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Zeppole

Do you ever just crave a good donut?? I sooooo do – more often that I probably should admit. While I love making baked cake donuts & they are still my favorite – I truly enjoy a fried goodie every once in a while. So I decided to go back to my old book of recipes (some I have not made in what seems like forever) & make some donuts that I know I love.

Zeppole

You see- one night I headed to the couch because the grumble of the grizzly bear was keeping me awake. Then around 5 am the grizzly bear came to wake me & try to bring me back to bed. Well at that point the coffee had already brewed (& I could smell it) & I knew I shouldn’t put off work any longer. So it was not back to bed for me – it was get to work time. But the first thing that ran through my head as he was nudging me awake was that I didn’t have any donuts to start my Saturday morning. I did vocalize this in hopes that he would be ever so sweet & head out to get me some. No go. So I just had to resort to making my own.

I found that if I dip them in Mocha Dulce de Leche – it’s REALLY GOOD. 🙂

Check out how easy it is to make Zeppole!

Print Recipe

Zeppole

Ingredients

1 cup warm water 110-115 degrees
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Peanut Oil for frying
Confectioners Sugar
Mocha Dulce de Leche for dipping

Instructions

Sprinkle the yeast & sugar over the water in a measuring cup. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
In large bowl - combine the flour & salt.
Add the yeast mixture & stir with a large spoon until well blended.
Cover with plastic wrap & place in warm spot for 1-1/2 hours to rise. (I like to run the dryer for about 5 minutes & then turn off & place my dough inside to allow to rise)
Pour about 2 inches of oil in deep, heavy stockpot or deep fryer.
Heat oil until temp reaches 375 degrees or until the dough sizzles when dropped in.
Drop the dough by the tablespoon into the hot oil. Do not place too many in at one time- they need space to float around.
Cook zeppole until golden brown & puffed.
Remove from oil with large metal slotted spoon & drain on paper towels.
Repeat with remaining dough
Once drained- place in paper sack with some confectioners sugar & shake until coated. For a lighter zeppole- you can just sprinkle with confectioners sugar instead. (This is what I did knowing I was going to dip them)
Serve immediately

These would also be great dipped in this Coffee Bean Syrup

Coffee Bean Syrup

It’s made with coffee 🙂

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Mocha Dulce de Leche

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

Do you like caramel? How about chocolate sauce? Have you made Dulce de Leche before? Well- let’s kick that up a notch or two, shall we!! I have a super tasty treat I’m sharing with you all tomorrow – but when I made it, I realized that I really needed a dip to go with it. You know me….more is more when it comes to toppings, dips & drizzles. I already had a few jars of Dulce de Leche cooking in the crock pot & I thought about using some of it for my dipping sauce. But I was really craving chocolate for this – and a little coffee too. Sooooooo I decided to add the two to my dulce de leche to make the perfect new dip.

Mocha Dulce de Leche

Yep! Everything you love about dulce de leche – but now with chocolate & COFFEE!! You’re welcome!

You will want to put it on EVERYTHING!

Print Recipe

Mocha Dulce de Leche

Ingredients

12 ounces Dulce de Leche
2 tbsp instant coffee granules
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Place coffee & chocolate chips in small saucepan - heat over medium stirring constantly until melted & combined
Whisk in salt & Dulce de Leche & stir until completely smooth
Transfer to jars - store in refrigerator
Warm before serving

Want a Simple way to make Dulce de Leche?

Simple Crock Pot Dulce de Leche

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Frozen Colada

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

I know it’s been a very cold & harsh winter so far for most. Are you craving the warm weather? How about someplace tropical? I know, I know- I’m sooooo itching for a trip home to the beach. It has been way too long since I have buried my toes in the sand & soaked up the salty air. But with all we have happening at the moment – my plans to get home again in March have petered out. Looks like even with the best of intentions plans sometimes have to be put off. So since I won’t get to the beach any time soon- I decided to create a little hint of paradise in a glass to hold me over a little bit longer.

Frozen Colada

Ohhhhh- I made this sans the rum. I wanted to be able to share with the kids.

Oh good heavens- I would drink these ALL DAY LONG. So stinkin’ good.

The vanilla ice cream is the perfect addition to my favorite flavor combo of pineapple & coconut.

Print Recipe

Frozen Colada

Ingredients

3 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup cream of coconut
1 cup ice
1 ounce white coconut rum *optional

Instructions

Place all ingredients in blender & blend on high for a full 1-2 minutes- or until the consistency is similar to a milkshake.
Pour into glasses & garnish with pineapple wedge.

It’s so simple & quick – but oh sooooooo delish!

This made enough for these 2 glasses shown. If preparing for a party – you may want to quadruple this recipe.

Want More Coconut?

Coco Piña Colada

Banana Coconut Donuts

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Lomo Action Set from Life n’ Reflection

By Kleinworth & Co 1 Comment

Do you love the Lomo filter in Instagram? Want to know how to get that look on your camera images in Photoshop? It’s so simple!!! My friend Kristy has created a Lomo Action set that does it all for you. Let me tell you- Photoshop actions are a huge time saver when it comes to processing your images. If you have never used them before- oh my- it’s literally one click & here you go. They do all the steps for you & all you have to do is adjust the opacity of each layer to achieve the look you desire. As part of Kristy’s design team I had the opportunity to try this new action set. I decided to play with an image from a scenic walk in the park here on a chilly & gloomy day before the 18 inches of snow fell here last week. 🙂

Lomo Action Set from Life n’ Reflection

These are all the different looks you can achieve with this set.

Here is my image before running the action.

Here is my image after running the Lomo Action & reducing the opacity to about 78%

You see – it gives that nice vintage look. So simple.

First download the Quick Guide – your “How-to” when it comes to adding actions to Photoshop & how to use them.

You can purchase & download the actions from Kristy’s store – Life n’ Reflection

Give them a try & have fun getting more creative with your images.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Featured in Green Craft Magazine

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

I have something special to share with you all today. Exciting news for me!! I have the pleasure of being featured in Green Craft Magazine. A long time ago I created my Corn Husk Luminaries which are sitting on my mantle right now. I don’t know how- but they were found by the editor & she contacted me to see if I would be interested in putting together an article on the project & a little about me too. Of course I’m interested. How fun!!! I can’t show you the whole thing- you have to go buy the issue to see it. But I can give you a peek.

Featured in Green Craft Magazine

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Stenciled Canvas Wall Art ~ Girl’s Room

By Kleinworth & Co 7 Comments

*Disclosure: I was given some of these supplies to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

While we have a few more months until the girls don’t have to share a room anymore, we are already making little things to give each one their own special flare once we are able to start decorating them. The girls are super excited. They have always shared a room – so this will be a big deal for them. Getting to decorate their own space is even better. So I was super thrilled to get the opportunity to try out the new stencils from Mod Podge Rocks! I adore Amy & I was so excited to find out that she was going to have her own line of stencils through Plaid. I think I squealed when they arrived. I couldn’t wait to start creating.

Stenciled Canvas Wall Art ~ Girl’s Room

I used these Spouncer Applicators & applied Mod Podge Sheer Color in the blue & in pink. I decided to use the Mod Podge Sheer Color instead of paint because I wanted a sheer look. I didn’t want it to be opaque & this worked out well. It dried quickly too- which is always good for me because I’m super impatient when it comes to projects.

