Valentine Gum Drops

Wow your Valentine with these delicious DIY gum drops!

How to Make Valentine Gum Drops

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching!  That means it’s time to show some love and appreciation to our valentines.  Sweet treats are a great way to show some appreciation, but I happen to think homemade treats are extra special!

Today I want to show you how fun and easy these gum drops are to make. Get the kids involved with cutting out the shapes too. This set of heart shaped cookie cutters has a variety of sizes to choose from, but any small shaped cookie cutter will work!

Valentine Gum Drops

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened Applesauce
  • 2 1/4 cups Sugar
  • 2 boxes (3 oz) Strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin {like Knox}
gum drop collage

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan on the stove.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  4. Boil for one minute.
  5. Pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until set.
  6. Dust a cutting board with sugar.
  7. Use a spatula to loosen sides and turn out onto cutting board.
  8. Dust the top of the Jell-O with sugar.
  9. Use heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out gum drops.
  10. Roll edges in extra sugar and set onto wax paper for 1 hour to dry out slightly.
  11. Store in an airtight container.
Wow your Valentine with these delicious DIY gum drops!
Gum Drops Recipe
Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups unsweetened Applesauce
  • 2 1/4 cups Sugar
  • 2 boxes Strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin {like Knox}
Instructions
  1. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray.

  2. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan on the stove.

  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

  4. Boil for one minute.

  5. Pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until set.

  6. Dust a cutting board with sugar.

  7. Use a spatula to loosen sides and turn out onto cutting board.

  8. Dust the top of the Jell-O with sugar.

  9. Use heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out gum drops.

  10. Roll edges in extra sugar and set onto wax paper for 1 hour to dry out slightly.

  11. Store in an airtight container.

Delicious Gingerbread Oreo Truffles

Gingerbread oreo truffles

Gingerbread Oreo Truffles

Normally I make Oreo Truffles using regular Oreos, but this year I found Gingerbread flavoured Oreos!  Of course I had to try making them into Gingerbread Oreo truffles using my regular recipe.  Boy, oh boy, are they ever delicious! If these gingerbread oreos are going to be a regular holiday staple each year, I’ll be using them for truffles instead of the regular oreos!  Don’t get me wrong, the other truffles are tasty too, they’re always a hit whenever I bring them to gatherings. 🙂

I thought the gingerbread flavour suited white chocolate best and I finished them off with a sprinkle of nutmeg!

How to Make Gingerbread Oreo Truffles

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 bag of Gingerbread Oreos
  • 1 Block of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package white baking chocolate
  • Nutmeg, sprinkles for toppings, optional

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs with a food processor or use a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, hammer, rock… 😉
  2. Add the crumbs to a big bowl with the softened cream cheese. I use my Kitchenaid mixer to mix until it was all well incorporated.
  3. Roll the cream cheese Oreo mixtures into 1 inch balls.
  4. Place on a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
  5. Chill in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  6. When your truffles are almost finished chilling, start melting the chocolate slowly. (in the microwave or stove.)
  7. Drop one or two truffles into the melted chocolate and use a fork to remove them, letting the excess chocolate drip.
  8. Place them back on the waxed paper.
  9. Now is when you want to add the toppings, before the chocolate hardens.
  10. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Oreo Truffles
Ingredients
  • 1 bag of Gingerbread Oreos
  • 1 block of cream cheese softened
  • 1 package white baking chocolate
  • Toppings: Nutmeg sprinkles…
Instructions
  1. Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs with a food processor or use a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin/hammer/rock… 🙂
  2. Add the crumbs to a big bowl with the softened cream cheese. I use my Kitchenaid mixer to mix until it was all well incorporated.
  3. Roll the cream cheese Oreo mixture into 1" balls (or whatever size you’d like) Place on a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
  4. Chill in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  5. When your truffles are almost finished chilling, start melting the chocolate slowly. (in the microwave or on the stove)
  6. Drop one or two truffles into the melted chocolate and use a fork to remove them, letting the excess chocolate drip. Place them back on the waxed paper.
  7. Now is when you want to add the toppings, before the chocolate hardens.
  8. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

You can also freeze these!

Because I know you’ll ask, I found the Gingerbread Oreos online at Amazon.ca!  Let me know where you find them!

Other holiday recipes you may enjoy:

Gingerbread Oreo Truffles.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are to die for! They’re simple to make and melt in your mouth. You’ll definitely be making a few batches this season!

Jump to Recipe

Delicious Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Looking for a recipe for delicious Whipped Shortbread Cookies?  Well, here you go.  This is it!  I usually have to make this recipe several times over the Christmas season as my husband and daughters love them! The best part about this shortbread is that it’s so easy to make and only needs three ingredients!

How to make Whipped Shortbread Cookies:

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • Maraschino cherry pieces, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place softened butter in a bowl, whip with a hand mixer or Stand mixer for one minute.
  3. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, whipping after after each addition until well incorporated.
  4. Add the powdered sugar and whip again for about 5 minutes (or more).
  5. Place by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheets. Decorate with maraschino cherries, if desired.
  6. Bake in oven for 10 – 11 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned.

If you find your cookies are coming out like pancakes, you will need to mix even more. These are not like a regular chocolate chip cookies where you only mix until everything is incorporated. The “secret” to these whipped cookies, is actually the amount of time you spend whipping them. Or if your dough is still powdery/flourlike, you will have to keep mixing. The dough will change from yellowish to more white when it’s ready. I have only ever had one batch not turn out and I’m sure it’s because I got lazy and didn’t whip them long enough.

4 from 10 votes
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • maraschino cherries if desired
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Place softened butter in a bowl, whip with a hand mixer for a minute
  3. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, whipping after each addition until well incorporated
  4. Add the icing sugar and whip again for about 5 minutes, or more

  5. Place by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheets. Decorate with maraschino cherries, if desired

  6. Bake in oven for 10-11 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned

These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are to die for! They're simple to make and melt in your mouth! You'll definitely be making a few batches this season!

Other family favorites for Christmas:

Simple Snack: Apple Sandwiches

Apple sandwiches snack idea

A quick and simple snack idea the whole family will love!

Summer calls for delicious, simple snacks. However, I’m definitely not opposed to simple snacks all year round. After all, simple is one of my meal prep mottos. If I think it’s going to take too much time or require too many ingredients I don’t have on hand, I move on. Are you the same? Snacks should require very little effort, but lots of flavor! 😀

These apple sandwiches fall under the category of simple, delicious and budget-friendly. They’re a hit with both of my daughters and my husband and I. Though for the girls, I just do one slice of apple with the peanut butter and granola on top to make an open face sandwich. That way their little mouths can get a good bite!

While we use peanut butter, I think these would be delicious with WowButter, almond butter, apple butter or any kind of nut butter!  As for the granola, I like to always have a batch of this homemade granola on hand. But store bought is delicious too. For the apple corer, I really like this Cuisipro apple corer.

Here’s how to make Apple Sandwiches:

Apple Sandwiches
Ingredients
  • 2 Apples
  • 2-3 tbsp Peanut Butter or peanut butter alternative
  • 3 tbsp Granola
  • handful Raisins
Instructions
  1. Remove cores from apples and cut into 1/4-1/2" thick slices
  2. Spread apple slice with peanut butter.
  3. Top with granola and raisins.
  4. Place another apple slice on top and gently press together.
  5. Repeat with remaining apple slices.

What are your favorite go-to simple snacks?

These apple sandwiches fall under the category of simple, delicious and budget-friendly. A snack idea the whole family will love!

4 Delicious No-Bake Recipes You Can Easily Whip Up With Items in Your Pantry

You don’t have to be a wannabe chef to whip up some delicious meals. You don’t even have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, which is great news for anyone who prefers spending their free time binge-watching a show on Netflix or catching up on their reading.

All you have to do, is dig into your pantry and grab a few basic items to whip up these recipes. Best of all? You won’t even have to turn on your stove or touch your oven because they’re no bake recipes!

No Bake Recipes Using Pantry Staples

No Bake Recipes using pantry items

3 Ingredient No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Want a no bake oatmeal cookie recipe that’s impossible to mess up? Then follow these instructions to create a batch of oatmeal cookies that are delicious and gluten-free. Best of all, you don’t need oil or butter to make them. Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup of syrup (you can replace with about 20 drops of Stevia, or ½ cup of sugar)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Grab a large mixing bowl and add all the ingredients together. Make sure to mix well until they’re combined. Then, use your hands to form 12 small balls and place them on a large plate lined with parchment paper. Press each ball into the shape of a cookie and add the chocolate chips on top. Now refrigerate for about 30 minutes until they’re nice and firm.

Extra Yummy Microwave Cheese Sandwich

Craving a cheese sandwich but don’t feel like driving to the nearest fast food restaurant or turning on the stove to cook one? Then try this microwave cheese sandwich recipe. It makes a perfect go-to breakfast meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • A few slices of turkey or ham
  • 1 tablespoon of salsa
  • 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 split and toasted whole wheat bagel or two slices of bread
  • 3-4 spinach leaves

Place one of the pieces of break on the bottom of a custard cup, a ramekin, or a dish that’s microwave-proof and coat it with some salsa. Sprinkle with the cheese and microwave for 30 seconds until the cheese is melted. Now add some salsa, the turkey slices, and some spinach leaves to the other slice of bread and close the sandwich. Heat it up for 10 more seconds and enjoy this delicious mini treat.

3-ingredient Cookies & Ice Cream Pie

A cookies and ice cream pie recipe might sound complicated, but it’s actually quick, simple to do, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or any kind of sandwich cookies you like)
  • 1 cup melted chocolate
  • 1 1/2 cups of softened ice cream

Place the sandwich cookies in a gallon sized plastic bag and smash them with a pan or rolling pin until they’re crushed. Now pat the cookie crumbs in to the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Then spread the softened ice cream on top and even it out. Then drizzle the top with some melted chocolate and place in the freezer for 4 hours to harden the ice cream.

The Easiest 3 Ingredient Cheesecake in the World

Looking for a 3-ingredient cheesecake that is very creamy and will take your taste buds on the greatest adventure in the history of cheesecakes? Then try this recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 liter plain double cream yogurt (Greek yogurt works amazingly well too!)
  • 1 tin condensed milk
  • 200g crushed biscuits

Press the biscuits down into the bottom of a microwave-safe deep dish. Then mix the condensed milk with the yogurt and pour the mixture over the even biscuit layer. Now smooth the top and microwave the entire thing on high for about 6 minutes. Then let it cool in the fridge and serve.

Other Easy Desserts:

7 Seasoning Spice Recipes You Can Make At Home

Nothing beats home-cooked meals and knowing exactly what you’re feeding your family. It’s even better when the spices you use are those you’ve made yourself. Rather than using store bought spices that have ingredients you can’t pronounce!

Let’s take a look at 7 seasoning spices you can make at home.

Nothing beats home-cooked meals and knowing exactly what you’re feeding your family. It’s even better when the spices you use are those you’ve made yourself! Here are 7 seasoning spices you can make at home!

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning is a popular choice in many households. Ranch seasoning can be used to make dips, dressing, added to sauces, and as an ingredient in recipes from meatloaf to pasta salad.

Here’s how to make your own:

  • ½ cup dry buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill 
  • salt and pepper

Mix it all together and keep in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or plastic container.  This mix can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Curry Seasoning

Curry has its origins in Asia and gives a flavorful and spicy twist to your recipes. Instead of using store bought curry mixes, you can make your own.

Here’s how to make curry seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons coriander
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix well and store in an airtight container.  This is enough for seasoning one meal, or you can multiply it and keep the mix for up to a year to be used in future recipes.

Taco Seasoning

Who doesn’t love tacos? Everyone likes their taco seasoning a little different, but being able to make your own, to your own taste ensures you will have the perfect Taco Tuesday each week.

Here’s how to make taco seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano

This recipe is enough for 1lb of ground beef.  Adjust the amount for more meat or multiply and keep in an airtight container for future use.

Jerk Seasoning

The Caribbean has given us dishes that have the mix of sweet and spicy flavors. This Jamaican jerk seasoning will add this great flavor to your next Carribean themed meal.

Here’s how to make your own: 

  • 2 teaspoons allspice
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

This recipe will work for 2 lbs of meat. If you mix it ahead of time, be sure to put it in an airtight container and it will keep for at least 3 months. 

Chili Seasoning

What’s better on a cool fall night than a steaming hot bowl of chili? This recipe will work for 1lb of your choice of meat.  

As with the others, if you want to mix up a batch to keep for later use be sure to put it in an airtight container.  It will keep for up to a year.

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme

Cajun Seasoning

Getting Cajun flavor just right can be very tricky, but once you get the right mix, you’ll be set. Cajun seasoning can be used in chicken and seafood dishes, here’s the mix you need: 

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne

Mix well and make more if you want to store it,  The mix will last up to 1 year.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is another one that gets used in many dishes.

This Italian seasoning recipe is good to be used with your choice of meats, pastas, pizzas, and any other Italian dishes. 

  • 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon basil
  • ½ teaspoon sage
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Spices don’t really “go bad”, they might lose their flavor or potency, but they won’t make you sick.  Most spices last from 1-3 years.  

If you make a spice mix that incorporates things other than just spices, that would be what determines the shelf life.  For example: the Ranch above has dry buttermilk, so that would be what determines how long you can store it and where it needs to be stored.

Hopefully these recipes will help add some “spice” to your life in the form of delicious meals!