"Whip Up Some Fun: Festive Frozen Whipped Cream Toppers for Hot Chocolate"

A steaming mug of hot chocolate is the perfect cold weather treat, and adding frozen whipped cream toppers is fun, festive, and delicious. Perfect for holiday entertaining. 

The frozen whipped cream slowly melts into the warm cocoa, creating a creamy swirl that’s delicious and visually delightful. 

Whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, these frozen whipped cream toppers can be customized for any occasion. 

Just grab a can of refrigerated aerosol whipped cream, spray some onto parchment paper on a cookie sheet, decorate, and freeze - now you’re all set! This easy recipe is a perfect project to make with younger kids because it is so easy to make and they can have lots of fun with the decorations. 

Use Non-Dairy Alternatives To Make It Vegan

It can also be made with non-dairy almond milk whipped cream (available at most supermarkets) and I've included an easy homemade hot chocolate recipe (link to recipe) which can also be made with non-dairy milk substitutes such as almond or oat milk. 

 How To Make Frozen Whipped Cream Toppers Using Refrigerated Aerosol Canned Whipped Cream 

This no-fuss method will have you and your family enjoying festive whipped cream-topped cocoa in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated aerosol whipped cream (make sure it's kept in the fridge until you're ready to use it)
• Optional decorations: Holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar (for extra festive flair)
• Parchment paper or a baking sheet (to freeze the whipped cream shapes)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Freezing Tray

• Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will be where you will spray your whipped cream shapes.

Step 2: Spray the Whipped Cream

• Hold your can of refrigerated whipped cream upside down and gently spray the whipped cream onto the parchment paper. You can create any shape you like! Small dollops or larger swirls both work well. 

Step 3: Decorate

• Once you’ve sprayed your whipped cream shapes, it’s time to make them festive! Let your kids (or yourself!) go wild with colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. These little additions make the whipped cream look extra special and festive on top of your hot cocoa.

Step 4: Freeze

• Place the tray in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the whipped cream is completely frozen. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape when you place it in your hot chocolate. Use a spatula to easily remove them.

Step 5: Serve with Hot Chocolate

• Once your whipped cream toppers are frozen, it’s time to enjoy them! Pour your favorite hot chocolate into mugs and place one or two frozen whipped cream toppers on top. Watch in delight as the whipped cream slowly melts into your cocoa, creating a rich, creamy swirl in every sip.

Why Kids Will Love Making These Whipped Cream Toppers

Making frozen whipped cream toppers with kids is a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Here’s why this activity is so much fun for kids:

1. No Mess, No Fuss: Since you’re using canned aerosol whipped cream, there’s no need for mixing or whipping—just spray and freeze! It’s super easy for kids to do with minimal adult supervision.

2. Creative Decor: Let kids go wild with the toppings! They can add sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed candy canes to their heart’s content. It’s like making edible art!

3. Instant Gratification: Unlike some baking projects that take hours to prepare, these whipped cream toppers only take a few minutes to create, and the waiting time (for freezing) is well worth it. Kids will be thrilled when they finally get to see their creation melt into the cocoa.

4. Festive Family Fun: Making these toppers can become a new holiday tradition. It’s the perfect way to add some extra cheer to a family hot chocolate night or a holiday movie marathon.

The Magic of Hot Chocolate After Playing in the Snow

There’s something wonderfully comforting about sipping a warm mug of hot chocolate, especially with one of these festive toppers. I remember when I was a kid, my mom would always greet me with a mug of hot cocoa when I came in from playing in the snow (when I was growing up in New Jersey, we had lots of snow and blizzards all winter). I would be out for hours. Hot chocolate would be a staple in those cold winter months. 

Let me know if you try them... they are so much fun to make...

Whether you’re having a cozy family night, enjoying some quiet time by the fire, or hosting a holiday gathering, hot chocolate with these fun toppers is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Wishing everyone peace, joy, and happiness as you enjoy this holiday season. 

My neighbor sent me a picture of my house in this week's light snow 

A Brief Vacation

I'll be taking a brief vacation from our vacation home in Miami.

We are joining friends for a week long cruise on the Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship. We are four couples all from the neighborhood back home in Pennsylvania originally. 

We raised our kids together and this is our 3rd year meeting on a cruise in mid December for reunion together ( 2 of the couples now live in Florida). 

Where are we going? The Caribbean. We have three stops:

Tortuga Island- always wanted to go there but it is very difficult to get to unless you come in by boat.

St. Kitts- Been there before and it is a lovely island

Puerto Plata in Dominican Republic-  

It'a only for a week. I left last Saturday, So I'll be home this Saturday Dec 21and will be back commenting on your blogs. 