I LOVE these. So simple- you just peel off the backing, stick down to your surface & add your Mod Podge or paint. Then it just peels off & you can re-stick to another part or put it back on the backing sheet & rinse off to clean for the next use. I absolutely love the fact that they stick down because I have not learned how to use the vinyl cutting machine that I inherited from my mom. Using regular stencils that don’t stick down is a pain. This was absolutely 100% easy & quick. I hope they make them in all shapes, sizes, patterns & letters too.

I used these Mod Podge Podgeable Glitters once I had my Mod Podge in place.

Want to try them out???

I’m giving away 1 stencil (pattern chosen at random) to one lucky reader!

Just leave me a comment letting me know what you would make with them first.

Check out: Learn How to Use Mod Podge Peel & Stick Stencils for more details & inspiration.

You can learn more about Mod Podge Rocks! Peel & Stick Stencils on the Plaid site.

Want More Projects?

Painted Kids Room Decor

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Blackberry White Chocolate Buckle

By Kleinworth & Co 21 Comments

Blackberry White Chocolate Buckle is the perfect Easter or Mother’s Day dessert. Quick & easy dessert for blackberry lovers that’s like a cobbler & so good!

You know how I love having fruit in the house. I get pretty giddy when my fridge & counters are overflowing with produce. It spurs all sorts of inspiration. I want to get in there & start creating things & letting my imagination run wild. This time I decided to work with the several containers of blackberries we just picked up. They are a family favorite. I remember when the kids were really little- I couldn’t give them enough to satisfy their craving for them. I really don’t blame them- blackberries are a wonderful snack. I whipped them up with some white chocolate chips for this super tasty treat.

Blackberry White Chocolate Buckle

I remember the first time I had a wild blackberry. I was expecting my son- over 16 years ago TODAY (wow). The hubs & I were out on one of our walks to give the baby some exercise. We lived in a place where they grew on the side of random trails. He picked one off & told me to try it. I grew up in So Cal. You were taught to never just pick things & eat them- you didn’t know what they would do. So I was cautious. I had never lived like that- just picking things growing wherever. It was life changing. I loved it.

Print Recipe

Blackberry White Chocolate Buckle

Ingredients

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour divided
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 stick butter - room temperature
3/4 cup sugar divided
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
2-1/2 cups fresh blackberries
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Spray 9" glass baking dish with cooking spray & set aside
In mixer - beat 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
Add in 1/2 cup sugar & beat until light & fluffy
Add egg - beat until well combined
Beat in 2-1/3 cups flour & your baking powder & salt
Add in milk as it's beating in the dry ingredients
Transfer to prepared pan- spread out
In small bowl- toss berries with lime juice & then pour over batter
Add white chocolate chips
In another small bowl combine remaining butter, cinnamon, remaining sugar & remaining flour- mix with pastry blender until large crumbles remain.
Sprinkle over the top of your berries & spread out to cover
Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick test comes out almost clean.
Cool in pan on wire rack
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top *opt

If you make this recipe- please leave a link or tag me on Instagram @KleinworthCo

Want More Blackberries?

Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic

Blackberry Pops

Blackberry Whole Wheat Mini Donuts

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Blueberry Freezer Jam

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

I love making preserves. There is something about looking in the fridge & seeing a multitude of jars filled with things I have made myself. Normally I take my favorite marmalade recipe & just tweak it to whatever fruit I happen to be working with at the time. But that takes the better part of an hour. My days seem to be getting shorter & it seems I have less & less time to be in the kitchen. So spending hours in there making homemade jam just isn’t happening anymore. So I decided to make a NO COOK – SIMPLE – only 3 INGREDIENTS freezer jam that was ready in record time. I may never go back to my other method again. I love how this turned out.

Blueberry Freezer Jam

I’m starting to get so excited about spring. I really get depressed when the market & our co-op have few things to choose from for produce during the winter months. Come spring & summer our house will be packed with produce & I literally can’t wait.

Print Recipe

Blueberry Freezer Jam

Ingredients

2 cups fresh blueberries
2-1/2 tbsp pectin
1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Sterilize your jars & set aside
In a medium size bowl- combine sugar & pectin. Set aside.
In a food processor- pulse your blueberries until they are liquid & no lumps or large pieces remain
Pour over your sugar mix & whisk well for approx 2-3 minutes- making sure all sugar has dissolved
Ladle into your jar & leave about 1/2" space at the top for expansion
Place your lids on & allow to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring to freezer.
*Will store in freezer approx 6 months. In refrigerator 6 weeks.

Want More Blueberries?

Blueberry Pie Donuts

Blueberry Pie Bars

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Red Hot Dark Chocolate Fudge

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

We are on the countdown to Valentine’s Day!! When I think of Valentine’s Day I definitely think of dark chocolate. I could be because it’s my hubs favorite of all the different types of chocolate available. So I am always trying new recipes for him using his beloved 60% Cacao chocolate. So- are you looking for a simple no bake dessert that will still have your sweetie swooning too?

Red Hot Dark Chocolate Fudge

Always start with PREMIUM chocolate, especially when working with dark chocolate. I have discussed this before but I will say it again. It is critical that you use high quality chocolate for this recipe. Because of the high Cacao content, it is the key to getting a silky consistency with your fudge. This is why I love using Ghirardelli. I love that it’s available at my grocer & I don’t have to go to a specialty store to find premium chocolate for my recipes. The variety of flavors & products is fantastic. Usually I go to the store to pick up one item but often find so much inspiration with everything else on the shelf that I pick up several varieties for future recipes too.

For this recipe I used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Chips & the 4 oz Bars.

Print Recipe

Red Hot Dark Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients

1 1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Margarine do not use butter
1 5oz Can Evaporated Milk
1 7oz Jar Marshmallow Cream
1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2-1/2 Cup Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 squares of Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Bars - broken into pieces
1/4 cup Red Hots
Valentine Sprinkles

Instructions

Line 9x13 glass pan with parchment & then spray lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
Put chocolate chips & vanilla in mixer bowl. Set aside.
Heat sugar, margarine, evaporated milk & marshmallow cream in 3 qt. heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until mixture boils, boil for 5 full minutes- stirring constantly.
Remove from heat. Pour into mixer bowl over the top of the chocolate chips.
Beat with whip attachment in mixer until it's smooth & looks like silk. (if you did not use premium chocolate- it will be grainy & watery)
Transfer to your prepared dish.
Top with red hots, chocolate bar pieces & Valentine sprinkles
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting & serving.

Ghirardelli baking chips and bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence. Headlined by their famous 60% cacao chips, Ghirardelli baking ingredients provide bakers with premium options for all of their baking needs. Available in 10-12 oz chips bags and 4 oz bars, Ghirardelli baking products deliver lingering pleasure in every dessert, for impressive results worth sharing.

60% cacao and milk chips come in a larger size for more flavor impact

Availability: Grocery, mass, and club stores nationwide

More on Ghirardelli

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

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chocolate Marshmallow Iced Coffee ~ #TruMoo

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

*Disclosure: Sponsored Post- I have been compensated for this post either monetarily or with product. All opinions are truthful & my own.

Oh do I have a treat for you?? Do you love Iced Coffee?? I soooo do & so does my hubs. One thing we love to do is make a couple glasses of iced coffee in the afternoons & just sit in our retreat & chat a little. We close the door & tune out the noise of the day. We talk about things that are happening- major life events, plans for the day, plans for the things coming up in the week & the all important dreams for the future. These often include things like “hey- we will be going to the Ortho this week” & bigger topics like “What color shades were you thinking of for the walls in the new house?” But the key here is- our discussions always involve us enjoying these moments together while sharing something tasty. My standard iced coffee recipe was kicked up to a whole new level of YUM when I had the chance to try TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow. SO I created the ultimate beverage.

Chocolate Marshmallow Iced Coffee

Perfect to share with your sweetie for Valentine’s Day!!

This drink is so simple to make- BECAUSE I used TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk. Using chocolate milk for this beverage would have already made a traditional iced coffee really tasty. But to use the TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow flavor- OMG!!! So Good! I have a deep love & affection for marshmallow flavored anything so this really truly makes me happy. TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow will be available through February & Chocolate and Vanilla milks are available year-round. I sure hope they decide to make the Chocolate Marshmallow year round too – I may be really sad when I can’t get it anymore.

Those that TRULY LOVE Chocolate Milk!

Some facts about TruMoo

TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow milk is made with fresh white milk sourced from regional dairies around the country – pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great.

Nutritious and Delicious!

TruMoo Milk contains no artificial growth hormones and no high fructose corn syrup. This is a HUGE thing for me. This means that I don’t have to purchase unpasteurized milk from the local farmer if I want to get away from additives in the milk I serve my family. Incredibly important to me & I am so happy to have this option.

Enjoy TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow hot or cold!

Try it as an ingredient in your favorite mocktail. Enjoy it hot and you have yourself a s’more!

It’s available in the dairy section at grocery stores nationwide through the month of February.

I picked mine up at Target.

Print Recipe

Chocolate Marshmallow Iced Coffee ~ #TruMoo

Ingredients

TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk
Strong Coffee
Ice

Instructions

Fill your glass with ice to desired level
Pour in coffee until glass is about 1/4 - 1/2 full
Fill remaining glass with TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk - allow flavors to swirl (this is my favorite part of the prep process)
Give it a quick stir with your straw
That's it! Told you it was EASY & OH SO GOOD!

Connect with TruMoo

Facebook — Website — Twitter — Store Locator

Sweet Valentine Printables

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

So are you ready for a fun little printable?? I created this sheet for my kiddos to give to their friends here in the neighborhood. They helped me in deciding how they wanted them & they designed them with me. Those kids- they are so creative. Suppose I should let them start their own blogs. They would probably pass me by 🙂 So anyhow- here they are. Print away!!

Sweet Valentine’s Day Printables

DOWNLOAD FILE

Don’t you just love the colors of Valentines Day?? The pinks & reds – oh so cute together. They make me smile. I wish it were acceptable to pair the two all year long 🙂 But it’s not so I have to really embrace it while we are in this season.

Want More Valentine Printables?

Red Velvet Cake Mix Recipe Instructions

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Coffee Bean Syrup

By Kleinworth & Co 18 Comments

Ooohhhhh – I can’t even begin to tell you just how excited I am about this recipe. If you are a COFFEE LOVER like I am – you try to add a little java to just about anything you can. I start my day off with a 28 ounce mug of some really strong coffee. Sometimes that isn’t quite enough. Soooo….I decided to see if I could give a jolt to my breakfast too. Because really- I wanted to see if I COULD. The result was over the top- so much better than I ever imagined.

Coffee Bean Syrup

I grew up with whip cream on my waffles & pancakes. Then in high school one of my best friends was from Australia. When she told me that they serve waffles with a scoop of ice cream on it for breakfast – that was it for me. GENIUS! Why didn’t I ever think of that before??!! A reason to have ice cream for breakfast- I’m all over that. So the perfect combination here is waffles & vanilla ice cream topped with this Coffee Bean Syrup. HEAVEN on a breakfast plate – I’m tellin’ ya.

One little taste- my eyes rolled to the back of my head. TO DIE FOR!

Print Recipe

Coffee Bean Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup corn syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
4 tsp strong instant coffee granules
1/2 cup water
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Place corn syrup, sugar, water & coffee granules in saucepan.
Heat over medium - stirring to combine.
Keep stirring & allow to come to a boil - boiling & stirring about 3-5 minutes
Remove from heat & add evaporated milk & vanilla.
Stir to combine.
Set aside to cool to room temperature before transferring to bottles.
Store in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Heat in microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back to drizzle consistency before serving.

Want More Syrup?

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Blueberry Syrup

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Bacon and Garlic Clam Chowder

By Kleinworth & Co 16 Comments

Is it cold where you are?? Yeah- it’s pretty chilly here in North Idaho too. Makes me want to cook up something yummy & hot & curl up in my chair with my favorite blanket & get cozy. One of my all time favorite Easy Family Dinner Ideas to make when it’s cold & blustery outside is clam chowder. But the hubs doesn’t make just your typical New England Clam Chowder – he puts some serious flavor love into it & comes out with this amazing bowl of YUM.

Bacon and Garlic Clam Chowder

Pour it in your bread bowl- you can’t beat it on a cold winter day.

Print Recipe

Bacon and Garlic Clam Chowder

Ingredients

6 slices bacon - chopped
2-1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
6 cups peeled & diced potatoes
pepper to taste
1 tbsp minced garlic
7 cups half & half
1/2 cup butter 1 stick
3 6.5 ounce cans chopped clams
1/2 pound fresh steamer clams

Instructions

Scrub clams & then place in a bowl of salt water for 20 minutes (1/3 cup salt in 1 gallon water).
Remove from water - rinse & repeat 2 more times to allow the clams to release the sand inside.
Once done - fill stockpot with water just to cover the bottom. Place clams inside.
Cover & bring to a boil & let the clams steam 5-7 minutes or until they open.
Remove clams from shells & set aside.
While you are soaking your clams for the last time - peel & dice your potatoes & onion. Set aside.
Place diced bacon in another large stockpot & cook over high heat - until cooked & crisp.
Leaving bacon & grease in bottom of pot & add in your onions & garlic - cook & stir until onions are soft.
Add in butter - allow to melt & blend flavors. Keep stirring.
Stir in water & potatoes.
Add pepper to taste (I purposely do not add salt because of the salt content of the other ingredients- you don't want too much)
Bring potatoes to a boil & cook uncovered about 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Pour in your half & half
Drain your cans of clams - reserving the clam liquid.
Add in your canned clams & your fresh clams.
Add 1/2 of your reserved clam juice.
Stir & cook until hot- do not bring to a boil
Serve hot.
*note - this is a thinner, lighter chowder. I will be sharing a thicker, heartier version of this later.

I’m sharing this recipe as part of January’s Recipe Round-Up.

I have teamed up with a wonderful group of talented gals to bring you some of the best COMFORT FOOD recipes you’ll ever find.

Check out all the other recipes by these AMAZING bloggers that have joined in this month.

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Want More Soup?

