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.

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.

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.

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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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!

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Fall time is here and what better way to celebrate than with apples? Here are 101 apple recipes to try right now!

Light, sweet, and refreshing, apples make for some of the best snacks!

1. Easy Cinnamon Apple Energy Balls– This easy snack from Sweet Spicy Kitchen will start your day right!

2. Apple Pie Snack Cups– Why wait for dessert when you can have these delicious snacks from Five Heart Home any time?

3. Cinnamon Apple Chips– Apple chips are one of my favorite snacks. I could eat these chips from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen all day!

4. Blackberry Apple Fruit Leather– This fruit leather from Salt in my Coffee is a perfect fall snack!

5. Baked Apple Oatmeal Bars– These oatmeal bars from My Everyday Table are sure to make your mouth water!

6. No Bake Apple Donuts– Ok, no, these snacks from Fork and Beans are not really donuts, but with a name like that, your kids will be begging for these sweet, healthy snacks!

7. 2-Minute Cinnamon Apples– A quick, sweet snack from Listotic!

8. Cream Cheese Apple Dip– Is it just me, or is cream cheese a magic ingredient? It goes with everything and only makes a recipe even more amazing! Check out this cream cheese recipe from Grateful Prayer, Thankful Heart!

9. Apple Nachos with Peanut Butter and Chocolate– Delicious nachos from Curry Trail. I never imagined nachos without cheese could ever be this appetizing!

10. Apple Cinnamon Homemade Granola– Can you for one second just imagine the aroma of this granola from Spaceships and Laser Beams baking in your kitchen? Oh yeah, I’m totally drooling…

There are so many different breads to make with apples, it was hard to choose! We selected what we believe to be the BEST apple bread recipes just for you!

11. Pumpkin Bread with Apples– One bite of this bread from Yellow Bliss Road and *POOF*! You’re in buffalo check flannel with a beanie and UGGs.

12. Apple Pecan Scones–  These scones from Great Grub, Delicious Treats  make me want to curl up with some hot cocoa, a blanket, and a good book.

13. Healthy Apple Muffins– Yes, it is possible for muffins to be healthy, as you can see in this recipe from Cookie and Kate.

14. Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding– If you’re a bread pudding fan, you will love this recipe from Yuma’s Kitchen!

15. Dutch Apple Bread– Two words for this bread from  Butter with a Side of Bread: cinnamon- streusel. I’m in!

16. Glazed Apple Bread– The glaze on this bread from Tastes of Lizzy T looks heavenly!

17. Greek Yogurt Apple-Cinnamon Bread– This bread from   Kristine’s Kitchen Blog looks so good!

18. Praline Topped Apple Bread– Pralines? On apple bread? I must be in heaven now! Thanks Shugary Sweets!

19. Apple Crumb Bread with Maple Caramel Sauce– This bread from An Italian in My Kitchen just screams autumn!

20. Apple Cranberry Bread– Can I get a hallelujah for this bread from Julie’s Eats and Treats?!

21. Apple Butter– One of my favorite things to pair with bread is apple butter and we have just the recipe!

From salads to casseroles, apples make for a versatile side dish.

22. Waldorf Salad– I can’t wait to try this salad from Simply Recipes!

23. Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread– This recipe is so easy-peasy and delicious, you’ll probably eat it every day. You have been warned…

24. Apple Walnut Feta Salad– This salad from Top and Exclusive Foods is a perfect combination of sweet and savory!

25. Scalloped Apple Casserole– Normally, when I hear the word “casserole,” I run and hide. But this recipe from Red Cottage Chronicles has officially changed my mind about casseroles.

26. Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes and Apples– I’m pretty sure this recipe from Delicious Little Bites is the epitome of autumn recipes.

27. Cheesy Apple Casserole– I never realized how good cheesy apples sounded until I found this recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks.

28. Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing– This stuffing from Let’s Dish has me all ready for Thanksgiving!

29. Cran-Apple Slaw– I truly believe the best coleslaws are made with apples. Look at this recipe from Hungry Girl if you don’t believe me!

30. Apple Chutney– This chutney from The Project Pile is both healthy and delicious!

31. Apple Almond Rice– This rice from Just a Pinch is a dinner game changer! Seriously, I don’t know how I’ll ever go back to boring white rice again…

I am not a morning person. Getting out of bed is my least favorite part of the day- until I saw these recipes. With breakfast like these to look forward to, getting out of bed will be a cinch!

32. Apple Walnut Crepes– What would the world be without crepes? These crepes from Great Grub, Delicious Treats are heaven on earth!

33. Easy Baked Apple Donuts– “Easy,” and, “Donut.” That’s all I need to know about this recipe from Yummy Toddler Food.

34. Easy Apple Oatmeal Muffins– These muffins from House of Nash Eats are comfort food at its finest!

35. Apple Cheese Cake Breakfast Quesadillas– This breakfast from 4 Sons R Us looks so rich and delicious, the world might just end.

36. Easy Apple Fritters– If you’ve never made apple fritters before, than this easy recipe from Souffle Bombay is the perfect place to start.

37. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole– There are no rules written anywhere that says you can’t have apple pie for breakfast. But, if you’re worried, this recipe from Simply Stacie is technically French toast. The perfect cover!

38. Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls– Wait- Quinoa for breakfast?! Try this breakfast from Recipe Runner  and you’ll never second guess quinoa again.  

39. 5 Ingredient Apple Ring Pancakes– This recipe from Everyday Cooking had me at “5 Ingredient.”

40. Caramelized Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal– Can you imagine waking up to the smell of this oatmeal from Nourishing Joy after cooking all night? Heavenly!

41. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies– This is an easy to-go breakfast from What Molly Made.

42. Apple Butter Pancakes– You will never eat regular pancakes again after you try these from Kleinworth Co. Just sayin’.

43. Apple Peanut Butter Toast– This toast from Erin Lives Whole is simple and delicious. Perfect for a busy fall morning!

44. Nourishing Apple Breakfast Cake– Nourishing and cake. Two of my favorite things in one recipe from All the Nourishing Things.

45. Apple Crisp Coffee Cake– The perfect breakfast treat from Spicy Southern Kitchen!

46. Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake– This recipe from Everyday Dishes has my mouth watering.

Apples add the perfect amount of sweet and sour to any main dish!

47. Chicken, Brie, and Apple Panini– This panini from What Should I Make For is everything I ever hoped for in a sandwich. *wistful sigh*

48. Apple, Cheddar, Turkey Burger– A blend of sweet and savory your mouth will not soon forget! It will ruin all other burgers for you. Find it at Recipe Runner!

49. Apple Bacon Mac and Cheese– I would love to enter my house on a cold, wet day to find a bowl of The Wanderlust Kitchen‘s mac and cheese waiting for me at my table.

50. Apple Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner– Throw all the ingredients to this recipe from Tastes of Lizzy T onto one pan, and you’ve got yourself dinner!

51. Apple and Gouda Stuffed Hassleback Chicken– This chicken from Jamonkey makes a beautiful presentation. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes amazing too!

52. Smoked Gouda, Apple, and Bacon Quesadilla– I love this creative take on quesadillas from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures!

53. Turkey, Mushroom, Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash– The Clean Eating Couple gives us one more reason to love acorn squash!

54. Apple Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin– This pork tenderloin from What Great Grandma Ate sounds too good to be true!

55. Apple Cheddar Chicken Melt– Check out Kitchn‘s chicken melt! I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!

56. Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Pork with Apples and Onions– This one-pan recipe from The Busy Baker is so good and so easy, you’ll probably make this for dinner every night. You’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again!

57. Creamy Spiced Apple Pecan Chicken– Wholsomelicious‘s chicken is so good, you’ll be dreaming about it until the next time you make it! Be prepared…

58. Slow Cooker Honey Apple Pork Loin– Any recipe that uses a slow cooker, like this one from Dinner Then Dessert, is already my favorite.

59. Turkey Apple Honey Pecan Wrap– This wrap from Meal Planning Magic is delicious, yet nutritious!

60. Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries– Skinny Recipes‘s chicken salad looks too good to eat!

Yes, we had to make a whole section dedicated to pie only. That’s the best part about apples!

61. Classic Apple Pie– Of course, we had to include the classic all- American apple pie! We love this recipe from Live Well, Bake Often!

62. Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping– Apple and pumpkin in a pie. It’s the best of both in Tidy Mom‘s pie recipe!

63. Apple Pie Fries– These apple pie fries from CincyShopper are perfect for those of us who like to take their apple pie on the go (As in me. Seriously, I’m bagging these up and stuffing them in my purse…)!

