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Irish Mule

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An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Is there a better way to celebrate than with some Jameson Irish Whiskey? We put a little spin on a Moscow Mule which is typically made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, a lime wedge and mint.  Swap the liquor with some Jameson and the result is ahhh-mazingly delicious and appropriate anytime of year- not just Saint Patrick’s Day!

Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is really refreshing and has great spicy kick thanks to the ginger beer. The splash of lime juice helps balance out the cocktail. The mint is optional and serves as an aromatic but looks nice and of course, smells nice too.

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Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish. 
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Jameson Whiskey
  • 6 ounces ginger beer
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • ice
  • 1 lime slice garnish
  • mint sprig garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a mule mug with ice. Add Jameson and lime juice. 
  • Top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime. 



White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar.

School was cancelled today because of the freezing cold temperatures outside. Like many places at the moment- Cincinnati is experiencing some serious low temperatures so what do we do? Drink hot chocolate, duh! We didn’t want any hot chocolate though so we made it special today with a strawberry whipped cream topping and Valentine’s Day sprinkles and it is just what we needed on a day like this.

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate can easily be made in the handy crock-pot or quickly on the stove top.

White Hot Chocolate Instructions

  • Stove Top: Add the chocolate chips, heavy cream , milk and vanilla extract to a saucepan or pot. Cook on a medium heat and whisk frequently until you reach a low simmer. Serve.
  • Crock Pot: Add your ingredients to a crock-pot and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve.

Strawberry Whipped Cream

Time for that special touch of strawberry whipped cream. This tastes like a normal fluffy, slightly sweet whipped cream but with the added bonus of strawberry flavor! Plus, it is really easy to make. Before beginning, place a metal bowl and the beaters into the freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes is up, add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and a little bit of Jello gelatin powder in strawberry flavor to the cold bowl. Beat for 4-5 minutes you get a stiff peak – meaning it will hold firm but still look soft and fluffy.

Think of all the delicious desserts you can use this strawberry whipped cream on! YUM. 

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White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar. 
Recipe inspired by The First Year Blog
Course desssert, drink
Keyword strawberry
Servings 4 people
Author Amber

Ingredients

White Hot Chocolate

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces white chocolate chips

Strawberry Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder strawberry

Instructions

  • Place a metal bowl and beaters into freezer for 15 minutes. 
  • Add 2 cups heavy cream , 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder into the metal bowl and beat for 4-5 minutes or until a stiff peak forms. Store in fridge. 
  • In a pot or saucepan, add the chocolate chips, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Cook on a medium heat stirring often as you bring it to a low simmer. 
  • Serve the hot chocolate in a mug with some strawberry whipped cream on top and add some sprinkles for fun!

After making this strawberry whipped cream for our white hot chocolate, I am thinking of all kinds of fun flavors and ways to eat whipped cream! Do you have any amazing flavor ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

Red Velvet OREO Truffles

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Red Velvet OREO Truffles are a yummy no-bake dessert made with Red Velvet OREOS, cream cheese and white chocolate topped with sprinkles or crushed OREO cookies.

OREO Truffles are one of those recipes that everyone needs to know how to make for those moments you want a simple dessert that everyone loves. If you need a dessert for a work pot luck or something sweet to bring to a family function- these always work and are always delicious!

Red Velvet OREO Truffles

Red Velvet OREO Truffles are just a spin-off of a regular OREO Truffle so feel feel to use original OREO’s or another fun OREO flavor like these Red Velvet ones as a swap. All you need to do is toss some OREO’s into the food processor with cream cheese and blend until the cream cheese is thoroughly mixed in. Now, use a cookie scoop and your hands to help form the truffle balls and place onto a parchment covered cookie sheet. Place these truffle balls into the freezer for 30 minutes to chill.

Once the truffle balls are chilled, melt your white chocolate down according to package instructions. This is typically cooking in the microwave for 30 second increments and stirring between. I recommend using a coffee mug to melt chocolate because it is microwave safe and stays hot so the chocolate stays melted for longer.