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Idaho Potato Soup

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Thin Mint Meets Oreo

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

I think it’s pretty safe to say that America has a love affair with 2 very special cookies. The Thin Mint (lovingly brought to us by the Girl Scouts) and the Oreo. Both in my opinion are nothing short of AMAZING!! I have seen several bloggers- some of which are also my friends, use the cookie part of an Oreo to make their own Thin Mint cookies. While I think it’s absolutely GENIUS – I was also quite saddened by the thought of scraping out what I view as the essence of the Oreo & dare I say….discarding (GASP) it!!!! Really?? So I thought- why on earth do I have to choose between the genius of making my own Thin Mints & the essence of the Oreo? So I came up with my own solution.

This post was originally shared by me on “Or So She Says…” several weeks ago but I love this one so much I just had to share it here in my own space too.

Thin Mint Meets Oreo

Mint & Oreo – Yep, every bit as good as you imagine.

I’m not really sure I can ever go back to eating either of them the “normal” way again.

It really is the perfect marriage of 2 iconic cookies.

Mmmmmm- make these for your next gathering. They will be gone in a flash.

Print Recipe

Thin Mint Meets Oreo

Ingredients

16-20 Double Stuffed Oreo Cookies
16 ounces 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tsp Peppermint Extract

Instructions

In medium size glass bowl - microwave your chocolate chips 1-2 minutes on 50% power. Be sure to take out & stir every 30 seconds to make sure it's heating & melting evenly.
Once it's very melted & smooth stir in extract.
Lower your your cookies one by one with a fork into the chocolate, flipping to coat completely.
Raise out of the chocolate & allow excess to drain off.
Place on parchment lined baking sheet.
Continue with remaining cookies.
Place in refrigerator to set chocolate for several hours.
Remove & allow to cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
Store in airtight container.

Want More Goodies?

Cookie Butter Rolo Oat Bars

Oatmeal Date Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Valentine Porch Sign

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

Each month I put a new wreath on the front door. It usually fits the holiday of the month or the feel of the season. But that is usually as far as I take it. But this past fall I decorated the whole front porch with corn husks & a painted board. I then painted a board for Christmas- only I didn’t get to use it because we were in So Cal. SO I decided that after the porch bring absolutely bare – besides my January wreath, I needed to start thinking about what I would decorate with for February. I mean – I am doing all sorts of things for Valentine’s Day here in the house- I should be doing something for the porch too. So I decided to make another sign.

Valentine Porch Sign

It was fun to work on & the kids were able to jump in & help too.

This was super simple to create.

1 – I painted the board with a light lavender paint.

2 – Printed & cut out my paper letters to apply.

3 – Arranged the letters on the board to get an idea of placement.

4 – Brushed on a thick layer of Mod Podge Gloss under each letter & pressed the letters down to stick

5 – Once the letters were somewhat dried onto the board & gave another full thick coat of Mod Podge Gloss over the entire board to seal in the paper & give a shiny finish over the whole thing.

I told you it was simple. Now I can have the porch decorated for Valentines Day.

I’ll be working on a wreath this weekend I hope. It’s almost February.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Decorated Dog Treats Box

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

*Disclosure: Sponsored Post- I have been compensated for this post either monetarily or with product. All opinions are truthful & my own.

It seems that January is the time to get organized. Everyone is focusing on “out with the old & in with the new” & I am no exception. There is something about starting the new year fresh & getting rid of the clutter- both mentally & around the house. One thing I decided to tackle is how we contain our treats for our dog. The kids wanted something cute for him & so we pulled out some fabulous new products from Mod Podge & got a little creative. I let the kids take the reigns with this one & decide what we would do. I have many other projects on my list but this was the first one we tackled with the Mod Podge.

Decorated Dog Treats Box

I love how adorable it is. Let me show you how simple it was to make.

Here are the products I started out with – I didn’t end up using them all but I like to have them all out in front of me so that if I change my mind mid-way through (like I did with this project) I have everything at the ready for a game change.

Shown here in the picture: Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Gloss (to be used in some upcoming projects), Mod Podge Sheer Colors in Yellow, Purple, Pink & Blue (also to be used in some great new projects coming up – I can’t wait to use these to tint some jars too), Mod Podge Facet Shapes, Mod Podge Stampers, Mod Podge Brush, Mod Podge Matte Finish, Mod Podge Gloss Finish, scissors, scrapbook paper & my protective mat since I was working on our antique table that day.

Don’t miss these great tutorial videos from Plaid:

How to Tint Glass with Mod Podge Sheer Colors

Learn How to Use Mod Podge Sheer Colors

Mod Podge Sheer Colors are a NEW product that just launched this month (Jan 2014). They come in 9 transparent colors. They work great on glass, wood, metal & more. The Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe is also a NEW project launching this month. It’s Top-Rack dishwasher safe & good for indoor or outdoor use. I can’t wait to play with both of these more in the coming weeks.

I knew we wanted to cover the top of the box with the scrapbook paper – so we started with tracing the size of the lid.

The munchkin wanted to add one of the Facet Shapes with the fire hydrant on it –

so she added a little Mod Podge Gloss to the back & then we adhered the hydrant cutout on it.

I gave the lid a nice thick coat of Mod Podge Matte finish – placed my piece of scrapbook paper on top & used a gift card to really smooth it out.

Then I added another top coat of Mod Podge to seal it down.

Note: we started with a different box- the kids insisted on using the Mod Podge Sheer color in blue- which worked great except the blue on top of the brown didn’t look so great. If it had been a white box- maybe better. So I had to step in & change things up a little. Sooooo- this is what I meant by having to shift things on the fly sometimes. Because I love the beautiful glossy blue finish of the other box – I am super anxious to give it a try again on the right surface. So stay tuned for another post on that. I am really looking forward to playing with it more soon.

We placed the Facet Shape with the hydrant on it in the middle using the Mod Podge as adhesive.

Then we added a couple more shapes we cut out – also using the Mod Podge as adhesive & then a coat on top to seal.

I love how adorable it turned out & the kids smile every time they get to open the box to give the dog a treat.

I love the little Facet Shapes-

the girls are really looking forward to using them with more decorative papers & creating some jewelry projects.

Sign up for Plaid’s weekly newsletter for tutorials and inspiration HERE

Get more inspiration and more Mod Podge ideas on Plaid’s Pinterest Board

Find Mod Podge Sheer Colors, Facet Shapes and Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge in Michaels or on Plaid’s website HERE

Check out all these other Mod Podge Projects

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Red Velvet Biscotti

By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

Would you agree with me that when you think of Red Velvet flavored anything- your mind sort of automatically thinks of Valentines Day? I know mine does. Which is why I can’t seem to stop wit the red velvet recipes. It’s so incredibly good & there is just something about it that screams special. So I couldn’t help myself from making this tasty little coffee time snack to make my weekend a little more exciting.

Red Velvet Biscotti

I had so much fun in Michaels picking up all the little Valentine sprinkles & decorations. I really have to hold myself back in there. The hubs thought I had lost my mind. When I left CA I shipped home 4 LARGE boxes of my mom’s cake decorating/baking supplies. He didn’t think I would need to be buying any sort of baking item for a very long time. Buuuut – I wandered in to Michaels & walked out with several bags full of more baking supplies. Go figure.

Look at how fun these little hearts are mixed with the white chocolate chips.

