S'mores and Drive-Up Grocery Shopping

This post is in collaboration with Smith's

Did you know that Smith's Food & Drug now has drive up grocery shopping? Ok, kind of drive-up grocery shopping. It's called ClickList and what you do is go through a huge list of items including food, flowers and even toilet paper. You order you items online and then you go to the parking spaces with the big ClickList flags and the Smith's guys/girls run your order out to you. I know! Where was this when I had little kids that I didn't want to haul into the store!??!

I gave it a test run to see how it would go. We were getting ready for the HELLO LIVE Conference and I needed to get all the items for our Gourmet S'mores Bar bought. BTW, I'm the director and co-founder of the conference so as you can imagine I was super busy. Using the ClickList Shopping make it so much easier and quicker for me.

You can find our amazing S'more Bar Ideas on the HELLO LIVE Blog.

This is how it works. Go to Smith's Clicklist and create a free account. Choose from over 40,000 items and build your shopping cart right online. You then choose a pick up time for the next day between 7am-9pm. Smith's ClickList team shops for you and delivers it right to your car when you arrive. There is no min or max order.

Good things to know:

• Where to register for an account and place orders: www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/ClickList
• Order pick-up hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Customers select an hour window of time for pickup. Orders placed by midnight are available for pick-up the next day.
• Service fee: $4.95. A promotion underway waives the fee for new customers’ first three orders.
• Minimum order: None
• Payment forms accepted: Credit or debit cards only. No cash, checks, gift cards or government benefits (including WIC and SNAP) at this time.
• Restrictions: No alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy prescriptions pickups.

Coconut Jelly Bean Cake Recipe * Easter

When I was growing up my mom made us a special treat each year. It was always one of my favorites. It was her White Chocolate Coconut Jelly Bean Candy Easter Nests. I just love how the white chocolate, coconut and the fruity flavors of the jelly beans mixed so well. With this flavor combination in mind I came up with a new Easter tradition our Easter Cake. As I thought about the flavor of the jelly beans Kool-Aid came to me. Kool-Aid comes in many different shades of bright colors, it has similar flavors and some of our favorite jelly beans so it was the perfect solution to both coloring and flavoring each layer of our Easter Cake.

Our Easter Cake has a pink strawberry, yellow pineapple, green lemon lime and blue mixed berry layers. It is frosted with the most delicious coconut white chocolate buttercream frosting. Combining the coconut and the flavors remind me of a colada drink.
This is a great cheery cake for kids.

Cake:

• 2 Box Cake Mixes or 2 batches of White Cake Batter
• 1 packet of Kool-Aid drink mix powder for each color -4 total (the ones without sugar)

Prepare you favorite box white cake mixes or this great from scratch recipe for White Cake ( two batches.)

Divide the cake batter equally into to 4 medium mixing bowls. Slowly add Kool-Aid powder until you reach the desired color and flavor or each color.

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Bake each cake color layer in a 8 or 9 inch round cake pan for about 18-20 minutes check after 18 minutes. Cake will bounce back when done when pressed down in the middle with your finger.

Cool for 5 minutes then remove from pan and completely cool on cooling rack.

Wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and place in freezer.

White Chocolate Coconut Buttercream Frosting:
Note: You will need two batches for this cake

• 2 pound bag of powdered sugar
• 1/2 milk
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup of melted white baking chocolate

In a stand mixer using the whip attachment whip together melted white chocolate, butter, milk, vanilla and about 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar to incorporate air. This will make your frosting nice and light and fluffy. 

Slowly mix in the remaining powdered sugar then add coconut and whip together. 

This frosting is creamy, delicious and sets up very nicely.

Coconut Nest Topping:

• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 packet of green lemon lime Kool-Aid powder mix
• 1 bag of your favorite jelly beans
• 1 quart size zip top bag

Add coconut and 1/2 packet of Kool-Aid powder to zip top bag. Mix the coconut and powder together kneading with hands. 

