Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

June 26, 2018 by

BBQ corn on the cob with herb butter

Is there an item of food that just screams summer to you? For me, it’s corn on the cob. Every year my mouth starts to water as I think of the delicious ears of corn we’ll be eating come summer. And now we’ve taken it a notch higher with this corn on the cob with herb butter.

It’s so easy to just throw some corn husks into a pot, soak them, and then grill them up while grilling our favorite kabobs or steaks. And we don’t even have to bother with plates because the husks provide a great handle as we eat the corn.

The kids share our love of corn on the cob and as soon as they see in the store they start jumping up and down asking if they can put some in the cart.

Here’s the best way we’ve found to make the perfect barbecued corn and the best way to take the flavor up a notch… with herb butter!corn on the cob with herb butter - soak cornCorn on the Cob with Herb Butter

What you’ll need: 

What you do: 

1. Rinse off corn. If there are many layers of husk, remove a few of the outer layers. Make sure to leave most of the layers on the corn.

2. Soak the corn in a large pot of water for at least 15- 30 minutes.

3. Shake off excess water and hrow the ears of corn on the grill with whatever else you’re grilling.

corn on the cob with herb butter - cooked on the barbecue4. Grill the corn on medium heat (about 350) and rotate corn so that it’s charred evenly on each side.

5. Once the corn has been seared, remove from direct heat and place on indirect heat – like the top shelf of your grill. Allow to cook for 15 more minutes.

6. Using an oven mit, remove the corn and set on a tray to serve.corn on the cob with herb butter roasted corn7. When you’re ready to eat, peel back the husks and remove all silk from the corn. Discard the silk.

8. Slather with herb butter and enjoy!

corn on the cob with herb butter ready to eatThe corn will be hot so you may want to let it cool down a bit before letting the kids go crazy. My kids can hardly contain themselves once we take the corn off the grill.

Can you tell she loves it?

corn on the cob with herb butter eating

 What’s your favorite summer food?

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Herb Butter for Corn on the Cob

June 19, 2018 by

Herb Butter for Corn

I love the chance to spice up any food or side dish we’re going to serve at a party and after enjoying a deliciously barbecued ear of corn from the fair I knew we could make more of our favorite summer food.

With the 4th of July coming up I decided to throw together an herb butter to go with the corn we were bringing with us to the party.

What better than a tasty, flavorful butter to slather all over the hot, barbecued corn? So good! And so easy too. Herb butter for corn on the cob is not only tasty but very easy to whip up!Herb Butter for Corn ingredientsHerb Butter for Corn

What you’ll need: 

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon sage
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 2 tablespoons basil
  • salt and pepper

Herb Butter for Corn mix

What you do: 

Mix together the herbs and salt & pepper with the butter until well blended.

Place butter in a dish and chill until ready to serve.

Slather onto a deliciously hot piece of corn and enjoy!

corn on the cob with herb butter ready to eat

 How do you spice up your favorite side dishes?

Filed Under: Condiments, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip: The Perfect New Year’s Eve Appetizer

December 28, 2017 by

This creamy chicken jalapeno popper dip is the perfect appetizer for New Year’s Eve and is sure to be a crowd pleaser! This is a sponsored post. 

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip - the perfect NYE appetizer

I think I’m on a high. Still recovering from the Christmas cheer that spread throughout my house, family in town celebrating, and a fun weekend of even more celebrating in my near future. And, of course, smack dab in the middle of all of that is New Year’s Eve. The biggest party of the year, right?

We normally head over to my brother in laws house with appetizers and sparkling grape juice in hand for a kid-friendly NYE party where we celebrate ringing in the new year on GMT. We’re home by 6-7pm and the kids feel like they’ve gotten to celebrate the big countdown with their family and friends. But then my husband and I can enjoy a nice quiet meal together as we ring in the new year while the kids snooze.

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip

I try and keep things simple by making a few appetizers to enjoy instead of a large meal. I bring a larger version of the appetizer to the party while I save a small version for us to heat up later. We can munch together and watch the festivities on tv as we remember what happened in the years past. It’s a great way to connect. But it’s also a great way to try out fun recipes I haven’t had a chance to try out in the previous year. And this creamy chicken jalapeno popper dip recipe is one of them! The kids loved that I paired it with their favorite sparkling grape juice.

