Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively

9 Cute Mugs Under $10

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:08:02 GMT

It's a post about mugs, guys. Really though, who doesn't like a good mug? I feel like I drink more coffee than ever during the winter months, and perhaps all that coffee drinking in the same old boring mugs lit a fire under me because I went on a good old fashioned mug hunt and snagged three of the goodies you see above. It made made irrationally happy too. For these prices, why not? Happy coffee (or tea, or whiskey, whatever) drinking, friends.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Valentine's Day Cookies

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:08:00 GMT

We make these cookies every year for Valentine's Day, but my 7 year old daughter told me it was absolutely imperative we make them earlier this year, so here we are. They might look familiar to some of you because I have shared this recipe here in the past, but making tweaks and reposting recipes here is sort of my thing. Plus, they are so good, they're worth a reshare every couple of years.

Peanut Butter (or Sunbutter) and Jelly Valentine's Day Cookies
Makes about 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS
1 cup peanut butter or SunButter (for allergy-free recipe!)
1-1/4 cups all-purpose (or gluten free) flour
1-1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter (softened)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extra
1/2 cup jelly, jam, or preserves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, use a mixer to beat together the peanut butter or SunButter, butter, and egg. Beat in the sugars and vanilla until thoroughly combined, then beat in the flour mixture on low until well mixed. Roll tablespoon size balls on dough and place on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart, the slightly press each cookie into a round shape. (Tip: dip the bottom of a metal measuring cup in sugar and then press onto each cookie ball).) Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven, and immediately use the bottom of a wooden spoon handle to make heart shapes in the center of each cookie while still hot. Fill each indentation with jelly, and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Happy (way early) Valentine's Day! I hope you like these as much as we do.

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Almond Butter and Maple Oatmeal

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:14:00 GMT

Disclaimer: this isn't a recipe so much as an epically delicious way to eat a bowl of oatmeal. But it really is too good not to share, especially when it's the middle of winter and mornings are so cold and dark. This is such a comforting, healthy breakfast, and easy to prepare too.

Almond Butter Maple Oatmeal
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
1 cup quick Irish oatmeal

2 tablespoons raw almond butter
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 banana, sliced

1 cup strawberries, sliced

handful raw almonds

Prepare oatmeal according to instructions on packaging. (We use quick Irish oatmeal.) Once oatmeal is cooked, pour into bowls. Drizzle each bowl with almond butter and maple syrup. Top with banana and strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I also love to top with raw almonds for a fantastic crunch.

This is such a satisfying breakfast that keeps me full and energized all morning. Enjoy!

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Cranberry Cucumber Vodka Spritzers

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 13:28:07 GMT

This week felt 8746 days long, and I for one am looking forward to some major relaxation this weekend. (I mean, as much as one can relax with a 5 and 7 year old running madly through the house. I love them so much, I swear, but man are those little babes loud.) I plan on kicking my feet up (even if just for a few minutes) and enjoying one of my favorite wintertime cocktails: a cranberry cucumber vodka spritzer. Recipe is below!

Cranberry Cucumber Vodka Spritzer
Servings: 1

1.5 fluid ounces cucumber vodka (I love Prairie Organic brand)
4 fluid ounces organic cranberry juice, chilled
1 ounce simple syrup (equal parts parts sugar and water; instructions below)
Splash of soda/sparkling water, chilled
Ice
Organic cucumber slice (for garnish)
Organic orange slice (for garnish)
Fresh organic mint sprig (for garnish)
Organic cranberries (for garnish)

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a medium sauce pan. (I recommend one cup of each so you have more on hand than enough for just one spritzer). Bring to a boil, stirring consistently until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

Combine cucumber vodka, organic cranberry juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Fill a glass half way with ice cubes, and pour cocktail over ice. Top with a splash or two of soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice, an orange slice, a sprig of fresh mint, and few fresh cranberries.

Cheers to a (hopefully) relaxing weekend!

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Better-For-You Snack Ideas for Every Time of Day

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 13:38:01 GMT

This post is in partnership with NABISCO.

What would a new year be without trying to make positive diet choices? I'll be the first to admit that when I make big New Year resolutions, they never work out. When I stick to small, manageable goals, however, they tend to succeed. One of those smaller goals that I've made for this year is to improve my snack choices, and not just in the morning (which is when I'm feeling the most motivated to make good choices). In fact, I came up with three different snack ideas to enjoy at different times of the day: late morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. And since I know many of you are likely trying to make wholesome snack choices as well, I thought I'd share them with you today.

LATE MORNING SNACK: TRISCUIT Crackers, low fat cottage cheese, strawberries, orange slices

I usually eat a very small breakfast with my coffee early in the morning, and I'm almost always hungry by about 10. If I'm looking for just a little something to tide me over until lunch, I grab a couple of TRISCUIT Crackers and munch on them. If I need something slightly more substantial, I pair them with a little low fat cottage cheese topped with bagel season, and a couple of strawberries and orange slices. This is also my son's favorite snack, so we often share. It's absolutely delicious and the perfect amount of filling. TRISCUIT Crackers have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid because of their yummy, slightly salty crunch. These days, I love eating them and serving them to my kids knowing that they're non-GMO verified. I also love that TRISCUIT Original crackers start with three simple ingredients: just and baked with 100% whole grain wheat, oil, and salt.

AFTERNOON SNACK: GOOD THINS Snacks, almonds, apple slices, and olives

Afternoon snacks are my favorite! I sometimes go for a run or do a quick yoga workout on my lunch break after I eat lunch, and that tends to leave me hungry in the afternoon. My daughter always asks for an after school snack as well. We came up with what has become our go-to afternoon snack: GOOD THINS Snacks paired with a few almonds, apple slices, and some green and kalamata olives. GOOD THINS Snacks are the unanimous favorite crunchy snack in our home. Made with real ingredients, no artificial colors or flavors, no high fructose corn syrup, and only 120-130 calories per serving (depending on flavor), they are great for munching. They're also a delicious, flavorful way to snack gluten free (and are certified gluten free by GFCO). They're also non-GMO verified. Did I mention how tasty they are? Combined with almonds, olives, and apple slices, they're the ideal snack for that in between lunch and dinner period.

