Author Archives: saramackay23

Feb2

Apple Brickle Dip

Posted on February 2, 2013 by saramackay23

Seriously, one bite of apple brickle dip and you are done for. No joke. This dip has become infamous at our Manhattan Beach parties and is by far the most requested recipe that I make! Anytime someone new drops by and tries it, I always get an email the next day asking for that “amazing apple dip” recipe. It is always the first bowl of all the appetizers to disappear.

Want to be the MVP of your Super Bowl party tomorrow?? Whip this up!! It literally takes less than 5 minutes.

Beat together the cream cheese and sugars, and then stir in the toffee bits. I like to use Heath “Bits ‘O Brickle Toffee” that you can buy at Target. You might only find the Heath bits that contain chocolate at a grocery store, but I think it’s much better when it’s just the toffee if you can find it.

Then slice some green apples for dipping and you’ll wow anyone who tries it, assuming you still have some left to share!

Apple Brickle Dip

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Passed on years ago from my mom!)

Ingredients:

1 package 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package English toffee bits (about 10oz)
6 green apples

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla. Then, fold in the brickle chips. Serve with sliced apples.

*If you are making the dip ahead of time, wait to mix in the brickle chips in until right before serving because I think it tastes best when they are still crunchy. If you mix them in right away, they will get soft during the day. Also, wait to cut the apples so they don’t brown.

Jan27

La Fresh Nail Polish Remover Pads

Posted on January 27, 2013 by saramackay23

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I am so excited to share with you guys my new discovery in the world of nails: La Fresh Nail Polish Remover Pads. Who hates the strong smell of normal nail polish remover and the way it dries out your nails?? Here is the solution! There are so many reasons why these pads are AWESOME.

They are Acetone-free and actually contain aloe and vitamins to moisturize your nails.
The packet easily slips in your purse or suitcase. So how great is that for vacation?! If your nails chip on your trip, you don’t have to worry about bringing a bottle of remover with you. I keep one in my makeup bag.
Forget the strong chemical smell – these smell like delicious citrus with no artificial fragrances.
They are biodegradable, so no guilt towards the environment.
No mess – the pads are drip free!

Each pad is large enough to clean all 10 nails. First, hold the pad on your nail for a few seconds to let it dissolve the polish. Then rub nails with the pad to wipe away the color. I used them to remove purple to make sure they could stand the test to dark colors!

It’s as easy as that! I will be packing these on my spring break trip! I bought mine online at Birchbox here because they currently have free shipping. (They are also on amazon or the La Fresh website.)

While on the topic of nails, here is my new favorite color for spring: OPI’s “Do You Lilac It”. My toes have kept me happy on my yoga mat all week :)

Here’s to happy, healthy nails!! I promise you will love La Fresh Nail Polish Remover, and so will your nails!

Jan20

Green Monster Smoothie (Vegan)

Posted on January 20, 2013 by saramackay23

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After sharing my favorite cookies with you last weekend (and hearing rave reviews from those that tried them), I have a solution to balance out all that chocolate and peanut butter: Vegan Detox Green Monster Smoothies! They are loaded with all kinds of healthy stuff, including vegetables!! I made a couple batches this weekend to test out on friends to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Everyone thought they were awesome. Here’s what goes in them:

How healthy does that look?? But, you can’t even taste the vegetables and would have no idea that there is spinach and kale in there. First mix together the kale, spinach, frozen bananas and your choice of milk. I used unsweetened coconut milk, but you could also use soy or almond to keep it a vegan smoothie.

Then, blend in the strawberries, cucumber, a few ice cubes, and your detox smoothie is ready!

I plan to have this for breakfast all week!

Vegan Detox Green Monster Smoothie

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

This recipe is enough for 1-2 servings.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup frozen strawberries.
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 large frozen banana, broken into pieces
1 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk (you could sub 1/2 cup for orange juice for a slight citrus flavor)
Large handful of spinach
1 1/2 cups kale, loosely packed, stems removed (you can also just use more spinach)

Directions:

Add the almond milk to a high-power blender and toss the banana pieces and kale in. Blend on high. Add the strawberries and cucumber. Blend again until smooth. Add in more almond milk, some orange juice, and/or ice for desired consistency.

Does anyone else avoid using their blender because they don’t want to clean it? That’s how I felt until Jimmy shared this great tip with me! Now, I don’t think twice about it….First, rinse the blender out with water, then add some more warm water with soap, but it back on the mixing stand and blend for a few seconds to get it all soaped up. Just one more rinse and it’s as clean as new!

