Indulge In {Chocolate Covered Confetti Rice Krispy Pops}

If you are having confetti week, you can't not have a confetti inspired treat. Confetti to me represents a true recurrence of nostalgic elements in parties. And, nothing screams nostalgic food to me more than homemade rice krispy treats. I remember making them from scratch with friends on long summer days in the kitchen. When I was young, they were the one treat I could make on my own making me feel like a real grown-up. I haven't had them in ages, but when it came to planning for this week, I wanted to make something that I felt represented "fun" as much as confetti does, but amp it up a notch. While rice krispy treats can be a bit messy to eat with your hands, skewering them and dipping in chocolate really helps to keep hands clean and mouths happy. I've never been more excited to share a recipe with you, so I hope you enjoy as much as I do! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Package Marshmallows
6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1 Tub Melting Chocolate
Multi-Colored Sprinkles
Skewers

:: Directions ::
1. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in Rice Krispies. Mix until completely coated.
3. Using a spatula coated in melted butter, press into cake pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Let cool completely and cut into 2 x 3 rectangles.
4. Skewer rice krispies and dip into melted chocolate. Lay flat on wax paper, sprinkle with sprinkles immediately. Let chocolate harden and serve!

Have a tasty Thursday!

Cupcake Creative

In an ideal world, I would love to make everybody a cake (or cupcakes!) for their birthday. But given how busy we all are, that can be a bit impossible. However, I have found a way to give a store bought cupcake (or cake!) that homemade touch that is so desirable. By buying a simple cupcake, you can take it home and add a bit of pizzaz in no time. Wrap it up in a kraft paper box with a glittered ribbon and you are ready to give a semi homemade treat! Here are some ideas for easy decorating.

1. Sprinkles: A classic topper. Roll the icing in a bed of multi colored sprinkles to create a confetti like decor. 

2. Personalized Signs: Hand write a birthday message or their age on the piece of kraft paper and stick it right on top. Adorn with a bit of edible glitter for a splash of glitz.

3. Crushed Candy: Crush the recipient's favorite treat and sprinkle on top. Any kind of candy will work or for a splash try crushed pretzels!

4. Curling Ribbon: Curling ribbon is about the simplest, prettiest topper around. Plus the possibilities are endless. They make it in every color and even patterns for ultimate customization!

Oh Happy Day!

It's no secret I love birthdays. I believe everybody's birthday should be their biggest celebration of the year, and I fully believe in joining them in their celebration. But, it can be hard when those you love to celebrate with most don't live near you. That's why I came up with the most ingenious "Birthday in a Box". Filled with all the birthday essentials like cake, balloons, streamers, sprinkles, candles and more, this box has everything for your friend or loved one to celebrate their birthday just as if you were there! I'm sending this box to a friend now living all the away across Canada (she's in Alaska...). After many birthdays spent together, I'm hoping this box will bring back all the fun memories we had and remind her that I'm celebrating in spirit right beside her! Here's the run down of what's in the box...

:: Supplies ::
Box Cake
Icing
Sprinkles
Balloons
Streamers
Plates
Napkins
Candles
Bunting
Birthday Hat
Blow Outs

:: Directions ::
Assemble in a box, wrap in tissue, tape the box and mail to a friend!

Indulge In {Cake Batter Pancakes}

It's no secret, I have an obsession with pancakes. It began when I stayed with my grandparents during the summers and, preceded by a snack of Dunkin' Donuts, my grandmother and I made pancakes galore. Flavored with all sorts of things like cinnamon, bananas, vanilla, and more, they were the best and the highlight of each morning. One flavor we never tried though, was birthday cake. Combining my two favorite foods into one, how come I never thought of this? Talk about genius and majorly delicious! Imagine serving these up for a birthday brunch with friends accompanied by mimosas and fresh fruit. Here's the recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker...

:: Ingredients ::

Pancakes

1

cup Original Bisquick® mix

1

cup Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix

3

tablespoons candy sprinkles

1

cup milk

1

teaspoon vanilla

2

eggs

Glaze and Garnish

1

cup powdered sugar

1 1/2

teaspoons milk

1/2

teaspoon vanilla

Additional candy sprinkles

:: Directions ::

{1} Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)


{2} In medium bowl, stir together pancake ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until pancakes are golden brown. Stack on serving plates.


{3} In small bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with whisk until smooth.


{4} To serve, top each serving with glaze and additional candy sprinkles.

This Party Inspired By {Sprinkles}

Do you remember when you were young and a scoop of ice cream or a slice of cake wasn't the same without the sprinkles? It completed the treat. Well, the coolness of sprinkles has returned. I mean hello, do you see this cake that is embroidered with sprinkles? Talk about amazing! Or, look at that sprinkle bar. I love it! Seriously, I can't stop gushing. I love the idea of passing around shots of milk rimmed in sprinkles to your guests as the night is winding down. Add a warm chocolate chip cookie and it would be perfect! 

Images: (Row 1) 1, 2 (Row 2) 1, 2 (Row 3) 1, 2, 3