Search Results for: pie

Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Cheese Ball

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 3, 2015 · UPDATED January 21, 2022 · 8 Comments

This Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Cheese Ball is just the appetizer you need for those holiday parties and events coming up. The cheese and veggies rolled in nuts is perfect for cracker and pretzel snacking.

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Most days my brain thinks in sugar non-stop. It starts first thing in the morning at the gym. Yes, I think about cookies and cake while doing bench presses and pull-ups. Today I couldn't stop thinking about an this easy candy bar cookie treat that I want to make. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Visions of cake and pie fill my head as I get ready for the day. As I do my work, I see more sugary goodness from my friends, and it gets me inspired to make something from my many lists of sugar coated sugar visions.

Then before I drift off to sleep at night, I start to day dream about brownies and chocolate peppermint fudge. Seriously, this is my life. Hello, my name is Jocelyn, and I'm a dessert freak. Please tell me I'm not alone in this sugar madness. Ok, maybe I am, but I'm cool with it. [Read more...]

Red Velvet Peppermint Cupcakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 1, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2019 · 13 Comments

I am so excited that it is time to share all the peppermint treats. Believe me, I have some delicious ones you need to make. First up are these Red Velvet Peppermint Cupcakes topped with marshmallow PEEPS®.

*I am partnering with PEEPS® this December as part of their "24 Days of Peepsonality" program.

Red Velvet Cupcakes topped with Peppermint frosting and a Red Velvet PEEPS® chick. Perfect holiday party treat!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. We look forward to all the lights, smells, and sounds of the season. Every year we pull out our tree the day after Thanksgiving and put on our Santa hats, while we hang our ornaments on the tree.

I have to admit that I am a little picky about where some of those ornaments end up. (There have been a few that I may have moved the next day.)

As the kids are getting older, they are doing such a good job at spacing out the snowmen and snowflakes for me, so there aren't as many that needed "re-arranged" these days.

Glazed Apple Cider Muffins

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 13, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2021 · 12 Comments

A batch of these Glazed Apple Cider Muffins baking in the oven will make your house smell delicious this fall.

Two times the apple cider makes these an awesome fall breakfast muffin.

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to head out to the apple orchards. There is something about eating a freshly picked apple out in the fields.

I also love making homemade apple pie filling when we get home. When our kids were younger they loved going with us to the orchard. We would fill a big basket with apples, then head to the stand that sold apple cider. Apple cider from the farm stands is so much better than that gallon jug at the store.

Now that our kids are older, they look at me funny when I mention doing trips like these. In fact, I didn't even mention it this year. Partly because things have been crazy busy here, and partly because I knew the family's answer.

Butterfinger Reese's Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 4, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2021 · 11 Comments

Using different candies to jazz up an easy fudge is a great way to use up extra candy. This Butterfinger Reese's Fudge has two different candies in an easy white chocolate fudge. It's the perfect little treat to package up for friends and family for the holidays.

This easy white chocolate fudge is loaded with Butterfinger bars and Reese's Pieces. It's a great holiday treat!

For a while I had set out to make fudge every single month because fudge year round should really be a thing.

Have you noticed that fudge really is more popular in the holiday seasons? Why is that? I mean sweet little bites full of candy and cookies should not be limited. Am I right?

Of course when I was looking back, I realized that I haven't shared a fudge recipe here since this robin egg fudge at Easter. Obviously I'm slacking some this year. To make up for it, I have fudge today and more fudge next week. You need to make both. Trust me!

Cookies and Cream Fudge Tart

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 28, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 34 Comments

This Cookies and Cream Fudge Tart is loaded with a creamy cookie filling and decadent chocolate center.

Sometimes life is easy, and we know exactly what is going to happen and how that should go. It's easy to make plans and try to follow them.

Then there are times things happen unexpectedly, and we have no idea why something like that could happen. It's in those moments that we can rely on a wonderful Saviour, and know He has a plan for our lives. We may not understand that plan. It may not make any sense to us, but it all fits perfectly into God's plan. This doesn't always make it easier on us, but it will help us as we deal with the hurt and pain.

Today I am celebrating the life of a wonderful friend. Joan from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More was taken much too soon from this world last week. It was completely unexpected and rocked the food community. [Read more...]

Life is Full of Choices

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 9, 2015 · UPDATED July 5, 2018 · 51 Comments

Life is all about choices.

We all are given different opportunities each and every day. Some times those things have very clear answers in what we should do. Then there are times neither way you go is wrong. These are the times I need to watch myself closely.

Over the past 7 years I have been blogging, I have seen my desire and passion change. The first few years were random posts since it was just a hobby.

Then 3 years ago my husband went into full time ministry, and God used this hobby of mine to become a full-time job. It has been fun and exciting to see where and what God has done with my blog.

I love sharing random bits and pieces from our life along with the recipes we eat. As I continued in this job, I started working with brands and slowly all my thoughts and time began to become consumed with this job. This was a job that I finally loved and was good at. I threw myself in to it with all I had hoping to make this blog a happening business. The competitive side of me loves a good challenge. [Read more...]

Butterfinger Cookies and Cream Popcorn

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 18, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 20 Comments

Want a fun snack mix to munch on this weekend for movie night? Make a batch of this Butterfinger Cookies and Cream Popcorn and watch it disappear in a hurry.

White chocolate covered popcorn coated in Oreo cookies and Butterfinger candy makes a fun and delicious snack mix.

Any time I'm at home doing laundry or cleaning the house, you can bet that my mind is wandering and thinking about dessert combos. Yes, I'm the weirdo that can't stop thinking about sugar. No wonder my jeans still fit snugly...

If we go out to eat or go shopping, different things I see will make me think of a dessert idea. These ideas get written down in a notebook or on my phone notepad. Trust me...these lists are quite long.

You would think with all these sugar ideas flowing through my head at all times, that I would be able to whip up dessert for a dinner party in no time at all, right?

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 2, 2015 · UPDATED September 23, 2024 · 39 Comments

This Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cake will quickly become your new favorite fall dessert. The moist cake is topped with a crunchy Butterfinger and brown sugar topping, creating a delicious autumn treat.

A slice of peanut butter pumpkin cake on parchment paper.

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Pumpkin Butterfinger Cake

It may still be warm here in Florida, but I'm ready to wear jeans and sweatshirts. I want to enjoy fall flavors in pumpkin and apple desserts.

You are going to fall head over heels for this pumpkin Butterfinger cake. I took this banana toffee cake from a couple of years ago and gave it a fall facelift. Can we say whoa!

The banana cake is delicious, but the pumpkin cake with a crunchy peanut butter topping is even better! This might be my new favorite pumpkin recipe.

Rocky Road Latte

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED August 12, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 21 Comments

Skip the lines at the coffee shop and make your own special coffee at home for a fraction of the cost. This Rocky Road Latte is an easy and delicious drink to have while enjoying some quiet time.

Chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow give this fun Rocky Road Latte a sweet twist.

Do you hear that? That is the sound of nothing. No noise, no voices, no music...just silence. Well, other than the clanking of some pans and silverware in the kitchen from my hubby making breakfast.

Yesterday was the first day of school here. Our kids were ready to go. After a few months of doing nothing but sleeping in and doing chores around the house, they start to get that school itch about halfway through July.

As a work at home mom, I start to get that itch for quiet and routine about the same time. The first few weeks are great. We love the lazy days of randomly doing nothing and making whatever for dinner whenever. But that gets old after a while. I start to crave that routine of gym, school, work, practice, dinner, homework, and bedtime. So hooray for routine being back in place...it definitely makes me happier.

And hooray for making coffee drinks at home and saving money. Because after new school supplies and school clothes, we all need to pinch some pennies somewhere, right?

Salted Caramel Shortbread Squares

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 20, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 38 Comments

Adding pretzels and pecans to the center of these Salted Caramel Shortbread Squares gives them a fun sweet and salty crunch. These dessert squares did not last long around here.

Pretzels and pecans in a soft caramel center gives these shortbread squares a fun sweet and salty twist.

Sometimes I get dessert ideas in my head, and I cannot think of anything else until I make said dessert idea.

Most of the time these ideas go on a list. Anyone else have lists everywhere? I have a list of food ideas on my phone, a notebook full of fun dessert ideas, and then scraps of paper all over my desk with half written recipes and ideas all over them. At this rate I have enough ideas to make desserts for at least 10 years.

Then there are those times when the dessert idea I have has to be first on the list of ones to make for the week. These caramel bars were one of those ideas.

Peanut Butter Fudge Poke Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 6, 2015 · UPDATED June 11, 2020 · 38 Comments

This easy Peanut Butter Fudge Poke Cake is topped with a creamy marshmallow frosting, peanut butter cups, and mini mallow bits. You will not have any leftovers when you serve this poke cake for dessert.

I have decided that getting older is for the birds. You all know how much I actually enjoy working out, right? My husband and I have been doing strength and conditioning at a local training facility for about a year and a half.

Even though I still do not eat as healthy as I should, I am definitely much stronger and in better shape than I ever have been. Until recently...

You see my knees must have realized how old they were, and that "old" people shouldn't be doing all these workouts and mud runs because all of sudden I have been having issues. Pains and aches and all sorts of dilemmas.

I personally think it was because I told my body it was time to get serious about eating better...aka no more cake.

Cherry Blueberry French Toast Bake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 3, 2015 · UPDATED July 15, 2020 · 15 Comments

Fresh fruit adds a pop of color and flavor to this Cherry Blueberry French Toast Bake. Make sure you buy a few extra boxes or bags of fruit the next time you go shopping, so you can try this delicious breakfast bake.

A white plate on a red towel with a square of cherry blueberry french toast bake on it

Lately we have been all about the fruit. Every time we go grocery shopping, we come home with boxes of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

The other day I saw fresh cherries at the store, so a bag of those ended up in the cart too.

Most of the time I cannot keep the fruit monsters out of the fruit before I can bake with it. Not that I think that's a problem. With all the sugary sweets that come out of our kitchen, I am thankful our kids like to grab fruit instead of cake.

Having fresh fruit available is also great for making fruit parfaits or smoothies when we need a quick breakfast or snack.

Peanut Butter Apple Crisp

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 19, 2015 · UPDATED March 3, 2021 · 19 Comments

This Peanut Butter Apple Crisp tastes delicious when served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the perfect easy skillet dessert that feeds the entire family.

A bowl of apple crisp topped with ice cream and chocolate candies.

During the summer months, we keep a never-ending supply of ice cream in our freezer.

Some days there are boxes of store-bought ice creams stacked in the back, and other days I make a batch of homemade ice cream that I try to hide behind the real food in the freezer.

Along with our ice cream hoarding, we also like to keep bags of apples in our refrigerator all the time. The small individual packages are great for grabbing on the go or for car rides to the lake.

Peach Cinnamon Roll Cups

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 17, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 27 Comments

Sometimes you need an easy breakfast that everyone will enjoy without taking all morning to prepare it. These little Peach Cinnamon Roll Cups come together in no time at all. You are only two-ingredients away from having them on your table.

We had to crack down on our kiddos. The sleeping in was getting pretty ridiculous. No one should be in bad until 11 am, unless they are sick or injured. Am I right?

A month of doing nothing is a good amount of time for kids to relax after working hard all school year. At least, that's what we are going with. Now they officially have a wake up time, cleanliness routine, daily chore list, and Bible study to do. If this is done each day, they will be allowed an hour of electronics. We are so tired of hearing them ask all.day.long if they can be on some sort of TV or game unit or phone when nothing else is getting done.

Any guess on how day one went? [Read more...]

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 12, 2015 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 34 Comments

This Salted Caramel Brownie Brittle Ice Cream Cake has layers of ice cream and a crunchy crust making it perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.

*I am partnering with Brownie Brittle™ to bring you a delicious dessert recipe using the sweet brittle crunch.

Layers of ice cream and Brownie Brittle make this such a fun no bake summer cake.

Summer is officially here. The hot weather definitely found us this week. We went from 70 degrees to 90 degrees in the blink of an eye. Oh, I'm not complaining. I do enjoy a good hot day...as long as the air conditioner works and there is ice cream in the freezer.

Most of the time the ice cream in the freezer is fair game. Well, until I have a crazy treat idea running around in my head that involves ice cream. Then I try to hide the boxes of ice cream behind the green beans and broccoli. Most of the time that works.

Pina Colada Cake Trifle

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 1, 2015 · UPDATED March 3, 2021 · 43 Comments

This Pina Colada Cake Trifle is perfect to make and serve at summer picnics and barbecues. Layers of cake, fruit, and no bake cheesecake makes a dessert that will wow everyone.

I have officially gone a trifle crazy.

My brain is in overload right now because this past week I tried to learn a new photo editing program. I feel like my head wants to explode. Part of me thinks I should just stick with the old one because I was comfortable with it.

If it's not broken, don't try to fix it, right? But the other part of me knows that once I get it, my pictures should look better. Fingers crossed that's true because I'm trying.

With the kids home for summer vacation, I know that I will not have as much time to put into work stuff. That's ok though. After one day of working on photos, I'm fried. I think it's time to go to the pool to chill with a big mug of this Frozen Salted Caramel Mocha Hot Chocolate.

Some days I wonder how I can blog so much because computers and I just don't get along. Just last night I thought I had it figured out only to find out that I had saved the photos in the wrong color setting.

Thank goodness my hubby was home to help me google the issue. It's a good thing he is so sane when I start to have a melt down. Chocolate also helps... [Read more...]

Gooey Butterfinger Brownie Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 29, 2015 · UPDATED January 27, 2021 · 25 Comments

Adding chocolate and candy bars to gooey brownies always makes a decadent treat worth sharing. These Gooey Butterfinger Brownie Bars are rich, delicious, and totally worth cheating on that summer diet.

Any time we go for ice cream with the kids, I can guarantee that our daughter will come back to the table with chocolate and Butterfinger in her bowl. She has gotten that combo for years now, so it is safe to say it is her favorite!

Although, recently she has been adding mint chips to her vanilla milkshakes, so that combo might slowly be taking over the favorite spot.

We went out to eat the other day, and the kids got coupons for ice cream with their kids meals. Right away my daughter announced that she was getting mint chips on her ice cream, but when dinner was over what do you think she came back with? Chocolate ice cream with Butterfinger sprinkled all over the top!

She is definitely a creature of habit when it comes to her ice cream, so I knew when I made these brownies, that she would go bonkers for them. [Read more...]

Blueberry Cream Coffee Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 7, 2015 · UPDATED June 7, 2021 · 42 Comments

Do you need a delicious coffee cake to share with your mom on Mother's Day? This Blueberry Cream Coffee Cake has four layers of goodness that goes so well with a cup of coffee.

Blueberry, cheesecake, and crumble make this a breakfast coffee cake that everyone will enjoy!

Our children might be becoming breakfast snobs over here. Apparently I have been making too many things with chocolate for breakfast because this cake got the evil eye from a few of them. They kept asking where the chocolate cinnamon rolls were?

I think that just means more cake for me. And when that cake is a coffee cake, it becomes fair game for breakfast time. There is something so comforting about a slice of coffee cake and a big steamy mug of coffee in the morning.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pull Apart Coffee Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 22, 2015 · UPDATED September 26, 2020 · 58 Comments

This Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pull Apart Coffee Cake is a delicious treat to serve for Mother's Day breakfast or brunch.

Want to know something funny about me? I have become my mother. Oh, that's not the funny part. I realize all of us eventually resemble our parents in looks or actions. Let me tell you what my husband thinks is so funny about this.

I grew up with my mom checking our appliances and lights at least 10-15 times before leaving the house. More specifically, the iron was the one appliance that she would worry about the most. Sometimes she would pull back in the driveway, just so one of us could go in and check again. I always thought this was kind of funny.

Until my husband pointed out recently that I go through the house and pull plugs on appliances before we go away for a trip. A few months ago we went on vacation for a week. When we got home, my husband wanted a cup of coffee for breakfast. He turned the coffee maker on and walked away while it warmed up.

When he came back, he realized that it wasn't even plugged in. Believe me, I heard about that one for days!

Blackberry Yogurt Muffins

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 8, 2015 · UPDATED June 4, 2021 · 40 Comments

Starting out the morning with a healthy breakfast is important. These Blackberry Yogurt Muffins are light and fluffy and full of fruit goodness. Perfect for grabbing on the go on busy mornings.

These light and fluffy blackberry muffins are a little bit healthier when made with yogurt. Great for breakfast on the go.

One of my favorite memories from when I was little is going berry picking. Every spring and summer we would pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Of course as a kid, the best part was stuffing as many of those ripe juicy berries into your mouth instead of putting them in the bucket.

When I was really little we lived in a house in a small neighborhood in the woods. Along the road in the front of the house were tons of wild blackberry and raspberry bushes. It was always so much fun to hike up the hills along the road and try to find those berries. I'm sure my mom was hoping we would come back with enough for a pie, but somehow those berries always disappeared first.

BruCrew Goes Carnival Cruising

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 31, 2015 · UPDATED July 5, 2018 · 19 Comments

Last month our family went on vacation. Ok, it really has been almost two months because I have been slow to get these pictures edited and shared. I hope you are ready for picture overload.

The school that our kids go to has a week off in February for conferences that the church holds there. Since it is always frigid and snowy that time of year here in the midwest, we like to take that opportunity to go on vacation as a family.

And when it is cold, warm tropical places are the best place to be. If you are looking for an affordable vacation for your family. I highly suggest looking into a cruise. There are so many out there that offer great prices and lots of activities. We have used the Carnival cruise line the past few times because if you book on one of their older ships, you can have 5 in a stateroom. Yes, it is a tight fit with teenagers, but it is totally doable. Believe me, there is so much to do and see that you only use your room for showering and sleeping.

What is there to do? Well, the first day is pretty much spent exploring the ship and seeing where everything is. We like to scope out the best places to grab a chair for those sea days. Of course, that is what everyone else is doing too, so good luck when it actually comes time to getting one.

This year we had the brilliant idea to wear matching shirts one of the days. Ok, so they weren't completely matchy matchy...we did a super hero theme day. So before the trip I was looking everywhere for different super hero shirts for everyone. The boys were pretty easy to find, but girly super hero shirts are not as common. We also did a Star Wars shirt day, but I totally forgot to get a picture of those! Bummer! [Read more...]

Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Granola Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 30, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2021 · 33 Comments

These no bake Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Granola Bars have been kid-approved in our house. Peanut butter, chocolate cookies, and candy make these homemade granola bars taste so good.

Three peanut butter cookies and cream granola bars stacked on a white plate

Over the years we have gone through boxes and boxes of granola bars. My kids love packing them in their lunch boxes, eating them after school, or having one as a bed time snack. With three growing kids you can see how we would end up going through quite a few granola bars.

Fast forward a few years, and I realized that I could make my own granola bars customized with what my kids like to eat. We love coming up with fun new combos every time we make a new batch.

Mint S'mores Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 9, 2015 · UPDATED February 28, 2022 · 34 Comments

Three times the mint candies and cookies and marshmallows make these Mint S'mores Brownies a dream come true for chocolate and mint lovers.

Our poor puppy dog is getting old. Lately she has been having trouble getting up when she is lying down, and she gets tired out very fast when playing ball.

But the other day, my husband dropped a piece of chicken on the kitchen floor. Let's just say our dog made it into the kitchen faster than I have seen her move lately. We were all laughing at how motivated she was to get into the kitchen for that piece of chicken. [Read more...]

BruCrew Top Ten

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 28, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2021 · 21 Comments

You guys! Can you believe it has been 4 months since I have done a Top Ten post? The last one was right before the holidays, and then I just never got back to it. I have been a huge slacker on sharing randomness with you guys, and I kind of miss it. So my goal is to do one a month.

1. I want you to meet my new baking assistant, Ruby! Isn't she beautiful? I finally convinced my hubby that our new white tile backsplash needed a red KitchenAid for some fun kitchen color. One thing that I have learned with having a colored mixer is that you see all the flour you spill right away. Ruby gets cleaned many times a day since I like to bake like a crazy person.

Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 18, 2015 · UPDATED April 8, 2019 · 40 Comments

Lemon and cheesecake inside a crispy french toast roll is a delicious way to change up breakfast. These Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups are easy to make, but they look so fancy and pretty. Perfect for any brunch or breakfast parties you may be hosting.

Lemon cheesecake inside a crispy french toast roll is a delicious breakfast choice!

One of my favorite breakfast meals is french toast, but I do not make it that often. Me thinks that needs to change. Warm toasty bread drizzled with syrup should be a part of our breakfasts more often.

Well, maybe part of our breakfast for dinner, since I'm not really a morning person. Something tells me frying bread in the early morning hours might result in someone getting hurt or breakfast being burned. Or both.

Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 9, 2015 · UPDATED June 9, 2021 · 39 Comments

A batch of this Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Fudge is a delicious treat to make for Valentine's Day. This easy to make chocolate fudge recipe has little pockets of cherries and marshmallows in it. Make sure you keep some for yourself too.

This easy chocolate fudge has cherries and marshmallows in every bite. It's creamy and delicious!!!

So I have been holding out on you guys...this chocolate fudge was actually made back in December. Doesn't it look pretty and Christmas-y? It even got sent out in packages along with some of this hot chocolate fudge to our out of town family.

The problem I have as a food blogger is that I over make for every holiday. Food bloggers you get me, right?

There are only so many days that I can post food. I mean I could post a recipe every day I guess...if I never wanted to sleep or see my hubby and kiddos. So nope, that's not an option.

Top Ten BruCrew Recipes from 2014

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 31, 2014 · UPDATED October 9, 2016 · 27 Comments

Thank you so much for another fabulous year of fun and recipes! I have enjoyed sharing the desserts and dinners that get created in my kitchen with you.

Have you signed up for the BruCrew email yet? These recipes will be sent to your inbox each day.

It is hard to believe that 2014 has come and gone already. You guys are amazing! Thank you for coming back time and time again for my stories and treats. I really appreciate all the pinning, commenting, and sharing that you do with your friends. I also love hearing how the recipes turn out in your kitchens. You guys make blogging so much fun!!! Keep the comments coming!

Today I am sharing the Top 10 recipes from 2014. Out of all the recipes that I shared this year, these 10 got the most views. Did your favorite make the list?

So, according to the stats, you guys are loving cheesy pasta. I will definitely be making some more cheesy goodness in 2015 based on these numbers 🙂 I was also surprised to see 2 skinny recipes in the Top 10. I'm kind of getting a complex over here though. I thought this was a dessert blog, but it looks like I should definitely add more cheese and health food to my kitchen craziness.

You tell me...what would you like to see in the next year?

Now for the Top 10... [Read more...]

Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 17, 2014 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 35 Comments

Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn: Chocolate and peppermint coated popcorn with Peppermint Oreo cookies and Peppermint M&M's is one snack mix you will not want to miss. It is so fun, bright, and tasty!

Chocolate and peppermint covered popcorn with marshmallows, Oreos, and M&M candies. Sweet holiday treat!

A few weeks ago my daughter had to do a fun project for Home Ec. They had to bring a party favor related to the holiday that they were assigned.

How perfect was it that she got Christmas for her project?!?!?!

With all the fun I am having creating cute food packages, we knew we could do something fun and easy for her project. The email from her teacher said to use things from around the house to create this food gift.

How convenient was it that I had already bought some cute stickers, bags, and bows at Michael's. I really had no idea how they were going to be used when I bought them...they were just too cute to pass up, so they came home with me.

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 12, 2014 · UPDATED December 20, 2021 · 37 Comments

The best thing about this Hot Chocolate Fudge are all the toppings. Mini marshmallows and candy canes make this easy fudge recipe a delicious treat for holiday parties. You can also package this fudge in cute boxes to give to family and friends.

Three squares of hot chocolate fudge topped with chocolate, candy canes, and mini marshmallows on red and green paper.

Hot chocolate is the perfect drink when it is cold outside. I personally love to drink my hot cocoa with a swirl of whipped cream, chocolate drizzles, and sprinkles or candy cane bits.

The other day I was enjoying a peppermint mocha hot chocolate when all of a sudden I realized those flavors would be awesome in a batch of fudge. I couldn't wait to get in the kitchen and create this fun holiday fudge flavor to share with our friends and family.

Why You Will Love This Fudge

This chocolate fudge is so easy to make without a candy thermometer. Stirring hot chocolate mix into the chocolate fudge gives it a delicious hot chocolate flavor.

Peppermint bits also give the hot chocolate fudge a delicious peppermint crunch. It's a great way to use up all those extra candy canes.

Chocolate drizzles, mini marshmallows, and more candy cane pieces make this fudge so fun. Everyone will be the talking about it at your next party!

This easy chocolate fudge makes a great gift too. Give a box of fudge this season and see how much everyone loves it.

Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 1, 2014 · UPDATED November 30, 2018 · 58 Comments

Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cake: Chocolate cake and chocolate cheesecake come together to make an amazing dessert. Adding peppermint marshmallow frosting and candy cane piece turns this cake into an impressive holiday cake worthy of sharing at any party.

Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cake - chocolate cake with chocolate cheesecake, peppermint frosting, and candy cane chunks is an impressive holiday cake

You guys...

this cake is about to knock your socks off. Like completely! Are you ready for lots of peppermint goodness now that it is December?

And just to warn you there are about a billion pictures because I couldn't decide which ones to share...I'm sorry for slowing your computer down with all the pics on a Monday. But seriously, get ready to drool all over your keyboard. #youarewelcome

Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cake - layers of cake, cheesecake, and peppermint frosting makes this holiday cake so pretty and delicious! Great recipe for holiday parties!

So most of the time I have a reason for making a dessert. There is usually some sort of meeting or class or life group that needs a delicious treat. Ok, ok, they might not "need" it, but I sure love making and sending sweets for them anyway.

But on Saturday I got the brilliant idea to make this cake because it has been way too long since I made a big layer cake. The last one was this Lemon Cheesecake Cake two years.

Two years??? I have made bundt cakes, icebox cakes, and eclair cakes, but layer cakes have been missing in action. It was definitely time for some cake fun to happen in my kitchen.

After I decided how I wanted it to be, I couldn't get it out of my head. So with no plan to get rid of this delicious monster of a cake, I went ahead and made it anyway. I figured it wouldn't be hard to find someone to help me out with devouring it.

Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Brownie Bites

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 21, 2014 · UPDATED June 21, 2021 · 40 Comments

You look like you could use a fun sweet treat for the weekend. These Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Brownie Bites are so fun and absolutely delicious! Brownies, peanut butter cups, and marshmallows in one cute little bite.

You guys!!!! I did something crazy!

I'm probably going to regret this wild and crazy action in about 5 months! You see my husband signed up for the Tough Mudder again...and he convinced a few others to sign up too. I'm one of the crazies he convinced!! Eeeeiiikkk! What was I thinking? Again!

You see I am kind of a girly girl. Cute clothes, fun shoes, scarves, nail polish, and yes, lots of accessories. We are talking bags, necklaces, hair bows, and bracelets! Give me it all!!!

This girly girl does not like to get dirty. Mud is so not my friend. My idea of getting dirty is rolling brownie cookies with my bare hands!

So, cue all the crazy laughing at this curly haired girl who doesn't like mud. Because she will be running 10-12 miles all based around tough mud activities! It's ok...I'm totally laughing right now too! Laughing because it is totally something I've actually done before! I got this...I hope! [Read more...]

Frosted Eggnog Bread

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 15, 2014 · UPDATED November 26, 2018 · 60 Comments

Eggnog in the bread and eggnog in the glaze makes this Frosted Eggnog Bread the perfect sweet bread for the eggnog lovers in your life. It is the perfect holiday breakfast or afternoon snack. Just add a cup of coffee and you are good to go.

Two times the eggnog makes this frosted bread an awesome holiday breakfast or snack choice

Well, it happened.

Winter came early this year. The past 2 days have been 28*, and both days we woke up to a light dusting of snow on the ground and the roof looked like it was frosted with powdered sugar.

I am so not ready for this. It has been years since we have had snow here before January. Everyone is predicting a bad winter this year. I really thought last year was bad, so I'm not sure how it can get worse.

Becoming a hermit for the next 5 months is looking better and better. As long as I have a loaf of this Eggnog Bread each week, the confinement will be totally doable.

Two times the eggnog makes this frosted bread an awesome holiday breakfast or snack choice

The recipe for this bread came from a plastic recipe box that has been hiding up in my cupboard since we moved to this house 5 years ago. I wish I know where the recipe came from, but unfortunately I wasn't so good at documenting that stuff. I think that's probably how a lot of family favorite recipes happened. Someone copied a recipe, stuck it in a box, and over the years it became "grandma's recipe" because she always made it.

When we first got married, I used to collect recipes from magazines and cookbooks and write them on notecards. The funny thing is we only ever tried a handful of these recipes, but I still kept writing more recipes on the cards. Then we started having kids, and I haven't really used those boxes of recipes in I don't know how many years. They just sat there until this week when I saw them hiding behind the big box of cupcake liners.

I pulled them out and flipped through all the cards. Some I pulled out, read the recipe, and promptly threw it away. I'm not sure what younger me was thinking about when she copied some of these down. There is no way I would ever make some of the stuff that was in there. Probably another reason why the box has been sitting forever.

Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Truffle Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 13, 2014 · UPDATED November 26, 2018 · 49 Comments

These easy no bake Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Truffle Bars are just what your holiday cookie trays need this year.

No bake mocha cookie dough with a white chocolate and peppermint topping will be a fun addition to your holiday cookie trays.

Do you know what time it is? It's peanut butter jelly time...wait a minute? That's not right.

Ok, how about it's all things peppermint time!!! Oh, yeah baby! Time to bake those holiday treats like there is no tomorrow. I have been anxiously waiting for this day to get here. I mean if Hobby Lobby can decorate their stores in July for Christmas, it's ok if I start cranking the peppermint treats now, right?

No bake mocha cookie dough with a white chocolate and peppermint topping will be a fun addition to your holiday cookie trays.

We always wait until the Saturday after Thanksgiving to decorate our house for Christmas. It has been our family tradition to get the tree that day and start to pull out all the boxes from storage.

This year though, I am ready to put it all out now. The other day I was at Target (surprise, surprise) and I was going crazy over all the cute holiday stuff! I found these cute lanterns to make a centerpiece for our table. I figured why not put them out...no one will even notice if I start putting one thing out at a time, right?

Wrong! My husband walked through the room that night. He got all the way through, then stopped and said, "Wait!". He turned around and walked right to the table. He says the decorations are not allowed out yet. But the lanterns are still there. I'm just waiting for him to notice that I added a snowflake table runner to the table. (Hey, babe...did you notice it was there yet?)

Chocolate Fudge Turkeys

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 10, 2014 · UPDATED October 20, 2020 · 58 Comments

Different candies transform these little chocolate fudge bites into Chocolate Fudge Turkeys. These are such a cute and easy treat for the Thanksgiving Day food table. They would even make adorable place card settings.

These easy no bake chocolate fudge squares topped with a cute candy turkeys make perfect Thanksgiving day treats!

Does it seem like Thanksgiving seems to get shoved by in our attempt to get to all things peppermint and eggnog each holiday season? Oh, I admit I am right there too.

This week I bought Peppermint Oreos, Peppermint M&M's, Peppermint Crunch chips, and a few other holiday things. I'm already plotting what decadent treats these candies and cookies will become...that is if they last that long. I also just had a great idea for eggnog, so guess what I'll be buying tomorrow? Yup, eggnog is coming home with me.

Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 7, 2014 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 36 Comments

Make a double batch of this Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies because it will disappear in a hurry this fall. The pumpkin spice chocolate and sweet candies make this snack mix so irresistible!

Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies - sweet no bake chex mix coated in pumpkin spice chocolate. This easy snack mix is perfect for fall munching!

I'm kind of in shock right now...it's already a week into November.

Can we all say WHAT? Where did the entire year go? Maybe it's just old age setting in because seriously where did the rest of the year go? It's probably time to cut back on things like these little pumpkin spice latte cheesecake bites and these pumpkin spice pop tarts because I'm losing some time here while I'm busy snacking.

Pepperoni Alfredo Pizza Dip

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 1, 2014 · UPDATED January 26, 2022 · 37 Comments

Pepperoni Alfredo Pizza Dip: Layers of cheese, Alfredo sauce, and mini pepperonis makes a fun and delicious dip for game day, for parties, or as an after school snack.

Are you completely candied out right now?

I figured after a night dedicated to all candy, you could use a cheesy dish of goodness. Was I right?

Last night our younger two decided that they still wanted to go trick or treating in the cold. We let them and a few friends go up and down our street by themselves. They are still young enough that I didn't want them going any further by themselves.

Although with the rain and cold, they were perfectly content to let us drive them from house light to house light after they realized just how chilly it was to walk around at night.

S'mores Toffee Bark

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 22, 2014 · UPDATED December 4, 2018 · 42 Comments

Looking for a fun way to keep eating s'mores even after summer is gone? This S'mores Toffee Bark has layers of Golden Graham cereal coated in an easy toffee mixture and topped with chocolate and mini marshmallow bits. I dare you to try to only eat one piece!

Golden grahams, chocolate, and mini marshmallows give this toffee bark a fun and delicious s'mores twist.

