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Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes

October 15th, 2018October 16th, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Welcome Fall by making your own mini pumpkin patch with these Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes. These mini pumpkin angel food bundt cakes are easy to make and delish! While this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

Light Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes

Make a “Bundtkin” Patch

It’s Fall y’all! That means it’s time for all things apple and pumpkin. If I had to choose between those two, I would have a heck of the time, I love them both. Almost as much as I love this angel food cake pumpkin patch 😉

Pumpkin Angel Food Cake is so easy to make, and it basically has no fat! In fact, did you know that pumpkin is actually really good for us? Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, antioxidants and vitamin A. In fact, Pumpkin Angel Food Cake is even Weight Watcher approved 😉 So, grab a box of angel food cake, a cup of pure pumpkin, vanilla and a little pumpkin spice and you are 90% on your way to making your own pumpkin patch!

The stems are Voortman Fudge Coated Wafers, cut them in half and they fit in the center of the mini pumpkin bundt cakes. These are a special edition, so be sure to keep a look out for them at your favorite retailer. I used the Vanilla and Salted Caramel Voortman wafers for my “stems” and “dirt” but keep a look out for the Peanut Butter and Chocolate varieties too.

I did put a glaze on my little pumpkins, but you don’t have to. For the glaze, you simply mix powdered sugar and milk. Or you could try my maple glaze drizzle, that would also be delish!

My “leaves” are green vanilla melting wafers, I bought the tiny bag at Walmart for $.80 and I only used about a fourth of the bag.

The mini pumpkin angel food cake bundts bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, and since prep time is less than 10 minutes you can have your very own edible pumpkin patch in about 30 minutes. These super cute pumpkin cakes are perfect to serve up on Halloween and all the way through Thanksgiving. In fact, my mom said that she was going to make them for Thanksgiving 🙂

Now, here is my Light Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

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5 from 1 vote

Mini Pumpkin Angel Food Bundt Cakes

These Light Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes are easy to make and the perfect way to celebrate the fall season!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Dessert

Keyword: dessert, easy recipes, fall, healthy, pumpkin

Servings:

Calories: 367kcal

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

Ingredients for Mini Pumpkin Angel Food Bundt Cakes

1 box angel food cake
1 cup pure pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice

Ingredients for "stems" and "dirt"

6 of your favorite fudge coated Voortman wafers

Ingredients for Glaze - if desired

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Mini green vanilla flavored candy melting wafers for "leaves"

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Instructions for pumpkin angel food cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix all ingredients together in your mixer
Pour mixture into your mini bundt cake pan. Fill each one about 3/4 full.If you fill it to the rim, it will spill over some, but don't worry about it!
Bake for 15 - 18 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick or knife in and it comes out clean
Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes
Flip onto cutting board or something similar

Instructions for glaze

Mix until "glaze-like"
Drizzle a small amount on each "pumpkin" if desired

Instructions for "leaves"

Melt a small amount of the candy melts and use a fork or similar utensil and drizzle on your "leaves"

Instructions for "stem"

Cut your favorite Voortman Fudge Coated Wafer in half and insert it in the center of your "pumpkin"
Enjoy!

Notes

As you can see, I also crushed several Voortman Fudge Coated wafers to make the "dirt" around my pumpkins in their pumpkin patch.
Prepare your bundt pan as the directions state, my mini bundt pan works best when lightly brushed with butter then dusted with flour.

Nutrition

I hope you enjoy these Light Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes and Mini Pumpkin Patch as much as we do!

What’s one of your favorite pumpkin recipes?

I used the Nordic Ware Bundtlette Baking Pan, they come in different designs, I grabbed mine at Target for about $25.

Be sure to stay social with Voortman Bakery by following on Instagram and Facebook. And check them out online for all the delicious bakery-goodness.

While you are at it, follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more tips, fabulous recipes and more!

Looking for more delicious Fall recipes?

Easy and Healthy Pumpkin Soup

Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies

Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

October 11th, 2018August 10th, 2019

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeHeartHealth #CollectiveBias

This Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is one of our favorite salad recipes; it’s healthy, delicious and so easy to make!

Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

This salmon salad recipe is one of our go-to recipes! Not only is it easy to make, but it’s loaded with all those good-for-you fats, like Omega-3s. Did you know that heart health experts recommend consuming two servings of fatty fish per week for healthy adults? This equates to approximately 500 mg of EPA + DHA per day.1-2,‡ Most people don’t consume this much…my family included! While this Heart-Healthy Strawberry Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing is an excellent addition to your weekly meal-plan, you may find that you still need to take a supplement, like me.

