How to Decorate Cheesecake Reindeer Reviewed

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts to make.  When I saw the slices of cheesecake decorated like reindeer on the cover of the Kroger magazine last year, I knew what we would be making on Christmas Eve. 

A week or so before Christmas, I purchased the several types of chocolate covered pretzels for the antlers, spice drops, and eyes to use for decorating.  I made the cheesecake the day before and refrigerated it overnight so it would be firm and easy to decorate.

When my parents arrived, we pulled the cheesecake from the refrigerator, grabbed our supplies and went to work.  We tried a few different shapes and sizes of pretzels before we decided we preferred the broken pieces off the larger pretzels.  My mother and son, who also decorated Easter eggs together, jumped right into action, not hesitating to "play" around with the design.  I was content to take the pictures.  My father and husband were happy to sit back and watch the fun while offering suggestions.  

As the reindeer started taking shape, my son decided there should only be one Rudolph with a red nose.  I pulled out the chocolate chips so all of the other reindeer would have plain, yet delicious, noses.  

Needless to say, we had fun and laughed a lot together.  It was the perfect family "event" for Christmas Eve and not one we will forget, especially since we have lots of pictures.

Supplies We Used to Make the Cheesecake Reindeer

1. Cheesecake - baked the day before
2. Chocolate Pretzels
3. Pre-made Eyes
4. One Red Spice Drop
5. Chocolate Chips 

Those are the supplies we used, but now that you have seen the pictures and the idea, you may come up with a version your own family prefers.  It doesn't matter!  The fun is in decorating them together and creating a fun family memory.

 Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels 5.5 OunceCheck Price Wilton Edible Candy Eyeballs, 0.88 oz.Check Price NESTLE TOLL HOUSE MORSELS SEMI SWEET CHOCCheck Price Zachary Cinnamon and Spearmint Flavored Spice Drops, 24 ozCheck Price

 

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Last year, I made Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs as our special treat.  We enjoyed watching them "explode" inside our festive snowman mugs.

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Cheesecake Reindeer Written by:

© 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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A Review of Blue Bunny Ice Cream

I am not a big dessert eater, and am particular about the desserts I DO eat. Growing up, dessert was not a regular part of our meals, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. 

I am not fond of cake, except for falling in love with the recently discovered Chantilly Cake. My dessert preference is for pies (mostly cream pies such as chocolate), and ice cream.

When it comes to ice cream, I really only like vanilla ice cream plain, in a hot fudge sundae, or for the topping on warm apple pie. Plus, any ice cream with some type of nuts in it. 

My favorite ‘snack’ is an ice cream drumstick - vanilla ice cream in a sugar cone dipped in a chocolate coating and topped with peanuts.

Recently, I bought a brand I was not familiar with because it was on sale at my grocery store. It was the ‘best’ drumstick-style cone I have ever had. It is made by Blue Bunny, an ice cream brand I had seen in store freezers, but never tried.

This week I branched out and bought a tub of ice cream by Blue Bunny - the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline flavor. WOW! Unbelievably delicious! 

Blue Bunny has become my new favorite ice cream. It is SO creamy and rich tasting and far surpasses any other ice cream I have ever had. 

Blue Bunny Ice Cream by Wells Enterprises

Blue Bunny ice cream is made by Wells Enterprises of Le Mars, Iowa, just northeast of Sioux City.  The company was begun in 1925 by Fred H. Wells Jr.  and his sons and they delivered it to neighboring Iowa towns. In 1928, Fairmont Ice Cream purchased the ice cream distribution system in Sioux City, along with the Wells name. 

Blue Bunny in Crochet
handmade by (c) Elf

In 1935, the Wells family decided to again sell their ice cream in Sioux City, but unable to sell their product under their own name, they decided to hold a “Name That Ice Cream” contest. The winning entry - Blue Bunny - was submitted by a Sioux City man who had noticed how much his son enjoyed the blue bunnies in a department store at Easter. 

By 1954, Fred Wells' sons, Harold, Mike, Roy and Fay, and their cousin Fred D. Wells, began running the family business as a partnership. It has become the largest family-owned ice cream company in the country.

Summary

According to what I learned in my research, I think the secret to the fantastic taste is the fact that Blue Bunny uses only high-quality ingredients, such as their locally-sourced fresh milk in their delicious ice cream. I must disclose that I have discovered that this ice cream is quite high in calories (200 calories per serving), which is a lot to devote to just dessert. But, oh, what a decadently delicious treat! Definitely worth tasting, even if only for special occasions. Pick up a pint at your favorite store and see if you agree. :) 

• For more information about Blue Bunny Ice Cream Products, click here. 

