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Chicken Vodka Tortellini

Before the hubs had left on his trip I stopped at the store & picked up a huge bag of tomatoes. For some reason I had it in my head that I was going to make enchilada sauce. Well… those of you who already know that you don’t use tomatoes in enchilada sauce are laughing at me right now. I know – but at least I didn’t try to make it work using them. I ditched my not so great idea & went back to my Easy Family Dinner Ideas. One thing I have always wanted to do was make my own pasta sauce. I have seen many different marinara recipes floating around & I thought about trying one of those. But what I really love is Vodka Sauce. It’s so amazing & I love that you get the flavor enhancement from the vodka – but all the alcohol cooks out so everyone can enjoy it. So that’s what I set out to make.

So I just started pulling ingredients out that I thought would work well. I didn’t really have a plan – it was sort of throw this in & “oh, this would be great” sort of recipe day. I had the basics in my head & the rest was just R&D. Which I am happy to say, worked out great this time. While that isn’t always the case & there have been plenty of recipes as of late that didn’t make it here for one reason or another – this one I had to give you.

Something so satisfying about making your own sauce. I then used it with some ground beef & elbow macaroni & a few olives. YUM!

Print Recipe

Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

1 green bell pepper
2 orange sweet peppers
1/2 purple onion
10 to matoes
1 can tomato paste
1/3 cup vodka
3 fresh basil leaves
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 - 1 cup half & half
season salt
granulated garlic
salt & pepper

Instructions

Cut all peppers - removing seeds & chop
Chop onion
Place peppers & onion in food processor & pulse to thick but pureed consistency
Transfer to deep skillet
Cut tomatoes & place in food processor & pulse just a few times to bring them to the consistency of crushed tomatoes
Pour into skillet
Add seasonings, vodka & tomato paste
Bring to a boil for 5-7 minutes stirring frequently
Add basil
Cover & reduce heat to low & allow to simmer approx 30 minutes
After 20 minutes - slowly add cheese & half & half - stir
Allow to simmer remaining 10 minutes
At this point you can immediately add this to your browned meat & then to your pasta & serve
Or you can carefully transfer to jars & store in refrigerator for several days before using.
This filled 2- 32 ounce jars.

Looking for more great pasta ideas?

Tuscan Ravioli Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Creamy Mac & Cheese

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Gingerbread Truffles

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Easy, no-bake Gingerbread Truffles are made with just a few ingredients and are a cute treat to give or serve during the holiday season.

Do you have a moment to daydream with me? These perfect bite-sized confections burst with gingerbread flavor, coated in creamy white chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. Sound amazing to you?

Today, I’m sharing my Gingerbread Truffles recipe, a delightful treat that will be the star of your holiday season. They’re so darn delicious, I’m sure you’ll be making them every Christmas season (and maybe more often than that!).

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Nutella Kahlua Truffles

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

Today I have a very special blog hop to share with you all. I have joined up with some of my favorite blogging friends to help you get ready for your Thanksgiving feast with these Nutella Kahlua Truffles. I mean- Here we are – 12 days into November.

Are you feeling even the slightest bit ready for Thanksgiving? We actually don’t get together with family – in fact since my mother-in-law passed several years ago & my brother was stationed in Japan a couple years ago- we have been doing Thanksgiving with just he 5 of us.

truffles with kahlua

I actually like it – it’s low key, no pressure. Sometimes we actually make the dinner on the weekend before so we can spend Thanksgiving just eating football snacks, my favorite leftover sandwich & enjoying the game. It’s my preferred way to spend the holiday because then I’m not doing dishes all day.

But I do still plan a menu & try to come up with some new family favorites to enjoy. One goodie that I whipped up the other day will be making another appearance whenever we do make our Thanksgiving dinner this year – Nutella Kahlua Truffles. The hubs was OFF THE CHARTS in love with these, which made me pretty happy as he’s not a huge chocolate lover.

kahlua recipes

I like to make a double batch & then split it in half. One has kahlua & cocoa powder. Then I do the other half without kahlua & add fun sprinkles for the kids. But these – with kahlua, are all for the hubs & I to enjoy. Have a couple while cooking – then have a couple more with some champagne when we curl up on the couch for some zone-out time after the kids go to bed. It’s the perfect little evening treat after a long holiday.

Other Delicious No-Bake Desserts

Keto Fudge

No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Rum Balls

Print Recipe

Nutella Kahlua Truffles

Easy chocolate truffles made with Nutella and spiked with Kahlua.

Prep Time20

Chill2

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: chocolate

Servings:

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese- softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1½ cups Nutella
1 -2 tsp homemade kahlua
⅓ cup cocoa powder for rolling
or sprinkles of desired

Instructions

Blend the cream cheese & confectioners sugar together in a mixer until smooth.
Add Nutella. Stir.
If separating some for kids - remove a portion of the mixture & place in a small bowl - cover & freeze.
With the remaining mixture - beat in the Kahlua until creamy and smooth.
Cover & freeze 1-2 hours.
Once the mixture is quite firm - scoop out portions with a melon baller & roll into balls between your hands.
Roll in the cocoa powder or another coating of choice.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet & return to the freezer to firm again.
Store in the freezer until ready to serve.

I mentioned above that I have joined up with some of my best bloggy friends today to not only share this recipe, but to give you an entire meal’s worth of recipe ideas for this Thanksgiving Recipe Blog Hop.

While I am posting a dessert today (along with many other great dessert ideas being shared) – there are some INCREDIBLE recipes for main & side dishes too. Just look at all of these!!! Your menu planning is now complete!

Main Dishes

Cranberry Stuffed Turkey | Thoughts from Alice

Maple – Glazed Turkey with Bacon and Sage | Five Heart Home

Turkey Tetrazzini w/ Mushrooms and Kale | The Fountain Ave Kitchen

Orange Balsamic Glazed Ham | Cherished Bliss

Turkey Soup | Carmel Moments

Vegetables

Cauliflower Gratin | Love Grows Wild Creamy Cheese Corn Casserole | Five Heart Home Cranberry Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans | Delightful E Made Sautéed French Green Beans | Cherished Bliss

Potatoes

Potatoes Au Gratin | Yummy Healthy Eats Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Live Laugh Rowe Honey-Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Cooking with Ruthie Cheesy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes | Cherished Bliss

Sides & Breads

Harvest Grain Rolls | Heather’s French Press Jello Salad | Your Homebased Mom Herb and Cheese Monkey Bread | Five Heart Home Brown Rice | Uncommon Designs

Pies

Desserts

No Bake Brown Sugar Cheesecake w/ Spiced Pears | Baking a Moment Pumpkin Cupcakes & Maple Cream Cheese Frosting | Cupcake Diaries Cream Filled Coffee Cake | Tastes of Lizzy T Cranberry Orange Mulled Wine | Wine and Glue Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake | Maison De Pax

Want to make your own Homemade Kahlua for these like I did?