64. Healthy Apple Pie– If you’re going for a more guilt-free pie eating experience, try Chocolate Covered Katie‘s recipe!

65. Cinnamon Rhubarb Apple Pie– If you love apples and if you love rhubarb that this recipe from Sustain My Cooking Habit is a must!

66. Apple Pie Enchiladas– I have never loved enchiladas more than when they were made into apple pie. Thanks Sugar Apron for the genius idea!

67. Apple Pie Bars– These apple pie bars from Pastry & Beyond are apple pie made easy!

68. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie– My head just exploded from all the deliciousness in Inspired By Charm‘s recipe. It’s too good. Too. Good.

69. Mini Apple Pie Cookies– They’re called cookies, but they are literally miniature pies. Mmmm!

70. Crazy Caramel Apple Pie Bombs– These apple pie bombs from The Slow Roasted Italian are an explosion of flavor!

71. Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie– Apple pie in a snickerdoodle. Can you say, “YUM!?” Find the recipe at Mommy’s Kitchen.

72. Sour Cream Apple Pie– This apple pie from Taste and Tell is sure to be creamy and delicious!

73. Salted Caramel Apple Pie– Forget caramel apples! Have this pie from Baker By Nature instead!

74. Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Dip– You don’t even need crust to have apple pie! Try this dip from The Magical Slow Cooker!

75. Apple Pie Danish Biscuits– These biscuits from Food, Folks, and Fun are good for breakfast! Or lunch, dinner, snack time, dessert… you get what I’m saying.

Making this list up, my mouth started watering. These desserts are seriously amazing!

76. Cocoa Apple Cake– This delicious recipe from Beyond the Chicken Coop adds a chocolatey twist you are sure to love!

77. Maple Frosted Apple Blondies– Who needs brownies when you can have these apple blondies from The View From Great Island?

78. Chocolate Drizzled Carmel Apple Fluff– So many wonderful things combined in one amazing dessert! Check it out at Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen.

79. Peach Apple Crisp– You’ll love this simple but delicious recipe. It’s perfect for the end of summer and the beginning of fall!

80. Apple Crisp Cookie Cups– A new take on a classic from Mommy’s Kitchen.

81. Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices– These are almost too good to be true! Thanks Mom Loves Baking!

82. Easy Cream Cheese Apple Strudel– I’m pretty sure I could eat these strudels from Savory Experiments every day, all day.

83. Apple Whoopie Pie with Cookie Butter Filling– Anything with cookie butter is certain to be amazing! Try this recipe from A Bajillian Recipes and see what I mean!

84. Baked Chocolate Caramel Apples– Caramel apples on a stick are a think of the past with this bake from Meatloaf and Melodrama!

85. Apple Blackberry Crumble– I can’t wait to try Butter & Baggage‘s apple crumble!

86. Easy Apple Dumplings– If I had known apple dumplings were this easy to make, I would have made them a long time ago. Find this recipe at Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts!

87. Old-Fashioned Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce– I’m pretty sure I could eat all of this apple cake from These Old Cookbooks in one sitting.

88. German Apple Cake– Now for the German take on apple cake from Tasty Apron.

89. Salted Carmel Apple Crisp Cookie Sandwiches– You had me at cookie! We love this recipe from Queenslee Appetit!

90. Apple Pie Tacos– Did you know apples now come in tacos? Try these from Spend with Pennies!

91. French Apple Tart– Forget pie! Trie apple tart from David Lebovitz instead!

92. Caramel Apple Snickerdoodle– Ever since finding out about these yummy treats from Together as Family, I’ve had dreams of snickerdoodles and apples bouncing around my head.

93. Apple Peanut Butter Cookies– If you love peanut butter apples, then you’ll love the cookie version from Mostly Homemade Mom!

94. Homemade Apple Crisp Ice Cream– I know what I’m having for dessert tonight! Try this recipe from Dishes & Dust Bunnies!

Nothing says fall like apple cider (and punch…)!

95. Green Apple Cider Lemonade– This recipe from A Worthey Read is the best of both summer and fall. The kids are sure to love it!

96. Autumn Harvest Punch– Serve up this punch from Served Up With Love at your next football party!

97. Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider– Instant pot = magic. Thanks Curry Trail for this easy recipe!

98. Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie– This smoothie from Further Food is the perfect wake-up call!

99. Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider– This drink from The Frugal Girls was made for the fall!

100. Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider– This drink from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe is perfect for pretty much any occasion!

101. Poison Apple Halloween Drink– Our Family World‘s poison apple drink is perfectly wicked!

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Hey there! Molly and Chelsea here! We’re the besties and food bloggers from Bests and Bites. We’ve been best friends for over 20 years (so like, 90% of our lives) and we love nothing more than food, health/fitness and pool days!

We’re so glad we could share this Halloween recipe with you and hope you love making it for your spooky soirees this fall!

How adorable are Halloween treats? There’s no less than 10000 spooky recipes on Pinterest and every single one has an adorable place in my heart. And this one has a very special place because it’s comes together in a snap and it the epitome of fall: pumpkin spice and mummy decorations.

The base of this recipe is exactly like you’d start rice crispy treats. Measure out the cereal (which will be cheerios here rather than crispies) and melt the butter. But this is where it changes! Add a little pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the melted butter and mix well to combine. There isn’t a ton of pumpkin puree here but it’s just enough to tell it’s made for fall.

When you mix the marshmallows in just keep stirring so it won’t burn. It’s best to use a wooden to avoid sticking. Oh and DO NOT forget to grease your pan:) Nobody wants a bunch of cereal stuck to a pan.

Expert tip: spray a rubber spatula with cooking spray before you spread it in the pan. This way the marshmallow-y cereal won’t stick to your spoon and you can press it firmly to set.

My favorite part about this is obviously the googly eyes! The bars just look like a  cereal trip with chocolate until you add the eyes and they’re instantly transformed into the spooky Halloween treat!

Print

Mummy Cereal Bars

Servings 9

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups honey nut cheerios
• 12 ounces 1 bag of white chocolate melting morsels
• 18 candy googly eyes

Instructions

• Spray an 11x7 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Once melted, add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice and mix well. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they're all melted and mixture is sticky, but smooth, about two minutes. Add the cereal and mix well, making sure everything is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
• Pour mixture into prepared pan and press firmly down with a rubber spatula spray with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Allow to set for 15 minutes.
• In a microwave safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and place on high for 30 seconds, remove and stir and return to microwave in 30 second increments until melted, stirring between each one. Transfer melted chocolate to a pastry bag or plastic bag with 1/4 and inch of the tip cut off and pipe melted chocolate on top of cereal bars back and forth horizontally, saving a little extra to add the eyes. Place bars in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
• Cut bars in long rectangles and use left over melted chocolate to place eyes on the bars towards the top of the rectangles.

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Surprise inside treats seem to be all the rage these days. People get really creative with the surprises they hide in the cakes they bake! Let’s take a look at the best surprise inside treats out there!

These vanilla cupcakes contain a chocolaty surprise inside! The best of both flavors!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Surprise Cupcakes. Now these are to die for! You put frozen cookie dough in middle and it gets warm and gooey in the oven. Yum!!!!

This Pinata Cake looks delicious! I personally would prefer this to a real pinata because you can eat the entire thing! (And there’s less to clean up. Ha ha!)

Check out this awesome Patriotic Cake! Each layer is a different color, and the entire thing spells out USA. The 4th of July just passed, but that gives you plenty of time to perfect this cake.

Okay, now this is cool, and sure to be a hit with the kids on the 4th of July! Pop Rocks Firecracker Cake Pops. You can definitely say these treats have a kick to them!

Rainbow Cake! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more colorful cake in my life. Wow!

Mickey Mouse Peekaboo Cake. This is perfect for a Disney themed party! Or, it would be a great way to surprise the kids and announce a trip to Disneyland! Just imagine the looks on their faces when you cut the cake and revealed Mickey Mouse!

Strawberry Surprise Cake. I love strawberries, but I would probably want to cut off the stems first so they’re easier to eat!

Santa’s Belt Surprise Inside Cake. A perfect cake for the holiday season! You can even leave some out for Santa to eat when he stops by on Christmas Eve! I bet he would be impressed!

This Heart Cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day you want to show someone special how much you love them. So cute!

Another beautiful Disney themed cake! Check out this Disney Pixar Inside Out Cake!

I absolutely love fall and everything pumpkin flavored, so of course I had to add this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Maple Glaze! This sounds like the perfect dessert on a crisp fall day!!

