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MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron Party #AvengersUnite #CollectiveBias

April 24, 2015

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

MARVEL's The Avengers: Age of Ultron Party from LoveandConfections.com #AvengersUnite

MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters in one week and I am SO excited for it. Before Toddler L&C was in the picture, I was definitely one of those waiting in line to see a midnight movie on opening night kind of girls. Now, it’s a bit different and I may not get to see the midnight showing, but you better believe I will be there opening weekend.

I wasn’t a big comic book fan growing up, and it wasn’t until Mr. L&C, my then boyfriend, got me hooked on all things MARVEL. He worked at a comic book store, regularly read comics and we shared our love of the MARVEL movies: Iron Man 1, 2 & 3, Thor & Thor: The Dark World, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: The First Avenger & Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Avengers.

To celebrate the upcoming movie, I hosted a MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron party and was able to purchase my party items at Walmart. My friends and I are kids at heart, so they definitely loved dressing up in the MARVEL masks and accessories.

Don’t forget to check out Super Heroes Assemble which is available in the iTunes and Google Play store! With Super Heroes Assemble, turn your phone into a portal to exclusive Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron content. Keep up to date with the latest movie and behind-the-scenes action. Plus, scan Avengers displays at Walmart and Walmart.com to become your favorite Avenger, explore a Hulkbuster training facility in a cool 360 degree interactive space and to bring Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron characters to life with augmented reality.

Even Baby L&C, who wore the Hulk’s signature colors, got in on the fun and loved playing with Thor’s Hammer. Mr. L&C dressed like Captain America, and I wore Iron Man’s signature red and golden yellow colors.

I wanted to create something original for my party and thought a fun backdrop would be great. Mr. L&C and I created a color-blocked wall featuring the MARVEL heroes. We used their signature colors, logos, emblems and pictures and it turned out awesome!

The squares are 12×12 scrapbook paper that I attached print-outs to with double-sided tape. Those squares were then arranged and taped from behind using packing tape. This backdrop is so awesome, I think we are going to keep it hanging up for a while!

Food is always a huge part of my parties – I’m Italian and love to feed people! I used some Avengers party plates and cups we found at Walmart, which went perfectly with all the decorations. We had subs, pasta salad and veggies with hummus. The real treats were the Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cups, Hero Cupcakes, and Hulk Punch.

The dessert cups are perfect for a MARVEL party and can also be used for a patriotic party for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. The Hero Cupcakes were a mix of chocolate and vanilla, and the frosting was colored like Captain America (red, white and blue), Iron Man (red and yellow) and the Hulk (green and purple).

The Hulk Punch had the perfect green glow for my MARVEL party. It tasted delicious and has Ginger Ale, Pineapple Juice and Lime Drink Mix in it.

Most of our friends had seen the Iron Man and Thor movies, so we opted to watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Of course, we had to have snack food, so I purchased some Avengers branded Dr. Pepper Cherry, Cheez-Its, Doritos and Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks.

Everyone enjoyed the food and movie. We all can’t wait to see the new MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron in theaters on May 1st!

I have showed you how we are preparing for MARVEL’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron release with my party plan! What are you planning to do with your friends and family?

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cups
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe
Yield: 25-30 mini dessert cups

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cup Ingredients:
– 1-3 ounce box Berry Blue Gelatin Dessert
– 6-8 ounces Whipped Topping
– 1-3 ounce box Cherry Gelatin Dessert
– Plastic Dessert cups

Captain America Gelatin Dessert Cup Directions:
1. Prepare the Berry Blue Gelatin Dessert according to the package directions. Divide it evenly among 25-30 small dessert cups using a small ladle. Let it set in the refrigerator a minimum of 3 hours.
2. Place whipped Topping into a piping bag and pipe a thin layer on top of the solid blue gelatin in the dessert cups. Using a spoon or small offset spatula, smooth the layer so it completely covers the bottom blue layer and there are not holes. Freeze the dessert cups for 1 hour, or until the Whipped Topping is firm.
3. Prepare the Cherry Gelatin Dessert according to the package directions. Carefully divide it evenly among the dessert cups using a small ladle. Let it set in the refrigerator a minimum of 3 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Hulk Punch
Adapted from Betty Crocker
Click here for a printable recipe
recipe can be doubled for larger parties

