{Git in Mah Belly} Homemade Granola

Thanks for your sweet comments yesterday...glad to know my voice and incessant grinning didn't scare you off! Today I'm sharing a simple recipe for a staple around our house...granola. I know it's readily available in the stores, but when the weather starts to turn, I like to get my Betty Crocker on and bake. It's really so simple to make, and this way I know it's all-natural. I've made a few variations, but this strawberry version is one of my kid's favorites.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Homemade Granola" height="575" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/15218666582_d97fa9ed99_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Ingredients}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup strawberries, washed & hulled</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tbsp. vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Tbsp butter, melted</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup honey</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Homemade Granola" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/15032479337_8bc25e3cd5_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Instructions}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Preheat oven to 350-degrees.</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Blend strawberries in a blender or food processor until pureed. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, cinnamon and salt. Stir in pureed strawberries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ In a small bowl, mix vanilla into melted butter, and stir in honey.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Pour vanilla-honey-butter mixture over oats, stir to combine.</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Spread granola on a baking sheet in a thin layer, and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Remove from oven and let cool for one hour</div><div style="text-align: center;">+ Store in airtight container.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Homemade Granola" height="626" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15032364200_5898d842c6_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />My kids eat it with fruit and yogurt for breakfast, and even love it packed in their lunch so they can build their own parfaits. <i>(See my lunchbox ideas <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/lunch-box-lunches.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Homemade Granola" height="652" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/15032364010_60e20a8e49_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It also makes a sweet and thoughtful gift...perfect for friends, neighbors and teachers. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Homemade Granola" height="678" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/15032467058_0d5b687d48_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I can't wait to make another batch...this time, maybe I'll try it with pumpkin! Making homemade granola...what's next, I move to Colorado and start wearing Birkenstocks?! ;)  Git in mah belly!

{Git in Mah Belly} Homemade Granola

Thanks for your sweet comments yesterday...glad to know my voice and incessant grinning didn't scare you off! Today I'm sharing a si...

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{Git in Mah Belly} Peach Ice Cream

Man, did that weekend blow by, or what?! If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/cassiesugarplum" target="_blank">InstaGram</a>, then you saw the precious moment we participated in Saturday night. I am thrilled for my sister, and excited about a Montana wedding next Summer!<br /><br />Summer in Texas is no joke, but we've figured out the key to enjoying it is to stay completely submerged in water, while tossing back cold food and drinks. It's a winning combination really. And it just so happens July is National Ice Cream month...so what better time to crank out a batch of peach ice cream?! And ain't nobody got time for more than 4-ingredients!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Peach Ice Cream" height="668" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14743583632_c3e8ba0bf9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Need}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 cups peeled & sliced fresh Peaches</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup Sugar, divided</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 cups Heavy Cream (or 2 cups Cream & 1 cup Whole Milk)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. Vanilla Extract</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Peach Ice Cream" height="456" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14743583662_8d150c95e1_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Do}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a small bowl, mix the peaches with 1/2 the sugar, and let macerate in the fridge for a few hours.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strain the <span style="font-family: inherit;">peaches, res</span>erving juices, and mash half of them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream and remaining sugar, and mix until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the cream, reserved peach juice, mashed peaches, and vanilla.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour mixture in your ice cream maker<i> (I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLMW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYSLMW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=KJDTICD6FDTPVE7N" target="_blank">this dream machine</a>),</i> and blend until thick and creamy. Five minutes before it's done, add the remaining peaches and let mix completely.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">5.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Git in mah belly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Peach Ice Cream" height="681" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14720875726_632d7a4c26_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The only thing better than eating peach ice cream on a hot Texas Summer day, is eating peach ice cream while floating around the pool or lake! See? Winning combination!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm beginning to think we have an ice cream addiction over here.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what else we've made:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/git-in-mah-belly-summers-fruit.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Ice Cream</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/09/git-in-mah-belly-peanut-butter-ice.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/07/git-in-mah-belly-peach-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Peach Frozen Yogurt</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/git-in-mah-belly-blackberry-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Blackberry Ice Cream</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/06/git-in-mah-belly-fruit-sorbet.html" target="_blank">Mixed Berry Sorbet</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/fall-foods-2-ingredient-pumpkin-cake.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon Ice Cream</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/06/recipe-mint-chocolate-chip-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Mint Chocolate Chip</a> </div>

{Git in Mah Belly} Peach Ice Cream

Man, did that weekend blow by, or what?! If you follow me on InstaGram , then you saw the precious moment we participated in Saturday night....

