Recipes Archives - Page 2 of 6

Salad Recipe Using a Sandwich Bag

Having a nutritious lunch or side dish is simple again with this salad recipe using a sandwich bag.

We all live such busy lives from housekeeping to kiddos to working jobs, that we sometimes just find it easier to run through the drive-thru or heat up a frozen pizza. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not against these things one bit. I love them too, but I have to remind myself daily to make healthier choices. I certainly can’t live my whole life eating fast food.

My salad recipe using a sandwich bag makes everything so much easier. I love having a go-to side dish that can be thrown together in literally minutes while not dirtying up a ton of dishes. I can’t stand to have a sink full of dishes after cooking to have to clean up.

Salad Recipe Using a Sandwich Bag

The trick for this recipe is all in the sandwich bag. It is now your best friend. The recipe below is for one serving or perfect for a lunch serving.

Ingredients and Supplies:

4 Romaine lettuce leaves
½ Tbsp Lemon juice
½-1 Tbsp Olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp Shredded Parmesan cheese
Few croutons

Now all you have to do is just toss all your ingredients into the sandwich bag and get to shaking!

The sandwich bag is key to having all of my lettuce leaves coated in dressing and cheese which is very important to me.

If you are having to run out the door in a hurry, then no worries about missing lunch. You could even eat this salad right out of the bag if you had to. The bonus is that it is also a skinnier version of a salad that taste delicious without the creamy, heavy dressings.

*This recipe is for one serving. Just double, triple, or quadruple depending on how many you are serving. Get a bigger bag and start shaking it all together.

I hope you will enjoy this delicious recipe and find it helpful when you are tempted to eat otherwise. It’s also perfect for taking to a dinner party.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

This recipe was originally posted on Fantabulosity on March 24, 2016.

May 20, 2016/by Bethany

Desserts, Recipes Drink/Dessert

Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino

Cool down this summer with a Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino! The combination of coffee, caramel, and waffle cone crunch is definitely addicting!

Let’s be honest with each other for a minute. I have a weakness when it comes to ice cream, milkshakes, or frozen drinks for that matter. I just can’t help myself it seems like. Yes, it is truly a struggle.

So when Starbucks just announced that they are now making Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccinos, I was like, “OMG”! I love anything caramel plus the waffle cone from an ice cream is even better. The down side is that I don’t have a Starbucks close to my house. I know it’s crazy talk, but it’s true.

So what’s a girl to do when she suddenly gets a craving and can’t just run out and get a frap? Make her own of course. And that’s exactly what I did. So please enjoy this new treat! And it is addicting; you have been warned!

Last year you may recall the S’mores frappuccino that was released and has actually been brought back this summer. I made a copycat Starbucks s’mores frappuccino at that time and loved it.

Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino

Ingredients:

¾ cup Brewed coffee
¾ cup Milk
2 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp caramel coffee creamer
3 ¾ cup Ice
Whipped cream- enough to cover bottom of glass and top off drink
Caramel syrup
Waffle cone, broken into pieces

In a blender, blend together the coffee, milk, sugar, coffee creamer, and ice until ice is completely crushed.

Feel free to add more ice or less depending on your desired consistency.

Pour the blended coffee mixture to fill the glass.

Top with whipped cream, drizzles of caramel sauce, and waffle cone pieces.

Yields 2-16 oz servings

Insert an adorable straw and drink up to your heart’s content. It is absolutely delicious and amazing! The perfect summer treat for any warm day.

Let me know in the comments below if you are Team Caramel Waffle Cone or Team S’mores!

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Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino

Author: Bethany from Southern Couture

Recipe type: Drink/Dessert

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 2-16 oz

Cool off on a warm summer day with this Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino that is truly refreshing. The perfect combination of coffee, caramel, and waffle cone.

Ingredients

¾ cup Brewed coffee
¾ cup Milk
2 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp caramel coffee creamer
Waffle cone, broken into pieces
3 ¾ cup Ice
Whipped cream
Caramel syrup

Instructions

In a blender, blend together the coffee, milk, sugar, coffee creamer, ½ of the waffle cone pieces, and ice until ice is completely crushed.
Feel free to add more ice or less depending on your desired consistency.
Pour the blended coffee mixture to fill the glass.
Top with whipped cream, drizzles of caramel sauce, and waffle cone pieces.

