Simply Made Recipes

In the kitchen with Aaron and Amber

You are here: Home / Archives for holiday

holiday

Mustard Glazed Ham

amazon

Mustard Glazed Ham is a bone-in, spiral cut ham baked with glaze made from honey, brown sugar, ham drippings and stone ground mustard. 

After that Air Fryer Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze from last week, I decided that a similar recipe for ham needed to be done with the upcoming Easter holiday around the corner. I wanted the glaze to have great mustard flavor with a touch of sweetness that roasted up beautifully. This Mustard Glazed Ham really works and makes a gorgeous main course on your holiday table. We pair this ham with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, gravy and Roasted Asparagus.  Simple, traditional, gorgeous food- that’s what it’s all about. 

Mustard Glazed Ham

I really focused on pulling that mustard flavor out with this Mustard Glazed Ham. Expect that little mustard kick with each glazed bite! It is really delicious. My ten-year-old asked if I could just give him “end” pieces because it was tasty. He just wanted to eat the glaze and I can’t even blame him. 

How To Keep Your Ham Moist

Ham is one of those foods that can very easily be dried out when cooking. This can be because it is over-cooked or not properly prepped before cooking. I kept this recipe really simple today and if followed correctly, you will get a very moist ham. Here are the main three things to pay attention to while cooking this ham: 

WATER

Instead of having the ham baste in its juice, we are cooking it in a roasting pan. This means we will need to count on steam to keep moisture inside the ham. Steam comes from water so put 1/2 cup of water in the bottom of your roasting pan and you can go ahead and add any extra ham juices leftover from the packaging. 

FOIL

You can’t steam well in an open area. Right? Think of a hot shower in a small bathroom. When the door is closed, their is crazy steam. When the door is open, there is virtually no steam. We all know this. Same applies in the oven. Create a small area to steam the ham like a closed door while showering. That aluminum foil over the top of the ham needs to be fitted tightly with the roasting pan. 

COOK TIME

Be mindful not to over-cook the ham. Most hams are already cooked meaning we just need to re-heat. Pick a bone-in, pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham in the 8-10 pound range. Now, bake 10 minutes for every pound. An 8 pound ham would cook for 80 minutes and a 10 pound ham would cook for 100 minutes. Once the ham is cooked, you crank the heat, remove the foil and pour the glaze on to roast. 

Note that you can cook a larger ham if needed. Adjust your cook time accordingly using the 10 minutes per pound calculation. 



Mustard Glazed Ham, honey baked ham, stone ground mustard ham, easter ham, holiday ham, christmas ham, how to bake a ham, how to cook a spiral ham, bone-in spiral ham cook times, easter recipes, holiday main dish
Print

Mustard Glazed Ham

Mustard Glazed Ham is a bone-in, spiral cut ham baked with glaze made from honey, brown sugar, ham drippings and stone ground mustard. 
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword Easter, Ham, Holiday
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 8-10 Pound Spiral Cut Ham Bone-In, pre-cooked
  • 1/2 Cup Honey
  • 1/2 Cup Stone Ground Mustard
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Ham Drippings
  • 1/2 Cup Water

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. 
  • Place the ham onto the rack in a roasting pan. 
  • Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. I also like to add in extra ham juices from the bag the ham came in. 
  • Wrap the the top in aluminum foil. Make sure you have a tight wrap where the ham can steam inside. 
  • Bake for 10 minutes per pound. My ham was 8 pounds so I cooked it 80 minutes. 
  • When there is 20 minutes left for your ham to cook, begin the glaze. 
  • Using a basting syringe, pull 1/2 cup worth of ham drippings and put the liquid in a non-stick pan on the stove-top. Make sure to cover the ham back up well. 
  • Along with the ham drippings, add honey, stone ground mustard and brown sugar. Bring the glaze to a low simmer and let simmer for 5 minutes. Set to the side. 
  • After the ham has cooked, take it out of the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees. 
  • Remove the foil and pour half the glaze over top of the ham. 
  • Return to the oven for 10 minutes. Leave the foil off. 
  • Pour the rest of the glaze over top and cook another 5 minutes. 
  • Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving. 

Notes

You may substitute butter for pan drippings to create your glaze. 

 

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

amazon

Easter Bunny Cupcakes are made with white cake mix, a sweet buttercream frosting, sprinkles and an adorable milk chocolate bunny on top.

