Archive for the ‘Desserts’ Category

How to Candy Nuts (EASY RECIPE)

Monday, February 26th, 2024
How to Candy Nuts

Learn how to candy nuts with this candied nuts recipe that incorporates sugar and spice. This yummy no bake treat is a perfect gift to give for the holidays.

Are you ready to impress with a holiday gift that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this sugar & spice candied nut mix!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will surely become a favorite for gift-giving or holiday snacking.

Making your own flavored nut mixes might not be something you have considered for the holidays, but once you try this delicious nut mix, you will have a difficult time giving these sugared and spiced holiday nut mixes away.

What Are Candied Nuts Made Of?

Candied nuts are made by coating raw nuts in a mixture of sugar, spices, and egg whites and then baking them until golden and crispy. 

This creates a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for snacking or gifting.

How to Candy Nuts

Kitchen Equipment Needed to Candy Nuts

Mixing bowls- For mixing the nuts and spice mixture.

Measuring cups and spoons- For measuring the spices and nuts.

Baking sheet- For baking the nuts in the oven.  I recommend the Nordic Ware Big Baking Sheet for your holiday baking projects.

Parchment paper or silicone baking mat- For lining the baking sheet.

Whisk- For whisking the egg whites and spices.

Wooden spoon- For stirring nuts.

Airtight containers or packaging materials- For storing or gifting candied nuts.

How to Candy Nuts

How to Candy Nuts

You can scroll down to see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

Preparation: Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet.

Mix Spices: Whisk together sugar, water, egg white, and spices.

Coat Nuts: Toss raw nuts in the spice mixture until evenly coated.

Bake: Spread nuts on the baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally.

Season: Sprinkle hot nuts with coarse salt for a perfect finish.

Cool and Package: Let the nuts cool, then package them for gifting or enjoying.

Before I share the recipe, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about how to candy nuts:

Where is The Best Place to Buy Nuts for Gifts?

If you have a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, you can buy these ingredients in bulk to save on your cost per pound.

I also found this Reddit thread on where to buy the cheapest nuts and thought it had some incredible suggestions that I wouldn’t have thought of to reduce the price on buying nuts in bulk.

How to Candy Nuts

What Are the Best Nuts for a Holiday Nut Mix?

You can choose any combination of mixed nuts that you might love or just keep things simple and roast only your absolute favorite. I’m just using three of my favorites in this recipe- pecans, almonds, and walnuts.

My favorite varieties of nuts include candied pecans, almonds, and walnuts.

How to Candy Nuts

What Other Spice Combinations Can I Try With These Candy Nuts?

These nuts are tossed with some of my favorite holiday spices- cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice. 

Feel free to try building your own spice combination. 

Add cardamom for a Middle Eastern twist or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. 

Mix in ginger and cloves for a festive touch, or add a hint of cayenne for some heat. 

You can even experiment with Chinese five-spice or curry powder for more adventurous flavors.

How to Candy Nuts

How Long Do Candied Nuts Last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, these candied nuts can last up to two weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead gift for the holiday season.

How Do You Make Candied Nuts Not Sticky?

To prevent your candied nuts from becoming too sticky, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and stir them every 15 minutes while baking. 

Also, sprinkling them with coarse salt while still hot can help absorb excess moisture and enhance the flavor.

How to Candy Nuts

How Do I Package Nuts for Gift-Giving?

This time of year, the craft stores are loaded with food packaging for your gifts. I love to check the seasonal aisles in my local craft stores.

Nut Tins in Bulk

The important thing is that they are airtight, especially if you are giving a large amount as a gift.

While these paper boxes make a cute display, but buying nut tins in bulk will help your nuts stay fresher longer.

Strawberry Pecan Salad

What Dishes Can I Enhance With These Candied Nuts?

Looking for more recipes to incorporate candy nuts? I’ve got you covered!

Sprinkle these candy nuts over salads like my strawberry pecan salad for added crunch and sweetness.

Honestly, any fruit and candied nut combo works well in a spinach salad.

You can use them as a topping for a thick smoothie bowl or slow cooker apple oatmeal (steel cut recipe).

These can also be incorporated into dark chocolate brownies with sea salt for a fun baking twist, or simply enjoy them alone as a satisfying treat any time. 

Add these over ice cream with caramel, toffee, or chocolates for topping for an indulgent treat. If you feel ambitious, this roasted plum ice cream with cinnamon would be another fantastic option.

What Other No Bake Christmas Treats Can I Make for the Holidays?

For other easy no-bake gifts, I recommend these gluten-free cake mix cookies, this easy microwave peanut brittle, or my peppermint cheesecakes in jars.

How to Candy Nuts
How to Candy Nuts

Candied Nuts

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This easy nut mixture is created from spices in your pantry and is perfect for your holiday snacking or giving.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (you can use white or brown sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling
  • 2 cups pecans, halves
  • 2 cups whole almonds
  • 2 cups walnuts

Instructions

      1. Prep oven and baking sheet. Heat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
      2. Add the beaten egg white, water, sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl and whisk until evenly combined.
      3. Add the pecans, almonds, and walnuts to the sugar mixture and gently toss until the nuts are evenly coated.
      4. Spread the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the nuts and stir them.  When the cooking time is done, the nuts should be fragrant, and the sugar coating cooked. 
      5. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack and sprinkle liberally with coarse salt while still hot.
      6. Allow the nuts to come to room temperature. The sugar coating will continue to harden and dry once the nuts cool. 
      7. Once cooled, store the candy nuts in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to make these into sweet & spicy nuts.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 845Total Fat: 72gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 62gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 337mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 11gSugar: 30gProtein: 19g

TELL ME: What did you think of this candied nut recipe?

Recipe updated: February 26, 2024

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The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Saturday, August 12th, 2023

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread  from MomAdvice.com

This is the BEST gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe for the holidays. This quick bread is made with canned pumpkin and a simple all-purpose gluten-free flour.

Last Fall, I finally perfected a gluten-free pumpkin bread that I have held on to share with you until this year.

I’m a big fan of quick bread recipes because they are just as speedy as their name implies.

Instead of yeast, quick breads rely on chemical leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda to create the rise and texture in the finished product.

Because they don’t require the time-consuming process of yeast fermentation, they can be prepared relatively quickly compared to traditional yeast-risen breads.

This technique is not limited to bread recipes like banana, zucchini, or pumpkin breads though. It can also include muffins, cornbread, or quick rolls (like drop biscuits). 

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and nobody ever suspects that this quick bread doesn’t contain gluten.

It is also my most requested baked treat from my kitchen.

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

To spice up my infatuation for this quick bread even more, I decided to snag this beautiful pumpkin bread pan for my holiday baking.

This created such a beautiful loaf that my family hesitated to eat it. 

They never suspected that it required exactly the same amount of effort as a regular standard loaf. 

I was, in fact,  so tired from making this beautiful artisan loaf that they volunteered to clean the dishes. 

I love the trickery that I get away with around here.

How to Make My Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe (located at the bottom of this post).

The Best Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour for Baking

What is the Best Way to Prepare My Loaf Pans for Gluten-Free Breads?

Pour your batter into prepared loaf pans (sprayed with nonstick spray or lined with parchment paper so you can remove them from the pan easily). 

Be sure to allow these to cool completely (room temperature) so that your loaf holds together.

Gluten-free baked goods have a tendency to fall apart easily if they haven’t been allowed to cool completely. 

What Gluten-Free Flour Should I Use In My Baking Recipes?

I swear by this baking flour as the perfect cup-for-cup gluten-free flour for your all-purpose flour.

The best part is that it does not contain the xanthan gum so you have more control over this addition when tackling all of your holiday baking.

Typically, I find the texture of many flours to be gritty and a little off-putting. 

Can you mix up your own gluten-free flour mix?

Is This Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bread?

Yes, this recipe is dairy-free- no need to make any changes. 

How Do I Make This With All-Purpose Flour?

This recipe is so easy to convert because our only gluten-free substitution is the cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.

