Name: Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts); 4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting); 1 cup of powdered sugar; 1 egg, whisked; 4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles; 1 heart cookie cutter

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

January 1, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

I’m obsessed with making small moments into big memories for my kids. And, perhaps, this year more than ever. Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not even while my husband and I were dating. I just kind of saw it for what we have made it — into a “Hallmark holiday.” But kids don’t see it that way. I vividly recall Valentine’s Day as a kid. My dad used to shower my sister and I with chocolates and gifts. It was ‘his’ holiday. Even as a kid it was clear that my mom ran the show on other holidays. But Valentine’s Day was his. To continue this tradition, my husband has taken to showering our kids with chocolates and gifts at Valentine’s Day. He’ll even pass of my Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts as his. And I’ll totally let him!

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

What you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Why an air fryer?

Okay, so I know I have given mad love to my Instant Pot. But we’ve been on the air fryer bandwagon as well. Like, for a long time. For the last 2 years we have hardly ever used our ‘bake’ feature on our oven — or our deep fryer. Because our air fryer has done so many amazing things. I throw the kids pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in it for a quick and easy lunch. But I can also make yummy treats like these pop tarts!

Yield: 8 Pop Tarts (approximately)

Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 21 minutes

Ingredients

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Instructions

STEP ONE:

Lay your pie crust out flat on a lightly floured surface. With your cookie cutter cut out as many heart shaped hearts you can with the amount of pie crust you have.

STEP TWO:

On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.

STEP THREE:

Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.

STEP FOUR:

Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal.

STEP FIVE:

Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.

STEP SIX:

Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.

STEP SEVEN:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.

pop tarts

STEP EIGHT:

Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.

STEP NINE:

Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.

STEP TEN:

While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and jelly preserve. Mix, and whisk together. You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting thicker.

STEP ELEVEN:

Drizzle your frosting over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

STEP TWELVE:

Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!

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Need an easy and delicious treat to make Valentine's Day special for your kids? Air Fryer Valentine's Day Strawberry Pop Tarts are THE best!

Easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip Recipe

December 30, 2020 by Rachel 13 Comments

I know we’re all ready to put 2020 behind us. And I know that this year has been draining on all of us in so many ways. My hopes for this New Years Eve is that we all can collectively use this night to stay home and hope for a brighter and better 2021. Instead of having lavish parties and big NYE bashes, we’re opting for the socially responsible at-home celebrations. And what better (and easier!) dish to make than this easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip!

The coziest comfort food

Remember those times I gave up dairy entirely? Yeah, they were hard times, friends. I am such a big fan of cheese. It’s my comfort food, for sure. But warm, cheesy, rotel dip? It’s basically the ultimate cozy comfort food. And couldn’t we all use a little extra comfort right now? (Yes, the answer is YES.).

Honestly, there’s nothing easier than this dip. And the entire family loves it so much. Best yet? There are only two ingredients: Velveeta and Rotel. That’s absolutely it. So hurry up and add those ingredients to your grocery pickup, stat! And try out this Easy New Year’s Eve Rotel Dip Recipe now!

How to Make this recipe

Rotel Dip

Ingredients

1 - 16 ounce package of Velveeta Cheese, cut into cubes
1 - 10 ounce can of Rotel Original, drained

Instructions

Step 1:

Cut the Velveeta into squares and drain the liquid from the Rotel tomatoes.

Step 2:

Place the Velveeta and tomatoes in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat.

Step 3:

Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and both ingredients are well-combined.

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Step 4:

Serve warm with chips or veggies.

Easy New Year's Eve Rotel Dip

Notes

if you prefer a thinner texture to the dip, do not drain the Rotel tomatoes -- or drain just some of it.

Tell me — what’s your go-to NYE recipe?

2020 Year In Review Printable For Kids

December 28, 2020 by Rachel 11 Comments

I know it’s a phrase we’ve seen and heard time and time again — there’s no way any of us saw 2020 going like this. While I still managed to hit some significant goals, the pandemic certainly forced my focus to be at home. And that’s not a bad thing. I’ve tried to pass that perspective on to my kids as well. Sure, we don’t see our friends. But we will! And no, we didn’t get to go on vacation as planned. But we will when it’s safe. And so I created this 2020 year in review printable for kids so that we can look at the bigger picture together.

What I learned this year

I’ve always been a ‘busy’ person. I used to commit to too much and then feel completely drained. And when March hit, my busy-ness came to a full stop. I immediately leaned into it. Because, well, what other choice did I have?

Distance-learning

Who knew that remote learning and distance learning would be such an important part of our vocabulary in 2020?! I’m certain none of us had any idea. When schools went remote in the Spring, I was ready for it. I saw it coming and new that I just had to do what we could to get through until Summer.

Truthfully, distance learning at that point felt more like homeschooling on our schedule. I was grateful. Granted, my son was only in the first grade at the time. But still. And, most of the time, we made it through easily. Sure, we had ocassional hangups; but nothing major.

Being at Home

Ya know, this part of the pandemic didn’t quite bother me so much. I know I’m one of the lucky ones. I primarily work from home, but I did also take a leave of absence at my part-time gig (followed by a lay-off). We would go days and days without driving in the car. And then, suddenly, I would just need to get out. But without anywhere to go, the kids and I would just drive around.

But my husband worked from home for a couple of months and, honestly, it was nice having him around. The kids hated when he had to go back to the office (which, honestly, is just him and one other guy — distanced and masked).

And, after we decided to cancel our August vacation (in April), we made the decision to put some work into our house. We hired a local contractor to put up a very long privacy fence. Shortly thereafter, we hired him to also put in a deck for us. Hours and hours were spent tearing down and then building up a new playset for the kids. Next we built a new sandbox. And, finally, we installed a hot tub.

But we also had more meals at home. More movie nights weigh the kids. And many, many, more memories made.

Why I’m grateful for 2020

I’ve never ever been a ‘roll with the punches’ kind of person. I like a clear, set plan. But, it turns out, when faced with a global pandemic, I learned to seriously just lean into taking this year for what it gave me.

Don’t get me wrong — I am straight up sad. I’m sad for the lives lost and those who have suffered. I’m even more sad for those on the frontlines who have had to deal with science deniers in the digital age. But I’m also happy that this year brought clarity — some of which was hard-fought. I have lost friends and acquaintances to differences in opinion; but I’ve also gained a whole heck of a lot.

I’ve gained the understanding that some people are only meant in your life for a season or a reason. Additionally, I’ve increased my appreciation for the basics: a roof over my head, food on the table, my family, and our health. I’ve also strengthened relationships with family and friends. And I do not discount that for a second.

2020 Year In Review Printable For Kids

Whether or not you leaned into this year; whether or not you felt this year was majorly disruptive or a much needed slowdown; take a moment to check in with your kids. Be sure to use this PDF Printable and ask your kids to fill it out (or help them).

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Last Minute Easy Rudolph Brownies Recipe

December 23, 2020 by Rachel 7 Comments

We’ve been watching Christmas movies non-stop in this house. One of our all-time favorites is Elf. And, near the beginning of the movie, there’s a line where they call Santa’s elves and Christmas “The Big Game.” Well, folks. We’re here. We’re at ‘the big game’! Christmas is nearly upon us. If you’re like me you may be a little behind the eight ball. If you need a super last minute treat for your kids, you absolutely must try this last minute easy Rudolph brownies recipe!

What you’ll need for these fun brownies

As mentioned, these easy peasy treats are mostly pre-made.

1 sheet of premade Brownies. I picked up mine from Walmart bakery, but you can find similar brownies at Target or Meijer as well.
Large Candy Eyes like these.
Pretzels
Red M&Ms. I know that it’s not easy to buy just red M&Ms, but you can buy the holiday M&Ms and separate them out.

How to make Last Minute Easy Rudolph Brownies Recipe!

Easy Rudolph Brownies

Ingredients

1 sheet of premade Brownies from Walmart bakery
Large Candy Eyes
Pretzels
Red M&Ms

Instructions

Step 1 :

Cut the brownie into squares.

Step 2 :

Place two pretzels at each top corner for reindeer antlers.

Step 3 :

Take two eyes and place them on the brownies.

Step 4 :

Add a red M&M for a nose.

Last Minute Easy Rudolph Brownies

Step 5 :

Serve & enjoy!

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Christmas Tree Car Craft for kids with template

December 22, 2020 by Rachel 4 Comments

We’re only a few days out from Christmas and the kids and I are still cranking out holiday crafts and treats. I must admit that we are a family that has decided an artificial tree is the way to go. But I grew up with a real tree year after year. We never went to cut our own tree, but we did pick our trees up and tie them to the roof of the car. And, while my kids haven’t experienced that per se, they have seen enough Christmas movies to know that tying a tree down to the roof of your car is kind of a tradition. So we decided to make this super cute and super fun Christmas tree car craft for kids.

Here’s what you’ll need to make these

colored craft papers or cardstock
craft glue
a pencil
scissors
this template

How to make this Christmas Tree Car Craft

Christmas Tree Car Craft

Materials

Colored craft papers or card stock
craft glue
a pencil
scissors

Instructions

Step 1:

Select red, gray, white and blue colored craft papers for the car craft. Select green craft paper for the tree and brown to cut the strips. Using this template trace the car and the half-circle shapes on the red paper, the squares (windows) on blue paper, the big round shapes (wheels) on gray or black and the small round shapes on white paper.

Step 2:

Grab the 4 round paper cutouts. Stick the small ones in the center of the big ones. Use a black sharpie to trace outline of the small circles and draw small circles in the center of the small circles.

Step 3:

Stick the paper wheels on the half-circle paper cutouts, keeping the round edges on the outer sides.

Step 4:

Stick the 2 square cutouts on the car base pattern, on the top part.

Step 5:

Stick the paper wheels along the bottom side of the car base.

Step 6:

Stick both wheels on the bottom side of the car base, making sure to keep a good distance between both wheels.

Step 7:

Trace and cut out the tree pattern from a green colored craft paper. Stick 2 thin brown paper strips criss-cross wise on the tree and then stick the tree on the top side of the paper car.

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Holiday Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

December 20, 2020 by Rachel 10 Comments

Okay, so hear me out — We all know this holiday is going to look majorly different. On a personal and private level, I’ve hemmed and hawed about this holiday season. I’m bummed that our extended family won’t be together, but I’m trying my darn best to lean in to this crazy time. But here we are — less than a week out — and I have yet to complete most of my holiday tasks. The one thing I do have ready is my delicious holiday bourbon glazed ham recipe!

The Christmas Ham

The Christmas Ham, also known as the Yule Ham, comes from the English-German tradition of where a wild boar was supposedly the sacrifice of choice to the Norse god Freyr. In the 2,000 years since, the Christmas ham has become a staple of the holiday meal.

This comfort food has been a staple in our home for the last 8-plus years. And, this year, we’re doing things a tad bit different. Because, well, 2020, am I right?! Instead of a traditional Christmas ham, we’re making a delicious holiday bourbon glazed ham recipe that is to die for!

Why Bourbon?

I’m a big fan of cooking and baking with wine, beer, and liquor. It gives food a flavor that can’t otherwise be duplicated.

What you’ll need for this Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

One (8 to 10 pounds) fully cooked, bone-in ham
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup bourbon (I use Jim Beam)
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon prepared ground mustard

Bourbon Glazed Ham

Ingredients

1 (8 to 10 pounds) fully cooked, bone-in ham
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon prepared ground mustard
¼ cup bourbon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the ham with 2 tablespoons of bourbon.

Bake the ham for 2 hours.

Just before the timer expires, stir together the brown sugar, molasses, prepared ground mustard, and remaining bourbon.

Carefully remove the ham from the oven and brush or spoon the glaze over the ham.

Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 140 degrees.

Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.