Memorial Day Recipes: 7 Desserts to Sweeten Up Your BBQ

One of the first long weekends of summer is here – are you ready? If you’re having friends and family over to celebrate Memorial Day and show your support for the brave men and women who fight tirelessly to help keep us safe, try serving up some of these delicious treats. Here are our favorite red, white, and blue desserts from some of the best food bloggers out there. Check out their scrumptious recipes and throw one seriously sweet bash this weekend!

Perfect Patriotic Pie - What’s more American than apple pie? An apple pie with a star-spangled crust, of course! Visit Broma Bakery to learn how to make this fabulous Miss American Pie and other playful pastries. We’re sure your guests will love it. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Broma Bakey

Scrumptious Strawberry Snacks - Worried about your beach body, but still want a sweet treat to enjoy this weekend? You’ve got to try one these Strawberry Cheesecake Bites from The Kitchen Is My Playground. Simple to make and very pleasing to the eye, they’ll add to any Memorial Day spread. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via The Kitchen Is My Playground

Gooey Graham Goodies - Can’t wait for the bonfire? Enjoy a s’mores inspired dessert, without having to roast marshmallows. Plain Vanilla Mom shows us how to make graham cracker ice cream sandwiches (which look a lot like everyone’s favorite campfire treat, just sub in chocolate ice cream and sprinkles for marshmallow). Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Plain Vanilla Mom

Sweet & Savory Sticks - Finger food that isn’t sticky or messy? Sign us up! These fabulous pretzel sticks from Our Best Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and are a breeze to serve and eat. What could be better? Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Our Best Bites

Spectacularly Sprinkled Sandwiches - Cute and creative patriotic desserts don’t have to cost a fortune or take days of preparation. Say Yes teaches us how to achieve a unique and on theme treat in a matter of moments. All you need is ice cream sandwiches, sprinkles, and popsicles sticks. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via Say Yes

Delightfully Darling Donuts - Hosting a Memorial Day brunch? These sweet donuts are a must-serve! A Pumpkin & A Princess shows us how to make baked vanilla bean donuts (yum!) that are just calling out for some fun red, white, and blue decorations. Get the full tutorial here.

Image via  A Pumpkin & A Princess

Cool & Creative Cookies - Although this may be one of the messier snacks to eat, we’re sure your guests will enjoy every homemade morsel. The Benson Street teaches us how to make our own ice cream sandwiches, with cleverly decorated red and white cookies to boot. Get the full tutorial here. 

Image via The Benson Street

We hope these sweet creations help spice up your Memorial Day celebrations and wow your friends and family. Tackle any of these bloggers’ creations? Make sure to share what you whip up with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you guys make. And of course, from our family to yours, have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Freedom isn’t free, and we’re so grateful for all those who’ve sacrificed so much to help keep us safe. Happy Memorial Day!

Read More

Scrumptious & Simple 3 Ingredient Desserts

As summer begins to wind down it seems our social engagements start winding up. Maybe we’re all trying to soak up the last weekends of the season, or we all used July to catch up on sleep and are now bursting with energy. Whatever the reason, most of our social calendars will be fairly full for the rest of August.

If you’re one of the many busy bees burdened with get togethers, lunches, brunches, dinners, playdates, and more, let us help you out before you lose your head. We’ve compiled a list of super easy and yummy desserts that are sure to wow at any gathering. Check ‘em out below and prepare your taste buds!

Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie – Crazy simple to make (all of these recipes only require three ingredients) and so enjoyable! The refreshing combination of watermelon, coconut water, and lime cannot be ignored. One sip will have you hooked.

Image via Minimalist Baker

Oreo Truffles – These cute treats look amazing, and are so easy to make. Three ingredients, six steps, and you’re done! Will these kill at a party? Yes! Will they take you hours to make? No! Sounds pretty good to us.

Image via Chef in Training

Peanut Butter Cake – Staying away from gluten shouldn’t result in you having to spend tons of time in the kitchen making desserts or skipping out on them altogether. This flourless peanut butter cake is delicious, easy to make, and gluten free. You’re welcome.

Image via Kirbie's Cravings

Mint Chocolate Mousse – (Mostly) everyone loves chocolate! Surprise friends and family with a light, airy, decadent, vegan, mint chocolate mousse. They won’t be able to resist.

Image via Vegan Family Recipes

Banana Chocolate Chip Bites – Think three ingredients is too many? This sweet snack only needs two: bananas and chocolate chips. Blend some frozen bananas together, add chocolate chips, form in cupcake tray, and you’re golden. These fairly healthy bites are perfect for playdates and (when September comes) after school snacks!

Image via The Baker Mama

Shortbread Crisp – This recipe calls for apricots, but you could use all sorts of fruit in this crisp. It’s paleo friendly, vegan, and a great thing to serve if you aren’t sure about food allergies.