Want more great Thanksgiving recipes?

Simple Turkey Gravy

How to Gift Wrap like a PRO

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

I always love unwrapping those fabulous boxes from Tiffany’s. They are always so impeccably perfect. Ever wonder how they do it? Today I’m going to show you how to use your ribbon differently & give that box that same perfect wrap. I know that I order, order & order some more & stash everything away until Christmas Eve. Then I hole myself up in our room ALL NIGHT LONG wrapping 75-100 gifts to be opened up the next morning. It’s daunting & oh so time consuming. By the time morning comes – I am so done looking at wrapping paper. This year I will be shifting to this easier way of wrapping that actually looks better, saves time & it’s all reusable. YAY! If you know me well- then you know I have issues with waste. Whether it’s my time, food or money – I don’t like to be wasteful. So today I’m sharing my trick for How to Gift Wrap like a PRO.

Start with a nice box & ribbon.

This is where I will be doing things differently this year. I typically wrap & then do the bow.

This year – good quality boxes that are so pretty in & of themselves that they don’t need anything but a ribbon.

You don’t want to do this!

Most people start on the top & place the middle of the ribbon in the middle of the box & then twist it around on the bottom.

This gives you a twist that keeps the box from sitting flat.

Set your box top up in front of you.

Hold your ribbon in the center of the top of your box – leaving enough of the end to make your bow when you get to that part.

Wrap the ribbon around the box- meeting in the center of the top of the box where you are holding the other end.

Like I illustrated in the image – wrap that longer piece around the short end you were holding on the top.

Then wrap around the other side of the box meeting back at your center point on the top.

Now you trim the long piece so that you can make your final knot & bow.

Tuck that newly cut end under & to the right to help give it tension.

Pull through & your ends should be coming out of opposite sides of your twist.

Make your knot.

Then you can either tie in a bow like I did here – of you can create a fancier bow to tie onto your knot.

I have a method for making bows that I may cover at a later time.

But this year I plan on using a standard bow as it makes unwrapping so much easier.

When you are done the bottom of your box will look like this. Pretty!!

There you have it! A simple & pretty way to gift wrap that will save you HOURS.

Want some homemade gift ideas to give in your pretty new gift wrap?

DIY Clay Coasters

Modge Podge Picture Plaque

But First….. Coffee – DIY T Shirt & Printable

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Firefighter Appreciation Gift ~ Give Extra

Homemade Christmas Gifts

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

Have you ever thought about what really happens in time of an emergency? Most people don’t really think about those that come to help when they are in time of need – until they are in time of need. First responders are special people. These are men & women who often live at the station for several days at a time – on the ready the entire time they are there. If the call comes out at 3am – they are out the door in moments to help in whatever way is needed – often times risking their lives for the safety & property of a complete stranger. That dedication & sacrifice often goes unrecognized. So I came up with this simple little Firefighter Appreciation Gift & Give Extra.

I realized one day when having a conversation with my neighbor that most people don’t realize the sacrifices our first responders make. I mentioned to her that even though my hubs is no longer a line guy (meaning he doesn’t sleep at the station anymore) – he’s the chief – that actually means he’s working more – often 60-80 hours a week. She said “what, he’s just bossing everyone around all the time?” I was sort of taken aback by this & then realized that most people don’t truly know what it means to do the job he does. They take it for granted that when they need something- some stranger will come to their rescue. Yes – he typically works 8-5. But then after those 40 hours AT the station – there are far more hours NOT at the station that most don’t see. The countless hours of phone calls with commissioners during dinner time, travel to conferences on weekends, phone calls regarding emergencies & personnel matters when we are supposed to be having family time at the gym. When a call comes out at bedtime – he’s laying awake listening to the radio to make sure everything is handled – or he’s racing out the door at midnight on a cold & snowy night to help someone who’s house is burning or they crashed their car because of the weather. He’s always on call – never unavailable. He has been driving home with ice cream for a birthday celebration only to have to turn around & go back to work for a call. We have turned our car around after only starting our family vacation 6 hours earlier to drive all the way home so he could head out for a 20 day assignment for a wildfire in another state. I’m not complaining – really, it’s the nature of the biz. We are all understanding & know it’s our livelihood. But I think that knowing the sacrifices that my hubs & so many others in his profession make is important.

There are so many that devote their lives to helping others & making their community a better place.

They deserve our thanks – no matter how small.

Sometimes it’s the gesture – more than anything, that matters most. Just letting them know that you notice & appreciate all they do can mean the world to them. While you are celebrating Thanksgiving & Christmas – there are countless first responders away from their families working to ensure everyone else has a safe holiday.

So during this holiday season- print off these easy Thank you’s I created & pick up some Extra Gum.

Give this simple & inexpensive gift to show you care! It doesn’t take much to say Thank You!

They will smile & they will appreciate your kindness!!!

Connect with Extra Gum @ExtraGum on twitter & Facebook & on Pinterest

DOWNLOAD HERE

Want more easy gift ideas?

Hot Chocolate Mix

Paracord Survival Keychain

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Chicken Fajitas

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

This post brought to you by The Frozen Food Foundation. The content and opinions expressed below are that of kleinworthco.

I love a hot, home cooked meal. Good Easy Family Dinner Ideas. But with heading to the gym & the kids swim team & rock climbing schedules – it’s hard to be here to prepare something for us all. I certainly don’t feel like making something time consuming after getting home late but I don’t want to head to the drive-thru either. It’s important to me to give the kids home cooked meals as often as possible – which is why I am so in love with these simple Chicken Fajitas. I was able to whip these together in less than 30 minutes & even the clean up was a breeze. Now that’s my kind of dinner.

The key here – frozen veggies. I love fresh veggies in my meals – but the prep time can be a bit much when it’s late at night. So grabbing these ready to cook frozen veggies is PERFECT. Nearly 80 percent of Americans fail to consume the recommended amounts of fruit, with nearly 90 percent failing to meet dietary recommendations for vegetables. That is a startling statistic. I am striving to change that for our family. A variety of factors may contribute to low consumption, including cost and convenience. A recent study revealed one easy solution: frozen.

I just skillet fried my chicken & shredded. Then I returned it back to the skillet – added the veggies & a little sauce & cooked until the veggies were hot & the flavors had blended. SIMPLE!

