Archives for 2016

Boston Cream Pie Cookies

December 23, 2016

Boston Cream Pie is transformed into cookie form with delicious, vanilla cookies, homemade pastry cream and a rich chocolate ganache. Everything you love all in one cookie!

Boston Cream Pie Cookies from LoveandConfections.com

Boston Cream Pie has always been a favorite flavor of mine, whether in cake or doughnut form, it is always delicious! Homemade vanilla pastry cream really makes this dish, so don’t substitute it with a boxed vanilla pudding. Beautiful and shiny chocolate ganache is the perfect topping, making this a rich and luxurious dessert that satisfies both chocolate and vanilla lovers.

I decided to create Boston Cream Pie in cookie form, and these cookies turned out perfect. They resemble whoopie pies and are the perfect bite of a spongy vanilla cookie, vanilla pastry cream, and chocolate ganache!

Visit Dixie Crystals for the FULL RECIPE:

BOSTON CREAM PIE COOKIES

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

I have an ongoing relationship with Dixie Crystals as a recipe developer and brand ambassador. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

Feast of the Seven Fishes: Shrimp with Dipping Sauces #StonyfieldBlogger

December 14, 2016

Christmas Eve is my favorite holiday because my family celebrated the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Stonyfield Yogurt Dish - Feast of the Seven Fishes from LoveandConfections.com

Head on over to Stonyfield Yogurt Dish Blog to read all about my family tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, as well as two recipes. Garlic Yogurt Dip and Chimichurri Sauce, perfect for dipping delicious shrimp!

Stonyfield Yogurt Dish – Feast of the Seven Fishes with Shrimp Yogurt Dip

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Apple Pie Twists

December 9, 2016

Apple Pie Twists combine the classic flavors of apple pie with puff pastry in an easy to make breakfast or dessert.

Apple Pie Twists from LoveandConfections.com

I love the flavors of apple pie, but don’t always like making or eating the crust. I am kind of a crust snob. Sometimes crusts just don’t taste good. I often like to reinvent traditional pie recipes and put a twist on the classics. These Apple Pie Twists are a perfect example.

The apples are cooked to perfection, then spread on puff pastry, twisted, and baked to perfection. They are flaky, tart, sweet, and absolutely perfect when I am in the mood for apple pie without the crust.

Visit Dixie Crystals for the full recipe:

APPLE PIE TWISTS

Holiday baking is my favorite time of year, and Dixie Crystals is hosting their Holiday Baking Bonanza. Make some memories, and sweets, with your family in the kitchen, and enter for your chance to win one of 10 Williams-Sonoma Bakeware Sets.

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

My 2016 Minted Wish List + Giveaway!

November 28, 2016

Start the Christmas season off right with some gorgeous Minted holiday cards and home decor. Minted is also giving two Love and Confections readers each $125 to use toward on their website, so enter my giveaway at the bottom of this post!

My 2016 Minted Wish List + Giveaway from LoveandConfections.com

This post is sponsored by Minted.com and may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking the link, the price will not be higher, but a portion of the sale will go towards the sustainability of my website All opinions are my own.

After Thanksgiving, the holiday cards come rolling in. I love seeing pictures of kids growing from year to year, and hearing how my family and friends have been. I also start decorating for Christmas. Minted is the perfect place for both cards and home decor and I absolutely love everything on their website.

Minted makes holiday card shopping a breeze. With so many options to choose from, sometimes I can’t decide which card is my favorite. They have cards with single or multiple photo options, folded, flat and postcards too. The Foil Holiday Cards are absolutely gorgeous! There are also great interior and backer options for the cards you choose. Minted also has envelope liner and label options.

My absolute favorite part of ordering a Minted card is the recipient addressing! As much as I *love* writing out all the addresses, yeah right, my handwriting isn’t the greatest – Minted takes care of everything so beautifully! The recipient addressing looks gorgeous and matches the design of the holiday card you choose.

Ornament Cards are absolutely adorable and such a great way to display your Christmas cards. Imagine a tree full of fun Ornament Cards from all your family and friends – too cute! You can even create a fun centerpiece with birch branches to hang the ornament cards from.

If you love letting family and friends know about your previous year, and usually write a letter, then you are going to love the Holiday Booklette™ cards. With 8 pages of photos and text, the Booklette™ cards are the annual newsletter with a modern and fun twist.

Minted Home is perfect for Holiday Decor. The Foil-Pressed Table Runners, Tree Centerpieces, Foil-Pressed Table Confetti, Felt Garlands and Paper & Glass Ornaments are the perfect addition to your holiday home decor. Don’t forget the custom wrapping paper to tie everything together.

My newest favorite section on Minted is the Holiday Party Decor. The themes of Evergreen & Amber, Peppermint & Gingerbread, Coastal Freeze and Into the Woods are adorable. I can imagine creating a dessert tablescape with the Evergreen & Amber table runner and napkins. There are also holiday party invitations and matching menu and seating cards for your holiday dinner table.

