Easy and Delicious Back to School Lunch Ideas

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Lunches don’t have to be boring anymore! Thanks to my fabulous blogging friends I have put together a round-up of Back to School lunch ideas that will please the young kiddos as well as you. Everything you need from sandwiches and wraps to snacks and treats, I have got you covered. So now you can start the Back to School countdown and get your happy dance ready 😊

Lunches don't have to be boring anymore! These easy to make lunch ideas are full of flavor, guaranteeing everyone will love them. #EasyLunchIdeas #BacktoSchoolLunches #LunchRecipes #BacktoSchool

Lunches don’t have to be boring anymore! These easy to make lunch ideas are full of flavor, guaranteeing everyone will love them. #EasyLunchIdeas #BacktoSchoolLunches #LunchRecipes #BacktoSchool

Lets go ahead and get started with our wraps, sandwiches and more!

RAINBOW VEGETABLE TORTILLA WRAP: RECIPES FROM A PANTRY

These easy to make wraps are full of delicious and healthy veggies, and can be adjusted to fit your family’s specific tastes. They are an easy way to get your vegetable servings in for the day!

rainbow-tortilla-wraps

 

teriyaki honey chicken meatballs: Teaspoon of goodness

I love dishes like this one, it is something I would make for dinner the night before and pack the leftovers for a delicious lunch the next day.The protein is great for an afternoon pick-me up, and you can even eat this at your desk!

Teriyaki-Honey-Chicken-Meatballs

 

BUFFALO TAHINI QUINOA AND RICE WRAPS: STRENGTH AND SUNSHINE 

Here is a scrumptious wrap that is sure to fill you up. You can even make these ahead of time and freeze them to take out for lunches later in the week! Loaded with flavour, easy to make and will please everyone.

Buffalo-Tahini-Rice-Quinoa-Wraps

 

 

KALE AND BROCCOLI SALAD: THE OLIVE BLOGGER (that’s us!)

Here is a super easy salad that you can make in advance (just leave it undressed). It is healthy and delicious, and you can even add some grilled salmon or chicken to make it a full meal.

KaleSlaw

 

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY KABOBS: DAILY MOMTIVITY

A fun update to the classic PB&J sandwiches we all used to have in our lunchbox. Bonus points for the fresh fruit!

PB-J-Kabobs

 

COLD NOODLES IN PEANUT SAUCE: THE COZY COOK

This is a great meatless option for your Back to School Lunch! It is great as a side or even on its own, and it can be made ahead of time which is always a plus for this busy season.

Cold-Noodles-Peanut-Sauce-Recipe

 

 

 

5 MINUTE TURKEY CLUB WRAP: FOOD MEANDERINGS 

Everyone likes to save time while making lunches, and this wrap is a delicious way to do just that! It has all your faves from a club; bacon, turkey, lettuce and a delicious ranch dressing.

5-Minute-Turkey-Club-Ranch-Wraps

 

 

Now that the main portion of your lunch is taken care of, lets dive into some snacks and sweet treats!

coconut carrot muffins: the olive blogger

These muffins are a perfect addition to your weekly lunch line up. They are perfectly moist with a slightly crunchy top, and the coconut compliments the carrot with a gentle sweetness you don’t expect! You can also make a double batch and freeze them so you have them all month long.

Carrot-Coconut-Muffin

 

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES: NATALIE’S HAPPY HEALTH

Want to give your kiddos a treat but don’t like all the extra sugar? These cookies have no refined sugars, making them a great snack without the sugar crash.

Chocolate-Oatmeal-Cookies

 

 

PIZZA MUFFINS: SPACESHIPS AND LASER BEAMS

All you need is a few simple ingredients to make these easy to devour pizza muffins.

pizza-muffins

 

QUINOA AND CRANBERRY MUFFINS: FAMILY FOOD AND TRAVEL

Sweet and savory, these muffins are great for an afternoon snack to hold you over until dinner.

quinoa-cranberry-muffins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, our Back to School Lunch round-up wouldn’t be complete without a fun EXTRA! 

LUNCHBOX JOKE PRINTABLE: ARTSY FARTSY MAMA

Free printables to make your kids laugh, add to their lunch box for a special treat!

