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Shannon’s Sugah Shack – Mardi Gras Family Pack Giveaway

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Bienvenue to a brand new Baton Rouge petite boulangerie, Shannon’s Sugah Shack! Shannon is a scratch-made, home cook that has been selling baked goods solely to friends family (and their businesses) since 1984. After much encouragement, support, and a little coaxing from family and friends, she finally launched her petite boulangerie!

Shannon’s Sugah Shack

Specializing in decorative cookies, cupcakes, decadent cookies, cocoa bombs, southern desserts, and cakes, you can trust Shannon with your future baking needs. You can message her with any questions or orders on her Facebook page here. 

Shannon’s Sugah Shack

To kick off her new business and introduce herself to the community, Shannon wanted to partner with us to host a Mardi Gras Family Pack giveaway of her specialty Mardi Gas cookies and cocoa bombs! 

Shannon’s Sugah Shack Mardi Gras Family Pack Giveaway

Shannon’s Sugah Shack

To Enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter Widget form below. Remember to comment on Facebook OR Instagram!

Other: Entrants must be 18 years or older at the time of entering the giveaway. Entrants must be local. The winner will be selected at random and notified via the email that was submitted or via social media. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway ends January 22nd at 11:59 pm (CST)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out Baton Rouge Family Fun’s 2021 King Cake Guide here! 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRFF via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Easy Boudin King Cake – Mardi Gras Recipe (Video)

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I’m Jennifer Oster, local Baton Rouge Mom and business owner. My husband and I love to cook, and we recently started a YouTube channel to share our passion for cooking with the world! Our specialty is Louisiana/Cajun/local food.  This Easy Boudin King Cake is always a hit during Mardi Gras season; it’s stuffed with boudin, pepper jack cheese, and topped with pepper jelly, green onions, and bacon. To save time, this recipe uses pre-made dough! It looks impressive, but it’s a super easy recipe. 
 
Traditionally, boudin (pronounced BOO-DAN, not BOO-DEN) is made with ground pork, rice, onion, green peppers, and Cajun spices and seasonings, left to the boudin creator’s own devices. 
 
I hope you enjoy this savory pastry that marries two Bayou State classics.
 

Easy Boudin King Cake – Mardi Gras Recipe

Easy Boudin King Cake - Mardi Gras Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cans crescent roll dough 
  •  1 pound boudin, de-cased and cooked until warm 
  • About 4 ounces (half of a block) pepper jack cheese 
  • 4-5Green onions 
  • 4-5 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon 
  • Pepper jelly 

Instructions

Arrange dough on a greased baking pan in the shape of an oval. Fill the ring with cooked boudin and top with slices of cheese. Roll the sides to form the ring and pinch together. Bake at 375 for 12-20 minutes, until golden brown, then, top with pepper jelly, green onions, bacon, and bake another few minutes until pepper jelly is semi-melted. Serve warm. It can be refrigerated and reheated!
 
Easy Boudin King Cake – Mardi Gras Recipe
 
This would be a great recipe to make with kids! If you decide to try your hand at it, please be sure to tag us so we can see your masterpiece! Use the Hashtag #BRFamilyFun and tag us on Facebook and Instagram!
 

Visit the Oster Adventures YouTube channel for more recipes! 

Be sure to check out Baton Rouge Family Fun’s 2021 King Cake Guide here! 

 
 

Gluten Free King Cake Recipe – Baton Rouge Family Fun

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I pride myself on being a solid scratch baker: Alton Brown practically raised me, for Pete’s sake, not to mention I audited an online Food Science class from Harvard one semester (hair flip). Harvard, people! So when I was tasked with developing a recipe for gluten-free king cake, I wasn’t intimidated. How hard could it be, I know how to bake!

As it would turn out, I do NOT know how to bake without gluten.

Gluten-Free King Cake

Test after test came out dry, crumbly. Disappointing. Just when I had decided I never wanted to see Bob’s Red Mill 1-To-1 baking flour again, I realized: I was going about it all wrong. I was trying to force my favorite king cake recipes to be gluten-free, rather than find a great gluten-free recipe that I could then make my own. Off to the internet I went.

I quickly became overwhelmed by expensive, unfamiliar ingredients. Whey protein isolate? Tapioca starch? Potato flour? If I were looking to get into the gluten-free baking market professionally, investing in these might have made sense. But all I really wanted was to occasionally be able to make a good king cake for my friends.

After some thought, it finally dawned on me: what was simple, comparably inexpensive, and easily accessible? Bread mix! After all, what is king cake, after you strip it of all the flavors, fillings, and toppings? Just mildly sweet, soft, bread.

I used Hodgson Mill gluten-free white bread mix because it was convenient to pick up at my local supermarket, but this recipe is straight-forward enough to work with whatever your favorite may be. For best results, it should be the kind that stays loose, like the consistency of a thick cake batter. I hope you enjoy creating your own homemade gluten-free king cake and would love to hear about the results!

Gluten-Free King Cake

Gluten-Free King Cake
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Cake
  1. 3 ½ cups Gluten Free Bread Mix of your choice
  2. ½ cup butter, divided (one stick)
  3. 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  4. ¾ cup white sugar, divided
  5. ¼ cup light brown sugar
  6. ½ teaspoon vanilla
  7. 1 ½ cups milk
  8. 1 ½ teaspoons fast rise yeast (included in most mixes, check yours to confirm)
  9. ½ teaspoon salt
  10. 2 large eggs, room temperature
  11. 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  12. 1 teaspoon orange zest
  13. ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
  1. 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  2. 1 tablespoon milk
  3. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  4. 1 teaspoon almond flavoring (optional)
Sugar Topping
  1. 1 ½ cups white sugar
  2. Purple, Green, and Yellow food coloring
  3. 3 sandwich size plastic storage bags
Cake
  1. 1. Prepare a standard size bundt pan by spraying with thoroughly cooking spray and lightly coating with either cornmeal or GF baking flour. Tap out excess.
  2. 2. Melt ¼ cup butter (half stick) in a medium sized bowl; add ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Stir to combine, set aside.
  3. 3. Warm milk in a small bowl to approximately 100*-110*. It will be warm to the touch but not scalding.
  4. 4. Add 1 teaspoon of the remaining sugar and all of the yeast to the milk. Stir, set a timer for 5 minutes and set aside.
  5. 5. Pour the bread mix into a mixing bowl of a stand mixer* equipped with the paddle attachment. Add remaining sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt and mix on low briefly, just to combine.
  6. 6. Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter.
  7. 7. When your 5-minute timer goes off, add milk and yeast mixture to bread mix along with melted butter, room temperature eggs, cider vinegar, and orange and lemon zests.
  8. 8. Mix on low until mostly combined, stop the mixer and scrape the bowl well with a spatula. Mix again for on medium-high for 3 minutes. The dough will be similar to a very thick cake batter.
  9. 9. Spoon approximately 1/3 of the dough into prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with another 1/3 of the dough, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Finish with the last 1/3 of dough, smoothing the top with a wet spatula. Spray lightly with cooking spray, cover loosely in cling wrap. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
  10. 10. Preheat oven to 375* near the end of rising time.
  11. 11. Bake at 375* for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.
  12. 12. Turn out onto a cooling rack after 5 minutes, allow to cool completely.
Sugar Topping
  1. While cake is cooling, divide sugar into 3 sandwich bags. Add the purple, green, and yellow food coloring to the bags, then seal and shake. Add more food coloring, a few drops at a time, until desired color intensity is reached.
Glaze
  1. Combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and almond flavoring (if desired). Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled king cake then top with colored sugars immediately.
Notes
  1. *A hand-held mixer can work also, but add 2 minutes to mix time. Mixing by hand is possible but tough on the arms! Stir for 8 full minutes if by hand.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
Gluten-Free King CakeThe Little Things Cakes is a home-based bakery owned and operated by Christy Broady. It was founded in 2016 when increasing demand for her baked goods inspired Christy to go into business on her own. In the three years since starting, Christy has grown from making a few dozen cupcakes here and there to several elaborate cakes a month. With her sophisticated flavors and impeccable attention to detail, Christy can’t wait to show you why it’s the little things that will truly make your next event special.

Be sure to check out our full 2021 King Cake Guide here!

Hot Chocolate Bombs in Baton Rouge & DIY Recipe

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Hot chocolate bombs are the newest holiday trend this season, and with good reason! Sold out at most big box stores and made viral on TikTok, hot chocolate bombs have become a bit elusive and hard to find online and at stores. Suddenly in high demand, DIY’s are popping up all over social media, and local bakery shops are quickly jumping in to fill the Hot Cocao Bomb needs!  We’ve put together a list of local makers so you can get your Hot Chocolate Bombs in Baton Rouge!

HOT Chocolate BOMBS in Baton rouge

Les Amis Bake Shoppe

 

What are hot chocolate bombs? 

