Banana Boat Fun #SummerWithChex

Summer is finally here and, for me, it wouldn't be complete without plans for camping. And camping wouldn't be complete without plans for lots and lots of s'mores overflowing with marshmallows and chocolate.

When we went camping last year, I somehow managed to forget graham crackers and I didn't remember until I was sorting through our food to get ready for dinner. Luckily I am pretty resourceful (plus I always seem to pack enough food for an army) and figured out a new dessert to make our camping treat complete. 

So what did I do? I just took some of the Chex cereal and a few of the bananas I had planned for a breakfast and created delicious, Banana Boats. I love that Chex is gluten free and a little healthier than graham crackers, so this year, I am not sure if I will even bother to add graham crackers to my shopping list for camping. My Banana Boats were that good.

Rhubarb Makes Life Delicious

Could anything in life be more delicious than coming home from work to a homemade Rhubarb Custard Tart? Creamy custard with chunks of tart rhubarb hidden beneath a buttery crumble is about the best thing I can of think right now, especially if it's made by someone with just me in mind.

Serving dessert at a dinner party is lovely. And I have to admit that I spend quite a few minutes deliberating which dessert to make every time friends come over. But serving dessert to your family just because you can, well that's just plain delicious. 

This Rhubarb Custard Tart is from Life Made Delicious truly makes me happy - both to eat and to share with you. 

Berry Delicious Pudding

Easter is one of most "egg"-citing times of the year and a time I "carrot" very much about. I love spending time figuring out what will "turnip" on my table for Easter dinner. And I am always the first one awake calling out to everyone to "lettuce" see what the bunny left for us.

This year I think I've found the perfect quick treat for my Easter dessert. It's almost as much fun as my puns and takes mere minutes to make, especially if you choose to skip the step of making your own edible dirt and substitute a cup or so of Chocolate Cheerios pulsed in a food processor.

I can't wait to dig into a bowl of this "Dirty" Chocolate Pudding with Chocolate Covered "Carrot" Strawberries so I know I'll need to make another batch for Easter. Chocolate anything doesn't even last a day in my house! 

Shamrock Cake for St. Patrick's Day

I don't know what it is about holidays, but I love to create something special for each and every special occasion. Every couple of weeks I think about what occasion is coming up and start planning what I can make for it.

St. Patrick's Day is coming up soon and of course I've been planning for it. My mind wanted to follow the rainbow to the pot of gold last weekend and I ran with the crazy idea I came up with. I am really excited to share this recipe with you because it's really cool and tastes great too.

Read on for my new recipe, Shamrock Cake with Irish Cream Buttercream!

Christmas Sliders

'Tis the season to be jolly and also to look for time saving ideas! December seems to fly by in my house every year and while I wish for an extra hour every day in December, Santa never gets me the gift I really need so I have to find the extra time I wish for another way.

One of the ways I save time is by visiting the Pillsbury area of my grocery store. I like to say I'll be serving homemade cinnamon buns in Christmas morning, but it hasn't happened yet so I always buy a big roll of Grands Cinnamon buns. And I like to think I'll be making my own buns to serve with Christmas dinner, but I always buy a package or two of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, "just incase".

This year I am little more organized than other years because I'm not pretending that I'm going to be making everything from scratch. I know what's going to end up happening. This year I'm stocking up on Pillsbury goodies, but planning on making them a little extra special by adding a few little twists. 

On Christmas morning, I am planning on making Life Made Delicious' Easy Crescent Danish Rolls and I think I might make Life Made Delicious' crescent rolled covered Raspberry Baked Brie at least once between now and the big day - because when I have I ever turned down Brie?

But first I made some incredibly yummy and surprising simple Shrimp Sliders on Pillsbury Crescents for a happy appy at a potluck I recently went to. I know you're going to want to make a batch up yourself. Read on for the recipe!

Movember - Mo Sistas, Mo Cookies, and Mo-re

I like to think of myself as a Mo Sista this month. But before you start thinking I've been quietly growing a moustache behind your back, let me tell you that being a Mo Sista means helping to raise money and spread awareness in the battles against testicular and prostate cancer and mental health - all through the power of a moustache.

To start my journey as a Mo Sista, I decided I should put my talents to use and cook, bake, and creatively name my goodies. I thought about things that would be easy to make, fun to name, and about celebrity moustaches because what's a moustache without the likes of Burt Reynolds?

To start the fun I like the idea of inviting my good friend Burt Reynolds over for some Beet Reynolds Soup with mo croutons. :)

Read on for my recipe and save room for some Easy Mo Cookies. Then, if you're feeling generous, please click here to donate to a local Victoria, BC Movember team.