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{Git in Mah Belly] Watermelon Feta Salad

Wowza...how hard is the Monday following a long weekend?! I definitely wanted to throw on my swimsuit and head outside this morning, instead of dragging myself to the office. Even so, I'm still smiling from all the fun we had this weekend with family and friends. I hope yours was marvelous as well.<br /><br />Now that we have a <a href="http://goo.gl/72I0vk" target="_blank">refreshed patio space</a><i> (reveal hopefully coming this week!!)</i>, Mr. SP and I have vowed to start using it more for entertaining. Besides the kids and their friends, we rarely entertain in the backyard...and what's the point of a pool if you don't invite people over to enjoy it with you?! I think I got all bound up in worrying about the house being in order, or what to cook and serve...but I've finally tossed that way of thinking to the curb.<br /><br />I came up with a few fool-proof and simple side-dishes that I can prepare in advance of guests coming over...they've become my stand-bys, and now I can relax and have fun with our guests, instead of worrying about 'entertaining and impressing' them. This Watermelon Feta Salad is in heavy rotation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Watermelon Feta Salad" height="788" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14612455773_5abb82bf82_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's handy to have foodie-friends on speed dial....I called <a href="http://goo.gl/vZ7lnk" target="_blank">Kristin</a> and said, <i>'How is watermelon with feta?' </i>Her response was, <i>'Amazing! Then throw in some basil and a little balsamic!'</i> And just like that...our new favorite side dish was born.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Watermelon Feta Salad" height="703" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14592366345_a594241fcc_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Ingredients}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seedless watermelon cut in bite size cubes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh basil leaves cut in thin strips</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crumbled feta cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">Course salt and pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Balsamic vinegar (optional) </div><br />There's really no directions...just start with watermelon, and add the rest to your taste. I'm heavy-handed when it comes to feta and basil, but you may prefer a lighter taste. I serve the salad with balsamic vinegar on the side since it's one of those things people either love or hate...but a little goes a long way. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Watermelon Feta Salad" height="693" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/14591696472_218445510e_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I love the sweet watermelon paired with the sharp, creamy cheese...it's the perfect light, refreshing salad for these hot Summer days.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Watermelon Feta Salad" height="605" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/14569340116_8e9ca65434_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I served it last night with a green salad and grilled chicken...and <a href="http://goo.gl/WyRPxe" target="_blank">homemade ice cream,</a> of course. As we sat around the table with our friends, I realized all my concerns about hosting were unfounded. Hospitality doesn't require rolling out the red carpet, but only the desire and a little forethought. What are some of your go-to dishes this time of year? Do you entertain much, or hold back for fear of not pleasing your guests?

{Git in Mah Belly] Watermelon Feta Salad

Wowza...how hard is the Monday following a long weekend?! I definitely wanted to throw on my swimsuit and head outside this morning, instead...

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{Git in Mah Belly} Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

According to the calendar, the first official day of Summer is this week. But we've had Summer temperatures for a month already...which means it was time to pull out our favorite Kitchen appliance <i>(well, besides the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/07/smitten-keurig-where-have-you-been-all.html" target="_blank">Keurig</a> anyway)</i>...the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLMW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYSLMW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=KJDTICD6FDTPVE7N" target="_blank">Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker</a>! The kids chose mint chocolate chip for this season's first batch, and it was delish!<i> (I use the past-tense, because it was gone in a day)</i> #oink<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream" height="681" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/14443647612_f0f1013d35_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Need}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups heavy cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup whole milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. mint extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 bag mini chocolate chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Do}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Stir cream, milk, condensed milk, and extracts in a bowl until well mixed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Pour mixture in to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLMW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYSLMW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=KJDTICD6FDTPVE7N" target="_blank">ice cream maker</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Once it starts to thicken, about 10-15 minutes, add chocolate chips, and continue mixing another 15 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Transfer to container and freeze several hours.<br />* Serve with fresh mint and a shortbread cookie if you want to make a good impression. </div><br /><i>Tip: Add a few drops of food color if you prefer your mint ice cream to be green.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream" height="469" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/14258354529_f362ce9ec8_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I'm not getting paid to say this, but the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLMW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYSLMW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=KJDTICD6FDTPVE7N" target="_blank">Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker</a> is the gadget you never knew you needed...until you have it, and then you wonder how you lived so long without one! Seriously, check out how many <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLMW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYSLMW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=KJDTICD6FDTPVE7N" target="_blank">near-perfect reviews</a> it has! The recipes are so simple, and you can have sorbets and ice creams ready in no time. What is your favorite hot-weather treat?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Don't believe we're obsessed with the ice cream maker?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what else we've made:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/08/git-in-mah-belly-summers-fruit.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Ice Cream</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/09/git-in-mah-belly-peanut-butter-ice.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/07/git-in-mah-belly-peach-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Peach Frozen Yogurt</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/07/git-in-mah-belly-blackberry-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Blackberry Ice Cream</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/06/git-in-mah-belly-fruit-sorbet.html" target="_blank">Mixed Berry Sorbet</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/fall-foods-2-ingredient-pumpkin-cake.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon Ice Cream</a></div>

