Don’t Miss a Thing!

Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes in your inbox!

Lynsey Lou's

Enjoying Life One Bite at a Time!

Gifts

S’mores Filled Beer Mug

by Leave a Comment

Are you still searching for gifts for dad?  We’re on the downhill stretch to Father’s day!  Today I have a fun little gift to share with you.  One that is so simple but perfect for the dad that is a beer connoisseur as well as a s’mores enthusiast. 

There’s not a lot to this mug, but it is incredibly fun to make.  You could also go one step further and personalize a mug by etching your dad’s name or initials on it.  When I started thinking about this idea I started thinking about all the different types of beer and the coloration of them.  I wanted to do a mug that held the makings for s’mores since Spencer LOVES s’mores, and my mind automatically went to a dark, amber style beer.

Once I got that nailed down, it was a cinch from there.  I added some fun size dark chocolate Hershey’s bars, to resemble the amber beer.  Then to resemble the gradual color change of the head on the beer I layered in some graham cracker sticks and then topped it with an overflowing mound of marshmallows.

I couldn’t have been happier with the end result.  A big beer stein filled with the makings for s’mores and all the while resembles a mug of ice cold beer.  Give this, alone, to dad and he’ll be thrilled.  Or, pair this cute mug with a 6 pack of his favorite beer and tell him to relax and enjoy on his day.

S’mores Filled Beer Mug

Ingredients:


1 Large beer stein
2 Packs of Hershey’s fun sized candy bars
1/2- 1 Cup graham cracker sticks
1- 1 1/4 Cups mini marshmallows

To assemble-
Place the candy bars in the bottom of the mug, next add the graham cracker sticks, and then top with marshmallows.

Give to dad as is, with a 6 pack of his favorite beer, or tie a ribbon and note around it.

“You’re an Awesome Pop” Gift Bucket

by Leave a Comment

Father’s day is exactly one week from today.  Have you already shopped for, purchased and wrapped the gift(s) for those special men in your life?  Or, are you frantically scouring the net trying to find the perfect gift for your guy?

Shopping for Father’s Day gifts can be a daunting task.  You want to find just the right gift to say thanks for being the best dad ever.  Sometimes the hard part is finding something that the person doesn’t have.  That’s the problem I have when it comes to my dad, the dad who has everything.  Although he doesn’t care about getting stuff, I still like to get him something special, even if it’s a little something special.

So, if you’re scouring the net and still can’t find something then how about a DIY gift.  One that holds all his favorite snacks.  Something you can give him and say, here, enjoy this while you relax today.

Well, that’s just what I have here.  Something quick, easy and inexpensive.  A bucket full of popcorn, coke, pop rocks and lollipops.  Notice a theme?  “Pop”.  I love this idea, not only does it hold some of his sweet and salty favorites, but the tag I put on it says “You’re an Awesome Pop”.  Not only is he amazing, but Tucker also calls him Pop which makes this little gift that much more fitting.

What you need-
Popcorn
Soft drinks
Lollipops, his favorite kind
Pop Rocks
Poppycock or something other caramel corn snack mix
A cute bucket, or a microwavable tub of popcorn

Assemble, add a personalized tag and viola.

College Dorm Room Survival Basket

by Leave a Comment

In a matter of a few months high school seniors will be gaining the title of college freshman.  Along with that newly earned title, they’ll be learning their way around a new campus, meeting new friends and, of course, making their way to their new home away from home.

That means learning to make it own their own, and without all of the luxuries they had at their parent’s house.  So to help the freshman transition to dorm room life a little more easily, a little “survival basket” will be a small answer to both the teen’s and parent’s prayers.

I’ve put together a simple little basket that includes a few of the many things that the new college attendee will need.  This basket is a fun way to help prepare them for the road ahead and can include as many personalized goodies as you’d like to stuff in there.  You could even take it a step further and coordinate it with colors of their new school…like Razorback red!  Woo Pig Sooie!

This particular basket includes a few essentials along with some snacking goodies to get them through a few of their many late night cram sessions.  I chose to take a large basket, with holes in the side, that could be used for a shower/toiletry caddie for them to take their essentials to the shower.  This will particularly come in handy if they have a community shower versus a personal bathroom.  Inside the basket is a smaller basket that can be used for smaller toiletries, pins, a few snacks or whatever else they’d like to throw in there.  Along with that is a small hand towel, plastic cups, coffee (for those late night study sessions and early 8:00 a.m classes), chips, chocolate milk packets, granola bars, laundry detergent and softener, and gum.

The options are endless with these survival baskets; add a copy of Daphne Oz’s Dorm Room Diets to help them eat healthy, in a dorm room and on a budget.  A set of hangers would come in handy, alarm clock, flashlight, first aid kit, shower shoes; the list goes on and on.  Personalize to for the graduate you have in mind.

