Pretty DIY Food Packaging

Happy Tuesday everyone! Over the last year we’ve shared a lot of recipes that would make great party treats, or even tasty dinners and snacks. Today we’ve rounded up some tutorials for you to create beautiful handmade packaging for them. This packaging will add the perfect touch to any party or gathering. We’ve paired each tutorial with a different recipe we’ve featured on our blog. Enjoy and get crafty!

Dip Dye Cupcake liners – How cute are these liners by Lauren of the blog Little Wren? You could dye these to match any party theme or decor and we think these semi-homemade chocolate chip cookie cupcakes that we featured a while back would look perfect inside these colorful liners!

Image & Tutorial from Little Wren

DIY French Fry Boxes – This tutorial and PDF pattern comes from Creating Keepsakes (image from Seven Thirty Three). Our baked sweet potato fries would look amazing in here. Or any treat/favor would do!

Image from Seven Thirty Three & Tutorial from Creating Keepsakes.

DIY Pie Wedge Box – This beautiful tutorial, which includes a free printable, comes from Lavender’s Blue Designs. How gorgeous would a slice of cake or pie look in this box? Why not try our homemade pumpkin pie packaged in this pretty paper?

Tutorial & Image from Lavender’s Blue Designs

Have you made your own packaging for baked goods before? How did it turn out?

Election Day Treats!

Happy Election Day everybody! This is just a reminder that no matter who you support, you should GET OUT & VOTE! Today we have a collection of three easy recipes you can whip up to share with friends and family as you watch the election results roll in! Enjoy!

Red, White, & Blue Rice Krispy Treats – This recipe and tutorial from Lil’ Luna is super simple and really adorable. You could apply the same technique to achieve any color combination for another party! All you need is food coloring, Rice Krispy Cereal, Marshmallows (you could substitute vegan ones), and Margarine or Butter.

Red, White & Blue Cookies – From All Recipes/Southern Living. These chewy cookies are easy to make and even easier to eat! Whip up a batch today!

Red, White & Blue Pretzel Sticks – This recipe comes from Martha Stewart! A perfect combination of salty and sweet. You could do any color combination to fit your party’s decor!

Are you having an election watch party? Or is it your birthday today? Does that change how you celebrate?

Fruit & Nut Granola Cookie Bites

High Fiber Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fruit & Nut Granola Cookie Bites – Makes About 30 Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten lightly
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water
• 2/3 cup all-purpose whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried sour cherries or dried cranberries
• 1/8 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/8 cup chopped almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine the banana with the brown sugar in a large bowl and beat in the egg, the baking soda mixture, the flour, the salt, and the vanilla. Stir in the oats, the apricots, raisins, cherries (or cranberries), walnuts, and almonds and combine the dough well.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough about 4 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. We like to leave them as cookie balls, but you can also flatten them out.
4. Bake the cookies in batches in the middle of a preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the bottom.
5. Transfer them to racks and allow them to cool.

These cookies are a very healthy and nutrient packed alternative to traditional oatmeal raisin cookies, and they are super yummy. Make some up to keep around as a healthy snack, or serve them up at your next party or gathering! What do you think of this recipe?

Red Velvet 3 Ways!

Today we have a collection of 3 red velvet Recipes, one each for brownies, cookies, and cakes. Let the red velvet mania begin! Up first is a traditional red velvet cake from the blog Pinch My Salt! Her recipe and tutorial are beautifully done and sure to help you create the perfect red velvet cake. Simply click on the recipe title or picture to see the original recipe and tutorial.

Red Velvet Cake by Pinch My Salt

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies by Two Peas & Their Pod

Red Velvet Brownies (Original post by Plain Chicken, recipe by Southern Living)

What is your favorite way to enjoy red velvet?