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Cocktail Round-Up 1

It’s Beach Week on Love and Confections! I am enjoying a week on the west coast of 
Florida with my family and Baby L&C. 

It’s her first trip to the beach and we are so excited (and have so much stuff packed). Throughout the next few days, I will be sharing some of my favorite beach-worthy recipes and of course many Instagram pics of Baby L&C at the beach!

1. Real Housemoms – Strawberry Lime Moscato Punch
2. Real Housemoms – Blended Raspberry Margarita
3. Real Housemoms – Classic Tequila Sunrise
4. Real Housemoms – Cucumber Margarita

5. Katie’s Cucina – Tropical Dream Drink
6. Katie’s Cucina – Cranberry Basil Margarita
7. Katie’s Cucina – Pineapple Lime Cooler
8. Poet in the Pantry – Strawberry Mint Smash Tequila
9. Kiran Tarun – Strawberry Pina Colada
10. Aggie’s Kitchen – Red Wine Spritzer
11. Sarcastic Cooking – Watermelon Caipirinha

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Blueberry Sangria #BrunchWeek

Blueberry Sangria is the perfect Brunch cocktail especially with freshly-picked blueberries!

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek

Welcome to #BrunchWeek 2015!!! This year please welcome Shaina from Take A Bite Out Of Boca as my co-hostess. We are SO excited to share all the wonderful goodies with you this week, in preparation for Mother’s Day. We also have a HUGE GIVEAWAY with from 12 sponsors with over $1500 in prizes.

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek

I never thought that my little idea, three years ago, would become such a loved event with my blogging friends. Every year, I kick-off #BrunchWeek with a cocktail. I mean, what good brunch doesn’t have one? I loved my Blood Orange Mimosas and Frozen Peach Bellinis from the first two #BrunchWeek, so I decided to keep the tradition going.

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek

Blueberry season is in full swing and I have already gone picking twice this year. I hope to be able to go one more time before it gets too hot outside. The bushes are full of sweet, juicy fruit and you can pick to your heart’s content at the local organic farm I frequent every year.

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek

Last year, I didn’t know if I would make it out into the fields, since Baby L&C was only a few months old. We decided to go and had a good time. She stayed nice and covered in her stroller and my Dad and I were able to pick a few pounds of berries.

Then and now – Toddler L&C (and my Dad) one year later!

The most recent blueberry picking was a little bit different. Now that she is Toddler L&C, nothing gets in her way. She is rambunctious and always wants to do her own thing. This year, she only sat in her stroller for about half the time. My Dad watched her, mostly, while I picked a good amount of the berries. She wanted to get out, run around, and do it herself – which of course meant she either picked leaves off the bushes or tried to eat fallen berries (yuck!).

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek

I made so many things with the pounds of blueberries I picked – pancakes, muffins, smoothies, homemade jam. I was so excited to try a sangria with my blueberries and knew it would be perfect for my first #BrunchWeek post this year. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway and Happy Brunching!!

Blueberry Sangria from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek



Blueberry Sangria
A Love and Confections original recipe
Click here for a printable recipe

Blueberry Sangria Ingredients:
– 1-750ml bottle of Sweet Red Wine, chilled
– 1 cup Blueberry Liqueur
– 1 cup Raspberry Liqueur
– 3-4 cups Lemon-Lime Soda
– 2 cups Blueberries, frozen
– Blueberries and Mint for garnish (optional)

Blueberry Sangria Directions:
1. I pick fresh blueberries, then freeze them to use in baking and drinks. Using frozen blueberries instead of ice cubes doesn’t water down the Sangria.
2. Combine Red Wine, Blueberry Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur and Lemon-Lime Soda in a large pitcher. Stir in frozen Blueberries. Divide among glasses and please enjoy responsibly. This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly.”

#BrunchWeek 2015 by LoveandConfections.com

Take a look at what the #BrunchWeek Bloggers are creating today!


BrunchWeek Beverages:
Blueberry Sangria from Love and Confections.