Sip on this perfect combination of coffee, caramel, and waffle cone with a Copycat Caramel Waffle Cone Frappuccino this summer. You will be refresshed and enjoy making your own at home anytime the craving hits you.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

May 5, 2016/5 Comments/by Bethany

Appetizers, Recipes Appetizer/Side Mexican

Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

Grab yourself a bowl and bag of tortilla chips and prepare to enjoy this homemade restaurant style salsa recipe that is sure to please.

There is one thing I love and that is fresh tomatoes every summer right out of the garden. Besides the fact that they are simply delicious, you have this sense of pride knowing that you grew them and knowing exactly where they came from.

Now my Dad can basically eat a fresh, garden tomato like an apple. That’s how much he loves them. Me, not so much? (Imagine if Snow White had eat a tomato instead of an apple. Pretty weird huh? Sorry, just a side note and how my mind works.) My all-time favorite way to use tomatoes when cooking is with salsa.

When it’s made homemade, there is just something different about it. I could eat bowls full at a time when I make it. Give me some tortilla chips and soft shell tortillas and I am good to go. (Homemade tortillas are really delicious, but if you just want to pick some up in the store then you should definitely go with the restaurant or cantina style. The best!!)

Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

Ingredients:

3 Large tomatoes, diced with excess juice drained- You can use 6 roma tomatoes if you don’t have a garden.
½ large onion, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
1-8 oz can tomato sauce
¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped- I love cilantro, so if it’s not your thing be sure to lessen this amount or cut it out completely.
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
Salt, to taste

Combine ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Serve with tortilla chips or soft tortilla shells. And now just enjoy!

The more I make this, the more I know exactly how much I want of each ingredient and can start adding more or less for my preference. Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro or lime you prefer. My husband does not really care for cilantro so I usually cut it back some.

If you are making this for a large dinner or party, feel free to double the recipe and make it ahead of time to make it even easier. Just be warned…It’s addictive! Don’t blame me.

Let me just add to that this homemade restaurant style salsa recipe would be the perfect topping for my blackened tilapia tacos with avocado cream sauce recipe. They are just as delicious!

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Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe

Author: Bethany from Southern Couture

Recipe type: Appetizer/Side

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep time: 10 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Grab yourself a bowl and bag of tortilla chips and prepare to enjoy this homemade restaurant style salsa recipe that is sure to please.

Ingredients

3 Large tomatoes, diced with excess juice drained
½ large onion, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
1-8 oz can tomato sauce
¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Lime juice
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Serve with tortilla chips or soft tortilla shells.
And now just enjoy!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

April 19, 2016/2 Comments/by Bethany

Appetizers, Recipes

Easiest and Tastiest Side Salad Recipe

Do you ever just want to choose healthier and more nutritious options for lunch or a snack but just don’t have all the effort to cook up some fancy meal? I have the easiest but also the tastiest side salad recipe you have ever had. You can get the recipe at Fantabulosity blog today where I’m sharing all the details.

Plus there is one little item that also makes this recipe even easier. I love this hack. Be sure to click over to find out what it is.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

March 24, 2016/2 Comments/by Bethany

Cake Pops, Recipes

How to Make Easter Cake Pops

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise. #StarburstJellybeans #Kroger #CollectiveBias

Cake Pops! Yes those beloved little bites of cake and frosting goodness! They are not only delicious but also just so stinkin’ adorable. So whenever I have an occasion or opportunity to make them, I definitely take advantage of it. I can’t wait to share with y’all how to make Easter cake pops.

They actually do look much more difficult to make than you might think. Yes, there is a technique and some pointers I have learned that will make it much easier for you but overall very much DOABLE.

Easter Cake Pops

Ingredients and Supplies:

Plain baked cake- Choose any flavor you like but be sure to leave it plain and not iced.
Frosting
Candy melts or melting chocolate
Paper straws or lollipop sticks- I just love all the designs and colors of the paper straws that you can find now.
Starburst® Jellybeans
Sprinkles
Cake pop stand- This is not necessary but will make your life so much easier when allowing the chocolate to harden.

Now before I explain in much more detail each step with different tips and pointers, I have a video that shows you exactly how to make your own if you are more of a visual person. Enjoy! (Then keep reading for more details.)

First start by crumbling your cake into a bowl until it is a fine potting soil consistency with no large pieces of cake. *I bake my cake in a 13” x 9” pan. A full cake will usually make about 48 cake pops.

Add your frosting starting with one spoonful at a time. You can always add more. Combine the frosting and crumbled cake until you have a more dough consistency. *You do not want them to be too wet or they will not hold their shape. Too dry and they will fall apart as well.

