Dixie Crystals

Candy Corn Layer Cake

October 30, 2017

A classic Halloween candy is transformed into Candy Corn Layer Cake! Layers of yellow, orange and white vanilla cake are decorated with buttercream, dripping with chocolate ganache and adorned with candy corn bark for a festive and fun treat!

This post is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Candy Corn Layer Cake from LoveandConfections.com

I love creating fun, themed cakes and this Candy Corn Layer Cake was as cute as it was delicious! I really need to make more cakes on here, because they are just so fun. This vanilla cake recipe was tinted to look like candy corn, with corresponding colored frosting. Candy corn bark and ganache is on top, which makes an over-the-top presentation that everyone will love.

GG is head over heels for candy corn this year, now that she knows what it is because of her Aunt and Uncle sneaking her pieces here and there. She keeps saying it’s her favorite candy, so I really hope she gets some while out trick-or-treating this year. Either way she will have a blast on Halloween because she now knows what it’s all about…. the candy.

As soon as she saw this cake she screamed, “it’s a candy corn cake!” I wish I could bottle up that excitement. It was adorable. She even wanted to help mommy take pictures of the cake and ran upstairs to grab her “camera”. I had to snap a quick pic of my mini me. She kept “taking pictures” and said it looked good. What a character!!

I struggled a little to try and figure out the decorations for the top and ultimately decided that chocolate makes everything better! The ganache isn’t too sweet which is great because I don’t like an overly sweet cake. The frosting has a hint of almond extract and is absolutely delicious – my family LOVED it so much. It is definitely one of my favorites that I will be making again soon!

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

CANDY CORN LAYER CAKE

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

I have an ongoing relationship with Dixie Crystals as a recipe developer and brand ambassador. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. This post may contain Amazon Affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

Black Velvet Cauldron Cupcakes

October 28, 2017

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. Black Velvet Cauldron Cupcakes are sure to be the hit of your Halloween party. Don’t forget the skeleton bones and eyeball sprinkles!!

This post is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Black Velvet Cauldron Cupcakes from LoveandConfections.com

Halloween is just around the corner and if you need a spooky and delicious treat, these Cauldron Cupcakes are perfect. I used a red velvet cake recipe as the base and added black food coloring. When I think of witches and cauldrons, the color lime green is my favorite; so what better way to make a bubbling cauldron than with lime green frosting.

My little one is going to be a purple witch this year. We usually have big cauldrons to hold all the candy for the trick-or-treaters. When I was a kid, my parents always bought dry ice and we would set it up in a cauldron outside, have some spooky music playing, and my mom would be a witch every year. We don’t do many gory decorations for Halloween so these cupcakes are the perfect treat for everyone!

You can definitely adjust the amount of food coloring, depending on how bright green you want your frosting. Same with the cupcakes. I used a little bit of black coloring, but you can use more if you really want it dark. Candy eyes, green sprinkles, and candy bones are the perfect topping for these fun Halloween cupcakes

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

BLACK VELVET CAULDRON CUPCAKES

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

I have an ongoing relationship with Dixie Crystals as a recipe developer and brand ambassador. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. This post may contain Amazon Affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

Homemade Apple Cider Floats

October 2, 2017

Made-from-scratch apple cider is the secret to this creamy and delicious Fall Drink. Homemade apple cider, vanilla ice cream and creme chantilly are just the right combination to sip on a crisp autumn day.

This post is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Homemade Apple Cider Floats from LoveandConfections.com

It is officially Fall and I am excited about this season. Fall is probably my favorite of the four seasons, because of the changing leaves and cooler temperatures. Granted, we don’t get that in Florida, so maybe that is why I love Autumn so much.

There is something special about Fall; maybe it’s the weather, or the fun activities, but it is almost magical. Pumpkins pop up everywhere, pumpkin spice everything, Fall festivals and corn mazes, getting ready for Halloween and Thanksgiving, and that feeling of change and excitement all come around this time of year.

Apple picking is another quintessential Fall activity and I am almost bursting with excitement because I am finally going to go apple picking for the first time next week. For many Northerners, visiting apple orchards are a regular Fall activity, but for this Southern Florida girl apple picking garners way more excitement than usual. I love going to orchards and farms to pick fruits and vegetables and have never been far enough North, and able to pick, during apple season.

I am definitely going to bring back some apples from my trip, and cannot wait to make more homemade apple cider. The warm, delicious smell that wafts through the house while making cider is amazing. Pair it with freshly churned vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special Fall treat. Cheers!

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

APPLE CIDER FLOATS!

Until next time,

LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Banana Cream Pie Cookie Cups

September 26, 2017

Banana cream pie in a bite-sized form. Graham cracker cookie cups are filled with banana pudding, topped with creme Chantilly and garnished with banana slices and vanilla wafer cookies.

This recipe is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Banana Cream Pie Cookie Cups from LoveandConfections.com

Pie is up there on my list of favorite desserts, right behind chocolate eclairs, and these Banana Cream Pie Cookie Cups are amazing! Cream pies or pudding pies are my top pick because I love the crumbly and sweet graham cracker crust, contrasting with the cool and creamy pudding or mousse filling. Fresh whipped cream is essential, and shaved chocolate or other garnishes are always fun.

I grew up loving cream pies, but didn’t really make them much. I definitely need to make more, because who doesn’t need more cream pies in their life? These cookie cups are so easy to make you’ll want them for not only every holiday, but special occasions as well. The graham cracker crumbs really make it taste like a graham crust and not just a regular sugar cookie.

Homemade pudding is great, but I opted for a semi-homemade route with banana pudding. Creme Chantilly, banana slices and Nilla Wafers are the perfect topping, reminiscent of the traditional banana pudding casserole dish we all love. They remind me of potlucks or Summer parties. There was always one banana cream dish and it got devoured with no leftovers.

These mini desserts are the perfect bite. I already have ideas for a few other flavors that I know you will love – perfect for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer!

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

BANANA CREAM PIE COOKIE CUPS

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Pineapple Strawberry Swirl Fruit Pops

September 10, 2017

Savor the flavors of Summer a little bit longer with these Pineapple Strawberry Swirl Fruit Pops. They are perfect for an after-school snack or dessert on a warm day.

This recipe is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Pineapple Strawberry Swirl Fruit Pops from LoveandConfections.com

I absolutely love homemade fruit pops. During the Summer months, fresh and beautiful fruit is abundant and the flavor options are endless. Strawberries and pineapples are a family favorite, but I also love other berries, cherries and stone fruit too.

This recipe can easily be adapted for any fruit you prefer, although I recommend using the fruit mentioned above. I haven’t tried this with melons yet, but I bet they are delicious too – the amount of simple syrup might need to be adjusted depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

My little girl loves these pops so much. We usually have to eat them outside, because she always turns into a sweet, sticky, pop-running-everywhere mess. But, that’s what Summer is about, isn’t it? Kids being kids, playing outside, pools, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, beach trips and so on.

Even though the Northern states are starting to cool off, we have rather warm temperatures (and a hurricane) down South and these pops are ready and waiting in my freezer.

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

PINEAPPLE STRAWBERRY SWIRL FRUIT POPS

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Tangerine Sweet Tea

July 16, 2017

Tangerine juice brightens the traditional sweet tea and gives it a fun, southern, summer flair.

This recipe is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Tangerine Sweet Tea from LoveandConfections.com

Sweet tea is a staple in the South, and I am a Southern girl at heart. Give me biscuits, gravy and a tall glass of sweet tea and I am a happy girl! Traditional sweet tea is given a refreshing fruity twist with tangerine juice. Being from Florida, we have a lot of beautiful citrus available and adding fruity flavors to drinks is always fun.

Depending on the fruit, tangerines can be sweet or slightly tart. I created a sort of tangerine syrup with tangerine juice and sugar, to sweeten my tea. If you can’t find fresh tangerines, check the refrigerated juice section of your grocery store for tangerine juice. If that isn’t available, clementines and oranges are other good options.

Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh citrus slices, mint and fun straws. I have a large collection of straws that I am always adding to. I find them in craft stores, party stores and online. I think they really make a festive drink display and are great for parties or cocktail bars too. Hope you have a delightful day and have a glass of Tangerine Sweet Tea to sip on. Cheers!

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

TANGERINE SWEET TEA

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

Strawberry Peach Pound Cake Trifle

July 11, 2017

Homemade pound cake, strawberries, peaches and a vanilla cream filling make this trifle over-the-top, refreshing and easy to make for any summer gathering.

This recipe is sponsored by Dixie Crystals

Strawberry Peach Pound Cake Trifle from LoveandConfections.com

Trifles are such a fun Summer dessert where many flavors are delicious. Strawberries, peaches, vanilla cream filling and homemade pound cake is a great fruit-filled and creamy combination. There really is no right or wrong way to make a trifle and you can pick and choose what fruits, cake and fillings you want. You can even go one step further and do a chocolate trifle with cookies or brownies – now that sounds delicious!!

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Ambrosia Angel Food Cake

May 15, 2017

A classic Southern dessert gets a fun twist when combined with angel food cake. Ambrosia salad becomes the filling and garnish for a light and fluffy angel food cake, frosted with marshmallow-flavored frosting and toasted coconut.

Ambrosia Angel Food Cake from LoveandConfections.com

When the temperatures rise I love a light and refreshing dessert, and this Ambrosia Angel Food Cake is just that. Light and fluffy angel food cake is the base and perfect for the ambrosia mixture. Marshmallow frosting, delicious fruit, and toasted coconut pair perfectly with the light and airy cake.

Ambrosia is more than just a fruit salad; it is near and dear to my heart. I grew up with my grandmother and great-aunt serving this salad at Spring and Summer family gatherings. It was often on the dessert table, right next to the jello mold.

I whipped up a fun marshmallow-flavored frosting to jazz up this cake. The colorful fruit on top for garnish is recommended, so everyone knows what delicious flavors are inside. I hope you enjoy a twist on my family favorite!

Click here for the FULL RECIPE:

AMBROSIA ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!

I have an ongoing relationship with Dixie Crystals as a recipe developer and brand ambassador. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.

Banana Nut Bread Buttermilk Pancakes #BrunchWeek

May 12, 2017

When breakfast smells like a warm loaf of mom’s famous banana bread, you know it’s going to be a good day. Old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes are the base for this easy and delicious banana nut bread pancake recipe.

Banana Nut Bread Buttermilk Pancakes from LoveandConfections.com #BrunchWeek #sponsored

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BrunchWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #Brunchweek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Warm banana nut bread slathered with cream cheese is a favorite breakfast, snack, or dessert. My mom makes amazing banana bread and my grandmother introduced me to having it with cream cheese, when I was little. I love the tang of the cream cheese mixed with the sweetness of the bread. Banana bread just has that homey feel, and whenever I smell it, it makes me think of my mom and her delicious baking.

I tasked myself with creating a banana bread-like pancake with #BrunchWeek sponsor Dixie Crystals, and these are so good. While I made these, the house smelled just like I was baking my mom’s banana bread, and she thought so too, so I got mom’s seal of approval! My Banana Nut Bread Buttermilk Pancakes are a great addition to any brunch, especially Mother’s Day.

Visit Dixie Crystals for the FULL RECIPE:

BANANA NUT BREAD BUTTERMILK PANCAKES!

Take a look at what the #BrunchWeek Bloggers are creating today!

BrunchWeek Beverages:
Blackberry Mint Bellinis from Sweet Beginnings
Cardamom Rose Cocktail from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Lemon & Blueberry Mocktail from Girl Abroad
Mango Pina Colada from The Spiffy Cookie
Sparkling Mojito Lime Rickies from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Cheesy Asparagus Bacon Quiche from The Nifty Foodie
Creamed Asparagus Omelet from Wholistic Woman
Eggs in Hell from kimchi MOM
Asparagus and Cheddar Frittata from My Catholic Kitchen
Spring Veggie Quiche from A Day in the Life on the Farm

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains and Pastries:
Apple Cheddar Cream Cheese Danish from Amy’s Cooking Adventures
Apple Cinnamon Bread from It Bakes Me Happy
Gluten Free Apple Waffles from Gluten Free Crumbley
Banana Bread Buttermilk Pancakes from Love and Confections
Blackberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls from Pink Cake Plate
Brown Sugar Poptarts from Big Bear’s Wife
Creme Brulee French Toast from The Barbee Housewife
Cherry Almond Coffee Cake from The Chef Next Door
Cheddar Dinner Rolls from Family Around the Table
Cinnamon Apple Danish from Nik Snacks
Garlic and Herb Pull Apart Bread from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake from Books n’ Cooks

Mocha Eclairs from The Redhead Baker

Sweet Apple Hand Pies with Cheddar Shortcrust from An Edible Mosaic

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Country Ham Biscuits with Peach Mustard from Palatable Pastime
Ham, Apple and Cheddar Melts from Cookaholic Wife
Ham, Egg, and Asparagus Breakfast Pizza Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Shaved Asparagus, Herb Cream Cheese, and Smoked Salmon Pizza from Sarcastic Cooking
Yumbo Sliders from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Rhubarb Crunch from Cooking with Carlee

Biscuit Bar with Flavored Sugars from Sew You Think You Can Cook
Low-Fat Apple Coffee Cake from Hardly A Goddess

I have an ongoing relationship with Dixie Crystals as a recipe developer and brand ambassador. I receive product, coupons and/or compensation for posts featuring their products. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Love and Confections possible. As always, all opinions are my own.
Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Red Star Yeast, Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Nielsen-Massey, Rainier Fruit, and Michigan Asparagus for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BrunchWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social channel mentioned in the #Brunchweek posts or entry.

Blackberry Lemon Bramble

May 2, 2017

A refreshing cocktail with a berry-licious twist: blackberries, lemons, simple syrup, gin and ginger ale combine into a refreshing drink, perfect for happy hour or evening cocktail. It easily turns from a cocktail to a mocktail too!

Blackberry Lemon Bramble from LoveandConfections.com

I love creating fun cocktails and this Bramble is one of my favorites so far. It has the perfect amount of sweet and tart, and incredibly easy to make. Blackberries are in season right now. The gorgeous, plump, and juicy berries are absolutely delicious and perfect for a Spring or Summer cocktail.

My one pet-peeve about these gorgeous purple fruits are the seeds. I dislike any cocktail that has muddled blackberries and keeps the seeds in. To fix that, I used my food processor then strained the mixture so I had the wonderful blackberry flavor, without all the seeds.

I can definitely imagine myself sitting on my patio, enjoying the Spring sunset, with a Blackberry Lemon Bramble in hand. Don’t forget some fun garnishes – because we eat with our eyes first. I am growing mint in my container garden at the moment and am loving the pop of color it gives. I also have an alternative if you or someone you know is not imbibing. The mocktail tastes just as delicious!

Visit Dixie Crystals for the FULL RECIPE:

BLACKBERRY LEMON BRAMBLE

Until next time,
LOVE & CONFECTIONS!