Spring-Infused Lemon Drop from Culinary Adventures with Camilla.
Bloody Margarita from The Suburban Soapbox

BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Caramelized Onion, Swiss Chard, Mushroom and Alpine Cheddar Croissant Strata from Taste Cook Sip.
Crab Cake Eggs Benedict from The Redhead Baker.
Fried Eggs with Kale and Mushrooms from Hip Foodie Mom.
Chimichurri Breakfast Sandwich from Healthy Delicious.
Asparagus, Brie and Smoked Salmon Omelet from girlichef.
Braised Leeks with Poached Eggs from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner.

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains and Pastries:
Savory Pancetta and Cheddar Waffles from The Little Ferraro Kitchen.
Avocado Toast Bar from Sarcastic Cooking.
Mocha Nut Granola from greens & chocolate.
Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants with Bourbon Sauce from {i love} my disorganized life.
Berry Cacao Nib Scone Cakes from The Spiffy Cookie
Spiced Pear Oatmeal from Making Miracles.
Overnight Cinnamon Bread French Toast from That Skinny Chick Can Bake.
Nutty Chocolatey Oatmeal Muffins from A Day in the Life on the Farm.
Vanilla Orange Scones from Sew You Think You Can Cook.
Sour Cream and Dark Chocolate Oat Bread from Bread Booze Bacon.
Cherry Vanilla Almond Granola from Cupcakes & Kale Chips.
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins from My Catholic Kitchen.
Macadamia Nut Crusted French Toast with Spiced Pineapple Syrup from Cooking in Stilettos.
Maple Cinnamon Scones from Pink Cake Plate

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Breakfast Wraps from Big Bear’s Wife.
Brunch Charcuterie Cheese Board from Quarter Life (Crisis) Cuisine.

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Whipped Yogurt and Ricotta with Figs and Honey from Take A Bite Out of Boca.
Gluten Free Swiss Chard and Mushroom Galette from It Bakes Me Happy.

BrunchWeek Desserts:
Mini Creamsicle Bundt Cake with Vanilla Bean Glaze from It’s Yummi.
Lemon Bars from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Chocolate Walnut Macarons with Salted Caramel from Baking a Moment.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Want the same cute bamboo skewers I used in my recipe today?

This post is linked up to Tipsy Tuesday by Grey is the New Black
Disclaimer: Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Bob’s Red Mill, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, California Walnuts, Dixie Crystals, Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic/True Juice, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Pacari Chocolate, Stonyfield Organic, Vidalia Onions, and Woot Froot for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars #StonyfieldBlogger

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars are the perfect, healthy, grab-n-go meal for a busy week! 

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars from Loveandconfections.com #StonyfieldBlogger

This post is sponsored by Stonyfield Yogurt and Ball Canning. All opinions are my own.


I love all kinds of Mexican flavors, so-much-so that we usually have a Tex-Mex meal once a week. For unknown reasons (i.e. poor planning) it usually isn’t “Taco Tuesday”. We mostly do Tex-Mex on Wednesdays, so I have gotten into the habit of calling it “Mexican Miercoles” – coined the term from a family friend.

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars from Loveandconfections.com #StonyfieldBlogger

We have a lot of the popular toppings or sides, like tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, corn, rice, and black beans. I have been using Stonyfield Greek Yogurt to top all my Tex-Mex dishes because it is way healthier than sour cream, plus you can have more than 2-3 tablespoons per serving… seriously, check the back of your sour cream containers versus Greek yogurt!

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars from Loveandconfections.com #StonyfieldBlogger

The toddler even loves Mexican Miercoles, she loves black beans, guacamole, rice, tomatoes and Greek yogurt. She even sometimes eats salsa too, if it’s not too spicy. I actually got the idea for these Quinoa Jars from her meal. She doesn’t like the beef or chicken we have with tacos, so it’s more of a vegetarian night for her.

