Cooking Corner: Ice Cream Pie

I turn 28 tomorrow!!!  I can't even believe I'm going to be that old!  I still feel young at heart though.  For the last few years one of my friends have made me something and now it's just a tradition.  She makes me an Ice Cream Pie and I'm going to share the recipe with you!  It is honestly SO EASY!!!!!!  You don't even have to cook anything.  You can also customize it to whatever flavors you like.  I'm just sharing what I get every year.  If you make this tweet me a picture or tag me on instagram.  Enjoy!!

What You'll Need:

Oreo Pie Crust

Mint Ice Cream

Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

1. Take the pie crust and pack the ice cream into it.  Put in the freezer for about 2-3 hours.

2. Before eating top with chocolate syrup and start slicing.  Enjoy!

Weekly Obsession

I'm back!!!!!!  Things have finally calmed down so I can get back to posting more.  I've really missed sharing what I've been obsessing over.  So that is where I'm going to begin!  My weekly obsession is....German Chocolate Bars.  The brand Choceur is my favorite by far though.  A friend bought me a pack and it's already gone!  I literally got it on Monday.  They taste like fancy kit kats which I'm totally fine with.  They are also individually wrapped which I love.  I'm pretty sure you can buy these at Whole Foods.  I need to buy like 20 more packs!  I highly recommend it!!!  What are you loving?

Cooking Corner: Toffee Chip Brownies

I'm back!!!!  I took some time off to just enjoy the start of the new year.  What a better way to come back then with a baking post.  Today I'm sharing the recipe for Heath Brownies!!!  I'm SO obsessed with these.  I know you are all probably eating healthy but a cheat day is fine.  We all deserve it!  I found this on the back of the toffee chip bag and I am SO glad I tried it.  I will be making these a lot!  If you make it tweet me pictures or tag me on instagram.  Enjoy!!!

What You Will Need:

1/3 cup butter or margarine

3 sections (1/2 oz. each) HERSHEY’S Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cups (8-oz. pkg.) HEATH Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 8-inch square baking pan.

Melt butter and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture, stirring until well blended. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake 20 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from sides of pan. Remove from oven; sprinkle with toffee bits. Cover tightly with foil. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Remove foil; cut into squares.

Cooking Corner: Easy Apple Crisp

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week already??  It isn't really a huge deal in my family but we do enjoy spending time together.  We usually spend the day playing games and eating A LOT.  Today I'm going to share the perfect dessert to bring to dinner.  A couple weeks ago I had Apple Crisp and became obsessed!  My grandma found this recipe on Pinterest and it's SOOO good!  You can make adjustments if you prefer.  We used different apples and oats.  If you make this tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

For the crumb topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, diced into small chunks

For the Apple filling:

3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin

3 Tbsp butter, melted

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.

3. For the Apple Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and flour until well blended. Add lemon juice, milk and vanilla and stir well. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour butter mixture over apples and toss to coat. Pour apple mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and top is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Add caramel sauce and enjoy!

Cooking Corner: Monster Cookies

I've been craving cookies lately!  A couple weeks ago my mom made me some Monster cookies.  I had never had them before but I LOVED them.  So I thought I would share the recipe with all of you!  This is the perfect way to use up any extra Halloween candy because you can put pretty much anything in them.  If you make these be sure to tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup butter

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

4 1/2 cups rolled oats

11.4 ounce bag M&M'S

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a very large bowl, beat the eggs.

Add the remaining ingredients in order, mixing well.

Scoop the cookie dough on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

♥DIY Donut Pumpkin♥

One of my favorite things about Halloween is carving pumpkins.  This year I wanted to do something different.  The new trend is painting pumpkins so that's what I did.  I LOVE donuts!!!  I went to Pinterest to find some inspiration.  I think my pumpkin turned out pretty adorable.  I think next year I'll do a few more.

What You Will Need:

-A pumpkin of any size

-A pencil

-Acrylic Paint (any colors you want)

-Paint brushes

Directions:

1. Pick the pumpkin you want.  I went with a small one so it would be more realistic.

2. Then I took a pencil to outline the frosting.  Take gray paint and go over the outline.

3. Paint the top part of your pumpkin light pink.  Then paint the bottom portion a tan color.

4. After everything is dry use multiple different colors to make sprinkles.

It is that easy!  Did you decorate any pumpkins this year?  I would love to see them!  Tweet me pictures especially if you try this design.

Quiz Tuesday: What Flavor Starburst Are You Based On Your Ideal Halloween?

