Take your cakes to the next level with this simple Dotty Cupcake tutorial!  Today I’ve teamed up with 20 dessert bloggers for a Cupcake Couture Blog Party. The challenge was to create a a quick and simple tablescape inspired by Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wrappers. Perfect challenge for me…because I can do simple things. I’m a wife and a mom in a house full of boys. They don’t like to wait for hours while I decorate cakes; around here a spoonful of frosting will do just fine. The more frosting the better and I’m positive they don’t even notice when I take the time to coordinate the frosting color to the party theme.

You can see I made quick and easy box mix cupcakes and piped a simple mound of my favorite Almond Buttercream recipe on top. Going along with the dotty cupcake wrapper theme I purchased chocolate candy discs in green, pink, and milk chocolate brown. I set these out with some mini whoopie pies and glasses of milk. The stripy green and solid pink straws added some flair to the theme without overwhelming it. After arranging the chocolate discs on top of the cupcakes I set the extras out on the table. Who could resist grabbing a few as they walk by the dessert table?

The chocolate discs added height and depth to the cupcakes and extended the “Dotty” theme beyond just the wrappers. I arranged the cupcakes all over the table on mini plates and pedestals in various pastel shades. Don’t worry about everything matching just perfectly- this is a whimsical theme and anything goes!

This party is being hosted by 21 fabulous dessert bloggers. If you enjoy reading In Katrina’s Kitchen I guarantee that you will love these sweet sites! I hope you check them out. 

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Dotty Cupcakes | Cupcake Couture Blog Party

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These gourmet whoopie pies came to my door at the perfect moment because my mom was sitting at my dining room table! I excitedly opened the box and we dug in. She grabbed Red Velvet Raspberry and I went for Raspberry Shortcake (like mother like daughter!). I’m excited to share this giveaway for you because not only do you get 6 delicious gourmet whoopie pies delivered to your door but you ALSO get 6 delicious gourmet whoopie pies delivered to your mom’s door. Isn’t that awesome?! If you cannot have the prize delivered to your mom you can choose another significant woman in your life to surprise.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Mother’s Day Giveaway: Gourmet Whoopie Pies (closed)

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I was tricked into playing Candy Crush Saga a few weeks ago. Tricked I tell you!

My 6 year old son hijacked my Facebook account and started playing the highly addictive new game that has over 14 million daily players coming back for more. I was okay with him playing since he has limited access to my account and the attention span of well, a 6 year old. He happily played for a few days until things started to get more difficult. That’s when he began asking Mom for help.

Oh my stars. Why? Whyyyyyyyyyyyy?!

The good news is that he has no concept that some people pay actual money to get ahead in this game and he’s okay if we are stuck on a level for a few days (or weeks *sigh*). His only goal is to stay ahead of Grandma. Yes, he has my mom playing too. And she’s creeping up on us.

Since I have candy on the brain ALL DAY LONG it was only natural to create the coveted Color Bomb Candy at home. If you haven’t play Candy Crush you need to know that this candy is the candy that you want. When you match 5 colors in a row you are awarded with this little gem that wipes out every candy color that you touch with it. Even my 3 year old is in awe of this Color Bomb. He insists on touching the screen if it comes up and says, “Ooooooooh!” when it blasts everything in its path.

Since I was color bombing chocolates in my kitchen already I thought it would be a good idea to Funfetti-fy ALL THE THINGS. Are you not aware of my love of sprinkles yet? Of course the Reese’s peanut butter cups were my favorite.

Do you play Candy Crush or are you holding out?

And if you play will you please send me a life? I’m stuck.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Candy Crush Color Bomb Candies

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So I guess you’ve figured out by now that I’m not a trendy person. I don’t own any chevron paper straws, my laundry room is not teal and coral, and I don’t own a chalkboard or a bubble necklace. I do have some cute baker’s twine, and I am all caught up on Parenthood and Downton Abbey so I have that going for me at least. I don’t quite understand the chevron craze. It’s cute and all, don’t get me wrong. I think the first time I saw it or knew what the word “chevron” was referring to was on those Target dresses that everyone went INSANE over. Are people still going crazy over those? I don’t even know.

