Search Results for: pie

Name: Lemon Magic Cake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 lemon cake mix; 8 Tablespoons butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup miniature marshmallows; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup sprinkles

Carrot Cake Cookie Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 3, 2013 · UPDATED June 20, 2022 · 89 Comments

Do you like carrot cake? These Carrot Cake Cookie Bars are a quick and easy treat to serve after Easter dinner.

Carrot cake bars topped with green and orange candies on a dark orange plate.

The other day I was shopping at Walmart, and I came across this season's newest M&M flavor. They created a white chocolate carrot cake M&M.

Now you either are an A person who decided immediately that it sounds nasty, or you are a B person who is intrigued and want to give it a try. I am usually a B person with most new flavors, unless they are sour. Sour candy gives me the heebie geebies! Just can't do it!!!

Anyway, I instagrammed a picture asking opinions on this new flavor, and sure enough, the results were about half and half on whether you guys would try these too. Of course being a B person, I brought them home with me.

I'm sure you are wondering how those M&M's taste. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. The white chocolate has enough cinnamon and nutmeg that it just gives it a very spicy taste that I actually liked!!!

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Lemon Magic Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 17, 2013 · UPDATED July 24, 2019 · 54 Comments

It's cold outside, and I am dreaming about summer and sunshine. What is it about lemon bars that makes you feel all warm and happy inside? Apparently, I am not the only one who bakes up lemon bars during the dreary month of January.

I have seen quite a few versions floating around blogland this week. And here I thought I was being all sneaky like last Sunday when I threw these lemon cake bars in my oven. I think all food bloggers think alike...for the most part, that is.

So, supposedly, there is a flu epidemic going around the country. My kids have been fairly healthy...just a few colds here and there. I hope everyone in your households has been staying healthy, too.

The other day, my husband and I visited a lady from our church in the hospital. We stopped at the front desk to find out what room she was in. The girl looked us over really well, then told us the hospital was closed to anyone but close family due to flu restrictions. Lucky for us, the clergy are also allowed in the building. I think that might have stunned her for a minute. But then she kept going, telling us that children were not allowed under ANY circumstances in the building. We just shook our heads and agreed with her.

As we walked away, we both just started to laugh. Did she know something we didn't? The last time I checked, no one else was with us. Nope, no kids at all. I stopped and looked around because I was SURE some child had wandered into the building and must be standing near us. I mean, why else would she lecture us about children coming in? As we waited for the elevator, I did my scan of the room again...nope, still no children anywhere near us. I'm thinking she thought we were suspicious looking and had a child hidden under our coats or in my giant purse.

Either that, or my makeup was doing an extremely good job that day, and I looked like I was under 18. My husband just kind of snorted when I said that. Fine...just burst this 36 year old's dreams of still looking young.

As we rode up the elevator, my husband asked me what I thought would happen if I really tried to sneak a child into a hospital room. I'm pretty sure there would be alarms, bells, and whistles screaming through the hallways. Then the metal gates would probably drop from the ceiling, cutting off all hopes of escape. Bottom line: don't even mention the word "kid" in the building. That could get you under surveillance pretty quickly!

In all seriousness, I do understand the need to be very careful when the flu is going around. We just got a good laugh at the lady at the front desk and how insistent she was about no children when we didn't have any with us.

Maybe if this lady had some super sweet lemon cake bars with sprinkles for her lunch break, she would have been in a happier mood.

These magic bars start with a lemon cake mix dough that is pressed into a pan. Then, in true magic bar fashion, there are five layers of ingredients baked into the cake mix crust. I think my favorite layer is the sprinkle coating. Sprinkles just make me so happy, and I try to use them any chance I get. If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth, this bar is for you. Using a lemon cake mix keeps it from being a tart and citrus bar. It has a very subtle lemon flavor that pairs very well with the white chocolate and coconut layers.

And as with all magic bars, these are very sweet. I seriously could eat the sweetest and richest dessert without batting an eyelash. My sweet tooth has had years of experience. My husband, on the other hand, declared these bars too sweet for his liking. Just thought you might like to know they rate high on the sweet chart. They also rate very high in the cheery happy dessert chart.

Recipe

Lemon Magic Cake Bars

Yield: 24 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Lemon cake mix topped with layers of sweet goodness to create a magic bar

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

1 lemon cake mix
8 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray.
Combine the cake mix, butter, egg, and lemon juice until it forms a soft dough. Press into the bottom of prepared pan.
Layer the white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and coconut on the dough.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top, covering everything as much as possible. Top with sprinkles.
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before cutting.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 239mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 1gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g

Chocolate Cherry Muffin Tops

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 16, 2013 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 40 Comments

So I have decided that it is time to start posting some Valentine's recipes here. You're down with that right??? I promise not to go completely overboard, but this is a low fat chocolate cherry muffin top. Who wouldn't want this kind of recipe early?

You could wait until February to make these muffins, but I seriously don't recommend it. They were delicious!!! The yogurt in these muffins give them a soft, tender inside. I really like using yogurt instead of sour cream for muffins. It helps cut down on the fat content, which is something that I have started to watch a little more. My kids aren't big cereal eaters, but they will eat muffins if I keep them on hand. By making them with yogurt I feel better about them eating chocolate for breakfast. Of course, we ate them at all times of the day. They are a perfect afternoon snack when you are craving just a little bit of chocolate. (that makes me laugh because when I crave chocolate, I don't want to eat a little) These chocolate cherry muffins are also a great before bed snack...or a midnight snack! Whenever you decide to eat them, they will satisfy your chocolate crave!!!

The great thing about this muffin is that it is easy to make it in a muffin top pan or a whoopie pie pan, or if you don't have either, just bake it in a regular muffin tin. I have included both baking times in the recipe for you. Let's talk about the cherries for a minute. If you like fresh cherries, by all means, use the fresh cherries in your batter. I just happen to love maraschino cherries. There is usually a jar in my fridge at all times for sundaes or drinks. And I keep a backup jar in my baking cupboard...does that surprise you that I have more than one jar? Something about the taste of these jarred cherries makes me happy. They also keep their bright red color when you bake with them. I love pretty food!!! Pretty food just looks so much more appetizing!

See how puffy those chocolate cherry muffin tops turned out? I know you want a bite.

Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Muffin Tops

Yield: 24 muffin tops

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Chocolate muffins made with yogurt and filled with chocolate chips and cherries

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
1 large egg
⅔ cup greek yogurt
⅔ cup coconut milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup miniature chocolate chips
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a mixing bowl cream the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the cherry juice, egg, and yogurt to the butter and beat again.
Sift together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and flour and add alternately with the coconut milk to the butter mixture and beat gently.
Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries by hand.
Spoon a large tablespoon of batter into a greased muffin top pan (I used a whoopie pie pan) Bake for 12 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack to cool.
Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Makes 24 muffin tops.

Notes

You can use a regular muffin tin if you don't have a muffin top pan. Bake the muffins for 18 minutes. Makes about 15 muffins.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Looking for more chocolate muffins? Try one of these.

MOCHA MUFFINS

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MUFFINS

Loaded Butterfinger Banana Muffins

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 3, 2013 · UPDATED July 12, 2019 · 39 Comments

Do you know what happens when you add candy bars to muffins? You get Loaded Butterfinger Banana Muffins!

