This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the week’s recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

What I made this year:

• Lavender Lemon Creme Brulee
• Green Tea Matcha Cookies
• Blood Orange Curd Tart

Prize #1: A Tropical and Exotic Fruit Gift Basket from Melissa’s Produce.

One winner will enjoy an abundance of fruit with Melissa’s! This stunning assortment is arranged in a woven basket with cellophane wrapping and colorful ribbon. Fruit may include (depending on seasonal availability): Asian Pear, Baby Pineapple, Blood Orange, Cherimoya, Feijoas, Kiwis, Kumquats, Lychees, Mango, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Persimmons, Pomegranate, Rambutans, Specialty Bananas, Starfruit and Tamarillos.

Prize #2: A collection of Selefina Spices.

One winner will enjoy a collection of spices from Selefina Spices including: Cinnasational Spice Blend, crystalized ginger, lemon peel, Matcha food grade powder, Purple sweet potato powder, and Ground Cardamom Seeds. Selefina Spices sells an assortment of spices gathered using dedication and care with which we’ve curated their online tea collection. With our decades of experience sourcing products and establishing global connections their mission is to be able to bring you fresher, higher-quality spices and seasonings at lower prices.

Prize #3: A selection of 3 extract pastes from Taylor and Colledge.

One winner will receive a selection of extract pastes including almond, organic vanilla bean, and lavender. In 1897, Taylor & Colledge won its first award for excellence in vanilla. Since then, the Taylor & Colledge commitment for unsurpassed quality has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla.

What I made for Spring Sweets Week 2023:

• Lavender Linzer Cookies with Kumquat Marmalade
• Key Lime Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
• Carrot Cake Biscotti
• Almond Blood Orange Shortbread Cookies
• Frozen Coconut Mojitos

Prize #1:  A Fresh and Dried Organics Basket from Melissa’s Produce.

One winner will enjoy an abundance of fruit with Melissa’s Fresh and Dried Organics Basket. This hand-woven basket holds a delicious combination of fresh and dried Organic fruits and is carefully wrapped with cellophane and finished with a colorful ribbon. Melissa’s Produce has everything from common apples and bananas to exotic passion fruit and kumquats. 

Prize # 2:  A $30 Gift certificate to Selefina Spices.

One winner will enjoy a $30 gift certificate to buy all their favorite spices for cooking and baking! Selefina Spices sells an assortment of spices gathered using dedication and care with which we’ve curated their online tea collection. With our decades of experience sourcing products and establishing global connections their mission is to be able to bring you fresher, higher-quality spices and seasonings at lower prices. 

Prize #3:  A selection of 4 extract pastes from Taylor and Colledge.

One winner will receive a selection of extracts to include almond, lemon, organic vanilla bean, and lavender. In 1897, Taylor & Colledge won its first award for excellence in vanilla. Since then, the Taylor & Colledge commitment for unsurpassed quality has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla.

Prize #4:  AnolonPro Bakeware 2 Piece Set of Half Sheet Cookie Pans.

One winner will win a 2-piece set of 13-inch x 18-inch half sheet baking pans for cookies!  These aluminized steel professional sheet pans deliver unmatched durability and heat conduction for incredibly reliable results and are oven safe to 550°F.  You’ll be able to bake all your favorite cookies to perfection. Anolon Pro Bakeware gives you professional grade bakeware at affordable prices.

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Selefina Spices, Anolon, Melissa’s Produce, and Taylor and Colledge for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older.   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. Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek 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, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy, generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers.  However, all opinions are mine alone.

My #BBQweek Recipes:

• Smoked Burgers with Spicy Garlic Aioli
• Watermelon Cucumber Salad
• Elvis Old Fashioned

Welcome to the third annual #BBQWeek hosted by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. We are excited to have 15 bloggers sharing over 50 recipes this week as we head toward grilling season. The amazing sponsors have donated some great prizes for the #BBQWeek giveaway. The giveaway is below, but make sure to read about the prize packages and our generous sponsors!

Intensity Academy Saucy Queen Prize Package

The Intensity Academy Saucy Queen has competed in the fiery food industry for over 15 years. Her all-natural gourmet hot sauces have more than 55 national awards. In 2019, the Saucy Queen earned the Tampa Bay Businesswoman of the Year in Manufacturing, Business Leader’s Woman Extraordinaire and Working Women of Tampa Bay’s! Not only does she sell amazing sauces, spice mixes, and dips, but she has anchored her career in service and non-profit organizations and helping local companies take their products from recipe to store shelves.

A prize package of 4 popular sauces:

• Carrot Karma – A mild hot sauce made from a blend of carrots, habaneros, and a touch of lime.
• Garlic Goodness – An essential garlic hot sauce! Each batch contains over 100 pounds of slow roasted garlic.
• Honey Hype – A blend of crystalized honey natural rub. The crystalized honey melts perfectly over meats and veggies.
• Chai Sweet Chili – A light sauce made with peppers and organic Chai tea that won the 2012 Golden Chile award.

Rainier Foods Prize Package

Life’s too short for boring food, spice it up with Rainier Foods. Rainier Foods is a family company located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. They have a dedication to provide premium quality food products. Rainier Foods can source the best ingredients available to help you create delicious meals which sets them apart from other companies. All their products are made locally ensuring their products are the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. A portion of all sales are donated to the Washington National Park Fund.

A prize package of a meat thermometer and trio of spice mixes:

• Meater+ wire-free meat thermometer – monitor your cooking from a phone or tablet. Monitors internal and ambient temperature at the same time.
• The Essentials Seasoning – Salt, garlic, and pepper are the essentials of most seasonings. Three different types of sea salt blend with garlic and pepper in this delicious seasoning.
• Smoky Honey Seasoning & Rub – Made with Pacific Northwest clover honey, Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt, and Smoked Paprika. This seasoning blend creates a deliciously sticky and sweet flavor on anything you grill.
• Gochu (Go-Choo) Seasoning & Rub – Gochugaru Chilis combine with sea salt and pepper along with a few other spices makes this blend unique adding an unmatchable flavor profile to everything you cook.

DISCLAIMER: Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this event.  The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up.  All entries for the winner are 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.

Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and sent directly from the giveaway sponsors.  #BBQWeek 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 are not eligible to 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, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entries.

What I make this week:

• Crystallized Ginger Scones with Sake Poached Asian Pears
• Meyer Limoncello

Prize #1: A $100 gift card to Melissa’s Produce and a 3 month produce subscription.

One winner will receive a $100 gift card to buy the freshest produce around! Melissa’s has everything from common apples and oranges to exotic passion fruit and rambutans. The winner will also receive a stunning selection of the most delicious produce around once a month for 3 months. At Melissa’s Produce, the produce is selected at their peak perfection and packed by hand to ensure a safe arrival. A $224 value.

Prize #2: A candy making kit from Dixie Crystals

Perfect for the candy making novice or even the most advanced candy maker! Dixie Crystals is providing one winner with everything they need to make candy. The winner will receive a waterproof candy thermometer, silicone candy molds, and stainless steel double boiler. A $50 value.

Prize #3: A 5 piece Bakeware set from Anolon

Create dozens of bakeshop treats from gooey bar cookies to peanut butter and chocolate brownies to banana nut bread and more with all of the essentials in an expertly curated nonstick bakeware set. This bakeware is designed to stand up to the rigors of everyday baking with the convenience craved by creative bakers. This 5 piece baking set includes Two 9-Inch Round Cake Pans, a 9-Inch Square Cake Pan, a 14-Inch x 16-Inch Cookie Sheet, and a 11-Inch x 14-Inch Cooling Rack. A $65 value.

Prize #4: An assorted box of baking supplies from Sweets & Treats

Sweets & Treats will provide one winner with an assorted box of baking supplies including liners, sprinkles, toppers, and other fun baking supplies. Sweets & Treats has the best selection of cupcake liners, cupcake topper, paper straws, and molds.

Prize #5: A Selection of three extract pastes from Taylor and Colledge.

One winner will receive a selection of extracts to include almond, lemon, and lavender. In 1897, Taylor & Colledge won its first award for excellence in vanilla. Since then, the Taylor & Colledge commitment for unsurpassed quality has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla.

Prize #6: A selection of three flavors of Gluten Free Grahams from Nairn’s.

One winner will receive a box of each Nairn’s Original, Chocolate Chip, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams. Nairn’s has been baking oats since 1896. They use simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients in their products.

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Anolon, Sweets & Treats, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor and Colledge, and Nairn’s for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older.   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 (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek 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, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

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

Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2021 hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks!   With the weather warming up and flowers beginning to bloom let’s celebrate with spring sweets and a fun giveaway!   This year 24 food bloggers from around the country are sharing over 100 sweet recipes that are perfect for the spring season.  So say goodbye to the snow and cold and get ready to enjoy the best spring treats like cupcakes, cookies, pies, dessert boards, and even a few beverages!  Our #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes.  Thank you to Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Door County Coffee, Circulon, Taylor and Colledge, and Nairn’s for your generosity.  We have an incredible giveaway with six amazing prizes and would love if you would take a moment to read about it and the prizes that you can win!

Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #SpringSweetsWeek Giveaway!

Door County Coffee & Tea Co. is giving away one $50 gift certificate to doorcountycoffee.com so that one lucky reader can try any of their amazing coffees and teas.

Door County Coffee & Tea Co. was founded in 1993 in Door County, Wisconsin. It is a small, family-owned business, roasting coffee the old-fashioned way – in small batches to exacting specifications. The mission has always been to produce some of the best-tasting and highest quality coffee. They have over 100 types of coffee, all of which are roasted right on site. Visit https://www.doorcountycoffee.com/ to see their selection of coffees and teas as well as to find some fabulous recipes.

Dixie Crystals is giving away one propane kitchen torch which is ideal for caramelizing creme brulee or roasting peppers in a snap!

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Our pure cane sugar products are all natural, non-GMO and provide consistently delicious results. Visit https://www.dixiecrystals.com/ for hundreds of recipes, holiday ideas, and plenty of baking videos.

Melissa’s Produce is giving one reader a Fabulous Fruit Fare Basket.  Forget your basic apples and bananas and try faraway tropical fruits such as Mango, Papaya, Gold Pineapple, and Coconut, and exotic treasures like Asian Pear, Kiwi, Pepino Melon, Baby Bananas, Seasonal Tangerines, and Kumquats. 

Joe and Sharon Hernandez founded Melissa’s Produce with a decade of produce industry experience in a small, rented produce warehouse lunchroom. The Melissa’s brand is named after Joe and Sharon’s daughter, who takes an active role in the company.  The company’s Food Service Division has become a full-service operation that supplies culinary professionals with staples, exotics and Melissa’s full line of organic produce.  Visit https://www.melissas.com to find the very best fruits, vegetables, gifts, and to get tasty recipes!

Circulon is giving one reader a 5 piece baking set including two 9-inch cake pans, a 9 x 13 baking pan, a 9 x 5 loaf pan, and 10 x 15 cookie pan!   It’s everything you need to get baking in the kitchen.

Circulon’s commitment to detail and design for nonstick cookware makes your time in the kitchen more enjoyable due to their 4 “Must Haves” of everyday cooking.   The first is nonstick performance.  The Circulon TOTAL® Nonstick System of raised circles and triple-layer premium nonstick reduces surface abrasion from cooking utensils to enhance nonstick durability.  Then there’s durability.  Hard-anodized, stainless steel, and aluminum construction is backed by a hassle-free lifetime warranty for built-to-last cookware you can count on.  The last two are even heat distribution and easy clean up.  No matter what piece you buy it is sure to meet your expectations and help you enjoy your time in the kitchen.  To see all the Circulon products visit https://circulon.com/ .

Taylor & Colledge is giving one lucky winner a trio of extract pastes.   One winner will receive Almond Extract Paste, Lemon Extract Paste, and Lavender Extract Paste to help you do your own spring baking!

Taylor & Colledge was founded in 1897 in Australia and has been making extracts ever since!  Their products can be used in two different ways when you baking. Whether you use the products as the fragrant, hero ingredient in your baking, or whether it’s a supporting sidekick, you can be assured that with Taylor & Colledge, it will be a pure, rich, full-flavored ingredient in your baking every time.  Visit https://www.taylorandcolledge.com/ to learn more about their extracts.

Nairn’s Oatcakes is giving away six of their awesome products to one winner.   The winner will receive Nairn’s Gluten Free Original Oat Grahams, Nairn’s Gluten Free Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Nairn’s Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oat Grahams, Nairn’s Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Flatbreads, Nairn’s Gluten Free Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Nairn’s Organic Oat Crackers.  

Nairn’s knows a thing or two about oats, they’ve been baking with them since 1896 when John and Sarah Nairn first opened their bakery in Strathaven, Lanarkshire. Since then their team has grown and they have two Edinburgh bakeries.  They have a devoted team at each working on their recipes, mixing techniques, and ever-growing range.  Check out their products and blog at https://www.nairns-oatcakes.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Door County Coffee & Tea Co., Circulon, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor and Colledge, and Nairn’s for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. 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 (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek 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, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

Using local ingredients is the best so why not purchase locally made products as well? Here’s a list of wonderful products based right here in Central Ohio and recipes that use them!