Roll a spoonful of the cake mixture into a tight ball. Make sure the ball keeps its shape.

Place them on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 15 minutes. *Having them chilled helps them to hold their shape while dipping them in the chocolate.

Melt your candy melts or dipping chocolate according to package directions. *If microwaving, be sure to only heat for small increments of time and stir between.

Dip the end of a paper straw into the chocolate about 1/2” and then dip into one end of a cake ball. *Push in about half way to keep the straw in place but not too far to avoid the ball from falling apart and falling off the stick.

Dip your cake pop into the chocolate until completely covered and then shake off any excess chocolate. *I tap my wrist lightly to shake off any excess chocolate. Avoid knocking the cake pop on the bowl therefore knocking the cake ball off the stick.

Immediately add your sprinkles to the top and place a Starburst® jellybean on top in the middle.

*Side Note: Starburst® Jellybeans are my absolute favorite jellybean of all time. I honestly do not care for other jellybeans whatsoever. Starburst® Jellybeans however are the exception. (I just set the world record for saying jellybeans the most in 2 sentence. 😉

I found all of these varieties, Starburst® Original Jellybeans, Starburst® FaveREDS Jellybeans, and Starburst® Sour Jellybeans at Kroger. I couldn’t wait to try the other varieties this year too. They are the perfect candy for filling Easter baskets, Easter eggs, and even Easter candy dishes with. Everyone loves them and looks forward to eating them every year. Plus what makes them even better is that they are made with real fruit juice for a real fruit taste.

We can now get back to these adorable Easter cake pops. I just love sharing things that I personally love with y’all so you can try the same too.

Place your cake pop in a stand to let the chocolate harden. Once they are all done, place them in an Easter basket or cute cup as I did and give them to someone special. (Just don’t forget to keep one for yourself too.) I placed a piece of styrofoam with small holes in it inside a cup and then placed extra Starburst® Original Jellybeans on the top to hide the styrofoam.

And now that is all there is to it. Not so bad right? It actually becomes quite addictive. Check out my March Madness Cake Pops and Easter Bunny Cake Pops that I made before if you enjoyed these and are looking for even more ideas.

Please let me know who you would love to make some for in the comments below. Be sure to check out other fun ways that you can enjoy Starburst® Jellybeans HERE. You can never have enough. It’s just a fact. And pretty please share this video with your friends too if you think they would love a sweet surprise.

March 8, 2016/4 Comments/by Bethany

Entrees, Recipes

Mexican Inspired Sausage Chili Bread Bowl

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise! #YesYouCAN #CollectiveBias

Do you ever start getting those mid-winter blues of wishing and dreaming for more sunshine and warm air? This Mexican Inspired Sausage Chili Bread Bowl recipe should help to keep your hands and heart warm as you snuggle up under a blanket with a big ol’ bowl.

Valentine’s Day has now passed and we all dream of summer vacation without a doubt. For some of us the warmer temps come sooner, but for others the snow seems like it will never stop falling. Keep your family satisfied and happy as can be with a dinner that is comforting and easy for you to prepare at the same time.

Mexican Inspired Sausage Chili Bread Bowl

Ingredients:

2 14.5 oz can Hunt’s canned stewed tomatoes
1 8 oz can Hunt’s tomato paste
1 lb Ground sausage
1 can Chili beans
Medium onion, diced
Medium green bell pepper, diced
Small jalapeno pepper, diced
1 T Chili powder
1 T Garlic powder
1 tsp Cumin
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
1 can water
Hot sauce, to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Red onion, diced for topping
Cilantro, for garnish
Large roll to hold chili

When I am needing a meal idea for something that is easy to prepare but yet still delicious, I love to make it easier on myself by getting canned goods. I can take the canned goods and add some fresh produce to make it even better.

Hunt’s canned tomatoes are a favorite of mine making my job so much easier.

You can find them at Walmart along with the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper that I picked up in the fresh produce section.

Brown sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked. But wait for it….

The Easiest Way to Cook Ground Meat

No more standing over the stove with your wrist about to fall off because you are cutting and chopping, and pressing the meat trying to get it into tiny pieces. All you need is your POTATO MASHER. Yes, a potato masher!

Season your meat with salt and pepper and then start mashing it with the potato masher. I know you are probably thinking, “You are mashing all the juices out of it.” I would never recommend you do this when fixing a hamburger for example, but you are already cooking the meat down into small pieces in its own juices. The meat will still be tender; trust me.

