Family Fun Night Pledge and A&W Root Beer Floats

Today, I'm joining forces with A&W to celebrate their 100th Anniversary by taking the Family Fun Night Pledge to go technology-free for ONE HOUR on Friday nights and make family fun memories to remember for years to come.  

A&W Root Beer has a long history of creating family memories and they are celebrating 100 years of those sweet family memories by calling on their fans to create new ones.  First, go to www.rootbeer.com and take the pledge and A&W will give you a coupon, redeemable for a FREE, 2 liter bottle of Root Beer to help make your memories even sweeter.  

The unique, creamy taste of A&W Root Beer is why I love it so much.  

  With the help of A&W, you can create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float! When is the last time you had a root beer float?  My family enjoyed these delicious floats last weekend and I was instantly flooded with memories from my childhood.

The easiest way for me to go technology free is to stay busy and keep my mind occupied.  When I'm sitting around doing nothing, I tend to reach for my phone a lot more.  My family loves spending time outdoors and that is where I spend most of my time.

Here are some fun ideas for Family Night:

go on a walk
color with sidewalk chalk
play board games
have a scavenger hunt
set up a slip 'n slide or swimming pool in the backyard
decorate sugar cookies or bake something yummy together
make tie-dye t-shirts
go fishing
buy some cheap wood crafts at the craft store and paint them together

What does your family enjoy doing together? 

To help provide families with everything they need to jumpstart their Family Fun Nights this Summer,  A&W is also debuting a first-of-its-kind Family Fun Night box, featuring a carefully curated selection of novelty items and essentials for creating root beer floats at home, to help make family time even more memorable .  The limited-edition, fun-inducing box is available while supplies last at www.rootbeer.com. 

Go now and take the pledge and let the fun begin! 

This post was sponsored by A&W, however all opinions expressed herein are my own.  The information about A&W Root Beer was provided by A&W.  

Classic Root Beer Float

Vanilla Ice Cream
A&W Root Beer

Start with a frosted mug.  Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to cold mug and fill to the top with A&W Root Beer.  Serve.

Go to A&W's website for some fun recipes for Root Beer Floats. 

Frozen Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

I originally posted this recipe back in 2012 and I've been making it for the past 6 years.  

Time to re-share it with all of you.  

Here is my original post:

THIS IS SO SO GOOD!  

It definitely quenched my thirst.  I even got a few brain-freezes a long the way.

I threw everything in the food processor and pulsed away.  Then, I stopped it to taste and see what adjustments needed to be made.  It needed nothing - it was PERFECT!  I should have made a bigger batch.  Who knew homemade lemonade could taste so good.  I'm 100% sure I will be making this a lot in the next few months.  

I love the flavor the fresh strawberries added.  It ended up thick and smooth and creamy - not icy at all.  Some people might find this overly sweet, since the fruit is fairly sweet on its own, but I love sweet things, so I thought it had the perfect sweet/tart balance.  If you don't care for super sweet things, I would start out with less sugar and add more if needed.    

This would be the perfect beverage to serve at your next barbeque.  Or even just to go with Sunday dinner.  If you are worried about serving it at a barbeque and having it melt.  Don't worry, it tastes really really good regular too.  I whipped up a batch and put some extra in my fridge.  A few hours later, I went to drink the rest and even though it was no longer frozen, it was still AMAZING.

Between this lemonade and this Watermelon Frosty, you have no excuses to not use up every last bit of that watermelon in your fridge.

Frozen Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

adapted from: Frosted Bake Shop  
(Printable Recipe)

8 c. watermelon, cubed and seeded, frozen

1 c. strawberries, halved  (I used way more)    

1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

1 c. granulated sugar

2 c. water or Sprite (I used Sprite)

Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth (you may have to do it in two batches).  You can also skip freezing the watermelon cubes and make regular Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade.    