I know it sounds crazy but Easter is less than a month away! Time to get the kids their Easter outfits, make some brunch plans and enjoy some Easter inspired desserts like these cute cupcakes. They really are the perfect addition to an Easter tablescape or family gathering.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe


Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Easter Bunny Cupcakes start with a box of white cake mix! So easy- just add some milk, butter and eggs to the mix to create a delicious, moist cupcake that tastes like it came from a bakery. The buttercream frosting is a butter/vegetable shortening blend to form a stable, pipable frosting so the “grass” has a lot of dimension and holds up.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe

Tips & Tricks 

All About That Buttercream!

A pipable buttercream is very important to make perfect “grass”. The frosting should be stiff but not so much that it hurts your wrist to decorate with. I like to use the combination of butter and vegetable shortening to create that stiffness. Add the vanilla extract and then the confectioners sugar in increments until everything is combined. You should be left with a very thick frosting that will be needed thinning out. 1 teaspoon of water beat into the frosting should do this.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe

 

Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe
Print

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Easter Bunny Cupcakes are made with white cake mix, a sweet buttercream frosting, sprinkles and an adorable milk chocolate bunny on top. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword easter, cupcakes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings 24 Cupcakes
Author Amber

Ingredients

Cupcakes

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 box cake mix
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 eggs

Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • green food dye
  • water

Garnish

  • confetti sprinkles
  • Lindt extra small chocolate bunnies
  • Whopper Robin Egg chocolates

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. 
  • Place 1/2 cup softened butter into mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat butter until creamy. 
  • Add cake mix, followed by milk and beat. 
  • Add eggs, one at a time. 
  • Place cupcake liners into muffin pan and fill each 3/4 full of cake batter. 
  • Cook for 15-18 minutes. 
  • Remove cupcakes from oven and let cool. 
  • Begin frosting. Place 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup vegetable shortening into a mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy. 
  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the 4 cups of confectioners sugar into bowl in increments until fully blended. 
  • Add green food coloring until at desired color. 
  • Add a pinch of water if the frosting is too thick. Start with a teaspoon of water to thin it out but you want this frosting to be thick and pipable. 
  • Fill a pastry bag with the frosting with a #233 tip for grass. Decorate each cupcake. 
  • Add some confetti sprinkles and a chocolate bunny on each. You can even make some cupcakes with a couple Whopper Robin Eggs int he center instead of a bunny. 

Easter Bunny Cupcakes, easter recipes, easter dessert, bunny cake, simple cupcakes, holiday dessert, cute easter ideas, easter recipe

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices is a deliciously tart pie made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and freshly squeezed lemons in a graham cracker crust topped with homemade candied lemon slices and whipped cream.

While, I am a peanut butter and chocolate dessert kind of girl, every once in awhile, I want a dessert that is sweet, tart and creamy. This Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices is just that! Plus, both my kids really enjoy these types of desserts so it a nice treat for them too.

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices

This Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices recipe was inspired from Joanna Gaines and her favorite lemon pie from Magnolia. This pie is vibrant, beautiful, fresh and perfect for spring entertaining, dinner parties or even the Easter holiday. This is a super simple pie to create with a bake time of less than 20 minutes and is a breeze to whip together. Make this pie for your next family get together and promise everyone will be begging for more!

Tips & Tricks

Lemon Pie

This lemon pie filling is crazy simple! Just make sure to use fresh egg yolks and once you have beaten the filing mixture, by and release some of the air bubbles by tapping the bowl on the counter before pouring into the pie crust to bake.

Whipped Cream Topping

You want to beat heavy cream, confectioners sugar and vanilla extract together to form a nice whipped cream topping for your pie which will take about 7 minutes to form a stiff peak. As you beat the mixture, look for trails being left in the mix. At that moment, you want to pay attention to ensure you don’t over mix. The whipped cream will be stiff and hold it’s shape. This means it is time to serve.

Candied Lemon Slices

The candied lemon slices make this pie really fun and is a great spin off the original recipe. The hardest part of making these candied lemon slices is the waiting period after simmering them so make sure to make them in advance. If you forget, no biggie! Just use fresh lemon slices or decorate the pie however you please!

