Cheese Curd In Paradise

Snacks

Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spin Master Ltd.  All opinions are entirely my own. #SnackTimeAdventures  #CollectiveBias #AD

PAW Patrol™ String Cheese and PAW Patrol™ Colby Jack Snack Bites make snack time is a breeze! My Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers are always a big hit! These skewers are made easy with cherry tomatoes, black olives, pepperoni, and string cheese. Perfect for snacking and guaranteed to bring out the best smiles.

pizza skewers on a tray

Snack time is one of our favorite times in our house. I mean, who doesn’t love a tasty snack? Having two little boys mean needing to have lots of snacks on hand for their growing bodies and appetites. I like to make snack time fun with different foods and different preparations to keep my kiddos smiling.

To me, snacks need to be something I can take on the go for my kids, have a good amount for protein, and calcium is an awesome bonus! We are a family that is on the go, and between work, teaching, basketball, gymnastics, and swim we are always moving, and needing tasty snacks.

I have created Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers using Paw Patrol String Cheese. My kiddos are pizza lovers, and the idea of having pizza for a snack is really exciting to them. These skewers are filled with all the yummy ingredients my kiddos adore- cherry tomatoes, black olives, pepperoni, and PAW Patrol String Cheese. I always choose the PAW Patrol String Cheese first because it has 6 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, made with milk, good source of calcium- which meets my snack criteria- and my kids love the taste and cute packaging with their favorite characters!

pizza skewers on a tray

I like to shop at Meijer in for my PAW Patrol String Cheese and PAW Patrol Colby Jack Snack Bites. Thankfully, there is a Meijer in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and you should have seen the face on my son when he got to grab a bag of Paw Patrol String Cheese put in our cart to take home to make one of his favorite snacks! I love that Meijer has all my favorite in stock- including PAW Patrol String Cheese! For a limited time, earn $.75 cash back using the Ibotta app! Click here to learn more. 

string cheese at the store

Plus the excitement when we got home and his little brother got a hold of the PAW Patrol String Cheese!

pizza skewers on a tray

How do you make Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers?

First you need the ingredients:

  • String Cheese
  • Pepperoni Slices
  • Black Olives
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Skewers

I leave everything whole except the string cheese. I cut the string cheese into 4 equal parts. To assemble I like to use this ordering:

  • String Cheese
  • Folded Pepperoni Slice
  • Black Olive
  • Cherry Tomato
  • Repeat

The finished product is a happy face and a full tummy! My kids love PAW Patrol, and the fact that Chase, Skye, Rubble, and Marshall can enjoy snack time with them gets them so excited! For a limited time, earn $.75 cash back using the Ibotta app! Click here to learn more. 

pizza skewers on a tray

Try other variations of Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers:

  • Chase’s Veggie Patch Skewers: PAW Patrol String Cheese, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
  • Skye’s Hawaiian Skewers: PAW Patrol String Cheese, Cubed Ham, and Pineapple
  • Rubble’s Cheese Pizza Skewers: PAW Patrol String Cheese, PAW Patrol Colby Jack Snack Bites, and Cherry Tomatoes

Here are a few more of our favorite snacks:

Monster Cookie Energy Bites

Dilly Ranch Oyster Crackers

pizza skewers on a tray
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pizza skewers on a tray

Marshall’s Pepperoni Pizza Skewers

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheese, snacks
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 8 skewers

Ingredients

  • 4 PAW Patrol String Cheese
  • 16 cherry tomatoes
  • 16 black olives
  • 16 pepperoni rounds
  • 8 skewers

Instructions

  1. Cut each string cheese into 4 equal pieces.

  2. To each skewer add, a piece of cheese, a folded piece of pepperoni, a black olive, and a cherry tomato. Repeat this order once more.

  3. Serve.

pizza skewers on a tray

For a limited time, earn $.75 cash back using the Ibotta app! Click here to learn more. 


Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls

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Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect bite sized holiday appetizer. Rolled into a popable bite is cream cheese, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Rolled in crushed pecans and a convenient pretzel holder make this a favorite finger food bite!

Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheeseballs on a plate

Cranberry week is still going strong and I am sharing one of my easiest and favorite holiday bites! Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are so simple to make, and always a crowd pleaser at a get together. I like to pop them right into my mouth, but you can also eat them with a few extra pretzels for dipping. These mini cheese balls are filled with cream cheese, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. I use my food processor to get a nice smooth evenly mixed cheese ball. I use pecans for the coating and I pulse them a few times in my food processor to get them nice and fine and perfect for an outer layer of the mini cheese ball. I top my cheese balls with a pretzel stick because it makes them perfect for grabbing.

