Hoppy Easter



Easter is my favorite holiday! To say I go all out would be an understatement of the year! I even decorate the bathrooms. . . I threw a small Easter brunch and wanted to keep things simple. White linens, baby blue gingham napkins, and my great grandmothers scalloped edged plates made the table setting complete. Throw in some festive party favors like this Bunny Bait and you are set. Bright colors, personal touches, and not making it too overwhelming is perfect for Spring! Hoppy Easter, y'all!

Bunny Bait

Ingredients:

1 Bag of Microwaved Buttered Popcorn

2 cups of Pretzel Sticks

1 1/2 cups Candy Melts (white)

1 cup Peanut M&M's (Easter colors)

1/4-1/2 cup Confetti Sprinkles

Optional:

Parchment Paper

Cooking Spray

Directions:

• Coat cookie sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper before beginning for an easy clean up.
• Measure out all ingredients before starting because recipe needs to be executed quickly.
• Place bag of popcorn in microwave and cook according to packaged directions.
• Pour popcorn out onto cookie sheet as well as the pretzel sticks.
• Microwave candy melts according to packaged directions until completely melted and smooth.
• Pour candy melts over popcorn and pretzels and stir to coat. Spread mixture out into single layer and coat liberally with desired amount of confetti sprinkles. Add peanut M&M's.
• Let sit for 10-20 minutes to set and for candy melts to harden. Package into cute baggies or serve in a bowl. Great for party favors or just a snack!

Photos courtesy of Faison Anne Photography.  

Caprese Egg Muffins

 

I made these for a breakfast playdate this week and even the kids gobbled these little egg muffins up. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, what's not to love. They are almost like pizza flavored eggs! Yum!

Caprese Egg Muffins

Ingredients:
8 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup canned fire roasted tomatoes, crushed or diced
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 T. fresh basil, chiffonade
a/n salt and pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Crack eggs into mixing bowl. Beat eggs and milk until combined and fluffy. Add in tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and seasonings.
• Pour egg mixture into a greased muffin tin. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until brown. Garnish with extra basil. Bon Appetite!  

Italian Breakfast with Pineapple

Looking to turn up the heat on a easy Saturday morning brunch party? This Italian Breakfast Bake is a perfect make a head item that you can throw in the oven at the last minute.

Italian Breakfast with Pineapple

Ingredients:
1 lb Italian Link Sausage
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 cup Fresh Pineapple

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

• Cut Italian link sausage in to one inch pieces and throw into baking dish. Cut bell pepper and pineapple into similar sized pieces. 
• Coat with olive to prevent sticking and season with salt.
• Place in 450 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until roasted and bell peppers are brown around the edges. Enjoy with warm crusty bread, biscuits or just how it is! 

Photos are curtesy of Faison Anne Photograhy. 

Whipped Cream & Spiked Root Beer

 

 

 

Whipped Cream & Spiked Root Beer

Ingredients:
12 oz. can root beer
1 1/2 oz. whipped cream vodka (shot sized)
a/n whipped cream
1 maraschino cherry (garnish)

Directions:

• Pour root beer and vodka into mug or glass of choice, filled with ice. Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherry. Drink up!

Energy Bites

 

 

  

These salty sweet energy bites are made biweekly at our house. We keep them on hand for grab and go breakfast or as a snack. Having a healthy snack is essential for staying fueled for hours of keeping up with a walking one year old and also helps me put in a few miles around the track. These bites are also a delicious little desert that will make you feel like you have splurged without actually doing so!

Energy Bites

Ingredients:
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup flaxseed meal
1 cup natural peanut butter, melted
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup honey
1 T. vanilla extract
1/4 t. kosher salt

Directions:

• Measure out all ingredients and combine together. Roll into balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set. Store in cute mason jar on the counter.

Tips:

• Also great with dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, dates, or raisins.
• Add in some shredded coconut for extra sweetness.