holidays

Name: 'Circus Animal Cookie' Frosted Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 4 h 28 min
Yield: 48
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of butter, softened; 2 cups of white sugar; 4 eggs; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 5 cups of all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons of baking powder; 1 teaspoon of salt; 12 ounces of white candy melts; 12 ounces of pink candy melts; Easter sprinkles

‘Circus Animal Cookie’ Frosted Easter Bunny Cookies

February 22, 2022 by Rachel 9 Comments

If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s that every day should be celebrated. Truly. Taco Tuesday? Celebrate. Made it through a tough week? Celebrate! Seriously. Celebrate the small things every day. With Easter coming up, I want to do something super fun for my kids. Last year we made homemade peeps. This year we’re going all out with these ‘Circus Animal Cookie’ Frosted Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies!

What you’ll need for these cookies

The recipe itself is really straightforward. But you’ll want to have a set of these cookie cutters on hand.

Here’s what else you’ll need:

1 1/2 cups of butter, softened
2 cups of white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
5 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
12 ounces of white candy melts
12 ounces of pink candy melts
Easter sprinkles

That’s it! The fun part is that these cookies resemble everybody’s favorite circus animal cookies! Remember these ones? They are a trip down memory lane, for sure! My kids always ask for them when we’re at the store. But making them at home is a much better option. Especially when I can make them for Easater!

How to make ‘Circus Animal Cookie’ Frosted Easter Bunny Cookies

Yield: 48 cookies

'Circus Animal Cookie' Frosted Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Rest Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 28 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of butter, softened
2 cups of white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
5 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
12 ounces of white candy melts
12 ounces of pink candy melts
Easter sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

In a large bowl cream together your butter and sugar.
Once creamed together, add in your eggs, one at a time while continuing to beat the dough.
While your dough is continuing to mix add in vanilla.
Add in your flour a little at a time with breaks occasionally to make sure that everything mixes together.
Once your flower is fully incorporated, add in your baking powder and salt.
Using your hands, form your dough into a large bowl. Wrap plastic wrap around it and refrigerate for at least four hours, if not overnight.
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°.
On a lightly floured flat surface roll your dough out to 1/4 inch thick. I suggest portioning your dough ball into four sections unless you have a large flat surface area to work on.
Use your cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.
Cook for about 8 minutes, checking occasionally as ovens vary.
Once your cookies have finished baking, allow them to cool for a couple minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Add your candy melts to microwave safe bowls. Do not mix the colors; one bowl for pain, one bowl for white.
Melt your candy melts at 30 second intervals until fully melted.
Spread your candy melt over your cookie. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles while you the chocolate is still wet. Allow to cool and harden.
Serve and enjoy!

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Cranberry Salsa Appetizer Recipe

December 5, 2021 by Rachel 14 Comments

The holidays are quickly approaching. We are still a bit torn on our Christmas plans, but I know for sure that I’ll be cooking up a storm for my little family. I know that cranberries are traditionally thought of as a Thanksgiving dish, but I would beg to differ. In my opinion, cranberries belong in all holiday meals. Yep, even Christmas. Especially Christmas! Part sweet, part tart, and every single bit is a delicious combination. This cranberry salsa appetizer recipe is exactly what every holiday party needs this year.

What you’ll need to make this appetizer

For this delicious recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. But you’ll want to either use a food processor or a Vitamix to grind the berries themselves. Here’s what else you’ll need:

12 ounce bag of cranberries, frozen
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup of sliced green onions
¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves, minced
1 Tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely grated
2 Tablespoon of lemon juice
2 jalapenos, minced
8 ounces of cream cheese, for serving
Wheat Thins, for dipping

That’s it! It’s super easy and delicious — especially when you serve it over cream cheese. Add in a few wheat thins, and bam! Perfection!

