So Easter is coming up, so what will you do with all that leftover booty? You know – the eggs, the candies, the marshmallowy Peeps?

Of course there will be egg salad sandwiches for days BUT let’s get creative with it! How about adding in chopped bacon or some sassy curry. Try mixing salsa in your favorite egg salad recipe then rolling it up with some avocados in tortillas for a quick breakfast on the go.

For a beautiful spring presentation, you can do a quick beet pickle. Soak shelled-hard cooked eggs in a sweet & tart beet juice marinade. Then cut and fill. Beautiful and d’lish!

Beet’ing Heart Deviled Eggs!Now, what do you do with that candy after the hunt? Well I’ve got you covered with my recipe for Peep & Jelly-Bean Rice Crispy Tweeps – a fun and festive twist on the beloved rice crispy treats. And yes you can garnish with the peep heads…

Save the Peep Heads for GarnishSo hop to it and have a Happy Easter! –Kathy

Peep & Jelly-Bean Rice Crispy Tweeps
Makes 30 treats

3 Tbsp. butter
6 packages yellow Peeps® – 30 peeps (you can use bunnies too for pink treats)
6 cups Rice Krispies® cereal
1 cup small jellybeans

Pull 30 of the peeps heads off and set aside for garnish.

In a large sauce pan heat butter over low heat until melted. Then add peeps and stir over low heat until melted. Then stir in cereal and jellybeans until cereal is well coated and jellybeans are distributed.

Place mixture in a greased 8″x8″ baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and press down to compact the crispy treats. Let set for at least 15 minutes before serving. To serve cut (5×6) into 30 squares.

Recipe and Photos © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

When I think of my childhood favorite after school treat, hot chocolate always comes to mind. But cocoa isn’t just for kids – that’s right adults! Jazz up the flavors with savory and spice add in’s – like infusing cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks into the base. You can even add in a chili pod for some heat!

You can switch it up in other ways too – for those avoiding dairy, there are lots of options these days. Coconut or almond milk make great alternatives.

Turn your cocoa into a cozy night-cap by stirring in a little honey whiskey or your favorite liqueur. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you’ve got to try my luscious Red Wine Sipping Chocolate.

This rich and creamy version combines sultry dark chocolate, a bold lush red wine and a touch of honey for sweetness. For even more decadence, top it off with a big fat toasted gourmet marshmallow (get the blow torch out!) and finish it with a sprinkle of red wine salt. That’s not your mama’s cocoa!

Now get to sipping! -Kathy

Red Wine Honey Sipping Chocolate
This hot chocolate combines three beloved ingredients: honey, chocolate and red wine – yes wine! It’s rich, delicious and meant to be sipped and savored. For even more decadence, top with toasted hand-made Honey Marshmallows, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with red wine salt.

Makes about 4 servings

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup full bodied red wine
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons Wildflower Blossom Honey
Garnish: 4 Honey Marshmallows (see recipe) or substitute gourmet purchased marshmallows, red wine salt*, honey for drizzling

Combine the chocolate and wine in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk until the chocolate is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the milk and honey, increase heat to med-low and continue to heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour into small cups for serving. Garnish with toasted marshmallows sprinkled lightly with red wine salt if desired.

*Red wine salt is available online.

Recipe and Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for the National Honey Board

We all know the Northwest is known for its rain, but when the sun finally comes out, so do the rainbows! Legend has it there’s a pot of gold at the end…but I think there’s something else hiding under there. Unicorns!

It’s no secret that the wild unicorn trend has taken the country by storm. Restaurants all over the place are serving up unicorn inspired lattes, cakes, bagels, and more. The colorful creations are truly a sight to see.

Unicorn Sushi Photo from Chaarg

Unicorn Bagels Photo from Kirbie’s Cravings

So what does it take to be a unicorn food, you ask? Glitter, sprinkles, shimmer, and bright colors of course! The crazier, the better.

But you don’t have to go out to enjoy this whimsical trend- get creative and try it at home. Jazz up your next party with cupcakes covered in edible glitter. Or how about a glitter rimmed cocktail- now we’re talkin’!

And you don’t have to stop there – top an ice cream sundae with a heaping handful of cotton candy. Sprinkle some luster dust on fresh fruit for a fun twist. If you’re feeling extra crafty, use food coloring to make unicorn butter or whipped cream! Top it on waffles, pancakes, or muffins for a wacky breakfast treat.

Unicorn Milkshake Photo from BethCakes

And if you really want to get your Unicorn DIY on, check out the fun step by step instructions on how to make a Unicorn Bark Milkshake on BethCakes blog – if anything it will make you smile!

So whether you have kids of your own- or you’re just a big kid at heart- the unicorn food trend is the perfect way to bring a little magic to your day.

-Kathy