I first saw a variation of this recipe on my friend Melissa’s site and knew I wanted to try it. But I wanted to see if I could mix those flavors with my favorite “crack dip” recipe. Adding chicken to this dish not only took it up a notch but made it more acceptable as a replacement for dinner. I’ll enjoy mine with celery while the husband dipped in with crackers and tortilla chips!

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip ingredientsCreamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip ingredients to mixCreamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip - deliciously cheesy with a hint of spice

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip

  • 2 8 ounce packages Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 4 ounce can chopped green chiles, drained
  • 2 diced jalapeño peppers, seeds removed
  • 1 cup Mexican style Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese
  • 1-1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 375˚ F.  In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, green chiles, jalapeños, chicken, and shredded cheeses.  Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until smooth and evenly combined.  Spread the mixture into a baking dish (approximately 9 x 9-inches).

In a second bowl, combine the Panko and Parmesan and stir until combined.   Sprinkle over the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish.  Bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and the topping is golden. Broil on high for 30 seconds if it’s not as toasty on top as you’d like.

Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, baguette slices, vegetables, etc. as desired.

Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip with chips and crackers

What do you munch on during the NYE celebration? 

Love this recipe? Here are a few more you might like: 

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Ringing in New Years with Kids

December 26, 2017 by

Ringing In New Years with Kids

New Years Eve is not the same as it once was. Now that we celebrate New Years with kids, we’ve changed things up to make things more kid-friendly. Including starting a little earlier than we once did.

Below are a few great ways to have a rockin’ New Years Eve with kids. From fun mocktails and food to fun and games, everyone will have a good time!

Start the Party Early!

There’s no need to wait till midnight in your timezone! Consider starting the party early and celebrate when the kids are still awake by choosing a different time zone. My brother in law hosts a GMT New Years Eve party every year where we count down to 4pm PST (0000 GMT).

The kids get the full experience of New Years Eve without having to force themselves to stay awake. Then the adults can celebrate how they’d like afterwards. Or go to bed with the kids at their normal time. I’m pretty sure I do the later every year even though I make an effort to stay up.

New Years with Kids Mocktail

Get Creative with Mocktails

Grab some bottles of bubbly… bubbly apple cider and grape juice that is and start mixing up some fun concoctions (or let the kids make their own). All you need is some sparkling juice or sparkling water and a variety of other juices. Then let the kids have fun mixing them up

Consider adding a few mix ins like maraschino cherries or fresh fruits. And for dessert create an ice cream sundae or ice cream float bar!

Mini Corn Dogs with Ketchup

Serve Up Kid-Friendly Foods

Miniature or small finger foods work best with the littles. Consider cooking up some mini corn dogs or sticking with a simple cheese, cracker and meat platter. And snacks are a must so consider a variety of bunnies, pretzels, fish, and grahams. And I’m sure the kids would go crazy for this Inside Out Garlic Cheese Bread.

Need something for the adults too? Grab a few bags of Pretzel Crisps, and whip up this delicious hot pizza dip. It’s a crowd pleaser!

If you’re looking for more traditional fare, consider making a batch of black eyed peas to bring good luck with you into the new year.

New Years Eve Countdown Boxes - Play Party Pin

Have Some Fun

It isn’t a new years eve party without fun and games! Check out these great ways to ring in the new years with kids in style! From homemade balloon drops to creative ways to count down each hour, these bloggers have you covered!

In Southern California? Check out these kid-friendly New Years Eve parties hosted around town!

How do you celebrate New Years with kids?

ringing-in-the-new-years-with-kids

This post was originally featured on December 26, 2013.

Filed Under: Family Parties, Holidays, New Years, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Make Moana Kakamora Coconut Ornaments

November 13, 2017 by

how-to-make-moana-kakamora-coconut-ornaments

Moana has been and continues to be both of my daughter’s favorite movie. Each of them is glued to the screen as the story unravels every time they watch it. Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why.

The story of Moana goes through the history of her people and the reason why they never leave their island. As Moana takes off on a new adventure, we come to learn more about this missing pieces of her story and watch as she creates a story of her own. 