If you don’t need this substitution, just make it with all-purpose flour. 

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Is Canned Pumpkin the Same As Pumpkin Pie Filling?

One of the biggest mistakes I made when first starting to cook with pumpkin is picking up the wrong type of pumpkin at the grocery store. 

If you see a can that says, “Pumpkin Pie Mix,” (it looks like this), you do not want this type of pumpkin for your baking. 

Pumpkin Pie Mix is intended to be mixed with milk and eggs to create pumpkin pies fast. 

Instead, you are looking for canned pumpkin because it is ONLY pumpkin and allows you to add in your own sugar and spices to create your dishes. 

As you can see, the labels are almost identical, which can really throw people off when shopping for their recipes. 

Of course, you can.

I must admit that I’m one of those moms who haven’t made time for it, especially since discovering how well this flour works in many recipes. 

I have not had a recipe fail on me yet with this flour blend.

Sifting Flour for the Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Can I Use Pumpkin Puree Instead of Canned Pumpkin? 

Yes, you can generally use pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin in a pumpkin bread recipe. 

Pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin are often used interchangeably in recipes, including pumpkin bread. 

Since they have a similar consistency and flavor, the substitution is usually seamless.

However, there are two things to consider to make sure you end up with the same results. 

Make sure your homemade pumpkin puree is well-blended and smooth, similar to the texture of a canned pumpkin.

And, If your homemade pumpkin puree is particularly watery, you might want to drain off any excess moisture before using it in your recipe. This can prevent the bread from becoming too moist. 

In most cases, swapping pumpkin puree for canned pumpkin in a pumpkin bread recipe should work well and produce delicious results. 

What Can I Do With Leftover Canned Pumpkin?

I mean, what *can’t* you use pumpkin for? Our family loves pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin chili, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin lattes, and even pumpkin pasta.

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

How Do I Know When My Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread is Done?

If you are concerned if the middle is done though, be sure to test it. The best way to check (without damaging your loaf) is to have a toothpick inserted to poke the center. If it comes out with batter on it, you will need to cook it a little longer! 

Why is My Loaf a Dark Brown?

This dairy-free loaf gets its brown hue from the combination of pumpkin pie spice and ground cloves. 

You may notice the loaf in the fancy pan looks darker than the standard loaf (scroll down for a picture of a standard loaf).

This is simply because the loaf has been inverted, and you see the bottom of the decorative loaf! 

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice in My Pantry?

Don’t have any pumpkin pie spice in the pantry? No worries at all! You can mix up this pumpkin pie spice substitute from spices in your pantry.

Can I Mix In Nuts or Chocolate to this Recipe?

The bread has been sweetened with granulated sugar (rather than brown sugar) although you could sweeten it up with a handful of chocolate chips or some coarsely chopped walnuts to try out different flavors. 

I’ve added instructions for adding nuts and chocolate chips to the notes section of the recipe.

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

What is the Best Way to Store My Quick Breads?

Should you have any pumpkin bread leftover, I have found a good airtight container is good to have in your arsenal. I found mine at our local Home Goods. These discount retail shops are a great place to shop for food storage solutions.

Remember, this does yield two loaves so you can always store your second loaf (or share it with a friend)!

What is the Best Way to Freeze Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread?

You can freeze your loaves after they have cooled to be enjoyed later. If you want to freeze them, I like to wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap, a layer of tin foil and then place these loaves in an airtight freezer bag. 

Make sure to clearly label the bread and the date that you froze it. These loaves can be frozen for up to six months! 

This recipe is perfect for preparing and sharing for the holidays. 

How Long Should I Cook it If I Do This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread in Mini Loaves?

Mini loaves are such a great way to share bread with others They also make great hostess gifts. Although there is no “perfect” amount of time necessarily (because it depends on the type/size of the pans), I did find this advice very helpful for making time adjustments.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of today’s recipe, and I am looking forward to sharing more fun pumpkin recipes in the upcoming weeks! 

The Best Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Yield: 2 Loaves
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This spiced pumpkin bread is gluten-free AND dairy-free. Try this quick bread recipe for snacking or to share as a gift.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 16-ounce canned pumpkin (read which pumpkin to buy at your local grocer in the post above)
  • 3 cups gluten-free flour (Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 Baking Flour is recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
  2. Beat sugar and oil in a large bowl to blend.
  3. Mix in eggs and pumpkin.
  4. Sift flour, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into another large bowl. 
  5. Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture.
  6. Divide batter equally between prepared pans.
  7. Bake until the tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  8. Transfer to racks and cool for 10 minutes.
  9. Using a sharp knife, cut around the edge of the loaves. Turn loaves out onto racks and cool completely.

Notes

Walnuts or mini-chocolate chips (1 cup) can be mixed into the batter if desired.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 375Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 4g

The calorie and nutrition information provided with our recipes is intended to be an estimate based on commonly used ingredients and serving sizes. However, individual nutritional needs may vary, and the actual values can depend on factors such as specific brands of ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes. Please use these figures as estimates.

TELL ME: What is YOUR favorite recipe for Fall

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)

Friday, August 11th, 2023
Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)

Make this easy microwave peanut brittle recipe for a quick holiday treat. Simply stir in peanuts and microwave with a few common pantry ingredients!

Elevate your gift-giving game with this easy and easy microwave peanut brittle recipe you can make in the microwave. Simply stir in peanuts and microwave with a few common pantry ingredients.

Say goodbye to hours of stirring over a hot stove with a candy thermometer, and say hello to a simple, modern approach to crafting an old-fashioned peanut brittle.

With just a microwave and a few pantry staples, you can create a crunchy and sweet peanut brittle that’s bound to become a festive favorite.

Are you ready for the easiest no-bake treat? 

If you haven’t tried making microwave peanut brittle, you are in for a real treat.

The only trick with making peanut brittle in the microwave is keeping a CLOSE eye on it so you don’t burn your nuts.

In this article, we unveil the secrets to crafting the perfect microwave peanut brittle while providing a unique gifting idea that will impress. 

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is designed to simplify your holiday preparations. 

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)

Here are some frequently asked questions about this easy microwave recipe:

How Can I Prevent Air Bubbles?

Air bubbles can be a common occurrence when making microwave peanut brittle.

While they may not always be preventable, there are some key things to keep in mind to minimize their presence and ensure a smooth brittle:

Stirring:

When stirring the mixture after adding the butter and vanilla, do so gently but thoroughly. 

Stirring helps distribute the ingredients evenly and reduces the risk of large air pockets forming.

Baking Soda Reaction:

Adding baking soda to the mixture causes it to foam and expand. 

Stir in the baking soda quickly but gently, and avoid over-mixing to prevent excessive air incorporation.

Microwave Wattage:

Microwave wattage can impact the cooking process. Lower-wattage microwaves may require slightly longer cooking times to ensure the mixture reaches the desired consistency without trapping excess air.

If your microwave has different power levels, consider using a lower power setting during certain stages of cooking to minimize rapid boiling and bubbling that can introduce air bubbles.

You should also consider the size of the microwave-safe container you use. Using a wide, shallow bowl may help prevent excessive bubbling and make it easier to mix the ingredients evenly.

Pouring Technique:

Pour your brittle gently and evenly when pouring the hot mixture onto the greased baking sheet. 

Avoid pouring from a great height, which could introduce more air into the mixture.

Tapping or Shaking:

As I describe in the recipe below, after pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet, gently tap or shake the sheet to help release any trapped air bubbles before the brittle sets.

Cooling Process:

Allowing the brittle to cool slowly and evenly can help minimize the formation of large air bubbles as it solidifies.

It’s important to note that some air bubbles are natural and won’t necessarily affect the taste or quality of the peanut brittle. 

In fact, a bit of texture and irregularity can add character to the final product. 

However, if air bubbles are consistently causing issues, you can experiment with different mixing techniques and microwave settings to achieve a smoother result.

Bowl of Raw Peanuts

What Other Microwave Brittles Can I Make With This Recipe?

