Apple Pie…

I don’t love it.

I do, however, love these apple crumb bars that are very similar.

Something about the cinnamon and brown sugar slightly caramelizing together with the apples is pure joy.  It reminds me of autumn. Which is funny since it is just barely showing signs of spring/summer here in Utah. As the smell slowly filled our home while it baked, I had to fight the urge to break out the hot cocoa and snuggies…

Ok, Ok… we don’t own snuggies.

But I would have totally gotten them out just to snuggle up on the couch with a good book, hot chocolate, and a few of these bars. Even if it is 80 degrees outside.

recipe highly adapted from Smitten Kitchen

The best thing about these bars is how easily adaptable they are. With just a few minor adjustments you can have blackberry, blueberry, peach…

Whatever you decide, I think we can all agree that they are delicious! They even get the seal of approval from the toddler. He thought these were the perfect after dinner treat and a great way to start the week!

The post Apple Crumb Bars first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

Friday is my sons last day of preschool.

It is kind of a big deal in our house. The fact that we (the parents) actually got him to the school fed and dressed throughout the year is a miracle! My little guy is NOT a morning person. In fact… there have been a few occasions where he walked into class finishing his toast or with a severe case of bedhead!

To thank the wonderful staff I decided to make them a special treat.

Suckers. Lollipops. Pops.

There are so many names for these candies.

Whatever you decide to call them, we can all agree that they are a true childhood favorite. Which is why I decided to make a grown up version for the teachers that deal with children on a day to day basis.

1. Chose your flavors.

You’ll need to pick a juice and any additional flavors you’d like to add in. I went with the classic cherry and lime combination.

2. Gather your gear.

You will need a candy thermometer, sticks, and lots of powdered sugar.

3. Follow the recipe!

Now that you know just how easy it is to make your own lollipops, what flavor combinations are you going to use?

*To reduce the juice… simply bring to a boil and continue to stir until reduced to half.

I’m linking up @: Today’s Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Moonlight and Mason Jars, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna , Lady Behind the Curtain, House of Hepworth’s, Somewhat Simple, Artsy-Fartsy Mama , Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello, I Heart Nap Time, Flamingo Toes

The post Cherry Lime Lollipops first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

I really hate to waste any leftover ingredients. Last week I had to enlist the help of several family members to get a can of coconut milk open… when I didn’t end up using the entire thing I just couldn’t let myself pour it down the drain. I covered it up and stuck it in the fridge.

And that got me thinking… what could I make with this milk?

Something not too dense… maybe have a nice summer flavor… like… citrus? Yeah… citrus!

That’s about the time I remembered that my lemon bread has milk that could easily be substituted with the coconut milk. I was sure the two flavors were going to combine into a mouth full of awesomeness!

recipe adapted from Taste of Home

Not to toot my own horn or anything…

but this bread is AMAZING.

Ok… so I’m tooting it a little.

If you’d like a nice glaze simply whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of lemon juice. Drizzle it on top and enjoy!

I’m linking up @: Today’s Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Moonlight and Mason Jars, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna , Lady Behind the Curtain, House of Hepworth’s, Somewhat Simple, Artsy-Fartsy Mama , Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello, I Heart Nap Time, Flamingo Toes

The post Lemon Coconut Bread first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

Freezer breakfasts have been a life saver for us!

We are not morning people. My son started attending preschool three days a week, and man… I thought I was a goner. It’s hard enough to get him out of bed and ready for the day… Breakfast ended up being a completely different challenge. For the first few weeks we lived off of toast and yogurt, but that gets old fast.

One of my wonderful friends shared her secret! At Costco or Sam’s you can buy a box of frozen pancakes. The best part was that they were individually packaged and all you have to do is pop them into the microwave!

This got me thinking…

I can totally do that!

So we did!

recipe slightly adapted from AllRecipes

Remember that baby shower I posted about a few days ago? Well, this Blueberry syrup was hands down the most popular of the toppings. I was lucky that there happened to be enough left for me to try it out for myself!

Now… if you want to freeze the pancakes simply lay them out on a cookie sheet and pop them into the freezer for twenty minutes. After that just place them into a labeled Ziploc and pull out as needed.

What are your go to freezer meals?

The post Mini Pancakes first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

My sister in-law announced to all of us that they were expecting a baby girl, which also happens to be the first girl on my husbands side, and I could not wait to plan a party!

I decided a waffle bar would be perfect for the open house feel I was going for. It kept people engaged with the hands on meal and made the need for those crazy baby shower games unnecessary.

For the toppings I stuck with fresh fruit (thank you Costco!), chocolate chips, and whipped cream. You can never go wrong with raspberries, am I right?

Stoneswall Kitchen generously donated some of their amazing syrups! My favorite would have to be the Wild Maine Blueberry. I can’t wait to try it out over ice cream this summer! Some of the other flavors they sent were cinnamon apple, butter pecan, and raspberry.

The only thing I wish I would have done differently is offer some powdered sugar to sprinkle over the waffles. That always gives them a pretty look and adds a touch of sweetness.

Some of the other items served were parfaits and breakfast casserole (recipe coming soon). I made the parfaits in darling little cups from Gygi’s that happened to be the perfect size. They couldn’t have been any easier. I just layered vanilla yogurt with fresh chopped fruit and stuck a tiny spoon into the side.