How do you decide what is the best Omega-3 supplement for you? You may want to discuss that with your healthcare professional, especially if you have heart concerns. I get the Nature Made® Omega-3 Full Strength Mini, 500mg EPA+DHA, Burp-less supplements at Walmart (Nature Made® offers many “burp-less” Omega-3 supplements, that are specially coated to help prevent a fishy odor and aftertaste). It’s actually the EPA & DHA Omega-3s from fish oil that count and getting them at Walmart has never been easier! EPA + DHA Omega-3s are the active ingredients in fish oil that provide heart healthy benefits.† You can find a selection of Nature Made® Omega-3 supplements at Walmart that clearly call out the amount of EPA & DHA Omega-3s on the front of the label. With this change in labels, Walmart is trying to make it easier for shoppers to navigate the “fish oil” segment and ensure their shoppers are confident they’ve found the right Omega-3 supplement. Nature Made® Omega-3 supplements make it easy to meet the recommended dose in as little as one softgel per day, depending on the formula you choose; they’re a great supplement option for healthy adults looking to help support a healthy heart.† And who doesn’t want a healthy heart?! Now, while you are at Walmart getting your Nature Made® Omega-3 supplements, grab the ingredients for my Omega-3 rich salad recipe with salmon, roasted walnuts, fresh fruit and my amazing light homemade strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing. Now, here is my Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again:

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This Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is one of our favorite salad recipes, it's healthy, delicious and so easy to make!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Servings:

Author: Tracy @ havingfunsaving.com

Ingredients

2 fillets of salmon
Mixed greens
Crumbled blue cheese gorgonzola, feta or goat cheese - I have used all varieties and they are all great!
Fresh strawberries - quartered
Roasted walnuts - make your own instructions further down or buy ready-made
Salt pepper, and butter for seasoning the salmon

Ingredients for roasted walnuts

1 bag chopped walnuts - I bought the 4 oz bag this was plenty for 4 salads
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper

Ingredients for salad dressing

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh strawberries - you can also use frozen but thaw them first
2 teaspoons honey

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Season the salmon with salt and pepper
Place a small amount of butter or oil into a pan
Saute salmon until cooked throughout, flip only once
Prepare your salad with greens, strawberries, cheese, and roasted walnuts
Top with salmon and dressing
Enjoy!

Instructions to make your own roasted walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix walnuts, oil, salt and pepper until thoroughly coated
Place walnuts on a baking sheet
Bake until walnuts are golden brown and fragrant, about 10–15 minutes.
Instructions for Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing: https://www.foodwinesunshine.com/homemade-strawberr...
Put all ingredients into food processor and blend until smooth

I hope you enjoy this Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette salad dressing as much as we do!

Want to learn more about Nature Made® Omega-3 supplements? You can text OMEGA to 555888 to check out a quick video from Nature Made® on their Omegas at Walmart. And check out this video:

Do you take Nature Made® Omega-3 supplements? Which variety do you grab when you are at Walmart?

What is one of your favorite Heart-Healthy recipes? I hope you give my Strawberry Salmon Salad with Roasted Walnuts a try!

on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1. Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ. Fish Consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2002;106:2747-57.
2. Papanikolaou Y, Brooks J, Reider C, Fulgoni VL. U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003-2008. Nutr J. 2014;13(31)

‡“Recommended amount” equates to a calculation based on approximately 3,500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA found in two servings of fatty fish per week.

Easy Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip

October 8th, 2018July 6th, 2019

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Make this Easy Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip at your next gathering! This appetizer recipe is ready in about 5 minutes and requires no cooking – SCORE! This post was sponsored by McCormick as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Easy Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip

It’s that time of year. When your favorite teams are on TV and your friends and family are over to help you cheer them on. It’s the time for WOOHOOs, BOOs, delicious eats and your favorite drinks. The eats have to be easy to make, but full of flavor, like this Sweet and Spicy Mustard Dip. I had it whipped up in about 5 minutes and I served it up with crackers and fresh veggies just in time for the Michigan State game…and then I made it again for the USF game….and then I brought a batch over to the neighbors for the University of Michigan game the following weekend 😉

You can get everything you need for your weekend HomeGating plans at Walmart. I do 🙂

In fact, in this easy appetizer recipe you get French’s® Mustard, Frank’s® RedHot, and Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q all in the same aisle – the Condiment aisle, then head to the refrigerated section to grab the whipped cream cheese and shredded cheese. I told you it was easy!

And while you are in the refrigerated section, grab some Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

I almost always have some in my refrigerator, but I always grab a few extra six-packs or a variety pack come football season. Mike’s Hard Lemonade is the flavor that started it all. With the delicious taste of real, tart lemons and just the right amount of carbonation and sweetness, it’s a new level of fun refreshment. Mike’s variety pack has a flavor for everyone, have you found a favorite yet? I mean, I know I love them all, you can’t help but crack a smile when you crack open a Mike’s…BUT, as a reminder Mike’s Hard Lemonade is for individuals 21 years and older, and should be consumed responsibly.

Now, here’s that easy appetizer recipe, Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip. Be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again:

Print Recipe

Easy Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip

Everyone loves an easy appetizer on game day! Whip up this Easy Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip in about 5 minutes and enjoy with friends and family.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Appetizer

Author: McCormick

Ingredients

1 12 oz container whipped cream cheese
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q Sticky Sweet BAR-B-Q Sauce or Original BAR-B-Q Sauce
3 tablespoons French’s® Mustard
2 tablespoons Frank’s® RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a medium-size bowl
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
Serve with crackers, vegetables or chips
Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip as much as my friends and family do!

