chocolate Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Simply Happenstance

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

November 11, 2014

:: Chocolate Almond Oat Bars ::

{no-bake + gluten-free}

Let’s talk about these chocolate bars! I’ve been trying to cut back on processed sugars over the past year {ok… several years!} It’s not always easy, since I’m the busy mama of four, have a crazy love of baking, and have a total sweet tooth! These days, I try to sweeten the treats I make using raw honey, when I can. I feel so great when I’m able to offer my kids a wholesome, homemade treat using fine, simple ingredients. These Chocolate Almond Oat Bars are just that.

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Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake

February 25, 2014

:: Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake ::

My milkshake brings all the kids to door {that’s right you know the Missy Elliott Milkshake tune}….hum along and you will get the picture! This Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is pretty tasty and a fun family treat, made even better with the addition of Chocolate Scottie Dogs from Walkers Shortbread. I made this fun shake as an ode to a Valentine’s shake that we missed having. I promised the kids a fun homemade treat for Valentine’s, but as a family we went away for a couple nights {a fun mini trip, while we were doing a little work around the house}, so I wasn’t able to fully get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with our usual dine in tradition. This shake would have been the dessert I would have enjoyed with my sweethearts.

Aren’t these the cutest little cookies you have ever seen? Sara and I love that Walkers Shortbread made a special cookie that gives proceeds back to the ASPCA. I thought these buttery chocolate chip infused Scottie Dogs would be the perfect ingredient to my milkshake, or should I call it malt? Oh my if I was working at Ruby’s, I might be corrected, as I combined my family’s favorite flavors of; malted vanilla ice cream, caramel, milk, and these little cookie gems. Homemade ice cream or store bought…you pick because this Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is tastalicious! [Read more…]

Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream

February 5, 2014

:: Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream ::

So… about a month ago, I embarked on a wheat-free lifestyle. So far, all is going well. I’ve tried to also cut back on sweets… but sometimes you just have to cave and give into your cravings! Am I right?! Over the weekend {while my husby was away at the fire station}, the kids and I indulged in this rich, decadent… Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream! It’s made using unsweetened coconut milk, good quality cocoa powder, pure vanilla, and heavenly chocolate chips! This is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert… especially if you’re planning a date night at home!

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S’mores Ice Cream Cake

September 12, 2013

:: S’mores Ice Cream Cake ::

I whole-heartedly have had every intention of posting healthier recipes up on the blog {and I promise… I will!}; however, we did have a special birthday in our family last week. Ryan, my oldest son, turned nine. I’m still sort of in shock at how quickly my time with him has gone. In just nine more years… I’ll be sending this handsome boy off to college {sigh}. I’m literally holding onto him for as long as he lets me…

One of our traditions {dating back to when I was a child} is having the birthday person pick their favorite dinner and dessert. When I was growing up… I always picked savory crepes for dinner and deliciously sweet crepes for dessert. {Not your traditional birthday cake, but still to this day, my absolute favorite!} For Ry… it was his favorite restaurant for Chinese food and homemade S’mores Ice Cream Cake for dessert. In my opinion, there’s just no reason to purchase ice cream cakes. You can so easily make one yourself…. and I guarantee it will be so much more decadent and flavorful!

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Decadent Frozen Banana Bites

July 31, 2013

:: Decadent {frozen} Banana Bites ::

Naming this post was a bit of an issue for me! You see… these aren’t your average frozen banana bites dipped in rich, creamy chocolate! Oh no! These are WAY more decadent! These little frozen banana bites are wrapped in chocolate chip cookie dough, and dunked in a thick layer of chocolate!

Clearly, I had a moment of weakness in making these! It was a week prior to our big family move and I needed the stress relief of whipping up something tasty! For me, the process of baking has always been a coping mechanism when I need to unwind or take a breather from life. These banana bites were successful in getting my mind off the never ending to-do list that comes with moving a family of six. They also provided the kids and I with a delicious frozen summer treat that brought back some of my favorite childhood memories of going to Balboa Island in Newport Beach and indulging in the famous Frozen Bananas & Balboa Bars!

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