Time to dip these truffles in chocolate! I use the fork technique and place the ball on the fork, dip into the chocolate until it is fully immersed, bring it up and gently tap off excess chocolate on the side of the mug. Place it onto parchment paper with assistance of another fork. Decorate immediately and then served when the chocolate has set up. For decoration, you can use some festive sprinkles or crunch up an OREO cookie to sprinkle over top.


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Red Velvet OREO Truffles

Red Velvet OREO Truffles are a yummy no-bake dessert made with Red Velvet OREOS, cream cheese and white chocolate topped with sprinkles or crushed OREO cookies. 
Course Dessert
Keyword chocolate, dessert, OREOS, truffle
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 28 truffles
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 36 OREOS Red Velvet 1+ packs
  • 10 ounces white chocolate for melting
  • sprinkles
  • crushed OREO Red Velvet cookies

Instructions

  • Place OREOS and cream cheese into food processor. Blend until cream cheese is fully incorporated into mixture. 
  • Roll into 28 balls (give or take a few). I like to use a cookie scoop so my truffles are all the same size. 
  • Place the balls onto a parchment covered cookie sheet and put into freezer for 30 minutes. Do not skip this step. You want them cold when dipping into the chocolate. 
  • Melt the chocolate in 30 second increments in a microwave safe container/bowl/cup stirring between until chocolate is melted. I use a coffee mug as my container. 
  • Dip each ball into chocolate, place onto parchment paper to dry and place sprinkles or crushed OREO on top. I use a fork for dipping these truffles and just lightly tap excess chocolate off the fork on the side of the mug. Use another fork to assist you in placing the truffle onto the parchment paper. 
  • Let the chocolate set up before serving and store in fridge. 

What will you be whipping up these no-bake Red Velvet OREO truffles for?? Let me know in the comments below.

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Chocolate Waffles

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Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast.

I have Valentine’s Day on the mind- it is only a few weeks away! I like to make something special every year for my family. It may be a big breakfast or a delicious cake… maybe just a fancy steak dinner. While a stuffed animal and a few heart-shaped chocolates are fun… there is something about baking or cooking for your loved ones that gives you all the good feels. This year, my homemade treat are these Chocolate Waffles! Let’s be honest though- do we really need a holiday to make these yummy waffles? Probably not.

Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are really easy to make. Everything except for the egg whites and chopped chocolate go into a big mixing bowl to be whisked together. The egg whites are beaten until they come to peak, meaning they turn into a white foam, then they are folded into the waffle batter. A chocolate bar is chopped up and also folded into the batter for extra chocolate flavor.

**Make sure to read the instructions on your waffle maker because each will have a slightly different recommended cook time. 


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Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast. 
Course Breakfast, brunch
Keyword chocolate, waffles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 waffles
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate chopped
  • 2 egg whites
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • strawberries sliced
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Add the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together. Dry ingredients are flour, cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, and salt. 
  • Add the vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk together. 
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to a peak where the egg is like a stiff foam. Fold in the egg whites into the batter. 
  • Chop up a chocolate bar and fold into batter. You can use any baking chocolate you like - dark or milk. 
  • Heat up your waffle iron. 
  • Spray iron with non-stick spray. Add 1/2 cup batter (for a single waffle maker) and use a spatula to spread out the batter. 
  • Cook each waffle for 3 minutes or per waffle iron recommended cooking time. 
  • Top with chocolate syrup drizzle, sliced strawberries and whipped cream. 

Do you make your family anything special for Valentine’s Day? Let me know about it in the comments below.

Simply Made Recipes Most Popular of 2018

This year is coming to an end which means it is time to share Simply Made Recipes Most Popular of 2018 and see what the most visited recipes were!

#1 Creamy Avocado Bomb Sauce is spicy, packed with fresh cilantro and garlic and has a nice creamy base for a dressing, sauce, dip all in one.

Creamy Avocado Bomb Sauce

#2 Fall of the Bone Crockpot Cola Ribs are so ridiculously easy with limited ingredients and tossed in the slow cooker. Great for busy days anytime of year. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans or baked beans on the side for a great family meal.

Fall Off the Bone Crockpot Cola Ribs

#3 Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Holiday Ham is a must have recipe for holiday parties. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any get together is a perfect occasion for this delicious recipe.

Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Holiday Ham

#4 Banana Oat Muffins are a perfect breakfast paired with a latte or healthy after school snack. Just enough banana flavor and lots of oats to keep you full. Try to sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top before cooking too for your daily chocolate fix!

#5 Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie made with strawberries, bananas, protein powder, almonds, oats and honey make this smoothie a perfect meal that will fill you up for hours.

Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie

#6 15 Minute Yakisoba with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, bonito and seaweed flakes garnish.

15 Minute Yakisoba

#7 Crockpot Southern Style Green Beans made in the crockpot slow cooked to side dish heaven. Made with fresh green beans and loads of delicious bacon for all my bacon lovers out there!

Crockpot Southern-Style Green Beans

#8 Black As Your Soul Halloween Cocktail  is a fun Halloween Cocktail made with lemonade, Bacardi Gold and a pinch of activated charcoal for a spooky-good party drink served in a coupe cocktail glass.

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#9 Valentine’s Day 7Up Cake Pops are made with 7UP cake, vanilla frosting and coated in white chocolate with fun holiday sprinkles.

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#10 Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a beautiful entrée made with thinly cut chicken breasts, shallots, and parmesan cheese packed with a punch of lemon and garlic flavor that is perfect for entertaining or a weeknight dinner with the family.

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12 Champagne Cocktails

12 Champagne Cocktails

Champagne can be drunk anytime of year but New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are the two days of the year it is completely necessary! Whether you are toasting to another amazing year or celebrating a relationship (Hey, maybe you are just toasting to a Friday night), I have 12 Champagne Cocktail recipes that are simple, gorgeous and festive for the occasion!

Ombré Cranberry Sparklerfrom The Diary of a Debutante is beautiful sparkling cocktail made with Prosecco, gin and a cranberry simple syrup. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary to complete this drink.

 

Cranberry Sorbet Champagne Floats from Baking a Moment are made with a homemade cranberry sorbet for a a fun cocktail this season!

 

Champagne Margaritas from The Kitchen is my Playground has a unique cocktail that -let’s be honest- could be for a New Year party or just to celebrate a Taco Tuesday! Either way- I am down!

 

Champagne Kombucha Cocktail is a simple cocktail from The Wild Gut mixed with Prosecco and Kombucha for something bubbly to drink as the ball drops this New Years Eve.

 

Bring the tropics into your home with this Tropical Hibiscus Spritzer from Delicious Table. A Luau with Santa? I might be on to something here….

 

Juniper Champagne Cocktail from This Mama Cooks has juniper berries, pine sprigs and Prosecco. Let the festivities begin!

 

Champagne and Roses Cocktail from Baking a Moment screams Valentine’s Day but I see myself even sipping this as the ball drops.

 

More Champagne Cocktails

Rock Candy Champagne from here at Simply Made Recipes.

The French 75 Cocktail from This Worthey Life.

Three Ingredient Strawberry Lime Champagne Cocktail from Savory Nothings.

Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Punch from Serena Bakes.

Strawberry Mimosa from Baking Beauty.

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe

’tis the season for gift giving, parties with friends and some good laughs over a bottle of wine. I am sharing a Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season! If you need a gift to bring a hostess, something creative for a gift exchange or just a great recipe to entertain friends, I have you covered!

The season is full of gatherings with family, dinner parties and work functions. A bottle of  Chardonnay is the perfect to bring or amp it up with an entire Holiday Sangria Gift Basket.

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket

Creating a beautiful Holiday Sangria Gift Basket is a breeze! Include as many as the items from the list below within the basket so it can be used same day.

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket Checklist:

  • Basket
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small rosemary plant (I placed mine in a stemless wine glass)
  • Hand towel
  • Pitcher (optional)
  • Fruits- apple, orange, pear, cranberries
  • Small container with sugar
  • Small container with vodka or a mini bottle
  • 12 ounce ginger ale
  • 8 ounce bottle apple juice
  • Recipe card
  • Wine glasses (optional)
  • Bottle of chardonnay

Print the recipe card below to add to your Holiday Sangria Gift Basket!

Holiday Sangria Recipe

This Holiday Sangria Recipe is made with freshly diced pears and apples, sliced oranges, cranberries, juice, ginger ale and a chardonnay. Add in some vodka for extra kick and fragrant rosemary to complete the drink. This Holiday Sangria really simple to throw together for entertaining for to enjoy with a friend on the weekend.

Tip

Make sure every glass served has some of the fresh fruit from the pitcher. The fruit soaks up a lot of the alcohol and tastes great!

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Holiday Sangria

This Holiday Sangria Recipe is made with freshly diced pears and apples, sliced oranges, cranberries, juice, ginger ale and a chardonnay. Add in some vodka for extra kick and fragrant rosemary to complete the drink.
Course Drinks
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 pear, diced
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 8 ounces apple juice
  • 12 ounces ginger ale
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 bottle chardonnay
  • rosemary

Instructions

  • Dice the pear and apple. Slice the orange. Add to pitcher along with the fresh cranberries.
  • Pour in the ginger ale, apple juice and vodka.
  • Add sugar. Stir.
  • Add a bottle of Chardonnay and a sprig of rosemary. Let sit in fridge for one hour.
  • Serve over ice.

What are your plans for enjoying this holiday season with friends? Let me know in the comments below.

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are an easy no-bake dessert made with crunchy peanut butter, rice cereal, butter, confectioners sugar and chocolate.

Here in Ohio, we love our buckeyes with chocolate covered creamy peanut butter balls. These Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are a spin off of Ohio’s favorite made just for my crunchy peanut butter lovers.

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are super easy to make but a little bit of work to mix the ingredients together and roll each ball and then dip each in chocolate. The work is well worth it though! These little peanut butter balls are delicious.

You can make these Crispy Peanut Butter Balls for any holiday or gathering… just switch up the sprinkles! For myself, peanut butter balls have always been a Christmas food. My mom would make a batch every year for Christmas Day dinner and has always been a family favorite so I hope your family loves them just as much as mine does.

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Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls are an easy no-bake dessert made with crunchy peanut butter, rice cereal, butter, confectioners sugar and chocolate.
Course Dessert
Keyword chocolate, crispy peanut butter balls, crunchy peanut butter balls, dessert, peanut butter, peanut butter balls
Servings 30 Peanut Butter Balls
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 10 ounces chocolate melting wafers
  • 4 teaspoons shortening
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  • Add softened butter and peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl. Cook in microwave for 1 minute and stir well. 
  • Slowly add in confectioners sugar mixing the ingredients into a dough. Use a spatula or even a your hands to thoroughly mix. 
  • Add crispy rice cereal. Stir well. 
  • Roll 1 inch balls and place onto a parchment covered cookie sheet. It helps to use press the ingredients together into a ball with your hands.
  • Place peanut butter balls into freezer for 15 minutes. 
  • Place the chocolate wafers and shortening into a microwave safe bowl. Cook in 30 second increments, stirring between, until chocolate is fully melted. 
  • Dip each peanut butter ball into melted chocolate and place back onto parchment paper. I like to use a toothpick to dip but a fork also works well or whichever method you prefer. Add sprinkles immediately. 
  • Serve when chocolate has hardened. 

Are you team creamy peanut butter or team crunchy peanut butter? Let me know in the comments below.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with basic baking ingredients, white chocolate chips and crushed candy cane bits for a festive treat even Santa wants to sneak in this holiday season.

Cookies are made a lot in my home this time of year! Between the holidays and gatherings with co-workers or friends and cookie exchanges and treats for the kids- a whole lot of cookies are being baked. These Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion but we especially love these for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you love in a cookie. These are soft and chewy with chocolate bites and the added candy cane on top give them another layer of flavor and extra color to brighten up your holiday.

Let’s get baking!

Start by crushing the candy canes into bits. I do this by placing the candy into a storage bag and paddling them with a rolling pin. Set them to the side while you mix the cookie dough.

In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat again and then add salt.

Dissolve the baking soda in some hot water and add to batter. Beat while slowly adding in the flour. Once you have a good consistency, fold in the chocolate chips and place the cookie dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a cookie scoop to place batter onto baking sheet giving space between each cookie. Place candy cane bits on the top of each cookie. I like to just dunk the top of the cookie into the bag of crushed candy canes and place back onto cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on a cooling rack and serve. Make sure to place the cookie dough back in the refrigerator between batches to stay cool.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with basic baking ingredients, white chocolate chips and crushed candy cane bits for a festive treat even Santa wants to sneak in this holiday season. 