The best part – my kids LOVE these. After a hard workout – this was delicious.

Print Recipe

Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients

3-4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
Frozen peppers & onions blend
Tortillas
Sauce of choice

Instructions

Saute your chicken breasts in large skillet until thoroughly cooked - adding your favorite seasonings
Once cooked - remove & shred into large chunks
Return to skillet & add frozen veggies & sauce of choice - I like a glaze
Saute until veggies are cooked & flavors are blended
Serve in small flour tortillas

Notes

Make this in the air fryer - cook at 360 degrees for 16-20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.

Why do I stock up on frozen foods??

The University of California, Davis, in partnership with the Frozen Food Foundation, conducted a study that revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables are most often (or generally) nutritionally equal to – and in some cases better than – their fresh counterparts. For the study each fruit and vegetable was analyzed under the following conditions: frozen (analyzed within 24 hours of harvest and after 10 and 90 days of storage in a freezer) and fresh-stored (analyzed within 24 hours of harvest and after three and 10 days of storage in a refrigerator).

I love that I can always have fruits & veggies on hand without the worry of then going bad too quickly. Freezing fruits and vegetables is nature’s pause button and an easy way to combat things like the cost of fresh produce, the cost of fresh ‘out of season’ produce and issues like fresh fruits and vegetables spoiling before you’re able to prepare and eat them. Results of the studies done reveal that frozen fruits and vegetables are most often (or generally) nutritionally equal to – and in some cases better than – their fresh counterparts. Which makes me confident when turning to them to make quick & easy meals for my family.

I love to incorporate fruits & veggies in my daily recipes but having a variety in the house at all times would be challenging if it were not for the convenience of freezing. I keep a nice stock in both my freezers to make meal prep quick & simple on busy nights.

Visit Frozen Food Foundation Twitter Frozen Food Foundation Facebook

Want more quick & easy dinner ideas?

Angel Hair Pasta in Burgundy Garlic Sauce

Simple Teriyaki Stir Fry

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Reese’s Frappuccino w/ Reese’s Spreads

By Kleinworth & Co 13 Comments

I received compensation and information and/or free product from The Hershey Company and/or Collective Bias. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Up here in the Pacific Northwest we drink coffee beverages 24/7. There are coffee huts on every corner – if not 2-3 per parking lot. It’s just a culture thing here & I absolutely love it. But I usually don’t stop at the huts. I like to make my favorite beverages at home so I can have them any time of day, whenever I want a little something. In order to do this I like to stock up on great ingredients so I can make a great variety of flavors. My latest creation & new favorite flavor is this Reese’s Frappuccino w/ Reese’s Spreads.

You see – I was wandering through Walmart on our weekly shopping trip when I came across this Reese’s Spreads in the peanut butter isle. I mean – the perfect combination of chocolate & peanut butter in spreadable form is like heaven in a jar in my book.

I added all my ingredients to the blender – adding my 2 tbsp of Reese’s Spreads last. Blend & serve! There isn’t a whole lot that goes in to this drink- but it tastes so delicious, one would never know. With just 4 ingredients & blend – you are done in less than a minute or two. #AnySnackPerfect

This is the perfect peanut butter & chocolate frappuccino! I love to have one mid-day while here in the studio.

Now the whip cream & drizzle topping is optional – but when making it at home, I like to get the full coffee house experience.

I encourage you to attend the in-store demo in your area to try Reese’s Spreads paired with apples November 13-16. Find a location near you.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Reese’s Frappuccino

Ingredients

2 cups chilled strong coffee
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp Reese's Spreads
2 cups ice
opt - whipped cream & drizzle for topping

Instructions

Place coffee, ice, milk & Reese's Spread in blender & blend until frothy
Serve

Based on the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, new Reese’s Spreads will make snacking even more delicious by adding the unique, one-of-a-kind combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavors to any food, anytime, anywhere.

Don’t miss this FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!!! (Thanks Reese’s & #CollectiveBias)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more snacks?

Plum Fruit Leather

Zeppole

Homemade Fortune Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pages: 1 2

Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites

By Kleinworth & Co 3 Comments

It’s that time of year where the days run together & there seems to be a shortage of hours in a day. I know that my baking list is long & so when I can find little ways to speed up the time it takes to make recipes- I am happy to do it. So yeah, sometimes I use box mix for some things. Not everything has to be from scratch. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad. I decided to replace the eggs, oil & water usually used in brownie mix with some healthier ingredients to create these Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites. They are so moist & fudgy – incredible! Definitely easy & a crowd pleaser. I love Yummy Bar Recipes!

I decided to add a light caramel glaze & pecans on top. Then cutting them into bites made these the perfect party dessert.

To make – I used the 9×13 cake pan from the set by Cake Boss sold on Hayneedle.

Top quality & definitely compare well to my professional pans.

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites

Ingredients

8 ounces pumpkin puree- not pie filling
8 ounces apple butter
1 box brownie mix - family size for 9x13 pan

Caramel Glaze

1/4 cup brown sugar - packed
1/8 cup unsalted butter
1-1/2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Line 9x13 pan with parchment
In large bowl - combine brownie mix, apple butter & pumpkin puree
Stir until fully combined
Transfer to prepared pan & bake 25-30 minutes
Remove & allow to cool completely

For Glaze

Combine brown sugar, butter & milk in small saucepan & heat over medium
Bring to a boil - boil 1 min
Remove
Add vanilla & confectioners sugar
Whisk well
Pour over brownies
Top with pecans

Want more great brownie recipes?

Truffle Brownies

PayDay Brownies

Irish Cream Mint Brownies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pumpkin Buttered Rum

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

Ahhhhh – ’tis the season for warm drinks. It’s so nice to hold that warm glass in your hand, sit by the fire & cozy up with your honey on a chilly evening. For me, I’m usually choosing between a warm beverage or a treat – but with this Pumpkin Buttered Rum, I feel like I get the best of both. It’s got that great pumpkin flavor to go along with the season & then that wonderful brown sugar. Mmmmmmm – seriously. If it didn’t need that flavor of rum to make it what it is- I would be finding a way to make this into a mocktail to be enjoyed during the day. It’s definitely the perfect fall drink.

Usually I associate rum with summer & tropical stuff. But change it up & add it to a warm beverage & it changes the whole vibe. It suddenly becomes cozy & comforting. Perfect for these colder, darker days.

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Buttered Rum

Ingredients

**Per glass
2 ounces dark rum
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 pat butter
2-3 ounces hot water

Instructions

Place butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice in bottom of glass & muddle together
Pour in rum & hot water - stir
Top with another pat of butter if desired
Garnish with cinnamon stick

Want more holiday bevvies?

Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Pink Peppermint Russian

Homemade Kahlua

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Parchment Decorating Bag {Tutorial}

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Back around National Cake Decorating Day I shared this Parchment Decorating Bag {Tutorial} over at Or So She Says. But I really wanted to share it here too. You see- my mom was a master at cake decorating. I grew up watching her create the most amazing cakes. One thing she always did was make these little parchment decorating bags. She would be piping frosting in all sorts of colors & these little bags were perfect. They would be scattered all over the counter as she worked – colors everywhere. Disposable & they hold just the right amount of frosting for delicate jobs. They are a fabulous little tool so I wanted to show you how to make them.

Place the triangle on a flat surface with the point facing you. Longest edge on top. I know that this image is the other way – just flip it around if it looks like this in front of you – the point should face in.

**A special “Thank you” to my son. He provided the hands that helped me photograph these steps.

Curl the right point up and under, bringing it toward you until that point & the one nearest you meet. The curled edge from the right point should lie on top.

Wrap the third point around to meet the other points in back. All 3 points align to form 1 sharp point.

You now have the bag’s cone.

Fold the points of the bag down into the bag.

You can add a little tape on the seam if desired – but this is not necessary.

At this point you can use a decorating tip without a coupler if you like. Just cut 3/4 in. off the end of the bag. Then drop the tip in, narrow end first.

The icing will hold it in place once filled.

Or you can slip your coupler in the end & snip. Then add your tip of choice.

Fill with icing – only about 1/2 way full. This is for small piping jobs. Not for frosting cupcakes.

Fold over ends – each corner & then fold over at the top & keep rolling it down until it’s sealed.

I usually chose to use the simplest way – no coupler, no tip. I just snipped the very tip of the parchment off to create a small hole.

Pipe your desired design or words – it’s that easy! When you are done- it’s disposable. No mess!

See – I told you it was simple. Far more durable than a plastic baggie too. I tend to bust the seam of the plastic bags – so this works much better for me. Plus it keeps the tip stiff where the plastic will stretch with pressure. Now you can make your own decorating bags whenever you need one.

Use it with my favorite frosting recipe!

Buttercream Frosting

Use it to decorate some of these great recipes!

Fall Sugar Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chocolate Bourbon Sauce {Bourbon Week – Day 5}

By Kleinworth & Co 7 Comments

It’s the final day of bourbon week!!! Hope you have enjoyed all the bourbon recipes I have shared & that you can use them through the holidays & beyond. I thought that since the day usually ends in dessert of some sort – bourbon week should also end in dessert. Or at least a topping for your dessert. So I created this Chocolate Bourbon Sauce that you will love to use in all your party dessert recipes. It’s simple & delicious.

I love the ease of this recipe. I made this batch for us adults. Then since the bourbon is added at the end (like most of the recipes I have shared this week) it’s easily adaptable to make it kid-friendly if you so choose.

You know- this makes a great gift for neighbors too!

Other Sweet Dessert Dips

Be sure to check out our Bourbon Cake too!

Print Recipe

Chocolate Bourbon Sauce {Bourbon Week – Day 5}

Ingredients

1/2 cup half & half
2 tbsp light brown sugar
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

Heat half & half with light brown sugar in small saucepan until sugar is dissolved & cream starts to bubble just slightly
Remove from heat.
Place chocolate chips & vanilla in glass bowl
Pour hot mixture over chocolate chips & stir until smooth
Add bourbon - stir to combine
Store in an airtight jar in refrigerator

Don’t miss yesterday’s bourbon post – Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch!

Want more gift recipes?

Pumpkin Caramel

Simple Pepper Jelly

Chocolate Covered Truffles

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch {Bourbon Week – Day 4}

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour

When I’m hosting a gathering – be it for the holidays or otherwise, there are a few things I always want. One, I want the house to smell amazing when guests first step in the front door. Two – I want the menu to be simple & one that I don’t have to tend to all day. I want to enjoy my guests. Three – I want everyone to be able to find & grab their appetizers, snacks & bevvies easily. So that’s what makes drinks like this Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch so AWESOME. It cooks & then stays warm in the slow cooker. The house smells AMAZING with all the cinnamon & spices too. I can just toss it all in there & it’s ready to go.

Really – it’s so nice to have a warm beverage to serve guests during holiday parties. Which is why I had to include this one in bourbon week. With the popularity of bourbon right now- this one will surely be a hit with your guests.

You could do a separate batch in another crock pot without the bourbon if you want to offer a non-alcoholic version.

Print Recipe

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch {Bourbon Week – Day 4}

Ingredients

1 gallon fresh apple cider
1 pkt mulling spices about 3/4 cup
2-1/2 - 4 cups bourbon depending on how strong you want it
1 cup cranberries
Apple wedges from 2 apples

Instructions

Add all ingredients- except bourbon- to crock pot
Cook on low 1-2 hours
Turn off - allow to cool about 15 minutes
Add bourbon
Serve in low ball glass with floating cranberries
Sip warm

Don’t miss yesterday’s Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls

Want more great beverages?

Cinnamon Roll Hot Chocolate

Homemade Kahlua

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls {Bourbon Week – Day 3}

By Kleinworth & Co 8 Comments

Do you like giving gifts of food during the holidays? Do you host or attend a lot of parties? Well I have just the recipe for you. These Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls are the perfect little goodie for all those occasions. Imagine a little box of these all wrapped in a pretty bow to pass out to all those who deserve a little something this time of year. You know you have those people on your list. Those that you want to say “thank you” to or those that you want to feel special or remembered. These are a twist on the classic bourbon ball – adding Captain Crunch cereal for that touch of nostalgia. Super easy to make too.

Really – these took just a couple minutes to make & pop in the fridge to chill.

Print Recipe

Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls {Bourbon Week – Day 3}

Ingredients

1 cup Captain Crunch crumbs about 2-1/4 cup before crushing
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup confectioners sugar + 1/2 cup for coating
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tbsp + 2 tsp light corn syrup

Instructions

In food processor - pulse captain crunch until it's finely crushed - almost like a powder
Transfer to medium bowl
Next pulse pecans in food processor until finely chopped
Add to bowl with captain crunch
Add confectioners sugar & cocoa to bowl & mix until combined
In small bowl combine corn syrup & bourbon
Add to dry mixture & mix well until completely moistened
In a small bowl add confectioners sugar
Take your bourbon ball mixture in tablespoon size scoops & form 1 inch balls
Roll in confectioners sugar
Place on baking sheet & repeat with remaining mix
Chill in refrigerator until firm
Store in refrigerator until serving

Did you catch yesterday’s bourbon recipe?

