Orange-Infused Nutella Whoopie Pies

by rtnatashaartaviaApril 19, 2020

They’re cute, they’re miniature and they are oh-so delicious! Whoopie pies are the perfect-sized dessert for our little sweet tooth. And these orange-infused Nutella whoopie pies will have our little one begging for these homemade goodies again and again. Plus, this dessert makes for a great gift!

Ingredients for Orange-Infused Nutella Whoopie Pies

Cream filling:
1 orange
5 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup caster/ superfine sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup cream cheese

Whoopie pie:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup caster/superfine sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup Nutella
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup skimmed milk
a pinch of salt

Method
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F

2. Make the cream filling. Finely grate the orange zest and squeeze the juice. Melt the butter in a bain-marie or a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add the sugar, egg, juice, and zest of the orange. Beat continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Beat in the cheese and chill for 1 hour.

3. Make the whoopie pies. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar. Add the egg, Nutella, cocoa powder, and milk. Mix well then add the flour and baking powder mixture.

4. Place 30 small spoonfuls of the mixture on a baking sheet covered with baking parchment. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Remove from the oven, leave to cool on a cooling rack, then sandwich together with the cream filling.

A Chocolate “Wacky” Cake for Wacky Times

By Jessie Sheehan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 19, 2020

Social distancing with my two teenage boys, my husband and my dog for the last month, has been both a blessing and a curse, as they say. Have I loved binge-watching “Dexter” on a nightly basis while eating popcorn and leftover Easter candy or slices of cake or a bowl of ice cream (yes, the “no-eating in the TV room” rule was discarded weeks ago), all of us snuggled together on the couch (okay, that’s a lie—there’s no snuggling happening, as the three over 6-feet giants with whom I cohabit are not really all that snuggly)? Of course! Doing so is literally the highlight of every day. And have I loved how my husband (enthusiastically) and my children (reluctantly) help with dinner each night? Yes! So fun. The best. And is it a treat to see my kids a bit less stressed by school, extracurricular activities, their social lives, etc? 100%. I’m kind of the anti-helicopter mom, and so seeing them slow down and feel less pressure is indeed a blessing in my world.

But you know what is very much not a blessing (that’s right, you guessed it—the curse) of all of this? Cooking and preparing food 24/7 for two boys with voracious appetites and a husband who is big on snacking. I mean, of course, I love feeding my family, but every meal, every day, for weeks on end? No thanks. Not to mention the fact that we are trying to go to the grocery store infrequently, and when we do go, we cannot find the majority of items for which we are looking (GoGo Squeeze and toilet paper, I’m looking at you). And, to make matters worse, I make and write about sweets professionally, and items like flour, sugar, and butter are—as many of you can attest to—in short supply. Enter the chocolate “wacky” cake, a blessing, indeed, and a cake that I have always loved to make and eat, but one that is now on permanent rotation in my (cursed) “always-open for business” kitchen.

A “wacky” cake or a “depression” cake, as it is sometimes called, is a cake that is made without butter or eggs or dairy—wacky, I know. Many believe that such cakes, requiring none of the ingredients one usually thinks of when cake-making, rose to popularity when said ingredients were scarce (ie: during the Great Depression). Thus, I think we can all agree that it is not such a huge leap to think about baking up such a cake (or many) right around now, and that is exactly what I have been doing and am hoping you will, too.

My chocolate wacky cake recipe does call for flour, cocoa powder and sugar (you can use granulated or brown—light or dark), so if you cannot find one of those, sadly—for you and your littles—you will not be baking up a wacky cake any time soon. But if you have those items on hand (or can find them in the grocery store), as well as some leavening, vanilla, salt, vegetable oil, and vinegar, well, then you, my friend, are in luck (you also need water, but am hoping (praying?) that it is a given that you’ve got that.

The cake comes together simply in a bowl with a whisk, as I like to think of myself as the “queen” of easy-peasy sweets, and this is the easiest of the peasiest. My recipe also includes ingredients and instructions for a simple chocolate frosting, but it does require butter and heavy cream, and if those prove challenging to find, then skip the frosting altogether—the cake is so moist and deeply chocolatey, that I swear you’ll hardly miss it, and this, coming from a mom who loves frosting as much as her own children. Moreover, without the frosting, the cake is vegan, so there’s that, too.

Vegan or not, however, the cake is delicious—perfect for adults and kids, alike. Moreover, although I am not crazy about baking with my teenagers, and prefer to do it in solitude, actually, if baking with your children is something that brings you joy—or gets them off of their screens, albeit briefly—this cake is for you, as it is one of those baking “projects” that couldn’t be easier or faster to accomplish. The recipe can be found here. Happy baking and Netflix binging to all, and above all else (and in all seriousness) please be safe and well.

Jessie Sheehan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jessie Sheehan is a food writer, recipe developer, and the author of The Vintage Baker. After abandoning an unfulfilling legal career and becoming a mom to her two sons, Jessie found her baking philosophy. Unfussy, old-school American desserts with a modern twist!

This New Ice Cream Will Help You Get to Sleep (Yes, Really!)

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 12, 2019

If you love dishing up a bowl full of ice cream before bed, then you might want to check out this new ice cream sleep aid that promises to turn your sweet treat into even sweeter dreams.

Despite the claim that Nightfood Ice Cream will help you sleep, it is in fact not designed to knock you out. The ice cream contains no drugs or supplements of any kind. Instead the way the ice cream works is by enabling healthier digestion, which in turn leads to a better night’s sleep, according to Nightfood founder and CEO Sean Folkson.

photo: Nightfood

As Folkson explained to USA TODAY, the sugar, fat and calories found in traditional ice cream recipes can trigger micro-awakenings which lead to fragmented sleep. “The insidious part is most people won’t even realize it,” Folkson said. “It’s not conscious tossing and turning. It’s just their sleep quality is poor, and they’re not making the connection… (Nightfood) lowers the glycemic index so there’s no insulin roller coaster.”

Developed in partnership with sleep experts, the ice cream is made with low caffeine cocoa powder and is loaded with protein as well as nutrients like calcium and magnesium. It comes in eight dreamy flavors including Full Moon Vanilla, Midnight Chocolate, After Dinner Mint Chip, Cold Brew Decaf, Cookies ‘n Dreams, Milk & Cookie Dough, Cherry Eclipse and Bed and Breakfast.

Nightfood is slowly rolling out to stores across the country, but it if you can’t find it at your local grocer yet, it’s also available online at $5.99 a pint.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Evan Kirby via Unsplash

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Starbucks’ New Italian Espresso Drink Is Delightfully Dark Chocolate-y

by Erica LoopSeptember 12, 2018

So you say you’re all in for traveling to Milan to check out Starbucks’ brand-new Reserve Roastery in Milan? Oh wait—you have a job…and kids…and a budget that doesn’t include a weekend trip to Italy for coffee. That’s totally okay. Starbucks new Cordusio espresso drink brings Italy to you!

Even though your local Starbucks won’t magically transform into the super-posh Milan Roastery, you can still get a taste of that fancy life with an espresso named after the historic Piazza Cordusio in Milan, located right in front of Starbucks’ first Italian store.

Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks

What’s so special about this fancy new drink? Aside from the rad name, the drink has an extra shot of espresso. (Moms everywhere cheer.) And that’s paired with with steamed whole milk and mocha sauce. Oh, but that’s not all. There’s a light dusting of cocoa powder gracing the top. Yum!

With the extra shot of espresso, this is a high-caffeine drink that will more than make your morning. Heck, at roughly 315 mg of caffeine (for a grande), this mocha could just carry you through your entire day.

If you’re short on time, make some for this special, decadent treat: this Italian awesomeness won’t be around forever. Sadly, the Cordusio isn’t likely to be part of the regular Starbucks menu. According to the coffee retailer’s website, it’s only available while supplies last.

—Erica Loop

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Cloud Nine Creamery: The Coolest Ice Cream Shop to Hit Seattle

by Kristina MoyFebruary 22, 2018

For ice cream lovers, it doesn’t get much better than a seriously sweet scoop of handcrafted ice cream. But what if we told you there was a place in town where you could get an exceptionally smooth and creamy scoop made to order right in front of your eyes? Say hello to Cloud Nine Creamery, Westfield Southcenter’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream shop. If you’re ready to give this latest science experiment turned dessert craze a lick, read on for the scoop.

photo: Cloud Nine Creamery

How It Works
The fun begins the moment you walk up to Cloud Nine’s floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Peer through the glass and feast your eyes on the scientist-like clouds of fog billowing over the counter, onto the floor and out of the shop’s door thanks to the infusion of liquid nitrogen. Once inside, this is where the fun really begins. Start by selecting your base: milk, yogurt or vegan coconut and your container: waffle bowl, cone or cup. Then, choose your flavor. Cloud Nine offers 18 different flavors, including Strawberry, Raspberry, Lychee, Coconut, Mint, Cherry, Green Tea, Vanilla, Cookie ‘N Cream, Double Chocolate, Cake Batter, Nutella, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter, Butter Pecan, Coffee and Pistachio. Next, it’s time to add your mix-ins which range from candy and nuts to cookie crumbles and fruit. Choose from 27 different options, including popular kid faves like cookie dough, whipped cream, gummy bears, Nutella, brownies, strawberries, marshmallows, chocolate chips, Oreo cookies, peanut butter, sprinkles, Teddy Grahams and white chocolate or candies such as M&Ms, Snickers, Heath Bar, Kit Kat, Twix, Reese’s Minis and Butterfinger.

From there, your personalized concoction is handcrafted right in front of your eyes using the magic, err science, of liquid nitrogen. And once the fog lifts, your delicious and oh-so creamy concoction is ready to eat. Want to make your ice cream even sweeter? Add on a Sauce Syringe ($1 each or four for $3) and top your Cloud Nine creation off with chocolate fudge, sweetened condensed milk, cherry, caramel or seasonal flavors.

Brave the Element
Wondering how Cloud Nine ice cream gets so creamy and what liquid nitrogen has to do with it? That’s all thanks to some weird (and totally cool!) science. Standard ice cream is made by freezing batches in a freezer for approximately 45 minutes. This process tends to cause ice crystals to form — which makes ice cream hard and icy in texture. This is where liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees comes in. Since it’s so cold, it freezes the creamy base immediately on contact and makes the milk particles stay small and not form into ice crystals. The result? Creamier and smoother ice cream that stays colder longer.

Partnering with Local Businesses
Being a family owned and operated business, Cloud Nine knows the importance and value of working with local partners. And that’s why the shop has partnered with several Northwest businesses to help make the magic and science of its liquid nitrogen ice cream even sweeter. West Seattle’s beloved Alki Bakery provides goodies such as cheesecake, brownies and apple pie for Cloud Nine’s signature dishes (psst…look for future announcements about delish new treats that Alki is whipping up exclusively for Cloud Nine); Off the Waffle, from Oregon, brings the aroma of authentic Liège, Belgium waffle cones to Cloud Nine which are made from dough balls instead of being poured on a hot iron; NORPA, a cooperative of family-owned Oregon farms, provides all the organic strawberries, bananas and mixed berries; and Caffé D’arte offers its espresso for drinks (caffeinated and decaf) as well as for Cloud Nine’s signature dishes such as the Caramel Affogoto – a shot of espresso, fresh cream, caramel, whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel over the top.

Signature Dishes
Can’t decide on a custom mix? Let the Cloud Nine Nitros serve you one of their signature dishes (9 in total), including Chips and Cream (chocolate or vanilla ice cream with a side of French fries); Ube Famous (Ube cheesecake, coconut ice cream and a fortune cookie garnish); Cookie Monster (cake batter ice cream, Oreo cookie crumbs, cookie dough and a Oreo cookie garnish); Scout OG (mint ice cream, Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies and Chocolate Chunk Girl Scout cookies); The Big Apple (vanilla ice cream, Alki Bakery apple pie, caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cinnamon dusting); Banana Cream Pie (banana ice cream, fresh bananas, Nilla wafers, caramel sauce and whipped cream); Caramel Affogoto (double shot of Caffé D’arte espresso, ice cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream); and Triple Chocolate Brownie (chocolate ice cream, Alki Bakery brownie, chocolate sauce, chocolate chunks, whipped cream and a cocoa powder dusting). Seasonally, Cloud Nine plans to celebrate with additional signature dishes like s’mores, pumpkin and pineapple.

Special Grand Opening Offers
Cloud Nine is kicking off its first week of business with nine days of deals. Pick a day or come in for all nine. You won’t be disappointed!

Friday, February 16 – Grand Opening Golden Tickets
Nine random winners will receive one year of free ice cream (one regular ice cream per week) if they are lucky enough to discover a golden ticket on the bottom of their cup!

Saturday, February 17 – Nine Early Birds
The early bird gets free ice cream. The first nine guests at Cloud Nine Creamery will receive a free regular ice cream.

Sunday, February 18 – Saucy Sunday
Get one free flavored sauce syringe to top off your ice cream purchase. Flavors include Chocolate Fudge, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Cherry, Caramel and seasonal offerings.

Monday, February 19– Nitro Upgrade
The only thing better than Cloud Nine Ice Cream is more of it! Get more on Monday when you upgrade your ice cream one size for free.

Tuesday, February 20 – Mix-in Mania
Go nuts, get fruity or satisfy your chocolate candy craving with one free mix-in when you buy a regular ice cream.

Wednesday, February 21 – Off the Waffle Wednesday
Experience the authentic, house made Belgium waffles at Cloud Nine when you get a free waffle bowl with any ice cream purchase.

Thursday, February 22 – Shake It Up
Ice cream bowls and cones are not the only items to get mix-ins. Shake it up by adding a free mix-in with any shake purchase.

Friday, February 23 – Date Night Bogo
Love and ice cream are made to share. Bring a loved one and buy one Strawberries & Cream Waffle and get a second one, for free!

Saturday, February 24 – Take a Chocolate Dip
On the ninth day of Cloud Nine’s grand opening, the Nitros will dip your waffle bowl in chocolate for free with any ice cream purchase.

Cloud Nine Creamery (located between Sears & and Din Tai Fung)
Westfield Southcenter
191 Southcenter Mall
Tukwila, Wa
206-466-4989
Online: cloudninecreamery.com and on Facebook

Have you tried liquid nitrogen ice cream before? What’s your favorite flavor? Dish in the comments below.

—Kristina Moy (all photos courtesy of the writer unless otherwise noted)

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Beer Gardens That Welcome Your Kids

by Wendy AltschulerJuly 11, 2017

Say “hello” to sunny days outside at a beer garden. And don’t forget to take your kids! Yep, sippy cups and steins happily coexist at a slew of places across the city and ‘burbs. We tracked down your best bets, from a motorcycle-themed hangout to a pizza joint you can’t miss. Cheers!

photo: Kaiser Tiger

Kaiser Tiger
As if the enormous beer garden that seats more than 200 wasn’t enough, there are also outdoor bocce ball courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a meal that’s the Bomb — no really, the Bomb Sandwich is a spicy beef and pork sausage served on a bun with pepper jack cheese, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion — or indulge in any one of the many kid-friendly wraps, sandwiches, salads, sides and fries. And if beer os the real reason you’ve brought the family out, Kaiser Tiger will not disappoint with a draft menu that includes brews on tap, in cans and in bottles.

1415 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Online: kaisertiger.com

The Dec Rooftop Bar
This is where Ritz-Carlton Chicago guests, plus lots of locals, let down their hair. Set high above Michigan Avenue, families can feast outdoors on burgers, salads and more. The drink menu is extensive and of course, you’ll also take dessert — cheesecake, anyone? It’s currently closed for renovation, but set to reopen in July.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E. Pearson St. at Water Tower Place, Downtown
Online: decarestaurant.com

Big Bricks
Nineteen beers on tap. Delicious Chicago-style pizza. Smoked meats. If you’re not ready to head on over to Big Bricks to cop a squat on the outdoor patio with the fam on the next warm day, you might not have Chicago blood running through your veins. The folks behind Bricks Pizza in Lincoln Park opened Big Bricks in Northcenter to pay homage to the city’s culinary heritage, with slowly smoked brisket, pulled pork or baby back rib platters, classic mouthwatering pizzas, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and an expansive beer and wine list.

3832 N. Lincoln Ave., Northcenter
Online: bigbrickschicago.com

photo: Chief O’Neill’s via Yelp

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant
Chief O’Neill was a father of 10, so have no fear, your brood won’t rattle the fine folks here. This classic Irish pub offers everything from Shepherd’s pie to yummy meatloaf to fish ‘n’ chips. And of course, like any respectable pub, there’s an ample drink menu complete with whiskeys, crafts, drafts, bottles, wines and drink specials. And when the weather warms up, hang out back in their lovely garden, where Chief O’Neill’s proves that grass can grow in the city.

3471 N. Elston Ave., Avondale
Online: chiefoneillspub.com

Iron Horse Ale House
This place is more than just pizza. It’s all about family friendliness, from the huge menu that has tons of even-your-kids-will-eat-that foods, to a drink list complete with drafts, bottles, cans, spirits, specialty drinks and wine. Oh, and did we mention that you can eat all this, drink all this, and be as merry as you want from the outdoor patio when Mother Nature cooperates? Well, if that’s not enough, did you know there’s an area for kids to make their own pizzas? Yeah, we thought you’d like that.

6158 N. Northwest Hwy., Norwood Park
Online: ironhorsechicago.com

photo: Twisted Spoke

Twisted Spoke
It might look like a scene from Sons of Anarchy, with a skeleton riding a motorcycle spinning on top of the roof, but this place is tons of family fun. The menu has plenty of kid-approved dishes like burgers, po’ boys, and yes, you can ask for grilled cheese. However, the real gem is the rooftop deck, which was Chicago’s first ever, complete with loads of seats overlooking the city’s stunning skyline. Top the whole trip off with drinks like a Road Rash Mary & Beer Back or a Smokin’ Selma (a scotch-based drink named after Salma Hayek) and you’re in for a real treat.

501 N. Ogden Ave., West Town
Online: twistedspoke.com

The Monarch
Like a beautiful butterfly, the Monarch knows you need to spread your wings when warm weather hits Chicago. That’s why the outdoor seating is so inviting — like a secret garden away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Bring the family out back and check out the brunch, dinner, drinks and dessert menu that even includes Dirt ‘n Worms — a delicious combo of cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate pudding and whipped cream.

1745 W. North Ave., Bucktown
Online: monarchchicago.com

photo: Mrs. P & Me

Mrs. P & Me
Since 1902, Mrs. P and Me has stood the test of time — it even lived through Prohibition. These days, families come for house specialties like Elmer’s ribs and BBQ chicken, and stay for little extras like the awesome outdoor patio. With an endless menu packed with burgers, wraps, salads, kids’ meals for those 12 and under, desserts, and of course, drafts and imports, you might want to bring some crayons and coloring books for the kids … you’re going to want to stay awhile!

100 E. Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect
Online: mrs-pandme.com

Smylie Brothers Brewing Company
Growing up on backyard family BBQs, the five Smylie Brothers were bound to form a foodie bond that they’d eventually share with the world through mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, smokehouse BBQ, entrees and regional brews. And with an awesome outdoor patio to enjoy the best of their best, including a kids’ menu that has pulled chicken or pork sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese, burgers, fries and more, your family will be transported back to the days of those backyard fire pits, except mom won’t have to help clean up after dinner.

1615 Oak Ave., Evanston
Online: smyliebros.com

photo: Fiammé via Tim H on Yelp

Fiammé
No, you’re not in Italy — it just tastes like it! Especially when you dine with the kids alfresco on the outdoor patio in the glow of flickering torches. While Fiammé gets major bragging rights for the wood-fired pizza, they are also known around town for having tasty apps and drinks, plus gluten-free pizza and pasta. If that doesn’t make you want to say mangia, what will!?

19 N. Washington St., Naperville
Online: fiammepizza.com

photo: Seven Lions

Seven Lions
Belly up for a fresh salad or sandwich at this lovely beer garden, located right across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and down the block from Millennium Park. If you can make it between 3-6 p.m., any day of the week, you can enjoy $8 bites and pours from a select menu and all draft beers are half off! Valet parking is available or you can park at the underground garage (or take the Metra train!).

130 S. Michigan Ave., Streeterville
Online: sevenlionschicago.com

— Wendy Altschuler & Jo Aaron

7 Amazing Instant Pudding Hacks

by Amber GuetebierJune 26, 2017

Let’s face it: instant pudding is the lazy person’s dessert and we are totally fine with that. But what if we told you that those magic little packets can not only make pudding immediately, they can also elevate your other desserts with minimal effort? Impress your family, your friends and your co-workers with these simple but oh-so-effective pudding hacks. Scroll down to learn more.

photo: Kevin Micalizzi via flickr

1. Add it to cookies.

Adding a pouch of pudding mix to any cookie recipe will take your cookie from yum to OMFG in seconds. Literally, seconds. Try out these Peanut Butter S’more Cookies from Chef in Training.

2. Add it to cake.

If you are making a chocolate cake from scratch or a mix, just make a quick batch of pudding and stir it in. Cut back a little on the other wet ingredients as needed. Or, if you’re really feeling low-key, just dump the package into the cake mix for flavor. Add milk instead of water if you want to blow their cake-eating minds. And yes you can, and should, also try this with brownies.

3. Inject it into cupcakes.

There are two ways to go about getting pudding inside your cupcakes. The easy method: slice off the tops and gently scoop out a spoonful of cupcake and then glob in a spoonful of pudding in its place. Replace the cupcake top and frost. The next-level method: using a baster or (better yet) a culinary syringe, shoot pudding inside your cupcake. This will be less of a filling and more of an overall moistening. And that is ay-okay.

4. Make frosting with it.

Since you’re going for it, add any flavor pudding mix to your basic frosting (powdered sugar and milk). Take it old-school and simple, like Spoon University and add Cool Whip too.

5. Pudding pops, of course.

We know, you already know you can turn instant pudding into popsicles. But did you know you can toss pudding mix, strawberries and milk into a blender and then pour into the molds for strawberry pudding pops? Apply this same theory to raspberries, coconut or whatever you fancy.

6. Yo, gurt! Plus, a fakeout.

Stir a couple teaspoons of instant chocolate pudding mix into plain or vanilla yogurt for a chocolate pudding vibe with a few less calories and sugar. Want to go lower? Just use cocoa powder mixed into your yogurt and call it pudding. They will probably not notice.

7. Layer it on.

Did somebody say parfait? Get crazy with your pudding and other yummy stuff layers to customize just the way kids like it. Just whip up a batch of your fave instant pudding, then grab a few glass jars or wine glasses. Add your pudding to the bottom and alternate with layers of whipped cream and your choice: we love cake chunks, cookie crumbles, fresh fruit, donuts, cinnamon rolls and even candy bars. Nobody said this would be low fat.

What are your favorite instant pudding hacks? Tell us in a comment below.

6 Forest Friendly Snacks for Your Woodland Creatures

by Amber GuetebierDecember 4, 2016

When it comes to woodland creatures, your little mousies will squeak with delight when they see the spread you lay out for your next party (or maybe just for afterschool treats). From raccoon snack plates to candy acorns, scroll down for forest friend recipes fit for your creatures, great and small.

photo: The Lamb Family via flickr

1. Hedgehog Cheese Plate
You can use plain cream cheese or mix in some shredded carrot or chives for an herbaceous flavor. (Click here for one of our favorite cheese ball recipes!) The hardest part of this task is shaping that cheese ball into a tear drop shape. Press slivered almonds into the back to create the bristles, surround with your kiddos favorite crackers and chomp on!

photo: Life Unadorned

2. Raccoon Snack Plate
When we saw Life Unadorned’s insanely cute raccoon snack plate, we couldn’t resist a little jump for joy. Not only is it adorable, it’s healthy and easy to put together. Visit Life Unadorned for the complete tutorial, plus other amazing ideas for party fun.

photo: Cup of Sugar, Pinch of Salt

3. Magic Mushroom Caprese Salad
Pint-sized foragers won’t crinkle their noses at these mushrooms from Cup of Sugar, Pinch of Salt’s take on a traditional caprese salad. These bite-sized apps are low in fat and big on flavor, and perfect for any woodland themed party (or maybe just an afternoon nosh!). Get the recipe here.

photo: Mon Petit Four

4. Perfect Log Cake
If you want to make an edible center piece to your woodsy affair, a traditional Buche de Noel will fit the bill. This version from Mon Petit Four features a spongy chocolate cake with a whipped cream filling, a guaranteed crowd pleaser. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Cakes and More

5. Meringue Mushroom Treats
Whether you use them for decorating your cake or just spread them out on a wood slab of their own, these meringue mushrooms from Cakes and More will delight all your party goers. Dusted with cocoa powder, they make a light and airy treat that’s well worth the effort. Get the details on creating these fungal masterpieces here.

photo: Pear Tree Kitchen

6. Little Acorn Candies
Fill your favorite bowl with these perfect little acorn candies from Pear Tree Kitchen. Just the right size for your little squirrels, they’re super easy so you can them involved in the making (expect a little nibbling along the way). Find out how to do it at Pear Tree Kitchen.

What nibbles do your little creatures like to eat?

—Amber Guetebier & Susie Forseman

3 Spooky Treats that Aren’t Scary Sweet

by Erin FeherSeptember 29, 2015

It’s easy for these next few weeks to turn into sugar high–fueled candy fest, so that’s why we loved these three Halloween treat ideas from local mom, author and food-blogger Jennifer Tyler Lee. Cupcakes? Check. Chocolatey goodness? Check. But while these spooky snacks may be all dressed up to look like your typical sugar bombs, they are actually light on the white stuff and packed with healthy ingredients instead.

Batty Pumpkin Cupcakes
Cut back on sugar by dressing up a whole-wheat pumpkin muffin as a cupcake. Top with maple buttercream frosting, dust with dark cocoa powder, and then decorate with handmade paper wings to turn them into bats. Or make ‘em mini, because two-bite baby bats are fun too! You can find the complete recipe right here.

No-Bake, Nut-Free Spooky Spider Cookies
These creepy crawlies may look scary, but there are no frightening ingredients inside! Packed with healthy fats, these no bake nut free oatmeal cookies are perfect for Halloween parties at school, as they are made with rolled oats, sunflower butter, coconut shreds and honey. They’re also fun and easy for kids to decorate. You can find the full recipe right here.

Graveyard Chocolate Pudding Cups
Frightfully delicious, these miniature chocolate pudding cups are made with chocolate avocado pudding and topped with toasted coconut. A cookie serves as the headstone, and doubles as a spoon for enjoying your ghoulish treat. Find the complete recipe here.

Do you have any favorite healthy Halloween treat? Tell us in the comments below!

–Erin Feher

12 Great Recipes to Make This Summer

by Erin LemJune 24, 2015

You’ve beelined it to your local ice cream parlor on a hot summer day and regularly dish out yogurt at snack time. In fact, dairy may be your kids’ favorite food group. Luckily for you, Washington state produces some of the highest-quality dairy products around. All of the milk produced by Washington dairy farm families is rbST free and it all comes from happy cows. Red Tricycle Seattle writer, Helen recently visited a WA dairy farm and got inspired to take advantage of these high-quality dairy products in your own kitchen. Flip through the photo gallery to get cookin’.

DIY Frozen Banana Split

Banana splits are a classic summer staple. If you're feeling in the mood, check out this beloved dessert from cook, writer, photographer and mom, Shaina Olmanson. These delicious sweet treats, served in glass jars, make for a crafty DIY dessert and easy clean-up afterward. Perfect for laid-back summer fun!

Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
5 bananas, peeled, cut in chunks, and frozen
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in 100% juice, drained
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup chocolate sauce; recipe follows
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
8 maraschino cherries

Methods:
1. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and butter in a bowl. Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly among eight 8-ounce jars, and press the mixture into the bottoms of the jars.

2. In a food processor, blend the frozen banana chunks until smooth. Scoop on top of the graham cracker mixture and level off. Add one ounce of crushed pineapple to the top of each jar and follow with the strawberries. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the strawberries. (Reserve any leftover chocolate sauce for another use.)

3. Beat the cream and the confectioners’ sugar in a medium-size bowl until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the chocolate sauce and top each jar with a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Sauce:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Pinch of salt
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Methods:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream, water, cocoa powder, sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Allow to cool slightly. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; reheat it slightly before pouring over your dessert.

recipe and photo courtesy of Shaina Olmanson's book Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats that Shine. Buy the book on amazon.com.

Shaina Olmanson is a cook, writer, and photographer and the mother of four young children. She writes the popular (50,000 visitors each month) blog, FoodforMyFamily.com. She also writes for two other blogs, Food Your Way and Simple Bites, and she is the editor of the food channel for LifetimeMoms.com. She lives in Minneapolis.

What dairy product can your kids not get enough of? Which of the above recipes are you planning to make? Leave us a Comment below and “like” this story to share!

The Washington Dairy Products Commission celebrates the contribution of local dairy farm families. By producing wholesome and nutritious dairy products and caring for their cows and land, local dairy farm families are a key ingredient to making the northwest a great place to live. Learn more at www.akeyingredient.com.

ML Interest Tag: cocoa-powder

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