It’s Easter weekend!  We hope you have a wonderful celebration with family and friends.  Do you have plenty to fill up those Easter baskets?  Are you like me and think, “maybe I should just pick up one more bag” . . . then on Easter I realize the Easter bunny got a little too carried away with chicks and peeps and chocolate bunnies!

If you do end up with a surplus, stash it to use in these Chopped Candy Cookie Bars – they are simple to mix up {no mixer needed} – and they are always a crowd pleaser.   Just

Yes, I know Easter is on Sunday and today is Thursday so you were probably expecting something a little more Easter related. So if you are looking for a great Easter recipe we have a great list here to check out.

However, we have had some requests after these Loaded Baked Potato Crisps were posted about the sauce in the picture with them. So, here you have it Chipotle Ranch Dressing. Super simple and full of flavor.

Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 chipotle chile from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
Juice

I just couldn’t resist buying a huge, beautiful fern at the grocery store this week.  Spring has sprung and the yard is ready for a tune up.  It’s the same with our wardrobes – we just can’t wait to pack away the boots and sweaters we couldn’t wait to get out in October.  When Spring Fever strikes, it is also the same with food –  I’m ready to leave the warm comfort foods for a lighter, fresher menu.

How about you?  Has spring fever struck or are you still {patiently I’m sure} waiting.   If so, wait no more –

Vanilla Ice Cream is just one of those things that is good to always have on hand. It goes great with so many desserts and it is so good on its own. Having vanilla ice cream in the freezer is a must at my house. And this homemade version is just too good to pass up.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
6 large egg yolks
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Warm the milk, sugar, 1 cup of the

Rumor has it the Easter Bunny is on his way {despite the fact that many of us are still blanketed in snow . . . }.  If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to plan your menu.  Here are 101 {plus} ideas to make sure your Easter is absolutely delicious!

Breakfast/Brunch

Pineapple Smoothie
Blueberry Agave Low-fat Smoothie
Orange Cream Smoothie
Raspberry Lemonade (if it’s nice outside)
Ghiradelli Caramel Hot Chocolate (if it’s snowing outside)
Easy Jelly  Donut Holes
Buttermilk Biscuits
English Muffin Toasting Bread
Jam Butter
Glazed Coconut Bread
Bunny Bread
Crepes
Lemon Souffle Pancakes
Raspberry Cream Cheese French