{Git in Mah Belly} Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

According to the calendar, the first official day of Summer is this week. But we've had Summer temperatures for a month already...which ...

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Gelato Sundae Cones

There's no question Mr. SP and I love to eat. In fact, I'm <strike>super</strike> moderately careful about what I eat during the week, just so we can splurge on the weekends. Our date nights, and even our trips, are centered around food! Gelato has quickly moved to the top of our favorite foods list....mostly because it's so divine, but also because it reminds us of our time in Italy last year <i>(read about it <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/travels.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</i><br /><br />Earlier this week, I surprised him with a backyard date night with take-out and homemade Gelato Sundae Cones as a special dessert.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="691" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14152725788_d709cb20dd_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I use the term 'homemade' loosely, since I relied on store-bought supplies, and <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=35086&oid=12428300" rel="nofollow">Breyers Gelato Indulgences</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="696" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3850/14339382055_af3d42fe7c_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Need}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sugar or Waffle Cones</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mixed Chopped Nuts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=35086&oid=12428300" rel="nofollow">Breyers Gelato Indulgences</a> in Tiramisu, Raspberry Cheesecake,<br />Triple Chocolate or Vanilla Caramel</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Do}</b></div><br />Melt chocolate chips in a double-boiler<i> (or a glass bowl perched over a pot of boiling water),</i> then dip the top edge of the cones.<br /><br /><i>Tip: Put a dollop of melted chocolate in the bottom of each cone, too, for a yummy last bite! </i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="686" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14316249686_44d64b431e_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />While the chocolate is still warm, roll the cone in a bowl of chopped nuts, then place in the freezer to set. Small juice glasses or a loaf pan of uncooked rice are good for holding the cones upright while freezing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="589" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/14152891567_0d41bae1d8_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Then pack your cones with any of the Breyer's Gelato flavors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="659" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3872/14152718309_5ba9881fd8_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />You could stop there and enjoy your cone, or if you're gluttonous like me, you can make good old-fashioned sundae cones. Return the packed cone to the freezer overnight, then dip the frozen cone in more melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts. Freeze a final time until firm.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="790" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/14152725838_7cf616fa73_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Once the kids were tucked away for the night, I set up a little spot for us on the back patio with drinks and takeout tacos.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="729" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14339382725_d2ce98bba0_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="653" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14316249976_f5cf6c0509_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="681" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/14316250426_d00447b087_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="561" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14336050401_3eae71007e_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="717" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14152892217_0029942294_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="435" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/14337736372_9925a50e31_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's so nice to enjoy some quiet time together, and catch up on the week, then savor dessert snuggled up on the couch with a movie. Don't tell the kids, but we usually just pass the carton back and forth! #oink<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="574" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14337736732_ea2d7a58aa_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Gelato Sundae Cones" height="697" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/14337736912_039b87534a_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-orig-="" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/990dd36ac99a11e2a2ab22000a1fb84b_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />We can't always find time to go out for date night, so these couch dates have become a big part of our week. I love that even after 19 years of PMS, he still reaches for my hand. How do you carve out time for your honey? Is food, especially gelato, a big part of your relationship?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=12428300" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Visit Sponsor's Site" border="0" src="http://app.socialspark.com/views?oid=12428300" style="border: none;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=12428300" rel="nofollow">Breyers Gelato Indulgences</a> for <a href="http://izea.in/r14bi" rel="nofollow">SocialSpark</a>. All opinions, canoodling, and gelato-binging are 100% mine. Thank you supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!<br /></i></span>

Gelato Sundae Cones

There's no question Mr. SP and I love to eat. In fact, I'm super moderately careful about what I eat during the week, just so we ca...