Jenn's Notes: I cut this recipe in fourth and made it in my food processor.  I added quite a bit more strawberries than the recipe called for, because I wanted a strong strawberry flavor.  I also used the juice of an entire lemon.  Fourth of a batch made enough for two medium-sized glasses.  It is pretty sweet (which I like), but I think you could cut back on the sugar and it would still be yummy.  It tasted great frozen and it tastes great not-frozen too.       

Top 5 Appetizers, Sides and Drinks from 2017

Mom's Macaroni Salad

Cinnamon Sugar Wedges with Cream Cheese Dip

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Cheesy Green Chile Mashed Potatoes

Orange Pineapple Punch

SaveSaveSaveSave

Orange Pineapple Punch

It is SO HOT . . . to all of you out there that live in Arizona, Texas, Florida or any where else that is super hot . . . how do you function???  All I want to do is drink ice cold drinks and jump into a swimming pool.  The second I step outside, I start sweating.  Thank goodness for air conditioners.     

This orange pineapple punch has been helping me cool down.  It's a super delicious and very refreshing drink.  

The pineapple and orange flavor mixed with the bubbly lemon-lime soda hits the spot on a hot Summer day.  AND for all the adults, this is also great with Diet Mountain Dew (my fave) :)

What have you been doing to keep cool this Summer?

You might also like:

Berry Sunrise Smoothie

Strawberry Lemonade

Frothy Sunrise Punch

Orange Pineapple Punch
slightly adapted from: Taste of Home
(Printable Recipe)

2 c. pineapple juice, chilled
1 envelope unsweetened orange drink mix (Kool-Aid)
3/4 - 1 c. sugar, depending on how sweet you want it
2 1/2 c. cold water
1 (12 oz.) can lemon-lime soda 

In a blender, blend pineapple juice, orange drink mix, sugar and water until sugar is dissolved and mixture is frothy.  Pour into serving cups (or punch bowl) and add the soda.  Serve immediately.  Makes around 2 quarts.  

   
SaveSave
SaveSave

Top 10 Appetizers, Sides and Drinks of 2015

#1 Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

I had this "salad" for the first time this year and it left me wondering where this has been my whole life???  I absolutely love this side dish and can easily eat more than my fair share.  

#2 Tyler Florence's Guacamole

This recipe was life-changing for me.  This is the recipe that turned me into a guacamole lover.  I used to hate guacamole and then I tried this recipe and the addition of all those onions, made me realize I love onion-y guacamole and now I eat it all the time.

#3 Southwestern Ranch Dip

The flavor of this dip is so addicting and it gets even better the longer it sits in the fridge.  

#4 Baked Seasoned Parmesan Steak Fries

Baked steak fries are the best.   

#5 Italian Roasted Veggies

I am a huge veggie lover and I eat these roasted veggies all the time.  I could have a big bowl of these veggies for dinner and be completely satisfied.  

#6 Berry Sunrise Smoothie

This smoothie is thick and so refreshing.  I love it on hot Summer days.  

#7 Cheesy Broccoli Gratin

This rich and cheesy broccoli has really good flavor.  

#8 Pineapple Avocado Salsa

I was surprised I loved this salsa so much.  The sweet pineapple made this salsa something special.

#9 Caramel Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate

Caramel, Vanilla Bean and White Chocolate.  What's not to love?

#10 Rich and Creamy Hot Cocoa Mix

This is a great hot cocoa that can be paired with so many different toppings. 

Caramel Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate Plus a Vanilla Bean Paste Giveaway

How are all of you?  Are you done with your Christmas shopping?  Do you have anyone on your list that loves to bake?  Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste is such a great gift idea.  This stuff is awesome and adds a lot of yummy vanilla flavor and beautiful vanilla bean specks to your sweets.  One tablespoon of this thick paste is equivalent to one vanilla bean.

I like to use it in frosting, whipped cream, vanilla hot chocolate, homemade ice cream, homemade  pudding and lots of other yummy stuff.    