Print Recipe

Red Velvet Biscotti

Red Velvet Biscotti is the perfect treat to serve your sweetie with their coffee on Valentine's Day.

Prep Time25

Cook Time50

Total Time1 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Keyword: biscotti, red velvet

Servings: slices

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour spooned into your measuring cup- don't scoop in with the cup - this packs it in & gives too much in the recipe
2 cups sugar
1 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
2 oz liquid red food color or 2 tbsp gel food color
1½ tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
5 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
½ cup heart sprinkles

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, food color, baking powder, & salt in the mixer bowl & turn it on the slowest setting. (stir)
Combine eggs, & vanilla in small bowl & beat lightly with a fork.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture & mix well until combined. It will be sticky but firm.
Fold in the white chocolate chips.
Divide the dough in half for 2 large loaves - I did 3 medium-sized instead. (You should end up with 2 rectangles measuring approximately 4-5 inches on the short end & 7-8 inches on the long end.)
On a lightly floured surface, form each log & place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until tops are set.
Remove from the oven & reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Allow logs to cool & then slice about ½ - 1 inch wide.
Lay slices on their side on the baking sheet & bake at 300 for 10 minutes.
Remove- flip the slices over & bake an additional 8-10 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack before decorating or placing them in an airtight container for storage.

Want More Red Velvet?

You can make this Homemade Red Velvet Cake Mix & print the instructions tag for a great gift.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Easy Grilled & Ready Kabobs

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

You know how I love my football. That is no secret. If you are a regular reader here then you also know that I love to make a HUGE spread of snacks for every game. Not just the BIG game – but all games. REALLY – football season is 6 months long. That can really add up to a whole lot of eating things that I probably shouldn’t. So we have been trying to add in healthier choices in not just what we eat but how we prepare it too. Who says football snacks have to be bad for you? Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? I set out to create a fresh, tasty & healthier snack for the family to munch on & came up with something they are begging me to put on the permanent menu.

Easy Grilled & Ready Kabobs

You are not going to believe how quick & simple these are.

I basically started with 2 bags Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips. Poured them both into a large skillet. Then I cut up 4 bell peppers into squares – one in each color for a little visual fun.

I drizzled a little olive oil over everything- about 2 tbsp. Then I added a healthy dose of granulated garlic because I add garlic to nearly everything I make.

Then I just sauteed & stirred until the chicken was hot & the peppers were soft & all the flavors had a chance to blend.

I then washed a large bowl of cherry tomatoes & cut about 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese into cubes.

By this time the contents of the skillet had cooled enough to handle with our fingers. I brought my son in for an extra set of hands to help assemble.

Just grab, stick & done.

For me presentation is everything when it comes to making our meals fun & exciting. So I picked up this perfect platter just for these kabobs.

The medley of colors just makes them so appealing – we had a hard time making sure everyone had enough & no one person missed out.

I absolutely LOVE the fact that these packs of Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips have no preservatives. You know that I have REALLY been working hard at eliminating as many foods containing preservatives as I possibly can. So I was absolutely THRILLED to see that these not only were convenient & affordable for our large family, but that I didn’t have to compromise on some of our new healthier habits just to have a quick dinner option.

Print Recipe

Easy Grilled & Ready Kabobs

Ingredients

2 bags Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips
4 Bell Peppers - colors of choice
2 cups cherry tomatoes
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp granulated garlic opt
15-20 skewers

Instructions

Add Chicken Breast Strips to large skillet.
Cut bell peppers into squares & add to skillet.
Add in your olive oil & garlic
Saute until thoroughly heated & bell peppers have softened & flavors blended
Remove from heat & set aside to cool slightly
While your skillet is cooling - wash your cherry tomatoes
Then cube your cheese.
By now your skillet should be cool enough for you to start assembling your kabobs
Stick on your skewer - remembering to alternate colors & choices for visual interest.
Eat immediately

I picked up my Tyson Grilled & Ready products at Walmart. Right now Walmart has all Grilled & Ready products on Rollback for just $5.87 – which makes an easy dinner so affordable.

This is really COOL – a super fridge for these products will be in 1,067 Walmart stores. See store list HERE and see if these stores are in your area so you can check it out!

Be sure to visit Tyson on Facebook & join them for “Just Add This” where you can get daily healthier for you recipes & some great fitness ideas.

You can also win GREAT PRIZES too. All through January – March!

Connect with Tyson: Website, Twitter @ TysonTweets , Facebook

You can also check out other Tyson Grilled & Ready recipes on Pinterest.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Valentine Red Hots Votive

By Kleinworth & Co 3 Comments

You know- sometimes putting together a simple little craft can make one so happy. I love having votives sitting around in various places in the house & I love making each one unique & interesting. I brought this one home from my moms- it was actually a small vase from her services. But when I cleaned it out & looked at it- I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. We packed it ever so carefully in the car for the long drive home. I was shocked it made the 1300 mile journey without breaking. I have ever so patiently been waiting to jump into Valentine’s Day mode since I had this idea in my head since early December. I was so thrilled to actually be able to put it together.

Valentine Red Hots Votive

This took literally all of about 30 seconds to put together & yet it looks so cute. I can tell you – it took about 1000 times longer to photograph. Ever single place I set it – there was this lovely catchlight glare spot on it. Grrr. I used my filter, moved from room to room – it was a bear. This time of year usually isn’t an issue. Usually we don’t see the sun for 4 months – this year is quite different. You know we don’t have any snow on the ground??!! Usually we have about 28-30 inches at this point all stacked up. Strange- I know. But anyhow- so sunny day + glass = frustration with reflections. This is why you are only getting one image today 🙂 Normally I wouldn’t have shared all of that- but I’m trying to keep it real here. There are plenty of things I have to work on with my photography- this is one of them.

So anyhow- it’s literally just the 3 things you see here – vase, red hots & the candle. Nothing hidden underneath to prop it up- but you could do that as long as it’s flame retardant. It’s just a fun little way to bring a little more Valentine into your home & get you feeling the LOVE.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Homemade Sipping Brandy

By Kleinworth & Co 7 Comments

Remember back in September when I originally shared with you my recipe for making Homemade Liquors? Well I had originally planned on finishing up those liquors & bottling them for holiday gifts. I didn’t really get around to doing that but I still needed to do something with what I had already started. So I searched out for some really great little swing top bottles & the got to work getting them all filled with our Homemade Brandy.

Homemade Sipping Brandy

These turned out EXACTLY like my mother-in-law used to make. I was so pleased when the hubs told me that I was able to re-create what she would make as it brought back so many great memories for him.

I just love the colors when the light shines through them.

Here is what we started with & what it looks like at the beginning of the process.

Visit my How to Make Homemade Liquors post to print the directions.

Want more homemade liquors? Try this

Homemade Kahlua

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Red Velvet Cake Mix & Free Printable

By Kleinworth & Co 13 Comments

I don’t know about you- but I get sort of frustrated when I go to print off a recipe & it calls for cake mix. Especially when it’s a flavor I don’t keep on hand – like Red Velvet Cake. I do like the ease of using cake mix so I have a few flavors I keep in the pantry for when I need something quick. But more & more I am making things from scratch & keeping less & less of these pre-packaged boxes in the kitchen. So after finding several recipes that called for red velvet cake mix & not having any on hand – I decided to make my own so I could make red velvet cake for Valentine’s Day.

Red Velvet Cake Mix

Don’t get me wrong- if I kept a large variety of cake mix flavors on hand I wouldn’t be frustrated at all. But I do like being able to print off a recipe & go in my kitchen & create what I have been craving while using things I keep continually stocked in my kitchen- usually in bulk. Things like flour & sugar I buy in the bulk 50lb bags & I try to always make sure I have plenty of cocoa powder & other things that I use several cups at a time on a daily basis. It just makes being in the kitchen so much easier when I can pull from what I have & satisfy that craving. So this jar mix is perfect for that.

To create the mix – follow these instructions & then print the tag with the remaining ingredients & instructions to make the cake at a later date. This makes quite a bit- I had to really pack the mix down in the jar & it filled it to the very top.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Red Velvet Cake Mix & Free Printable

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl & whisk together to combine.
Transfer to 2qt jar & attach printable instructions for later baking.

Here are the instructions.

Download HERE

Want More Red Velvet?

Valentine Red Velvet Brownies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Her Story Begins with a Dream & a Spark ~ Free Printable

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

Hi All! How are you today? I have the pleasure of having another one of my fellow SNAP! contributors here today to share with you this great motivational printable. I just love the message & the design is perfect. My favorite is the color version- but Jessica has created both color & black & white for you here today. Give a warm Kleinworth & Co. welcome to Jessica & click on over to download your printable.

Her Story Begins with a Dream & a Spark ~ Free Printable

Hello Kleinworth and Co. friends. I’m Jessica, Founder and Creative Director at Pen N’ Paper Flowers and I am excited to be here today sharing a FREE Art Print I created.

The inspiration behind this simple art print came from the start of a new year. We typically view this time of year with hope and promise for good things to come, fresh starts and the inspiration to reach our dreams and make big things happen.

The words of the quote were actually inspired by one of my youngest daughter’s favorite songs called “The Glow”. It’s an uplifting song all about finding your strength, believing in yourself, letting your light shine and ultimately being the princess (woman) you were created to be.

My hope is that you’ll be inspired to print and frame this for yourself, or someone you know, as a daily reminder to dream…and be all you can be.

I’ve included the black and white version of the 5×7 Art Print as well as a color version for you to enjoy!

Download the Black and White Art Print HERE

Download the COLOR Art Print HERE

Thank you so much Jessica for creating this to share today!!!

Be sure to head on over & visit Jessica @ Pen N’ Paper Flowers & check out her fabulous space.

Want More Printables?

Cursive Handwriting Practice Sheets

No Sew Sleep Mask Pattern & Instructions

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Garlic & Cheddar Pipeline Porter Beer Bread

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

Don’t you just love the smell of bread baking in the oven? I love it!!! I don’t always have time to make bread from scratch though. So I often pull out my beer bread recipe & play with it to fit the dish we are having. I always love the ease of this particular recipe because it’s ready to go in the oven so quickly that it often takes longer for the oven to heat than it does to prepare it for baking. You really can’t beat that when it comes to fresh homemade bread. It’s the best side with dinner because you don’t have to plan hours ahead to have it with your meal. So much flavor too. I love having it fresh & hot out of the oven.

Garlic & Cheddar Pipeline Porter Beer Bread

This went so well with our soup the other night- OH MY!

I decided to use this great little IPA – Pipeline Porter from the Kona Brewing Company. The flavor it gives to the bread is great.

Print Recipe

Garlic & Cheddar Pipeline Porter Beer Bread

Ingredients

3 cups self rising flour
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 bottle Pipeline Porter beer
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tbsp minded garlic
1 stick butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray large glass loaf pan with cooking spray
Mix flour, sugar & beer in mixer bowl with dough hook attachment until combined & dough like
Slowly mix in cheese & garlic
Transfer to prepared pan.
Bake 40 minutes
Melt butter in microwave.
After bread has baked 40 minutes- remove from oven & pour 2/3 of the melted butter over the top
Return to oven & bake another 20 minutes.
Remove & pour remaining butter over the top & allow to soak in & cool until it is able to be handled.
Slice gently & serve warm.

Want More bread ?

Slow Cooker Black Bread

Butternut Squash Bread

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

The Best Green Juice

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

I want you to met someone special today. Kendra is the owner & creator of Key Lime Digital Designs. She is a fellow contributor for SNAP! & all around creative genius. Her blog designs are gorgeous & her creativity is incredibly inspiring. Today I have the honor of having her here today sharing this recipe that is sure to kick off my 2014 in the right direction.

The Best Green Juice

Hi! My name is Kendra from Key Lime Digital Designs. I am very excited to be here today sharing with you! Typically on my blog I only post about blog design, blogging tips, and fonts (I’m sort of a font-aholic) but today I am excited to take this chance to share something totally different and non computer-ish! Enter the Green Machine.

This juice is so refreshing and delicious. If you have any New Years health resolutions you are going to love this juice!

You might be a little skeptic about the kale. I promise the bitterness of the Kale is covered up by the oranges. The oranges are the sneaky, not so green, ingredient. They add sweetness to the juice that make it so yummy!

Let’s talk about juicing in general for a min. There are a lot of opinion on juicing. Here’s mine … Can juicing be expensive? Yes. Should you juice all the time for your sole nutrients? Hmm, probably not. Does juicing actually taste good? Yes, it can! And this green juice recipe is my favorite. All time favorite. Can juicing be refreshing and a good way to reset your system? Absolutely!

I have used this green juice after I had both of my babies to help get rid of that extra baby weight. When I decide to “juice” I typically juice for 3-4 days – drinking this green machine for breakfast and lunch and then eating a sensible dinner.

You are gonna love this because you will feel so refreshed and energetic after you drink this! Get your juicers out pronto!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

The Best Green Juice

Ingredients

2 Huge handfuls of kale
2 Huge handfuls of spinach
1 Cucumber
2 Granny smith apples
1 Large orange

Instructions

Twist the stems off the apples and cut them in half.
Peel the oranges.
Thrown everything in the juicer.
Mix the juice and enjoy! (And don't be to picky about the amounts listed above. Give a little take a little.)

Notes: The amount of juice this produces can vary based on your produce but typically I find it makes about 36-40oz. You can refrigerate the juice for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Shake well before drinking.[br][br]If you feel like your juice is still a little bitter, just add another orange.

-Kendra

I am a wife and mom of 2 energetic kids!

My family keeps me busy but I also love to blog, create in photoshop, collect fonts, oh and eat cookie dough 🙂

Blog | Shop | Instagram

Thank you so much Kendra – I’m thrilled to have you here today!!!

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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2 ingredient White Chocolate Popcorn

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

Hi Everyone!!! Have I got a treat for you today. The lovely & amazingly talented Ariean from OneKriegerChick is here today to share with you a tasty little treat to help you kick off your family movie night on the right foot. You see Ariean is a fellow SNAP! contributor & so you know what that means…. everything she does is FABULOUS!!!!!!! I’m telling you- if you have not had the pleasure of visiting her space before- then head on over to OneKriegerChick & sign up for her email updates. You will be so happy you did. But first – be sure to grab her recipe here today.

2 ingredient White Chocolate Popcorn

Hello New Friends! I’m Ariean from OneKriegerChick and I am thrilled to be here today sharing one of my favorite sweet treats…

It is unbelieveably easy, but oh so delicious…I should mention Highly Addictive too.

Once you taste it, you’ll have to come back a few more times. Best to make it for a crowd!

Why not whip up a batch with sprinkles in the colors of your favorite team…Perfect for Super Bowl coming up in a few weeks!

Print Recipe

2 ingredient White Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients

10-12 cups air popped popcorn or 2 bags popped popcorn not buttered
1/2 block Almond bark 6 cubes
Optional: sprinkles or other seasonal add-in

Instructions

Pop popcorn and remove un-popped kernels.
Melt Almond bark in microwave. Melt in 30 second intervals stirring in between each until smooth. It took about 1 1/2 minutes in my microwave.
In a large bowl, drizzle melted Almond bark over popped popcorn and stir until covered.
If desired, add sprinkles or add-ins before chocolate completely hardens.
Enjoy!

If you liked this recipe, I would love to have you stop by OneKriegerChick where I share other fun ideas like this Snow Ice Cream Kit…

Thank you so very much for having me Gina!

~Ariean

Isn’t this AWESOME??!!!! I love the salty & sweet mix of chocolate popcorn AND – this Snow Ice Cream kit – HELLO!! That is just perfect for just about every neighbor I have. Thank you so much Ariean. I can’t tell you just how much I love having you here today.

Want More Popcorn Recipes?

White Chocolate M&M Popcorn

Coco-Nutty Caramel Popcorn

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Favorite Mini Donut Recipes

By Kleinworth & Co 8 Comments

Happy New Year!!!

Hope you all had lots of fun during your New Years Celebrations. I also hope you had a chance to recover yesterday & you are excited to be kicking off 2014. I know I am. I thought I would get started by getting inspired with my my favorite thing to make the kids for breakfast & round up all my top recipes.

Favorite Mini Donut Recipes

I’m hungry already just looking at the set as a whole.

Here we go – get your donut maker ready!

Pumpkin Butter Donuts

Blueberry Pie Donuts

Banana Oat Donuts

Baked Churro Donuts

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Donuts

Pink Velvet Funfetti Donuts

Banana Coconut Donuts

Chocolate Cake Donuts & Peanut Butter Glaze

Blackberry Whole Wheat Mini-Donuts

So there you have it- my favorite mini donut recipes.
I can’t wait to start whipping up even more new donut recipes this year!

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Sparkling Cider New Year’s Eve Mocktails

By Kleinworth & Co 2 Comments

Are you ready for a special treat?? Are you planning your New Years Eve celebrations?? Today my friend Jessica from One Martini at a Time (who is my “go-to” gal for beverages) is sharing a FABULOUS recipe that will take care of your party beverage planning. I have known Jessica for a long time. We bonded through both being residents of Nevada at the time & that we both homeschool. We worked together in my Photography Workshop. We also share a love for creating beverages & sharing them in our own little spaces – which is so much fun. If you are looking for any type of drink recipe- Jessica has you covered. Please give her a nice warm welcome & check out this YUMMY New Year’s Eve Recipe.

Sparkling Cider New Year’s Eve Mocktails

On holidays and special occasions my kids like to have something fancy to drink. Normally I serve them regular sparkling cider but they insist that’s no longer fun. So, this year I came up with these Sparkling Cider New Year’s Eve Mocktails for them. They are a kid-friendly version of a cava cocktail with vodka that I created for adults who are toasting the New Year.

I went with Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple-Pomegranate Cider for the bubbles because it’s one of my kids’ favorite flavors. However, the Sparking Apple-Peach or the regular Sparkling Apple Cider will also work in these mocktails. I found that my kids didn’t like as much fresh squeezed lime as I do in my cocktails. I bumped that back a little, but you can adjust according to what your kids like the best.

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebration with the family and cheers to a good year!

Print Recipe

Sparkling Cider New Year’s Eve Mocktails

Ingredients

Serves 2
2 ounces passion fruit juice
½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Sparkling cider of your choice
Optional: pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions

Add 1 ounce of passion fruit juice and ¼ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice into two kid friendly glasses.
Top with sparkling cider and garnish with pomegranate seeds if using.

Jessica Torres is the chief cocktail creator at One Martini. When not taste testing new spirits or shaking up cocktails, she can be found working on her food and drink photography, reading books about booze or attempting to nap. She can also be found at allParenting, Savvy Sassy Moms and on Facebook where she overshares cocktails recipes.

Want More Cider Recipes?

Gingered Cider Hot Toddie

Crock Pot Cranberry Cider

Thank you SO MUCH Jessica for being here today. It was such a pleasure to share this.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Sweet Pepper Garlic & Cheese Cups

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

So I have a special treat for you today! Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? Lyuba from Will Cook For Smiles is here today to share with you this AMAZING little recipe that will keep your New Year’s Eve party guest coming back for more. You see- Lyuba is a genius in the kitchen & with her camera. She creates the most amazing recipes & her ability to photograph each one is awe inspiring. She always makes me want to reach through the screen & have a little bit of what she’s whipped up. I definitely can’t wait to meet her one day & hopefully share some time in the kitchen together. But for now- I’ll be enjoying this tasty snack.

Hello there, Gina’s readers!

This is Lyuba from Will Cook For Smiles! I am so happy to help Gina with her blog during this tough time.

Gina is such a wonderful person and I’m so happy to be here when she needs me.

Today, I brought you something delicious and easy to make for the upcoming New Year’s parties.

I’m sure you will be partying like a rock star, greeting the 2014. You will need something yummy to serve to your guests. So I present…

Sweet Pepper Garlic & Cheese Cups

Christmas is over. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday time and got some nice gifts!

Now it’s getting to the time when we say goodbye to the old 2013 and greet the new 2014. New Year’s is coming fast and I bet you have fun parties planned. Hope you get to greet the new year properly and I do hope you will have January 1st off. (It is just cruel to work on the 1st!)

I love New Year’s! Party…party…party!

For a great party, you need great drinks and great food. I have a little something here just for that reason. A creamy cheese/veggie filled pastry cups. It’s pie cups that are stuffed with cheesy filling, that’s mixed with sweet peppers and fresh garlic for extra kick.

Seriously, these are so easy, they won’t take more than 30 minutes. All you have to do is bake some pie shell cups and mix the tasty filling.

These cups are so tasty, you and your guests are sure to love it!

Print Recipe

Sweet Pepper Garlic & Cheese Cups

Ingredients

2 pie dough rounds
8 oz cream cheese softened
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup minced sweet peppers
1/2 cup of shredded mozarella cheese
1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 and grease a muffin pan.
Cut out six circles out of each pie crust round.
Gently place the circles in each muffin cup, not too deep in or the edges might fold in. Lightly press the ripples that are touching the sides of the cup (again, to help them not fold in).
Bake for 7-8 minutes, until golden brown. Take out the dough cups carefully and let them cool.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, minced sweet peppers, cheese, pressed garlic and salt. Mix until all thoroughly incorporated.
Divide the cheese filling among the cups. Be gentle!