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Orange Creamsicle Party

Well, it's officially sweat season around here. Not to be confused with sweater season. Quite the opposite, actually! We hit 90-degrees last week, so our weekends have now moved outside. Which means cookouts, s'mores in the chiminea, pool parties, and lots of visiting friends. Thank goodness our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/home-depot-challenge-patio-reveal.html" target="_blank">patio got a makeover</a> last year! I adore this time of year, and all the bright colors and flavors that come with it. <br /><br />But the Texas heat requires treats that are cold and refreshing....like this orange creamsicle float!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="696" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/14068163506_9bc7c23f9d_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Ingredients}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orange Zevia All-Natural Soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Bean Ice Cream<i> (get the good stuff!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Vodka <i>(optional)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Directions}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stuff your glass with as much ice cream as it will hold</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour two-fingers of Vanilla Vodka over top<i> (optional)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill the rest of the cup with Orange Zevia</div><div style="text-align: center;">Garnish with wafer cookies and orange candies</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="635" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/14091720034_01a74c7a44_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />We invited a few friends over to celebrate the new season, and I used the bright colored soda cans as decor inspiration. Sticking with shades of orange and yellow, and using citrus fruits as accents, gave everything a fun and cohesive look, with little effort.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="686" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/13904634989_cb3e0ca3c4_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="725" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/13904670970_81872a8cd7_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Have you seen <a href="http://goo.gl/VdqpVH" target="_blank">Susty Party supplies</a>?! They were just featured on the TV show, <i>Shark Tank</i>, last week, and are pretty much the cutest ever. Not to mention environmentally-friendly. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="676" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/14088051671_a2e404a1ba_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="443" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14088052931_f12496a4bb_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The kids had fun creating their own non-alcoholic floats, and the grown-ups enjoyed the extra kick in theirs! We don't drink much soda, but with no artificial colors or sweeteners, I don't have to worry about them drinking Zevia. Who knew orange soda wasn't supposed to be orange?!?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="595" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/14088146252_d8dc408985_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="749" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/14111343603_c710d11408_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potting Bench found<a href="http://bit.ly/1nNsjPH" target="_blank"> here</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="696" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/13904650777_9b010b2c84_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />You could use orange sorbet for an even lighter treat, but the ice cream makes it so thick and creamy. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="698" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/13904670020_971210b1d7_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="717" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/14111343393_23e34409b9_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="670" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/14091721464_143125a78c_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serape Runner found <a href="http://www.elchamaco.com/mexican-blankets.php" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="708" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14068163986_149f40ae21_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="611" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14088052441_2ca6208b32_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="703" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/14111342793_c0e284f7a7_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="641" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14088053531_4933721a21_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="684" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/13904651907_090982597f_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Orange Creamsicle Float Party" height="618" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/14088052061_0c9c8b2cc7_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />What's your favorite ice cream float flavor, or your go-to Summertime drink? Hop over to the Zevia <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Flavors of Summer page</a> to see more delicious recipes dreamed up by these fab bloggers, and vote for your favorite!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Hunted Interior</a>  \  <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Effortless Style</a>  \  <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Simplified Bee</a>  \  <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Three Little Monkeys</a>  \  <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">Hi Sugarplum! </a></div><br /><br />While you're there, check out how to pin your perfect party details and the Zevia flavor that inspires you most, and you could <a href="http://goo.gl/JLRnBK" target="_blank">win a $500 gift card</a>! The <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/zevia/zevia-flavors-of-summer/" target="_blank">Zevia Flavors of Summer pin board</a> is a great place to start for inspiration!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zevia.com/sites/default/themes/zevia_us/images/summer-banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.zevia.com/sites/default/themes/zevia_us/images/summer-banner.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post was graciously sponsored by Zevia, but the opinions and cheerful party are mine. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!</i></span>

Orange Creamsicle Party

Well, it's officially sweat season around here. Not to be confused with sweater season. Quite the opposite, actually! We hit 90-degrees ...

