# Its The Simple Things > Family-Food-Fun-Crafts ## Posts - [Create Special Moments With These Delicious Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-crunch-cupcakes/): Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are quick and easy, but moist and full of flavor. These are a delicious cupcakes covered with a creamy, smooth frosting & topped with crispy, toasted, strawberry crunch topping. The ways these flavors all come together is truly mouthwatering! This recipe uses a cake mix with added gelatin, a made from scratch frosting, and the homemade crunch topping. The crunch topping used for this recipe, and so many more, is reminiscent of the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Ice cream bars. These bring back childhood memories from me. Together all of these ingredients create a cupcake that is… - [Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/peanut-butter-balls-with-rice-krispies/): Peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are the deliciously sweet no bake dessert that taste like a Reese Peanut butter cup. This quick and easy treat can be made without heating the house and packs a crunch. The Rice Krispies give these an amazing crunchy texture you and yours are sure to love. These chocolate covered peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies are the perfect idea for snacks, get togethers, holidays, and more. Everyone loves buckeyes for the holiday and this just takes it to a new level with the crunchy Rice Krispies. Only requiring 5 simple ingredients also makes… - [Blueberry Cheese Tart](https://its-the-simple-things.com/blueberry-cheese-tart/): Blueberry Cheese Tart starts off with a buttery, flaky crust that is stuffed with a savory cheese cake filling and topped off with delicious blueberries. Enjoying this classic straight from the fridge on a hot summer day makes this dessert a perfect idea. This is a real show stopper with the eye catching scalloped-edged crust created from using the tart pan. Blueberry Cheese Tart is a gorgeous dish that is equally satisfying to consume. Create this no bake cream cheese filling for a quick dessert option. This recipe can also be used to create the alternative tartlet, which are like… - [Growing potatoes & onions in grow bags (Part 2)](https://its-the-simple-things.com/growing-potatoes-onions-in-grow-bags-part-2/): We are learning this one together and things are going great! Growing both potatoes and onions in grow bags has been a lot of fun and so easy! This is something I will continue year after year. I will, however, buy larger grow bags for the next crop. Gardening and growing our own food is a form of therapy for me and with our ever changing economy one that makes me feel a little more at ease. One of the Yukon Golds has flowers. What does this mean? It means that the tubers are forming and growing and we will… - [Summertime Vibes With These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-crunch-cheesecake-cones/): Strawberry crunch cheesecake cones have summer time written all over them! I couldn’t wait to taste the smooth, no-bake cheesecake filling and strawberries that fill these waffle cones! The fresh diced strawberries and the strawberry crunch around the top please every taste bud. They are the perfect no-bake summer treat. Chilled in the freezer, they are a cool and refreshing way to indulge yourself on a hot day. Your friends and family will all enjoy it and will ask you for the recipe. The strawberry crunch topping is a crunchy and nostalgic add-on that may take you back. It reminds… - [Strawberry Crunch Topping](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-crunch-topping/): STRAWBERRY CRUNCH TOPPING is a versatile topping that can be added to so many dishes to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary! Sprinkle this on top of cakes, muffins, bagels, oatmeal, cheesecake, ice cream and more. This crunchy sweet recipe is reminiscent of the topping that comes on the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars. I absolutely love it. We are using Golden Oreos to make this today but you can play around with the recipe by trying different cookies and even different dry Jell-O mixes. This recipe is so easy to change up to create the perfect crumble for any… - [Cruffins](https://its-the-simple-things.com/cruffins/): Gorgeous and delicious is how I describe the Cruffin. Cruffins are perfect blend of both croissants and muffins that taste like a cinnamon roll They are sometimes called croffins. No matter how you pronounce it this little pasty is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the stomach. Crescent roll dough is coated with butter, sprinkled with a cinnamon sugar mix, rolled, cut, and baked to create this beautiful treat that tastes like a cinnamon roll. This danish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. They can be filled with cream, or jellies, or iced. Alternatively