Yee Haw! Cowboy Hay Stacks - Dessert Recipe

It's Party Tip Tuesday over at Moms and Munchkins where I'm sharing my friend Jamie's delicious recipe for Cowboy Hay Stacks!  Mosey on over and take a look see! They were a hit at Liam's Round Up!

While you're there, be sure to check out the Farm Animal Party Cheryl created for her little guy!

Thanks for visiting!

Fun Ornament Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are an all time family favorite in our house. And these little festive gems are super fun and easy to make with the kiddos! I used the same basic instructions from my Sulley Inspired Popcorn balls but just altered it a bit to make them into fun ornaments!

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

2. 1 10 oz. package marshmallows

3. 1 tbs butter

4. non-stick cooking spray

5. wax paper

6. glass bowl

7. large mixing bowl

8. silicone spatula/spoon
9. green and red chocolate candies
10. red sugar
11. miniature candy canes

Directions:

Step 1.

Pop your popcorn. (I use an air popper.) Place in large bowl.

Step 2.

Melt the marshmallows in a glass bowl with the butter in the center by microwaving for about 1 minute and 15 seconds.

Step 3.
Once melted, stir the marshmallows and pour them over the popcorn. Then mix in marshmallows by hand.  TIP: Spray your hands with the non-stick cooking spray before mixing, this will keep the marshmallows from sticking to your fingers too much. Use caution, the marshmallow will be very hot!  (I always do this part when making them with the boys, so that they don't get burned.)

Step 4:

Compress the popcorn marshmallow mix into a ball, should make about 6. Place them on the wax paper.

Step 5:

While the popcorn balls are still warm, push in the the chocolate candies then sprinkle the red sugar on top, then compress again to make sure the candy sticks to the marshmallow.

Step 6:
Stick a miniature candy cane in the top of the ball.

Voila! Ornament Popcorn Balls!

Suggested FUN Variations:
 - Skittles work great for more colorful ornaments
 - Rice cereal can be substituted for popcorn
 - Add cupcake sprinkles
 - Add red or green food coloring to the melted marshmallow
 - Make balls in various sizes to create popcorn ball snowmen
 - Drizzle melted colored candy melts on top
 The possibilities are endless!

Thanks for visiting and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"Candy Corn" Pudding Parfaits

Looking for a quick and yummy dessert to feed your goblins on Halloween night?  How about Candy Corn Pudding Parfaits?

Inspired by Pinterest, my boys and I made these parfaits yesterday in seriously less than 10 minutes! I'm all about the quick treats!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
1 Package of Vanilla Instant Pudding
Milk
Orange Food Coloring Gel
Whipped Cream
Parfait Cups

HOW TO:
Following the instructions on the pudding packaging, prepare the pudding. Before placing it in the refrigerator, divide the pudding evenly into two bowls.  In one bowl, add 2-3 drops of orange food coloring gel and stir.  Refrigerate both bowls per packaging instructions.  (My pudding set in 5 minutes).

Once pudding is set, fill parfaits cups with 1/3 vanilla pudding and 1/3 orange pudding then top with whipped cream.

Ta-Da!  "Candy Corn" Pudding Parfaits!

Thank you for visiting and hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

Enjoy!

Easter Brunch Punch Recipe

We are planning an Easter Brunch with our lil' family this Sunday and in my search for a yummy Brunch Punch, I stumbled upon this Champagne Punch Recipe by Emeril Lagasse on foodnetwork.com. Doesn't it look yummy?


Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice
1 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup cognac
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 bottles chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine
Orange or lemon slices
Fresh strawberries, optional

Directions:
Combine the lemon juice, sugar, orange liqueur, Triple Sec, cognac, and orange juice in a non-reactive bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the Champagne and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Pour into a decorative bowl or pitcher. Garnish with orange or lemon slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve in Champagne flutes, wine glasses, or punch cups. Yields 12 to 16 servings, about 3 quarts

Thanks for visiting!

photo: foodnetwork.com