Category Archives: Dessert
October 5, 2021
It’s Pumpkin Spice Season
It’s that time of year…. fall…. or pumpkin spice season, as some like to call it. I did a little research on the fall phenomenon that is pumpkin spice and was quite intrigued by my findings. Did you know that pumpkin spice earned its name because it was originally used in cakes and pies that contained pumpkin? I didn’t but McCormick (the seasoning brand) started marketing the spice to save consumers the effort of having to make their own homemade version and could instead buy the spice at their local grocery store. Pretty cool, huh? The spice mix is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. I admittedly have all these spices in my cabinet but understand that not everyone else does, so I can make homemade pumpkin spice if needed, but something the store-bought version is easier 🙂 I also learned that cravings for … Continue reading
September 23, 2021
Willkommen to Oktoberfest!
Willkommen (or welcome) to Oktoberfest! If you aren’t familiar, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest…or beer festival and traveling funfair, for those of use that don’t speak German. It’s held in Germany and runs about 2 weeks, typically from mid-Sept to the first Sunday in October. You can find traditional German food such as sausages, oversized soft pretzels, mustard and curry ketchup, cabbage and radish salads, dumplings, spaetzle, and obviously, plenty of ice-cold beer! More than 6 million people from around the world attend the event every year. Unfortunately, the Oktoberfest celebration in German is cancelled again this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy plenty of yummy food. So, pull out the decorations, get your house in order, invite some friends and family over, and cook up some delicious German food! I’d like to share with you 5 different ideas to host the perfect Oktoberfest party. We’ll … Continue reading
September 12, 2021
Cake Pops
Cake Pops are a fun phenomenon and something I had to try. When I think of a Cake Pop, I think of cake that is coated in melted chocolate, skewered on a stick, and served as a bite sized treat. They can be made in most cake flavors and decorated as simple or elaborate as you want. They are very similar to truffles but are often a little lighter and truffles aren’t served on a stick. I started my Cake Pop venture before the 4th of July (can you see I’m a bit behind on writing this? :)) but thought these are great treat for any time of year! You could make some to celebrate Labor Day, the end of summer and kids going back to school, dessert at a BBQ, or just make them because you love cake 🙂 I purchased this fancy Cake Pop maker (little countertop appliance … Continue reading
August 30, 2021
State Fair Home Edition
The Minnesota State Fair is in full swing. Do you plan on going? I know a lot of people that plan on attending the fair and a lot of people that don’t, for various reasons. I sure love the fair and missed not being able to attend last year. Unfortunately, this year, it’s also not in the cards for me. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy some delicious fair food at home, and you can do the same! First off, I want to share with you a link to a blog I wrote last year. The blog is called Your Favorite MN State Fair Food…at Home, because that’s what the blog is about – creating and enjoying all the classic state fair foods in the comfort of your own home. I wrote this blog because the fair was cancelled last year and wanted to give everyone the option of … Continue reading
June 28, 2021
4th Of July Celebration
The 4th of July is right around the corner and as things seem to be returning to normal, I’m sure a lot of people are planning a gathering with friends and family to celebrate. I know we sure are! The weather is predicted to be beautiful and sunny, and we haven’t entertained in a while, so we are really looking forward to the holiday. I have a few new recipes to share with you today. They are all 4th of July themed and something you can easily add to your menu – or anytime throughout summer! I plan on making a few of these this upcoming weekend and look forward to enjoying them at our party. The first recipe is for Firecracker Hot Dogs. Think hot dog wrapped in breadstick or crescent roll dough and baked to perfection. They are super simple to make, will satisfy even the pickiest eater, … Continue reading
May 27, 2021
Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
I consider myself to be a cookie connoisseur… or a cookie lover of sorts… so I will never turn down the option to sample a new cookie or try a new cookie recipe. One of my favorite desserts is a warm cookie a la mode. I could easily skip dinner and go right to dessert if I know this is on my menu, so I thought I would try my hand at making a homemade version. Something I didn’t need to be at a restaurant to enjoy. The result is a Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. The recipe can be found here. The cookie is hot right out of the oven with perfectly melted chocolate chips and wonderful ooey-gooeyness in every bite. It’s big enough to share but you might not want to 😊 Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Add the butter to a saucepan. … Continue reading
February 3, 2021
Cookies for Breakfast!
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? I consider myself somewhat of a cookie connoisseur. I will eat *almost* any flavor and typically have a container of cookies on the counter at the ready……and maybe a backup in the freezer. I just love cookies! I kept seeing fun posts on social media of people eating tiny cookies as cereal and thought 1) what a neat idea, and 2) why haven’t I tried this? I had to get in on the craze and participate in the new tiny cookie cereal trend. The result is Mini Homemade Chocolate Chip Cereal that led me to one delicious meal! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and lining 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, … Continue reading
December 11, 2020
Christmas Dinner
Normally by mid-December we would have a plan for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunch, and Christmas Day dinner…. it’s a busy 2 days to say the least! But we have zero plans scheduled at the moment. It’s an odd feeling and we know we are not along. Do you spend time with family and friends over the holidays or opt for a quiet day at home? Do you take the simple route and order a meal to go from your favorite restaurant or perhaps a heat-and-serve meal from the grocery store? Whatever you end up doing, it will be a year to remember! We will still have a lovely meal to commemorate the holidays and spend the day cooking together. I have a few recipes I want to share with you that not only make the perfect Christmas meal but are great options when cooking for a small group … Continue reading
December 10, 2020
Christmas Baking
Christmas is a time for baking, enjoying good food, and spending time with family and friends. The holidays may look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t participate it some of your usual traditions. Take a cookie exchange party for example, you can still bake the cookies but instead of getting together with friends to exchange, you can deliver to their doorstep or ship them. It’s a nice way to say you’re thinking about them and still want to be connected this holiday season. Plus, you can’t have a happy holiday without desserts and plenty of sweets 🙂 Whether you are making breads, cookies, pies, candy, or other goodies, I suggest you still follow through with your traditions. It will get you in the holiday spirit and bring some comfort to these trying times. I personally like to eat Christmas cookies all month long and even … Continue reading
October 19, 2020
Tricks…but mostly treats
Halloween might look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some spooky treats! I for one, love Halloween and all the fun food, scary movies, and candy. I’m sure a lot of families are deciding what is right for them…do you send your kids out to trick-or-treat or keep them home? Do you plan a small get-together with your closest friends or family to celebrate? Dress up and parade around the neighborhood? Whatever people decide to do, I hope they stay safe and healthy. If you are staying in, I highly recommend making some themed treats to enjoy. This year, I’m going to have a dessert buffet for us to enjoy. When I say “us”, I mean Andrew and me. It will be the 2 of us…enjoying plenty of sweets…while we binge watch Halloween movies 😊 Here’s what I’m going to make: Spooky Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Candy Corn Marshmallow Treats Spider Web Pretzels Frankenstein … Continue reading
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