Jan13

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Posted on January 13, 2013 by saramackay23

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These are hands down my favorite cookies from 2012! They are exactly what they sound like, chocolate cookies with a peanut butter filling. The outside gets slightly crisp with the sugar coating and the inside stays soft and chewy with the creamy peanut butter. Seriously UN-REAL. I’m not kidding. I made them for my family over Christmas break and they all agreed. Even my brother asked “Sara, how did you make these??” I am sure he is holding his breath for the recipe :)

Making the dough is very quick. However, you have to spend a little more time rolling up the little balls of dough compared to a normal cookie. It’s not so bad though! You flatten a ball of chocolate dough into a little pancake, put a spoonful of peanut butter mixture in the center, wrap it all up, and roll it in sugar:

Then pop in the oven and I promise you will amaze whoever you are baking for!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Source: Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together sugars, butter and 1/4 cup of peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg, beating to combine. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined, blending well. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together powdered sugar and remaining 3/4 cup of peanut butter until smooth.

Pull off a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten with your hands. Take about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture and place it in the center of the chocolate dough. Wrap the chocolate dough around the peanut butter center, pressing to seal.

Roll the cookie into a ball and roll the cookie in the sugar. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass, flatten each cookie to about a 1/2 inch thickness.

Bake in preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Let stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

In order to enjoy as many of these cookies as we wanted over the holidays, my family and I did lots of skiing to make up for it! That’s me in the pink…

Jan6

Ellen Degeneres “Seriously…I’m Kidding”

Posted on January 6, 2013 by saramackay23

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Who is looking for a light-hearted, quick read after the holidays?? I just finished reading this book in 3 days and loved every single page! I’m slightly biased, in that I already love Ellen, but I think just about anyone will enjoy this book. I found myself chuckling out loud at LAX while reading it, even with the stress of being an hour delayed. It is a hodgepodge collection of stories that is written in a way you can hear Ellen talking to you. I bet it would be fun to get the audio version of this book!

She talks about everything from being a CoverGirl to the importance of stretching to judging American Idol to social skills.

Random tip in her book: “Leaning forward in your chair when someone is trying to squeeze behind you isn’t enough. You also have to move your chair.”

Ellen Degeneres "Seriously...I'm Kidding"

In the end, what I love the most about Ellen is summed up in her book: “However you choose to live your life, just try to enjoy it as much as you can. Fill yourself with joy.” Shouldn’t we all dance a little crazily each day and just be kind to one another??

Also, for fun, here is a blurry picture of me (in the glowing white shirt), Abi, and my mom dancing next to Ellen on her show last year!! We had the perfect seats!

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

Posted on January 1, 2013 by saramackay23

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Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you all had fun ringing in 2013!!

After celebrating last night…

…we spent New Year’s day at the Rose Bowl! Thanks to our friend Kristen for field access passes!

Dec30

Stocking Stuffer Gifts 2012

Posted on December 30, 2012 by saramackay23

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A few years ago, I started making stockings for my mom and dad, which was a huge hit! My mom screamed with excitement the first year. So, naturally, the tradition has continued :) Here are some of the things I put in their stockings this year, that you might just want to try yourself or use for a future gift…

Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

Somehow, water just tastes better out of these bottles. They are BPA free, made of glass for clean tasting water, and super easy to keep wash! The whole bottle can go in the dishwasher. Make drinking more water a New Year’s Resolution! I’ve purchased them at Whole Foods and on amazon.

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm

You won’t believe how fresh your lips feel with this balm! I put it on every night before bed. I purchased mine at Sephora.

Draft Magazine Subscription

I have given this to both my dad and Andrew in years past and they love it. My mom says this is the only magazine my dad reads cover to cover. So I renewed it for him this year! It highlights everything from new breweries, to best bars, to beer recipes.

Potato Chip Chocolate Bar

This sweet chocolate and salty potato chip combo is TO DIE FOR, so I had to stick it in dad’s stocking. I found it near the Lindt and Ghirardelli premium chocolate bars at the grocery store.

Wine Cork Candles

These “corks” can be stuck in your favorite bottle of wine (once it’s been consumed) and lit to drip down the sides of the bottle. I ordered mine on Uncommongoods.com.

