How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Better Than Bakery

Magically transform a store bought cake mix into a moist, crowd-pleasing layer cake with my "secret" hack for How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Better Than Bakery...

I don't mean to brag or anything (okay, maybe I do just *a little* bit ;) ), but I have become known over the past few years for my "homemade" two-layer cakes. 

They are often requested by my family & friends for birthdays, special occasions, and holidays. And I do have to say that I find it a tad bit amusing since I have never really considered myself much of a cake baker.

But a few years back, I discovered a little hack to doctoring up a boxed cake mix. (Shhhhh.... I do not make my layer cakes from scratch!) 

The "secret" is extra eggs, extra oil, and sour cream. The addition of these three things can magically transform a regular ole store bought cake mix into a super moist and decadent cake that will leave all of your party guests raving and begging you the recipe.

3 Easy Steps to a Crowd-Pleasing Homegating Platter

Whip up a snack platter that is sure to score a touchdown at your next game day get-together with these 3 Easy Steps to a Crowd-Pleasing Homegating Platter...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.

When it comes to game day snacking & entertaining, I go for easy & fuss-free every single time. I never want to be the hostess that is stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the big game. I mean, what fun is that anyways? ;)

One of my favorite homegating dishes to throw together for a football party is an easy, yet crowd-pleasing platter. A tasty snack platter almost always serves as the star & the centerpiece of my game day spread. Once I have the platter made & ready to go, I can easily build the snack table from there with all the goodies that my party guests bring.  

Building the perfect homegating snack platter doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. In fact, you can whip up a platter that is sure to score a touchdown at your next game day get-together in just 3 easy steps...

It's Time for Turkey: My 4 Essentials for Easy Holiday Dinner Prep

Make your family holiday dinner super simple & hassle-free with My 4 Essentials for Easy Holiday Dinner Prep...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

It is t-minus one day until turkey time, folks! If you happen to be scrambling to put the finishing touches on that holiday dinner menu for tomorrow, then you are in luck because I have a few quick & easy ideas to share with you all today. 

Who says that hosting a family holiday dinner has to be crazy time consuming and stressful anyways? ;) You can make it super simple & hassle-free with a few simple ingredients and a little creativity. I am sharing a handful of my favorite products & tips below for making that happen.

Slow Cooker Italian Pepperoncini Shredded Beef

It only takes 4 ingredients & a few minutes of prep to make this juicy and flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Pepperoncini Shredded Beef...

This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor.

Whether we are hosting friends for the big game or having the family over for a little get-together, I usually rely on a few go-to recipes that can feed a small crowd and that keep me out of the kitchen and hanging out with our guests as much as possible. 







This Slow Cooker Italian Pepperoncini Shredded Beef happens to be one of those go-to, crowd-pleasing recipes of mine. It takes less than 15 minutes of prep time in the morning to get this flavorful, slow roasted shredded beef ready and in the slow cooker. 

Let it slow cook all day while you do more important things like cleaning the house, baking a cake or a batch of cookies, or whipping up a pitcher of sangria. ;)

My favorite way to serve this Italian shredded beef is topped with provolone or mozzarella cheese on big Italian sandwich buns. I just set out the buns & cheeses and let our guests make their own sandwiches. That is fuss-free entertaining, folks!

Farmers Market Breakfast Pizza

Brimming with bacon, pork sausage, & farm fresh eggs, this hearty Farmers Market Breakfast Pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser...

This recipe first appeared on the Bridgeport Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh site.

I am on a mission once again this outdoor farmers market season to show you all how you can create a delicious recipe purchasing mostly locally grown & raised produce and meats at your local farmers market. I started this locally inspired recipe series last summer, and I am thrilled to be continuing the series this year as well. Each month I will be sharing a recipe here to the blog inspired by and featuring some of my own personal favorite fresh & local finds from my local market. 

For the month of July, I am sharing the recipe for this hearty & tasty Farmers Market Breakfast Pizza. Yes, I did say a breakfast pizza! I mean, why should just lunch & dinner get to have all the pizza fun? ;)

Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake

With its rich & chocolaty cake layers frosted with a fresh raspberry buttercream, you certainly cannot go wrong with this crowd-pleasing Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake for your next party or celebration...

Let me start this post off by first offering an apology to any of my Instagram followers who may have seen the teaser photo I posted back in August for this insanely decadent cake. You all have been waiting almost two months for this recipe, and I didn't mean to make you all wait that long for this one. 

But you know, life & work & the kids starting back to school got in the way. But today the wait is finally over, my friends!

I actually whipped up this cake for my son's 20th birthday party in August. And yes, I did say TWENTY. I mean, how does that even happen anyways? 

When they say the years go by fast, they are not exaggerating, you all. One day you are planning a Blue's Clues themed party for their first birthday, and then the next thing you know they have officially left their teen years and are in their twenties. I can't even wrap my head around it sometimes.

Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings

Perfectly breaded & fried chicken nuggets are tossed in a flavorful & spicy sauce in these Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings...

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Persil Proclean 2in1. All opinions (& messy stains) expressed below are 100% my own.

If you happen to read my blog pretty regularly, you might have already noticed this by now- But when it comes to game day, I am in it only for the food, folks. Period.  

And with the biggest game of the year happening later on this week, I have been in full-on game day menu planning over here. 

Personally, I do not have a stake in this year's game. But no matter which team you may or may not be rooting for this coming Sunday, one thing is for sure- there is no reason in the world why your football party menu can't be the MVP of the day. ;)

One item that is always a must-make for game day in our house has to be something Buffalo sauced. Whether it be my Buffalo Parmesan Hummus, or this Creamy Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad, or these flavorful Roasted Garlic Boneless Buffalo Wings that I am sharing with you all today, my game day menu isn't complete without something spicy & saucy. 

And let me tell you all about these boneless wings for a sec- they are pretty much ah-mazing. Like lick your fingers clean amazing. And I am not saying that just because I made them, folks.

My son even went so far as to suggest that I patent this recipe & then sell the rights to a certain restaurant chain that is well known for their wings. ;) 

These boneless "wings" are perfectly breaded & fried until crispy & golden brown (I may or may not have posted a video of this golden frying goodness on my Instagram), and then they are tossed in a rich roasted garlic Buffalo sauce...

Frozen Berry Sangria Floats

These Frozen Berry Sangria Floats only get better as they thaw, making them the perfect cocktail for those warm end-of-summer days and nights...

Summer might be winding down for most of us (hello, my oldest starts back to school today), but I am not giving up the outdoor entertaining just yet. The days are still warm and the evenings long, so we are going to sit back and soak up these last few weekends of summer before it becomes football & pumpkin everything. ;) 

For my summertime entertaining, I love coming up with easy, fuss-free, and crowd pleasing recipes and cocktails that will leave me raising a glass with my friends and family on a summer evening instead of in the kitchen handing out yet another glass to one of my guests. These fruity and frosty Frozen Berry Sangria Floats definitely fit that bill...

15 Fun & Unique Popcorn Recipes

From sweet to savory to salty & sweet, these 15 Fun & Unique Popcorn Recipes are sure to be a hit at your next movie night-in, family get-together, or party...

If there is just one universal snack that I think just about everyone can agree on, it has to be popcorn. Am I right? 

Popcorn can be served just about anytime, anywhere, and for any occasion. A movie night in? Check! A family game night? Check! Birthday parties? Check! (In fact, I have made a themed popcorn recipe for just about every one of my daughter's birthday parties.) An easy afternoon snack? Check!

And while I am always down for a good microwave popped kettle corn or a super buttery bucket of movie theater popcorn, I also love fun & unique popcorn recipe ideas. Sweet & salty flavor combos are usually my absolute fave, but I haven't been known to turn down a handful or two of the savory varieties. ;)

So whether you are planning a move night-in, a little get-together, or inviting everyone over to watch the big game soon, you are sure to find the perfect crowd-pleasing popcorn recipe to whip up in these 15 Fun & Unique Popcorn Recipes I am sharing with you all today...

Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole

This simple & delicious Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole can be made the night before making it the perfect breakfast for a busy weekday morning or a laid back weekend brunch...

Post updated 9/4/19- This crowd-pleasing Cinnamon-Sugar English Muffin Casserole deserved some updated photos. I did leave one of the originals down below just so you all can see for yourself why this recipe so desperately needed a little face lift. ;)

I have to admit that the creation of this recipe came about because of a package of English muffins that somehow got pushed to the back of our bread box and then was buried by a couple of loaves of bread. 

About 5 or 6 days later as I was finishing up one of the loaves of bread making sandwiches for lunch, I spotted that package of English muffins stuffed back there in the corner. 

I let out an immediate sigh, grabbed the package, and started to head to the trash can with them. I mean, they weren't bad but they were definitely far from being fresh at this point. 

As I started to push the door of the trash can open, a light bulb went off...

What do I do with day old loaves of French or Italian bread??

I make french toast casseroles! So, why couldn't I do the same with less than fresh English muffins? I figure it couldn't hurt to give it a go, and the results were absolutely delicious, folks! :)

Holiday Meatball Wreath Appetizer

This easy to make, yet elegant Holiday Meatball Wreath Appetizer is sure to steal the show at your next holiday party or get-together...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carando®. All opinions are entirely my own. 

One thing that I really love about the holidays is being able to host & entertain. I love to invite over a small group of family & friends for a little cookie baking party or maybe for hot cocoa & to watch Christmas movies. I always seem to host at least one cocktail or wine party before the start of the New Year. 








I prefer my holiday get-togethers to be casual, simple yet elegant, & as fuss-free as possible for me. I mean, what holiday hostess wants to be spending all her time in the kitchen & not mingling with her loved ones? (Not me! ;) )








That is why my new go-to for holiday appetizers this season is the tasty selection of Fresh Italian Style Carando® Meatballs that I can pick up in the refrigerated meat aisle at my local Food Lion. 

Not only are Carando meatballs easy & convenient (you only have to brown them in the oven for 20 minutes!), but they are also authentically crafted for the perfect texture & amazing flavor without you having to do any of the work...

Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip

This bold & oh so cheesy Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip is served warm from the oven and is sure to become the star of your next holiday party or get-together...

This content was created in partnership with Kroger Family Stores using free products provided by Kroger.

This recipe post first appeared on the Kroger Inspired Gathering site.

We do a lot of entertaining around the holidays and New Year's, and we also attend quite a few holiday parties and get-togethers. I love having a handful of go-to appetizer recipes on hand that are easy to make and perfect for sharing. 








Although you can never go wrong with a classic platter of assorted cheeses, olives and crackers, what's a party without the dip? I always include a crowd-pleasing, tasty dip of some sort in just about every one of my holiday party menus -- the cheesier the better.








This Shrimp & Asiago Cheese Dip is a delicious twist on a classic spinach artichoke dip. The spinach is swapped out for tender shrimp, and the traditional, more mild Parmesan is replaced with flavorful and robust Asiago cheese. 

This bold, creamy and oh-so-cheesy dip is served warm from the oven and is sure to become the star of your next holiday party or get-together...

30 Thirty Minute Game Day Recipes

Be ready for the big game quick with these 30 Thirty Minutes Game Day Recipes...

With football season coming to a close soon (ahem, there just may be a pretty big football game on the first Sunday in February ;) ) and basketball season about to go into full swing, it is always good to have a few quick and tasty recipes in your game day arsenal. 

Game day recipes that don't require a lot of time or fuss to throw together making them perfect for that last minute get-together or party to watch the game.

I scoured my favorite food blogs and have found 30 of the very best game day recipes that can be ready to serve in 30 minutes or less. :) You heard me right, folks- many of these recipes can be ready in under a half hour.  Quick, easy, and crowd pleasing- the perfect game plan for a delicious game day menu! 

Make Game Day Entertaining Easy with These Essential Big Game Eats

Hosting a get-together for the big game this weekend? The game day spread can make or break even the best football party. Make game day entertaining easy and delicious with these essential big game eats...

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. 

When it comes to game day entertaining, I only have one thing on my mind- the big game snack spread. I usually don't care much about who is playing who, or even who ends up being the champions in the end. I am there for one thing & one thing only- the food, folks. 

Because when it comes to snacking, there isn't much that beats a good game day spread. From the essentials like chips & dips to wings to pizza and everything else in between, the big game menu is what makes or breaks a game day get-together for me.

Bavarian Ham Burger

 A juicy burger is topped with ham, cheddar cheese, & Heinz Yellow Mustard on a pretzel bun in this crowd-pleasing Bavarian Ham Burger...

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 

I look forward to warmer weather all throughout winter. First of all, I am not a fan of snow or the cold. Yes, I know I need to move south or west. ;) But the other reason is for full-time grilling season! 

We grill all year round in this house- even if we have to shovel a little snow to get to the grill- but once the warmer weather becomes a regular thing around here we are out grilling at least twice a week. Usually my husband is the one manning the grill, so that also means I get a little break from the kitchen. (Not complaining, folks.)

Two essentials that we always have on hand for grilling is New Heinz® Yellow Mustard and Heinz Ketchup. Before we fired up the grill last week, I headed over to my local Walmart to stock up on our grilling must-haves...

Berry Patriotic Poke Cake

Incorporating the flavors of black cherry, fresh raspberries and blueberries, this easy-to-make Berry Patriotic Poke Cake is the perfect addition to your summer celebration...

This content was created in partnership with Kroger Family Stores using free products provided by Kroger.

This recipe post first appeared on the Kroger Inspired Gathering site.

With Memorial Day weekend and long summer days quickly approaching, we all need easy, crowd-pleasing dessert recipes to have on hand for holiday get-togethers and backyard cookouts. 





One of my favorite desserts to make, especially during the summer months, is a good old-fashioned poke cake. Poke cakes are so easy to make, yet they are impressive and pretty. They also lend themselves well to all the sweet fruits of summer.





While I created this Berry Patriotic Poke Cake with Memorial Day weekend in mind, this is also the perfect dessert for a Fourth of July celebration. You just can't beat a light and fluffy white cake spiked with black cherry gelatin, then topped with creamy whipped topping and fresh raspberries and blueberries. 

You can have your red, white and blue, and eat it too!