Sticking with fall themed treats, check out these witch hat surprise cookies! They’re adorable, and they’re filled with candy! What more could you ask for?

Now this is impressive! This Hidden Giraffe Cake is incredible!

These Red Velvet Cupcakes contain a cream cheese surprise in the middle! Yummm!

This Rubik’s Cube cake is seriously taking it to the next level. Look at that detail! Every square a different color!

Surprise inside treats are great for special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. You can customize them and make them into whatever you want, so have fun with it!

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Hey ya’ll, Molly and Chelsea here! We’re the besties and food bloggers from Bests and Bites. We’ve been best friends for over 20 years (so like, 90% of our lives) and we love nothing more than food, health/fitness and pool days! We’re so glad we could share this recipe with you and hope you love making it this summer!

Guys! There is nothing we love more than a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie! We’ve (literally) spend years perfecting this recipe and today we put a twist on it to celebrate one of our favorite summer flavors: rocky road!

When we were young babes Molly’s dad would go to the grocery store and stock up on Rocky Road. After a long hard day of swimming( seriously, we used to spend around 9 hours at the pool a day), we would take our showers and sit down on the couch with a big bowl of Rocky Road to finish the night.

It was a dream.

So this summer we wanted to re-create one of our favorite summer traditions by adding it to a classic. AND IT WAS AWESOME. One of the best creations that’s come out of the Bests and Bites kitchen. They are that good.

There are a couple of tricks to making these just right!

Like any baked good, you have to be precise in your measuring or the end result won’t be perfect. That means:

• Measure the flour just right by spooning the flour from the bag into the measuring cup and scraping the top
• Make sure you’ve got room temperature butter for the best consistency
• Do not overbake!
• Toast the marshmallows to perfection

That last one is key, trust us. There were a couple (a dozen) cookies that got a littleeee too toasty. We ended up squatting by the oven when it’s on broil to physically watch the marshmallows and pull them out at the exact right time.

For us it was about 35 seconds to golden brown perfection.

If you follow these tips you will end up with the most chewy and soft rocky road cookies that everyone will love to eat this summer!

Print

Rocky Road Cookies

Servings 24

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.
• Using a stand or electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the pudding mix, vanilla and eggs until well combined.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add chocolate chips, almonds and walnuts and stir with a rubber spatula.
• Measure out dough into two large tablespoons and roll into a ball then drop onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden and just set on the top. Pull cookies out and turn on the broiler. Top cookies with more almonds, walnuts and marshmallows. Place back in the oven until marshmallows are lightly golden on top, about 30-40 seconds. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely.

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I love sprinkles more than anything. Last year, my birthday cake was completely covered in sprinkles! We used a whole container of them! I just can’t get enough of those colorful little things. But one thing that I’ve found (at least in my experience) is that I always have containers of sprinkles in my cupboards. And they sit there for years! I’m not sure if they expire, but they just sit there for what seems like forever.

If you love sprinkles as much as I do, or if you’re tired of them taking up space in your cupboards and don’t want to waste leftover sprinkles, then this post is for you! Here are 14 ways to use leftover sprinkles!

Overnight Cake Batter Protein Oatmeal. This oatmeal tastes just like cake batter, but it’s good for you! And you can make it overnight to save time in the morning! It’s the perfect breakfast to-go!

Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies. The recipe is very similar to a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, you just add a little bit of cake mix and some sprinkles!

Sprinkled Marshmallow Dippers. This is an easy, tasty dessert that the kids will love!

Sprinkle Lined Vases. This is a simple way to give decorations a pop of color!

Sprinkle Rim Glasses. These glasses will make any drink fun!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Spoons. You can try stirring hot chocolate with these, or eat them plain. Yum!

Funfetti Rice Krispy Treats. A fun twist on classic rice krispie treats! Just add sprinkles!

Sprinkle Bangle Bracelets. A cute, colorful decoration to add a pop of color to any outfit. Made with real sprinkles!

Strawberry Sprinkle Pancakes. Now this breakfast would get me out of bed in the morning!

Apple Scented Candle With Sprinkles. This looks pretty and smells good!

Sprinkles Ornaments. This is such a cute idea! The color options are endless.

Skinny Confetti Cake Batter Milkshakes. It’s easy to make and it looks pretty!

Birthday Cake Popcorn. For when you want that birthday cake flavor, but don’t have a reason (or the time) to bake one!

Sprinkle Shortbread Cookies. Because sprinkles make everything better! That’s why I love them!

Add a little more fun and color in your life with sprinkles!

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July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, so I found 16 creative ice cream flavors to try this summer! I’ve got sweet, savory, and everything in between! Today’s the day to be a little adventurous and try a new ice cream flavor!

1. Avocado Mint Chocolate Chip. This is a much healthier alternative as it’s dairy free! And the avocado gives it a nice smooth texture!

2. Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream. This reminds me of the Jelly Belly flavor! And it contains real popcorn!

3. Dr. Pepper Ice Cream. They say this ice cream is so good, you’ll never go back to just drinking Dr. Pepper! Sounds life changing!

4. Lemonade Ice Cream. Now this would be refreshing on a hot summer day!

5. Harry Potter Butterbeer Ice Cream. This ice cream sounds quite magical!

6. Doughnut Ice Cream. I always have to wash down donuts with a glass of milk, so this is the perfect compromise!

7. The Munchies Ice Cream. This ice cream’s got a little bit of everything in it!

8. No Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream. This ice cream will definitely bring out your inner cookie monster. Plus it’s easy to make!

9. Lavender Rose Ice Cream. I’ve never tried anything rose flavored, but it’s definitely worth a shot!

10. Olive Oil Ice Cream. I’ve actually heard good things about this ice cream! It’s definitely a unique flavor choice.

11. Sea Salt & Honey Ice Cream. Sea salt is great on anything, so I can’t see this going wrong.

12. Maple Bacon Ice Cream. Because bacon makes everything better.

13. Basil Ice Cream. Hmm…. I like basil, but I’m not sure how it would be in the form of ice cream. Guess I’ll just have to try it!

14. Blue Moon Ice Cream. This was invented in Milwaukee, and you can only get it in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan! They say it tastes fruity like Froot Loops or Fruity Pebbles!

15. Cinnamon and Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream. Since it has oatmeal in it that means I can eat it for breakfast, right??

16. Key Lime Ice Cream Switch to key lime ice cream this summer so you don’t have to heat up your oven cooking pies!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a lot of ice cream to try this summer. And National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day is the perfect excuse to try some new flavors!

The post 16 Creative Ice Cream Flavors To Try Right Now appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