Hot chocolate bombs — or hot cocoa bombs — are spheres of decadent chocolate filled with cocoa mix and lots of mini marshmallows. You pour steaming hot milk over the bomb and watch them melt away, exposing the marshmallows and coca mix inside. (See the video below.)

Where to find hot chocolate bombs in Baton Rouge and beyond. 

 Local bakeries quickly started filling the need with some of them offering special flavors, and of course, some are holiday-themed.

Les Amis Bake Shoppe

Large is individually wrapped, $5ea
Small are boxed in a 4-pack, $15
Pre-order and Walk-ins

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Les Amis Bake Shoppe (@lesamisbakeshoppe)

 

The Ambrosia Bakery

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by The Ambrosia Bakery (@ambrosiabakery)

Brew Ha-Ha! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by GabbyBrewHaHaBR (@brewhahabr)

 

Simply Sweetz by Kimberly

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by simplysweetzbykimberly (@simplysweetzbykimberly)

Confectious Delights,LLC

Hot Chocolate Bombs Baton Rouge

Rak of Cookies

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Natishia Thanni-Irvin (@rakofcookies)

DIY Hot Cocoa Bomb Recipe

First, you need to purchase two silicone circular or spherical molds.

Ingredients

  • Melting chocolate/chips of your choice.
  • Hot cocoa mix
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Toppings – crushed candy canes, sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, etc… 

Directions

  1. Melt your chocolate chips by microwaving them in a bowl for 30 seconds, stirring, then continuing to heat at 15-second intervals. 
  2. Spread the chocolate so that it covers the mold with a thin coating of chocolate
  3. Let the chocolate harden in the refrigerator or the freezer if you’re in a hurry. 
  4. Once hardened, fill your mold three-fourths full with your hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. 
  5. Cover with the top shell to seal the bombs. (you may need to use some melted chocolate to “seal” your shell.) Add toppings. Place mold in the fridge until the chocolate sets.
  6. Place your hot cocoa bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over the bomb. Stir until completely melted.

More Local Sweet Christmas Treats 

Thee Heavenly Donut

Deep-fried Christmas King Cakes 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by TheeHeavenlyDonut (@theeheavenlydonut)

 

Coco(a) Desserts

DIY Cookie Kit-Decorate your own cookies for Santa
The kit is $20 and includes: 12 vanilla bean sugar cookies, royal icing, and sprinkles.
PICK UP in Baton Rouge

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Coco(a) Desserts (@ccocoadesserts)

Hot cocoa bombs and a sweet Christmas treat are sure to add some fun memories to this year’s family traditions. If we missed a local maker, please email us to let us know and we will add them! 

You may also like: 
RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness
Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright
50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions

50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions

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We’ve all been there! You’ve just returned from the grocery store and you’re getting ready to make dinner, bake or whip something up on a whim, and you’re missing a crucial ingredient. The last thing you want to do is go back to the grocery store for one item. Especially with the holidays upon us! No worries! We have 50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions for you to print out. Take into account that the substitution could change the taste, texture, and or consistency, but will do when you’re in a pinch.

Healthy Recipe Substitutions

Unsweetened applesauce for oil, butter, or sugar

Using applesauce in place of sugar can give the necessary sweetness without the calories. You can sub sugar for apple sauce in a 1:1 ratio, but for every cup of applesauce, you use, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

Mashed bananas for fats

The creamy, thickening-power of ripe mashed banana is perfect for replacing fat in baking recipes. One cup of mashed banana works perfectly in place of 1 cup of butter or oil! Here is a great recipe for quick and easy banana bread…

3 Ingredient Banana Bread
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
  2. 2 eggs
  3. 3-4 overripe bananas
Instructions
  1. Directions
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Smash bananas in a large bowl with a fork, beat eggs in separate bowl, then mix all ingredients well. Spray 2 small loaf pans or 1 large loaf pan with non stick cooking spray. Fill the pans evenly with batter. Bake at for 35-40 minutes
Notes
  1. Sprinkle the pans with cinnamon and sugar before filling for an added sweet touch.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Grated steamed cauliflower for rice

Cut both calories and carbs with this simple switch. The texture is virtually the same, as is the taste.

Spaghetti squash for pasta

Roast or bake your squash and scrape with a fork for a healthy low-carb spaghetti squash substitute for pasta. One squash will make between two and three servings.

Two egg whites for one whole egg

Trade out the yolk for a second white to cut cholesterol and double the protein.

Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo

Nonfat Greek yogurt has far fewer calories and fat than mayonnaise or sour cream, but its consistency is quite similar. Next time a recipe calls for either of those fattening ingredients, try using the yogurt instead.

Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions

PRINTABLE—> 50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions Guide PDF

50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions 

Ingredient Amount Substitution
Allspice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Baking mix 1 cup 1 cup pancake mix OR 1 cup Easy Biscuit Mixture
Baking powder 1 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk (decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup)
Baking soda 1 teaspoon 2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder + replace acidic liquid ingredient in recipe with non-acidic liquid
Balsamic Vinegar 1 cup Equal amount of sherry or cider vinegar
Broth: beef or chicken 1 cup 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup boiling water OR1 teaspoon powdered broth base dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
Brown sugar 1 cup, packed 1 cup white sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses and decrease the liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup OR 1 cup white sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Butter 1 cup 7/8 to 1 cup hydrogenated fat (shortening) and 1/2 teaspoon salt OR7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR

1 cup margarine OR 7/8 cup oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup oil OR To reduce fat and calories – applesauce or prune puree for half of the butter in the recipe OR ¾ coconut oil in place of a cup of butter.
Buttermilk 1 cup 1 cup yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup
Cajun Spice 1 tablespoon 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chocolate(semisweet) 1 ounce 1 (1-ounce) square of unsweetened chocolate plus 4 teaspoons sugar OR 1 ounce semisweet chocolate chips plus 1 teaspoon shortening
Chocolate (unsweetened) 1 ounce 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa plus 1 tablespoon shortening or vegetable oil
Cocoa 1/4 cup 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
Corn syrup 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup honey OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Cottage cheese 1 cup 1 cup farmer’s cheese OR 1 cup ricotta cheese
Cracker crumbs 1 cup 1 cup bread crumbs OR 1 cup matzo meal OR 1 cup ground oats
Cream (half and half) 1 cup 7/8 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon butter
Cream (heavy) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter
Cream (light) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 3 tablespoons butter
Cream (whipped) 1 cup 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
Cream cheese 1 cup 1 cup pureed cottage cheese OR 1 cup plain yogurt, strained overnight in a cheesecloth
Crème fraiche 1 cup Combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Let stand for 6 hours at room temperature
Egg 1 whole (3 tablespoons or 1.7 oz) 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered egg substitute plus 2 1/2 tablespoons water OR 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute OR 1/4 cup silken tofu pureed OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise OR half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Evaporated milk 1 cup 1 cup light cream
Fats for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Flour–Bread 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon wheat gluten (available at health food stores & some supermarkets)
Flour–Cake 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons
Flour–Self-Rising 1 cup 7/8 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Garlic 1 clove 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt–reduce salt in recipe
Green onion 1/2 cup , chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped shallots
Herbs–fresh 1 tablespoon chopped fresh 1 teaspoon (chopped or whole leaf) dried herbs
Honey 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup corn syrup OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Ketchup 1 cup 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1 teaspoon vinegar plus 1 tablespoon sugar
Lard 1 cup 1 cup shortening OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil OR 1 cup butter
Lemon grass 2 fresh stalks 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Lemon juice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lime juice
Lemon zest 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract OR 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Lime juice 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Margarine 1 cup 1 cup shortening plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 1 cup butter OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mayonnaise 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup plain yogurt
Milk–whole 1 cup 1 cup soy milk OR 1 cup rice milk OR 1 cup water or juice OR 1/4 cup dry milk powder plus 1 cup water OR 2/3 cup evaporated milk plus 1/3 cup water
Onion 1 cup, chopped 1 cup chopped green onions OR 1 cup chopped shallots OR 1 cup chopped leeks OR 1/4 cup dried minced onion OR 1/4 cup onion powder
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese OR 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Raisin 1 cup 1 cup dried currants OR 1 cup dried cranberries OR 1 cup chopped pitted prunes
Ricotta 1 cup 1 cup dry cottage cheese OR 1 cup silken tofu
Semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup 1 cup chocolate candies OR 1 cup peanut butter or other flavored chips OR 1 cup chopped nuts OR 1 cup chopped dried fruit
Shallots, chopped 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped green onion
Shortening 1 cup 1 cup butter OR 1 cup margarine minus 1/2 teaspoon salt from recipe
Sour cream 1 cup 1 cup plain yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough cream to make 1 cup OR 3/4 cup buttermilk mixed with 1/3 cup butter
Soy sauce 1/2 cup 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Stock–beef or chicken 1 cup 1 cube beef or chicken bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water
Sweetened condensed milk 1 (14-ounce) can 3/4 cup white sugar mixed with 1/2 cup water and 1 1/8 cups dry powdered milk: Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes
Vegetable oil–for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Vegetable oil–for frying 1 cup 1 cup lard OR 1 cup vegetable shortening
Vinegar 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice OR 2 teaspoons white wine
White sugar 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar OR 3/4 cup honey OR 3/4 cup corn syrup
Wine 1 cup 1 cup chicken or beef broth OR 1 cup fruit juice mixed with 2 teaspoons vinegar OR 1 cup water
Yogurt 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup buttermilk OR 1 cup sour milk