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider

Want more great food gift ideas?

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Truffles

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Homemade Sipping Brandy

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider {Bourbon Week – Day 2}

By Kleinworth & Co 3 Comments

Today is day 2 of Bourbon Week! With the holidays now upon us I thought I would share with you this lovely warm Honey Bourbon Apple Cider. It’s perfect for all those holiday gatherings you have coming up. You know this would be fabulous on Thanksgiving. I mean really – warm cider with a splash of bourbon – it has the holidays all wrapped up in this cozy little glass.

I can tell you – it smells incredible while cooking. You could even make a separate batch without the bourbon for the kiddos. I know we will be having this out on the porch on these chilly fall evenings.

Print Recipe

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider {Bourbon Week – Day 2}

Ingredients

12 ounces apple cider
6 ounces bourbon
1 apple - cut in thick wedges
3 tbsp raw honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Place cider, apple, cinnamon & honey in saucepan
Bring to a boil - stirring to incorporate all ingredients
Let simmer about 5 minutes to continue to release flavors
Strain into pitcher
Add bourbon
Pour into low ball glass
Garnish with apple wedge
Sip warm

Don’t miss yesterday’s Bourbon post!

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Want more warm bevvies?

Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Pink Peppermint Russian

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Oreo Cookie Crust

Homemade Sipping Brandy

This Oreo Cookie Crust recipe is the perfect base for all your favorite cheesecakes, no-bake pies, lush desserts, and so much more.

Do you know what makes a pie or a cheesecake even better? A crunchy, chocolatey base! Let me introduce you to a simple yet show-stopping homemade Oreo pie crust.

It will level up any pie you want to use it with. Make sure to save this recipe card for later! This crust has a rich, black layer, with a slightly buttery flavor, just waiting to cradle your favorite fillings.

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Apple Pie Infused Bourbon {Bourbon Week – Day 1}

By Kleinworth & Co 6 Comments

Do you like to give food related gifts this time of year? How about having something really nice to bring to gatherings for a hostess gift? I like food related gifts because they are so personal. But sometimes it’s hard to decide on what to give – so I find it best to stick with what things that are trending at the time. Bourbon is one thing that is SO HOT right now AND it makes for a FABULOUS gift. So I thought I would dedicate this whole week to bourbon recipes – starting with this Apple Pie Infused Bourbon. This infused bourbon is simple to make & will wow both your guests & gift recipients alike.

Maybe whip up a few batches & keep some on hand for yourself. One can’t give all good things away!!

If you love the flavors of apple pie – especially this time of year – this is the bourbon twist for you.

Print Recipe

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Ingredients

1 apple chopped
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 750-milliliter bottle bourbon
1/4 cup Lemon Simple Syrup

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a canning jar
Let flavors blend in refrigerator for 4-6 days.
Shake to distribute flavors each day
Pour bourbon mixture through cheesecloth into another jar, discarding solids
Cover and store in refrigerator up to 2 months.

Want more fall beverage ideas?

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate

Homemade Kahlua

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

Ditalini & Sausage Soup

Are these weeknights getting more hectic than ever? I know! Seems like so much is happening right around dinner time all week long. But you don’t have to go through the drive through to get dinner quick. You can absolutely have a home cooked meal your kids will enjoy with just a few minutes of prep with Easy Family Dinner Ideas. The kids can even help you. I know my kids are more invested in what we are having for dinner when they get to help make it. Plus I’m teaching them valuable life skills for the future. Let me show you how easy it is to make this Veggie Chicken Alfredo. It comes together in less than 30 minutes – which is great for those busy nights.

Sometimes I will make this ahead of time & then we can reheat at dinner time.

When we are getting home late from the gym & swim team – I definitely want easy.

My son is great at helping with this dish. He gets the veggies in the microwave & keeps the noodles stirred while I tend to the chicken & sauce. While this dish comes together in about 30 minutes if you are preparing alone – it’s even quicker if you have a few extra hands helping out.

Print Recipe

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

1-3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 1 stick butter
1 cup half & half
1 bag Birds Eye Asian Medley veggies
4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
1 box fettuccine noodles

Instructions

Cut chicken into chunks & place in skillet
Drizzle a little olive oil over chicken & saute until full cooked. Add in desired spices about half way through cooking. Remove from heat & set side.
In a large stock pot- heat water to boiling - cook noodles to package directions (usually 8-11 minutes)
While noodles are cooking, place butter, cheese & half & half in small saucepan & heat over medium - stirring frequently
Place bag of steamable veggies in microwave & cook to package directions while you are working on the sauce & noodles
Continue to heat the sauce, stirring until all ingredients are melted & fully incorporated.
Remove from heat - set aside.
Once noodles are done cooking- drain & transfer back into stockpot.
Add in cooked chicken, sauce & veggies - stir well
Enjoy.

This year, Birds Eye has partnered with Melissa d’Arabian, celebrity chef, mom of four, and host of FoodNetwork.com’s web series The Picky Eaters Project, to make a difference and help moms with the dinnertime dilemma. Many moms think that preparing a nutritious meal is time consuming. So Birds Eye frozen vegetables is helping moms by providing nutritious, tasty veggies that kids will love. Together, Birds Eye and Melissa are combining their expertise in getting children to eat more veggies, one bite at a time.

I love that Birds Eye has partnered with Melissa d’Arabian. I have worked with her on another project a while back & I can say, she’s truly dedicated to giving families healthy & better for you alternatives.

Step Up To The Plate is Birds Eye’s long-term commitment to reshaping kids’ veggie perceptions and getting children to like veggies for life.

Today, 9 out of 10 people in the United States do not get the proper amount of vegetables, according to The State Of The Plate report.

Birds Eye continues to make eating more vegetables a reality by showing families how to fill half the plate with veggies in fun and simple ways moms and kids will both like. By providing moms with more than 40 unique vegetable blends year round at affordable prices, Birds Eye continues to be her ally in the dinnertime dilemma.

Check out this great video of Melissa d’Arabian giving her tips for getting more Veggies!

Connect with Birds Eye on Facebook & Twitter!

Want more quick dinner ideas?

