Fun Family Winter Activities

Don’t let winter get you down! Even if you live where the weather is frightful, there are plenty of delightful activities for you and your family to do. We compiled a list of some of our favorite ideas here, along with a few tips and useful products to help you get the most out of your experience!

Outdoor Activities with Snow

• Build a snowman or a snow fort
• Go sledding or snow tubing
• Go skiing
• Make snow angels
• Have a snowball fight
• Snow paint (see details below!)

How do you snow paint?

All you need is empty spray bottles, water and food coloring! Rinse out the bottles, fill them with water and add 20 drops of food coloring to each bottle. Start with 1 bottle each of red, blue and yellow. If you have more bottles, you can create more colors by combining them (just like in art class)!

• 10 drops of red + 10 drops of blue = purple
• 10 drops of red + 10 drops of yellow = orange
• 10 drops of blue + 10 drops of yellow = green

Your kids will love spray painting snow men, snowballs or just drawing pictures on that big white snow canvas!

Outdoor Activities (No Snow Required)

• Rent a cabin in the woods
• Go on a self-guided holiday light tour
• Collect pinecones and small evergreen branches to create a centerpiece
• Take a hike through the woods
• Blow bubbles and watch them freeze (below 32° F)
• Set up an “ice gem” treasure hunt for the kids (see details below!)

What are “ice gems”?

Ice gems are simply ice cubes that have been made with food coloring. Fill an ice tray with water, add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring to each compartment and put it in the freezer. Use different colors to represent different types of gems (rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.).

Indoor Activities

• Build a cozy blanket fort with lights
• Set up an indoor scavenger hunt
• Bake cookies
• Make paper snowflakes
• Make bird feeders (see below for details!)

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, if desired

Steps

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed or with spoon until fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour mixture just until blended and dough is stiff. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown (center will be soft). Cool 2 minutes. Remove cookies and place on cooling rack for about 30 minutes.  

If you would like to add this recipe to your collection, download the Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe card.

This blot post was courtesy of Thirty One Gifts. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

 

 

Thank you Baker by Nature for today’s recipe….

Prep: 20 minutes     Cook 10 minutes

Cool: 2 hours     Yield: 2 dozen

 

Ingredients

For the Buttered Pecans:

• 1 and 1/2 cups pecan halves, finely chopped
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted until browned
• 2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (don’t pack the flour into the measuring cup!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons bourbon
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 12 ounces semi-sweet OR dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
• 24 pecan halves, for decoration, optional

Instructions

For the Buttered Pecans:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Set aside until needed.

For the Brown Butter:

1. Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook for about 3 minutes – stirring almost constantly – until the butter has browned.
2. Pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl, being sure to scrape all of the “toasted” bits into the bowl as well.
3. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until the butter is at room temperature. You’ll know the butter is at room temperature when you press a finger into the top and it makes a slight indentation. It should not be liquid at all.
4. Once the butter is at room temperature, you’re ready to get baking!

For the Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside until needed.
2. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda; whisk well to combine then set aside until needed.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine browned butter and both sugars and beat on medium-speed until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Add in the vanilla and bourbon and beat until combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating for 15 seconds after each addition. Turn mixer off. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour, stirring only until the flour begins to disappear. Fold in the chocolate chunks and buttered pecans.
4. Roll 3 tablespoon sized scoops of dough between your palms to form a ball (they should be big; almost a 1/4 cup), then place on prepared sheets (make sure to leave enough room in between each cookie for inevitable spreading). Continue this process until all the dough has been rolled. Press a pecan on the top of each cookie dough mound, if desired.
5. Place baking sheets in preheated oven, one at a time, and bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until golden at the edges but still soft in the middle. Repeat with all cookie dough. Sprinkle cookies with sea salt right when they come out of the oven. Let cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire wrack to cool completely.

Remember if you submit a recipe to me and I use it in my blog, YOU will receive a FREE gift from me….What is your favorite recipe during the holiday season?

Pack up those holiday cookies and take them with you as a hostess gift to your next party.  Thirty One’s Little Carry Alls are perfect for this…These novelty Littles Carry-All Caddys are also the perfect solution for organizing the little things in your life. From office supplies to eating utensils and cosmetics, this caddy helps keep your life in order by keeping everything right at your fingertips. Great for gifts, small toys, crafts, office desks, candy and seasonal home décor.  Lots of choices for everyone in the family.  You can even use these as a stocking stuffer instead of traditional stockings.

Tasty Tuesday: Oatmeal Raisin Bites

Tasty Tuesday is courtesy of Jen at THE HAUTE MOMMY HANDBOOK.  I LOVE oatmeal raisin cookies.  Maybe it is because I can trick myself into believing they are healthy.  I mean oatmeal is good for you, right?  The funny thing is I can remember NEVER wanting to eat oatmeal as a child.  In fact, I didn’t even put milk on my cereal.  Who wants to eat soggy Frosted Flakes?

When I joined Weight Watchers many years ago, oatmeal was a staple on my shelf.  I used to love to make Hungry Girl’s GIGANTIC Oatmeal Bowls for breakfast filled with any combination of apples, bananas, blueberries or cinnamon.  I have even changed them up since I am gluten free and dairy free………they are still YUMMY!

I am still working on making these bites gluten free.  Despite many attempts, I can’t seem to get the almond flour right.  I feel like I should be using less.  Who is a pro at “alternate” flours, I would love some input.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup + 6 Tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oven to 350° F.
• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.
• Beat eggs and vanilla in separate bowl, then add to large bowl. Beat all wet ingredients well.
• Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well with wet ingredients.
• Add oats and raisins. Mix well.
• Drop rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and fork inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets, then move to wire rack to cool completely. Makes 4 dozen of bite size cookies.  They don’t spread when baking.

If anyone makes a batch and needs a taste tester, I’m available!!!

Why not make a batch and “boo” someone?  Grab one of Thirty One’s Little Carry Alls, fill it with yummy treats and leave it for a friend as a surprise. These are  the perfect solution for organizing the little things in your life. From office supplies to eating utensils and cosmetics, this caddy helps keep your life in order by keeping everything right at your fingertips. Great for gifts, small toys, crafts, office desks, candy and seasonal home décor.

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Treat Thursday: 502 Baking Company

 

Last day of the month and I decided to share with you an AMAZING bakery…..   Here is their story:

Toni Marie and Judy Celeste were independent bakery owners (Sweet Marie’s Bakery and All You Need Is Cake, respectively). They first met when they were vendors at the Brick Farmers Market  They decided to combine their talents and created 502 Baking Company. They are dedicated to producing quality, hand crafted baked goods made with care. Their scratch bakery is conveniently located on Brick Boulevard in Brick, NJ

As you can guess, I met these two lovely ladies at the Brick Farmer’s Market.  It was love at first bite when I tried their macaroons.  Every week, I stopped and picked up a few along with some other yummy treats for hubby.  I tried different things and each one was more delicious then the last.

In January, 2019 they opened their bakery in Brick.  They offer pies, cookies, cakes, special occasion cakes, danish, scones, pignoli, cannoli, turnovers, cupcakes, brownies, crumb cake, cheese cake, breads, bagels, donuts and so much more.  They have a few tables so it is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and a treat to catch up with friends.

In addition, to their own homemade yummy treats they support other local small business owners by carrying a sampling of their products…..

You know my friend Rachel from Wicked Good Spice Mixes Co or at least you should since she is a regular on our Tasty Tuesday blog.  There is an array of spices and vinegars for every taste bud.  Need some recipes, check out Tasty Tuesday or go to their website.  My favorite is peach or pear balsamic vinegar with some olive oil on my salad.  Light and a little goes a long way!

Have you ever heard of Holly Jolly Jams?  Holly Jolly Jams are homemade in small batches with a low-sugar recipe, using only the freshest ingredients, hand-picked or locally purchased when available.  I first tried these at a craft show and stock up on them every time I see her at a show.

Need gluten free or vegan products?  They have you covered with some treats from Starseed Bakery. Starseed Bakery is a 100% Gluten, Dairy, Soy, and GMO Free Bakery in Rockaway, NJ. Committed to the NEW Definition of Healthy Food. For all those with food restrictions, we’re your solution. You can indulge in delicious breads, bagels, all occasion cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, muffins, seasonal favorites and more without the worries of gluten or other allergens. Enjoy our wide variety of vegan options, grain free, sugar free and natural sugar products. We are committed to sourcing ingredients which are organic, safe, fair trade, local, non-GMO, no pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.

Are you a tea drinker?  Pick up some “Oh You, TEAse”. It is the mission of Oh You, TEAse to provide excellent quality, superior taste and a naturally occurring smile within each cup. Pinkies up.  Want to create a great gift?  Why not combine one item from each of these small businesses in a basket?

Plan ahead and I will gladly help you customize a tote for you.  How about a Fresh Market Thermal filled with goodies for a  new homeowner or a graduate. The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes. A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock^® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Who do you know who would love either a basket of goodies or just a few treats from this amazing bakery?  Be sure to let us know what you tried and how you liked it.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

 

Tasty Tuesday: Molasses Cookies

 

Thank you Bonnie Brown for today’s YUMMy recipe.  Bonnie submitted this recipe during a Thirty One Facebook party hosted by her daughter.  I encouraged the guests to submit their favorite cookie recipe AND if I posted it in my blog, they would win a prize from me!  This is one of her mom’s recipes which has been handed down from generation to generation.  So watch the mail Bonnie for your “thank you” gift from me.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups of strong coffee (4 – 5 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 orange skin and join
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 12 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 7 or more cups of flour

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Beat molasses and baking soda until molasses turns to a light color.
3. Add rest of ingredients(except flour) in order, one at a time, mixing well between each one.
4. Once all mixed begin adding flour, one cup at a time, mixing very thoroughly until dough is very firm but not to dry. enough to be able to form a soft ball.
5. Dip your hands in oil, and form a 3″ ball and flatten down into a giant obling cookie on oiled cookie sheet!
6. Bake for 15 minutes, cool and slice diagonally.

NOTE:  The amount of flour needed will depend on the amount of moisture in the flour and moisture in the atmosphere – each time is different!

I love seeing the worn and well used pages of a family recipe book.  One Christmas, a rolodex of family recipes was a gift to everyone.  My grandmother wrote her recipes on scraps of paper and we wanted to be sure they were passed along.  I know my mom probably has her recipe cards tucked away too – I see another round of recipes coming.

I’m sure both of Bonnie’s daughters will carry on the tradition of these yummy cookies with their families.  They are both successful business owners so please be sure to check out their websites:

Nicole is a Pink Status Presenter with Younique.  Younique’s mission is to uplift, empower, validate, and ultimately build self-esteem in women around the world through high-quality products that encourage both inner and outer beauty and spiritual enlightenment while also providing opportunities for personal growth and financial reward.

Tammy is a consultant with Scentsy.  She has been selling Scentsy for 3 years now and loves every minute of it!  Scentsy is known mostly for their wax bars filled with amazing scents and smells warmed with light bulbs or elements in their warmers to release the fragrance, they also have  so many other amazing products.  They are much safer for anyone with furbabies.  You don’t have to worry about your pets playing with flames (thinking the moving ball of fire is a toy) or going near a flame. The products are also non-toxic and the wax doesn’t get extremely hot so they are safer for everyone.

If you try this recipe, let us know what you think. OR if you have a recipe to share, send it to me and if I publish it in my blog, you will get a thank you gift from me.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!