Oh, don't act all surprised that I put sweets in my breakfast food!!! It's kind of a thing I do around these parts. I mean there are cookies in these berry burst Oreo scones!

Back to these muffins...if you add candy to them, you and everyone in your house will eat them for breakfast, morning snack, lunch, after lunch snack, dinner, and bed time snack. Basically those candy filled muffins disappear like hot cakes. It will make you feel all warm and cozy inside because missing muffins means this is a good recipe...a really, REALLY good one!!! [Read more...]

Peppermint Snowball Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 27, 2012 · UPDATED December 1, 2021 · 38 Comments

Christmas cookie season is here and everyone is looking for an easy-to-make holiday cookie. These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat. Everyone loves these Christmas cookies because they are delicious AND festive!

Love peppermint treats? Be sure to check out our peppermint stick ice cream and these peppermint Oreo cookies.

A holiday napkin with a few white chocolate peppermint snowball cookies topped with candy canes on it.

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I have been making these peppermint snowball cookies for years. I don't even remember when or where I found this cookie recipe. But it isn't the holiday season until we make one or two batches of these snowballs.

Snowballs are traditionally rolled in powdered sugar while they are warm. This makes them white like a snowball. But I like to dip them in white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on them instead.

These are one of my all time favorite cookies to make for Christmas because they melt in your mouth. You can also make these year round by just changing out the extract to another flavor and topping them with sprinkles. Or you can make them chocolate and stuff them with a Hershey's kiss like these chocolate bon bon cookies.

Why Make Snowballs

Peppermint snowballs are the perfect Christmas cookies for any gathering or party. Candy cane sprinkles make them so festive looking which is always fun for the holidays.

They are easy to make and taste so good. Each one is soft, buttery, and melts in your mouth.

You can use different flavors or colors of candy canes to give the rolled shortbread cookies a different look. Sprinkles are another great option.

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Peppermint Patty Gooey Cake Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 19, 2012 · UPDATED November 10, 2018 · 38 Comments

Layers of chocolate and mint candies make these Peppermint Patty Gooey Cake Bars a fun and easy dessert treat.

The other day I wanted chocolate. I had to have something right away!

There is always some sort of candy in my baking cupboard, but I wanted something more than just a chocolate bar. I kept thinking about these Gooey Butterfinger Brownie Bars and how good they were.

As I dug through the cupboard, I pulled out a bag of York peppermint patties. Right away I knew another gooey bar needed to happen! [Read more...]

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 12, 2012 · UPDATED January 16, 2020 · 34 Comments

These sweet Peppermint Mocha Cookies stay soft for days, making them the perfect treat to make for Christmas cookie trays or exchanges.

Peppermint Mocha Pudding Cookies - soft chocolate cookies loaded with chocolate chips and peppermint bits. Great recipe to make for Christmas cookie exchanges!

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As soon as Walmart started carrying the Andes peppermint crunch pieces, I have been baking with them. I love those pink chips! I also can't get enough pudding cookies. This past spring I made Peanut Butter Pudding cookies, and they became my all time favorite cookie. Until now...

I have had a jar of Nutella in my cupboard just waiting to be used. I subbed the spread for the peanut butter and added those yummy peppermint pieces for a new Christmas cookie.

As soon as I ate one fresh from the oven, I was in cookie heaven. These are my absolute favorite cookies now!

Peppermint Mocha Pudding Cookies - these chocolate fudge cookies filled with peppermint crunch chips will not last long.

I need to stock up on more of those Andes chips so that I can make these year-round. I knew these cookies would be the perfect ones to share in a cookie swap.

These delicious fudgey cookies stay soft for days, so they were a great choice to send out in the mail. Three dozen of these cookies went in the mail. Then I ate the rest while I waited to see what yummy ones I would get back.

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Candy Cane Pudding Parfaits

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 9, 2012 · UPDATED November 10, 2018 · 64 Comments

This week I wanted to make a fun and easy dessert for our family to enjoy after dinner. I had a box of candy cane pudding and a carton of Cool Whip frosting that I wanted to use together.

Another search of my cupboards and I also found some mini candy canes and some candy cane Oreos hiding in the very back. Don't you hide cookies too? If I keep them in plain sight, my family will eat them before I have a chance to get creative with them.

I even found these cute parfait glasses that I had forgotten about. (You know you have a prop addiction when you can't remember when you bought the said cute glasses.) But when they are only $.50 a piece, it is an ok addiction to have for the time being.

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Pineapple Filled Cupcakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 5, 2012 · UPDATED May 30, 2021 · 58 Comments

My daughter and I went to the post office last night to mail out some cookies. (Yay for fun cookie swaps btw) Do you know what we noticed? Not very many people decorate their houses for Christmas anymore. On our street there are only 6 houses with out door lights twinkling on their porches.

That may sound like quite a few, until you know that there are at least 50 homes on the 2 blocks of our street. And we didn't see very many throughout town as were were driving. Why are so many people Scrooge McMuffins when it comes to decorating with outdoor lights? When I was little I can remember house after house decked out for the holidays. (and I'm not that old) [Read more...]

Easy Turtle Cheesecake Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 25, 2012 · UPDATED October 20, 2020 · 93 Comments

The holidays are ahead of us. That means one thing...I want to eat cookies, fudge, popcorn and cheesecake every single day until Christmas. Who's with me? 🙂

It would seem that I have a huge sugar problem.

My jeans are starting to realize this addiction and are starting to protest a little bit.

I'm pretty sure sweets for dinner isn't the best idea...especially when it happens on a regular basis. Given the choice of soup or some sweet yummy dessert, I will choose the dessert every.single.time. Don't judge my sweet loving problem. I can't be the only one with this affliction. Please tell me you have been there, done that too 🙂

This fudge was one of those ones that was too good for it's own good. I have to sadly admit that I ate my fair share of this one. I decided it was better if I got rid of this as fast as I could. It went with us to Thanksgiving, but even there I couldn't help myself from snagging a piece every time I walked by the dessert table.

This fudge is so perfectly soft. It isn't your traditional hard and heavy fudge. It is actually very soft and light. Sugar laden, yes, but what fudge isn't? The pecans on top help add just a little bit of saltiness to tame the sugar down a bit.

The idea for this fudge came from a little booth we visited at a craft fair earlier this fall. I have a confession...I don't usually buy fudge at places like these. Most times I go in these shops for the free samples and for the fun new ideas. Last year I found this cappuccino fudge at a fair, and I had to come home and make it in my kitchen. I may or may not have snapped some pictures of the fudge booth while I was in there scoping out some new ideas.

Just means I have a few more fudge ideas up my sleeves for you in the coming weeks and months 🙂 It is becoming one of my favorite things to make!!! I ~~blame~~ thank Aimee for making me love fudge with pudding in it!

Here are a few more fudge ideas for your Christmas trays this year:
***********************
Mocha Coconut Fudge from How Sweet Eats
Cinnabon Fudge from Shugary Sweets
Cake Batter Fudge from Ashlee Marie
Mocha Mallow Fudge from BruCrew Life
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Recipe

Easy Turtle Cheesecake Fudge

Yield: 49 pieces

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Easy fudge recipe made from white chocolate chips and instant cheesecake pudding mix.

