Savory Baked Pumpkin Seeds

We love SALTY snacks, and these savory seeds are so EASY to make we just can't pass them up. After our Halloween PUMPKINS are cleaned out, we clean the seeds from inside them and BAKE. It's super yummy!

Savory Baked Pumpkin Seeds

About 2 cups cleaned fresh pumpkin seeds

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

Season salt

Garlic salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, stir the pumpkin seeds with the oil and sprinkle with the season salt and garlic salt. Spread on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet and sprinkle more seasoning over top. Bake for 20 minutes, stir seeds and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until toasty and brown. 

TIP: Explore with different seasonings, I'm sure they will all taste good! I've even seen cinnamon-sugar seeds, though I'd replace the olive oil with some butter. :) 

Back-to-School Cereal Bars

I get really annoyed at all the half-full cereal boxes in my PANTRY. It seems like the kiddos get bored with the same cereal over and over and they move on to something NEW. So, this recipe is my solution to the problem! These yummy and SWEET cereal bars are perfect to wrap up and put in your kiddos LUNCH for school. And they aren't boring like when it is just CEREAL in a bowl with milk. :)  (Obviously this isn't a totally new idea, but I thought they were fun enough to post!)

Back-to-School Cereal Bars
3 to 4 tablespoons butter
5 cups mini marshmallows
5 to 6 cups cereal, any kind or kinds (I used half Fruity Pebbles and half regular Cheerios)

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and then stir in the marshmallows until melted and mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the cereal to coat and then press into a 9 x 13-inch pan that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick spray. Let cool and cut into squares.

TIP: If you have a hard time pressing the mixture into the pan because it is sticking to your fingers, spray your fingers with a little nonstick spray too! Or, dip your fingers in warm water. That helps too.

Candy Popcorn

This is just a simple, sweet, and CHEERY popcorn recipe that your kids (and you!) will LOVE! The yummy marshmallow coating combined with the CANDY has a surprising flavor combination.

Candy Popcorn

4 quarts popped plain popcorn (2 microwave pkgs.)
1/3 package mini marshmallows
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 stick butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 to 1 cup favorite candy (Skittles, Gummi Bears, Mini Chewy Sweet Tarts, nothing that melts!)

Put popcorn in an extra large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels. Put marshmallows on top. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a full rolling boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Pour over popcorn and marshmallows. Stir until the popcorn is coated and marshmallows are melted. Add candy and mi until evenly distributed. Spread on wax paper and let cool. Enjoy!

TIP: I think the more marshmallows, the better. I would probably add more next time I make it. Also, the recipe is great for a crowd and doubles easily!

Cookies and Cream Popcorn

This is a nummy and SWEET version of popcorn. Who doesn't love the CLASSIC taste of cookies and cream? Am I right? I think you'll be AMAZED at how EASY this all comes together.

Cookies and Cream Popcorn

About 10 cups plain popped popcorn

24 ounces vanilla almond bark

20 Oreos, chopped fairly small (I used Double Stuff!)

Place the popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Melt the white chocolate as directed on package. Drizzle over popcorn in bowl and stir to coat. Stir in cookies to coat and then spread on waxed paper to set and dry. 

TIP: This would be good with so many other stir-ins! Try Nutter Butter cookies or Peanut Butter Oreos. Or even chopped pretzels and dried cranberries. Maybe throw in some nuts. It will ALL be good!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

I found this recipe through Pinterest, and my FAMILY loves it! It is the perfect breakfast bar, and it comes together really FAST, so that is a winner in my book. We sometimes are known to SPREAD a little extra PEANUT BUTTER on top, or even some Nutella. Mmmmm!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares (from tastebook.com)
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 large ripe banana, mashed
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well. Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch baking pan and then bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Eat warm and enjoy!

TIP: Some chocolate chips would be a FAB addition!

Pink Baby Shower!

So I know I usually just post recipes, but I had an all PINK baby shower for my sister-in-law and wanted to share. I think all the pink turned out super cute and SWEET. Perfect for our new little niece that will be arriving this summer! I did include a recipe for the cute dipped marshmallow POPS shown in the picture below—they were too CUTE not to! The best part about this type of shower is that you could customize it to any color!

Items shown include:

Strawberries with a "pink" fruit dip

Brownie topped with white chocolate drizzle (dyed pink of course!)

Frosted sugar cookies with sprinkles

Mini cupcakes with pink cream cheese frosting and sugar crystal sprinkles

Strawberry Whoppers, Watermelon Fruit Rings, Pink Peppermints, and Mike & Ikes

White Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

White Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

1 bag large marshmallows (I actually used strawberry marshmallows so it would be pink inside!)

