Float Cover

Let’s Float Through Summer

There is a certain treat I do enjoy from time to time during the hot months…an ice cream float!

Author Deanna Martinez

When I was little, my mom used to enjoy Root Beer floats. To this day, I still enjoy Root Beer! However, there are so many flavor combinations you can choose to make an ice cream float. I am here to get your creativity flowing with a few ideas to get you started.

First, pour your carbonated beverage into a tall glass. Then, add a scoop or two of ice cream. Finish off with a straw.

For a special treat, you can top your float with whipped topping! 

Classic Root Beer float

  • Root Beer and vanilla ice cream

 Punch bowl float

  • Ginger ale and sherbet

Creamsicle float

  • Orange soda and vanilla ice cream

Cranberry float

  • Cranberry ginger ale and your choice of vanilla ice cream or a fruity variety

Fruitsicle float

  • Cheer Wine and vanilla ice cream

The possibilities are truly endless. How about vanilla coke and chocolate ice cream? I could go on and on.

On a side note, we should all have a great ice cream scoop in our kitchen. I have two great options for you here:

Tupperware Ice Cream Scoop (with Kathy)

Pampered Chef Ice Cream Scoop (with Laura)

Fun fact: The ice cream float was invented by Robert McCay Green in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. He sold vanilla ice cream with soda and offered a choice of 16 flavored syrups. 

Click on the Photos Below for More Ice Cream Float Recipes

Candy apples1023

Candy Apples w Caramel

  •  4 Firm Crisp Apples (washed and dried well)
  • 4 Sticks for Holding the Apples 
  • 4 Cupcake Wrappers 
  • 1 16 Oz. Bag of Caramel Cubes
  • 4 Tablespoons of Heavy Cream 
  • Candy Toppings of your Choice
  1. Spray a microwave safe glass bowl with a little cooking spray so that your caramel does not stick
  2. Add the caramel and the cream 
  3. Melt for 60 seconds, then stir and return to microwave and heat in intervals of 30 seconds after that depending on the strength of the microwave it could take as long as 120 seconds total 

Note: It cools very quickly and you may have to to reheat after a couple of dips 

Test each and every time you heat to make sure caramel is not too hot for little hands!  

final Opt Whoopie

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients
  

For The Pies

  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger
  • 3/4 Tablespoon Clove
  • 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 3 Cups Canned Pumpkin
  • 3 Cups Flour
  • 2 Eggs

For the Filling

  • 6 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 3/4 Stick of Butter softened
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 and 1/2 Cups Confectioners’ Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

For the Pies

  • 1 Tablespoon of Ginger
  • 3/4 Tablespoon of Clove
  • 2 Tablespoons of Cinnamon 
  • 1 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup of Vegetable Oil 
  • 3 Cups of Canned Pumpkin
  • 3 Cups of Flour
  • 2 Eggs

For the Cream Filling

  • 6 Ounces of Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 3/4 of a Stick of Butter (softened)
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 and 1/2 Cups of Confectioners’ Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

For the Pies

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, set aside.
  3. In another bowl mix the brown sugar and oil, then add in the pumpkin.
  4. Next, add the eggs and vanilla
  5. Add in the flour mixture 1/4 at a time until it is all mixed in.
  6. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until a toothpick can be inserted into the center of the cookies and comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely before filling

For the Cream Filling

  1. In a stand mixer add the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla, add in the confectioners’ sugar slowly in batches of 1/4 at a time, use a low speed.
  2. Beat until smooth.
  3. If your filling is runny, place it in the freezer or refrigerator before filling the pies.

To Assemble The Pies

  1. Fill a pastry bag with the filling and drop a large dollop onto the flat side of half of one of the pies. Press down with the other half making a sandwich.
  2. Refrigerate the whoopie pies for at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

English Muffin Pizzas

  • English Muffins (sliced)
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Choice of Cheese -Mozzarella, American or Provolone
  • Garlic Powder
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Choice of Toppings (I used bacon but another meat or vegetable can be a good choice also) 

 

  1. Toast the English muffin prior to making the pizza.
  2. Add the tomato sauce.
  3. Add your choice of cheese. 
  4. Add the spices.
  5. Top the muffin with your meat or vegetable. 
  6. Place in the toaster oven and broil for 4-5 minutes. 
Crescent Roll Pizza Calzone