Don’t toss that sugar water you simmered the lemon slices in! Save it for later as a lemon simple syrup to use in cocktails, to make sorbet or as part of a sweet dressing.

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices | Lemon pie, how to make candied lemon slices | joanna gaines lemon pie | #lemon | lemon recipe | easter dessert | spring dessert | how to make whipped cream
Print

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices

Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemon Slices is a deliciously tart pie made with sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemons in a graham cracker crust topped with homemade candied lemon slices and whipped cream. 
Course Dessert
Keyword dessert, lemon, pie
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Author Amber

Ingredients

Candied Lemon Slices

  • 2 lemon sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Lemon Pie Filling

  • 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (2 cans)
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice (4 lemons)
  • salt

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 10 graham crackers (1 sleeve)
  • 6 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 2 cuips heavy whipping cream
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • 24 hours prior to servings your pie, begin the candied lemon slices. Wash and slice 2 lemons. 
  • In a saucepan on the stove top, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a simmer and then add in lemon slices. Simmer for 15 minutes and place onto parchment for a day. 
  • Begin the crust. first pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 
  • Place the graham crackers and brown sugar into a food processor and blend for 1 minute. Add the melted butter and blend for another 30 seconds. 
  • Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of an 8 inch pie pan. I use  spatula to press the graham cracker down and come up the the sides. 
  • Bake the crust for 8 minutes. 
  • Begin the lemon pie filling. In a large mixing bowl, add condensed milk, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Juice about 4 lemons to get 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice and place into the mixing bowl. I like to juice the lemons into a separate small bowl and then add the juice to ensure I don't drop in any lemon seeds. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the mix for 5 minutes, 
  • Pat the bowl down on the counter top a few times to get the air bubbles out and then pour over baked pie crust. 
  • Bake another 10 minutes. 
  • Remove from oven, let the pie cool and then place in refrigerator for 2 hours. 
  • As the pie chills in the refrigerator, make the whipped topping. In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups heavy whipping cream , 3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a stand or hand mixer to beat until you have reached a firm peak which takes about 7 minutes. 
  • Decorate the pie with the candied lemon slices and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.  Mint is optional to add a pop of color. 

Notes

A touch of yellow food dye was also added in for these photos. Try 5 squirts for a more vibrant pie if you please! 

Are you typically a chocolate dessert eater or do you love more tart desserts like this Lemon Pie? Let me know in the comments below and tell me how this dessert fit into your spring planning.

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

amazon

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
Print

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
Print
#ad #CollectiveBias #PrepSealSave Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, How to freeze cookies, FoodSaver System, Holiday cookies

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!

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

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

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is a delicious treat made with fresh apples, basic baking ingredients, cinnamon and topped with a drizzle of Torani Caramel Sauce and chopped pecans.

‘Tis the season for baking and I have been creating all sorts of goodies lately, including this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake. I was really craving a seasonal dessert and thought of apples. Since caramel apples are a must right now, why not combine apples with caramel in a cake form? Yea, I couldn’t think of a single reason why that wouldn’t be a good idea either and the final product is crazy good!

What really takes this bundt cake from yum to WOW are the toppings. The crunch of the pecans on top of the moist cake alongside the toasty notes of the creamy Torani Caramel just completes this dessert.

My one stop shop for baking this season is my local Walmart for convenience and great prices. Walmart also offers a great selection of Torani Syrups and Sauces. Everyone knows Torani Syrups can be found across coffee shops all across America, but did you know they also have a line of sauces made with real, simple ingredients like pure cane sugar and natural flavors?

Torani is a third generation family owned business that has been creating authentic coffeehouse flavors for over 90 years.  You can say they know a thing or two about crafting amazing drinks and decadent desserts. Some great ways to use Torani Sauces include:

  • Mochas
  • Drizzled on cheesecake and other desserts.
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Cocktails
  • Cappuccinos
  • Whatever your heart desires.

Find Torani Sauces at a store near you by clicking HERE.

Buy One Torani Sauce, Get One For Free !

Available at Walmart. Now through 12/31/18, or while supplies last

How to redeem:

    • Visit your closest Walmart location and purchase two bottles of Torani Sauces – you can choose from Caramel, Dark Chocolate, or White Chocolate flavors!
    • Take a picture of your receipt, then enter the rebate experience to upload your photo.
    • Once your receipt is verified, you’ll receive your money back on the second bottle!