Throughout her adventures, my daughter’s favorite part in the movie is when Moana and Maui encounter the Kakamora. Seemingly sweet and gentle creatures in the beginning, Moana quickly learns of their fierce, warrior-like side. We’re recreating the Kakamora in these fun Kakamora Christmas ornaments for the holiday season.

Don’t want to make these yourself? Purchase one here in our Etsy store! 

how-to-make-moana-kakamora-coconut-ornaments-supplies

How to Make Moana Kakamora Coconut Ornaments

What you’ll need: 

What you do: 

1. Paint a circle around the edge of the wood slice with brown paint leaving the middle wood exposed. 

2. Using the black paint, make two circles for eyes. 

3. With the white paint, make a mouth full of teeth. Outline in black if you’d like. 

4. Add the final touches to the face by adding some designs with red paint.

5. Screw eye screw on top of the ornament and string with ribbon. 

Let dry and hang on the tree to enjoy during the holiday season! 

how-to-make-moana-kakamora-coconut-ornaments-on-the-tree

* This post was originally published on Nov 21, 2016

Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts/DIY, Disney, Disney Crafts, DIsney Movies, Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Disney’s CARS 3 Road to the Races in San Diego

June 5, 2017 by

Are your kids’ huge Cars fans? Well, you’re in luck! The CARS 3 Road to the Races Tour is in San Diego tomorrow June 6th! 

This is an amazing FREE event for San Diego families at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. It’s going to be HUGE- with tons of freebies and photo opps with your favorite CARS 3 characters.

You won’t want to miss this fun event! 

Before the event, check out these activity sheets including a “Race to the Finish” board game, a build your own Race Course activity and a delicious Corn Fritters recipe!

Click below to download activities! 

Piston Cup Race Maze

Memory Race

Spot the Difference

Make Your Own Race Course

Miss Fritter’s Corn Fritters

Not in San Diego? Check here to see if there’s an event in your neighborhood! 

Disney Pixar’s CARS 3 opens everywhere June 16th! 

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Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pinwheels

March 31, 2017 by

Mediterranean Tuna Salad pinwheels #shop
With spring arriving and the change in weather, I try to turn to some of my favorite light, healthy lunch recipes. One of my favorite recipes is this healthy Mediterranean tuna salad.

By cutting out the mayo and subbing olive oil instead, this tuna salad is not only light and refreshing, it also has fewer calories in it as well! The best part is how versatile it is! Don’t have basil? Try another herb you do have. Don’t like onions? Try another flavor!

To spruce it up for the kids I decided to make these healthy Mediterranean tuna salad pinwheels. I simply wrapped up the tuna salad in some whole grain tortillas, layered some greens and fresh tomatoes from my garden, and piled on the tuna salad.

The results? Delicious! And I’m fairly certain the star of this recipe is the tuna.

Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pinwheels

  • 1 can tuna (flaked)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (minced)
  • 1/2 stalk celery (diced)
  • 1/4 red onion (diced)
  • drizzle of olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 tomato (sliced)
  • 2 pieces red leaf lettuce
  • 2 whole grain tortillas
  1. Mix together the first six ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Grab the two tortillas and layer a piece of lettuce onto each one. Then add a few slices of tomatoes (about three on each tortilla).
  2. Spread a bit of the tuna salad onto the middle of the tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly. Secure with toothpicks and cut into rounds, using extra toothpicks in each individual pinwheel.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad pinwheel wrap up close #shop

Not only is this a fabulous lunch for the family, it’s also a great appetizer for any parties coming up. Simple and easy to make, guests are sure to love the fresh, delicious flavor of these pinwheels.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pinwheels close upWhat’s your go-to healthy lunch recipe?

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, Health & Wellness, In the Kitchen, Lunch, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

21 Best Birthday Party Ideas for Children

February 3, 2017 by

Looking for birthday ideas for children? We’ve rounded up 21 of the best birthday ideas all in one place! And #13 is our favorite, hands down.

If you are looking for some amazing Birthday Party Ideas for Children, I have good news. I’ve gathered up some of the top party ideas for children of every age, gender or interest. With tops tips, tricks, recipes and decor ideas, you won’t have to strain your brain to come up with some wonderful party plans of your own! Jump right in and find the idea that’s right for you!

1. Disney Brave Birthday Party Ideas – All Things Thrifty

This fun birthday party post includes templates and printables to help you plan your very own Disney Brave-themed birthday party. Perfect for little girls OR boys!

2. Planning a Chuck E Cheese Party – Living Mi Vida Loca

Everything you need to know about food, decor and party favors to help you create the best experience at your kids’ favorite pizza place!

3. Ultimate Sports Party – The Joys of Boys

If your kids are the athletic types, it makes sense to give them a super fun sports-themed party. Here you’ll find recipe ideas, sporty games to play and awesome sporty decor, too!

4. Minnie Mouse Summer Party – Simmworks Family Blog

Too often, Mickey Mouse gets all the attention. But if your little one is Minnie Crazy, then you need to feast your eyes on this Minnie Mouse-themed party that features creative decor, food and treats that the whole family and all your friends will love.

5. Butterfly Garden Birthday Party – Lydi Out Loud

For your favorite little girl or boy who loves nature and the outdoors, here is a fun and beautiful party idea.

6. Pirate Birthday Party – Baking with Blondie

Ahoy mateys! It’s a pirate party, and this one has it all. Seafood and other pirate-themed foods, easy decorations and even costumes. Your kids will love it!

7. Pirate Halloween Birthday Party – It’s A Mother Thing

Another fun take on a pirate theme, this one has a Halloween twist! Perfect for your little one’s birthday, OR as a themed Halloween party!

8. Root Beer Float Party – Simmworks Family Blog

While a traditional barbecue may not appeal to some kids, renaming it into a Root Beer Float Party will surely get them excited! And happy bonus for the grownups – you can totally still have the barbecue! This one features healthier options, as well as the star of the show – Root Beer Floats!

9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party – Baking with Blondie

I don’t know a single child that doesn’t love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the theme lends itself so well to a young one’s party. It’s an especially good one for those with allergies or health concerns, as it is the perfect party to load up on fruit!

10. Frozen Birthday Party – Dinner at the Zoo

I can’t say enough about the thought that went into this Frozen-themed party. Any child would be delighted to host or attend such a fabulous party, and this will give you a load of ideas on how to throw your own for your little Elsa or Olaf.

11. Angry Birds Birthday Party Part 1 and Part 2 – The Joys of Boys

This two part party post features amazing food and games to help you throw an incredible Angry Birds-themed party that your little ones will be talking about for ages!

12. Fabulous and Fancy Party – The Crafty Chicks

Have you got the girliest girl who loves to feel fancy? Then check out this adorable party plan that just screams fabulous!

13. Reptile Birthday Party – Simmworks Family Blog

Does your child love all things creepy and crawly? They will love this reptile theme! Featuring creative naming of traditional food and drink (Swamp Water? Gecko Grapes??) and ideas of entertainment and decor, this one is perfect for your slithery snake lovers!

14. Under the Sea Birthday Party – Dinner at the Zoo

This super adorable party plan will make your little one feel like The Little Mermaid on their special day.

15. Ghostbusters Birthday Party – Living Mi Vida Loca

This party is perfect for your own little Ghostbuster. With themed games, including a huge pinata, and some fun printable coloring pages, tshirt transfers and Slimer tattoo station, this is one party that will have you saying, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!”

16. Princess Birthday Party – The Girl Creative

This is one awesome Princess party plan with some free printables to help you make it easy to throw your own!

17. Farm-Themed Birthday Party – The Joy of Boys

If your kids love animals and the outdoors, you must consider the fun that comes with planning a farm-themed birthday party!

18. The Ultimate Minion Movie Birthday Party – Third Stop on the Right

If your kids are as Minions-obsessed as most, they’re going to LOVE this party idea. Find out how to make an amazing layered minion cake and other fun projects for your party.

19. Easy Cars Party – The Joys of Boys

If you want simple and classic, you can’t go wrong with this fun Cars-themed party. It doesn’t get any easier than chocolate donuts posing as car tires!

20. Star Wars Party – Pretty Providence

I have two words for you: Wookie Cookies. Your kids will love the amazing food ideas from this Star Wars themed party!

21. Princess Tea Party – Dinner at the Zoo

Cuteness cannot be contained when you throw your little one this delightful Princess Tea Party. Edible DIY necklaces, magic wands and fabulous flowers and food are going to wow the adults as much as the children!

With all of these birthday party ideas for children, you are sure to be able to come up with your own take to make your next party amazing. 

What is your favorite birthday party theme for kids?

Filed Under: Family Parties, Kids Parties, Party Ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kids Eat Free Wednesdays at St. Tropez Bistro

January 25, 2017 by

A few weeks ago we were invited up to Encinitas to check out St. Tropez Bistro in celebration of a new offer they’re providing to guests. St. Tropez is introducing Kids Eat Free Wednesdays, where up to two kids can order free kids menu dishes, with the purchase of an adult entree and drink (cannot be combined with other offers or discounts). 

One thing I love is a restaurant that caters to kids. When my husband and I first had kids, we were always nervous to check out new places for fear that others would give us glances or stares when our kids started getting “too loud” for the type of restaurant we were at. So when we find a good family-friendly place, we like to share it with everyone! 

The second thing I love? When the kids menu includes breakfast items all day. Because there’s not much my kids love more than a stack of pancakes and some whipped cream. 

The Atmosphere

As soon as we found parking (boy is that hard to do on a busy day!) we made our way into the small courtyard where Saint Tropez is located. There’s a nice water fountain and little shops all around the courtyard. We found a table outside near the fountain and settled the kids in before heading inside to order. 

Having the option to sit outside with the kids is always a good thing. Especially when it’s a nice day out and the weather is enjoyable. We don’t have to limit them to sitting at the table for the whole meal when they’ve eaten what’s on their plates. 

The Menu

As I mentioned before, the kids love breakfast foods for lunch and dinner. So when they saw pancakes on the menu, they jumped at the chance to order some. But my youngest decided to be a little different and went for the mac and cheese. Each kids meal came with a small bowl of fruit. 

I took quite a while to decide what I wanted to eat because I just wasn’t sure what to try. There were savory crepes, quiches, salads and sandwiches. With a slight nip in the air I wanted something warm. So I went with the Menton panini: roast beef, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli. With the paninis you can opt for a cup of fruit or soup for a small up charge. I chose the french onion soup to pair with my panini. The sandwiches also come with a side salad leaving me very satisfied and full when I was done eating. 

My husband went for his go-to hot sandwich: the tuna melt. And while he wanted to love it, it was a little too dry for his liking. He did enjoy his side salad as well. 

Dessert

One thing you notice as soon as you walk into St. Tropez Bistro are the desserts. Oh the desserts! As soon as we asked the kids if they wanted to try one, their faces lit up. Each of them chose something different: my son chose a chocolate dipped heart sugar cookie, my older daughter chose a brownie (so her!), and the littlest wanted the sprinkle tree sugar cookie. 

But I couldn’t choose something from the display window. I needed to try one of their delicious crepes from the menu! I narrowed it down to the Caramel Apple crepes or the Strawberry Nutella crepes and the strawberry nutella crepes won out. They were served warm and wrapped like little burritos then covered with a drizzle of nutella and good helping of whipped cream. I may or may not have wanted to lick the plate…


St. Tropez has also signed on with UberEATS. Download the app and order from St. Tropez at your convenience, delivered right to your door. And in celebration of National Croissant Day, on Monday, Jan. 30 you can get a free coffee with purchase of a croissant.

They are located at 947 S Coast Hwy 101 (Encinitas, 92024). For more information, please visit www.StTropezEncinitas.com

What is your kids go to menu item when eating out? 

Filed Under: Restaurants, Reviews, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Homemade Valentines Day Gifts

January 24, 2017 by

Homemade Valentines Day Gifts

I love receiving homemade gifts. There’s something about knowing that someone thought of you enough to make a gift for you that touches my heart. Now don’t get me wrong – I love any and all gifts! But homemade is always special.

If you’re looking for some homemade valentines day gifts then look no further. Below are some great ideas to get you started on gifts to make friends and family to celebrate the day of love.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, Holidays, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day Tagged With: , , , ,


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