Mustache Food or Drink Picks

Since mustaches are so “in” right now, I had to put some kind of mustache in my dad’s stocking. (Seriously, I’m seeing them everywhere, from T-shirts, to shower curtains, to the hoods of cars!) I found these mustache food picks that I thought my dad could use for olives in his martinis.

Hope this gives you some ideas for gifts…or things to add to your wish-list!

Dec25

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2012 by saramackay23

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I hope you are all having family celebrations full of love and laughter!

Here is link to a fun video to see how candy canes are produced. It is my job to plan for Nestle Christmas candy canes, so I hope you are all enjoying a Sweetart cane to keep me in business :)

Candy Cane Production on Unwrapped

Merry Christmas everyone, from my family to yours!!

Dec21

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Posted on December 21, 2012 by saramackay23

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Are you still looking for a side to go with Christmas dinner? How about these balsamic brussels spouts? They are so delicious! And seriously, doesn’t it seem like brussels sprouts are “so HOT right now”?? They seem to be popping up everywhere on menus. This is a very simply, but very flavorful recipe that my mom’s friend Jan shared with her.

First clean the brussels sprouts and cut off the little brown stems off the bottom of each one. I also like to slice each brussels spout in half so that the inside caramelizes in the pan a little more. (When trying to decide how many to make, I eyeballed it by grabbing a big handful for each guest.)

Saute in a pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

As they cook, they will start to brown in the pan, so continue to stir until they soften and have a nice caramelized color. Once they are done cooking, stir in either pea tendrils or arugula (optional).

While you are cooking the brussels sprouts, in a separate pan mix together 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard. Heat this mixture over medium high heat and make sure to continue to whisk repeatedly until it thickens. Once it thickens, you can pour it over the already cooked brussels sprouts.

Stir in a handful of toasted pine nuts and shave some cheese over the top. I used my favorite cheese, Manchego, but you could also use Parmesan.

Enjoy!!

Dec17

The Fishbowl Game

Posted on December 17, 2012 by saramackay23

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Looking for a fun game to play at your holiday parties?? My friend Zac introduced us to The Fishbowl Game a few weekends ago and we have had a blast playing. Every time we’ve played, we end up dying laughing. It’s a great game for when you have a larger group of about 10 to 20 people.

First, have every person fill out 3 slips of paper that have one thing from each category written on them: a person, a place, and a thing.

The Fishbowl Game

Dump all of the papers into a “fishbowl” or something similar.

Divide into 2 teams. Team A will select a person to go first, who will try to get their team to guess as many slips as they can in 1 minute. Once team A’s minute is up, they add up how many slips of paper they guessed correctly and record that many points for the round. Then, it’s Team B’s turn. If a team hits the 1 minute mark and the clue has not yet been guessed, it goes back into the bowl. Once all of the slips of paper have been guessed, the round is complete, and they all get added back to the bowl for rounds 2 and 3. After round 3 is complete, add up the total number of slips of paper each team has guessed from each round and the team with the most points wins!

Each round has specific rules on how you can get your team to guess the word:

Round 1: Player can use both words and actions, without saying any words that are apart of the answer
Round 2: Player can only use actions to get their team to guess the word.
Round 3: Player can say only 1 word to get their team to guess the clue, so they must choose carefully!

For example, if the word is “cheeseburger”, this is how it could go:

Round 1: Player could act out eating a cheeseburger, pretend to be flipping burgers, and ask “what do you eat at McDonald’s?”

Round 2: Player can only use actions, so could act like they are eating a cheeseburger and make the Golden Arches to symbolize McDonald’s. You hope that your team remembers the words from the first round, so that they will be able to quickly guess it again.

Round 3: The player can only choose one word, so they could say McDonald’s, and hope that someone remembers cheeseburger is written on one of the slips of paper!

I promise, you will be laughing by the end of this game! It is hilarious to watch people try to act out the clues and it’s also very funny to try to understand the word associations people use in round 3.

BONUS ROUNDS: In the comments below, I received ideas for a 4th and 5th round. I tried them out with friends and family…they are HYSTERICAL!

Bonus Round 4: Player has to act out the word under a bed sheet – no talking, only movements!
Bonus Round 5: Player uses sound effects to get their team to guess the word – no words or actions allowed. We found this round was also hysterical under the bed sheet, so you can only hear the noises, but not see what the player is doing. (It’s also hard to make sound effects without acting a little bit, so the bed sheet masks movement.)