you… - [COFFEE MUFFINS](https://its-the-simple-things.com/coffee-muffins/): These Coffee Muffins are ridiculously simple to make. They are topped with a delicious streusel and then drizzled with a coffee icing that just takes them to another level. No special equipment needed just a couple mixing bowls and a muffin tray along side the basic household staples in this recipe. These coffee cake muffins can be switched up easily by adding some chocolate chips, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, or by using expresso. These yummy bakery style muffins are a nice change from ordinary muffins, at least for the coffee lovers. I enjoy them warm, sliced in half, and brushed with… - [Graham Cracker Cookies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/graham-cracker-cookies/): These soft and chewy Graham cracker cookies are an easy homemade cookie you can make with minimal ingredients and very minimal time. You can enjoy these cookies with some buttercream frosting spread on top, or create a smores cookie like I did today. Growing up one of my favorite snacks were graham crackers with frosting. The wonderful woman who babysat my brothers and myself when we were little would make these little graham cracker and frosting sandwiches for us as a snack. I absolutely loved them and would make them for my children when they were little as well. You… - [Heart Cookies with Jam](https://its-the-simple-things.com/heart-cookies-with-jam/): Heart Cookies with Jam are not only beautiful looking but amazing tasting! What a great idea these would be for Valentines day or an anniversary! These cookies could be changed up for other holidays too by simply changing their shape. I have egg shaped cookie cutters and a bunny I could use for Easter. Infuse pastel sprinkles into the dough and they’d be a great Easter treat as well. These shortbread cookies are not too sweet but “filled” with flavor. The jam heart cookies have orange zest infused into the dough while a layer of raspberry (or your favorite) jam… - [Spiedini](https://its-the-simple-things.com/spiedini/): The impressive looking Spiedini not only looks good, but it’s packed with flavor. One thing I like is that this can easily be prepared ahead of time and only takes 20 minutes in the oven, but could also be cooked on the grill or in a shallow pan on the stovetop. These beef kabobs are so easy to customize for each person you are feeding. Spiedini is Italian and literally just means skewers. These Italian kabobs are scrumptious looking and can be customized to your taste easily. Some ideas you can add are peppers, squash, tomatoes, bay leaves, or mushrooms.… - [Cherry Fluff](https://its-the-simple-things.com/cherry-fluff/): This delicious Cherry Fluff recipe is a fast dessert recipes you can throw together and know everyone will enjoy! This old-fashioned, no-bake dessert is called many things: Cherry Fluff Salad, Cherry Salad, Pink Salad, Heavenly Pink Salad, Pink Fluff, and more. It is a “dump” recipe that only uses one bowl. As a result, no fuss and no hassle involved with this simple recipe. There are also a number of variations you can try. Let me know how you enjoy yours. Cherry Fluff is a great idea for a side dish or a dessert after a meal. It’s also a… - [Stewed Potatoes](https://its-the-simple-things.com/stewed-potatoes/): These old-fashioned stewed potatoes are a quick and easy way to add some “wow” to your meal time plans. This southern side dish is so budget-friendly, filling, and so easy to make. The best part is that this can be personalized by each individual so everyone will love this side dish option. The perfect comfort food to warm your insides and your heart! WHAT ARE STEWED POTATOES? Stewed potatoes are a chunky potato served in a thick starchy sauce created simply from the potatoes themselves and water. They are not creamed or mashed potatoes that add cream or milk but… - [Crack Green Beans](https://its-the-simple-things.com/crack-green-beans/): These crack green beans will change your world! These are not your every day green beans, but wow what a nice change. They are also known as Southern Crack Green Beans and can be made on the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker. My husband absolutely loves them and said we have got to make these when we take the RV out with friends because they will be a big hit. This recipe takes traditional green beans, adds a sweet sauce, and then throws in some salty bacon to make a big splash! INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR CRACK GREEN BEANS With… - [Growing potatoes and onions in Grow Bags](https://its-the-simple-things.com/growing-potatoes-and-onions-in-grow-bags/): Growing potatoes and onions in grow bags is easy with these fabric grow bags that allow you to grow plants in just about any sunny location. The grow bags are made from a porous material allowing drainage so regular watering will be needed. They are a more environmentally friends option than plastic pots and many of them can be used year after year. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ITEMS NEEDED LIST FOR GROWING ONIONS… - [Transplanting The Seedlings](https://its-the-simple-things.com/transplanting-the-seedlings/): Time to transplanting the seedlings! Three days after I put the seeds on the warming mat the tomato seeds sprouted, so the time has come to transplant the seedlings. The peppers were not far behind and started sprouting after 5 days. If possible I transfer my sprouts to larger containers within a day or two of sprouting because now they don’t just need heat they need the light. So I gathered my supplies and got to work. I’ll tell you everything about what to do once the seeds sprout. Here is the link to read the post about how to… - [Dehydrated Apples](https://its-the-simple-things.com/dehydrated-apples/): Dehydrated apples are a healthy and delicious snack option. Dried apple slices are so easy to make in a dehydrator, the oven, or even sun dried. I use an peeler, corer to make it an even faster job as you’ll see below. Dried apples are great snacks to take on the go or apple chips to add in lunches. The natural fruit sugars are concentrated along with the flavor creating a sweet treat! Besides being a healthier alternative dried apples or apple chips are both chewy and sweet. These delicious treats also have the same nutritional value as fresh apples… - [Oreo Mousse Cake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/oreo-mousse-cake/): This Oreo Mousse cake is a dessert you’ll never forget. This extraordinary decadent no-bake, cheesecake is utterly divine and every chocolate lover’s dream come true. Combine together a brownie crust with Oreo cookies mixed in, followed up with a delicious chocolate mouse, and topped with a whipped topping and adorned as your heart desires with more Oreos, whipped rosettes, shaved chocolate or whatever you would like. CAN THIS OREO MOUSSE CAKE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME? You can make this cake a day or two before but that’s as much as I would do. Save the decorating until the day… - [Dehydrated Pineapple](https://its-the-simple-things.com/dehydrated-pineapple/): Dehydrated pineapple is one of my favorite “healthier” snack choices. It is a sweet and chewy alternative to the chocolaty and sugary treats I am typically making. With spring time upon us I am ramping up to start dehydrating some fresh fruits and veggies. Dehydrating pineapple, because of the heat, does cause it to lose a lot of the nutrients while increasing its sugar content. It does, however provide you with 50% of the Vitamin C needed daily, while its calcium and potassium content is reduced by 50% it is still beneficial. PICKING THE RIGHT PINEAPPLE Picking the right Pineapple… - [Starting seeds at home](https://its-the-simple-things.com/starting-seeds-at-home/): I love starting seeds at home and growing my own plants. I save so much money and I am not limited to buying whatever they are selling at stores around me. I purchase the seeds I want to try and keep a record of how successful or not they are so I know what I may want to reorder the next year. My neighbors also grow their garden from seeds and we will swap out some plants as we begin to move them outside increasing my variety as well. It is a very rewarding feeling to watch the seeds sprout,… - [Golden Oreo Cheesecake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/golden-oreo-cheesecake/): This droolworthy, no bake, Golden Oreo Cheesecake can be whipped together in just 15 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients. This is not a new recipe, but it sure is a delicious one. This recipe is one of my husbands absolute favorites. It melts in your mouth and is a great alternative to the typical, chocolate, Oreo’s. WHAT TYPE OF CREAM CHEESE DO I NEED TO USE FOR THIS GOLDEN OREO CHEESECAKE? The best cream cheese to use for this recipe, really any cheesecake, is the Full Fat cream cheese. Low fat cream cheese has a higher water content. This… - [Heavenly Chicken](https://its-the-simple-things.com/heavenly-chicken/): This buttery, juicy, crispy dish couldn’t be named anything better than heavenly chicken! Only requiring 4 ingredients and some seasonings also makes this a winning dinner option for me, nothing could be easier. Throw them in the oven or the air fryer for a deliciously meal idea. Slice them into strips and create crunchy chicken strips for lunch. Take this heavenly chicken with ritz crackers and put them on a bun and drizzle them with some honey mustard for an amazing heavenly chicken sandwich! If you decide to bake them in the oven they will be ready in about 30… - [Strawberry Spoon Cake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-spoon-cake/): This deceptively simple strawberry spoon cake is quick to make and amazing straight from the oven. A