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars from Loveandconfections.com #StonyfieldBlogger

I didn’t like quinoa until a few years ago, and now I have it quite a bit. I prepare a big batch of it, and use it in salads or as a side throughout the week. It is perfect for these Tex-Mex Jars and gives the perfect nutty flavor to balance out the mix-ins and dressing. You can eat it out of the jar, as-is, or add it to a bowl with some lettuce or arugula for an even better lunch option.

Click here for more information on Ball Canning, and follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars
A Love and Confections original recipe

Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup packed Cilantro
– 1/4 teaspoon Salt
– 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
– 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
– 1/2 cup Stonyfield Greek Yogurt
– 1-2 teaspoons Lime Juice, to taste
– 1 cup prepared Quinoa
– 1/4 cup diced Tomatoes
– 1/4 cup Black Beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup diced Avocado
– 1 ear oven-roasted corn kernels
– Baby Kale and Arugula, optional
– Hot Sauce or Salsa, optional


Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars Directions:
1. In a blender, combine the Cilantro, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Greek Yogurt, and Lime Juice, and mix until consistency of salad dressing. Refrigerate.
2. Combine Quinoa, Tomatoes, Black Beans, Avocado and Corn in a mixing bowl, and disperse into 1-2 Ball Canning Jars. Use immediately with dressing, mix into salad, or refrigerate 1-2 days. Enjoy!

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with Stonyfield as a member of the Clean Plate Club. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. As always, all opinions are my own. #stonyfieldblogger #sponsored.


Tex-Mex Quinoa Jars from Loveandconfections.com #StonyfieldBlogger

Cherry, Peach & Raspberry Sangria

Cherry, Peach and Raspberry Sangria is one of the my favorite cocktails because it is so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

 I made this sangria a few times this past Summer, and every time, it was finished before I could get any pictures, so here it finally is. Cherry, Peach and Raspberry Sangria is that good! I made this sangria for a few parties and it was a hit. The flavor combination is so refreshing and perfect for Summer.

I was given a gorgeous box of cherries from my friends at Stemilt, and have made a few goodies with them including this Sangria back in July. The cherries were gorgeous and the delivery guy knows me well enough now that when I start jumping up and down with excitement about a delivery, he doesn’t ask questions.
You would be excited too if you got a delivery like this. As soon as I received the cherries I dived right in. Fresh cherries are so amazing. I also love to pit and freeze them, so I have cherries year-round. I hope I can visit the Stemilt orchards in person one day soon. I have loved cherry season and can’t wait for their apples and all the wonderful Fall baking I plan on doing with them.
Cherry, Peach and Raspberry Sangria
a Love and Confection original
Click here for a printable recipe
Cherry, Peach and Raspberry Sangria Ingredients:
– 1 pound Cherries, pitted, preferably fresh but can use frozen
– 2 cups Raspberry Liqueur
– 3 cups Peach Nectar
– 3 cups Lemon-Lime Soda
– 6 ounces Frozen Raspberries
– 10 ounces Frozen Sliced Peaches
– 1 bottle Sweet Red Wine, chilled
Cherry, Peach and Raspberry Sangria Directions:
1. Place Cherries and Raspberry Liqueur in a lidded container overnight in the refrigerator, the day before you wish to make the Sangria.
2. On the day you want your Sangria, in a blender or food processor, blend half of the Cherry/Raspberry Liqueur mixture and pour it into a pitcher. Pour the rest of the whole cherries and liqueur into the pitcher.
3. Add the Peach Nectar, Lemon-Lime Soda, Frozen Raspberries and Frozen Peaches. Stir to combine.
4. Add the bottle of Sweet Red Wine and stir. Serve over ice and garnish with cherries, peaches and raspberries. Please drink responsibly. Enjoy!
Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: I received a box of cherries from Stemilt and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own and I only work with companies I love.

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake #EasterSweetsWeek

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a sweet and not-too-tart treat that is perfect for Spring and Summer.

I received product and/or samples from the #EasterSweetsWeek sponsors to use in recipes. All opinions are my own.