EVENING SNACK: WHEAT THINS Snacks, sharp cheddar, grapes, orange slices

One of my favorite times of the day is after the kids are in bed, when my husband and I finally have a few minutes alone together. I'll be honest, we usually cram in dishes and laundry during this time then promptly pass out, but when we can, we bask in the bliss of couch snuggles, books and movies, and our favorite: WHEAT THINS Snacks paired with a few slices of aged white cheddar cheese, some white grapes, and orange slices. WHEAT THINS Snacks are almost as delicious as the glorious silence that fills our home in the night hours (love you kids, but man is that silence blissful). With no artificial flavors or colors and baked with 100% whole grain (21 grams per serving), they're a little salty, a little sweet, and have an incredible crunch. They really are a great evening treat.

It's nice to have a line up of wholesome snack ideas to enjoy at different times of the day without having to think about it. And having them planned out keeps me from mindlessly grabbing chocolate or potato chips and overindulging. If these snack ideas look good to you too, you can grab the ingredients, including our beloved TRISCUIT Crackers, GOOD THINS Snacks, and WHEAT THINS Snacks, at your local Walmart, or use Walmart.com pick up or delivery. And be sure to take advantage of this Ibotta offer! Happy New Year Snacking, friends!

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A Look Back at 2020 + Plans for 2021

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:14:01 GMT

Happy New Year! Even though we're five days into January, today is a day of firsts. It's the first day back at in-person school for my kids, who have been home e-learning (and then on winter break) for the past six weeks. It's the first day I am back full time working here at Bubby and Bean after only working part time hours (and even taking several glorious days off) for the past almost two weeks. And it's our first official blog post of 2021.

For this annual recap post, I usually reflect on the past year not just in terms of Bubby and Bean content, but also some aspects of my personal life. Honestly, I don't know what I can say about 2020 that hasn't been said, but I'll try.

It was the strangest year of my life, and likely most of your lives too. The hardest part of it for me was my stepmom passing away from cancer in July, and how difficult her final days were due to visitor restrictions because of Covid. The rest of it, while very challenging, was not what I consider to be a true struggle. My husband, who has worked in the live music industry his entire career, was furloughed in late March, which has obviously been quite challenging. Our trip to Iceland was canceled, as was our trip to Florida in July and the rest of our travel plans. My kids missed out on activities and school. And the year went out with a bang on Christmas, which was not only the first Christmas in my life I haven't spent with my sister, but also the night my dad fell down his stairs and was to have emergency surgery on a broken femur. (He spent a week in the hospital and is now in a rehab facility.)

There was a lot of good in 2020 too. For the first time in the almost 15 years my husband and I have been together, he was home most of the year. Over time, I got used to him being on tour with the band most of the time, but it was never easy. It has been the biggest silver lining to have him here for every holiday and birthday, and to get to spend true quality time with our kids for the first time in their lives. We also all learned how to be flexible humans who make the best out of every situation. We have all spent more time together than we will probably ever get to again. And while it hasn't been without difficulty, I have been incredibly lucky to get more work campaigns than ever before, which has enabled me to support my family while my husband is out of work. I also usually stray from getting political here, but I was incredibly relieved with the election results. I learned so much in 2020 that I could probably devote and entire blog series to it, so I'll stop now. This was a year full of unfair, horrific loss to millions of people, but I also appreciate all of the positive things that came out of it.

As far as plans for 2021, you already know that I don't do resolutions. For me personally, the pressure of them isn't healthy for my anxiety, nor is the disappointment when they don't work out. I have lots of small, attainable goals, and if they work out, great. If they don't, that's cool too. I personally think that being present and being grateful are all you need. I don't need to climb an invisible ladder to nowhere that's based on more! more! more! (And honestly, I feel like always expecting to do more and do better and get bigger comes from a place of privilege, and privilege is something I want to be more aware of this year, both in myself and in others.) This year, I just want to go with the flow, and I think 2020 prepared me for that. I want to be ready for and open to whatever comes my way, and I want to do my best with it in a way that allows me to be content and not overwhelmed This applies to my personal life, and it applies to Bubby and Bean as well. I want to continue to create meaningful content, share my favorite products and services with you, and give glimpses into my life (we're all friends here, after all). I want to try out new things in order to do that (I promise I'll do more Instagram Reels, and maybe I'll finally give TikTok a chance... or not), but not in a way that will sacrifice what is already working. I have little interest in gaining more followers, but I do want to continue to create meaningful engagement with all of you. And I want to continue to love what I do while also getting more comfortable with realizing when I have to turn things down because I'm overworked. I plan to give myself grace in 2021, and to continue to do what I can to help others as well.

Okay, that's enough of that! Let's get on to the point of this annual post (and probably my favorite post each year): the highlights of 2020 here on the blog. You can click on any of the images or the links below them to see the posts in full. Thank you for taking this look back with me!

In January, I shared 6 easy ways to refresh school lunches in the New Year.

In February, I shared an updated version on my favorite vegetarian tortellini soup recipe.

I shared my 16 favorites items from Trader Joe's in March.

Quarantine meant lots of organizing in my kitchen, and in April I shared tips for organizing both your pantry and fridge.

In honor of Earth Day, I shared 10 ways to be eco-conscious in your own home.

I shared my favorite veggie club sandwich recipe in May.

In June, I shared an important post in response to the BLM movement about listening, learning, and taking action.

In July, I said goodbye to my stepmom.

Also in July, I told you all about our amazing Gardyn system and how we are able to grow organic food in our own home, as can be seen in the top image of this post. (P.S. If you want to purchase a Gardyn of your own, use this link and code BubbyAndBean for $100 off!)

I shared the most delicious tofu caprese salad recipe in August.

In September, I shared 6 tips for better snacking.

These Halloween-themed mini veggies pizzas were a hit in October.

In November, I shared 5 tips for disinfecting your home without harsh chemicals.

Gift ideas for encouraging learning and creativity was one of my favorite December posts.

And finally, I shared this peppermint bark chow mix recipe that was a staple for us this holiday season.

If you made it this far, thank you! I appreciate all of you so much, but I hold a special place in my heart for those of you who still read this blog, and blogs in general - they're no longer the queen of social media, but I still feel they're the most important. If you still read, please comment below! I'm always grateful for the traffic coming here in my analytics, but I want to have the opportunity to actually engage with you as well. I'd say happy 2020, but I don't want to jinx it! Thank you for being here.

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Thank You, Happy Holidays, and See You Next Year!

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:37:31 GMT

What a year. I mean, where do I even begin? I think I'll just keep it short and sweet and say Happy Holidays, and thank you. Thank you for being here, engaging, and allowing me to share pieces of my life along with products and services I love. I know there has been a lot of sponsored content here and on Instagram over the past two months. Since mid October, I have been working 80 hour weeks. My husband has been out of work since the live music industry shut down in March, and I am grateful beyond words for the campaigns I have gotten and the ability to support our little family. I am also extremely burned out and exhausted, and looking forward to spending the next week and half with my husband and kids (who have been asking a lot why mommy has to work so much).

I'll be back here after the New Year, and because I just don't know how to completely turn off, I'm sure I'll be popping in on Instagram.

However you celebrate (or don't celebrate!), I wish you the happiest of holidays and a New Year that is better than whatever this crap just was. Love and peace!

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Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 13:02:02 GMT

This post is in partnership with InnovAsian, but all opinions are my own.

I will just come right out and say that this is one of those semi-homemade recipes, because, well, that's how I operate. But every time I post one of these recipes (or more accurately, hacks), I get an overwhelmingly positive response. We're all busy, man. Most of us don't have time or energy to create lavish meals from scratch every night. And that's why I share these.

I also post almost exclusively vegetarian recipes on here, because, well, I'm a vegetarian and have been most of my life. But both of my kids and my husband enjoy eating meat, and if I can whip them up something they truly love that isn't vegetarian for once, they're stoked.

All of this is why I have been so into InnovAsian foods lately. My kids and my husband all love sweet and sour chicken, and tend to choose that when we order Chinese take out. So I decided I was going to surprise them and make it at home. Then, because I am realistic in terms of my kitchen accomplishments, I shifted gears and did a little research on frozen versions instead. My research led me to Walmart and the InnovAsian products in their frozen aisle. I'll talk more about their awesomeness in a minute, but for now, here is my recipe/hack!

Easy + Fast Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serves 3-4

INGREDIENTS
1 18 oz bag InnovAsian Sweet and Sour Chicken

3 cups (1 bag) InnovAsian Sticky White Rice

3 cups broccoli, chopped

scallions

1 orange, wedged

Prepare InnovAsian Sweet and Sour Chicken according to package directions. I prefer the oven preparation, but the pan-fry method is faster and can be done in less than 10 minutes! While chicken is cooking, place the bag of sauce from the package in a bowl of warm water to thaw. Place self-venting bag of InnovAsian Sticky White Rice with proper side up in microwave and and heat on high for 5 minutes. Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until tender (but not mushy). Chop scallions. When chicken is fully cooked, place in a bowl (or leave in pan if you pan fried), and stir in sauce with chicken (heat an additional 2 minutes if pan fried). Stir in broccoli. Plate rice, then pour sweet and sour chicken over it. Top with scallions and garnish with orange wedges.

And there you have it! A fancy sweet and sour chicken dinner in less than 15 minutes. My kids and husband rave about how delicious this is (okay, Emmett picks out the broccoli and scallions with all sorts of dramatic whines but I'll take what I can get), and I love that it (and all InnovAsian meals!) are filled with protein at a great price. InnovAsian also makes a delicious Vegetable Fried Rice that I love to pair with pan fried tofu and hot sauce. They're also great on their own without any of these little "upgrades." Best of all, they save time, energy, and money, which these days all feel more precious than ever.

Grab yourself some InnovAsian products from the freezer section the next time you're at Walmart, or order online with Walmart pick up, and let me know what you think! I'd love to hear from you if you try this recipe hack as well.

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My 5 Favorite Things About Cozy Season

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:02:06 GMT

This post is sponsored by Campbell's®, Kraft®, and Pepperidge Farm®, but all opinions are my own.

You guys are well aware that this isn't exactly my favorite time of year weather-wise, but I have made a vow this year to embrace the coziness of the chillier seasons. In fact, in an effort to really focus on the positive, I decided to find inspiration from my gratitude journal (if you don't keep one of these, I highly recommend it), and make a list of all of my favorite things about keeping comfy and cozy during the winter. I thought it would be fun to share this list with you, and maybe if you're usually a warm weather person like me, it can bring a little contentment to the colder, darker days.

1. A Warm Fireplace

It's winter's biggest cozy cliche, but seriously, who doesn't love the feeling of a warm fire on a cold day? My little ones and I love snuggling up by the fire, reading books, eating snacks, and just hanging out. Honestly, even just looking over at the fireplace brightens my mood. We light a fire almost every evening this time of year.

2. Campbells® Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, and Crackers

There is no meal that says cozy season deliciousness to me like a bowl of piping hot Campbell's® Tomato Soup, paired with Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® Cheddar Crackers, and a grilled cheese made with Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse® Hearty White Bread and Kraft® Singles American Slices. The ultimate cold weather comfort food meal! Campbell's® Tomato soup is full of farm grown ripe tomatoes, is and absolutely delicious made with water or creamy milk. A true classic! Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® Cheddar Crackers (aka my son's all-time favorite snack, as anyone who knows him is aware) adds the perfect crunch to the soup, and is baked with real cheddar cheese without any artificial flavors or preservatives. Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse® Hearty White bread is crafted from small batch recipes, and tastes just like the bread from our favorite local bakery. And Kraft® Single American Slices melt like no other with the creamiest, perfect-for-grilled cheese texture.

I make this yummy pairing as an after school snack for the kids a lot during this time of year, and it's a favorite for lunch and dinner as well. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it's perfectly soul warming on a cold day. Best of us, you can grab all of the ingredients on your next trip to Walmart or via Walmart.com.

3. Blankets and Books

We have a big basket of blankets in our family room, and the whole family loves to cuddle up together under them and read books together. It's one of my favorite things to do all year, but during this season, it just feels extra comforting. Now that my daughter can read and enjoys reading to us, it's even more fun. And when we combine a reading session with our favorite cozy comfort food pairing of Campbell's® Tomato Soup, Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® Cheddar Crackers, and grilled cheese made with Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse® Hearty White Bread and Kraft® Singles American Slices, we're basically in hygge heaven.

4. Sweaters and Hoodies

My closet is admittedly mostly full of summer sun dresses, but there is definitely something to be said for the comfort that comes along with a favorite sweater or hoodie during the chilly month. We pretty much live in them (along with fuzzy socks) this time of year.

5. Family Time

It's the busiest time of year, but it's also the season when we intentionally carve out time to just be together. We snuggle up on the couch and watch movies as a family. We sit by the fire and tell dumb jokes. (My husband's dad jokes are something else. Wow.) We have family game night. And we enjoy meals together, our very favorite being - you guessed it - our beloved grilled cheese, tomato soup, and crackers. (Thank you Walmart for making it so easy to grab Campbell's® Tomato Soup, Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® Cheddar Crackers, Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse® Hearty White Bread and Kraft® Singles American Slices!) I work a lot (like, a lot) during November and December, but I always make sure to devote the weekends to this cozy family time. Nothing is more important.

What are you favorite things about cozy season? And in case you missed it above, you can grab all of the delicious food goodies I've shared here at your local Walmart store on Walmart.com.

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3 Holiday Coffee Recipes

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 14:48:39 GMT

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dannon. All opinions are 100% mine.

You guys are already well aware of my deep and unwavering love for coffee. My sister loves to tease me that if we could only eat one food forever, mine would be coffee. (She's not wrong.) I also have a signature coffee that I normally drink every. single. day. (Soy lattes, you are my reason for getting out of bed in the morning.) As with many of the more mundane, everyday things in my life though, the holiday season always inspires me to change my coffee up a bit, in an effort to make it just a little more festive. And today I thought I'd share with you three of my current favorite holiday coffee recipes. They're all incredibly quick and simple to make, and you can easily get all of the supplies at your local Meijer.

Vegan Peppermint Mocha

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 cup coffee

1/4 c Silk Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almond Creamer

2 tablespoons crushed vegan peppermint bark (optional)

mini candy canes

Make coffee in a coffee pot and heat the Silk Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almond Creamer in saucepan on low until warm. Pour coffee in a mug and top with Silk Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almond Creamer. Add mini candy canes for a fun garnish. I like to drop a couple pieces of crushed peppermint bark in just to make it a little extra, but this is optional.

And if you want to skip the candy canes and peppermint mark, that's totally cool, because the flavor of the Silk Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almond Creamer(which is new and also limited edition!) is so delicious that it's all you need. If I'm in a hurry and don't want to make a mocha, I just splash some in my morning coffee and it is instantly more tasty! I am a long time fan of Silk products, and this is no exception. Made with no dairy, gluten, carrageenan, or artificial colors or flavors, this plant-based creamer is smooth and creamy and so perfectly festive. Bonus: It is non-GMO project verified, and has 0g cholesterol or saturated fat per serving. Head to your local Meijer and grab some today!

Caramel Waffle Cookie Coffee

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 cup coffee

1/4 cup International Delight Caramel Waffle Cookie Creamer

whip cream caramel syrup or honey 1 waffle cookie or wafer cookie

Make coffee in a coffee pot. Pour coffee and International Delight Caramel Waffle Cookie Creamer in a glass coffee mug. Top with whip cream (the more the better, man), drizzle caramel syrup or honey (my favorite) on the top, and add a waffle cookie or vanilla wafer coffee. This is an absolutely decadent coffee treat that I love to enjoy as a holiday dessert (while watched Elf on repeat).

I think it goes without saying that it is the International Delight Caramel Waffle Cookie Creamer that makes this coffee treat so next level. I mean, the fact that Buddy the Elf™ is on the front was enough for me to buy it, but it also tastes like sweet, sugarplum filled holiday bliss in an adorable container. It is rich, drizzly caramel on top of a toasted waffle cookie right in a creamer. And it's available for a limited time at Meijer.

Cinnamon Coffeehouse Latte

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup coffee

1/2 cup Land o Lakes Coffee House Half and Half

cinnamon

If you have an espresso machine, go ahead and whip yourself up a real latte with these ingredients. But if you're just a commoner like me, make coffee in a coffee pot and pour into a mug. If you don't have a way to steam the Land o Lakes Coffee House Half and Half (I don't!), heat in a sauce pan over low heat until warm and use a whisk or hand frother (what I use) to produce a foam, then immediately pour over coffee. Top with cinnamon and serve with holiday gingerbread cookies.

It's a very simple coffee drink, but the Land o Lakes Coffee House Half and Half and light dusting of cinnamon are truly all you need to make this a delightful latte for wintertime and the holiday season. With 30% more cream than their regular half and half, Land o Lakes Coffee House Half and Half is extra creamy indulgence that elevates your everyday basic coffee into something extraordinary. And it is now available at Meijer!

I hope you enjoy these holiday season coffee delights as much as I have been! As I said before, you can easily grab everything you need to make them at your local Meijer. It's like a holiday gift to yourself! Happy holidays!

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Holiday Kale, Cranberry, and Orange Salad

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 13:24:01 GMT

You may have seen this holiday inspired cranberry, kale, and orange salad recipe on my Instagram feed last week, but I wanted to share here as well because it is staple in our house this time of year. We serve it as a holiday side, an everyday meal, and before all of this covid madness, we were known for this at friends' holiday potlucks. Best of all, it starts with a bagged salad as a base, which makes it easy as (health conscious) pie.

Holiday Kale, Cranberry, and Orange Salad

Serves: 3-4

INGREDIENTS
1 bag Sweet Kale Salad Mix*
1-1/2 cups kale, chopped
2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pepitas
poppy seed dressing (optional)

(*Note: Use a mix with kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and radicchio. Sometimes dried cranberries and pepitas even come with the sweet kale salad kits.)

1. In a large salad bowl, combine salad mix, kale, oranges, and half of the dried cranberries and pepitas.
2. Top with remaining dried cranberries and pepitas. Drizzle on small amount of poppy seed dressing, or squeeze juice from oranges on top instead. Serve.

Simple, festive, and so freaking delicious. Happy holidays!

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Peppermint Bark Reindeer Chow

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:00:05 GMT

This post is in partnership with Ghirardelli, but all opinions are my own.

For many years during the holiday season, I would travel with friends to San Francisco and we would stay at the same hotel, very close to Ghirardelli Square. We would, of course, visit Ghirardelli and load up on their delicious chocolate. The Peppermint Bark was always my favorite, and I would grab as much as possible to take to back home. These days, I get my Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark, along with my other holiday season favorites Ghirardelli Caramel Squares and Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Baking Chips, right at my local Walmart. (It might not be as fun as hopping a plan to San Francisco, but it sure is more convenient.)

Today I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite holiday recipes made with my beloved Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark. You've all heard of (and hopefully eaten, because it's delicious) the chocolately sweet treat called puppy chow; well this is a next level version of it just for the holidays that we like to call reindeer chow. The peppermint bark is what makes it. I think you'll love it as much as we do.

Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Reindeer Chow

Yields 15-20 servings

INGREDIENTS
8 cups rice or corn square style cereal

2 cups Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark, broken into small pieces
2.5 cups Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional)

Line a large baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Pour cereal into a large bowl. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler on stovetop over low heat (or in a bowl in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between) until smooth. Pour melted chocolate onto cereal in bowl, and mix thoroughly to coat. Transfer mixture to 2 gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar and Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark pieces (and crushed peppermint, if desired) to bag and shake to coat. Spread onto baking sheet until cool, then pour into a serving bowl. Store at room temperature or fridge in covered container.

The best part of this reindeer chow (other than my beloved Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark, of course) is that it's very kid friendly, and we can make it together as a family. Since we're spending the holiday season at home this year and are making more together in the kitchen, it's become a sweet treat recipe that is on regular rotation in our house. We also have so much fun delivering it to friends in the neighborhood, and will be including it in our holiday gift baskets this year as well.

If you haven't figured it out by my gushing so far, Ghirardelli is a year round favorite, and a staple in our house during the holiday season. Everyone in my family agrees that it's the highest quality, best tasting chocolate around. Their 60% cacao baking chips have a deliciously rich flavor that elevates my holiday brownie recipe. Ghirardelli Caramel Squares are a decadent combo of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and buttery caramel and my go-to for stocking stuffers and gift baskets. And their famous Peppermint Bark's rich chocolate layers and crisp peppermint makes it a seasonal tradition we look forward to all year. I am also a huge fan of Ghirardelli's "bean to chocolate" method of production, which is grounded in sustainable practices. As I mentioned above, you can also grab all of these yummy Ghirardelli products at Walmart, or order through Walmart Pickup & Delivery this holiday season. Ghirardelli makes the holidays a bite better!

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think. And if you have a favorite way to enjoy Ghirardelli during the holidays, I'd love to hear about that too!

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Gift Ideas For Encouraging Learning and Creativity: Kiwi Co

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 13:08:01 GMT

This post is in partnership with KiwiCo.

I am going to start this out by admitting to you guys that I usually feel irrationally overwhelmed trying to come up with good gift ideas for my kids. Like lie in bed at night stressing out about it overwhelmed. I want to get them age appropriate gifts that are educational and encourage creativity and discovery but that aren't boring for them, and that can seem like a hard ticket. Thankfully, in my search for the best items to put under the tree for them this year, I keep coming back to the same brand again and again, one that has everything I'm looking for: KiwiCo. (Pssst! They have a huge sale going on and everything is 20% off! I'll talk about that more in a minute...)

You might have seen my mention of KiwiCo in the kids gift guide I posted last week, but I am such a fan of them (truly, I am), I felt compelled to devote an entire post to them. I partner with a lot of brands I love in an effort to share all of my favorite things with you, but when it comes to my kids, this one tops the list. I know many of you are like me and find it challenging to come up with gifts that your kids will genuinely love and actually use. And that is why I decided to share some of the reasons we are such big KiwiCo fans, and hopefully encourage you to give them a try this holiday season as well!

Maybe you're already familiar with KiwiCo and their super cool (as my son calls it) monthly subscription service, which delivers incredible hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) projects each month. Well now you can also shop single crates from KiwiCo's Store, with no subscription required! Having the option for either (we love both) is just one of the many things I like about them. You can try a crate before you commit to a subscription, supplement a subscription, or just order the individual crates without a commitment.

What really sets KiwiCo apart for me is that they solve the dilemma of finding toys and projects for kids that satisfy their need for fun while also encouraging them to learn and grow their creative minds. Each crate comes with materials for a cool hands-on activity along with a booklet with illustrated instructions that are kid-friendly. It also includes additional DIY projects that allow the fun to be extended after the initial project is complete. KiwiCo also offers specific crates for different ages (from toddler to teen and beyond), and their site makes it easy to choose the perfect crate based on age and category. So whether your little one is just a babe, a high school student, or anywhere in between, KiwiCo has a gift to engage them in serious fun while growing their brains. And in addition to the crates, you can shop Store exclusives, from party packs to chemistry sets to cool seasonal holiday projects (like the Chemistry Tree below; a current favorite with my kids!).

Another thing I love about KiwiCo is that you don't have to invest all of your gift budget into one thing, which I find can sometimes be the case with STEAM focused gifts. They offer items for every budget, starting at just $9.95. (My kids have been loving their KiwiCo Window Garden, which is only $14.95!)

I was able to find stocking stuffers for my babes as well as large presents for under the tree.

KiwiCo projects also make absolutely wonderful gifts that your kids can make for friends and family. My little makers created Planet Bath Bombs the other day that they'll be giving their grandmother for Christmas. We made them together as a family, and my daughter has been talking about how fun it was ever since. It's a really great feeling to know that we'll always have that special memory, and I know their grandma will be absolutely thrilled to receive such a special handmade gift that she can actually use and enjoy. My daughter and I are also looking forward to making the Punch-Needle Pillow together as a gift for their aunt.

I also want to point out that the quality of KiwiCo projects is unsurpassed. I know I'm not the only one who has purchased an activity kit for my kids and been disappointed as I watched the finish product break or fall apart soon after. KiwiCo's projects are created by a team of in-house product designers in their Mountain View, CA headquarters. And most importantly, all of them are rigorously tested by actual kids. My four year old plays with the Basketball Catapult over and over and it’s still in great shape. That is the true test of quality in my eyes!

Supporting a company that truly cares about kids and makes products that inspire young innovators and critical thinkers makes me feel good, like maybe I'm doing something right as a parent. (And let's face it, we all spend too much time thinking about the ways we're messing up.) I can't wait for my kids to give away the KiwiCo projects they've been making as gifts this year, and I'm equally excited to see their faces as they open up the KiwiCo crates I'll be giving them on Christmas morning.

If all this gushing about my love for KiwiCo hasn't convinced you to give them a try, maybe the incredible sale they have going on right now will. Just click here for 20% off absolutely everything on their site. Wooohoo!

Happy holidays, friends. Here's to giving fun, exciting gifts that inspire innovators and encourage learning and creativity!

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Gift Guide: Gifts for Kids Ages 4-10

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 15:35:43 GMT

My kids are almost 5 and almost 7, which means I am officially an expert on gift giving for preschool and elementary school aged children! Okay, so I'm not an expert at all. But I do have enough experience gift shopping at this point (both for them and for their friends), that I finally feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what to get kids in this age range.

I'll be honest - my babes enjoy their fair share of character-themed, sparkly, cheaply made toys. And that's okay. I want to encourage them to love what they love, even if it isn't my "style." That said, they also love well-made toys that encourage learning, creativity, and discovery, and those are the toys I'm recommending in this guide. They will get a mix of both this Christmas, but I will confess that these are the toys I hope they love the most.

1. KiwiCo Crates $9.95+

KiwiCo is one of my favorite brands for kids toys. (I'll actually be sharing a whole post about them soon.) Their toys and kits make for gifts that are equal parts fun and educational, and not just for the age range I'm featuring in this guide. (They have cool crates for every age from toddler to teen!) Some favorites in our house are the Planet Bath Bombs and Window Garden (shown above and both under $20). Their site is awesome too because it allows you to shop by age or category, and you can purchase a subscription or just single kits. KiwiCo also has an amazing 20% off everything sale going on between now and December 6th. They also have a Black Friday sale happening now for up to 30% off + free shipping. I highly suggest checking them out right here and taking advantage of this incredible offer. I promise you your kids will love their products!

2. Dig A Dozen Dino Egg Kit $22.99

My son received this as a gift, and both kids absolutely love it. They get to play paleontologist and excavate toy dinosaurs from the eggs, then use the learning card to find out more about each dinosaur. The set is well made and comes in a pretty package as well.

3. Woodland Wonder Chess Set $99

The Queen's Gambit admittedly influenced me to want to learn chess and for my kids to learn as well, and this beautiful set just seems like the perfect one to learn on. The green tree pawns and animal silhouette pieces make playing feel like an enchanted forest walk. I feel like this is one of those really special, high quality gifts that would be passed on through generations.

4.GSkyer Telescope for Kids $99.99

My dad bought a telescope for the kids last year and it ended up being the most magical gift. This telescope from GSkyer is perfect for little astronomers, and comes with lots of extras too, like a wireless remote, adjustable tripod, and carrying case. It is also portable, and the perfect size for smaller hands.

5. The Idea Box Kids Scavenger Hunt Game $24.99

This Kids Scavenger Hunt Game from the Idea Box is all kinds of cool and I can't wait to give it to my kids this year! Kids choose from wood coins with descriptions of items they can find around the house, in the yard, or anywhere. (A great idea as we stay home to stay safe this winter!) The best part is that the game can be played over and over, and the whole family can get involved. This is the perfect example of a gift that is simultaneously fun and educational.

6. Mudpuppy Map of the World Puzzle $16.99

Puzzles help with many aspects of learning, from improving fine motor skills to building short terms memory. This Map of the World Puzzle from Mudpuppy will give your kids ages 5-9 a fun geography lesson too! Features 78 pieces, including 17 that are shaped like icons of the world.

7. Tegu Magbot Magnetic Wooden Block Set $21.99

This robot set is a favorite, but Tegu make lots of other more extensive sets too. The magnetic wooden blocks that make up this set are crafted from sustainably harvested wood - and for every one tree Tegu harvests, they plant hundreds more! Tegu is also bringing world-class employment standards to Central America by paying their employees a living wage and prioritizing long-term career growth and development.

8. Imagine Meditation Cards for Kids $24.99

We are big on mindfulness in our house, which is why I got this gorgeous mediation card set for my little ones for a holiday gift this year. The set offer 26 huge mindfulness cards for kids, with content-rich scripts and vibrant illustrations to teach them guided meditation. It also comes with breathing exercises and DIY cards so kids can create their own meditations.

9. Mirus Toys Wooden Toy Clock $22.95+

Both of my kids are extremely interested in the concept of telling time, but with digital clocks everywhere, they haven't learned to tell time on an analog clock. This beautiful handmade clock from Mirus Toys would be perfect for that, and also makes for a beautiful piece of decor for their rooms.

10. ALEX Toys Future Coders Poppin' Pictures Coding Skills Kit $25

This colorful kit fosters pre-coding skills like sequencing, problem-solving, and logical thinking and

comes with a robot board with storage, suction pen, 175 pixel tiles, 20 challenge cards and instructions. My son will find one under the tree this year and I can't way to learn with him.

11. New York Book Review Children's Book Club Subscription $77.95

This is another seriously awesome gift that my dad gets my kids each year. Every other month for a year, a book hand selected by the New York Book Review is received in the mail. The NYBR groups books by age and interest, so you can choose what your child would most enjoy. All of the book are considered "forever books" - classics with beautiful, sturdy hardcovers that will last a lifetime. Both of my kids are absolutely thrilled when their book arrives in the mail. An added bonus: free shipping.

To those of you in the states, happy Thanksgiving! It's not a normal Thanksgiving, but we still have a lot for which to be grateful. That is what matters, the end. If you're reading this after Thanksgiving, happy holidays! And if you have any other suggestions for great gifts for kids, let me know.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission from your purchases, at no additional expense to you. I have also received compensation from a few of the brands featured in exchange for promoting their products, all of which I love, use, and am thrilled to recommend.

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Snowman Fruit Kabobs

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 13:04:00 GMT

Happy (almost) holidays! It doesn't feel quite like Thanksgiving week to me, but 2020 has felt completely strange since March so I'm not surprised that things seem a little off. I think the weirdness will make most of us will appreciate the magic that comes with the holiday season more than ever though. And part of that magic in our home is spending time together making food and crafts.

My daughter came up with the idea for these fruit kabob snow people a few weeks ago, and we've been having so much fun making them that I had to share with you guys. (They're also a freaking great way to get your kids to eat healthy!)

