Pecans Archives - Simply Happenstance

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

November 24, 2014

:: 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.

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…]

Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

June 20, 2014

:: 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!

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!

[Read more…]

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

March 17, 2014

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars //

{gluten-free}

Have you ever made homemade granola bars? They have been on my “must bake” list for quite some time. I did my research, and have read numerous reviews before finally adapting this recipe from Smitten Kitchen {which was originally adapted from the King Arthur Flour site}. What I love about these chewy, flavorful bars… is that they are so easy to adjust to your personal taste! You can customize them by adding in walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, cherries or apples, and sesame or pumpkin seeds… the list goes on and on. Although I think these decadent bars are already pretty healthy… you absolutely can make them healthier by changing out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, and replacing the melted butter with coconut oil. Also… make sure if you use honey, it’s in its raw form so you can get rid of some of the processed sweeteners.

[Read more…]

Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans

November 5, 2013

:: Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans ::

It’s that time of year! The time where we all pull out our favorite family recipes for the holidays! This happens to be one of my personal loves that I make every Thanksgiving! It’s the ultimate comfort food… using yams {or sweet potatoes}, milk, butter, vanilla and pecans! It’s baked to perfection and served warm! Most of the ingredients you most likely have in your pantry… which makes this dish even more enticing!

I know that yams are not always a favorite {especially the candied kind topped with marshmallows that we often find during the holidays}; however, this dish is a great alternative to the typical yams or sweet potatoes served. The rich potato mixture is mildly sweet with a hint of vanilla, and the topping…. perfectly crunchy with the baked pecans, warm brown sugar and melted butter! I promise this will become one of your ‘go-to’ holiday recipes!

I hope that you’ll whip up this tasty dish to serve at one of your holiday get togethers this year! As Julia Child once said, “Everything in moderation…including moderation.” Enjoy, my friends!

[Read more…]

Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Ball

December 4, 2012

Next week I have a wonderful girls night to attend.

My friend puts on a “Favorite Things” party for her friends.

It is a wonderful night… it definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit

{details, to follow after the event, don’t want to spoil favorite thing…shhh!}

Usually there is a large turn out.

A few of us offer to help with the appetizers.

My easy go to, and a huge crowd-pleaser is:

“Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Cheese Ball.”

{I know its not the actual picture as it is in preparation for next week.}

This dessert tastes like Heaven, well if Heaven could be consumed.

This recipe was passed down by a lovely lady that is part family in my book,

Debbie Rock aka, “Miss Dixie” as I believe she must have some

“Southern Roots” somewhere in her lineage {smile wink}.

She has taught me a thing or two about entertaining.

This happens to be one her recipes that she has taken a liking to along the way.

Here is the recipe:

{Please don’t judge in regards to what goes in this magnificent ball}.

Caution!!

If anyone asks whats in it, don’t tell, as no one’s thighs need to know!!

Ingredients:

{Again keep to yourself and close your eyes}

* 8 ounces of block cream cheese-I use 1/3 less to feel better about it

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

*1/4 teaspoon vanilla

* 3/4 cup powdered sugar

* 2 tablespoons brown sugar

* 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

* 3/4 pecans

Mix together all ingredients except for the pecans.

Mold into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Place in the fridge for 2 hours.

When you are ready to serve, take it out and roll the ball in the pecans.

Serve with chocolate, regular, or mini graham crackers.

I love to place this beauty on one of these:

{Photo via Anthropologie}

Along side some of these refreshments:

{Photos via Pinterest}

Now that looks fabulous!

{I need to have a party!}

Enjoy!