Sponsored by Driscoll’s & TheFeedFeed, but my love of raspberries is all my own! Summertime in Minnesota is a revered season. When you live in a land that has the potential for months of unending snow and ice, a balmy and breezy seventy or eighty degree day takes on true significance. The boys and I have been enjoying summer with some of our favorite seasonal activities- camping, swimming, lazy days at home reading good books, and of course, enjoying some sweet treats. As a point of proving the Minnesotan carpe diem attitude about summer, Driscoll’s, the leading brand … [Read more...]
June 5, 2017
Easy Avocado Salad
This post is sponsored by Litehouse Foods, all opinions are my own. It might be somewhat peculiar to recall the first time you tried a certain type of salad dressing. But I have a distinct memory of the first time I purchased Litehouse dressing. While grocery shopping with my mother {as a teenager} the lighthouse on the Litehouse label reeled me in. At that time I had a slight obsession with all things lighthouse and clearly this pleasing blue and white label visually struck a cord. In a matter of moments I had convinced my mother that we ought to try this interesting brand of … [Read more...]
May 22, 2017
Strawberry Milk Recipe & an Elephant & Piggie Party + a Giveaway!
I partnered with Disney-Hyperion for an Elephant & Piggie party, all opinions are my own. Sometimes it's hard not to feel old. Like when you see young professionals entering the workforce and are convinced they are high schoolers. Or when you you realize that you grew up without the internet and cell phones. This same feeling struck me when I learned that Elephant & Piggie are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year. I swear it was just recently that I was reading these delightful "new" books to my two-year-old first born. That child, is now almost as tall a I am … [Read more...]
May 1, 2017
20 Amazing Avocado Recipes
This isn't the first time I've confessed my love for avocados, but I felt compelled to share another post inspired by my favorite fruit. I think I'm subconsciously making up for lost time. All those years growing up in North Dakota without an avocado in sight, luckily I can purchase them in abundance these days. A co-worker of mine even gave me fresh California avocados for Christmas. Until then I had no idea there was a difference between California avocados versus the Mexican ones. It seems that I can only purchase the latter in Minnesota. Regardless if you prefer … [Read more...]
April 24, 2017
Easy Cereal Bars
Cereal bars are one of the ultimate forms of comfort food. Cereal mixed with sugary goodness is an indulgent recipe for those of any age, but particularly for little hands. There are lots of different recipes available. This particular one uses mostly unsugared cereal, but then adds in a hefty dose of sweetness. This definitely isn't the sort of treat to make on a regular basis, but everything in moderation, right? Using Rice Chex, Corn Flakes, and Rice Krispies this treat left me with several half boxes of cereal leftover, which my little fellas were happy to devour. Cereal … [Read more...]
April 17, 2017
Simple Oatmeal Caramel Bars
I feel as though I may be letting my Minnesotan shine through a little too much lately. This could be my second bar post in the last couple of months. I guess not everyone calls bars.....bars. I don't know. I've only ever lived in North Dakota and Minnesota where bars are just bars. I'll leave this matter up to you that live elsewhere to figure out. This recipe is handy as I find that I have most of the ingredients on hand. Well, except perhaps the whipping cream. I swiped this version from a local church cookbook that is probably almost as old as I am. I suspect you could swap … [Read more...]
March 20, 2017
Orange Cookies
This year it feels as though spring is teasing us. One week we will have 50-60 degree weather and then the next we might have a snowstorm with 20-30 degree temps. Or perhaps the issue is that I'm just impatient for warmer weather. I can't recall craving higher temperatures quite like I do this year. In an attempt to add a little sunshine to my dreary and dull spring I took to embracing oranges. The vibrant burst of color this fruit exhibits is a great way to refresh the eyes and the tastebuds. I found this recipe in an old church cookbook. Other than the ingredient for "sweet … [Read more...]
March 8, 2017
Easy Flatbread Taco Pizza
You can only eat tacos so many times before it's time to change things up a bit. While I'm sure my middle son would eat tacos almost every night, that doesn't mean he should. I decided to change things up a bit on my little taco fan by making this Flatbread Taco Pizza. Not surprisingly he was smitten. Now if only I could get my oldest son to like taco seasoning I'd truly be all set. This recipe can easily be tweaked according to particular preferences. I despise dollops of sour cream on anything, though that could be a likely addition for some. For my particular version,I used … [Read more...]
March 1, 2017
Easter Puppy Chow with Robin Eggs
If you are looking for a quick way to add a little seasonal holiday fun to a sweet treat then this recipe might be a good fit. I used the traditional Chex recipe for Puppy Chow, but made a slight variation in order to add a little Easter-inspired goodness. Technically this recipe is called Muddy Buddies according to the recipe, but I've always called it Puppy Chow. I added a few {1/4 cup} of Cadbury Mini Eggs to the chocolate chip mixture. It takes a bit longer to melt these eggs, but stirring about every 30 seconds helps. And then of course additional Cadbury Mini Eggs to the … [Read more...]
February 23, 2017
Easy Chocolate Almond Bars
These bars are deliciously sweet and a great accompaniment to a strong black cup of coffee. Or if your taste-tester is freckle-faced and still in elementary school, like mine, a glass of milk would do. Consider this a warning, these bars have equal parts flour to sugar. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
November 3, 2016
Cinnamon Pecan Baguette Bites Recipe & a Giveaway
This post was created in collaboration with Disney-Hyperion in support of Nanette’s Baguette. All opinions are my own. Nanette is very excited to eat her first baguette. But when she eats it.....uff da. Too much bread! This quirky book could be written with my youngest son in mind. In anticipation of a delightful treat he is giddy, excited and over-the-top thrilled. However, once he has devoured most of it, his glee has turned to gloom. Perhaps it's not just a mistake made my the young? I know I have had the same experience as well..... Full disclosure this book is a tongue twister … [Read more...]
September 26, 2016
Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Toasts
The following post may contain affiliate links. Sometimes desserts don't have to be heavy and in large proportions. These appetizer-sized treats make for a quick and delicious dessert option. It really doesn't get any easier than this. Three ingredients- fresh strawberries, mini toasts {I used a French brand-Esprit De Liberte} and a chocolate hazelnut spread. I purchased this Justin's spread to give it a try. It's definitely not my favorite variety from the brand. I think I might be addicted to their Maple Almond Butter . It is literally one of the best things ever. But I … [Read more...]
September 19, 2016
Candy Corn Thanksgiving Turkey Lollipops
I have the solution for candy corn overload this coming holiday. Take those Halloween treats and turn them into Thanksgiving turkeys! Through a little bit of trial and error I was able to perfect this recipe to turn candy corn into Thanksgiving turkey chewy lollipops. I'm not normally cutsie creative, I don't know what came over me. But my littlest son was delighted by these colorful turkeys. Of course, he was more excited about the prospect of a sugared treat. This guy is all about dessert, all the time. I did a little experimenting with the baking the candy corn to … [Read more...]
September 12, 2016
Cinnamon Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies & a Giveaway
This post was created in collaboration with Disney-Hyperion in support of the new series Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! All opinions are my own. This year is such an important school year for my youngest son. Both of my older boys became what I call "super readers" after completing the first grade. I'm hopeful the same will happen this year for my six-year-old fella. At this point he can read, but it's rough. The best solution to shape an awkward reader into a super reader is practice. Or at least that's been my experience. While parents need to take the time to … [Read more...]
August 29, 2016
Steel-cut Oats with Fresh Peaches & Brown Sugar
In addition to avocados and pickled jalapeños, I have an equally strong obsession with steel-cut oats. I don't know what's come over me. But avocados, steel-cut oats, pickled jalapeños and craft beer are my thing. They say your tastebuds change as you get older and that must certainly be true, because as I closely approach the fourth decade of my life these items are my favorites. The fresh peaches that are available this time of year are so decadent. I couldn't resist adding some to my recent bowl of cooked oats. My youngest son and I greatly enjoyed this filling breakfast. … [Read more...]