20 to 25 white sucker sticks

1 bag white chocolate chips or melting disks

Pink sprinkles (must be the little "ball" kind!)

Open marshmallows and start pressing them onto the end of the sucker sticks so they are ready to go, as you have to move fairly fast. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for about 1 minute or so, using 20- to 30-second increments, stirring well each time until it finally stirs smooth. Dip the marshmallow in the chocolate and then swirl around and let the excess chocolate drip off. Place on a sheet of waxed paper and let sit for a few seconds and coat with a nice layer of sprinkles. (I usually dipped about 3 marshmallows and would then add the sprinkles starting with the first one.) Set in a glass to finish setting. 

Snickers Hot Chocolate

My favorite way to warm up on a cold day is to drink some yummy HOT CHOCOLATE. This chocolatey treat is AMAZING and it definitely fulfills any desire for SWEETS. Try surprising your family Christmas morning with this warm TREAT while they are waiting for breakfast. It will be the cherry on top of your already PERFECT morning!

Snickers Hot Chocolate

1 cup hot chocolate (I used a homemade milk chocolate mix made with skim milk)

Fresh whipped cream*

2 miniature Snicker's, chopped (not the fun-size!)

Caramel ice cream topping

Top your cup of hot chocolate with a scoop of cream, the chopped Snickers, and a drizzle of the caramel ice cream topping. Enjoy!

TIP: I made cinnamon whipped cream to go with some cinnamon french toast (that will be posted in a few days). Since it was already made, I just used some of the leftovers instead of whipping more cream. Try whipping 1/2 cup cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. AMAZING!

Gooey Caramel Corn

This GOOEY popcorn is probably the best caramel corn I have ever had! We LOVE to make it and SNACK all weekend. It would be a great NEIGHBOR gift for the holidays too. The caramel in a jar would be a great gift alone. If you ask, I might admit to digging SPOONFULS out of our jar of extra caramel. Maybe.

Gooey Caramel Corn

1/4 cup butter, melted (I usually use a little less and it still tastes great)

2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

Dash of salt

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 quarts plain popped popcorn

In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Turn on the heat and then slowly add the condensed milk and vanilla, stirring while adding. Bring mixture to a boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Pour the caramel over the popcorn in a big bowl and stir. Serves lots!

TIP: This really does make a TON of caramel, so I just pop enough popcorn for my family and use whatever amount of caramel I need. Then I usually have a jar of caramel leftover for another quick batch of caramel corn, or to use over ice cream or other yummy desserts.

Cranberry Almond Granola

My husband is trying to gain weight. LUCKY duck!!! However, he wants to do it the RIGHT way, so that means he's not eating cheeseburgers and donuts all the time—instead he needs something NUTRITIOUS and filling. Our regular homemade granola is delicious and he LOVES it, but this is a more HEALTHY version. It is absolutely delicious!

Cranberry Almond Granola (from eatingwell.com)
2/3 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup canola or almond oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 cups rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup dried cranberries (we used the cherry-flavored)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat two cookie sheets with sides with nonstick spray; set aside.

In a saucepan, whisk together the juice concentrate, syrup, oil, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and then stir in the cinnamon and salt.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, wheat germ, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Stir in the liquid mixture and toss to coat. Spread the granola evenly on the two prepared pans. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Reverse pans in oven and continue baking until lightly browned and aromatic, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes more. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks; stir 1/2 cup cranberries into each pan and let cool completely.

TIP: We didn't have wheat germ so we just substituted another cup of oats. I'm sure that any other dried fruit would be fabulous in this mix as well!

No-Bake Energy Bites

I made the mistake of making these SCRUMPTIOUS bites of goodness knowing that my husband couldn't have any. I'm fairly certain I ate all but 4 or 5 of these HEAVENLY GEMS because they were just that GOOD! I didn't really want to share but knew it was the RIGHT thing to do, so a few close friends had a bite or two. I can't wait to make them AGAIN . . .

No-Bake Energy Bites
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and let chill for 30 minutes. Remove mixture from fridge and roll into 18 to 20 balls. Keep refrigerated.

TIP: I found this recipe on Pinterest (of course!), but changed it slightly from the original that appeared on Smashed Peas and Carrots. They called for 1 cup oats and 1/2 cup ground flaxseed. I didn't have the flax, so I substituted with more oats. I also didn't have quite enough mini chips, so I threw in a small handful of regular milk chocolate chips. YUMMMMM!

Strawberry Pudding Cups

Try serving these easy and FESTIVE pudding cups at your Independence Day celebration! I searched and searched for STRAWBERRY pudding as a special treat for my toddler (she LOVES strawberries!), and it's nowhere to be found. Soooo, I came up with this SIMPLE version of my own . . .