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • .5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons hot water
  • 11 ounce bag white chocolate chips
  • 5 candy canes
  1. Place candy canes into a storage bag. Use a rolling pin or something similar to crush the candy canes into bits.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat again.
  4. Add salt.
  5. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add to batter. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat while slowly adding in the flour.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Place dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  9. Use a cookie scoop to place batter onto baking sheet giving space between each cookie.
  10. Place candy cane bits on the top of each cookie. I like to just dunk the top of the cookie into the bag of crushed candy canes and place back onto cookie sheet.
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  12. Let cool on a cooling rack.

What are you go-to cookies for Santa? Let me know in the comments below!


Pumpkin Sugar Cookies {+ How to Freeze Cookies}

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PrepSealSave #CollectiveBias

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and basic sugar cookie ingredients such as sugar, butter and flour. Add a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit! I am also sharing multiple ways to freeze cookies with the FoodSaver® FM3941 Vacuum Sealing System so you can get a start on that holiday baking early.

The holiday season is crazy around here, just as I assume it is in every household! Between Christmas shopping, work, kids, seasonal activities and holiday gatherings with friends and family, time is limited. However, no matter the time constraints, there is no skimping on the seasonal baking. Time to stop by Costco to gather up my supplies in bulk!

FoodSaver® FM3941

Utilizing the FoodSaver® FM3941 is great way to schedule out the holiday hours better by prepping some foods ahead of time. Plus, you can use this for so much more than just holiday baking. FoodSaver® is the solution to save food, save time and save money year round. Keep your food fresh up to 5x longer than with other storage methods saving you up to $2,700 yearly with the ability to buy in bulk and reducing waste.

The FoodSaver® FM3941 is great for: 

  • Keeping food fresh in the freezer or refrigerator with an airtight seal.
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Baked Goods- for soft, cakey textures try the FoodSaver® Canister so your baked goods hold their shape.
  • Liquids such as gravy and soups.
  • Coffee grounds
  • Hard cheese
  • Marinate- not only can you freeze meat but you can get an amazing marinade in minutes, instead of hours, using the Quick Marinate Mode.
  • Cooking meat- by taking all of the air out, you can ensure your meat will be cooked evenly throughout.

Click HERE for more information!

America’s #1 vacuum sealing solution is the FoodSaver®. The FoodSaver® System includes vacuum seal bags, vacuum zipper bags and containers designed to work together with vacuum sealers for optimal performance. They are best for long-term freezer storage, blocking out air and helping to prevent freezer burn.

Costco is the place to go for your FoodSaver® FM3941!

Get $40 OFF the FM3941 Vacuum Sealing System.

Get $10 OFF FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls Value Pack.

(Discount good this November. Must have Costco membership.)

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Time for some baking!

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are everything you expect from a delicious sugar cookie. They are buttery, soft and chewy but with a little addition of pumpkin flavor from pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to give these cookies a special touch. A cinnamon cream cheese frosting is spread over the top and balances out the pumpkin flavor nicely. Pumpkin and cinnamon are always better together after all and you will love them in this cookie.

The base of these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies is like any other sugar cookie with equal parts sugar and butter. The sugar and butter are beaten together until really creamy and smooth. Add an egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin are added and mixed in. Stir the remaining dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and slowly add to the butter mix beating until smooth again.

Place the cookie dough into refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and then bake according to instructions below.

These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies smell ahhhh-mazing! A light sugary-pumpkin scent will fill your home and make it smell like the holidays are here.

I want to say the cinnamon cream cheese frosting is optional but is it, really? Frosting is always a good idea in my book and the cinnamon with pumpkin spice are so lovely together that I think you would be missing out if you skipped the frosting over top. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is just some cream cheese and butter beat together until smooth and then add in ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. The confectioners sugar is then added in slowly in increments and beat until you have this amazing creamy frosting.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and basic sugar cookie ingredients such as sugar, butter and flour. Add a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Yields: 2 dozen

  • Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2.5 cups flour
  • .5 teaspoon baking powder
  • .5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 ounces confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add 1.5 cups granulated sugar and 1.5 cups softened butter. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat thoroughly for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add egg yolk, teaspoon vanilla extract and .5 cup pumpkin puree. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, add the flour, salt, baking powder and pumpkin spice together and mix all those dry ingredients.
  4. Add the dry ingredients with the wet in increments and beat until thoroughly blended.
  5. Cover and place dough into refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  7. Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  8. Use a cookie scoop to portion the cookies and place onto baking sheet giving space between each.
  9. Bake for 15-17 minutes.
  10. Place on a cooling rack.
  11. Once cooled, begin the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup softened butter and 8 ounce block of cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese has been sitting out for awhile to warm up and is not straight from the refrigerator. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  12. Add the teaspoon of cinnamon and vanilla extract. Beat again.
  13. Add the confectioners sugar in increments and beat until the frosting is creamy.
  14. Frost each cookie and serve or store in refrigerator until serving.
  • Preparation time: 60 minutes
  • Cook time: 17 minutes

How to Freeze Cookies

FREEZE BAKED COOKIES

To freeze baked cookies, start by freezing the cookies on a cookie sheet for one hour to harden. Your cookies should be cooled and non-frosted before placing into freezer.

Once frozen, make a FoodSaver® Bag:

  1. Turn the latch to OPEN position.
  2. Place a roll inside and pull out enough bag material to make the first sealing strip.
  3. Turn the latch to ON.
  4. Press the SEAL button. Light will turn off when seal is complete.
  5. Turn the latch to OPEN position and pull out enough bag material for the desired length you want your bag to be and close the lid.
  6. Turn the latch to ON.
  7. Press the SEAL button to make the seal for your next bag and slide the bag cutter across.

Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver® Bag:

  1. Turn the latch to OPEN position.
  2. Place the frozen cookies inside the bag in a row side-by-side leaving 3 inches of space on the open end of bag.
  3. Place the open end of bag into vacuum channel and close lid.
  4. Turn the latch to OPEN position.
  5. Press the VACUUM/SEAL button.
  6. Once the vacuum/seal light turns off, turn the latch to OPEN position.
  7. Open the lid and remove bag.
  8. Place the bag into freezer.

Your cookies can stay in the freezer for months. When you are ready to serve, place the cookie bags into fridge to thaw out overnight. Frost before serving.

FREEZE READY TO BAKE COOKIE DOUGH BALLS

Another method for freezing cookies using the FoodSaver® FM3941 is by freezing the cookie dough in ready-to-bake balls.

Begin by making the cookie dough. Then, use a cookie scoop to form the cookie dough balls and place them onto a cookie sheet. Freeze the cookies for one hour to harden. Once the cookie dough balls are hard, you can stack the into a FoodSaver® Canister.

Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver® Canister:

  1. Turn latch to the ON position and pull out the retractable handheld sealer.
  2. Remove the clear bottom portion from the handle and insert the tip into canister port.
  3. Press the ACCESSORY button to vacuum.
  4. Place canister into freezer.

When you are ready to bake the cookies, place the cookie dough balls onto a cookie sheet and cook according to the instructions adding 2 minutes of cook time. Frost each cookie and serve.

FREEZE COOKIE DOUGH

My favorite method for freezing cookies is to freeze the entire batch of cookie dough using the FoodSaver® FM3941 and a FoodSaver® Zipper Bag. The cookie dough is thawed before baking and cookies are baked according to recipe instructions.

Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver® Zipper Bag:

  1. Place cookie dough into FoodSaver® Zipper Bag.
  2. Close the bag using the top zipper.
  3. Turn the latch to the ON position and  pull out the retractable handheld sealer.
  4. Place the retractable handheld sealer on zipper bag valve.
  5. Press the ACCESSORY button to vacuum.
  6. Place bag into freezer.

24 hours before baking cookies, remove the bag from the freezer, open and put to the cookie dough into a bowl with plastic wrap over top. Place into the refrigerator. After 24 hours, bake cookies, frost and serve.

Click HERE for more information on FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls Value Pack. 

How do you cram in all of your holiday baking and cooking? Let me know in the comments below how the FoodSaver® FM3941 will be a help to you this holiday season!