Graduation Oreo Cookie Pops

by Leave a Comment

Oreo cookies are one of my all time favorite cookies, and I believe pretty much everyone of you out there would agree with me.  At any point in the day, there’s nothing better than getting a couple of Oreos and a tall glass of ice cold milk and dunking those deliciously crunchy wafer cookies into milk and devouring them.  What, if anything, could take this insanely delicious cookie up a notch?  Well, coating it in white chocolate.  And yes, Oreo’s also thought of that too.

Since it’s graduation time and everything’s cuter on a stick, and tastes better once it’s been enveloped in chocolate; I thought it would be a fun idea to make custom Oreo cookie pops with personalized messages to this years senior class.  And, to add a pop of color they’ve been rolled in colorful sprinkles!  To customize them even more you could use sprinkles that are the schools colors.

These would be a fun gift to give to guests who have attended your graduates party.  Simply wrap them in a cellophane bag and tie with a cute ribbon in the school colors.  These would also be a fun addition to the food table for the guest to snack on while they are at the party.  No matter whether they’re favors or to snack on during they party, they’ll be a hit with the graduates and party guests!

Graduation Oreo Cookie Pops

Ingredients:


10 Oreo cookies
2 Cups white melting chocolate
10 Cake pop sticks
Sprinkles
Food Writing Pins or Royal frosting

Directions:


Line a clean work surface with wax paper.  Carefully split the Oreos in half and lay them on the wax paper.  Gently press the sticks in the center of the filling, being careful not to break the wafer.  Place the chocolate in a microwave safe dish and heat in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted.

Once the sticks are placed on the cookies, place half a teaspoon of melted chocolate on top of each stick and gently but firmly press the other wafer on the melted chocolate.  Continue process with the remaining cookies.  Allow to sit for a few minutes until the chocolate has set.

Meanwhile, place sprinkles in a shallow bowl.  Once the chocolate has set, coat each cookie in the white chocolate.  Roll the edges of the chocolate coated cookie in the sprinkles, set aside and allow to dry.  Continue process with remaining cookies.

Once the chocolate has set, write messages on the cookie with pins or pipe with royal frosting.

Wrap in cellophane bags for favors or place in a stand or vase for a party.

Bird’s Nest Chocolate Stirring Spoons

by Leave a Comment

Tucker always enjoys helping my in the kitchen.  It doesn’t matter if it’s scooping flour, pouring vanilla, or making pigs in a blanket; he loves it all.  As much as he enjoys those different tasks, I am always trying to think of different ideas and activities to let him take the reigns in the kitchen.  There’s nothing better than seeing his face light up after he finished a fun project.  He is beyond proud.

So while this is not really much of a recipe, it is a fun and festive activity that you can do with you kids and helped them get involved in the kitchen and the Easter season.  The process of these spoons is really simple; dip the spoon in chocolate, add some sprinkles and then put some eggs in the center.  Viola!  You have a fun stirring spoon that is so cute and so simple.

These spoons are covered in dark chocolate, but you could easily substitute milk, semi-sweet or white chocolate to suite your tastes.  These spoons are fun and festive option that can be wrapped in cellophane and tied with a cute ribbon for classroom treats or party favors.  But they can also serve as décor as well as serving spoons on the beverage table at your Sunday brunch or meal.  These are the perfect thing to stir your coffee, hot chocolate or the kiddos chocolate milk with. 

It doesn’t get much better than dipping a spoon covered in chocolate, sprinkles and chocolate eggs in your drink.  This is a fun treat that will bring out the kid in all of us this Easter!

Bird’s Nest Chocolate Stirring Spoons

Ingredients:


1/2 Cup dark melting chocolate
Brown sprinkles
36 Mini Cadbury chocolate eggs
12 Plastic spoons

Directions:


Spread wax paper over a clean, flat work surface.

Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.

Dip spoon in the melted chocolate, completely coating the top and bottom sides of the spoon.  Place on the wax paper, coat the edges with sprinkles and place three eggs in the center of the spoon.  Allow to dry completely. 

Wrap in plastic bags and tie with a cute, festive ribbon or store in an airtight container.  When ready to serve, place the handle in a cup or container filled with eggs, jelly beans or other candy.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

DIY Sharpie Valentine’s Mug

by Leave a Comment

I know Valentine’s is tomorrow and probably most everyone has bought their gifts and cards.  But, I’m sure there are a few people out there who are still looking for a gift or need a quick, last minute idea for someone.  Well, no problem.  I’ve got you covered.

This DIY Valentine’s mug is so incredibly cute and only costs $2.00 to make.  That includes the mug and the markers.  Just $2.00 for a cute and customizable gift for that someone special!  

All you need is a plain white mug and permanent markers, colors of your choosing.  I found both my markers and the mug at The Dollar Tree.  For this mug, since it’s for Valentine’s, I chose to make a red heart the focus.  I wanted the design to be simple and really highlight the heart.  I drew a big red heart and filled it in and then just to add a little something else, I did a black dot border around the top and bottom of the mug.  It turned out even better than I imagined.
It’s so simple but so incredibly cute.  I was really pleased with the final product.  This is something you could do on your own, but you could also turn it into a craft that can be done with your kiddos.  Tucker loved helping me make the black dots and he was even more tickled to use it to drink his hot chocolate!  Give this mug alone as a gift or fill it with the person’s favorite coffee or hot chocolate and even some homemade marshmallows! 
DIY Valentine’s Mug
Supplies:

1 White mug
Markers of your choice
Directions:

Draw the design of your choice on the mug.  Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool completely.  

Nutella Marshmallows

by 1 Comment

Tomorrow is Valentines!  Have you bought your cards, flowers, chocolates and gifts?  Or will you be running by the store tonight or tomorrow at lunch to get your cards and such?  Or, do you even celebrate?

We celebrate Valentine’s in our house but we don’t go over the top.  Maybe a card and a box of chocolates and then I’ll cook a special meal for us, but we don’t buy elaborate gifts and don’t want to fight the crowds at busy restaurants.  Plus, we enjoy spending time with our little guy and staying home is definitely the best way we can take advantage of that on such a busy restaurant holiday.  

Speaking of the little ones, do you do anything special with or for them?  Tucker loves being in the kitchen with me, anytime I step foot in the kitchen he’s right there with me.  He can’t pull a chair up fast enough to assist me in whatever I’m doing whether it’s a grilled cheese, chocolate chip cookies or cutting out sugar cookies.  He’s by my side the entire way through and I love it.  So any time I think of something Tucker can help me with from start to finish we are in the kitchen doing an activity just for him.
These nutella marshmallows are one of those things that are so simple, and only 2 (3 ingredients if count the sprinkles) ingredients and can be customized to his liking.  What’s even more fun than sprinkles?  Cutting them out in fun shapes.  Since Valentine’s is tomorrow we cut out hearts and used some fun Valentine’s sprinkles.  He had a blast making these.
These are so much fun, not only to make but to eat.  Tucker could eat them alone, but they are also a fun topper for a big glass of hot chocolate and would make fun gifts for friends, teachers and even co-workers.  Pop them in a cute mug with some hot cocoa mix and you’ve got a cute, inexpensive and heart felt gift.
Nutella Marshmallows
Ingredients:

1 Cup Nutella
1 1/4 Cup Marshmallow fluff
Sprinkles, if desired
Directions:

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.
Place Nutella in a microwave safe bowl and heat for about 15-20 seconds, until it can be easily poured and spread.  Pour in the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
Next, place the marshmallow fluff in the microwave and heat for 15 seconds, just to soften slightly.  Pour over the Nutella and carefully spread into an even layer.  Add sprinkles, if desired.  Place in freezer until set, at least 1 1/2 hours.

Once the mixture is set, use a cookie cutter of your choice and cut out marshmallows.  The fluff will be easy to go through, but the Nutella may require a little extra force!  Place in a plastic bag and return to the freezer until ready to use or eat!

Yields about 7 moderately sized hearts.

Receipe source: A Lynsey Original 

Valentine’s Saltine Bark

by 2 Comments

We are T-minus 4 days to the official day of love.  Are you ready?  Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, a group of friends or flying solo good food, sweets and a few drinks are a must.  Chocolate goes hand in hand with Valentine’s day, wouldn’t you agree?  But to me, chocolate goes hand in hand with any day!

I’ve been on a major saltine bark kick lately.  You know me and my sweet and salty addiction and this bark hits all those notes; salty crackers, topped with lightly crisp caramel and then of course, the semi sweet chocolate.  I love the classic version, but I also enjoy playing with different toppings and add-ins and since Valentine’s day is right around the corner I came up with a version perfect for the occasion.

This is the basic bark base of saltine crackers topped with caramel and chocolate.  But then to give it a festive and colorful flare, I added some fun Valentine’s sprinkles and some white chocolate chips.  All the yummy, salty and sweet flavor of the traditional saltine bark with a little Valentine’s flare.

Forget the box of store bought chocolates, make a batch of this saltine bark for your special someone, your co-workers or your kiddos classmates.  

Valentine’s Saltine Bark

Ingredients:

40 Saltine crackers (1 sleeve)
1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 Cup brown sugar
1 3/4 Cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 Cup white chocolate chips
Valentine’s Sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Like a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray then lay the crackers in a single layer over the foil.

Place butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the mixture has reached a boil, reduce to medium and allow to boil for 3 minutes.

Pour over the crackers and spread evenly, being sure each cracker is covered.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel crackers. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then evenly spread the chocolate over the caramel crackers.  

Sprinkle white chocolate chips and sprinkles over the crackers and allow to set.  Once the chocolate has hardened and is set, break the bark in pieces and store in an airtight container.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Chocolate Dipped Stirring Spoons

by Leave a Comment

So are you still looking for some easy and fun options for gifts or favors?  Throughout today and tomorrow I’ll be sharing several ideas that are simple and quick and the great options for easy gifts or for the person that has everything.

Throughout the fall and winter people  just can’t seem to get their fill of hot beverages whether it’s cider, coffee or hot chocolate you’ll always find hot beverages in hand.  So whether you’re looking for fun gifts to give, stirring sticks to have available at your parties or favors to send home with your guests flavored stirring sticks or spoons are a perfect option.

These are a fun and easy idea that can be customized to your liking.  Simply take some plastic spoons, dip in chocolate.  From there you can leave them just like that or sprinkle with broken up candies, chocolate pieces or even marshmallows.  You could also make fun chocolate designs on them to make them festive, like chocolate snowmen or white chocolate Christmas trees.  The options are endless and your imagination is your limit.

Make a variety of these and place them in cups at your drinking station; wrap them in a cellophane bag and tie them with a cute ribbon for favors, or package them up with your favorite  drink mix and place in a cute mug for a fun and quick gift.

Chocolate Dipped Stirring Spoons

Ingredients:


12 plastic spoons
3 Oz milk chocolate
Candy of your choice (I made hot chocolate and peppermint stirring spoons)
 -2 Tbsp peppermint pieces
 -1 1/2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
 -1/2-3/4 Tbsp mini marshmallows

Directions:

Line a clean work surface with wax paper.

Chop the milk chocolate and place in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.  Stir vigorously for 30 seconds.  Dip each spoon in the chocolate then place on the wax paper.

If topping with candy, sprinkle candy bits on immediately.  If decorating with a snowman or Christmas tree then allow the chocolate to dry before adding the design.

Allow the spoons to dry completely before storing or packaging.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Peppermint Saltine Toffee Bark

by Leave a Comment

Last week I appeared on KARK 4 to present some edible and DIY Christmas gifts.  It seems like more and more people are turning to homemade gifts to give to friends, neighbors and co-workers.  There’s just something that brings a smile to people’s faces when they get a tin, box or basket filled with homemade cookies, candy and drink mixes.  Something so simple but that involves thought and love in the preparation of each item that it includes.

While I was on the set last week, one of the anchors said “what is it about peppermint?  You can add it to everything to give it a holiday taste, feel and look.”  There is so much truth to that.  There’s just something about that combination of red and white that instantly brings Christmas to mind at the first glance.

So when I started thinking about something easy that could fill those Christmas tins I instantly thought of saltine bark.  I made a batch of heath saltine bark a few weeks ago and it disappeared before I could get it out of my hands.  There’s just something about the combination of saltines, brown sugar, butter and chocolate that when combined make an addicting candy.  It went so fast with the heath bits I decided to try it with a different topping, peppermint baking chips.

This was every bit as good as the original.  The bits of white chocolate and peppermint bits sprinkled over the semi-sweet chocolate no only scream Christmas but also taste amazing.  If you love the combination of chocolate and mint then this is the bark for you and all those chocolate and mint lovers.  This bark is so simple to customize with whatever flavor and topping you want; plain, toffee, peppermint, pecans, caramel, coconut, the list just goes on and on.  Whatever flavor combinations are your favorite, just be sure to make this bark and customize it to your tastes!


After I shared this with some of my co-workers, one of them said they were going to buy all the saltines in a 20 mile radius from their home.  Yes, they loved it that much, then they also said they were going to send me the bill for the bigger clothes they would have to buy after consuming all that bark.  So when you give this to your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers you may include a disclaimer!

Peppermint Saltine Toffee Bark

Ingredients:

40 Saltine crackers (1 sleeve)
1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 Cup brown sugar
1 3/4 Cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 Cup Andes peppermint crunch baking chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Like a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray then lay the crackers in a single layer over the foil.

Place butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the mixture has reached a boil, reduce to medium and allow to boil for 3 minutes.

Pour over the crackers and spread evenly, being sure each cracker is covered.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel crackers. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then evenly spread the chocolate over the caramel crackers.  Sprinkle the peppermint chips over the chocolate. Allow to sit until the chocolate has hardened. Once the chocolate is hard, break the bark and store in an airtight container.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

→←