While our recipe offers a traditional peanut brittle experience, you can get creative by adding your favorite nuts or even a hint of your preferred spices for a unique twist on this classic treat.

Here are some brittle combinations you can try! 

Almond Brittle: Substitute peanuts with chopped almonds for a rich, nutty almond brittle. The microwave method works just as well for almonds, delivering a satisfying crunch and delightful flavor.

Cashew Brittle: Cashews lend their buttery taste to create a delectable cashew brittle. The microwave ensures the cashews caramelize beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering treat.

Pistachio Brittle: Experiment with colorful and flavorful pistachios for a unique twist on traditional brittle. The microwave preserves the vibrant green pistachios while turning them into a delightful brittle.

Seed Brittle: Opt for a healthier version using a combination of pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds. These nutrient-packed seeds create a brittle with a satisfying texture and earthy flavors.

Hazelnut Brittle: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavor of hazelnuts. The microwave method ensures that the hazelnuts are evenly coated in the sweet caramel, resulting in an irresistible brittle. If you have extra hazelnuts to use up, try this hazelnut soup recipe

MAKE THIS SUGAR AND SPICE CANDIED NUT RECIPE

Sugar and Spice Nuts Recipe

Mixed Nut Brittle: Combine a medley of your favorite nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews, for a diverse and flavorful brittle. The microwave technique simplifies the process of making a mixed nut brittle.

Remember, when experimenting with different nut or seed varieties, the microwave cooking times might vary slightly, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking. 

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)- Packaged with a Mini Hammer

How can I present the microwave peanut brittle as a gift?

Visit your local dollar store for cookie sheets and hammers for a delightful and memorable holiday gift. 

If you don’t have a dollar store, I’ve provided some other options including baking trays for toaster ovens and mini-hammers you can buy in bulk.

These packaging details offer a creative and thoughtful way to share your homemade treat.

Easy Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe (The BEST Gift Idea)

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes

This easy microwave peanut brittle is the perfect no-bake treat. Package with a small hammer from your local dollar store tied with a bow.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

    1. Grease a baking sheet & set aside.

    2. Combine peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.

    3. Cook in the microwave for six minutes on high (keep one eye on it to ensure it isn’t bubbling over or burning the nuts). The mixture should be bubbly, and the peanuts should be golden brown.

    4. Add the butter & vanilla; cook for two to three more minutes.

    5. Quickly add the baking soda, just until the mixture is foamy.

    6. Pour immediately onto a greased baking sheet and spread. After pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet, gently tap or shake the sheet to help release any trapped air bubbles before the brittle sets.

    7. Let cool for fifteen minutes or until room temperature. Break into pieces.

Notes

If packaging for gifts, leave the brittle in tact and package with a hammer for gift-giving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 563Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 91gFiber: 3gSugar: 85gProtein: 9g

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How to Make a Slushie (In Blender)

Saturday, July 22nd, 2023
How to Make a Slushie in Blender

Learn how to make a slushie in blender with sugar, ice cubes, and a Kool-Aid drink mix. Pick your favorite flavor and blend these up on a hot summer day.

Have you been looking for an affordable recipe for slushies at home? When we were struggling financially, we were always looking for the best bang for our buck, and this cheap dessert with a bowl of popcorn was always a crowd-pleaser.

Few recipes in my house have earned me more fame than this easy summer dessert. If you need a dairy-free dessert option is, this is the perfect alternative to an ice cream treat.

The best part is that I created this summer drink is made with an inexpensive drink mix powder. 

If your family loves the Sonic slushes or 7-11 gas station Slurpees, I know they will love this inexpensive recipe just as much.

How to Make a Slushie In Blender

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this slushie recipe:

How to Make a Slushie With a Blender

Honestly, these are as easy as they sound! You will blend a packet with ice water, crushed or cubed ice, and sugar.  

High-speed blenders offer a more robust motor and sharp blades that can handle even the toughest ingredients, giving you smoother and finer textures.

I’ve found it perfect for all sorts of tasks, like making smoothies and soups, and you know what’s really cool?

It crushes ice effortlessly, making it a total winner for whipping up slushies!

Over the years, I have had great success with this my Ninja Blenders. You can usually find these more affordably at places like Costco or Sam’s Club.  

How Do I Make This Smoothie With Fruit Juice?

We recommend trying this watermelon ice smoothie recipe. It is reminiscent of those Slurpees & Icees, but an all-natural homemade slushie option instead. 

Kool-Aid Packets for Homemade Slushies

Can I Make These With Sugar-Free KOOL-AID?

Unfortunately, we do not recommend this method. The consistency drastically changed. If you substitute with the sugar-free KOOL-AID, it will have more of a shaved ice consistency. 

Can I Replace the Water With Club Soda? 

Yes, you can substitute this ingredient with club soda, tonic water, or even Sprite. 

To make a soda slushie, follow these instructions, but keep in mind that Sprite will add more sugar to your drink. 

How Do I Make Wine Slushies? 

I recommend blending this rosé and strawberry wine slushie recipe. These can be blended into wine pops or you can pour the wine slushies with fresh fruit into a plastic bag with the mixture and freeze until it reaches your desired consistence. 

How Can I Keep My Smoothies Colder Longer?

Serve these up in a double insulated cup to help this frozen treat last longer. 

How to Make a Slushie in Blender

What is the Best Slushie Machine?

If you have a blender, you do not need a Slushy machine for this recipe. 

There are a variety of slushy machines and shaved ice makers for treats on Amazon, including individual slushy cups. Shop these slushy makers here.

How to Make Slushies With Kool-Aid

Keeping Homemade Slushes Cold With a Double-Insulated Cup
How to Make a Slushie With Kool-Aid

Testing flavors is the best part. It can be a fun summer project to try new combinations.

I am always tweaking my recipes and have tried everything from sugar-free Kool-Aid packets to make slushies (they did not turn out for us) to reducing the sugar in our slushies to see if the kids notice a taste difference. 

How to Make Slushies With Kool-Aid

We decided to drop the sugar to a 1/2 cup in our batch (originally 2/3 cup) and we found that we didn’t notice a big taste difference, but I felt better about sharing this treat with my kids with the lower sugar content. The recipe below is our new lower-sugar verison.

I hope you love this recipe as much as our family! Let me know in the comments below and what your favorite flavors are!

How to Make Slushies With Kool-Aid

How to Make a Slushie With KOOL-AID

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

An easy slushie that you can whip up anytime for a fun treat! Stock up on a variety of KOOL-AID flavors for this easy 5-minute treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ice water
  • 1 packet KOOL-AID drink mix (use your favorite flavor)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 cups or 1 full tray of ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Put all of the ingredients into your blender.
  2. Process until well blended.

    Recommended Products

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Love these frozen treats? Here are a few other recipes we think you will like!

    easy fruit-infused waters (endless combos and healthy!)

    Fruit-Infused Water Recipes With Ice

    blend up strawberries and wine for this fun adult push pop

    Wine Slushie With Fresh Fruit in a Push Pop

    stock your freezer with these make-ahead smoothie packets

    Make-Ahead Smoothie Packets for Your Freezer from MomAdvice.com

    Happy blending!

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    How to Make an Ombre Cake

    Thursday, November 12th, 2020
     

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    No need to make a fancy layer cake with this easy ombre icing technique for your sheet pan cakes. This cake tutorial couldn’t be easier with a simple white cake recipe topped with a simple buttercream frosting. Check out today’s tutorial for your next birthday cake!

    This post is sponsored by Clarkson Potter. Thank you for supporting our sponsors!

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Looking for the perfect baking escape? You are in luck! Martha Stewart is back with a brand new cookbook that helps novice bakers master beautiful cakes with a few of her favorite tips and tricks.

    Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection is a step-by-step cookbook that teaches you how to wow your friends and family with inspiring cake ideas and couldn’t come at a better time, with the upcoming celebration seasons.

    Since my kids were small, I have made cakes for all their special occasions. Bakery cakes are expensive so learning to make our own cakes has saved us hundreds of dollars over the years.