Popcorn Pork & Rice Supreme

Simple Teriyaki Stir Fry

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

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Stairwell Pallet Decor

Coastal Decor {Living Room Reveal}

One space that has been itching at me since we moved in to our house a couple months ago is the stairwell. We have so much wall space in that one vertical area that it’s just calling for something cool to be done with it. You see – the rental we lived in while this house was being built had very little light. So when we had the chance – we added as many windows as the builders would allow & still let the house be structurally sound. This left little wall space for art in most rooms- which is fine. I just have many windows to decorate instead. But this stairwell – well, it’s challenging. Because of the floorplan the design isn’t as I would have liked & the builders WOULD NOT agree to do anything but carpet in this space. Grrrr – even the hubs is all for having carpet. Needless to say – one day I will finally remove it & put in something pretty. But for now – I’m trying to make it work. I am adding little things & I’m liking the space more & more- especially with this simple Stairwell Pallet Decor.

This is the space we have. A wide landing with a window at the top of the open area. We added the window here to give extra light to my studio space in the loft that is just off the stairs. I painted the artwork to hang under the window – but it obviously needed more. We have a small surfboard in the other corner not showing – but the space was still sparse.

In keeping with the beachy feel of the house & the painting, I picked up some bamboo & bunches of leaves from Michael’s. Then I went to find a vase or something to hold it. My cart was already pretty full – so when I saw that the large containers they had for the bamboo were about $70 – I set out to find an alternative. Then I walked past these little mini-pallets for $10. That worked for me.

I used the stain sample that was left with the house for the mantle & give the pallet a more finished look. Just brushed on & used a paper towel to rub off the excess. Let it dry & then added a coat of wax to give it a little more protection. Then I just attached it to the wall with a bracket to keep it in place since it’s a little top heavy. It’s the perfect little “filler” for the corner.

It was simple – which is always a plus in my book. I have a a couple more things for this space to share with you coming up. It’s getting closer to completion – at least until I start adding paint & other things to the walls.

Want to see more projects from our home?

DIY Pallet Console Table

How to Build a Butcher Block

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Crock Pot Chicken Tomato Soup

Garlic & Herb Croutons

Hello there all my dear friends! Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? I’m so happy because my dear old Jeep will finally be here in North Idaho in the next couple months. You see – it’s been in my family since I was little. My brothers & I would pile in the back & we’d head out to the river with the boat for some of the best holiday weekends of my life. When the hubs & I were brand new, without a penny to our names – it was our only source of transportation. We brought our first born home from the NICU in it. Well, right now it doesn’t run & we plan on doing a complete restoration. When we made the move here from Vegas we already had 3 vehicles caravaning up here & had no way of towing the beast on up here with us. The rental we were going to at the time didn’t have the space for it. So we had to leave it there with a friend. Flash forward to now- nearly 2 years later & it’s still there. We were going to transport it here this weekend & get it going. But it didn’t make sense to spend money moving it & then money to get it running. So we are working on getting it going now so when I go home in the spring we can drive it back here. I will be happy to have it home with us & get started on getting it fully restored. So while the hubs is dealing with details on that – I’m here making easy crock pot dinners like this Crock Pot Chicken Tomato Soup. It’s simple & easy & yet packed full of hearty goodness. Perfect for these chilly days.

Remember those 15 minute drop biscuits? We had some of those with it. Definitely filling.

Can I just say that I love the slow cooker! It is such a wonderful tool in the kitchen. I often have 2 going at the same time – which is really handy btw. I’m actually considering picking up a third one.

Print Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Tomato Soup

Course: dinner

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breasts
1 tbsp minced garlic
32 ounce chicken broth
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can tomato sauce
2 tbsp granulated garlic
2 tbsp season salt
2 tbsp dried chopped onions
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in crock pot
Cook on high 5-7 hours
When you have about 30 minutes left - remove chicken & shred
Return chicken to crock pot & continue cooking 30-40 minutes
garnish with croutons & Parmesan cheese when serving.

Here are the recipes I like to pair with this soup!

15 Minute Drop Biscuits

For dessert we had these….

PayDay Brownies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

PayDay Brownies

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

Are you a chocolate person or do you prefer salty treats?? For me it depends on the day. But my son – he likes his treats to be a mix of both – but he doesn’t go for the chocolate. His favorite goodie is a PayDay bar. He will grab that every time. I like them – I almost grab one – but then the urge to have chocolate overrides & I pass on the salty, sweet peanut butter. What can I say? I have to have the chocolate. So I have been promising him that I would make him a whole tray of homemade PayDay bars for a long time now. But that no chocolate thing always keeps me from doing it. That is until I found the perfect compromise. A nice chocolaty brownie topped with homemade PayDay becomes PayDay Brownies & they are AMAZING!! I love Yummy Bar Recipes!

Oh yeah – the brownie & then the sweet & chewy inner part of the payday – then topped with salty peanuts.
Heavens – I am usually pretty good about only sampling the things I share here & letting others finish it all off. These – well, I had a hard time not eating the whole pan.

It was certainly hard to share. I found myself feeling sad when I had to divvy them out.

I gotta say – my son & everyone else sure loved these.

Print Recipe

PayDay Brownies

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix & called for ingredients
1-1/2 cups salted peanuts
3 tbsp butter
2 cups peanut butter chips
1 7 oz container marshmallow creme
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Prepare brownies to package instructions.
Once done baking brownies - set aside to cool slightly & start working on your PayDay topping
In a medium saucepan - melt butter & peanut butter chips until combined
Add condensed milk & marshmallow creme & stir well until fully incorporated & marshmallow is melted
Pour over prepared brownies & smooth into a nice even layer
Top with peanuts
Place in refrigerator to cool quickly
Cool completely before cutting
Store at room temperature in airtight container

Want more famous goodie inspired treats?

Halloween Oreo Cookie Butter Popcorn

Milky Way Crumble Bars

Twinkies Banana Cream Pie

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Day of the Dead Face Paint Tutorial

By Kleinworth & Co 26 Comments

I love sugar skulls. Some know it better as day of the dead or Dia De Los Muertos. Actually – I don’t think that love adequately describes how I feel about them. LONG ago when L.A. Ink first began – Kat tattooed someone with a day of the dead skull. I fell in love. MANY years later & I have my own custom sugar skull tattooed on me & I’m still quite obsessed with them. So when this time of year started inching closer I knew that I would want to paint my daughter’s faces. I practiced my first on my older daughter to bring you this Day of the Dead Face Paint Tutorial.

I have to say – I had such a blast creating this face on her. I could have done it all day long.

Here she is – one of my gorgeous daughters.

It works a lot like watercolors – just wet the sponge & paint on the face. I gave her about 4 coats of white to get to this opaque level.

Then I added black & blended under her cheekbones & then used the paint brush to add the eyes, lips & nose detail.

Then I let her choose the rest of the colors – which ended up being turquoise & purple.