4.2 Stars (11 Reviews)

Ingredients

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 ½ Tablespoons butter
pinch of salt
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups marshmallow cream (fluff)
1 - 3.4 ounce box instant cheesecake pudding mix
¼ cup caramel baking bits
4 teaspoons water
¼ cup finely diced pecans

Instructions

Combine the chocolate chips, butter, salt, and condensed milk in a saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Stir in the pudding mix and stir until combined. Stir for another minute while the pudding mix dissolves into the mixture.
Add in the marshmallow fluff and stir until melted and smooth.
Pour fudge mixture into a wax paper lined 8x8 pan. Refrigerate until set. Remove from refrigerator and cut into 49 small squares.
Combine the caramel and water in a small saucepan. Heat until melted.
Cool slightly and drizzle over fudge squares. Sprinkle with pecan chips before the caramel hardens.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 49 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 59mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Eggnog Scones

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 20, 2012 · UPDATED December 27, 2021 · 26 Comments

These flakey Eggnog Scones are the perfect holiday breakfast. Adding a light eggnog glaze gives them just the right amount of sweetness. It's an excellent recipe if you have leftover eggnog in your fridge.

A white plate with glazed eggnog scones topped with glaze and nutmeg on it.

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There is just something about eggnog that says Christmas to me. Of course, I realize that this drink is one that you either love or hate. I personally love the stuff!

I love to start the holiday mornings with a small glass of nog. The problem is that I never finish the carton of eggnog because it is so rich.

A good way to finish up the leftover eggnog is to use it different baked goods. A few of our favorites are these eggnog brownies and this eggnog whipped cream You get the same great flavor, but without the rich creamy texture.

Why You Will Love These Scones

These simple eggnog scones are the perfect holiday treat for breakfast. They are light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the glaze.

They will be an instant hit with everyone who tries them, especially if they love eggnog as much as we do.

The best part is that they have just the right amount of eggnog flavor in every bite. It is not too strong or too subtle. It's just perfect.

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Cheesecake Halloween Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 24, 2012 · UPDATED March 30, 2021 · 79 Comments

Layers of brownies, holiday Oreo cookies, and a rich coffee cheesecake make these Halloween Brownies an amazing treat to indulge in this fall!

Coffee Oreo Cheesecake Brownies - layers of brownies, cookies, and coffee cheesecake makes this one delicious dessert recipe for any party!

I am declaring today a party day because right now I'm looking for any excuse to eat some more chocolate. This past weekend and the last few days have been just a little stressful for me! Nothing super important, just computer things that make my eyes glaze over. All this coding, blog moving, and learning has taken a toll on my brain!

I am slowly working my way around WordPress. I have figured out enough stuff to get a post up, obviously. Do not ask me anything else, though, because I am so lost at the moment! I am told that after a few weeks, I'll be a pro! Somehow, I am doubting that, since I'm a computer-challenged person! But I'm up for learning it!

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Halloween Washi Magnet Clips

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 3, 2012 · UPDATED February 16, 2019 · 25 Comments

These cute Halloween Washi Magnet Clips are an easy kids craft. Using a few supplies these magnets can be put together in just minutes. They can also be customized for other holidays.

I have been looking for some new magnets for the front of our refrigerator. The problem with most of the magnets that I have found is that they are not strong enough. We need magnets that are strong enough to hold school projects, lists, and artwork without sliding down the door.

The other day I was browsing the craft aisles at Walmart, and I came across some fun things in one of the $1 bins.

There was bakers twine, stickers, mini stamp sets, and these fun Halloween puffy stickers. Immediately I thought they would make great magnets, and for the price I can make more for other holidays when Halloween is over. [Read more...]

Caramel Milky Way Cheesecake Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 21, 2012 · UPDATED August 26, 2021 · 59 Comments

These Caramel Milky Way Cheesecake Bars almost didn't make it here. But the drizzles of chocolate and caramel convinced me to share.

One Caramel Milky Way Cheesecake Bar on a white plate with a wire rack full of more cheesecake bars behind it

Do you ever have one of those days? Just kind of an off kind of a day where you have no idea what you did all day.

That was my yesterday. I honestly only did about 2 hours of email catching up and surfing, and then I went for a run.

But what happened to the other 3 hours of my childless day because I'm really not sure where it went.

Part of the day was fighting with caramel and cheesecake cookie bars, and trying to take pictures without it looking like a hot mess.

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About Me

Hi, my name is Jocelyn, and I am the baker, photographer, and writer behind Inside BruCrew Life. Calling myself a professional food blogger for 18 years is just a fancy way of saying I've spent more time in the kitchen than anywhere else.

A head shot of Jocelyn Brubaker, the author of Inside BruCrew Life.

I've cooked up thousands of recipes, tried them all (someone had to do it!), and shared my food adventures with my online readers.

On the blog, you will find a wide variety of recipes, including desserts like cookies, cakes, brownies, and cheesecake. Plus main dishes, salads, and appetizers. I create and share original recipes along with helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to make cooking and baking easy for everyone.

What Will You Find Inside BruCrew Life

Simple Semi-Homemade Recipes. Get ready to whip up some amazing dishes with my super simple recipes. I've got a knack for combining timeless flavors with unexpected surprises. And let's be real - box mixes, Cool Whip, and sprinkles are my secret weapons. Get ready to make some magic in your kitchen!
Seasonal and Holiday Content. I love creating content that is tailored to specific seasons and holidays. From Easter to Christmas and everything in between, I have the seasonal recipes you need to make your holiday meals unforgettable.
Baking and Cooking Tips. Get ready to level up your kitchen game with valuable tips and tricks. Learn all my baking secrets to impress your friends and family. From genius ingredient substitutions to mind-blowing kitchen hacks, I've got you covered.

A girl standing in a kitchen with a pie.

Over the years, I have developed my own style when it comes to baking. I'm all about playful, approachable, inventive desserts. The best way I can describe my kitchen style is "semi-homemade with flair".

I love showing you how to jazz up a cake mix, so it looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. To me, baking is about sharing the joy of delicious food with those we love, not slaving in the kitchen for hours making everything from scratch.

How It All Started

Jocelyn Brubaker baking a pie as a child.

"My love for baking started when I was 4 years old. I never thought it would turn out to be this much fun!"

My love for baking began at a young age. The earliest baking memory I have is making a cherry pie for my dad when I was 4 years old.

Throughout high school, I spent many nights in the kitchen making treats to share with my friends. I also took on the role of baker and chief dinner maker in our family. During college, I took a few cooking and baking classes that further deepened my love for creating recipes in the kitchen.

After getting married, I took a cake-decorating class and started a small home-based cake-decorating business. I enjoyed the creative process of baking, so I regularly made cakes for friends and family.

Over time, I realized that making wedding cakes was a very stressful job. Transporting them in the back of my vehicle was testing my patience and sanity. Sharing dessert recipes online was way more fun!

My Favorite Desserts

From a Hobby to a Career

Jeremy and Jocelyn Brubaker, the author's of Inside BruCrew life.

I started Inside BruCrew Life in the fall of 2008 when all our kids were in school. In the beginning, it was an easy way to share family life, crafts, and recipes with family members who lived in other states. After a couple of years, I realized just how much I loved sharing my delicious creations. And just like that, my hobby turned into a full-on food blog!