• For an added incentive to try Blue Bunny ice cream, National Ice Cream Month is celebrated during the whole month of July, with National Ice Cream Day occurring on the third Sunday in July each year. 

*Blue Bunny Ice Cream review written by Wednesday Elf

Ice Cream Essentials:

 

CUNSENR 7 inch Ice Cream Scoop - Professional Metal Ice Cream Scooper - Easy to Use & Clean - Non-Stick Aluminum Ice Cream Spoon - Lightweight Cookie Spoon - Scoop Ice Cream with Ease(Matt,Sliver)

Greenco Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons - Ice Cream Cups for Birthday Party Decorations, Ice Cream Party Favors, Ice Cream Party Decorations, Ice Cream Sundae Bar Supplies, Set of 12 Vibrant Colors

Cones for Ice Cream - Cones for Dessert – Classic Ice cream cone – Sweet, Crisp, Crunchy and Delicious – Ideal for Family Gatherings, Parties (36-Pack)

Smuckers Sundae Syrup Caramel, Butterscotch & Chocolate Ice Cream Topping Bundle 20 Oz (Variety Pack of 3)

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Vegan Chocolate Bunny

Vegan chocolate bunny success!  

I wanted to review the "No Whey! Foods" chocolate bunny for vegans while there is still time for you to place an order and receive it by Easter.

Both my daughter and her husband are vegans.  Finding good chocolate items for them is quite difficult since they don't use any milk or dairy products. 

I wanted to send them a special Easter treat this year, so I went in search of a vegan chocolate bunny, which was my daughter's favorite Easter basket item when she was a child.  After checking several stores, I finally found one that had a lot of positive feedback.  I sent two chocolate bunnies to them.  

My daughter said these chocolate bunnies were fantastic, better than any she had ever had.  She promptly sent her dad a picture of the ears bitten off the bunny.  Biting the ears off their chocolate bunnies together was a father-daughter Easter tradition when she was a child.

I was so glad to find an Easter chocolate bunny made especially for vegans.  The chocolate bunny maker, No Whey Foods, has other vegan products too.  Now that we have discovered them, perhaps we will find more treats in their product line.

No Whey Foods Chocolate Bunny

I was searching for a chocolate bunny for vegans, but this product would appeal to others as well.

Vegan, Gluten Free "Jake" The Milkless Chocolate Easter Bunny | Allergy Friendly | Dairy Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
• Vegan Friendly
• Kosher Friendly
• Dairy Free
  
• Tree Nut Free
• Peanut Free
• Gluten Free
• Soy Free

 

Ingredients 

• Vegan Cane Sugar
• Cocoa Butter 
• Cocoa Mass  (the whole cocoa bean ground into a liquid)
  
• Rice Syrup Powder  (sweetener that improves chewiness)
  
• Sunflower Lecithin (an emulsifier - prevents ingredient separation)
  
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Natural Flavor

Based on my daughter's opinion, I would highly recommend the No Whey! Foods chocolate bunny.

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Vegan Chocolate Bunny by:

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A Funny Bunny Blooper Word Search Book to Add to An Easter Gift Basket

Hey there, fellow puzzle enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you're always looking for something unique to add to your Easter baskets, or any gift basket, for that matter.

Check Out My Personally Created Word Search Book About Funny Bunny Bloopers:

"As the proud author of this word search book, it's got a seriously unique design and it's ideal for teens, adults, and even those brainiac kids. I had an absolute blast putting this together, aiming for something totally different that'll have you laughing out loud. Seriously, creating this humorous puzzle book was a ton of fun, and I can't wait for you to dive in and enjoy the ride."

I've Created This Bunny Blooper Word Search Book to Encourage Smiles, Laughs, and Relaxation

These pages contain a treasure trove of humor and brain-teasing challenges. 

From themes like "Bunny Apocalypse: When They Come for Your Carrots" to "Bunny Yoga: Finding Inner Peace Through Hoppiness," each puzzle is carefully crafted to tickle your funny bone while testing your word-finding skills.