Mound in the center of the top of the cake to form a nest top off with a large handful of jelly beans.

Sweet TIP: To frost the cake and get beautiful layers add your frosting to a quart size zipper top bag. Snip of one corner of the bag about a half inch up.

Starting with the bottom layer squeeze our large dollops of frosting around the cake top. Spread evenly and repeat as you add each layer. Then squeeze out frosting in a zigzag pattern around the side of the cake. Spread over the sides filling in between the zigzag. Don't worry if you zigzag is straight.

The point of this is to get a fairly even amount of frosting around the cake so it is easier to spread and prevent little cake crumbs from mixing into your frosting.

If you have any holes in your frosting just go back and add another dollop of frosting.
This frosting sets up nicely and is very forgiving. Since it is a coconut frosting it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth.

The kids are going to LOVE this cake.

Happy Easter!

xo

P.S. Here is my Periscope video showing me making the green coconut grass.

Maple Sugar Cinnamon Rolls * Vermont Inspired Recipes

Maple Sugar Cinnamon Rolls

for rolls

• 2 tablespoons yeast
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 3/4 cup of warm whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/2 melted butter
• 1 egg
• 3 1/2-4 cups of unbleached flour

for filling

• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon 
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of maple sugar- we use Butternut Mountain Farm

for frosting glaze

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup pure Vermont Maple Syrup - we use Butternut Mountain Farm

Using stand mixer add yeast, water, milk salt and sugar to mixing bowl. Mix slightly and allow the yeast to grow. 2-5 minutes.

Add melted butter and egg. Mix together. Using the dough hook add 1 cup of flour and mix. Allow to sponge up the flour for 5 minutes. Then slowly add one cup of flour at a time mixing until incorporated. Continue to kneed the dough on low for about 5 minutes.  The trick with dough is to make sure you don't use too much flour. The dough will be smooth but not too sticky and not too dry.

Spray a baking sheet and place dough into middle of pan then place in oven for 45 minutes to rise and double in size.

While dough is rising mix together the dry ingredients for the filling. Soften the butter in the microwave to the point just before melting.

Once the dough has risen to punch it down. Dust countertop with flour and roll dough into a large rectangle about 15 x 20 inches.
Spread softened butter cover the entire surface of the rolled out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the butter.
Roll dough up. Cut into 2-inch pieces using a piece of bakers twine.
Place on a baking sheet. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled for about an hour.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until just turning golden brown.

Maple Sugar Walnut Blondies Recipe * Vermont Inspired Recipes

When we visited Vermont for Camp Gathering-Vermont this past April we visited just at the end of the maple sugaring season.  A lot of people think of fall in Vermont and they think maple syrup but the maple sugaring season is in the very early spring when the days are warming up but it's still below freezing at night. This is when the sap flows.
To the warm flavor of real Vermont syrup still evokes a feeling of fall. My Maple Sugar Blondies are made up of the warm fall flavors including walnuts and the caramel flavor of a blondie. I use Butternut Mountain Farm's real Vermont Maple Sugar AND pure Vermont Maple Syrup in this recipe too. If you can't find it in your local store you can order it online on their website- Butternut Mountain Farm
We visited Butternut Mountain Farm in Johnson, Vermont and I assure it is some of the purest finest maple syrup you will buy.
Enjoy!


Maple Sugar Walnut Blondies

• 1/2 cup of butter 
• 1 1/2 cup pure maple sugar
• 1/2 cup of grade A dark robust pure maple syrup
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups unbleached flour
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt butter. Add eggs, maple sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, baking soda, salt and nuts.
Stir by hand, Then mix in flour. Pour into 9x13 inch greased cake pan. sprinkle white
chocolate chips on top. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and pulling
away from the pan on the sides. Cut and serve. I like to sprinkle a little bit of maple sugar over top and drizzle with a little bit of pure Vermont maple syrup right before serving.

