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

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What do I put in a Charcuterie Board?

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

Items we used:

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

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

Do you have a good Hot Chocolate recipe?

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

Hot Cocoa Mix

What else can you make a charcuterie board for?

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

But here is our Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks:

What can I use for my Charcuterie Board?

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

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

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

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

Let’s get started.

Items Needed:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let set until fully hardened.

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

Print

Peppermint Patties

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

Course Candy, Holiday

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cooling 1 hour hour

Servings 16 Patties

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

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

White Chocolate Covered Cherries

Melting Snowman Cookies

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

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

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

Mix in salt and flour until well combined

Stir in nuts

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

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

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

Store in airtight container.

Print

Snowball Cookies Recipe

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

Course Cookies, Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes minutes

Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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

MORE great Christmas goodies!

English Toffee

Christmas Fudge

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

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

Including a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board.

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

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

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

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

Items Needed:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sprinkle with fresh cranberries.

Finish with adding some thyme, rosemary or mint leaves.

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

Recipe adapted from Muy Bueno Cookbook

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

Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks

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

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.

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

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

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

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

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

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined

Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap

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

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

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

Print

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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

Course Cookie, Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 48 cookies

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Watch for more Christmas Cookies to come!

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

Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Melting Snowman Cookies

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe

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

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?

Print

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.

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

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

Just sayin.

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

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

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

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

So yummy.

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Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

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

Course Breakfast

Keyword Pumpkin Donuts

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 18 donuts

Equipment

• Donut Baking Pan

Ingredients

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

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 TBL milk

Cinnamon sugar for topping

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

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

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

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

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Pumpkin Muffins Ever

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

>

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

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

Let’s get this cake started!

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients:

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

Additional toppings:

Whip cream
Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel topping
Pecans, chopped

Instructions:

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

Pour pumpkin mixture into baking dish

Sprinkle with dry cake mix

Chop pecans and spread evenly over cake mix

Melt butter in microwave safe bowl and drizzle over nuts

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

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator.

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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!

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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!

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Apple Pie Spice Recipe

A great spice mix for all your fall apple dishes

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 5 tablespoons

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

MORE APPLE-Y GOODNESS!

Salted Caramel Apple Pies

Apple Pie Caramel Apple

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When I order this at Texas Roadhouse, I always add on the cinnamon brown sugar.  It is so good!  If you like that too, quickly mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 2 Tablespoons cinnamon and sprinkle it on these potatoes. Sooo good!

So let’s get cookin’!

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
1 cup of water

Topping Options
Brown Sugar cinnamon – 1/2 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
Whipped butter
Butter
Marshmallows
Pecans, chopped 

Instructions:

Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes
Add the water to the Instant Pot

Place a steaming trivet inside, and lay the potatoes on top

Place the lid on, and seal the pot
Use manual mode to set on high-pressure cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potato.
Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes
Then manually release any remaining pressure
Carefully remove the lid, and remove sweet potatoes

Serve these Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes with butter or other toppings of your choice

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

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Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes - Just like Texas Roadhouse!

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 individual sweet potatoes
• 1 cup water

Toppings Options

• Brown Sugar Cinnamon 1/2 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• Whipped Butter
• Butter
• Marshmallows
• Chopped Pecans

Instructions

• Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes
• Add the water to the Instant Pot
• Place a steaming trivet inside, and lay the potatoes on top
• Place the lid on, and seal the pot
• Use manual mode to set on high-pressure cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potato.
• Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Carefully remove the lid, and remove sweet potatoes
• Serve with butter or other toppings of your choice

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days

Wait!  Before you go, take a look at these other AMAZING sweet potato recipes!

Crash Hot Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Souffle

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

Here are the ingredients for these cookies:

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

Recipe Instructions:

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

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

Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using

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

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

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

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

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

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Total Time 21 minutes minutes

Servings 50

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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

The Best Pumpkin Muffins EVER

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

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

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

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

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Halloween Drink

Course Drink

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 6 minutes minutes

Servings 2 -8

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Notes

This can also be made into large batches for parties

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

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

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

Polyjuice Potion

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

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

Happy Halloween!

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

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

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

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Mummy Calzones

Course Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Author Mummy Calzones

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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

Here are two more SUPER fun Halloween recipes!

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

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

As with our apple donuts, one of the great things about this snack is that kids can help make it.  I have found that anytime I can get my grandkids involved with making whatever it is that I’m trying to get them to eat, the better chance I have at doing that!

Granted some of these bananas are covered in chocolate and sprinkles but I still feel that these are more “healthy” than a processed snack.

So let’s peel some bananas and get these snacks going!

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Banana Sushi

Course Snack

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 4 bananas
• 2 squares dark chocolate or chocolate melts or choc chips
• 1 Tablespoon sprinkles of your choice
• 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon nut butter
• 3 Tablespoons shredded coconut
• 3 Tablespoons rice krispies

Instructions

• Sprinkles Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Melt a square of chocolate and spoon over the banana.
• 
• Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the sprinkles on the banana.
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• 
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Chia Seed Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Melt a square of chocolate and spoon over the banana.
• 
• Before the chocolate sets, roll in or sprinkle the chia seeds on banana
• 
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Coconut Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Spread 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the nut butter onto the banana
• Roll banana into the shredded coconut
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 
  
• Rice Krispie Sushi
• Peel a banana.
• Spread 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the nut butter onto the banana
• Roll banana into the rice krispies
• Let set in the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
• Cut into slices.
• 

Now I have a confession to make.  When I have my grandkids eat a healthy snack, I always make sure to tell my daughter how good I did at making them eat something that is good for them. But then I never tell her about the other goodies that I may or may not have let my grandkids eat.  Shhh….it’s our little secret!