Hulk Punch Ingredients:
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1 package Lime-Flavored Unsweetened Drink Mix (.13 oz)
– 4 cups warm Water
– 23 ounces Pineapple Juice
– 2 cups chilled Ginger Ale

Hulk Punch Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, stir together the Sugar and Lime Drink Mix. Add in the warm water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add in the Pineapple Juice and Ginger Ale and stir to combine. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving. If necessary, stir again right before serving.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Thank you David, Jessica, Doug, Theresa, Josh, Tyler, Jordan and Laura for joining in on the fun – hope you had a blast celebrating The Avengers with me!

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta #HillshireSausage #Spon

April 23, 2015

#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Hillshire. This could include Hillshire providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta is easy to prepare, delicious and quick to clean up – perfect for a weeknight meal!

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta from LoveandConfections.com #HillshireSausage

One-Pot meals are great for a busy weeknight, especially if you have a family to feed. Lately, Toddler L&C has been getting into everything and always wants to be right underfoot. It gets a bit difficult to make dinner when there is a 16-month old sitting on your feet in front of the stove. This one-pot meal is made in under 30 minutes, tastes delicious, and gives me more time to play with the Toddler.

I like to vary our weeknight meals. We usually have some form of Mexican or Hispanic dishes every 7-10 days. Tacos, Enchiladas, Black Beans & Rice, an a bunch of different meals are always on our menu. I also keep chicken breasts, cutlets and tenderloins in the freezer to have on hand. Sometimes, though, I forget to thaw them and get in a rut when it’s close to dinner-making time. I like having Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage on hand in the refrigerator, because it helps me make a quick meal without worrying about thawing some protein.

Mr. L&C loved this dish! He loves almost any kind of sausage: Italian, Kielbasa, Smoked, Breakfast. You name it, he’ll eat it. The Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage has a great flavor and complemented the greens perfectly. I gave it a little twist by adding some Grape Tomatoes to the pasta. The dish was so flavorful and when topped with some freshly grated Parmesan Cheese makes it out-of-this-world. Don’t forget to check out Sausage So Simple for more recipe inspiration.

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta
Adapted from Kevin & Amanda
Click here for a printable recipe
Yield: 4 servings

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta Ingredients:
– 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
– 1 & 1/4 cup diced Sweet Onion
– 1-14 ounce Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage
– 1 teaspoon minced Garlic
– 2 cups Chicken Broth, low-sodium
– 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
– 8 ounces Mezze Penne Pasta
– 1/2 teaspoon ground Black Pepper
– 30 Grape Tomatoes, halved
– 1-5 ounce bag of Baby Spinach, Chard and Kale Salad Mix
– Parmesan Cheese, optional topping

One-Pot Sausage, Spinach, Chard and Kale Pasta Directions:
1. Place Olive Oil in a medium-large skillet with high sides and heat on medium-high. Place Onions and Sausage in skillet and cook until the onions are light brown. Add in the Garlic and cook, while stirring, for half a minute.
2. Add in Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Pasta, Pepper, Tomatoes and Spinach-Chard-Kale Mix. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a boil, then cook, covered, on low for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat, remove lid, and let it sit for a minute before serving. Top with Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal

April 22, 2015

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal is an easy and delicious way to start your day. With 4 simple ingredients you have a protein-packed breakfast or snack waiting for you!

This post is sponsored by Premiere Protein. All opinions are my own.

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal from LoveandConfections.com #MyGoodEnergy #TeamPremier #ad

I didn’t used to eat breakfast much while in high school or college. I either grabbed a small bite while on my way to school or skipped it altogether. Eating breakfast really is the best way to start your day. I now love eating breakfast, especially since Toddler L&C and I eat together every day.

I love making new and different breakfast items and while I do like oatmeal, it’s in the upper 80s at least every day, so hot oatmeal for breakfast is out of the question. That’s where overnight oatmeal comes in. Overnight oatmeal is a new-to-me concept and I am head-over-heels in love with it. You can make any flavor combinations and they are absolutely delicious. I added Chia Seeds to my oatmeal because of all the great benefits from them as well.