Continue mashing until the meat is broken down into small pieces. The potato masher helps to separate the meat doing the work for you. A spatula just doesn’t cut it anymore.

NOW, back to the chili.

Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, chili beans, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Add a can of water little at a time if needed to add more liquid. *You may not need the whole can.

Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to low and cover. Let simmer for about one hour.

Once the chili has thickened and you are ready to serve, cut your bread with a slice off the top and dig out the inside. Be sure to not thin it out too much that the chili starts to leak. *Don’t throw out the delicious insides either. Are you crazy? Those are perfect for soaking up, or “sopping up” as my Maw Maw says, the juices.

Pour some chili into each bowl and top with the hot sauce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Your one-pot dinner is complete and ready to enjoy. All you need now is a warm blanket, your favorite show on TV, and you are all set to relax after a long day.

Let me know in the comments below what ways you love to enjoy food and keep warm during the winter months. Be sure to check out more heart warming recipes HERE too.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

February 16, 2016/4 Comments/by Bethany

Desserts, Recipes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise. #CarnationSweepstakes #BetterBreakfast #CollectiveBias

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

Yes, we have all heard this over and over again since we were a child. BUT it really is true! Making breakfast a priority is key to having a great and productive day. I must admit though I have not always been the best to do as I tend to preach to others when it comes to breakfast in the past.

That’s why I have come up with a delicious smoothie recipe for breakfast that is easy to make, still nutritious, and perfect for those times when you are still on the go and need something you can take out the door with you.

How does a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie sound? It may be nutritious but give it a delicious name and your kids will be wanting it for sure.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

You must be drooling by now over the title of this smoothie and not even realizing it’s nutritious and the perfect breakfast go-to choice.

You can even try blending it together the night before and sticking it in the fridge to make things easier for you in the morning when you are getting ready.

My not-so-secret ingredient is the Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Powder. It is convenient to use, but also nutritious. You can even get the Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Ready-to-Drink bottles for those mornings when you are running late.

I picked mine up at Kroger. You can also get vanilla and strawberry flavors. The combinations for this smoothie are truly endless depending on your preference. I just don’t know who wouldn’t like a chocolate covered strawberry.

Ingredients:

Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Chocolate Powder
Strawberries
Plain or vanilla greek yogurt
Splash of almond milk
Ice cubes
Squirt of honey or agave

Place all your ingredients into a blender and blend until well combined and strawberries and ice are finely chopped.

Pour into a glass and you are ready to enjoy!

This smoothie is absolutely delicious and the next best thing to eating an actual chocolate covered strawberry.

My husband Mark and I usually are getting ready in the morning and not sitting down to eat because we leave our house so early to go to work. We will take our breakfast with us most days and eat when we get to work.

There are even some days where we will forget to grab something at home and end up going through a drive-thru. It may be delicious but definitely not always the right choice by no means. In order to help me get back on track and erase these bad eating habits, Carnation has a 7-Day Breakfast Challenge that is starting now. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast every day for 7 days and complete simple breakfast missions through February for a chance to win prizes. (Plus you will feel so much better.)

Ready to get started? Follow these easy steps:

1. Sign up at CarnationBreakfastChallenge.com.
2. Complete a simple yet fun breakfast mission for a chance to win. New prizes will be revealed every day!
3. Come back any day in February to complete missions and see new prizes. The prizes range from a Fitbit to a GoPro and other awesome stuff!
4. Head to your favorite store to purchase a Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Product and upload your receipt for five extra entries per day.

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie is definitely going to help me stay on track, make my morning a bit more joyous and less chaotic, as well as make me feel better too.

Come and join me by checking out the sweepstakes and challenge for more information. Find other fun recipes and join the conversation HERE. Plus let me know what you think of this smoothie in the comments below.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

February 8, 2016/7 Comments/by Bethany

Entrees, Recipes Side Dish

Host a Trial Run Christmas Dinner

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertisers. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise! #ForTheLoveOfHam #CollectiveBias

Christmas dinner at your house?! What?! Don’t panic! Not yet anyways. Having a beautiful spread on your dinner table doesn’t have to be complicated, scary, intimidating, or any other terrifying word you can think of. I have the perfect idea to help calm your nerves this year and get you prepared in no time.

Host a Trial Run Christmas Dinner

Why not have a trial run dinner and invite your friends and neighbors that wouldn’t normally come on Christmas Day for a special gathering? You can start a new tradition this year. Plus I’m sure their full bellies will thank you afterwards too.