1. Breakfast Pizza from Cape May Cafe – Start the magic off right with the most important meal of the day–breakfast! You can make this yummy pizza and then personalize it with your and your family’s favorite toppings.
2. Disneyland’s Sweet Cornbread – eat dinner AND dessert simultaneously with this sweet and moist cornbread! Hint: the secret is a box of cake mix. Who knew?
3. The Grey Stuff from “Be Our Guest” – haven’t we all wanted to know what exactly that grey stuff is? Well, I’m not sure if 17th century France had Oreos, but this recipe does, and it is, indeed, delicious!
4. Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate – Although winter may seem like the ideal time to visit Disneyland, since there’s lower traffic, the cold can be daunting. Warm up at home and taste the Disney spirit with this comforting cup of cocoa!
5. Hand Dipped Corndogs from Little Red Wagon – Confession: I adore corn dogs. But ONLY when they are fresh! None of this frozen-then-microwaved stuff. These are sure to live up to expectations!
6. Broccoli Cheese Soup from Pacific Wharf Cafe – it has broccoli, so it’s good for you, right? This soup is sure to warm you and your family up from the inside out. 
7. Clam Chowder Bread Bowls from Pacific Wharf Cafe – stick anything in a bread bowl, and I’m good. What a perfect way to use less dishes, am I right?
8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich – I want to make these RIGHT NOW!! The recipe is soooo simple. This makes a perfect after school snack!
9. French Toast Loaf from Main Street Bakery – Why waste time constantly dipping and flipping individual slices of French toast, when you could just bake them all into a loaf? This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
10. Apple Pie Caramel Apples – Now THIS is magical! And for those who maybe aren’t apple pie fans, here‘s a recipe for Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples!
11. Churro Bites – How do you make something even more delicious? Make it bite-sized. And add dipping sauces! This blogger does both. What are you waiting for???
12. White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies – This fun recipe is not only simple to make, it looks beautiful!! Oh, and did I mention that it’s insanely tasty?
13. Magic Cookie Bar from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – sprinkles = magic. Coconut, chocolate, butterscotch, sweetened condensed milk and more = more magic.
14. Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie from Flo’s V8 Cafe – this recipe is a wonderful way to consume even more strawberries, which are so plentiful during the summer! I would love a slice of this at the end of my day!
15. Matterhorn Macaroons – Is the Matterhorn your favorite ride? No? Well you’re sure to enjoy these adorable, delicious macaroons anyway.
16. Mint Julep from The Blue Bayou – who doesn’t love a fun, colorful drink that’s kid-friendly? This tasty concoction is a scrumptious way to cool down during the summer months!
17. Smoked Turkey Legs – Here it is. The king of all meats. The smoked turkey leg is a thing of legend, and now you can bring the legend to life in the comfort of your own home!
18. Brownie Cheesecake from Boardwalk Bakery – two of the most delectable desserts, combined. No wonder Disneyland is called “the happiest place on earth.”
19. Tigger Tails from Pooh’s Corner – okay, these are just cute! AND easy to make. This blogger gives two different ways to make Tigger tails, and either one is sure to make your child’s day!
20. Mickey Mouse Beignets from Cafe Orleans – if you haven’t had beignets, you NEED to try them. They are sure to become a house favorite! And for a holiday option, try these gingerbread ones!
21. Sci-Fi Bacon Mac and Cheese – Remember how I said that, if you put anything in a bread bowl, I’m happy? Well I changed my mind, because this is a bread CONE. Carbs in more carbs is my happy place! *Note: this recipe is in two parts; this is for the mac-n-cheese. Find the bread cone recipe here.
22. Red’s Apple Freeze from Car’s Land – I had never heard of this drink before, but now I’m dying to try it! Another delicious way to cool off this summer!!
23. Disney World Soft Pretzels – Few things are as magical as a warm, soft pretzel. It’s a bit of a process, but soooo worth it! What are you waiting for??
24. Cinnamon Glazed Almonds – Ah, snack food. Where would we be without you? These cinnamon glazed almonds probably won’t last long!
25. Monte Cristo Sandwiches from The Blue Bayou – This dish is the mother of all sweet-and-savory combos. But did you know that you can easily make it at home?? Make sure to have your favorite jam on hand for serving!!
26. S’mores Bake from Big Thunder Ranch – For those nights when a campfire is too much trouble or just not in the schedule, bring the outdoors in with this incredibly gooey s’mores bake. Excuse me, I think I hear this calling my name!
27. Dole Whip from Aloha Island – At last, here it is. The most sought-after Disney recipe of all!! Did you know that the Dole whip is vegan? Find out more facts, as well as recipes for more whips, here!

Gather up all of your favorite Disney movies and settle in for a marathon–you’ve got some copycat Disney food to eat!!

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The post 27 Copycat Disney Recipes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

The first batch that I made of these cookies were too much for just my husband and I to eat by ourselves so I took them to our next door neighbor’s. They have a lot of kids and I thought it would be fun for them to have these as an after school treat.   Their oldest teenage daughter answered the door and pretty much before I could say anything, she excitedly asked “Are those Swig cookies?!!”

I was cool right then and there.

I then made them again for Valentine’s Day and my daughter inhaled them saying that they were much better because I had made them with almond extract instead of vanilla.  It’s kind of my signature cookie secret.

Bam. Cool again.

Print

Swig Sugar Cookie Recipe

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma is Fun

Ingredients

Cookies

• 5 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup 2 sticks softened butter
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1¼ cup sugar
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 TBL water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract. Can also use vanilla
• Additional 1/2 cup sugar for dipping your glass into to smash cookies. Do not add this into the cookie mix.

Frosting

• 5 tablespoons Land 'o' Lakes butter softened
• ⅓ cup + 1 TBL sour cream
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2-3 TBL milk
• 3.5 to 4.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract. Can also use vanilla.
• 1 drop red food coloring. I used two drops of neon pink.

Instructions

Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a separate mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and powdered sugar until well blended.
• Slowly pour in oil while mixing all the time.
• Add water, almond extract and eggs, blending well.
• Add dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
• Roll cookie dough into 2 inch balls.
• Put the additional 1/2 cup sugar into a small bowl.
• Place the 2 inch balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart because they will spread.
• Place a glass into the sugar (you may need to press the glass against some cookie dough to get the sugar to start to stick) and then press into the balls of dough.
• 
• Press until cookies are about 1/2 inch thick. The edge will become jagged and the cookie will spread beyond the bottom of the glass.
• 
• Bake for only 8 minutes. You do not want to over bake these cookies. 8 minutes is just about perfect.
• Remove cookies from cookie sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• If you aren't going to frost these cookies right away, place them in an airtight container until ready to frost. This is what keeps them moist. I usually layer them in a gallon size ziploc bag.

Frosting

• Cream together butter, sour cream and salt.
• Add powdered sugar and add milk as needed.
• Add almond extract and food coloring (1 drop red OR two neon pink) until well blended.
• Add either more milk or more powdered sugar as desired. I like my frosting on the thicker side.
• Spread over cooled cookies and serve immediately.
• You can also allow the icing to dry a little then place in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Notes

Recipe adapted from The Idea Room

If you want to be a “cool Grandma” to your teenage grandkids, make a batch of these Swig Sugar Cookies.  If your teenage grandkids don’t know about these cookies, then you’re already cooler then they are.

Toodles!

The post Swig Sugar Cookie Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

10 Valentine’s Day Treats

1. Mini Cherry Heart Pies. How cute are these! Ashley from Frugal Coupon Living makes this how to simple and easy! Plus, they look great!

2. Looking for some chocolate lovin? You must try this S’mores Lava Cake from Creme de la Crumb!!

3. Here’s a twist on a classic! Pizza Pinwheel Hugs & Kisses from Recipe By Photo. This would be a great go to lunch with the kids, your spouse, that special someone, or just yourself!

4. Want something cool and tasty? Take a sip of this Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie from Rocky Mountain Bliss!

5. You can never go wrong with fruit and chocolate. Check out these delicious Chocolate-Covered Raspberries from Sugar Hero! A definite YUM in my book!

6. Speaking of fruit, take a look at these delectable Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries! These tasty treats are from The Nutmeg Nanny.

7. Want to go with something not so sugary? Try out these Sugar-Free Valentine Snacks from Two Kids Cooking! Such a good idea!

8. How about a special breakfast treat for Valentine’s Day morning? Check out these Better Than Restaurant Style Crepes! All found at Munchkin Time.

9. These are always so good at Christmas, why not spread the love to Valentine’s Day! These Valentine’s Chocolate Covered Pretzels are super cute and Love From The Oven offers a great how to tutorial!

10. Last, but not least, these Cinnamon Dessert Nachos With Salted Caramel Dip from The Flavor Bender are sure way to make your special someone just melt! My mouth just waters looking at these!

Hope you have fun making some of these 10 Valentine’s Day Treats! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

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Hi! My name is Dini and I’m the blogger behind The Flavor Bender! I’m so excited to be a contributor to Made From Pinterest and I hope you guys enjoy this recipe just as much, or even more than I did, creating it! But first, let me quickly introduce myself.

I was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand, and lived in Australia before moving to the US a couple of years ago. I have moved many times on top of that, but the one constant in my life has always been my love of cooking and baking! The result of that was The Flavor Bender, which I launched in late 2014. As the name suggests, my blog is all about flavors and all the wonderful ways in which I combine those flavors in new and wildly creative ways. My blog slogan is “because it’s OK to play with food”, and that truly reflects how I approach my cooking and baking. As important as food is for our subsistence, and as much as we all love to eat great food, I think it’s also important to enjoy the process of cooking those meals. And if you’re looking for recipes and recipe ideas that bring together great flavors and show you how to have fun with your food, head on over to The Flavor Bender!

As my first contribution to Made From Pinterest, I thought I’d share with you guys one of my original recipes (I mostly have original recipes on my blog) that is also quite simple, yet produce exceptionally delicious results! These Gluten Free Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Bites with Sea Salt are a classic flavor combination.

Since they are made with good-quality Valrhona cocoa powder, they have a deep, rich chocolate flavour. Valrhona is a type of premium French chocolate with complex yet balanced flavours. I promise, just one whiff of it and you’re hooked. Of course you’re more than welcome to use regular cocoa powder instead, but if you can get your hands on some Valrhona, I most definitely recommend it!