Premier Protein sent me some of their shakes and I knew it would be the perfect addition to my morning oatmeal. Premier Protein has 30 grams of protein – including all the essential amino acids, 160 calories, 1 gram of sugar, 24 vitamins and minerals, is low fat, and an excellent source of calcium. To find out more about Premier Protein and all their products, click here.

You might be skeptical, like I am when trying most protein shakes, because some of them have a lot of sugar, taste chalky, and don’t have as much protein as you would like. Premiere Protein blew me away – it tastes great. Mr. L&C has been running with a friend and helping him train for Tough Mudder Florida 2015. He took one of the Premier Protein shakes and was really surprised that it tasted that good and had more protein than what he had been drinking after his runs.

The Vanilla Protein Shake and Chocolate Protein Shake are great on their own, and even better in smoothies and overnight oatmeal. I haven’t tried the Strawberries ‘n Cream or Mixed Berry Shakes, but I bet they are just as delicious! I can’t wait to create some more overnight oatmeal creations and smoothies.

Premier Protein also sent me some Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars to try out as well. They have 11 different flavors including Dark Chocolate Mint, Double Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch, White Fudge Raspberry, Yogurt Peanut Crunch, Chocolate Caramel Fiber, Chocolate Mint Fiber, Cookies ‘n Cream Fiber, Honey Caramel Fiber and Peanut Butter Caramel Fiber. Don’t they sound delicious and certainly not like those other protein bars? Don’t forget to join the Team Premier Advocate Program!

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable link
Yield: 2 servings

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal Ingredients:
– 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
– 3 tablespoons Black Chia Seeds
– 11 ounces Premier Protein Chocolate Shake
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Overnight Chocolate Chia Protein Oatmeal Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator overnight. Once ready, you can eat it cold, or microwave it to take the chill off. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Chocolate Tres Leches #FWCon

April 16, 2015

Chocolate Tres Leches is a delicious spin on the classic dessert. Moist chocolate cake is soaked with three different milks, topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate curls – chocolate perfection!

Chocolate Tres Leches from LoveandConfections.com

While I do like cake, it isn’t always my first choice for desserts. I have made my fair share of all different types of desserts: tarts, bread puddings, ice creams, etc. I often make cake, but my weakness tends to be frozen sweets. This cake, on the other hand, is one that I gravitate toward. I love how moist it is and it’s the perfect amount of sweetness. This recipe is great as a large cake, or you can even make it into individual servings.

I put my own spin on the traditional tres leches and made a Chocolate Tres Leches for the Dixie Crystals Chocolate Dessert Recipe Contest for this year’s Food & Wine Conference. The Food & Wine Conference is a 3-day event at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Spa, here in Orlando, Florida. Food Bloggers, Chefs, Business Owners, Brands and Media Professionals all gather for sessions, demonstrations, food, wine and fun.

I had an incredible time at last year’s Food & Wine Conference. I learned so much and am extremely excited about this year’s conference as well. We would love to have you join us, too! You can use the promotional code FWC15millt for a $50 discount off the full conference pass. Please be sure to follow and like the Food & Wine Conference on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+ to keep up-to-date on all conference happenings, announcements and updates.

Register for the Food & Wine Conference here and don’t forget to use FWC15millt for a $50 discount off the full conference pass.

Chocolate Tres Leches
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

Chocolate Tres Leches Ingredients:
For the Cake:
– 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
– 1 & 1/2 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
– 4 large Eggs, room temperature
– 1 cup Greek Yogurt
– 6 ounces Semisweet Chocolate, melted
– 2 teaspoons Madagascar Vanilla Extract
– 2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
– 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
– 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
– 3 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
– 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil

For the Milk Mixture:
– 12 ounces Evaporated Milk
– 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
– 8 ounces Half & Half

For the Topping:
– 1 & 1/2 cups Heavy Cream, very cold
– 2 cups Dixie Crystals Powdered Sugar, sifted
– 1 teaspoon Tahitian Vanilla Extract
– Chocolate Curls for garnish (optional)