Vanilla Bean Paste takes this white hot chocolate to another level.  It adds such a rich flavor and when paired with the white chocolate and caramel, it is really a comforting treat.  A small glass is just right.  

You might also like:

Rich and Creamy Hot Cocoa Mix

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was provided a bottle of Vanilla Bean Paste from Wilks Communications for the purpose of this post, but all opinions expressed herein are my own.  The giveaway bottle of Vanilla Bean Paste is provided by Wilks Communications and will be shipped by them as well.

Caramel Vanilla Bean White Hot Chocolate
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

4 c. whole milk
1 c. white chocolate chips
1 Tbl. vanilla bean paste
2 Tbl. caramel, plus more for garnish

Optional Toppings:
marshmallows
whipped cream
caramel
white chocolate chips

Combine milk, white chocolate chips, vanilla bean paste and caramel in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until white chocolate chips are melted and milk is warm, stirring frequently.  Divide between four glasses and garnish with desired toppings.  Serves 4.  

Jenn's Notes: If you don't want yours quite as sweet, reduce white chocolate chips to 2/3 cup.

Rich and Creamy Hot Cocoa Mix

Have you ever gotten carried away in the bulk section at your grocery store?  Well, sometimes you end up with way more than you planned.  Looks can be deceiving, seriously, when you fill those plastic bags full of bulk ingredients and you don't realize how much it is until you get home and are trying to fit it in your storage containers.   

That happened to me with dry milk powder and Dutch cocoa powder.  I have a few roll recipes that use dry milk powder, including these Lunch Lady Rolls, but I still have more than enough to go around.  I had never tried Dutch cocoa before and was curious, so for some reason I ended up with about 2 mason jars full.  Luckily, I can use both of those in this yummy cocoa mix.     

Since it's been pretty chilly lately, hot cocoa had to happen.  This cocoa mix creates the most rich and creamy and thick hot cocoa.  It has a lot of chocolate flavor.  The dry milk powder gives it a sweet dairy flavor and the powdered sugar helps it thicken.  And if that isn't enough, you blend it in with milk and not water, so it's extra creamy.  

You might also like:

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Hot Vanilla with Peppermint Whipped Cream

S'mores Hot Chocolate

Rich and Creamy Hot Cocoa Mix
adapted from: Cook's Country
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

1 1/2 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
3/4 c. cocoa powder
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
1/8 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until white chocolate is finely ground.  Store in an air-tight container.  Makes about 10 servings.  

To make hot cocoa:  Stir 1/3 cup of cocoa mix into 1 cup of hot milk.  Top with desired toppings (whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate sauce, crushed candy canes, etc . . .)

Strawberry Lemonade

I do not know how I am going to survive the heat this year.  That last two days have been sooooooo HOT.  It felt as hot today at 6 p.m. as it did at noon.  Isn't it supposed to cool down in the evening?  I was outside cleaning my Dad's truck and I was already sweating just from plugging in the vacuum, ha ha.  BUT . . . serious, it's hot.

That is why I drank A LOT of this ice cold Strawberry Lemonade today.  It's the perfect combination of tart and sweet and a total thirst quencher.  I love the flavor on day two.   

Since everyone prefers their lemonade a little differently, I included a few tips at the bottom of the recipe to help you create your perfect lemonade. 

You might also like:

Frozen Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon Frosty

Berry Sunrise Smoothie

Frothy Sunrise Punch

Strawberry Lemonade
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

1 c. hot water
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 c. cold water
16 oz. strawberries, pureed

Combine hot water and sugar in a pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Add the lemon juice, cold water and pureed strawberries and stir well.  Taste and adjust any ingredients, if needed.  Refrigerate until very cold and serve.  Makes just under 2 quarts of lemonade.