BTS-Jokes

Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

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Summer is all about fresh ingredients and outdoor meals for us, that’s why this Quinoa Salad is perfect for the hot days that are still ahead! It uses just a few ingredients to transform plain quinoa into a delicious side dish (or main meal if you want to add protein!) and although we make this more in the summertime, you can definitely enjoy it on cooler days as well. Quinoa-Salad-Fresh-Ingredients

 

You can customize the Quinoa Salad to your tastes too, so if you prefer zucchini over cucumber or cherry tomatoes over peppers, feel free to throw em in. The dressing is just as simple as the salad itself, and can be used on a variety of green salads as well! So grab your ingredients and pack your picnic bag, it’s time to make this yummy salad.

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Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • 1 c Dry Quinoa (Rinsed under cold water)
  • 1 c Water
  • 1 c Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 lg Cucumber, chopped
  • 1 lg Red Pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 Red Onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Basil (or parsley if you prefer) chopped
  • Salt
    • Dressing
  • 1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil (the good stuff guys, you don't want it to be bitter!)
  • 1/4 c Lemon Juice (fresh is best but concentrated is fine!)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 3/4 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • pinch of Salt

Instructions

    Salad
  1. Place medium pot over medium heat for about 2 mins to warm, add in quinoa and give a quick "toast" by swirling in the pot for 1 minute. Add in your water and broth with a pinch of salt and allow to come to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and place in your serving bowl. Place in fridge to cool.
  3. Once quinoa has cooled add in remainder of the salad ingredients and toss.
    4. Dressing
  4. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, whisk until well combined.
  5. Pour 1/2 of the dressing over the salad and add the remainder right before serving.

Notes

Prepare Quinoa ahead of time (even the day before) so it can cool.

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Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette- Perfect side dish for picnics and BBQ's! #Salad #Quinoa #PicnicFood

Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette- Perfect side dish for picnics and BBQ’s! #Salad #Quinoa #PicnicFood


Easy Mothers Day Brunch Round-Up

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With only a week to go until we celebrate all the moms out there I thought it would be a perfect time to round-up some of my favourite dishes, drinks and sweets from fellow bloggers to make it the best Mothers Day Brunch yet! There is something for every mom on the list, and some of them can even be assembled the night before which leaves more time for morning snuggles! Get your shopping list ready and be prepared to receive extra kisses from mom!

 

BErries n Cream French Toast Casserole: garden in the kitchen

This gorgeous casserole uses fresh berries and cream cheese and is the perfect way to show mom just how sweet you think she is!

breakfast-bake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POTATO, BACON AND EGG SHEET PAN BREAKFAST: DELICIOUS ON A DIME

This hearty breakfast is easy to make and even easier to clean up! It combines crispy potatoes, cheesy eggs and smoky bacon and uses only one pan!

Potato-Bacon-and-Egg-Sheet-Pan-Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 INGREDIENT ORANGE JULIUS COCKTAIL: STRENGTH AND SUNSHINE 

This simple to make frozen cocktail is a nice change from the classic mimosa we all think to serve mom for her special day.

4-Ingredient-Orange-Julius-Martini

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eggs benedict with artichoke and roasted red pepper hollindase: food meanderings 

A gourmet take on the classic, this is a grown-up eggs benny with some incredible flavours, don’t fooled though it is still super easy to pull together!

Eggs-Benedict-with-Red-Pepper-Artichoke-Hollandaise-and-Proscuitto-Recipe-1

 
 STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE LEMON CURD PARFAIT: THE RISING SPOON 

This fresh and tangy parfait uses simple ingredients and is super easy to make, and just look at how pretty it is!

strawberry-shortcake-lemon-curd-parfait-recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CRACKER BARREL HASHBROWN CASSEROLE: CINCY SHOPPER 

This is one of the dishes you can make ahead of time and pop in the oven on Sunday morning, it is full of cheesy goodness and will impress everyone in the family not just mom!

Copycat-Cracker-Barrel-Hashbrown-Casserole-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sparkling unicorn drink: the olive blogger

This drink is so yummy you will want to make a 2nd! A simple 3 ingredient cocktail (you can make it a mocktail if you wish!) that is a beautiful as it is tasty.

Sparkling-Unicorn-Drink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 huevos rancheros breakfast casserole: taste and see

This casserole has it all! It is loaded with Mexican flavours and full of fiber, a perfect start to your Mothers Day Brunch!