Here’s a couple more healthier snacks that you might be interested in:

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Bites

Charcuterie Snack Platter for Kids

The post Banana Sushi appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

And sprinkles.  You can’t go wrong with a few sprinkles.  Seriously I think kids will eat just about anything if you throw some sprinkles on it. The sprinkles on these Apple Donuts just make it a win-win.  So here we go:

Items Needed:  Apples, cream cheese (we like the whipped cream cheese, but you can also use regular), food coloring (optional) an apple corer or pastry tip and…..sprinkles!

Instructions:

1.  Wash and dry your apples. Then slice the apples so they are about 3/4 inches thick.  We did not peel our apples but you may do so if you have picky apple eaters.

2. Using an apple corer or pastry tip, cut a hole in the middle of the apples to remove the  core.

3. Color your whipped (or regular) cream cheese until you’ve reached the color you desire. We used neon food coloring for these apples. Spread cream cheese on the apples.

4.  Add your sprinkles and then let your kids enjoy these healthy “donuts!”

I love this snack because it’s better for my grandkids but they still think Grandma makes “fun” things! 

Enjoy!

Oh my! Take a look at this other GREAT idea for a healthy snack for your kids!

Charcuterie Snack Tray for kids

A big thanks to Hello Wonderful for this fun idea!

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

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

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

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

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Halloween Snack Mix

Course Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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

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

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

Halloween Candy Jars

Bloody Shirley Temples

Halloween Hot Chocolate

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

There’s still time to sit out on the patio on a warm summer night enjoying barbecued food and watching the stars.  Autumn is my absolute favorite season but I still want summer to linger for a while.

Another great thing about corn on the cob is that most kids will eat it.  The other night we barbecued at my daughters house and my three year old grandson ate 2 1/2 ears of corn!  Now that’s a win-win for vegetables!

We’ve got super easy instructions on how to add this easy grilled corn on the cob to your barbecue line-up.  Here we go:

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Course Vegetables

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -12

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Corn
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley or Chives for garnish

Instructions

• Heat grill to medium high
• Remove some of the husks (but not all) to make grilling easier, leave the husk intact though to prevent corn from drying when it’s grilled
• 
• Trim the silks and remove the stalk with a sharp knife
• Grill corn 15-20 minutes turning several times
• Remove from grill and allow to cool 5 minutes before removing husks
• If you would like char marks on the corn, return to grill for a few minutes
• Serve with butter, salt or your favorite toppings

If you are looking for another corn recipe that is in the top viewed 10 recipes on our site, take a look at this 5 ingredient Corn Casserole.  There’s a reason why it’s one of our most popular dishes…It’s super easy and oh so yummy!

Enjoy a few more warm summer nights will ya?  I know I am going to!

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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!
 

The post 25 Peach Goodies that will Rock Your Summer appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Going along with these Fruit Kabobs is a great fruit dip.  Get ready to dip your luscious fruit into this yummy concoction!

Print

Fruit Kabobs and Fruit Dip

Course Snack

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• Fruit Kabobs
  
• Skewers
• Fruit - grapes pineapples, red raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi or any fruit you like
• Fruit Dip
  
• 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
• 1 7 oz container marshmallow creme
• 2-3 tablespoons juice - orange pineapple, fruit, any flavor you like

Instructions

• Fruit Kabobs
  
• Clean and wash fruit
• Place fruit in bowls
• Thread skewer with a variety of fruit
• Serve immediately or chill with fruit dip
• Fruit Dip
  
• In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and marshmallow creme.
• Add juice and beat until smooth
• Transfer to smaller bowl and cover with plastic wrap or place in airtight container and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving
• Store leftovers in fridge

So gather the kids around and tell them to dip away! 

Want some more fruit dishes?

Ice Box Cake

Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks

The post Fruit Kabobs appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

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

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

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!

The post Watermelon Cupcake Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I don’t know about you but when it comes to eating, my grandkids are so picky. 

My one daughter has three kids.  If two of them like something, the third child does not.

Trying to find something that all three kids will eat is a challenge and that is why I love this Charcuterie Platter for kids.  There is bound to be something that all three kids will eat. One of the great things about this is also, is that little ones can help arrange the board.  (After they wash their hands of course!) I find that if I can get them to help, they are more likely to be interested in eating. 

We found that it was easier to start from outside in. If you have a marble slab that would be beautiful but you can also just use a wood cutting board just like we did. Start lining and layering your items around the edges and then start filling into the middle.  It’s not hard to make it look beautiful and appetizing!

Here are some of the items that we used for this tray. 

White chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, grapes, sugar wafers, chocolate chip cookies, mini marshmallows and rice krispie treats.  Other ideas might be white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, nuts and different kinds of cheeses.  Really the sky is the limit and you can add all sorts of things that your kids would like.

 This is such a great idea for a snack because it is so flexible. Choose things that your kids would like and include items that you already have on hand.

When you are ready for the fruit dip (we forgot to take a picture with our fruit dip.  Ooops!  Our little ones were ready to eat!) there isn’t a quicker or easier one than this:

1 8oz pkg of cream cheese

1 7oz jar of Marshmallow creme.

Mix these two together until well blended and then dip away!

I have to admit, this Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks was one of my better ideas and the grandkids loved it!  I know yours will too.  Or at least, MOST of them will!  Oh those picky kids!

Are you needing some more ideas for healthy snacks for kids?  Here’s a couple that we have for you!

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Bites               

DIY Yogurt To Go

The post Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.