Strawberry Pretzel Salad

by kitchenrunway // July 17, 2012 // 5 Comments

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the first dessert that I attempted to make for Derrick over 10 years ago. I say attempted because although it is a simple dessert with basic ingredients, it does require some patience. It’s very important to allow each component to cool otherwise you’ll have a big soggy mess. My first try was a fail, but through the years I’ve picked up a few tips to help perfect it.

Derrick grew up eating this salty and sweet retro dessert. The crust is a layer of crushed pretzels, butter and a sprinkle of sugar. It is baked until golden brown and then topped with a layer of sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping. The last layer is made up of sliced strawberries and jello. It’s a salty and sweet dessert and each layer has a different texture. I love making this dessert for potlucks and large groups because it serves a crowd and you can make it in advance. It’s always a hit at parties because I think there’s just something nostalgic and fun about jello and whipped topping. Continue reading →

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Can It Forward Day

by kitchenrunway // July 14, 2012 // 1 Comment

I love the look of canning jars. They’re so versatile and perfect for sweet teas, lemonades, flowers and candles. For years I’ve been using them for vessels to hold other items, but I’ve never used it for it’s main purpose… to can. I want to learn and experiment with making my own jams, especially with all the fresh and beautiful fruits available during the summer months.

I’m excited to share that today is National Can It Forward Day! This event is taking place at Minnetrista in Muncie, Indiana. Jarden Home Brands, the makers of Ball® brand fresh preserving products, and the Minnetrista Master Preservers will stream live demonstrations and answer audience questions to demystify the art of canning. I’ll be watching today to learn tips and recipes and will be posting my canning experiences soon along with a fun giveaway.

You can follow the conversation on Twitter at #canitforward. All recipes that are demonstrated today will also be available on Fresh Preserving. Have fun and learn something new today!

If you have a favorite canning recipe please do share. I would love to try your go to recipe!

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Ice Cream Cupcakes

by kitchenrunway // May 23, 2012 // 4 Comments

Summer is around the corner and what better way to enjoy the warmer days than with a cold scoop of ice cream with all of the toppings and a fun umbrella? Serving ice cream in a cupcake liner is the great way to prep for a party or to transport to another location such as the park or even work (which is exactly what I did). I pre-scooped the First Street ice cream into aluminum cupcake liners and placed them into a freeze safe container and popped it back into the freezer. This saves time and is great for clean up. Since the ice cream is already pre-scooped you don’t have to fuss with it later or worry about the ice cream sitting out on the table melting. The aluminum cups double as a serving dish so that’s one less dish or bowl that you have to clean up. Plus that helps with portion control… which is definitely something I struggle with when it comes to ice cream. Just set out the toppings, sprinkles, cherries, nuts and whipped cream and your do it your self ice cream bar is ready.

Continue reading →

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Great Day to be a Dog

by kitchenrunway // May 21, 2012 // 5 Comments

Taylor, our golden retriever mix, is a big part of our family. She brings us so much happiness and continually teaches us the true meaning of love and what it means to be a family. This weekend we decided to create a gift basket to donate to the Irvine Animal Shelter. The Irvine animal shelter helps thousands of abused, neglected and homeless animals every year. The shelter is located on 3.73 acres which provides a park like area for the animals. In 2011 the Irvine animal shelter helped facilitate over 2,000 pet adoptions and helped reunite over 500 pets with their owners. I think the Irvine animal shelter does amazing work and the animals there deserve a little extra pampering.

Derrick and I headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a few treats and items to donate to the shelter. We picked up Milk-Bone Trail Mix, Pup-Peroni Mix Stix and Milo’s Kitchen Homestyle Treats. We also picked up a few collars to add to the basket.

Taylor definitely was intrigued by the goodies that we brought home. She spent some time sniffing out the basket of Milk Bones, Pup-Peroni and Milo’s Kitchen treats. I know she wanted to tear into that bag of Milk Bone Trail Mix.

It was such a heart felt experience visiting the animal shelter. So many bunnies, cats and dogs need loving homes and a family to love. The dogs greeted us with puppy dog eyes and a wagging tail. We just wanted to pick them up and take them home with us! I’m glad that we were able to put together a small basket of goodies for these very deserving animals. With every small effort we can help improve the quality of life for these animals.

How can you resist their sweet face?

If you have the chance, check out your local animal shelter to for opportunities to donate, volunteer or adopt an animal in need. It could change an animal’s life and even yours.

You can see more pictures of my shopping experience on my Google+ Page.

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric

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Chocolate Dipped Caramel Biscotti

by kitchenrunway // May 9, 2012 // 14 Comments

Yes, it’s true…. I love making biscotti. I rarely buy it or have it with coffee. I just enjoy the process of making it and eating it by itself. I find something very therapeutic about making biscotti. I like mixing everything in one bowl and then using your hands to divide and shape the dough into logs. It’s crunchy and slightly sweet. I usually make biscotti laced with dried fruits and nuts, but I saw a bag of caramel bites at the store and I couldn’t help it. Caramel bits are mixed in to the dough, baked twice and then dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The dark chocolate and sea salt helps cut the sweetness from the caramel and it enhances the flavor of the cookie. Caramel, dark chocolate and sea salt is a combination that never disappoints. I think it makes the biscotti a bit more fancy. Don’t you agree?