This Sweet & Spicy Mustard Dip and Mike’s Hard Lemonade is the perfect addition to your next football party.

Ultimate HomeGate Sweepstakes Details:

From now – October 28th, 2018 you can enter to win:

One (1) Grand Prize: The Ultimate Home Gate. Prize includes the following:
One (1) 60” Big Screen TV. ARV $800. Brand and model to be determined by the Sponsor at its sole discretion.
One (1) Weber® Grill. ARV $700
One (1) $100 Fanatics® Gift Card. ARV $100. Terms and conditions of the gift card apply.
Total ARV of this prize package $1,600

Four (4) Second Prizes: Each winner will receive the following:

One (1) Weber® Grill. ARV $700
One (1) $100 Fanatics® Gift Card. ARV $100. Terms and conditions of the gift card apply.
Total ARV of each prize package $800
LIMIT: One (1) prize per person or household.

Enter the Ultimate HomeGate Sweepstakes

You may even have all the ingredients for this Sweet and Spicy Mustard Dip right at home! I almost always have French’s® Classic Yellow mustard, Frank’s® RedHot, and Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q sauces at home because they are some of the best! French’s® Classic Yellow mustard is made with stone ground, #1 Grade Mustard Seeds and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Frank’s® RedHot was the secret ingredient used in the original Buffalo wings created in 1964 and is still the secret ingredient to all the wings I make 😉 It just blends flavor and heat perfectly – without that 5 alarm fire in your mouth. Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q line of sauces, marinades and rubs are made right with quality, gluten free ingredients, and contain no high fructose corn syrup, so I always feel good about cooking with them and serving them up to my family.

Looking for more delicious recipes for your next HomeGate celebration?

Pineapple Glazed Wings
BBQ Chicken Dip

Here are a few more easy appetizer recipes:

Easiest Homemade Guacamole

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples

October 1st, 2018September 4th, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

These Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples are the ultimate cozy fall recipe! Easy to make with just 4 ingredients and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. The slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon.

Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples

Fall is here, and nothing says cozy quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house. These Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples are made with just 4 simple ingredients and cook low and slow until they’re tender, warm, and perfectly spiced. Whether you serve them for breakfast with vanilla Greek yogurt or for dessert with a scoop of ice cream, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite.

This recipe is one of my go-to’s because it’s easy and versatile. Just hollow out your apples, fill them with a simple fruit-and-granola mixture, and let the slow cooker do the work! The result is a comforting, treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

You can top these baked apples with ice cream for an extra dash of sweetness for dessert or top them with vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein filled breakfast or eat them exactly the way they are. No matter how you serve them up, I promise you and the whole family will love them. My husband topped his with ice cream, while the kids did the greek yogurt option 😉 You could also make your own yogurt to top these yummy stuffed baked apples with!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 4 ingredients and minimal prep
Makes your house smell amazing while it cooks
Works for breakfast, dessert, or even an after-school snack
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Easy to prep ahead and reheat for later

To make these fall-flavor-filled delicious baked apples all you have to do is hollow out 4 – 8 apples, as many that will fit in your slow cooker, then fill them with the fruit and granola mixture. To hollow out the apples you will carefully slice off the top of the apple then using a apple corer (which I picked up at Publix too) or even a grapefruit spoon, just make sure you get out all the core and seeds.

Variations

One of the best parts about these baked apples is how easy they are to customize! Here are a few fun ideas:

Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the filling for extra texture and protein.
Dried Fruit Twist – Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries along with the granola.
Spiced Up – A pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or ground cloves can take the fall flavors up a notch.
Sweet Swap – Instead of granola, try crushed graham crackers or oats mixed with a little honey for a different take.
Indulgent Dessert – Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for a true fall dessert treat.

These crockpot baked apples only need about 4 hours to bake, actually, if you want to start them before you go to bed (and your slow cooker goes to warm after the cooking time is up) these make for a warm and easy breakfast that the whole family will love. My kids have even requested them as their after-school snack. AND, if you happen to have leftovers, they warm up perfectly in the microwave. I just love easy recipes that leave us with easy leftovers 🙂

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), these baked apples store beautifully.

Refrigerate: Place cooled apples in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the apples earlier in the day by hollowing them out and filling them, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop them in the slow cooker.

Whether you serve them for a cozy fall breakfast, a wholesome after-school snack, or a sweet treat topped with ice cream, these slow cooker baked apples are sure to be a family favorite. They’re simple, satisfying, and filled with the warm flavors of the season, all with minimal effort. Go ahead and set your slow cooker, and let the magic of apples and cinnamon do the rest!

Now, here is my Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples recipe!