I also incorporated raw almonds in this fudgy chocolate brownie bites because I wanted them to have a nutty taste and texture as well. You can use ground almonds or almond flour, although I do prefer getting whole almonds and then processing them myself. They really add an irresistible flavour and texture to these brownie bites.

Chocolate and sea salt are a classic pairing of course. So nothing fancy there. Salt both enhances the sweetness and also provides a contrasting flavour profile. Plus they extract a depth of flavour from chocolate like nothing else. And each of these delectable brownie bites has crispy edges and a rich, fudgy little center with little bits of almond. Take my word for it, they are absolutely addictive.

And as if that wasn’t enough, you can give these chocolate brownie bites and extra decadent touch by dipping each one in a luscious chocolate glaze and then sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top. It’s something to even get your kids involved with, although I do recommend some adult supervision! Otherwise these brownie bites will all disappear before you can say chocolate.

They are super easy to make, plus they are gluten-free too. So go ahead and enjoy them with a glass of milk. I’m sure you’ll be making these again and again.

Print

Chocolate Brownie Bites

Author The Flavor Bender

Ingredients

Brownie Bites

• 3.5 oz/ 100g Melted warm butter should not be hot, plus extra melted butter to brush the mini muffin pan.
• 2.5 oz / 70g about 2 Egg whites, lightly beaten
• 4 oz / 115g Raw Almonds or Ground almonds
• 1 oz / 30g Valrhona Cocoa Powder or Regular Cocoa Powder
• 3.5 oz / 100g Icing sugar confectioners sugar
• 2.5 oz / 70g Brown sugar
• ½ tsp Vanilla extract

Chocolate glaze

• 3 oz / 85g in weight whipping cream
• 3 oz / 85g semi sweet chocolate chopped finely
• generous ½ tsp sea salt I used Maldon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar optional
• Extra sea salt to sprinkle ontop

Instructions

Brownie Bites

• Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C. Generously brush melted butter in the mini muffin wells of a mini muffin pan.
• Place the almonds in a food processor, if using whole almonds, and process till they’re chopped very finely (like coarse sand).
• Add the icing sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder and pulse a few times, until the dry ingredients have mixed well. (Alternatively, you can mix all the ingredients in a bowl using a whisk - just make sure there are no lumps).
• Transfer the dry ingredients to a bowl. Add the lightly beaten egg whites and using a spatula mix this through the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla and melted butter and fold through the batter until mixed through.
• Using a spoon or mini scoop to fill each mini muffin well, almost to the top - leaving some room for them to rise.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, until the edges look a little crisp, the middle is slightly risen, but looks fudgy.
• Let it cool completely and pop them out of the muffin pan. While the brownie bites are cooling, make the Chocolate glaze.

Chocolate Glaze

• Place the chopped chocolate in a heat proof bowl.
• In a small saucepan place the cream, sugar, and salt. Heat gently until you start to see it simmering. Pour the heated cream over the chopped chocolate and cover the bowl for 1 minute.
• Using a small whisk, mix the chocolate and cream until melted and shiny. Let it cool slightly, till it’s a little thick.
• Dip the cooled brownie bites (bottoms or tops - whichever you prefer) - Dip all of the brownie bites, and then go back and sprinkle the sea salt on top. (this allows the glaze to set slightly before the salt is sprinkled. Can be stored in an air tight container for a few days (if they last that long)

If you’d like to check out some other popular recipes on The Flavor Bender, here are three of them.

Caramelized Apple and Fennel, Pork Sausage Rolls

Sri Lankan Watalappan (Cardamom spiced Coconut Custard)

Breakfast Sausage Frittata with Persimmon Salsa

You can also find me on all of the following Social Media platforms too.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | GOOGLE-PLUS

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If you are a fan of red velvet then these Red Velvet Bars are going to make your day.  Thick and moist, these are kind of a cross between a cookie and and a red velvet cake.  And who can resist the cream cheese frosting?

Make sure to get your sprinkles out because if you are making these with a grandchild, they are going to want to be in charge of the “sprinkling”!

Although these would be great to serve on Valentine’s Day to express your love to your family, they are just as good all year long!  Red never truly goes out of style.

So turn on your oven and let’s get cookin’!

Print

Red Velvet Bars

Author This Grandma is Fun

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened but­ter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 TBL which equals a 1-ounce bottle red food coloring
• 3⅓ cups flour
• ¼ cup unsweet­ened cocoa
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon bak­ing pow­der

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 bricks of 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese softened
• ½ cup softened butter
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla I use clear vanilla so that it doesn't turn my cream cheese frosting yellow. Clear vanilla will help to keep a nice, white frosting.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix all dry ingredients together. Set aside.
• Cream together butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, vanilla and red food dye. Blend until well incorporated.
• Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until well blended into the cream mixture.
• It will look like a "dough"
• Press dough into a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with a cooking spray. I like to line my pan with either aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with a cooking spray for easy removal.
• Bake at 350 for approximately 20 minutes or until center is clean after inserting a toothpick.
• Completely cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and clear vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Frost on top of cooled bars.
• May refrigerate until serving to firm up the frosting a little bit.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Chocolate Moosey

 Hope you enjoy!

The post Red Velvet Bars appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

We have also teamed up with some other great blogs and you will definitely want to check our their Top 2015 that we’ve listed below.

Drum roll please…..The top post that our readers viewed the most was:

1. 30+ SuperBowl Recipes

Appetizers must have been on everyone’s mind because our Appetizer Board is  a very popular and active Pinterest Board for us.  If this is an interest for you too, hop on over and follow it!

2. Roasted Chickpeas

3. Twix Cookies

4. Brazilian Limeade

5. Best Pumpkin Muffins

And now for some other top posts from some of our favorite bestie blogger buddies!

Do you follow Simply Kierste?  If you don’t , you should!  Her most viewed post of 2015 is this darling Vintage Lemonade Stand and then click HERE to see the rest of her most popular posts!

Another blog that you will NOT want to miss is My Kitchen Escapades.  Wouldn’t you want tried and true recipes from a mom of six like her Top Post of 2015 for this Best Chicken Fried Rice?  Then hop on over to see her other top posts for 2015 HERE.

Next is Emily from Is This Really My Life?  Just take a look at her top post of 2015 for these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! Don’t they look delicious? If you like these, make sure you also check out her other top posts for 2015 HERE.

Wait till you see the Giant Peg Board from GingerSnap Crafts.  No wonder it was her top post for 2015! If you like this,then you will love her other top posts for 2015.  Just click HERE.

We LOVE Copycat Recipes and if you do too, then you won’t want to miss these 31 Copycat Recipes from Mariel over at Or So She Says.  Don’t miss her Top Posts for 2015…just click HERE

And lastly is our dear friend Ashley from Simply Designing.  She has some great home improvement ideas like these Tips to Quickly Paint a Room which is her top post of 2015.  You will find plenty of other inspiration from the rest of her top posts of 2015 HERE!

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25 Cute Holiday Treats

1. These cute Marshmallow Snowman Treats from Flexible Dreams make for an easy and tasty activity with the grand kids where everyone can participate.

2. The holiday season simply calls for gingerbread men.  These Old Fashion Gingerbread Men from This Grandma Is Fun are a great way to help kids get creative as they make their own gingerbread men.

3. Holiday or not, popcorn is always delicious, but when it comes to Christmas time you are going to want to try this Red Velvet Popcorn from Inspired by Charm.

4.  The kids will be quick to eat this cute Fruit Christmas Tree from Ginger and Garlic.

5. Oreo cookies are always a hit with the grand kids. Don’t miss out on these adorable Sweet and Salty Reindeer Oreo Pops from Oh! Nuts!

6. Keep those Oreos on hand because you are going to want to try these tasty Melted Snowmen Oreo Balls made by The Girl Who Ate Everything.

7.  Want to keep to the snowman theme? The kids are going to love these easy Frosty Snowman Pretzels from Hungry Happenings.

8. Don’t forget the Christmas tree! Have the kids build their own Rice Krispie Treat Christmas Tree inspired by Cookies and Cups.

9. Want something more savory? Be sure to try these quick and easy Betty Crocker Pita Christmas Tree Appetizers.

10. “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…” Don’t leave out these festive Chocolate-Covered Cherry Mice this Christmas. Such a fun idea from Not Quite Susie Homemaker.

