Crayons & Cravings

Baked Manicotti

Jaclyn Shimmel — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:09:35 +0000

This baked manicotti is comfort food made simple. Tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy ricotta filling, topped with marinara and mozzarella, and baked until bubbly and golden. It looks like a dish you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make—especially with a few shortcuts. There’s no need to...

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Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Jaclyn Shimmel — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 19:52:17 +0000

Slow Cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is a classic comfort dish made with smoky Polish sausage, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and a rich brown sugar and beer mixture. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with big flavors. The slow cooker does all the work here—just layer, pour, and let the magic happen. What you get is a...

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Saltine Cracker Toffee

Jaclyn Shimmel — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:17:01 +0000

Saltine cracker toffee is a sweet, salty, and crunchy holiday treat made with crisp crackers, buttery homemade toffee, smooth chocolate, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Sweet, salty, and crunchy—every bite is addictive (in the best way). If you’ve tried my Christmas Crack recipe before, this one will feel familiar—but with a nutty twist. Instead...

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7 Up Pound Cake

Jaclyn Shimmel — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:21:56 +0000

This old-fashioned 7 Up pound cake recipe is one of those timeless desserts that’s been passed down, shared at church potlucks, family reunions, and Sunday dinners for decades. I remember the first time I made it — slightly nervous about the “soda in cake” part, but immediately hooked after one bite. It’s rich, dense (in...

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15+ Festive Christmas Appetizers

Jaclyn Shimmel — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:45:12 +0000

Entertaining a crowd during the festive season starts with the perfect holiday appetizers. Coming up with a list of what to serve is the first step, so I have compiled this list of 15+ easy, tasty, and festive appetizers to get you started! Here you’ll find a collection of the easiest Christmas appetizers, perfect for...

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Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Jaclyn Shimmel — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:59:42 +0000

There’s something timeless about buttery shortbread cookies, especially the kind that feel like they melt right on your tongue. Whipped shortbread cookies have been a family favorite in my kitchen for years, especially around the holidays. They’re light, soft, and perfect for gifting or sharing at a cookie exchange. This whipped shortbread cookie recipe uses...

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The Best Fudge Recipes

Jaclyn Shimmel — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 20:22:59 +0000

Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy or need a festive treat for the holidays, fudge is always a sweet solution! In this round-up, I’ve gathered 13+ of the best fudge recipes—from classic peanut butter fudge to fun seasonal favorites like candy corn fudge and peppermint fudge. Fudge is surprisingly easy to make and totally...

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Christmas Charcuterie Cups

Jaclyn Shimmel — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:31:47 +0000

This Christmas, give your holiday party appetizers a little extra festive with these adorable Christmas charcuterie cups. They’re perfectly portable, completely customizable, and an easy way to please a crowd because everyone gets their own! Instead of arranging a Christmas Tree charcuterie board, next to the reindeer cheese ball, and Knorr spinach dip, pack them...

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Pecan Crescent Cookies

Jaclyn Shimmel — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:10:27 +0000

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about these pecan crescent cookies. They’re the kind of holiday cookie that shows up year after year, yet they never lose their charm. But honestly? They’re just as perfect with a cup of tea or coffee any day of the year. These delicate, crescent-shaped cookies are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender....

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Christmas Snacks For Kids

Jaclyn Shimmel — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:25:51 +0000

Bring even more holiday magic to your Christmas party this year with these easy Christmas snacks for kids. They’re fun, festive, and sure to become your family’s favorite tradition! I’ve collected 17 of my favorite Christmas snack ideas for kids for you to come back to throughout the holiday season. This festive recipe collection is...

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Boozy Peppermint Milkshake

Jaclyn Shimmel — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:48:54 +0000

This boozy peppermint milkshake is the perfect holiday treat for adults. It combines creamy vanilla ice cream, peppermint schnapps, and crushed candy canes for a festive, flavorful drink. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a peppermint treat, this frozen drink is sure to impress. For more seasonal drinks, try my Boozy Shamrock...

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Christmas Taco Dip

Jaclyn Shimmel — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:10:54 +0000

Be a host with the most this year and serve up this festive Christmas Tree Taco Dip! It’s a playful twist on a classic party dip, and it’s always a crowd favorite. It’s the ultimate Christmas party appetizer made with layers of refried beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh toppings — all served in...

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