What is more, they look super cute on the festive table. And it sure feels like we’re on vacation!

It’s only April but here I am dreaming of the beach.  I guess I’ll have to eat a Pudding Sand Cup instead…

What do you need to make this Pudding sand cups recipe?

In fact, these are so easy to make, you will need no more than 10 minutes tops. In addition to the ingredients in the recipe, you will need small cups and some more decorations such as cocktail umbrellas. You can find these in the party section of your grocery store or a party supplies store. 

Remember that you make these for the grandkids, so they don’t have to be in large cups. They will be a hit at your beach-themed party!

These pudding sand cups are:

• easy to make 
• tasty 
• don’t require any special skills
• summery snack
• creamy

Make a Pudding sand cups recipe for your beach-themed party

To begin with, planning and organizing a party for the little ones can be a difficult task. If it is possible, begin preparations the month before to be sure you won’t miss anything. 

Make a party plan, choose the theme, cake, decorations, and schedule the activities and games for the grandkids. Make a food menu, and organize it all in a folder on your tablet. It helps the party to be less stressful for you.  

Helpful tips:

• You can crush the biscuits in a food processor or a ziplock bag using a rolling pin.
• Feel free to use the candy you already have.
• Instead of gummy bears, you can use different types of summer-themed treats.

What do you need to make the perfect beach-themed party?

Save on time and stress by choosing the theme first. If you decide on a beach theme party, start with the cake and then plan the decorations for the room and the table. You should include the theme colors in the appetizers, desserts, and other tasty treats you serve.

For your party you will need:

• Party theme
• Invitations
• Cake
• Food menu
• Table and room decorations
• Fun games and activities for the grandkids

What is more, make sure you send out the invitations a few weeks in advance. For more excitement, grandkids can get involved in making the invitations and get crafty. They can make the invitations by using paper, pencils, stickers, and other craft supplies. 

Write a list of all the beach-themed items you want to include at your beach party:

• seashells
• starfish
• sand
• beach or pool
• umbrellas
• fish
• boats
• palm trees
• pineapples
• flamingos
• beach balls

Make super funny food names and put labels on the table

Would you like to try these pudding sand cups with bears? Or some beach party dip? How about a starfish sandwich? Come up with cute and amusing names for the tasty treats and label them.

Put the labels on the table. It will make the party a lot more fun! Even the picky-eaters will be enjoying this party food!

Try some of these ideas:

• Starfish sandwiches
• Swimming teddy bear dip
• Bikini beach bear cupcakes
• Beach party pops
• Surfing bear cupcakes

Plan the party outside

Grandkids need to be outside to get more Vitamin D. Also, to have more space for running and expressing their excitement. They need to play outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day. This party will give them lots of reasons to stay in the sun and have fun.

Easy-to-make party food snacks

Party food should be related to the topic. And it is great to have beach theme shapes and decorations, too. Get creative in the kitchen! Search the internet for some party food ideas and create them with the products you want to use. 

We have many recipes on our blog where your grandkids can help make the food item. This Pudding Sand Cups Recipe is no different. I’ve mentioned before that these are my favorite kind of treat to make because it keeps my little ones busy for a bit in the kitchen and then they always love to eat what they make. Just wait until they see this!

In addition to our Pudding Sand Cups recipe, here’s another “beach” type snack that I have made many times with my littles and they love it! It’s our Beach Theme Fruit Dip and it’s always a hit!

With summer quickly approaching, you may want to grab some of the ingredients for this recipe so that you have everything on hand. I know that my refrigerator is often sparse because there is just my husband and me at home. We don’t eat that much. 

Our little 6-year-old granddaughter was here the other day, and she opened our refrigerator, and then she said “Grammy, now I know why you and Pa come to our house for Sunday dinner because you don’t have a lot of food!”

I may not have a lot of food. But I do have lots of things to make recipes for with my grandkids. I guess I better go to the store and get some pudding! Using instant puddings makes this recipe an easy one. So let’s get started! 

Print

Pudding Sand Cups Recipe

Kids of all ages love to make this Pudding Sand Cups Recipe. Using instant puddings makes it so easy!

Course Snack

Keyword Pudding Sand Cups

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Chill time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author WritersID2

Ingredients

• 1-2 pkg small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tub 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)
• Blue Food Coloring
• 6-8 Golden Oreos, crushed
• Gummy sea creatures, stars or shells
• Teddy Bear Grahams

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, add cold milk
• Sprinkle pudding over top and whisk until well combined
• Add food coloring and mix well
  
• Place in refrigerator about 10 minutes or until set
• Fold in whipped topping until well combined
  
• Add to glasses or cups
  
• Place in refrigerator 20 minutes to chill
• Crush cookies in food processor or resealable plastic bag until fine
• Sprinkle on top
• Add your gummy sea creatures and Teddy Bear Grahams
  

Notes

You can adapt this recipe to a "dirt cup" recipe by following the same recipe but using these ingredients:

 

1-2 small box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

10-12 regular Oreo cookies, crushed
Gummy worms

 

How to make table and room decorations for the beach-themed party?

It is no surprise that the general color is blue. You can combine it with white and other bright colors for accent. White table cloths will make your dishes and decorations more visible. 

For the perfect beach themed-party provide:

• decorative fishnet wall hanging
• fish and boat ornaments
• seashells centerpiece for the table
• white table cloth
• beach signs
• colorful balloons
• a small pool with inflatable fish and boats

For the table setting, you may use a blue scarf or organza fabric to drape in the center of the table. Put decorations on the top. For example, seashells, and boats. Stretch a fishing net across the table cloth or hang it on the wall. Use blue napkins and straws. You can even put an umbrella on each straw to make it more fun!

Fun party activities for the grandkids

Thirty minutes for each game is enough for the grandkids to have fun and then move on to the next activity. Plan some quiet games, too, such as puzzles or board games. This way grandchildren won’t be exhausted before the cake arrives.

You can give all the grandkids some beach-theme items like goggles, sunglasses, flippers. Make them participate in the beach-themed photo booth wearing them and take photos.

For instance, hide some beach-themed items somewhere in the garden and organize a scavenger hunt. Grandkids will be having a lot of fun while finding them. Leave clues in different places and watch them playing. 

Schedule different beach-themed party activities, such as:

• scavenger hunt
• decorating seashells
• craft with tropical items
• beach-themed photo booth
• make a beach-themed sensory bottle
• catching fish in the small pool with inflatable fish

Get some seashells, paint, glitter, and get crafty. The grandkids can make their painted seashells and take them home as a gift from the party. 

Besides, we have already shown you how to make a sensory bottle in some of our blog posts. You can use this idea as a great party activity. 

Provide bottles, cooking oil, paint, glitter, different seashells, and window stickers. Grandkids will have fun while making their ocean-filled bottles. Homemade toys are great for developing grandchildren’s skills. 

These activities will create meaningful conversations and lots of long-lasting memories. And most importantly, grandkids will be having fun!

Healthy party food

Create a well-balanced and healthy menu for the party. Include vital nutrients such as proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Minimize using sugar as much as possible. Substitute it with fresh fruit. 

Here is what you can do to make your party food healthier:

• Why not go sugar-free? Grandkids won’t be able to tell if you use sweeteners instead of sugar. But it will make it much healthier. Try stevia or erythritol. You can use sugar-free chocolate, too. 
• Instead of artificial food coloring, put some blue spirulina. It will make the pudding the desirable blue color. 
• Make sure you have lots of colorful fresh fruit on the table. Bright colors will attract the grandkids, and they would want to have some.

In fact, cooking food at home is always a better option to make it organic or eliminating food coloring and artificial food enhancement agents. If you decide to buy prepackaged food, make sure it contains less sugar and no preservatives. 

Allergy-friendly Pudding sand cups recipe variation

When you gather more grandchildren together for a party, you have to consider whether some of them have food allergies or not. Make sure your food is allergy-free. Use dairy-free milk to make the recipe lactose-free and vegan. 

Why not make a homemade ”biscuit sand” for the Pudding sand cups? Use a gluten-free mix of flour and add sweetener to make it tasty.

For example, you can mix equal quantities of buckwheat flour and gluten-free oat flour with some erythritol to make it sweet. There are gluten-free crackers or biscuits you can use, too. 

The bottom line

How to throw the perfect beach theme party for your grandkids? We have you covered with tips and ideas to make your occasion memorable. Everyone will love these delicious and cute Pudding sand cups.

Not only are these easy to make but also look super cute on your party table. Your grandkids will be looking forward to the party! 