My Twisted Bunny Blooper Humor - Here are Three More Examples of the Funny Puzzle Topics:

Here are a few examples of the type of word search puzzles inside this funny bunny blooper book:

* "Carrot Addiction: The Dark Side of Bunny Nutrition"

* "Whisker Whisperers: The Art of Bunny Gossip and Scandal-Mongering"

* "The Easter Bunny Quit: Now He Does This for a Living"

Available on Amazon

 Perfect for Unwinding and Relaxing

Whether unwinding after a long day or engaging in a friendly competition with loved ones, this book is the perfect companion. 

With its easy-to-read format and dedicated space to track your progress and compete against others, the fun never ends. Plus, it's designed for maximum enjoyment at 8.5" by 11" with one puzzle per page.

It's Funny, Can Be Played as a Game, and Offers Double The Solving Fun

Make this Easter season extra special by adding my unique word search book to your basket of goodies. I certainly appreciate it!

Whether you're a seasoned puzzle pro or just looking for a good laugh, this book promises hours of entertainment and joy. 

Grab your copy today, and hop into a world of laughter and delightful mindful distraction.

More Info Via My Website - StumpedBooks

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Make Homemade Easter Candy

 As Easter approaches, the joy of celebrating with family and friends is complemented by the sweet treats for this spring Holiday. 

Why not add a personal touch to your Easter celebrations by making homemade Easter candy to add a special touch to your Holiday festivities.

Make Homemade Easter Candy-Reviewed

We make a day of it yearly by making Easter candy with our grandchildren. Making your own chocolate candy for any Holiday is fun, and the kids have a great time being creative with decorating the candy.

The photo above shows some of our daughter's and the kids' creative work last year. I take no credit for the decorating, as none of it was done by me. My only job is to melt the chocolate and take some pictures.

We use a double boiler to melt the chocolate on the stove. You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. 

I never have any luck melting the chocolate in the microwave. I like using the double boiler because I can add chocolate discs to the melted chocolate and keep stirring it.

There are many brands of chocolates to buy. We have been buying Wilton Candy Melts. We use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and various colors for decorating. You will find instructions on the Wilton Candy Melt bags for melting the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.

After the chocolate is melted we just spoon it into the various plastic molds and then set the mold in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. After the chocolate is solid you are ready to decorate with the different colors of melted chocolate. 

The bunnies shown above are just out of the freezer and will be decorated with different colored chocolates using small brushes and toothpicks.

In the photo above, Bobby is filling a mold with chocolate and adding sticks. Tyler is preparing to decorate with different colors of chocolate using toothpicks and brushes.

This Easter, take the opportunity to create lasting memories by making your own homemade candies. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this delightful activity is sure to bring joy to your celebration. Share the sweetness with family and friends, and embrace the satisfaction of crafting your own Easter treats. Happy Easter!

Easter Egg Chocolate Molds 3pcs Silicone Easter Candy Molds 12 Design Egg Candy Molds Non Stick for Ice Cube Resin Expoxy

Candy Molds N More Easter Bunny Lollipop Chocolate Candy Mold 882

Wilton Dark Cocoa Candy Melts® Candy, 12 oz.

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A Glow In The Dark Throw Blanket - A Magical Gift for All Ages

I recently purchased a Glow in the Dark Blanket as a gift, and I couldn't be happier with the recipient's reaction. This enchanting blanket exceeded my expectations.

Why I Love Giving Glow In The Dark Throw Blankets as a Gift:

Glows Perfectly: The standout feature of this blanket (which I purchased from the Amazon Canada site) is its mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark design. Adorned with stars and uplifting words like Grateful, Harmony, Happy, Peace, Comfort, Relaxing, Hope, and Love, this blanket transforms into a radiant masterpiece when exposed to light. Turning off the lights reveals a soft, calming glow, creating a magical atmosphere that delights the recipient.

Note: I have yet to find the brand I purchased from Amazon Canada on the Amazon USA site, however, here's another one that is quite similar, and also features inspirational sayings.

Perfect for All Ages: 

It offers a sense of security and comfort for individuals of all ages. Children and seniors will especially love falling asleep wrapped up in the plush, furry fabric. The little bit of glow light on the blanket is handy as well. The blanket is ideal for any age group since the inspirational sayings apply to everyone.

Cozy and Practical: 

Crafted from velvety microfiber fleece, this throw blanket epitomizes coziness. It doesn't wrinkle, fade, or shed, making it perfect for lounging on the bed, couch, or even out on the porch. Whether looking for warmth during chilly nights or a comforting presence during daytime naps, this blanket delivers on all fronts.