    Now that I have teenagers, it is a treat to be able to do these kinds of projects with them and today’s ombre sheet cake was so fun to create together.

    Let’s go through the easy steps to make this cake that would be perfect for any occasion from a baby shower to a birthday bash!

    How to Make an Ombre Cake

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    To begin today’s recipe, you will need to bake this easy vanilla sheet pan cake recipe.

    Once the cake is cooked, transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool for 30 minutes. Once your half hour is up, simply turn the cake out, from the cake pan, and allow it to cool completely on your wire rack.

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Once the cake is cool, you will cover it in white buttercream frosting.

    This first layer is often referred to as the “crumb coat,” because it helps trap the crumbs so they aren’t visible in your final product. I find an offset spatula is the easiest way to spread icing on the top and sides of the cake.

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Now, divide your remaining frosting into three or four bowls (depending on how many colors you would like for the top of your cake). We will be placing these in piping bags for making our beautiful ombre stripes.

    You have creative liberty on what colors you want to use, but we used Martha’s suggestion to mimic the gorgeous hues of a sunset, in our personal color scheme.

    Who couldn’t use a pretty sunset right now?

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Lucky for us, our cookbook came with this fun decorating set from iGourmet so we had everything we needed right on hand for our cakes. The best part about this decorating set  is that Martha Stewart and her team of editors picked out everything you need to make her fabulous cakes at home so no need to visit a fancy shop to get all the pretty essentials. This kit has everything you need from gold and silver sparkles to natural food colorings.

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Now we just add a color horizontally across the top of the cake in your desired order. Lightly drag the offset spatula or bench scraper end to end to create a blended effect to your cake. Be sure to just wipe off the bench scraper completely between each stroke of color to keep your lines beautifully clean.

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Looking for a more abstract design? Don’t be afraid to get creative and randomly scatter dollops of colored frosting around your cake and blend as directed. My daughter had a great time being a cake decorator and making her own design with toothpicks and all these vibrant colors.

    How easy is that?

    Vanilla Buttercream
     
    Author: Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection
    Prep time:
    Total time:
    Serves: 4 cups
    This easy buttercream frosting is just what you need for all of your cake recipes!
    Ingredients
    • 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted (4 cups)
    • 2 tablespoons whole milk
    • Pinch of kosher salt
    Instructions
    1. With an electric mixer, beat butter on medium high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add confectioners’ sugar ½ cup at a time, beating after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla, milk, and salt and beat until buttercream is smooth.
     

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    Looking for more cake ideas? Grab this cookbook for 125 recipes for all occasions- from those little everyday moments to gorgeous wedding cakes. What a fun way to make the most of these days at home together.

    Ombre Sheet Cake
     
    Recipe Type: Dessert
    Author: Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection
    Prep time:
    Cook time:
    Total time:
    Serves: 12-16 servings
    No need to make a fancy layer cake with this easy ombre icing technique for your sheet pan cakes. This cake tutorial couldn’t be easier with a simple white cake recipe topped with a simple buttercream frosting. Check out today’s tutorial for your next birthday cake!
    Ingredients
    • 1 stick (½ cup) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
    • 2 ¼ cup unbeached all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoons baking soda
    • ¾ cup kosher salt
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 3 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
    • Vanilla Buttercream (recipe below)
    • Natural food dyes in Berry and Sunflower (or your favorite shades)
    Instructions
    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Dust the pan with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    2. With an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar, until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with each addition, scraping down the bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with buttermilk, and beginning and ending with your flour mixture.
    3. Transfer batter to prepared baking pan, smoothing top with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until cake is golden and puffed and a cake tester comes out clean, 22-25 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
    4. Spread 2 ½ cups buttercream over top of cake with an offset spatula. Divide remaining buttercream among four small bowls (about ⅓ cup each). Use food dyes to create desired shades. Let stand 10 minutes to allow dyes to fully saturate.
    5. Transfer frostings into pastry bags (no tip required) and pipe a line of each color horizontally across top of cake in the desired order. Lightly drag a large offset spatula or bench scraper end to end across cake to create a blended effect. Add more frosting as desired . Be sure to wipe off the spatula or bench scraper completely between strokes.
     

    This post is sponsored by Clarkson Potter. Thank you for supporting our sponsors!

    How to Make an Ombre Cake from MomAdvice.com

    45 Easy Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients

    Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

    Are you looking for quick and easy pantry recipes that your whole family will love? Check out these simple meals to incorporate your canned & dry goods into your recipes. Feel free to pin and bookmark this post to make the most of your budget.

    Here is some honest truth, I have never been good about tracking what I have stocked in my pantry. Just like most moms, I am often in survival mode and am just proud if I get our grocery shopping and menu planning done for the week.

    With this unique experience of being home more, I have been taking stock of what we have and how we can make the most of it in these upcoming days.

    I loved these printable kitchen inventory sheets for helping figure out our meals, as our grocery stores struggle to keep so many items stocked.

    Free Spice Label Printables

    We also have free printable labels to organize your spice rack. I plan to revisit my spice cabinet this month too!

    This is a great time to take inventory of all those items that we seem to forget to purchase (or have multiple items if you are anything like me!). Jot down all those spices, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, salad dressings, and all those other condiments that you might forget to track.

    I also am trying to stock items like bottled lemon juice and lime juice, in case we don’t have access to citrus fruit. These can really add another great layer to your recipes.

    I wanted to offer some new ways to use those pantry ingredients today so I reached out to my blogging friends to create this fun list of recipes to try.

    Click on the image or header to access these incredible recipes!

    45 Easy Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients

    Pasta Recipes

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Pesto Chicken Pasta from The Toasty Kitchen

    Pesto Chicken pasta is an easy, 20 minute meal that’s made with just five shelf-stable ingredients. Bow tie pasta and chicken are coated in a rich and flavorful pesto sauce.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com One Skillet Baked Ziti from Good Life Eats

    One skillet baked ziti with meat sauce is the perfect, easy comforting pasta dish. Baking it in a single skillet makes for quick preparation and very minimal clean up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Almond Butter Red Curry Noodles from Fried Dandelions

    Almond butter red curry noodles come together with pantry staples! The noodles are packed with flavor, and have a gorgeous orange color!  Perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Spinach and White Bean Pasta from Rachael Hartley Nutrition

    This garlicky white bean and spinach pasta using a surprise pantry ingredient for a flavor booster!

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Easy Parmesan Pasta from Neighbor Food

    This easy parmesan pasta can be pulled together with whatever canned vegetables you have on hand. Add chicken sausage or make it meatless!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Instant Pot Taco Pasta from Shweta in the Kitchen

    Taco pasta is a delicious one-pot meal made using Italian pasta and Mexican flavors. It is a nutritious, delicious crowd pleasing recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles from Unsophisticook

    This easy tuna casserole with egg noodles is a definite go-to recipe; it is quick to prep, tasty, and versatile!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Instant Pot Goulash from Posh Journal

    This American goulash is delicious, filling, nutritious and very inexpensive to make.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese from MomAdvice

    I am SO EXCITED to share that we finally mastered an incredible one pot gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe after MUCH trial and error in my kitchen. If you are looking for easy, affordable, minimal dishes, and a recipe that yields a lot than I have an incredible recipe for you!

    Soups & Stews

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Instant Pot Lentil Soup from Urban Bliss Life

    Make a healthy, hearty meal using common pantry ingredients! Instant pot lentil soup is a fast, easy, oh-so delicious vegan dish that will keep you warm and toasty.

    Pantry Recipe / MomAdvice Hazelnut Soup from MomAdvice

    This is a rustic hazelnut soup made with parsnips and roasted hazelnuts. It is a quick weeknight soup and the recipe can easily be made vegetarian. 

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup from Simple Bites

    Slow-cooker coconut curry lentil soup is an easily adaptable pantry recipe, designed to get a hearty, nourishing meal on the table with minimal effort.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Gluten Free Instant Pot Taco Soup from Seasonal Cravings

    This gluten-free instant pot taco soup is packed with kidney beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Make a double batch and have soup to fill your belly all week!

