Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble

Get ready for Fall with this Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble:: Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble ::

We love fall!  As soon as the temperature drops a couple degrees, I make this light and simple Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble. 

Over the weekend my husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary.  We spent the day going back to the town and winery that we got married at.  It was a beautiful day out in Temecula.  The weather was cooler and there was a slight breeze, a relief from the heat that we have had here in Southern California.  I know that most people don’t think that we have much of a fall, but we do have a few slight changes when this season arrives. I took full advantage of this fall feeling and I made this special Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble for my hubby.  It’s one of his favorite desserts. It was our anniversary after all {wink}! [Read more…]

Homemade Raspberry Jam

 homemade raspberry jam {simplyhappenstance.com} #simple #jam #raspberries:: Homemade Raspberry Jam ::

I have always wanted to make homemade jam! What about you? I had envisioned my mom, as a child, making jam and canning fruits and vegetables in the summertime with my grandma. I hoped to create some of the same memories with my own children — so I recruited my mom to come over and help with my very first jam making session!

homemade raspberry jam {simplyhappenstance.com}

I started with four cups of fresh raspberries. You can also use frozen — just make sure they are thawed and ready to use.  [Read more…]

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

vanilla chia seed pudding:: Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding :: 

So… I’m on a healthy recipe kick this week on the blog! Could you tell? I made this Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding for the first time last week, and absolutely LOVED it! I’ve made a few chia pudding recipes in the past, but none were successful until this recipe. I have a few tips for you that should make it thicken nicely and come out with a pudding-like consistency. I think this would be lovely as a healthier dessert, but honestly… I’ll be eating it for breakfast! There are no refined sugars in this lovely dish – just a little pure maple syrup to sweeten things up! 

I actually plan on making this pudding again tonight, in preparation for my son Ryan’s 10th Birthday on Friday! Since the poor guy has to go to school, I thought he could at least start his day on a tasty note! {Little does he know that we are also surprising him with a fun family getaway for the weekend, as well!}

vanilla chia seed pudding

[Read more…]

Peach and Blueberry Trifle

peach and blueberry trifle:: Peach and Blueberry Trifle ::

Summer fruit is truly my favorite! It’s hard to beat the taste of ripe peaches and sweet blueberries — nature’s candy! This simple dessert is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal fruit. The trifle comes together easily… in a few steps, and the result is not only delectable, but beautiful as well! The best part is that it isn’t a heavy dessert. Oh no! It quite the opposite — completely light and airy!

peach and blueberry trifle-10

Since I’m still getting settled in our new house, I’ve been creating dishes that are semi-homemade  {I still haven’t unpacked all of my kitchen boxes — must get on that}! A store bought angel food cake is perfectly acceptable for this recipe… unless of course you love making your own from scratch {kudos to you}!  [Read more…]

Energizing Smoothie Bowl

energizing smoothie bowl:: Energizing Smoothie Bowl ::

Hey friends! Let’s talk breakfast… I get stuck in a rut, all too often. How about you? I typically start my day with a protein shake. {Don’t get me wrong… I actually LOVE my morning shake, but sometimes I want a little change!} Since I have a moderate allergy to eggs, that eliminates the morning scramble.

Yesterday morning, Mr. Amazing and I switched it up by making this simple, yet delicious, Smoothie Bowl! It’s honestly the easiest and most versatile breakfast {or mid-day snack}! Just whip up your favorite smoothie… making it extra thick and creamy, and add a variety of your favorite healthy toppings!  [Read more…]

Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

peach and toasted pecan ice cream:: Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream ::

I recently sat down and reminisced about my favorite 4th of July celebrations over the years. They were spent at my Aunt Jean’s house in Fullerton. She had the most beautiful Spanish style house, with a big backyard, and dreamy swimming pool. She invited everyone!  Her yard was always packed full of close friends and family. After dark… we would crowd the usually quiet street in front of her house {which was situated on a hill}, and watch the local firework show. 

Looking back, I have the fondest… most cherished memories of the 4th of July because of my sweet Aunt Jean and the wonderful annual gathering she created! The conversation was always delightful, the pool nice and cool, and the food… absolutely scrumptious! Of course, the homemade ice cream {that seemed to take forever to churn by hand}, was always my favorite!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream

Fresh peach ice cream seemed to be a tradition at her 4th of July celebrations, which is why I decided to make my own version to share with my family! I’m hoping to carry-on the lovely homemade ice cream tradition to celebrate Independence Day this year… and in the many years to come!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream [Read more…]