Cranberry Salsa Appetizer Recipe

Cranberry Salsa

Prep Time 6 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 6 minutes

Ingredients

12 ounce bag of cranberries, frozen
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup of sliced green onions
¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves, minced
1 Tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely grated
2 Tablespoon of lemon juice
2 jalapenos, minced
8 ounces of cream cheese, for serving
Wheat Thins, for dipping

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

Thoroughly rinse and drain cranberries. Discard any that are soft or bruised. Add to food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Be careful not to do it too long as they will get mushy.
In a medium sized bowl, mix together blended cranberries, green onions, jalapenos, cilantro and ginger. Add lemon juice and sugar and mix some more.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to let the flavors develop. The salsa will initially be bitter so allowing it to sit will let it sweeten before serving.
Salsa can be served as -is with Wheat Thins for dipping but it pairs very well with cream cheese. Pour over a brick of cream cheese (or make into a ball).

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15 Christmas Treats for Kids

November 22, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

The Christmas season is my favorite for many reasons. Besides the excitement of gifts and Christmas morning, I really love baking with my kids. Making treats with them is the perfect way to start celebrating the season. Easy Christmas treats are definitely the best way to go. And, while the kids likely won’t care what they look like, it’s still fun to make them look pretty. Luckily, I’ve got you covered when it comes to cute and festive treats that are both delicious and easy to make. I’m sharing my favorite 15 Christmas Treats for Kids to make!

15 Christmas Treats You Need To Make With Your Kids

PB & J Reindeer Truffles

15 Christmas Treats for Kids — PB&J Reindeer Truffles from The Chow Down Blog

Not only are these adorable, but they are vegan, gluten free, and a healthier alternative to buckeyes. Shaped into a reindeer, these peanut butter and jelly truffles will be a tasty Christmas treat that kids and adults will both enjoy! Head to see the full recipe from the Chow Down Blog here.

Decorated Grinch Cookies

Cookies from the Monday Box — Grinch Cookies, The Monday Box

Super easy to make and fun for the kids, these cookies are perfect for dunking in milk. Did I mention they are super cute too? The Monday Box put together the easiest little tutorial on how to make these Grinch cookies.

Fudge Christmas Trees

With a whole lot chocolate, these fudge Christmas treats are super delicious! They’re also absolutely too cute. And just perfect for the holidays! Your guests (and kids!) will be so impressed by these Fudge Christmas Trees from Hungry Happenings.

Santa Suit Christmas Candy Cups

The kids will love these edible Santa suit candy cups and will love that they are filled with their favorite candies! Honestly, adults will like them, too. In fact, they can be used with your favorite adult beverage (21+, please!).
It truly makes these Santa Suit Christmas cups from Hungry Happenings the perfect addition for your holiday parties.

Christmas Reindeer Brownies

This combines two of my kids favorites — brownies and Christmas. I’m not going to lie, I love these brownies, too. These fudgy, homemade brownies are so good. Swirls of Flavor really knocked this recipe out of the park — and put a cute, holiday twist on it!

Celery and Peanut Butter Reindeer Snacks

Trying to sneak in something a little healthier for the holidays? These celery and peanut butter
reindeer treats are cute and delicious. Head to Budget Friendly Family for the details.

Nutter Butter Snowmen Treats

https://www.lifeloveliz.com/nutter-butter-snowmen/ — Nutter Butter Snowmen Treats, Life Love Liz

So Nutter Butter cookies are basically a childhood staple, right? Well take them up a notch this with Life Love Liz‘s Nutter Butter Snowmen Treats! They’re super easy and that classic Nutter Butter cookie that brings all of the nostalgia.

Melting Snowman Cookies

These super cute melting snowman cookies are perfect for holiday parties or when you want a fun holiday treat for the kids to enjoy. Head to Frugal Mom Eh! for the full recipe details.

Snowman Pretzels

Snowmen Pretzels, Dancing Through The Rain

Chocolate covered pretzels are always a hit with my kids. Well, and me! It’s just something about the mixture of sweet and salty that is absolute perfection. Make them into Snowmen Pretzels like these from Dancing Through the Rain? Even better!

Rudolph Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are another one of those perfect kid-snacks. Easy to make and fun, your kids will love these tasty Rudolph themed chocolate rice krispie treats just as much as mine. These gorgeous Rudolph treats from LittleSugarSnaps are the closest thing to perfect as you can get.

