Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

peach and toasted pecan ice cream:: Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream ::

I recently sat down and reminisced about my favorite 4th of July celebrations over the years. They were spent at my Aunt Jean’s house in Fullerton. She had the most beautiful Spanish style house, with a big backyard, and dreamy swimming pool. She invited everyone!  Her yard was always packed full of close friends and family. After dark… we would crowd the usually quiet street in front of her house {which was situated on a hill}, and watch the local firework show. 

Looking back, I have the fondest… most cherished memories of the 4th of July because of my sweet Aunt Jean and the wonderful annual gathering she created! The conversation was always delightful, the pool nice and cool, and the food… absolutely scrumptious! Of course, the homemade ice cream {that seemed to take forever to churn by hand}, was always my favorite!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream

Fresh peach ice cream seemed to be a tradition at her 4th of July celebrations, which is why I decided to make my own version to share with my family! I’m hoping to carry-on the lovely homemade ice cream tradition to celebrate Independence Day this year… and in the many years to come!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream [Read more…]

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins

 

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins {Simply Happenstance}

 :: Pumpkin Nutella Muffins ::

Oh my goodness, you guys! This is the BEST muffin combination… pumpkin + Nutella! During this time of year, I typically make plain pumpkin muffins and occasionally add in chocolate chips… but let me tell you, swirling in a dollop of creamy Nutella made an incredibly decadent difference! The pumpkin is flavorful and moist, while the Nutella creates a rich, chewy, chocolatey muffin top!

I doubled the recipe below and it made 18 muffins and one loaf to give away to a neighbor. This is the perfect baked treat to give to friends and family! If preparing this recipe as a loaf for others… you may want to buy a few of these darling paper loaf pans from Sur la Table. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a simple bow… it makes for the perfect hostess gift or sweet treat for neighbors for the holidays! Enjoy! [Read more…]

Maple Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

 

maple cream cheese whipped frosting

:: Maple Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting ::

Confession…. this post was totally supposed to be about Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting {whew… that’s a mouthful}, but…. the frosting literally STOLE the show! I decided that this entire post had to be dedicated to its light, airy, sweetness!

So, a little background… I first had this whipped cream cheese frosting when one of my lovely friends/coworkers made me cupcakes for my surprise baby shower with Mr. Amazing. Thankfully, my dear friend gave me the recipe, which I then passed on to Nicole, and some of my other close friends. In fact, Nicole also loves it, and has shared the recipe with you here. This time around… I made a minor {dare I say…. remarkable} adjustment, which turned this perfect summer frosting into the perfect one for fall. In fact… I couldn’t sleep last night because I was thinking of all the ways one could eat this heavenly confection!

Here are my thoughts… this would be incredibly delicious topped on pancakes, waffles, spice cakes, pumpkin, apple, or pecan pies, graham crackers, sugar cookies, or even fall muffins! It could be used as a sweet filling for dessert crepes… or you could simply dunk sliced apples right into it! Of course, there’s always my favorite option… eat. it. straight. out. of. the. bowl. If you choose that last option, just know you’re going to lick that bowl clean! It’s just that good! [Read more…]

8 Easy Candies To Make At Home

:: 8 Easy Candies To Make At Home ::

Are you a fan of Pinterest?  What are some of your favorite items to pin? We love Pinterest and we {heart} coming across lovely photos, recipes, or home decor {image above from pinimg}. Sara and I are very excited to have Marcela De Vivo of Gryffin Media share an infographic. Wondering what is an infographic? It is a fun “pin-able” image that you can use your “pin-it” button on your computer to save to one of your Pinterest Boards.  Marcela has created a Candy Making one for us.  Go ahead… “pin-it” and let us know what kind of candy you want to make this upcoming holiday season! [Read more…]

Decadent Frozen Banana Bites

 

  

:: Decadent {frozen} Banana Bites ::

Naming this post was a bit of an issue for me! You see… these aren’t your average frozen banana bites dipped in rich, creamy chocolate! Oh no! These are WAY more decadent! These little frozen banana bites are wrapped in chocolate chip cookie dough, and dunked in a thick layer of chocolate!

Clearly, I had a moment of weakness in making these! It was a week prior to our big family move and I needed the stress relief of whipping up something tasty! For me, the process of baking has always been a coping mechanism when I need to unwind or take a breather from life. These banana bites were successful in getting my mind off the never ending to-do list that comes with moving a family of six. They also provided the kids and I with a delicious frozen summer treat that brought back some of my favorite childhood memories of going to Balboa Island in Newport Beach and indulging in the famous Frozen Bananas & Balboa Bars!

[Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day…

some love,

inspiration,

recipes

&

our favorite posts…

enjoy this {lovely} weekend!

xo,

s & n

 

{Words To Live By // Etsy Poster by Eva Shrock}

 

{Darling Printable Valentine’s // Skip To My Lou}

 

{Red Velvet Brownies + Buttercream // Smells Like Home}

 

{60 Tiny Love Stories  //  Makes Me Think}

 

{12 Candy-Free Valentine’s // Plucky Momo}

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Some of our favorite {love + recipe} posts:

 

Love is a Verb

Chocolate Chip M&M Cookie Recipe

Family Date Night

Wine & Food Pairings

Sweet Dreams Little Man

Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

A “Moment” With My Older Boys

Favorite Pasta Recipe