    Pantry Recipe / MomAdvice.com Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili from MomAdvice

    Once you try this chili, you will never make any other type of chili again. Pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice are the secret ingredients that make this chili a standout recipe!

     

    Pantry Staples

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Best Black Bean Burgers from Eat Plant-Based

    This black bean burger vegan recipe makes firm patties and can even be cooked on the grill with our falling through!

    Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers from MomAdvice.com Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers from MomAdvice

    Looking for an easy recipe that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan? Look no further than these Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers for a fun weeknight meal. You will love these bell peppers for a meatless dish that is packed with protein and very filling with just the right balance of sweetness, from the peppers, and spice from the enchilada sauce.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Homemade Tuna Sushi Bowl from Run Eat Travel

    If you are looking for a hearty, easy, and budget friendly sushi inspired meal, this is the one for you! This healthy homemade tuna sushi bowl is med with canned tuna and the most cooking you’ll do is the rice!

    Indian Vegetable Rice Instant Pot Indian Vegetable Rice from MomAdvice

    This gluten-free side is so easy to create and happens to be easy on the wallet too! If you prefer your dish spicier, add an additional teaspoon of curry to bring on the heat!

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Roasted Garlic Hummus from MomAdvice

    Once you try homemade hummus, you will never go back. Make this easy dish with canned chickpeas.

    How to Make Quinoa in the Rice Cooker from MomAdvice.com Quinoa in the Rice Cooker from MomAdvice

    You will never have to babysit a pot again if you use this simple technique for cooking quinoa in your rice cooker. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is the most pinned item on our site and we can see why. Not only am I sharing this easy rice cooker technique, but I’m also sharing loads of recipes- from quinoa main dishes to quinoa salads. 

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com High Protein Spicy Chickpea Bowl from All Nutritious

    This spicy chickpea meal prep is loaded with protein and fats! Full of flavors and will last in the fridge for days.

    How to Make Perfect Brown Rice in Your Rice Cooker from MomAdvice.com Perfect Brown Rice in the Rice Cooker from MomAdvice

    Brown rice is something I really rely upon to round out my meals because I am gluten-free.  I use it to make taco bowls. In lieu of making gluten-free pastas, and I toss veggies and meat with it to make hearty bowls for filling lunches. Try this super simple cooking method for perfect rice every time!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Gluten-Free Meatloaf from MomAdvice

    A perfectly light meatloaf with the most surprising binding agent! Try substituting the sweet sauce with tomato sauce for an Italian kick!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Instant Pot Rice & Beans from The Belly Rules

    Loaded with bold flavor os salsa and spices, this hearty dish is a delicious addition to taco night. This Mexican instant pot rice and beans recipe would also be the perfect base for a burrito or burrito bowl.

     

     

    slow_cooker_black_beans Slow-Cooker Mexican Black Beans from MomAdvice

    Beans in the slow cooker though are surprisingly easy and frugal to create in large batches for your family.Here’s a foolproof and delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Mexican Black Beans. This cooking tutorial is going to take you through the in’s and out’s of how to cook beans and how to freeze them. 

    The Best Instant Pot Risotto Step-by-Step Best Instant Pot Risotto from MomAdvice

    Risotto can be a very labor-intensive dish, but it doesn’t have to be with a pressure cooker. Here is my step-by-step tutorial for creamy gluten-free risotto, made in your Instant Pot. Ditch the boxed mac and cheese for this easy weeknight dish.

    Sugar & Spice Candied Nut Mix Poured On Cookie Sheet Sugar & Spice Candied Nut Mix from MomAdvice

    Need a snack with lots of protein? You can make this sugar & spice candied nut mix to satisfy both your sweet and savory snack cravings.

    Breakfast

    Overnight Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal With Sliced Apples On Top Slow-Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal from MomAdvice

    Try this slow-cooked apple oatmeal that you are going to love for a warm and satisfying breakfast on a cozy morning. The best part about this is my incredible tip for getting creamy oats that won’t burn or stick to your slow-cooker!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Gluten-Free Orange Creamsicle Pancakes from MomAdvice

    A delicious gluten-free Orange Creamsicle Pancake recipe for a fun breakfast treat! What makes these special is that we are replacing the milk in these with Florida Orange Juice. I love how small switches like these can yield a completely different pancake flavor, don’t you?

     

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Gluten-Free Overnight Waffles from MomAdvice

    A light, fluffy, and super delicious overnight waffle recipe that is also gluten-free!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com No-Bake Gluten-Free Granola Bars from MomAdvice

    An easy no-bake gluten-free treat that makes the perfect snack. Full of oats, peanut butter and chocolate chips!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Trail Mix Energy Bites from MomAdvice

    Fuel your brain with these delicious energy bites that provide vital nutrients and vitamins. Packed with quinoa, these gluten-free treats are satisfying and filling!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Slow Cooker Creamy Coconut Oatmeal from MomAdvice

    Dairy-free? No problem! This easy slow cooker oatmeal is made with canned pumpkin milk!

    How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte Pumpkin Spiced Latte from MomAdvice

    It is so easy to make your pumpkin spice lattes at home. Today’s coffee drink is made with real pumpkin purée, your favorite milk, with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and coffee. You won’t believe how easy it is to diy this expensive treat at home. Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t just for October anymore!

    homemade vanilla chai mix recipe Homemade Vanilla Chai Tea Mix from MomAdvice

    Mixing up a batch of this DIY Vanilla Chai mix for yourself can help to keep your pockets nice and warm with a little extra money. Most of the spices, dry creamer, and dry milk are already stocked in your pantry.

    Bread

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pizza Crust from MomAdvice

    I am SO excited to share with you a foolproof gluten-free pizza crust recipe that is as easy to put together as your standard crust. These results for the perfect airy crust rival any pizzeria you have been to.

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Dutch Oven No Knead Bread from Joy Food Sunshine

    Easy Dutch oven no-knead bread recipe is made with only 4 ingredients and takes 5 minutes of prep time! If you want to make delicious homemade bread that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, but actually takes very little effort, this Dutch oven bread recipe is for you!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Buttery Dinner Rolls from MomAdvice

    You won’t believe how easy it is to make these buttery rolls in your bread machine. This is our favorite roll, served up with melted butter and garnished with dried herbs. 

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Homemade Bagels in 5 Steps from Spices N Flavors

    The only 5 simple steps you need to know to make the best homemade bagel recipe that is dense, soft, and chewy on the inside and crusty on the top. Make in the comfort of your kitchen in just one hour.

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread from MomAdvice

    Did you find a can of pumpkin in your pantry? It’s not just for Fall!  Add this yummy spiced pumpkin bread to your agenda today! 

     

    Desserts & Sweets

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Chocolate Hummus from Joy Food Sunshine

    This healthy chocolate hummus recipe is easy to make and ready in 5 minutes! It is a nutritious dip, appetizer, dessert, snack, or spread that everyone will love.  This dessert hummus recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, has no refined sugar, and is vegan!

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookie Recipe from MomAdvice

    This Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookie recipe can be made into beautiful sugar cookie rolls with just a few simple ingredients. This easy freezer recipe for gluten-free cookies is such a great item to keep stocked in your fridge or freezer!

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Microwave Molten Chocolate Cake in a Mug from Cupcake Project

    These mug cakes taste like the best molten chocolate cake that you would get at a restaurant, but you can make them at home in minutes using your microwave! This mug cake recipe uses both melted chocolate and cocoa powder so it is extra chocolatey!

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Cake Without Eggs from Dessert for Two

    Out of eggs, but still want cake? Check out this cake without eggs recipe collection including chocolate and vanilla cakes, brownies, and cupcakes all made egg-free!

     

    Pantry Recipes / MomAdvice.com Chocolate Wacky Cake from The Good Hearted Woman

    Chocolate wacky cake is the easiest scratch cake you will ever make! No eggs, no milk, no butter and no clean-up. Made exclusively with pantry staples, this surprisingly moist, delicious snack cake mixes up in a jiffy, right in the pan!