Versatile Gift for Every Occasion: 

A Glow in the Dark Blanket is the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether it's a Birthday, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, or just a random act of kindness, this blanket is a thoughtful and unique present. 

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Surprise: 

With the added touch of being gift-wrapped, this blanket is the perfect Valentine's Day surprise. Its luminous and comforting features make it an ideal expression of love and warmth for family and friends throughout the year. 

In conclusion, a Glow-in-the-Dark Blanket is not just a gift; it's an experience that brings joy, comfort, and a touch of magic to anyone lucky enough to receive it. Whether you're searching for a unique present for kids, seniors, or someone looking for something different, this blanket will leave a lasting impression. 

Valentine Gift Idea: The Glow-in-the-Dark Throw and this Fun Valentine Word Scramble Activity Book

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White Beans and White Bean Soup Recipe Review

Making white bean (Great Northern Beans) soup is a holiday tradition in our home.  I don't just make white bean soup during the holidays, but it is a part of the holiday week menu of recipes that I look forward to making and eating.

Every holiday, whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter, I bake a big ham for the family.  I can hardly wait for the ham to be devoured so I can use the bone in a big pot of white bean soup.  The ham, itself, is usually served at least twice over the course of a few days.  I admit, sometimes (like this past Thanksgiving) I don't wait for all of the ham to be gone before I claim the ham bone for soup.

I love the holidays and cooking for the holidays, but after several days of heavy feasting, I am always ready for a lighter fare of soup for a few days.  For some, white beans are exclusively a side dish.  For me, they make a fabulous soup!  And, just so your know, I do make white beans as a side throughout the year.  I make the side dish exactly the same way as I make the soup, but with less water.

 

White Bean Soup Recipe by Sylvestermouse
ReviewThisReviews.com

Camellia Brand Dried Great Northern Beans, 1 Pound (Pack of 2)…

I use a package of dried white beans.  I do have a preferred brand, but I have been known to use different brands if I can't find the Camellia Great Northern Beans in the store.  I have found that the Camellia brand has less beans that I need to throw away before cooking.

I use the entire package of beans in one pot of soup.  I start by inspecting the beans as I rinse them in small batches in my colander.  I toss any shriveled, dark or broken beans, as well as any bean loose or floating "skin". 

All whole, white beans that pass inspection are placed in a large dutch oven size cooking pot, covered with water, and left sitting out on the kitchen counter to soak for 8 hours, or overnight. 

 

Directions for White Bean Soup

• Rinse the Beans & Soak for 8 hrs. or overnight (water should be 2/3 up the pan since the beans absorb water while soaking)
• After 8 hours, Rinse the Beans again and put them in a dutch oven pot with Ham (Ham Bone Preferred) OR (2 T Bacon Grease if a ham bone is not available)
• Bring to a Boil, then turn the heat down to a low boil  (on my stove top that is 3­½)
  
• Add a generous amount of salt and pepper and stir the seasoning into the beans
• Cook covered (tilted lid or Pampered Chef Boil Over No More cover) on low simmer for 1½ - 2 hours 

*Note: I normally check the cooking beans a few times to add water as needed to keep the water from boiling down too low 

 Pampered Chef Boil-Over No More Pot Cover Splatter Guard

Wisconic 2 Pack Mini Colander Berry Baskets - Plastic, Durable Kitchenware, Dishwasher Safe - Made in the USA - Prussian Blue & Light Teal

Cooks Standard Dutch Oven Casserole with Glass Lid, 6-Quart Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot, Silver

 

 

Bacon Grease

I mentioned bacon grease in the recipe above because I season white beans with bacon grease if a ham bone is not available.  Bacon grease is exactly what it sounds like.  It is the grease that is rendered when cooking bacon.  I cook bacon in the microwave on a bacon tray or rack that allows the grease to settle below the bacon.  I literally pour the bacon grease from the tray into a bacon grease jar to use as needed, whenever needed.  You will find a partly filled jar of bacon grease in my kitchen at all times.

Nordic Ware Microwave Compact Bacon Plastic Rack,10-Inch by 8-Inch

Ceramic Bacon Grease Container Keeper with Strainer, Frying Oil Storage Can, Turquoise

 

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White Beans (Great Northern Beans) and White Bean Soup Recipe Review Written by:

© 2023 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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