Huevos-Rancheros-Breakfast-Casserole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

raspberry cheesecake swirl bread: savings dollars and sense

This sweet treat uses a sugar cookie dough base to create an easy make ahead “bread” you can serve with a nice cuppa tea.

raspberry-cheesecake-swirl-bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

ULTIMATE CAESAR COCKTAIL: GIRL HEART FOOD 

A 5 minute cocktail that is loaded with flavour! It is a vodka based drink that is finished off with yummy snack like foods, allowing you to get creative with what you use to top it.

Ultimate-Caesar-Cocktail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

peach stuffed french toast: the olive blogger

If you haven’t tried our french toast yet now is the perfect time! It is perfectly sweet with a simple peach syrup and fresh peaches stuffed inside of a thick piece of your favourite bread.

French Toast on a colorful flowered plate with fresh peaches and walnuts

 

 

 

 

 

 

So are you ready to get cooking for your Mothers Day Brunch!? Be sure to tag us @theoliveblogger and #OliveYum on Instagram so we can see how you spoiled mom!

Easy Mothers Day Brunch Recipes - This round-up features everything you need to make sure mom has a special day! #MothersDay #BrunchRecipes #EasyBrunchIdeas

Easy Mothers Day Brunch Recipes – This round-up features everything you need to make sure mom has a special day! #MothersDay #BrunchRecipes #EasyBrunchIdeas

Looking for more? Check out the links below for some more ideas for your brunch. 

Cheesy Bacon Potato Fritatta – Amanda’s Cookin

Cinnamon French Toast Breakfast Bake – Family Food and Travel 

Blueberry Lemon Scones – Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Sausage and Cheese Grits Quiche – Coastal Kelder 

Strawberry Nutella Turnovers – Aileen Cooks 

Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding – The Kitchen is my Playground 

Broccoli Lemon Farfalle with Sausage

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According to the calendar Spring is supposed to be here…however as I type this we are experiencing a crazy ice storm and it’s not leaving me feeling very motivated to cook or do any Spring Cleaning (ha!). Thankfully this Broccoli Lemon Farfalle dish comes together in 20 minutes and is PERFECT for the nicer days ahead! I love adding lemon to this dish, there is something so yummy about the light citrus flavor that comes through in every bite and it compliments the sausage and broccoli amazingly. This is going to be a new family favorite, and with how incredibly quick and easy it is there is no reason why it shouldn’t be added to your weekly meal plan.

Broccoli-Sausage-Farfale

If you are like me, you probably often find yourself wondering what to serve for dinner most days of the week, my friends I am NOT a planner! That’s okay though, as I have said before most of my best meals come to be from the top of my head and little to no preparation (sooo procrastination can be a good thing right!?). The nice thing with this dish is that you probably have everything you need to make it (always stock up on meat for the freezer friends, that is the only planning I do) and if you don’t have the sausage why not try chicken? No broccoli, try peas! I am all about a versatile dish that uses ingredients we already have on hand.

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Broccoli Lemon Farfalle with Sausage

Broccoli Lemon Farfalle with Sausage

Ingredients

  • 500g Mild Italian Sausage (about 4 medium links)
  • 1 package Farfalle Pasta (500g)
  • 1 Head of Broccoli (aprox 3 cups) chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 Red Onion, diced
  • 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp Butter (or margarine)
  • 1.5 cups Vegetable Broth (we use a boullion cube and add water)
  • Green Onion for garnish
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package, drain and set aside. While pasta is cooking slice your sausage into 1/2" pieces and cook over medium high until browned. Remove from pan until later.
  2. In the same pan heat butter over medium heat, add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli to the onion mixture and sautee for 2-3 minutes. Add broth and lemon juice and cover for 5 minutes.
  4. Add broccoli and onion mixture along with sausage to your pot of pasta, toss to coat. Add lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with green onions and enjoy!
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Broccoli Lemon Farfalle with Italian Sausage - this quick and easy meal is ready in 20 minutes making it a perfect weeknight meal! The whole family will love this flavorful dish! #EasyWeeknightDinner #PastaDish #20MinuteMeals

Broccoli Lemon Farfalle with Italian Sausage – this quick and easy meal is ready in 20 minutes making it a perfect weeknight meal! The whole family will love this flavorful dish! #EasyWeeknightDinner #PastaDish #20MinuteMeals

Looking for other quick and easy meals for your family? Check out some of our favorites below to get inspired and get cooking.

