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Recipes Save Money

Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte, Save on Starbucks

Stop paying too much for your pumpkin spice latte. I know it’s tasty and convenient to pick it up at Starbucks, but you can make it for less at home. It’s so easy! Try this pumpkin spice latte recipe and save on Starbucks!

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What tools do you need to make a pumpkin Spice Latte?

Ingredients:

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

First brew strong coffee and warm the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop. Watch the milk closely, stirring nearly continuously. Do not allow it to boil.

Use the milk frother to froth the milk.

Pour the coffee into a 16 ounce cup. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice to the coffee and mix until well blended. Next, stir in the milk.

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

More ways to save money

  • Brew your own coffee at home. Take it to work or school in a travel mug
  • Pack your lunch

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

How to Make Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

This mini fruit pizza cookie recipe is fun for any occasion. It’s fun to get creative with fruit. The best part is they are so delicious you will not have to worry about leftovers. These cookies are tasty with any fruit toppings you choose.

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What tools do you need to make mini fruit pizza cookies?

Ingredients:

  • Sugar cookies, store bought or homemade

Cream cheese frosting ingredients:

  • 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Fruit toppings

  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Kiwi
  • Mandarin oranges, fresh or canned
  • Pineapple
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Lychee – for Halloween eyeballs

Other optional toppings

How to make mini fruit pizza cookies

Start by baking your sugar cookies. Use your favorite recipe, buy store bought sugar cookies, or use frozen sugar cookie dough.

baked sugar cookies

Make the frosting:

Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Prepare the fruit:

Wash, peel and slice the fruits you choose to use.

Assemble the pizzas

Frost the cookies, and top with fruit of your choice.

Fruit Pizza cookie

Halloween Fruit Pizza Cookie Ideas:

Halloween Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

Mandarin Orange pumpkin cookies

orange pumpkin cookie

Peel a mandarin orange, Slice it into three slices. Use the top and bottom to make the pumpkin cookies. Add a slice of honeydew for the stem.

I used the center slice to create the clown pumpkin pictured in the bottom right above. Just added eyeballs a blueberry nose and a strawberry mouth.

Spider web fruit pizza cookies

First pipe on the frosting in the shape of a spider web. I used a #4 tip. Next slice a black seedless grape in half and use one half for the body. Add a large blueberry for the head. Slice another grape for the legs. Add frosting eyes, topped with red gel.

Fruit Candy Corn Cookie

For the candy corn fruit pizza cookie I used thin slices of pineapple, cantaloupe and banana for the yellow bottom, orange middle and white top. Pictured on the tray above.

Fruit Eyeball Cookies

Stuff a blueberry inside the hole of a Lychee fruit, then add a candy eyeball if desired. Get creative, add eyeballs to any fruit you wish. I added them to sliced black grapes and kiwi above.

Ghost or Mummy Cookies

To make a banana ghost, slice off the top 2 inches of the peeled banana. Slice the 2 inch piece lengthwise. Place the banana flat side down on the cookie. Add 2 drops of melted chocolate for the eyes and a larger drop for the mouth. Alternatively you could use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a regular chocolate chip for the mouth.

To make the banana mummy, first make the ghost, then pipe on the frosting with a #4 tip.

To make the honeydew ghost, start with a thin slice of honeydew melon. Cut a section from the ring. Use a metal straw to make two eye holes and a mouth hole.

To make the strawberry creature, add some eye balls to the strawberry and cut some black grapes for antennae.

Apple Lips Fruit Pizza Cookies

To make the creepy apple lips, first quarter an apple. Use a paring knife to remove the remaining core and seeds, then carve out a mouth. Insert pumpkin seeds for the teeth. Add a slice of strawberry for the tongue.

Barfing Pumpkin Cookie

Barfing pumpkin cookie

To make the barfing cantaloupe pumpkin cookie, start with a thin slice of cantaloupe. Use a small champagne glass to cut a circle. Cut eyes with a metal straw and carve out a mouth with a pairing knife. Next, add some frosting and a variety of small fruit scraps.

Patriotic Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies

These patriotic mini fruit pizza cookies are great for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, Veteran’s Day, or any other patriotic event.

Patriotic mini fruit pizza cookies

Two make these patriotic fruit pizzas, simply add 4 small blueberries to the upper left corner, then add strawberry slices for the stripes.

More Great Party Snacks:

Check out these amazing appetizers for your next event:

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Categories
Desserts Recipes

The Secret to Homemade Whipped Cream

Are you frustrated with runny homemade whipped cream? Do you just want to give up and buy store bought whipped cream? Don’t give up! Here is the secret to homemade whipped cream.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

What tools do you need to make homemade whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Make sure you read the tips below before you start.

Place all of the ingredients into the chilled bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip for approximately 3-4 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl and check for peaks. Once the whipped cream forms peaks, stop whipping. Do not over whip.

What are the secrets to making the best whipped cream?

Chill the bowl

This trick alone will help you make the best homemade whipped cream. Just put the bowl of your stand mixer in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Remove it right before adding your ingredients.

Use the right tools:

You can use a whisk or a hand held mixer with whisk attachments, but for best results use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. If you insist on using a handheld mixer, use a chilled metal bowl. If you use an immersion blender with a whisk attachment, it is very easy to over mix, if you do you will end up with butter instead of whipped cream.

How do you store homemade whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream is best used immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. If you store it longer it may become soupy. If your whipped cream gets soupy, simply rewhip it. Just add the whipped cream to the chilled bowl of your stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to whip it for a minute or two. Do not over whip.

What can you use homemade whipped cream for?

Strawberry Shortcake

Peach Blueberry Pie

Apple Pie

Homemade whipped Cream Printable Recipe

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Categories
Recipes Sides

Best Homemade Whole Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a staple at any Thanksgiving dinner. It’s so easy to just open a can of either whole cranberry or jellied cranberry sauce. Why trouble yourself with one more thing to make? You may wonder until you try the best homemade cranberry sauce recipe. This recipe is quick and easy, and it can and should be made ahead. This way it will be no trouble on Thanksgiving, when you are busy with other food. Give it a try, your family and friends will love you for it!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

What tools do you need to make homemade cranberry sauce?

  • Sauce pan
  • Colander
  • silicone spatula

Ingredients:

  • 20-24 ounces of fresh or defrosted frozen Cranberries
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make homemade cranberry sauce

Start by rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries.

rinsed fresh cranberries

Pour the apple cider into a sauce pan and bring to a boil.

Apple cider in a sauce pan

Reduce to a simmer and add the sugar. Stir constantly until all of the sugar is dissolved.

cider and sugar

Then add the cranberries and cinnamon.

add cranberries to pan

Continue to simmer on medium heat and stir occasionally until most of the cranberries have burst, approximately 10 minutes. Watch it close so it does not boil over. After about 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.

Sauce ready to cool
Sauce ready to cool

It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate the sauce overnight, where it will continue to thicken. Remove the sauce from the refrigerator 1-2 hours prior to serving.

homemade cranberry sauce

More Thanksgiving Sides

Printable recipe

Recipe By Kristin
Course: side Cusine:American Difficulty:Easy

Servings

10 minutes

Preparing Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

10 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 20-24 ounces of fresh or defrosted frozen Cranberries

  2. 2 cups apple cider

  3. 1.5 cups sugar

  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTION

  1. Start by rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries. Pour the apple cider into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the sugar. Stir constantly until all of the sugar is dissolved. Then add the cranberries and cinnamon. Continue to simmer on medium heat and stir occasionally until most of the cranberries have burst, approximately 10 minutes. Watch it close so it does not boil over. After about 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate the sauce overnight, where it will continue to thicken. Remove the sauce from the refrigerator 1-2 hours prior to serving. 

NOTES

Categories
Recipes Sides

Easy Baked Potato Croquette Recipe

This easy baked potato croquette recipe is sure to please any family. The croquettes are so easy to reheat for leftover sides. They pair nicely with any meat and potatoes meal. Baking the croquettes is healthier than frying them, don’t worry, the panko coating will still be crispy and delicious. Serve with a side of sour cream if desired.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.

Tools needed to make potato croquettes

Potato Croquettes Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 5 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

How to make potato croquettes

First boil the potatoes until they break apart easily with a fork, drain the water.

Boiled potatoes

Meanwhile, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the butter.

Sauteed onions

Place the warm potatoes in a mixing bowl along with the remaining butter, cheddar cheese and salt and pepper. Use a hand mixer to blend well.

Add the sauteed onions and continue to blend until smooth and creamy.

Measure out approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue to roll the balls until all of the mixture is used up.

Pour the panko bread crumb on a plate.

Panko on a plate
Panko on a plate

Roll each potato ball into the crumbs until well coated. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on a parchment lined sheet pan.

Croquettes on a sheet pan

Sprinkle each croquette with smoked paprika.

Croquettes with paprika

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the croquettes are lightly browned and crispy.

Baked croquettes

Serve with sour cream.

Croquettes served

Printable recipe

More Tasty Side Dishes

Recipe By Kristin
Course: Side Cusine:French Difficulty:Easy

Servings

12 minutes

Preparing Time

30 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Calories

kcal

INGREDIENTS

  1. 4 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces

  2. 5 Tablespoons butter

  3. 1 medium onion, diced

  4. 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

  5. 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs

  6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  7. salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTION

  1. First boil the potatoes until they break apart easily with a fork, drain the water.<br>Meanwhile, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the butter.<br>Place the warm potatoes in a mixing bowl along with the remaining butter, cheddar cheese and salt and pepper. Use a hand mixer to blend well.<br>Add the sauteed onions and continue to blend until smooth and creamy.<br>Measure out approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue to roll the balls until all of the mixture is used up.<br>Pour the panko bread crumb on a plate. Roll each potato ball into the crumbs until well coated. Flatten each ball slightly and place it on a parchment lined sheet pan.<br>Sprinkle each croquette with smoked paprika. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the croquettes are lightly browned and crispy.<br>Serve with sour cream.<br>

NOTES

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Categories
Uncategorized

How to Clean a Traeger Silverton 620

Deep cleaning your Traeger Silverton 620 is recommended after every 2-3 cooks or 20-24 hours of cook time. You should also clean the grates after every cook. Cleaning is important to prevent grease fires and also helps ensure the best performance of your grill.

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What tools do you need to clean a Traeger grill?

How to get started cleaning a Traeger

Dirty Traeger

First make sure your grill is completely cool. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your last cook before attempting a cleaning. Use a Grate Cleaning brush to remove as much as possible from the grates. Remove the grates and Drip tray liner. Don’t get anything wet yet, you will need to vacuum first.

Note: You can reuse the drip tray liner by wrapping the liner in foil. This way you can just replace the foil, and reuse the liner until there is too much grease build up.

dirty Traeger drip tray

Next remove the drip tray.

interior full of ash

Finally remove the fire pot cover.

How to vacuum ash form your Traeger

vacuuming out the ash

Use an Ash Vacuum to remove the ashes from inside the Traeger. Once again, please make sure it is completely cool before doing this. Don’t forget to clean the ash from the fire pot as well. You can scoop out the pellets before you use the vacuum there, replacing them when the ash is cleaned out.

How to clean the grease from inside your Traeger

Spray the Traeger All-Natural cleaner on all surfaces and wipe down with a rag or heavy duty paper towels.

Once clean and dry, you can replace the pellets in the fire pot and begin to reassemble with clean parts, or clean them as you go.

How to reassemble the Traeger after cleaning

Traeger interior scrubbed clean

First, replace the fire pot cover.

Clean Traeger inside

Then replace the drip tray.

Clean Traeger Drip tray

Replace the drip tray liner, I recommend covering it with foil to get more uses out of it.

Clean Traeger interior

Lastly, replace the clean grates. I usually clean these separately, while they are outside of the grill. They really do require the most scrubbing.

Final steps for cleaning your Traeger

Next, wipe down the exterior of the grill including the back vents. Replace the Grease bucket liner below, if necessary.

Clean Traeger grease bucket

The pellet hopper should also be emptied and vacuumed out, but I recommend doing this when you need to change the pellets.

Clean Traeger

Check out this post for some great tips on how to use your Traeger Silverton 620.

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