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake from LoveandConfections.com


Welcome to this year’s #EasterSweetWeek event hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. We’re so glad that you’ve joined us for this week long event of Springtime and Easter dessert recipes! We’re sharing tons of treats this week plus a few fantastic giveaways! You’re going to love what we have in store for you.

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake from LoveandConfections.com

Lemon is definitely one of my go-to Springtime flavors. I love citrus and growing up in Florida, citrus is abundant. My family and I go to the citrus groves during season and pick oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and lemons. I love everything from meyer lemons to key limes, and everything in between.

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake from LoveandConfections.com

While I love baking from scratch the most, sometimes I do the semi-homemade route and start with a box mix. When I am planning a big party or holiday event, this is a time-saver, especially when I am in charge of more than one course or dish. I am definitely glad I chose this Easy Lemon Bundt Cake for our Easter celebration. It is sweet and moist, and I love the tart lemon flavor.

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake from LoveandConfections.com

This year we have are 28 fantastic bloggers participating in this year’s Easter dessert event! Throughout the week we’ll be share tons of great Springtime and Easter themed dessert recipes with you. With over 75 sweet dessert recipes being shared this week we just know that you’re going to want to save some of these recipes to make again and again! We even hope that some of these recipes end up in your Easter recipe keepsake collection! Plus, don’t forget that we have 5 (five) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors! Scroll down to take a look!

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake from LoveandConfections.com

Easy Lemon Pudding Bundt Cake

By Love and Confections

Cake Ingredients:

  • 15.25 ounce Lemon Supreme cake mix, dry mix only
  • 3.4 ounce instant lemon pudding, dry mix only
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest

Frosting:

  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Yellow sprinkles, optional

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350F. Prepare bundt pan with baking spray or grease and flour. Set aside
  2. In stand mixer or mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, Greek yogurt, oil, butter, water, extract and first measure of lemon zest. Mix to combine.
  3. Pour into bundt pan and bake 50-60 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack to cool completely
  4. Prepare Frosting. With hand mixer or stand mixer combine cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar, zest and 1-2 tablespoons juice. Add more powdered sugar or juice as needed. Either spread onto cake or place into piping bag and pipe on top of bundt cake. Add sprinkles. Chill until serving.

Yield: 12+ servings

 

Check out the amazing #EasterSweetsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!

#EasterSweetsWeek Logo

PRIZE #1

Prize #1 — Dixie Crystals is giving away one (1) Instant Pot (8 Qt) to one lucky winner!

PRIZE #2

  
Prize #2 — Adam’s Extract is giving one (1) winner 5 different extracts including a bottle of Pure vanilla and a color pack.

PRIZE #3

Prize #3 — Rainier Fruit is giving one (1) winner a box of Apples and some wonderful Apple themed goodies from Sur La Table

PRIZE #4

Prize #4 — Anolon is giving one (1) winner a Anolon® Vesta™ 9-Inch Square Baker in Cobalt Blue

PRIZE #5

Prize #5 — Microplane is giving one (1) winner a Twist & Zest, grip & strip and a classic zester/grater

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older.. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from March 26th – April 1st at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 5 (five) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 5 (five) winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, #EasterSweetsWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Adam’s Extract, Rainier Fruit, Anolon and Microplane! These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #EasterSweetsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

A Southern classic gets a twist when combining deviled eggs and pimento cheese. This make-ahead appetizer is perfect for any holiday, brunch or snack. Farmhouse Cheddar from the Cabot Legacy Collection is the star in this ultimate comfort food.

This recipe is sponsored by Cabot Creamery Co-operative. All opinions are my own.

A Southern classic gets a twist when combining deviled eggs and pimento cheese. This make-ahead appetizer is perfect for any holiday, brunch or snack. Farmhouse Cheddar from the Cabot Legacy Collection is the star in this ultimate comfort food.

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Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate for a crowd just got easier with the best slow cooker dark hot chocolate. With only a few ingredients, it will keep you warm and cozy on cold Winter days.

This sponsored post is written on behalf of Florida Milk. All opinions are my own.
Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com


Hot chocolate is one of my go-to cold weather drinks and I love sipping it on a cool Winter night in front of a fire pit. Instead of the prepackaged just-add-water version, I partnered with Florida Dairy Farmers to create a creamy and delicious slow cooker dark hot chocolate. My family loves dark chocolate, so using bittersweet chocolate chips made everyone happy.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

The key to the creaminess and richness is using whole milk and heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk. There is no water in this hot chocolate recipe! When I drink hot chocolate, marshmallows are a necessary topping.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

Whipped cream is also a good choice, as are sprinkles, because everyone knows I love and hoard sprinkles. I also enjoy chocolate curls, chocolate sauce, salted caramel, or peppermint crumbles on top. This recipe can easily be adapted for milk chocolate if you prefer a lighter tasting chocolate flavor, or add a little liqueur to make it an adult-only beverage.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

Here in Florida, we are just starting to get the cool Winter weather and it is beautiful! Holiday parties are starting to happen almost every weekend, especially cookie exchanges and ugly sweater parties. I love party prep, but to make it a bit easier I rely on my slow cooker for delicious party drinks.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

After pouring all the ingredients into the slow cooker, it heats on low for around 2 hours. I usually whisk it at the beginning, middle and end to make sure all the chocolate pieces and cocoa are melted and incorporated. You can use your slow cooker’s warming feature after the 2 hours, or just keep it on low for the party, but it is best served right away and please follow proper food safety rules.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

For more great recipes and inspiration, visit Florida Dairy Farmers on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate

By Love and Confections
Published 11/30/2017

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces good quality bittersweet/dark chocolate chips
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted (optional)
  • pinch salt
  • Marshmallows, whipped cream, or other toppings

Instructions

  • Stir together the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, whipping cream, vanilla, cocoa if using, and salt in a 6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, whisking occasionally until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Serve and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 0 hrs. 05 mins.

Cook time: 2 hrs. 00 mins.

Tools I used:

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Slow Cooker Dark Hot Chocolate from LoveandConfections.com

Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with Florida Dairy Farmers as a recipe developer. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. This post may contain Amazon 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 this website. As always, all opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Red Sangria #PumpkinWeek

Pumpkin Red Sangria is the perfect cocktail for the holiday season. Real pumpkin, pumpkin pie syrup, and apple cider combine with fruit and your favorite red wine for a festive and delicious Fall sangria.

I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Pumpkin red sangria with apples and pumpkin pie syrup

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Pumpkin Spice Bagel Chips

For those times you want something sweet, crunchy, and pumpkin spiced. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bagel Chips are a delicious Fall treat. Great for an afternoon snack or accompanying your morning pumpkin spice latte.
This recipe is sponsored by Dixie Crystals. All opinions are my own.

I love seasonal snacks and Pumpkin Spice Bagel Chips are great at filling my Fall snack craving. These chips are easy to make and perfect to have on hand when I want a sweet and crunchy snack. Pumpkin Spice Bagel Chips are so delicious when dipped in cinnamon cream cheese, or paired with an Easy Copycat Pumpkin Spiced Latte.
Bagel chips are great for snacking because you can customize the flavors however you prefer. Sweet flavors like pumpkin spice or cinnamon, or savory flavors like onion or everything bagel. The choice is yours! 
While I love my bagel chips as-is, I love dipping them in cream cheese even more! Bagels and cream cheese are a match made in heaven. I eat these for breakfast, snack and dessert. The key to making a good bagel chip is to get nice, fat un-sliced bagels.
I don’t get normal bagels from the grocery store, unless your store has a bakery that makes them fresh and keeps them whole. I usually grab my bagels from a bakery or deli – I know the bagels are made fresh and they are always uncut until purchased.
I find that slicing them on the short side is just easier that trying to get even, thin slices longways. But, this recipe can definitely be adapted if you prefer larger bagel slices. Happy snacking!
Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!