Name: Maple Brown Sugar Latte
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 drink
Ingredients: 1.5 cups strong coffee; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; whipped cream (optional)

food and recipes

How to Make a Maple Brown Sugar Latte

May 7, 2020

If you love the Maple Brown Sugar Latte at Nordstrom’s Cafe, you’ll love this copycat recipe!

There’s a rumor going around that the Nordstrom store in my city is closing (SAD!), and what I may miss most is one of my favorite latte drinks around…their Maple Brown Sugar Latte!

This is one of my favorite coffee drinks around, and I wanted to know if I could make it without an espresso machine or milk frother!

Turns out, the recipe IS possible and doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to put together.

Yield: 1 drink

Maple Brown Sugar Latte

An easy and delicious coffee recipe with hints of maple and brown sugar.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 cups strong coffee
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Brew some strong coffee. For this recipe, I use about a tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup of water and my coffee maker has a "strong" feature which I always use.

While coffee is brewing, put your milk and brown sugar in a mason jar. Cover and microwave for about a minute. Place lid on mason jar and shake to make milk frothy.

Once coffee is brewed, add to mug. Stir in maple syrup. Top with milk mixture. Add whipped cream, if desired.

Love the mug? So do I. One of my besties gifted it to me. You can find similar mugs here.

Obviously if you have an espresso machine and/or milk frother, feel free to use those! These methods work, however, for those without any fancy gadgets.

If you don’t have a coffee machine, you can easily do this with a french press, as well! Just let grounds steep a minute or two longer to make the coffee a bit stronger.

Have you had the Maple Brown Sugar Latte at Nordstroms? If you love it too, let me know what you think of this version.

Thanks so much for reading all about How to Make a Maple Brown Sugar Latte. Have a great day!

food and recipes holidays Valentine's Day

Edible Tic Tac Toe Craft Idea

January 6, 2020

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this edible tic tac toe game is the perfect activity! Try it today!

I’m always on the lookout for fun and easy ways to celebrate the holidays.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought this fun and edible tic tac toe game would be perfect for my kids.

In the recipe card below, I share how to cover your Oreos in white chocolate, but if you can find these fudge-covered Oreos (they’re normally sold around the holidays), you’re halfway there!

I found my X and O gummies from Trader Joes! If you have the fudge-covered Oreos, simply use some melted candy melts to attach the gummies to the cookies.

To make your playing board, use washi tape on cardboard or scrapbook paper. Easy peasy!

Covered Oreos for Tic Tac Toe

An easy and colorful recipe idea! You just need a few ingredients for these delicious and fun dipped Oreos!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

Sandwich Cookies
White Candy Melts
X and O Gummies (found at Trader Joes)

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt candy melts according to package instructions. I often add a tablespoon or so of coconut or canola oil to help thin the melted candy.

Dip your cookies, place on parchment, and add your gummies.

Refrigerate until firm.

Notes

Store in refrigerator for 3-5 days

Thanks for reading all about our Edible Tic Tac Toe Craft Idea. Have a crafty day!

Christmas food and recipes holidays

Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing

November 29, 2019

Christmas shortbread cookies with icing are crisp, buttery and not overly sweet! Add these to your holiday baking rotation today.

If I had to choose my favorite type of cookie, it would have to be shortbread. And not just any shortbread, but these shortbread cookies.

If you love a cookie that’s slightly sweet, buttery, and super light, these are for you.

I added a vanilla glaze and sprinkles to my shortbread cookies, but these are just as good with nothing on them.

You can even change up the sprinkles to match the occasion, or add coloring to the glaze.

Here are a few tips and tricks when making these shortbread cookies with icing:

Mine were done after 13 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. Burnt cookies are no fun.
I add my sprinkles to the cookies over a bowl. This helps catch the excess and keeps the sprinkles from rolling all over the kitchen.
If you want to quickly cool your cut out cookies, instead of placing in the refrigerator, place in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Glaze is super forgiving. If it’s too thick, simply add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
For the glaze, you can substitute peppermint or almond extract for the vanilla for a slightly different flavor.

Yield: 32

Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing

An easy, buttery and light shortbread cookie with icing. Make these at Christmas or anytime!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 42 minutes

Ingredients

Two Sticks Softened Butter
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Cornstarch
1 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
FOR THE GLAZE
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
4 Tablespoons Milk
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Place softened butter and sugar into a mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, mix together until smooth.