I added the flower petals on her chin & forehead.

Then painted the petals around her eyes – adding a line of white between the black & turquoise.

I also added tiny dots of purple in the eye detail to bring it out more.

Then one of the most important parts is the detail off the mouth.

I had all sorts of ideas on this – but in the end, chose to keep it simple.

Adding some large & wild hair along with some flowers to adorn the head finishes off the look.

Overall – this took me close to 2 hours. But that was a lot of slow & steady work doing it freehand.

I’m really looking forward to doing it again on Halloween so both the girls can look cute for passing out candy.

Want more Halloween themed ideas?

Sugar Skull Wreath

Monster Cupcakes

Halloween Mummy Bowling

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Jäger Bomb

Pretzel Wrapped Lil’ Smokies

Jager Bomb – an iconic potent cocktail featuring Jagermeister shot dropped inside Red Bull. An alcoholic delight that you can mix in just a couple of minutes.

We don’t know who and when invented this amazing concoction but it is one of the most popular recipes and drinks in bars.

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Ditalini & Sausage Soup

By Kleinworth & Co 11 Comments

*For an easy week night dinner as part of a sponsored post for Hillshire Brands™ & Mom It Forward Blogger Network– I made this Ditalini & Sausage Soup using Jimmy Dean Sausage for my family.

I love Easy Family Dinner Ideas that comes together in less than 30 minutes. With all that is happening during the day, I don’t often get time to get to prepping dinner ahead of time. So on the weekends we pick up our essentials without a real plan in mind on what we will do with everything. We like to be creative & try not to make the same things all the time. Sometimes that makes it harder when we are throwing something together. Other times – like when I created this Ditalini & Sausage Soup it just comes together so perfectly & I vow to make it again & again.

I love that this can be made with things we always keep on hand. It takes less than 30 minutes too. That means that I can whip this up with little notice – which is great when we have unexpected dinner guests. Especially because this batch makes A LOT. So we typically have plenty of leftovers to have with some sandwiches the next day too.

This is the sausage I used. Jimmy Dean – Regular Sausage. It’s my “Go-to” source of protein for soup.

Since I was making a large batch – I picked up the 2 pounds. It also comes in 1 pound.

You can grab the coupon!

There are valuable savings on other Hillshire Brands products via J4U too!!!

Hillshire Brands™ provides Safeway shoppers with products that can add protein to your meal.

I like to use the Safeway J4U app to pick up all my coupons right on my phone while shopping. It makes saving on our weekly shopping so easy.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Ditalini & Sausage Soup

Ingredients

2 pounds ground sausage
2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
32 ounces chicken stock
1 qt half & half or milk
12 ounces tomato paste
1/2 onion
2 tbsp minced garlic
9 ounces chopped spinach
1/2 stick butter
4 cups Ditalini noodles
Salt pepper, granulated garlic to taste
Top with croutons & cheese to serve

Instructions

Brown sausage, onions & garlic in large skillet over med-high heat.
In a large stock pot add butter, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, browned ground sausage & spinach.
Bring to a boil- stirring frequently - Add seasonings to taste.
Continue to boil 5-10 minutes for flavors to marry
In another stockpot cook your ditalini to package directions & drain
Reduce heat on soup & slowly add in half & half - stir well
Bring soup to a simmer- Do Not Boil. Simmer about 5 minutes
Add in cooked ditalini
Serve with croutons & cheese for garnish

Be sure to check out some of these tasty dishes created by some fabulous bloggers!

Pesto Alfredo Tortellini Smoked Sausage

Fried Rice

Sausage Gravy & Biscuits

Chicken Sausage Skillet Veggies

Mummy Dogs

Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Smoked Sausage with Peppers

Want more great soups?

Jalapeno Cheddar Chicken Soup

Tuscan Ravioli Soup

Idaho Potato Soup

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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DIY Scented Pine Cones

By Kleinworth & Co 21 Comments

Do you love it when the stores start selling the scented pine-cones this time of year? I grew up with that scent of cinnamon. My mom had cinnamon scented things all through the house & the smell lasted a long time. I loved it & now I like to have them in my home too. But now I don’t have to wait for this time of year & I don’t have to pay up to $10 for a small bag of them. I live in north Idaho – pine-cones are everywhere up here. I find it ridiculous to pay for them just because they are coated with cinnamon scent. So I decided to do my own DIY Scented Pine Cones. It was super simple & smell just the same. You can make some too.

First – Collect your pine cones. I like to give them a good spray with the hose to rinse off any dirt & whatever that might be on them if I collected them from the yard. Some people say to bake them to get them to open up. As a wife to a fire chief – I highly discourage this. Pine cones are great fire starters & effective kindling. I do not recommend putting them into a hot oven as any hidden pitch could become combustible & cause a problem.

– Make sure they are dry – then place them in a large zip top bag.

– Using a small spray bottle (mine was 2 ounces) Fill 1 ounce Cinnamon scented oil & 1 ounce water

– Spray the pine cones – in the bag – until they are quite wet with your oil mixture.

– Close the bag & give a good shake to help disburse the liquid.

– Open & re-spray – close & shake again.

– Keep the bag closed & set aside for a couple weeks to allow the pine cones to soak it all in.

– After that they are ready to be displayed in your home & let all that wonderful cinnamon scent be enjoyed.

ENJOY!

Want more ideas for using nature in your home?

Corn Husk Luminaries

Simple Pine Cone Ornaments

Pine Cone Wreath

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pink Oreo Bars

By Kleinworth & Co 3 Comments

Has breast cancer touched your life? How about any type of cancer? Breast Cancer – among many cancers- has touched my life too many times. It’s time to find a cure. Today I’m sharing these Pink Oreo Bars to show my support for all the women who have been touched in some way by this wrenched disease. Cancer is a topic I don’t often like to discuss. It’s painful & what it does just can’t be tolerated anymore. We must find a cure!

I’m so happy to be joining all these AMAZING bloggers for Cooking for a Cure!

So we have come together to blog our favorite PINK recipes in support of the fight!

Soft & chewy like a crispy bar – but with OREOS!!! YUM!

Print Recipe

Pink Oreo Bars

Ingredients

1 - 16 ounce pkg Oreos
2 cups Pink marshmallows
2-1/2 cups regular sized white marshmallows
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup Pink candy melts
1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

Place cookies in food processor & pulse until they are coarse crumbles
Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment & give a light spritz with cooking spray
In a large bowl - combine marshmallows & butter
Microwave marshmallows on full power for about 1-1/2 minutes. They should puff up quite a bit.
Remove & immediately mix in the Oreo crumbles until fully mixed in
Transfer to prepared pan & press into an even layer
In a small bowl combine coconut oil & candy melts
Place that small bowl over a double boiler & heat until melted & smooth
Pour over your Oreo bars & spread evenly
Allow to cool completely before cutting.
Store at room temperature in airtight container.

