thentherestwo.com Desserts, LIFE, Recipes

Fruit Dumplings

I shouldn’t have, but I did.

Just when I said I wasn’t going to eat more sweets, I found a Facebook page of two, older ladies that bake all kinds of yummy food. Their page is Pinky Ma’s Cakes, Cookies and Candies. They are the cutest sisters that remind me so much of my late grandmother on my mother’s side.

They talk about their life and even share an unbelievable story about their childhood. I don’t want to share what went on so you’ll be sure to check them out for yourselves and hear just what happened, but their love for each other and service to others is so evident. They’re fun to watch.

Anyhow, they showed these dumplings the other day and I tried to make both the peach and apple. I even made my own concoction of strawberries and blueberries. Oh my gosh, were they delicious and so easy to make. My husband loved them and so much so we’re packing the leftovers in our suitcase to take on out flight ha.

We’re taking one last trip before we fear all will be shut down again this winter, and we’ve finally reached a point where we can try and get away. (We also had airline miles to use before January.)

Out last trip was out west to Yellowstone and the Tetons last year around this time. Yet, like many of you we’ve had a tragic year, and I’m not quite ready to write about it all yet, but let’s just say “when it rains it pours.” And probably why I’ve been eating more sweets this year than my entire life!😜 So, we hope to rest our hearts and minds if at all possible.

Recipe is on the sisters’ Facebook page mentioned above.

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thentherestwo.com Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes

Yummy (no bake) Protein Bites

I’m always making up some kind of protein bar or bite now that we’re trying to watch our carbs.

And, I’m always trying to find something to sweeten them, so that my hubby will actually eat them and not be tempted to bring home other desserts.

Because neither one of us need those!🤪

I’ve made several protein bites before all with a nut base. For sweetening, I often use dried cranberries, honey or dates. Sometimes I add in oats, chocolate or coconut 🥥. I just try different nut and seed combos from time to time.

You can really do anything. They’re different everytime I make them.

All the ingredients came from ALDIS by the way.

Score! 🙌

There’s no baking, and they literally took maybe 20 minutes to make.

Double score! 🙌 🙌

So, here’s what I came up with this past Saturday.

Oh, and my hubs loved them btw. 👍🏼

Protein Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup unsalted almonds

1/4 cup chia seeds

2T coconut oil

3/4 cup chopped dates

1t vanilla

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Blend everything really well in a food processor.

Then, roll the mixture into small balls, place on a pan lined with parchment or wax paper and refrigerate.

Makes 21 small balls.

(They can also be frozen for later.)

But there’s no waiting really. You can eat them right away like my hubby did!

He’s already asked me to make a second batch. 🤗

Enjoy!

thentherestwo.com Desserts, Family, Holidays & Celebrations, Kids, LIFE

Make a Fudge Heart in 20 Minutes

I had some leftover milk chocolate and at the last-minute, like 10 PM last night, decided I wanted to make a fudge ♥  (for my hubby) for Valentine’s Day. So, I experimented with my Easy, Ten Minute Microwave Fudge Recipe and came up with a quick way to make a valentine heart in about 20 minutes! (including chilling it. 🙂 )

I was happy it tasted good and that it turned out looking so cute.

Not that he will care that it looks cute…but I DO!

photo0032

The easiness (and cuteness 😉 ) demanded I take some quick pics and share. (Hence, the dark, grainy photos. 😦 (sorry) and…

because you still have some time to make one, for your lovey.

It’s THAT FAST!!

Ingredients:

1/2 of a 12 oz. bag of milk chocolate morsels

1/4 Cup of a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

A dash of salt

A dash of vanilla extract

*chopped nuts optional

And… you will need a cookie cutter OR just cut it out by hand with a knife.

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients and microwave till everything is melted well.

Pour into a liberally greased, small glass bowl.

Chill in the freezer until firm. It firms up quick, I tell ya!

Use a wet knife to cut around the edge to loosen the chocolate. You may have to carefully turn, then run warm water over the bottom of the bowl to loosen the chocolate, as well.

Place on a firm cutting service and cut out the chocolate.

Then, consume the extra chocolatey scraps. 🙂

20 minute fudge heart recipe for Valentine's Day

I decided to leave the fudge in the cookie cutter ’cause AGAIN, I thought it looked cute!

And, I found a few strawberries, so I garnished…I feel so professional, ha!

You also could write a note on your plate using dry erase marker or red icing.

Here’s some ideas: Twenty Creative Way to Leave Love Notes

So Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone out there in blog land!♥♥ 

ally-morgan-carpoolin

I know some of you just don’t like this holiday. I get it. BUT, you can still show some love to a family member, someone who’s been there for you, a dear neighbor or even a stranger…just think how it will make their day!! So, LOOK around.

me-and-dad

papaw

chinese

me-and-gwen

me-and-bibi

It might even be a divine appointment; be open to it!

It's not all about you poster

Tell me what your plans are below. And come back and comment if you’ve shared some love in a unique way or had a special encounter; I’m dying to hear!

valentine-to-family

♥♥ Written In honor of my boo…whose always been there through all my health issues and MORE!

♥♥And my kids…my you’ve grown up way too fast!

thentherestwo.com Desserts, Recipes

EASY, Ten Minute Microwave Fudge

fudge

This is the fastest, easiest, fudge you will ever make! It’s also very adaptable if you want to change it up a bit.

AND… it only takes a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

3 (6 oz.) pkgs. semi sweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Dash of salt

1/2 – 1 c. chopped nuts

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

In a microwave safe bowl, combine chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on 100% power approximately 2 mins., take it out and stir. (Continue to place mixture back in the micro, off and on, till it’s easier to stir.)

Spread evenly into a parchment lined pan. (Approx. an 8″ or 9″ square pan. NOTE: I’ve actually used a glass dish without the paper.) Chill until firm. Turn onto cutting board; peel off the paper and cut into squares.

Once you lay out your fudge for the delight of others, and you feel it’s beginning to get a little soft, just pop it right back into the fridge to firm it up again.

Easiest recipe EVER!

My family raves about it!

*Note: Any type of nut can be used as well as marshmallows, dried fruit, etc..

You could even use cookie cutters for different holiday shapes and have the kids decorate them like they would cookies. (ie gingerbread man, Santa, bunny, chick or heart.)

Then, package them up in a tin or decorative box, and you have a great homemade gift!