Tips:
-If it's too tart, add a little more sugar and stir until dissolved.
-If it's too strong, add a little more cold water.
-If you want more strawberry flavor, try stirring in 1/4 cup of good strawberry jam.  I personally think this adds some really good strawberry flavor.  Just keep stirring and it will dissolve.   
-If you don't like seeds, pour the prepared lemonade through a fine mesh strainer.

Jenn's Notes: I bought a bag of lemons and they were really small lemons.  I had to use 11 of those small lemons to equal 1 cup of fresh juice.  The amount of lemons you will need will depend on their size.  

Berry Sunrise Smoothie

Have you ever planted a garden? It is a lot of work.  Pulling weeds, tilling, raking, planting the plants and seeds, putting stakes in the ground where the seeds are, fertilizing, watering, pulling more weeds that just grew back in the last 10 minutes. . . . and so on and so on. 

We planted ours on Memorial Day and I can't wait to have fresh veggies right out my back door.  After a long day of preparing the garden, a nice refreshing beverage is exactly what I needed.   

I took one of my favorite drinks, Frothy Sunrise Punch, and used frozen berries instead of the ice cubes and I ended up with a super amazing smoothie.  I am calling it a smoothie and not punch like the other version, because this version is more thick and creamy and it stays that way for hours and hours.  I made mine around 2:30 in the afternoon and at 9:00 p.m. it was still just as thick.

This smoothie is so refreshing and a perfect thirst-quencher. 

P.S.  Anyone have any good tips on how to keep birds from eating everything out of the garden?  They have been eating my strawberries and cucumber sprouts.     

Berry Sunrise Smoothie
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)
 
1 c. orange juice
1 c. pineapple juice
1 c. whole milk
1/4 c. powdered sugar, or more to taste
2 Tbl. meringue powder
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. frozen mixed berries 
    (I used strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries)

Combine all ingredients in a large blender and blend until smooth and creamy.  Taste and add more powdered sugar, if needed.  This will depend on how sweet the frozen fruit is that you used.  Pour into cups and serve.  Makes 3-4 servings, depending on the size of your cups.   

You might also like:

Frothy Sunrise Punch

Strawberry, Banana and Pineapple Smoothie

I don't have any problems eating my veggies, but I don't eat a lot of fruit in the Fall, Winter and Spring months (unless Diet Mountain Dew with Strawberry Puree from my favorite drink stop counts as my daily serving of fruit).  I do drink a lot of those ;)  

So, a smoothie is the perfect way for me to get a lot of fruit in a single serving.  This recipe makes a thick and creamy smoothie.  If you want it to be a little less thick, you could always cut back and add only one frozen banana.  The banana flavor does stand out, but this does have a slight strawberry flavor and a hint of pineapple.

I used my food processor to blend this all together, but I think a powerful blender would work as well.  Some day I need to get me one of those.  

What ingredients do you like to add to smoothies???  

Strawberry, Banana and Pineapple Smoothie
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

2 frozen sliced ripe bananas
1 1/2 c. frozen sliced strawberries
1/2 c. pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 c. vanilla almond milk, more or less to reach desired consistency
2 scoops vanilla protein powder

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or powerful blender.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  If mixture is too thick, add more almond milk.  Divide between 2 - 3 cups.  Serve.    

My Top 10 Appetizers, Breakfasts, Side Dishes and Drinks of 2014

Christmas is over and the countdown to 2015 begins!!  Each year, I like to share my top recipes of the current year.  I didn't make a lot of appetizers, sides and drinks, so I had to throw some breakfast dishes into the mix.  

 #1 Frothy Sunrise Punch

 #2 Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

#3 Corn Maque Choux {Corn, Bacon and Veggie Side Dish}

#4 Fluffy Cornmeal Pancakes

#5 Roasted Red Pepper and Cilantro Lime Rice

#6 Banana Pudding Milkshake with Chocolate Malt Whipped Cream 

#7 Crispy Cheddar Baked Fries 

#8 French Toast Waffles 

#9 Rosalie's Salsa 

#10 Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad