Archive | November, 2013

Last Minute Thanksgiving Activity

27 Nov

We celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband’s family tomorrow but we celebrate it again with my family on Saturday.  For our gathering Saturday, my cousin came up with a great idea…a table decorating contest.  We made a last-minute Thankful Tree this afternoon using everything we had at home (except for the kisses, I ran to Duane Reade for) to use as our centerpiece with other cute fall decorations (check out my Instagram for our finished table Saturday afternoon).  It’s easy to make, you can make it Thanksgiving morning:

  • paper towel roll
  • one sheet brown construction paper, cut into stips
  • red, orange and yellow construction paper (cut out leaves)
  • crayons, marker, or pen
  • tape
  • glue
  • vase
  • bag of Hershey kisses (we used caramel for the fall colors)
  • stapler
  • Print out this little note:

Our Thankful Tree: There is so much to be thankful for. We’ve left a few branches for you to add more. When you’re done writing, just staple them on. And don’t forget to grab a kiss, Because we are so thankful to be here with you! Happy Thanksgiving! XO

DSC_0616

Cut the bottom of the paper towel roll so that it looks as pictured below.DSC_0620

Next, on the opposite of the roll, slice cuts around the top.  Cut the brown construction paper into strips.  Fold in half, glue together partially then stick into slits.  DSC_0625

Use a vase, place paper towel roll in center (taping flaps down is optional) then fill with Hershey Kisses!
DSC_0629

Let your child fill out as many leaves as they want and talk to them about what it means to be thankful.  Staple some leaves on but leave some branches for guests at Thanksgiving lunch/ dinner can add their own thankful thoughts.Display on table with the print out note (signed by your child), extra leaves, a permanent marker, a little note, and a stapler.  DSC_0641

DSC_0640

Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you for all of your support and for following!

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

26 Nov

My girls have worked on their wish list for some time now.  See their picks for this Holiday season below:

Madeline's Holiday Guide

Easy-Bake Oven, $54.99:  Recommended for ages 8+, however I think this gift might really be for me :). Read my story about Easy-Bake Oven here.

Ice Skates, $34.99 +shipping:  Since the Ice Rink at Brookfield Place started going up, my daughter has expressed great interest in learning and wants her own pair of skates.  I found Lake Placid adjustable skates on amazon.  Ideal, so she can use them next year as well!

Zeenie Dollz, $49.99: Each Zeenie Doll has a cause and passion for the environment. They are made with non-toxic and recyclable plastics.  A percentage of every sale will be donated to organizations working to preserve the environment and protect all animals and the places they call home. My daughter received Kazumi and loved learning about her cause; fighting to protect the polar regions and defend against global warning, so asked for more dollz to protect our earth.  Other dolls include:

  • Evee, Protector of the Skies and Defender against Pollution
  • Lina, Protector of the Rainforest and Defender against Deforestation
  • Sini, Protector of Farmland and Defender of Mistreated and Abused Animals
  • Yana, Protector of the Oceans and Defender of Marine Conservation
  • Zennia, also known as Mother Earth, is the protector of our planet

Flutterbye Flying Fairy, $34.99, temporary price cut at Target $27.99: Flower fairy brings love and beauty to all who fly her. Magically guide her through the air with the movement of your hand.  She launches easily from her charging base, and she twirls and dances for 5 minutes with a 25 minute charge.

Goldie Blox and the Parade Float, $19.99: GoldiBlox was created to help engage and continue to spark girls interest in science.  In this much-anticipated sequel, Goldie’s friends Ruby and Katinka compete in a princess pageant with the hopes of riding in the town parade. When Katinka loses the crown, Ruby and Goldie build something great together, teaching their friends that creativity and friendship are more important than any pageant. Includes a book series plus construction set introducing Ruby, Goldie’s best friend and princess-turned-engineer. Builds spatial skills, engineering principles, and confidence in problem-solving.  Comes equipped with 9 design ideas, a DIY project, and unlimited building possibilities. Compatible with all other GoldieBlox toys.