Strawberry Pudding Cups
1 large box Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups strawberry milk
1/2 to 1 cup Cool Whip, plus more for garnish
Sliced fresh strawberries

Prepare the instant pudding as directed on box, but use the strawberry milk in place of the "regular" milk called for. When the pudding has set, gently fold in desired amount of Cool Whip and spoon into cute glasses or pudding cups/bowls. Top with strawberries and a dollop of Cool Whip; refrigerate until ready to serve! Makes 4 servings.

TIP: This would be really yummy and cute served parfait style with some granola or sponge cake in between the layers as well! Or make it really "4th of July" and add a layer of fresh blueberries.

Gooey Caramel Corn

My cousin Julie gave me this EASY and yummy recipe for the best kind of caramel corn around—GOOEY!!! Thanks for sharing Jules!

Gooey Caramel Corn
1/4 cup butter, melted (I usually use a little less and it still tastes great)
2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
Dash of salt
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 quarts plain popped popcorn

In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Turn on the heat and then slowly add the condensed milk and vanilla, stirring while adding. Bring mixture to a boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Pour the caramel over the popcorn in a big bowl and stir. Serves lots!

TIP: This really does make a TON of caramel, so I just pop enough popcorn for my family and use whatever amount of caramel I need. Then I usually have a jar of caramel leftover for another quick batch of caramel corn, or to use over ice cream or other yummy desserts.

Easiest, Yummiest Guacamole!

Try this at your Super Bowl PARTY this Sunday. It's sooooo easy and by far my family's FAVORITE version of guacamole. It's FANTASTIC alone or layered in 7-Layer Dip!

Easiest, Yummiest Guacamole!
1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small)
1/2 lime
2 to 3 heaping tablespoons favorite salsa (I use Costco's Kirkland Organic)
1 tablespoon minced onion
Salt and pepper

Pit and peel the avocado and smash in a bowl with a fork until most of the big chunks are gone. Squeeze the lime half over top and stir. Stir in the salsa and onion, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!

TIP: You can also add some diced fresh tomato if desired.

Healthy But Oh So Delicious Fruit Smoothie!

This SWEET smoothie is sooooooo good! I make this most MORNINGS of the week, especially when I'm trying to EAT a little more on the HEALTHY side.

Healthy But Oh So Delicious Fruit Smoothie
1/2–1 cup skim milk
1/2–1 container light Yoplait yogurt, any flavor
1/2 banana
1 large handful fresh spinach (I like the baby organic from Costco)
5 or 6 baby carrots
1 handful frozen mixed berries (also from Costco)
4–6 ice cubes

Pour the ingredients in the order listed above into a blender (I use a Vita-Mix). Blend, starting slow, until everything is smooth and creamy. Enjoy!

TIP: Add a scoop of ground flax seed and a spoonful of wheat germ to be even healthier! Also, I suggest blending the smoothie ingredients until smooth, then stop and start again, blending for a while longer. That way any unblended chunks will drop to the bottom and will then be blended on the second go-round. :)

Yummy Granola

This is a recipe my MOM has made for years. The first time I made it for my HUSBAND, he basically downed the WHOLE batch. Now I always have to DOUBLE the recipe if I want some for myself!

Yummy Granola

6 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup slivered or sliced almonds (I prefer slivered)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/3 cup sesame seeds

6 cups oatmeal

In a saucepan, melt the butter and then add the honey, water, and sugar. Stir until all is melted and combined.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients over top and mix well. Spread on a baking sheet with sides and bake at 250 degrees for 60 minutes, stirring several times. Turn off oven and open door a crack, leaving granola inside to cool completely. Store in a large ziplock bag or Tupperware container. Eat with milk for breakfast, stirred in with your favorite yogurt, as a snack, or even sprinkled over ice cream!

TIP: You can also add any kind of dried fruit to the mix once it has completely cooled. I love craisins or dried raspberries. Fresh fruit added to individual servings is also yummy! OH, and try experimenting. You can add different types of nuts or basically anything else you want!

Sharon's Killer Cheeseball

A friend in my old neighborhood always delivered cheeseballs and crackers as her Christmas gifts to everyone. We always looked forward to this NUMMY snack and downed it pretty fast once it arrived on our doorstep. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as my family!

Sharon's Killer Cheeseball

1 bundle green onions (about 6-8)

2 packages Budding Beef or Ham lunchmeat

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temp

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Dash of garlic salt

Chopped pecans or walnuts

Chop the onions and meat, and then stir all ingredients except the nuts together. Form 2 balls and then roll in the nuts. Serve with your favorite crackers!

TIP: Try using Budding Pastrami for a little different taste. You can even roll the cheeseballs in more chopped lunchmeat if you'd rather skip the nuts.