Chocolate Tres Leches Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9×13 pan with baking spray and set aside. If using individual ramekins, prepare those with baking spray and set aside on a sheet tray with sides.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the Butter and Sugar until light and fluffy. While the mixer is on low, add the Eggs one at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to insure everything is incorporated. Add in the Greek Yogurt, Melted Chocolate and Vanilla Extract and mix to combine.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Cocoa Powder, Espresso Powder and Salt. Add it into the liquid mixture, while on low, alternating with the Vegetable Oil.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan or ramekins and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make the Milk Mixture while the cake cools.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk the Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk and Half & Half together. With skewers, poke holes all over the cake, making sure you go all the way through to the bottom of the pan. With a ladle, spoon the milk mixture over the cake, trying to get as much as possible into the holes. It looks like a lot of milk, but the cake will absorb everything. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight.
6. 30 minutes before making the topping, place the bowl and whisk attachment from your stand mixer into the freezer*. Whip the Heavy Cream on medium-high, until it starts to thicken and form soft peaks. Add in the Vanilla Extract and combine. Slowly add in the Powdered Sugar while the mixer is on low. Once it is incorporated, mix on high to whip until firm peaks.
7. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the whipped topping on with an offset spatula.** Sprinkle the top with Chocolate Curls. Enjoy!

*Heavy Cream whips better when cold. To insure a good whip, it is best to chill the bowl and whip attachment before it is needed.
**The cake needs to remain refrigerated and covered because of the whipped topping. If necessary, use toothpicks on the cake so the plastic wrap does not touch the whipped topping. If not serving immediately, store in the refrigerator and do not put the Chocolate Curls on until right before serving.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: I am an ambassador and on the planning committee for the Food & Wine Conference and will receive a commission if you use my discount code to purchase a ticket. This recipe was created as an entry for the Dixie Crystals Chocolate Dessert Recipe Contest. The Dixie Crystals Chocolate Dessert Recipe Contest runs from March 30, 2015-April 17, 2015. Contest entries are equal opportunity for all Food and Wine Conference participants, and I receive no advantage for being an ambassador or committee member.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, Hushpuppies and #Giveaway

April 13, 2015

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs are moist, delicious and easy for any night of the week. Easy to bake Hushpuppies are a perfect side dish, plus enter my giveaway for $50 Visa Gift Card.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs from LoveandConfections.com

Barbecue Ribs are absolutely delicious! Homemade ribs are easier than you think and you don’t have to go out to a restaurant to enjoy that fall-off-the-bone goodness. These babies were one of the things I wasn’t allowed to have when I was younger because of braces. My parents sometimes gave me “contraband ribs” but not often. I love cooking these ribs, because the house smells absolutely delicious. You can’t have ribs without some amazing side dishes too, like macaroni ‘n cheese or hushpuppies!

I had never tried hushpuppies until my parents moved to North Carolina. We really didn’t have them available while growing up in Miami. Hushpuppies were a completely new food to me, and I had to try them to see what they were all about. My parents took me to their local restaurant that serves barbecue, fried chicken, Brunswick stew and hushpuppies. I instantly fell in love with them. Every time I visited my parents, I requested we go for some Brunswick Stew and Hushpuppies. I loved them so much, I even had them at Mr. L&C and my rehearsal dinner.

Fast forward a couple years and I had a “moment“. You know, one of those, I know what I’m thinking but can’t articulate it properly moments. Well, I wanted some hushpuppies to go along with lunch and didn’t actually say I wanted hushpuppies, just that I wanted to go to a certain restaurant. My family and I headed to this restaurant and as soon as we arrived and I saw the menu, my heart sank. I had my “moment” and mixed up the restaurant names, so we went somewhere that hushpuppies weren’t on the menu. It was also across town, so we couldn’t drive and get some hushpuppies. I learned my lesson, and my family still jokes with me about it anytime I want some hushpuppies.

