Everyone in my family loves a good dirt pudding recipe!! It’s by far their most favorite dessert of anything I make. So it was not a surprise that this Patriotic Dirt Pudding became a big hit! I mean just give me a darn spoon because I absolutely loved this one too!!

And really is any dessert more beautiful than one with strawberries and blueberries? They always make great show-stoppers! So let’s see what you need to make this beautiful dessert this summer!

What do you need to make this Patriotic Dirt Pudding?

• cream cheese
• instant vanilla pudding
• Cool Whip
• butter
• powdered sugar
• milk
• Golden Oreos
• strawberries
• blueberries

Can you make this dessert with regular Oreos?

Yes, this would be fine to make with regular chocolate Oreos.

How to get those perfectly hulled strawberries?

I found this little tool and I LOVED it!

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Patriotic Dirt Pudding

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Ingredients

• 14 oz package of Golden Oreos
• 2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 12 oz cool whip
• 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 16 oz. strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 6 oz. blueberries

Instructions

1. Crush Oreos in a food processor. (This can also be done by putting them in a plastic storage bag and crushing them with a rolling pin).

1. In a large bowl, whisk pudding mixes and milk for about 30 seconds. Set aside to thicken while you make the cream cheese mixture.
2. In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add and beat in powdered sugar.
3. By this point, pudding should be thickened. Whisk it a little more to combine thoroughly. Whisk in cool whip into pudding.
4. Pour pudding mixture into cream cheese mixture and mix until combined.
5. Begin layering in large trifle. Start with layering a third of the crushed oreos, a layer of a third of the pudding, layer sliced strawberries along the side, another third of oreos, and another third of pudding, layer blueberries along the side. and the final third of pudding, and the final third of oreos. Top with strawberries and blueberries.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Chef'n Original Stem Gem Strawberry Huller, Red/Green -
• 
  Anchor Trifle Dish

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Other Summer Desserts You Might Like:

• Mini Cherry Cheesecake Trifles
• Triple Lemon Poke Cake
• Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
• Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake
• Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream Pie
• Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Cake

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I love easy printables!  This Valentine’s Day S’more Printable is super easy for any treats you need to put together this Valentine’s Day!

I’ve included two ways you can use it!  I love the idea of a little s’more kit.  My kids make these all by themselves in the microwave!  It’s an easy tasty treat!  The second treat is super easy too that literally involves dumping ingredients in a big bowl and dividing it up into individual bags!  

How to use this Valentine’s Day S’more Printable:

Individual S’more Kit:
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Snack Size Hershey Bar

Valentine’s S’mores Treat Mix
Golden Grahams Cereal
Mini Marshmallows
Valentine’s M&M’s
Chocolate Chips

Click here for Printable:  I Need Smore Friends Like You

• Printing Directions:  Make sure to click “Actual” size or “Default” to print these for a sandwich size bag.  Print onto white cardstock.

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Valentine's Day S'more Treat Mix

Yield: 12 bags

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Ingredients

• 3 cups Golden Grahams cereal
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Valentine's M&Ms
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and divide into treat bags.

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I’m back for my final top 5 this week.  This time I come bringing the snacks!!  This happens to be my personal fav at a party.  I’m a bit of a snacker.  This list of my Top 4 Holiday Appetizer Recipes was a bit of a no-brainer for me.  I SERIOUSLY have some tried and true personal favorites!

This Stuffed Sausage Bread is my no-brainer absolutely must-make recipe!  I make it so much from September through the New Year.  I usually make two of them because they go so fast!  Watch me make it on Instagram here!

I adore these Veggie Squares!  They were probably one of the first appetizers I ever made.  They go back that far!!  It’s a great alternative to a veggie tray!  

As you probably know by now, I love a good corn recipe!  This Baked Corn and Sausage Dip is no exception!  It gets gobbled up in no time.  If you aren’t feeding a crowd, then half the recipe!  Watch me make it here!

These Date-Stuffed Shrimp with Praline Sauce are stuffed with a mascarpone filled date, wrapped in bacon, topped with pecan praline sauce and baked.  This makes a great appetizer for the holidays!