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Caramel, cinnamon, and fresh apples. It is okay to do a happy dance thinking about this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake – it is totally worth the little happy foodie cake dance (I know you have one too). Not to mention, this cake is beautiful! It is the type of dessert that you expect to see at grandmas house during the holidays that smells amazing and you just know a lot of love when into baking it. 

RECOMMENDATION

I think you will be pleasantly surprised how easy this cake is to pull together. The one thing I recommend doing is to use a silicone bundt cake pan. I switched to silicone about a year ago and it takes the stress out bundt cakes. You won’t have to cross your fingers when it is time to remove the cake from the pan because it won’t stick with the silicone. Say hello to a perfectly formed bundt cake!

TIPS

I have just a couple tips for creating the perfect Caramel Apple Bundt Cake and that is to squeeze out some of that excess water from the grated apples. That extra moisture can weigh down the cake and make it dense but we want moist, fluffy cake so once those apples are peeled and grated, place the pieces into a kitchen towel and give a squeeze over a sink or a bowl.

My second tip is to add your toppings right before serving this cake. This moist cake wants to suck in all the delicious sauce you pour over top. To keep the cake looking gorgeous for serving, add the Torani Caramel Sauce and chopped pecans right before cutting.

Let us get baking now!

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Print
#ad, #ToraniSauceObsession, @Walmart, Caramel Apple Bundt Cake, Torani Sauces, Torani Caramel Sauce recipe, Thanksgiving dessert, fresh apple cake

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is a delicious treat made with fresh apples, basic baking ingredients, cinnamon and topped with a drizzle of Torani Caramel Sauce and chopped pecans. 

  • non-stick spray to coat pan
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • .5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1.5 cups brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups granny smith apples, peeled and grated (I used 6 apples)
  • .5 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup Torani Caramel Sauce
  • Also try a drizzle of Torani White Chocolate Sauce (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature softened butter with brown sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy.
  3. Add in the eggs, beat again.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat until the batter is creamy and smooth.
  5. Peel and grate 3 cups of apples.
  6. Place the grated apple into a kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
  7. Add the apples to batter and fold them in.
  8. Spray the fluted tube pan. I used a 9.5 inch silicone bundt cake pan.
  9. Cook for 50 minutes are until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool for 10 minutes, then flip out the cake pan.
  11. Let cool another 20 minutes minimal. Before serving, drizzle with Torani Caramel Sauce and sprinkle chopped pecans over top. Also try Torani White Chocolate Sauce for extra flavor!

Add the ingredients to your Walmart Shopping List by clicking the items below!

What are your favorite ways to use Torani sauces? Let me know in the comments.

How to Create a Decadent Holiday Dessert Bar

Thank you Edwards® Desserts for sponsoring this post. Head to the frozen desserts aisle of your grocery store to pick up your favorite Edwards pie and make entertaining a breeze!

That time of year has arrived again- the time for family gatherings, dinner parties with friends and holiday fun.  I am sharing How to Create a Decadent Holiday Dessert Bar that is simple and gorgeous with Edwards Desserts as the star of the table.

Holiday hams cooked to perfection, creamy mashed potatoes, casseroles galore, gravy on everything….

… are you hungry, yet? I am sure am.

Holiday food is the best kind. Indulgent, comforting and filling. No holiday is complete without a spectacular dessert to top off the night! Creating a decadent holiday dessert bar is easier than you may think and I am sharing just how to do it.

How to Create a Dessert Bar

CHOOSE A THEME

Start by picking a theme for the dessert bar that coincides with your gathering. My theme was Bright Autumn with a lot of white but pulling in those beautiful fall colors with subtle oranges, gold, greens and browns. I found the letters P, I, and E at a local craft store and they are the perfect touch to the table so everyone knows this is the dessert spot.

SET UP YOUR SPACE

Pick a spot in your home that is convenient to where you are entertaining to set up your dessert bar. I picked the buffet in the dining room to give everyone a little tease during dinner. A little motivation for the adults to save room for dessert or for the kids to eat their veggies couldn’t hurt, right?