Here’s the really fun part – I have partnered with Minted to host a giveaway. 2 lucky readers will each win $125 prize code to use on Minted.com.

Enter to win $125 at Minted.com!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

*Prize provided by Minted.com. Pictures shown from Minted. Contest open to U.S. Residents. Contest runs through 12/5/16 at 11:59 pm PDT. I have an ongoing relationship with Minted. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip #MakeHeartburnHistory

November 18, 2016

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ad #MakeHeartburnHistory #CollectiveBias

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is a favorite among family and friends for all my holiday gatherings. Perfect for a last minute appetizer, this is ultimate party food is great for a crowd!

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip from LoveandConfections.com #MakeHeartburnHistory

I make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip for almost every party or gathering throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season. It’s made with just 5 ingredients, and very easy to put together. This dip can be served cold or room temperature, but I like to bake mine in the oven for a warm dip that everyone loves.

I often serve my Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip with crackers or chips, but I prefer mine with veggies. I love the crisp, cool crunch of celery, carrots and snap-peas with this spicy dip. The ranch and cheese definitely tone down the spice, but we all know that buffalo sauce packs a punch. While I love it on wings, sandwiches and in dips, I wasn’t able to eat it as much as I liked, because of heartburn.

That’s where Nexium® 24HR Tablets 42ct comes in. Nexium® 24HR helps treat frequent heartburn, and no matter what triggers it, just one pill a day provides all-day and all-night protection.* I get frequent heartburn, but am able to eat and enjoy the foods I love without worrying if I might get heartburn later.

Buffalo Chicken Dip is sure to be a hit at your next holiday party. Don’t forget some extra cheese to sprinkle on top before serving!

What are some of your favorite spicy holiday dishes? If you’re travelling this holiday season, don’t forget to stop by your local Walgreens to pick up your Nexium® 24HR Tablets 42ct! Don’t let heartburn ruin the holidays.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip

By Love and Confections
Published 11/18/2016

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is a favorite among family and friends for all my holiday gatherings. Perfect for a last minute appetizer, this is ultimate party food is great for a crowd!

Ingredients

1 pound cooked chicken breast
3/4 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
12 ounces Monterey Jack/Cheddar, plus more for garnish
Carrots, celery and snap peas
Chips or crackers

Instructions

Heat oven to 350F.
In the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, place chicken breast pieces and shred chicken at lowest spead.
Add in remaining dip ingredients. Stir and place into oven-safe 9×9 baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and dip is warm.
Stir, top with more cheese (optional) and serve immediately with carrots, celery, snap peas, chips or crackers.

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 00 hrs. 05 mins.

Cook time: 00 hrs. 20 mins.
Total time: 25 mins.
Tags: Appetizer, Dip, Buffalo Sauce, Chicken, Ranch, Cheese

*Nexium® 24HR may take 1-4 days for full effect. Use as directed. It is not immediate relief. Don’t forget to check out these coupons for Nexium® 24HR at your local Walgreens, and enjoy a heartburn-free holiday!
November 1 – 30, 2016 – In-Store Walgreens coupon – $2.00 off Nexium 24HR (48 ct.)
November 1 – 30, 2016 – Special price in-store – Two Nexium 24HR (28 ct.) for $40.00

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Italian Stuffing #Beefsgiving

November 15, 2016

Italian Stuffing is my twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish. Ground Sirloin is the unexpected star and makes it even more delicious than traditional holiday stuffing.

This recipe is sponsored by the Florida Beef Council

Italian Stuffing from LoveandConfections.com #Beefsgiving

Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without my Grandmother’s Italian Stuffing. She made it for us every year, for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us, but my mom, aunts, and uncle have carried on the tradition of making her stuffing. Now, my generation is making it too. I love walking into the kitchen on Thanksgiving and knowing that the smell of stuffing reminds us all of her and her love of feeding her family.

That’s really what Thanksgiving is about – giving thanks for family and friends – and she showed her love through food. My grandmother was a great inspiration for my culinary journey and the inception of this very blog. I love feeding people, and often joke that “it’s the Italian in me”. Honestly, it is very true, I love feeding people, especially Italian food, and always have my home and kitchen open.

Even though this is a side dish, I actually eat it as a meal. My stuffing has mushrooms, black olives, celery and onions for veggies, and packed with protein from ground beef. You should definitely keep this on your Thanksgiving menu, just in case someone forgets to thaw the turkey, or it gets a bit overcooked – we have all had that happen at least once in our life.

Beef is a staple in our house and I am so lucky to be working with the Florida Beef Council to celebrate our beef inspired Thanksgiving menu. Beef is not only a big part of our holiday traditions, I actually cook with it a lot. My meatballs, bolognese and meatloaf are regularly on our dinner menu. Roasts in the oven or slow cooker are perfect for cooler Winter months, and Summer is all about grilling steaks outside.

My friends and I are sharing our #Beefsgiving menu with you – with links below – and hope you enjoy a delicious holiday with those you hold dear. For more great beef recipes and inspiration, head on over to the Florida Beef Council and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Italian Stuffing

By Love and Confections
Published 11/15/2016

Italian Stuffing is my twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish. Ground Beef is the unexpected star and makes it even more delicious than traditional holiday stuffing.

Ingredients

1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 cup butter
2 cups finely diced celery
2 cups finely diced onions
2 small cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup white wine
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3 cups water
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups finely diced mushrooms
2 cups finely diced black olives
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1/4 cup minced parsley
1-12 oz bag of seasoned cubed stuffing

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the sirloin then drain and set aside
Melt butter then add in celery and onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and soft. Add in garlic and cook while stirring, so it doesn’t burn. Add sirloin back into the pot
Deglaze with white wine. Add in bouillon cubes, water and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add mushrooms and black olives. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are fully cooked.
Add in fresh herbs and cubed stuffing. Stir to combine, then remove from heat with lid on for 5 minutes.
Fluff with fork and serve, or place into oven-safe serving dish and heat in 350F oven to crisp the top. Enjoy!

Yield: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 00 hrs. 20 mins.

Cook time: 00 hrs. 45 mins.

#Beefsgiving Appetizers

Cappelletti Pasta in Beef Bone Broth from Girl Abroad
How to Make Beef Wellington from The Healthy Fit Foodie
Short Rib Crostini with Brie and Cranberry Sauce from Casa de Crews

#Beefsgiving Main Dishes

Chorizo-Stuffed Standing Rib Roast from The Crumby Cupcake
Lasagna Stuffed Meatloaf from Cupcakes & Kale Chips

#Beefsgiving Side Dish

Italian Stuffing from Love and Confections

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

I have an ongoing relationship with Florida Beef Council as a recipe developer. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

November Fun in Central Florida

November 4, 2016

I can’t believe it is already November and the year is almost over. Time goes by too quickly, but here are a few fun ways to celebrate your November in Central Florida.

November fun in Central Florida from LoveandConfections.com

Beer, Bacon & BBQ Festival

Crane’s Roost Park

November 5, 2:00pm-7:00pm

The Beer, Bacon, & BBQ Festival will pay homage to the glorious pig and the tastiest craft brews! You can sip your way through the festival with over 40 craft beers and some of Central Florida’s most delicious restaurants will be offering their best bacon and BBQ inspired eats! Food will be sold on-site separately from the ticket through cash/credit purchases and range in price from $2-$6.Ticket prices increase at the door the day of the event.

Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival
Walt Disney World

September 14 – November 14, 2016

A Spectacular Celebration of Global Cuisines, Music & More featuring international foods at 30 unique kiosks, Eat to the Beat concert series, culinary demonstrations and seminars, and celebrity chefs. Valid park admission required.

Taste of Dr. Phillips

Dellagio Town Center

November 13, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Our 10th annual A Taste of Dr. Phillips is sponsored by Dr. Phillips Rotary Club. Admission to the event is all inclusive and includes food, wine, and beer from over 20+ of Orlando best restaurants. Alcoholic beverages are included in the admission price, so the event is for guests 21 years of age and over. Proceeds from this event will be invested back into the community to organizations like, Dr. Phillips High School Scholarship Fund, Dr. Phillips Hospital, Dr. Phillips Library, Dr. Phillips Foundation, and other Dr. Phillips Rotary Charitable causes.

Festival of Trees, A Night in White Gala & Reindeer Romp
Orlando Museum of Art
November 12-20, 2016

This annual event, now in its thirtieth year, transforms the Museum into a glittering wonderland filled with sparkling trees, vignettes and stunning décor for visitors of all ages. Special activities include A Night in White Gala, musical performances and delightful programs for seniors and children. Trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, decorative accessories and gifts for home or office are available for purchase. With the support of business partners, sponsors and volunteers, Council of 101 offers the Central Florida community an opportunity to experience the joy of the season as well as support the Orlando Museum of Art. Tickets include admission to current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions.

ICE!® featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

November 18, 2016 – January 1, 2017

New for 2016 is ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. Watch Charlie Brown rediscover the true meaning of Christmas as the beloved classic story unfolds through interactive ice sculptures and displays. Experience the Peanuts gang in iconic scenes such as their holiday play rehearsal, Snoopy’s decorated doghouse and Charlie Brown choosing the perfect Christmas tree. Everything is hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice! ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring a walk-through holiday attraction kept at 9 degrees, four ice slides, a live carving zone, breath-taking Nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice, and much more. Please read the FAQ’s and dress appropriately for the weather. Closed toe shoes is a must!

