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desserts

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

May 10, 2022 by Rachel 9 Comments

One of my favorite treats from my childhood was so simple. Pudding! It seemed like such a delicacy, despite being made from a box. As a mom I’m 100% guilty of not making enough of these types of treats. Which is maybe why my kids also think pudding is a ‘special’ treat. But I’ve also spoiled them even further by making this easy homemade chocolate pudding from scratch. They will never look at boxed pudding the same from here on out!

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

What you’ll need

This chocolate pudding is so easy to make and it only has 7 ingredients — most (if not all) of which you probably have in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 6 tablespoons of flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 cups of whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Optional ingredients would include whipped cream and chocolate shavings (for that extra ‘wow’ factor!).

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

That’s it. No fancy pressure cooker or air fryer required for this one! I just know you will enjoy it as much as we have.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

How to make this Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Yield: 3 cups

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons of flour
  • 1/2 cup of Sugar
  • 6 tablespoons of Cocoa powder
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 cups of whole Milk
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of Vanilla

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Add flour, sugar, and cocoa powder to a mixing bowl. Combine.
  2. Add eggs and mix until paste forms.
  3. Mix in the milk until smooth.
  4. Add mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to simmer and thicken up.
  5. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Mix in until melted.
  6. Set in the fridge for 1-2 hours until the pudding has cooled and set.
  7. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
© Rachel

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Filed Under: desserts, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: desserts, easy recipes, recipes

Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

September 28, 2020 by Rachel 21 Comments

Twenty-twenty will forever go down as the worst phrase of our generation. As a mom of young kids, one of the worst things ever is knowing that my kids know that something is going on. I mean, my 7 year old and my 4 year old both keep saying “…when COVID-19 is over, can we….?” And it absolutely breaks my heart. But we’re all doing the absolute best that we can given the circumstances. So I have made it my personal mission to let my kids know that Covid doesn’t have to stop the fun. And that’s why I’m making the most of quarantine Halloween!

trick or treat

Trick-or-no-treat?

Our city is still very much on the fence regarding trick-or-treating. But I am not. Our neighborhood gets really busy — which we have always welcomed. But this year I am less than thrilled about the potential for kids coming and going and pushing around. With a heavy heart we decided against traditional trick-or-treating this year. And, honestly, I think that’s what’s best. My kids will have another Halloween and trick-or-treat. But, Covid is a wildcard. And I couldn’t live with myself if something happened.

So what should we do?!

There are so many ways to make the most of Halloween. Kids don’t really care about trick-or-treating. Heck! My kids usually only last 15 minutes! But they do love celebrations — and candy! So that’s what we will do.

Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

How we’re celebrating

We will still dress up. I will admit — I don’t like how much adults ‘love’ Halloween. I’ve always hated the idea of adult Halloween parties. But I will dress up this year for my kids. We will have a big at-home party! My kids and I will be setting up the most perfect candy charcuterie board for Halloween.

Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

What you need for a candy charcuterie board

Assorted candies
Small containers
Large cutting board or platter

Charcuterie Board

Candies may include:

Twizzlers
M&Ms
Candy Corn
Candy Pumpkins
Jelly Slugs
Halloween Pez
Bloody Bites
Spooky Lips Lollipops
Assorted snack size candies, wrapped or unwrapped

  1. Choose a board or serving dishes for the charcuterie board.
  2. Place loose ingredients (small candies, loose candies, etc.) into bowls or individual dishes. Place those bowls on the board or buffet first.
  3. Arrange other candies around the bowls.
  4. Add assorted tongs or Halloween decorations.

Tell me this…

How are you planning on making this the BEST Halloween ever for your kids?!

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Filed Under: #MomLife, children, crafty, creative, desserts, family, Halloween, mommyhood, parenthood, parenting, tips + tricks Tagged With: #MomLife, children, crafty, creative, desserts, family friendly, halloween, holidays, motherhood, parenthood, tips + tricks

Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecakes

July 30, 2020 by Rachel 28 Comments

The build up of anxiety over the last several months have been nothing but anxiety inducing. My anxiety baking has taken on a personality of its own, with its greatest feat being these Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecakes. The recipe itself is of moderate difficulty. The cheesecake combines traditional baking and candy-making. But it’s not overly difficult!

crumble cheesecakes

Why have I been anxiety baking?

First, I need to vent about something. I’ve watched countless friends and acquaintances share their photos of parties and get togethers on social media. And it’s exhausting. For those of us who have stayed on the sidelines, distancing, taking every possible precaution? We’re utterly spent and emotionally drained.

I desperately want to see my friends and family. And I long for the days of going out for a drink or a cup of coffee. But the reality is that we are living in a pandemic. And those times should look very different than ‘normal’ life. And, for me and many others, it has. But that doesn’t change the fact that here in the United States, we cannot seem to get our Covid cases under control. The complete distrust in health officials and partisan politics have led us into a horrible place.

What our family life has looked like lately

For those who aren’t familiar with our day-to-day in this house, we have gone very few places since March. When schools shut down, I decided to do everything in my power to help flatten the curve. My kids and I spend most of our time doing arts and crafts, watching movies, playing games, cooking, baking, and playing in the yard. There have been no playdates. There have been no outdoor dinners. And they have only seen the inside of a store once (Target, with my two littlest in a wagon and my oldest walking beside me as I picked up a couple of ‘musts’).

So, for now, my reality looks like this: Expect a lot more anxiety baking. You can also expect to see us transitioning to full-time distance learning (perhaps even full-on homeschooling). We will continue to do our best to avoid being a statistic — for ours and your health.

salted caramel crumble cupcakes

But now, Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecake!

My anxiety is your reward, friends! Here are my ‘tips’ for this delectable dessert: Instead of making your own caramel sauce, grab this one from Amazon.

Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecake

cheesecakes

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

  • ¾ Cup of graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 ½ tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 - 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup of sugar
  • ½ cup of sour cream
  • ¾ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of salted caramel sauce

Crumble Topping Ingredients

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
  • ¼ cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cup of flour
  • Salted caramel sauce for drizzle

Instructions

For the crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Using a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined.
  3. Using a tablespoon, scoop the crust into the cupcake liners.
  4. Using a flat bottomed round cup, press the cup into the crust to make a firm crust.
  5. Set aside.


For the cheesecake:

  1. Using a hand mixer, beat together the sugar and cream cheese until combined and smooth.
  2. Beat in the sour cream, salted caramel sauce, vanilla and salt until combined.
  3. Beat in 1 egg at a time until combined.
  4. Scoop 2 ½  tbsp of the cheesecake mixture into the crust.
  5. Bake in the oven for 17-22 minutes or until the edges are firm and a really light golden brown starts to form.
  6. Allow the cheesecakes to cool for a few hours in the fridge.
    salted caramel crumble cupcakes

For the topping:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl.
  2. Using your fingers, mix ingredients together until combined and crumble like topping the cupcake.
  3. Top the cheesecake with the crumble.
  4. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top.
  5. Enjoy!
    crumble cheesecakes



      © Rachel

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      Filed Under: baking, desserts, easy recipes, recipe, recipes Tagged With: baking, desserts, easy recipes, recipes

      Delicious Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

      July 28, 2020 by Rachel 22 Comments

      I’m in full on back-to-school mode over here. I’m trying not to be, but the deadline of school/homeschool start is quickly approaching. This year I’m getting creative with lunches and snacks. The past few months have given me a new confidence in the kitchen. And, despite how strange this school year may look, I’m ready to tackle lunches and snacks like a pro with these Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe!

      Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

      I have to admit — my guiltiest of guilty pleasures are the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. I don’t know what is so glorious about them. Nostalgia, maybe? I’m not certain what it is — but these Copycat Cosmic Brownies contain all of that same magic!

      Make school snacks fun

      As we all know, this will be an unprecedented school year. No one really knows what it will look like for our kids — or us. Although I have decided to keep my kids home full-time and do distance learning, my plan is to still keep the school day structure. Before the pandemic started, I saw the writing on the wall. I watched what was happening in other countries, and I knew schools would be shut down in the US. So I stocked up on snacks and craft supplies. Those lasted approximately two weeks. Ha!

      spatula with dessert

      Now that I have a bit more time to prep for what’s to come, I was able to prepare in other ways. I bought a few sets of bento boxes from Amazon. My goal is to still make ‘school lunches’ for the kids. That way they aren’t trying to snack all day.

      Cosmic Brownies or Bust

      Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

      My love for Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is apparently a trait I passed on to all three of my kids. And I can’t blame them! Fun fact — I’m not a big fan of chocolate, especially in candy. But these copycat cosmic brownies?! OMG — SO good!

      spatula

      You’ll have most of the items you need to make this recipe. The one ‘specialty’ item would be the rainbow chips. If you’ve ever eaten a cosmic brownie, you know those aren’t just regular chocolate chips on top! Nope! Those are candy coated chocolate chips. I bought a bag here off Amazon and it was the best priced per ounce.

      The full Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe

      Copycat Cosmic Brownies

      Copycat Cosmic Brownies
      Prep Time 15 minutes
      Cook Time 35 minutes
      Total Time 50 minutes

      Ingredients

      Brownies

      • 1 cup granulated sugar 
      • 1 cup brown sugar 
      • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt 
      • 2 large eggs plus 2 yolks 
      • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 
      • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 
      • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
      • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
      • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

      Glaze

      • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
      • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
      • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

      Topping

      • ¼ cup Rainbow Chocolate Chips

      Instructions

        1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
        2. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
        3. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, whole eggs and yolks in a large bowl.
        4. Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler, then whisk together until fully combined.
        5. Whisk in the vegetable oil.
        6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour and cocoa.
        7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
        8. Meanwhile make the glaze.
        9. Place chopped or grated chocolate into a medium-sized, heatproof bowl and set aside.
        10. In a large heatproof bowl combine your sweetened condensed milk and butter.
        11. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir.  Microwave another 30 seconds.
        12. When the butter is melted carefully add your chocolate chips and stir in until melted.  You can also microwave for 15 seconds more until chips are all melted and ganache is smooth.
        13. Pour the ganache over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with the rainbow chips. 
        14. Let cool completely before slicing.
        15. ENJOY!
      © Rachel

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      Filed Under: back-to-school, brews + food, children, desserts, easy recipes, recipe, recipes Tagged With: back-to-school, brews + food, children, desserts, easy recipes, recipes

      Vegan Chocolate Tart (gluten free / dairy free / Vegan )

      July 8, 2020 by Rachel 23 Comments

      Having two kids with dairy intolerances has its challenges. For one — it can feel impossible to make a dessert that kids enjoy. But the reality is that gluten free and dairy free desserts are way easier to make than you may think! In fact, this vegan chocolate tart, which is both dairy free and gluten free, is incredible and enjoyed by all ages!

      vegan tart

      Vegan and Dairy Free Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

      Incorporating dairy free or vegan dishes into your diet is actually way easier than you would think. Mostly everything has a vegetable or nut substitute. And, in meals where appropriate, a ‘cheesy’ flavor is easy to replicate!

      If you’re looking to incorporate more vegan options into your diet, there are a few things you should always have on hand! My suggestion is to stock up on cashews, nutritional yeast, and Ajoyo almond milk.

      Lick the spoon! — It’s Vegan!

      We’ve all seen desserts that look too decadent to eat. This is one of those. But it’s easier to make than you would think! Simple ingredients and a simple process. And absolutely nothing to stop you from licking the batter off the spoon!

      vegan ingredients

      Your family and friends will never know this vegan chocolate tart is also gluten free

      Gluten Free + Vegan Chocolate Tart

      vegan tart

      Gluten Free / Egg Free / Dairy Free

      Ingredients

      Tart Crust

      • 1/2 cup of buckwheat flour
      • 1/2 cup of whole almonds
      • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
      • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
      • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
      • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter alternative ( or for non-vegan, unsalted butter)
      • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

      Tart Filling

      • 7 tablespoons of dark chocolate, chopped
      • 1/2 cup of vegan whipping cream
      • 4 tablespoons of AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk, room temperature
      • 1 teaspoon of instant coffee
      • 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
      • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
      • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
      • 1/4 cup of sugar
      • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract 
      • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

      Instructions

      For the base / crust:

      1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
      2. Place the buckwheat flour and almonds in a Vitamix or food processor and grind to form a firm powder.
      3. Add the powder to a bowl. Then add all the remaining ingredients and mix it together by hand until everything is well combined.
      4. Spray tart tin with cooking spray. Place the crust mixture on the tart tin and spread evenly with a spoon or hands.
      5. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes (until cooked through).
      6. Remove and set aside to cool.

      For the filling:

      1. Warm a medium saucepan over low heat.
      2. Add the vegan cream, chopped chocolate, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar to the saucepan. Stir until all of the chocolate melts.
      3. Add AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk to the saucepan and stir in the corn flour until it is completely dissolved. Cook and continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
      4. Remove the saucepan from heat, and add the salt, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the pan. Mix thoroughly.
      5. Let filling cool for roughly 15 minutes before pouring it into the cooled tart base.
      6. Spread the filling evenly and place in fridge for 6 hours to chill.
      7. Serve with your choice of fresh fruits! ENJOY!
      © Rachel
      vegan chocolate tart
      vegan tart

      Tell me — what’s your favorite vegan substitute?!

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      PIN ME - CHOCOLATE TART RECIPE
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      Filed Under: baking, brews + food, dairy-free, desserts, recipes, vegan Tagged With: brews + food, dairy-free, desserts, easy recipes, gluten free, recipes, vegan

      Easy 4th of July Apple Galette Recipe — VEGAN!

      June 28, 2020 by Rachel 27 Comments

      As things really hang in limbo with the reopening of everything, the kids and I have been still hanging at home. But this has left a lot of time to try new recipes. Lucky for me, I have three little taste-testers — and one big one! Creating a vegan apple galette recipe just in time for the 4th of July was a huge success!

      tart dessert

      While not everyone agrees on meals I make (mostly because kids are picky, y’all!). They will always agree on dessert! And, can you blame them? Nope!

      So I’m sharing this delicious (and vegan!) Apple Galette recipe — just in time for the upcoming 4th of July holiday! It’s sweet, a little tart, and a whole lot of delicious!

      Apple Galette

      APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
      Prep Time 30 minutes
      Cook Time 30 minutes
      Additional Time 2 hours
      Total Time 3 hours

      Ingredients

      Crust

      • 1 cup of whole wheat flour OR all purpose flour
      • 1 Tablespoon of powdered sugar
      • 6 Tablespoons of cold butter / butter alternative
      • 1/4 Cup of water, ice cold
      • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
      • 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
      • 1 teaspoon of AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk (for brushing)
      • 1 teaspoon of sliced almonds (optional)

      Filling

      • 2-3 apples, sliced and cored
      • 4 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
      • 1/2 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon
      • 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice

      Instructions

      To make the crust:

      1. Place the flour, salt, sugar, and butter into a bowl and give this a mix, breaking the pieces of butter into smaller chunks, rubbing into the flour.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
      2. Add the apple cider vinegar and ice cold water to the mix. Gently start mixing it with the dry flour until it starts to form a ball.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
      3. Once the dough is well mixed, wrap it with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS

      To make the filling:

      1. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Toss the apples with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until well-coated.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS

      To assemble:

      1. Preheat the oven 350 degrees.
      2. Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll out until relatively round and thin.
      3. Sprinkle half of the sugar on the rolled crust.
      4. Place the sliced apple filling in the middle of the rolled crust and spread it evenly leaving a half a centimeter edge.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
      5. Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of the filling.
      6. Take a small edge and fold it over the filling. Repeat this step taking small sections of the dough until the galette is formed.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
      7. Brush the folded over crust with AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
      8. Bake the galette for about 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. 
      9. Let it cool before serving.
        APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
      10. ENJOY by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
      © Rachel

      As you can see, this recipe can easily be modified to be made into a fully vegan recipe. Some of my favorite butter alternatives are coconut oil and avocado oil, but I wouldn’t recommend either of those for this particular recipe. Instead, try and use the Country Crock Plant Based Butter Sticks! They have the same density and consistency of milk-based butter, which definitely helps in this recipe.

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      Tell me — what’s your favorite apple recipe?!

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      Vegan pie

      Filed Under: baking, brews + food, celebration, dairy-free, desserts, food, holidays, picnic, recipe, recipes Tagged With: baking, brews + food, celebration, dairy-free, desserts, easy recipes, food, holidays, recipes

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