11. These Reindeer Sandwiches found on A Spotted Pony are sure to be a hit for the kids during the holidays.

12.  Simply Shellie offers this yummy Snowman Dessert Dip that kids will love to munch on this holiday season!

13. Surprise the grand kids with these Cheesecake Stuffed Christmas Tree Cupcakes found on Tablespoon!

14. Going for a cupcake spree? Be sure to try out these adorable Reindeer Cupcakes from Your Cup of Cake.

15.  Betty Crocker’s Savory Snowman Cheese Ball is a great addition to make so you have some tasty snacks on hand at the house!

16. Make it a snow day with Gimme Some Oven’s Easy 5 Minute Easy Snow Ice Cream! The kids will love this deliciously unique recipe!

17. After a snow day, warm up with some Melted Snowman Hot Chocolate from Meet the Dubiens.

18.  The grand kids will love these bite size Santa Hat Brownies from Daisy’s World.

19. Speaking of Santa hats, put these Santa Hat Pretzels on the list to try from Free-N-Fun Christmas. They make a quick and easy snack for the kids to munch on!

20. After having a snowball fight with the kids, be sure to end on a sweet note with these buttery Snowball Cookies from Setting for Four.

21. These Festive Apple Pie Fries from Oh, Bite It! are a tasty and dipable treat that everyone will love!

22.  The holiday season isn’t complete without Santa.  Be sure to try these Sweet Strawberry Santas found on TISL Style.  They are easy to make and quick to clean up!

23. Put together these cute Banana Santa Fruit Pops with the kids from Clean and Scentsible’s Christmas Breakfast.

24. These cute Penguin Cookies from Delightful E Made will make a tasty addition to the treat bowl this holiday season!

25. Last but not least, these creative Oreo Ornaments from Miss CandiQuick are a yummy way to ring in the holiday season!

We are excited to feature this post on Simply Designing!

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1.   These Pumpkin Cake Cookies by Paleo Grubs are not only delicious but they fit in with a Paleo diet.                                       
2. Pumpkin Zucchini Bread by Give Me Neither – two of my favorite things made into a delightful masterpiece.                                                           
3. Most of us make Pumpkin Pancakes but who knew Pumpkin Syrup by Made From Pinterest could be so yummy?                                                 
4. No Bake Chocolate Pumpkin Pie by Chocolate Covered Katie is an easy way to throw a twist into a classic dessert. 
5. This Pumpkin Fudge by Texan Erin is a brilliant dessert no one is expecting.                                                                               
6. The right way to do fall breakfast is with this Pumpkin French Toast by Averie Cooks.                                                          
7. These Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars by Made From Pinterest will not disappoint in the fall pumpkin recipe      line-up.                                                                                                                                                                    
8. A Pumpkin Pie Smoothie by Fannetastic Food is a great breakfast on the go.                                                                       
9. This Cream of Pumpkin Soup by BHG is sure to warm you up on a cold fall day.                                                               
10. To the contrast of the last one, if you are looking for a chilly dessert this Pumpkin Sherbet by Skinny Taste is the way to go!    
11. These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats by Living Well Kitchen add flavor to a traditional food.                                                      
12. Mix Peanut Butter with Pumpkin instead of Jelly and you get these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies by My Kitchen Escapades.       
13. You can use your crock pot to make this Crockpot Pumpkin Bread by  Wanna Bite and it is brilliant.                          
14. These Pumpkin Doughnuts by King Arthur Flour are a guilty pleasure you won’t regret.            
15. Whipped Pumpkin Butter by Style Sweet CA makes a great spread for breakfast.                                                        
16. These Cinnamon Chip Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies by Boys Ahoy take an awesome turn from the conventional chocolate chip.                                     
17. These Best Pumpkin Muffins ever by Natural Chow takes a different route using Coconut Oil.
18. Clifton’s Pumpkin Cake from My Kitchen Escapades is full of pumpkin, powdered sugar, and cream cheese topped with pecans. 
19. If you are looking for a savory pumpkin recipe this Creamy Prosciutto Pumpkin Rigatoni by Handle the Heat will be right up your alley.
20. If the last one isn’t working for you maybe the recipe for Vegetarian Pumpkin Curry by Julia’s Album will spark interest.                        
21. This Fall Pumpkin Dump Cake by Illi Style is the easiest recipe ever.                                                 
22. 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies by Made From Pinterest couldn’t be an easier crowd pleaser to throw together in a few minutes.                                                
23. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls by Smitten Kitchen are so yummy for breakfast.                                                                 
24. These 2-ingredient Pumpkin Brownies by Cookies and Cups are easy as …. pie?                                                                          
25. This Pumpkin Poke Cake by Tortillas and Honey is something you can just dig right into.                                                                                 
26. Pumpkin Pull apart Bread by Made From Pinterest is by far my favorite Pumpkin Bread.                                      
27. Pumpkin Snicker-doodle Muffins by Tastes of Lizzy T’s are completely yummy.                                                        
28. These Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins by Instructables are a perfect combo of sweet with that savory cream cheese taste. 
29. This Pumpkin Crunch Cake by Made from Pinterest is sure to please with the change of texture.                         
30. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are another testimony to how well pumpkin and pb mesh.                                                       
31. This Pumpkin Sandwich Cake from BHG tastes nothing like a sandwich, and we aren’t complaining.                                 
32. Pumpkin Waffles by Number 2 Pencil are so yummy and this recipe is perfect just add your own touch (chocolate chips maybe?)
33. Healthy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip by Desserts with Benefits sounds too good to be true.             
34. These Pumpkin Bars by Made From Pinterest are a fun fall version of lemon bars.                                                           
35. Vegan Whole Wheat Coconut Bread by Cake Merchant is a good way to go if you want the great taste of pumpkin bread with out the guilt. 
36. This Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Parfait by The Art of Moseying is a healthy way to get your daily dose of pumpkin.             
37. This Pumpkin Kale Calico Bean Stew by BHG doesn’t come up short in flavor.                                                       

The post Recipes Using Canned Pumpkin appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Great to impress unexpected company!

Hello Cheesecake Lovers!  Have I got a GREAT recipe for you today!  You know, there are loads of recipes for freezer meals and freezer rolls, etc. but I’ve seen very few freezer desserts.  Well unless  you’re talking like an ice cream cake, but very few desserts that you can make, freeze and then take it out when you need it.  If you’re interested in a recipe like that, keep reading!

I love cheesecake but my hubby LOVES CHEESECAKE!  If we are having a special event, he is going to want me to make my cheesecake.  So you can imagine my excitement when I learned how to make Freezer Cheesecake.  You mean you can make cheesecake, put it in the freezer and then take it out when you need it?  Mind. Blown.

When I read about this method, I certainly had to try it and let me tell you people, it truly works!

Oh, so now you want to know how to make this too?  I thought so.

Let’s get cookin’!

Print

Freezer Cheesecake

Course Dessert

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 TBL sugar
• 5 TBL salted butter - if you have unsalted butter add a pinch of salt

Filling

• 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 3 eggs

Toppings

• Canned cherry blueberry, strawberry pie filling
• Lemon curd

Instructions

• In a food processor, blend the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter until finely ground. (You can also use a blender)
• Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8oz freezer-safe canning jar. This recipe will yield 6-8 jars.
• Prepare filling by beating cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• Pour cream cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker mixture in your 6-8 jars.
• With foil, cover the tops of each jar and tightly seal around the edges.
• If you have a canning pot, place jars in the rack spots. If you don't, you can use a stockpot with two thick towels placed in the bottom and place the jars on top of the towels to secure.
• Add enough hot water to a depth of two inches.
• Cover with lid (Can use foil as a lid if you don't have one)
• Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Carefully remove jars and let dry completely.
• After they are dry, take a paper towel and wipe the inside of the glass of any cheesecake that might have gotten stuck there.
• Take the canning jar lid and ring and tightly screw the lid on top of the jar. Place in freezer until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, take out of freezer and let thaw. Top with desired toppings.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light and Simply Recipes

I loved how these turned out and now that I know that you can do this, or rather, now that my husband knows that I can do this, we will probably have these stocked in our freezer.    I hope that you enjoy them too.

I’d love to hear if you make these and how they turned out for you.  I promise I won’t tell if you confess that you ate them all!

You can also find us on Pinterest │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Instagram │ StumbleUpon │ Hometalk

Do you want even MORE Cheesecakey goodness?  Check these out!

Low Carb Key Lime Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Cheesecake Bites Recipe

The post Freezer Cheesecake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hi there! I’m Margaret Anne, author of the popular food blog Natural Chow, health food enthusiast, and chocoholic. I’ve got a delicious, healthy, and easy recipe for you today that you and the whole family are sure to love!

