Turtle Cookie Balls - Valentine: I Turtle-y Love You + Printable Gift Tag

I am a sucker for a corny Valentine.  Especially if a food pun is involved.  Even though Little Devil is grown up and we are far removed from the days of school Valentines, I think I will always celebrate the day by making something fun and silly for friends and family.  In the past I've done Coca-Cola Cupcakes (Valentine I SODA Like You) Copycat Beaver Nuggets (I'm EAGER to be your Valentine) and Banana Crumb Muffins (Valentine I'm BANANAS for you).  In fact if you search "Valentine" on my blog, you'll see a lot of Valentine inspiration.  Valentine's Day is right up there with my favorite holiday: Halloween.  It's January 6th as I'm typing this and I already put out my Valentine's Day decorations.  January is dreary and boring and I'm ready for fun!   Last year, I made Turtle Cookie Balls with the theme of "I TURTLE-y Love You" and they were a huge hit.  This made a large batch for sharing and the little no-bake cookie balls were surprisingly easy to make.  They had all of the flavor of  delicious turtle candy with chocolate, caramel and pecans in a fun and giftable cookie form.   I found the cutest little containers for gifting and designed a little gift tag to go along with the theme.  Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I'm already brainstorming ideas for this years punny, funny Valentine idea so stay tuned.  In the meantime, enjoy a batch of Turtle Cookie Balls! 

These cookie balls, reminiscent of a
delicious chocolate-caramel-pecan
turtle candy are great any time, and make
an adorable gift or dessert. 

Perfect for Valentine's Day with the
theme, "I TURTLE-Y Love You"

All bagged up in the cutest Valentine 
cartons with matching gift bags.

Boxed up and ready to go.
All they need is a cute gift tag!

Feel free to use my Turtle
Valentine Gift Tag.  
Just click on the picture to enlarge
it, right click to save the image and
resize to your liking and print onto
cardstock.

Happy Valentine's Day!  
I would TURTLE-Y Love it if you made these
Turtle Cookie Balls.

TURTLE COOKIE BALLS

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
approximately 70 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (2 and 1/3 cups)
3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
16 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (or chocolate almond bark) melted for dipping
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, crushed vanilla wafers and caramel topping until well blended.  Shape into approximately 42 (1-inch) balls.  Place on a cookie sheet and freeze for 10 minutes.  (NOTE: I used my smallest cookie scoop to help me form the balls in the same size.) Remove the balls from the freezer and using a fork or dipping tool, dip into melted chocolate.  Shake off the excess and place onto a waxed-paper lined tray.  Sprinkle with the chopped pecans before the chocolate sets up.  Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the balls to firm up before serving.

"VALENTINE: Every Hour is Happy With You" Cocktail Gift

Last Valentine's Day was pretty lame because I was on week 6 of a 16 week recovery of hand surgery.  I've mentioned in posts past that Mr. Devilish Dish and I passed the recuperation time by watching reruns of "Bar Rescue" and creating cocktails.  Aside from the excruciating pain, and frustration of only having one hand to blow dry my hair, I have to say those few weeks were time well spent with my husband.  He took great care of me and went to great effort to keep me comfortable, sane and entertained.  In addition, we learned a lot about the art of cocktail making and when Valentine's Day rolled around I knew I wanted to get him the handful of tools I realized we were missing in our bar set-up.  We needed a cocktail mixing glass, a cocktail strainer and he asked for sugar cubes.  I also found a company that sells the most unique cocktail mixers, bitters and more.  El Guapo is located in New Orleans, which is dear to our hearts because my brother-in-law is a chef there.  I had already ordered gifts for him from this company in years past, and I knew their LOVE POTION BITTERS would be the perfect addition to a cocktail themed Valentine basket.  I also added a bottle of their Cajun Grenadine which features the famous Ponchatoula strawberries.  And of course no Valentine is complete without some chocolates so I added some of his favorites in there too.  Considering I put the entire thing together with one hand, I was pretty impressed with this little gift.  Even if I wasn't able to tie a bow on it.  And the best part, is I do love a Valentine Pun, so I was able to add a little homemade card that said, "Valentine: Every Hour is Happy With You." Which turned out to be very true, because My Valentine is the one that helped me get through that mess of a surgery recovery. 

Valentine: Every Hour is Happy with You!

These bitters are so unique,
and fit with my theme perfectly.