Crescent Roll Pizza Calzone

  • Can Crescent Roll Dough
  • 1 Pk Pizza Cheese
  • 1 Pk Sliced Pepperoni
  • 1 8 Oz Jar Pizza Sauce
  • 1 Tbls Butter
  • 1 Tsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ¼ Tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ Tsp Garlic Powder
  1. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet
  2. Pop open can of Crescent Roll and just tear in half, leaving rectangle shape
  3. Align Rectangles to form a star shape having bottom edges all meet in the middle
  4. Spread 2 Tablespoons of sauce in the circle and spread around using back of a spoon
  5. Cover the sauce with 1 cup of cheese and layer the pepperonis on top.
  6. Repeat this for a second layer
  7. Fold the edges of the dough to meet in the middle
  8. Melt butter in a small dish and combine the parsley, garlic and parmesan cheese
  9. Brush this melted butter mixture over the top of the calzone
  10. Bake at 350 for 22 minutes
  11. If the dough starts to darken just put a piece of tin foil over the top (don’t tuck) just lay over the top this will stop the dough from getting darker but ensuring the dough fully cooks

Rainbow Grilled Cheese

  • 1 and 1/2 Cup of Shredded White Cheese (I used mozzarella but white cheddar would also work well)
  • Neon Food Coloring 
  • Bread (I used white bread but you could also use wheat)
  • Softened Butter or Butter Spread

 

  1. Divide your cheese equally into three bowls
  2. Drop two drops of a single food color into each bowl and stir well
  3. Butter one side of each slice of bread
  4. Heat a skillet over med high heat
  5. Place the butter side down in the pan
  6. Add the cheese onto the bread-one color per row
  7. Put the top on the sandwich butter side up 
  8. Flip carefully and grill until golden brown
  9. The magic happens when you cut the bread and see the rainbow!

 

4th of July Water

4th Of July Berry Ice Cubes and Water

  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Water

This is a simple way to add to your 4th of July festivities. Kids can make this with the cooled water and it costs very little to make considering you will be likely buying berries anyway,  which are in season this time of year. If you do not have access to fresh berries, you can substitute frozen. 

  1. Boil the water for the ice and let it cool. 
  2. Wash the berries and place 1-2 in each slot in the ice cube tray
  3. Pour the cooled water on top and fill
  4. As the ice melts the berries sink to the bottom of the jar or glass. 

 

Enjoy!

Recipe pIcs Fixed

Easter Bunny Antipasto

Easter Bunny Antipasto

The Easter Bunny Antipasto Salad made the first appearance at my extended family’s Easter celebration. Being of Italian descent they celebrate Easter and derived a lot of joy out of this festive and elaborate salad. The kids ranged in ages, but all loved seeing the bunny make his appearance on a salad.  It has become an Easter tradition. Enjoy!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Small Head of Romaine and or Iceberg Lettuce as they are crispy enough to withstand the layers of items and will not wilt as easy as spring mix.
  • 1 Carrot Sliced into thin strips for the whiskers and save 1 piece to cut a triangle for the nose
  • 2 Stalks of Celery Sliced into “u” shapes
  • 4 Fresh Mushrooms sliced
  • 1 Small Cucumber remove seeds
  • 1/4 Fresh Green Bell Pepper Sliced thin
  • 4 Green Onion ( Slices the tops of them making slits in the stalks and use for the grass)
  • 1 Large Tomato sliced or 8 Cherry Tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 Small Can of Sliced Beets
  • 1 Small Jar of Marinated Artichoke Hearts
  • 1/2 Cup of Marinated Mushrooms
  • 6 Baby Corn from a jar or can found in the Asian aisle of any supermarket
  • 1/4 Cup of Red Roasted Peppers from the Jar
  • 12 Baby Gherkin Pickles sweet
  • A Dozen or so Green Olives
  • A Dozen or so Black Olives cut one of the black olives in half for the eyes and one into thirds for the buttons
  • 6 Pepperoncini
  • 12 Slices of Genoa Salami very thin (Halve one of the slices for the inside of the ear, and shape out the belly and the feet with another 2 slices)
  • 12 Slices of Prosciutto Ham paper thin
  • 12 Slices of Roast Beef thin
  • 12 Slices of Provolone Cheese very thin ( 4 Slices are used to make the outline of the bunny. Cut one slice in half for the ears)
  • 1/4 Lb. of Sharp Provolone cut into very small cubes
  • 12 Med-Large Shrimp Peeled, deveined, cooked, and cooled
  • 6 Anchovies rolled with capers
  • 1 Can of Tono aka: Italian tuna fish
  • 1/2 Small Red Onion sliced thin
  • 1 Hard-boiled Egg sliced and use one slice for the tail

Instructions
 

  • Start with a large platter and place lettuce as the bottom layer.
  • Add the fresh vegetables first, spreading them out evenly so someone will receive a taste of each on a spoonful of salad (reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration).
  • Next layer on the jar and canned vegetables (hold out some of the olives for decorating, reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration).
  • Then layer the deli meats and cheeses (reserve what you will need for the bunny decoration). I roll most of the meats and cheese whenever possible.
  • Lastly, add the seafood, I always place the tono in the top middle unless I know someone hates it, then I place to one side so they can avoid it.
  • Make the bunny decoration on top of the entire salad.
  • Serve with a simple vinaigrette.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Assorted strawberries dipped in chocolate with gold, nuts, and coconut

