Chocolate Ricotta Pudding

Valentine's Day and chocolate go together so why not try this Chocolate Ricotta Pudding with Raspberry Sauce. :: Chocolate Ricotta Pudding ::

Do you have your Valentine’s Day plans all figured out? Menu all planned? If not, don’t fret! This recipe for Chocolate Ricotta Pudding With Raspberry Sauce is a magical end to a Valentine’s Day meal at home. Sara shared, in the guest post recipe of Nutella Cheesecake featured on Simple As That, her favorite Valentine’s Day plans.  She like myself, tends to spend the night-in with the kids and hubby, rather than battle with the prices and the crowds. We both often don’t have the luxury of having our husbands home on holidays, so it makes like easier to make a fun meal at home.  Often times it’s just our kids and us, so dessert has to be the star of the show! [Read more…]

Vanilla Bean Scones

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-33Vanilla Bean Scones //

My kids and I love the little Vanilla Bean Scones at Starbucks. Unfortunately, we don’t get them too often, because they tend to run out early in the day. They’re delicious (and clearly we aren’t the only ones who think so)!

Having never made scones before, I decided to search for a ‘copycat’ recipe online. Lucky for me, I came across one that The Pioneer Woman posted some time ago. I wouldn’t describe the recipe as quick and easy, friends… rather, I think it’s a bit labor intensive. (Sort of like the work involved in making homemade sugar cookies, cutting them out, frosting them, etc.) There’s lots of love that goes into creating these little gems, but it makes them absolutely irresistible!

I’m sort of at a loss for words in describing them, but in my (“expert” of all-things-sweet) opinion, they’re the perfect flakey scone texture! The glaze compliments the slightly sweet biscuit, sealing in the moisture. However, the star of the scone is definitely the vanilla bean! Did you know that there are usually 25,000 tiny vanilla seeds in one scraped vanilla bean pod? Amazing! Well, all of those mini flecks add the most intense flavor!  [Read more…]

Nutella Cheesecake

No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake // Recipe via Simply Happenstance for Simple As That BlogNutella Cheesecake //

Nicole and I have such exciting news to share with you all today! We will be contributing guest posts over at one of our very favorite blogs, Simple As That, throughout 2015!

If you haven’t perused Rebecca’s site, you absolutely should take a moment to do so! You’ll be hooked on her DIY projects, printables, recipes, and photography posts! She has been such a source of inspiration for us during our two + years of blogging… not-to-mention, a wonderful friend and supporter of Simply Happenstance! For that… we are so grateful, which makes contributing to her fantastic blog, even more meaningful to us!

Nutella Cheesecake Recipe {No-Bake} Simply Happenstance for Simple as That Blog

Last year we created this delicious Sparkling Berry Float for her site {which would be a fun Valentine’s drink for the kids}! Today we are sharing this simple {no-bake} Nutella Cheesecake! It’s heavenly, you guys… perfect for a date night-in to celebrate V-Day!  [Read more…]

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert perfect for Valentines Day:: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert ::

What seems to be a lifetime ago, I worked at a local newspaper.  Every year we held a community bake contest to launch our Holiday Gift Guide Edition of the paper.  This Strawberry Pretzel Dessert was one of the delightful recipes that we got to taste and vote on.  I voted 5 stars on this dessert and I think you might, too.  It’s a little strawberry and a whole lot of Valentine’s fluff!

Easy Whipped Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. [Read more…]

Cheesy Game Day Dip

Easy Cheesy Corn Dip:: Cheesy Game Day Dip ::

Can you believe Super Bowl is this weekend? Who are you cheering for… and most important of all, what are you making to enjoy during game time? This Cheesy Game Day Dip is a cinch to make. It requires a few ingredients and it will get your guest talking about “how did you make this?” rather than discussing this whole deflate gate situation. 

Corn, pico de gallo, jack cheese for Cheesy Game Day Dip [Read more…]

Classic Tuscan Soup

Classic Tuscan Soup | Simply HappenstanceClassic Tuscan Soup //

It’s winter… but I live in Southern California, so it’s not reallllllly winter! I surely can’t relate to those of you shoveling snow and bundling up in your cozy cold-weather gear. Where I live, we’ve had a few days of cooler weather, some rain, and even one day of random snow {can you believe it?}… but for the most part, we’ve had many days in the 70’s. {I’m not complaining, I assure you!}

Despite the warmer weather we’ve had this past week, I do still crave cups of soul-warming food and steaming hot beverages! This Classic Tuscan Soup completely takes care of those seasonal cravings. It’s filled with earthy, satisfying vegetables and hearty white beans. It’s a healthier soup, so for those of you eating clean… this one’s for you! [Read more…]