Photo from Savannah Classics

Lucky for me, and for you, you can find hushpuppies in the frozen section of your grocery store. Yay! I can now easily bake them at home. Don’t forget to save some of that barbecue sauce for dipping the hushpuppies too! If you would like to try some Savannah Classics Original, Sweet Corn, or Jalepeno Hushpuppies yourself, enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card below. Also, please visit their Facebook page for coupon offers to “Get Pupped”!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
A Love and Confection original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

Slow Cooker Barbecue Rib Ingredients:
– 1-2 slabs of Baby Back Ribs
– 1-2 cups of Barbecue Sauce

Slow Cooker Barbecue Rib Directions:
1. Place Ribs into the slow cooker, standing on their ends. If necessary cut slabs into smaller pieces to fit inside. Pour 1/2 cup of Barbecue Sauce over ribs, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, flipping halfway through, and adding another 1/2 cup of Barbecue Sauce.
2. Heat oven to 350F. Carefully place ribs onto foil-lined baking sheets with sides. Brush on 1/2-1 cup of the remaining barbecue sauce and bake for 10-15 minutes, until you have a nice, caramelized crust on top. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: I was provided with samples of Savannah Classics Hushpuppies. Savannah Classics is providing the gift card for giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. Savannah Classics is located in Savannah, Tennessee and available in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store in 21 states.

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Parfait

April 3, 2015

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Parfait is a delicious and delightful way to start your day!

Meyer Lemon & Strawberry Parfait from LoveandConfections.com

A couple weeks ago, I posted about some amazingly luscious and delicious Meyer Lemon Curd. I am still dreaming about it. Meyer Lemon season is gone, and I wish I had more of this stuff stashed away. I usually just dig in with a spoon, but sometimes I enjoy mixing it with yogurt and creating parfaits.

Recently, breakfast has needed to become easier. Toddler L&C is very active and most mornings my coffee is barely enjoyed while hot and often doesn’t get remembered until it’s cold a few hours later. That’s where this parfait comes in. If you make the Meyer Lemon Curd the day before, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in no time. Easy and delicious breakfasts are the perfect way to start your day!

Curds are one of my favorite things to make because they are so luscious and full of flavor. You can use curds in parfaits, to flavor ice cream, or just eat it with a spoon – not that I have ANY experience in that what.so.ever. This parfait is exceptionally delicious, because it combines my love of meyer lemons and strawberries. If meyer lemons are not in season, you can always use regular lemons for the curd, it just won’e be as sweet.

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Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Parfait
A Love and Confection original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Parfait Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup prepared Meyer Lemon Curd
– 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
– 1/4 cup Granola
– 2-4 Strawberries, sliced plus more for garnish

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Parfait Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix the Meyer Lemon Curd and Greek Yogurt together. Use a parfait glass or bowl and layer the lemon/yogurt mixture with the Granola and Strawberries, beginning and ending with the yogurt mix. Keep refrigerated if not eating immediately. Can be refrigerated up to 8 hours, but the granola might not be as crunch. Enjoy!

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Pressed Cuban Sandwich #HillshireNaturals #spon

March 31, 2015

Pressed Cuban Sandwiches are one of my all-time favorite sandwiches. The Cuban bread gets a little crispy from the panini press, smeared with just the right amount of mustard, moist and juicy pork and ham, cheese and pickles round it out into a mouthwatering meal.

Pressed Cuban Sandwich from LoveandConfections.com

I grew up in Miami, and even though I am not Cuban, I LOVE Cuban food – yes, so much that it needed to be in all caps! I could seriously eat it all, morning, noon and night. One of the most delicious breakfasts is Tostada Cubana – Cuban bread that is sliced, pressed and buttered, then you can dip it into your Cafe con Leche – simple and amazing.

Croquettes and Pastelitos are perfect any time of the day. Cuban Sandwiches, Pan con Bistec, and Medianoches are perfect for a lunch break along with an order of Mariquitas or Yuca Fries. Dinner can be Vaca Frita, Ropa Vieja, or Churrasco and of course Maduros, Black Beans and Rice. I am seriously hungry right now!

Let’s get back on track. I was craving a Cuban Sandwich a couple days ago and decided to make one with my panini press. Hillshire Farms Naturals lunchmeats were the perfect option for my sandwich. The ham tasted great, with a little bit of sweetness, and perfectly complimented my shredded pork. Instead of the usual sliced pork, I used some shredded pork that I had made the night before for barbecue (barbecue sauce left off, of course). I made a sandwich for Mr. L&C and my Dad, who each had Swiss Cheese. I chose White American because I like that flavor better – I know, not the traditional cheese, but I like it.

