Vanilla Bean Scones

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-33Vanilla Bean Scones //

My kids and I love the little Vanilla Bean Scones at Starbucks. Unfortunately, we don’t get them too often, because they tend to run out early in the day. They’re delicious (and clearly we aren’t the only ones who think so)!

Having never made scones before, I decided to search for a ‘copycat’ recipe online. Lucky for me, I came across one that The Pioneer Woman posted some time ago. I wouldn’t describe the recipe as quick and easy, friends… rather, I think it’s a bit labor intensive. (Sort of like the work involved in making homemade sugar cookies, cutting them out, frosting them, etc.) There’s lots of love that goes into creating these little gems, but it makes them absolutely irresistible!

I’m sort of at a loss for words in describing them, but in my (“expert” of all-things-sweet) opinion, they’re the perfect flakey scone texture! The glaze compliments the slightly sweet biscuit, sealing in the moisture. However, the star of the scone is definitely the vanilla bean! Did you know that there are usually 25,000 tiny vanilla seeds in one scraped vanilla bean pod? Amazing! Well, all of those mini flecks add the most intense flavor!  [Read more…]

Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream

Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream the perfect fall treat.:: Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream ::

We are celebrating today with a big scoop of Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream.  Today my baby boy is 8! I can hardly believe that my little guy has become such a big boy. We have planned a family trip for this big day, but first there is always room for ice cream.  Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream for breakfast sounds like a great way to start off our weekend celebration! [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…]

S’mores Malt

S'mores Malt:: S’mores Malt ::

Let’s squeeze a little more summer time fun in with this S’mores Malt! My kids are big fans of Ruby’s. Recently we had been walking around The Irvine Spectrum {one of our favorite places to go} when we were given a sample of their new S’mores Shake.  Mason begged to go to Ruby’s!  We tried the shake and I thought it was great, but Mason {my picky eater} said, “Let’s make these at home minus the coffee”… so, here is what we came up with {and by the way… I don’t think there was coffee in them in the first place}!

Delicious S'mores Malt [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…]

Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake

Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake

:: Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake ::

My milkshake brings all the kids to door {that’s right you know the Missy Elliott Milkshake tune}….hum along and you will get the picture!  This Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is pretty tasty and a fun family treat, made even better with the addition of Chocolate Scottie Dogs from Walkers Shortbread.  I made this fun shake as an ode to a Valentine’s shake that we missed having.  I promised the kids a fun homemade treat for Valentine’s, but as a family we went away for a couple nights {a fun mini trip, while we were doing a little work around the house}, so I wasn’t able to fully get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with our usual dine in tradition.  This shake would have been the dessert I would have enjoyed with my sweethearts.

Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake
Aren’t these the cutest little cookies you have ever seen?  Sara and I love that Walkers Shortbread made a special cookie that gives proceeds back to the ASPCA.  I thought these buttery chocolate chip infused Scottie Dogs would be the perfect ingredient to my milkshake, or should I call it malt? Oh my if I was working at Ruby’s, I might be corrected, as I combined my family’s favorite flavors of; malted vanilla ice cream, caramel, milk, and these little cookie gems. Homemade ice cream or store bought…you pick because this Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is tastalicious! [Read more…]