    Sign up for the MomAdvice newsletter!

     

    Here are some other great recipes from MomAdvice.com:

    A Lentil Stew - Anyway You Want It | momadvice.com Lentil Stew

     

    Presto Pasta Presto Pesto Pasta Con Pollo

    Slow Cooker Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Slow Cooker Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

     

    Honey Sweetened, Applesauce Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins #recipe via momadvice.com Honey Sweetened, Applesauce Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins

    Happy cooking!

    Pin It

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies

    Tuesday, November 19th, 2019

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

    Need a quick and easy dessert for your holiday dinner? Just pick up a store-bought pie and dress it up with these great and simple ideas! These small hacks will make your pie look and taste homemade!

     

    The holiday preparation continues this week on the blog.

    Today I want to showcase 5 easy ways to decorate store-bought pies for the holidays.

    Supermarket pies can still look beautiful and will taste even better with my ideas for some fun toppings and additions.

    Although we have a fantastic pumpkin pie recipe on here and even a step-by-step picture tutorial for making the perfect pie crust, I know that many of us just don’t have the desire to tackle pie baking.

    This post is especially for you and I hope you can create a swoon-worthy dessert table that will leave people guessing if you made those pies or not.

     

    Spiced Whipped Cream

     

    Add a Delicious Homemade Topping

    Although your pie may not be homemade, your toppings can really stand out with just a few simple ingredients that will add a lot of flavor to your pie.

    One of my favorite toppings is a Spiced Whipped Cream that gets its hint of spices from ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a little sugar. It is the perfect accompaniment to your store-bought pumpkin or pecan pies for the holidays.

     

    Cranberry Crunch Pie Topping

     

    Another idea for layering on the flavors is to add texture through a fun crunchy pie topping.

    One of our favorites that I created for our pies last year was an easy Cranberry Crunch Pie Topping made from amaretto cookies and fresh cranberries.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    Add Unique Details

    One of the greatest tools that I got for my holiday baking this past year was a set of piecrust cutters that I found on Williams Sonoma.

    Not only are these great tools to keep handy for masking any flaws on your homemade crusts, but they can double as a great detail to adorn store-bought pies.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    Purchase pie crust from the refrigerated section of the store and then roll out on a lightly floured surface.

    Dip your cutters in a little flour and then push down and press these cutters to create your shape.

    Bake these adorable details in a 400 degree oven for 6-8 minutes on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

    Allow these to cool and then decorate the tops of your pies with these.

    These little details are also so pretty to sprinkle on your dessert table and add that extra festive touch.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    Make a Mini Pie Spread

    When I spotted these adorable mini pies in the bakery section of our local Walmart, I knew this would be another fun spin on pies to try for the holidays.

    These mini pies are less than $1 each and come in a variety of flavors year-round.

    For smaller families, these store-bought pies offer the perfect serving size and give everyone exactly what they love the most.

    Adorn these with the smaller size pastry cutouts and add a bowl of spiced whipped cream in the center so that everyone can create their own pie experience.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    Give the Gift of Pie

    One of my favorite things to give as a hostess gift is a sweet treat for their hospitality.

    Nothing is sweeter than a little individual treat just for me after entertaining, at least that is my opinion, and one of my favorite gifts to give happens to be my little peppermint cheesecakes in a jar.

    If you are short on time though, consider purchasing these mini pies as hostess gifts for the holidays.

    Dress it simply in some festive ribbon and tie a bow around it to create a sweet little gift to give for the holidays.

    At less than $1 each, these are a sweet way to say thank you without spending a lot.

     

    5 Ways to Decorate Store-Bought Pies from MomAdvice.com.

     

    Create a Beautiful Display

    I love that when I posted a picture of this pie display on Instagram & Facebook that people were asking if this was even real.

    I think it really goes to show that with a few easy details and staging, you can take store-bought pies to another level.

    With this display I used mismatched cake stands in varying heights to create a display.

    Don’t be afraid to drape a cloth napkin over a stand to make it cohesive or even create a stand out of a teacup and plate and cover it with the cloth napkin, if you are short on serving pieces.

    If you have multiple dishes out, consider adding these cute chalkboard label frames to help people navigate the dessert table.

    Sprinkle pastry cutouts along the tablecloth to decorate the display and pull in leaves, bare branches, or create a unique centerpiece like I did this year to add some color to the table.

    I hope these ideas are inspiring and that you will find a new way to love store-bought pies this year with these creative details!

     Oh, and enjoy all that free time you have now that you aren’t baking this year.

    Winning!

     

    Don’t miss this series on how to make your Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time and freeze the meal!:

     

    make-ahead mashed potatoes from MomAdvice.com

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

     

     

     

    Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Make-Ahead Gravy Recipe

     

     

     

    Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce from MomAdvice.com

    Make-Ahead Brandied Orange Cranberry Sauce

     

     

     

    Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole from MomAdvice.com

    Make-Ahead Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole

     

     

    Bacon, Apple, and Cornbread Stuffing from MomAdvice.com

    Make-Ahead Gluten Free Bacon & Apple Cornbread Stuffing

     

     

     

    Buttery Dinner Rolls in the Bread Machine from MomAdvice.com

    Buttery Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

     

    Sign up for the MomAdvice Newsletter!

     

     

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Dress Up Store Bought Pies MomAdvice.com

     

    Other great Thanksgiving ideas from MomAdvice:

     

    Centerpiece for all seasons MomAdvice.com

    DIY Table Runner for All Seasons

     

     

    Thanksgiving TV Episodes MomAdvice.com

    6 Sitcoms that Make Us Give Thanks

     

     

     

    How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte from MomAdvice.com

    How to Make a Pumpkin Spiced Latte

     

     

     

    5 Ways to Date Your Husband in the Fall MomAdvice.com

    5 Ways to Date Your Husband in the Fall

     

     

     

    Dress up Store Bought Pies MomAdvice.com Pin It

    Gingerbread Biscotti Step-By-Step Tutorial

    Monday, November 18th, 2019

    Gingerbread Biscotti Recipe Step By Step Header

    Did you know how easy it is to make biscotti? This great recipe shows you how to make this gingerbread biscotti treat that is perfect for dunking in a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Get the step-by-step tutorial and printable recipe on the blog today!

    One of my favorite gifts to give is homemade biscotti.

    This gingerbread biscotti is the perfect gift to give for the holidays or to share in this year’s cookie exchange.

    Biscotti seems like a really difficult treat to make, but it is just as easy as making a regular batch of cookies.

    The biggest difference is that you bake these treats twice to get a cookie with crunch.

    Gingerbread Biscotti with a Cup of Coffee

    What Are Biscotti?

    Biscotti are an Italian twice-baked cookie.

    You begin by baking these tasty treats in a loaf, then slicing with a serrated knife, and finish them with a second round of baking.

    This yields a dry, crunchy oblong cookie that is perfect for dunking!

    Are Biscotti Gluten-Free?

    Many of our readers need to eat gluten-free so this is one of our most commonly asked questions. Biscotti are made with flour (this recipe is made with all-purpose and wheat flour) so biscotti are NOT gluten-free.

    How Can I Make Biscotti Gluten- Free?

    Substitutions for all-purpose flour in this recipe can be made by using oat flour instead. Here is a recipe for gluten-free gingerbread biscotti that may cater to your dietary needs more.

    where to find molasses for gingerbread biscotti

    Where Do I Find Molasses In My Grocery Store?

    I can admit, the first time I started making gingerbread-flavored items, I had NO CLUE where to find molasses in my grocery store.

    Is molasses in the cereal aisle with the pancake mixes or is it in the baking supplies aisle?

    If you are lost too, I would suggest you check both aisles. While I have found it in my baking supplies aisle, some stores do carry it in their breakfast aisle.

    Don’t think of it as only being stocked near the sugar either. This can be found randomly down by spices or even near the puddings.

    Don’t want to hit your grocery store? Check here and order online instead.

    How to Make Gingerbread Biscotti



    This Gingerbread Biscotti is filled with all of the gingerbread flavors you love.

    To achieve this flavor, we mix molasses, brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon into our batter.

    patting the gingerbread biscotti dough

    Splitting Gingerbread Biscotti Dough for a Second Bake

    split gingerbread dough patted down

    Gingerbread Biscotti Dough After First Bake

    Cutting Biscotti for a Second Bake

    The most important thing with this biscotti, I have found, it to keep an eye on it because it will go from done to burnt rather quickly!

    Start checking these after twenty minutes (on your first bake time) and don’t leave them neglected after that point or you may have some burnt biscotti on your hands!

    After baking these, for the first time, you will slice them with a sharp knife (serrated is a great option).

    You should note that you start with a higher temperature, on the first baking, and then you reduce the oven temperature for the second round of baking.

    Gingerbread Biscotti Baked a Second Time

    Once they are sliced, you will spread them out on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. 

    Bake them again.

    Gingerbread Biscotti Glaze

    Drizzling Glaze on Gingerbread Biscotti

    After finishing the second round of baking, allow these to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with glaze.

    Packaged Gingerbread Biscotti

    Close Up of Homemade Gingerbread Biscotti With Glaze

    These can be packaged in festive treat bags with a little ribbon and would make a cute accompaniment to a favorite homemade drink mix, coffee, or the makings of a coffee gift basket with my homemade peppermint syrup or gingerbread syrup for easy homemade lattes.

    However you package it, solo or in a basket, I guarantee that this recipe will be a hit for your holiday giving and baking!

    Gingerbread Biscotti  
    Recipe Type: Dessert
    Author: Adapted from AlRecipes.com
    Prep time: 25 mins
    Cook time: 40 mins
    Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
    Serves: 4 dozen
    A sweet and simple gingerbread biscotti recipe that is perfect for your holiday gift-giving!
    Ingredients
    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 3 eggs
    • 1/4 cup molasses
    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
    • 3/4 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • For Glaze: 1/2 cup confectioners sugar (icing or powdered sugar), sifted
    • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 – 3 tablespoons milk or light cream
    Instructions
    1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl, mix together oil, sugar, eggs, and molasses. In another bowl, combine flours, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg; mix into egg mixture to form a stiff dough (depending on your humidity, the dough may be sticky).
    3. Divide dough in half, and shape each half into a roll the length of the cookie.
    4. Place rolls on lined cookie sheet, and pat down to flatten the dough to ½ inch wide thickness.
    5. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. KEEP A VERY CLOSE EYE ON IT as it will go from done to burnt quickly.
    6. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool.
    7. When cool enough to touch, move over to a cutting board and cut into 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices.
    8. Place sliced biscotti on cookie sheet, and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until toasted and crispy. If the biscotti already looks a little “too” crispy, you can decrease your oven temperature to 275 degrees and bake for 7-10 minutes instead.
    9. Let cool.
    10. In a small bowl mix together the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract and milk until it is incorporated. Using a small spoon, drizzle back and forth your glaze over the biscotti. Allow the icing to harden before packaging.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Looking for more great holiday hostess gift? Here are 3 other projects to check out!

    Chocolate Coffee Spoons from MomAdvice.com make some chocolate coffee spoons to pair with the biscotti

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    no bake peppermint cheesecakes in a jar

    Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Candles slow cooker pumpkin spice candles (SO fun and easy!)

    What fun treats are you baking this holiday season? Any great big batch recipes you might like to share?

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    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

    Friday, November 15th, 2019

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    These no-bake peppermint cheesecakes in a jar are a perfect gift to give and full of that peppermint flavor we crave around the holidays. The best part about these isn’t the jar though, it is the, “no baking required,” feature that I happen to love the most. Print this recipe today for an adorable individual-sized dessert.

    These mini peppermint cheesecake jars are a fun holiday party dessert or could be a fantastic hostess gift to share with someone. This no-bake cheesecake recipe is quick and easy and perfect for stashing in the freezer for the unexpected guest.

    I have a theory that any gift in a jar is more special when decorated and created in a portion size for one.

    In the past, I have made only salads in a jar. Although I do love a good jarred salad, I have to say that cheesecake is a heck of a lot more fun.

    This year I wanted to create holiday hostess gifts that would long be remembered, but quickly be used.

    What could be more memorable or useful than a tiny cheesecake in a jar?

    The thing is, I am NOT a great baker.

    Why let my skill set stop me from delivering a delicious dessert though? 

    That is why I thought it would be fun to make a no-bake treat instead that even a beginning cook could pull together.

    These no-bake peppermint cheesecakes in a jar are a perfect gift to give. Nothing says the holidays to me more than that minty flavor and festive crushed candy canes.

    Is it just me or are chocolate and peppermint the most perfect of pairs? With this dessert, I used crushed cookies instead of the traditional graham cracker crust (made from graham cracker crumbs) for my cheesecake.

    I just love bringing those peppermint and chocolate flavors together.

    I also love a rich cheesecake filling so I skipped a lower calorie filling substitution (like greek yogurt or sour cream) and opted for full-fat cream cheese for my filling.

    YOLO, amiright?

    The best part about these isn’t the jar though, it is the, “no baking required,” feature that I happen to love the most.

    Here’s how to make these delicious no-bake peppermint cheesecakes.

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

    The cookie crust, for these adorable jarred cheesecakes,  can be created by crushing the cookies with a rolling pin or pulsing them through your food processor.

    Gluten-free?

    No problem!

    They make delicious gluten-free cookie sandwiches or I have even used a gluten-free chocolate granola as a fun substitution for my curst.

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    After laying down your cookie base you can blend up your cream cheese mixture for your cheesecake filling.

    I like to use a handheld electric mixer and blend this cheesecake filling in a mixing bowl.

    Folding in the whipped cream, at the end, allows helps this cheesecake filling to be light and airy.

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    To get that holiday peppermint flavor, we just substitute a traditional vanilla extract with a peppermint extract instead.

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    The possibilities with this fun food craft are endless.

    Convert your favorite no-bake cheesecake into a sweet gift. I love to decorate jars with spray paint or a scrap of pretty fabric.

    These gifts can easily be personalized and will be a fun treat for whoever you might share them with.

    I guarantee if you made me one of these, as a hostess gift, I would have you over and over again…

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    How To Decorate Yours No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars


    Supplies Needed

    10 Half-Pint Ball Jars

    Red Spray Paint (I REALLY recommend getting one of these to help with paint application)

    Hot Glue and Glue Sticks

    Green Grosgrain Ribbon

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    Directions

    Remove the bands from the jars and set aside. Outside or in a well-ventilated area, spread your jar lids out on newspaper.

    Shake your spray paint well.

    Slowly and evenly, spray your spray paint back and forth until all of the lids are covered with the spray paint.

    Allow these to dry for at least thirty minutes.

    Plug in your glue gun and allow it to heat up.

    Tie grosgrain ribbon (any width you desire) into a small bow. 

    Place your spray-painted lids on top of your jars and screw the bands into place.

    Squirt a tiny dot of hot glue on the back of your bow and place it on top in the center of your lid.  Hold it in place for a minute. Sit back and bask in your crafting glory.

     

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecakes In A Jar
     
    Author: Amy Allen Clark
    Prep time:
    Total time:
    Serves: 10
    A sweet & simple no-bake cheesecake in a jar that you can give to someone special for the holidays. This is the perfect little hostess gift, teacher gift, or neighbor gift to share!
    Ingredients
    • 10 Half Pint Ball Jars
    • Cooking Spray
    • 2 cups of chocolate sandwich cookies (approximately 17 cookies)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    • 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
    • 2 cups whipping cream, whipped
    • Red food coloring
    • 20 peppermint candies
    • 3 freezer bags
    • 1 rolling pin
    • For decorating jars (optional): Red Spray Paint, Green Grosgrain Ribbon, and Hot Glue
    Instructions
    1. Place your chocolate sandwich cookies in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to smash them until they become cookie crumbs.
    2. Add your melted butter and sugar to a bag and mix until the three ingredients pull together. You just want to make sure that your crust is well incorporated so it holds well together.
    3. Take the lids off of your glass jars and place them on a cookie sheet to contain the mess.
    4. Spray each of the jars with cooking spray. Put two spoonfuls of cookie crumbs into each jar and use the back of the spoon or your hands to press the crust into each jar.
    5. Slide the cookie sheet of jars back into the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
    6. In a large bowl, beat your cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in a can of sweetened condensed milk until it is smooth.
    7. Stir in your peppermint extract and red food coloring, approximately three drops, to achieve a pale pink color. Mix all of these ingredients well.
    8. Fold in your whipped cream.
    9. Remove your tray of jars from the freezer. Using a standard ice cream scoop, add one scoop of filling to each of your jars. Use the back of a small spoon to smooth the filling on top until it is level and smooth.
    10. Remove the wrappers from your peppermint candies. Place the peppermint candies into a double-bagged freezer bag and use your rolling pin to smash these into small pieces to garnish your cheesecakes. Sprinkle the broken peppermints on top of each one.
    11. Screw the lids back on your jars and put these back into the freezer. Freeze for two hours or until firm.
     

    Make a batch of these and keep them on hand for those unexpected occasions where a gift is needed!
    It also could be a lovely reward for yourself after all of that hard holiday preparation you have been doing. You deserve it.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Looking for more great holiday hostess gift? Here are 3 other projects to check out!

    How to Make Knitted Wine Toppers from MomAdvice.com knitted wine bottle hats and scarves

    slow cooker pumpkin candles

    DIY Vanilla Chai Tea Mix from MomAdvice.com diy vanilla chai tea mix in a jar

    What are some of your favorite hostess gifts to give? 

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

    No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars from MomAdvice.com

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    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe

    Monday, November 4th, 2019

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

     Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookie recipe can be made into beautiful sugar cookie rolls with just a few simple ingredients. This easy freezer recipe for gluten-free cookies is such a great item to keep stocked for the perfect hostess gift or for a friend in need. Tied with ribbon, you have the perfect gift for any occasion!

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Do you ever have a really hard time with a recipe and then later wonder if it had ever been tested?

    That was the case with this project from start to finish.

    These cookies were supposed to be simple and straightforward, but the recipe ended up being written completely wrong.

    Thankfully for you, I spent a whole day figuring out what went wrong with this one and how we can fix it so that you can have an awesome baking day!

    Please read this post carefully, I am offering you a load of tips for a successful baking day!

    Are M&M’s Gluten-Free?

    Let’s begin with the question, are M&M’s gluten-free?

    The answer is that most M&M’s are gluten-free.

    In fact, most of the varieties they typically carry, other than their pretzel variety, are gluten-free.

    What I found with the Red Velvet M&M’s though are that they are gluten-free, but in high times of production, like Halloween & Valentine’s Day, Mars uses alternative facilities to make its candy and some of those may introduce cross-contamination risks.

    These Red Velvet M&M’s are ones that could have been cross-contaminated.

    If this is of high concern, look for the plain M&M’s, preferably mini-M&M’s to help your dough hold up better. 

    It is always important to read your labels carefully and know that Mars Chocolate always promises to call out any wheat, barley, and rye ingredients by name, as well as any cross-contamination risks on their labels.

    I recommend this information page for finding which candies are safe to eat.

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Tips for a Successful Dough

    As, I am a big fan of the Betty Crocker cake mixes, I used this mix to create my cookies.

    As you can see when I mixed the ingredients together, this dough is very crumbly.

    To help make this dough really hold and stick together, add 3-4 teaspoons of water to the dough, until it really comes together. This will help when slicing your sugar cookie rolls.

    The recipe that was written did not add this to the dough and so when I sliced them, the cookie dough crumbled. I had to add my water later and chill them again for another three hours.

    Once I sliced with the liquid addition, the dough held much better.

    If you need these cookies to be dairy-free as well as gluten-free, please read the notes in the recipe on how you can create these without the butter.

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com


    Tips for a Successful Sugar Cookie Log

    One more thing, I learned while creating this cookies is that it is better to make your sugar cookie roll WITHOUT the M&M’s in it and then add them to your cookies after so you can get beautifully clean slices.

    Trying to cut through these Red Velvet M&M’s was a real challenge so I would encourage adding them after or just doing these cookies as a drop cookie.

    To do a sugar cookie roll, as pictured above with M&M’s, seek the mini varieties.

    Again, read the packaging carefully to insure that they are safe for eating.

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Wrap your sugar cookie roll in wax paper and chill for three hours or more.

    Once you are ready to bake off your cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and then slice them and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or a well-greased cookie sheet.

    I prefer parchment paper squares (like these), both for the ease of clean-up and how beautifully these cookies will set up.

    Allow these to cool and then transfer.

    These cookies are very delicate in texture so you will want to give them plenty of time to set up. 

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    What Do They Taste Like?

    These cookies are so delicious that you will NEVER know that they are gluten-free.

    The dough is so flavorful and the healthy dose of vanilla in the batter makes these taste like a cookie dough that you truly slaved over.

    The addition of the candies adds that yummy chocolate flavor that I think every good cookie should have.

    With these helpful tips, I hope you will have a successful baking day and hope that this easy treat idea will help as you plan your own holiday treats this year!

    Can I Freeze These?

    Cookies can be frozen!

    It is recommended that you wrap them in aluminum foil or in a resealable plastic bag for up to one month.

    Let the cookies thaw on the kitchen counters overnight before serving.

    What Other Ways Can I Spice Up These Cookies?

    If you can’t have chocolate, there are many other ways you can spice these easy cookies up.

    Add Sprinkles– Lightly beat one egg white and brush the tops of your cookies with it, then sprinkle with gluten-free sugar sprinkles.

    Add Zest– Add 1 teaspoon of grated lemon, orange, or key lime zest

    Switch Your Extract– Try a different extract in your dough like almond or butter

    Make It Spicy– Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or dust the tops with the egg white & a cinnamon & sugar combo.

    Check out the recipe below! Love this project? Here are a few other gift ideas I think you will like!

    diy your own chai tea mix

    diy vanilla chai mix

    diy orange sugar scrub

    how to make knitted wine hats and scarves diy knitted wine hats & scarves

    diy mojito bath salts

    DIY Grilling Seasoning Mixes for Father's Day with printable labels diy grilling seasoning mixes

    How to Make a Knitted Coffee Sweater

    knitted coffee cozies

     

     

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Cookies
     
    Author: Amy Clark
    Prep time:
    Cook time:
    Total time:
    Serves: 3 dozen
    Cake mix cookies that can be gluten-free and dairy-free for a fun treat to share for any holiday.
    Ingredients
    • 1 package (15 ounces) yellow gluten-free cake mix
    • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter- if dairy-free replace with vegetable shortening, MELTED
    • 1 large egg
    • 3-4 teaspoons warm water, just until you see your dough pull together
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • 3/4 cup M&M’s or read the post for other ways to spice up these cookies
    Instructions
    1. Place the cake mix, butter (or vegetable shortening), egg, water, and vanilla in your mixing bowl and beat on low speed until well-combined.
    2. Using a spatula fold in the M&M’s (if mini-sized) or reserve to press these into each cookie after they have been cut (if large-sized)
    3. Place the cookie dough on a sheet of wax paper and then press with your hands to form a long,approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Tightly roll the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight.
    4. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets well or cover these in parchment paper.
    5. Unwrap the dough and transfer to a cutting board and slice them in 1/4-3/8″ slices.
    6. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake until the cookies are lightly browned on the edges,7-10 minutes.
    7. Let the cookies fully cool before transferring.
     

     

    Have you ever made gluten-free cake mix sugar cookies? Do you have any tips for beginning gluten-free bakers on ways to increase success with cake mix cookies?

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

    Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe from MomAdvice.com

     

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