I definitely could not let the official start of basketball season at my son's school without commemorating the event with a fun basketball recipe. His team often has celebrations throughout the season and parents are always being asked to bring treats and donate their time. My son and his teammates love cookies and they love anything that has to do with basketball. I thought it would be fun to utilize my chocolate pop making experience to create some delicious basketball cookie pops for them to enjoy. Many of you probably don't know this but I worked at a gourmet chocolate shop when I was in college and learned quite a bit about creating delectable treats with chocolate. But that is a post for another day. In the meantime, check out this fun recipe that is so easy to make! Basketball Cookie Pops Ingredients: Oreo cookies 2 cups orange candy melts 1 cup brown candy melts Lollipop sticks Parchment paper Decorating bag Directions- 1. Lay out a … [Read more...]
Coconut Cupcakes Recipe
We are finally back in the full swing of things here in New York City. It feels like we were the last ones to start back to school after seeing all the pictures that parents have already been posting for weeks on social media from other states. We finish school at the end of June which is why we start up later than most other places. My sons are enjoying their new teachers and classes. Honestly, I'm just glad that we got through the first week. As usual, my boys come home starving after being in school all day. I now have a tenth-grader and a seventh-grader and they both have huge appetites. Since I am a full-time Working Mom, I don't have a lot of opportunities to bake treats for them when they get home from school. However, this week I am actually off today and tomorrow for the Jewish holiday so I am taking advantage by making coconut cupcakes for my big boys. These cupcakes are really easy to make and they taste delicious. I'm so excited to see how my boys are … [Read more...]
S’mores Candy Bark
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to make some S'mores outdoors for the first time. I know I'm kind of a late starter but, better late than never! I absolutely feel in love with how delicious they tasted and vowed to enjoy them as often as possible. Since it is not always possible to make S'mores the traditional way, I came up with a fun S'mores Candy Bark recipe that you can enjoy indoors no matter what time of the year it is. This recipe is also a lot of fun to make with the kids. I hope you guys will enjoy this S'mores Candy Bark recipe as much as we do! S’mores Candy Bark Supplies needed: - 2 cups of milk chocolate chips - honey graham crackers, 1 sleeve - 1 cup of mini marshmallows - mixing bowl, microwave safe - wax paper - baking sheet Directions: 1. Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between intervals. Repeat until the chocolate is … [Read more...]
Jolly Rancher Lollipops
This past Saturday, I was so excited to be able to enjoy some warm weather with my family here in New York City. Just to to feel the sun on my face and spend some time outdoors did wonders for my mood and put a big smile on my face. Since my sons and nephews were together all weekend, I decided to make some special treats for them to enjoy. I don't always indulge their sweet teeth but I wanted to to celebrate the possibility of spring finally starting. Some of my all-time favorite candies are Jolly Rancher Candies. I can still remember going to the corner store with my grandmother in the Soundview section of the Bronx and buying a handful of the sweet and colorful delights. Eating them always made me happy and I wanted to see what other delectable and yummy treats I could make with them. It turns out that they are just as delicious when melted and made into lollipops and the kids love them because they can enjoy them while they ride up and down the block on … [Read more...]
Bunny Cookies
Next weekend is Easter and we will be spending that time with my Sister In Law and meeting our new niece Jazlyn who was born this week. Not only is it special because we will be creating precious memories with family but also because of the religious significance of the day for all of us. Since we will be taking a road trip to visit my SIL, I wanted to make some special treats for my sons and nephews to enjoy on the trip over there. There is no better treat for eating on the road than cookies. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also easy to transport. I'm pretty sure the whole family will love these delicious Bunny Cookies. Everyone, that is, except our niece. She will have to wait until next year when her teeth grow in to sample them! Bunny Cookies Ingredients- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract 1 egg 3 1/2 cups flour 1 Tablespoon milk Decorating- 2 cups white candy melts … [Read more...]
Easter Basket Cookies
I can't believe that Easter is right around the corner! It seems like we were just getting ready for Christmas a little while ago. Even though my boys are older, I still enjoy preparing baskets for them to enjoy on Easter morning. This year, I will probably be adding some gift cards and some wrapped Easter Basket cookies. These treats were so easy to make and they look adorable. I hope you make them for your family and enjoy them this Easter as well! Easter Basket Cookies Ingredients: 1 box of cake mix, any brand 1/2 C. vegetable oil 2 tbsp. flour 2 eggs 1 C. coconut flakes Green food coloring non-stick cooking spray Sour Punch Green Apple, Strawberry and Blueberry Candy Straws (I found mine at my local gas station in the candy section) White frosting Toothpicks Cadbury mini malted eggs Round frosting tip Disposable piping bag Kitchen scissors Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 12 count muffin … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Cupcakes
We are two weeks away from the year's most romantic holiday and I am already starting to feel all the love in the air. Not only do I like to celebrate the day with my sweetheart, AKA-Hubby, but I also enjoy making special treats for my boys so they will be reminded of how much they are loved. When they were little, I used to make little gift baskets for them with little trinkets and sweets. Now that they are older, the way to their hearts is through their stomachs so I make sure that I bake their favorite desserts for them to enjoy. This year, by special request, I am making cupcakes for Valentine's Day. Ever since we had our kitchen remodeled last summer, they expect me to use our new oven and stove whenever they have a craving for a special meal or they have a sweet tooth. I'm starting to wonder if getting new appliances was a good idea after all! Of course, I'm just kidding, I love baking and cooking for all my guys! The best part is that these Valentine's Day … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja
My husband is part Cuban which means that I get to sample the most delicious foods and recipes at all of his family's gatherings. One of my absolute favorites is Ropa Vieja which is a Cuban dish consisting of shredded beef that usually is derived from either skirt or flank steak. The term "Ropa Vieja" actually means "Old Clothes" in Spanish because that is what the shredded meat in this dish actually looks like. I've always loved this dish when it has been prepared by my In-laws because the beef is always tender and so very flavorful. Since I have committed to using my slow cooker a lot more lately, I wanted to try making this dish in it. Here is a delicious Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja recipe: Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe Yields: 4 Servings Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook: 8 Hours Ingredients: 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 ½ pounds skirt steak or flank steak 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), sliced thin 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (can leave seeds or remove … [Read more...]
Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
It might seem like the summer weather is far away when you take into consideration all of the rain that we have been having here in New York City lately. Maybe it is my wishful thinking longing for some sun and fun outdoors but I am really looking forward to cookouts and family get-togethers this summer. Since my brother and father work in the produce business, I always have access to fresh fruits during the spring and summer. There is nothing better than enjoying fruit salad with your loved ones when the weather is warm. Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad is one of our favorite recipes because, not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it is delicious too! It's also an extremely versatile recipe because you can substitute any of the fruits for those that you prefer or that are more pleasing to your palate. Not to mention any that you need to exclude due to any existing food allergies that you may have. So have fun with it and serve it at your next outdoor event this summer! … [Read more...]
Vegan Double Chocolate Black Bean Brownies
Many people are going vegan these days for a variety of reasons. Some people do it because they are animal rights activists, others do it because they are concerned about our planet and taking care of our natural resources, and still others do it because they think it is a healthier diet option. Whatever your reason is for following a vegan diet, I have been curious for a long time about how good some of these vegan recipes actually are. I figured what better way to try a vegan dish than to make a vegan dessert?!?! A vegan diet is also known as a "plant-based" diet and it consists of giving up all meat, dairy, egg and animal products from everything you eat. As a Survivor, I am always looking for ways to take better care of my body but I'm not sure if I could fully commit to giving up dairy and egg from my diet. Although I currently drink only almond milk, I love eating cheese and I've always been a big fan of eggs. I think I could eat more vegan dessert treats if … [Read more...]