One thing I do understand is chocolate. And these Chevron Chocolate Overload Rice Krispie Treats are something I can relate to. Cocoa Krispies cereal, chocolate marshmallows, chocolate frosting, topped with M&Ms. And can we talk about this new M&M color mix? I am kind of in love with it. Pink, Teal, Green, Purple, Red, and Blue ♥ {I found it at Target FYI.}

Let me just say here that even my attempt to be trendy and hop on the chevron train was completely overlooked in my house full of boys. My husband walked in the room and said, “Oh! A Mexican blanket.”

Really? The plus side is that Cinco de Mayo is coming up so you can totally make these for all of your May 5th celebrations. Surely krispie treats are a popular Mexican dish, yes? Mmmmmmkay.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Chevron Chocolate Overload Krispie Treats

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Monday was our first day of Spring Break and we got one of the biggest snowfalls of the year. We truly woke up to a winter wonderland. I protested by making a very Easter-y dessert of Homemade Cadbury Cream Egg Brownies and eating the whole pan while I watched the snow come down. Uhmmmm you need these in your life.

I know I told you last year about how life-changing Homemade Cadbury Cream Egg Filling can be with these Cadbury Cream Cookie Cups. Did you listen? Have you made this cream yet? What are you waiting for- a white Easter?!

While we’re still speaking of the white stuff I just have to say that as much as I dislike snow in almost-April I am happy that my boys got to make our traditional snowman with a popsicle nose. Isn’t it the best? Of course he has chocolate discs for his face and buttons too. Would you expect anything less for such a sweet snowman?

I hope your Spring is off to a sweet start- snow or not! Now please go make yourself Cadbury Cream. Trust me.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Homemade Cadbury Cream Egg Brownies

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Cheesecake screams Easter to me. I can’t remember an Easter that hasn’t included cheesecake in fact. So I was happy to partner with PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese for their Bring Out The Silver campaign along with some other delicious bloggers. Today I’m sharing the recipe for Mini Malted Milk Cheesecakes. We’re all sharing delicious mini cheesecake recipes with you today- so you’re going to have a difficult time deciding which one will make an appearance at your table this Easter!

Do you bring out the silver when it comes to cream cheese? PHILADELPHIA = silver packaging I sure do! I love that PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese bricks have zero preservatives and that they use fresh milk and real cream that goes from farm to fridge in just six days, all since 1872. That’s why PHILADELPHIA sets the standard for making such a rich, moist cheesecake for your family gatherings.

If you are intimidated from making a cheesecake I would suggest starting with minis- either in a mini cheesecake pan or in a muffin tin lined with paper cups. To make the best cheesecake you always want to bring your ingredients to room temperature by setting cream cheese out for at least 10 minutes. I always set my eggs in a dish of tepid water as well. Be gentle with your batter when mixing, and be patient with your oven (no peeking!) while baking. I adapted my recipe from this very delicious PHILADELPHIA Mini Cheesecake Recipe.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Mini Malted Milk Cheesecakes

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You cannot deny that Peeps are an Easter icon, and these Peek-a-Boo Peeps Cookies are just perfect for your Easter table! I had so much fun with last year’s Peek-a-Book Peeps Cupcakes that I had to cookie them. **Here’s a fun fact… As stated in that post you’ll see further inspiration came from Amanda at I am Baker with her Peeps Cake Pops.** I just can’t quit beheading Peeps. And I just love how these little guys look like they are all puffed out in the middle of the cookie, peeking through.

You can make these with any homemade or store-bought cookie but today I’m giving you my recipe for THE BEST, soft, chewy, giant Biscoff Cookies in all the land. In a moment of pure evil genius I sandwiched them together with marshmallow fluff.

Oh.

Yes.

I.

Did.

If you don’t know my story, the short version is this: I’m a peanut butter addict whose son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy so I bake with Biscoff spread as a peanut butter alternative. I have lots and lots of Biscoff recipes if you’re looking. For those who may be wondering- I usually purchase Biscoff in the peanut butter aisle at Wal-Mart or my local grocery store.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Peek A Boo PEEPS Cookies and Giveaway

The post Peek A Boo PEEPS Cookies and Giveaway appeared first on In Katrina's Kitchen.

I hope it’s your lucky day! Winning this Nikon giveaway would be the best way to kick off Spring, don’t you think?! I’m going to keep this short and sweet- tell me (in the comments section) what you want to photograph with this beauty and click on the Rafflecopter entry form that says you commented. BOOM! You’re entered! If you want some bonus entries you can follow me and some of these delicious blogs I’ve partnered with. Just use the Rafflecopter entry below. GOOD LUCK!!

Here’s what is up for grabs:

• Nikon D3100 SLR Camera {Body Only}
• 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
• Active D-Lighting
• 3.0 inch Color LCD Monitor
• Picture Control System expands creativity
• Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System
• Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus
• ISO range of 100 to 3200 (expandable to 12800-Hi2)
• 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes- Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

• Fast, f/1.8 prime lens is perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait and general photography
• Engineered for Nikon DX-format D-SLRS, the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens renders a picture angle approximating the classic normal angle of view of a 50mm lens on a Nikon FXformat digital SLR or 35mm film camera
• Aspherical lens element minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers color consistency and reduced flare
• Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus
• Close focusing to 1 foot for creative perspectives and versatility
• Rounded 7-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• Accepts 52mm filter attachments

This giveaway is brought to you by:

Buns in My Oven | In Katrina’s Kitchen | Crazy for Crust | Sally’s Baking Addiction | Shugary Sweets | Love From the Oven | Chocolate Chocolate and More | Bakeaholic Mama | Inside BruCrew Life | My Imperfect Kitchen | Something Swanky

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Lucky Day Nikon Giveaway | Nikon d3100 + 35mm Lens {closed}

The post Lucky Day Nikon Giveaway | Nikon d3100 + 35mm Lens {closed} appeared first on In Katrina's Kitchen.

This Rainbow Granola is sure to brighten up your morning and bring a smile to your face. A fun way to sneak oats into picky children as well!

I’m not afraid of a little color, are you? I’ve made a Rainbow Swirl Cake, Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Tie Dyed Rice Krispie Treats. St Patrick’s Day can come and go without me even knowing it but I’m never one to pass up an excuse for rainbow food. My kids are pretty good eaters but they take after their mom when it comes to oatmeal; we just can’t do it. This is not news to those of you that follow along regularly but it’s still true. homemade granola is a way for me to soothe my conscience.

Even the oatmeal haters in my house approved of these Rainbow Granola cups. As you can see this is basically a traditional granola recipe with  some Fruity Pebble cereal tossed in. It bakes up crispy and crunchy and in perfect little clumps if you like a chunky granola. I threw in a few sprinkles at the very end for good measure, because sprinkles make me happy. Did you know that there are such things as Sprinkle Haters?! It’s true! Shocking but true.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: Rainbow Granola

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Here we are at the end of our 4-part PicMonkey series. Today we are covering how to create a graphic or printable from scratch- totally free and 100% custom made to your fit your needs!

First you will need to create a Blank White Starter Image. If creating graphics is something that you will be doing with any regularity I suggest creating this image and saving it to your computer instead of recreating it every time you need to make a graphic. You are basically going to use a white Overlay to cover up a picture. This will become your Blank White Starter Image. You can use any photo but I would suggest that you start with a picture with a high resolution so that your final image isn’t blurry when you try to upload the graphic to your blog or website.

Open up PicMonkey and select “Edit a Photo.”

Upload any image you want. I snapped a picture of my son’s room and used that. Go to the 5th tier down on the left sidebar and select the Overlay menu (it looks like 3 stickers/badges).

Choose the “Geometric” Overlay.

Select the rectangle.

Drag the corner of the rectangle to cover up your entire photo.

Click on the Overlay and change the color to white (either by dragging the color selector to the upper left corner or by typing FFFFFF in the upper right box).

Save your Basic White Starter image to your computer! Check the dimentions and be sure the quality is high. Or save as a PNG file.

Click to grab the recipe and continue reading: PicMonkey Mondays: Creating Graphics and Printables

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