There is a long list of things I didn’t seem coming as a parent. On that list is my need for more sleep. Now that my kids are older my days start even earlier. We are packed up, dressed, and out the door by 7:15 am. After all of those sleepless nights, round the clock feedings, and escorting them back to their beds thousands of times, aren’t we all entitled to a little sleep?

My kids are pretty good about getting up and starting their day. The one thing that helps Jake and Lily shake off the sleepiness and wake up is something great to eat in the morning. After too many days (okay, months) of boxed cereal for breakfast, my kids asked (read: begged) me to add something into their breakfast routine that was delicious and could be served “to go.” This basic smoothie recipe changed everything for us!

I love this Strawberry Banana Smoothie! It’s a snap to make and is totally delicious! I love the vibrant pop of pink and the idea that my kids are actually consuming fruit. On busy mornings I throw the ingredients in a blender, pour into a “to go” cup and the kids sip it on the way to school. On more leisurely mornings, I cut up fresh fruit to float on top of the smoothie or add a sprinkle of granola. The kids love it so much that it’s even become their go-to after school snack.

Here is my recipe for a Strawberry Banana Smoothie.

Enjoy!

-xo

 

Go big or go home! When it comes to sweets on Valentine’s Day, that’s pretty much my philosophy. Okay, it’s pretty much my philosophy on dessert in general but Valentine’s Day gives us a great excuse to break out the best in baking! These sweet treats are the perfect way to end a special dinner or make for an amazing gift for someone you love. Get creative, indulge, and create a memorable and delicious Valentine’s Day!

Here are my 10 picks for Sweet Treats on Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy!

xo

Country Cake with Berries

This stunner of a cake is brings the WOW factor to Valentine’s Day! Load this beauty up with clouds of whipped cream and tons of juicy, ripe red berries. For a dramatic reveal, dim the lights and dazzle your guests with a gorgeous cake topped with sparklers. 

 

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting is always a hit! Whip up a batch of these lush red cupcakes and top with festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles or a combination of strawberries and raspberries.

 

Fruit and Herb Filled Ice Cubes

Make every element of your Valentine’s Day celebration feel special! Up your drink game on Valentine’s Day with these show stopping ice cubes loaded with fruit!

 

Cheesecakes in Mason Jars 

My mini cheesecakes are the perfect treat for your family, classroom party, or just to bake your way into someone’s heart. Top with shavings of a special chocolate, red berries, or a dollop of homemade whipped.

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies 

For a special treat on Valentine’s Day, add a sprinkle of fleur de sel to each ball of dough before you pop them in the oven. Present on a beautiful platter or fill glassine bags with a shiny red ribbon for a lovely gift.

 

Chocolate Dipped Fruit Cone

It’s a fact that Chocolate Dipped Cones make everything that goes into them taste better. Get creative with the chocolates and the sprinkles! I love the look of white chocolate with pink and/or red sprinkles! Load them up with bright red berries or your favorite ice cream for a memorable Valentine’s Day dessert.

 

Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 

Go ahead, eat the dough! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sandwiches are made with real cookie dough! Fill with a festive ice cream of you choice (red velvet, strawberry, or even chocolate chocolate chip). When you are ready to serve and the sandwiches are good and frozen, have dishes of sprinkles or crushed cookies out on the table. Let guests roll their sandwich in the topping of their choice.

 

Monkey Bread Cupcakes 

These knock your socks off Monkey Bread Cupcakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Wrap each cupcake in cellophane with a gorgeous bow and a heartfelt card.

 

Chocolate Dipped Oreos

Now is the time to take advantage of all of those fun Valentine’s Day sprinkles I’m seeing in every baking aisle. Use heart shaped sprinkles or go with red and pink for a super cute and delicious cookie. Fill a glassine bag or present on a special tray.

 

Classic Ice Cream Sandwiches

I made these Ice Cream Sandwiches for the holidays and they were a huge hit. Fill with your favorite ice cream and fun roll sprinkles. Kid and grownup approved.

 

 

If summer had a taste, these Lemonade Popsicles would be it. Filled with seasonal berries and fresh mint, these lemony pops are the most refreshing treat I’ve had in a long time. The berries are fresh and juicy, and the mint offers just the slightest hint of flavor. I’m pretty sure these popsicles will be in heavy rotation around here based on the fact that they were devoured the day I made them.

I love when food looks like art. The fruit and mint gives these treats beautiful pops of summer color.

Well, hello gorgeous.

Enjoy these delicious treats!

Looking for popsicle molds? Find them here.

I’m often asked to bring a “healthy-ish” snack to class parties. First of all, I don’t even know what that means. Is “heathy-ish” even a thing? I would show up for class parties with beautifully plated but super boring platters of cut produce. The kids would excitedly file by the snack table, paper plates in hand, and I would watch as their little polite smiles conveyed how underwhelmed they were by the special snack at the party. Let’s face it; it’s hard to get excited about carrot sticks. I don’t blame the kids.

One of the first lessons taught in culinary school is that we eat with our eyes. You want to present beautiful, interesting food that is visually appealing.

These festive cones are dipped in chocolate and sprinkles and loaded with fresh berries. They are colorful, fun, and special. These adorable cones are perfect for class parties, dessert tables, or make for a fun treat for a playdate.

Enjoy!