Moreover, get them involved in making the invitations and even the Pudding sand cups. They will be so excited to take part in the whole preparations! It is an affordable and money-saving idea for a sweet treat that will take your party to the next level! 

Are you already enjoying our pudding sand cups recipe? You have to check out these other posts, too:

• 23 ideas for a beach staycation
• 16 healthy kid snacks
• 31 easy pirate ideas
• 16 nautical DIY projects
• Quick and easy DIY seashell artwork

The post Pudding Sand Cups Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

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.

With a chewy outside brownie for the cookie and a chocolate chip cookie dough as the filling, these cookies will be asked for over and over.

They are super simple to make but make a grand entrance once they are unveiled.   Let’s get to making these!

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box of brownie mix plus the ingredients to make the batter (or you can also use your own made from scratch recipe)

1 1/2 cups (three sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 tsp salt

3 TBL milk

2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 bag of mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Prepare the brownie batter per the package instructions.

On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon drops of brownie batter leaving space for spreading

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the brownies start to crack.

Allow to cool on the cookie sheet.

While the brownies are cooling, beat the brown sugar and butter on high speed until creamy and fluffy.

Add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Add in the flour and the salt.  Blend until well combined.

Add the milk and vanilla.  Mix well.

Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.

Spread this mixture on half of your “brownie cookies” then top with another brownie cookie. 

For even more chocolatey goodness, you can press or roll some extra mini chocolate chips to the sides of the cookies. 

Print

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

With a chewy brownie on the outside and some yummy cookie dough for the filling inside, these Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies will be asked for over and over again!

Course Cookies, Desserts

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Brownie mix plus the ingredients to make the brownie batter per the package instructions
• 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3 TBL milk
• 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 bag mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Prepare the brownie batter per the package instructions.
• On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon drops of brownie batter leaving space for spreading
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the brownies start to crack.
• Allow to cool on the cookie sheet.
• While the brownies are cooling, beat the brown sugar and butter on high speed until creamy and fluffy.
• Add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
• Add in the flour and the salt.  Blend until well combined.
• Add the milk and vanilla.  Mix well.
• Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
• Spread this mixture on half of your "brownie cookies" then top with another brownie cookie.
• For even more chocolatey goodness, you can press or roll some extra mini chocolate chips to the sides of the cookies. 

Notes

There are no eggs used in the cookie dough filling,  so these can be eaten without the worry of getting salmonella. 

Recipe adapted by The Tidy Mom

I am watching my little 4 year old grandson in two days and I am really going to score some Grammy points because we are going to make these cookies when he’s here.  Grammy for the win!

More cookie goodness for the grandkids!

Bomb Pop Cookies

Loft House Sugar Cookies

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

What do you call these?  All my life I’ve called these Scotcharoos with an “A”.  Then I see recipes out there that are called Scotcheroos with an “E”.  What??!!

Either way, I don’t think there is a kid alive that doesn’t like these. (This Grammy loves them and can eat a quite a few.) And our Scotcharoos (with an A) is the best because of a small little tweak that makes our soft and not too hard. Plus no cutting is required. Hallelujah!

If you’ve ever cut a pan of these, you know that can be a chore.  But with our recipe below, your Scotcharoos will be a breeze. So let’s get started.

Ingredients:

5  to 5 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies (This is our little secret.  DO NOT use 6 cups that is called for in every other recipe.)

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of corn syrup

1 cup of creamy peanut butter

1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup of butterscotch chips

Instructions:

In a large sauce pan, mix the sugar and corn syrup together to dissolve the sugar.

Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter.

Add 5 cups of Rice Krispies.  If the mix looks too liquidy you can add up to another 1/2 up but do not add any more than that or your Scotcharoos will be hard.  This is the key to making them soft instead of hard. I pretty much always use 5 cups.

Line a muffin pan with liners and then spray with a non-stick spray.  You can use regular size muffin pans or mini muffin pans. 

Evenly distribute the Rice Krispie mixture into the muffin liners and lightly press down.

In a smaller sauce pan on low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips until smooth.

Spoon melted mixture over each Scotcharoo and with a spoon distribute evenly. You can double the chocolate mixture if you prefer a thicker chocolate frosting.

Let cool and then you are ready to serve and eat.  NO CUTTING REQUIRED! 

Isn’t that the best news ever?

I will be serving these to my grandkids this Sunday.  Who wants to bet that there won’t be a single one leftover?

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Best Scotcharoos Recipe

With one little tweak, this Scotcharoo recipe makes the best Scotcharoos because they are soft and not hard. Plus no cutting required!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 24

Author Debbie

Ingredients

• 5 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

• In a large sauce pan, mix the sugar and corn syrup together to dissolve the sugar.
• Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
• Stir in peanut butter.
• Add 5 cups of Rice Krispies.  If the mix looks too liquidy you can add up to another 1/2 up but do not add any more than that or your Scotcharoos will be hard.  This is the key to making them soft instead of hard. I pretty much always use 5 cups.
• Line a muffin pan with liners and then spray with a non-stick spray.  You can use regular size muffin pans or mini muffin pans.
• Evenly distribute the Rice Krispie mixture into the muffin liners and lightly press down.
• In a smaller sauce pan on low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips until smooth.
• Spoon melted mixture over each Scotcharoo and with a spoon distribute evenly. You can double the chocolate mixture if you prefer a thicker chocolate frosting.
• Let cool and then you are ready to serve and eat.  No cutting required!

Either way, with an “A” or an “E”, these are a fun treat to make and even more fun eating them!

Do you need more Rice Krispies goodness in your life?  

Take a look at this!

Roasted Rice Krispies Treats

The post Best Scotcharoos 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!

The post Low Carb Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

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

The post Apple Pie Spice Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- peach season! So sweet, juicy, and flavorful. The perfect fruit. Have you picked up a box of peaches yet? If you’re looking for new, exciting peach recipes to try, check out this list of 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer!

1. Fresh Peach Crumb Bars– Ok, I’m already drooling at these pics from Saving Room For Dessert!

2. Peach Caramel Blondie Cheesecake– Omg, I think I just died and went to heaven. Check this out at Life, Love and Sugar.

3. Peach Cookies– Aren’t these cookies from Party Pinching gorgeous?

4. Peach Jam– The perfect pair with a slice of toast, or even better, on a waffle! Find it at Crystal & Co.

5. Peaches & Cream Scones– A Family Feast‘s scones make me want to sit out in garden with my fancy hat, and enjoy a cup of tea.

6. Healthy Caramelized Skillet Peaches– If you’re looking for something a little healthier (but still totally delcious!), you’ll love 90/10 Nutrition‘s recipe!

7. Ginger Peach Lemonade– Talk about refreshing! Try this recipe at Thyme & Love.

8. Homemade Peach Ice Cream– This ice cream from Events to Celebrate looks heavenly!

9. Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert– The Creative Bite‘s dessert is a perfect combination of sweet and salty!

10. Homemade Fresh Peach Crisp– Mmmm! I can already taste this peach crisp from Hostess at Heart!

11. Peach Hand Pies– These little pies from Shugary Sweets are the perfect treat for an outdoor picnic!

12. Peach Snickerdoodles– As if snickerdoodles weren’t already scrumptious enough, Butter with a Side of Bread added peaches- a snickerdoodle upgrade!

13. Easy Baked Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar Topping– Oh my, these peaches from I Heart Naptime are absolutely dreamy!

14. Ripe Peach Popsicles– The View from Great Island‘s popsicles are a fantastic way to cool down on a hot summer’s day!

15. Two Two Easy Peach Cobbler– Need something quick and easy? Check out our peach cobbler, right here at This Grandma Is Fun!

16. No Bake Peach Cream Pie– What is it about peaches and cream that makes them the perfect combination? Find this easy recipe at A Latte Food.

17. Peach Sorbet– Nothing feels better in the middle of summer than a nice, cold treat, like this one from Chef Not Required.

18. Peach Bread– Is this even real?! Tastes of Lizzy T‘s peach bread sounds too good to be true!

19. Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone & Honey– This dessert from Erhardts Eat is so simple yet elegant.

20. Peach Butter– Imagine spreading this on a slice of bread and enjoying it on your back patio in the early morning hours. Ah, pure bliss! Find this recipe at The Redhead Baker.

21. Peaches & Cream Empanadas– The picture alone is making my mouth water over Taste Made‘s empanadas!

22. Peach Pie Bars– Forget about slicing up a pie, now you can have it in a convenient, more delicious bar with Life Made Simple‘s recipe!

23. Peach Slushies– Kids are sure to love this fun treat from Bite of Delight!

24. Peach Upside Down Cake– Isn’t this cake from An Italian in My Kitchen beautiful? What a presentation! And it’s absolutely delicious!

