Click through for the recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Floats
Click through for the recipe.
Nuts About Cookies Bark
![]() |
Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
10-18 crushed oreo cookies (I broke mine into chunks)
1/2 cup od pecans, crushed
1 bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
Spray a microwave safe bowl with cooking spray. Pour chocolate chips into the bowl and microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the chips are melted and can be stirred smooth.
![]() |
Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
While the chocolate chips are melting, place half of the cookies and nuts into the bottom of a container, you could use a baking dish or a cookie sheet. Pour the melted chocolate over the base. Top with the remaining cookies and nuts.
![]() |
Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
Allow to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 2 hours so that the bark will set and harden properly.
Before serving, allow to set at room temperature for a few moments. Break into chunks and serve.
Family-Friendly Recipes: Easy and Healthy Meals for Busy Parents
Cooking with kids can be both fun and educational, fostering their creativity and teaching them about healthy eating habits. Here are some family-friendly recipes that are easy to make and nutritious, perfect for busy parents.
Breakfast: Banana Oat Pancakes
Start the day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast. These banana oat pancakes are easy to make and packed with essential nutrients. Simply blend oats, bananas, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon to create a batter. Cook on a non-stick pan until golden brown.
Lunch: Veggie Wraps
For lunch, try making veggie wraps. Use whole wheat tortillas and fill them with a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and spinach. Add hummus or a light dressing for extra flavor.
Dinner: One-Pan Chicken and Veggies
One-pan meals are perfect for busy evenings. Arrange chicken breasts, potatoes, and your favorite vegetables on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with herbs, and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Snack: Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Create a quick and healthy snack by layering Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola. This parfait is not only delicious but also rich in protein and vitamins.
Dessert: Chocolate Avocado Mousse
For a guilt-free dessert, blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder, honey, and a splash of vanilla extract. This creamy chocolate mousse is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Enhance Your Cooking Videos
Sharing your cooking adventures on social media can inspire other parents to try new recipes. Adobe Express is one of the best free video editors available, making it easy to create engaging and professional-looking videos. You can add music, text, and transitions to make your cooking videos stand out.
Spooky Snacks and Sips for Halloween
Halloween night chills the air with anticipation, but it doesn't have to chill your taste buds! This year, conjure up a cauldron of culinary delights that are both wickedly fun and frightfully flavorful. From creepy crawly cocktails to spine-tingling snacks, let's transform your Halloween spread into a haunted haven for the senses.
Set the Stage:
Drape your table in cobweb-like cheesecloth, scatter plastic spiders amongst the treats, and dim the lights for an eerie ambiance. Flickering candles or orange string lights add an extra touch of spooky charm. Don't forget the spooky tunes! A playlist of monster mash-ups and Halloween classics will set the mood for a fang-tastic feast.
Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipes.
Beetlejuice Buttercream Board by Fork to Spoon
This buttercream board is perfect for Halloween parties. Add cookies, pretzels, or whatever you would like to dip in buttercream to the border for a snack that packs a lot of variety into each bite.
Poison Apple Cocktails by Three Olives Branch
This apple cocktail is ghoulishly green but the fun doesn't stop there! It includes a test tube of cinnamon flavored ‘poison’ to add a dark kick. Who will be brave enough to add a poison shot to this drink on Halloween night?
Mexican Chocolate Skull Cakes by My Bueno Cookbook
These skull cakes are loaded with tasty Mexican chocolate for a snack to share that is spooky yet so sweet. Top them with blood red icing if you like or some berry jam!
Alien Brain Hemorrhage Shots by The Littlest Crumb
These shots are so much fun to assemble and slam with your friends. These are freaky, taste fantastic and are sure to make your guests feel just a little apprehensive about drinking them.
Death by Chocolate Cupcakes by Live to Sweet
These look like an average cupcake, so what is so scary about them? They are so good that you will be nothing short of horrified after the last cupcake has been enjoyed!
Bloody Bellinis by Garlic and Zest
This recipe makes the best bellinis! Use a good champagne and fresh cherry juice to get a gorgeous, bloody effect that adds so much flavor to each sip.
Skull Pizzas by Kitchen at Hoskins
This recipe is a total scream! Slice this up for a spooky snack that is so easy to make and always gets a great reaction.
Incredible Hulk Cocktails by A Nerd Cooks
This drink is so much fun for Halloween, it is perfect for the Hulk to sip, but your friends will also love it! It is destined to be a smash at your party
Spooky Spider Dip by Two Healthy Kitchens
Use a favorite dip that always turns out thick, then dress it up with this idea. Pepper slices make the ultimate spider and this is one healthy snack no one can resist!
Elegant Yet Spooky Halloween Charcuterie by Sugar and Charm
This spread of snacks is perfect for a party. It is easy to assemble and with a few skeleton hands placed strategically, this is sure to send a shiver up your spine as you grab a nibble.
Smoking Halloween Punch by A Full Living
Add dry ice to this boozy punch for a fabulous smoking effect. This punch has rum, cranberry juice and apple cider to make a flavorful fall option that everyone will love.
Jack Skellington Dessert Board by A Country Girls Life
This dessert board has a great variety of treats to dip into Jack’s cute frosting face. Add an assortment of cookies, wafers and sweets that pair well with frosting.
Spiderweb Cocktails by Amanda’s Cooking
This spiderweb cocktail recipe is perfect for a Halloween party. It is not only tasty but it has the best web decoration on top of each drink.
Mummy Shortbread Cookies by Pass Me a Spoon
This mummy shortbread cookie is easy and perfect for a party. It is lightly sweet, so buttery and all dressed up in tasty frosting wrappings.
Purple People Eater Cocktails by Everyday Shortcuts
This vibrant purple cocktail is just the thing to make and serve your ghouls, goblins and guests on Halloween night. Garnish with candy eyes for the complete effect.
Skull Charcuterie by Everyday Shortcuts
This idea makes the spookiest snack platter yet. Form a skull shape and add plenty of prosciutto for a meaty main offering that everyone will want to take a crack at.
Black Mojito by The Healthful Ideas
Give your next mojito night a freaky effect with this recipe. It has all of the flavor you crave with a creepy black look to it. Use activated charcoal for an easy way to spooky up your sips.
Hocus Pocus Snack Ideas
If you are planning to host a Halloween Hocus Pocus watch party, you are going to want to make these easy Hocus Pocus Snack Ideas! From a charcuterie spread that is to die for, to a life potion pudding cup recipe that will send your guests into a bubbling delight, this list has something for everyone. I can't wait to see which of these recipes you try first!
Hocus Pocus Snack Platter
Photo credit: The Soccer Mom.
A few rounds of brie, some fruit, cookies and candy are all you need to make this adorable and delicious sweet snack platter. The Sanderson sisters are a nice touch to make this snack stand out from the others.
Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus snack platter
Hocus Pocus Marshmallow Pops
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats.
This simple snack idea makes a great addition to a Halloween or Hocus Pocus watch party. With layers of colorful candy over top of marshmallows, these sweet treats are fun to make, eat and share.
Get the recipe: Hocus pocus marshmallow pops
Black Flame Cakes
Photo credit: Cutefetti.
This cute idea is the ultimate easy snack for a Hocus Pocus viewing. You don’t need to do any baking; just get a package of snack cakes at the store and add a few touches.
Get the recipe: Black flame cakes
Life Potion Pudding Cups
Photo credit: Mooshu Jenne.
Dress up pudding cups to be the perfect Halloween snack. This recipe is decorated to look just like the iconic life potion from Hocus Pocus. Your family and friends are going to bubble over at the sight of these!
Get the recipe: Life potion pudding cups
Hocus Pocus Cupcakes
Photo credit: Simplistically Living.
Make some cupcakes with a cute little spellbook accent to share your love of Halloween, desserts and the iconic movie Hocus Pocus. This is the perfect treat to share at a party or to give yourself a break from candy without denying your sweet tooths desires.
Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus cupcakes
Hocus Pocus Cookies
Photo credit: Bake Me Some Sugar.
Bake a batch of buttery cookies and decorate them with Hocus Pocus designs for the best Halloween treat. This easy to follow recipe will help you create designs for all of the sisters plus the spell book for an array of enchanting options.
Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus cookies
Hocus Pocus Dessert Board
Photo credit: Homemade Heather.
With Binx the cat oreo cookies, spellbook brownies and creepy ghoul pretzel rods, this platter has a variety of treats that might cast a spell on you. Serve this at a party or as a way to sustain yourself as you hand out candy on Halloween night.
Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus dessert board
Halloween Hocus Pocus Milkshake
Photo credit: Trop Rockin’.
This vibrant green milkshake makes the perfect treat to enjoy during the Halloween season. It has big Hocus Pocus vibes with the best creamy flavor. You are going to love this lime sherbet shake with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Get the recipe: Halloween Hocus Pocus milkshakes
Hocus Pocus Punch
Photo credit: Crayons and Cravings
This orange mango punch has sparkling water and sherbet to make a colorful and delicious drink that the whole family will want to sip as they watch spooky movies or carve pumpkins.
Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus punch
Slime Filled Hocus Pocus Cookies
Photo credit: The Soccer Mom.
Chocolate cookies with gooey green slime make such a wonderful treat to bake and share for Halloween. These are great at a party, or bake them to share with the kids on a night at home. They will love the burst of green goo with each bite.
Get the recipe: Slime filled Hocus Pocus cookies
Find more fun Halloween ideas here:
5 Creative Family Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters
Mealtime with picky eaters isn't always a fun challenge for everyone, especially when factors like hearing loss and sense of taste come into play. But with a little creativity and tenacity, you can whip up dinners that everyone in the family will just love. Here are five fun ideas that can turn dinner into an enjoyable experience for even the fussiest eaters.
