I first tasted these at a clam bake in the fall and immediately thought they would be perfect for the holidays. At the event they were at a dessert table, and they were far from the prettiest dessert (I mean, look at them) but they were called “Moose Nuts” and I knew they were chocolate and peanut butter, so I had to have them. I took a bite and knew that I needed the recipe!
These take a little patience, but they are absolutely worth it. If you love puppy chow or muddy buddy Chex mix, you need to make these! Note that these are a little tricky. The original recipe I got from the baker of these at the event was a little vague (and silly…I’ll share it below), and I changed up the name, but this version of the recipe has worked the best for me. Warning – these are also addicting!
Puppy Chow Truffles
Here’s what you need
For the balls
1 cup creamy peanut butter (I recommend smooth JIF, not a natural or homemade kind)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3 cups rice Chex
1 cup pretzels
For the coating
2 cups chocolate melting wafers
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Here’s what you do
Add the peanut butter and 1/3 cup powdered sugar to a bowl. Heat in the microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
Place the cereal and pretzels in a blender and pulse to chop them into small pieces (not a fine powder). Alternatively, you can crush them by hand with a rolling pin or by hand.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels and stir to combine.
Melt the chocolate wafers in the microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
Roll Chex/pretzel/PB/sugar mixture into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. If they’re not holding well, you may need to refrigerate the mixture for 30 min first. This part can be tricky because the mixture doesn’t always roll into balls or stay firm easily. You’ll need to press and squish it firmly to get it to hold together. I find using a cake pop mold can help – you roll with your hands as best as you can and then smoosh shape into the cake pop mold. Once shaped, freeze the balls for about 30 minutes before dipping in chocolate.
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat, then place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
Once the chocolate is set, roll the truffles in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Enjoy immediately!
Questions for you:
Do you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies?
Have you ever been to an event and found a recipe you knew you had to try?
And here’s the original recipe I received. Good luck following it! One thing is true- the balls may piss you off and you may feel like you’re doing it wrong!
I can’t believe we’re already very much in the holiday season! Christmas is 10 days away, and Hannukah started this weekend. One of the reasons it’s my favorite time of year is really because of all the cookies and baking. If cinnamony-sugary cookies (Taylor Swift Chai cookies) aren’t your thing and you’re more of a chocolate person, here’s a fun recipe you can try on your own or bake with kids!
These chocolate thumbprint cookies have become such a staple in our Christmas cookie rotation over the last few years. Even though I started making them after my grandma died, I always think of her while baking them because she was a self-proclaimed chocoholic and I know she would have loved these. I make them in her honor and it makes me happy that my dad and GM get to enjoy them too since they both love chocolate just as much.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies (With Chocolate Ganache)
Here’s what you need
For the cookies
3 cups (about 360 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (80 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (330 g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
4 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
For the ganache
1 cup (200 g) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Festive sprinkles for topping
Here’s what you do
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and mix until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Scoop about 1 Tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into a ball.
Use a small measuring spoon (or your/your child’s finger) to press an indent into each ball.
Chill the indented dough for at least 1 hour or in the freezer. I like to make these in early December and freeze until they’re just ready to bake before Christmas.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Arrange the chilled dough balls about 1 ½ inches apart on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpat mats. Bake for 10 minutes.
When they come out of the oven, gently press the centers again with the small spoon if the indent rose during baking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 6 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
While cookies are cooling, add chocolate chips to a small bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in the microwave until just about boiling.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then, stir ganache until smooth.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of ganache into each cooled cookie. Sprinkle sprinkles to the top if you want.
Chill the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes so the ganache can set. I like to pop mine in the freezer for a few hours to ensure they’re hardened before storing.
Questions for you:
What’s next on your holiday baking list?
Are you team cinnamon/sugar/spice cookie OR team chocolate cookie?
These were next up. I asked each of my kids to share their top 3 holiday cookies, and one of FW’s favorites were these. Last year was the first year I had ever made them, and I wasn’t even planning on making them this year (like the Chai cookies!), but since they were top on his list, we made them again.
I need to first disclose a few things. First, this is not my recipe. One of B’s cousins made these cookies at his family’s annual golfing reunion, and FW gobbled them up there, so I asked for the recipe. Second, this uses a box of brownies! You can try to make them with your own homemade brownie, but I promise you, this recipe is not just easy, but it’s so tasty, and FW loves them this way. B’s cousin’s original recipe called for boxed frosting too – which you could definitely use! – but I think most boxes/cans of frosting have a funky aftertaste, so I opted to make my own and this is how the recipe has morphed into our own.
Here you go – here is the Chocolate Brownie Sandwich Cookie recipe. These are rich and very sweet, so if you’re eating them as part of a cookie tray, you may only want half of one so you have room to try some other cookies. Note that I typically double the recipe so that I have enough for us to enjoy, plus to give away with other holiday cookies.
Chocolate Brownie Sandwich cookies
Makes 1 dozen sandwiches (or as FW calls them, “chocolate hamburgers” — I don’t think that is very appetizing though)
If you guessed my dad, you’d be right (Happy early birthday, Dad!). But if you guessed Taylor Swift, you’d also be right! Taylor Swift’s birthday is December 13, and in honor of her upcoming birthday – and the holidays, I decided to remake her famous Chai Cookie recipe.
I’ve made Donna Kelce’s chocolate chip cookies (here’s the recipe!), and last year I made Taylor’s Chai cookies (original version here). I enjoyed them, but it was a lot of steps and I never really got the icing to set completely. So this year, I decided to nix the cookie and it wouldn’t go on my holiday cookie plate. That is, until I asked FW to share what his favorite holiday cookies are — and he said these were in his top 3! (He also named chocolate sandwich cookies, which I’ll share the recipe soon – they’re so easy! – and raspberry thumbprints). So, the Taylor Swift Chai Cookies went back onto my list, with a few tweaks – mostly to the frosting.
Here you go – here is the updated Taylor Swift Chai Cookie Recipe.These are similar to a spiced snickerdoodle cookie with a buttercream eggnog frosting. And because of the butter, this frosting actually hardened and was great/easy to freeze!
I love Boston! It’s a city full of history, with plenty to do, and easy to get around. Plus, Boston holds a special place in my heart — it’s where B and I met while at Boston College! I love the city, and we recently went back with our kids for the first time. I hadn’t been back since I was pregnant with FW in 2016 and found that the city is still incredibly walkable, packed with history, and surprisingly kid-friendly.
Spending time in Boston looked a little different from it did when I was in my 20s – but there were still so many fun things to do! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with little ones in tow, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Boston as a family.
Getting Around
Boston’s public transportation system (the “T”) is easy to navigate and a fun adventure for kids. Ours loved riding the train—and bonus: kids ride free! We just purchased a week-long adult pass and we were good to go for our 7-day stay.
Where to Eat with Kids
The North End (Little Italy)
Whether you’re with kids or not, this charming neighborhood is a must-visit. It’s packed with Italian restaurants, and most are kid-friendly, especially if you dine out for dinner early. A few favorites:
Mike’s Pastry – Iconic cannoli tourist spot. It’s cash only, but worth it! We tried other cannoli places in the North End but this still came out on top.
Pizzeria Regina – Famous Boston pizza with a location in the North End.
Lucia’s – A cozy spot we’ve enjoyed in the past (reservations available).
Nando’s – Great for families! They even made off-menu spaghetti and meatballs for our kids. They also take reservations.
Prudential Center
The food court – Options for even your pickiest eaters.
Legal Sea Foods – I’m not saying this is THE PLACE to go for the best seafood in Boston. Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s a Boston staple with a kids’ menu. They have several spots, but went to the one in the Prudential Center, which is easy to reach by T.
Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall
This is bustling food hall where everyone can find something they love, or at least everyone in our family did. From orange chicken to acai bowls to hot dogs to clam chowder, there really is a great selection here. Warning – if you go on weekends it’s BUSY and hard to find a seat, but weekdays are less packed and more manageable, especially with hangry kids. There are often free samples in the market and street performers outside too!
Ice Cream
We went in the summer, so yes, ice cream deserves a category of its own. Here are a few local spots:
JP Licks – A local ice cream favorite with spots throughout the city.
Gelato in the North End – Always a hit after dinner, if you end up not stopping at Mike’s (or even if you do!).
Jamie’s Ice Cream – Smaller place with outdoor seating in Brookline but right off the T. Their flavors are so good, I love “Dump Him” the most!
White Mountain Creamery – A staple if you’re near BC
Fun Things to Do with Kids
Boston Duck Tour
A land-and-water tour with a pirate guide and lots of quacking. Super touristy, but the kids loved it. Look for early morning discounts or combo tickets with other attractions. We took the 9:30 a.m. tour to snag the early-duck discount. This was one of the highlights of the trip for sure! The kids loved “driving” the boat when it went off the land and into the water.
Boston Public Garden
Ride the swan boats and visit the Make Way for Ducklings statues. A peaceful, picturesque spot for a stroll.
Freedom Trail
Follow the red line through historic sites like Paul Revere’s house. Great for older kids or history buffs. We only did some of this with our kids, since the 3-year-old couldn’t care less – but I’m hopeful my older kids will remember some of what we saw when they learn more about the American Revolution!
Boston Common
America’s oldest public park, and it’s perfect for running around or relaxing.
Newbury Street
Upscale shopping and dining but there are fun kid-friendly stops like a Harry Potter store and Ben & Jerry’s. Beautiful for just walking down on your way to the Boston Public Garden.
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
Shops, food, and entertainment all in one place. We got souvenirs, lunch, and walked around a few times. Our kids loved the street performers (and yes, there was some breakdancing involved by my oldest, too!).
Sports!
Our kids enjoy watching professional sports teams, and Boston has plenty to choose from. Since we went in the summer, we caught a baseball game at Fenway and it was great for the kids to see some ball in America’s oldest ballpark. (See a pattern? Lots of OLD things in Boston!)
Playground & Splash Pad
There are playgrounds throughout the city, but one that we frequented a few times was right outside the Government Center T stop and made for a quick break on our way to and from the T.
Rainy/Hot Day Options
New England Aquarium – A highlight of our trip! Penguins, sea turtles, and touch tanks. Our 3-year-old still talks about touching a sting ray and watching the penguins eat.
Museum of Science – A bit harder to get to, but worth it if you have time.
Boston Public Library – Beautiful and right near the Boston Marathon finish line, which is worth checking out, as well as the memorial.
The Prudential Center – A big, air-conditioned mall with food and shops (mentioned above also).
Bonus: Visit Boston College
If you’re near Chestnut Hill, consider a visit to Boston College! It’s where our story began! Stop by Cleveland Circle for a bite to eat at Pino’s Pizza and let me know if you want other food or coffee recs nearby.
Final Tips
Boston is a city best explored on foot or by T. We’ve driven and parked in our hotel before, but this time we flew into the city and took the T from the airport to our hotel. We also discovered a VERY affordable bus to and from downtown to the airport (Logan Express is FREE to downtown and just $3 to the airport). From Fenway to the North End, everything is accessible and easy to get to! And if you do make it to Mike’s Pastry, grab an extra cannoli for us, it’s now FW’s new favorite dessert!
Here’s some more inspiration from my recent Instagram reel:
A few months ago, I made Donna Kelce’s chocolate chip cookies (here’s the recipe!), and after making them, realized I wanted to make a Taylor Swift recipe.
Not only is my 6-year-old daughter in love with Taylor Swift (as most 6-year-old girls seem to be these days), but Taylor Swift has a Cleveland connection – at least by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Travis Kelce is from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and and we are often on “Taylor watch” when Kansas City is in town for football.
So this week was the PERFECT occasion to make the Taylor Swift cookies. Not only was Friday her birthday, but the Chiefs were in town playing the Browns! It was the perfect Taylor Swift weekend and my daughter and I celebrated by listening to Taylor Swift Christmas tunes and making her famous chai cookies.
I pretty much made this recipe exactly. I’ll admit that there were quite a few steps to make these with my daughter but they turned out great! They were like a spiced snickerdoodle cookie with eggnog frosting. YUM!
Would I make them again?
Maybe – they were good but there were a few extra steps and ingredients required that aren’t in my typical cookie recipe AND they require time to sit so they may not become my go-to cookie in a pinch. But they were good enough to share and my kids loved them! My oldest said they’re one of his top holiday cookies now.
She’s Travis and Jason Kelce’s mom. Which brings me to ask … do you know who Travis and Jason Kelce are?
I understand you may not. If you’re not 1) From Cleveland OR 2) A fan of football OR 3) A fan of Taylor Swift, the Kelce boys may not be on your radar. (And if they’re not – they’re brothers from Cleveland Heights, Ohio who now are in the NFL. Travis Kelce is currently dating Taylor Swift).
But we’re talking about cookies! Not football. Anyway, these cookies went famous after Mama Kelce was seen giving her sons a container of them before last year’s Super Bowl, and also gave the Today Show anchors a sample when she was on air with them. But it wasn’t until my phone sent me a link with the headline to this recipe a week ago that I first heard of them.
My phone suggests links based on my click habits – and surprise surprise, most of the links are baking OR running related. I normally would’ve tossed this recipe aside – who needs another chocolate chip cookie recipe – but I had book club and realized that would be the perfect venue to taste them!
I pretty much made this recipe to the T with the exception of two areas – I didn’t have Ghiradelli chocolate chip cookies (I used a combination of Nestle, Trader Joe’s and Target, because that’s what I had) and I didn’t have cold cream butter – I used Costco unsalted butter. I admit that I was unsure if I’d like them – I’m more of a big doughy cookie fan, and also don’t love cinnamon mixed with chocolate.
What was the verdict from my taste testers – my family and book club ladies?
They were a hit! Some guessed the cinnamon, others couldn’t even tell it was in there. Likewise, I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the texture – they weren’t big doughy cookies but they were crispy and chewy in just the right way.
Would I make them again?
Maybe – they were good but there were a few extra steps and ingredients required that aren’t in my typical cookie recipe AND they require time to sit so they may not become my go-to cookie in a pinch. But they were good enough to share and my kids loved them!
This is another one of those recipes that’s not really a recipe – it’s so easy! It only has three ingredients and takes 15 minutes to make. If you have kids — or anyone in your family — that loves jam, you HAVE to try chia jam! It’s a yummy, healthier alternative. Don’t get me wrong, jelly and jam still have a place on our house, but this is a great addition to our rotation. Try it today!
We had a few rainy days in Cleveland last week, and B was busy, which meant that I was trying to find ways to entertain 3 (!) kids inside our house. One of the things that we all love to do – well, except for GM, but we’ll find out about that soon enough! – is bake. And luckily, I’d been dreaming up these bars for a while, so when we had one rainy day and I asked the kids if they wanted to bake (and they said yes!), I knew exactly what we’d make.
I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Especially when there’s not TOO much chocolate involved. Which is probably why I love Reese’s peanut butter cups and pieces. Thus, this recipe.
This recipe uses my standard blondie recipe, plus a few additional add-ins to make it perfect for peanut butter lovers! If you wanted to use a peanut butter cookie base, you could make this EXTRA peanut buttery! But this is perfect if you want a chocolate chip cookie with some added peanut butter candy.
If I had to sum up my life lately, it’d be as follows: running, working, eating, (somewhat) sleeping. And then do it all over again.
Yup, that’s pretty much what we’ve been up to lately. But in case you want to see some pictures, here you go:
I recently finished A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It was so good! I have never read it before but it was our book club book for this week and I really, really liked it.
A coworker and friend took me out for a belated birthday lunch. I LOVE Lebanese food and this cauliflower was amazing.
We’ve been trying to get outside as much as possible. It was chilly on and off this past week, but we did get outside a few times.
Smiles with this girl ❤ She’s fighting a double ear infection but doing alright.
And this guy of course, too.
I also got to go to an amazing blogger tea party. Crystal from Eat*Drink*Cleveland hosted several bloggers last weekend for an AMAZING meal.
She also had this gorgeous tea. Look at that flower!
And she made us cauliflower soup in her Vitamix. I need the recipe; it was SO good!
And of course, there were treats. In addition to tiny tea sandwiches and deviled eggs, there were macarons. Mine was so so good.
What else have we been up to? This weekend we walked to Luna and enjoyed breakfast. FW is loving croissants.
B also made us pizza.
We hung out with Celia and Maura.
And went to the rainforest!
Oh, and of course I’ve been running! The weather has been hit or miss lately- cold and icy in the beginning of the week and then finally it cleared up yesterday and I got outside for a few miles.
And in other running news – my half marathon training starts this week! Today was supposed to be cross-training (or rest) and I actually took it pretty easy. We were supposed to go for a hike with the kids, but it ended up being really windy and rainy so we didn’t get to go. But tomorrow is 3 miles – here’s to hoping that the kids sleep well so I can actually get up and run!
I Crashed The Web 