Every year the grocery tallies the best and brightest products voted on by local customers and this year’s 12th edition has it all. From repeat winners to newbies on the block, keep reading to see the hottest goodies you won’t want to miss.
Calling all hot chocolate lovers! Last year, Auntie Anne’s launched Hot Chocolate Frost, a frozen twist on a classic holiday favorite which was only available for a limited time. The pretzel franchise just announced that it is bringing the sweet drink back by popular demand for 2020.
Auntie Anne’s Hot Chocolate Frost is a delicious frozen hot chocolate beverage topped with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of rich Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Pair this frosty sip with a freshly baked, hot- pretzel for a sweet and salty holiday combo.
“We all know the holidays can be hectic,” Marcel Nahm, Auntie Anne’s vice president of marketing, said in a press release last year. “We just want Hot Chocolate Frost to lift our guests from the stress and add a touch of happiness to their day. And perhaps, help them make a holiday memory with a friend or loved one.”
For more information, visit AuntieAnnes.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find an Auntie Anne’s location near you, visit auntieannes.com/locations.
This year, we may have to abandon many of our favorite Halloween traditions but we can still indulge in a sweet treat. Krispy Kreme is taking spooky right out of the season, giving fans a sweeter way to Trick-or-Treat. Guests can safely be sweet to others while treating themselves.
Introducing “Sweet-or-Treat” Saturdays: every Saturday from Oct. 10 through Halloween, Krispy Kreme will offer a $1 Sweet-or-Treat dozen to give to family, friends or neighbors with the purchase of any dozen. Each Sweet-or-Treat Original Glazed dozen is individually wrapped and includes a not-so-scary special edition Jack-o’-Lantern Doughnut. Fans can redeem the Sweet-or-Treat dozens offer at participating shops in the U.S., via drive thru and by ordering online at Krispy Kreme’s website or app for door-side pickup or delivery.
Additionally, Krispy Kreme will introduce a new batch of monsters so sweet, they’ll turn Halloween on its head. Available starting Oct. 5, Krispy Kreme’s Scary Sweet Monster Doughnuts are the sweetest take on three classic Halloween monsters that incite doughnut delight instead of fright.
Frank Monster Doughnut: A doughnut filled with Original Kreme, dipped in green icing, and decorated like a classic monster with icing, sprinkles, and pretzel piece bolts. Don’t be shocked. Frank is sweet.
Drake Monster Doughnut: A doughnut with raspberry filling, dipped in light purple icing, and decorated like a classic monster with icing and sugar piece eyes. Those aren’t fangs… they’re Drake’s sweet teeth.
Wolfie Monster Doughnut: An Original Glazed® doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and decorated like a werewolf with Chocolate Kreme™, a sugar piece face and cinnamon sugar cereal ears. So good it’ll make you howl.
“This Halloween, we’re trading scary for sweet and helping fans create new ways to safely enjoy the season,” said Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme. “Instead of asking for sweet treats, let’s give them away to all the neighbors, family and friends we appreciate so much. It’s not a normal Halloween, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it a sweet one.”
Additionally, Krispy Kreme is offering guests a free doughnut of choice when they wear a costume on Halloween to participating U.S. shops or drive-thrus.
Krispy Kreme wants you to share how you’re reverse trick-or-treating this Halloween and sweetening the spooky season by using #SweetOrTreat and #KrispyKreme and tagging @krispykreme. For more information regarding Krispy Kreme’s Scary Sweet Monster Doughnuts, please visit www.krispykreme.com/promos/halloween2020.
It’s not a trip to the mall without a stop at the Auntie Anne’s kiosk. Now you can get a soft pretzel without leaving your house. Auntie Anne’s is now selling a DIY At-Home Pretzel Kit for $20 that comes with enough supplies to make 10 delicious original or cinnamon pretzels.
You can choose to make the whole batch at once or enjoy them one at a time. Auntie Anne’s will even deliver it straight to your doorstep!
When the text arrived with the pic of a long-ago acquired recipe for “Cheezy Pretzels” from a former Little Folks School parent, Nicole Bagley, I had two reactions. The first was sheer joy at the memory of Nicole and her beautiful family; her two children, Dylan (now age 17) and Ella (now age 12) had attended the Little Folks School when they were young. And secondly, I laughed out loud at her message which stated that after 13 years—while sheltering in place in Colorado—they were finally getting around to making the pretzels!
At the Little Folks Summer Camp in Washington, DC, it is an annual tradition to hold a “Pretzel and Lemonade Sale” every July. Besides being a favorite activity that everyone in our community looks forward to, it is loaded with learning. The children work hard to measure out ingredients, to mix and knead the pretzel dough, and then to make it into shapes for baking. Children choose a job: welcoming customers, selling tickets, taking orders for pretzels and lemonade, holding signs, or passing out napkins. Our little bakers and entrepreneurs usually earn enough money to fund special treats at the end-of-camp Music and Art Fair!
Mid-day, family members and friends arrive to purchase the refreshments…and even the recipe!
Each year the campers make more and more pretzels, and no matter how many we make, they are always sold out. Not only is it fun to remember this fantastic event, but it is great to be reminded of this delicious and fun recipe, especially while we are staying at home and looking for activities to pass the time.
Remembering the bright spots from the past, and creating new memories, goes a long way to keep us feeling positive.
Maybe you can make a batch of pretzels and along with some fun memories with your children right now!
LITTLE FOLKS SCHOOL CHEEZY PRETZELS
Ingredients:
4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 package dry yeast
! tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
4-5 cups of flour
1 egg
coarse salt
Directions:
Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Combine salt, 4 cups of flour, and cheese. Stir in yeast mixture, adding more flour if needed to make a stiff dough. Knead 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
For traditional pretzels break off small pieces of dough and shape into a long snake, twisting to make a pretzel shape. It is also fun to makes circles, numbers, letters, etc…
Place pretzels on uncreased pans allowing space between them.
Brush each with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
On a recent trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, Red Tricycle came across some exciting new finds. Most notably, an entire line of Disney leggings!
A few years back, the magic guru partnered with then-popular Lularoe and developed an entire line dedicated to Disney. It looks like in the years since, they’ve embarked on their own lineup with tons of whimsical patterns that Disney enthusiasts will love.
The buttery-soft leggings have a little bit of a smaller waistband then their predecessors, but all the same comfort and style. The cozy pants are everything a park-goer wants on a busy day riding attractions. Who wants to let a bothersome waistband get in between you and that Mickey pretzel?
There were so many patterns, we had a hard time choosing our faves. Some of the most fun included sweet Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Ears and famous sidekicks like Hei Hei, Sleeping Beauty pals and those adorable Mary Poppins penguins.
Would you just look at these fun leggings? All the most amazing Disney attractions, including Big Thunder, the Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise come together on these one-of-a-kind pants.
We also fell in love with these super fun Toy Story leggings, as well as the classic titles leggings which is super reminiscent of your proud display of Disney VHS tapes.
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We can’t forget our fave cats and dogs! No matter which you prefer, there’s something for every kind of animal lover.
Perhaps our fave are these spooky Haunted Mansion leggings. The wallpaper-themed pants are a nice neutral color that can be worn year-round, as they should be!
You can find tons of options when you visit a Disney park or by heading to Shop Disney. Sizes range from XS to Plus 3x and range from $24 (sale) to $40 each.
Children are incredibly observant. They have to be in order to learn language and the ways of the world. And once they have language, they are quick to use it to talk about what they see.
According to research, babies as young as six months old can recognize racial differences. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that young children sometimes refer to the variations in the skin color of others. When my own children, who are biracial, were young, they could be heard making comments like: “Dad’s skin is so, so brown, his fingers look like pretzel sticks,” or “I wish that we all matched, I wish that we all had the same color skin.” While their observations were sometimes amusing, sometimes challenging, I always tried to respond affirmatively. Conversations about race can be uncomfortable, but now more than ever, they are essential.
So how do you address this issue with your young child? My first piece of advice is not to wait until your child brings it up. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge differences, albeit in a positive way, pointing out your child’s or someone else’s wonderful hair or beautiful skin.
When talking about skin color, you can explain to even children as young as three, that each of us has melanin in our bodies that determine the lightness or darkness of our skin. People living in hot climates developed more melanin to protect them from the sun, which made their skin darker. Point out that while we may have some physical things in common with other people, we all have a set of characteristics such as hair and eye color, hair texture, height, weight, and the shape of our features, that make us unique.
Like any issue that your child raises, it is essential to keep the lines of communication open, sending them a clear message that there are no taboo subjects.
Secondly, be sure that your children are exposed to children’s books and programming that includes a diverse array of characters. Fortunately, children’s literature has become more inclusive, publishing stories with protagonists with varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. Children’s toys have evolved, as well. Dolls and play figures now come in all shades. Be sure to include diverse choices in your child’s toy collection and use them as conversation starters.
And finally, if you want to send a positive message about race to your children, the most important thing that you can do is be inclusive in your social circle. Reach out and develop relationships with people who do not look like you. Not only will you be enriching your own experience, but you will also be expanding your child’s as well, sending a clear message that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated!
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
It’s always nice to take the night off and order pizza for dinner. Now you have a good excuse to enjoy some cheesy goodness. National Pizza Day is February 9, and we’ve rounded up some great deals for you.
Blaze Pizza: Get two pepperoni pizzas for just $10 when ordering online. There’s also a special promo with Postmates (keep scrolling to find out what it is!).
Caulipower: Expecting or know someone expecting on Pizza Day? Head to Born On Pizza Day to send them or yourself a year’s supply of Caulipower pizza alongside other new baby essentials.
Chuck E. Cheese’s: Enjoy a medium one-topping pizza and two drinks for $16.99 or two large one-topping pizzas with four drinks for $32.99.
Cicis: Grab three medium one-topping pizzas to go for $12.
The Crafty Squirrel: This Sunday, you can snag $1 slices of The Crafty Squirrel’s gourmet artisan pizza all day long.
Domino’s: Get a large carryout three-topping pizza for $7.99. You can also choose two or more items from a select menu for $5.99 each.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: This popular bagel chain is celebrating National Pizza Day for the first time! Join the brand’s Shmear Society Rewards and redeem a coupon for two pizza bagel slices for $3 with an additional purchase. The pizza bagel comes in cheese and pepperoni and is available at stores participating in the promotion.
Firepit Pizza Tavern: All day long on February 9, $5 cheese pizzas will be served, with the ability to add on toppings, such as pepperoni, spicy capicola, goat cheese, honey ricotta, caramelized onions and portabella. You can also enjoy $5 well drinks, draft beers and house wine from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Hungry Howie’s: Get a large one-topping pizza for $5.99 on carry out orders at participating locations.
Little Caesars: Try the new stuffed pretzel crust pizza for just $9 or the pretzel crust pizza for $6 (this one is back for a limited time) at any location nationwide from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Marco’s: Lots of offers here! You can buy any large pizza and get a medium cheese for free with the code “BOGOCHZ.” Also, get a medium pizza for just $6.99 with the code MED699 through February 23. Note: Check with your local Marco’s on available deals, and these can vary by location.
Olive Garden: Buy one entrée, get a second for $5.
Papa Gino’s: Get two extra-large cheese pizzas, a small order of cheese breadsticks and an order of cinnamon sticks for $29.99.
Papa John’s: Enjoy 25% off regular menu-price orders.
Papa Murphy’s: Get 25% off your next $20 online order with Papa Murphy’s email or text. On National Pizza Day, get $3 off your online order of a large or family-size pizza using the code “PIZZADAY.”
Pizza Hut: Get $5 off online orders of $25+. Plus, earn free pizza when you sign up for Hut Rewards.
Pizza Patrón: Last year, you could order one 18-inch Patron extra-large pizza with three toppings and receive a large one-topping pizza free. Fingers crossed they run this again!
Postmates: Pizza lovers can get one free large 14-inch pizza at Blaze Pizza. Order your favorite and use code PIZZADAY at checkout on your Blaze Pizza order of $25 or more while supplies last. Bonus: Get 20% cash back with RetailMeNot!
Real Good Food Company: Get 10% off your online order this National Pizza Day by using the code GIRLSVSCARBS.
Round Table Pizza: Customers can get a large specialty pizza for $19.99.
Toppers: Through February 9, when ordering online, customers can pick two of the following items for $9.99 each: any large house pizza or three-topping pizza, any triple Topperstix and any 1-pound boneless wings.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Enjoy a takeout pizza for either $6, $7 or half-price when you buy a pizza of equal or lesser value. Plus, they’re running $6 add-on deals for salad, apps or wings when you purchase any takeout pizza. Check with your local location to see if they’re participating.
Want to score a snack time touchdown at your Super Bowl party? Serve up Auntie Anne’s Snack Stadium for the win.
You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up the best Super Bowl snacks, just make a stop at Auntie Anne’s to pick up a Game Day Pretzel Pack. You’ll get two buckets of your favorite pretzels and ten dips, including marinara, cheese, caramel, hot salsa cheese, honey mustard, sweet glaze and light cream cheese.
The best part is the nifty Snack Stadium you’ll score with the pack. The cardboard serving dish, which is made to look like a miniature football stadium, is the perfect centerpiece for your halftime spread.
You can purchase the Game Day Pretzel Pack at participating Auntie Anne’s locations or online at auntieannes.com now through Feb. 2.
Ben & Jerry’s is giving Netflix and chill a whole new meaning. The iconic ice cream brand recently released its Netflix & Chilll’d flavors—and don’t blame us if you eat the entire pint binge-watching You!
So what exactly does a Netflix-themed ice cream taste like? Ben & Jerry’s delish delight is a frosty blend of peanut butter ice cream, pretzel swirls and fudge brownies.
Whether you’re craving sweet or salty, this ice cream won’t let you down. Between the pretzels, the peanut buttery taste and the fudge brownie goodness, you’ll get your savory/sugary fix in.
Along with the full-on creamy Netflix & Chilll’s flavor, vegans and anyone who needs to stay far away from milk products can still enjoy the binge-worthy pick. Ben & Jerry’s new flavor also comes in a Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert variety.