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Decor – keep the decorations simple while aligning with the theme. No need to go overboard. A miniature sign and pumpkins alongside the wooden letters to spell out P-I-E was all it took.
  • Plates – a plate for every guest.
  • Silverware – mix of spoons, knives and forks.
  • Pie Server Utensils – one for each pie for serving.
  • Cake Stands – cake stands at different levels to set the pies on add a nice design element. Think about cake stands out of the box too! One of my stands is a small wooden crate flipped over.
  • Flowers – flowers are the easiest way to add color into a space. I used an Autumn wreath with fake flowers but even a vase with fresh sunflowers would be a great touch.
  • Delicious Desserts – pick a variety of  pies to please everyone.

THINK PRE-MADE

Hosting holidays and social gatherings can get a little crazy! There is plenty to do and don’t think you have to make everything homemade from scratch and spend days cooking. Save some time and energy with pre-made items like Edwards pies that offer a homemade taste without all the effort.

Why Edwards Desserts

Edwards makes dessert time so convenient and so darn delicious. With pie flavors like Key Lime, Turtle or Chocolate Crème- you are certain to please all your guests (once they figure out which one to start with).

Try these amazing pies for great variety at your dessert bar:

Edwards Hershey’s® Chocolate Crème Pie – Chocolate lovers rejoice with layers of chocolate and vanilla crème topped with chocolate pieces, chocolate drizzle on a chocolate cookie crumb crust.

Edwards Turtle Pie – Smooth caramel filling topped with chocolate and pecans on a chocolate cookie crumb crust.

Edwards Key Lime Pie – Your taste buds deserve a vacation. Key lime filling with real Key West lime juice on a vanilla cookie crumb crust.

Edwards Pumpkin Crème Pie – Look for this seasonal decadent dessert as well. Velvety layers of real cream cheese and pumpkin spice on a vanilla cookie crumb crust.

 

Hosting Tips

Don’t let the stress of the holidays get you down. My 5 best hosting tips will help you get through it all and leave a smile on your face.

  1. Plan out your holiday gathering. From the guest list to menu, write every detail down.
  2. Go with what you know. Don’t whip out a brand new recipe book to cook from the day of! Cook the dishes you know already and keep it simple. New recipes should be tested weeks in advance.
  3. Make what you can in advance. Rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes are all great items to make ahead of time and freeze.
  4. Buy some pre-made items. Go with brands you trust for some pre-made items like Edwards Desserts.
  5. Ask for help. Don’t feel like you have to do everything because you are the host. You can ask guests to bring particular dishes or ask a few people to come over the night beforehand to help you prep. People like to contribute so don’t be afraid to ask for a little help.

Whatever your holiday plans may be and with whoever you may celebrate them with, a beautifully decadent holiday dessert bar is always a good idea! Let me know about your holiday plans in the comments below and how Edwards Desserts will help make this season’s entertaining a breeze.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Halloween Bash {+ Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe}

Halloween Bash

Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

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

It is that time of year again to gather all your best witches and throw a Halloween Bash! I have a full spread today from Hot Dog Mummies to Spiderweb Dip to deliciously spooky desserts like Eyeball Cupcakes made with 7UP®. This years Halloween Bash is a kid-friendly event! I created really simple recipes for you to copy that both kids and adults are going to love and drink choices that will please the entire crowd. Have you ever had a Bloody Shirley Temple? They are bloody good and I am sharing just how to make them. My first stop when throwing a great party is Walmart to grab all the goodies. Walmart has all the Halloween decor, costumes, food and drinks you could possibly need. Print out this grocery list and visit the seasonal department to make the party complete. For a limited time you can find seasonal 7UP, A&W®, Sunkist®, Squirt® and Canada Dry® Minicans with your favorite characters, like Johnny or Mavis, available at Walmart on the beverage aisle. These minican beverages are the perfect size for a kids treat and you can create so many frighteningly good recipes with all the great flavors.

Click HERE for more recipe inspiration and party ideas!

Halloween Bash

Decorations

A party isn’t a party without some great decorations! Pick one room in your home to transform into the party spot. Next, pick a theme. I chose a simple white, black and orange theme so everything is cohesive and looks put together. Also, make sure to have playlist of haunting music ready and a table full of snacks and drinks. Get your guests pumped up to wear their best costumes to really set the tone of the party! All the great costumes add to the decor. Think about having a costume contest with a grand prize to inspire everyone to be creative and bring their best! Here is the full list of Halloween decorations to make you the party host of the year:

  • Table liner
  • Cupcake liners
  • Fake spiders
  • Serving bowls, trays and utensils
  • Plates
  • Cups
  • Straws
  • Napkins
  • Toothpicks
  • Decorations for the wall- bats or fake webs look great.
  • Just a few extras like a skull, skeleton, crows, or whatever else you stumble upon at Walmart that will bring your room to life.
  • Halloween party food is more than just something to snack on! You will find great ideas below that are both decorative and delicious.

Halloween Bash Food

Popcorn with Spiders

  • Bags of popcorn
  • Fake spiders

Cook a few bags of popcorn according to packaged directions and place in a cauldron. Add a few fake spiders on top and you have an easy snack that everyone loves ready in a snap.

Hot Dog Mummies

  • 20 hot dogs
  • 2 cans crescent roll sheets
  • 40 candy eyeballs
  • Mustard
  • Non-stick cooking spray

These Hot Dog Mummies fused all kinds of excitement with the kids. I even received a round of applause from my three year old so I can guarantee these have been child-tested and child-approved. To make Hot Dog Mummies, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Take 2 crescent roll sheets and use a rolling pin to quickly run over the top to get rid of any creases in the dough. Next, use a pizza cutter to make thin strips for the mummy “bandages”. I did 30 per sheet so 60 strips total. Wrap each hot dog with 3 strips leaving a space for the mummy face. Use the non-stick spray on a baking sheet, place the wrapped hot dogs on the baking sheet and bake 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Make the mummy faces with the candy eyeballs by squeezing a bit of mustard on the face area to help the eyes stick in place.

Crock-pot A&W Meatballs

  • 7.5 ounce A&W Minican
  • 2 pound bag of frozen meatballs.
  • 18 ounce bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce.

Place the frozen meatballs into a crock-pot with a bottle of BBQ sauce and an A&W Minican poured in. Cook on high 4 hours and serve with toothpicks for convenient snacking.

Bloody Shirley Temples

  • Canada Dry Minicans
  • Maraschino Cherries
  • Grenadine
  • 10 ml party syringes (Monojects)

Bloody Shirley Temples are a spin off from the classic drink. Fill each syringe with 10 ml of grenadine. Add Canada Dry into a glass with a couple cherries and the grenadine filled syringe. Let guests press the plunger of the syringe into the drink to create their own Bloody Shirley Temple. Food that is interactive is always a huge hit!

Jack-O-Lantern Floats

  • Sunkist Minicans
  • Vanilla ice cream

A Sunkist Minican and a scoop of vanilla ice cream combine in a cup to create a Jack-O-Lantern Float. You can even draw a pumpkin face on each cup before the party for extra fun.

Spiderweb Dip & Chips

  • 16 ounce can refried beans
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 3.8 ounce can sliced olives
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • Party-sized bag tortilla chips

Could a party food be more fun than this Spiderweb Dip and Chips? My vote is no! You can have this dip done in just a few minutes and it tastes amazing. Start by mixing a packet of taco seasoning with a can of refried beans placing it in the bottom of a party bowl or pie pan. Add a layer of chunky salsa, followed by a layer of guacamole. Next, place sour cream into a pastry bag with a small decorating tip. Draw a spiderweb with the sour cream onto the guacamole layer. Finish the dip with spreading shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese and sliced olives along the sides. Serve with tortilla chips.

Grab your complete Walmart grocery list HERE to print out.

Don’t forget the decorations, costumes for the family and other spooky fun items to make your Halloween Bash completely epic!

Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Eyeball Cupcakes are made with a basic white box cake mix, butter, egg whites and a can of 7UP topped with a really simple 7UP frosting and a bloody gumball eyeball. One of my favorite uses for 7UP is in cake mix! 7UP makes cake so moist and adds just a hint of flavor to a basic white cake. You need to give it a try for sure! I always used 7UP in the frosting and adding some freshly squeezed lemon and lime giving the cupcake a really subtle flavor that works well. Since it is Halloween, we had to dress these cupcakes up with some sprinkles, a red gel for fake blood and a gumball eyeball.