25. Ridiculously Easy Peach Dumplings– When you have little kids running around the house, sometimes you need something quick and easy, like these yummy dumplings from Home Is Where the Boat Is!

What do you think about these 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer? Let us know which you’ll try first!
 

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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?

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To get started with these cookies, you are going to want our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie recipe found here.  I know that you have to make another click to get the recipe, but I am promising you right here and now, IT IS WORTH IT!  However, if you are in a hurry, you can always use premade sugar cookie dough. 

Here are the additional items you will need for the decorating: Red, green and white frosting, black and green gel icing, triangle cookie cutter, and tongue depressors.

Roll your cookie dough per the recipe or the premade dough.  Cut your triangles out.

Lay your tongue depressors on a cookie sheet leaving enough room to lay the triangle dough on top.

Bake as directed by our sugar cookie recipe or per the packaged dough. Start with the red frosting and frost the watermelon part of the cookie.

Next comes frosting the white part of the rind.

Take your green gel and make lines to look like the green watermelon rind.

And last but not least, with your black gel, create the black watermelon seeds.

Let the frosting dry a little and then watch these yummy treats disappear!

Recipes that kids can really help and get creative are my favorite kind of recipes.  I would say this one really fits that bill and that we will be making them again.  Hope you enjoy!

More Watermelon goodness with our…

Watermelon Whoopie Pies

Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon Flower Pots

The post Watermelon Cookies on a Stick appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Secondly, is that your grandkids will have a ton of fun making this cake with you.  What kid wouldn’t want to squirt red and blue into a cake?

And third, it is super easy to make and your grandkids will think you are amazing that you made it for them!

This also isn’t just for a patriotic holiday.  It’s perfect for any summer barbecue or backyard party.

Print

4th of July Poke Cake

Course 4th of July, Dessert, Holiday

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -15

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Cake
  
• 1 white cake mix
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 small box 3.4 oz cherry gelatin - you will use ½ the package
• 1 small box 3.4 oz berry blue gelatin - you will use ½ the package
• 1 cup boiling water divided
• ½ cup cold water divided
• Frosting
  
• 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed
• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• Toppings
  
• Additional whipped topping
• Sprinkles
• Fruit

Instructions

• Cake
  
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 13x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
• Combine cake mix, eggs, water, oil and until smooth
• Spread evenly into baking dish, bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
• Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes
• Combine ½ of the package (about 2 tablespoons) red gelatin and ½ cup boiling water and stir about 2 minutes until dissolved, add ¼ cup cold water and stir to combine
• Using a wooden skewer or large fork, poke holes into cake about every 1/2 inch
• Combine ½ of the package (about 2 tablespoons) blue gelatin and ½ cup boiling water and stir about 2 minutes until dissolved, add ¼ cup cold water and stir to combine
• Carefully pour gelatin over the cake
• 
• Place in refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight
• Frosting
  
• In a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth
• Fold in whipped topping until smooth
• 
• Spread over cake
• Store in refrigerator until ready to serve
• Store leftovers in refrigerator covered with plastic wrap
• Serve with additional whipped topping, sprinkles or fruit
• 
  
• Pro Tip:
• Add jello to squeeze bottles to make adding the jello to the holes in the cake easier.

Do you still want to poke something?  Here’s another poke cake for ya!

Chocolate Pudding Poke Cake

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Tired of just plain ol’ s’mores at your campfire (I know, I know. No one can ever really be tired of s’mores!)? If you’re looking for some ideas to liven up the campfire, you’ll love our list of 25 mouth-watering campfire desserts! 

1. Foil Packet Apple Pie– Make this American classic a campfire classic with Love from the Oven‘s apple pie!

2. Skillet Hot Fudge Pudding Cake– Omg, this picture has me drooling! Find it at Biscuits and Burlap.

3. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls– I can’t wait to watch these babies grow with Dessert Now, Dinner Later‘s recipe!

4. 7 Layer Brownies– That’s right. 7. Layers. Check it out at Pulling Curls!

5. Sugar Cone S’mores– This treat from Adventures of Mel is sure to be a hit with the kids!

6. Campfire Eclairs– Who says camping can’t be fancy? Try this fancy camping dessert from This Grandma is Fun.

7. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler– Easy and delicious! Find it at Well Plated. 

8. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie– Oh man, I can already taste this cookie from Julie’s Eats & Treats!

9. Reverse S’mores Bites– We love this original take on s’mores from Clean and Scentsible.

10. Cherry Hand Pies– You’ll love these quick and easy pies from The Kitchen Magpie!

11. Toasted Marshmallow Strawberries– Strawberries are good in just about anything, especially toasted marshmallow! Find this yummy recipe at Good Cook.

12. Banana Boats– If you want to feel a little bit healthier, you’ll love these banana boats from Fresh Off the Grid.

13. S’mores Nachos– S’mores nachos from Let’s Camp S’more are perfect for an appetizer or dessert!

14. Apple Cinnamon Skillet Blondie– This blondie from Life, Love and Sugar is the dessert of my dreams. Yum!

15. Dutch Oven Raspberry Cake– REI‘s raspberry cake will make camping feel like glamping!

16. Monkey Bread– Sticky, sweet, and ooey-gooey, Say Not Sweet Anne‘s monkey bread is a campfire favorite!

17. Strawberry Cheesecake Pudgy Pie– It’s title is “pudgy.” Need we say more? Get this dessert at The Frugal Girls.

18. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts– Who knew donuts were so easy? Try this recipe out at Oma Darling.

19. Pound Cake and Berry Campfire Skillet Dessert– This recipe from Taste and Tell is making my mouth water.

20. Skillet S’more Brownies– I could eat this whole brownie in one sitting. Check it out at Satori Design for Living.

21. Campfire Churros– Liz on Call‘s churros are nice and toasty for a cool camping night.

22. Peach Dump Cake– You know it’s easy if it says “dump” in it, like this delicious cake from Dutch Oven Daddy.

23. Roasted Caramel Apple– If you’re looking for something nice and simple, you’ll love Violet’s Silver Lining‘s caramel apple treat!

24. Sopapilla Cheesecake– I can’t wait to get my hands on these sopapillas from Making Memories with Your Kids!

25. Chocolate Lava Cake– Warm everyone up with this tasty cake from Happily Home Grown.

The post 25 Mouth-Watering Campfire Desserts appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Nothing says summer more than watermelon and ice cream.  This recipe blends the best of both worlds and is super easy to make.  You will be the hit of the barbecue party when you bring out these Watermelon Whoopie Pies.  Perfect for a warm summers night.

Print

Watermelon Whoopie Pies

Course Dessert

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tbl softened butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup and 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red pink and green food coloring
• Vanilla ice cream softened

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add egg and the vanilla mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder and salt together.
• Add 1/2 of this flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix well
• Add 1/2 of the buttermilk until well incorporated.
• Add the second half of the flour and buttermilk until completely mixed.
• Divide batter into 2 equal portions.
• Stir some red and pink food coloring into the first portion. If you want the color to be more red, then you'll want to add some more red food coloring. We went for more of a lighter pink color
• Stir some green food coloring into the second portion.
• Stir the chocolate chips into the red portion.
• Spoon these two colored mixtures into a pastry bag or sandwich bag.
• Cut the corner on the bag.
• Spray your cookie sheet with non stick spray or you can also use a whoopie pie pan if you have one.
• Pipe out 3" circles of red and green onto the cookie sheet or fill the whoopie pie pan about 1/2 full.
• Bake at 350F for 9-12 minutes.
• Let cool and then transfer to a rack.
• After completely cool, wrap the pies in a plastic wrap and freeze for about an hour.
• Spread your softened ice cream onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Freeze in your freezer until the ice cream is firm again. Up to two hours.
• Cut your rounds with a strong cookie cutter. If your ice cream is too hard, wait a few minutes to softened slightly and try again.
• Remove the whoopie pies from the freezer and assemble together with your ice cream.
• Freeze until ready to eat

Notes

This recipe should make 6 Whoopie Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches. Recipe can easily be doubled. Recipe adapted from Haniela's

Another watermelon themed dessert for you:

Watermelon Cupcakes

The post Watermelon Whoopie Pies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Even though it has an old fashioned name, this Ice Box Cake does not have an old fashioned taste. The fruit that it is packed with makes this recipe fresh and flavorful.