Snowman Fruit Kabobs

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 2)

1 banana, peeled

1 strawberry

1 green apple

1 baby carrot

4 pretzel sticks

10 mini chocolate chips or raisins

2 wooden skewers

⁣
1. Cut banana into 6 thicks slices (3 for each snowman).
2. Cut triangle shapes (1 from strawberry and 1 from green apple) for hats, 2 slivers from baby carrot for noses, and peel slices of green apple for scarves.
3. Slide 3 banana slices onto each skewer. Top one with the strawberry triangle and the other with the apple triangle.⁣
4. Insert pretzel sticks for arms, carrot slices for noses, and mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes and buttons.

This recipe is a craft project and yummy snack in one. Have fun!

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5 Tips for Disinfecting Your Home Without Harsh Chemicals

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 14:02:01 GMT

This post is in partnership with The Honest Company®.

I was raised in a home that was consistently spotless and germ-free. But just like I sadly did not receive my mom's green thumb (so many dead plants), I did not receive her incredible passion for cleanliness. I've never been a complete slob (if you don't count my twenties, anyway), but I've never been a "germophobe" either.

Welp, like most of us, that changed this year. Now I don't even leave a room without hand sanitizer, and I basically walk around the house with a bottle of disinfecting spray (Honest Disinfecting Spray from Costco, to be exact; but more on that in a minute) in hand at all times.

While it is extremely important to me to keep my home disinfected these days, I am, as you guys know, not a fan of harsh chemicals. Just like I do my best to eat and feed my kids organic food, I try to clean my home in ways that don't require toxic ingredients. If you can relate to the desire to keep a germ-free house without the nasty stuff, I think these tips could be as helpful for you as they have been for me!

1. Wash your hands.

We are told to do this so often it becomes annoying, but let's face it - it's one of the most important and effective ways to help stop the spread of germs. And while reminding you to wash your hands isn't a cleaning tip, I felt compelled to list it because it really is an incredibly easy way to keep germs to a minimum in your home. My kids touch every surface in our house; knowing their hands are clean gives me peace of mind that our home is clean (or cleaner, anyway) as well.

2. Use Honest Disinfecting Spray to clean, deodorize, and disinfect.

This is my secret weapon, you guys! The Honest Company Disinfecting Spray is a powerful antibacterial spray that kills 99.9% of the germs we all come in contact with every day - without chlorine bleach, harsh abrasives, phosphates, fumes, or harsh chemicals. It also kills cold and flu viruses, which is crucial right now! Its fragrance-free formula cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects in one, and I use it everywhere. From door handles to countertops to toilet surfaces to sinks to my cell phone, a spray or two gives me the peace of mind that the power of hydrogen peroxide is doing its job and keeping things germ-free, without covering the home where my little ones play in unnecessary hazards. If you're a Costco member like I am, I highly recommend purchasing the Honest Company Disinfecting 3-Pack available in-store or online. You will use it!

3. Sanitize laundry - without bleach.

I find myself washing bathroom hand towels, throw blankets, pillow covers, curtains, and other types of fabric-based home decor items a lot more often these days. Just like with other surfaces in our home, dirt-free does not equal disinfected, and fabrics that are used daily are full of germs. I don't like using bleach to sanitize laundry because its such a harsh chemical, so I opt for gentler methods. Our washer and dryer actually have sanitizing settings, which is helpful. But you can also add vinegar or peroxide to the wash cycle to help disinfect. Drying on high for at least 45 minutes also helps to sanitize.

4. Keep bottles of Honest Disinfecting Spray throughout the house.

This is a tip (keeping cleaners in more than one room) that I learned from my mom growing up, but admittedly didn't actually utilize until recently. (I used to keep them all under the kitchen sink.) It's actually quite helpful because while I may be genuinely devoted to keeping my house void of germs these days, I still need reminders to do it. This is why I love the Honest Company's Disinfecting 3-Pack from Costco. I keep one bottle in the kitchen, one in the downstairs bathroom, and one upstairs for easy access. When I see it, it reminds me to use it. And since we can't keep surfaces truly germ-free without sanitizing them daily, it's important to do it consistently (and without harsh chemicals, please!).

5. Regularly take the trash out (and disinfect the containers!).

It might seem obvious to take the trash and recycling out when they're full, but we have a habit of pushing in as much as possible until the containers are bursting at the seams. There is something to be said for this, because it's less wasteful to get as much as possible into one trash bag, but it's not the most sanitary way to go about things. When garbage and things like used tissues (yuck!) are piled up (and repeatedly touched each time we pushed them down), germs are spread. I take the garbage and recycling outside much more frequently these days, and also clean and disinfect the garbage containers with Honest Disinfecting Spray every time, right before I put in a new trash bag.

I hope these tips prove useful for those of you looking to keep your house as germ-free as possible without having to use hazardous chemicals to make it that way. And if I haven't hinted about it enough yet, head to your local Costco (or the Costco website) and get yourself the Honest Company's Disinfecting 3-Pack now! I'm telling you guys, it is a game-changer for not only disinfecting but also cleaning and deodorizing too. (Who doesn't love a multi-tasking cleaning time saver?) I am also such a big fan of The Honest Company in general and have been since my daughter was born in 2013. Their products are made with love and care, and with safety in mind - from baby, personal care, and beauty items to household products like their Disinfecting spray about which I cannot stop gushing. The Honest Company also partners with organizations like Baby2Baby to help ensure all families have access to basic necessities and health information for safe growth and development, which is pretty wonderful.

Do you have any other tips for keeping your home sanitized without the use of harsh chemicals? I'd love to hear them if so!

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Our 2020 Family Holiday Cards

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 13:22:04 GMT

Those of you who have been reading here for a while know that even though I don't often get personal about my private life (especially when it comes to my kids), I always share our family holiday cards with you all. And I say this every year, but it's worth repeating: sharing family holiday cards might not seem like a deep dive into our personal lives, but there is something very intimate about them. They are the most special greeting we send to our closest friends and family at the end of every year, and they represent our gratitude for those people. Well, I'm grateful for you all as well, and that's why I choose to share these with you in a post every November.

Also, let's face it. 2020 has been a real a-hole of a year, and that just makes me want to share greetings of peace and love and joy more than ever.

Honestly, I can't think of a year I have ever not sent out holiday cards. They are one of my absolute favorite seasonal traditions. (I even have a line of them of my own, although they're a much different style than the ones I send out myself these days.) And six years ago, I discovered a holiday card company that not only had the hippest cards around, they went above and beyond to make my life easier. So please allow me to gush for a minute about them, my beloved Postable.

Before I start my annual professing of love for Postable, I want to say that Postable did not (and has never) paid me to review them. This is just one of those time that I have fallen in love with a brand, gotten to know them, and feel inspired to spread the word of their awesomeness. Again and again. What initially drew me to them way back when was their huge selection of beautifully designed, fully customizable cards that are all 100% post-consumer recycled and/or tree-free 100% (envelopes too). Once I had their cards in hand, I was impressed by other things too - from the quality of the cards themselves to the quickness of their shipping.

I think my favorite thing about Postable, however, is that they do all the freaking work you guys. Not only do they print my cards, they stuff the envelopes, address them, stamp them, and mail them for me too. So basically, I have not had an envelope cut on my tongue in years, and that is glorious. And the process of getting them made and sent couldn't be easier. I choose a card design (which is by far the longest part of it because the options are endless), upload my photos, greetings, and names, choose my font, choose an envelope color, click on the addresses saved in my address book, and hit order. A few days later, my cards arrive in my loved ones mailbox, which leaves me way more time to binge watch dark holiday comedies and eat peppermint bark in bed.

Thank you one again to my friends at Postable for making the holiday season a little brighter by creating beautiful cards and making it beyond easy to get them sent. After the year we've all had, I appreciate thie more than ever. I'll also mention once again the people who work for the company are genuinely kind humans too. So kind that they are giving you 20% off your entire order with code BEAN20. So get over to their site right now and start designing, friends. Happy holidays, and happy holiday card giving!

This post is in collaboration with Postable.

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Spicy Veggie Burrito Bowl Casserole

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 13:49:04 GMT

This post is in partnership with La Morena.

I have been talking a lot with my kids lately about the fact that even though this holiday season will look different for us (and most people), there are so many ways we can still make it special - for ourselves and for others. One of the ways we can do this is through cooking our favorite foods. The act of spending time together in the kitchen as a family, making delicious, comforting things to eat, has always been a big part of the holidays. Sharing our food has been as well. And while we may not be able to host parties or have big holiday gatherings this year, we can still cook foods and share them with neighbors and community.

One of our favorite foods to cook and serve (during the holidays and throughout the year) is a vegetarian burrito bowl casserole. Burrito bowls are staples in our house, and creating a casserole from them takes an everyday dish up a notch. My son and I recently had so much fun making a spicy version of this delicious meal and delivering it as a gift to a neighbor. We plan to continue to do this throughout the holiday season, but today we're choosing you to share the recipe with!

Spicy Veggie Burrito Bowl Casserole

Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup La Morena Pickled Jalapeño Peppers (sliced) or Pickled Jalapeño Nacho Slices

1/3 cup La Morena Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, sliced

2 cans black beans, drained

1 can corn

1 can refried beans

1 can pinto beans, drained

3 cups cooked brown rice

2 cups shredded cheese (we like a mix of cheddar and Monterey jack)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/3 teaspoon salt

Garnishes:

Scallions, sliced

Tomato, diced

Avocado, diced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat black beans, corn, La Morena Pickled Jalapeños and La Morena Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce in a sauce pan with spices until warm. In another pan, heat pinto and refried beans. Spoon pinto and refried bean mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spoon on rice. Layer on the jalapeño/chipotle pepper/black bean/corn mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Cook in oven for 20-25 minutes. Top with garnishes and serve.

The key to the delicious spiciness in this dish is the La Morena Pickled Jalapeños and La Morena Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, which add the perfect level of authentic Mexican homestyle flavor and a touch of heat. La Morena peppers are hand selected and prepared, and the highest quality peppers around. (You can find them at Safeway, Shoprite, Stop N Shop, Fiesta, La Michoaćana, Cardenas, Northgate and Vallarta.) And best of all, La Morena is giving away over $20,000 worth of cash and prizes in their "We Can!" holiday sweepstakes, which is running through December. (Enter right here!)

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this yummy recipe as much as we do this holiday season. And I encourage you to pay it forward and make this casserole, or any our your other favorite dishes made with delicious La Morena products, as a meal to give to a neighbor, friend, or family in need. Because even though it's a different kind of holiday season, we CAN still be kind, generous, and compassionate to others. That is ultimately what the holidays are all about anyway!

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Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Pancakes

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:28:01 GMT

You may remember these from last year, but they're just too fun not to share again. We plan to make these again on Thanksgiving morning this year. (And hey, you can always make them with boxes pancake mix too if you're not feeling the whole from scratch thing.)

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk or buttermilk
2 eggs
strawberries, sliced
bananas, sliced
mandarin oranges or clementine slices
pineapple chunks
raisins

Preheat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in milk or buttermilk and eggs. Whisk until combined into a batter. Pour batter onto pan or griddle, creating one set of larger circles (turkey body) and one set of smaller circles (turkey head). Cook until underside is golden brown, then flip and repeat. Let all pancakes cool slightly.

For each turkey, place one small pancake on a large one and decorate using the fruit. Eat!

Happy almost Thanksgiving!

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Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 13:12:00 GMT

If you're a regular reader here, you may remember me sharing this delicious pumpkin coffee cake recipe before. We've decided to make it a pre-Thankgiving brunch tradition every November, and made it again this past weekend. It was so good that I felt compelled to share it again. The recipe is adapted from coffee cake my husband's grandmother often made that he and his family call "Nana's Sunday A.M. Favorite."
Really, it's great for any time of the year. But the pumpkin addition makes it especially fun to serve during the fall and holiday season.

PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE

Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 45-50 min
Serves 12

CAKE INGREDIENTS
4 cups flour
2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups pumpkin puree
1-1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

TOPPING INGREDIENTS
1-1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tsp flour
3 tsp melted butter
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds/pepitas

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, spices, and salt (for the coffee cake). In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then mix in pumpkin puree and egg. Gradually add milk. Pour batter into 9 x 13 greased baking pan.

Mix topping ingredients (except for pumpkin seeds) and sprinkle over batter. Evenly top with pumpkin seeds.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly and serve.

Tip: You can easily this recipe in half if you're just making for yourself or your family.

I hope you love this seasonal brunch staple as much as we do. Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!

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