I was very surprised, but Toddler L&C loved the Cuban Sandwich. She kept coming up to me and taking bites off of mine. She loves pickles and cheese, but I didn’t know how she would do with the mustard and ham. She loved it so much that she had Hillshire Farm Naturals Ham the next two days during lunch – which made this Mommy very happy.

Hillshire Farm Naturals lunchmeats are crafted to be both 100% natural and 100% delicious, which is why they will provide a 100% refund for every package of meat that a consumer is not satisfied with – that is some seriously good customer service! The lunchmeat is always select cuts of meat and slow roasted in their own juices, creating a natural goodness. There are also no artificial ingredients or preservatives as well as no added nitrates or nitrites. You can learn more about Hillshire Farm Naturals here.

Let’s connect! Follow me on {Pinterest} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Instagram}

Pressed Cuban Sandwich
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

Pressed Cuban Sandwich Ingredients:
– 1 large Loaf of Cuban Bread
– Butter, room temperature
– Mustard
– Dill Pickle Slices
– 1 package Hillshire Farm Naturals Honey Roasted Ham
– Prepared Pulled Pork
– Swiss Cheese slices

Pressed Cuban Sandwich Directions:
The amount of ingredients is your own personal preference.
1. Heat your panini press according to manufacturer’s directions.
2. Slice Cuban Bread into 6-8 inch sandwich pieces, then slice each piece in half horizontally. Spread a thin amount of soft Butter on the bottoms of the sandwich before you build them.
3. Spread a thin amount of Mustard on each open-faced sandwich. Place a piece of Cheese on the bottom half. Place Hillshire Farm Naturals Ham Slices on the bottom half, followed by the Pulled Pork, then pickles and another slice of Cheese. Replace the top of the sandwich and spread with Butter.
4. Heat in the panini press until the sandwich is heated throughout and the cheese has melted. Slice in half and enjoy!

#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Hillshire. This could include Hillshire providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

M&M’s Crispy Bark #CrispyComeback

March 30, 2015

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

M&M's® Crispy Bark by LoveandConfections.com

M&M’s® Crispy are Back! I am really excited about this blog post! I fell in love with M&M’s® Crispy when they first debuted a few years ago. Ever since, I have been hoping for a comeback and am so happy they are here. I decided to celebrate with some easy and tasty M&M’s® Crispy Bark – crispy, crunchy, and chocolate deliciousness.

If you’ve never had a M&M’s® Crispy, you need to visit CVS and go ahead, treat yourself. They are back by consumer demand and I couldn’t be happier. M&M’s® Crispy is a delicious milk chocolate with crispy rice center and only 180 calories per serving! If I had no self-control, I might eat an entire large bag in 1-2 sittings. Thank goodness M&M’s® Crispy comes in individual bags too! I can grab a bag and pop it into Toddler L&C’s diaper bag so I can have a snack on the run. Also, CVS has a coupon available for M&M’s® Crispy – click on “Deals” then “Printable Coupons”

As a mom to a toddler, I always have snacks in my diaper bag for her. When she first started getting teeth, she loved those little stars that dissolved in her mouth. She moved up into fruit bars, organic cheese crackers, cereal and fruit & veggie pouches. I usually double check to make sure that I have everything I need for her before we leave the house. Believe me, it isn’t a good thing when Mommy forgets some snacks or her sippy cup with water.

I usually eat my meals with her, but sometimes timing is off and I either eat before or forget to eat. It’s pretty bad when you don’t have snacks for the toddler, but Moms need snacks too. I learned the hard way that I need to keep something in her diaper bag for me also. Individual bags of M&M’s® Crispy fit perfectly into the side pouch of her diaper bag. I also like bagging up other snacks and chocolate bark is one of them.

M&M’s® Crispy big bags are available in the candy aisle and the individual packs are located underneath the registers at the front of the store.

I bought a big bag of M&M’s® Crispy so could make some chocolate bark. M&M’s® Crispy Bark is great because I can have it as an afternoon snack, in the car between errands, or as a treat at night after dinner. Bark is so versatile and I love that you can add almost anything to it – flavors, toppings, etc. – and it is really easy to make too.

Be careful, because little hands want to have some M&M’s® Crispy too!

Gather all your ingredients.

Chop the milk chocolate almond bark.

Create a double boiler for the chocolate – making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

Spread the chocolate in your prepared pan, top with M&M’s® Crispy and refrigerate until set.

M&M’s® Crispy Bark
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

M&M’s® Crispy Bark Ingredients:
– 9 ounces Milk Chocolate Almond Bark
– 4 ounces M&M’s® Crispy candies

M&M’s® Crispy Bark Directions:
1. Chop Milk Chocolate Almond Bark and place into a bowl. Create a double boiler by filling a small pot with some water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the chocolate bowl. Heat the water, then turn to low and place the bowl on top of the pot.
2. With a silicone spatula, stir the chocolate so it does not burn, being careful because the bowl will become hot.
3. While the chocolate is melting, prepare your 9×13 pan by placing parchment paper inside, making sure it overlaps so you can pull the chocolate out once it has set.
4. Pour the chocolate onto the parchment once it is completely melted. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle on the M&M’s® Crispy candies and press in slightly. Refrigerate for 10-20 minutes, or until set. Cut or break into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to one week. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Breakfast Coffee Smoothie #McCafeMyWay

March 27, 2015

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

Breakfast Coffee Smoothie from LoveandConfections.com

A Breakfast Coffee Smoothie, made with frozen bananas, yogurt, McCafé Coffee Pods and coffee ice cubes, is the perfect accompaniment to start your day! I love smoothies because there are so many different options to choose from – fruity, green, chocolate, coffee – the possibilities are endless. What’s even better is having my smoothie ingredients prepped the night before so all I have to do is wake up and blend them together.

Some mornings don’t always go as planned. I would love to say that I always have a nice, hot cup of coffee in the morning while eating breakfast. When you have a 15-month old rambunctious little girl, a hot cup of coffee doesn’t always happen. I brew myself a cup of McCafé coffee for breakfast and usually come back an hour later realizing I only was able to drink half before I had to leave it and the coffee got cold.

I sometimes enjoy a hot cup of coffee as “me time” if she happens to take a morning nap, but some days I want the coffee bright and early. This breakfast coffee smoothie is great because I am able to prepare everything the night before, so I don’t have to worry if Toddler L&C decides she needs to be read her favorite story 5 times in a row right now, or she wants take every toy out of the toy-box before 8am.

You can find McCafé in the coffee aisle in your local Walmart. McCafé is available in 8 flavors, so you have lots of options to choose from. Brewing options are either premium bags or coffee pods. I don’t know what I would do without my coffee pod brewer. McCafé Coffee and Pods are made with 100% Arabica Beans, so you know it is good quality coffee – which is what this Momma needs in the AM. The beans are harvested from rich soils and mountainous regions of the foremost coffee-growing areas of the world.

I love trying out new coffee pod flavors and mixing it up. McCafé tastes great and I can’t wait to try all 8 flavors in my morning routine. The French Roast is a nice, smooth, bold and dark flavor – the perfect compliment to my morning smoothie. To help boost the coffee flavor in my smoothie, I brewed some McCafé French Roast the night before, let it cool to room temperature, and poured it into an ice cube tray to freeze overnight. These coffee cubes are a great way to get some extra coffee flavor into your smoothies. If you want to brew yourself a McCafé Iced Coffee, don’t water it down by using regular ice cubes. Instead, use the coffee cubes to keep that great coffee flavor and chill your drink to icy perfection.

A delicious cup of (hot) freshly brewed coffee – what you don’t see is a toddler grabbing at the placemat, trying to pull it off the table…

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Brew 2 McCafé Coffee Pods the night before, cool to room temp and freeze in an ice cube tray.

Gather all the ingredients for the smoothie.

Blend together until smooth with a stand or immersion blender.

Breakfast Coffee Smoothie
A Love and Confection original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe
Yield 2 smoothies – can be halved if necessary

Breakfast Coffee Smoothie Ingredients:
– 8 Coffee Ice Cubes, prepared the night before
– 1 Banana, peeled and frozen the night before
– 1 cup of brewed McCafé, chilled the night before
– 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt
– 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Breakfast Coffee Smoothie Directions:
1. The night before, brew 2 cups of coffee, cool to room temperature and freeze in an ice cube tray. Peel and wrap a banana and freeze. Brew 1 cup of coffee and store in the refrigerator overnight.
2. In a stand blender or with an immersion blender, mix together the Coffee Ice Cubes, Banana, Coffee, Vanilla Yogurt, Cocoa Powder and Vanilla Extract until smooth. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Homemade Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Crema #DelimexFiesta

March 26, 2015

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

Homemade Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Crema from LoveandConfections.com

Homemade Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Crema are the perfect additions to any fiesta. I love different toppings and dips for taco bars. The more the better, because I can mix and match and choose which topping goes best with a certain dish. Taco bars are a great option when feeding a crowd, especially for parties during college basketball season, because there are so many options for guests to choose from. Queso and salsa are a must, but homemade guacamole is the best. Also, if you want to try something different with your tacos, Cilantro-Lime Crema is the way to go.

For future taco night or basketball parties, Delimex Taquitos, Tacos and Tamales will probably make an appearance. Since college basketball is on television, it’s fun to watch, but sometimes I miss the games while cooking dinner. I made some Delimex Tacos and Taquitos and they cooked in less time than it took me to make both the guacamole and crema. They can easily be found in your local Walmart frozen food section. Delimex even has a coupon that you can print through April 7th, for $1 off any two (2) Delimex Frozen Taquito products (excluding frozen fruit taquitos) at Walmart.

Click for link to coupon

My family and I love “Mexican Miercoles” – we did “Taco Tuesday” before it was a thing, and gave it a cooler name. 😉 Whether we went out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, or stayed in and cooked, it was all about being together. The guys would sometimes grill the meats, we made homemade fillings and side dishes, but one constant was guacamole! My Uncle makes THE best guacamole, and this recipe is adapted from his.

I decided to try something new for a topping and came up with the Cilantro-Lime Crema. We love cilantro-lime rice and I often make it when we have taco night, so that’s where the flavor profile came from. Cilantro and lime are great together and with the Greek Yogurt and Sour Cream, it blends perfectly. I will definitely be making some more tacos and salads soon, so I can have more of this delicious crema.

Delimex made taco night a breeze. I shared some of my favorite recipes and I’d love to hear your favorites. Be sure to check out more delicious recipes at Kraft.com and head to Walmart to grab some game-day Delimex!

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Gather ingredients for Guacamole.

Place all ingredients into a bowl and use a pastry cutter to combine.

You want a chunky guacamole, so this tool is the best way to achieve that.

Gather ingredients for Crema and blend together until smooth.

Homemade Guacamole
Adapted from a Love and Confections family recipe
Click here for a printable link

Homemade Guacamole Ingredients:
– 2 ripe Haas Avocados
– 1 medium Tomato, diced and seeded
– 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed Lime Juice
– 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
– 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped Cilantro
– a few dashes of Hot Sauce (optional)

Homemade Guacamole Directions:
1. Slice the Avocados in half and remove the pits. Using a spoon, scoop the avocado meat into a medium bowl. Dice the Tomato and add it into the bowl, making sure to discard the seeds, otherwise your guacamole will be too watery.
2. Add in 1 tablespoon of Lime Juice, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Cilantro and Hot Sauce. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the ingredients together. You will want a chunky guacamole, so these tools are the best for that and not a food processor.
3. Serve immediately. Guacamole is best when served right after making, but can be refrigerated up to 8 hours. It will start to darken in color, so make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to help prevent oxidation. Enjoy!

Cilantro-Lime Crema
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable link

Cilantro-Lime Crema Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek Yogurt
– 1/2 cup Sour Cream
– 1 teaspoon chopped Garlic
– 2 tablespoons finely chopped Cilantro
– Juice and Zest from 1 Lime
– 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Cilantro-Lime Crema Directions:
1. Using a stand blender or immersion blender, combine all the ingredients until completely mixed. Keep refrigerated until needed. Can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cilantro-Lime Crema is great for topping tacos, salads and grilled meats. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!