Christmas Pretzels

Christmas White Chocolate Pretzels, Dizzy Busy and Hungry

An easy Christmas treat for kids, these Christmas pretzels can be a quick throw together treat for parties or gatherings. Dizzy Busy and Hungry says to be sure to make a big batch and share them with all of your friends (and your kids friends!).

Chocolate Covered Oreos

Christmas Tree Oreos, The Soccer Mom Blog

Easy Christmas treats are really my forte. And all I have to say is “OREO” and the kids will freak out. So I knew my kids would love this recipe from The Soccer Mom Blog. She takes Oreo cookies and covers them with a white chocolate coating for the holidays and tops them with gorgeous Christmas trees.

Christmas Cake Popsicles

Also known as Christmas cakesicles, these Christmas treats will be an impressive and fun treat for everyone! Head over to Aubrey’s Kitchen for this adorable recipe.

Christmas Puppy Chow

Perfect for the holidays, this Christmas puppy chow is easy to make. For this particular recipe, we make it and love snacking on it while watching our favorite holiday movie. Head over to 3 Boys and a Dog for the recipe details.

Gingerbread Man Cookies

https://www.keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream.com/gingerbread-men/ — Gingerbread, Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

A classic holiday treat, truly no Christmas is complete without gingerbread men cookies. Growing up, I vividly remember rolling out the dough and pushing out gingerbread men (and women), baking them, and decorating them in ridiculous ways. It’s a tradition I love to keep with my own kids. For the easiest and most delicious gingerbread cookie recipe, head to Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream.\

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the holidays with your kids?!

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4th of July snack mix recipe – Easy + Fun

July 1, 2021 by Rachel 21 Comments

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the year. This Independence Day really snuck up on me and we are scrambling to make an easy dessert for a picnic. Instead of making something complicated, I’m sticking to the basics. And what better way than with this easy 4th of July snack mix recipe!

What you’ll need to make 4th of July snack mix

You won’t need any fancy equipment to whip this together. In fact, the only equipment you’ll need is a microwave safe bowl. Besides that, the following ingredients are needed:

Red Candy Melts
Blue Candy Melts
Rice Chex cereal
Powdered Sugar
Butter or coconut oil
Red White & Blue M&Ms
Yogurt Covered Raisins
Yogurt Covered Pretzels

That’s it! Super easy ingredients that can be found on Amazon or from Target. And the perfect beverage to pair this with is boozy bomb pops!

How to make this easy snack

Yield: 8 servings

4th of July snack mix

Prep Time 13 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 43 minutes

Ingredients

½ Cup of Red Candy Melts
½ Cup of Blue Candy Melts
2 Cups of Rice Chex (divided)
6 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar (divided)
2 Tablespoons of butter or coconut oil
½ Cup of Red White &Blue M&Ms
½ Cup of Yogurt Covered Raisins
2 Cups of Yogurt Covered Pretzels

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a double boiler or microwave safe bowl melt blue candy melts and 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil. If using the microwave heat in 30 second increments stirring in between, until melted and smooth. If using a double boiler heat over medium high heat and stir frequently until smooth.

STEP 2 -

While the candy is melting, place 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar in a large ziploc bag, and lay out a piece of parchment or wax paper for cooling the cereal.

STEP 3 -

Once the candy has melted, pour in one cup of Rice Chex. Gently stir until the cereal is completely and evenly coated with the candy mixture.

STEP 4 -

Spoon the cereal into the bag with the sugar. Gently toss and shake the bag to coat the cereal with powdered sugar.

Spread evenly across the prepared wax paper or parchment to cool and harden.

STEP 5 -

Repeat with the red candy melts and second cup of Chex.

Once your Chex are completely cooled it is time to assemble the snack mix.

STEP 6 -

In a large bowl combine the Chex, yogurt covered pretzels, M&M’s and yogurt covered raisins. Gently stir to evenly distribute & serve!

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

I wish you a safe and happy Independence Day. I hope that you and your family enjoy with food, friends, and lots of fireworks!

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Copycat Reese’s Eggs Recipe

March 22, 2021 by Rachel 11 Comments

Truth time: Last week when I posted my Marshmallow Peeps recipe, I thought that this weekend was Easter. Let’s just say that my brain is totally fried these days. Because Easter is definitely not until next week. But, truth be told, I can use all of the time I get to prep. And, in true foodie fashion, my prep includes duplicating those to-die-for eggs. Yep. And this Copycat Reese’s Eggs recipe is everything you need this Easter — and all year!