Add in vanilla. Continue stirring until well incorporated.

Add in your cornstarch and flour, stirring together until your dough forms.

Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead several times.

Form into a disc, and roll out until your dough is about 3/8 inch thick.

Cut out your cookies and place on pans.

Place in refrigerator for about an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Rotate pans halfway to ensure even baking. Cool completely.

For glaze, combine all ingredients until smooth.

Take each cookie and dip into glaze letting the excess glaze run off.

Immediately cover with sprinkles and place on parchment to set.

If you make these cookies, let me know! I’ve made one batch this season and I know I’ll be making a second!

Want to try a different Christmas cookie? How about one of these:

chocolate chip sprinkle cookies

christmas peanut butter balls

Thanks for reading all about our Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing. Have a great day!

food and recipes

The Best Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Ice Cream Recipes

April 4, 2019

Looking for some lower carb, keto friendly ice cream recipes to make? I’ve asked some top food bloggers for their BEST recipes, and am gathering them here today!

The Keto Diet apparently is here to stay! For those not in the know, the Ketogenic Diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that touts many health benefits.

I’ve shared in the past about my favorite Low-Carb Protein Bars and Snacks, the best Low-Carb Protein Bars to Buy, and the best Keto Chocolate Recipes to Make.

Today, I’m sharing the best low carb, keto friendly ice cream recipes from top bloggers. Who says ice cream can’t be part of a keto-friendly diet? Not these food bloggers! Let’s get started…

Low Carb, Keto Friendly Ice Cream Recipes

Looking for some lower carb, keto friendly ice cream recipes to make? I've asked some top food bloggers for their BEST recipes, and am gathering them here today!

Photo Credit: everydayketogenic.com

Keto Maple Pecan Ice Cream

This delicious recipe has the delicious maple flavors of fall mixed with the creamy taste of Ice Cream!

Photo Credit: www.theginghamapron.com

Keto (Low-Carb) Chocolate Ice Cream

If you’re looking to reduce sugar and carbs in your diet but still have a fun, delicious treat, give this chocolate ice cream a try. You’ll love it

Photo Credit: twosleevers.com

Keto Ice Cream Recipe | No Cook Keto Ice Cream

Here's another easy and delicious keto ice cream recipe to try!

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

No Churn Low Carb Ice Cream {Sugar Free} With Cherries And Cacao

This No Churn Sugar-Free Ice cream is a guilt-free dessert that you can serve at any time of the year. Go on, try it. Suitable for low carb and keto diets.

Photo Credit: easyketodishes.com

Dairy free, no churn, low carb strawberry ice cream

This low carb strawberry ice cream, from easy keto dishes, is just what the chef ordered.

Photo Credit: easyketodishes.com

Basil Ice Cream (keto friendly, low carb, dairy free)

Refreshing with a surprising twist, this basil ice cream is the perfect dessert for staying on your keto goals!

Photo Credit: by-pink.com

Strawberry Low Carb Ice Cream (No Churn)

This Keto Strawberry Ice Cream is great to keep in your freezer for those days you want to reward yourself or treat yourself.

Photo Credit: lowcarbdelish.com

Quick and Easy Low Carb Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee and ice cream are a match made in heaven in this low carb coffee ice cream recipe.

So there you have it! Favorite Keto ice cream recipes from top food bloggers. Did you find something you want to try?

Thanks so much for reading all about The Best Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Ice Cream Recipes. Have a great day!

food and recipes

Gender Reveal Food Idea {Sprinkle Oreos}

February 11, 2019

Super simple food idea for your gender reveal party! You just need a few ingredients for a fun, colorful and festive treat!

I love anything dipped in chocolate, but these dipped Oreos are a definite favorite, and are the perfect easy treat for your gender reveal party!

Gender reveal parties have become such a popular trend, and they don’t have to be fancy to be fun and creative!

gender reveal food idea | sprinkle oreos | gender reveal party

Full recipe is below. Basically, you’ll need sandwich cookies, candy melts, and sprinkles.

You’ll dip your cookies, cover with sprinkles, and let set on parchment paper. I found these pink and blue sprinkles at Hobby Lobby, but you are welcome to use whatever you can find!

To dip the Oreos, I melt my candy melts in a shallow bowl and use a fork to pick up the Oreo and tap off excess candy.

Covered Oreos for Tic Tac Toe

An easy and colorful recipe idea! You just need a few ingredients for these delicious and fun dipped Oreos!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

Sandwich Cookies
White Candy Melts
X and O Gummies (found at Trader Joes)

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt candy melts according to package instructions. I often add a tablespoon or so of coconut or canola oil to help thin the melted candy.

Dip your cookies, place on parchment, and add your gummies.

Refrigerate until firm.

Notes

Store in refrigerator for 3-5 days

These turned out just so cute and can be made in minutes!

Thanks so much for reading all about our Gender Reveal Food Idea {Sprinkle Oreos}! Have a lovely day.

food and recipes

Keto Candy {The Best Keto Candy Recipes to Try}

January 22, 2019

Looking for delicious and easy-to-make keto candy recipes? Today, I’m sharing a compilation of keto-friendly chocolate recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers!

I love keeping an eye on various internet trends and seeing what people are searching. Lately, one much-sought-after search term keeps cropping up in results–Keto Candy!

For those who don’t know, the Ketogenic Diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet that touts many health benefits (including weight loss).

Typically on the Keto Diet, chocolate, with it’s vast amounts of sugar, is a no-no.

Fortunately, some of my favorite food bloggers have found a way around this, and have created Keto Candy recipes that use chocolate (usually dark chocolate, which has less sugar), are Keto-friendly, and taste great!

Let’s take a look at some Keto-friendly, lower-carb Chocolate recipes to try!

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte via Divalicious Recipes

Frozen Chocolate Whips via Sprinkle Some Fun

Mocha Brownie Protein Bars via Amy’s Healthy Baking

Chocolate Keto Fat Bombs via Diabetes Strong

Match-Moringa White Hot Cocoa via All The Nourishing Things

Keto Fudgy Brownies via All The Nourishing Things

Keto No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake via Eat Beautiful

Overnight Triple Chocolate Muffins via Eat Beautiful

Sugar Free Chocolate Coconut Butter Fudge via Butter for All

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake via Low Carb Maven

Keto Mint Chocolate Bars via Two Sleevers

Low Carb Keto Triple Chocolate Cheesecake via My PCOS Kitchen

Low Carb No Bake Chocolate Tart with Raspberries via My PCOS Kitchen

Easy Dark Chocolate Nut Bark via She Loves Biscotti

Mexican Spiced Keto Chocolate via A Clean Bake

Who knew that chocolate could be a part of a healthy, Keto lifestyle? I hope you found something delicious to add to your diet!

Thanks so much for reading all about Keto Candy {The Best Keto Friendly Chocolate Recipes to Make}. Have a great day!

food and recipes holidays Valentine's Day

Valentines Day Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints

January 2, 2019

Valentine’s Day Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday! Package some up to give as teacher or neighbor gifts; just add to a clear bag and tie with a length of twine!

Friends, I have so many good things to say about these easy Valentines Day Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints. They are simple, easy to make, and are perfect for Valentines Day!

I made this easy holiday treat two ways. First, with the traditional fork crisscross pattern, and then covered with white heart sprinkles.

Here’s what you need to make them yourself…

4 ounces softened cream cheese
4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
food coloring (optional)
1-2 tablespoons milk (optional)

Add your softened cream cheese to stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer).

Mix for 1 minute, then add your confectioners sugar, one cup at a time, letting each addition incorporate before adding another.

You want your mixture firm, but moist. If your mixture is too hard, add a tablespoon of milk and mix in. If your mixture is too moist, add more powdered sugar.

Add your extract, then, if you’re making more than one color, divide into bowls. Add food coloring and mix in.

Refrigerate mixture for about an hour, as mixture will be sticky!

Form balls and place on parchment covered sheet pans. Flatten and decorate. Refrigerate until firm. Store in refrigerator in airtight container.

After you make your mixture (full recipe is below), simply divide into bowls and use food coloring to make as many different colors as you’d like.

These turned out amazing! We all loved them, and I can’t wait to package them up for some Valentine’s Day treats!

food and recipes holidays Saint Patrick's Day

Rainbow Party Ideas {Make Easy Rainbow Treats}

February 26, 2018

Rainbow parties and crafts are so trendy right now and I love creating clever and easy rainbow party ideas. This easy rainbow treat takes only three ingredients, and is perfect for a rainbow themed party or even St. Patrick’s Day!

Rainbow themed parties are so fun! If you’re looking for easy rainbow party ideas, these easy treats are for you! With just three ingredients, they’re perfect for a fun treat or a favor. Just place some in a glassine bag and tie with some rainbow ribbon!

Here’s the easy and quick recipe!

What you need:

These are so simple to make. Just preheat your oven to 250 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place your pretzels flat on your baking sheet, and top each one with a candy melt.

Place in the oven for about 3 minutes–you don’t want to melt your candy melts, you just want to soften them a bit!

Pull them out of the oven, and carefully place one rainbow candy in the center of each, pressing down slightly.

Let cool (I placed mine in the refrigerator so that they’d cool a bit more quickly), and enjoy!

So easy and so delicious! Such an easy treat idea for your rainbow themed party or rainbow-loving friend!

Looking for more rainbow party ideas? We have plenty of inspiration!

A rainbow fringe wreath is a super easy and CUTE way to celebrate all things rainbow! You only need a few supplies and about an hour to put this together!

This “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” free printable is an easy and inexpensive way to add some rainbow art to your space!

Unicorn Slime is an easy and fun craft project or favor idea! Use glitter in rainbow colors to match your rainbow theme!

Thanks for reading all about my Rainbow Party Ideas {Make Easy Rainbow Treats}. Have a crafty day!

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food and recipes

7 Easy Ways to Up Your Spring Baking Game

February 16, 2018

Baking tools and gadgets to up your baking game–for spring, and all year round. Sharing my favorite baking tools that your kitchen will thank you for!

Spring is right around the corner, and if your kitchen is still boasting last season’s wares, this post is for you. Didn’t think your baking needed a seasonal upgrade? It technically doesn’t, but there are so many new, unique, and just-plain-awesome seasonally-inspired baking goods and tools, it just makes sense to add a few to your kitchen’s arsenal.

Whether you bake for gifts, for holidays, or just for your household, there’s something here for everyone!

1. Paper baking products aren’t new to the market, but if you haven’t given them a try, make it a point to for your next baking project. These tube pans are portable, inexpensive and come in several different colors and designs. Best of all? Your recipient won’t have to worry about washing and returning your pan!

2. Have a Star Wars fan in the household? These silicon baking molds are a must-have! You get seven different designs, and they’re perfect for ice cubes (try adding food coloring to the water to make them stand out!), candy making, or even mini soaps! Then, if you’re still in the mood to make, go check out this list of Star Wars craft ideas from DIY Candy!

3. A stand-out, patterned bundt pan is a perfect for taking those warm weather cakes up a notch. The Pioneer Woman uses a similar one, and, once you have it, go ahead and use it to make her Lemon Lime Pound Cake (you won’t regret, I promise you!)

4. Cute baking pans are just the beginning, though. To up your baking game even more, print out and attach these adorable Spring-themed printable gift tags to your baked goods. They come in two styles, and, attached with baker’s twine, are a simple, yet beautiful, way to package your gifted goods.

5. Well, now I’ve seen it all. This OXO Cupcake Corer is THE perfect way to gussy up your next batch of cupcakes. Just use it to remove a section of the cupcake, fill the center with icing, candy, or jam, cut the removed section in half, and place one half back on top to cover your hidden goodies. Add icing, and you’ve got a sweet treat anyone would love.

6. Haven’t been bit by the baking bug? Not a problem! A cupcake liner wreath is a great way to purchase pretty baking products and create something lovely with them outside of the kitchen! Choose plain white baking cups and color them as I did, or choose a pattern (polka dots, anyone?) for a fun twist!

7. Decorative rolling pins are a fun and easy way to add some texture and pattern to your cookies and fondant. Who wouldn’t want their cookies decorated with butterflies, cats, or even personalized with your own name!

So, what did I miss? What fabulous new kitchen gadgets are YOU loving this season? Leave a comment and let us know!

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