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Blood Orange and Thyme Margaritas

October 25, 2015

Spooky and tangy these Blood Orange Thyme Margaritas are perfect for Halloween.Blood Orange and Thyme Margaritas //

Boo! Can you believe Halloween is in less than a week?! This is my favorite time of the year. I love that we go from Halloween straight onto Christmas. What I don’t like is that it happens within a blink of an eye. In order to enjoy our Halloween decor, I skip over the autumn fare and go straight to Halloween. My kids love decorating the house, so I like to put decorations up in mid September until Halloween, and then I decorate for fall for Thanksgiving. Is that what you do? 

With Halloween falling on a Saturday, we plan on staying in our neighborhood and making a big pot of Crockpot Spaghetti and these Blood Orange Thyme Margaritas for the friends that stop by. Who said adults can enjoy a few treats on Halloween? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Frozen Hot Chocolate

September 20, 2015

 Frozen Hot Chocolate

Frozen Hot Chocolate //

We are just days away from the official start of fall… although if you’ve cruised by a Starbucks lately, you may think we are already there with their festive cups and pumpkin spice lattes! I crave autumn, especially after spending our year-long ‘vacation from life‘ in the mountains. I, like so many others, find such comfort in throwing on a cozy sweater, a pair of warm boots, cuddling by the fire with my babes, and sipping on a warm seasonal drink! However, with all of that being said, I live in sunny Southern California, which makes it difficult to get into the fall spirit when it’s still 100 degrees outside! (I’m not complaining, friends… as I know that would be crazy! We are truly blessed with lovely year-round weather!) I honestly have to remind myself each year that I will most likely be wearing tank tops, cutoff shorts, and flip flops through Halloween. #RealityCheck! 

Frozen Hot Chocolate - this delicious recipe on simplyhappenstance.com!

Frozen Hot Chocolate

So, to get into the spirit of my favorite season (while still being practical), I decided it was time to finally make the Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe that’s been bookmarked on my computer for so long! 

Frozen Hot Chocolate

As I was savoring every sip of the creamy concoction, I was trying to find the right words to describe the heavenly drink. You might think that it’s as simple as emptying a sleeve of hot cocoa mix in hot water, stirring it up, and then blending with ice. It’s more than that…. so much more, friends! In fact… I wouldn’t say I would typically make this recipe on a whim. It takes a tiny bit more prep work (still easy, I promise!)… but it’s really worth it! The rich chocolatey flavor depends on the brand you choose. Knowing I was sharing this tasty drink with my four children, I chose to use Lindt Milk Chocolate versus a deeper dark chocolate. If I were you… I would put a little thought into what your favorite chocolate bar is, and use that as the base of your recipe! You’ll love how it turns out! 

Frozen Hot Chocolate - the perfect fall treat when the weather is still HOT outside! (simplyhappenstance.com)

So getting back to the simple deliciousness of this drink… it’s rich, chocolatey, sweet (but not too sweet), cold, thick, and frothy! It doesn’t just taste like chocolate milk, or a chocolate shake… it’s FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE! Perfect for when you are ready for some fall faves… but it’s still hot outside! Enjoy!  

Frozen Hot Chocolate (simplyhappenstance.com) #frozenhotchocolate

Print Recipe

Frozen Hot Chocolate

This Frozen Hot Chocolate is a deliciously festive seasonal drink to enjoy when it's still hot outside! Creamy, rich, chocolatey, cold, and frothy this will quickly become a traditional family favorite! Enjoy!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Beverage
Servings: 2 -4
Author: Simply Happenstance (Adapted from Paula Deen - Food Network)

Ingredients

  • 4-5 ounces best-quality chocolate I used one 4.4 oz. Lindt Milk Chocolate bar
  • 2 teaspoons store bought hot chocolate mix
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups ice
  • Spray Whipped Cream optional, for garnish
  • Chocolate shavings optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Chop/break the chocolate bar into small pieces and melt in a small heavy saucepan or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted.
  • Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until combined (consistency will be smooth).
  • Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk, stirring until well mixed. Cool to room temperature (about 15-30 minutes).
  • In a blender, place the remaining 1 cup of milk, creamy chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Immediately pour into one giant goblet (to share), or in 4 small cups. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips // Don't use baking chocolate! Make sure you buy your favorite chocolate bar for this recipe!
Original Recipe // https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/frozen-hot-chocolate-recipe.html

Check out some of our other Fall Favorite recipes here! Happy Fall! 

sarasignature3 copy

 

Filed Under: Food

Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese

November 4, 2014

 

burrata grilled cheese 1:: Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese ::

The day after Halloween was the perfect fall day.  The first day of November greeted us with a little rain and some gloom, allowing us to recoup from our busy night of trick or treating. I decided after a long week of running around, it would be a fantastic day to make Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese.  Gooey and flavorful this adult grilled cheese pairs perfectly with a nice glass of wine or beer, a cozy fire, and a warm cup of soup.  Fall weather please stay so we can enjoy another round of these quick and easy Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Tasty Halloween Treats

October 27, 2014

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…]

Filed Under: Food

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats

October 16, 2014

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com} #halloween #ricekrispietreats #oreos:: Halloween Rice Krispie Treats ::

Do you have fond childhood memories of eating homemade rice krispie treats? My kids love them, and I’m pretty sure they’ll have happy memories of us whipping up batches together! Of course the original recipe using creamy butter, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy rice krispies is super tasty… but why not kick it up a notch by adding in some Halloween fun?! 

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats {simplyhappenstance.com}-2

Have you spotted the Halloween Oreos yet? There’s something about the bright orange frosting, spooky jack-o-lanterns, and bats that seem to make them even more enticing! Don’t you think?! The crushed up Oreos and Halloween colored sprinkles, are the little extras, that make this recipe an instant kid favorite!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie

October 7, 2014

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie is a healthy Halloween Treat.:: Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie ::

Halloween is just around the corner, why not cut the sweets by serving your little ghouls this Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie! I don’t know about you, but the begging for sweets has already started.  I decided that it’s best not to take my kids to Target in the next coming months.  Believe me, we all love shopping the aisles there, but letting my kids check out the Halloween decor along with the Christmas aisle one row over, and you have them begging and pleading for all of the holiday treats.  I know they will have their fair share of it all, but I am going to try to combat some of their sweets with the serving of this simple and fun Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie. You will be enjoying the fact that this crafty creation is full of fruits and veggies making this treat truly spell binding….hee hee hee! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

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About

bioSara and Nicole are sorority sisters that simply “happened” to end up in the same small town. They have many things in common, which have set the tone of their blog. They hope that you will join them in their journey of motherhood, dreams that may be, the daily life, and their passion for cooking, yoga, fashion, and design!

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