What you’ll need to make this Copycat Reese’s Eggs recipe

I used my Instant Pot for this recipe, because I love it. But it’s totally not necessary. At the very least, you’ll need a double-boiler. But otherwise, here’s what you’ll need:

1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
6 Tablespoons of brown sugar
2 – 12 ounce bags of chocolate melts
2 cups of powdered sugar
2/3 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6 Tablespoons of butter

THE RECIPE

Copycat Reese's Eggs

Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
6 Tablespoons of brown sugar
2 - 12 ounce bags of chocolate melts
2 cups of powdered sugar
2/3 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6 Tablespoons of butter

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, vanilla, brown sugar, salt and peanut butter. Stir until melted together.

STEP 2 -

Stir in powdered sugar a few tablespoons at a time until combined completely.

STEP 3 -

Using a small baking scoop, scoop out a ball of peanut butter mixture. Form into an egg shape and place on parchment paper.

STEP 4 -

Once eggs are formed place in freezer for 2 hours.

STEP 5 -

Place your mixing bowl on the tall instant pot trivet and one cup of water in the instant pot liner. Set instant pot to sauté and stir the chocolate melts until fully melted. Add oil if chocolate needs to be thinned out.

STEP 6 -

Remove eggs from freezer and dip using a fork in the melted chocolate. Completely cover eggs and place back on parchment.

STEP 7 -

Allow the eggs to sit and shell to harden.

STEP 8 -

ENJOY!

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Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe — Super Easy

March 18, 2021 by Rachel 11 Comments

Y’all, if I thought that St. Patrick’s Day snuck up on me, I was not prepared for Easter. This year Easter is so darn early! I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been obsessed with marshmallow peeps. But what about those of us who want to enjoy marshmallow peeps year-round? Well, this copycat marshmallow peeps recipe is exactly what you need!

Everything You’ll Need for Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe

If you’ve never had homemade marshmallow, you are in for a treat! Honestly. Previously, I was a tad bit intimidated by the idea of making my own marshmallow. But it’s honestly not as difficult as I’d imagined. Just be sure you have a candy thermometer and a bunny cookie cutter.

Here’s everything else you’ll need:

1 box of unflavored gelatin
sugar
salt
powdered sugar (for dusting)
vanilla extract, optional but recommended
yellow decorating sugar
blue decorating sugar
pink decorating sugar
green decorating sugar

That’s it! These peeps are going to rock your world. They are delicious. You will never go back to those store bought peeps. These Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe are the best thing ever.

The Full Recipe

Yield: 16 peeps

Marshmallow Peeps

Other: Candy thermometer.

Ingredients

Marshmallow Bricks

1 box (.25oz) of unflavored gelatin
2 cups of sugar
Pinch of salt
½ cup of Powdered sugar for dusting
1 teaspoon of vanilla, optional

Peeps

8 Marshmallow bricks
3 ounces of yellow decorating sugar
3 ounces of blue decorating sugar
3 ounces of pink decorating sugar
3 ounces green decorating sugar

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Combine the box of gelatin and 1/2 cup of water in stand mixer bowl. Let’s sit and solidify for about 5 minutes while melting sugar.

STEP 2 -

In a saucepan on high heat, combine sugar with 1/4 cup of water. Do not stir, stirring will make crystals form.

STEP 3 -

Melt the sugar until temperature reaches 240 degrees or the softball mark on a candy thermometer.

STEP 4 -

Once temperature is achieved, pour over gelatin while mixing on medium with whisk. After mixed together, set mixer on high and let mix for 10 minutes or until marshmallow fluff forms. For flavoring option, add vanilla at the point of whipping.

STEP 5 -

In 9 x 9 pan, grease with oil then dust with powdered sugar. Pour whipped marshmallow into pan and coat top of marshmallow with a dusting of powdered sugar.

STEP 6 -

Let marshmallow sit for a couple of hours before removing and serving.

STEP 7 -

Cut marshmallow bricks to measurements of cookie cutter.