yummy starfish look almost real! Try this treat at Hungry Happenings!

4. Mason Jar Aquarium– Make this fun aquarium without all the maintenance at A Little Claireification.

5. Pool Noodle Fishing Game– Here’s a fun easy game from Happy Tot Shelf that is perfect for your littler grandkids!

6. Shark Fruit Salad– Maybe if sharks tried some fruit salad, they wouldn’t be such dangerous predators anymore…. Find this amazing idea at Kid Friendly Things to Do.

7. Marbled Seashell Art– Turn seashells into a work of art with Projects with Kids‘s marbles seashells.

8. Flying Fish Catch– A fun, easy water game from Mrs. Plemon’s Kindergarten  that kids will love!

9. Glitter Fish Painted Rock– Learn how to make these beautiful rocks at I Love Painted Rocks.

10. Sea Glass Candy– Happiness is Homemade ‘s sea glass candy looks almost too real and pretty to eat…. almost….

11. Beach Water Table– Little hands will love exploring the wonders of the ocean with Sugar, Spice, and Glitter‘s fun water table idea!

12. Beach Fruit Dip– This fun fruit dip is a kid favorite! Make it right here at This Grandma is Fun!

13. No-Sew Felt Mermaid Headband– If you have a mermaid for a granddaughter, then you will love Lia Griffith‘s pretty and simple headband!

14. Shark Surfboard Craft– Nothing says the beach like sharks and surfing. Find this craft at Artsy Momma.

15. Clam Cookies– If you’re looking for a treat that is easy but eye-catching, then this is the treat for you! Check it out at Frugal Coupon Living.

16. DIY Slip and Slide– For some natural beach waves in your hair, you’ll have to try All Things Thrifty‘s slip and slide! It’s sure to do the trick!

17. Candy Seashells– Just from the picture, I know I’d be snacking on these gorgeous chocolates all day long. Learn how to make them at The American Patriette.

18. Jellyfish Races– Bring out the family competition with Living Porpoisefully‘s exciting game!

19. Ocean Sand Art– What’s the beach without sand? Make beautiful works of art with The Growing Creatives‘s sand activity.

20. Mermaid Ice Excavation– This activity from Mama. Papa. Bubba. is sure to keep the kids occupied for hours. Perfect for when you need a break!

21. Flip-Flop Sandwiches– These sandwiches from Cutefetti really are the cutest!

22. Water Balloon Volley Ball– A true summer classic, this game from It’s Always Autumn fits right in with a beach staycation!

23. Beach Books– When it’s time for a little bit of quiet, Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s got you covered with this list of beach themed books the kids are sure to love!

Which of these 23 ideas for a beach staycation are you going to try out first?

The post 23 Ideas for a Beach Staycation appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I can just imagine seeing a bunch of these being waved around.  What a brightly colored display!

The instructions below are written to include using a hot glue gun so this craft is more suited towards older children and not toddlers or pre-schoolers. 

Items needed:

12” Wooden dowels from craft store, blue and white Acrylic paint, 1” rolls of Satin ribbon: 2 blue, 2 red, and 2 white, thin bristle paint brush, foam brush, and a hot glue gun.

Let’s start by taking the foam brush and painting the wood dowels with the blue paint. You can leave one end of the dowel unpainted since the ribbon will be there.  Let completely dry.

With the thin bristle brush, paint white star bursts on the dowel.

Let completely dry.

Cut the ribbon into 20″ strips keeping the three colors in separate piles. 

Fold the ribbon in half and loop it around the end of the wand where you didn’t paint. Pull the ends through and the loop and tighten.

Loop three rows of blue ribbon and then finish with alternating the red and white ribbons. Take the glue gun and secure the ribbon to the wood dowel.

Now you are ready to wave your country patriotism with your 4th of July Ribbon Wand!

We have more patriotic ideas for you!

Patriotic Paper Chain Free Printable

4th of July Firecrackers

4th of July Poke Cake

The post 4th of July Ribbon Wand appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.