Dixie Crystals

Shamrock Fudge

Smooth and creamy fudge is given a fun twist for St. Patrick’s Day by turning it green and topping with lucky sprinkles.
Shamrock Fudge from LoveandConfections.com

Saint Patrick’s day is around the corner and I love such a festive holiday. Celebrations make me happy – so does chocolate – and when they are together it’s a match made in Heaven. I realized that I have never blogged about fudge before and knew I needed to get one posted here asap.
Shamrock Fudge from LoveandConfections.com
Ever since my Chocolate & Confections class in culinary school, I have been somewhat of a fudge snob. Really good fudge is sometimes hard to come by – so here’s an easy recipe for you to enjoy. You can change up the color and flavoring, just be careful with the amounts – you don’t want a whole teaspoon of mint extract – and top with festive sprinkles.
Shamrock Fudge from LoveandConfections.com
The sprinkle mixture on top is a combination of shamrocks and lime green jimmies. Feel free to create your own fun mixture! I am so ready to create more fun fudge candies using this recipe as a base.
Shamrock Fudge from LoveandConfections.com
Visit Dixie Crystals for the FULL RECIPE:
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.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars

Chocolate and strawberries are always a winning combination. Luscious strawberry filling tops a chocolate bar that’s a mix between a cookie and a brownie. A drizzle of chocolate ganache tops these delectable Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars from LoveandConfections.com


Strawberry season in Florida yields sweet, delicious red fruit, and aside from eating it straight off the bushes, I love baking with strawberries. Strawberry Fraisier and Strawberry Freezer Jam are a must, and I also love making Strawberry Lemonade Spritzers when the weather starts to warm up.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars from LoveandConfections.com
Brownies and strawberries are an amazing combination – rich, dark chocolate and sweet strawberries are a favorite of mine. These bars are easy to make and it will look like you took hours. The chocolate drizzle tops it perfectly. You can leave them as-is, or you can top them with chocolate dipped strawberries. I bet these would look great with a chocolate and white chocolate drizzle too.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bars from LoveandConfections.com

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!


Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes

Heart-shaped Cookie Boxes are almond-scented sugar cookies stacked to hide a sweet surprise inside. These are perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion.
Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com


Valentine’s Day has always been a special holiday since KB and I were little. Our parents always gave us little presents and we had a nice family dinner together. I have always loved Valentine’s day even before I started celebrating it with Mr. L&C. I know it sounds cheesy but I love Love.

Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com

This year, Toddler L&C is starting to realize what holidays actually are, so it has been a lot of fun. My Mom surprised her with some arts and crafts for Valentine’s Day – they made a heart paper chain and some necklaces with heart-shaped beads. She had a blast making all her Valentine’s crafts so I knew I wanted to make her some special treats to celebrate.

Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com

She was so surprised and loved Mommy’s heart cookies. She kept trying to eat them before I photographed them, so I gave her some of the decorated inside hearts – the ones that you cut out for the middle layer. Don’t waste that dough, just put it on the same cookie sheet and bake it all together. They are the perfect snack for little hands.

Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com

These Heart-Shaped Cookie Boxes are the such a cute treat, especially since it can hold surprise sweets. Conversation hearts or chocolate pieces are great fillings. You could even pour sprinkles inside. The royal icing decoration can be customized to any color.

Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com

I knew I wanted my hearts to match the candies inside, so I went with pink. I saved some white royal icing for the intricate designs. The lace is my favorite and I can’t wait to make more cookies like that. I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Heart Shaped Cookie Boxes from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Boston Cream Pie Cookies

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.

Boston Cream Pie Cookies from LoveandConfections.com

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!
Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Boston Cream Pie Cookies from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Apple Pie Twists

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.

Apple Pie Twists from LoveandConfections.com

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.

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!

Apple Pie Twists from LoveandConfections.com

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

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.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria from LoveandConfections.com

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.
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria from LoveandConfections.com
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

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.


Spiced Apple Cider Sangria from LoveandConfections.com



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.

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream

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.

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream from LoveandConfections.com

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.

Red Hot Devil Ice Cream from LoveandConfections.com

Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is the perfect dessert to welcome the Fall season. Chocolate, cherries and almond flavors combine into a beautiful and delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding with Amaretto Whipped Cream.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding from LoveandConfections.com

Bread pudding is one of my favorite easy desserts to make for a crowd. The flavor choices are endless, and can compliment every season. Chocolate, cherry and almond is the perfect combination for an end of Summer beginning of Fall dessert. 

Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding from LoveandConfections.com

While I do love bread pudding throughout the year, I definitely think it is best in the cooler months. Having a warm dessert, topped with ice cream or whipped cream is definitely a welcome treat. I created a complementary Amaretto Whipped Cream for the bread pudding. Amaretto makes the whipped cream the perfect decadent topping for this bread pudding. You can also use the whipped cream on ice cream or brownies for additional almond deliciousness.  

Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding from LoveandConfections.com

Visit Dixie Crystals to get the FULL RECIPE:




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.


Cherry Chocolate Chip Almond Bread Pudding from LoveandConfections.com


German Chocolate Cookie Bars

German Chocolate Cake is transformed into an easy and rich cookie bar. Use cake mix and pudding for a shortcut that is sure to wow!

German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com


I first learned how to make German Chocolate Cake in culinary school. We baked and layered a delicious chocolate cake, made the coconut pecan frosting, frosted, then added some chocolate decorations. I wasn’t a big fan of coconut back then, so I had a bite and moved on.

German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com

Fast forward a few years and I decided to start baking with coconut more. Both my dad and Mr. L&C love coconut everything – especially when it’s paired with chocolate. Instead of the normal layer cake, I created some delicious, and easy German Chocolate Cookie Bars.

German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com

These bars use a cake mix as the base, which speeds things up, and some chocolate pudding to make it super moist. I also added chopped German Chocolate pieces for some extra chocolate gooeyness. The traditional coconut pecan frosting is jazzed up with an extra drizzle of chocolate on top.

German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com

Trust me when I say, these are so good, they will disappear faster than you can say German Chocolate Cookie Bars. Everyone loved them! I hope you try this easy and delicious recipe.

German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com

Visit Dixie Crystals to get the FULL RECIPE:
German Chocolate Cookie Bars



Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!


German Chocolate Cookie Bars by LoveandConfections.com


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.