I am taking a break from sharing a new recipe to instead compile of bunch of recipes from local Columbus, Ohio food bloggers that all use at least one local product. Throughout 2020 I’ve made a conscious effort to support local businesses even more than I already had been. This goes beyond just ordering from my favorite restaurants, but also supporting local products, stores, and services. 

There are a lot of wonderful local products made right here in Central Ohio that I think the entire country should know about. And while this list is only a peek into what is available, I made sure that each featured product is also paired with a recipe by a fellow Columbus Food Blogger.

Don’t live in Central Ohio? Never fear! I have included links for you to purchase these items and have them delivered nationwide. And I’m also giving a gift basket full of these products on Instagram!

Bellisari’s

The vision of Bellisari’s is togetherness. Their sauces and spreads contain a few secret ingredients for a unique taste, but with a familiar feeling of being surrounded by warmth, stories, delicious smells, memories, and family and friends.  I love that these products can stand alone or be used in a variety of creative recipes. Their recipe list is proof! Order HERE.

• Easy Party Chicken Skewers by The Beard and the Baker
• Jalapeno Fig Stuffed French Toast by Breakfast with Nick
• Thai Chicken Pizza by The Spiffy Cookie (adapted from Bellisaris)

Photo credit: The Beard and the Baker

Blues Creek Farm Meats

The inspiration for Bluescreek Farm Meats roots with doing things the old fashioned way: breaking down whole animals and utilizing every piece possible, having freshly made sausages without un-necessary additives, supporting locally raised, grown and produced products, and making decisions based on what is right and good for our bodies, not just the bottom line. They offer local delivery and also have a Cafe, Bakery, Grocery, and Food Truck!

• Corn Chowder by Columbus Food Adventures
• Roland’s Prize Winning Bacon Loaded Pierogi by Columbus Food Adventures

Photo credit: Columbus Food Adventures

Buckeye Vodka

Handcrafted in the Miami Valley, Buckeye Vodka offers quality at a reasonable price, with a clean, smooth taste that is perfect for mixing – they have awards to prove it! Check their website for recipe ideas and store availability. 

• Apple Cider Mule by The Spiffy Cookie
• Cran-Merry Vodka by The Spiffy Cookie
• Quarantini by The Spiffy Cookie (also features Simple Times Mixers and Root 23 Simple Syrups)
• Watermelon Sage Splash by Cuisine & Cocktails

Photo credit: Cuisine & Cocktails

North Market Spices

As the name implies, North Market Spices are found right at the downtown North Market. They are committed to providing not only the highest quality spices, but the best customer service. Their staff is passionate about good food and love sharing their passion with customers. Check their blog for additional recipes and order HERE.

• Homemade Fried Potato Wedges (Nashville Hot Chicken Flavored) by The Beard and the Baker

Photo credit: The Beard and the Baker

Olivina Taproom

For more than 10 years, Olivina Taproom has been selling superior products in-house and to some of the nation’s finest restaurants and retail outlets. Their products come from their own groves in southern Spain and are pressed into freshly made oil and vinegar. With more than 60 varieties of oil and vinegar from which to choose, they provide the perfect opportunity to create a delicious and nutritious meal. They even have a cafe menu to really get a taste for their products. Order HERE.

• Burrata Crostini by Cuisine & Cocktails 
• Hazelnut & Raspberry Balsamic Brownie Cookies by The Spiffy Cookie
• Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies by The Spiffy Cookie

Photo credit: Cuisine & Cocktails 

Root 23 Simple Syrups

Root 23 Simple Syrups is owned by a couple of busy moms who value whole ingredients, real food and quality time with family & friends  They developed this line of all-natural flavor infused simple syrups, with the emphasis on simple, to balance those things they value most. Their inventive flavor combinations lend themselves to crafting delicious drinks with just a couple additional ingredients. They recently outgrew their local manufacturing facility and now produce in Louisville, KY, but they are still based in Columbus, OH! Need more inspiration? Check their recipes. Order HERE.

• Pear Rosemary Sparkler by The Spiffy Cookie

Photo credit: The Spiffy Cookie

Sabauce 

The passion and inspiration of this Sabauce marinade stems from a deep love of traditional family cooking.  At a young age, Chef Amit Amin recalls watching his mother’s love for cooking and mimicking her in the kitchen. The joy observed from family and friends enjoying her delicious cuisine sparked his initial interest to pursue cooking. While traveling throughout India he indulged in different flavors and tastes, and wanted to infuse flavors that would allow the marinade to incorporate and please the western palate. I think it’s safe to say he succeeded! Find more great recipes using this marinade and order HERE.

