Thanksgiving Desserts (without the Pie!)

I think I’ve mentioned before (and surprisingly you didn’t hold it against me) that I don’t like pie. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a HUGE dessert fan! Just something about pie is just, well, not worth the calories to me if I’m going to invest in dessert! That also means that I don’t have a clue how to make a decent pie, and I’m not really interested in giving it a shot. It’s hard to convince yourself to invest the time if you aren’t going to invest the calories. :)

We are headed out of town to stay with our sis and brother in law and their new baby (yay!!) so I’m planning to cook us a Thanksgiving dinner that is low key, since inevitably we’ll all be distracted by the newborn or my three year old! So I’ve been hunting down the perfect dessert recipe for Thanksgiving, and I thought I’d share some that appeal to me here, just in case you have some anti-pie folks at your Thanksgiving table too!


1. Fast and Easy Caramel Apple Trifle by Bakers Royale (you had me at fast and easy!)
2. Rustic Caramel Apple Tart from Honest to Nod (absolutely gorgeous, isn’t it?).

3. Cardamom Honey Pears from Not Without Salt (speaking of gorgeous!)
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles from Wayward Girls Crafts. (Chocolate? I’m in!)

Picky Palate has a ton of fantastic options!


1. Gooey Pumpkin Butterscotch Brownies
2. Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Icing
3. Cream Cheese and Butterscotch Pumpkin Pies with Gingersnap Streusel Topping  (I know, I know - these are just mini-pies! To be fair, she recommends frozen pie crust and they are topped with streusel - and are cute little minis!)

So all you anti-pie people out there, rejoice! You won’t be left out when it comes to Thanksgiving dessert this year!

Creepy and Spooky Halloween Cupcakes: Guest Post from Pure Joy Events

Hello, this is Christine from Pure Joy Events. I'm a full-time working mom of two with a passion for crafting, as well as designing and styling parties for children. It's such a pleasure to be guest blogging over at Did Someone Say Party today. Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays. Come on, when else can you get away with serving brain with blood clot cupcakes or bloody rat cupcakes at the dessert table? So with Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share some deliciously creepy and spooky cupcake ideas for your upcoming party.

1. Eeek! This bloody rat cupcake from 6 Bittersweets screams Halloween. The strawberry jam "blood" and red eyes made from candy-coated sunflower seeds bring chills up my spine.


2. I vwant to take a bite of this bloody good red velvet cupcake from The Novice Chef, which was inspired by the television series, True Blood.


3. These brain with blood clot cupcakes from Annie's Eats are oozing with so much grossness, you gotta love it!


4. Lily Vanilli's book, A Zombie Ate My Cupcake!, shows readers how to make "25 deliciously weird cupcake recipes", including these creepy zombie hands.


5. Beware of these mutant spider cupcakes from Martha Stewart.


6. Trust me, these graveyard cupcakes from 6 Bittersweets are to die for. The complete tutorial, along with free gravestone printable toppers from Chickabug can be found here on my blog.
Wishing everyone a very creepy and spooky Halloween!


~ Christine
Blog: purejoyeventsblog.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Pure-Joy-Events/133063996757943




Thanks, Christine! These are some fantastically creepy treats! Happy Halloween, everyone!! 

Cupcakes for Breakfast

OK, so that would be a stretch.  Not that I’m past eating a cupcake for breakfast, but these aren’t exactly the most nutritious way to start your day.  They do, however, use some classic breakfast flavors to create a delicious dessert treat!

These first three cupcakes use some classic breakfast cereals!

1. Fruit Loop Cupcakes from Gastronomy.
2. Cap’n Crunch Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Marshmallow Frosting from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen (think I just found my hubby’s next birthday cupcake!).
3. Rice Krispie Treat Cupcakes from the Cupcake Project. These have a fun surprise- there is a mini cupcake inside!

If you are looking for a more sophisticated cupcake flavor, these fun cupcakes sound amazing!

4. Maple Bacon Cupcakes from the Fresh Fridge.
5. Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes from Pink Parsley.
6. French Toast and Bacon Cupcakes from The Busty Baker.

So what do you think? Are these fun breakfast-themed cupcakes something you’d give a try?

Mini Cheesecakes

It seems cheesecake is on its way back in popularity, at least from what I’m finding around the blogosphere. And what better way to serve it at a party than in mini form? Today’s post features some flavor combinations that are my absolute favorite! Yep, this post is all about me. :)

1. Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes from Inside BruCrew Life.
2. No Bake Raspberry Lemon Cheesecakes from My Baking Addiction.

3. Twix Cheesecakes from Gingerbread Bagels.
4. Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes from Sweet Little Smoothie.
If you are dying for more mini cheesecake ideas, make sure to visit this previous post on Cheesecake Cupcakes!


I’m loving this trend!  How about you?

School Theme Baby Shower: The Food

Here was our party menu, as written out on cute little chalkboard plaques. The party started at 1:30 so we served light appetizers and treats.

1. Berry Poppyseed Salad
2. Southwest Artichoke Dip served with Blue and White Corn Tortilla Chips
3. Watermelon and Cantaloupe Melon Balls
4. Fresh Veggies with a Ranch Dip
5. Shrimp and Pork Wontons
6. Fish and Pork Spring Rolls (these last two are courtesy my awesome hubby – sorry no recipes to share!)

Photos by Kate Kintzel Photography

The Berry Poppyseed Salad was inspired by my favorite Panera salad. We mixed a large container of salad leaves (I used Romaine) chopped, a pint of blueberries, half a pound of chopped strawberries, one can of pineapple tidbits drained, and 1 cup of pecan halves. I tossed it with a jar of Poppyseed Dressing.  It was delicious!

We decided to cool things down with the beverages since it was pretty hot in August. Aside from the usual sodas, water, and iced tea, we also served limeade with watermelon granita. It was a perfect complement to the limeade (by the way, I cheated and purchased the jug of Simply Limeade!). We just dropped a big scoop of granita in a cup of limeade to serve – it was pretty and refreshing! It was also a huge hit.  I’m totally obsessed with that granita now by the way – made my 2nd batch last week!

Photo by Kate Kintzel Photography

As for the sweet treats, we were in abundance. We made some delicious Pretzel and Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites – probably the easiest but yummiest little cookie bite I’ve ever had!

And instead of traditional cupcakes, we went the ice cream cupcake route! My sister in law has been loving salted caramel ice cream lately, so we made a brownie based cupcake with salted caramel ice cream on top, drizzled with caramel sauce on top after they came out of the freezer. We used a brownie mix (Ghiradelli box mixes are awesome!) but you can find a recipe including a homemade brownie here.

It was quite the delicious day! Off to the freezer to get more granita…

Chocolate Cherry Malt Cupcakes

These dense cupcakes are a super decadent little treat full of rich chocolate and sweet cherry preserves.  I used this amazing recipe from The Noshery found at Tasty Kitchen.


I made a couple tweaks since I couldn’t find chocolate malt powder.  I used plain malt powder in the cupcake, then used this Allrecipes recipe for Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting.  The frosting was lightly sweet and tart – perfect for the rich cupcake!


She wasn’t kidding when she said don’t be surprised that they weigh more than a small child – these are some super dense and rich cupcakes.  Quite tasty and absolutely adorable with the maraschino cherry and crushed Whoppers on top!


Have you tried any new cupcake recipes that you love? Please share!

Savory Cupcakes

Don't be alarmed.  I haven't lost my mind.

Apparently, making savory cupcakes is not that unusual.  Sure, I doubt your 6 year old would be happy with a savory cupcake for his birthday party, but they have a purpose - great for dinner parties, baby/bridal showers, brunches, etc..  In fact Easter brunch sounds like a good plan for these delectable treats!  And they look just as cute adorned with our cupcake wrappers and toppers! 

OK, so they can also be called muffins.  But we are all about cupcakes around this blog and they sound more interesting that way!!
 

1. These Savory Cupcakes from Eat Drink Pretty are basically cheddar herb bread with goat cheese "frosting".  Wait, did you catch that?  Goat cheese???  I'm in!


2. These Savory Broccoli Cakes from the etsy storque blog look like a work of art!  My broccoli loving kiddo might actually enjoy these!


3. How about Bacon Herb Cupcakes from Southern Living? They are frosted with Cream Cheese!



4. These Goat Cheese and Green Onion Mini Muffins from Clockwork Lemon sound delicious!  Again with the goat cheese – YUM!
 
5. Love the concept of these  baked spinach dip mini bread bowls from Picky Palate.  What a perfect appetizer – dip and bread all in one cute little cupcake size package! 

6. These Savory Foster Farms & Bacon Cupcakes by Kathy Casey are frosted with Tabasco Cream Cheese Frosting!! Head to the Seattle Tall Poppy blog for the recipe!



In my mind, any cute little thing in a muffin tin qualifies as a cupcake, and these delicious savory treats are no different!
 
So tell me, do you have any "savory “cupcake” recipes to share? 

Oatmeal Cream Pie Cupcakes

My husband has adored Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies since he was a child. When we were first dating I may or may not have given him some bulk warehouse size boxes for Christmas. We were broke college students and it made him happy. :)


A couple weeks ago we celebrated his 35th birthday while on vacation with my family. I wanted to recreate his favorite treat in a cupcake but couldn’t find a recipe for it.


Then it occurred to me that I could break it down into pieces. There are a lot of recipes out there for homemade versions of the treat. The creamy filling would make for a perfect cupcake frosting. And there are some amazing old fashioned oatmeal cake recipes out there. So I combined the two to make some pretty yummy Oatmeal Cream Pie Cupcakes.


Note, this is simply a combination of two wonderful recipes! But together, they make a perfect birthday celebration!



Oatmeal Cream Pie Cupcakes
(adapted from recipes by Shugary Sweet and Jodi Jenson)
Ingredients (makes 2 dozen cupcakes)


Cake

• 1-1/2 cup water
• 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Frosting

• 2 tsp hot water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 10-1/2 ounces marshmallow fluff
• 3/4 cups shortening, butter flavor
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Boil water and stir in oats. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar. 
4. Add eggs and vanilla
5. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Combine with butter mixture.
6. Add oatmeal.
7. Fill muffin pan liners 2/3 full. 
8. Bake 16-20 minutes.


While your cupcakes cool, make the frosting!


1. Combine water with salt until salt is dissolved.
2. In a large bowl, beat marshmallow fluff with shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat on high until fluffy.
3. Add in salt water and mix until combined.
4. Put mixture in piping bag and frost your cooled cupcakes!


Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers.


So I have to admit, I really like these cupcakes, even though the original oatmeal cream pies aren't my thing.  Maybe it's the extra cake in this cupcake ratio - it's delish! Are you a secret Little Debbie fan?


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Summer Entertaining: Beach Parties

Not all of us (particularly those of us in Colorado) can enjoy a beautiful party at the beach.  Salty warm air, the sound of the waves, a big beautiful bonfire – lovely! But there is no reason for us landlocked folks to miss throwing a wonderful beach bash. 


Today I’m sharing some ideas for throwing your own beach party – whether it is authentic on the sand or simply in your backyard.
If you are bringing your beach party home, greet your guests with these beautiful shell wreaths!

1. Follow instructions to make a gorgeous shell wreath from My Romantic Home.


2. Make a graphic clamshell wreath with instructions from Martha.


3. I love this seashell wreath from My Growing Home!

Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Have you fallen for the salted caramel trend? I’m ALL over it. Something about that balance of salty and sweet speaks to me. Add in a little chocolate and I’m in heaven.


I happened upon the recipe for PB Cup Brownies from Baked Perfection via Pinterest (love that site!) and was suddenly inspired. I had a box of my favorite brownie mix in the cupboard and it was calling to me!

These couldn’t be easier and it is a perfect way to dress up your favorite brownie! You can make your own brownie mix of course, but I’m a HUGE fan of the Ghiradelli brownie mixes. They are an easy way to make a deliciously rich brownie!


Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Ingredients:
Brownie Mix (mix as directed)
Sea Salt
1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits

Yep, seriously, three ingredients. OK, maybe I lied. Depending on your brownie mix, you likely have more ingredients to add.

Directions: 1. Prepare brownies as directed.  Spoon batter into mini muffin liners. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

2. Let brownie bites cool.  The centers will fall slightly as they cool.  If they don’t, use the back of a spoon to tap them down.

3. While you are waiting for them to cool, put the caramel bits and a tablespoon of water in a microwaveable bowl.  Microwave as directed to melt the bits.
4. Spoon the melted caramel in the fallen center of the brownie bites. 

5. Sprinkle with a little sea salt to taste.

I enjoyed mine with an espresso. Mmmm, I might just mix up another batch now! And with the mini-muffin size, they are guilt-free! As long as you only eat one. That’s my problem. :) 


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