Check out all the great PINK recipes!

[inlinkz_linkup id=454732 mode=1]

Want more great no-bake goodies?

No Bake Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars

No Bake Peppermint Oreo Bars

Thin Mint Meets Oreo

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate {Perfect Fall Family Day}

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

Fall here in Coeur d’Alene is positively delightful. Fall has always been my favorite season – which is strange because I grew up in So Cal – where there really isn’t too much variation in the seasons. But I love fall none the less & now that I live here – I get to truly experience it in all it’s glory. Every year we try to make sure we head out for a family day to do a fall color drive. Usually this takes up our whole day – but our weekends to get things done are getting shorter & shorter. Seems we always have way more on the agenda for the short 2 days than is actually reasonable. So we decided to try to fit in our trip to see our good ol’ friend Joe at his farm to pick some apples too. It proved to be a VERY full day – but it was great to get out & enjoy all that is fall in Cd’A as a family. At the end I whipped up some Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate & it was the perfect ending to the day.

Just one of many apple trees. We will be going back in another week or so to get these red delicious. They weren’t quite ready yet. But we did pick up about 40lbs of Molly delicious. So I have been working that crock pot (in fact I had the hubs pick me up a second one to really get things going) & churning out apple butter in mass quantities. I had so much I gave some out to all the neighbors & I still have so many apples left.

Joe was harvesting these concord grapes & making juice. Last year he gave me just one bundle & I was able to make several jars of homemade concord grape jam. It was delicious.

We also picked some blackberries. Not all of them were quite ready – but this one was perfect.

Then we headed out to check out the AMAZING fall colors around here.

Check out just how gorgeous these fall colors are here in North Idaho!

I captured these with my phone- I didn’t take the big girl camera with me for the day.

We had a ton of running around to do & I really don’t like leaving it in the car.

When we get a chance to visit one of the 17 area lakes here – I am reminded of just how blessed we are that we can live here.

After a few more stops to the nursery for some front porch decor & a stop to pick up some key ingredients for some things I’m working on – we headed home. The kids wanted a campfire – so the hubs went out to get the fire going & I decided to whip up some Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate. Did you know that you can use coffee creamer for more than coffee?? I like to add it to so many drinks – especially with great flavors like Pumpkin Pie Spice this time of year.

Once the fire was going we all gathered around & just enjoyed each other’s company.

We knocked out the last of the s’mores ingredients I had left in the pantry for the season too.

I’m so loving our new back yard & our fire pit. Next summer I will share more of the yard with you & all that we have done with it.

We moved in & completed projects so late in the season that things are not quite done yet.

The hot chocolate was FABULOUS! Love the seasonal flavors!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate {Perfect Fall Family Day}

Ingredients

4 cups milk
4 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 cup white chocolate chips
Marshmallows pumpkin caramel , pinch of cinnamon for topping.

Instructions

Combine milk, white chocolate chips & creamer to medium saucepan & heat over medium-low until chocolate chips are melted & mixture is hot.
Do not allow to boil but keep at a simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat & allow to cool slightly before ladling into mugs
Garnish with marshmallows, caramel & a pinch of cinnamon
Enjoy!

Be sure to connect with International Delight & check out all their great seasonal flavors!!

Facebook & Pick up some great new ideas on Pinterest!

Want more great pumpkin recipes?

Pumpkin Caramel

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Spice Pudding

Pumpkin Pecan Bread

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

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Black Velvet Harvest Brownies {Fall Harvest Blog Hop}

By Kleinworth & Co 20 Comments

We are chugging right along through October. Are you enjoying all the wonderfulness of FALL??!!! I sure am! It’s my favorite time of year. I’m so excited because today not only do I have a really fun recipe to share with you all – but I also have joined together with SOME OF MY FAVORITE BLOGGERS to bring you all this Fall Harvest Blog Hop. We have created some of the best Fall ideas you will find & we have them all here in one place. WHOOOHOOOO! So I decided to make one of my favorite recipes & give it a fall/harvest/Halloween twist. These Black Velvet Harvest Brownies are FABULOUS! I love Yummy Bar Recipes!

It wasn’t until I started blogging that I ever frosted brownies. Can you believe that?? I had enjoyed many frosted brownies in my time but never went past just baking & eating. Now that I frost the brownies it just opens up all the creativity with where I can take them. So much more fun AND it makes them more decadent- which keeps me from eating the whole pan in one sitting.

I love these & you will love how easy they are to make!

This is the food color you are looking for.

Be sure to check out all the GREAT fall harvest ideas being shared today as part of of this hop.

Print Recipe

Black Velvet Harvest Brownies

Ingredients

Brownie ingredients

1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter- diced
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips I actually used the squares
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. gel super black food coloring
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Icing

1- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 bag Candy Corn Flavored M&M's

Instructions

Preheat Oven to 325.
Use either non-stick foil or just use regular foil & then spray with non-stick spray & line a metal 9"x9" baking pan. (please do this- as it helps remove the brownies from the pan later on. This is a step I contemplated skipping & doing it how I would normally do it- but I decided to follow the instructions & I was happy I did)
Stir butter & chocolate in a heavy large saucepan over low heat until all is melted.
Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar & then eggs- one at a time.
Stir in vanilla, salt & food coloring.
Sift flour & baking powder (I usually just run a whisk through it for a few stirs & it works perfectly) & stir in & blend well.
Transfer batter to prepared pan.
Bake until puffed & dry looking- or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist batter attached. (about 30-35 minutes).
Cool completely in pan on a rack. (I was impatient & stuck mine directly into the freezer to cool it faster)

Icing

In small saucepan combine sweetened condensed milk & white chocolate chips.
Heat until completely melted & combined.
Pour immediately onto brownies while they are still in the pan.
Top with your M&M's & sprinkles
Allow to set before cutting. I popped mine in the refrigerator for a couple hours.

Want more great fall recipes?

Cinnamon Candy Apples

Fall Sugar Cookies

Easy Pie Crust – Perfect Every Time

I’ve teamed up with a group of 75 bloggers to share tons of Fall Harvest Ideas with you! From crafts, to recipes, to home decor and more…we have you covered for Fall inspiration!

Check the gallery below and visit some of my blogging friends to see their awesome ideas!!

[inlinkz_linkup id=456100 mode=1]

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Snickers Cookies