Beef Stroganoff

Lemon Chicken Piccata 

Asparagus Caramelized Onion Quiche

 


Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares

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Can you believe we are already in March? I swear Christmas was just last month…time just seems to go by faster and faster!! Oh well…Now that Spring is upon us (yay!!) I thought I would share these really easy Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares for you to make and enjoy. I’ve loved making Rice Krispie Squares since I can remember, although my sister is the self crowned “Queen” for making them (lets just say she couldn’t bake or cook much of anything growing up but they were her specialty) and I wanted to think of a fun way to incorporate them into my Easter desserts…so I present to you my Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares (I mean how cute are they?!).

Rice-Krispy-Square

The bright colors of these squares really makes me excited for Spring, and of course we added some crushed mini eggs on top to add to the whole Easter theme we were going for! Don’t they look like the perfect treat for your little bunnies baskets?! I used the Spring edition of the Rice cereal, although you can use a regular one and just add in some extra sprinkles when mixing it together if you can’t find them.

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Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares

Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c Butter (or margarine)
  • 5 c Mini Marshmallows (you can use large ones instead, use approx. 40)
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla
  • 6 c Rice Krispies Cereal (we used the Spring edition!)
  • 1 c Candy Coated Chocolate Eggs
  • Easter Sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare 9x13" pan by lightly coating with butter.
  2. Using a large microwave safe bowl, melt margarine on high for 30 seconds.
  3. Add marshmallows and toss until they are coated (they will have a glisten).
  4. Microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir with a wooden spoon. Continue to microwave in 30 second increments until they are smooth when stirred (about 1 1/2 mins)
  5. Working quickly, add vanilla and stir to combine. Add in cereal and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Gently press into your prepared 9x13" pan (or you can use an 8x8 like we did and do the remainder in muffin tins!)
  7. Immediately top with sprinkles and chocolate eggs, lightly press so they stick into the bars. Allow to cool before cutting.
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These really are super easy to make.  You can involve the kiddos in every aspect of the preparation and of course the finale of covering them with sprinkles and crushed mini eggs (just try not to eat them all before adding them…I dare you!). I also love the fact that you can make them the day of or in a pinch if you forgot you were on dessert duty!

Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares are a super easy treat the entire family can make! Make them today and fill your basket with everyone's favorite snack. #RiceKrispies #EasterDessert #RiceKrispieSquares

Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Squares are a super easy treat the entire family can make! Make them today and fill your basket with everyone’s favorite snack. #RiceKrispies #EasterDessert #RiceKrispieSquares

Here are some of our favorite Easter treats to make (click for recipes):

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut-Cream-Pie

 

 

 

 

Raspberry Lemon Meringue Tarts 

Raspberry-Lemon-Tarts

 

 

 

 

Lemon Amaretto Tiramisu 

Tiramisu

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

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It’s a snowy Sunday afternoon here, which is the perfect time for me to whip up and share my delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins! I always seem to have a stash of over ripe bananas in my freezer just begging to be made into something for everyone to enjoy, and I am almost certain you do too (hands up!!). And just look at what those mushy little things can turn into…

Banana-Bread-Muffins

 

I love these muffins for a number of reasons, like the fact that they have fruit in them so I consider them to be healthier than just a chocolate chip muffin (I can fool myself right??)…also, the texture of them is out of this world, which is why I call them a Banana Bread Muffin! They are super moist and perfectly soft, they have a slightly crunchy top and pops of chocolate throughout…yum!  And they really are easy to make guys, you know me, I don’t like things that take a gazillion steps or ingredients, simple and delicious that is my motto.