• Sabauce Chicken and Chickpea Pizza by The Spiffy Cookie

Photo credit: The Spiffy Cookie

Simple Times Mixers

Empowering everyone to make the highest quality handcrafted cocktails – that is the motto of for Simple Times Mixers. And I have to admit, they nailed it. I use these mixers all the time at home! They are also proud of their central Ohio roots, striving to collaborate and support the community that has brought them to where they are now. Get 10% off your order with code SPIFFY10 – order HERE.

• Cranberry Sweet Tea Sangria by The Spiffy Cookie

Photo credit: The Spiffy Cookie

Spritz Sparkling Tea

Are you into refreshing carbonated beverages? Spritz Sparkling Tea is vegan and keto, with no sugar added, and has zero calories. As a female-founded, female-operated company, they also reinvest their success back into the local community with 1% of all sales to support local female-focused nonprofit organizations and gender equality initiatives. Check our their recipes and order HERE.

• Spritz Blueberry Mojito by The Spiffy Cookie
• Spritz Twist by Cuisine & Cocktails

Photo credit: The Cuisine & Cocktails

Watershed Distillery

Watershed Distillery was founded on the principles of community in 2010, wanting to live in, work in, and contribute to the community in which they grew up. They aimed create spirits that stood apart in quality and character. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and try some of their award-winning gin. You can also take a tour of their distillery or dine at their restaurant. Order HERE.

• Spring La Petite Fleur Cocktail by Tasting with Tina

Photo credit: Tasting with Tina

Woeber Mustard

In 1905, Carl Woeber emigrated from Germany to Springfield, Ohio, and founded Woeber Mustard Company with only a handful of family mustard recipes, expertise in the art of mustard making, and the desire to succeed. Three generations later in 1981, the family owned and operated enterprise grew to be one of the largest suppliers of fresh horseradish and horseradish sauce in the United States. Today, the fourth generation of the family is actively involved in the company, carrying on the family pride and hands-on passion for making the best mustard, vinegar, and horseradish products. Find recipes or order HERE.

• Charcuterie Board by Behind the Menu (also features The Butcher and the Grocer) 

Photo credit: Behind the Menu

Yellowbird Foodshed Jam

A Foodshed is the geographic region that produces the food for a particular population. The term is used to describe a region of food flows, from the area where it is produced, to the place where it is consumed, including: the land it grows on, the route it travels, the markets it passes through, and the tables it ends up on. As you probably guessed, the Yellowbird Foodshed focuses it’s efforts on the population of Ohio. Order HERE.

• Homemade Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese by The Beard and the Baker

Photo credit: The Beard and the Baker

Other Local Products that Ship Nationwide:

• Angie’s Rainbow Cookies
• Black Radish Creamery
• Blue Jacket Dairy
• C. Krueger’s Cookies
• Columbus Food Adventures Gift Boxes
• Honey Run Farm Honey
• Jeni’s Ice Cream
• Krema Nut Company
• Marsha’s Buckeyes
• North Country Charcuterie
• Quinci Emporium
• Simple Gourmet Syrups
• Sweet Thing Gourmet

Two years ago: Baked Cranberry Eggnog French Toast

Fice years ago: Homemade Cardamom Pear Sauce

Six years ago: Quiche for One

Eight years ago: Gingerbread Oreo Snowman Truffles

Nine years ago: Jalapeno Cornbread

Ten years ago: Pretzel Rolls

It’s the best time of year: #Choctoberfest! I think we can all agree on one thing this year… 2020 needs more chocolate.

#Choctoberfest is our annual celebration of chocolate recipes, now in its 6th year. I’ve teamed up with some talented food bloggers to share dozens of milk, dark, and white chocolate dishes for this year’s virtual event. Plus, we’ve pooled our resources to bring you an exciting giveaway you don’t want to miss!

What I made this week

Monday – Holy Mole Chili

Wednesday – Chocolate Mousse Cake

Thursday – TBD

The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a KitchenAid mixer – or if you already have a mixer you can instead opt to receive a KitchenAid gift card to purchase your choice of attachments or other kitchen tools. To enter, simply follow the directions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fine print: Open worldwide to entrants who are 18+ (except where prohibited). Winner will receive a KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer or the equivalent in a gift card. Giveaway ends on October 16 at 11:59 PM Eastern. This giveaway is not sponsored by KitchenAid, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, or any other third party sites. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. See terms & conditions for more information.

Participating Bloggers

• Allison, Jess, and Sharon from Triple Chocolate Kitchen (#Choctoberfest organizers!)
• Karen from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Susan from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Rebekah from Making Miracles
• Coleen from The Redhead Baker
• Marcelle from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
• Dorothy from Shockingly Delicious
• Stephanie from Long Distance Baking
• Lisa from Blogghetti
• Linda from 2 Cookin Mamas
• Erin from The Spiffy Cookie
• Audrey from That Recipe
• Maria from Living Ideas
• Kate from Kate’s Recipe Box
• Terri from Our Good Life
• Sarah from Sarah Cooks the Books
• Sue from Palatable Pastime
• April from Veggies First Then Dessert
• Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Kelley from Simply Inspired Meals
• Iris from A Fork on the Road
• Teri from The Freshman Cook
• Heather from Join Us, Pull up a Chair
• Angela from Bake It With Love
• Dedra from Queenslee Appétit

Check any of these blogs throughout the week for delicious chocolate recipes!

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

Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2020 hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks!

What better way to celebrate the warmer weather and flowers blooming than with food and a fun giveaway? 27 bloggers from around the country have come together to share over 100 sweet recipes perfect for spring!  So stop thinking about cold and snow and get ready to enjoy the best spring sweets like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, and even beverages! Our #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much to Dixie Crystals, Millican Pecan, Door County Coffee, Anolon, Deiss Cookware, Adams Extract, and Fresh April Sprinkles for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway below and would love if you would take a moment to read about it and the prizes you can win!

Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #SpringSweetsWeek Giveaway!

Prize #1:  Millican Pecan is giving one winner a Tower of Treats!  The Tower of Treats is a beautiful and unique gift for that special friend, family member, client or associate. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is a 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles).

Millican Pecan began when E.E. Risien, founded the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s at the junction of the San Saba and Colorado Rivers.  He received much recognition for his experiments that altered the course of the pecan industry and helped to establish San Saba as the “Pecan Capital of the World.” From this location, they developed many great pecan varieties, as well as a prosperous orchard that serves our customers well, even to this day.  Today Millican Pecan is being run by the 5th generation, the one that launched the Millican Pecan website in 2002.  Visit https://millicanpecan.com/ to learn more about pecans, find delicious recipes, and buy their amazing pecans and pecan products.

Prize #2:  Door County Coffee is giving one winner 20 full-pots of coffee and a Door County Coffee mug.  Full pots will consist of seasonal flavors, flavored coffee, and non-flavored coffee.

Door County Coffee & Tea Co. was founded in 1993 in Door County, Wisconsin.  It is a small, family-owned business, roasting coffee the old-fashioned way – in small batches to exacting specifications. The mission has always been to produce some of the best-tasting and highest quality coffee.  They have over 100 types of coffee, all of which are roasted right on site.  Visit https://www.doorcountycoffee.com/ to see their selection of coffees and teas as well as to find some fabulous recipes.

Prize #3:   Dixie Crystals is giving one winner a set of Nordic Ware Bundt Pans.  This set contains one Chiffon Bundt Pan and one Vaulted Cathedral Bundt Pan perfect for decorative baking.

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Our pure cane sugar products are all natural, non-GMO and provide consistently delicious results.   Visit www.dixiecrystals.com for hundreds of recipes, holiday ideas, great ways to get kids baking in the kitchen, and plenty of baking videos.

Prize #4:  Anolon is giving one winner an Anolon Advanced 5 piece Bakeware set.  This nonstick bakeware set includes two 8 inch round cake pans, one 8 inch square cake pan, a 10 x 15 cookie pan, and a 9.25 x 14 cooling rack!   It’s the perfect set for any baker.

Established in 1950’s, Meyer Manufacturing started by making and selling flashlights.  In 1971 they started their journey into selling cookware and by 1986 they released the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware that would revolutionize the world of home cooking because the nonstick surface didn’t flake or scratch easily.  Today they sell bakeware with nonstick interior and exterior that is made with a special blend of  sapphire-reinforced nonstick that is triple coated.  Visit https://anolon.com to see their selection of cookware, bakeware, tools, and to get amazing recipes.

Prize #5:  Fresh April Sprinkles is giving one winner their choice of three 4 ounce bags of sprinkles!   Winner can choose from favorites like the Birthday Party Blend, Cotton Candy Blend, Pink Lemonade Blend, and so many others!