And if you need an appetizer you can whip up in 5 minutes, look no further!  This Hot Bean and Cheese Dip is a tried and true winner for me!  

If you’re looking for my other Top 5 Posts:

Top 5 Sides for the Holidays

Top 5 Fall Desserts

You can find more Appetizer RECIPES HERE.
You can find more MAIN DISH RECIPES HERE.
You can find ALL RECIPES HERE.
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Okay, so this list of my Top 5 Fall Desserts was hard to make!  It’s like choosing among children.  It’s hard to leave any of them out.  But, I had to stay on task with the assignment and pick my true top 5 for fall.  So here they are!

This Pumpkin Praline Trifle is a definite show-stopper dessert!  It’s layers of pumpkin cake with a cream cheese pudding, caramel, and praline pecans!  Basically, heaven in a bowl!  I’ll never forget the first year I made it I was so excited!  I had made it the day before Thanksgiving, and the next day I had a terrible cold.  I couldn’t even taste it, and I was so upset!!  Need a good trifle dish?  Here is a good one.

This Grandgirl’s Apple Cake is by far one of THE BEST DESSERTS IN MY LIFE!  If those words and all caps is not convincing enough, let me just tell you that it soaks in a buttermilk glaze for an hour before flipping it out.  I even have an Instagram Reel here!!!

This Chocolate Dream Trifle is a chocolate lover’s dream!!  It’s layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache!  See why chocolate lovers will like it?  I mean I think I need to go make this again now!  Trifle Bowl Here!

This Pumpkin Toffee Poke Cake is the answer to those who aren’t really into pumpkin pie.  It’s a yummy pumpkin cake with sweetened condensed milk soaked in and toffee topped!  I mean so good!!!

Finally, another trifle…shocker!  I just think they make such beautiful desserts for the occasion!  This is the Chocolate Praline Trifle.  It’s chocolate cake with praline pecans baked into the bottom.  Then it’s crumbled up and layered with homemade whipped cream!  So good!  

Here are TWO MORE FAVORITE BONUS DESSERTS:  

Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Cake

You can find more DESSERTS RECIPES HERE.
You can find ALL RECIPES HERE.
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I get asked all the time what are my go-to side dishes for the holidays.  Well, folks these 5 recipes are the tried and true around here.  They are the dishes that I can’t wait to make all year, so a lot of times they make another appearance!

Up first is this Layered Salad.  It’s first for a reason folks.  It is pretty much a no-brainer that I will be making it for Thanksgiving.  I love it because I make it the night before, which cuts down on stress.  I use all green vegetables in mine too:  iceberg, green bell pepper, green onions, cucumber, celery, and frozen green peas.  These are all topped with an easy ranch dressing I make, shredded cheese, and bacon pieces.

Up next, I love this Baked Potato Casserole.  It’s not just a perfect holiday side, it makes a wonderful side for steak night and barbecue.  It’s truly a winning recipe.  The recipe doesn’t exactly have traditional baked potato ingredients, but I promise all you baked potato lovers will love it!  I also have a slow cooker version as well!

We are corn people in my family, so it is no wonder I’ve included this Corn and Zucchini Casserole.  Corn side dishes will always make an appearance.   This recipe is one of my favorites because it has a little zucchini in there too!  It’s a cornbread stuffed with all kinds of buttery goodness!   I have an Instagram Reel making this one here!

Love this cheesy oniony recipe!  This Vidalia Onion Cornbread is great as muffins, but also makes a great 9 x 9 dish.  It’s got a few special touches like sautéed onions and sour cream that make this recipe so great!  If you are feeding a crowd, I would double the recipe.  I have little reel of this one too!

Okay, now these Cranberry Cups are perfect for all those that have not really been fans of the can stuff in the past.  I promise this recipe is so much better!!  It has strawberry jello folks!  Plus, we add in a little pineapple and use the whole berry sauce.  It’s not the holidays without them!

I’ll be back tomorrow with my Top 5 Desserts!!!  

You can find more MAIN DISH RECIPES HERE.
You can find ALL RECIPES HERE.
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I think we could all use a nice cup of this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate right about now.  I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve never looked so forward to a holiday season.  We all need a little joy and celebration after this year!

And this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is so perfect to bring about joy!  Who wouldn’t be happy when they see a big crock pot full of this stuff and all the mix-ins!  

There are a lot of versions of this online.  This one is more of a traditional old-fashioned recipe with evaporated milk and cocoa powder.  It’s the kind of homemade hot chocolate I remember as a child.  It’s perfect when you want to add in all the fun toppings but don’t want it way too sweet. 

Make a Fun Hot Chocolate Bar:

Have little bowls for fun mix-ins filled with:

• • Crushed peppermint
  • Peppermint sticks or candy canes
  • Mini Chocolate Chips
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Canned whipped cream

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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate - An old-fashioned hot chocolate recipe perfect for the holidays and so easy to make in the slow cooker!

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Ingredients

• 2 12 oz. cans of evaporated milk
• 3 cups 2% milk
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Toppings: canned whipped cream, chocolate chips, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, peppermint sticks or candy canes

Instructions

1. Add evaporated milk and 2% milk to a large microwaveable bowl. Microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes or until hot.
2. Pour milk into slow cooker. Stir in sugar, hot water, and cocoa powder.
3. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
4. Serve each with optional toppings: marshmallows, crushed peppermint, peppermint sticks, chocolate chips, whipped cream.

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  Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer
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  Elite Gourmet Glas Slow Cooker with Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 6 Quart, Stainless Steel

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Other Holiday Recipes You May Like:

• 3 Magic Christmas Recipes
• Christmas Crunch
• Cranberry Lemonade
• Cranberry Orange Loaf
• Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
• Holiday Snack Recipes

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This Cranberry Lemonade recipe is perfect for the entire holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years.  I normally make a big batch of the nonalcoholic version in my drink dispenser when family is over.  It is also perfect when you want to make a few cocktails too!  

I like tart drinks that aren’t too sweet.  If you are like me, then this little recipe is for you!   If you like things sweeter, add a little more sprite.

Tips for Making Cranberry Lemonade:

• Freeze your cranberries ahead of time.
• Refrigerate all drinks ahead of time.
• Slice up lemon into wedges and rings.  I like to have the rings inside the dispenser for a pretty look.

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Cranberry Lemonade

Cranberry Lemonade - An easy and refreshing holiday drink recipe.  Both a cocktail for a few and a large batch non-alcoholic punch recipe are included!

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Ingredients

Cocktail Recipe:

Toggle ingredient group

• 1.5 oz vodka (1 shot)
• 4.5 oz cranberry juice (3 shots)
• 3 lemon wedges
• 1 cup sprite
• frozen cranberries
• ice

Cranberry Punch (non-alcoholic):

Toggle ingredient group

• 2 liter sprite
• 64 oz cranberry juice
• 6 cups water
• 3 on-the-go lemonade packets (for water bottles)
• sliced lemons
• frozen cranberries

Instructions

Cocktail Version (Makes 3):

Fill a shaker half way with ice. Add 1 shot of vodka (this can be more if you'd like). Add 3 shots of cranberry juice. Squeeze 3 lemon wedges. Fill the rest of the way with sprite. Put on lid and shake to mix. Place frozen cranberries in serving glasses and pour drink into them and serve.

Punch Version (Non-alcoholic):

Fill a large drink dispenser with 2 liters sprite, 64 oz cranberry juice, 6 cups of water, lemonade packets and stir. Add in sliced lemons and some frozen cranberries. Serve with frozen cranberries in glass with a lemon wedge.

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• 
  1 Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser with 18/8 Stainless Steel Spigot - 100%Leak Proof - Wide Mouth Easy Filling - Drink Dispenser with Ice Cylinder Keeps Beverage Cold For Outdoor, Parties and Daily Use

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Other Festive Recipes:

• Christmas Crunch
• 3 Magic Christmas Recipes

You can find more MAIN DISH RECIPES HERE.
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Anyone else juggle going from one house to another on Thanksgiving?  We usually have a few stops and a few dinners.  Because of this, I like to make a few make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.  Today, we are sharing several recipes that are perfect to prepare ahead of time.  You can make them the night before the big day, and you will have more time to just enjoy the day or make more recipes!

Be sure to pin them for later!  Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipe ideas!

Follow on Instagram for More Recipes and Fun!!

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Layered Salad

Parmesan Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Three Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Cranberry Jello Salad

Corn Souffle

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Apple and Bacon

Make Ahead Butterhorns

Maple Glazed Carrots

Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

No Bake Pumpkin Toffee Ice Box Cake

Dutch Apple Pie

Crescent Apple Cheesecake

White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

Thanks for checking out our Weekly Family Meal Plan!  Have a great week!! Brought to you by:

Diary of a Recipe Collector | Neighborfood | Melanie Makes | Garnish and Glaze | Little Dairy on the Prairie

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Halloween recipes are so much fun to make!  I always get excited when I see fun ideas that are easy.  This week we’ve got fifteen of those ideas for you! For me, Halloween marks the beginning of all the fun family festivities.  We’re also always hopeful for a little chill in the air too.  Nothing is worse than walking around in a hot costume.  Have fun browsing these fun treat ideas for your Halloween night!

Be sure to pin them for later!  Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipe ideas!

Follow on Instagram for More Recipes and Fun!!

Easy Halloween Recipes

Scary Sunkist Floats

Candy Corn Crunch

Monster Cake Balls

Mini Monster Whoopie Pies with Orange Cream Filling

Halloween Sugar Cookie Bars

Cool Whip Ghosts

Pumpkin Spice Oreo Cheesecake Brownies

Easy Halloween Bundt Cake

Chocolate Candy Bar Cake

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Pumpkin Dirt Pudding Graveyard Parfaits

Halloween Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Pumpkin Shaped Sugar Cookies

Candy Corn Sugar Cookie Bars

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Crinkle Cookies

Thanks for checking out our Weekly Family Meal Plan!  Have a great week!! Brought to you by:

Diary of a Recipe Collector | Neighborfood | Melanie Makes | Garnish and Glaze | Little Dairy on the Prairie

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Using a cake mix for cookie recipes is one of my favorite shortcuts.  These Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars use white cake mix and make a really festive treat for the Fourth of July.  They are really fun for the kids to make too!

We made these last year and packaged them up for a few neighbors!  I’m all about baking and then getting rid of it before I eat it all.  

Tips for Making Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars:

• White cake mix works better for achieving the red and blue colors.  You can use  yellow cake mix if that is what you have on hand.
• You can use walnuts or macadamia nuts in the place of pecans.
• I only bake the white chocolate chips for 5 minutes, so they stay nice and white.
• This recipe makes 15 large cookie bars or 30 smaller ones.

Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars

Yield: 15 to 30

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars - An easy cookie bar recipe made with the help of cake mix!  They are perfect for the fourth of July!

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Ingredients

• 2 boxes white cake mix
• 8 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• red food coloring
• blue food coloring

Instructions

1. Stir cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and oil until well blended.
2. Divide batter in half. Place one half of batter into a 13 x 9 casserole dish and press down to fill the bottom.
3. Top with chopped pecans.
4. Divide the remaining batter in half into two separate bowls. In one bowl, place several drops of blue food coloring and stir until desired blue color is reached. Repeat with red food coloring in other bowl with remaining batter.
5. Drop teaspoonfuls of red and blue batter over the other batter in baking dish. Press down slightly once finished.
6. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with white chocolate chips and bake 5 more minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool before cutting into bars.

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• 
  Wilton 13 x 9 Pan
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Other great recipes for summer:

• Corn and Zucchini Casserole
• Cucumber Tomato, and Onion Salad
• Best Rice Dressing
• Pots De Creme
• Easy Summer Lunch Ideas
• Easy Summer Sangria

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Follow on Instagram for More Recipes and Fun!!

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