**Recipe note: should say 1.5 tsp Baking Powder!**

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Yield: 12 large muffins

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 Ripened Bananas (you want em mushy!)
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 c Milk (we use 1%, use what you have)
  • 1/2 c Butter, unsalted, melted and cooled
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla
  • 1.5 c Flour
  • 1/3 c Sugar
  • 1/3 c Brown Sugar
  • 1/5 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 pinch of Salt
  • 1/3 c Chopped Walnuts
  • 1 c Chocolate Chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line muffin tin with muffin cups (makes 12)
  2. Mix together bananas, milk, melted butter, egg and vanilla in a large bowl until well combined (should be smooth)
  3. In a small bowl whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt, add to wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Stir in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, do not over mix your batter or you will have dense muffins.
  5. Fill 12 muffin cups (you want to fill with batter almost right to the top so you get a nice round muffin top with a slight crunch!)
  6. Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool and enjoy
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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins - these delicious muffins are easy to make and perfectly moist with just the right amount of chocolate throughout. Great for a mid-morning snack or a late night craving. #BananaMuffins #EasyMuffinRecipes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins – these delicious muffins are easy to make and perfectly moist with just the right amount of chocolate throughout. Great for a mid-morning snack or a late night craving. #BananaMuffins #EasyMuffinRecipes

Okay friends, get digging in that freezer for your bananas and get ready to be blown away by these delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins, and be sure to let me know what you thought of them! You can #OliveYum on Instagram or leave a comment below, I LOVE to see your creations!


14 of The Greatest Game Day Dips

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It’s almost time for the biggest game of the year for football fans and with that comes plenty of delicious game day dips and foods for you to indulge in! You can always find me around the food table at these gatherings rather than in front of the TV (unless it is basketball!) and I am not ashamed to admit it…you’ll see for yourself after checking out the dip recipes below what I am talking about friends!

Game Day Dips - 14 of the BEST dips for you to make to celebrate the big game! They are easy and delicious. #GameDayDips #EasyDips #Tailgating

Game Day Dips – 14 of the BEST dips for you to make to celebrate the big game! They are easy and delicious. #GameDayDips #EasyDips #Tailgating

I asked some of my fellow bloggers for their Greatest Game Day Dips and Finger Foods and am blown away by their contributions, they gave me so many yummy foods to share with you guys that I am dividing into a couple of posts (so be sure to come back and check out the next one).

creamy dill pickle dip – fun money mom

Pickles and Cream Cheese are two of the main ingredients in this yummy dip! I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to dunk a chip in this tasty dip (but maybe that’s just because I am a dill pickle lover)!

Creamy-Dill-Pickle-Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

hot artichoke dip – diary of a debutante

When game day comes around you don’t want to be slaving in the kitchen trying to whip up tasty treats for everyone to enjoy, thankfully this simple Artichoke Dip comes together with just a few ingredients and very little time!

artichoke-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

buffalo onion ranch dip w chicken – savvy saving couple

A deliciously creamy dip, an update on the classic buffalo chicken dip that everyone will love! Be warned though, you may just miss a touchdown while shoving your face full of this!

Buffalo-Onion-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avocado cilantro cream dip – living sweet moments

A perfectly creamy avocado dip that can be enjoyed with chips, veggies, taquitos and more!

avocado-cilantro-cream-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cheesy hot corn dip – the kitchen is my playground

The title says it all, corn and cheese combine together to make a delicious dip (With a slight spice from chopped jalapenos) that will impress all your game day guests.

Cheesy-Hot-Corn-Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

smoked salsa – the olive blogger

The only salsa recipe you will ever need!!! Your guests won’t be able to stop themselves from dipping their chips in the smokey flavors of this delicious salsa.

Fresh salsa with tomatoes, onion and cilantro in a bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

mediterranean dip – delicious on a dime

A healthier dip option that is loaded with all the flavours of the Mediterranean (olives, feta, hummus and more!)…it comes together in under 10 minutes and can be served with veggies or chips!

Quick-Healthy-Mediterranean-Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

super cheesy chili dip – big bear’s wife

Everything you LOVE about chili turned into a dip and then topped with mozzarella stuffed biscuits (uhh what?!) This is going to the top of my game day eats for sure!

Chili-Cheese-Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAUSAGE PIZZA DIP – JOY FILLED EATS

A delicious hot dip that comes together with a few of your fave pizza toppings (sausage, cheese, tomato sauce!) I would eat this as a dinner dish too!

sausage-pizza-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASY QUESO DIP – MOM FOODIE

A classic dip that EVERYONE needs to know how to make! Who doesn’t love an ooey queso dip while watching the big game?! You can even whip this up to accompany a nacho bar to really up your entertaining game.

Queso-Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

spinach dip – this ole mom 

Here is another CLASSIC dip that everyone loves, even if they don’t like spinach! It is creamy, tangy and delicious and best served with chunks of bread or veggies! Bonus points for the Football shaped bread bowl too!

Spinach-Dip-with-Football-Shaped-Bread-Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

easy guacamole (Everyone’s favorite dip) – the olive blogger

Who doesn’t love a good guac?! This one comes together in just a few minutes with bright and fresh ingredients and it can be adapted for your tastes (love spice? Add more jalapeno!). Want in on a little secret?? We also spread this delicious guacamole on our burgers!!!

Guacamole

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 layer black bean dip – the rising spoon 

I loooveee a good layered dip and this one has all my faves – olives, refried beans, sour cream, cheese, avocados and MORE!) I am drooling just thinking about this one!

7-layer-black-bean-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bacon jalapeno popper dip – sugar spun run 

She had me at bacon and kept me with cheese, jalapenos and panko bread topping…yum yum!

bacon-jalapeno-popper-dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it friends, 14 amazing Game Day Dips that are sure to impress even the all-star quarterback at your party!! Be sure to come back next week for my round-up of the Best Ever Game Day Finger Foods…you aren’t gonna miss out on all this yummy fun.

Easy Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe

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I thought it was time to share another super easy Fudge Recipe with you guys for our Christmas Baking Frenzy. This simple fudge is loaded with walnut pieces and topped with Christmas sprinkles which makes it a festive addition to your holiday trays. Like the Chocolate Caramel Turtle Fudge we shared the other week, this one comes together in minutes and takes just a couple of ingredients. It is so easy to make that you can do a double batch in under 15 minutes (yes!).

Chocolate-Walnut-Fudge-Slab

 

I seriously just love a good fudge! It is not only great on your cookie trays, but awesome to package as a gift on its own as well (teachers gifts done!)…I mean who wouldn’t love to get a box of this Chocolate Walnut Fudge?

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Easy Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe

Easy Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (or another nut you prefer!)
  • pinch of salt (1/8 tsp)

Instructions

  1. Line a 8"x8" baking pan with parchment paper
  2. Over low heat in a medium pan heat condensed milk and chocolate chips, stirring constantly until melted.
  3. Remove from heat and add in vanilla and salt, stir well to combine.
  4. Fold in the chopped walnuts and transfer immediately to your prepared pan.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) before cutting into desired size squares. Keep in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to serve or gift!
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Do you have any traditions for the Holidays? Any special cookies or baked goods that you HAVE to make every year?! Share it with me below, or tag @theoliveblogger on Instagram so we can see your goodies.

This Chocolate Walnut Fudge is so easy to make. Full of creamy chocolate and chunks of walnuts it is a perfect make-ahead treat for your Holiday guests! #ChristmasFudge #FudgeRecipe #ChocolateFudge #ChocolateWalnutFudge

This Chocolate Walnut Fudge is so easy to make. Full of creamy chocolate and chunks of walnuts it is a perfect make-ahead treat for your Holiday guests! #ChristmasFudge #FudgeRecipe #ChocolateFudge #ChocolateWalnutFudge


Cookie Swap – Cookies with Fillings

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Today we are sharing cookies with fillings, you know the ones (think ganache, caramel, jams etc!) delicious little treats that can be added to your Holiday baking. As part of our Christmas Baking Frenzy this year I asked for some of my fellow bloggers to share their favorite recipes and I was blown away by the response. I hope you enjoy these just as much as I did, now get your shopping list ready as I know there is at least one you will want to make.

easy raspberry filled sugar cookie cups: busy creating memories

This is a nice and easy recipe, using pre-made cookie mix and a delicious raspberry filling!

Sugar-Cookie-Cups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chocolate peanut butter sandwich cookies: 3 boys and a dog

Chocolate and peanut butter…do I need to say any more!? How about, no-bake (yes!) these are a winner for sure.

No-Bake-Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Sandwich-Cookie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

einkorn mint milano cookies: a modern homestead

We all know and love the classic Milano cookie, these are a simple homemade version with a delicious dark chocolate peppermint filling…yum!