My grandfather immigrated from Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution in 1958, so Hungarian culture and cuisine is something I’ve been made very familiar with. These authentic Hungarian pinwheels are super easy to make and only use 6 ingredients!

They may look fancy, but these tender, flaky pinwheels couldn’t be easier to make! The 3-ingredient dough is prepared in a stand mixer, rolled out, and cut into squares. Then you add a spoonful of jam, preserves, berry sauce, or pie filling and bring each corner of the dough square to the center. Easy peasy!

Here’s a visual of how to fold the pinwheels:

Kids love to help with the process of making these pinwheels, and since you use a plastic ravioli cutter to cut the dough, it’s safe for kids to help with most steps of the process.

While you could serve these as a snack or dessert, they also make great party appetizers or holiday treats! Me and my family baked a couple of batches, put them in cute little tins, and gave them as Christmas gifts one year.

I like to use homemade strawberry jam to fill these tasty pinwheels to make it a healthy treat.

I’ve never tried making these with gluten free flour, as my family likes to keep the recipe as authentic as possible, but if you can’t have gluten I recommend trying these using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. It works perfectly as a substitute for wheat flour in all of the recipes I’ve tried it with, so I think it’d be worth a go in these delicious pinwheels.

Print

Authentic Hungarian Pinwheels

Course Dessert

Cuisine Hungarian

Servings 10

Author Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow

Ingredients

• 8 oz. full-fat cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or filling of choice
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water egg wash

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese and butter and whip until combined, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the flour and stir until a loose dough has formed.
• Dump the mixture out onto a floured word surface and gently knead the dough until a cohesive dough forms. Roll it out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into 3x3 inch squares using a ravioli cutter.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet carefully. Using the ravioli cutter, cut the dough diagonally from each corner 3/4 of the way to the center. Repeat with all squares of dough. Place 1 tablespoon of jam in the center of each pinwheel.
• Fold each corner towards the center of the pastry, using the pictures above as a guide. Lightly brush the pastries with the prepared egg wash.
• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Have you ever made Hungarian pinwheels before? Let me know in the comments below!

Pin it:

Margaret Anne

This awesome post has been shared with Home Stories A to Z

The post Authentic Hungarian Pinwheels appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

2. Kids Firework Craft Using a Fork from Crafty Morning

3. 4th of July Strawberries

4. DIY Painted Flower Pot from Happy Healthy Hip Parenting

5. Patriotic Glitter Candles and Printable Tags from A Pumpkin and A Princess

6. Fourth of July Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting from Made From Pinterest

7. Blueberry Strawberry Jicama Salsa from Two Peas and Their Pod

8. Fourth of July Cake Pops from Passion for Savings

9. 4th of July Kids Tee Shirts from Made From Pinterest

10. M & M Red, White, and Blondies from Your Homebased Mom

11. Nautical 4th of July S’mores Bag Toppers Printables from Anders Ruff

12. DIY Patriotic Wreath from Made From Pinterest

13. DIY Patriotic Shoes from Pretty Providence

14. Snow Cone Cupcakes from Bakerella

15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches from Made From Pinterest

16. Fourth of July Fun and Games Station from Uncommon Designs

17. Berry Raspberry Icebox Cookies from The Cooking Photographer

18. Chocolate Dipped Oreos from Made From Pinterest

19. 4th of July Muffins from Barbara Bakes

20. 4th of July Snack Mix from Glorious Treats

21. Popsicle Stick Flag Craft from Made From Pinterest

22. Confetti Launchers from Piikea Street

23. No Bake Patriotic Marshmallow Cheesecake from Sweet as a Cookie

24. 4th of July Ice Cream Cones from Made From Pinterest

25. Patriotic Popcorn Lollipops from Simply Kierste

26. 13 FREE Patriotic Printables from Sugar Bee Crafts

27. 4th of July Firecracker Bananas from Made From Pinterest

28. Red, White & Blue Mason Jars from It all Started with Paint

29. Brownie and Berry Parfaits from Mandy’s Recipe Box

30. 4th of July Sparkler Cupcakes from Made From Pinterest

31. USA Fourth of July Decor from Mabey She Made It

32. 4th of July Free Printables from Kensie Kate

33. 4th of July Bandanna Tablecloth from Made from Pinterest

34. White Chocolate Bowls from Restless Chipotle

35. Firecracker Sugar Cookies from Mom Dot

36. Patriotic Jello Stars from Made from Pinterest

37. 4th of July Firecracker Dogs from Handmade in the Heartland

38. Red, White and Blue Cookie Bark from Your Homebased Mom

39. 4th of July Mason Jar Candles from Made from Pinterest

40. Funfetti Cheesecake Cookies from Something Swanky

41. Patriotic Kids S’mores from Passion for Savings

42. Layered Patriotic Drink from Made from Pinterest

43. Patriotic Popcorn from Crazy Little Projects

44. Star Spangled Desserts from Giggles Galore

45. Revolution Cookies from Made from Pinterest

46. Patriotic Breakfast from Holiday Helpings

47. Oreo Cheesecake Pops and Free Party Printables from Living Locurto

48. American Flag Cake from Made from Pinterest

49. Patriotic Cake Mix Jello Cookies from Tastes of Lizzy T’s

50. 4th of July Sparkler Holder Free Printable from Over the Big Moon

The post 50 Patriotic Red, White and Blue Food and Craft Projects appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I love keeping cherry pie filling on hand at all times. Typically I keep a couple of extras in my pantry in case the “mood” strikes.

The mood strikes pretty often.

Especially in winter when I can’t get fresh cherries.

We live in Ontario, just across the border from Michigan. If you know anything about cherries you know Michigan is one of the best places for fresh cherries. So the bar is set high when it comes to how cherries taste.

If you can find a good canned, or jarred, cherry pie filling for the off-season then life is good. You can still get your sweet cherry fix throughout the colder months. Which is crucial for a gal like me.

Once or twice a month I like to whip up something cherrytastic. I just love cherry treats, whether it’s bars, or No Bake Cherry Cheesecakes, Toasted Coconut and Cherry Hand Pies, or Cherry Danish Dessert. It gives me that sweet fix I need to keep me happy until cherry season hits.

This was a dessert I kept seeing on Pinterest. Obviously I had to try it out. There are many versions of it out there. I have actually pinned a few different ones.

For the purpose of this post I used Taste of Home’s version, but tweaked it just a wee bit. I also really love Deliciously Sprinkled’s version, and have pinned that a few times as well.

You will see Cherry Bars or Cherry Kuchen Bars all over Pinterest and the net. Lots of bloggers have versions of them. Why? Because they are SO amazing.

These are super easy to make. They look absolutely beautiful so they are perfect for when you have guests over. They would also be fabulous to bring to showers or potlucks.

So whip up a batch today. Whether you call them Cherry Bars, Cherry Pie Bars or Cherry Kuchen Bars, these will be a huge hit with anyone who tries them.

I could barely keep my hands off them while taking photos. They are irresistible. I hope you become as obsessed with cherries as I am.

Enjoy and make sure you follow my obsessive antics on Pinterest!

Kim – Cravings of a Lunatic

Print

Cherry Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 24 large or 36 small

Author Cravings of a Lunatic

Ingredients

Bar recipe:

• 1 cup butter softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract original calls for 1 tsp vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon almond
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon I prefer Roasted Saigon Cinnamon (original calls for no spices)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg original calls for no spices
• 1 can cherry pie filling original calls for 2 cans

Glaze recipe:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract original calls for 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp almond
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spray a pan with non-stick spray. You can use a 15 x 10 inch pan (sheet pan) or a 9 x 13 casserole dish. You just won't get the straight edges with the pan I used. Things like that don't rattle this girl.
• In a large bowl combine the butter, sugar, and salt. Cream them together until light and fluffy. I used my stand mixer with my paddle attachment.
• Now add the eggs, one at a time, mixing really well after each addition.
• Add the extract, mix again.
• Now gradually add the flour, mix on low while adding until it's all combined. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg, mix briefly by hand.
• Pour about 3 cups of the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth it out.
• Now take spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling and drop them randomly over the batter.
• Smooth as best you can.
• Now take the remaining batter and drop spoonfuls of it randomly over the pie filling portion.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, you want the top golden brown.
• Remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool completely.
• In in a small bowl mix the confectioners' sugar, extract and milk.
• Start with 2 tablespoons of milk, then adjust by adding more until you get the desired consistency for your glaze. Now drizzle the glaze over the bars. You can do it neatly, or messy.
• Matters little in the grand scheme of things.
• Serve with a big old cherry loving smile.

