Candy Crunch Ice Cream Cake

 

This Candy Crunch Ice Cream Cake is an easy creation that you can adapt to your own favorite candy and ice cream.  Give it a try!  Your family will thank you.

Ingredients:

 

pound cake (I bought one from the grocery bakery section)

ice cream, softened (any flavor, I used cookies and cream)

candy toppings, chopped (I used M&Ms and Reese's peanut butter cups)

chocolate hard shell ice cream topping

parchment paper

Directions:

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper strips.
2. Lay a single layer of cake in the bottom of the pan.
3. Top with a layer of softened ice cream.
4. Sprinkle with chopped candy.
5. Layer cake, ice cream and candy two more times for a total of 3 layers of each.
6. Top with hard shell.
7. Put in freezer until set, about 4 hours.
8. Loosen sides of cake with a spatula or turner.
9. Pull out by edges of parchment paper.
10. Cut into slices and serve.

 

Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Oreo Balls

These have been a favorite in my house for years, I just haven't put them on the blog.  Now, they are!  I will no longer have to scour my recipe stash.  They are a perfect holiday treat!  And my teen daughter loves to make them for all of us to enjoy.

Ingredients:

36 Oreo cookies

1 (8 oz.) block of cream cheese, softened

1 (24 oz.) pkg of almond bark (chocolate or vanilla)

sprinkles

parchment paper

Directions:

1.  Crush cookies to find crumbs in food processor.

2.  Place in medium bowl.  Add softened cream cheese and mix until well blended.

3.  Roll into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in size.  Place on parchment covered baking sheet and put in freezer for 30 minutes.

4.  Melt almond bark in a glass bowl as directed on the package.

5.  Dip balls into almond bark.  Place back on parchment covered baking sheet.

6.  Top with sprinkles.

7.  Let cool completely.  Store in a container in refrigerator.

Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Pecan Crusted Pecan Pie

I'm starting off the week with this Pecan Crusted Pecan Pie.  Yes, if you love pecans, you will love this pie.  The reason I use the pecan crust is because my daughter is gluten-intolerant.  She is able to eat this pie with no tummy issues and we love the taste.  The filling is my grandma's recipe.  She loved this time of year and would have been busy in the kitchen making treats too!

Crust Ingredients (one 9-inch crust):

 

2 c. pecans

1 pinch of sea salt

1 Tbsp. sugar

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

 

1. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Put nuts in a food processor and pulse until ground.  
3. Add all other ingredients, pulse until mixed.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pie plate with the back of a spoon. 

Filling Ingredients:

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1/4 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. brown sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 c. pecans

1. Stir all ingredients together and pour into crust.  
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
3. Cool completely before serving.
   

 

Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Christmas Cornflake Wreaths

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek.  I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes.  All opinions are mine alone.

This year I have teamed up with 43 other bloggers to participate in #ChristmasSweetsWeek.  We are showcasing recipes throughout the week and participating in GIVEAWAYS sponsored by these great companies (Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Lorann Oils & Flavors, Torani, Joyjolt, and Sweets & Treats Boutique).  Enter at the bottom of this post, or go to THIS LINK to read all about the giveaway!


My next contribution are these Christmas Cornflake Wreaths.  I remember helping my mom make these when I was a little girl.  One of my favorite holiday treats!  And check out the beautiful Afina glasses provided by JoyJolt.  Such a great addition to your holiday gatherings for any drink presentation.

Makes approx. 20 wreaths

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. butter

1 (10 oz.) bag of marshmallows

6 cups cornflakes
green food coloring

red candy sprinkles or red hots

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, microwave butter and marshmallows for one minute.  Stir until smooth.
2. Add green food coloring.  Mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the cereal until it is completely coated with the marshmallow mixture. 
4. Drop onto parchment paper in heaping spoonfuls.  Form into wreath shapes. 
5. Add sprinkles.

Here are the rest of today's #ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes.  Go visit, pin, share, and enjoy!

#ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes:

Beverages:

Bourbon Salted Caramel Coffee with Whipped Cream from With Two Spoons
Chocolate Eggnog Pudding Shots from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Cookie Butter Eggnog Cocktail from My Suburban Kitchen
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Drops from Family Around the Table
Mulled Red Wine Sangria from Platter Talk
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate from Live Love Texas
Salted Caramel Affogato from Tara's Multicultural Table
Salted Caramel Apple Cider Martini from Sweet Beginnings
Salted Caramel Chocolate Martini from The Crumby Kitchen
Salted Caramel Mocha Smoothie from An Affair from the Heart
Sugar Cookie Martini from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Breakfast:

Baked Cranberry Eggnog French Toast from The Spiffy Cookie
Maple Bourbon Old Fashion Bread Pudding from Cheese Curd in Paradise

Candies:

Pecan Butter Rum Toffee from Take Two Tapas
Christmas Grinch Bark from Blogghetti
White Christmas Sugar Cookie Dough Fudge from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

Desserts:

Black Forest Cheesecake from Kate's Recipe Box
Butter Rum Cheesecake from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Christmas Cornflake Wreaths from The Mandatory Mooch
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Cookie Cups from Love and Confections
Cookie Butter Shortbread Bars from Eat Move Make
Fluffernutter Truffles from Mildly Meandering
Frozen Mint Meltaway Pie from Cooking with Carlee
Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting from The Baking Fairy
Spiced Eggnog Sugarmen from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes from The Beard and The Baker
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Eggnog Butter Frosting from Lady Behind the Curtain
Slice 'N' Bake Grinch Cookies from Big Bear's Wife
Snowmen Macarons from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

Thank you ChristmasSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Lorann Oils & Flavors, Torani, Joyjolt, and Sweets & Treats Boutique for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The ChristmasSweetsWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The ChristmasSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the ChristmasSweetsWeek posts or entry.

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Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Christmas Cookie Bark

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek.  I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes.  All opinions are mine alone.

This year I have teamed up with 43 other bloggers to participate in #ChristmasSweetsWeek.  We are showcasing recipes throughout the week and participating in GIVEAWAYS sponsored by these great companies (Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Lorann Oils & Flavors, Torani, Joyjolt, and Sweets & Treats Boutique).  Enter at the bottom of this post, or go to THIS LINK to read all about the giveaway!


My next contribution is this Christmas Cookie Bark.  It is a simple and tasty treat to share with family, friends, and neighbors!

Ingredients:

24 oz. package of almond bark

10 Oreos, crushed into pieces

1 c. M&Ms

sprinkles (I used the Sleigh Ride sprinkles from Sweets & Treats Boutique)
parchment paper

Directions:

1. Break or cut almond bark into pieces.  Microwave in a glass bowl to melt in 30 second increments until smooth to stir.
2. Add Oreos and M&Ms.  Stir until mixed.
3. Pour onto parchment paper.  Spread out evenly.  Add sprinkles over the top.
4. Cool completely.  Break into pieces.
5. Store in covered container on counter or in refrigerator.

Here are the rest of today's #ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes.  Go visit, pin, share, and enjoy!

#ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes:

Beverages:

Boozy Salted Caramel Apple Cider from The Beard and The Baker
Christmas Punch from Juggling Act Mama
Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate from Eat Move Make
Crockpot Red Velvet Hot Chocolate from April Golightly
Gingerbread Spice Caramel Latte from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Gingersnap Eggnog Shooter from Seduction In The Kitchen
Glogg from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
Hot Buttered Rum from Moore or Less Cooking
Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Mildly Meandering
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from The Bitter Side of Sweet
Salted Caramel Hot Apple Cider from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Sugar Cookie Cocktail from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Vanilla & Spice Hot Mulled Wine from The Baking Fairy

Candies:

Almond Roca from Everyday Eileen
Christmas Cookie Bark from The Mandatory Mooch
Creamy Cheese Fudge from Take Two Tapas
Grinch Fudge from An Affair from the Heart
Milk Chocolate Toffee Fudge from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Reindeer Food Snack Mix from Big Bear's Wife

Desserts:

Chocolate Mint Cookies from Platter Talk
Dark Chocolate Dipped Almond Shortbread Cookies from With Two Spoons
Gingerbread Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting from Sweet Beginnings
Gingerbread Cupcakes from The Redhead Baker
Holiday Pavlova from My Suburban Kitchen
Hot Chocolate Whoopie Pies from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Tarts) from Tara's Multicultural Table
Merry and Bright Marshmallow Filled Christmas Cupcakes from Lady Behind the Curtain
Minty Grinch Dip from Who Needs A Cape?
Oatmeal Maple Cream Pies from Blogghetti
Pecan Pie Cheesecake from The Crumby Kitchen
Peppermint Stick Cookies from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Red Velvet Cookies from Live Love Texas
Red Velvet Truffle Sugar Cookie Cups from The Spiffy Cookie
Santa Belt Cupcakes from 4 Sons 'R' Us
White Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies from Cheese Curd in Paradise

Thank you ChristmasSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Lorann Oils & Flavors, Torani, Joyjolt, and Sweets & Treats Boutique for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The ChristmasSweetsWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The ChristmasSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the ChristmasSweetsWeek posts or entry.

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Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Mint Chip Cookies

These cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie exchanges.  These are easy and and a definite hit with any mint lover!

**Make sure to read through recipe before making it.  Mints need to be frozen for best results, keeping them from melting completely while baking.

Makes approx. 24 cookies 

Ingredients:

1 vanilla cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 c. vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. water

green food coloring

1 c. Andes mint chips, frozen

Directions:

1. Mix together cake mix, eggs, oil and water until well combined.  Add green food coloring until tinted to your liking.  Stir in chips.
2. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto cookie sheet.  (I like to use parchment paper to line my cookie sheet)
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool completely.

Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

#ChristmasSweetsWeek Prizes and Giveaway

Welcome to #ChristmasSweetsWeek 2018 hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures! What better way to celebrate the holidays than with food and a fun giveaway? 44 bloggers from around the country have come together to share over 180 sweet Christmas recipes!! Deck the halls and get ready for very merry sweet treats, like fudge, cookies, Christmas morning breakfasts, layer cakes, martinis, cocoa, and more! Our #ChristmasSweetsWeek sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway below and would love if you would take a moment to read about it and what you can win!

Prize #1 Dixie Crystals 

Dixie Crystals is giving one winner a Keurig K-Select Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker.

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South's choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. For generations, Dixie Crystals has been at the heart of family traditions and celebrations. Our pure cane, non-GMO sugar products guarantee that treasured family recipes will turn out right every time. Bake with love and Dixie Crystals.

Prize #2 Cabot Creamery Co-operative 

Cabot is giving one winner a cheese gift set, including a Cabot Cheese slate cutting board, small cheese cleaver, Cabot custom Bee’s Wrap, an assortment of Cabot’s finest cheeses.

Cabot Creamery Co-operative, makers of naturally aged, award-winning cheeses and dairy products is owned by 1,000 dairy farm families in New England and New York.

Prize #3 LorAnn Oils & Flavors

LorAnn is giving one winner a collection of 6 LorAnn Bakery Emulsions, a collection of three LorAnn Oils vanilla extracts, a candy making cookbook, The Sweetapolita Bakebook, and a 12-unit variety pack of LorAnn super-strength candy oils.
Our flavors. Your creations. For over 50 years, LorAnn Oils has been supplying professionals and home chefs with the finest quality candy and baking flavors, essential oils, and specialty ingredients. Visit us at LorAnn Oils & Flavors to shop, learn, and discover new recipe ideas.

Prize #4 Joyjolt 

Joyjolt is giving one winner an Aurora Whiskey Decanter Set. Our Aurora Whiskey Decanter set has a timeless and sophisticated design that adds both class and style to any table. This set is hand made with top quality lead free crystal glass and cutting edge materials. The sets quality, design and upscale packaging makes the Aurora a perfect addition to your home, bar, hotel, restaurant, club or office. DRINK WITH JOY. ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

Here at JoyJolt we believe that so many of the moments you enjoy most include raising a glass. From the jolt you get from that first sip of coffee in the morning to toasting a milestone with close friends. Thats why we have created glassware equally as special and unique as your happiest moments.

Prize #5 Sweets & Treats

Sweets & Treats is giving one winner the Year of Sprinkles Box at a $150 value. It contains holiday mixes, classic sprinkles, and some of their most popular sprinkles.

Sweets & Treats, a party and baking supplies manufacturer and wholesaler, started out of a baking industry need for truly greaseproof cupcake liners. From there, the company expanded into a handful of specialized categories including the latest, Sweet Sprinkles, their one of a kind sprinkles and sprinkle mix line. With hundreds of truly unique products, they are a one stop shop for your next party!

Prize #6 Torani 

Torani is giving one winner a year supply of Torani: 12-750ml glass bottles, flavors will be winner's choice, plus pumps for each bottle.

Torani inspires you to taste life, one flavorful experience at a time. Even though people all over the world recognize our iconic Torani bottle, we’ve remained a family-owned company -- adhering to the high quality standards that Rinaldo and Ezilda set over 90 years ago. Each and every syrup, sauce, and smoothie is created with care and pride. Way back we started with just five syrups. Today, you can use more than 100 of our naturally flavored syrups, sauces and beverage bases in coffees, sodas, teas, smoothies, cocktails and more. And we’re excited to bring you new taste traditions and flavors as we move forward.

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Thanks ~ Nichi

 I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!