Food Fun Family

Firecracker Popcorn Balls

Lolli — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 20:08:40 +0000

The kids are finally out of school for the summer and I’m shocked at how fast the time is already flying by. It’s HOT around here, and the boys seem to want to spend their days in one of two places: the pool or the couch playing video games. Sigh.

The 4th of July will be here before we know it, and I can’t wait for the backyard BBQs and our traditional picnic on the grass while we wait for the county fireworks to start. These firecracker popcorn balls (with a fun surprise inside!) are such a fun and tasty treat to take to any Independence Day celebration or get-together this year.

And best part of all, they’re a fun and easy kitchen project that the kids can help with (believe me, they’ll love drizzling the blue and red melted candy coating over the popcorn balls and sprinkling them with red and blue sprinkles…almost as much as they’ll enjoy biting into the popcorn balls and discovering the Pop Rocks inside!

Side note: my kids LOVE Pop Rocks. We go to this local ice cream place and for years the only ice cream any of them would get was vanilla mixed with Pop Rocks. I guess there’s something fun about having your tongue fizzle while you eat, right?

Here’s how easy these popcorn balls are to make! Where would you like to take these treats?

Firecracker Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

1 bag popped popcorn
1 bag marshmallows (10 oz)
Red wafer melts (6 oz)
Blue wafer melts (6 oz)
2 packs blue Pop Rocks
2 packs red Pop Rocks
Red & Blue Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt marshmallows on low heat
2. Mix melted marshmallow with popcorn

3. After cooling a minute, use greased hands to shape gooey popcorn into balls, leaving a hollow pocket inside the ball

4. Fill pocket with 1 tsp Pop Rocks and close hole all the way with more popcorn

5. Melt wafer melts as directed on package

6. Use a fork or a piping bag to spread melted wafers over balls and add sprinkles, if desired

7. Let cool completely before enjoying

Here’s a printable recipe for you. Just click on the image below (don’t right click, because that will save the smaller photo file and won’t print as well). Enjoy!

Yield: 6 popcorn balls

Firecracker Popcorn Balls

These Firecracker Popcorn Balls are easy to make and so much fun to eat. They're a red white and blue sweet treat with an exciting surprise waiting on the inside of each popcorn ball!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 bag popped popcorn
1 bag marshmallows (10 oz)
Red wafer melts (6 oz)
Blue wafer melts (6 oz)
2 packs blue Pop Rocks
2 packs red Pop Rocks
Red & Blue Sprinkles

Instructions

Melt marshmallows on low heat
Mix melted marshmallow with popcorn
After cooling a minute, use greased hands to shape gooey popcorn into balls, leaving a hollow pocket inside the ball
Fill pocket with 1 tsp Pop Rocks and close hole all the way with more popcorn
Melt wafer melts as directed on package
Use a fork or a piping bag to spread melted wafers over balls and add sprinkles, if desired
Let cool completely before enjoying

Valentine’s Day Treats – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #149

Lolli — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:01:27 +0000

Yesterday was frigid.

When my daughter took our dog out in the morning, she forgot that her hair was damp from her shower and her hair froze in the wind. She panicked, thinking that her hair would break off!

Cold Cold Cold. Too cold.

Luckily, things are warming up with Valentine’s Day on the horizon…

Welcome to Delicious Dishes Recipe Party! In case you’re new to the party, here’s what you need to know:

Delicious Dishes is a weekly link party where bloggers can share their most delicious recipes while checking out the amazing recipes that other bloggers are sharing.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Homemade Italian Cream Soda from Cincy Shopper

#2: No Bake Breakfast Bites from Taryn Whiteaker

#3: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls from Coupons and Freebies Mom

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Valentine’s Crack from Sparkles to Sprinkles

Lois loved Honey Graham Bears from The Monday Box

Brett loved Valentine Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Hearts from Wonder Mom Wannabe

Keri Lyn loved Strawberry Cheesecake Heart Muffins from Living on Cloud Nine

Emily loved Chocolate Marshmallow Hearts from The Monday Box

Mary loved Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Live Love Texas

Follow us along on our Pinterest board. We pin a ton of recipes that are shared to our linky party each week. So get your recipes ready. We can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your kitchen this week.