 If you like this recipe, you are going to LOVE these!

Toasted Coconut and Cherry Hand Pies

Cherry Almond Macaroon Pie 

Cherry Cobbler Pizza

This amazing post can also be found on Whipperberry!

The post Cherry Bars appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

GINGERBREAD

41.  Gingerbread Man Cookies by Made From Pinterest

42.  Gingerbread Cheesecake  Bites by Created by Diane

43.  Gingerbread House by Tikkido

44.  Gingerbread Waffles with Cinnamon Butter

45.  Gingerbread Smoothie by Peanut Butter and Peppers

DESSERTS

46.  Pecan Bars by The Slow Roasted Italian

47.  Lemon Meringue Pie by Rock Recipes

48.  Perfect Pumpkin Pie by Premeditated Leftovers

49.  Pecan Pie Cheesecake by Lady Behind the Curtain

50.   Chocolate Raspberry Forest Cake by Chocolate and Carrots

For Christmas Ideas 1-10 – Free Printables and Cookies, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 11-20 – Candy and Free Gift Tags, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 21-30 – Main Dish and Side Dishes, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 31-40 – Advent Calendars and Ornaments, click here.

The post 50 Homemade Christmas Ideas 41-50 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

* We’re sharing our favorite links from last week’s party at the beginning of today’s party.  Check them out and then keep scrolling down for the link party.  Happy Weekend!

Thanks for participating in the Best Recipes and DIY Projects Party last week! Your hosts, Ruthie from Cooking With Ruthie, Jen from Bakerette, Dan and Chris from Live Dan 330, Mandy from Mandy’s Recipe Box, and Deb,Tracy, and Sherry at Made From Pinterest want to share some of our favorite links from last week’s link party with you.

We saw a lot of delicious ways to celebrate Halloween in your links this week.  Whether you are hosting a party for friends, want to treat your little trick-or-treaters, or just want something to snack on while you are watching a scary movie this week, here are some festive recipes for you to try.

Chocolate Pumpkin Trifle from Upstate Ramblings

Baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Donuts from Life Made Sweeter

Pumpkin Guts Dip from Shaken Together

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles from The Suburban Mom

Raven Sugar Cookies from Simply Suzanne’s

 Thanks again for sharing your projects and recipes with us during our link party! We hope you were as inspired by these featured links as we were. Please come back for our next Best Recipes and DIY Projects party, starting at 5 P.M. MST on Friday night! And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too. We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. You might see your links featured there!

Now, let’s get the party started!

 Happy Weekend, everyone! We’re delighted that you came to our party. The link-up is live and ready for you to share your recipes, DIY projects and crafts, just make sure you follow these guidelines:

1. When you link up, you are giving us permission to feature your project and pictures on our blogs and social media with a link back to you.
2. We’ll feature our favorite projects from this weekend’s party during the next week.  (Click HERE to see features from last week’s party.)
3. Weekly favorites will also be pinned to our Link Party Favorites Board on Pinterest!
4. Add a text link back to the host blog.
5. You can link up any post you’ve created during this past week.
6. We’re excited about your handmade items, but this link party is limited to blog posts only. Please don’t linkup your Etsy shop.
7. Share the love and comment on two or more of the other projects that are linked up. We all love comments!

This party starts every Friday at 5 P.M. MST, and keeps going until the following Tuesday evening. Feel free to invite others to join in the fun!

Thanks for participating! Your Hosts,

Ruthie from Cooking With Ruthie, Jeni from Bakerette, Mandy from Mandy’s Recipe Box, Dan and Chris from Live Dan 330, and Deb, Tracy, and Sheri from Made From Pinterest

The post Best Recipes and DIY Projects Link Party #67 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s officially Fall–you know what that means?  Time to break out the pumpkin!  We spotted both sweet and savory pumpkin dishes that piqued the interest of our tastebuds.  Check out these 9 Sweet & Savory Pumpkin Recipes from our link party.

Chai Tea Butterscotch Pumpkin Bread from Life With the Crust Cut Off

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes from Carmel Moments

Pumpkin Muffins from Swanky Recipes

Parmesan Butternut Squash Dip from Carmel Moments {not pumpkin….but pretty close!}

Pumpcornbread from Belle of the Kitchen

Pumpkin Corn Cheddar Soup from Homemaking Hacks

Pumpkin Lasagna from OMG Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Roll from Upstate Ramblings

Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies from Love Bakes Good Cakes

Thanks again for sharing your projects and recipes with us during our link party! We hope you were as inspired by these featured links as we were. Please come back for our next Best Recipes and DIY Projects party, starting at 5 P.M. MST on Friday night! And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too. We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. You might see your links featured there!

This awesome post has been shared with: Skip to My Lou and Home Stories A to Z

The post Pumpkin Time! Sweet & Savory Recipes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

This week, we saw a lot of creativity in the kitchen during Super Saturday #41.  You guys were dynamite, combining flavors like gourmet chefs!  Topping the list of things we need to whip up in our own kitchens are these new taste sensations.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Pudding Parfaits from The First Year Blog

Pavlovas with Strawberries and Balsamic from Bake a Moment

Bacon Peanut Butter Cookies from Tammilee Tips

Lemon Honey Tart with Salted Shortbread from Simply Suzanne’s

Philly Cheese Steak Pizza from My Family Mealtime

Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars from This Silly Girl’s Life

Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Practical Stewardship

Lemon Angel Pie from Grandparents Plus

Strawberry Wonton Cups from Best of Long Island and Central Florida

Thanks again to everyone who participated in our linkup!  Please come back  for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night!  And keep an eye on your social media over the weekend, too.  We like to showcase links that catch our eye during the party via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.  You might see your link featured there!

The post Share It Thursday from Super Saturday #41 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Some of our favorites from the last link up were the delicious recipes for desserts, salads, and drinks perfect for Spring weather.  Yum!  Enjoy clicking over on the links provided to get all the details on these yummy Spring Eats & Treats.

Lemon Piccata Chicken Salad from Lemon Tree Dwelling

Cherry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies from Heaven in a Dish

Raspberry Almond Bars from The Skinny Life

Green Velvet Smoothie from Frugal Mom Eh

Greek Feta Cucumber Salad from Practical Stewardship

Caramel Meringue Easter Nests from Creative and Delicious

Strawberry Agua Fresca from Loves Bakes Good Cakes

Lemon Drop Shake from The First Year Blog

Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Loaf Cakes from Kleinworth & Co.

Easy Fresh Fruit Cups from Happy Mothering

Do these links make you as hungry as they made us?  We’re craving berries right now, for sure!  Make sure you come back  for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night! 

The post Share It Thursday from Link Party #37 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

When we were looking over your links, we realized that if we had your help, we could come up with one heck of a dinner party!  From main courses to sides and dessert, here are some of our favorites from last weekend’s linkup that would be simply divine for a Spring dinner event.

Rosemary Roasted Chicken from Belle of the Kitchen

Sauteed Kale with Onions and Mushrooms from Whole Food Mom On a Budget

Coconut Bananas Foster from This Silly Girl’s Life

Baked Salmon with Lemon, Dill, and Parsley from Simply Fresh Dinners

Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Wheat Couscous from Joyfully Healthy Eats

Buffalo Chicken Salad in Bleu Cheese Gougeres from Baking a Moment

Eccles Cake from Baking in Pyjamas

Blood Orange Glazed Ham from The Rebel Chick

Spring Inspired Decorated Cookies from The Crafting Foodie

Lemon Macarons from The Blahnik Baker

Any of these yummy foods would be delicious on a Spring menu?  Make sure you come back for our next Super Saturday Link Party, starting at 7 P.M. EST on Friday night! 

The post Share It Thursday from Link Party #36 appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Needless to say, it was a smashing success and this Oreo Cake recipe that we will be making again real soon.  But I think this time, I will try using some hot fudge to make it even more decadent.   I mean, why not?

Print

This is the original recipe that calls for the chocolate frosting in case you don't want to use Hot Fudge.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. 2-layer size devil's food cake mix
• 4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 pkg. 8 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
• 12 OREO Cookies coarsely crushed

Instructions

• HEAT oven to 350ºF.
• PREPARE cake batter and bake in 2 (9-inch) round pans as directed on package. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 min. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gently stir in COOL WHIP and crushed cookies.
• PLACE 1 cake layer on plate, spread with cream cheese mixture. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top with chocolate glaze; let stand 10 min. or until firm. Keep refrigerated.

The post Oreo Cookie Cake appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.