Fresh April Sprinkles was founded in the summer of 2019 by Lynn April who runs the food blog Fresh April Flours.  They produce small batch, hand blended sprinkles in a suburb outside of Philadelphia.  Our sprinkle blends are carefully crafted with beautiful desserts in mind and can be custom blended just for you!  Visit https://freshaprilsprinkles.com to see the collection of sprinkles available or to find recipes from Lynn!

Prize #6:  Adams Extract is giving one winner an Adams baking pack with 4-6 items including their amazing 4oz Adams Best® Vanilla Flavor.   This prize package is great for anyone who loves to bake!

John A. Adams began making and selling his Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract in 1888 in Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, Texas.  Working with just $6.71 worth of materials on top of an old icebox, John A. Adams created a new formula for vanilla. His wife tested it by whipping up a cake and announced, “John, this is the BEST flavoring I have ever used.” “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST,” he responded. The name stuck, and Adams Best was born! Today, Adams manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, and many more.  To learn more about Adams Extract, to shop their products, or to find delicious recipes visit https://www.adamsextract.com.

Prize #7: Deiss Kitchenware is giving one winner a kitchen utensil prize package!  The winner will receive a digital thermometer, a grater, an apple slicer and corer set, and a 5 piece utensil set!

Deiss Kitchenware is a small, family driven company that believes it’s easy to cook with pleasure when you have the right tools.  This company will bend over backwards to make you happy and the president of the company will even answer your letters!  They create easy to use, innovative, and reliable products for use in your kitchen.  To learn more about the company and the products they sell visit https://deisskitchenware.de/.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Millican Pecan, Door County Coffee & Tea Co., Anolon, Fresh April Sprinkles, Deiss Kitchenware, and Adams Extracts for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. 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. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek 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, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry.

Everyone loves shiny new sunglasses, but how about some carved wood sunglasses? JORD not only makes hand crafted wood watches but also sunglasses!

The days may be getting shorter but there’s still plenty of sunlight from which we need to protect our eyes. I actually think we appreciate the sunlight more when there is less. So I was excited to find out that JORD now makes unique wood sunglasses.

I’ve already told your all about JORD watches and oddly enough just like watches I used to not be good about wearing sunglasses. I think growing up wearing glasses didn’t promote me enjoying the idea of having more pairs of them, especially because it meant remembering to carry around a case with them because it was the days before transitioning lenses.

It wasn’t until after I had surgery for my strabismus in high school that I was able to get contacts and then I got into sunglasses. I kind of went off the deep end to be honest with all shapes and colors, but they weren’t very high quality. This pair of JORD louie style sunglasses is my first! It’s my first time having polarized dark gray lenses in addition to spring hinges, ultra-light titanium frame, acetate finish, and JORD’s signature stacked wood.

Just like their watches, they offer a variety of frame styles for both men and women but I think some could be unisex. And if you’re into other accessories they also have apple watch bands and baseball caps.

Of course I’m not going to sit here and rub it your your face so of course I am also doing a giveaway! Think of it as an exclusive accessory sale because anyone who enters will receive 10% off any of JORD’s accessories, and one lucky winner will get 50% off. Click HERE to enter.

Five years ago: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Bark

Six years ago: Winter Wheat Berry Power Salad

Seven years ago: Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes

Eight years ago: Red Beans and Rice

Wooden Wrist Watch

With Halloween around the corner, it’s time to count down by spending an entire week celebrating chocolate! I have three recipes in store but there’s over 70 other bloggers sharing recipes throughout the week to make sure you get your fix.

What I made for Choctoberfest:
Monday – Chocolate Hazelnut & Toasted Coconut Cheese Ball
Wednesday – Homemade White Hot Chocolate
Friday – Chocolate Peanut Butter Coffee Cake

#Choctoberfest is an annual recipe-sharing event. I’m joining other food bloggers from around the world to create delicious chocolate recipes. This year, over 70 bloggers are joining together for a week full of chocolate cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, tarts, candies, and more. You can follow along by searching for the hashtag #Choctoberfest on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. Or, simply follow any of the participating bloggers listed below.

We also have some awesome sponsors, who make #Choctoberfest possible every year. Our sponsors have banded together to put together a delicious prize pack worth over $400! Here’s what you get if you win! (Scroll down to enter.)