Croissants from Costco were another must have item. I love homemade, but nothing compares to their flaky texture.

Party favors are always my favorite. I guess technically you don’t have to hand things out. But I looked at it as a reason for me to make more treats! The wonderful people over at Utah Truffles donated some of their new candy bars, and I made some of my favorite caramel corn for guests to walk away with.

I packaged them up in grey and white dot bags tied with a simple ribbon.

Phew. That was a lot of party to cover. My sister in-law was adorable, and got a lot of super cute girly clothes. I’d like to consider this party a success!

 Stay tuned this week for some of the great recipes I used as well as reviews of some the great products that were donated!

I’m linking up @: Today’s Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Moonlight and Mason Jars, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna , Lady Behind the Curtain, House of Hepworth’s, Somewhat Simple, Artsy-Fartsy Mama , Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello, I Heart Nap Time, Flamingo Toes

The post Waffle Bar Party first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

Wow! The giveaway is over! What a fun week. I loved working with all of these ladies and being able to offer all of you the chance to win some amazing prizes! Let’s take one more look at the amazing sponsors that made this possible!

bosch mixers

decoboards

king arthur flour

gygi

coldstone chocolate

grandway

gourmet garden

tropical traditions

deals to meals

shirley j

world market

cupcake liners wrappers

superior touch

kic mount

The post April Showers Giveaway Winner first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

WHAT?!? Two posts in one week??

This has to be a record for me.

But seriously… our house is on cupcake overload! I’m planning a baby shower for the sweetest girl, and couldn’t serve cupcakes that haven’t passed the four year old’s taste test.

That is where these cupcakes come in. She suggested strawberry lemonade cupcakes… but when I got to the store a giant carton of blackberries were staring me right in the face… They happen to be one of my favorite fruits, so how could I say no??

Recipe adapted from Cake Spy originally written by Pâtisserie Natalie

The best part about these cupcakes? That they are so adaptable! Don’t love the blackberry? Switch it out for strawberries… raspberries… or how about cherries?

Or just enjoy the cake with a little whipped cream.

Lemon is a spring time flavor that I truly look forward too. Anything citrus is welcome in our home.

I’m linking up @: Today’s Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Moonlight and Mason Jars, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna , Lady Behind the Curtain, House of Hepworth’s, Somewhat Simple, Artsy-Fartsy Mama , Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello, I Heart Nap Time, Flamingo Toes

The post Blackberry Lemonade Cupcakes first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

Today I have something exciting to share! I’ve teamed up with some fellow bloggers to help pull everyone out of those April rain shower blues, and help you jump into those May flowers… or in this case… flours!

What better way to welcome summer than winning a Bosch kitchen mixer and all of the ingredients you will need to whip up some amazing treats!?

Not sure what exactly a Bosch is?

You aren’t alone. My friend Ashlee recently wrote a great post (the first in a great Bosch promoting series) that gave me the insight on this unique machine. You can read all about it HERE.

Take a look at what the grand prize winner will be receiving:

And if that weren’t enough… we are giving away a SECOND prize!!

None of this would be possible without our amazing sponsors. I’m sure a few of them will be making an appearance on my site soon, but until then… check them out for yourself!

Entering is easy. Just click on each button below and follow the participating bloggers on Pinterest. Now… I’m sure you are already following most of these creative gals, so it should be fairly simple, right?

Once you are done with that just fill out the Rafflecopter form, and that’s it! You are entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post April Showers Giveaway first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

I have made the decision that shortbread cookies just aren’t my cup of tea. Sure… they are meant to be a little ‘vanilla,’ and normally I would be all over that… But cookies are the one thing I feel should be chocolate. Or contain chocolate. Maybe dipped. But just plain ol’ vanilla?!?

Having said that… everyone else around me thinks I’m crazy. These little gems were the hit of the week with my sister and son. They really love them frozen.

Weird. I know.

Recipe only slightly adapted from All Recipes

The original recipe says that you will get 2 dozen cookies. I halved and adjusted it and still got three dozen. So this recipe is great if you are cooking for a crowd!

It is also easily adaptable! Toss in some lemon zest for a nice citrus kick… or maybe dip them in chocolate for an elegant look.

What is your favorite cookie?

The post Shortbread Cookies first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.

Let’s face it… Sometimes girls just needs chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.

My go-to craving cure would have to be brownies. They are just a denser version of chocolate cake, and the only boxed mix baked good I have ever loved. But last week I wanted to try out a few homemade versions and find the best one for a late night sweet fix.

These brownies are going in the record book for the most moist and flavorful brownies I have ever made! Dax is a big fan of the boxed brownie (I don’t know who raised this kid), but even he gave them two thumbs up. I know it isn’t hard to please a four year old, but I like to think that mine has a sophisticated palate!

recipe adapted from Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook

Here is my tip for perfect brownies… typically they won’t look like they are finished. Still a little gooey. But that is a good thing. Once they have cooled you will be left with a nice moist and chewy slice of goodness.

If you want to get a little wild you could even throw in some extra chocolate chips or candy!

I’ve been slacking a bit on posts lately. Hopefully now that summer is here I can get caught up and provide you all with some great content. So stick around!

I’m linking up @: Today’s Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Somewhat Simple, Artsy-Fartsy Mama , Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello

The post The Best Brownies first appeared on One Sweet Appetite.