I was searching through Pinterest trying to find some healthy snacks to make my family. I came across microwave sweet potato chips and knew we would love them. The pin eventually lead to the original post on Naptime Diaries. While these chips were super good and my girls gobbled them up, I did fail at the first batch I made. You would think they would be easy to make. After all, you essentially just cut the potato then microwave it. What could go wrong? This...I burnt them. I followed the directions, and I burnt them! Man did the house stink! My microwave must be stronger than hers. My second attempt went much better. I significantly cut down the time and I only burnt one chip. To be honest, I can't remember how long I put them in for. I just kept an eye on them. Now that I've got it down, we'll definitely be making these sweet potato chips again! They are healthy and easy to make! What about you? Do you like sweet potatoes? Would you try to make your own chips? … [Read more...]
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
This winter in Minnesota has been brutal. If it's not frigidly cold out, it's dumping snow. Today is no exception. We're under yet another winter storm. Needless to say, hot chocolate has been our favorite way to warm up during this long winter. Homemade hot chocolate mix makes it cheap and easy to drink. This is one of the best recipes we have found. Warning, this recipe makes a ton for multiple uses. Cut it in half if you don't drink hot chocolate often. 3 Cups nonfat dry milk powder (powdered milk) 2 Cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) 1 1/2 Cups Cocoa powder (we use Hershey’s cocoa) 1/2 tsp salt Stir in 3 Tablespoons of mix with 1 Cup hot milk. Top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows. There you have it...the best homemade hot chocolate mix ever! … [Read more...]
Caramel Cashew Bites
I saw these caramel cashew bites on Pinterest and knew I would use them one day. It turns out New Year's Eve was that day! My neighbors had a gathering and I decided to bring some sweet appetizers. Along with these caramel cashew bites, I also brought baked brie bites. Both were a huge hit! No photos of the girls and I making these tasty little treats as things were hot and required a lot of supervision. Besides being hot, and me worrying about burning things, these caramel cashew bites were super simile to make. Caramels, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cashews, chocolate chips, and vegetable shortening (I used margarine) are the only 6 ingredients you'll need! Head on over to My Baking Addiction for the actual recipe. … [Read more...]
9 Easy, Last-Minute Christmas Cookies
The count down to Christmas continues. Have you made Christmas cookies with your children yet? If not, don't stress, we've got 9 super easy Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to please and make it look like you've been baking for weeks! 1) Candy Cane Meringues--Don't these look delicious?! I can't believe they are super easy to make too! 2) Coconut Macaroons--Yumm for those of us who love coconut. 3) Oreo Truffles--One of Hubby's new found favorite cookies! 4) Santa Nutter Butters--How cute are these? Sure to make it look like you spent a ton of time too. 5) Vanilla Almond Snowballs--Vanilla and almond together? A great combo. 6) Boiled Cookies--A Christmas family tradition growing up. 7) Cookie Sandwhiches--Another cookie that will make it look like you've been baking for weeks. 8) … [Read more...]
Easy Oreo Truffles
Are you looking for some easy, last minute Christmas cookies to make with your kids? These Oreo Truffles are perfect! Not only are they simple with just three ingredients, they are also super fun to make! Those three ingredients you'll need? One package of Oreo cookies, one 8 oz brick of cream cheese, and 2-3 bricks of white baker's chocolate. Red or peppermint sprinkles are optional. 1) Start by crushing the whole package of cookies into crumbs. You can hand crush them, but using a food processor or blender works best. 2) Next soften the cream cheese and blend it well with the Oreos. 3) Take a spoon full at a time of the Oreo-cream cheese mixture and roll them into balls. Set aside on a cookie sheet until you have rolled all of the mixture into balls. Put the balls in the refrigerator until hard (about 1/2 hr). 4) Using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate. If you don't have a double boiler (we … [Read more...]
Gingerbread Biscotti Treats
This time of year my favorite thing to do is bake. My kids and I are awfully fond of anything Gingerbread-ish. So I came up with a gingerbread recipe I thought I'd share with you. Gingerbread Biscotti Combine first: 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1 1/4 tsp baking powder 2 tsp ginger 1 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour Once these ingredients are mixed well then add: 1/4 cup dark molasses 2 large eggs Mix well and create log shaped cookies from the dough. The other method you can use is to create a large circle shape and then bake and cut immediately after removing from the oven with a pizza cutter. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes and then ENJOY! … [Read more...]
