Mini No Bake Cheescakes!

Growing up, my mom let us pick what kind of cake we wanted each birthday.

I remember both my brother and dad requesting her cheesecake almost every year.

This cheesecake wasn't a typical cheesecake, but instead more of a cheese pie.

And the best part is that it's not even baked, so that makes things even easier!

While brainstorming dessert ideas to make and share on the blog,

I remembered this cheesecake and how delicious it was,

so I decided to make it myself, but put my own little spin on it!

Instead of making one big no bake cheesecake, I made eight mini ones.

Making cheesecake can be a little intimidating,

but like I already said - this isn't your typical cheesecake

and you don't even have to put it in the oven!!!

Now let me show you how to make these babies.

The Goods:

Mini Graham Cracker Crusts

Cream Cheese Block

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Lemon Juice

Vanilla Extract

Cherry Pie Topping

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.

Now add your lemon juice...

And vanilla extract, then mix once again.

Pour the cheesecake mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts.

Chill in refrigerator at least three hours, until cheesecake is set.

It's delicious as a plain cheesecake...

But I personally prefer it with some cherry pie topping!

Mini No Bake Cheesecake

8 Mini Graham Cracker Crusts

8 Ounce Cream Cheese Block

14 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/3 Cup Lemon Juice

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Can Cherry Pie Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
3. Now add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then mix once again.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts.
5. Chill in refrigerator at least three hours, until cheesecake is set.
6. Eat either plain or with some kind of yummy topping. 

Cocoa Date Balls

I was introduced to Cocoa Date Balls a few months ago.

A coworker was eating some that she'd made and shared one with me.

They're vegan, no bake treats and have just four ingredients.

I was quite interested and couldn't wait to give it a try.

After the first bite, I asked her to send me the recipe.

Mostly because they were AMAZING and I knew I had to blog about them!

My coworker sent me the recipe and told me how easy they were to make, 

but also explained that she'd gotten it from her neighbor,

who happens to be Kristina Kuzmic who's been on Food Network!

The Goods:

Dates

Walnuts

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Cinnamon

Add the walnuts...

And add the dates too...

Then the unsweetened cocoa powder...

And finally the dash of cinnamon.

Pulse until mixture is fine and well incorporated.

Using a small scoop portion out the mixture...

And form into compact balls.

And then if you get a lil crazy...

Decide to make a second batch and add shredded coconut too!!!

These are not only SO easy to make,

but they are SO incredibly tasty too!!!

Cocoa Date Balls
Originally from Kristina Kuzmic

1 Cup Raw Walnuts
1 Cup Pitted Dates
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Dash Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut (Optional)

1. Add the walnuts, dates, unsweetened cocoa powder and cinnamon to a food processor. (Shredded coconut optional)
2. Pulse until mixture is fine and well incorporated.
3. Using a small scoop, portion out mixture and form into compact balls.
4. Store in airtight container in the fridge.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Sticks!

I knew I wanted to make some kind of treat for my co-workers for the holidays

and when I was looking at numerous ideas online, I came up with the idea to make 

HOT CHOCOLATE STICKS!!!

Now you're probably thinking,

Hot Chocolate Sticks? What's that?!?!

Well keep reading and I'll show you!

The Goods:

Dark Chocolate

Lollipop Sticks

Silicone Mold

Milk (For Making Hot Chocolate)

Mini Marshmallows (Optional)

Candy Canes (Optional)

Melt your chocolate and fill silicone mold. 

Once chocolate is set enough, add sticks

and the topping of your choice.

I decided to use only mini marshmallows.

Once completely set, remove from the silicone mold.

Package up into individual baggies.

And because I was giving them as gifts,

I added a mason jar, straw and candy cane too!

One dozen Hot Chocolate Stick treat bags!

These would make a great treat for any holiday.

I'm thinking New Years, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, etc.

Hope you all have a fun and safe New Year's Eve!

Here's to an amazing 2015 my friends!!!

No Bake Treats: Scotcharoos Revisited!

Awhile ago, I posted about Scotcharoos.

Because they are THAT good, I decided I'd post about them 

ONE.MORE.TIME.

Who's going to complain about a super easy and tasty treat???

Take a look below at how easy these Scotcharoos really are!

The Goods:

Crispy Rice Cereal

Corn Syrup

Sugar

Peanut Butter

Butterscotch Chips

Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Cook syrup and sugar together over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.

Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

Add the peanut butter and mix well.

Add the rice cereal and mix to combine.

Put into 9x13 baking dish and spread out.

Melt both kinds of chips and spread out evenly over crispy rice.

Let harden, remove from pan and cut into squares.

And devour!!!