We hope these 50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions help when you’re in a pinch and save you some time and even money! 

Sources: http://greatist.com

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins, Cake or Cupcakes

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This two ingredient pumpkin muffin recipe is too good to be true! These pumpkin muffins are delicious plain or with a dollop of cream cheese icing. The muffins keep very well in an airtight Tupperware container; the perfect quick treat or snack for the kiddos too!

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

Two Ingredient Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

Mix these two ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spatula or mixer until combined. The batter will be thick, mix until smooth and well mixed. The option for additions are endless… pecans, chocolate chips, heath bits, the possibilities are endless! They also go great with a simple cream cheese icing. 

2 Ingredient Mini Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Cupcakes or Cake
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix
  2. 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease mini cupcake baking tray. In a large bowl, mix together the spice cake mix and canned pumpkin until well blended. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each greased mini-muffin cup, lined cupcake cup or into cap pan. Bake for 12 minutes for mini muffins, 20 for cupcakes and 25 for cake in the preheated oven, or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean or they spring back. Cool and serve, or place in Tupperware container.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond: U-Pick Guide

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In Louisiana, the picking season usually starts earlier than other parts of the country, we’re blessed to have a number of options for blueberry picking near Baton Rouge. Berry picking is a great way to get outdoors while supporting our local farms!

We’ve listed a number of fruit picking farms below, while some of these Berry Farms are not close they are within an hour or two and would make a fun day trip with a new city to explore. Time to get some dirt on your hands and fresh fruit in your buckets!

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call the farm before heading out, so many variables can effect your outing. Berry ripening, Weather, Berry availability, etc.

What to Bring: Prepare for a trip to the farm like you would a day at the park. With very little shade in the berry patches, you’ll want to bring hats and sunscreen. Wear full feet covering shoes, no flip-flops or the sort, those pesky Louisiana ants will get you every time! Bring baby wipes and a change of clothes for the littles, you never know what blueberry shenanigans the kids will get into.

 Berry picking in Baton RougePhoto Credit:  Patty Mcgrath @ Blueberry Ridge Orchard

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond

Blueberry Ridge Orchard: Hours of operation are M-Sat- sunrise to sunset. Closed on Sundays. Please bring your own containers to take your berries home.Price for u-pick is $1.50/lb. Address is 2199 Holly Ridge Road, Jackson, Louisiana 70748. For more information call: 225-603-2935 or leave a message at 225-629-5311. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Connect: Online | Facebook |(225) 629-5311

Blue Harvest Farms: Blue Harvest Farms is the largest U-Pick Blueberry Farm in St. Tammany parish, located on the Covington/Bush border (Waldheim) Starting in 2020, Blue Harvest Farms will no longer be a public U-pick blueberry farm. They now operate a membership program. They are still U-pick and they still only grow blueberries, but because the fields have been downsized they can no longer handle historical BHF crowds.
78495 HWY 21, Bush, LA 70431
Connect: Online | Facebook | blueharvestfarms@gmail.com

EquiTerra Farm: EquiTerra Farm is a certified organic horse-powered farm. We have a goal here on the farm to provide the highest quality food possible to our customers. We believe that a healthy body starts with healthy food. We are currently going through the new LA organic application process; but, we have been organic since we began farming. We provide organic blueberries, figs, blackberries, muscadines, and vegetables. We also have wonderful big brown free-range eggs and free-range broilers. Pick, weigh, and pay!  
12798 Muse Lane, Clinton, LA 70722
Connect:  225-683-8406 | pldavidson@aol.com