When my husband answered the call to full-time ministry in 2012, I saw an opportunity to use my dessert superpowers to support our family. Not only could it help our family, but I could do it from the comfort of my own home. I get to be my own boss and do something I'm absolutely passionate about. It was a win-win situation, friends!

Since then, I have had the opportunity to travel to different events, visit farms and factories, and work with brands such as Lucky Leaf, Musselmans, Red Gold, Pillsbury, Dixie Sugar, plus many more.

Featured Online and In Print

A picture of Jocelyn Brubaker with balloons at a Duncan Hines event.

In 2013, I entered my Neapolitan fudge into a Duncan Hines Spring Bake-Off contest! Imagine my surprise and pure delight when I got the email notifying me that my recipe had been chosen as one of the 10 winners!

Since then, my recipes have been consistently featured in Woman's World, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Yahoo Food, The Huffington Post, Rachael Ray, Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan, and many more magazines and sites.

A word bubble of different magazines and companies.

I Wrote a Cookbook

Jocelyn Brubaker holding up her cookbook.

"Cheesecake is the perfect canvas for any flavor. It can be easily adapted to be a bar, a pie, a cookie filling, a cupcake, even a parfait or a cake layer. It is my hope and desire that "Cheesecake Love" will inspire you to create your own unique desserts and have fun in your kitchen!"

In this cheesecake cookbook, you will find something for everyone. There are fruity cheesecakes, chocolate cheesecakes, and even cheesecake for breakfast.

Yes, you read that right. I even brought your favorite dessert to the breakfast table so that you can start the day off with cheesecake. How's that for some fun?

My Favorite Cheesecakes

Fun Facts

How did you come up with the name?

We are the Brubakers, but our friends and family know us as the BruCrew. Back in the day, Inside BruCrew Life started as a little "inside" look into our lives, sprinkled with some tasty recipes.

Where do most of your recipes come from?

My brain is like a dessert-making machine, constantly churning out wild and delicious ideas. I can't help but get inspired by anything and everything when it comes to my fun desserts. And once that sugar-filled light bulb goes off in my head, there's no stopping the dessert-mania that follows.

Do you eat everything you make?

I have tested every recipe I've shared. But hey, that doesn't mean I've devoured them all myself. No, no, I'm like a taste-testing ninja - trying a bit here, sampling a bit there, and then happily passing the deliciousness on to my lucky friends and family. Sharing is caring, after all!

My Favorite Dinners

Stay up to date with all the latest recipes and news on these social media spaces.

Monster Cookie Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 5, 2012 · UPDATED February 2, 2021 · 36 Comments

It's after noon here, and we are all just starting to move around here. But I guess that's what happens when you stay up to the wee hours blowing up your money.

We spent yesterday with family, and hip hip hooray, they have had plenty of rain up north, so no burn bans there.

So of course the boys headed out to buy some fire fun!!! Oh my word!!! I can't believe how much that stuff costs!!!

We saw one big package marked $750!!! Seriously? Who buys those things?

Now we are home after a long night, and it is time to get back into the swing of things.

Well, maybe not a full day swing of things.
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Mocha Mallow Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 1, 2012 · UPDATED May 29, 2021 · 39 Comments

We love a good hot chocolate any time of the year.
But when the temperatures reach 100*...
A hot chocolate just isn't going to cut it.
Cold hot chocolates are pretty good,
but sometimes you just want more to bite into.

I always associated fudge with Christmas...
It seems like growing up, that was the only time I ever ate it.
But now I think we need to have fudge more often.

So, to combat my craving for hot chocolate and to get more fudge in my diet,
I decided to combine the two.
And the cookie crust, well it had nothing to do with either...
It just happened.

This just might be my favorite fudge right now.
Soft and marshmallowy...sweet and crunchy...chocolatey and creamy!

Oh, fudge, now I'm craving it all over again.
And of course, I never did buy another mocha packet.
This could be bad...

Recipe

Mocha Mallow Fudge

Yield: 36 squares

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Cookie crumbs with mocha and vanilla fudge layers.

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Mocha Layer

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup marshmallow cream
¼ cup hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 ½ c. miniature marshmallows

For the Vanilla Layer

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 ½ teaspoons unsalted butter
pinch of salt
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup marshmallow cream

Instructions

Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper or foil.
Combine the cookie crumbs and the melted butter in a bowl and press into prepared pan. Set aside.
In a saucepan combine the white chocolate chips, butter, salt, condensed milk, and marshmallow cream for the mocha layer. Stir over medium heat until everything is all melted.
Stir in the hot chocolate and instant coffee until dissolved. Let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the marshmallows and pour over the crust. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, salt, condensed milk, and marshmallow cream. Stir over medium heat until melted.
Let cool 5 minutes and pour over the mocha layer. Refrigerate until set. Cut into 36 squares.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

How about some more fudge to drool over?

Cappuccino Fudge - BruCrew Life

Chocolate Fudge with Nutter Butter Crust - Crazy For Crust

Key Lime Pie Fudge - Real Mom Kitchen

Banana Reese's Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 28, 2012 · UPDATED February 12, 2019 · 46 Comments

Two times the peanut butter candies make these soft Banana Reese's Cookies a delicious choice for the cookie jar.

(photos updated June 2016)

Happiness is...

*cool summer mornings where you need a blanket to snuggle under

*little hands reaching for yours when you go for a walk

*hearing your kids playing and getting along...for a while anyway!

*kissing your husband

*going to Goodwill and finding fun photo props

*making and eating marshmallow Reese's brownies

[Read more...]

Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 18, 2012 · UPDATED March 2, 2021 · 19 Comments

These Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and easy dinner for when you do not want to be in the kitchen for long.

Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches from www.insidebrucrewlife.com - spicy barbecue chicken sandwiches for an easy and delicious dinner

Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day with my husband.
Now, we didn't do anything extra special.
We went to church, had burgers, played ninja, watched tv and ate strawberry pie.
Pretty much a regular day, but it was with the daddy we love,
and that makes it special no matter what!

[Read more...]

Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED June 4, 2012 · UPDATED June 21, 2021 · 31 Comments

Layers of creamy tart cheesecake and soft chewy cookies make these Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars a delicious dessert recipe to make and share.

Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars - chocolate chip cookie bars with a key lime cheesecake center

These Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars are some of my favorites to make. For some reason though I haven't made them in forever.

A few weeks ago I was wanting to make my hubby a yummy treat for us to enjoy after the kids went to bed.

He loves cheesecake, and I love chocolate chip cookies. These cookie bars are the perfect mashup of recipes for us!!!

I made and posted these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars a few years ago.

[Read more...]

Things I'm Loving Right Now

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 4, 2012 · UPDATED June 10, 2021 · 22 Comments

1. Weeds.

I don't know why, but I have a thing for pretty weeds. These ones were along the road by our local YMCA. I drove past, then turned around and got out to snap a few shots. So pretty!!!!

2. Cute Candy Stores.

I love that I wasn't tempted to buy any this time, but I may have written down a few ideas in my notebook:-)

3. Pier One.

It has been years since I have been in there. Why? I don't know, but I have a feeling I will be there more often now:-) They have some really cute dishes.

4. Baby Ike.

Isn't he just one of the cutest cuddliest babies? My daughter just couldn't get enough of holding him the other night. Too cute!

5. Candy Aisles.

It doesn't matter what store I go in...the candy aisle always gets a run through...sometimes even twice! You never know when a new candy is going to be there...gotta be prepared.

6. Food Photography.

I completely and totally adore taking pics of food. Maybe one day it will turn into a real job...for now a part time hobby is pretty cool:-) And I love that scrap pieces of bead board panelling works as a back drop. Now I just need to paint a few so I have some other color options...the white is starting to get boring.

7. Smiles at Baseball.

This little slugger got two people out in the first inning last night. It is so much fun to sit and watch these little guys play ball.

8. Fun Baking Toys.

This cute little waffle stick maker has been haunting my dreams since I saw it at Kohl's about a month ago. I had to have it a few days ago. Kohl's wanted me to...they even sent me another $10 off coupon in the mail. I didn't want to waste it:-) Of course, I tried it out right away...not a good idea to add banana to the recipe. They didn't bake quite right. LOL! Just means I will have to play around with it some more!!!

9. Cute Kid Notes.

My two youngest were fighting over something silly, so I just let them go. Later that day I found this adorable note from my son. LOVE LOVE LOVE that they have learned to apologize and make up without us always prompting them!!!

10. Green Colanders and Vanilla Paste.

The other day I was at the mall and did a run through at the kitchen store...yea for finding vanilla bean paste there. It was on my list to order online. Love saving shipping costs. And then at Walmart this cute little strainer basically jumped off the shelf and into my cart. I didn't want to disappoint it...so I brought it home with me. Love that is the perfect size to drain a can of beans when making hummus.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU ARE LOVING THIS WEEK???

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked this post, please leave a comment. Comments are a great way for me to see what is a blog hit or miss:-)

BBQ Chicken & Avocado Quesadillas

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 3, 2012 · UPDATED November 11, 2018 · 41 Comments

Dinner ideas do not come to me very often. I was pretty excited to create these BBQ Chicken & Avocado Quesadillas for my kids the other night.

BBQ Chicken & Avocado Quesadillas - melted cheese, chicken, and avocados make a delicious quesadilla dinner. Awesome easy meal recipe!

(photos updated June 2016)

PIN IT NOW TO SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

In fact, when I have to come up with a dinner idea on the spot, I blank completely.

Thank goodness for Pinterest

and good bloggy friends who post yummy dinners.

Plus, dinner is much harder to photograph...

all my natural lighting from my front windows is gone

by the time I have dinner plated up.

[Read more...]

Caramel Oatmeal Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 30, 2012 · UPDATED September 18, 2020 · 24 Comments

These Caramel Oatmeal Bars are an easy breakfast to have ready on busy mornings. Homemade granola bars never looked so good.

Two caramel oatmeal bars stacked on a white plate

I love that the internet is a fun place to be able to share my crazy baking stuff.

Creative people have a strange desire to share their crafting love with others.

And blogging has given me a connection with others

that are just as "crazy" about baking as me.

It is a fun outlet.

I love sharing my baking passion with all of you.

It makes me the happiest to be creating in my kitchen

and then happy to share the fun recipes online.

I love that bloggers get bloggers.

You all leave the sweetest comments. (don't ever stop:-)

Last fall I joined a secret recipe club.

Just another fun way to "connect" with more fun foodies!!!

[Read more...]

Chocolate Chip Banana Layer Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 23, 2012 · UPDATED January 26, 2019 · 77 Comments

The layers in this chocolate chip banana cake with peanut butter frosting will have you reaching for another slice in a hurry.

Chocolate Chip Banana Cake with Honey Peanut Butter Frosting - banana cake frosted with a homemade peanut butter frosting makes this cake so impressive and delicious! Try this delicious layer cake when you need a great party cake! #banana #cake #layercake #peanutbutterfrosting #basketweave

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I used to decorate cakes for other people. Real-life people. Do you know how stressful that is?

I am kind of a perfectionist (in some areas of my life). I would spend hours at a time making sure everything looked absolutely perfect. There were times I would scrape it off and start over if there was a line that I couldn't make right.

Then I had to make sure that I was doing it exactly how the customer wanted it.

My most fun cakes were the ones that they said, "just do whatever." Actually, those were fun but also VERY stressful because what if they hated what I came up with?

Reality set in and I realized that I couldn't charge enough to balance out the time I was putting into these cakes. So now I just bake when I want to. There is way less stress baking for my family.

Although every once in a while I will take a cake order. And then kick myself when I actually have to work on it. In fact, I try to talk people into cupcakes because they are easier to do. Plop a swirl on top, and they are good to go.

[Read more...]

Marshmallow Reese's Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 4, 2012 · UPDATED April 3, 2022 · 49 Comments

The gooey candy center in these Marshmallow Reese's Brownies makes them an irresistible dessert. They are the perfect way to use up those extra bags of candy you bought.

A stack of four Marshmallow Reese's Brownies on a white plate with a yellow bag of peanut butter eggs behind them.

I have a real serious problem right now. I can't stop eating these Marshmallow Reese's Brownies.

Don't laugh at me. A peanut butter and chocolate addiction is a real problem to have! And these are the best gooey brownies ever!

This time of year doesn't help me out any. Every store I walk into has these huge displays trying to get me to buy more Easter candy. So I do. I just can't resist the power of a peanut butter egg.

Fat pants here I come!

[Read more...]

Mint Chocolate Cookies and Cream Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 27, 2012 · UPDATED March 1, 2022 · 64 Comments

Two layers of fudge and cookie chunks makes this Mint Chocolate Cookies and Cream Fudge kind of hard to resist.

2 pieces of fudge with a chocolate layer and a green mint layer loaded with mint Oreos.

Today is my reveal for the secret recipe club.

This month I had the priviledge of choosing a recipe from Hilary's blog, Baking Bad.

I was pretty excited to get hers because she lives about an hour from me, but we have never met...one day, maybe?

[Read more...]

Mini Brownie Fruit Pizzas

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 24, 2012 · UPDATED February 2, 2021 · 32 Comments

Adding fresh fruit to the top of brownies makes a delicious dessert to serve at any party. These Mini Brownie Fruit Pizzas would be perfect for showers or parties.

We have had such a mild winter this year. Lots of warm spring like days. Not a lot of snow.

I could get used to a winter like this for sure.

Where is the wooden table to knock on? Because I may have just jinxed the rest of February and March for us.
[Read more...]

Whatchamacallit Blonde Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 15, 2012 · UPDATED December 18, 2020 · 25 Comments

Whatchamacallit Blonde Brownies have caramel, peanuts, and rice krispie cereal in every bite. The ultimate candy bar taste in a delicious blonde brownie.

A stack of three Whatchamacallit Blondies on a white plate

I know what you are thinking. Do we really need another blonde brownie recipe?

The answer to that is a very loud YES!!!

But I knew you would need more than a picture to convince you, so...I came prepared with some excellent reasons on why you need to bake them. (like today)

[Read more...]

Red Hot Oreo Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 10, 2012 · UPDATED June 10, 2021 · 37 Comments

Let's talk about red hots. I don't know why, but when I think of red hots it reminds me of Valentines.

Can I tell you a secret?

I don't really like red hots (unless it is in this Crock Pot Cinnamon Strawberry Applesauce, or this Red Hot jello), but I discovered that if you melt red hots into vanilla frosting it turns into a yummy, slightly cinnamony goodness that is hard to resist!

Believe me I know...because I didn't resist it very well!

It is super easy to make because it only takes 2 ingredients. I love no fail fudge.

Melt the chips...melt the frosting...chill. Yummy fudge in less than 30 minutes.

Now that's my kind of fudge!!!

This is technically 4 ingredient fudge because I added cookies and candies, but still super easy to make...and to eat.

My biggest advice about this fudge...use a food processor to crush the red hots if you have one. I put mine in plastic baggies and
tried to smash the crap out of it with a wooden spoon.

Did you know red hots are super hard? It took a lot of effort to crush them. But once I tasted the fudge it was well worth the muscle
I had to put into it.

See how pretty it looks?

Believe me...it tasted as good as it looks too! Tasted because mine is all gone...that makes me kind of sad.

Recipe

Red Hot Oreo Fudge

Yield: 49 fudge squares

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Two layers of chocolate and vanilla fudge with Oreo chunks and red hot candies mixed in.

4.2 Stars (3 Reviews)

Ingredients

For the Oreo Fudge

1 - 16 ounce container canned chocolate frosting
1 - 12 ounce bag chocolate chips
10 Oreo cookies, chopped up

For the Red Hot Fudge

1 - 16 ounce container canned vanilla frosting
1 - 12 ounce bag white chocolate chips
½ cups crushed Red Hot candies

Instructions

Line an 8x8 pan with foil.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Stir until melted.
Stir in the chocolate frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the cookie crumbles.
Pour into the lined pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the vanilla frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy.
Stir in the crushed red hots. Stir a few minutes while the red hots melt and turn your fudge a pretty pink.
Pour on top of the chocolate oreo fudge and let set on the counter for 10 minutes.
Top with sprinkles and place in the fridge to set up completely.
Let the fudge come to room temperature before cutting into 49 squares.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 49 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 91Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Two pictures of Red Hot Oreo Fudge collaged together with a white text box

Reader's Choice-Top Posts

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 27, 2011 · UPDATED June 10, 2021 · 13 Comments

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

After church we relaxed all day in our jammies!

Some days you just need to.

Thank you so much for a great year

with the BruCrew.

I cannot believe that 2011 will be over

in just a few short days.

Bring it on 2012!!!

I have enjoyed sharing

my crazy recipes with you here.

And I have made so many new friends

through this blog.

You guys are great!!!

Here is a roundup of the most popular posts this year.

If you are a new reader, some may be new to you.

You may even find a new favorite!

Faithful readers...have you tried any of these???

Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes

This is a recipe from last year that still is at

the top of the stats thanks to Pinterest...

you all love your pumpkin and oreo!!

Salted Caramel Mocha Brownie Cups

This delicious goodie was inspired

this fall by a drink at Starbucks.

I love a good coffee treat.

Braided Headbands

Another post from 2010 that is still going strong.

Have you made your own yet?

Peanut Butter Pie Parfaits

This was one of my first posts in 2011.

Who knew you would be so crazy for

these cute parfaits:-)

Brookie Bites

A chocolate chip cookie surrounded by a brownie

and then dipped in chocolate?

Yes, please.

Eggnog Latte Cupcakes

Starbucks to the rescue again

for these delicious coffee treats!

You guys like coffee stuff just as much as I do:-)

Pumpkin Twinkies

I totally understand why this is still in the top 10!

Pumpkin, marshmallow, and chocolate...

definitely one of my fav combos too!!!

Pumpkin Spice Brownie Bites

I came up with this recipe in the fall of 2010

but Pinterest has kept it alive and thriving!!!

Who can resist a brownie with a surprise inside!

(use the caramel kiss when you can't find these seasonal kisses)

Tagalong Cupcakes

Girl Scout cookies inside cupcakes

is a good way to create a killer recipe!!!!

(no GS cookies...Keebler cookies work well too:-)

Cappuccino Fudge

Yup it's official.

You are addicted to coffee flavored desserts!

Again thank you for your support.

It means so much to me.

Keep leaving the sweet comments...

I can't wait to share more sugar crazed treats with you in 2012!

Cappuccino Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 14, 2011 · UPDATED February 2, 2022 · 44 Comments

This easy Cappuccino Fudge is made with just a few ingredients and only takes minutes to make. The creamy layers in this coffee fudge make it a pretty and tasty dessert.

Three squares of fudge stacked on a paper.

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My favorite part of my day is my morning coffee. I love finding ways to incorporate that drink into recipes. Some of our favorites include a mudslide pie, coffee cream brownies, and this easy tiramisu recipe.

Years ago, on vacation, I tried a cappuccino fudge from a little shop. It had layers of chocolate and coffee swirled into little squares and tasted amazing.

I decided to make that flavor by jazzing up my simple frosting fudge. It was the perfect way to get my coffee fix for the day.

Why This Coffee Fudge Recipe Works

The main reason this fudge works is because it is foolproof. There is no need for candy thermometers or endless stirring over a hot stove. All you do is melt it all together and let it chill.

This coffee fudge recipe has all the things you want in fudge. It has a creamy and smooth texture that melts in your mouth, and the layers of dark chocolate and coffee create a delicious mocha flavor.

I like to add coffee beans on top to make it pretty. Plus, that lets everyone know the fudge is caffeinated.

With just 15 minutes of prep work, some chilling, and a few ingredients, this pretty layered fudge will deliver coffee joy to anyone who tries it.

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Chocolate Mojo Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 7, 2011 · UPDATED March 25, 2020 · 15 Comments

These easy no bake Chocolate Mojo Bars are loaded with pretzels, nuts, and chocolate. Great snack or breakfast treat to enjoy.

Do you get inspired by things you are eating?

A couple weeks ago I was on my way to pick up

our kids from school, so I grabbed a Cliff Mojo bar

as I ran out the door.

I was just driving along minding my own business

munching away on my bar.

There are quite a few red lights on the way

and as I sat at one of them

a lightbulb went off!!!

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Wooden Spool Yarn Turkeys

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 18, 2011 · UPDATED June 4, 2021 · 8 Comments

This month's cyber crafting got a change up...

my sister and I actually got to make our craft

together!!!

Jenni and my mom came out to watch my

not-so-little monsters while we went to Haiti.

Then they stayed an extra day to hang out with me:-)

I feel extra special:-) We had a good day...

crafting and shopping good will.

She even humored me when I told her my idea for a yarn turkey!

Last year I made this yarn snowman,

so I got to thinking that maybe it could be

transformed into a yarn turkey.

I think it turned out freakishly cute,

don'tcha think???

Even if Jenni thought he was a little strange!

Something about the googly eyes kinda makes

him look a little deranged.

Haha! I love the googly eyes!

Supplies you will need:

*a wooden spool

*brown fuzzy yarn

*round ball for the head (with a flat bottom)

*bag of different size oval wood pieces (7 large, 2 medium)

*wooden heart for the feet

*orange/red felt

*paint

*googly eyes

Everyone I want you to meet my crafting partner:

my sister Jenni!

I am so thankful for her being willing to come out

and watch my kids while we were away!!

And I am thankful she likes to do fun crafty stuff like me:-)

(now if I can just convince her to move closer to me:-)

Let's get started:

1. Paint the spool and ball brown. Paint the 7 large ovals different fall colors. Paint the 2 medium ovals brown. Paint the heart orange. Let dry and repeat.

2. Paint fun designs on the 7 large ovals.

3. Wrap the spool with yarn making a rounded ball. Hot glue the ends of the yard down to the spool.

4. Glue the heart to the bottom and the head to the top.

5. Arrange the tail feathers (ovals) how you want them. Hot glue together, then glue to the back of the yarn. Glue the medium ovals on the side for wings.

6. Cut out a small beak and wattle from felt. Glue in place.

7. Place 2 small dots of glue above the beak and carefully place the googly eyes on the glue dots.

8. Sit back and enjoy your funny little turkey.

Reese's Owls

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 19, 2011 · UPDATED November 4, 2018 · 43 Comments

These Reese's Owls are easy to make using just a few store bought ingredients. The little no bake treats are the perfect cupcake topper for any fall or Halloween party!

Reese's Owls - these cute owl cupcake toppers are made from Reese's peanut butter cups and Oreo cookies. Perfect edible craft that even the kids can do. #peanutbuttercups #oreos #halloween #fall #ediblecraft #cupcakes #candy #party #treats

My reputation as of late is "the silly owl lady"!

It is no secret that I absolutely adore owls. I own a few owl necklaces that I wear quite often. There are a few little ceramic owls on our kitchen shelves. I even used to run an Etsy shop called The Trendy Owl. (one day maybe I'll go back to making headbands)

If it has an owl on it, I will seriously think about buying it! (Right now, I am considering an owl cover for my phone)

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Almond Joy Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED October 17, 2011 · UPDATED February 2, 2021 · 16 Comments

These Almond Joy Brownies are a coconut lover's dream come true. Coconut macaroons, toasted coconut, white chocolate, and Almond Joy Pieces come together in one amazing brownie recipe. It is sure to have you loving decadent brownies in a hurry.

Wanted: The ability to make yummy treats and NOT eat them

I know what you are thinking..."uummm, Jocelyn, you maintain a sugary baking blog. How in the world would this be possible?" [Read more...]

Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Twinkies Recipe

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 23, 2011 · UPDATED October 8, 2019 · 44 Comments

These fun and delicious Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Twinkies are filled with a cinnamon buttercream. Make a batch for fall parties and watch everyone smile.

I am so excited that it is now officially Fall.
The weather has even been cooperating for the most part. We have been enjoying some cool and rainy days. Now I am just waiting for the leaves to start turning beautiful colors. Throw in a bonfire, and it will be just about perfect.

My kitchen is all about the fall smells too. Baking all the pumpkin things is something I look forward to each fall. [Read more...]

Salted Caramel Mocha Brownie Cups

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 20, 2011 · UPDATED May 29, 2020 · 77 Comments

These Salted Caramel Mocha Brownie Cups are a delicious and easy dessert that everyone will come back for. The sweet and salty caramel frosting and the hidden candy center make these cupcakes a hit at any party.

If you like salted desserts, you need to try these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites too. They are absolutely delicious!

I have a huge confession to make today. Believe me, my head is hung in complete shame! I just did something that always bugs me when I see it in the store!

I was driving the kids to school this morning, and I remembered that I had to stop at Walmart afterwards. Now this is not normally a problem. EXCEPT that I get up in just enough time to throw on a hat and head out the door.

Yup you guess it. I drop my kids off while wearing my pajamas! It is the only place that I will actually go out while wearing them. My logic is that no one actually sees them because I don't get out of my van.

I really thought long and hard about why I needed to stop. Unfortunately, it was a stop that had to be made right then. It couldn't wait until later.

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Pumpkin Caramel Latte Donuts

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED September 15, 2011 · UPDATED August 3, 2019 · 42 Comments

Pumpkin Caramel Latte Donuts: coffee, caramel, and pumpkin in one sweet little baked donut. These are a great fall breakfast treat when paired with a cup of coffee.

The weather is slowly getting cooler here and the days are getting shorter.

I know the calendar doesn't say it is fall yet, but it is starting to feel like it around here.

Fall is my absolute favorite season. So even though I hate to say goodbye to summer, it is refreshing to say Hello to Fall and some of my favorites again.
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Peanut Butter Explosion Chocolate Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 25, 2011 · UPDATED November 25, 2018 · 59 Comments

The layers of frosting and peanut butter cup candies in this Peanut Butter Explosion Chocolate Cake will impress everyone at dessert. It's the perfect cake to make for parties or bake sales.

Peanut Butter Explosion Chocolate Cake - layers of chocolate and peanut butter frosting turn this chocolate cake mix cake into a decadent dessert. Perfect recipe for parties and events! #chocolatecake #chocolate #peanutbutter #cake

I wanted to stop in today and let you know how my journey with P90X is going. We are half way through week 2, so woo hoo only 10 more weeks to go!

Uuuugggg! Doesn't sound as exciting that way, does it? Let's stick with HALFWAY through week 2!!!

I would much rather be sleeping in and baking my way through cupcakes and brownies instead. But I guess that's what got me into this predicament in the first place. Late night snacking on Mocha Fudge Cupcakes and Reese's Popcorn has come back to bite me on the big butt!

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Thoughts on Mothering...

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 13, 2011 · UPDATED July 5, 2018 · 7 Comments

I truly meant to get this posted earlier this week...
but I got busy...

and blogger got crazy!!!

Last week our pastor called and asked if I would think
about being on a panel of moms for his sermon on mothers day.

Anyone that knows me very well,
knows that I absolutely hate speaking in front of large groups...
heck I hate speaking in front of more than 2 people.

But I have been feeling God trying to stretch me
to do things that are slightly uncomfortable...
so I said yes.

He gave us a few questions to think about...

1. What is one of the biggest challenges in parenting today?

I think there is a lack of communication. So many kids have phones and access to internet at very young ages. I want my kids to know that they can always come to me or my husband if they have problems or issues. I don't want to find out things via a text or facebook.

2. How do you balance life and mothering?

I think it is very important to keep God number one in your life. By reading His word, you know how He wants you to handle struggles and He helps you keep your focus. Your family always comes next. There are lots of times that you have to give up doing things that you want, so that your family is happy and healthy. Third I believe you have to take some time out for yourself. A happy mommy makes a happy home. Take time to get a manicure or do some shopping therapy.

3. What is one of the most important things?

Love your kids unconditionally!!!!! No matter what happens, your kids need to know that you love them!!!! I have always said "I love you" to my kiddos since they were babies! They need to hear this over and over. Even as teens.

4. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Remember what it is like to be a kid. There are so many times that I yell at my kids and ask them why they did something, and they were just being kids. Kids have a different perspective and I think as adults we lose that. I end up having to say I'm sorry and ask for some forgiveness just because I get uptight as an adult. Let loose and have some fun.

Honest I don't have all the answers, and I sure was glad that there were 5 other ladies with me on the panel. That way I didn't have to say too much. But I am glad that I let God use me, even when it was hard for me!!!