Monster Mash

Is it just me or does everyone want to start bobbing their head, dancing about, and smile when they hear the words to the "Monster Mash"? I don't think of myself as a great singer, or even a not bad singer, but I can't even help but to start singing along when I hear that song.

At least Halloween is supposed to be scary, right?

To get in the Halloween spirit this year, I'll be sharing fun Halloween themed dishes in each post from now until the Big Day. The first one is my version of Life Made Delicious' Spooky Shepherd's Pie.  Life Made Delicious' version is perfect for a family that loves ground beef and my version is a great option of a vegetarian family. Other than that, the main difference is that ghosts haunt Life Made Delicious' version and green monsters are mashing on top of mine.

Chips and Dip

When I hear the words "chips and dip" I automatically think of thick cut potato chips, a huge bowl of French onion dip, and football. I also think of a couple hundred calories. I love chips and dip as much as the next girl, but I also want to be able to enjoy a crunchy chip and a silky dip without the crazy calories.

Thus my Cinnamon Apple Chips and Caramel Yogurt Dip were born. These chips are low fat, crunchy, incredibly yummy, and would make a great back to school gift for a teacher too. Plus, when they're served with this dip, oh boy, you had better make a double batch. Mine disappeared right   before my eyes. And I was the only one home too!

A Whole Mott of Happiness

I have a love / hate relationship with people at work who have a bowl of delicious sweet little candies on their desks, just begging me to indulge. It's hard to stop myself when I walk by their desks, but I try to say no to be healthy.

Now imagine being a child and seeing all the yummy snacks that the other kids are bringing to school and you're stuck with carrots and celery sticks because mom wants you to be healthy. I feel those kid's pain. Luckily this school year will be different because of Mott's Fruitsations and Veggie fruit snacks!

These fruit snacks are naturally flavoured, made with pear, apple, and carrot juice, gluten free, and have only 80 calories in each package. These fruit snacks are going to make kids and moms happy. And I know I'm going to be bringing a few packages to work to eat when I want one to be digging into the candy bowls.

And Mott's and Life Made Delicious are going to help us out in another way too. We can enter Mott's Fruitsations and Veggie Fruit snacks' contest from the Life Made Delicious Facebook page that could make back to school shopping a lot easier because there are three $500 gift cards up for grabs! And while you're on Life Made Delicious' Facebook page, pick up a $0.50 off coupon (while supplies last) to use when you buy your first (or second) box!

I also couldn't resist baking up some Mini Raspberry Filled Chocolate Cupcakes from the Life Made Delicious website. I topped my cupcakes with some of the berry flavoured Mott's Fruitsations and Veggie fruit snacks and they were gobbled up faster than ever!

Summery Grilled Cheese

When you think of grilled cheese, I bet most of you think of two pieces of crispy bread sandwiching together soft melted cheese with maybe a little ketchup on the side. Maybe a few of you think of something a little more gourmet like an aioli on the side or a spread in the middle, but I don't think any of you think of what I'm about to share with you. 

Today I made Life Made Delicious'  Cedar-Planked Brie and Berries and it was awesome. The cedar plank added a smokey delicious flavour, the honey drizzle added a sweetness, and the fruit added a little extra tang. I can't say that I've ever thought to grill a wheel of Brie before, but now I can't imagine not doing it again! 

Open your eyes to a new world of summery grilled cheese with this delicious recipe! 

Life (and Grilling) Made Delicious

I love to entertain outdoors in the summer. It's just me, my grill, my friends, and my family. The only problem is that I sometimes find myself in a rut when I think about what I'm going to grill.

Since I've stopped eating most meat, I'm don't have as many choices for grilling. Of course there are veggie burgers and grilled veggies, but after a few months of that I know that my palate is going to get a bit tired. Luckily I am pleased to tell you that I'm part of the Life Made Delicious blogger program for the second year running, and I know that this website is going to help me stay creative and interested when I'm entertaining outdoors this summer.

I took a peek at some grilling recipes last night and one idea made me hungry just looking at it. The best part was that I already had all the ingredients in my pantry, so I was able to make Life Made Delicious' Grilled Picnic Taco Nachos for a snack this afternoon.

I chose to use small pie plates for my dish, so that I could pass out individual portions, but I know they'd be great served up family style too.

Dairy Queen Memories

My sister and I have birthdays five days apart and Valentine's Day falls in between them. This means that there are always lots of heart shaped chocolates, cakes, and candies available for our birthdays.

As little girls, we both couldn't get enough of the heart shaped Dairy Queen Blizzard cakes and my mom would always buy us each one for our birthday parties. Of course, with our birthdays so close together, neither cake would be finished and the leftovers would be tucked away in the freezer for a sunny day. 

Summer would come along and we'd finally remember about our cakes and eagerly pull them out to be enjoyed by the pool. These are some of my favourite memories from my childhood and thinking about them is making me hungry for Dairy Queen again. 

Luckily, General Mills, Dairy Queen, and Orange Julius are partnering up right now and with each specially marked box of General Mills cereal you buy, there will be coupons for one free small Blizzard treat and one free small Orange Julius.

You can redeem your Blizzard coupons at any participating Dairy Queen during the month of May and you can redeem your Orange Julius coupon at any participating Dairy Queen from April 1 - July 31, 2013. 

And incase you're like me and can't wait to enjoy your DQ before May begins, here's my version of Dairy Queen Buster Bar that you can make yourself. I think of it as a great appetizer before redeeming my many Blizzard coupons next month!

Cottage Bound

I love heading up to the cottage, but whenever I go it seems to rain for at least one afternoon or evening. And rain means we miss out on a campfire with s'mores - one of my favourite things about cottaging.

So, this year I have been planning alternative treats for days when true campfire s'mores aren't possible and I think that I've come up with a real winner. My dessert involves cookies, marshmallows, and it's certainly gooey, so I know it will invoke all the feelings of s'mores. Plus it's fun, so hopefully everyone will smile in spite of the bad weather!

Read on for my fun Dessert Poutine recipe. It tastes as good as it looks!

Source of Happiness and a Giveaway!

I bike to work everyday and this month marks the weather where I am finally happy to strap on my helmet and pedal. The cherry trees are in full bloom, it's warmer, and I feel great having gotten a little exercise before sitting at a desk all day. 

I like to think I deserve a treat for a pick me up in the afternoon after all that pedalling, but I try to choose something healthy (most days) because staying in shape is why I've taken up biking. Yoplait Source Greek yogurt is one of the best options I have found in a long time for a healthy treat. It's only 50 calories for a serving, it tastes like I am eating something decadent and creamy, and it comes in a great number of flavour options. 

If knowing about this delicious new yogurt isn't enough, I am able to gift one lucky reader with a Yoplait Source Greek yogurt kit that includes free coupons to try this new product as well as a $100 Lululemon gift card that could be used to buy new active wear clothes to help you find your Source of happiness! 

To earn an entry into this giveaway, all you have to do is tell me what flavour of Yoplait Source Greek yogurt you'd be most interested in trying and for a second entry, just like my Facebook page. 

This giveaway will run from now until April 29 and is open to all Canadian residents. You can enter across multiple blogs, but may only win one prize. 

And if you're looking for more ways to incorporate Yoplait yogurt into your diet, try this amazing guilt free Healthified Greek Layered Dip recipe from Life Made Delicious. I made my slightly simpler version twice in one weekend and would have made it a third time, but I ran out of hummus!

Show Me The Love

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays where I try not to go over the top. To me it's just like going big on New Year's Eve -- you're going to get dressed up, spend a lot of money, and wait around for awhile because everyone is doing the same thing.

So instead of getting dressed up tonight and heading to a frou frou restaurant filled with roses and a $50 prix fixe menu that doesn't even have anything I like on it, we're going to the movies. I'm going to pack a few homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Hedgehogs to enjoy with the movie popcorn and we'll cuddle up to enjoy the show. To me that's the perfect Valentine's Day. 

And the best part of not going over the top with romance is that we'll save money. That's something we all can love and General Mills knows it!

Starting February 3rd, everyone will have the opportunity to get a "free movie offer" from Cineplex theatres on specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals. 

Then, from March 3 - May 30, you'll also have a chance to find a "buy one, get one free" general admission from Cineplex theatres on the same boxes of cereals. 

You'll also be able to find "buy one, get one free" child admission from Cineplex theatres if you purchase two specially marked treats like Betty Crocker Dunkaroos, "buy one, get one free" general admission from Cineplex theatres on snacks like Nature Valley bars, and free movie snacks from Cineplex theatres on specially marked Old El Paso products. These are all available to be found from February 3 - May 30. 

Want my recipe for Valentine's Day Chocolate Hazelnut Hedgehogs? Read on for it!

Loving Breakfast

Breakfast is one of my favourite times of the day. I'm an early riser and like to get a little quiet time in before the rest of the world wakes.

But as much as I love quiet time in the morning, breakfast made for me by someone I love tops my list of favourite things. Whether it's a complicated dish like Eggs Benedict or a simple tea and toast, I'm happy to be surprised with a lovingly made morning meal.

My love of breakfast has brought me the idea for today's delicious post, Valentine's Day Pancakes, just in time for you to make them for your family!

And if you're looking for something fun to bake this afternoon, try Life Made Delicious's Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies, I know I'm going! If you like them, you should definitely try the new Peanut Butter Cheerios!

A Peanut Butter Giveaway!

I have always loved peanut butter. I love peanut butter in a curry, peanut butter in a sandwich, peanut butter in a dipping sauce, and peanut butter in pretty much everything else too.

Peanut butter is one of the only things that can keep me full until lunch, but peanut butter on toast is only so satisfying every single morning. That's why I was super excited when I heard that General Mills was going to be making Peanut Butter Cheerios.

Starting today, on the Life Made Delicious Facebook page, there will be a free bogo coupon for the new Peanut Butter Cheerios. You buy Chocolate, Banana Nut, or Apple Cinnamon Cheerios and you'll get the new Peanut Butter Cheerios for free! The delicious new limited edition Cheerios will appear on shelves on March 4, 2013 and you can redeem your bogo coupon on March 16-17, 2013.

Since the new Cheerios haven't hit the shelves yet, here's a wonderfully easy peanut recipe to tickle your taste buds - Peanut Butter Ripple Brownies!

Hallo-Weenies

Some holidays are all about fun and smiling and Halloween is definitely one of them for me. Halloween is for dressing up silly, overindulging on junk food, and having a great time.

To make the holiday extra special, I try and make meals really creative. Sometimes they're on the creepy side, sometimes they're orange and black, and sometimes they're just cute. I'll let you decide what today's post falls into yourself.

Today I am sharing a recipe from Life Made Delicious, Crescent Mummy Dogs. I didn't have any cheese slices on hand, so my version is slightly different, but both version are easy to make and taste delicious!

Fruit, Nuts, Marshmallows, Oh My!

There are few stories my mom's told me about her childhood that have stuck in my head the way that this story has. This story always brings a smile to my face and makes me happy my mom is who she is - someone who appreciates the little things and enjoys life.

Years ago, when my mom was a child, she collected box tops from Pillsbury products to send away for a plastic Pillsbury Dough Boy toy. When she collected enough, she sent the box tops away, and waited patiently.

This is the point in the story where I picture my mom checking her mailbox everyday after school in hopes that her parcel will have arrived. Isn't that what everyone does when they're expecting something in the mail? I still do!

When the box with my mom's present finally arrived at her house, it was one of her most exciting days. She opened the box up and she says she'll never forget the sweet smell of her new friend. She played with her Dough Boy, and later Dough Girl, often. And of course they always came out when it was time to cook!

Hearing this story makes me love Pillsbury products more than I already did, so I was really excited to try the new Pillsbury Chocolatey Crescents. I think they were great prepared as is with chocolate inside and out, but I also got a little creative my treats and added some pistachios to the middle of some of my treats, marshmallows to to the middle of others, and dried cranberries to a couple of the middles too.

All my versions were delicious but I as soon as I popped my batch into my oven, I had another great idea. Why not try adding a little cream cheese and freeze dried strawberries to the chocolate filling for breakfast?

Luckily, I've got a second box in the fridge! I can try it tomorrow!

If you're looking for a really creative way to use Pillsbury Crescents, try my yummy Mushroom Caps. I wrap Pillsbury Crescents around the mushroom caps to give my appys a fluffy crust and avoid drippy messes. Of course, I am talking about the original Crescents now. I don't think chocolate would pair well with mushrooms!

“Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Discover Your Flavour

Caliente or leve? Hot or mild? What would you choose? At my house that question is always a dilemma.

Most of my family seems to prefer spicy dinners and that's why I am excited to try Old El Paso's new Hot & Spicy Fajita Dinner Kit. But some of my family also leans towards more mild meals, that's why I am also excited to try Old El Paso's new Extra Mild, Super Tasty Hard Taco Dinner Kit and new Mild Taco Seasoning.

They're all great idea for families with busy schedules because you only need about 20 minutes to make something delicious and flavourful, whatever your taste is.

One thing my family can all agree on is that when it comes to Mexican food, we like free Mexican food best. And right now you can visit Life Made Delicious's Facebook page and get a coupon for a FREE new Old El Paso Dinner Kit! But, be sure to hurry to get your coupon, because this offer won't last long.

And if that's not enough, let me know in my comment box below if your family prefers spicy, mild, or a combination of the two on Mexican night and you'll be entered in to win an Old El Paso Mexican Dinner Kit Package including all three of the new Old El Paso products and a fun chili salsa bowl.

And if you want a second entry into the giveaway, comment on my blog's Facebook page.
Please note that I will be choosing the winner on September 20, 2012 and that this contest is only open to Canadian residents. Readers may enter on multiple blogs, but are only eligible to win one prize.

“Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

If you're interested in a new idea for a grilled Peach and Pickled Jalapeno Salsa recipe, keep reading below. It tastes great on Old El Paso's Hot and Spicy Fajitas, especially when paired with Old El Paso's salsa!