Print Recipe

Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Apples – Perfect Fall Breakfast Or Dessert

These Healthy Baked Apples make for an amazing Fall Breakfast or Dessert. They are easy to make and will leave your house smelling delicious.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Total Time4 10

Course: Breakfast or Dessert

Keyword: apples, crock pot, healthy, slow cooker

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

4-8 Michigan Apples – fill up your slow cooker! I used Red Delicious
1 Del Monte® Fruit Naturals® Snacks – I used the Cherry Mixed Fruit variety
½ cup granola – I used a maple pecan variety because it sounded like Fall 🙂
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

Cut off tops of apples and hollow out enough to get rid of the core and seeds, but leave some of the apple there too – I used an apple corer
Drain the juice from the Del Monte® Fruit Naturals® Snack cup
Mix the fruit, granola and cinnamon in a bowl
Fill each apple with fruit and granola mixture
Top each apple with a small pat of butter – very small!
Place apples in slow cooker on low and let them bake for 4 hours or until apples are nice and soft
Top with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream and a little extra granola if desired
Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Slow Cooker Healthy Baked Apples as much as we do!

When you pick up the ingredients for these fall baked apples at Publix you will also be supporting your local Feeding America.

Healthy Slow Cooker Baked Stuffed Apples

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Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

September 24th, 2018September 1st, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Add this Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie to your daily meal plan. This healthy protein smoothie is creamy, rich and absolutely delicious, especially when you make this homemade peanut butter! I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions.

Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

What makes this smoothie so special is that I made the chocolate peanut butter that I added to it! Yes! Did you know it was crazy easy to make your own peanut butter? And customizing your peanut butter is also a cinch! Hence the reason I added chocolate in there 😉

My Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie is made with strawberries, a half of an avocado, ice, coconut water, vanilla protein powder and a heaping tablespoon of my homemade white chocolate peanut butter. Avocados are not only loaded with all those good for you fats, but they make your smoothie extra creamy and do very little to alter the flavor of your smoothie. What makes this healthy smoothie berrylicious is the strawberries. Strawberries are high in fiber, low in fat and calories, promote bone and eye health, and have anti-aging properties. Between the avocado and the strawberries, this smoothie is loaded with superfoods!

Now, here is my Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Print Recipe

Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Smoothie

Keyword: peanut butter, protein shake, protein smoothie, smoothie, strawberry

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

Ingredients for White Chocolate Peanut Butter

3/4 cup roasted peanuts
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3 tablespoons light agave
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Ingredients for smoothie

3 - 4 ice cubes
6 strawberries - with greens cut off
1/2 avocado - peeled and pitted
1 heaping tablespoon of white chocolate peanut butter
1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder
6 oz coconut water

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Instructions for White Chocolate Peanut Butter

Place ingredients as listed above in Vitamix Blender
Blend until smooth, use the under-the-blade scraper as needed

Instructions for Smoothie

Place ingredients as listed above in Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter for your blender
Blend until smooth
Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Berrylicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie as much as I do!

I make a smoothie just about every single day because they are the easiest and most delicious way to start my day off with a heap of fruits and vegetables. Most days I am drinking my protein shake on the way to Jazzercise or to run errands, so Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter is perfect for me. I just use my Personal Cup Adapter with my Vitamix Explorian Series e310 Blender to create my smoothie recipes, then I grab-n-go!

Why use a Vitamix?

Well, I’m sure you have heard from friends and family that a Vitamix is AMAZING. But here are a few things you may not know about Vitamix.

Vitamix is a fourth-generation family-owned American company passionate about liberating and nourishing the zest for life. T
From appetizers to dessert, the Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender features a 48 oz container that is ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals.
Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups.
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender comes with a pulse feature to layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups.
The powerful 2 HP motor can handle even the toughest ingredients to create high-quality blends.
With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds—no disassembly required.
Vitamix stands behind the quality of their machines with full five-year warranties, covering all parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping at no cost to you.

In other words, Vitamix is the best and belongs in your kitchen.

Where to purchase your Vitamix:

The Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter is available to purchase at Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Target, and Amazon. To find a Vitamix Personal Cup Adapter in your area, visit vitamix.com/us/en_us/Where-To-Buy for the full list of locations.

I also have a Vitamix discount code to share with you all too! You can save 15% on the Personal Cup Adapter with the purchase of a Classic Series Vitamix blender by using the Vitamix promo code MMVITA2018 Offer ends December 31, 2018.

Looking for more protein smoothie recipes?

And here are a few more of my favorites:

Berry Avocado Smoothie

Avocado Beet Smoothie

Avocado Pineapple Banana Protein Smoothie

Be sure to check out all the delicious smoothie recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Fall Sports Preparation Tips For Parents

September 5th, 2018July 3rd, 2019

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SparkleWithGain #ILoveGain #CollectiveBias These Sports Preparation Tips will help kids and parents get ready for the upcoming sports season.

Fall Sports Preparation Tips For Parents

Summer is officially over, school is back in session and parents’ schedules are about to get a bit crazier with the start of homework and fall sports. My son will be starting baseball and my daughter will be a junior coach with Girls On The Run. I love that they are involved in sports, it encourages health and exercise, team work, friendship, time management and more skills that will help them throughout life. But, it means will I be running around from location to location several days a week and on weekends, so I wanted to share a few tips to help all the parents out there get ready for the start of fall sports.