1. DIY Pizza Night
This one is fun and limtless for everyone involved! Let everyone create their own personal pizzas- with or without pineaplles. All you have to do is set up a toppings bar with a variety of ingredients like veggies, cheeses, and meats and this way, each family member can choose exactly what they want or don't want. And don’t forget about dessert pizzas! A family favourite
2. Taco Tuesday with a Twist
Tacos are always a family favorite because they’re easy to customize and they are so delicious. Offer soft and hard shell options and let everyone fill their own- and make sure there is enough for those that really like to dig in and get their hands dirty. Include a range of fillings from seasoned meats to beans and veggies. You might also want to consider offering some milder or more flavorful options, especially if someone in the family has hearing loss, which can sometimes be accompanied by changes in taste preferences. This ensures everyone has something they’ll enjoy and nobody feels left out.
3. Breakfast for Dinner
Sometimes, switching up the routine can make dinner more exciting and memorable. Breakfast for dinner is a hit with kids and adults alike- especially if there is bacon and french toast involved. Or maybe you like fluffy choc chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and of course everything crispy. You can even add some fruit or yogurt on the side for a balanced meal or to create a sense of a dessert.
4. Build-Your-Own Salad
Salads don’t have to be boring! Set out a variety of greens, toppings, and dressings so each person can create their own masterpiece. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies while allowing everyone to have control over what goes on their plate. For family members who might be dealing with hearing loss and related sensory changes, offering a mix of textures and flavors can make the meal more enjoyable.
5. Homemade Quesadillas
Quesadillas are quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Use different cheeses, add in some cooked chicken or veggies, and serve with a side of salsa or guacamole. This is a simple dish that can be adjusted to suit varying taste preferences, making it ideal for families where some members might experience a reduced sense of taste.
With these ideas, you can create meals that cater to everyone’s preferences, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters look forward to dinner. By offering a variety of options and flavors, you’ll make mealtime a breeze.
EASY Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits
This is one of those shortcut creations that has saved the day and dessert a few times for my family. It takes 3 easy ingredients and requires only about that many minutes to create!
I used canned apple pie filling, graham cracker crumbs and Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling. This is pre made and sold in a big tub. I always like to keep this on hand for last minute entertaining or indulging!
All you have to do to create this yummy parfait is to layer those 3 ingredients {apple pie filling, graham cracker crumbs and Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling} in a pretty glass and serve chilled!
The luscious cheesecake filling pairs well with juicy apples. The graham crackers add a nice texture to this mix! Of course you could use cherry pie filling, or any flavor you prefer in this recipe.
You might also like this Coconut Rice Krispie Treat Recipe. It is dairy free and delicious!!
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Panera Copycat
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes hold as much sway as a hearty bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. The creamy, cheesy concoction is a soothing balm for the soul, especially during the chilly months of winter. While traditional methods of preparing broccoli cheddar soup can be time-consuming, the Instant Pot offers a quick and convenient solution, allowing you to whip up this beloved dish in a fraction of the time.
The Instant Pot Advantage
The Instant Pot, is a versatile multi-cooker which has revolutionized home cooking, particularly for those seeking convenience and efficiency. Its pressure cooking function significantly reduces cooking time, making it ideal for preparing dishes that would otherwise require hours of simmering. In the case of broccoli cheddar soup, the Instant Pot can transform raw ingredients into a delectable soup in a matter of minutes.
A Symphony of Flavors
The essence of broccoli cheddar soup lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of broccoli, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the subtle aromatics of onions and garlic come together to create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating. The Instant Pot method preserves these delicate flavors, ensuring that every spoonful delivers a burst of culinary delight.
A Culinary Adventure
Making broccoli cheddar soup in the Instant Pot is an effortless culinary adventure. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add chopped broccoli, vegetable broth, and your favorite seasonings, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Once the cooking cycle is complete, you'll be greeted with a pot of perfectly cooked broccoli and fragrant broth.
A Touch of Indulgence
The final step in creating this culinary masterpiece involves the addition of cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with different varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère, for a unique twist on flavor. The cheese melts into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
A Versatile Delight
Broccoli cheddar soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, and even a dollop of sour cream can elevate the soup experience. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight meal or a cozy indulgence on a chilly day, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect solution.
So, embrace the convenience and culinary magic of the Instant Pot and embark on a journey to create this comforting classic. With its symphony of flavors, effortless preparation, and endless versatility, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
1 cup of broccoli florets
1 cup of carrots, chopped
1 small white onion, diced
1 package of cream cheese
2 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Chop broccoli, carrots and onions into smaller chunks and add them to the instant pot.
Add chicken broth.
Add the block of cream cheese.
Place the lid on the instant pot and seal.
Use the manual setting, and set the timer for 4 minutes.
It will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure.
When the timer sounds, use the quick release valve.
Remove lid, add cheddar cheese and stir.
Turn the instant pot to saute.
Allow the soup to cook for about 3 minutes, but keep an eye on it and do not let it boil!
Turn the instant pot off, serve immediately.
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before stirring in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serves 6
You might also want to try my copycat Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe.
This copycat crumbl cinnamon toast crunch cookie recipe is perfect for dessert tonight.