Decadent Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: Keto and Non-Keto Options
This is a sponsored post
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of hazelnut hot chocolate with our special recipe featuring Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa. Whether you’re on a keto journey or not, this delightful beverage will satisfy your sweet cravings and warm you up during chilly days.
Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (keto) or whole milk (non-keto)
In a small saucepan, heat the unsweetened almond milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Add Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and unsweetened cocoa powder to the saucepan. Whisk continuously until the spread and cocoa are fully dissolved.
Stir in Pyure Organic Stevia Blend, adjusting to your desired sweetness level. Be cautious not to overpower the hazelnut flavor.
Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, enhancing the overall taste of the keto hazelnut hot chocolate.
Continue to heat and whisk until the mixture is well combined and hot. Remove from heat just before it reaches boiling point.
Pour the keto hazelnut hot chocolate into your favorite mug, and if desired, top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Non-Keto Version:
Similar to the keto version, heat the whole milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
Add Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa and one packet of hot cocoa mix. Whisk continuously until the spread and cocoa are fully melted and blended into the milk.
Continue to heat and whisk until the mixture is well combined and hot. Remove from heat just before boiling.
Pour the non-keto hazelnut hot chocolate into your favorite mug, and feel free to garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Whether you’re embracing a keto lifestyle or not, this hazelnut hot chocolate recipe caters to both preferences, delivering a delightful and comforting experience for all chocolate lovers. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this decadent treat, customized to suit your dietary choices.
Spreading Cheer: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Basket for Families
‘Tis the season for spreading joy and creating magical memories with loved ones! One delightful way to enhance your family’s holiday lights drive-thru experience is by preparing a festive basket filled with delightful goodies. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through assembling the perfect basket, complete with a scrumptious cookie, take-and-go hot chocolate, reindeer food snack mix, and a charming free printable ticket.
The Sweet Touch – Festive Cookies
Start your basket on a sweet note with homemade or store-bought festive cookies. Whether it’s classic sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes or gingerbread men adorned with icing, these treats will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday lights adventure.
Combat the winter chill by including packets of take-and-go hot chocolate. Opt for individual servings or create DIY hot chocolate cones with layered cocoa, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles. Your family can enjoy a warm cup of cocoa while marveling at the twinkling lights.
Reindeer Ready – Snack Mix
Fuel your holiday lights tour with a playful and delicious reindeer food snack mix. Combine pretzels, chocolate-covered candies, and Chex Cereal and peanuts , then package it in festive bags or a cute snack cup. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it also adds a touch of whimsy to the evening as your family munches on this reindeer-approved snack.
Admittance Granted – Free Printable Ticket
Add an extra dose of holiday magic by including a free printable ticket to your lights drive-thru. This not only serves as a creative touch but also adds an element of anticipation for your little ones. I laminated mine so we can use it for years to come.
Add other surprises like a stuffed toy, binoculars, camera to capture the lights or more treats!
As you embark on your holiday lights tour, armed with your festive basket, you’re sure to create lasting memories filled with warmth and joy. From the delightful cookies to the cozy hot chocolate and whimsical reindeer snack mix, every element contributes to the magic of the season. So, bundle up, grab your basket, and get ready for a night of enchantment and family fun!
Hanukkah festivities are all about embracing tradition with a touch of innovation. Elevate your celebration with a modern twist on the classic jelly donut. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of making air-fried jelly donuts using Pillsbury Grands biscuits, allowing you to add your favorite jam or jelly after the biscuits are cooked, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why jelly donuts on Hanukkah?
Jelly donuts, known as sufganiyot in Hebrew, are a traditional Hanukkah treat. They are deep-fried and often filled with jelly or other sweet fillings. The significance lies in the oil used for frying, symbolizing the miracle of the oil in the Hanukkah story where a small amount of oil lasted for eight days in the temple menorah.
Ingredients:
Pillsbury Grands biscuits (1 can)
Jam or jelly of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or grape work well)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Gather Your Ingredients:
Ensure you have all your ingredients ready to create a delightful combination of flaky biscuit dough, sweet fruit filling, and a finishing touch of powdered sugar.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat. This ensures your biscuits cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown perfection.
3. Air Fry the Biscuits:
Separate the Pillsbury Grands biscuits and lay them out on a clean surface. Flatten each biscuit as instructed on the package. Air fry the biscuits 6-8 minutes or until they reach a golden-brown color.