7 Fall Sports Preparation Tips For Parents:

Research – What Fall Sports are available in your area? We live in Florida and baseball is played all year, where for some it may be just a sport played in the Spring. Let your child tell you what sport they are interested in, and be sure to encourage them to try something new if they would like.

Get a sports physical – Most schools will require a sports physical and recreation centers will definitely ask about it. Plus, it’s not a bad idea to make sure your child has a physical to make sure they are ready to play!

Register – Once your child(ren) has picked the sport(s) don’t forget to register them! Don’t miss the deadlines, you can run into additional fees or not being able to sign up at all.

Get into the routine early – Sports schedules will really switch up your days! Especially if you have more than one child. Get into the routine before the sports actually start. Discuss when homework and chores will be done, discuss bedtimes, get your meal plans ready, and be ready for all that extra laundry! I know I will be doing a lot of running around, but the kids will be doing a lot running. And that means a lot more stinky, sweaty clothes, which is why I have already stocked up on Gain flings!™ laundry pods in the Fresh Water Sparkle™ scent, NEW Gain fireworks!™ in-wash scent booster in Fresh Water Sparkle™ scent and Fresh Water Sparkle™ Gain Dryer Sheets at Dollar General. Fresh Water Sparkle™ scented Gain products are EXCLUSIVE to Dollar General stores, I love the price and the fact that I smell that fresh water scent instead of that teenager stink 😉

Get you child’s equipment – Look into what they may need before they walk onto the field for the first time. Does your son need a cup? How about a chest protector? Are socks included in your registration fee? Do they need new running shoes?

Practice – Have your child practice before the actual first practice. If they are playing soccer they can kick the ball in the backyard, or even against the house! If they are playing baseball, get those swings in, work on batting stance, play catch! You may have to get out there with them…don’t worry though, it’s good exercise for you too.

Be supportive – As a parent, your child looks up to you. It’s your job to be supportive, show encouragement and help them any way you can. Remember, sports are a lot of work and a big commitment, but they are supposed to be fun too.

I know I mentioned above that I stock my laundry room with Fresh Water Sparkle™ scented Gain products that are EXCLUSIVE to Dollar General stores. With two teenagers, I much prefer the Fresh Water Sparkle™ Scent to the sports stink that follows the kiddos to the car after every single practice and game. Washing our clothes never smelled so good! I like having the Gain flings!™ laundry pods, Gain fireworks!™ in-wash scent booster and Gain Dryer Sheets because they are all easy to use, as the kids get older, it’s convenient to have easy-to-use options on hand!

This is how easy it is for us to do laundry and get out that sports stink:

Toss the Gain flings!™ laundry pod directly into the drum before clothes.
Shake the Gain fireworks!™ in-wash scent booster scent beads directly into the drum of washer before your clothes.
Toss in your clothes.
Hit start! Whether you use hot or cold water, the Gain flings!™ laundry pod will dissolve.

The Gain flings!™ laundry pods are packed with 50% more scent than Gain liquid laundry detergent, the Gain fireworks!™ in-wash scent booster give our clothes an extra boost of scent, and the Gain Dryer Sheets fight static and wrinkles in the dryer while adding amazing Gain scent. So, at the end of the day, I have great smelling clothes again…well, until the next baseball practice and track meet 😉

What are some of your Fall Sports Preparation Tips?

Before you head off to Dollar General to get your Gain products – I have some Dollar General coupons to share with you all!

Grab your Gain Fresh Water Sparkle™ products coupons – You can save up to $8! This is the perfect way to get ready for all that extra laundry that comes with being a sports parent!

Be sure to follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

A Guide To Zinfandel Wine

August 30th, 2018May 31st, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

There’s so much more to Zinfandel wine than blush wine you used to drink back in college because it was really inexpensive. That’s right, it’s time to take all those past experiences and forget about them.

An Introduction To Zinfandel Wine

Many people are familiar with White Zinfandel, a mass-marketed sweet blush wine that was very popular in the 1990’s. In fact, it was so common that many people assumed that any wine called “Zinfandel” is cheap and pink. However, true Zinfandel is actually a full-bodied red wine, very different from its pink cousin.

What does Zinfandel wine taste like?

Zinfandel is renowned for being a very fruit-forward wine. It is commonly described as having aromas of red and black fruits, especially cherries, plums, blackberries, and raisins. It can also have flavors of cocoa, firewood, black pepper, and even caramel. In hot climates, zinfandel can become so fruity that it is almost syrupy or jam-like.

Zinfandel also tends to have high levels of alcohol, usually above 14% ABV; some can even reach as high as 17% ABV. Because of this, it’s often a good idea to serve Zinfandel wine slightly chilled, as this will tone down the alcohol heat.

Where does zinfandel wine come from?