(don't ya love trying to get just ONE good picture of everyone)

Spicy Guacamole

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 3, 2011 · UPDATED March 2, 2021 · 15 Comments

Avocados and tomatoes go together and make a wonderful Spicy Guacamole that is great with chips.

+ My sweet hubby made some guacamole for taco night because I was craving it...we all love us some of this yummy green stuff!!! Now that the kids like it too, I have to fight them off!!! Usually I just ban them from the kitchen until dinner time, just so I can have first dibs on the bowl:-) I could seriously just about eat my weight in this! If you need to make something for Cinco de Mayo, maybe this is just what the doctor ordered.

Recipe

Spicy Guacamole

Yield: 4 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Avocados and spicy tomatoes make a wonderful dip for chips.

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

5 large ripe avocados
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (drain liquid from 1 can)
½ cup finely chopped red onion
½ cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
salt and pepper

Instructions

Peel and scoop the avocados into a large bowl. Smash with a potato masher or a fork.
Stir in the tomatoes and chilies, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
Serve with your favorite chips.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 224Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 459mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 9gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

+ I got to go on a zoo field trip with a bunch of rowdy 1st graders. Isn't the little curly headed boy next to me the cutest?? (I might be slightly partial.)

- My oldest was able to go to his first youth group activity:-( I don't think I like having a child that old.) It seems like just yesterday he was little and carrying around his dragon by the neck. I kinda miss those days. Maybe I shouldn't have wished away their childhood so quickly!!!

+ Our church held its annual missions garage sale. We purged 9 large laundry baskets full of clothes, toys, small appliances, candle holders, and books from our house. I love that we were able to give it to the church for a such a wonderful cause. They were able to raise over $3500 for the Haiti Christmas bags that we send each year. It is so great to be a part of a church family that wants to be a big part in missions! This fall I have the opportunity to go with my husband on a team to Haiti. I am nervous and excited all in one! I have a feeling it is going to be a real eye opener for me.

+ We scored a huge pile of old food magazines (I can't wait to find some new recipes to try) and a ping pong table from the garage sale. I have to brag just a little...I was able to beat my hubby in the first official game in our house. (I am still not sure how I did it...but I am not going to question my winner status:-)

- I was fixing my daughter's awana grand prix car on Friday night. Her car was shaped like a cheesecake wedge with a cotton ball for whipped cream. I squeezed out some glue and plopped it down on the chocolate felt...only to see a huge glob of glue run out the side. My first instinct was to swipe it away with my finger. (insert mental picture of me jumping around trying to rub it off my hands) HUGE mistake!!! The glue gun had been plugged in for over an hour and oh boy did it ever hurt! I was so worried about ruining her car, that I didn't even think about how it was going to hurt.

+ All three of our kids did awesome in the Awana Grand Prix race. Each year we give the kids the choice of doing a creative car or trying to make a fast car. Lucky for us...they always choose creative. We can do creative...fast, not so much. We try but the cars just have a mind of their own and don't want to speed!!! But they were able to take 2 first place trophies for design and a 1 second place design trophy. The best thing about these cars is that they came up with the designs on their own this year...we just had to help them execute them:-) It is hard to see the cars, but there is a speeding bullet from Mario Kart, a piece of cheesecake, and a black crow.

- I only made it to Friday afternoon doing the sugar free thing. I was really hoping to make it to Saturday. My personal record to beat is 5 ½ days...that is if I try it again. I really do enjoy eating sugary substances, but with summer vacations and days at the pool in the very near future, I suppose I should limit it to smallish doses.

+ The handing of the lawn mower baton was transferred this weekend. My hubby decided that if our oldest is old enough for youth group activities, then he is old enough to mow the yard too. He has to earn his keep and money somehow:-) Can you tell he wasn't too willing for the pictures? Hey, it is almost Mother's Day, so he had to oblige!!! And we got have the windows open all day and smell that fresh cut grass! Yea for spring!!!

- I didn't keep track of how much dairy my daughter consumed last week and it caught up with her last night. She seems to only be able to handle milk and cheese in small doses. If she has too much it cause stomach aches and the occasion trip to the porcelain throne in the middle of the night. I was adding up what she ate and she had milk for school lunch one day, I made a cheesy pasta bake one night, and then they ate pizza Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Not the best for her poor stomach. Anyone else struggle from this? I am looking for tips to help her out with it.

15 Things You Never Knew...

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 20, 2011 · UPDATED June 3, 2021 · 17 Comments

You Wanted To Know About Me!

So here goes nothing...

1. I am a list maker...unfortunately I tend to lose most of the lists I make. So I usually make the same list 2 or 3 times before things get done. Or I make a grocery list and get to the store, only to realize the list is at home. And yes, I cannot remember for the life of me what was on the list.
2. I am not a morning person at all. I would much rather stay up late working on projects. Because even if I go to bed early, I will still sleep until the absolute last minute. (I even set my alarm for 30 minutes earlier, just so I can hit the snooze 3 more times before getting up...lazy I know)
3. I have the worst circulation in my feet during the winter...they are always freezing. Thank goodness for cute fuzzy slippers to wear around the house. And I always wear socks to bed (even in the summer)...I am not sure why, I just do.
4. I enjoy complete silence when I am working on a project or even when cleaning. For some reason music/tv seems to really distract me.
5. I have never ever achieved an exercise high while working out. For me the high comes when I am finished and realize that I don't have to do this again until tomorrow.
6. I always pick out and eat the folded chips first. Not sure why, but I think they taste better that way:-)
7. I am a container collector...which thrills my husband to pieces. LOL! I always think of something that I could repurpose it into...he sees it as clutter. I mean come on...think of the uses for crystal light containers and for velveeta cheese boxes.
8. I love to eat green bananas plain...they taste gross to me when they are actually ripe and taste like a real banana. But if I am going to use them in a slimfast/green shake, they have to be ripe. For some reason I don't like a green banana taste in with other things.
9. I once sprained or broke one of my fingers lifting a bag of dog food. Weak I tell you. I couldn't bend that finger for an entire year.
10. When my kids were babies, I used the book Baby Wise...wonderful for getting your kids on a schedule fast. I was very particular about it. Actually I was just down right anal about it. But I love my sleep at night and was willing to try anything to get my babies sleeping 12 hours at a time. I loved it and will always recommend it to any new moms.
11. I was braver in college than I am now. I actually got on and pulled the rip cord on a Sky Coaster. You know the thing that 2-3 people get strapped into, then they lift you up super high and then drop you! It was a blast, but I really don't know if I could get on one now.
12. Every toy and supply has its own home in my house. (now that doesn't mean it is always in that home) But it will drive me bonkers if I know that the kids cleaned up the toy room and put Polly Pockets in with Matchbox cars. I used to go in and fix it myself, but now that they are older, I just dump both boxes and make them do it again. Such a mean mom:-)
13. Creative clutter doesn't bother me...obviously if you could only see my scrapbook room now...but coats, backpacks, and whatnot just left around is another story.
14. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who go shopping in their pajama pants. I know I shouldn't care what others are wearing, but come on, your pjs at the grocery store? At least throw on sweats or something.
15. New shoes and accessories make me super happy. There is nothing like the feeling of happy feet on the day you get new shoes.

There you have it...15 useless facts about me, for you to not care about:-)

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