Image via Whole New Mom

Green Tea Ice Cream – Just because a dish isn’t widely available in North America, doesn’t mean you can’t make it easily. This recipe doesn’t require any churning, and (like all the recipes we’ve listed here) only needs three ingredients. Green tea ice cream is delicious. It’s not too sweet and is a nice, refreshing treat on a hot day.

Image via Eugenie Kitchen

We hope you and yours like these simple desserts, so you can have more time to spend together enjoying the final days of summer. Have another easy dessert recipe? Make sure to share it with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – simple sweets are our favorite!

Read More

6 Memorable Memorial Day Desserts

Can you believe it’s almost Memorial Day weekend? That’s right, the first long weekend of the summer is just days away and we can’t wait for it! In anticipation of the BBQs, firework displays, and get-togethers everyone must be planning, we thought we’d go ahead and share some of our favorite patriotic desserts. These tasty dishes red, white, and blew our minds – so make sure to serve them up at whatever celebration you’re having this weekend.

Star Spangled Snacks – These ooey gooey bars will have everyone oohing and ahhing. Somewhere between marshmallow treats and cake, this yummy concoction will be the star of your celebration!

Image via The Gunny Sack

Patriotic Pops – Watermelon, coconut, and raspberry combine to make these delicious, extremely refreshing desserts. Perfect for youngsters or the young at heart, this treat is sure to pop a smile on anyone’s face!

Image via The Little Kitchen

Sneaky Snow Cones – These little snacks may look like snow cones, but they’re actually cupcakes! Surprise friends and family with this disguised dessert; they won’t believe what they’re tasting!

Image via Bakerella

Outrageous Oreos – Oreo pops are already a fan favorite. They’re easy to make and easy to eat. Add some red, white, and blue? You’ve got a Memorial Day staple!

Image via Makdoodle

Playful Pizza – There’s something especially fun about dessert pizza. You can display your toppings beautifully and the mix of flavors is always delicious. To incorporate red, white, and blue, this pizza has strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – and these fab fruits sit atop cream cheese and a brownie crust. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Image via Better Recipes

Festive Flag Cakes – Use red velvet cake and blueberries to create a delicious tribute to Old Glory! These simple layer cakes are the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day.

Image via Erica's Sweet Tooth

We hope you and your loved ones have a sweet, safe, and fun Memorial Day weekend!

Read More

Summer of Skewers: How to Throw a Kebab-ecue

The first long weekend of summer is almost here! Are you ready to celebrate? This year, spice up your traditional barbecue, and throw a kebab-ecue! Serving your apps, main courses, and desserts on kebabs means half the mess and double the fun – what could be better?  Try some of our unique recipes below and kebab’s your uncle, your guests will be sure to stick around.

Hearty Hawaiians – Pizza has already proven that pineapple and ham go well together. We’re sure this sweet and savory combo will be a crowd pleaser.

Image via She Wears Many Hats

Skinny Salmon – This grilled salmon has the right kind of fats and nutrients, without all the calories. It’s just what you need if you’re still working on your beach body.

Image via Skinny Taste

Cool Caprese – These refreshing morsels will definitely wow your guests. Whether your party is dressed up or down, this kebab will complement the affair.

Image via Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrows

Open Sesame Chicken – Inspired by your favorite Chinese dish, this kebab promises to be moist, rich, and delicious.

Image via A Dash Of Sanity

Taste The VeggieRainbow – Vegans can also enjoy the kebab theme. Treat them to a rainbow of vegetables: beautiful and cruelty-free.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Honey, I’m Lime Chicken – A little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet. These yummy skewers are a great way to spice up your party!

Image via Kitchen Meets Girl

Frogmore Stew or Low CountryBoil –If you aren’t from the South you may not have heard of this crazy good meal, but trust us, this is one you’ve got to try! Baby potatoes, seafood seasoning, shrimp, sausage, and corn? It’s a game changer.

Image via Framed Cooks

Marvelous Moroccan Fish – This Middle Eastern delight is an impressive looking dish that doesn’t take too much work to create. The marinade is a little time consuming, but it’s worth it.

Image via Jelly Toast

Simple Sausage – These easy snacks are a snap to put together and make for a totally flavorful meal.

Image via Mommy's Kitchen

Tortellini Treat – Time to get even more creative with your kebabs. Incorporating pasta into this style of food isn’t usually attempted, but it should be! These skewers are tasty and unique.

Image via Real Women & Homes

Playful Peaches – Fruit and cheese is a classic combination for a reason. As you know, we’re big fans of fusing sweet and savory, and this kebab does just that. Sweet peaches, salty cheese, and seasoning; it’s music to our ears and we’re sure your guests will feel the same way.

Image via My New Roots

Crazy Candy – Yes, candy kebabs are a bit of an obvious dessert, but we love these little guys. They’re so colorful and fun. If you have youngsters (or the young at heart) at your BBQ they’ll be thrilled to see these treats.

Image via A Dose Of Serendipity

Strawberry Shortcake – This dessert is probably the most complex kebab on our list, but gosh it's delicious. Plus, it's really the cherry (or should we say strawberry) on top of your kebab-ecue. We’re sure the memory of this dessert will stick with your guests for a long time.

Image via Karen In The Kitchen

We hope this helps you plan your long weekend menu. Stick it to all those other barbecues and enjoy a kebab-ecue! You’ll be the toast of the town.

Read More

A Tisket, A Tasket, 10 Treats To Put In Your Easter Basket

Have some entertaining to do over the Easter weekend? Wow guests of all ages with these super sweet Easter treats. Not only will they make the perfect addition to any Easter basket, cooking them up is a breeze!

Bottoms Up - These fun fannies are an adorable way to say Happy Easter!

Image via Pillsbury

Cinnabunnies - We'll definitely hop on board with this tasty snack. Plus, they're made with raisins and almonds, so it's almost like they're good for you!

Image via Betty Crocker

Marvelous Macarons - These cute chicks will have everyone tweeting for joy! #delicious

Image via Sweet Explorations

Rethink Your Basket - Most of us can't fit a cake in our Easter baskets, so why not turn the Easter basket into a cake? This is such a sweet idea and the cake looks amazing!

Image via The Cake Blog

Orange You Glad It's A Strawberry - Not that we don't love carrots, but we're way happier biting into a chocolate covered strawberry that's disguised as a carrot!

Image via Lil' Luna

Egg-cellent Truffles - How amazing do these look? There's no way any store bought candy can beat Easter egg cookie dough truffles in your basket!

Image via Wine And Glue

Bunny Bites - You'll have guests bouncing up and down when they see these bunny pretzels.

Image via The Cards We Drew

Birds Nest Cookies - Treat your flock with these scrumptious cookies.

Image via Somewhat Simple

SurPeeps! - Spoiler alert: these Peeps covered cupcakes have Easter candy hidden inside!

Image via Tablespoon

This is a must-do if you have little ones joining you for the holiday!

Grass Is Greener - Ok, so this is a little big for your typical Easter basket, but it's the perfect dessert for Easter dinner so we simply had to share it!

Image via The Cake Blog

We hope these delicious recipes are a hit during your Easter celebrations - you'll certainly give the Easter Bunny a run for their money! From all of us here at Marketplace Events, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Easter.

Read More

Kiss The Cook: 10 Tasty Treats To Serve This Valentine's Day

If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach we’ve got just what you need to be feeling the love this weekend! To help celebrate Valentine’s Day we’ve created a list of the most adorable treats to serve your loved ones on the 14th. When you think about it, what says I love you better than a homemade meal or dessert? Try making any one of these 10 delectable dishes for Saturday and you’ll have your Valentine eating out of the palm of your hand.

1. Cheesecake Conversation Hearts - There's nothing wrong with getting a little cheesy on Valentine's Day. These delicious cheesecake conversation hearts will say all you want to.

Image via Hungry Happenings

2. Heart-Shaped Bacon - Don't go bacon our hearts this Valentine's Day. Cook up some heart-shaped bacon instead!

Image via The Paper Mama

3. Jell-o Cookies - These cookies are sure to break the mold! Light, colorful, and fun, these are a great Vday snack!

Image via Just Helen

4. Heart-Shaped Rice Krispies - Does your loved one have a gluten allergy? They don't have to miss out on the Valentine's Day treats! Make them some of these heart-shaped Rice Krispies!

Image via Pint Sized Treasures

5. Cupcakes On Cupcakes - We know this isn't the most Valentine's Day themed food on our list, but we're seriously loving how creative this treat is and you get to eat two cupcakes! Top that!

Image via All Recipes

6. Heart-Shaped Ravioli - If you're planning a romantic dinner, try serving these heart-shaped ravioli! The extra effort will go a long way!

Image via Annie's Eats

7. Strawberry Rose - Would a rose made out of any other fruit taste as sweet? Maybe, but it certainly wouldn't look as good!

Image via One Little Project

8. Cherry Tomato Heart - This cute, healthy snack is a great treat to serve on Valentine's Day!

Image via Eye Candy

9. Egg Pizza - What an egg-cellent way to say Happy Valentine's Day!

Image via Proud Italian Cook

10. Cinnamon Bun Hearts - One word: YUM!

Image via Pillsbury

Wherever you are, whatever you end up doing, we hope you and your loved ones have a special and happy Valentine's Day!

Read More