Eyeball Cupcakes
Print
#ad, #FrighteninglyFunFlavors, Halloween Bash, Eyeball Cupcakes, Halloween party, Halloween recipes, Halloween Party, 7UP cupcakes, Sunkist floats, Shirley Temple, Spiderweb dip, 7 layer dip, Mummy hot dogs, Crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, Rootbeer meatballs

It is that time of year again to gather all your best witches and throw a Halloween Bash! I have a full spread today from Hot Dog Mummies to Spiderweb Dip to deliciously spooky desserts like Eyeball Cupcakes made with 7UP®.

Yields: 24 cupcakes

  • 7UP® Cupcakes
  • 7.5 ounce 7UP® Minican
  • 16 ounce box white cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 egg whites
  • 7UP®Frosting
  • 1/4 cup 7UP®
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortneing
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • Garnish
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Red Decorating Gel
  • Gumball Eyeballs (can substitute for Gummy Eyeballs or your own creation)
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat. Add 3 egg whites, cake mix, 7.5 ounce 7UP® Minican and beat ingredients together until smooth.
  3. Place cupcake liners into a muffin pan and fill each liner 3/4 full of cake mix.
  4. Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
  5. Place cupcakes on a cooling rack.
  6. Once the cupcakes are cooled, start the frosting. In a mixing bowl, add a stick of butter and 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortening. Beat until creamy.
  7. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Beat again.
  8. Slowly add in the confectioners sugar and 1/4 cup 7UP® alternating between the two until you have a smooth mixture. You should be able to scoop some frosting on a spoon and turn upside down without it moving- that's when your frosting is ready. Note that you may not use all of the 7UP® so adding it slowly is key.
  9. Place the frosting into a pastry bag with a large frosting tip. Frost each cupcake.
  10. Shake sprinkles over the top.
  11. Start at the center of each cupcake and make lines coming down using the red decorating gel to mimic blood.
  12. Place a gumball eyeball in the center of each cupcake and serve.
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 16 minutes

Check out this site for more Frighteningly Fun inspiration!

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JustAdd7UP

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

7UP is for more than great punches and mixed drinks! You can use your favorite lemon-lime soda for cake too! 7UP gives your cake a really fluffy texture making it the perfect ingredient for baking.

Typically Valentine’s Day in my household is spent with my husband and children. We have a nice dinner and eat treats while watching movies. With the versatility of 7UP I am going to set up a whole Valentine’s Day spread for our movie marathon this year. I have our yummy dessert handled with these 7UP Cake Pops, will set up some pink decorations and make a kid-approved punch with 7UP and pink lemonade.

Let the family Valentine’s Day festivities begin! 

First, a stop to Walmart is in order to pick up decorations and goodies.

Your Walmart shopping list:

  1. Basic cake ingredients : eggs, butter, white cake mix and vanilla frosting. Pink food coloring is optional.
  2. 2 Packs of 12 ounce cans 7UP found on the beverage aisle.
  3. White and pink chocolate melts.
  4. Valentine’s Day decorations and festive sprinkles.
  5. Cake pop sticks and drying stand.
  6. Movies and pink lemonade to make our movie night complete.

Find more inspiration to celebrate with 7UP this Valentine’s Day by clicking HERE. 

Follow 7UP on Social Media 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

Cake Pops are a fun dessert to make and the kids can even help out a bit. If this is your first time making cake pops, don’t be intimidated! These are easy to make and don’t fret over perfection (mine certainly aren’t perfect) because they will be delicious regardless!

Start by baking your cake according to the instructions on the box swapping water for 7UP and swapping oil for butter. Feel free to add in a pinch of pink food coloring for extra wow. Once the cake has cooled, remove any browned edges and crumble the cake in a bowl. This is where the kids can have fun helping you out in the kitchen!

Add the frosting into bowl and thoroughly mix.

Form your balls of cake. I like to use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and then roll with my hands until a ball is formed. Place the balls onto a parchment covered baking sheet and chill in fridge.

Remove the cake balls from fridge and microwave the white chocolate. To heat up your chocolate, place into a tall glass or mug and heat for 90 seconds, stirring in 30 second intervals. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil into the chocolate before melting can help thin out the chocolate and make it easier to work with while dipping your cake pops.

Dip each cake pop stick end into the melted chocolate and push into the cake balls.

Time to dip each cake pop. Gently dip each cake pop into the chocolate until fully submerged. Raise the cake pop up while slightly twisting the stick. Place onto the cake pop drying stand. Decorate with sprinkles immediately or wait until the white chocolate is completely dry to add some pink chocolate designs.

Once your Valentine’s Day 7UP Cake Pops completely dry, you can place into a jar or small decorative glass on a table with the great Valentine’s Day décor you found at Walmart. Having a family movie night like us? Mix up with pink lemonade with 7UP in a pitcher and start the movies!

Have extra cake pops? Place your cake pops into a mini box with a bow to gift neighbors, co-workers and friends.

Valentine's Day 7UP® Cake Pops
Print

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

Yields: 26 Cake Pops

  • 7UP® cake
  • 15.25 ounce package white cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup 7UP®
  • desired amount of pink food coloring (optional)
  • 7UP® Cake Pops
  • 1 7UP® cake, crumbled
  • 3/4 cup vanilla frosting
  • 12 ounces white chocolate candy melts
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Decoration
  • Pink chocolate candy melts
  • Valentine's Day sprinkles
  1. Follow the directions on the back of your favorite cake mix box adding 3 eggs, swapping oil with 1 cup unsalted butter and swapping water for 1 cup 7UP. Add in the food coloring. Bake according to instructions. I baked mine in a 13x 9 pan for 35 minutes on 350 degrees.
  2. Let cake cool.
  3. Once the cake has cooled, remove any browned spots by simply cutting off those areas. Place the cake in a large mixing bowl and crumble.
  4. Add 3/4 cup of your favorite vanilla frosting and mix with cake.
  5. Form the cake balls and place onto a parchment covered baking sheet. I use a cookie scoop to get evenly sized balls.
  6. Place the balls into fridge for a couple hours.
  7. Remove the cake balls from fridge and heat up your chocolate melts in the microwave with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat for 90 seconds stirring every 30 seconds. I recommend using a tall glass or mug.
  8. Dip each cake pop stick tip into the chocolate and press into the cake balls.
  9. Now, dip each cake pop. Dip into the chocolate until completely covered. As you bring the cake pop out, turn it slowly and gently and set it upright to dry in a cake pop stand.
  10. Immediately decorate with sprinkles and/or wait to dry and add a swirl of pink chocolate candy melt.
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour

How do you spend Valentine’s Day? Do you have a family-friendly night or do you have a romantic dinner with your spouse? Leave a comment below with your plans and tell me how 7UP fits into your special night!

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn made with your favorite popcorn, smothered in white chocolate and sprinkles with festive chocolate candies mixed in.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn I’m not going to lie– Valentine’s Day isn’t my favorite holiday. Looong wait times at restaurants, overspending on cards and candies. I prefer flowers any day of the year as a random surprise and chocolates are always welcome. What I do love about Valentine’s Day is all the gorgeous desserts and snacks with pinks and reds and heart shapes all over.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn is a treat really focused on the kiddos! They love popcorn so add some chocolate and candy and they are happy kids. The white chocolate is really hot when mixing so I don’t recommend having the kids help with that step but they can pour the sprinkles on top and mix in the M&M candies before lounging on the couch to watch a movie or whatever activity you have planned.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn can be whipped up in no time at all. What you need:

  • 9 cups popped popcorn (about 1 bag)
  • 6 ounces white chocolate candy melts (1 cup)
  • .5 Valentine’s Day sprinkles (hearts, pinks, reds)
  • 3/4 cup Valentine’s Day edition M&M’s
  • Parchment paper
  • Small glass bowl for chocolate melting
  • baking sheet

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn
Print
Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn made with your favorite popcorn, smothered in white chocolate and sprinkles with festive chocolate candies mixed in. 

  • 9 cups popped popcorn (1 bag)
  • 6 ounces white chocolate candy melts
  • .5 cup sprinkles, festive Valentine's Day ones of choice
  • 3/4 cup Valentine's Day M&Ms
  1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave according to box directions.
  2. Place some parchment out on a baking sheet and spread the popcorn out. Remove any kernels.
  3. Melt the chocolate by placing in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and cook another 30 seconds. I recommend using a glass bowl.
  4. Stir the chocolate and pour over popcorn.
  5. This is hot so be careful! Mix the popcorn and chocolate together.
  6. Before the chocolate sets up, place the sprinkles on mixture and mix again.
  7. Mix in the M&M's.
  8. Let set and serve.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn