Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies | Simply Happenstance:: Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies ::

Well, it’s started! The Christmas Season is officially underway! Just this weekend, my sweet girl sang in our small town light parade with her school choir! Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit quite like a parade filled with exuberant, marching, glowing kids! {Haha!}

Now that it’s truly feeling like Christmas is near, I have started planning what cookies and bars to make for neighbors, family and friends, to celebrate the joyous upcoming holiday. I know one thing for sure! These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, will most definitely, be on my list! 

Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Simply Happenstance -21

Earlier this week, while doing a little grocery shopping, I picked up a bag of these little gems {Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses}! You guys! I hadn’t eaten one before! I wouldn’t consider myself a peppermint lover {although I don’t mind a little peppermint creamer added to my coffee this time of year}… well, let’s just say that I had to go out and buy bag *number two* before making these cookies! Ha! They’re really that good — and addicting, I might add! {You try just eating one!} [Read more…]

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake // Simply Happenstance:: Pumpkin Ice Box Cake ::

I love traditional pumpkin pie… but I also really like variations of it to indulge in on Thanksgiving Day! Just like me.. my kids all adore foods made with pumpkin, so I decided to whip up this ice box version and try it out on them! {I seriously had a hard time photographing the cake… as they were attempting to dive right in!} 

Although the recipe may look daunting, with day before preparations, I promise you it isn’t hard! In fact, many of you probably prefer make-ahead recipes… am I right? If you are trying to spread out your cooking/baking… this may be the dessert for you! You can easily prepare this the day before and then piece it all together just prior to serving. 

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake Recipe at simplyhappenstance.com #pumpkin #dessert #iceboxcake

What I like most about this lightly sweetened pumpkin cake is that it isn’t heavy. After eating loads and loads of appetizers, the full Thanksgiving meal, and indulging in drinks… who wants a heavy dessert?! Not me! Something light, yet boasting with flavor, is what I crave! [Read more…]

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

No Bake Chocolate Almond Bars {simplyhappenstance.com}-44:: 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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Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding

Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding {Simply Happenstance Blog}

 :: Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding ::

Oh… do I have a tasty indulgence for you today! My friends, this is definitely my favorite breakfast treat at the moment! It’s delicious served warm for breakfast {or dessert}… and it’s even good cold, straight out of the fridge {don’t ask me how I know that}! One of my dearest friends recently gave me the recipe to try out with my family. We’ve made it two times in the last week! Remember my husband who doesn’t like anything sweet? He LOVED it! In fact, I totally caught him with a fork sneaking bites out of the fridge. That never happens!

So, before I get started on the details of this amazingly delicious dish {that would be the perfect addition to your Christmas morning, I might add}… I must first tell you about my friend who passed on this recipe. I typically call her  “Pretty”… because she’s so pretty, of course {inside & out}! I’m hoping that one day she’ll decide to write a guest post for Simply Happenstance and tell you all about her testimony and issues she’s faced over the past few years. She is hands down, one of the strongest, most God-loving, positive, and wonderful mamas I know! She has taught and encouraged me so much over the past five years that I have known her. The most cherished girlfriends that I have in my life are definitely the ones that bring me closer to God. “Pretty” is one of those. We don’t live near each other any longer {now that our family has moved to the mountains}, but we talk on the phone almost daily. She uplifts my spirit in so many ways. I hope that all of you have a friend like that in your life. It is such an incredible gift… [Read more…]

DIY Snowflakes

 

DIY Snowflake Tutorial from Simply Happenstance Blog! Perfect for a holiday craft, decor, andor gift wrap!

 :: DIY Snowflakes ::

I have a super easy, and fun, three-dimensional snowflake tutorial to share with you today! My oldest son, Ryan, came home with one of these pretties last year. I immediately made him show me how to make them! The supplies are undoubtedly things you have around the house, and the steps are simple… especially once you’ve made the first section. This would be a lovely craft to do with the kids over winter break! They make darling seasonal decorations around your home… and can be made on a smaller scale to embellish gifts! So let’s get to it…

Supplies you will need:

  • 6 sheets of paper {plain white, colored, patterned… whatever you prefer} 
  • scissors
  • tape
  • stapler

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Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

chirstmascranberryspritzer2

:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite.  Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to. 

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain.  It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

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