Yes, I know.

It's another s'mores dessert. I fully admit that I am totally and 100% crazy about s'mores this year. At least I know that I am a crazed s'mores person, right? I could be in denial about this current flavor trend that I can't seem to shake.

It all started with these Pumpkin S'mores Bars and has escalated into a full blown s'mores addiction. Seriously, it's bad peeps. Like I want to s'mores-itize everything.

Nothing is safe from me right now. Nothing...

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 20, 2014 · UPDATED March 30, 2021 · 51 Comments

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie Bars: homemade chocolate cookie bars filled with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer. These are the perfect fall dessert for the chocolate lover in your life.

Chocolate cookie bars with a pumpkin cheesecake filling in the middle makes these a decadent fall dessert.

The other day I got a text from a friend wanting to know what goodies I would have a week from then. I really never know from day to day what I am going to be baking, so I asked what she would be craving the following week. Her response was cheesecake. She is definitely my kind of girl! Love me some cheesecake! And I love that I was her go to for dessert!

She also said that pumpkin cheesecake would be nice. Now I thought about making these Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes again, but this is me we are talking about. Any chance I get to make some new crazy dessert, I take it!

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 1, 2014 · UPDATED June 20, 2021 · 53 Comments

Looking for an easy, but different kind of brownie to make this week? These Reese's Peanut Butter Bars are just the treat for you. Three times the peanut butter goodness in peanut butter brownie will have you reaching for more.

So, my husband and I have finally reached the cool factor in our oldest son's eyes.

You know that stage that teenagers go through where their parents are lame and so not cool. Yeah, I think we finally got out of that stage. Woo hoo! Lucky for us our younger two still think we are cool...we are hoping they skip the "we think our parents are uncool" stage.

My husband has an old Saab convertible that is his baby. Our oldest thought it was the ugliest thing. That is until some of his friends started saying how cool his dad's car was. And that they thought his dad was a cool dad too. All of a sudden he doesn't mind being seen at the movies with dad and mom when his friends are around. Score 1 point for the parents.

Butterfinger Apple Tart

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 20, 2014 · UPDATED March 3, 2021 · 41 Comments

Use those apples in your refrigerator to create a fun fall dessert. This Butterfinger Apple Tart is full of cinnamon apples and Butterfinger candy bars. It won't last long, so go ahead and make two while you are at it.

**This post is sponsored by Crunch Pak Apples. I partnered with them to create delicious recipes for you to enjoy.**

Butterfinger Apple Tart - Butterfinger candy bars and cooked cinnamon apples make this a delicious and fun tart for dessert. Awesome recipe!

Lately our kids have been munching on all things sugar.

Can you blame them? They do live with me after all. It is perfectly normal for them to come home from school and see cookies and muffins on the counter and a pie in the refrigerator.

Oh, and let's not forget about the umpteen million bags of chocolate chips and candy that are overflowing from our cupboards. My husband was looking in there for something, and he mentioned that he thought the bags were multiplying.

"No, honey. I didn't just buy another 4 bags of candy I didn't need." Wink, wink!

Thank goodness for bags of apples in our refrigerator for the kids to munch on when that sweet tooth decides it needs a treat.

Of course there are those times that I add one of those bags of candy to the apples. Remember these Apple Butterfinger Bars? I might need some sort of intervention or something...

Chocolate Toffee Graham Clusters

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 15, 2014 · UPDATED March 7, 2019 · 48 Comments

Chocolate Toffee Graham Clusters: Graham cereal, peanuts, and toffee bits covered in chocolate makes this snack completely irresistible. Make a double batch because it will not last long. Trust me!

Chocolate Toffee Graham Clusters - these OMG Cluster copycats have plenty of chocolate, toffee, and Golden Grahams to satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy no bake treat! #nobake #cereal #goldengrahams #chocolate

This time of year makes me so happy. The chilly cool weather, the bonfires, the changing leaves, the cider, the hay mazes, the fall decor...I really could keep going.

Can you tell that I just love fall so very much.

This past week we had one day that rained all day, and then it was extremely hot and muggy after the rain stopped. We had to close all our windows and start the air back up to get rid of the humidity in the house.

Can you imagine our surprise when we got up the next morning and walked outside? It was crisp and chilly! There might have been a few happy steps as we headed to the car. I would say happy dancing, but it's way too early for dancing when we head to the gym at 5:30 am.

Seven Layer Burritos

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED August 22, 2014 · UPDATED April 30, 2020 ·

These copycat Seven Layer Burritos are easy to make for dinner on busy nights. Rice, beans, veggies, and sour cream in a tortilla are so delicious together.

It is that time of year when everyone is trying to get back into a good routine with school, sports schedules, and dinner times. We are constantly on the go running between different soccer, volleyball, and dance practices.

With our busy schedules, we are spending more quality time in the kitchen preparing easy meals that we can enjoy together. [Read more...]

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