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

Cranberry Maple Baked Brie

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Chicken Ranch Nachos

See!!! I told you she was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Lyuba – it was a pleasure having you here today!

If you make this recipe- please leave a link or tag me on Instagram @KleinworthCo

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup Sundae ~ Gluten Free

By Kleinworth & Co 19 Comments

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Pillsbury & Linqia. All opinions are truthful & my own.

Do you have a party planned for New Year’s Eve? Are you wondering what to serve your guests that can accommodate their dietary restrictions? Have I created the perfect little bit of gluten free goodness that all your guests will love – even if they aren’t gluten free. I’m telling you- these are DELISH. You are going to LOVE Pillsbury for creating this dough. Your gluten free prayers are answered & you no longer have to go without dessert.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup Sundae

These are so incredibly simple & quick. You won’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen to prepare these. Which means you can take a nap before your guest arrive so you can make it until the clock strikes 12.

You just scoop & press into your muffin tins – bake. Cool.

Then you can line them up on a cookie sheet. Scoop your gluten free ice cream on top.

Just pop them back into the freezer & when you are ready to serve – just add your toppings.

I told you it was simple. They are SO GOOD too. All your guests will love them.

Print Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup Sundae ~ Gluten Free

Ingredients

Makes approx 10 cookie cups
1 container Pillsbury Gluten Free Cookie Dough
Gluten Free Ice Cream
Whip Cream
Chocolate Syrup
Cherries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray
Take large tablespoonfuls of dough & press into the bottom of each well of your muffin tin - they should be packed in & filled about 1/2 - 3/4 full.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown & no longer gooey in the center.
Cool IN your muffin tins at least 10 minutes before removing & allow to cool completely on wire rack.
Line cookie cups on baking sheet.
Top with one large scoop of gluten free ice cream of choice
Return to freezer until ready to serve.
When you are ready- add whip cream, chocolate syrup & cherry.

I ended up buying several tubs of this Pillsbury Gluten Free dough so I will be making these all the time. They are great for when you just want a little something extra to make your sundae special.

You can find Pillsbury Gluten Free Cookie Dough & other Pillsbury Gluten Free doughs in the refrigerated section at your local grocer.

Some of the exciting benefits of new Pillsbury Gluten Free Dough include:

• All three varieties come in convenient, refrigerated containers and will be available at major grocery retailers and super centers • Instead of thawing frozen gluten free bread products or combining dry-mix items, you can just use the refrigerated dough and eliminate extra preparation • In addition to being convenient, the new dough has a delicious taste the whole family will appreciate

About Pillsbury Gluten Free Dough

New Pillsbury Gluten Free Dough is available in three varieties, each under $5.00, and found in convenient tubs in the refrigerated aisle: • Pie and Pastry Dough • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough • Thin Crust Pizza Dough Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough • 14.3 oz. tub for easy storage • Makes approximately 16 2” cookies • Classic Chocolate Chip variety • 110 calories per serving Thin Crust Pizza Dough • 13 oz. tub for easy storage • Makes one 10” pizza crust • 170 calories per serving Pie/Pastry Dough • 15.8 oz. tub for easy storage • Makes 29” pie crusts • 250 calories per serving

You can find all sorts of Pillsbury Gluten Free Inspiration on the Pillsbury Gluten Free Pinterest Board.

Want More Pillsbury Gluten Free Recipes?

Dulce de Leche Banana Blueberry Pie Bars

Gluten Free Chocolate Strawberry Gooey Bars

Be sure to visit my Pillsbury Gluten Free Dessert Inspiration Pinterest board.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Homemade Kahlua

By Kleinworth & Co 19 Comments

Hi there! Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? I sure hope it was joyful!

I shared this recipe a couple weeks ago over at Reasons to Skip the Housework but I wanted to be sure you all saw it here as well. As you all know I love coffee like so many people out there. I try to find ways to add the flavor of coffee to my recipes as much as possible. It adds such a rich, bold flavor to everything from desserts to meats. Where we live in Idaho it’s a little inconvenient to find things like Kahlua. So when I needed some Kahlua for a recipe I decided to make my own. Now I will always be able to have some on hand for any recipe I’m working on.

Homemade Kahlua

This tastes really great even before adding the alcohol. So if you are looking for the flavor in your recipe but don’t plan on cooking out the alcohol & want it “virgin” style- you can omit the vodka at the end.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Kahlua

Ingredients

1-1/4 cup water
3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
3/4 cup instant coffee crystals
2-1/4 cups good quality Vodka we use Stoli or Grey Goose
4 cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix water, coffee, instant coffee & sugar in stock pot.
Heat & stir over medium - high heat until coffee & sugar is dissolved.
It will resemble a thick syrup.
Cool to room temperature.
Stir in Vodka & vanilla. (if omitting vodka- just add vanilla at this point)
Pour into glass bottles, jars or storage containers.
Store at room temperature in pantry.

Notes

Don't worry about the foam that will surface at the top during the cooking. That is normal. It is just the coffee and sugar reaction from cooking it in this way. Just skim it off before transferring it into the bottles.

That’s it! Super simple & it makes a great gift too.

Want More homemade liquors?

How to Make Homemade Liquors

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

DIY Party Favor Tutorial

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you all are feeling ready for Christmas! I have a special treat for you today! My (incredibly talented) friend Taryn from Design Dining & Diapers is here today to share with you a simple DIY Party Favor Tutorial for your New Year’s Eve Celebrations. Taryn always comes up with the most clever ideas that are classic & chic. She also co-hosts a really fun party on Thursday evenings- Inspiration Gallery – so be sure to check that out & get to know her.

Hi New Friends! I’m Taryn from Design, Dining and Diapers and it’s a really huge honor to be here today! I adore Gina and love love all of the things that she shares with all of you. Today, I’m going to be sharing an easy DIY News Years Party Favor that includes a free printable!

I’m all about using what I’ve got on hand and recycling, so I came up with these simple New Years Favors made entirely from recycled Christmas wrap! So before you are done wrapping tonight, be sure to save your scraps!

Supplies:

– 1 wrapping paper roll (cut into 4″ pieces)

– wrapping paper scraps

– ribbon scraps

– tape

– filler of your choice

Cut your wrapping paper into 5″ X 11″ strips. Tape one edge of the paper onto the roll and then roll it up.

Secure with an additional piece of tape.

Tie a ribbon onto one end, fill with your favorite candy and tie up the other side! See SUPER simple.

Then, print out your FREE printable by downloading it HERE.

Even if you just have a small gathering, it’s still fun to make favors for everyone, especially if they are just about FREE!

Check out my blog next week for more free New Year’s Printables!

And here are some of my other winter projects that you may like:

Winter White Vignette

Faux Snow Vases

Winter Pinecone Wreath

Thanks so much for having me over today Gina!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Taryn

You see- I told you she was FABULOUS!!!!! Thanks you SO MUCH Taryn!!!!

I love having you here today!

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels are made with mini pretzel twists and coated in white chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint candy canes. Quick and simple to make with just 3 ingredients.

Looking for a festive and fun treat to make this Christmas? Look no further than white chocolate peppermint pretzels! These sweet and salty treats are perfect for any holiday party, and they’re easy to make too.

So gather your ingredients and get started – these pretzels will be gone in no time!

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