• Candy Gift Pack from blog host Triple Chocolate Kitchen, which includes 180-pack of Lindt LINDOR Chocolate Truffles (dark, milk, and white). Triple Chocolate Kitchen organizes #Choctoberfest, as well as posting chocolate recipes throughout the year.
• Chocolate and Cocoa Gift Pack from Divine Chocolate, which includes a variety of high-quality fair trade chocolate bars, cocoa powder, and Divine Chocolate swag. Divine Chocolate’s baking line consists of three premium quality flavors ranging from 55% to 100% cocoa for a wide variety of delicious desserts. Their chocolate products are made with 100% cocoa butter and are non-GMO and Vegan Society Certified.
• $100 Nordic Ware Gift Card and 40 Pounds of Granulated Sugar from Imperial Sugar. They are currently hosting their annual Scary Scramble, featuring delicious fall-inspired recipes using Imperial Sugar’s high-quality sweeteners. Imperial Sugar has been a kitchen staple for over 175 years!
• Collagen Fuel Drink Mix Gift Pack from Primal Kitchen. The ingredients in these drink mixes help support hair, skin, and nails. Their chocolate version has organic, fair-trade cocoa and coconut milk powders, with no wheat, soy, or dairy ingredients.
• Cracker Gift Pack from Mary’s Gone Crackers. The lucky winner will get to try a variety of crackers, many of which pair well with chocolate (check their recipe page for ideas!). Mary’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, and organic.
• Fig Spread Gift Pack from Dalmatia Spreads. With flavors like sour cherry, plum, blackberry, and orange, you’ll find that several of Dalmatia’s fig-based spreads work well in chocolate recipes. Use as a filling for crépes, serve warm over ice cream, or spread onto toast. They even have a fig cocoa spread that uses fair trade cocoa.
• Alkaline Water Pack from Perfect Hydration. Wash down all those delicious chocolate desserts with Perfect Hydration water. This 9.5+ pH alkaline water helps to effectively restore and rebalance the body to optimum pH levels. This water goes through a 9-stage filtration process, has no added sodium, chlorine, or fluoride, and is packaged in recyclable BPA-free bottles.
• Kitchen Conversions Chart and Etsy Gift Card from Moonflower Mountain. Winner chooses the colors for this flower-adorned conversion chart, which makes it easy to double any recipe or convert from cups to tablespoons.

This is a prize pack worth over $400! Open worldwide, except where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter (21+ in some locations). One lucky winner will be drawn randomly on October 20, 2019 and contacted via email. See terms and conditions for more details. Enter the giveaway now:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entries from spam or inactive accounts are invalid. #Choctoberfest bloggers, sponsors, and their immediate families/households are not eligible to win. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Make sure you check out the participating bloggers to see #Choctoberfest recipes throughout the week:

Triple Chocolate Kitchen • 2 Cookin Mamas • A Day in the Life on the Farm • A Labour of Life • A Little Fish in the Kitchen • A Southern Fairytale • Amy’s Cooking Adventures • An Affair from the Heart • Bottom Left of the Mitten • Broken Teepee • Bunsen Burner Bakery • Champagne and Coconuts • Cindy’s Recipes and Writings • Cook with Renu • Cook’s Hideout • Cookaholic Wife • Crafty Cooking Mama • Daily Dish Recipes • Dixie Chik Cooks • Everyday Eileen • Fairyburger • Family Breakfast Recipes • First Timer Cook • Fix Me a Little Lunch • Frugal & Fit • Fun Happy Home • Get the Good Stuff! • Glenda Embree • Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks • How Was Your Day? • I Can Cook That • Join Us, Pull up a Chair • Karen’s Kitchen Stories • Kate’s Recipe Box • Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats • Life & Medicine Blog • Life on Food • Long Distance Baking • Lynchburg Mama • Makes, Bakes and Decor • Making Miracles • Mama Needs Cake • Memories In The Kitchen • Our Good Life • Our Sutton Place • Palatable Pastime • Queenslee Appétit • Reviewz & Newz • Sarah Cooks the Books • Sarah’s Bake Studio • Seduction In The Kitchen • Shockingly Delicious • Simple Family Crazy Life • Simply Inspired Meals • Sneha’s Recipe • Style Island • Sumptuous Spoonfuls • Sweet Coralice • Sweet Dash of Sass • Take Two Tapas • That Recipe • The Awesome Muse • The Beard and The Baker • The Delicious Spoon • The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine • The Freshman Cook • The Redhead Baker • The Schizo Chef • The Spiffy Cookie • The Urben Life • Trampling Rose • Turnips 2 Tangerines • Who Needs A Cape? • Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen • Zesty South Indian Kitchen