Zinfandel was planted in the United States, namely California, starting in the early 1800s. It grew in popularity quite quickly and was deemed “California’s claret” by the early 1900’s. However, Zinfandel’s extreme popularity became its downfall: many unscrupulous producers began making gallons of very poor quality zinfandel, which tarnished the grape’s reputation. Prohibition in the 1920’s and 30’s forced many wineries to close, and as a result, many zinfandel vineyards were abandoned. Then, in the 1980’s and 1990’s, white zinfandel became very popular, which further damaged zinfandel’s reputation as a fine wine grape.

However, the early twenty-first century saw an increase in the production and popularity of high-quality red zinfandel, and this wine’s reputation – and quality – has been steadily improving ever since. There are now many good Zinfandel wines on the market, most of which are from California.

Primitivo – Zinfandel’s Alter Ego

In the 1990’s, DNA profiling revealed that Zinfandel is the same grape variety as Primitivo, an Italian grape commonly grown in the Puglia region (the heel of Italy’s boot). But the origins of Primitivo are unknown; even though one might assume that Primitivo vine cuttings must have been brought from Italy to the United States, it’s quite possible that the reverse is true – that someone brought over Zinfandel cuttings from California and began planting them in Italy.

This mystery prompted further research, and in 2004 it was discovered that a nearly-extinct Croatian grape variety, Crljenak Kaštelanski, is genetically identical to Zinfandel and Primitivo. It is believed that this is the true origin of the variety.

What foods pair well with Zinfandel?

Zinfandel is a great barbecue wine: any kind of grilled red meat pairs well with it. Lighter-bodied Zinfandels also go well with pork and chicken, as well as grilled bell peppers and a wide range of cheeses – especially strong blue cheese and smoked cheese, like stilton, smoked gouda, and gorgonzola. Sweeter zinfandels pair well with chocolate-based desserts.

Have you had Zinfandel wine? Which is one of your favorite Zins?

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more wine tips, cocktails, healthy recipes, and travel tips.

7 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids (& Adults Too)

August 29th, 2018April 17th, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

I know we are all looking for healthy snack ideas for our kids, and healthy snack ideas for us adults, here are 7 of our favorite healthy snacks. While this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

7 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

and Adults Too

It is a daily struggle in my life to find healthy snacks and meals that are easy to make and delicious. That’s one reason why I have created so many smoothies. Smoothies are my go-to breakfast, they are easy to make, yummy and are an excellent source of nutrients. I love getting creative with dinner ideas too, and the kids happily give me their feedback on whether or not a new recipe is a keeper or not 🙂

But snacks are my Achilles heel. I could eat a half box of cheese crackers or 10 cookies without even thinking about it. That being said, I NEED healthy snacks options for me and the kids on hand…at all times. So, as I replenish my pantry, refrigerator and freezer with our favorites, I thought I would share my healthy snack ideas with you all too.

I mean, aren’t we all on the lookout for food options that not only taste great but make us feel good and support our bodies? It feels good when I give my kids snacks (and me!) that are feeding my body well. I don’t need GMOs and extra sugar, what I need for me and my family is delicious, affordable, easy and healthy.

Here are my Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids. Well, I think you will love them all too 😉

Popcorn – Leave the movie-butter variety on the shelf and opt for air-popped or the healthy option. Popcorn actually has 4 grams of fiber per 3-cup serving. Add some extra flavor with grated cheese, cinnamon and sugar, dark chocolate drizzle or spices.
Fresh Fruit – Find your favorites and stock up!
Froozer – Froozer is great tasting frozen snack made with 100% fruit – all the goodness and great taste of perfectly ripened fruits, with no added sugar, juice or concentrate. No preservatives, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, 35-40 calories per serving. I have at least 2 boxes in my freezer at all times.
Cookies – What?! Make some healthy cookies yourself with the “right” ingredients. Consider adding in rolled oats, substitute some sugar with applesauce.
Natural Peanut Butter – Keyword: NATURAL. Don’t grab the stuff with added sugars and other kinds of fats. Peanut butter is loaded with protein and healthy fats, and is great with grapes, apples, bananas, celery and more.
Cheese – I could live on cheese and bread I think. It’s all about moderation my friends! Cheese does indeed have protein and calcium.
Chips and Dip – Okay, maybe I could live on this too. Again, moderation is key. ONE serving of pita or tortilla chips is really okay, but serve em up with healthier dips like hummus, black bean dip, or fresh salsa.

We can do this, parents! We can give your kids snacks that we feel good about. We can give ourselves those snacks and make our bodies feel good too!

Froozer enriches the body, their special processes ensure quality and goodness, it provides versatility and it’s delicious.

What makes Froozer my family’s favorite healthy snack?

One reason is their process.

They select fruits at their peak of ripeness – Many companies pick fruit before it ripens, which means the ripening occurs somewhere on a truck or in a store. The fruit that Froozer uses has a chance to fully mature on the vine while still connected to it’s nutrient source.
Their fruits are flash-frozen, sealing in nutrients at the height of perfection.
They slow-church our delicious melodies into tasty combinations.
They seal it in a tube and ship it on dry ice.
During this process, they do not remove any water, fiber. The whole fruit goes in, whole fruit comes out.

Another reason is what they are:

Whole fruits
Natural
Non-GMO
No added sugar
Naturally low in calories
No preservatives
Kosher
Gluten-free
Dairy-free

You can find Froozer is available nationwide at a variety of stores. I grab mine at my local Publix.

Where to Buy Froozer Near You

What is one of your go-to healthy snack ideas for kids?

Have you tried Froozer? What is your favorite variety? The Mango Tango, Raspberry Blast, Strawbanana Bliss, Blueberry Burst, Orange Zinger, or Orchard Cherry Berry? Mine is the Orchard Cherry Berry and the kids are currently hooked on the Orange Zinger.

Be sure to stay social with Froozer by following on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and check them out online for healthy recipes, news, and more.

And follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more tips, fabulous recipes and more!

Innisbrook Resort Is Open To the Public – Come See What You Are Missing!

August 22nd, 2018August 29th, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Innisbrook Resort is open to the public! Come see why the golf pros love it here so much. Hint: the food, drinks, and resort are just amazing! While this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.

Innisbrook Resort Is Open To the Public

Tampa Bay is filled with fun things to do, places to see, food to eat and just BE. We are blessed in the sunshine state with award-winning beaches, outstanding theme-parks, world renowned golf courses, and restaurants that will satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. Tampa Bay is an amazing place to visit and live. And one of my favorite places to go on a date night or even just head out to dinner with the family is Innisbrook Resort.

Yes, you may be familiar with them due to this little thing called the Valspar Championship…or these guys called Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, but Innisbrook Resort has so much more to offer than just championship golf courses. So much to offer YOU. US. The PUBLIC.

Did you know that Innisbrook Resort is open to the public? Don’t let the gates scare you away – you, your friends and family are all welcome!

Come and relax at the Salamander Spa. There is 12,000 square feet for you to enjoy. You can book appointments for a massage and a facial, or you can take a yoga class. You will put your feet up and enjoy the view of the beautifully landscaped grounds while you listen to music and hear water flow from the waterfall that will simply put your mind at ease. Sip on freshly prepared cucumber water for extra hydration before you step into the steam room or hot tub. Say CHEERS to actually giving yourself a moment to relax with a glass of wine or champagne. The Salamander Spa at Innisbrook Resort is open to the public. It’s a hidden gem here in Tampa Bay that is open to YOU. Don’t miss it!

Dine at one of the many onsite restaurants. May I recommend Packard’s Steakhouse for dinner and Market Salamander Grille for breakfast? Packard’s Steakhouse is nestled on the Copperhead Golf Course, so your view is gorgeous. But the food. Oh the food. And the wine. It’s no secret that I love a good glass of wine and we were very impressed by the wine selection at Packard’s Steakhouse.

I have dined there several times now and have always tried something different, and I have always been pleased. From the Kona Crusted Lollipop Lamb Chops to the Curry Grouper and of course the steak. The steak can be cut with a butter-knife it is so tender! I topped my NY Strip with lump crabmeat and hollandise sauce…Oscar Style for me please 🙂 Is your mouth watering yet? But, be sure to leave room for dessert. Mike made some fabulous suggestions for us for an after dinner drink and I have to admit that the Vanilla Crème Brulee was by far the best Crème Brulee I have ever had.

They have price points for every budget and specials that families can definitely appreciate. Packard’s Steakhouse at Innisbrook Resort is open to the public. It’s a hidden gem here in Tampa Bay that is open to YOU. Don’t miss it!

Market Salamander Grille has something for everyone and every budget. My husband and I indulged on a southern-inspired breakfast, Huevos Rancheros and South of the Border Benedict. Who doesn’t want Chorizo with breakfast?! Market Salamander Grille at Innisbrook Resort is open to the public. It’s a hidden gem here in Tampa Bay that is open to YOU. Don’t miss it!

I cannot say enough about the chefs and friendly staff at these two restaurants! The food is absolutely amazing. Like something you would expect at a 5-star restaurant in NYC, but without the stuffiness and insanely high price tag.

If you are looking for a place to stay, Innisbrook has spacious rooms that can accommodate any size party. And I am excited to share that they are undergoing a massive remodel! The accommodation remodeling program will upgrade the resort’s executive one and two-bedroom condo-style suites to feature an appealing and modern look. Each unit will be completely refreshed to receive all new furniture, furnishings, flooring, stainless-steel appliances, quartz counters, cabinets, lighting, draperies and other decor.

The suite makeovers and South Course restoration are just the latest in a series of improvements Salamander Hotels & Resorts have made at Innisbrook. Other enhancements include:

Restoration of the famed Copperhead Golf Course
Renovations to the Island Golf Course
Expansion of the Osprey Clubhouse
Addition of the Market Salamander Grille & Bar
Opening of the Salamander Spa and Fitness Center
Refurbishing of its 65,000 square feet of Conference Space
Revamping of the Loch Ness Pool Complex
Installation of new greens on the North Golf Course

I also wanted to let you all know that now through September 30, Innisbrook is offering a 25 percent savings and a $50 resort credit with a stay of two nights or more. The package also includes complimentary golf for juniors under 17 with a paying adult, complimentary breakfast for children under 12 with a paying adult, and complimentary shuttle to nearby Honeymoon Island.

Is Innisbrook Open To The Public?

Yes! Yes Innisbrook is definitely open to the public, come see what there is to do and see at Innisbrook!

About Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort

Operated by Salamander Hotels & Resorts and owned by Sheila C. Johnson, Innisbrook is situated on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and is located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport. The resort features 72 holes of championship golf, spacious condo-style guest suites and rooms, four restaurants and three bars, the Innisbrook Golf Institute, 11 tennis courts, the Salamander Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center, six heated swimming pool complexes, a nature preserve, and three conference halls with 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Part of the Salamander Golf Collection, Innisbrook hosts the annual Valspar Championship at its famed Copperhead Course. For additional information call 727.942.2000 or visit www.InnisbrookGolfResort.com

Have you been to Innisbrook Resort before? What is your favorite part of the resort?

Be sure to follow Innisbrook Resort on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up to date with all the fun things to do at the resort!

Make sure to visit Food Wine Sunshine for more Florida Family Fun and stay up to date with me Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Florida Prepaid Promo Code – $50 Discount Code

August 20th, 2018February 8th, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Don’t miss this Florida Prepaid Promo Code, you can save on your application fee. When you use this Florida Prepaid College Plans discount code, you get the save on the application fee. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

Florida Prepaid Promo Code – $50 Discount Code

Week one of school is done. My son is in 8th Grade. The king of middle school. He was texting his friends before school started to see what classes they had together. He knew where all his classes were without having to walk the halls at orientation. He wasn’t worried about his teachers or what he was going to wear. He’s not nervous about being late. He’s not nervous about getting hot lunch for the first time. He’s not nervous about getting on the bus or getting off on the wrong stop.

My daughter in 6th grade this year. The baby of middle school. She had us walk her class “route” in the school 3 times the day of orientation. Her back pack was packed and ready a week early. She had her outfit picked out for the first day of middle school before elementary school was even over. She couldn’t sleep the week before school started. Seriously, she was up past midnight and up by 6:00 a.m. just about every day. She was nervous about everything. But she has her brother. He walks her to the bus stop. He makes sure she gets on the bus. He walked her to her first class on the first day, just so that she was more comfortable. He makes sure she gets on the bus to come home. He makes sure she gets off at the right stop. He walks her home. He takes care of her. He loves her…even though he won’t let her hold his hand on the way home 😉

I did something right with those two. They have big hearts…and big mouths sometimes…they care about others, they are respectful, they have manners, and they are growing into amazing adults. In fact, they are growing up too fast. My husband and I were just talking about the fact that our son will be able to drive in just a few years. YIKES! That also means that he will be getting ready for college in a few years. I have four summers left of him being “home.”

4 short summers.

10 short months.

43.5 short weeks.

304 short days.

I am NOT mentally prepared for that. In fact, I am crying as I type. I am not ready for that at all.

But, what I am ready for, is paying for college. Thanks to Florida Prepaid College Plans. When my son was just 6 months old we called and had his Florida Prepaid Plan set up. When my daughter was 2 years old we called and had her Florida Prepaid College Plan set up.

Now, I can say that while I am not ready for either of them to grow up into adults just yet, I am ready to make sure that they have everything they need to become the two of the best damn adults out there. Florida’s best supermarket sale is probably Publix BOGO free deal in the ads. And that started they day we set up their Florida Prepaid College Plans. I am a believer in education. I am a believer in giving your children everything you can. I am a believer in hard work, playing hard, and loving even harder.

I am a Florida Prepaid College Plans Believer.

Starting Is Believing.

And right now, when you decide to get started with a Florida Prepaid College Plan, you can use the Florida Prepaid Promo code SAVING20 to get $50 off your application fee. That’s a huge savings!

Use Florida Prepaid Promo Code SAVING20 to save $50

*Open Enrollment starts 2/1

Saving for college can seem scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. While we may not be ready for our children to grow up, let’s give them what they need to succeed when they do. Be sure to use Florida Prepaid Promo Code SAVING20 to save $50 on your application fee.

By enrolling in a Florida Prepaid College Plan and securing a path to save for college, you can sleep a little better. A recent T. Rowe Price survey indicates that 42% of parents lose sleep worrying about college costs. Lose sleep because your kids need extra cuddles, not because you are worried about paying for their education. Guaranteed Prepaid Plans are a great way to ease this worry. Plus, you save a little bit more when you use the Florida Prepaid discount code to save on the application fee.

Learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans Pricing.

Learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans online and feel free to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment but get tips on college and more.

Be sure to follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

And don’t forget to use the Florida Prepaid College Plans Coupon SAVING20 to save on your application fee when you are ready to start investing in your child’s future.