Personalized Glow Pet, $29.99 + 8.99 to personalize:  My daughter had a hard time adjusting to daylight savings.  It was hard for her to go to bed because she is scared of the dark.  She has a Dream Lite that she loves and gives just enough light and she counts the stars to help fall asleep.  We were shopping one afternoon and she saw a Glow Pet.  It’s softer to cuddle up with because it doesn’t have the hard plastic on top.  I saw that you are able to personalize them so they won’t get mixed up at sleepovers.

Zazoo Alarm Clock, $89.99 available at Babesta TriBeca:  My daughter has been asking for this alarm clock for quite some time.  It has many cool features: alarm clock, rotating digital photo frame, music & audio book capabilities, and naptime photo alarm setting.

UGG Australia, $120 :  As the weather gets colder and she sees her friends wear their UGGS, she decided she needed to add them to her list.  She said she wants a pair that sparkle and shine.  I love the purple Bailey Bow Lizard for her.

Pelas Holiday Guide

FuzzyNation Stella Pug, $85.99:  The picture says it all.  There is nothing my little one loves more than accessories that sparkle and dogs.  I can’t remember when my daughter discovered this dog at Koh’s Kids in TriBeCa but every time we walk past, she has to stop to see Stella displayed in the window.  I finally stopped to find out who designed it and found out it was FuzzyNation, bringing the pets we love to fashion.

Disney Talking Sofia the First and Friends, $39.95 at Barnes & Noble:  We watch Sofia the First at home often.  We have dress-up clothes , play sets and books so it’s no surprise she chose this for the Holidays.  The talking Sofia doll has over 30 phrases to share with her friends: Clover the Rabbit, Mia the Bluebird and Robin the Robin.  When her animal friends come close to her, her amulet will light up and they will talk to each other.  So cool!

Disney’s Frozen Pajama’s, $24.95: We went to a preview with the MOMS but had to leave because my oldest wasn’t feeling well and got scared in the beginning.  My youngest loved what she saw and definitely wants to go see it again when it comes out November 27.  Since seeing a little of the movie, she has asked for Frozen Pajama’s.  She will love the skirt that goes with the set from the Disney Store.

LEGO Duplo Neverland Hideout, $24.99 on YoYo.com: We love to spend afternoons building on the floor.  Although, all items on the list look extremely girls, Pela is obsessed with Disneys Jake and the Never Land Pirates.  She has asked for this set with Izzy and Cubby so she can build their hideout!

Kid O A to Z Magnatab, $21.39 on Amazon:  Wanting to learn to write like her older sister, the Magnatab will help her learn to write letters and hold a writing instrument.

Our Generation 18 ” Holiday Doll with Wrap, $22.00 at Target:  Along with accessorizing, my daughter LOVES her dolls.  When I’m folding laundry or  doing dishes I sneak up to find her laying in bed talking to her dolls or pushing her doll around while carrying her purse (playing mom).  The Our Generation Dolls are $80 less than American Girl dolls.  My oldest received one and of course Pela asked for one too.  I love the Holiday edition doll!

Our Generation Doll & Me Fashion Set, $29.99 at Target: Both my girls love dressing like their doll.  I had no idea Target sold Doll and Me clothes until recently.  My oldest received the pink skirt and grey sweater set.  The quality is nice, it’s is adorable, and it’s a great price.  Another matching set will definitely under our tree for Pela.

Crewcuts  by J. Crew Girls Glitter Bow Ballet Flats, $69.00:  My fashonista loves dress shoes.  She refuses to wear anything else.  She fell in love with the Gold Glitter Ballet Flats at Crewcuts.

Happy Wrapping this  Holiday Season!

Disclaimer:  I received samples of some of the products featured.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All links direct you to a site you can purchase the product from.  All photos and information in italics came from the linked sites.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Let’s Get Cooking” Pretend Play Gift Guide from YoYo.com

23 Nov

As the days get colder and we get cramped inside, it’s easy to turn on the TV or electronics to keep little ones entertained (at least it is for me).  It’s extremely important to keep our kids imaginations going and encourage them to use their imagination.  One of our favorite activities is the girls pretend they are chefs at a fancy restaurant and they take my order and make me food in their kitchen.  Their kitchen (featured in the gift guide) could use more pretend food and accessories to keep their imagination going.  Here are some of my favorites from YoYo.com:

yoyo.com gift guide

KIDKRAFT MODERN CORNER KITCHEN W/STOOLS – ESPRESSO, $225: Your child will love waking up to this YoYo.com exclusive KidKraft Espresso Kitchen. Whether baking some cookies or preparing a holiday meal,this kitchen will let your child’s imagination run free.  The two stools and extended countertop make it perfect for a tea party! If you live in a small place, it’s sleek modern look will still look great in a living room or dining area. If you plan on putting this kitchen together the night before, put the kids to bed early because it takes a while to assemble.
KIDKRAFT PASTEL SMOOTHIE SET, $24.57: We love smoothies! Kids can pretend to make smoothies in their kitchen for siblings or friends.  The knob on the blender turns. There are 6 fruit halves that are attached by Velcro and can be pulled apart easily.

HABA BIOFINO PANCAKES, $28.49: Kids can pretend to make pancakes for breakfast.  Included in the set is an aluminum skillet, chocolate sauce and a strawberry garnish to make “breakfast” extra special.

KIDKRAFT ESPRESSO TOASTER SET, $25.99: The interactive set includes a pop-up toaster, a stick of butter that can easily be pulled into smaller pieces and then put back together, 2 slices of pretend bread, a butter plate, and a butter knife.

KIDKRAFT ESPRESSO BAKING SET, $25.99: Get your little chef baking, cookies, cakes, and other pretend creations. Includes a rolling-pin that rolls back and forth, a cooking pan, a measuring spoon, and 2 chocolate chip cookies.

MELISSA & DOUG TRIPLE-LAYER PARTY CAKE, $19.99: Mix up this layer cake in the baking set for a surprise party for a friend or parent.  Each slice has a self-stick tab so the wooden pieces stick together.  A wooden knife is also included to slice the cake into pieces.

SCHYLLING CUPCAKE TIN TEA SET, $19.99: Adorable cupcake tea set.  Have a tea party after baking the layer cake in your kitchen.  Set consists of four teacups and saucers, four serving plates, tea-pot and serving tray.

Find fun toys and more this Holiday without stepping into a store at YoYo.com. All gifts are delivered to your door with free 2-day delivery (or faster) on orders over $49. Other sites include: BeautyBar.com, Casa.com, AfterSchool.com, BookWorm.com, Look.com, Wag.com, soap.com, and Vine.com

Picture 38

Happy Shopping (& Cooking)!

Disclaimer:  I received a sample kitchen to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Some information about the products came from YoYo.com  Images for gift guide are from YoYo.com.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Win It Wednesday: Tickets to the @mommybites Ultimate Moms Night Out #giveaway

20 Nov

The Mommybites Ultimate Moms’ Night Out here again.  Grab your mom, a friend or all of your friends and  join Mommybites for the Ultimate Moms’ Night Out at the New Yorker Hotel on December 10.

Picture 23

The Agenda for the night:

5:30 – 6:00 p.m: Registration
6:00 – 7:00 p.m: Comedy Show – (get ready to laugh your butt off!)
7:00 – 9:30 p.m: Shop, eat, meet, mingle, prizes and more during this dedicated vendor time!

The Ultimate Moms’ Night Out is a fun filled evening and a great way to shop for the Holidays!  Tickets start at $25 and everyone leaves with an amazing gift bag. Register by clicking the image above. Hope to see you there!

Want to know what to expect? Read highlights from the last Ultimate Night out at the Mommybites Summit!

Two lucky readers also have the chance to win a pair of tickets!

