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Pork Cooking Temperatures: How to Cook Pork Safely

Did you notice that the recommended cooking temperature for pork has changed over the last few years? Learn about the proper pork cooking temperature and get my favorite tips for cooking pork safely every time!

I have partnered with the National Pork Board to bring you this information. Graphics were provided by pork.org. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

A graphic showing the correct pork cooking temperatures.
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For decades, people were told pork temperatures needed to be well done to be safe. Generations of people have grown up eating overdone and dried-out pork dinners. Fortunately, things have changed recently, and I'm excited to share with you what the safe pork temperature is now and how to enjoy those cuts of pork for dinner.

Until a few years ago, the recommended cooked pork temperature for ALL cuts of pork was 160°. Now, thanks to biosecurity and vastly improved animal health, whole cuts of pork are safe to eat at a lower temperature.

So say goodbye to dried-out, overcooked pork dinners! It's official.  You can (and should) cook your pure cuts of pork to 145°, NOT until the juices run clear! Remember, the cooking temperature for ground pork is still 160°!

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Chocolate Covered Pretzels in a Turkey Jar

Bright colored fall sprinkles and chocolate covered pretzels make the perfect tail feathers for this Pretzel Turkey Jar. This fun no bake treat will be the cutest edible centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table.

A clear jar decorated to look like a turkey filled with chocolate covered pretzels and candies.

Ok, guys I have the easiest and cutest treat to share with you.  You just have to make a pretzel turkey for your Thanksgiving Day tables this year!

Yes, I'm sure you are already on top of things and have your turkey day menu already planned out with things like easy corn casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, southern sweet potato souffle, and rolls.

But trust me, you need to add this fun and edible Thanksgiving craft to your plans too. Ok, maybe add two things to your plans because these small chocolate turkeys would be so cute on the table too!

The Cutest Pretzel Turkey

Everyone will be so impressed by your creativity when they see the turkey centerpiece on your dinner table. No one has to know just how easy it is to make.

Want to give it as a gift? Wrap the turkey jar with chocolate covered pretzels in a large plastic gift bag with a bow. Cute Thanksgiving pretzels are sure to make anyone smile this holiday season.

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Behind BruCrew Life

We have been keeping busy here the past few months with work, school, and fun. Here are a few of the highlights and some fun products that I have found. 

Last week we had some friends visit us from Indiana.  Ok, ok, so they came to visit Florida, but they got to see us too.  

Their daughter is our daughter's best friend, so we took the girls out on the paddle boards and kayak last weekend.

Once you figure out the balance on the middle of the board, the paddle boards are quite easy. Well, unless it's a pretty windy day.  Then it's a little more work to get back.  [Read more...]

Caramel Apple Scones

These soft, flakey Caramel Apple Scones and a cup of hot cider is a delicious way to start the day. The buttery caramel glaze on top adds so much flavor to each bite.

A white plate with a caramel apple scone on it and more scones behind it

There was a time when I thought that I didn't like scones.  After a few experiences with scones, I discovered that I'm actually picky about how I like my scones.

They can't be dry and crumbly. They also can't be soft like a muffin. So my ideal scone is somewhere in the middle of the two.  It has to be slightly dry but with a soft buttery texture that melts in your mouth

I also used to think that scones were hard to make. In fact, it was only after years and years of baking that I first attempted to bake some scones. And you know what? I found out that they are actually pretty easy to make. 

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Dirt Marshmallow Pops

Make these easy no bake Dirt Marshmallow Pops for Halloween or school parties. This kid friendly snack will be the first thing to disappear off the dessert table.

Dirt Marshmallow Pops - add a gummy worm to these chocolate covered marshmallows for a fun and easy dirt dessert. Make this recipe for Halloween or school parties! #halloween #dirtdessert #marshmallowpops #chocolatecoveredmarshmallows #gummyworms #halloween #nobakedessert #chocolate #marshmallows

I just realized that Halloween is less than a week away.  Seriously you guys!  Where is the time going??? I feel like October just started...

Now that our kids are older they could care less about Halloween costumes, pumpkin carving, Ghost Cookies, or trick or treating.  Well, I think they might be considering walking the neighborhood for some candy, so they better find some sort of a costume.

How do you guys feel about teenagers and trick or treating?  I have mixed feelings on it.  If the teens put some effort into it and actually have a costume on, then I'm totally cool with it.

But the kids that show up at the door in street clothes have me a little tight fisted with my bowl of candy.  Is that wrong of me?

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Apple Praline Donuts

Enjoy the taste of fall with these Apple Praline Donuts. Easy homemade donuts loaded with apples and pecans are a delicious way to start off any morning or afternoon.

Apple Praline Donuts - soft homemade donuts loaded with apple chunks and a sweet praline glaze makes a delicious fall breakfast. Enjoy this easy recipe on a cool fall day! #donuts #apple #pecans #praline #homemade #bakeddonuts #fall #recipes #breakfast #brunch #afterschoolsnack

Fall has finally arrived, at least on the calendar anyway. Here in Florida, fall is pretty much just summer with less humidity. I'm trying to trick myself into thinking it's fall by keeping my air conditioner set low and fall treats in my oven.

I have to admit that I'm totally missing all the fall traditions that we did with the kids when they were younger. Every fall we would go to a pumpkin patch and an apple orchard for a fun family day.

Even as the kids got older, they would humor me and go, even though they could care less about picking apples. They thought I was crazy to go to an orchard just so I could take pictures and bake another Apple Crisp Pie.  One day when they have their own kids, they will get it.

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Halloween Rice Krispie Treats

These Oreo stuffed Halloween Rice Krispie Treats are not only delicious but are the perfect spooky treat for Halloween parties. Best of all, this easy recipe allows kids to help out in the kitchen.

Three rice krispie treats with Oreos in them stacked on a napkin.
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Halloween Rice Krispies

Do you love Rice Krispies treats? We do too. There is just something about those gooey cereal bars. I also love making different cereal treat variations.

Everyone went bonkers when I shared these Reese's Rice Krispies treats a few years ago. The hidden layer of candy seriously makes them the best rice krispie treat ever!

This year, I decided to take our favorite treat and stuff it with Halloween Oreos. These are a must-try for anyone who loves both Rice Krispies treats and chocolate cookies.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Your friends and family will be so impressed by how creative these treats are. Plus, they only take about 15 minutes to prepare.

  • This no-bake dessert is incredibly easy to make.
  • A hidden layer of Oreo cookies makes them irresistible.
  • Sprinkles and candy eyes make them look extra spook-tacular!

You don't have to wait until Halloween to make a batch. These Oreo cookie rice krispie treats make great snacks any time of year.

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Toffee Apple Cookies

These Toffee Apple Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of fresh apple pieces, toffee bits, and graham cracker crumbs. Add a quick white chocolate drizzle for an easy fall cookie that tastes like apple pie!

A stack of four toffee apple pie cookies on parchment paper.

The recipe for these toffee apple pie cookies was first published in September 2012. I redid the pictures in October 2018, and then updated the post in September 2026.

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Fall baking is one of my favorite things, and I'm always looking for new ways to use fresh apples. We make a caramel apple pie every year, and this homemade apple pie filling makes the whole house smell amazing as it cooks. But these toffee apple pie cookies might be my new favorite!

I wanted to take all those classic apple pie flavors and turn them into an easy drop cookie. Graham cracker crumbs in the dough add a crust flavor, and then I added fresh apple pieces, toffee bits, and spices. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that really does taste like apple pie!

And here's the best part. The fresh fruit keeps these cookies soft for days! I made a batch, and 5 days later, they still tasted just as good as on day 1. That makes them perfect for making ahead for a holiday cookie exchange, fall party, or anytime you want a cookie that's a little different from the usual.

Why You'll Love These Toffee Apple Pie Cookies

  • Apple pie in cookie form. Graham cracker crumbs are the secret ingredient that gives the cookies a little pie crust flavor.
  • Soft for days. Fresh apples keep these cookies soft and tender for almost a week.
  • Toffee and white chocolate. Buttery toffee bits add a little crunch, while a white chocolate drizzle makes the cookies extra pretty.
  • Great for sharing. These are a fun addition to fall cookie trays or holiday cookie exchanges. And if you bring them somewhere, be prepared to share the recipe!

If you are looking for more easy fall cookies, try our pumpkin snickerdoodles or cardamom cookies. Both are so good for fall baking!

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Beach Day on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Prepare to enjoy a white sand beach, crystal blue waters, and island fun when you spend a Beach Day on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Our first stop when we were Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line this summer was  at their private island.

Beach Day on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas - prepare to enjoy a white sand beach, crystal blue waters, and island fun when you spend a day on this private Norwegian cruise line island. #cruise #bahamas #greatstirrupcay #snorkeling #beachday #islandadventure #caribbean

CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

Norwegian cruise line owns the beautiful island paradise of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Guests to the island can stroll down the white sand beaches, snorkel the underground sculpture garden, kayak the crystal blue waters, or relax in a cabana.

There is endless fun waiting for you on this 250 acre island.

The first morning of our cruise we got up early and took a tender boat to the island.

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Peanut Butter Candy Corn Pizza

This Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookie Pizza is a giant peanut butter cookie topped with melted marshmallows, candy corn, peanuts, and Reese's Pieces. It's a fun and easy fall dessert, especially if you love a sweet and salty treat.

A slice of peanut butter cookie pizza with candy corn, Reese's Pieces, and melted marshmallows.

This post and recipe for peanut butter candy corn pizza was originally published in September 2014.  The post was updated and republished in September 2018.

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Be honest! Are you a fan of candy corn? I know this fall candy is controversial, but I'm on team candy corn for life!

Now let me ask you another question. Have you ever eaten candy corn with peanuts? If not, you are missing out! When you mix them, it tastes just like a PayDay candy bar. Seriously, it's so good, and it's my favorite way to eat candy corn this time of year.

When I found a package of peanut butter cookie dough in the fridge and a bag of candy corn in the cupboard, I knew this candy pizza had to happen. Inspired by my caramel marshmallow brownies, I topped the peanut butter cookie with gooey melted marshmallows and a mix of candy corn, peanuts, and Reese's Pieces.

Quick warning, though! Don't reach into the bowl of snack mix for a little taste, because once you start, it is really hard to stop. I may or may not have made two bowls while making this treat. One for the dessert pizza, and one for me to munch on while it baked!

  • Store-bought cookie base. Refrigerated cookie dough makes this a quick 20-minute dessert. Sometimes quick and easy wins over a recipe from scratch.
  • Gooey marshmallows. Toasted mini marshmallows add a soft, chewy layer between the cookie and the crunchy toppings.
  • Fall snack mix. The combo of candy corn, peanuts, and Reese's Pieces gives every slice the perfect sweet-and-salty crunch.
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