Halloween Rice Krispie Treats

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com} #halloween #ricekrispietreats #oreos:: Halloween Rice Krispie Treats ::

Do you have fond childhood memories of eating homemade rice krispie treats? My kids love them, and I’m pretty sure they’ll have happy memories of us whipping up batches together! Of course the original recipe using creamy butter, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy rice krispies is super tasty… but why not kick it up a notch by adding in some Halloween fun?! 

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats {simplyhappenstance.com}-2

Have you spotted the Halloween Oreos yet? There’s something about the bright orange frosting, spooky jack-o-lanterns, and bats that seem to make them even more enticing! Don’t you think?! The crushed up Oreos and Halloween colored sprinkles, are the little extras, that make this recipe an instant kid favorite!  [Read more…]

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread With Brown Sugar Crumble

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble:: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread With Brown Sugar Crumble ::

I think from the start of September until the end of December, pumpkin anything is a favorite to cook or bake with.  This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble was made out of the combination a Chocolate Chip Bread recipe, married with the topping from our Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble.  Sounds like the perfect little family combined into one!  This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip with Brown Sugar Crumble smells like everything I love about fall.  The mixture of applesauce, bananas, pumpkin, and chocolate chips make the house smell heavenly.  I especially loved my slice dipped in warm coffee! [Read more…]

The Perfect Dutch Baby

Dutch Baby {simplyhappenstance.com} #dutchbaby #breakfast:: The Perfect Dutch Baby ::

I may need an intervention! I recently made my first ever Dutch Baby {which is sometimes called a German Pancake, a Bismarck, or a Dutch Puff}.  I’ve since made a few more batches, using my new favorite cast iron skillet. I may be addicted, friends! I love the simplicity of the ingredients, and how you can easily change the taste by the toppings you choose.  I also love the flavor and texture! It reminds me of a mix between a pancake, crepe, and an omelet. {Is that strange?! I promise it’s utterly delicious!} The edges end up golden brown in color, and slightly chewy/crispy {sort of omelet-like}, while the inside of the Dutch Baby becomes an almost custard-like consistency. It’s hard to put into words — but trust me, it’s crazy good! 

The first Dutch Baby I made, I topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a drizzle of raw honey. I dressed the second batch with a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh blueberries {pictured}. The third batch I made, I simply dipped each bite into a bath of  pure maple syrup! I’ve yet to try a hint of fresh squeezed lemon and butter, but I’ve been told it’s a favorite among many! [Read more…]

Lemon Bar Smash

Lemon Bar Smash

:: Lemon Bar Smash ::

Sometimes life gives you lemons, and sometimes those lemons turn into lemon bars that don’t turn out! It’s why I turned this recipe into a Lemon Bar Smash and let’s just say, I am so glad for these lemons.

The pressure was building, the kids were fighting, and we needed to be out the door an hour ago.  It was time for a station visit so that we could see my husband at work.  If you know anything about firefighters, they like to eat! It’s an unspoken rule that when you visit the station, you need to bring a tasty treat.  My goal was to make a semi-homemade batch of lemon bars.  Much to my dismay….the speedy method did not turn out the way I wanted them to.  So in my panic state of mind and in between the he said she said tattle tales by the kids, I remembered everything tastes better topped with ice cream. [Read more…]

Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes

Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes. A fun festive dessert for the 4th of July.

:: Red, White, and Blueberry Cupcakes ::

It’s officially summer! These Red, White, and Blueberry Cupcakes scream 4th of July! With our easy Whipped Cream Frosting, blueberries, shortbread, and raspberry topping, these patriotic treats are a great way to end your summer barbecues!  It’s crazy to think how quickly this year has flown by.  What is even crazier, is as I blog this post, we aren’t even out of school yet. Tomorrow is the last day of 1st grade for my son, and Wednesday is the last of preschool for Madeline.  I actually think at this moment, I should be doing a post about a celebratory drink that is being enjoyed over a few little tears.  I can’t believe my baby will be in kindergarten next year, and my oldest in second grade.  Though they are almost taller than me, I still think of them as little babies.  Okay, enough about that…..let’s get ready to rock 4th of July next week, with these Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes! [Read more…]

Pan-Fried Onion Dip

Pan-Fried Onion Dip. Perfect for the summer. Spicy and tangy this onion dip is a must make.

:: Pan-Fried Onion Dip ::

I will run I will take an additional yoga class all to eat this Pan-Fried Onion Dip!  I promise you this will be the BEST onion dip you will ever make. It will have your doing back flips!  My friend Erica brought this amazing dip to a girl’s night I had a few years ago.  Just an excuse to get together with a couple of girl friends to watch a little Real Housewives of Orange County.  Yes, I know mindless television, but it allowed for us to catch up and hang out.  A couple of fun drinks plus some appetizers, made this for the perfect girls night in.  [Read more…]