Homemade-Einkorn-Mint-Milano-Cookies-Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

chocolate fudge cookies with sprinkles: dinner at the zoo

A deliciously soft sugar cookie that is rolled in sprinkles and then filled with a creamy chocolate fudge.

chocolate-fudge-cookies-with-sprinkles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

linzer lemon raspberry cookies: norine’s nest 

How festive are these Linzer cookies? They are a delicious shortbread type cookie that has lemon zest in the batter and then filled with a raspberry jam…uh yes please!

Lintz-Cookies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rolo stuffed chocolate cookies: crayons & cravings

These cookies are a chocolate lovers DREAM, it’s chocolate upon chocolate to create this delicious treat.

Rolo-Filled-Chocolate-Cookies

 

 

 

 

 

 

chocolate peppermint chip sandwich cookies: snappy gourmet

Delicious little chocolate chip cookies that are made into little “sandwich cookies” with the addition of a peppermint frosting! A classic Christmas flavor combination if you ask me!

Mini-Chocolate-Peppermint-Chip-Cookie-Sandwiches

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies with fillings, you know the ones (think ganache, caramel, jams etc!) delicious little treats that can be added to your Holiday cookie swap! #ChristmasCookies #CookieSwap #CookieRecipes

Cookies with fillings, you know the ones (think ganache, caramel, jams etc!) delicious little treats that can be added to your Holiday cookie swap! #ChristmasCookies #CookieSwap #CookieRecipes

Well there you have it friends, cookies upon cookies that are (in some way) filled with everything from jams and frosting, to candy and peanut butter! What are some of your favorite cookies to make for the Holidays? Share them below and join in on the cookie swap fun on my Instagram @theoliveblogger .

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

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Here it is, day 5 of our Christmas Baking Frenzy!! These Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are sure to become a new favorite, they are perfectly soft on the inside and crunchy and sweet on the outside! I find them perfect for dipping in a cuppa tea and just love how festive they are with their Christmas sprinkles. The best part though? How incredibly easy they are to make!

Christmas-Sprinkle-Cookie-Texture

 

Do you see what I mean?! Look at how adorable they are, just covered in yummy sprinkles (you could really do these any time of year and just switch out the color sprinkles you use).

These cookies will forever hold a special place in my heart too…you see, while making these with my mom we got a call that my Gramma was not well (she had been in the hospital after falling and breaking her hip) and my mom dropped everything to rush to be with her. I will never forget the sadness I saw on my moms face that day. Not even 2 days later my Gramma passed. But you see, I don’t share this story to make you sad, but instead to remind you to cherish the time that you have with your family and loved ones this holiday season! I will think of my Gramma every year I make these now, and will take the time to stop and remember just how special she was to me.

Print
Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1.5 c Sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tsp Corn Starch
  • 2.5 c Flour
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract (or peppermint if you prefer!)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/2 c Butter (softened)
  • 1/4 Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 c Christmas Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In stand mixer, cream butter, cream cheese, eggs, sugar and extracts (vanilla and almond) until smooth (about 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl sift together flour, corn starch, baking soda and salt. Add to wet mix and combine.
  3. Allow to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 350F and line tray with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
  5. Place sprinkles in a shallow bowl, roll dough into teaspoon sized balls and roll in sprinkles to coat the outside (I gently pushed the sprinkles as I went to ensure they stuck!)
  6. Bake for 7-9 minutes on middle rack, they will still look pale, only very slightly golden, but trust me they are done!
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**NOTE: Cream cheese measurement should be 1/4 cup! So sorry friends!!**

I couldn’t even wait for these sprinkle cookies to cool when they came out of the oven, they looked so scrumptious! I devoured 3 of them with a nice glass of milk and didn’t feel the least bit guilty! So what are you waiting for? Get your shopping list read and get baking friends. And don’t forget to come back tomorrow for our next treat.

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delicious, melt in your mouth holiday cookie that everyone will love! The coating of sprinkles gives it a nice crunchy outside that is perfectly sweet. #ChristmasCookies #CookieSwap #CookieRecipes

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a delicious, melt in your mouth holiday cookie that everyone will love! The coating of sprinkles gives it a nice crunchy outside that is perfectly sweet. #ChristmasCookies #CookieSwap #CookieRecipes