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…]

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. 

[Read more…]

Favorite Fall Recipes

Favorite Family-Friendly Fall Recipes {simplyhappenstance.com}:: Favorite Fall Recipes ::

For some reason, cooking and baking in the fall is always so fulfilling for both Nicole and I. Perhaps it’s the slightly crisp, cooler air, the shorter days, or all of the family favorite holidays approaching. What ever the reason… we love to get in the kitchen and cook up some delicious comfort food!

We thought we’d share some of our favorite fall recipes with you today from our archives… a roundup of some of our seasonal favorites! We hope you enjoy them! {xo}

Recipes Pictured Above:

  1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble
  2. Pumpkin Nutella Muffins/Loaf
  3. Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar and Pecans
  4. Creamy Corn Chowder
  5. Cheesy Tamale Pie
  6. Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble
  7. Salsa Verde Turkey Chili

[Read more…]

Tasty Halloween Treats

Tasty Halloween Treat Recipes {simplyhappenstance.com} #halloween #kidfriendly #treats:: Tasty Halloween Treats ::

Hey, friends! Life is busy… so in case you’ve missed a post here-or-there, we decided to do a mini-roundup of our most recent Halloween Treats! These are all kid-approved… so they’re sure to be a hit amongst your little ones! Enjoy the fun week ahead! We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating! 

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie // Halloween Rice Krispie Treats // Vanilla Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze // Easy Halloween Pudding Cups [Read more…]