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Assorted strawberries dipped in chocolate with gold, nuts, and coconut

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

There are so many great things about making these little lovelies. First of all, they are quick, if you watch the video you can see that we ran through the entire process in seven minutes or so. It was less than 60 seconds to heat the chocolate in the microwave
The second thing is there are only 2 ingredients The melting chocolate and the strawberries
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • microwave
  • Cocktail Fork
  • Paper Bowls
  • Wax Paper

Ingredients
  

  • Melting Chocolate
  • Fresh Strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Pour a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of chocolate discs (found in any craft store) into a paper bowl.
  • Lay a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the counter.
  • Heat in the microwave at 20-second intervals until you are left with only a few discs not melted. Stir in between each 20-second interval.
  • Using a cocktail fork or skewer dip your strawberries one by one and place onto the paper. Let them cool and harden. This does not take long at all!

Video

Notes

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in colored sugar
 
Dip'd Strawberries in just chocolate
The third thing is, the fact that you can dip almost anything. I dipped pretzels in addition to the strawberries.  But bananas are fabulous dipped and frozen, yum! They are a great alternative to ice cream because you can just have a bite and be satisfied.
The fourth reason I like this recipe is its versatility. You can see in the picture strawberries in various colors of chocolate and drizzled color. T plating is also fun with the rainbow sugar. You can roll them in nuts edible gold sugar or leave them plain. 
Here is a serving tip: Once dry we serve them in a dish typically used for deviled eggs.
Keyword dessert, easy, fruit, Sweet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

There are so many great things about making these little lovelies. First of all, they are quick, if you watch the video you can see that we ran through the entire process in seven minutes or so. It was less than 60 seconds to heat the chocolate in the microwave.

The second thing is there are only 2 ingredients

  • The Chocolate 
  • The Strawberries

The third thing is, the fact that you can dip almost anything. I dipped pretzels in addition to the strawberries.  But bananas are fabulous dipped and frozen, yum! They are a great alternative to ice cream because you can just have a bite and be satisfied. 

The fourth reason I like this recipe is its versatility. You can see in the last picture that Nicole made her strawberries in various colors of chocolate and she drizzled color on top to make her’s look pretty. Her plating is also fun with the rainbow sugar.  Mine sit in a dish typically used for deviled eggs. 

That last reason I like this recipe is the cleanup.  All you need to do is throw away the paper bowl and the parchment paper. Can it get any easier? 

  1. Pour a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of chocolate discs (found in any craft store) into a paper bowl.
  2. Lay a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the counter. 
  3. Heat in the microwave at 20-second intervals until you are left with only a few discs not melted. Stir in between each 20-second interval.  
  4. Dip your strawberries and let them cool and harden. This does not take long at all! 

Enjoy! 

 

Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This quick easy sandwich can be made for a loved one or child. Served with a nice cup of soup or a salad. 

  • 3 Slices of Bread ( I used white)
  • 3 Slices of Cheese ( I used swiss)
  • 1 Teaspoon of Butter for the Bread
  • 1 Teaspoon of Butter for the Pan
  1. Cut the heart shapes out of 2 of the slices of  bread using a larger cookie cutter
  2. With the remaining slice of bread cut two hearts
  3. Butter one side of one piece of bread for each sandwich 
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of butter to a frying pan on medium heat 
  5. Place the non-buttered side down on the hot pan
  6. Add the cheese 
  7. Place the buttered side of the bread facing up  
  8. When it has browned on the bottom, flip the sandwich over and brown the other side

Heart-Shaped French Toast

This makes a lovely breakfast for someone you care about. It is simple enough for anyone to make, Even kids can make this dish, it is budget friendly, and takes very little time. 

  • 2 Slices of Sandwich Bread
  • 1 Tablespoon of Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Pat of butter 
  1. Cut your heart shapes out of the bread slices, using a cookie cutter.
  2. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla,  use a fork or whisk to whip it all together.
  3. Put a pad of butter or cooking spray into a frying pan and set it to medium heat.
  4. Soak the bread in the egg mixture and add to the frying pan.
  5. Once the first side has browned, flip it, and brown the other side.
  6. Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and butter. 

Peanut Butter Jelly Heart Sandwich

This sandwich can be made ahead and frozen. Just like the ones you see in the freezer aisle of the grocery store. If you are doing more than one freeze them individually.

  • 1 Tablespoon of Peanut Butter
  • 2 Slices of Bread
  • 1 Teaspoon of Grape Jelly 
  1. Mix peanut butter in a small ramekin or bowl to soften before spreading 
  2. Spread on your bread gently with a spoon 
  3. Add the jelly to the peanut butter and spread
  4. Put the other piece of bread on top forming a sandwich
  5. Place the cookie cutter over the bread and press firmly 
  6. Remove all the bread outside of the cookie cutter
  7. Press gently to remove  the heart.