To Win:

Giveaway begins today and ends December 3, 2013 at 11:59 pm.  Please leave a comment for every entry!  Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received a pair of tickets to the event.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information about Mommybites can be found here!

 

Tags: , , , ,

Take A Trip Around the World This Holiday With Green Kid Crafts

19 Nov

20131119-131456.jpg

Most afternoons turn into a play date with friends but some days it’s nice to come home and take it easy.  When we aren’t having a play date with friends my oldest likes to sit at the table and do some kind of art project.  Usually, she just pulls out her crayons and colors because I am in the process of getting dinner together and don’t want to pull out a million art supplies.  Green Kid Crafts, an eco-friendly company that designs creative activities to do with kids through art boxes that spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate respect and love for the environment.  Discovery boxes are filled with supplies and instructions for hands-on learning, making afternoon crafts easier. We recently received a sample of the Around the World II discovery Kit.  The kit included materials to make:

GreenCraftKids

A Chinese Hand Kite that really flies

GKC Chinese kite

Guatemalan Worry Dolls and a Worry Box

worrydolls

Aboriginal Rock Art from Australia

GKC RockArt

I LOVED this box because it teaches about other parts of the world.  The instruction cards for each project also explain the history behind the culture and the traditions.  My daughter,5, had a lot of fun making the projects but needed help on the activities.   She loved learning about the different cultures. Her best friend was in Australia at the time and was excited to tell her about the rock art when she returned.  Her cousin was adopted from Guatemala.  She wants to ask him if he ever received a worry doll.  After the Chinese hand kite was complete, her and her sister ran around the apartment trying to fly it for luck.  A passport is also included in the box.  After visiting each county, my daughter was so excited to stamp her passport.  This Holiday I will be purchasing the Around the World I which includes projects from Japan, India, and Africa!

Around

Around the World I, Image from Green Kid Crafts

Check out all the Discovery Boxes available at Green Kid Crafts! Stocking Stuffers, Holiday boxes and Party Favors are also available!

Give Green Kid Crafts as a gift this Holiday Season or join now to get started on your first discovery box:

Picture 26

20131119-133242.jpg

Disclaimer:  I received a sample discovery box to review.  This did not alter my opinions.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics is from Green Kid Crafts.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Biggest Baby Shower

17 Nov

big City Moms collage

I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with my first.  It was an exciting time but as I got closer to my due date I started getting nervous.  Shopping was definitely fun but I had no idea what I was going to need or where to begin with my registry.  What do I NEED that will keep my baby safe, healthy, and will help her meet developmental milestones?  I was the first of my friends to get pregnant and I was new to New York so I was clueless about where to shop and what to shop for.

I recently attended The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower for the first time.  I wish I had known about this event when I was pregnant with my girls.  On November 13, new and expecting parents gathered at the Metropolitan Pavilion to learn about the latest baby gear, clothing, feeding and services available for a smooth transition to parenthood.  Various brands and representatives were available to educate parents on safety and choosing what’s right for you.  New and expecting parents had the best for baby (and parents) all in one room.  I have to say a lot has changed since my first pregnancy (5 1/2 years ago) and even my second (4 years ago).  I can’t believe how much is out there. Below you can find a little of what parents experienced and saw at the Biggest Baby Shower:

Get Strolling:

Choosing a stroller is challenging.  There are so many things to think about.  Had I known that I was going to have my second so soon, I would have opted for a stroller that could transform to a double and have a wheel board.  I also wish I had pushed a few around before.  Attendees were able to talk to various stroller brand experts to learn the latest features and give strollers a test drive to decide what best suites their new family.  Representatives from Orbit, Joovy, UppaBaby, Mama’s and Papas, Quinny, Britax, and Baby Jogger were in attendance.  So what’s new? Early next year you will be able to design your own stroller on Orbit.com.  A black frame and more fabric color choices will be available.  The Joovy TooQool is a new double stroller with a bumprider board that can be attached (love this stroller).  Also, new to Joovy is the Caboose VaryLight, in stores soon.

DSC_0406

Time to Eat:

Mixie is an awesome bottle, making feeding on the go easier.  Two compartments separate the formula and water. When ready to feed your baby, push a button to dispense formula, then mix.

DSC_0420

Liza from SageSpoonfuls was demonstrating how to make baby food with the SageSpoonfuls Immersion Blender and Food Processor.  Glass jars for storing baby food will be available soon!

SageSpoonfuls Liza Huber with her mom, Susan Lucci, image from Big City Moms

SageSpoonfuls Liza Huber with her mom, Susan Lucci, image from Big City Moms

A Fashionable Mom and Baby:

Lucky Brand was a favorite when I had my first.  At one point they stopped their baby and kid line.  I was happy to learn at the Biggest Baby Shower that baby and kid clothes are available online and in stores again.   You’ll also want to shop Ruum for your new baby.  The clothes are adorable!

DSC_0401

TWELVElittle offers fashionable and functional diaper bags to help moms look great while carrying everything they need for their new baby.

DSC_0415

TWELVElittle

Keep it Separate:  

I’ve never like packing dirty clothes with clean clothes.  Especially, when my girls were infants and going through multiple outfits a day.  I would go through so many ziplock bags to keep the clothes separate.  Free Like Birdie offers green products to keep your clothes organized and separate without being wasteful.  Great for traveling or diaper bags.

DSC_0410

 In addition to shopping and testing out new products, new parents attended seminars (click for topics discussed and a list of speakers).

Christy Turlington Burns & Jeanne Faulkner from Every Mother Counts spoke about Maternal Health and Birthing Options. Image from Big City Moms!

Christy Turlington Burns & Jeanne Faulkner from Every Mother Counts spoke about Maternal Health and Birthing Options. Image from Big City Moms!

At the end of the night, parents left with an amazing gift bag stuffed with the products below.  Some also walked away with fabulous prizes!

The Gift Bag

The Gift Bag

Just found out you are expecting?  The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower will be back in Spring 2014.  Visit Big City Moms for more information!

 

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a press/media ticket to attend the event.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fun Friday: Let’s Have A Camp Out

15 Nov

I have many childhood memories of camping out. My family used to visit the Mountains in Virginia. We would pop up a tent, build a fire, and explore nature. Those trips were always fun but I’m definitely not ready for an adventure like that with my girls just yet. I was able to tell them stories about our trips while having a “Camp Out” in our living room.  This is how we had our very own camping adventure at home:

We used the B.Toys TeePee from Target as our tent for our Fun Friday Camp Out.  My girls added their pillows, princess sleeping bags (also from Target), and a few books to read when it was almost time for bed.

DSC_0468

20131115-131415.jpg

The B. TeePee is great for small spaces. It doesn’t take up much space.  It is easy to set up and take apart. Save the box for storing when you want to break it down. My girls use their TeePee everyday. When they need to rest they like to lay in it with their books. They also like using it for pretend play with their baby dolls. They love the colorful light that hangs above and projects stars around the TeePee.  The B. TeePee would make a great gift for the Holidays. Available for $39.99 at Target in Raspberry (featured) and Sea.

The best part of camping, roasting Marshmallows and making S’mores was not lost thanks to the Hammacher Schlemmer Flamless Marshmallow Roaster.  I was surprised that these marshmallows got just as golden brown as I like them around a camp fire.

DSC_0444

Caution

In the past I have used a S’More maker that requires a sterno.  Those made me nervous.  I love that this is electric.  A fun activity for a chilly evening.  Available at Hammacher Schlemmer for 69.95. Caution: This gets very HOT and requires supervision at all times when using with kids.

 

After our treats the girls headed back to their TeePee. We turned out the lights, turned on the lamp in the tent to have the stars and moon twinkle as my husband read them their favorite books.

It was a fun evening together. This camp out was just the four of us but my daughter asked to include a few friends next time!  We can’t wait!

Happy Camping!

Disclaimer: I received samples of the products to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Win It Wednesday: Family Pass To Hip Tot Music Fest in Brooklyn (#GIVEAWAY)

13 Nov
Image from Hip Tot

Image from Hip Tot

My girls love music!  They love to sing and dance to their favorite songs!  I recently learned about the Hip Tot Music Festival which brings live music, featuring some of our favorite kids bands, to Brooklyn.  A fun outing, I know my girls would love.

The 2013-14 season of Hip Tot Music Fest concerts are in full swing! Looking for a fun day out with the family or a gift for the Holidays your entire family will enjoy, ENTER to win a Family Pass (4 Tickets) to an upcoming concert (your choice) at ShapeShifter Lab in Park Slope.

Upcoming Concerts :

To Enter:

  • Comment on this post with the concert you and your family would like to see!

Additional Entries:

Please leave a comment for every entry! All entries must be submitted  by 11.59 p.m. EST on November 27, 2013!

Purchase tickets here!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a Family Pass to giveaway.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t Miss the #BiggestBabyShower 11/13 in NYC

11 Nov

20131111-213704.jpg

 

The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever is like no other baby shower in the world. Considered the pioneer of the baby preparation experience, this is the ultimate, can’t-miss event for expectant and new parents across NYC. More than 1,500 moms and dads will hit the town for a night out, mocktail in hand, as they browse over 150 of the top brands in the maternity and baby industry. This 4 hour event is jam packed with educational seminars, demonstrations, games, treats and more as attendees shop the hottest essentials for modern parenting.

Tickets start at $80.  Register now to shop, eat, relax, and learn! Everyone will go home with a gift bag filled with hundreds of dollars of baby essentials.  Enter raffles to win strollers, high chairs, car seats and more.

Click the links for Shower Details, a list of Sponsors and the Seminar Schedule!

Hope you can join!

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  I received a media ticket to the event.  All information and photos came from a press release and the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower website.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Easy Bake Oven Celebrates 50th Anniversary

7 Nov

20131111-184538.jpgLast month, my daughter and I attended an Easy-Bake Oven 50th Anniversary celebration with celebrity chef Gail Simmons. Walking into the venue and seeing years of Easy-Bake Ovens lined up brought back so many childhood memories. I remember waking up one Christmas morning and opening an Easy-Bake Oven. I was over the moon because I remember wanting one for a long time and Santa delivered it. That gift brought so many lasting memories of baking with my brothers and friends in my childhood home. I’m excited to watch my girls when they receive their first Easy-Bake Oven and all the joy and great memories it brings them.

20131111-191450.jpg

At the event, chef Gail Simmons, shared her memories of using an Easy-Bake and shared recipes inspired by her childhood. As we approach the Holidays kids can help prepare Holiday meals, snacks, or desserts in their Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven. Create your own recipe or use these Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven recipes by Gail Simmons (from ABC NEWS):

20131111-191512.jpg

Gail created recipes, The Hummingbird Cookie & Double Chocolate Rocky Road Layer Cake, for the easy-bake oven celebration inspired by her own childhood memories.

Hummingbird Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For cookies:

  • 1 Easy-Bake Pink Sugar Cookie Mix
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ ripe banana, thinly sliced, then quartered into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

For cream cheese frosting:

  • 1 Easy-Bake Vanilla Frosting Mix
  • 1¼ teaspoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened 4 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Plug in Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven and turn it on. Preheat for 20 minutes.
  2. Spray baking pan with cooking spray and spread it evenly. Set aside.

Make the dough:

  1. Pour 1 Pink Sugar Cookie mix and 1 teaspoon of water into a bowl and stir to combine. Add vanilla, banana and pecans, and mix well.
  2. Press the mixture together to form the dough.
  3. Sprinkle flour on your hands and roll the dough into a ball. Then, split it evenly into 12 smaller balls.
  4. Place 6 of the dough balls on the baking pan, spreading them out as much as possible, and lightly press each one to flatten.
  5. Follow Easy-Bake directions for cookies through step 11. Baking time: 15 minutes (instead of 9).
  6. Hand wash the baking pan, spray again, and repeat with the other 6 dough balls.

Make the frosting:

  1. While cookies are baking, pour vanilla frosting mix and 1¼ teaspoons of water into a small bowl and beat with a fork until smooth. Then beat in cream cheese. Refrigerate until ready to use.

When cookies have cooled, spoon the frosting into a plastic sandwich bag and cut one corner with scissors. Squeeze a large drop of frosting onto each cookie. Top with a slice of fresh pineapple before serving.

Double Chocolate Rocky Road Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:

  • 2 Easy-Bake Devil’s Food Cake Mixes
  • 12 teaspoons water, divided
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts, divided
  • ¼ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

For the frosting:

  • 3 Chocolate Frosting Mixes (water as per directions)
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows (approximately 40 pieces), 20 cut in half lengthwise
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (because I have a daughter

Directions:

  1. Plug in Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven and turn it on. Preheat for 20 minutes.
  2. Spray baking pan with cooking spray and spread it evenly. Set aside.
  3. Make the cake batter:
  4. Pour 1 Devil’s Food Cake Mix and 6 teaspoons of water into a bowl. Break up any lumps and stir until smooth. Add chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, and mix well.
  5. Spoon the batter into the baking pan. Spread evenly using the back of a spoon or a small off-set spatula.
  6. Follow Easy-Bake Baking Basics directions. Baking time: 20 minutes (instead of 16).
  7. After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool completely. Once cool, slide a butter knife around the edge of the cake and remove it from the pan onto a flat plate, upside down. Set aside.
  8. Hand wash the baking pan, spray again, and repeat with the other Devil’s Food Cake Mix.
  9. Make the frosting:
  10. While the cake is baking, pour 3 chocolate frosting mixes and 3 teaspoons of water into a bowl. Break up any lumps and stir until smooth.

Using a small spoon or off-set spatula, frost the top of the first cake with about 1/3 of the frosting mix in an even layer. Place the 20 halved marshmallows, in 4 lines of 10 halves, across the cake, flat side down. Top with the second cake, upside down, pressing lightly to secure it. Frost the top of the cake using another 1/3 of the frosting mix. Then carefully frost all sides. Scatter the remaining marshmallows over the top of the cake and gently press the chopped walnuts against the sides to cover before serving.

**Allergy Warning: My oldest daughter, not at the event, has a Peanut/ Pistachio Allergy so we do not use any nuts at home. When I make these with her, I plan on leaving out the nuts or using an alternative such as sunflower seeds. Also, make sure to always read the labels of the mixes before using. There are online resources for Easy Bake Oven mixes made from scratch.

Fun Facts about the Easy-Bake oven:

  • Twelve EASY-BAKE oven models have been released since 1963, each designed to reflect the colors and oven style of its time. The EASY-BAKE oven has appeared in a variety of colors, including avocado green, harvest gold, pink, purple, and aqua.
  • Past EASY-BAKE oven menu items included treats from popular food brands such as Betty Crocker, Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts®, M&M’s®, Dunkin’ Donuts® and OREO®. Not just cakes and cookies, savory EASY-BAKE snacks over time have included popcorn, TV dinners, potato chips, macaroni and cheese, pizza, French fries, and more.
  • In 2006, the EASY-BAKE oven was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
  • The EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven retired the light bulb in 2011 and introduced a way for chefs-in-training to bake up tasty treats using a heating element similar to a conventional oven.
  • The EASY-BAKE brand has inspired a number of celebrity chefs and famous fans throughout the years.

The Easy-Bake Oven will definitely be featured in my upcoming gift guide!

20131111-195444.jpg

What’s your favorite Easy Bake Memory or Recipe?

Disclaimer: This product is not recommended for children under 8. I received an Easy Bake Oven at the event which I plan to wrap under our tree this year. My girls are under 8 but I intend to use it with them with full supervision. Check back for a full review and recipes we create together. All opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted. Information in italics came from a press release.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries