Pie Bars

Since Thanksgiving is upon us, I’ve been thinking about other variations of the classic pie… specifically, pie bars. These little bars are easier to make than the real deal and are much easier to serve and eat. I'm all for less messy food when I'm eating so I think I will give these bars a try. Since I haven't made pie bars before, I looked online for some inspiration. Below are photos of different flavored pie bars that I thought looked delish!

sources: pecan pie bars, pumpkin pie bars, key lime pie bars, blackberry pie bars

Now to choose a flavor.... I'm thinking blackberry.    

Sticky Gooey Caramel

Caramel is a great fall flavor, full of warmth and richness. Of course, I’m hoping to have some wonderful caramel goodness in my Thanksgiving dessert table. I must say that one of the items I was most impressed with from my Halloween dessert table was the caramel popcorn. It was delicious!

I will definitely make this again for the upcoming holidays. For Thanksgiving, I’m thinking about re-introducing caramel popcorn but in the shape of popcorn balls.

Take a look at these popcorn balls on sticks. These are great to serve at parties or you can wrap them up and tie with a ribbon so guests can take home as a favor. The best part about having them on a stick is… no sticky fingers!

Sources: caramel macchiato popcorn balls, jell-o popcorn balls, chocolate drizzled popcorn balls 

Ice Cream and Cupcakes

Ice cream cone + cupcake = cupcake decorated as ice cream?

Sources: Ice Cream cone, cupcake, ice cream cupcake

 

CLOSE…. but not close enough

Here’s the real deal. Check out these ice cream cone cupcake creations.

Sources: Chocolate dipped cone, swirl cone, classic cones with cherries, sugar cones

What do you think-do they look more like ice cream or cupcakes?

To make ice cream cone cupcakes, simply pour cupcake batter into the cones, secure the cones with foil in a muffin pan, bake, frost when the cupcakes have cooled, and decorate. You can top your treats with some of your favorite ice cream toppings such as: whipped cream, chopped nuts, melted chocolate, caramel, sprinkles, and don't forget the cherry on top! You can find Martha’s how-to for sugar cone cupcakes here. 

Ice cream cone cupcakes are fun for kid’s parties and the sugar cone cupcakes make a great adult treat. Try making some of these for a party without informing guests that they are cupcakes and see if you can trick them!     

Yogurt Cornbread

This is a delicious recipe for cornbread that you must try. My fiancé, a native of South Carolina, absolutely loves this and says it tastes like true southern cornbread. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is! 

Yogurt Cornbread Recipe

                                               Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter

½ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup plain yogurt (I used Fat Free)

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup yellow cornmeal (I used stone ground)

1 cup all purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

First and foremost, spray a 9 inch skillet with cooking spray and place it in the oven set at 375 degrees while you are assembling the recipe. This step is crucial to ensure your bread has a crispy exterior.

·         Melt butter in microwave; quickly mix butter, sugar and eggs. Beat until well combined

·         Combine yogurt with baking soda and add to the butter mixture

·         Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt (few lumps may remain)

·         Take heated skillet out of the oven

·         Pour batter into skillet, making sure to cover bottom surface

·         Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

Once finished baking, the cornbread should easily slide off the skillet, onto a plate. 

  
This will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Blue Dessert Table

I want to share some photos of a dessert table I created a little while ago. This table has a fun sporty/ocean theme. It incorporates different shades of blue, white, and a touch of light/lime green.

The tall cone centerpiece emulates the ocean while sea creature chocolate lollipops swim against the waves. 

The three plates towards the front feature chocolate stars (star fish) and gems (like those found in a buried treasure chest). Marshmallow cones are suggestive of the much craved ice cream cones sold on the beach. 

Baseballs, soccer balls, and footballs are created out of chocolate covered Oreos, just in case anyone wants to have a game of catch on the beach. 

 A pool of blue gummy sharks patiently waits for the kill. 

Finally, an assortment of blue-hued candies and chocolate-covered graham crackers with blue swirls top off the ocean theme. The table is sure to evoke carefree days spent at the beach.   

Many Ways With Rice Krispie Treats

Rice krispie treats are the perfect way to reminisce on childhood memories while getting your fingers sticky in such gooey deliciousness. While the plain treats will always be yummy, here are some ideas to liven up your treats. 

 

The top left photo shows how these simple treats can be turned into decadent desserts by making caramel turtle rice krispie treats. Following is a creative rice krispie pop which includes: white chocolate, dried cranberries, and macadamia nuts. Next is a rice krispie smores sandwich. What could be better than to enjoy one of those in front of an open fire!?

The adorable apple shaped rice krispie pops (image via bakerella) just gives you an idea of the different kinds of shapes you can make with these treats, and how you can also put these shapes on pops.

The rice krispie house is a great way to get the whole family involved. Besides decorating the house with candies, you can also decorate the yard by using green gum drops as trees and create a snowman from white gum drops. 

Can you believe that this sushi display is actually made out of rice krispies!? It looks so real that I had to take a second look. This all comes together by using candy (flavored tootsie rolls, fruit roll ups, airheads, and assorted gummies) for the fish and the rice krispie treats for the rice. [image via death by cupcake]

For those of you looking for wedding favor ideas, this bride and groom pair of rice krispie treats is too cute! Speaking of weddings, the rice krispie wedding cake is an original idea that can be made the same size as a wedding cake, or can make a nice groom's cake alternative.     

Since Thanksgiving is not too far away, I thought it was appropriate to include turkey rice krispie treats.

Thinking Pie...

Everyone in my family knows that for a special event (i.e. Thanksgiving) there must be apple pie on the table for my grandfather. So instead of the traditional apple pie, I am thinking of taking a stab at pie pops. There are many ways to be creative with these pops- the filling, shapes, and decorations can all be customized to your liking. Here are some photos that have inspired me.  

images are from (clockwise starting with top left): how sweet it is, BHG, buttercream, babycakes

Here is the link to the recipe I'm going to try: apple pie pops

Cute Candy Favors

I was just looking for some candy favor ideas and came across these cuties. They are simple, colorful and affordable. Here are the easy directions.

 

These can be used as favors, place cards, or just decoration. 

I absolutely love how the candy is color coordinated with the cupcake liners. Just make sure that you have strong cupcake liners, so that they can hold the weight of the candy.

Have a wonderful weekend!