The perfect way to start your Christmas dinner without any stress is to think about a meat that is already fully cooked but just has to be heated. Then you aren’t standing over the oven all day constantly worrying if the ham will be ready. Hormel Cure 81 bone-in ham is the perfect solution. You can even get it in a Cherrywood flavor at Walmart too along with any other groceries for dinner you may need.

I heated mine according to the package directions and also made a glaze for the ham consisting of brown sugar mixture that came with the ham and soda poured over the top a few minutes before being finished.

You can tell someone else really wanted in on the action while I was cooking it. He is my little helper chef.

This ham really just consists of heating it up and then adding a little pizazz with the glaze making it look and taste much more complicated. Your guests will never know the difference. Why not get the same taste without all the extra work? Save that time and energy for wrapping presents. Plus it was absolutely delicious.

Now what’s a ham without some delicious side dishes? No worries. I’ve got you covered there too. I am going to share a recipe for a delicious sweet potato soufflé that you just can’t pass up. The brown sugar crumble on top pairs perfectly with the glaze on the ham too.

Ingredients:

4 medium sized mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 cup Sugar
1/3 stick Butter
1 tsp Vanilla extract
2 Eggs
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Milk

Topping:

1 cup Brown Sugar
1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Pecans, crushed
1/2 stick Butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Using a hand mixer, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, and milk.

Spoon into a greased baking dish.

In a separate bowl combine the brown sugar, flour, pecans, and butter.

Sprinkle the sugar mixture on top of the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for about 30-35 minutes.

My family usually requests I make this for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It’s so tasty that I could almost just skip dessert (keyword being almost).

Now just add some dinner rolls and deviled eggs along with the Hormel Cure 81 bone-in ham and you have a delicious dinner that is perfect for any Christmas gathering. Cooking and hosting for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.

Try your own trial run dinner this year with neighbors while being a blessing to them at the same time. It’s never a bad thing to share the love this time of year and always. Plus they can give you their opinion too before the big day!

If you decide to have your own trial run, please let me know how it goes. I would love to know. Plus let me know in the comments below what your go-to recipes are to make Christmas dinner easier for you.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

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Sweet Potato Souffle

Author: Southern Couture

Recipe type: Side Dish

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 45 mins

A perfect combination of sweet potatoes with a brown sugar and pecan crumble that will melt in your mouth

Ingredients

4 medium sized mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 cup Sugar
⅓ stick Butter
1 tsp Vanilla extract
2 Eggs
½ tsp Salt
½ cup Milk
Topping:
1 cup Brown Sugar
⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Pecans, crushed
½ stick Butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using a hand mixer, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, and milk. Spoon into a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl combine the brown sugar, flour, pecans, and butter.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture on top of the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes.

December 8, 2015/3 Comments/by Bethany

Desserts, Recipes Dessert

Hot Cocoa Christmas Biscotti

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertisers. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise! #BakeInTheFun #CollectiveBias

Be sure to stick around for a giveaway perfect for any baker below.

When you think of the holidays, you mine as well mention baking at the same time. You really just can’t do one without the other. Some of my fondest memories of Christmas come from baking with my Mom in the kitchen. We would do just about anything from decorating cookies and making fudge to building gingerbread houses.

Because I love a hot drink with a sweet treat, these peppermint hot cocoa biscotti are the perfect addition to a hot drink such as cocoa or coffee. Plus they are a lot of fun to wrap up nicely to give to your neighbors or friends for the cutest homemade gift.

Hot Cocoa Christmas Biscotti

To make this biscotti exceptional, I was so thrilled to find these M&M’s® Hot Chocolate flavor at Walmart. They also had Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Cake Mix and Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Vanilla Flavored Frosting that work perfect for all my baking needs, not just the biscotti.

Be sure to check out this recipe HERE as well for M&M’s® Holiday Snowflake Cookies recipe using Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Cake Mix. That is definitely what makes baking so much fun that you can create so many different recipes with the same ingredients.

Now that your mouth is watering, let’s get to baking!

Ingredients:

Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Cake Mix
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Milk
M&M’s® Hot Chocolate, about half bag crushed in pieces
Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Vanilla Flavored Frosting
Hot chocolate mix

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl.

Stir in the M&M’s® Hot Chocolate pieces.

Place the dough mixture onto a greased baking sheet forming a small loaf about 1/2 inch thick.

Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Allow to cool and then cut into 1″-1 1/2″ sections.

Turn each piece up on its side and bake for about 7 minutes. Flip on opposite down and bake for an additional 7 minutes. All sides should be golden brown and crunchy.

Once cooled, frost one end of each biscotti and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.

Dip into your hot chocolate for the perfect sweet treat. This would be an awesome treat for a cold night or even Christmas morning.

Whenever I am baking around the holidays, it especially makes me think of those who are less fortunate and how great the need is for those families who go hungry every day. I thought it was pretty neat to find out about The Great American Milk Drive whose passion is to provide a gallon of milk to a family in need. You can make a donation at pourmilklove.com.

Most food banks do not receive milk because it is rarely donated due to being perishable. This means many families are missing out on necessary nutrients. We must be grateful for what we have and reach out to those who don’t during the holidays and all year long.

Now are you ready for that giveaway I promised you earlier? Enter a drawing to win one of eight KitchenAid® mixers by voting for your favorite holiday baking recipe HERE.

Holiday #BakeInTheFun

Good luck! And whether you win or not, be sure to get in that kitchen, throw your apron on, and start baking til your heart is content. Be sure to also wrap up several biscotti for a friend or neighbor using clear treat bags and bakers twine. The red and white twine goes perfectly with the crushed peppermints.

The possibilities are really endless when it comes to baking for Christmas. But in case you are in need of ideas or creativity, you can find more recipes HERE. Let me know in the comments below too what your favorite holiday dessert is.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

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Hot Cocoa Christmas Biscotti

Author: Southern Couture

Recipe type: Dessert

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: 10

This hot cocoa inspired biscotti is the perfect to pair with hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter night. The bits of chocolate pieces will give your teeth a sweet surprise too.

Ingredients

Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Cake Mix
½ cup Vegetable oil
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Milk
M&M's® Hot Chocolate, about half bag crushed in pieces
Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Holiday Vanilla Flavored Frosting
Hot chocolate mix

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl.
Stir in the M&M's® Hot Chocolate pieces.
Place the dough mixture onto a greased baking sheet forming a small loaf about ½ inch thick.
Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.
Allow to cool and then cut into 1"-1½" sections.
Turn each piece up on its side and bake for about 7 minutes. Flip on opposite down and bake for an additional 7 minutes. All sides should be golden brown and crunchy.
Once cooled, frost one end of each biscotti and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
Dip into your hot chocolate for the perfect sweet treat.

December 7, 2015/3 Comments/by Bethany

Appetizers, Recipes

Cheesy Potato and Onion Bake

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertisers. All opinions are mine alone. I pinky promise. #NaturallyCheesy #CollectiveBias

Winter means Christmas and all things cozy including our most favorite comfort foods. Here in the South, comfort food means the same thing as casseroles. You just about can’t have dinner without a good casserole to fatten you up.

I have the most perfect cheesy potato and onion bake that is perfect for any occasion and with any dish you can create. I enjoy mine with a sub sandwich or even a bowl of warm soup.

INGREDIENTS:

5 medium sized potatoes, diced and boiled until just tender
½ bag of 16 oz. Kraft Naturally Shredded Cheese
1 ½ cup cubed cheese
2 medium onions diced
1-1 ½ cups mayonnaise
¼ cup milk

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the potatoes with both cheeses while still warm to allow the cheese to begin to melt.

In a separate bowl combine the onions and mayonnaise.

Then stir into the potato and cheese mixture.

Pour in the milk to give some creaminess and gently stir until well combined.

Pour the whole mixture into a well-greased 13 X 9 inch pan and sprinkle the top with a layer of the shredded cheese. Place the dish into the oven to bake for about 30 minutes.

The cheese should be a light golden brown and bubbling.

Now you just need a fork, a bowl of warm soup, a good Christmas movie, and blanket. You are ready to relax and enjoy the holidays with some good ol’ comfort food.

This recipe is also definitely one that I keep on my go-to list for last minute parties or dinners when I need something delicious that is easy to make and doesn’t actually take a lot of time either. I got the cheese at Walmart which made it even easier to just pick up what I needed while doing some Christmas shopping.

Let me know if you love cheese just as much as I do in the comments below. I loved using the Mexican blend of cheese for this casserole because I love the combination of different types of cheese. You can also find lots of other delicious recipes HERE too.

Enjoy the satisfaction of a warm comfort food this Christmas and holiday season.

November 30, 2015/1 Comment/by Bethany