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Polka Dot Cake

Hiya, friends! My penthouse days are over, and I'm back at work nursing a big old cup of coffee this morning. But it's worth it for such a great weekend spent with friends. I got to meet and spend time with new and old blog pals <i>(like <a href="http://goo.gl/lIHbkt" target="_blank">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/Kyswtv" target="_blank">Caycee</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/r24pqH" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/LnziMj" target="_blank">Carly</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/Yt1Zzh" target="_blank">Chassity</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/pfiuob" target="_blank">Jamie</a>)</i>...I plan on sharing more about the weekend soon...but I'm working on a surprise to go with it! I can't wait to share it with you...let's just say there are 25 reasons you'll want to 'swagger' back for it.<br /><br />But this morning I'm wishing I had a piece of this cake to go with my coffee...nothing better than cold cake in the morning! Somehow over the years, the cake has become the centerpiece of our birthday parties. No matter how much I outsource, or how simple the celebration, the cake is one place I pour my heart and attention.<br /><br />I pick up store-bought cupcakes and cookies for many events...but when it comes to my kids, and their birthdays...I've made their cake every single year. For some reason, that's a memory I want them to have and cherish. Maybe I hope it will compensate for all the times I'm not putting in a stellar mom performance.<br /><br />Since this was our third Art Party in as many years, we'd kind of worn the rainbow theme out<i> (see them <a href="http://goo.gl/H83iP2" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/cyNlj9" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/rainbow-art-par-tay.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>. I still like the idea of using bright colors, but this time we used them in the form of polka dots. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="699" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/13918468761_1b1dced609_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What You Need}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Boxes White Cake Mix <i>(why not let Betty do what Betty does best)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ingredients listed on the box</div><div style="text-align: center;">Food Color <i>(I prefer <a href="http://popsu.gr/sibn" target="_blank">these gel colors</a> for more vibrant shades)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cake Ball <a href="http://popsu.gr/sibk" target="_blank">pan</a> or maker <i>(I used <a href="http://popsu.gr/siaM" target="_blank">this one</a>, except mine also makes donuts & cupcakes)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">White Frosting</div><div style="text-align: center;">Round Cake Pan <i>(I used <a href="http://popsu.gr/sibm" target="_blank">this 6-inch</a> for a taller cake) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix one cake according to the instructions on the box. To really make your polka dots pop, you want your cake pure white...so don't use egg yolks.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="397" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/13918469731_a21ce14a9a_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Separate the batter into smaller bowls, and dye to your preferred colors. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="565" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/13918469701_e2f73bca3c_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Bake 18-24 cake balls...which uses about half the cake batter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="780" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/13941581225_e2bff71d20_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="668" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/13941580955_846a676c41_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />You might want to bake extras, because they disappear fast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1638863761357353400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="728" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/13918481356_4704c7617c_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Whip up the other box of batter, and pour about half an inch in the bottom of your cake pan, then place the cake balls on top.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="710" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/13941580745_d3a854812c_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Pour just enough batter to cover them, then bake according to instructions on the box.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="714" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/13942029444_3a0c2814dd_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="683" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/13941580525_18d84500c9_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I only have one 6-inch pan, so I was impatient and removed them too soon...but nothing a generous helping of frosting can't disguise.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="723" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/13941580035_94c1a738da_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Keeping with the polka dot theme, I decorated it with round candy melts in colors that coordinated with the party.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="634" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/13941637543_e6537e3fa8_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Art Party" height="778" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/13780334003_0143998dd9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The downside to cakes with surprises in the middle, is you don't know of it's success or failure until you're cutting into it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="501" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/13942029254_8992d833c5_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="523" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/13941580445_97410757c5_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="453" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/13918474132_9a2aa563d6_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="423" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/13918474102_c697486828_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Each slice wielded different color and size polka dots, but that added to the fun. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Art Party" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/13780673004_38922231c1_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I intended to take more pictures of the different slices, but it was gone before I had the chance. Guess it tasted as yummy as it was cute!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Polka Dot Cake" height="429" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13918473742_0741b88877_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I thought the cake balls would be tough or dry since they'd been baked twice, but they had the same consistency as the rest of the cake. There are so many variances of this cake...you can change the colors of the polka dots to fit any party scheme...and I'd love to make a chocolate cake with white cake dots! Happy Monday, love bugs...hope your day includes cold cake and coffee!

Polka Dot Cake

Hiya, friends! My penthouse days are over, and I'm back at work nursing a big old cup of coffee this morning. But it's worth it for ...

Read more »