Sweet Tip: Only mix by hand and be sure stir only to incorporate the ingredients and no more for best texture and results.

maple syrup and maple sugar provided by Butternut Mountain Farm

National S'mores Day Recipes and Ideas * Nutella S'mores

Today is National S'mores Day. For national S'mores Day why not host a S'more party with a S'more bar. Our Raspberry Nutella and Chocolate S'more is so delicious and simple to make. Add it to the bar along with other toppings for your guests to choose from.

Nutella S'mores Recipe

• Original marshmallows
• Homemade or the best raspberry jam
• Hersey's chocolate bars
• Nutella hazelnut spread
• Graham crackers

First toast your marshmallow to the perfect melting point. See our directions here: The Perfect toasted marshmallow. Next spread Nutella, and raspberry jam on a square of graham cracker. Next place chocolate square on top. Finally add the perfectly warm  toasted marshmallow. Top with second square of graham cracker and press together. Enjoy!

Sweet Tip:
Be sure to have your cracker ready for the marshmallow so you can place the marshmallow on top while it is still hot so your chocolate will melt for the perfect S'more.

Marshmallow Cream Chocolate Milk Recipe * fairlife Milk * Food & Drink

Graciously sponsored by fairlife ultra-filtered Milk

Chocolate milk is one of my kids’ favorite things to have as a treat. They have loved it since they were tiny little nuggets. Even now as teens, it's one of the first things they go for when they are looking for something as a quick snack.
A pint of my homemade chocolate syrup is always on hand for a nice cold glass of chocolate milk. We love how rich an and creamy the fairlife ultra-filtered real whole milk makes our chocolate milk. Since it's such a favorite, I decided to take our favorite treat to the next level with some homemade marshmallow cream topped off with rich chocolate shavings.

Marshmallow Cream Chocolate Milk Recipe

• 1 pint homemade chocolate syrup
• 1 quart fairlife ultra-filtered whole milk
• homemade marshmallow cream
• chocolate shavings for garnish

To assemble: Add fairlife ultra-filtered milk, homemade chocolate syrup to taste, top off with fresh homemade marshmallow cream and the finest quality chocolate shavings. 

To make chocolate shavings simply take your favorite chocolate bar and grate it using a fine tooth grater.

Homemade Marshmallow Cream Recipe

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup real corn syrup
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon the best pure vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt (about 1/4 teaspoon)

In a stand mixer add egg whites and cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks form and set aside. In a heavy bottom saucepan add water, corn syrup, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil then turn town to medium heat. Stir, being careful not to scrape the sides of the pan. Cook until the sugar syrup reaches the soft ball stage. Remove from heat.

Note: You can test to see if the syrup is at the soft ball stage by pouring s small amount in syrup into a bowl of cold water. If the syrup forms a soft ball when pressed together with fingers it's ready.

Stir the syrup until the bubbles have settled. 

Turn the stand mixer on with the egg whites in it and slowly add the sugar syrup. Whip until the mixture becomes smooth; about 5 minutes. Then add in vanilla extract. Your marshmallow fluff is now ready to serve. Enjoy!

fairlife’s farm families promise the highest quality milk, environmentally sustainable farming practices, and superior animal care. fairlife is ultra-filtered for more natural protein and calcium compared to regular milk. Learn more at fairlife.com

10 Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipes * Food & Drink

above is Best Chocolate Cake Ever recipe by Add a Pinch (click link for recipe)

 Everyone knows a chocolate lover. You know that person who loves chocolate in all forms and even loves the dark chocolate. The person who turns to chocolate for comfort and for good reason is raises your endorphin levels. I created a nice collection of Chocolate Cake recipes. It's a great collection to find the perfect chocolate cake recipe for the chocolate lover in your life. Enjoy!

Check out 10 Decadent Cakes for Your Chocolate Lover
by Sweet and Simple Magazine- April Atwater at Foodie.com

this post is sponsored by Foodie.com

10 Sweet Valentine Treats * Food & Drink

We know it's still January but we like to plan ahead. Valentine treats are some of my favorite. I love the pink, red and most of all the hearts. Here are our top 10 favorite pins for homemade Valentine's Day Treat to make for your sweetie.

Recipe:
White Chocolate Valentine Popcorn
Recipe & Photo by:
gimme some oven

Recipe:
White Chocolate Pretzels 
Recipe & Photo by:
Love from the Oven

Recipe:
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Recipe & Photo by:
Your Cup of Cake

Recipe:
Sweetheart Muddy Buddies
Recipe & Photo by:
The Recipe Critic

Recipe:
Fruit Leather Fortune Cookies
Recipe & Photo by:
She Knows

Recipe:
Kisses Sugar Cookies
Recipe & Photo by:
Life is Sweets

Recipe:
Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes
Recipe & Photo by:
Sweet and Simple Magazine

Recipe:
White Chocolate Oreo Hearts
Recipe & Photo by:
Princess Pinky Girl

Recipe:
Chocolate Filled Raspberry Meringue Kisses
Recipe & Photo by:
Bakingdom

Recipe:
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie
Recipe & Photo by:
Cooking Classy

Christmas Cookies * Chocolate Dipped Cream Cheese Crackers * Food & Drink

These no bake Chocolate dipped cream cheese filled crackers treats are delicious. They are a perfect mix of sweet, salty and creamy. At first bite you get the great sweet creaminess. On the last bite you get the salty creaminess. It's the perfect not too sweet treat for Christmas parties. Enjoy!

Chocolate Dipped Cream Cheese Crackers

• Package of Butter Crackers - such as ritz or townhouse crackers
• 12 ounces Dipping Chocolate
• 8 ounce Package Cream Cheese
• Holiday Sprinkles

Place crackers on a parchment lined cookie sheet, Open cold cream cheese then slice down the middle. Cut cross way to create little pats of cream cheese.  Place pats on crackers. Top with crackers with another cracker to make a sandwich.
In a medium glass bowl melt chocolate in microwave checking and stirring every 20 seconds until melted. Dip cracker sandwiches in melted chocolate. Add sprinkles.
Place in refrigerator set then serve. Keep refrigerated until you serve.

Merry Christmas!

Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe * Food & Drink * Christmas Cookies

These are a great Christmas Cookie. Do you remember the peanut butter sandwiches with marshmallow fluff. Our version includes a classic peanut butter cookie made into cookie sandwiches stuffed with marshmallow fluff. They are a crowd pleaser for Christmas parties or to leave out for your Santa Claus along with a tall glass of cold milk. Enjoy!

Fluffernutter Cookie Recipe

makes 12 sandwich cookies

• 1 cup cream peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• marshmallow fluff

In a large glass mixing bowl cream together butter, peanut butter and sugar. Add egg, salt, baking soda, vanilla and mix. 

Form dough into approximately 1 1/2 - 2 inch balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork press down making a criss cross pattern on each cookie dough ball. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Spray a metal teaspoon with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon about a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff between two peanut butter cookies. Yum!

#christmas #cookies #sweetandsimple #foodie #foodblogger

Halloween Treats * Taste Pin

We are seeing some cute and clever Halloween food ideas on Pinterest. We just had to share some of them with you. From super easy to a bit more detailed see what we found for you. Happy Halloween!


Recipe:
Halloween Candy Cake
Recipe & Photo by:
Cookies and Cups

Recipe:
Zombie Brains Cupcakes
Recipe & Photo by:
Annie Eats

Recipe:
Mini Doughnut Spiders
Recipe & Photo by:
It's Always Autumn

Recipe:
White Halloween Candy Bark
Recipe & Photo by:
BHG- Glorious Treats

Recipe:
Candy Corn Marshmallows 
Recipe & Photo by:
Knead to Cook

Recipe:
Halloween S'mores Kit
Recipe & Photo by:
Yellow Bliss Road

Recipe:
Mini Doughnut Ghosts
Recipe & Photo by:
Pizzazzerie


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