Happy Tuesday everybody!!!!!!!  Did you miss it?  I know I have!  If you are new and don't know what this series is let me explain.  Basically I take a fun quiz and share my results with you.  Then you take the same one and share your results.  It's just fun!  Today's quiz is called What Flavor Starburst Are You Based On Your Ideal Halloween?  I thought this was appropriate since Halloween is next week.  You can take this quiz here.  Share your results in the comments!

I got Lemon Starburst!  This was a fail because it is my least favorite flavor.  It was still fun though!!



xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Can you believe tomorrow is the 4th of July?  I'm super excited to spend time with my family and watch fireworks.  I wanted to do a patriotic dessert so I headed to Pinterest!  I found a really easy Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake.  You may also know it as jello cake.  They are so good and you can make a ton of different flavors.  If you make this tweet me so I can see your cakes!  Have an AMAZING 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ingredients:

1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)

1 package of red jello

1 package of blue jello

1 tub of Cool Whip

Sprinkles or berries

Directions:

1.  Prepare and bake cake in 9X13 pan using directions on the box.

2.  Let cake cool for 15 minutes.  Use a fork and poke holes all over the cake in rows.  You should end up with about 15 rows.

3.  Mix red jello with 3/4 cup of boiling water until dissolved.  Add 1/2 cup of cold water and pour into every other row of holes.

4.  Repeat with the blue jello.  Cover your cake and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

5.  Spread the Cool Whip on top.  Add sprinkles or berries for decoration.

xo,

Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: What Kind Of Milkshake Are You?

Happy Tuesday!!!  It's been awhile but I'm back!  Today's quiz makes me very happy because it involves sweets.  You guys know I love anything sweet.  Today's quiz is called What Kind Of Milkshake Are You?  I was eating lots of milkshakes while I was sick so I'm interested to see what I get.  You can take this quiz with me by clicking here.  Share your results!!

I got Vanilla!  The description says: You’re pleasant and kind, but terrified of taking risks. Why are you so afraid of failure? People will still love you if you mess up from time to time.

I'm sad that's my answer.  It seems so boring!  I am afraid of taking risks though.  Maybe I should work on that.





xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

Can a gift be an obsession?  Well it is this week!  My weekly obsession is....Godiva Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles!!  I'm obsessed with Godiva chocolate already to be honest.  One of my friends brought me these on Valentine's Day as a surprise.  I was instantly guilty because I'm not a strawberry fan.  I tried one anyway and I'm SO glad I did!!  It tastes nothing like strawberry.  It's very creamy and rich and SO delicious!  I want like 12 more bags.  PS if you put them in the freezer it's on a whole different level!!!  I must get more!  What have you been loving?




xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies

Valentine's Day is only a few days away!!!  I'm actually going to a party so I needed treats to make.  So I headed to my favorite site Pinterest to find something yummy.  I found two so come back tomorrow for that one!  Today's recipe requires no baking so it's going to be super easy.  Today's recipe is Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies.  I did Healthy No Bake Chocolate Cookie awhile ago but these are pink and more festive.  If you make these tweet me a picture so I can see.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups Sugar
3/4 (1 1/2 Sticks) Butter
2/3 cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 – 3.9 oz pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
4 cups Minute Oats
3/4 cup Strawberry Milk Powder Mix

Directions:

Melt butter, milk, and sugar in a large pot on medium-high heat.

Let boil for two minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until evenly blended.

Drop large spoonfuls on wax paper to cool and harden.

xo,

Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I've made a life changing discovery.  My weekly obsession is.... Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun!!!!!  Even though it's -12 outside I can't stop eating this ice cream.  It is SOOOO AMAZING!!!!  I love cinnamon rolls as well as ice cream so combining them is genius.  There are chunks of cinnamon roll all over plus there is a swirl of icing throughout.  OMG I just can't get enough!  You must try it out!  You won't regret it!!!!!  What's your favorite flavor?





xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

It's Christmas Eve!  Today is the last recipe in my holiday series.  If you missed my last recipe I shared was Chocolate Fudge.  Today's recipe is my new favorite.  My cousin actually gave it to me.  I'm eating one right now!  It's Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.  They are super easy to make too.  If you make them tweet me pictures!  Happy Holidays!!!!!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter softened

2 ounces cream cheese softened

2 eggs

1 package Red Velvet Cake mix

Powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add eggs and beat until well incorporated. Slowly add in the red velvet cake mix.

Remove cookie dough to a small bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour so the dough stiffens up a bit.

Once chilled, roll the cookie dough balls into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place onto a parchment-lined sheet tray.

Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until cookies puff up and begin to crack on the tops

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Chocolate Fudge

I'm very excited for today's recipe.  In case you missed it, I'm sharing a holiday recipe every Thursday through Christmas Eve.  Last week I shared a cookie recipe for Oatmeal Scotchies.  This week I'm sharing Chocolate Fudge.  My grandma makes this every single Christmas.  I look forward to this every year!  This isn't her recipe but it's similar.  If you make this tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cup white sugar

1⁄2 cup cocoa

1 cup milk

4 tbsp butter, or margarine

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Grease an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.

Combine sugar, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.

Place a candy thermometer in the pan and cook until the temperature reaches 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.

Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat.

Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Oatmeal Scotchies

I'm back with another holiday recipe!  In case you missed it, I'm going to share my favorite holiday recipes every Thursday until Christmas Eve.  Last week I shared Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole so go check it out!  This week I'm sharing Oatmeal Scotchies.  These are my all time favorite cookies.  It is basically a chocolate chip cookie but instead of chocolate chips you use butterscotch chips.  My sister bakes them every Christmas and they last about 5 minutes.  They are so good!  If you bake these send me on Twitter so I can see them!  I hope you enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Butterscotch Chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

xo,

Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I have been loving chocolate lately especially Hershey's chocolate.  The obsession still continues because I found a new product.  My weekly obsession is.....Hershey's Kisses Cherry Cordial!!!!!!!!!  I HATE chocolate covered cherries.  I know they are a holiday classic but I just can't do it.  This is the perfect solution!  My friend offered me one and I was hesitant at first.  I ate it and was instantly obsessed!  They are milk chocolate but the middle is filled with cherry creme.  It's the exact filling as the chocolate covered cherries but not as overwhelming.  I love them!!!!!  They are limited edition so go get them now!  What is your favorite holiday candy?




xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole

It's December finally!  That means eating lots of yummy treats.  I've decided to share some of my favorite recipes that I eat around this time of year.  First up is Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole!  If you love cinnamon rolls then you must make this!  This would be perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning.  It's very easy to prepare.  My cousin and I made this and it was SO good!  We ate pretty much the entire thing.  If you make this then tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 12 oz tubes of cinnamon rolls cut into quarters- divided

4 eggs

½ cup whipping cream

3 Tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

Spray your crock with cooking spray.

Place a layer of cinnamon roll pieces to cover the bottom of your slow cooker completely. (Reserve icing packets)

Beat eggs, cream, maple syrup, vanilla and spices until blended well.

Pour evenly over the rolls in the slow cooker.

Place remaining roll pieces on top and spoon one packet of icing evenly over rolls.

After about an hour of cooking stir well so everything cooks evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours or until sides are golden and rolls are set.

Drizzle remaining icing over top and serve warm.

xo,

Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I love this time of year for multiple reasons.  One thing I love is all the holiday treats.  I'm a sucker and always buy them.  That's what happened this week.  My weekly obsession is........Hot Cocoa Chips Ahoy Cookies!  I LOVE hot chocolate!  It is my obsession during winter.  So when I saw these in the store I immediately grabbed them.  I can't get over how much it tastes like hot chocolate!  It has little marshmallow and chocolate chips in it plus a chocolate gooey filling.  The cool part is that you can warm them up so it tastes even more real!  I'll be honest I haven't tried them warm because I'm afraid I'll burn them.  The are good without being warm though.  I limit myself and only eat two every night.  They are limited edition so go try them!  What is your weekly obsession?




xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

I had many obsessions this week to choose from.  I went for a TV favorite.  My weekly obsession is.....Holiday Baking Championship!!!  If you want to get in the Christmas spirit then watch this show.  It's on the Food Network every Sunday.  A bunch of bakers do a new holiday challenge every episode.  Only one can win though.  It's so addicting!!  It makes me want to bake and decorate all day.  Let me know if you want any recipes posted.  What are you loving this week?



xo,
Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

Today's obsession is back to food.  It's a good one though!  My weekly obsession is....Hershey's Candy Corn Chocolate Bar!!!!  I can't believe I didn't know about this!  If you have read my blog then you know that I LOVE candy corn.  My friend went to the gas station and came back with this.  I was SO excited!  It tastes AMAZING!  It is a white chocolate bar with candy corn bits mixed in.  It is very sweet so be warned.  Sadly I don't think you can buy them anymore.  They were only limited edition.  Hopefully they come back next year!  What is your favorite candy?



xo,
Jerica