simple, white cake batter covered in sliced strawberries and a strawberry sauce that becomes like a jelly sauce after it’s baked. This delicious combination creates a tender and moist mouthwatering treat. Try it served up warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The texture of this scrumptious cake is very much like a dump cake, spoon bread, or pudding cake with its moist cake and refreshing fruit toppings. I am excited to try this recipe with other fruit toppings… - [Fried Spaghetti](https://its-the-simple-things.com/fried-spaghetti/): Fried spaghetti puts a new twist on traditional spaghetti. This pasta dish delivers tender noodles with a little crispness, drowned in a deliciously seasoned spaghetti sauce, and finally covered in melted cheeses. This is a meal the entire family is sure to enjoy! Serve it up with some pickles or olives, side salad, cottage cheese, or a slice or garlic bread for a great meal choice. Quick and easy this recipe only requires a few basic ingredients and some spices and seasonings. This combination makes this meal perfect for those busy weekdays or lazy weekends. DO YOU HAVE TO BOIL… - [Bacon and Cheese Turnovers](https://its-the-simple-things.com/bacon-and-cheese-turnovers/): This deceptively simple Bacon and Cheese Turnover recipe creates an effortless, fresh-from-the-oven, quick breakfast option or anytime snack. We tried two options today creating this satisfying breakfast choice with both croissants and puff pastry. You will only need a few basic ingredients to create this mouth-watering treat! PUFF PASTRY VS. CROISSANTS, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Puff pastry creates a very flaky pocket, while the croissants create a more consistent baked dough pocket. I think puff pastry would be my preference for desserts like apple turnovers but we liked the consistency of the croissants for the bacon and cheese turnovers. INGREDIENTS… - [Coffee Bean Cookies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/coffee-bean-cookies/): Completed cookies on a white saucer with a dainty white coffee cup of coffee. - [Cherry Chocolate Brownies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/cherry-chocolate-brownies/): These Cherry Chocolate brownies are fudgy, dense, and gooey, with a texture almost like fudge just not as compact. The Ghirardelli chocolate added into the mix and sprinkled on top just adds to the mouth-watering goodness. Then you throw some cherries into the batter, you’ve got Black Forest Brownies. How much better could it possibly get? CAN I FREEZE THESE BROWNIES? Yes, you can freeze these brownies by wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and putting them into a freezer bag and removing as much air as you can. Once you remove them from the freezer, thaw them… - [Strawberry Vanilla Cake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-vanilla-cake/): This luscious strawberry vanilla cake is absolutely bursting with flavor! Enjoy a slice of heaven with a bite of vanilla cake with strawberry filling that is loaded with fresh strawberries with a light, fluffy, cream cheese, & whipped cream frosting. What a beautiful and sweet treat to spoil your families with on holidays, like Valentines day and Mother’s day, or just because on a warm spring day. This is a truly delicious dessert that is also appealing to the eye. This creamy, dreamy dessert always delights. CAKE INGREDIENTS This little slice of heaven is made from scratch using premium ingredients… - [Oreo Cheesecake Brownie](https://its-the-simple-things.com/oreo-cheesecake-brownie/): These brownies have it all: Fudgy brownie layer, creamy cheesecake layer, and Oreo cookies!! This cheesecake doesn’t require a spring form pan and all the work but you still get the deliciousness of a cheesecake. We keep it in the freezer cut into pieces in an airtight container. They are the ultimate frozen chocolate sandwich. HOW TO STORE THESE BROWNIES? Since they do have cream cheese in them they must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. I prefer them in the freezer but you can try both and decide for yourself. Either way have them in an airtight container… - [WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BLONDIES](https://its-the-simple-things.com/white-chocolate-raspberry-blondies/): Valentines day is right around the corner and these delicious white chocolate raspberry blondies are a perfect treat. Chocolate is always a go-to for me, but the buttery vanilla base in this recipe paired with fresh raspberries and white chocolate creates a taste that is simply mouth watering. WHY DO I LOVE THESE BLONDIES? VIDEO OF THE PROCESS HOW LONG WILL THESE BLONDIES LAST? If you were to have leftovers, you can store blondies in an airtight container on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to one week. INGREDIENTS LIST BUTTER Unsalted butter is used to control the… - [TATER TOT TACO