It’s Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):

Sugared Sparkling Cranberries

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It is Cranberry Week! Sugared Sparkling Cranberries are a holiday treat everyone will love. Fresh cranberries, soaked in simple syrup, rolled in fine sugar, and dried create the perfect sweet and tart treat for any cranberry lover. They are also fantastic as a decoration on a cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Cranberry Week is here! I am teaming with a few friends to bring you all things cranberry this week. The cranberry is so much more than sauce (don’t worry I will have a recipe for the later this week). They are awesome for baking, appetizers, and treats as well. I love the tart sweet flavor of cranberries paired with savory holiday food, but I also love them on their own in a drink, or in this case, as a bite-sized snack!

These Sugared Sparkling Cranberries are one of my favorite treats. They are soaked in a simple syrup, tossed in a fine sugar, and then allowed to dry so the sugar creates a crust around the sweetened tart cranberry. It is such a wonderful texture and the taste is like a cranberry juice cocktail. I love to make these for parties, or to use when decorating a cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl
It’s Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):
sugared cranberries in a bowl

What do you need to make Sugared Sparkling Cranberries?

sugared cranberries in a jar

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is important for the simple syrup to be hot? Can I make it in advance for soaking?

The hot syrup causes cracks in the cranberries and allows them to better soak in the sweet syrup.

What is the difference between baker’s sugar and granulated? Can I just use granulated?

Baker’s sugar is very fine. I have tested this recipe using granulated for the rolling, and it does not have the result I wanted. The sugar is too course to stick to the cranberries like the baker’s sugar. Granulated is fine to make the syrup, but I do not recommend it for the rolling part of the recipe.

Can I make these in advance?

I recommend 1-2 days for in advance.

What can I use the syrup the cranberries soak in for?

I like to use it for drinks! I have also used it to soak or brush on top of baked goods.

How do I serve these cranberries?

I serve them in a bowl, or I like to use them as a garnish for baked goods- like a cake- like my Cranberry White Chocolate Layer Cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Looking for more yummy cranberry recipes?!

Sparkling Wine, Cranberry, and White Chocolate Layer Cake

Cranberry Margarita

Cranberry Banana Muffins

Cabernet Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Brie and Rosemary Bites

Cranberry Cupcakes with White Chocolate Buttercream

Cranberry Gingerbread Upsidedown Cake

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sugared cranberries in a bowl

Sugared Sparkling Cranberries

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Cranberry, snacks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Soak and Dry Time 10 hours
Servings 5 people

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 16 oz fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup superfine sugar or baker’s sugar
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Wash cranberries, strain, place in a medium bowl, and set aside.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water and cook over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer, and remove from heat.

  3. Pour the simple syrup (sugar water) over the cranberries. Stir to coat. Cover a refrigerate for 8 hours (a little longer is fine).

  4. Pour the fine sugar into a medium bowl. Remove cranberries from fridge and drain. Put cranberries into the bowl with the sugar and gently stir to evenly completely coat.

  5. Place cranberries on a cookie sheet. Place in fridge for 2 hours to allow sugar to harden and set. Store in the fridge in a covered container. The berries will store for about 2 days before the juices begin to dissolve the sugar.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Monster Cookie Energy Bites

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Today’s post is sponsored by Barlean’s, Hamilton Beach, and Rhodes Bread as well as Crispy Green, The Spice House, and PackIt. However, all opinions are my own. #ad #Back2School

Monster Cookie Energy Bites are a great boost for an after school snack! Packed with oats, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and m&ms make a fast favorite treat everyone will love!

monster cookie bites in a bowl

Today is my last post for the #Back2School event! I loved coming up with different back to school recipes to enjoy as the school year gets closer. Check out the giveaway after the recipe and enter to win an amazing prize package!

I am sharing my recipe for Monster Cookie Energy Bites. I love monster cookies because they are packed full of all sorts of goodies! This recipe is a no-bake recipe that is still packed with all the yummy goodies from the cookies- oatmeal, creamy peanut butter, mini chocolate chip, mini m&m’s, and a touch of honey. This is a great recipe to make with your kiddos, and a great energy bite during snack-time. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and can be stored in the fridge in between snacks!