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Our Favorite Cake Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party

Lolli — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 02:09:52 +0000

Merry Christmas!

The traditional Christmas morning picture in front of the tree has been taken, and the kids are looking SO much older!

The presents have been opened and played with all day.

The Christmas dinner has been cooked and eaten.

It’s just about time to transition from Christmas decorations and music and all of the excitement of the season back to regular life.

But in the mean time, it’s still the holiday break and all of the Delicious Dishes hosts are enjoying time with our families, so we’re taking the next 2 weeks a little slower than usual. We don’t have a new link up today. And this week, instead of each of us choosing one of our favorite submitted recipes, we’ve each picked a favorite recipe from our own sites. Strangely enough, we all chose CAKES, so you get to enjoy each of our favorite cake recipes!

Happy holidays!

Host’s Favorite Cakes

These cakes are great for any occasion – holidays, parties, dessert night, birthdays – you name it! Which cake looks most tempting to you?

My favorite: Sprite Bundt Cake with Lemon Frosting from Food Fun Family

Lois’s favorite: Chocolate Brownie Cake with Homemade Ganache from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Brett’s favorite: Coffee Cake with Coffee Glaze from This Mama Loves

Keri Lyn’s favorite: Brown Sugar Bundt Cake from She Saved

Emily’s favorite: Apple Pudding Cake with Butter Cream Sauce from Clever Housewife

Mary’s favorite: White Texas Sheet Cake from Bunny’s Warm Oven

We’ll see you back for our regularly scheduled Tuesday linky parties after the New Year!

In the mean time, share with me in the comments some of your favorite Christmas traditions or something special about your holiday this year. I hope you had a wonderful time with family and friends. I hope you know how much I appreciate each time you visit my blog!

Christmas Treats – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #145

Lolli — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:37:42 +0000

My house is decorated for Christmas.

Presents have been purchased (still so much shopping to do! 17-year-old boys are hard to shop for!).

The first batch of Grandma’s English Toffee has been made, shared, and finished.

Christmas music has been playing non-stop on my Alexa.

My daughter who’s off at college thousands of miles away will be home in exactly one week.

There’s no denying that the holidays are in full swing.

Who’s ready for some more delicious Christmas treats? We saw so many fun holiday goodies in last week’s party that we had to share some of our favorites!

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Vanilla Wafer Holiday Bark from Dizzy Busy and Hungry

#2: Grain Free Italian Wedding Snowball Cookies from Strength and Sunshine

#3: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies from Our Table for Seven

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Reindeer Brownie Recipe from Suburban Simplicity

Lois loved Christmas Peppermint Popcorn Balls from Home Cooking Memories

Brett loved Red Nosed Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies from Adventures of Mel

Keri Lyn loved Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeye Candy) from Adventures of Mel

Emily loved Reese’s Reindeer Christmas Treats from Suburban Simplicity

Mary loved Chocolate Dipped Ritz Cracker Cookies from Delightful E Made

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Sprite Bundt Cake with Lemon Frosting

Lolli — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 12:01:58 +0000

This post has been sponsored by SheSpeaks, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Once November hits, I go into full baking mode. I love this season. So many wonderful flavors to enjoy. So many occasions (and excuses!) to bake and share my favorite baked goodies.

This Sprite® cake is like a welcome ray of sunshine in the middle of the cold season. It’s the perfect cake for sharing at a holiday gathering.

When I was shopping at Sam’s Club recently, I realized that the Sprite® Mini Cans were perfect to use in this recipe! Each Sprite® Mini Can has about a cup of Sprite®, which means that it’s the perfect size for using in the cake…plus a necessary sip for the cook.

Since I stocked up on Coca-Cola® and Sprite® Mini Cans at Sam’s Club this month, I’m planning on cooking even more delicious recipes with Coca-Cola® products. (In case you didn’t know, Coca-Cola® combines deliciously with meats and chocolate!).

Have you ever tried cooking with soda? If you haven’t tried recipes with Sprite® or Coca-Cola® before, you will be amazed at how flavorful and moist recipes turn out with the addition of your favorite sodas.

This Sprite® cake is not only a hit with family and friends, but it’s one of my favorites because of how simple and quick it is to make. I love “doctoring” up cake mixes.

One of the tips I’ve learned in the last couple of years from my daughter (who is an expert cake creator) is to use real butter in place of all or some of the oil called for in a cake mix recipe. (Make sure you’re using real butter….it makes a difference!)

Another tip is to add a dash of vanilla, (I use pure vanilla). Little changes can make a huge difference in both moisture and taste.

Sprite Bundt Cake with Lemon Frosting

Yield: 12 slices

Sprite Bundt Cake with Lemon Frosting

Sprite Bundt Cake is an easy doctored cake mix cake that tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes 45 seconds

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes 45 seconds

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:
• 1 box pudding-in-the-mix lemon cake mix
• ¾ cup Sprite
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-2 tsp lemon zest, optional
Frosting Ingredients:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp milk
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Spray bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all of the cake ingredients. Mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Pour cake batter into greased bundt pan; bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.

4. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan. (I like to set my bundt pan on a cooling rack to speed cooling.)

5. When cake is just about cool, start preparing the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk and lemon zest in a small bowl. Add milk a little at a time, stirring until you’ve reached desired consistency.

Finish: Carefully turn bundt pan over and remove cake onto a plate. Drizzle frosting over the top. Serve!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 384Total Fat: 16.1gSaturated Fat: 9.6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 350mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g

Head over to your local Sam’s Club to stock up on your favorite Coca-Cola® products such as Coca-Cola®, Sprite®, Gold Peak® Sweet Tea, Dasani® and Diet Coke® for the holiday season – or better yet, use Club Pickup at Sam’s Club to save even more time. (We all need a little help in that department this time of year!) I know that we’ll be going through our supply fast. It’s that time of year, after all!

Connect with Sam’s Club:

Twitter: @SamsClub
Facebook: @SamsClub
Instagram: @SamsClub

Learn more about the products featured in this post here.

Christmas Cookie Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #144

Lolli — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 15:50:05 +0000

I just got back home from a 3 day family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge and all of the sudden it’s December! How did that happen? Our house is almost finished being decked for the holidays, which means it’s officially time to start baking holiday cookies for neighbors and friends! What are your favorite Christmas cookies to include (or receive!) on cookie plates? Here are some of my must-bake holiday cookies. Read on to see the host favorites from YOUR recent submissions!

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: 31 Christmas Cookie Recipes from Mommy Hates Cooking

#2: Easy German Chocolate Cheesecake Bars from Mama of Many Blessings

#3: Leftover Chicken Recipes from The Kittchen

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Candy Cane Cookies from Home Cooking Memories

Lois loved Easy Icebox Shortbread Cookies from Hello Creative Family

Brett loved Grinch Snowball Cookies from Cooking with Curls

Keri Lyn loved Double Dipped Chocolate Shortbread Cookies from The Monday Box

Emily loved Cherry Thumbprint Cookies from Cincy Shopper

Mary loved Cherry Kiss Cookies from Platter Talk

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Apple Pie Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #141

Lolli — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:01:44 +0000

Hey guys! I’ve been busy this past week and have some exciting things coming soon to the blog. It’s good to be getting back in my groove (it may take me a while).

This week’s topic was a little tricky for me for one specific reason. I eat and bake ONE type of apple pie. I’ve been making the same recipe since I was 16 years old, and it is one of my signature dishes. I love it. Call me an apple pie snob if you must. I tend to be picky when it comes to my apple pies.

Despite my pickiness, the pictures of apple pies collected this past week are making my mouth water. They all look SO good. Maybe it’s time for me to be a little more adventurous with my apple pies…

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Creamy Green Chile Turkey Enchiladas from Flipped Out Food

#2: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Vegetables Recipe from Mommy Hates Cooking

#3: Thanksgiving Snack Mix from The Simple Parent

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Dutch Apple Pie Bars from Delightful E Made

Lois loved Easy Skillet Apple Pie from Uncommon Designs

Brett loved Sour Cream Apple Pie from Bunny’s Warm Oven

Keri Lyn loved Caramel Apple Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Emily loved Salted Caramel Apple Pie from Cooking with K

Mary loved Deep Dish Apple Pie from Spaceships and Laser Beams

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Homemade Donuts – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #140

Lolli — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:01:56 +0000

It’s been a rough few months, but right now I feel amazing. I feel blessed. I don’t know if it’s the fact that the weather is perfect (despite the reappearance of RAIN….we’ve had so much of it lately!) or if it’s the oranges and yellows and reds covering the trees outside or if it’s the upcoming holidays or if things are finally just settling down. Whatever it is, I’m enjoying life.

I hope you are, too.

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Classic Gluten Free Baked Ziti from Strength and Sunshine

#2: Chocolate Brownie Cake with Homemade Ganache from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

#3: Pumpkin Lush Bars from Cincy Shopper

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Hot Apple Cider Donuts from Gluesticks Blog

Emily loved Puff Pastry Double Glazed Doughnuts from Our Table for Seven

Brett loved Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts from Delightful E Made

Mary loved Baked Gluten-free Apple Cider Doughnuts from Strength and Summer

Keri Lyn loved Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donuts from Ann’s Entitled Life

Lois loved Maple Glazed Donuts from Cooking with Curls

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Easy Halloween Recipes – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #138

Lolli — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:01:13 +0000

How did we end up in the second half of October? And how is Halloween right around the corner? Didn’t we just start the new school year?

It’s finally cooling down around here – I’ve broken out the boots and sweaters, and I’m adding blankets to my bed at night to stay warm. I’m loving it (but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for winter to come quite yet…or ever!).

This week, we noticed lots of fun, tasty, and easy Halloween treats shared at recent parties. I need to make ALL of these! Check out the fun and festive fall recipes we’re featuring from YOU this week…

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: Beef and Spinach Pasta from Joyful Homemaking

#2: Apple Dumplings from Cincy Shopper

#3: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Chimichanga Recipe from She Saved

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Owl Marshmallow Pops from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF MY FAVE

Lois loved Halloween Pretzels from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF LOIS’ FAVE

Brett loved Peanut Butter Balls Pumpkins and Cats from The Monday Box

IMAGE OF BRETT’s FAVE

Keri Lyn loved Little Green Monster Halloween Punch from Gluesticks Blog

IMAGE OF KERI LYN’S FAVE

Emily loved Easy Mummy Brownies from Suburban Simplicity

IMAGE OF EMILY’S FAVE

Mary loved Sweet and Savory Popcorn Pumpkins

IMAGE OF MARY’S FAVE

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up

Apple Desserts – Delicious Dishes Recipe Party #134

Lolli — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 02:51:00 +0000

I’m sorry I’m so late in getting this post up. I’ve spent the last 2 days with my amazing friend who just had a new baby girl. Who can say no to holding a brand new baby for a few hours? Not me…

I LOVE baked apple desserts, especially since I can no longer eat fresh apples. Give me ALL the apple desserts, though!

Each link you share here will be seen on each of the hostess’ blogs listed below >>

Food Fun Family – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

She Saved – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

5 Minutes for Mom – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

This Mama Loves – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Clever Housewife – Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Bunny’s Warm Oven –Blog / Facebook / Pinterest

Each week we will be featuring our favorite recipes from the week before and pinning them to our Delicious Dishes Pinterest board.

We hope you’ll have fun with our party…we know we will!

The Recipes with the Most Clicks Last Week Were…

#1: No Flour No Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

#2: 15 Sheet Pan Dinners from Play Dates and Parties

#3: Maple Glazed Ribs from Mommy Hates Cooking

Delicious Dishes Party Favorites from Last Week:

These are the recipes that the hosts loved the most…

I loved Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars from Our Table for Seven

Lois loved Apple Streusel Bars from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Brett loved Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie from Bunny’s Warm Oven

Susan loved Apple Crumb Cakes from Kleinworth and Co

Keri Lyn loved Canning Apple Pie Filling from Little House Living

Emily loved Caramel Apple Cheesecake from She Saved

Mary loved Apple Slab Pie from Marilyn’s Treats

Now let’s get this party started!

An InLinkz Link-up