CASSEROLE](https://its-the-simple-things.com/tater-tot-taco-casserole/): This is a perfect meal for my family. We all love Mexican food and this Tater Tot Taco Casserole combines the Mexican flavor we enjoy with tater tots, enchilada sauce, beef, and cheese! I had everything I needed on hand since the ingredient list is simple and the alterations you can make for your family are endless. Give your Taco Tuesdays a makeover with this new meal option!! This ooey-gooey flavorful meal has been also been called Mexican Taterpuff Casserole, Mexican hotdish, and more but no matter what you call it this meal is filling and delicious! INGREDIENTS LIST All… - [Dutch Oven Pork Loin Roast](https://its-the-simple-things.com/dutch-oven-pork-loin-roast/): Dutch oven pork loin roast is a deliciously juicy meal that is really easy to make. With simple ingredients the oven does most of the work for you. Best part is you will only dirty one pan to sear the pork, bake it, and make the gravy. The gravy made from the juices is so flavorful I know you will enjoy it as well. ARE PORK LOIN AND PORK TENDERLOIN THE SAME? No, these are two different cuts of meat. They are both from the same basic area but they are not just interchangeable. Pork loin is the outer part… - [HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS](https://its-the-simple-things.com/homemade-cinnamon-rolls/): What could be better than warm homemade cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven dripping with cream cheese frosting?! These large cinnamon rolls are so ooey gooey, soft, and delicious and then you cover them in this delicious frosting and you have yourself a winner! WHERE DID CINNAMON ROLLS ORIGINATE FROM? Cinnamon rolls originated in Northern Europe. They are a staple in Scandinavian baking. They are called by many different names in Europe: Kanelbulle (cinnamon roll)Sweden, Kanelsnegle (Cinnamon snails), skillingsboller (penny bun) Norway, Korvapuusti (cuff on the ear) Finland, and more. In North America it also goes by different names:… - [Cream Cheese Frosting](https://its-the-simple-things.com/cream-cheese-frosting/): This mouth watering cream cheese frosting only takes 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make! This silky smooth frosting could be used on cupcakes, cakes, brownies, muffins, sugar cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Today we are making cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting! INGREDIENTS It’s important when making cream cheese frosting to remember to use the best ingredients. You will want to choose a softened FULL FAT cream cheese, Whole milk (again for the full fat), softened unsalted butter, and sift your powdered sugar. Cream cheese Like I stated you want a full fat cream cheese for this recipe because the… - [Creamy Lemon Chicken](https://its-the-simple-things.com/creamy-lemon-chicken/): This creamy, lemon chicken, low-carb, one pan meal can be made in about 25 minutes!! Creamy and delicious this is a family favorite and definitely a must have in your arsenal for those busy evenings when you do not have a lot of time. Chicken is my meat of choice and this recipe creates a juicy, delicious and very flavorful piece of meat. The only trick with chicken is making sure you don’t dry it out when your cooking it creating a tough piece of meat. This recipe is sure to please. It’s one of my families favorites. INGREDIENTS Chicken… - [No Bake Blueberry Cream Cheese dessert cups](https://its-the-simple-things.com/blueberry-cream-cheese-dessert/): Need a dessert in a hurry? This one not only looks amazing and can be made in 15 minutes, but they are truly droolworthy!! These NO BAKE CREAM CHEESE DESSERT CUPS are delicious! They can also be created as gluten free desserts as well. For more information read below. It only requires a few ingredients that most people have on hand already. I used blueberries, but you can swap that out for so many other things. INGREDIENTS NEEDED Graham crackers or graham cracker crumbs You can purchase graham cracker crumbs that are ready to go or simply make your own… - [Mouth-Watering Chicken Basil Mozzarella Roulade](https://its-the-simple-things.com/stuffed-chicken-roulade/): This delicious chicken roulade is not only a delicious and juicy meal but also beautiful. Roulade can be stuffed with a variety of things. Many enjoy using spinach leaves, many include a cheese. Today I am making roulade filled with basil pesto and mozzarella. A roulade [roo-lahd]simply means rolled meat or pastry that has been filled. It can be sweet or savory. is a dish of filled rolled meat or pastry. This recipe is an example of a savory roulade while this Mandarine Roll Cake is representative of a sweet roulade. The English name “roulade” originates from the French word rouler,… - [Taco soup with ground beef](https://its-the-simple-things.com/taco-soup-with-ground-beef/): I love a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. This