Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

 Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies {via Simply Happenstance} #cookies #peanutbutter #glutenfree

 :: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ::

Ok… I think I’ve been living in the dark ages! I honestly had no idea one could make FLOURLESS cookies! I didn’t have high expectations, considering the fact that there was no flour, butter, or even oil involved… but let me tell you, I don’t think I’ll be returning to my old peanut butter cookie recipe! These delectable {gluten-free} peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are heavenly! They are rich, chewy, and so simple to make! It took me no more than five minutes to whip up a batch! They tasted delicious straight out of the oven {warm and crumbly}… but also tasted just as good a day or two later! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip {Flourless Cookies} via Simply Happenstance! #glutenfree #cookies

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Pumpkin Nutella Muffins

 

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins {Simply Happenstance}

 :: Pumpkin Nutella Muffins ::

Oh my goodness, you guys! This is the BEST muffin combination… pumpkin + Nutella! During this time of year, I typically make plain pumpkin muffins and occasionally add in chocolate chips… but let me tell you, swirling in a dollop of creamy Nutella made an incredibly decadent difference! The pumpkin is flavorful and moist, while the Nutella creates a rich, chewy, chocolatey muffin top!

I doubled the recipe below and it made 18 muffins and one loaf to give away to a neighbor. This is the perfect baked treat to give to friends and family! If preparing this recipe as a loaf for others… you may want to buy a few of these darling paper loaf pans from Sur la Table. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a simple bow… it makes for the perfect hostess gift or sweet treat for neighbors for the holidays! Enjoy! [Read more…]

Creamy Corn Chowder

 

Creamy Corn Chowder {Simply Happenstance}

:: Creamy Corn Chowder ::

Have you ever had the corn chowder from Mimi’s Cafe? That soup was my inspiration behind this quick, easy, and flavorful autumn meal! {I actually haven’t been there in years… but I have fond memories of that warm, comforting dish!} This recipe is extremely easy using only a few ingredients. It can be made vegetarian, effortlessly, by omitting the bacon. It can also be made healthier by using milk in place of half & half, or heavy cream…. it’s your choice! I decided not to skimp on the creaminess… so I went with the heavy cream. {It was just one of those days!} The corn chowder turned out rich, creamy, and delicious friends! Paired with warm, crusty french bread… you have the perfect fall meal! I hope you enjoy!  [Read more…]

Perfectly Homemade Pizza Dough

 

pizza dough :: Perfectly Homemade Pizza Dough ::

Believe it or not… I actually went about two years without eating pizza {Gasp! I know!}. During my first pregnancy, I didn’t experience food cravings as much as I experienced food aversions. Unfortunately, pizza… was the enemy. I couldn’t handle the taste, smell, or even the word P-I-Z-Z-A. Thankfully with time, the aversion passed {I think Husby was especially grateful for that}! Now… like most of you, I completely savor a good slice of pizza… especially if it’s homemade. Typically my husby picks up some of Trader Joe’s premade pizza dough, on his stop at the market before making his way up the mountain to our home. However, this week, he was home from the fire station for a few days and we didn’t have any dough on hand. I decided to mix up an easy homemade pizza dough {from one of my faves… The Pioneer Woman}, and top it with fresh, organic veggies from my mom’s garden. Yum!

pizza dough simply happenstance

The best part about making homemade pizza dough, is that there are literally only a few key ingredients needed…. flour, salt, olive oil, water and yeast. It honestly took me less than 5 minutes to make, and only an hour to let rise. 

Homemade Pizza Dough Simply Happenstance

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M&M Skillet Cookie

m&m skillet cookie

:: M&M Skillet Cookie ::

It’s fall and I am feeling inspired by all that I see.  Target really has a way of taking a hold of oneself with it’s lovely displays of Halloween and all its seasonal M&M’s.  I can’t help it….the kids want chocolate chip cookies, and I am thinking we need something new… something that I actually have to think a little bit about and use one of the many gadgets that I like to covet.  How many of you have this problem?  I love kitchen appliances, cake plates, pans, and coffee mugs….I can go on and on.  The problem is I buy them and then I sit and wait.  I wait to decide the best possible recipe I will create to use in that special addition to my kitchen.  So I am breaking out my Lodge cast iron and I am making it simple.  Two dishes to clean and I don’t have to roll out cookies, set them aside to cool, and repeat.  One pan and you get to slice your cookie out of it.  Genius and easy!  This M&M Skillet Cookie is simply inspired by BJ’s Restaurant.  When I first arrived at Long Beach State as a Freshman, BJ’s in Belmont Shore was a fun meet-up for food, friends, and family.  We would always end our meal with a Pizookie.  Since my kids have recently had their first try of one, I am making an at home version… and its not going to be in a small pan.  No rush to finish and we did top it with ice cream.  Yum! [Read more…]

Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes

 

:: Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes ::

What do you think of when you hear the word, “funfetti?”  You think of cake, sprinkles, confetti, & fun…. right?! Exactly! I knew when I heard of this cake batter milkshake that I had to blend up a batch for the kids! After all, what kid doesn’t love milkshakes & funfetti cake? The combination of funfetti cake mix + vanilla ice cream + milk = pure heaven {in my world}! I promise… it was just that!  [Read more…]