I filled the cocktail mixing glass
with a variety of his favorite candy.
(And mine too.  I ate that Reese's.)

Did you know that traditional grenadine
is made from pomegranate? THIS certified
Cajun version features Louisiana strawberries. 

Here's the whole basket.  Good thing
it didn't need a bow, because I couldn't 
tie one with one hand.

Hope this gives you some Valentine inspo!

BBQ Gift for Boys

Is it just me or are boys hard to shop for?  And by boys I mean my grown up husband.  It doesn't help that he's very particular about his things and he's also been known to treat himself.  I wouldn't dream of buying him clothes or golf stuff.  And he owns every possibly fishing lure known to man.  He does love grilling and smoking and barbecuing, although again he owns every grilling gadget and seasoning known to man.  A while back he asked if I would pick him up some towels for the patio.  I asked, "What kind of towels?" and his reply was, "You know, some towels that match our stuff, but you don't mind me using and getting dirty when I'm out here grilling."  Obviously after 30+ years I have trained him well.  He knows not to take the good towels outside.  Or mop up spaghetti sauce with them.  He has one hilarious towel I got him that hangs on his BBQ Cart and he said, "I don't want to use that one, it's too funny."  So when his birthday rolled around I could not think of anything to get him and then I remembered the towel request.  I decided surely I could build a gift around a few towels for the patio.  Perusing Bass Pro, I found this cool cast-iron casserole dish.  He loves to put things in the smoker.  Crab legs, Queso, Rice Krispie Treats, Pizza Rolls.  You name it, he's put it in the smoker.  I don't mind, except I DO MIND when he puts my beautiful bright red Le Creuset Dutch Oven in there.  That prized trophy needs to stay in the kitchen.  Once I stumbled upon the cast-iron dish and towels I just grabbed a few things to fill it up.  Sticking with the theme I added the silicone handles for said cast-iron pan, a brush to clean it and a very cool silicone pad to rest his tongs and spatulas on when he is cooking outdoors.  And I grabbed a container of the ONLY seasoning he does not own.  One created especially for game meats.  Little Devil's BF keeps us supplied with venison so that will be of great use.  Finally I added a magnet to add to our collection on our BBQ Storage cabinet.  I used a ponytail holder to form the towels into a big bow.  Because his gift might be boring barbecue and grilling stuff, but by gosh I will "Cute anything up!"

Proof I can "cute up" any ol gift, even
a boring BBQ boy gift.

Here it is before the "bow"
I scooted everything toward the
top because I knew the towels
would take up most of the space.

I used a new pony-tail holder to fold
the towels and create a bow shape.
I was too lazy to find a clear one or
one that matched the red color-scheme.
But he's a boy and did not care or 
notice.

This turned out pretty cute.  He was not aware
there was a cast-iron casserole dish available.
Thanks Lodge!  Now my fancy Le Creuset
gets to stay in the kitchen where it belongs.

Here's his "funny" towel he doesn't want to use
and get dirty.  Have fun having these lyrics
stuck in your head all day lol.

Harvest Chex Mix

So I have two things I need to admit.  First, when I made holiday themed things for the blog, I typically do it in advance.  So when you think we might be eating Eerie Eyeball Pasta Salad the week of Halloween, we are really eating it in August or September.  So during the month of October, I was busy planning Fall and Thanksgiving themed things to make.  When I came up with this Harvest Chex Mix as an idea for Thanksgiving snacking, or little hostess gifts for Thanksgiving Day, I really made it in October.  The second thing I will admit it although the intention is for the Bugles chips to look like little cornucopias for Thanksgiving, I bagged this Chex Mix up and gave it away for Halloween.  All of my family and friends got a cute little Halloween sack full of this and I flat out admitted, "This is really a Thanksgiving-themed snack mix but it's for the blog so pretend this is a Halloween gift."  No one complained, because it's pretty tasty and so cute.  I think a big bowl of this for guests to munch on while the Thanksgiving meal is being prepared would be ideal.  Or to enjoy while watching those holiday football games.  OR bagged up into Thanksgiving-themed treat bags as a cute little hostess gift if you happen to be visiting someone else's home for the holiday meal.  The colors are perfect for the holiday and the addition of the candy pumpkins and candy corn look just like Thanksgiving.

Perfect for Thanksgiving season - with the 
cute little Bugle "Cornucopias"

The Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the 
Chex cereal, the Bugles and the 
pretzel sticks.

Melt the butter and brown sugar
together over low heat.  You could add
pumpkin spice or apple pie spice at
this point, but I like keeping the mixture
fairly plain so you can taste all of the 
other ingredients.

Divide the mixture between two
baking sheets and bake.

Once the mixture has cooled,
add in the candy ingredients.

Serve and enjoy or bag up to give
as little gifts.

Perfect for holiday snacking,

Makes a cute little hostess gift too.

HARVEST CHEX MIX

1 (12 ounce) box Rice Chex Cereal
1 small bag (7 ounces) Bugles corn snacks
4 cups pretzel sticks
2 (movie sized) boxes Reese's Pieces
1 bag candy corn
1 bag harvest mix (the candy corn mix with the pumpkins)
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  In a large bowl combine the Rice Chex, Bugles and pretzels.  In a small pan, melt together the butter and brown sugar until well combined.  Pour the butter mixture of the chex mixture and toss to coat.  Divide mixture evenly between the two baking sheets and place in the oven.  Bake for 15 minutes, stir and then bake for an additional 15 minutes.  (If you can't fit both baking sheets on the same rack in the oven, when you remove them at the 15 minutes point to stir, switch the pans between the racks.) Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  Stir in the remaining candy ingredients before serving.

 

Pumpkin Spice Pretzels

I know I've confessed to you before I'm not a pumpkin spice person.  I love just about everything else associated with this time of year, including football, pumpkins, haunted houses, Halloween candy, fall leaves, apple cider and eventually cooler weather.  Back to number one on that list: Football.  I'm constantly looking for new ideas for tailgating snacks and it's even easier knowing I am in the minority of folks that don't like pumpkin spice.  Just about everyone else I know loves it, and the Browned Butter Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are a tailgate staple.  I knew right away this recipe would be a hit, and surprisingly I actually enjoyed them too!  They aren't too strongly spiced, and the sugar, combined with the little bit of salt on the pretzels makes the perfect combination.  The best part is the recipe is literally 4 ingredients making it a quick and easy snack to throw together.  I even whipped up a batch in little bags to give away to some friends.  Ideal if you need a fall hostess gift, co-worker treat, or something fast as simple for a fall bake sale.  I will definitely be making these often, and next time I plan to double the batch so I can fill my football-bowl right to the top!

A fun and flavorful Fall treat.

Only 4 ingredients

Whisk together coconut oil, sugar
and pumpkin spice.

Add a bag of pretzels, tossing
carefully to coat.

Spread onto a foil-lined baking tray.

Once they are baked, allow to cool
completely.  The sugar will dry into a 
lovely frosty coating.

Fall flavor in the perfect snacking bite!

Great for tailgates, hay rides,
and snacking while
watching scary movies.

These are great bagged up for little
hostess gifts, trick or treating
or a fall bake sale!

Enjoy the flavors of fall in
an easy to make treat.

PUMPKIN SPICE PRETZELS

1 cup coconut oil (melt in the microwave for a few seconds if necessary)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons pumpkin spice seasoning
1 bag pretzels

In a large bowl whisk together the coconut oil, sugar, and pumpkin spice until well combined.  Add the pretzels and toss carefully so they don't break.  Make sure they are well coated with the mixture.  Place the pretzels on a foil lined baking tray and place in a preheated 350 degree F oven.  Bake for 5 minutes, stir and then bake another 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, carefully stir once more and allow pretzels to cool completely.  The sugar will dry on them and create a beautiful frosty, flavorful coating.  Enjoy!

Road Trip Snack Box Gift Idea

We have soooo many birthdays in the month of September.  My brother-in-law, father-in-law, Little Devil, Devilish Nephew, Mr. Devilish Dish, plus several close friends.  Now combine that with Christmas shopping a mere three months away and I'm always out of ideas.  I love a good theme gift like my fun "CHOCOLATE Lab" gift from years ago, or the PATRIOTIC BIRTHDAY BAGS I made for my mom and aunt and while back.  I made this gift for my father-in-law this past Father's Day, but the idea could be easily adapted for any occasion.  My in-laws are professional road trippers.  They have great friends in Arkansas that they visit several times a year.  We were struggling to come up with a good idea for his Father's Day gift when I stumbled upon these neat treat boxes at Hobby Lobby.  I sent Mr. Devilish Dish a screen shot and said, "Father's Day idea activated."  We went to our local Winco Grocery Store because they have an awesome bulk section of nuts, candies and other treats and bought all kinds of tasty treats to fill the separate chambers.  Of course the gift could have stopped there, but I'm extra and I need to zhuzh up everything I get my hands on.  I found a Hot Wheels car that is the same model as their car and made a couple of cute gift tags to tie on to complete Papa Bear's Road Trip Snack Box.  What little boy (even 77 year-old boys) don't love a race car? That way he had some tasty snack for his drive to Arkansas, and a neat box he can refill for future trips.  I know I will recycle this idea for future gifts, and I hope it inspires you for your gift giving occasions!

Here's the completed Road Trip Snack Box - 
it turned out so cute!

We added chocolate covered sea salt popcorn, 
limoncello almonds, macadamia nuts, M&Ms and more!
Thanks Winco!

Here's my supplies all gathered and ready to go.

I used double-sided tape to add the car to the 
little road strip tag.

Here it is all tied on and ready to roll!

ROAD TRIP SNACK BOX SUPPLIES:


One divided snack container with lid
Assorted snacks to fill the container
Hot Wheels Car
Gift tag or card
Scissors
Twine or ribbon
Hole Punch
Double-Sided Tape

 

PS: Here's the road strip I used to create the tag
for the Hot Wheels Car to drive on.  Right-click and 
save to your computer and print onto cardstock. 
Attach your car with double-sided tape.

Coca-Cola Cupcakes Valentine I SODA Like You!

You know I'm a sucker for a corny Valentine Pun.  You could say they make me "POP" with joy, or I'm "all ears" for a corny Valentine Pun.  A Cheesy Valentine Pun?  They're pretty Gouda.  You get the idea.  If you actually search The Devilish Dish for Valentine recipes, you'll see past silliness like "Valentine You're Awesome Sauce"- Red Hot Applesauce,  or "I'm Bananas for You" Banana Muffins.  Last year I made Copycat Beaver Nuggets because "I'm EAGER to be your Valentine." I've been wanting to try a Coca Cola Cake for a long time.  Mr. Devilish Dish's Mamaw used to make it and it's such a popular Southern stand by.  A rich, chocolate-y cake made moist by the addition of real Coke.  Even better in cupcake form!  I used Soda for my pun, as in "Valentine I SODA Like You" which is funny because down here in Oklahoma we call everything Coke.  Whether you drink Pepsi, Dr. Pepper or 7UP, we call them all Cokes.  In fact we say, "I'm fixin' to go get a Coke" even if you order something else to drink.  I went with cupcakes instead of a regular cake because I've had my eye on these cute little cupcake carriers at the dollar store for a long time.  They're not super sturdy, so I wouldn't plan on using them for years like a family heirloom or anything but they hold 9 cupcakes perfectly for gift giving.  Remember Little Devil is grown, so we don't have to make classroom valentines anymore.  Our valentine gifts consist of treats for family and friends.  You could certainly package the cupcakes individually and give them as single gifts if you wanted to.  I just made three batches of cupcakes so there would be plenty to share.  The frosting is so thick and delicious they didn't need much decoration besides gummy cola bottles, but they would be adorable with sprinkles and garnished with a cute old-fashioned paper straw.  A nostalgic recipe with a nostalgic presentation.  You can also make this as a single cake in a traditional 9x13-inch cake pan as well.  It's perfect as is, or served with a big scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.  It's like the most decadent Coke Float you'll ever have.  No matter how you decide to make this recipe, I'm sure I'll SODA like you anyway!

Coca-Cola Cupcakes for my Valentines
I SODA Like You!

A not too sweet chocolate cupcake,
made moist by the addition of Coke!

My cute little carriers from the dollar store

Shout out to Mr. Devilish Dish for making a run
for gummy cola bottles in the frigid weather.
(Last minute garnish decision)

I'm so happy with how these turned out.
I love nostalgic recipes and Coca-Cola decor.

Gummy Cola Bottles make the perfect garnish.
PLUS we ate the leftovers!

These would be so cute served with
old fashioned Coke in bottles
with a fun straw.
Go all out with the cheesy SODA theme.
It's Valentine's Day after all.

Here's my gift tags. I love how they
turned out.  I hope my Valentines
enjoy my love of bad food puns as
much as I do.

Click on the image to enlarge.
Right click and save to your computer.
Open with the software of your choice
and print onto cardstock.