Taco soup recipe is one we all enjoy, especially in the winter! Another great warm meal I love is this slow cooker white chicken chili. This is a quick and easy recipe for those days when you don’t have a lot of time or you’re just done. INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR TACO SOUP Ground beef This recipe will be using ground beef but you could easily use shredded chicken as well. Onion I use a whole medium yellow onion for this recipe but you can also use red… - [Not Today Heifer Canvas Design](https://its-the-simple-things.com/not-today-heifer-canvas-design/): I have so much fun creating gifts with my Cricut Maker from etching glass, etching stainless steel, making shirts, signs, and canvas creations!! Today I’m walking you through creating an image on a canvas with permanent vinyl and paint. This is a funny saying a friend of mine likes, so this is for her. List of what you need to make this idea Steps to making this design First off you want to purchase the design. Then paint your canvas. This step is important because the vinyl really needs a smooth surface in which to adhere too. Let this fully… - [Spaetzle mushroom gravy & pork chops](https://its-the-simple-things.com/spaetzle-mushroom-gravy-pork-chops/): Spaetzle is a very versatile side to make that is basically an egg noodle or dumpling. You can make the spaetzle ahead of time and then prepare the mushrooms and cream sauce and pork chops. Here is the recipe for making Spaetzle. Spaetzle, mushroom gravy, and pork chops is a delicious way to end the day. Since I already have the spaetzle made, this recipe will be for the mushroom cream sauce and pork chops. The mushroom cream sauce was inspired from a dear friend of mine over at Pear Tree Kitchen. INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE: Porkchops I used… - [Homemade Spaetzle](https://its-the-simple-things.com/homemade-spaetzle/): This 18th century egg noodle, pasta, dumpling, or Knöpfle, originates from southwest Germany. Spaetzle means “little sparrow” and was originally made by hand or spoon before mechanical devices. It is typically served as a side with a meat dish and some type of gravy. This recipe is so versatile and can be made with numerous alterations from herbs that are used to being sauteed in butter, served with gravy, and more. Ingredients needed for spaetzle Spaetzle is basically an egg noodle and just like most noodles only requires a few ingredients to make: Eggs Milk Flour Butter Salt/pepper (to taste)… - [Chocolate chip shortbread logs](https://its-the-simple-things.com/chocolate-chip-shortbread-logs/): I love giving these Chocolate Chip Shortbread Logs as holiday treats to our neighbors. They are simple and yet cute and festive. They can be dressed up with melted chocolate and sprinkles for specific holidays or simply sprinkled with finely chopped pecans. The ingredient list for shortbread cookies is short and sweet. They only require a few simple ingredients to create a dense cookie. Unlike sugar type cookies, shortbread cookies do not use a leavening agent which is what typically creates that soft, chewy cookie. Ingredients All-purpose flour All purpose flour is the typical flour used when baking cookies. Unsalted… - [Strawberry Cake Cookies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/strawberry-cake-cookies/): When you are in a pinch and need a dessert quick cake box cookies are always a go-to for me. These strawberry chocolate chip cake box cookies are a step above the typical cake box cookie. They are so soft and have an amazing strawberry taste and then you add in the white chips and drizzle!! INGREDIENTS FOR STAWBERRY CAKE BOX COOKIES YELLOW CAKE MIX The cake box will create the cookie dough in this recipe. STRAWBERRY JELLO This little packet added to the cake box mix helps to create a strong strawberry flavor. CREAM CHEESE Used with the butter… - [Donauwellen German Cake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/donauwellen-cake/): Donauwellen cake is a traditional sheet cake that is popular in both Germany and Austria. It has been called several different names: Danube waves, or Schneewittchenkuchen, Snow White cake, and Schneewittchentorte, referring to the color scheme of black, white and red, as in the character of Snow White in the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale. This cake consists of several layers forming “waves” if you will as they are layered. It is made with two layers of pound cake: vanilla and then a chocolate layer. This pound cake layer is then covered in well drained and pitted sour cherries. The cake… - [Dutch Apple Pie Recipe](https://its-the-simple-things.com/dutch-apple-pie-recipe/): Oh my goodness is there anything better than warm Dutch apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream? This mouth-watering pie has it all from the golden flakey crust, the amazing apple filling, and topped off with amazing