Sip, Stroll and #ShopSmall
Winter Park, FL

November, 17, 5:00pm-8:00pm

As part of Small Business Saturday, nationwide effort to support small businesses this holiday season, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite you to sip, stroll and experience the charm of the small businesses that call Park Avenue home. Spend the evening on a unique wine walk and stroll to your favorite locally-owned shops and restaurants. Discover new merchants, check out the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menus. Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres along the way. Event held at participating locations from 5 – 8 p.m.

Light Up UCF
University of Central Florida
November 18, 2016 – January 7, 2017

Light Up UCF offers a free holiday light show, free outdoor Holiday Film Festival, and Orlando’s largest outdoor skating rink! For the 2016 season, Light Up UCF is offering all the favorite rides and attractions, including the Winter Whirl! Parking is FREE and ice skating tickets are just $12! Tickets can be purchased at the CFE Arena Box Office or in advance online.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Images for collage from websites associated with each event.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

October 27, 2016

Whip up a batch of Spiced Apple Cider Sangria and be the hit of any Fall gathering. Crisp apple cider and warm spices combine with your favorite Riesling and apple liqueur for the perfect Autumn beverage.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria from LoveandConfections.com

We have finally gotten some cooler Fall weather and I have been enjoying it immensely. The moment it dips below 70 degrees, everyone brings out the boots and sweaters. Hopefully everyone up North is already enjoying some cool, crisp weather and changing leaves. This Sangria is the perfect Fall cocktail, especially enjoying it by the fire with friends.

The base of this sangria is a cider from Dixie Crystals. The spices make it unbelievably delicious and my house smelled amazing while I created it. No sangria is complete without some good wine and liqueur. I chose a Riesling with apple notes and a spiced apple liqueur. You can also use an apple brandy too.

The changing of the seasons is one thing we don’t experience in Florida. I haven’t seen changing leaves since my parents left North Carolina and I miss it so much. I love when the leaves turn to various shades of red, orange and gold. The crisp, cool weather, beautiful colors and Autumn decorations make Fall my favorite season.

This is the perfect cocktail for Halloween parties and would be great for your Thanksgiving gathering too. Don’t forget to garnish with some apple slices or chunks and fun straws.

Visit Dixie Crystals for the full recipe

SPICED APPLE CIDER SANGRIA!

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream

October 25, 2016

Create a sweet and spicy treat with this Red Hot Devil Ice Cream. Cinnamon-flavored ice cream and crushed candies are mixed for the perfect combination of naughty and nice. Don’t forget the red chocolate devil horns and tails!

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream from LoveandConfections.com

Sweet heat is the perfect way to describe this delicious ice cream. The cooling, creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the spicy cinnamon candy, and I love the color of it – pink ice cream makes the cinnamon flavor such a surprise.

While trying to come up with a Halloween idea for Dixie Crystals, I didn’t want to go the normal witch, pumpkin or ghost route. That’s when I had one of my “light bulb” moments and came up with my Red Hot Devil Ice Cream.

I had a vision of devil horns, tails, and pitchforks sticking out of this creamy cinnamon ice cream. The devil horns and tail came out perfect. The pitchforks didn’t work out too well because I needed to pipe larger and sturdier (i.e. thicker) chocolate to hold up in the ice cream. All-in-all, I think they are pretty darn cute.

Head on over to Dixie Crystals for the full recipe:

RED HOT DEVIL ICE CREAM!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Banana Split Layer Cake

October 20, 2016

Banana Split Layer Cake is a sweet spin on the classic ice cream treat. Banana Cake is layered with vanilla, caramel walnut and strawberry frostings, and then topped with a chocolate ganache drizzle, sprinkles, fresh whipped cream. Don’t forget the cherry on top!

Banana Split Layer Cake from LoveandConfections.com

This cake was so much fun to make. I love creating recipes for Dixie Crystals and this one takes the cake, LOL. I have always been a fan of banana splits, so when given the task to transform a delicious sundae into cake form, I jumped at the challenge.

The cake layers are a delicious banana cake. On sundaes, my mom always loves that sticky, gooey walnut topping, so I knew that had to become one of the filling layers. One of my favorite sundae toppings is strawberry sauce, so I made another filling layer into strawberry frosting.

I have been obsessed with drip cakes lately. Google it if you don’t know what they are. These gorgeous cakes are all over Instagram and YouTube and the perfect look for my Banana Split Cake. I cannot wait to make more drip cakes and perfect my drippy technique in different flavors and colors. That drippy chocolate was then covered in sprinkles (you can’t have a sundae without sprinkles), piped with freshly made whipped cream, and of course, some cherries on top.

Head on over to Dixie Crystals to get the FULL RECIPE:

Banana Split Layer Cake!

Until next time

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

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