These bites are also freezer friendly! Toss them on a lined cookie sheet and freeze. Transfer to a sealable bag.

I know what the critics say, that isn’t an energy bite- it is a cookie! To that I say: stop killing the fun and pass me a Monster Cookie Energy Bite! In our house mini M&M’s bring everything a little more joy.

monster cookie bites on a tray

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monster cookie bites in a bowl

What do you need to make Monster Cookie Energy Bites?!

  • Quick cook oats- you can use old fashion, but my kids prefer the texture of quick cook
  • Honey
  • Peanut butter- I use creamy, but crunchy works too
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Mini m&m’s
monster cookie bites ingredients
monster cookie bites on a tray

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old fashion oats in this recipe?

Yes! You can use old fashion oats, and I think they work well. My kiddos prefer the texture of the quick cook oats

Can I use regular sized chocolate chips and M&M’s?

I recommend using mini over regular sized. If you do not have another option I would chop the chocolate mix-ins.

My dough is sticky and hard to roll, any tips?

Yes! Make sure you chill the dough prior to rolling because it will be easier to work with. If you are still having problems spray you hands with a little cooking spray to help with sticking.

Can I add additional mix-ins like quinoa or flax?

Absolutely, it will alter the flavor, but it will work well in the energy bite.

Can I use almond butter?

Yes, you can sub in any nut butter for the peanut butter.

Can I freeze these?

Yes! Toss them on a lined cookie sheet and freeze. Transfer to a sealable bag.

monster cookie bites on a tray

Looking for more delicious snacks?!

Dilly Ranch Oyster Crackers

Pizza Muffins

Mini Everything Bagel Dogs

monster cookie bites with a bite
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monster cookie bites on a tray

Monster Cookie Energy Bites

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Appetizer, Back to School
Prep Time 10 minutes
fridge time 20 minutes
Servings 24 energy bites

Ingredients

  • 3 cups quick cook oats
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup mini m&m's
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a medium bowl. Gently mix with a spatula. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

  2. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place in a parchment lined container.

  3. Serve or place in fridge till ready to eat.

monster cookie bites in a bowl

#Back2School Recipe Inspiration

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to be talking about going back to school! It seems like summer just flew right by! To celebrate and help get you ready for this busy time, we’ve got loads of great back to school recipe ideas for you, along with an awesome giveaway. For more amazing #Back2School recipes, please follow our #Back2School Pinterest board. Be sure to also check out my fellow bloggers participating all week long for more delicious dishes! Blogghetti, Bowl Me Over, Cindy’s Recipes and Writings, Cheese Curd In Paradise, Cooking With Carlee, Doodlecraft, Everyday Eileen, Family Around the Table, Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks, Karen’s Kitchen Stories, Mandatory Mooch, Palatable Pasttime, The Schmidty Wife, and Wendy Polisi. GIVEAWAY IMAGE

#Back2School Giveaway

The giveaway includes the following prizes:
  • Omega Pal’s Prize Pack from Barleans
  • 1 item (winner’s choice from featured products) from Hamilton Beach
  • Cookbook and coupons from Rhodes Bread
  • 4 six-pack bags of Crispy Fruit snacks (mixed flavors) from Crispy Green
  • Best Sellers Collection Gift Box from The Spice House
  • Freezable Lunch Bag + Mod Lunch Bento from PackIt
Official Rules and Conditions: One (1) winner will be chosen. Prize must be claimed within 48 hours of announcement or a new winner will be drawn. Open to US residents 18+ only. All entries will be verified. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Rafflecopter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified. Giveaway ends 08/21/2019. Enter using the widget below. a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball

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Do you need a killer appetizer or maybe a little snack for a few round robins during New Year festivities? My Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball is perfect for a quick appetizer, or maybe a few drop in guests.

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

My aunt always made a cheese ball similar to this during the holidays, and it was one of my favorite snacks when we visited during the holidays. Perfect to grab from the fridge, and super easy clean-up.

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

So what is a cheese ball? My husband never had a cheese ball before, and when I was describing it to him he was skeptical, but once he tried this cheese ball I think he ate half of it. I recently made another one for him to munch on while he watches t.v. at night. Side note: I still haven’t found season 13 of Criminal Minds. If anyone can tell me where I can watch it I have a special prize for you.

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

This cheese ball is loaded is creamy cream cheese, salty dried beef, zesty ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and a spice from sliced fresh green onions. That is it! I have seen some recipes that use a different seasoning blend, but I find the flavors of the buttermilk ranch packet to be perfect for me (and clearly my husband). Once assembled, the cheese ball is wrapped and sets in the fridge. Once it is set, unwrap and serve! So nice and simple!

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

I am planning to make another cheese ball to have out during New Year’s since my husband will have the other one devoured pretty quickly. I know it will be a fast hit with our guests.

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

Do you have any go to New Year’s appetizers? Anything super simple you want to share with this mom?? Since the boys will be with us quick and easy is the name of my game.

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

Wisconsin is having a cold snap, and we are getting towards the end of the boys winter break. I know that I am getting ready for the boys to go back to school, but overall it has been a really nice week with the boys and we had a chance to spend quality time together- last night included going out for tacos and going to an open swim!

Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers
Want to check out more delicious recipe? Follow me on Twitter!
Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

Looking for more cheese ball recipes for the holidays and entertaining?

Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls

Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls

Ham and Pineapple Cheese Ball from Kylee Cooks

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball from Kylee Cooks

Roasted Garlic Cheese Ball from Life’s Ambrosia

Check out more delicious New Year’s appetizers:

Glazed Smoked Sausage and Pineapple Bites

Everything Bagel Spread

Cranberry Brie and Rosemary Bites

Perfect Deviled Eggs

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Cheese Ball on a Plate with Crackers

Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheese, easy appetizer, Holiday, Tailgating
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12 people

Ingredients

  • 16 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • .4 oz buttermilk ranch seasoning packet
  • 2 oz package dried beef, chopped
  • 6 green onion, sliced
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and ranch seasoning till smooth. 

  2. Next, stir in the beef and green onion. Gently stir till the mixture is evenly mixed. 

  3. Cut a 12-inch piece of plastic wrap and then cut a second of the same size. Create a cross shape. Repeat this once more. This will allow you to easily wrap the cheese ball and get a round shape. 

  4. Place the cheese mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap in the sides until the cheese is secure and round it gently with your hands. Place on a plate in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours before serving. Once opened the cheese ball will keep for about a week and a half if stored in an air tight container. 

  5. To serve, unwrap and place on a plate. Serve with crackers and veggies. 

Cheese Ball on a plate- pinterest graphic

Dilly Ranch Oyster Crackers

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Looking for a quick, easy, and addictive snack to add to your holiday spread, tailgate party, or movie night? Dilly Ranch Oyster Crackers are one of my favorite snacks to make.

Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl

These little crackers are ready in about 20 minutes, and are delicious. I use ranch seasoning and a little dried dill. I add a bit of lemon pepper seasoning and garlic at the end for a little zing into these herby crackers. My boys love to munch on these during the holidays, but I also love to bring them to our tailgates, and they are great to snack on for a movie night with the kiddos.

Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl

To me, perfect snacks are easy to put together and this recipe checks that box. Everything goes into a sealable bag and is tossed till coated. It is them baked to get the crispy crunchy crackers everyone in my house loves. I keep my flavors pretty mellow, but you could add in a bit of crushed red pepper to give your crackers a little fire if you like your snacks a little spicy!

Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl

We are in holiday prep mode at our house. I finished the last of my finals this week, and finally feel like I can take a breath before jumping into the holidays. That being said….I have not wrapped a single gift. Perhaps everyone is going to get Amazon boxes this Christmas. In all honesty, I don’t think my kids would care. They would likely think I was being funny and the whole “I ran out of time thing” would go completely over their heads. Moral of the story: don’t feel bad if you are behind. I am right there with you!

Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl

What are some of your favorite holiday snacks? Any standby quick recipes I need to add to my arsenal?

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Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl

Dilly Ranch Oyster Crackers

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Appetizer, crackers, Holiday, snacks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10 people

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bag oyster crackers
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 oz packet ranch seasoning packet
  • 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.

  2. In a small bowl, add the dill, oil, ranch seasoning, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until competently mixed.

  3. Place crackers in a sealable gallon bag. Pour in seasoning mix over crackers. Seal and gently toss to coat. 

  4. Arrange the crackers on a rimmed sheet pan in a single layer (do not grease).

  5. Bake the crackers for 15 minutes or until golden.

Seasoned Oyster Crackers in a bowl