4. Cool and Create a Pocket:
Allow the air-fried biscuits to cool slightly. Once cooled, use a small knife to create a pocket in each biscuit by gently cutting a slit into the side, being careful not to cut through entirely.
5. Fill with Jelly:
Take your favorite jam or jelly and carefully inject it into each biscuit pocket. Ensure an even distribution of the fruity goodness, allowing the biscuit to soak up the flavors.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
After injecting the jelly, dust the air-fried jelly donuts generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Present your jelly-filled donuts on a festive platter. These delightful treats are ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. The combination of the flaky biscuit and the burst of fruity jelly creates a memorable Hanukkah experience.
This Hanukkah, savor the best of both worlds with air-fried jelly donuts that combine tradition with a modern twist. Share these delectable treats as a symbol of the joy and innovation that make the Festival of Lights truly special.
Magical Elf on the Shelf Fun: DIY Snow Globe Activity with Free Printable
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season with a delightful Elf on the Shelf activity – “Do You Want to Build a Snow Globe?” This easy and festive DIY project promises to add a touch of magic to your home, creating memorable moments for your kids. To make it even more accessible, I’ve included a free printable to guide you through the process.
Supplies:
Mason jar, baby food jar, or snow globe jar
Water
Glycerin or clear glue
Glitter
Figurines (preferably your child’s favorite characters. Dollar Tree has a bunch of different ones!)
Hot glue gun
free printable (scroll down for download)
Instructions:
Begin by using a hot glue gun to secure your chosen figurine to the center of the jar lid. This will be the star of your snowy spectacle.
Carefully fill the jar halfway with water, ensuring not to overflow.
Add approximately 1 teaspoon of glycerin or clear glue to the water and give it a gentle stir. This secret ingredient will help the glitter create a mesmerizing snowfall effect.
Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of glitter into the jar. Feel free to mix different colors for a dazzling display.
Continue filling the jar with water, leaving just a bit of space at the top.
Apply hot glue to the inside of the lid and securely screw it onto the jar. This step ensures a watertight seal, preventing any glittery leaks.
Now, the magic begins! Give your snow globe a good shake and watch as the glitter dances around your festive scene. It’s a winter wonderland in the palm of your hands.
This Elf on the Shelf snow globe activity is a delightful way to bring holiday cheer into your home. Whether you’re creating these with your little ones or surprising them with a magical display, the joy and wonder it brings are bound to become cherished memories. Download the free printable to make this enchanting DIY project even more accessible. Happy crafting and may your holidays be filled with sparkling moments!
The holiday season is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a cozy get-together, and what better way to spread warmth and cheer than with a mulled wine bar? Transform your home into a winter wonderland by hosting a delightful evening filled with the rich aromas and flavors of spiced wine. Here’s a guide to creating the ultimate mulled wine experience and allowing your guests to craft their own unique concoctions.
Mulled Wine Base:
Ingredients:
2 bottles of red wine (e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/2 cup of brandy
1/2 cup of honey or sugar
1 orange (sliced)
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Optional: 1/2 cup of cranberries for a festive touch
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the red wine, brandy, honey (or sugar), orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Heat the mixture over low-medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors.
Let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Stir occasionally.
Strain the mixture to remove the spices and orange slices.
Personalizing Your Mulled Wine:
Now, let your guests unleash their creativity by offering an array of add-ins to personalize their mulled wine. Set up a designated station with the following options:
Fresh Fruits:
Sliced apples
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
Pear slices
Citrus Zest:
Lemon or lime zest for a citrusy kick
Nuts and Dried Fruits:
Cinnamon-roasted almonds
Dried apricots or figs
Herbal Infusions:
Peppermint leaves
Rosemary sprigs
Additional Spirits:
Offer a selection of flavored liqueurs like orange liqueur or amaretto for an extra layer of complexity.
Sweeteners:
Brown sugar or maple syrup for those who prefer a sweeter touch.
Encourage your guests to experiment with different combinations, creating their own signature mulled wine blend. Provide recipe cards or a chalkboard with suggested pairings to inspire their creativity.
Atmosphere and Ambiance:
Enhance the festive atmosphere by complementing your mulled wine bar with cozy decor. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play soft holiday tunes in the background. Consider adding a touch of greenery with pine branches or wreaths to evoke the spirit of the season.
Hosting a mulled wine bar allows your guests to share in the joy of crafting their own delightful holiday drinks, making your gathering not only memorable but also a unique experience for everyone involved. Cheers to a warm and festive celebration!
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