Print

Ice Box Cake

Course Dessert

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups very cold heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Graham crackers
• 4 cups - fresh fruit - strawberries blueberries, red raspberries and blackberries, or any combination you like

Instructions

• Place mixing bowl in freezer about 30 min before using to chill
• While mixing bowl is chilling, prepare fruit by cleaning and slicing strawberries
• In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form
• Divide whipping cream mixture into fourths
• Spread a small spoonful of cream on bottom of pan evenly
• Add graham crackers, trim crackers to fit if necessary
• Spread ¼ of the whipping cream mixture on top of the graham crackers
• Add ⅓ of the fruit on top of the whipping cream
• Optional but helpful to level the crackers - Add a small amount of whip cream on top of the fruit to level it.
• Add another layer of graham crackers, pressing down gently into the cream
• Then repeat layers, finishing the cream on top
• Cover and refrigerate overnight
• Garnish with additional fruit if you like
• Serve chilled
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator

Notes

Any type of fruit can be used on this icebox cake. You can also add instant vanilla pudding in between the layers.

No matter if you put this dessert in your “icebox” or your “refrigerator”, I doubt it will stay for long.  Hope you enjoy!

Grilled Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich

Strawberry Filled Angel Food Cake

The post Ice Box Cake Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Part of my dislike is the texture but no matter how ripe or how cold a watermelon is, I will pass.  My husband thinks I’m crazy.

Things that are flavored with watermelon are great, like slushies and Jolly Ranchers and these cupcakes, but that’s as far as I go.

Even though I’m not a fan of real watermelon, I am glad that I have this Watermelon Cupcake Recipe in my arsenal. It’s the perfect kind of watermelon that even I can’t resist.

Print

Watermelon Cupcake Recipe

There will definitely be no spitting out the seeds with this Watermelon Cupcake Recipe. They will be gobbled up fast - no contest!

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Cupcakes
  
• 6 tbsp softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Green food coloring
  
• 
  
• Buttercream Frosting
  
• 2 sticks of butter unsalted at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp of powdered watermelon koolaid mix
• Red food coloring
• Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• Cupcakes
  
• Preheat the oven to 375º F.
• Line muffin pan with cupcake liners of your choice. We chose green.
• Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add in the egg whites. Beat well
• Put in the sour cream and vanilla extract then fold into the butter and sugar mixture.
  
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and gently mix to incorporate.
• Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix well
• Add the other half of the flour mixture and mix until you cannot see any dry flour.
• Add green food coloring to the color you desire.
• Fill your cupcake liners about 1/2 to 2/3 full.
• Bake at 375º F for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350º. Keep the cupcakes in the oven for another 8-10 minutes.
• Remove from oven.
• Let cupcakes cool.
• Buttercream
  
• Beat the butter and shortening with an electric mixer until smooth.
• Add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until you do not see any clumps of sugar.
• Add in more powdered sugar, mixing frequently until there are no more lumps and it is a thick consistency.
• Add the watermelon Kool-Aid powder and a small amount of red food coloring (until you reach the color you desire) and mix well.
  
• Instructions
  
• Spoon the frostingHow to assemble down into a large piping bag with a tip. We used a 1m piping tip.
• Start in the center of the cupcake and swirl out to the sides and then back in to the center of the cupcake, stacking the frosting as you go
• Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting.
• Makes 10-12 cupcakes.

Notes

This recipe has been adapted from The First Year Blog!

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In my mind, they were the biggest popsicle and I though I was getting the most from the coins I had begged mom for.

With this Bomb Pop Cookies recipe you can relive your childhood anytime and share that memory with your grandkids while eating them.

They are such a different cookie with the stick in them and kids love making these!

Here’s the recipe.  I promise…It’s the “bomb”!

Print

Bomb Pop Cookies

Who remembers the Bomb Pop popsicle from the ice cream truck? With these cookies you don't have to wait to enjoy the Bomb Pop experience!

Course Dessert

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 & 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Red and blue paste food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon each cherry raspberry and lemon extract. You can also substitute strawberry extract for the raspberry.
• White chocolatem melts or some white frosting of your choice.
• Popsicles sticks

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and oil. Beat well
• In a separate bowl, mix together 2 and 3/4 cups flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt.
• Add this dry mixture into the creamed mixture and beat well.
• If needed, add the remaining 1/4 cup flour and beat until the dough forms into a ball.
• Divide dough into 3 equal balls of dough.
• Add red food coloring and cherry extract to the ball of dough.
• Add blue food coloring and raspberry extract to ball of dough.
• Add just the lemon extract to the last uncolored section.
• Roll each ball of dough into a 10-in.-long rectangle log.
• Place red, white and blue logs side by side.
• Very lightly, press all the logs together in red, white and blue order.
• Wrap in saran wrap and then chill until firm. I chilled mine for about 30 minutes.
• 
• Unwrap your dough and then cut it crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.
• 
• Place each slide about one inch apart on parchment paper on your baking sheets.
• At the end of a strip, lightly press cookies with a fork and then pull down the dough to the end.
• 
• 
• 
• Bake until set about 10-12 minutes.
• Let cool for 2-3 minutes then transfer to a rack.
• Using white chocolate candy melts, melt per package instructions. Spread on the inside of a cookie, insert a stick and place another cookie on the other side.
• 
• Let cool.
• Or use white vanilla frosting to do the same.
• 

Notes

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

These Bomb Pop  Cookies are also great for our patriotic holidays.  If you are looking another patriotic treat, try these Firecracker Marshmallows.

The post Bomb Pop Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With only four ingredients, kids can make these up super fast and that’s the kind of food craft that this Grandma is looking for.

And the end result has a cherry on top?  Can’t get any better than that.

Alrightee.  Let’s get poppin’!

Print

Firecracker Marshmallows

Course Snack

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 bag of large marshmallows - approx 30
• 6 oz of white candy melts or white almond bark
• Blue Sprinkles
• 1 jar of maraschino cherries with the stem still attached

Instructions

• Melt the white chocolate melts per the instructions on the bag making sure not to burn the chocolate
• Dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate and then into the blue sprinkles
• Place on parchment paper or waxed paper
• Gently dip the maraschino cherry into the melted white chocolate and place on top of the marshmallow.
• Let cool before eating.

These Firecracker Marshmallows were a super fun food craft that we got from Kid Friendly Things To Do.

If you are feeling brave, you can also try making your own homemade marshmallows.   Check this out!

The post Firecracker Marshmallows appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Whenever I have someone over and I make these, they are always so impressed.  I have been known to sigh, throw some flour on my face and describe how much time and effort it took me in the kitchen.  Luckily my friends know me well enough and we always end up laughing.

These eclairs have a perfect little crunch on the outside, a super creamy filling inside and who can complain about them being dripped in chocolate?

Print

Chocolate Eclairs

With this recipe, there's no need to be afraid to make these yummy Chocolate Eclairs.

Course Dessert

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Eclairs
  
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 eggs
  
• Filling
  
• 1 5.1 oz package Instant Vanilla Pudding
• 2 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
  
• Chocolate icing
  
• 2 squares 1 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2 TBL butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 TBL hot water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Eclairs
  
• In a saucepan, combine the butter and water. Melt butter and bring to a rolling boil.
• Reduce heat and mix in flour and salt.
• Mix vigorously until the mixture leaves the side of the pan and forms a stiff ball.
• Remove from heat.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Spoon or pipe dough into 4 x 1/12 inch strips.
• Place on greased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 20 minutes longer or until golden brown.
• Let cool.
  
• Filling
  
• Combing pudding mix and milk and mix according to package instructions.
• In a separate bowl, whip the whipped cream until soft peaks form.
• Beat in sugar and vanilla.
• Fold into pudding mixture.
• Fill cooled shells. You may have some mixture leftover. I sometimes put this to mix into some fruit for a great fruit salad!
  
• Chocolate Icing
  
• Melt chocolate and butter in a sauce over low heat.
• Stir in sugar.
• Add hot water and stir until mixture is smooth and to desired consistency.
• Cool slightly.
• Pour over cooled eclairs.
• Chill until served.

With Easter fast approaching, these Chocolate Eclairs would be a great addition to a Sunday Brunch.  Just don’t forget to brush the flour from your face.

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

Most kids love cookie dough ice cream (I am a lover of eating straight cookie dough. Don’t judge me!) and if yours do too, then you’ll want to make room for these yummy brownies.

A moist base of brownies topped with a cookie dough middle with the crowning top of melted chocolate chips make these brownies a treat that will disappear fast.

Print

Cookie Dough Brownies

Are you ready for a recipe that you will be asked for over and over? These Cookie Dough Brownies might just be your new favorite goodie.

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• BROWNIE BASE
  
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
  
• FILLING
  
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup flour
  
• GLAZE
  
• 1 cup regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon shortening

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa and salt. Mix until combined.
• Add oil, eggs and vanilla.
• Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes
• Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
• Cool completely
• For filling, cream butter and sugars together in a medium bowl.
• Add in milk and vanilla
• Beat in flour.
• Spread over the cooled brownies and chill until firm.
• For glaze, melt regular semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening in microwave. Watch to make sure chocolate chips don't burn. I usually do about 25 seconds and then stir until smooth. Repeat until completely melted.
• Spread melted chocolate over filling.
• Sprinkle mini chips over chocolate while still warm.
• Let cool. Then watch them go!

I hope you enjoy these as much as our family does!

The post Cookie Dough Brownies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

When I first started making this cake I was a young married wife.  I very clearly remember when I had my parents over for dinner and I had made this cake especially for my dad.

When it came time for dessert, I told my dad that the name of this cake was the Better Than Sex cake.  But I wasn’t prepared for his response.

He took one bite and firmly exclaimed “No, it’s not!” 

My mom, husband and I immediately started laughing out loud!  My dad has since passed but this is actually one of my favorite memories of him. I miss his humor.

While you may not think it is better than s..(you know!), it is a dessert that your guests will love.

Print

Better Than Anything Cake

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar Mrs. Richardsons Caramel Topping or Butterscotch Caramel Topping
• 1 8 oz container of Cool Whip
• Toffee chips or crunched up SKOR or Heath Bar

Instructions

• Make cake as directed on package for a 9x13 cake
• Cool for 5 minutes
• With the back of a wooden spoon, poke cake every 1/2 inch or so
• Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over cake.
• Let stand until condensed milk has been absorbed into the cake.
• Spread caramel topping on top.
• Chill for 10-15 minutes
• Spread Cool Whip over top of cake and crumble toffee chips on top.
• Cover with saran wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve

I hope you decide to try this cake and while you are at it, go hug your Dad.

If you are looking for another poke cake idea, check this out!

Chocolate Pudding Poke Cake

The post Better Than Anything Cake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Something super easy but a little fancier than cookies.  My grandkids could definitely make this and the best part is – it only takes 15-20 minutes! They are going to be so proud of themselves!

With only four ingredients, plus the shell, it also will make for almost no mess.  That’s my kind of recipe to make with kids who can sometimes be mess in the kitchen!

And even if you don’t make this with any kids, it still is a great dessert to bring for family get togethers, potlucks or parties.  I remember making five of these one night for a friend’s party and it took me less than 2 hours.  She was so grateful and impressed!

If you don’t care for cherries, you can substitute them for canned blueberries, strawberries or blackberries.  Super yum!

Print

Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Course Dessert

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 frozen 8" baked pie shell
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 medium sized cool whip
• 1 can cherry pie filling refrigerated or other pie filling of your choice - blueberry, strawberry etc.

Instructions

• Bake pie shell according to package instructions. Let cool
• While cooling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and cool whip together.
• Fold into cooled pie shell
• Top with cherry filling.
• Chill

I can’t wait to try this with my grandkids and I hope you enjoy it too!

The post Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I have never been a big breakfast fan. It is my least favorite meal of the day. Cereal? Blech! Oatmeal? No way! Toast? Big, fat nope. Do you know what I’m craving in the mornings? Something sweet and fluffy. That’s right. I’m talking about muffins! If you’re tired of the same old, bland breakfast, you’ll love these 23 mouth-watering muffin recipes!

1. Crème Brûlée Muffins– I found out I could have crème brûlée for breakfast. Life just seems better now. Try crème brûlée muffins at Chef in Training!

2. Raspberry Yogurt Muffins with Honey Lemon Butter– Yes To Yolks‘s muffin recipe is bursting with flavor!

3. Almond Cherry Muffins– There’s just something so elegant about cherries. Find this recipe at Pretty Simple Sweet.

4. Chocolate Chip Muffins– I am a huge fan of chocolate chips. They make everything better, including muffins like these from Love from the Oven!

5. Coffee Cake Crumble Muffins– Mmmmm! I can already smell these muffins from What Molly Made baking in the oven!

6. Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins– Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts‘s french toast muffins made my jaw drop. Look at that picture. Just look at it. Are you drooling yet?!

7. Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins– Baker By Nature‘s muffin recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and tart!

8. Toffee Muffins– The toffee in these muffins from How To Be Awesome on 20 Dollars a Day add a yummy crunch!

9. S’mores Muffins– You don’t need a campfire for these yummy muffins from Burlap and Blue!

10. Pumpkin Muffins– Here at This Grandma is Fun, we try to be humble, but we cannot lie when we say these are the BEST pumpkin muffins! And so easy too…

11. Lemon Poppy Muffins– What is it about lemon and poppy that makes them an amazing combination? Try Yammie’s Noshery‘s recipe for a delicious muffin!

12. Pecan Pie Muffins– Make it the Christmas season all year long with The Girl Who Ate Everything‘s pecan pie muffins!

13. Cinnamon Roll Muffins– As if cinnamon rolls already weren’t delicious enough, Your Home Based Mom went and turned them into muffins. Heaven. Pure heaven.

14. Banana Cream Cheese Muffins– You know it’s good if its got cream cheese! Find this recipe at The Novice Chef .

15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins– Are you a peanut butter addict? Then you’ll love Our Balanced Bowl‘s muffin recipes!

16. Nutella Filled Chocolate Muffins– Nothing fills my chocolate lover’s heart with joy more than finding a Nutella stuffed muffin. Thank you Honest Cooking!

17. Orange and Strawberry Muffins– These muffins from The Kitchn make the perfect pick-me-up in the morning!

18. Apple Biscoff Hazlenut Muffins– If you wanted something a little on the healthier side, try Baked Bree‘s recipe!

19. Lemon Curd Filled Muffins– Add some zest to your morning with Annie’s Noms lemon curd muffins!

20. Muffadoodles– Ever notice how the good things in this world end with “doodle?” Snickerdoodle, golden-doodle, muffadoodles…. Find muffadoodles at Gimme Some Oven.

21. Caramel Apple Muffins– These muffins from Together as Family will make for a tasty breakfast treat.

22. Peach Crumb Muffin– Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch‘s peach muffins make me want to out to the orchard and pick peaches right now.

23. Old Fashioned Donut Muffins– I believe any recipe that starts with “old-fashioned,” like this recipe from Saving Room for Dessert, is an automatic win!

The post 23 Mouth-Watering Muffin Recipes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

There are so many reasons to love the holiday season: the lights, the snow, the Nativity, family, friends, music! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I have to admit though- my favorite part (aside from the celebration of Jesus Christ) is definitely the treats. I like to call Christmas season, “Let-out Season,” because in a couple weeks, I’m going to have to let out my jeans. Mercifully, New Year’s will come and January will be spent working off all those pounds as part of my resolution. If you’re anything like me and live for holiday baking, then you’ll love our list of 101 cookies to bake this Christmas!

Take out the hand rolling and make cookies into easy to cut bars. 

1. Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars– These cookie bars from Together as Family are named after Santa because they are his favorite.

2. Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars– The pistachio pudding adds a festive green color to these cookies from Creations by Kara.

3. Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars– You know if it has the word, “gooey,” in it, it’s going to be good. Find this cookie at Recipe Girl.

4. Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting– Forget gingerbread houses! Try Lauren’s Latest‘s gingerbread bars instead!

5. Magic Cookie Bars– What makes Living Well Mom‘s cookie bars magic, you ask? Not only are they easy to make, but they are absolutely delicious! I’d say that’s pretty magical!

6. Buddy the Elf’s Spaghetti Cookie Bars– If you try to stick to the four main food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, you’ll love 12 Tomatoes‘s fun recipe!

7. Peppermint Cookie Bars– One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the addition of peppermint into everything, like these cookie bars from Bake It Paleo!

8. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars– What is it about cranberries and white chocolate that makes them the perfect combination? These cookies from Unicorns in the Kitchen look so dreamy!

9. Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars– Swanky Recipes‘s shortbread bars make a beautiful, festive presentation!

10. Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars– Chocolate- good. Caramel- great. Put them together- AMAZING! Try Salty Side Dish‘s chocolate caramel cookie bars for amazing flavor!

11. Home-made Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars– For fans of this classic cookie, you’ll love The Baking Chocolatess‘s recipe.

If I lived in a house made of gingerbread, I would definitely not be interested in eating children. I mean, c’mon. It’s a house made of gingerbread! 

12. Caramel Stuffed Soft Gingerbread Cookies– The picture already has me drooling. Find these cookies at Belle Vie.

13. Frosted Gingerbread Cookies– If gingerbread is already delicious, can you imagine it with frosting? Baker by Nature‘s got it right with their cookies!

14. Gingerbread-Raspberry Sandwich Cookies– Flour Arrangements‘s sandwich cookies look both dainty and tasty!

15. Gingerbread Cookies-For anyone looking for a classic gingerbread recipe, look no further than Sally’s Baking Addiction!

16. Soft Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies– Sugar Hero‘s cookies are sure to wow everyone at your next cookie exchange party! So elegant!

17. Eggnog Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies– A Cookie Named Desire combined to classic Christmas treats into one with this recipe!

18. Gingerbread Cookie Bites– How fun are these mini cookies from Butter with a Side of Bread?

19. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies– Forget Oreos! Christmas time calls for these whoopie pies from Carlsbad Cravings!

20. Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting– Taste of Home‘s cookies are sure to become a new family favorite this year.

21. White Chocolate Peppermint Ginger Snaps– Oh, Sweet Basil‘s ginger snaps have “delicious” written all over them!

I love sugar cookies any time of the year, but for some reason, they just seem to especially fit for Christmas. They’re cheery and colorful, just like the Christmas season.

22. Sugar Cookie Truffles– Did you know you could make sugar cookies into truffles? Neither did I until I saw If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen‘s recipe. My life has been changed.

23. Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Truffle– A sugar cookie truffle homage to the iconic candy cane. Try this treat at Tastes of Lizzy T.

24. Sprinkled Spiral Sugar Cookies– Is it just me, or are Pip & Ebby‘s cookies weirdly mesmerizing in a delicious sort of way? I can’t stop staring.

25. Christmas Meltaway Cookies– If “meltaway” isn’t enough to convince you to try these cookies from Dessert Now, Dinner Later, I don’t know what will.

26. Hot Chocolate Cookies– For true fans of hot chocolate, I give you- the hot chocolate sugar cookie from Savory Experiments!

27. Grandma Lucille’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies– As soon as I saw these cookies were from Grandma Lucille, I knew they had to be good. Find the recipe at Chef Alli.

28. Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies– I personally am a big believer in soft sugar cookies, like The Toasty Kitchen‘s. Mmmm, like a little piece of heaven!

29. Eggnog Amish Sugar Cookies– I’m sure I’m not the only one who has tried to think of as many ways as possible to get more eggnog into my diet. Thankfully, I found The Gold Lining Girl‘s recipe. For the rest of you eggnog lovers- you’re welcome.

30. Peppermint Crunch Sugar Cookies– Dress up your sugar cookies with this easy idea from Hot Beauty Healthy.

31. Chocolate Swig Sugar Cookies– If you have not had the pleasure, nay, the blessing of trying a Swig sugar cookie, I beg you to go bake this recipe from Bake. Eat. Repeat. right now. I mean it. Get up. Go to the kitchen. Start baking. You will not regret it.

Sometimes, our ovens are already overflowing with food. That’s where these little no-bake wonders come in!

32. Reindeer Poop Cookies– For those with a more refined taste, try these poop cookies from Midget Momma. Pinkies out! (that only works for tea, huh?)

33. Avalanche Cookies– Simple, easy, delicious… Need I say more? Try this recipe at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.

34. Holiday Praline No-Bake Cookies– Just to make you even more excited about this recipe from My Montana Kitchen, it also contains sweetened condensed milk.

35. Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons– With a blog name like Life, Love and Sugar, I’m sure they knew what they were doing with this recipe!

36. Caramel- Pecan Cookie Balls– Rich and nutty, just the way I like’em! Go to My Food and Family for the recipe.

37. Mint Chip Cookies– Doesn’t the picture look heavenly? Learn to make these cookies at Food Ahead.

38. Muddy Buddy Crack Cookies– As if muddy buddies weren’t already delicious, Back for Seconds, went and put them in a cookie. It’s like I’ve died and gone to cookie heaven.

39. No Bake Samoa Cookies– I know everyone has their own opinions on this, but I firmly believe that Samoa cookies are the superior cookie out of the Girl Scout cookie line. I can’t wait to try The Domestic Rebel‘s recipe.

40. Almond Joy Cookies– Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t! If you feel like a nut today, you’ll love Mom’s Dinner‘s recipe!

41. Christmas Wreath Cookies– A perfect treat for Christmas from The First Year, although I would not recommend hanging this on your front door.

Is short bread bread? Or is it cookie?

42. Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies– Mom on Timeout‘s shortbread is like the final form of shortbread. My mind can’t even handle how scrumptious these cookies are.

43. Easy Chocolate Chip Whipped Shortbread– I have no idea what a “whipped” shortbread is, but I definitely want to find out with this recipe from An Italian in My Kitchen!

44. Swiss Mountain Shortbread Christmas Cookies– Kim Power Style‘s cookies are sure to be a hit at your Christmas cookie exchange!

45. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies– My Baking Bliss‘s maple shortbread is the perfect cookie to come home to after a fun day in the snow.

46. Sugar Plum Shortbread Christmas Cookies– For those of you who dream of sugar plum fairies and shortbread cookies, this recipe from Wicked Good Kitchen is for you.

47. Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Shortbread– Tart and sweet work together in this delicious cookie from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.

48. Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies– The refreshing taste of peppermint combined with the comforting taste of shortbread. Try this recipe at Cheese Curd in Paradise.

49. Jam Christmas Shortbread Biscuits– My Food Book‘s shortbread cookies look like something I could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

50. Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies– Did you say toffee?! Count me in! Go to Beautiful Life and Home for the recipe.

51. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortbread– Spoil yourself with these decadent cookies from Apple of My Eye.

So many ways to make these treats! Really, I could’ve just kept adding them to this list, but decided I had to give the other cookies a chance. 

52. Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies– Back with another rich eggnog recipe for you from White Lights on Wednesday.

53. Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies– Here is just one more way from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate together. I mean really, can there ever be too many ways to eat them?

54. Raspberry Walnut Thumbprint Cookies– The Kitchen Magpie‘s recipe will have everyone asking for more!

55. Twix Thumbprint Cookie– As a long time fan of the Twix candy bar, I approve of this cookie from The Recipe Critic.

56. Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie– Feel free to disagree, but peppermint Hershey Kisses are the best Hershey Kisses, and wait until you try them in this recipe from Small Town Woman.

57. Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies– If you thought you loved neapolitan before, you’ll go crazy for Girl Versus Dough‘s thumbprint cookies!

58. Red Velvet and Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies– Cheesecake. That’s right. I said, “Cheesecake.” Give yourself the cheesecake you deserve with this recipe from DIY Candy

59. Grinch Cookies– If you’re a fan of the Grinch, you’ll love these cookies from No. 2 Pencil!

60. Pecan Thumbprint Cookies– Scrappy Geek‘s cookies are like eating little pecan pies!

61. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies– These cookies from Cooking Classy are perfect for anyone who needs an easy recipe that looks and tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen all day.

They’re called snowballs. It’s like they were made specifically for this time of year. You can’t eat snowballs in the middle of July! That’s when you switch to calling them Mexican wedding cookies.

62. Lemon Snowball Cookies– These cookies from Live Well, Bake Often are melt in your mouth good!

63. Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies– Lemons for Lulu‘s snowball cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

64. Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies– If chocolate is the food that speaks to your soul, you’ll love Crazy for Crust‘s snowball cookies!

65. Jam-filled Snowball Cookies– Surprise your friends and family with the sweet surprise in these cookies from Christmas Cookies and Blog.

66. Sprinkle Snowball Cookies– What could be more festive than sprinkles? These cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen are perfect for holiday parties.

67. Peppermint Snowball Cookies– In case you are as crazy for peppermint as I am, here is another tasty peppermint recipe from Joyful Momma’s Kitchen.

68. Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies– I know that someone reading this is a peanut butter fanatic. To that peanut butter fanatic, this recipe from Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog is for you!

69. Grinch Snowball Cookies– I think if the Grinch had his own good little batch of snowball cookies to begin with, he probably never would have tried to steal Christmas. Of course, then we wouldn’t have a story… Find this fun recipe that could have saved Christmas at The Soccer Mom.

70. Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies– Nutella makes everything better. Toast + Nutella= Amazing. Crepes + Nutella= Heavenly. Snowballs + Nutella= No words can describe. Try for yourself at Momsdish.

71. Chocolate Mint Truffle Snowball Cookies– This recipe from Inside BruCrew Life is what dreams are made of.

These tasty cookies are so special, they are in a category all their own. 

72. No Roll, 5 Ingredient Cake Mix– This recipe from Together as Family is so good and so easy, it’s almost criminal.

73. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies– This recipe from Domestically Speaking has lemon and cream cheese. Do your really need any more convincing?

74. Eggnog Cookies– Maybe you should try dipping this delectable cookie from Cake Whiz in eggnog too? You can never have too much eggnog, am I right?

75. Cinnamon Roll Cookies– That’s right. Everyone’s favorite treat also comes in cookie form as seen at Sugar Spun Run.

76. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies– Even the Grinch couldn’t turn down these babies from Dear Crissy!

77. Forgotten Cookies– That’s right. The Mom Bob‘s cookies recipe is so easy, you pop them in the oven over night and “forget about them,” until the morning. That’s my kind of cookie!

78. Cream Cheese Pistachio Cookies– Dishes Delish‘s cookies are soft with a nice little crunch to it.

79. Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies– One of the lovely things about Upstate Ramblings‘s cookies is that you can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry instead.

80. Italian Ricotta Cookies– If these cookies from Becky’s Baking Delights are what they’re eating in Italy, I think it’s time for a move to the Mediterranean!

81. Maple Snickerdoodle Cookies– Maple syrup brings an added to warmth to food, just like in these cookies from Busy Being Jennifer.

82. Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies– These cookies from Dinner at the Zoo are both beautiful and delicious!

You can never go wrong with chocolate. Never. It’s a rule. If you make chocolate cookies,  they will be loved. No matter what. 

83. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies– Turn this classic cookie into a holiday treat with Buns in My Oven‘s recipe.

84. Neiman Marcus Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies– Make these famous cookies with this recipe from Angela Lanter.

85. Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies– According to The Seasoned Mom, these are the cookies her family waits for all year long. Yes, they are that good!

86. Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies– I Heart Eating‘s cookies have a nice little kick to them!

87. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Sticks– Who says cookies need to be circles? Use Tatertots & Jello‘s recipe to make cookies that are perfect for dipping in hot cocoa!

88. Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies– If Plain Chicken‘s cookies are wrong, I don’t want to be right.

89. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies– These cookies from House of Nash Eats are a perfect way to satisfy your love for both chocolate and pecans.

90. Brookies– This particular treat from The Seaside Baker holds a special place in my heart as “Brookie” is one of the nicknames I was called growing up. Not to mention how yummy they are!

91. S’moreo Cookies– You can’t go wrong with America’s favorite cookie baked inside of America’s other favorite cookie, right? Check out this treat at Lights, Camera, Bake!

92. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies– Kleinworth & Co.‘s crinkle cookies are all fudgey, chocolatey goodness.

93. Mint Chocolate Andes Cookies– The Diary of a Real Housewife‘s mint cookies are the reason I believe there is still goodness in the world.

94. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies– Liv For Cake‘s cookies are perfect for dark chocolate lovers!

95. Chocolate Dipped Oreo Snowflakes– If you need something easy, try these pretty Oreos from I Heart Naptime.

96. Christmas Kiss Cookies– I love the festive sprinkles on these merry little cookies from What Megan’s Making.

97. Chocolate Cherry Cookies– I can’t get over how beautiful these cookies from Small Town Woman are!

98. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies– The Food Charlatan‘s cookies son ricosos!

99. German Chocolate Cookies– If it’s good as a cake, then you can’t go wrong making it into a cookie, as see here at Dessert and Cake Recipes.

100. Homemade Mint Chocolate Oreos– I am an Oreo addict. Seriously. These cookies from The Recipe Rebel are not helping my addiction- but I have no regrets!

101. Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting– Sticky ooey-gooey goodness on top of a decadent chocolate goodness! Try it out at Two Sisters Crafting!

The post 101 Cookies to Bake this Christmas appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Christmas time is here! It is full of snowman building, hot cocoa drinking, ornament hanging, and snowball throwing! So I decided to gather 12 Days Of Christmas Cookies that remind me of one of the best times of the year! Give them away as part of your own 12 Days of Christmas service or eat them yourself, either way, Christmas cookies are a perfect way to bring the aroma of Christmas into your home.

Let’s see what is baking, shall we?

The post 12 Days Of Christmas Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hey there! Molly here from What Molly Made, a food blog dedicated to all things dessert, both healthy and indulgent!I’m convinced love is the answer, that you can enjoy butter and veggies equally, that delicious baked goods should be something everyone can enjoy and that I was called to serve others through my passion for baking. And I’m doing my best to live out that passion every day!

And this Cranberry Orange Pound Cake is the perfect place to start.

I have something to admit, I am generally a chocolate dessert lover over fruit desserts. I tend to stay away from fruity desserts on the buffet table and grab the cookie or brownie first. Knowing this about myself I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.

Being it’s the holidays and almost Christmas (HOW did that happen so fast?!) I wanted to stick to a flavor profile I knew would work together and be the perfect seasonal treat. Can you get more festive than cranberries? And the citrus from the orange is a perfect and subtle flavor to compliment the tiny red bursts of Christmas joy.

Have you ever eaten a cranberry raw? Not once they’ve been baked, candied, or mixed with tons of sugar for jello at Thanksgiving, but a legit raw cranberry. It’s really kind of gross. Unless you’re into the whole hard and incredibly tart/bitter kind of flavor.

I can safely say I am not one of those people. I popped one in my mouth while mixing up the pound cake batter and instantly regretted what I got myself into.

But I knew this cake batter and the magic that is baking would work wonders on the cranberries. If you’ve ever done what I did, do not be afraid of making this cranberry orange pound cake recipe! When you incorporate the cranberries into the batter and throw it in the oven, they become all warm and happy and burst with delight and mix well with the sugar from the batter.

When you cut into the cake, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about! And it turns out that the tartness is ever so subtle and the most delicious addition to this recipe.

This cranberry orange pound cake is large enough to feed you, your family, and even your extended family. Yep, second cousin Mary and her children/cousins/friends are all welcome to join in on the pound cake situation.

It’s perfect for the holidays and parties!

Print

Cranberry Orange Pound Cake

Servings 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice half an orange
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• Citrus Icing
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour a tube or bundt pan and set aside.
• In a large bowl of your stand mixer or with your hand mixer, cream the butter on medium to high speed for approximately 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continuing beating on medium to high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition. Add the vanilla, orange zest and orange juice and mix until incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. lower the mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour and mix until completely incorporated. Pour in the fresh cranberries and mix to combine using a rubber spatula. pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until top is browned and a toothpick inserted comes out with minimal crumbs.
• Allow to cool and flip over onto a cooling rack to cool completely. While cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl combine the powdered sugar and orange juice and whisk until combined. Once the pound cake is cooled, set cooling rack on top of parchment paper and drizzle glaze over the cake. Serve and enjoy!
• Store covered for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Did you like this holiday pound cake? Try these holiday treats!

Christmas Popcorn Snack Mix

Hazelnut Shortbread with Nutella Ganache

The post Cranberry Orange Pound Cake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

We also have a GREAT giveaway sponsored by Clorox so make sure you enter at the end!

Well, they ended up turning out great. Making them was super easy but also a little messy.  I don’t think you can make anything with melted chocolate without making a mess but I wasn’t worried about getting chocolate on anything because I knew that my  Clorox 2 could get it out.  I always know that I can bake and DIY with confidence thanks to Clorox 2® Stain Remover & Color Booster.

I was right about the mess.  My kitchen towels definitely took a hit.

But like I said, no worries because I know that Clorox 2 will make cleanup a breeze!  If you’re not sure how you would use Clorox 2, here’s a few tips!

• For best results, start the washer and add both detergent and product before adding clothes.
• For extra-dirty clothes, pre-soak the garments before starting in mixture of 1 cap-full of product (to the first line) and 2 gallons of water (the warmest water recommended on the care label). Pre-soak for 30 minutes.

And now….on to the recipe!

Items needed:

• Melting Chocolate – I used dark chocolate wafers that I purchased at my local gourmet kitchen store.
• Peter’s Caramel
• Ice Cube Trays
• Cooking Spray
• Craft brush
• Homemade Marshmallows

If you are wanting to turn these caramels into Scotchmallows as pictured, here is the recipe for Homemade Marshmallows

Slightly spray your ice cube trays with cooking spray. Don’t spray a lot as it will make it harder for the chocolate to stick to the sides of the ice cube tray.

Melt chocolate per your package instructions.  I just put my chocolate wafers into a glass bowl and microwave until it is smooth without any lumps.  Make sure you watch the melting process and don’t cook too long.

Spoon 1/2 Tablespoon of melted chocolate into each section of the ice cube tray.

With your craft brush, brush the melted chocolate on all sides of each section of the tray.

Put the ice cube tray into the refrigerator for 1-2 minutes or until the sides are fairly dry but the middle of each section still has melted chocolate in it.

Take the brush and coat all sides of each section again with a second coat of melted chocolate. You want to make sure that your sides aren’t too thin and have a good coat of chocolate.

Let set. After the chocolate has set, cut the Peter’s Caramel into rectangles and fit them into each section of the ice cube tray.

IMPORTANT! If you are wanting to make these into Scotchmallows, cut your Homemade Marshmallows to fit and insert them into the ice cube tray before you add your caramel.

If your dipping chocolate has hardened, re-melt by putting it back into the microwave again. Re-melt as needed while using.

After caramels have been placed, spoon about another 1/2 Tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each section until the caramel has been covered and the top is flat.

Put into refrigerator for about 2-3 minutes to set.

After the chocolate has set, gently twist the ice cube tray as you would if there were ice cubes in there and gently pop out each candy.  If the bottoms of your candy are a little jagged, take a thin paring knife and shave off any bumps.

And there you have it!  My candies turned out great and my towels are beautifully clean!  Definitely a win-win!

If you have “pinned” projects that you are hesitant about creating because of maybe making a mess,  then I say to create away and leave the mess to Clorox 2.  Removing tough stains and brightening colors is easier with Clorox 2®. Use it to pre-treat set-in stains you thought would be there forever – even ones that have been through the dryer! For tips on how to get more out of life and laundry, visit https://www.clorox.com.

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Now you are more than likely going to have some caramel left over so here are two recipes that can help you use it up. 

Take a look at these!

Twix Cookies

Apple Pie Caramel Apples

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I was a little nervous to make them but I have tasted homemade marshmallows before and they were UH-MAZING!  Like pretty much anything else homemade, they are SO much better than store bought.  Seriously.  You will love them.

Here’s what you need to get started:

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in a small bowl.  Whip lightly with a whisk. Let set.

In a medium to large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Scoop out the set gelatin and add it to the hot sugar mix.  The gelatin should look like this:

After the gelatin melts, turn the heat up a little and cook until your mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Add vanilla to your mixture.

 

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Hey there! My name is Molly and I’m the recipe developer behind these place cards and all the recipes over on What Molly Made. I’m a huge fan of dessert, both indulgent and healthy:) I love to create new twists on classic recipes and I share all my baking tips along the way. Can’t wait to share this Thanksgiving dessert recipe with you!

My thought process behind these desserts is that that we’ll be spending a little more time on the decorating and creating the fun name tags so I wanted to keep the actual recipe pretty simple. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to keep all of the Thanksgiving recipes straight.

I wanted to create a fun and creative recipe that’s also not going to result in you slaving over the oven most of the morning. You can even make these a day or two in advance!

The base of these cookie cupcakes are pre-made refrigerated cookie dough. I used the Nestle Toll House break and bake refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough, but you can use any brand and flavor you want! The White Chip Brownie and Cherry Chocolate cookie dough from Nestle would also be delicious!

Make no mistake, even though this cookie cups are easy to make they aren’t lacking in size or flavor! I rolled up 3 (yes, 3!) of the squares to make one cup. It’s Thanksgiving, you guys. Go big or go home. Amiright?

I greased a regular size 12-count muffin tin and rolled the pieces into a ball and placed one rounded cookie dough ball in each muffin tin cup. They don’t necessarily look like they are going to fit, but when they start baking they spread and rise to the perfect height in the tin!

Next comes the fun part! Homemade chocolate frosting and the adorable candy turkeys! I’m a sucker for homemade frosting, it just elevates any dessert to the next level.  The trick to a great buttercream is to make sure your butter is nice and soft when you start. Then you have to beat it for a solid 3 or 4 minutes. This incorporates air in to the butter and gives you the light and fluffy frosting you need.

I always make sure to sift my cocoa powder (if I’m making chocolate frosting) and powdered sugar to eliminate any lumps in the frosting. The smoother the better! You obviously want to frost your cookie cup with this delicious frosting, but it’s also going to be used as glue for the creative turkey that goes on top.

Now, let’s talk about that adorable turkey topper!?? I’ve seen a million different ways on Pinterest to create a turkey out of candy/food, but I just think this one is so adorable! I love the actual googly eyes, they give the turkey so much life! Do you kind of feel like it’s staring at you?

You create this little guy by using a few different candies:

• Mini Reese’s
• Candy googly eyes
• Oreo’s
• Candy Corn

I started by un-sandwiching the Oreo’s and laying the no-cream side face up on a baking sheet. I unwrapped the Reese’s and “glued” the bottom of each one to the bottom half of the Oreo using the frosting. From there I  covered the rest of the Oreo with frosting and arranged about 6 candy corn pieces on the Oreo with the pointed side facing the Reese’s to create a fan effect that looks like the turkey’s feathers.

The only thing left to do is make the face! I “glued” on the googly eyes and cut the white tip off of a few candy corns and put them on right underneath to create the nose.

While those were setting I frosted all of the cookie cupcakes and then placed the finished turkeys in the frosting to sit perfectly on top of the cookie cups.

Now for the fun part! I used festive paper straws that I cut in half and a piece of paper with a sharpie to create the name tags. I just hot glued the paper to the straws and stuffed them in the frosting! Just make sure the straws aren’t too tall or the frosting won’t be able to hold them up.

At my house it’s always a big to-do figuring out who is going to sit where. If you’re hosting, these are perfect! You can arrange everyone’s seats ahead of time and they can feel free to move and swap seats as they please. Just place them on the plate at each seat and they instantly become part of the decor! And they taste delicious too.?

Print

Thanksgiving Cookie Cupcakes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• For the cookie cups:
• 2 packages of break and bake chocolate chip refrigerated cookie dough
• For the frosting:
• 2 sticks unsalted butter room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the candy turkeys:
• 12 Oreos
• 12 Mini Reese's
• 1 cup Candy Corn
• 24 googly eyes
• 6 paper straws
• white construction paper and sharpies

Instructions

• To make the cookie cups, remove the refrigerated cookie dough from the fridge and allow to sit for approximately 10 minutes to soften. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 12-count muffin tin with non-stick spray and set aside.
• Break 3 pieces of cookie dough off at a time and roll into a large ball. Repeat twelve times and place each ball in one muffin tin. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and tops are set. Remove and allow to cool completely.
• While cookies are cooling, make the frosting. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the butter on high speed for at least 3 minutes. Sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder and add to the butter. Beat on medium for about 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and increase speed to high and beat for another full 3 minutes. Transfer to a pastry piping bag and cut of a very small piece of the tip, about 1 centimeter. This will be your tip when you're glueing the turkey together.
• To make the candy turkey, un-sandwich the Oreo's and lay the no-cream side face up on a baking sheet. Unwrap the mini Reese's and "glue" the bottom of each one to the bottom half of the Oreo using the frosting. Cover the rest of the Oreo with frosting and arrang about 6 candy corn pieces on the Oreo with the pointed side facing the Reese's to create a fan effect that looks like the turkey's feathers. Using the frosting, glue the googly eyes and cut the white tip off 12 candy corns and put them on with the point facing up right underneath to create the nose. Allow to set 10 minutes.
• Cut a larger piece from the corner of the frosting bag to pipe the frosting on the top of the cookie cups. Swirl enough frosting on top to set the turkeys in. When turkeys are set, angle them slightly and place toward the front of the cookie cup, leaving a little room behind to add the name tag.
• Cut small pieces of construction paper and write the names on each one. Cut the paper straws in half and hot glue the names to the end. Place the other end of the straw in the frosting right behind the turkey.

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Did you like Halloween as a kid? I sure did! It was an excuse to dress up and get free candy. Who wouldn’t love that? Pretty sure I was a cat like three Halloweens in a row. So with the spookiest holiday fast approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to brew up some fun! And let’s be honest, nothing is better than some tasty desserts to celebrate a holiday. So without further adieu, check out these 13 Scary Good Halloween Cakes!

Hopefully, they will give your frighteningly fun Halloween party a spooky addition!

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People’s creativity and talent amazes me. Especially when it comes to food. The flavors, colors, textures, and shapes. They are so satisfying to just stare at! Cakes are one of those art forms that I haven’t mastered yet, but I can dream! These 13 Crafty Fall Cakes capture fall in a cake.

Which one would you choose to celebrate fall?

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