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge

Loblolly Ridge Farm: Located in the northern section of Tangipahoa Parish, Amite, Louisiana. Loblolly Ridge Farm is a U-Pick Blueberry farm. The farm consists of 2 acres of blueberries (approximately 1200 bushes consisting of 6 varieties of hybrid blueberries). They will be open June 12th and 13. They will be open Friday & Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Berries are $10/gallon CASH 
1000 Andrew Bankston Road, Amite, LA 70422
Connect: Online | (985) 748-6843

Shuqualak Farms: Shuqualak Farms is small and inviting, with six acres of blueberries and four acres of blackberries. Open from early June to mid July, visitors are provided with a 5-quart bucket and strap for collecting their harvest. Berries are packaged in freezer-safe bags and children are given 1-quart take-home buckets.
232 Shuqualak Farms Rd, Frierson, LA
Connect: Online | Facebook | (318) 797-8273

Sunhillow Berry Farm: Locally owned and operated. This farm has been in operation since 1993. We operate on the “honor” system. Come on out and pick your own! Pick, weigh, and pay!  
33510 Magee-Mahner Rd Pearl River, LA
Connect: Online | Facebook | (985) 867-9737

 U-pick farms baton rouge

Caring for Berries

Store unwashed berries in containers or gallon-sized zip-top bags layered with paper towels. Refrigerated berries will last about two days. Frozen blueberries can last from season to season or beyond, do not wash berries for the freezer THEY MUST BE DRY BEFORE FREEZING, you can wash before use. Serve at room temperature after washing with a spray of cool water. Whole berries can be frozen in zip-top freezer bags for jams, smoothies, and homemade ice cream. Add berries to cereal, smoothies, or snacks straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Berries are fat-free, low in calories, and have fiber, vitamin C, and disease-fighting antioxidants. We know you’ll enjoy blueberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond!

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe – Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

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Lately, my favorite grocery method is online ordering and home delivery. I love the convenience of having my groceries delivered to my home but can’t always depend on the quality of meat or the availably of the meat that I prefer for my family. I’m thrilled to share a brand new program that is sure to help make family mealtime and serving the best quality meats to your family a whole lot easier! Perdue Farms recently launched its brand new direct to consumer bundle boxes and they are everything we didn’t realize we needed!

Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

High-quality protein is the most important part of the meal when it comes to my four growing teen boys. Now I can get the quality of Perdue Farms meats I know and trust delivered to my door with the direct to consumer box. Be sure to check out our favorite Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe using Perdeu Farms chicken below! 

Thanks to Perdue Farms, my family had the opportunity to try the medium Family Bundle box {a 17% savings) which included:

Perdue Farms

Family Farmers and a Commitment to Animal Care

Over the last 10 years, Perdue Farms has transitioned from conventional chicken & turkey production to becoming the #1 supplier in the U.S. for Organic Chicken as well as a leader in premium Beef, Pork, Lamb, Pasture Raised, Grass-fed, Heritage Breed, Antibiotic Free (No Antibiotics Ever), Non-GMO, Ever, Certified Humane, GAP & more.

Direct to consumer boxes will include heritage, organic, pasture-raised, pork, beef, chicken or lamb – all raised with no antibiotics ever by farm families with the highest standards of animal care. 

Perdue Farms Sustainability and Recyclable Packing 

All packaging is 100% recyclable. The foam insulation is made from water-soluble cornstarch, which can be composted or even disintegrated under running water and safely rinsed down a kitchen sink. Each order also includes a reusable shopping tote and a packet of bee and butterfly-friendly seeds for consumers to plant in their yards to help the local pollinator population flourish. 

Additionally, with each direct to consumer box, Perdue Farms will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help offset the shipment’s carbon footprint, which will equate to removing more than 70 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere per order. You can read more about Perdue Farms’ Sustainability Initiative on their website.

Perdue Farms

One of my weekly go-to meals is a very simple Sweet Pepper Chicken recipe that my boys love. This quick and easy recipe with chicken and mini sweet peppers, in a savory and sweet sauce, is sure to be a family pleaser! Perdue Farms’ precut diced chicken breasts in our Family Box were perfect for this recipe and made meal prep a breeze. 

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe

Sweet Pepper Chicken
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MARINADE INGREDIENTS
  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
  2. 1/4 cup
  3. 1/3 cup water
  4. 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  5. 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  6. 1 Tbsp. honey
  7. 1 Tbsp. corn starch
PEPPER CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
  1. 1 lb. chicken chunks
  2. 2 Tbsp. olive oil, Avocado oil or Butter
  3. 12 mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
MARINATE CHICKEN
  1. Combine and mix all marinade ingredients in a ziplock or bowl. Add the chicken chunks and toss in the marinade. Refrigerate chicken/marinade mixture for at least 30 minutes - the longer the better!
TO MAKE THE SWEET PEPPER CHICKEN
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet peppers and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Remove half the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon or tongs (reserve the marinade) and saute 3 minutes turning until browned. Transfer chicken to the pepper bowl. Saute the remaining chicken and transfer to bowl. - If doubling recipe you will have to saute chicken make in two to four batches.
  3. Pour reserved marinade into the same pan and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Add the chicken and peppers to the pan, toss to combine. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
  4. Serve immediately over rice and a broccoli for the perfect sweet pepper chicken and veggie bowl!
Notes
  1. You can make an extra batch of the marinade and set aside until it's time to thicken the sauce if you like extra sauce with your chicken.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Perdue Farms

A 100-Year Tradition of Excellence

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food, and agriculture company in its 100th year of business. Through their belief in responsible food and agriculture, they are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Learn more about Perdue Farms’ new Direct to Consumer program and SAVE UP TO 25% ON BUNDLED PRODUCTS. Shop now!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Safe to Eat Cookie Dough – Eggless – Sponsored by Party Time

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The aroma of homemade Christmas cookies baking in the oven is one of the most glorious smells during the holiday season. In our home, there is not a more highly-anticipated (and delicious) Christmas task than baking cookies. With cookies comes cookie dough and kids and adults alike can’t seem to bake cookies without trying the raw dough. A few years ago a friend introduced me to a delicious, egg-less cookie dough recipe that is completely safe to eat raw! Find the full recipe below! 

safe to eat cookie dough

You can use this recipe for cookie-cutter cookies, Santa whiskers, chocolate chip cookies,  thumbprints, just about any recipe that calls for shortbread or sugar cookies. Of course, to bake the ultimate Christmas cookies, you also need cookie cutters and all the decorating fixings!  

Cookie cutters are timeless, and there’s a reason—they work. They save your sanity because mama doesn’t have time for freehand, the stainless steel will last for years, and they’re easy to clean! For a plethora of cookie-cutter options be sure to check out Party Time at Bluebonnet and Airline! When it comes to baking and gifting they have you covered with a wide variety of candy, sprinkles, icing and gifting containers! Take care of your holiday baking, candy making and decorating in one stop!

safe to eat cookie dough

Are your holiday decorations, plates, and napkins a little less than fa-la-la-la-fabulous, no worries, Party Time is where you’ll find everything that’s merry and bright! Buy two get one free Christmas plates and napkins until this Saturday and 40% off all ribbon until this Sunday!

safe to eat cookie dough

Safe to Eat Cookie Dough

This simple sugar cookie dough recipe is especially good for families with children that have an egg allergy because the recipe is eggless!

Safe to Eat Sugar Cookie Dough
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/4 cups butter, softened (2 1/2 sticks)
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 4 teaspoons milk
  4. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
  5. 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, preferably with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, beat again and scrape bowl. With mixer on low speed, add flour one cup at a time and beat after each addition. Shape into logs approximately 2" in diameter. Roll the logs in parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat liner and give them a light spray with vegetable shortening. Unwrap logs and slice into 1/4" thick slices or roll out to cut out shapes. Place cookies on prepared cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until very light brown and the sides are slightly firm.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack. Cool completely before storing in air tight containers.
Notes
  1. This recipe is perfect to make with the kiddos; after the dough has been chilled it makes great cookie cutter cookies for decorating. These cookies will keep well in an airtight container, making them a great homemade gift.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Baton Rouge Fourth of July Guide – Fireworks, Parades, Events and More!

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Get out your red, white and blue and celebrate America’s Independence! Enjoy some family time at these family-friendly events; our guide is loaded with fireworks, festivals, parades, food, fun and other Baton Rouge Fourth of July celebrations! 

Baton Rouge LawyerBaton Rouge Moms will always bring you the best in Family Friendly events in Baton Rouge and beyond. We have gathered the latest list of Family Friendly events for 4th of July festivities, thanks to our sponsor, Smith Shanklin Sosa!

 

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Baton Rouge 4th of July

 

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade
Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:30 pm

The annual parade is a Baton Rouge tradition, and this year will mark the 47th time we gather to celebrate our great nation!

  • Parade Theme – “Peace, Love and Independence”. 
  • Grand Marshal – Jay Grymes, WAFB Chief Meteorologist
  • Kenilworth Resident of the Year – Dr. James & Joan Wharton, long-time KCA Resident

The 2019 parade is scheduled to roll at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, July 3rd.  It lasts about an hour and rolls as long as weather permits.  The route begins and ends at Kenilworth Science & Technology School on Boone Drive.

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

Kick off your 4th of July weekend next Wednesday at Superior Grill Highland for the #KenilworthIndependence Day parade!
Happy hour is from 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. 🍹
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. 🎺
Our float will pass by the restaurant and throw beads, cups, candy, and parade toys to all guests on the patio!
PLUS, join us afterward outside of the restaurant for a special performance by the 610 Stompers! 😎

 

USS KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular!
Thursday, July 4, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The USS KIDD has been hosting a 4th of July celebration in the downtown Baton Rouge area for over two decades. In that time, it has developed into an incredible family event that celebrates our nation’s freedom. The evening culminates with WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi River sponsored by the USS KIDD! Over the past several years, the KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular has become synonymous with the patriotic activities that attract thousands of families from across Louisiana and the southern United States. According to the Downtown Development District, the Baton Rouge 4th of July Fireworks Celebration brings in between 75,000 – 100,000 visitors per year. The celebration is made possible in part by the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, WBRZ News 2, the City-Parish of East Baton Rouge, community partners, area sponsors, and volunteers.

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

********East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced Friday safety precautions will be put into place for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations downtown. Events will continue as scheduled, but out of an abundance of caution, due to high river levels, people will not be allowed on the levee after 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 beginning where the levee passes underneath I-10 north to North Street. Source: WAFB 

4th Fest
Thursday, July 4th 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

4th of July Festivities in West Baton Rouge! From 4-11pm, featuring music by Parish County Line as well as Foret Tradition, and the best seat for fireworks over the Mississippi! Face painting, kids’ entertainment, food & beverage vendors. Come out for food & fun on the 4th. (No ice chests, please) WestBatonRouge.net/Fourth 

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

 

Walker

Independence Day Celebration:
Thursday, July 4, 3 PM – 9 PM

The City of Walker will be celebrating Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at Sidney Hutchinson Park starting at 3:00. There will be games, inflatables, live music at 5:00, food sold by non-profit organizations and of course FIREWORKS at dark.
Also, be on the lookout for the Dinosaurs.
https://www.facebook.com/thedinosaurexperience/

Donaldsonville Independence Day Fireworks on the River
Wednesday, July 3rd 2:00pm-10:00 pm

Located at Frank Sotile Pavilion. Vendors open at 4. Fireworks at 9:45. Bring your lawn chairs! No ice chest.

4th of July

Iberville Parish

July 4th Hometown Celebration
Thursday, July 4 – 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The City’s annual July 4th Hometown Celebration, set Thursday, July 4, includes a fun patriotic boat parade. The parade will still line up on Bayou Plaquemine at the Bayou Road boat landing across from the jail. 

July 4th Hometown Celebration

Pointe Coupee Parish

False River Annual 4th of July Boat Parade :
Festival – Wednesday, July 3, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Boat Parade – Thursday, July 4, 2 PM – 5 PM

New Roads Presents the 4th of July Boat Parade and Music Festival, July 3 – A Fun-Filled 2 Day Celebration. Enjoy Food, Music & Family On The River!
Featuring
~Kids Activities
~Boat Parade & Awards
~Live Entertainment, Special Guest Taylor Frey

False River 4th of July Boat Parade on July 4th at 2:00PM in Downtown New Roads! Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats reflecting this year’s theme. At 2:00PM, boaters will cruise by the front deck of False River Paddle Club, next to Satterfield’s, to be judged by a panel of voters. Trophies will be handed out around 3:00PM.

New Roads fourth of July

St. Mary Parish

Party in the Park – Morgan City’s Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 5 PM – 8:30 PM at Lawrence Park. 

5:00 – 8:30 Driftwood takes the stage
9:00 Fireworks over the Atchafalaya River
Children’s Activities
Famous Fair Burgers
BBQ Plate Lunches
Soft Drinks & Popsicles
Cold Beer
The Long Allen Bridge (old bridge) will be shut down to traffic at 8:30 to allow pedestrians to walk up the bridge to view the firework show!

Fou

There’s something for everyone to celebrate this year’s Independence Day! We hope you have a fun, safe and Happy Fourth of July with your families!

*Dates and schedules subject to change. Please confirm with local convention and visitors bureaus before making your trip. Did we miss an event? Please 

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