streusel crumble topping!! Ever since I had my first bite of Dutch apple pie, a regular apple pie will no longer do. For this recipe I will use a premade pie crust to save time, but you can absolutely make your own. Other dessert ideas you may be interested in are molasses thumb print cookies, Mandarin roll cake, pumpkin cake pops,… - [Pimento Cheese Ball](https://its-the-simple-things.com/pimento-cheese-ball/): This is a southern favorite that is so fast and easy to make and can be created and altered so easily. With only a few basic ingredients, and so many topping and dipping options this can be easily adapted to anyone’s fancy. Another one of my go-to appetizers are these: ham, cream cheese, and pickle roll-ups. My husband loves the version with green peppers instead of pickles. Either way I never have left overs to take back home. Ingredients How to Make Pimento Cheese Ball VIDEO OF THE PROCESS - [Monster Cookies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/soft-monster-cookies/): These are another one of my favorite cookies. These soft monster cookies are chewy with all the right ingredients. This cookie has the sugary sweetness I crave, with the addition of not only peanut butter, but its also loaded with two kinds of chocolate goodness: chocolate chips and M & M’s. These cookies really are fast to mix up and only take 10 – 12 minutes in the oven. They maintain their thick stature very well and as long as you don’t over bake them they stay soft and chewy. If you roll the dough smaller, they end up making… - [White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker](https://its-the-simple-things.com/white-chicken-chili-slow-cooker/): Today we are supposed to see snow for the first time this winter. The perfect day to make chili for this first time this season. My favorite chili is white chicken chili. Another cool weather meal I love is old fashioned goulash. This is a quick, delicious, and easy meal. Throw it all in the crock pot and dinner will be ready hours later. Another perfect way to end a cold weather day. Ingredients **Topping ideas: shredded cheese, jalapenos, avocados, sour cream, cilantro, tortillas, and/or chips. How to make White Chicken Chili in the slow cooker Place chicken breasts in… - [Pumpkin Cake Balls](https://its-the-simple-things.com/pumpkin-cake-balls/): What could be better than pumpkin spice and chocolate all in one bite? These chocolate dipped pumpkin cake balls are a great treat. I do not like the cold, but I do enjoy the fall treats. I also enjoy family time in the kitchen, so my daughter and I made these together last weekend. This is an easy recipe that is also a great way to spend time together in the kitchen with your kids. You only need a few ingredients so let’s get started. Ingredients VIDEO PROCESS OF MAKING PUMPKIN CAKE BALLS HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN CAKE BALLS Preheat… - [Mandarin Roll Cake](https://its-the-simple-things.com/mandarin-roll-cake/): I love all things chocolate and sugar, but this cake is equally amazing to me. When I first tried this delicious cake probably 20 years ago, it was love at first bite. Moist, creamy, and perfectly sweet. This delicious cake has been called a jelly roll, roll cake, and Swiss roll. The fillings and topping are practically endless so let this fun cake and your imagination go wild. For example, this Pumpkin Fluff mix would taste amazing in this cake roll. Ingredients Cake Mix Filling Mix How to Make Mandarin roll cake Make sure you drained your mandarins for a… - [Old Fashioned Goulash](https://its-the-simple-things.com/old-fashioned-goulash/): As the fall chill starts to fill the air what better than a bowl of good old fashioned goulash to warm you from the inside out. I think we all have that special meal/meals you remember from childhood: goulash is one of mine. The cold weather can be a real struggle for me. I am a Michigander originally, but moved away more than half my life ago to warmer weather. A nice thing about the cooler weather is being able to enjoy comfort foods like these and snuggles on the couch. This simple recipe can be ready in about 35… - [Molasses Thumbprint Cookies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/molasses-thumbprint-cookies/): These are one of my all-time favorite cookies!! If you have never tried these thumb print molasses cookies with raspberry jam, you simply have to try them. They are always a big hit with friends and family. Ingredients How-to-Make Preheat your oven to 375 degrees In your mixing bowl combine the oil, egg, molasses, and brown sugar. Mix over medium speed until well mixed. While it’s mixing add in the baking soda, salt, cloves, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly add in your flour a little at a time until firm enough to make 1-1 1/2″ balls. Add more flour… - [Banana Cream Cheese Muffins](https://its-the-simple-things.com/banana-cream-cheese-muffins/): Overripe bananas? Perfect! Try this mouth-watering idea: Cream cheese filled banana muffins. These muffins are easy to make and help you use up those over-ripe bananas. Let’s face it none of us can afford to just throw food away and be wasteful. These are great for breakfast, snacks, dessert, holidays, picnics, and more! On the occasion when a couple of bananas over-ripen in our home I don’t always want to stop and make banana bread or something. So, what I do is put them in a quart size freezer bag, and pop them in the freezer. When I pull them… - [Beef Enchilada Recipe](https://its-the-simple-things.com/homemade-beef-enchiladas/): This Tex-Mex, Beef Enchilada recipe is always a crowd-pleaser at my house and was one of my father-in-law’s absolute favorites. Actually, his favorite was the chicken version of this recipe. We never have leftovers, mostly thanks to one of the teenage boys in my house. He ate three servings this time! How to make beef enchiladas For this recipe, I start off by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and hot peppers. (I always wear gloves to avoid the burn). Then I gathered and measured out the seasonings, hot sauce, broth, sauce, and shredded cheese. While I am browning the ground… - [Ham and pickle roll ups](https://its-the-simple-things.com/hors-doeuvre-to-impress-the-masses/): pickles and onions on a wooden cutting board. The whipped cream cheese in a bowl and sliced honey ham ready to go. - [Candied Dill Pickles](https://its-the-simple-things.com/sweet-pickles-from-dill-pickles-recipes/): This is a recipe from my mother and it makes the best sweet pickles and I am pretty particular. This easy-to-make recipe takes only a few ingredients and 30 minutes to make. They are the perfect combination of sweet and tart with a satisfying crunch. All you need for this recipe is the 80oz jar of whole dill pickles, I prefer Vlassic, apple cider vinegar, white sugar, and celery seed. Drain the pickles, rinse, and cut into 1 1/2 inch slices and place them back in the jar. Then add the white sugar and vinegar together in a small pot… - [Pumpkin Fluff Dip](https://its-the-simple-things.com/pumpkin-pie-cool-whip-dip/): Using only 5 ingredients and with a prep time of only 10 minutes this is a no-brainer and my kids absolutely loved it! My 22-year-old daughter’s words were, “I want to die with this taste in my mouth”. Ok, she may be a little dramatic but I’ll take it. She came home from work the next day with a smile on her face and said, “Dessert time, I’ve been thinking about this all day”.  I am no fan of winter but when it comes to fall I embrace it because of all the fall foods, and this one is definitely… - [Green Tomato Salsa Verde](https://its-the-simple-things.com/what-do-i-do-with-all-these-green-tomatoes/): What do I do with all of these green tomatoes? So, if you are here I am guessing you might have had some of the same issues I did this year. My garden started out looking amazing. Then the heat wave and drought kicked in. No matter how much I watered it was just too hot and my garden didn’t have enough shade. I’ll be adding shade cloth hoops for next year. Anyhow the water just kept the plants alive. After a couple small harvests of ripe tomatoes it was too hot for my plants to even flower. Once the… ## Pages - [Disclosures, Disclaimers, and Policies](https://its-the-simple-things.com/privacy-policy/): THIRD-PARTY ADVERTISING We may allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our website. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, the subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. DISCLAIMERS Links to other websites-This website may contain links to other websites of interest. However,… - [CONTACT US](https://its-the-simple-things.com/contact/): If you have any questions. comments or concerns about this blog, please fill out the form below or simply email me: Valerie @ its-the-simple-things.com I would love to hear from you! Food first, then we change the world!! <3 If you see a recipe here that you would like to use, I would love to share.  All I ask is that you give me a shout out and a link back to the original post.  With that being said, I love sharing recipes but I do not condone, nor do I agree to, flat out plagiarism or photo use without… - [Our Story](https://its-the-simple-things.com/about/): Once upon a time a Michigander met a U.S. navy sailor in Virginia Beach, VA and fell in love. After completing his service to his country he moved us to Oklahoma and put a ring on it. We moved right into tornado alley one year before the F-5 tore through. It’s trail of destruction zig zagged through Oklahoma going between our house and the in-laws. We were blessed to come through it all with no damage. Ten years later, one move, several children and multiple tornados later we had our next close call. Our daughter who was only 6 when… [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)