Have a great week... 

I made this green bean dish yesterday. It's blanched green beans (which really keep their color) , tomatoes, nuts/seeds etc with a balsamic reduction dressing.  Green Beans (link to recipe and dressing) 

The Secret To My 4 easiest Homemade Soups: Use Salsa as Your Base

It's soup season 🍅🥕🥔🍠 and a hot nourishing bowl of homemade soup may be just what you are craving to warm up and get cozy on a cold winter night. 

I'm reposting 4 of my easiest homemade soup recipes which use a jar of salsa as my soup base. Using salsa as a soup base is a great kitchen hack. 

There are quite a few reasons that I use salsa for making soups

• Salsa is a time-saving, healthy, and flavorful idea that can elevate your cooking game with minimal effort. Salsa, packed with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and provides a natural, low-calorie, low-fat foundation for soups, eliminating the need for lengthy chopping and simmering of ingredients.
•  It has a zesty kick brings immediate depth to your dish, while offering a variety of essential vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to its veggie-packed content.

• It saves time without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus, it’s a versatile base that can be customized to suit any flavor profile, making it a go-to shortcut for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, delicious meal in no time.

• Onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, spices - all of the ingredients that make a good base for many soup recipes. You choose from mild, medium, or hot salsa.

•  I always use organic salsa which contains all organic vegetables. Organic vegetables may otherwise be hard to find, may be expensive, or difficult to always have on hand. This is a game changer.  

If you are busy, don't like to cook, or just want a fast and easy recipe, you may yourself falling in love with my four easiest ever soup recipes using my simple "salsa" method. 

Choose from any or all of these healthy soups:

• Easiest Black Bean Soup  
• Spicy Cabbage Soup
• Sweet Potato (or butternut squash) Spicy Soup
• Red Lentil Vegetable Soup 

All four soup recipes start with the same base- a jar of organic salsa. 

My Fast and Easy Method: 

1. Open the jar of salsa and pour into Instant Pot liner.

2. Add remainder of ingredients to the liner and close lid. Set timer. When done, in under a half hour, enjoy a bowl of homemade, healthy, fiber rich, soup!!

Easiest Black Bean Soup  link to recipe)

Sweet Potato (or butternut squash) Spicy Soup-link to recipe)

Red 

Spicy Cabbage Soup - a staple and favorite in our home. 

Red Lentil Vegetable Soup  (link to recipe)

My Notes: 

1. All of these soup recipes meet gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher-parve, and vegan standards. All can be made oil-free as well. 

2.We love cabbage and use cabbage in the following delicious  recipes: 

• unstuffed easy cabbage rolls
• red and orange coleslaw 
•  red cabbage potato salad, 
•  my flu fighting winter soup  
•  Asian Quinoa Slaw  
• red lentil golden borsht. 
• Follow the links for the recipes. 

3 Simple Healthy Holiday Recipes to Impress Without the Stress

Although the holiday season is frequently laden with sweet and rich indulgences, it doesn’t mean we can't find snacks and sides that are light, healthy, or uncomplicated. 

On this post today, I'm sharing 3 interesting recipes that I found on other blogs that I thought were perfect for entertaining now and during the holidays. 

I had a dinner party last night with 15 guests. I tried two different recipes that I found on Pattie's blog ( A blog that I follow) called Olla-Podrida.  Both recipes were well received.

Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive (vegan) calls for just a handful of healthy ingredients. The dip is savory and creamy with the delicious taste of olives. It's perfect for scooping with crisp veggies or your favorite chips or crackers (all gluten-free of course). It's an easy recipe to keep on hand. Follow the link to find her recipe. Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive

Next, an interesting Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm features hearts of palm, marinated artichokes, a variety of olives, and cherry tomatoes- a delightful mix of textures and delicious flavors. Light, refreshing, and festive, it’s perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday meals. Follow the link to see her recipe. I did make some personal taste changes. See my notes at the bottom of the post for my personal changes.Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm

The third recipe I found on another blog that I follow, Jeff the Chef's blog - Make it Like a Man. I have not made this incredible looking food design recipe yet, so I don't have a photo to share with you - but click over to his blog to see this beautiful Caprese holiday wreath made of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls,  (vegans can substitute vegan feta cheese) and edible greens. So creative, and definitely is cheerful, festive, and makes a great presentation during the holidays. I think it's a show stopper!! 

 Whether you're wanting a festive appetizer or a light, colorful salad, these simple dishes are the perfect balance of healthful ingredients and holiday cheer.

My Notes: 

Re: Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm. 

I made a few changes when I made the recipe. 

First, I used a jar of marinated artichoke quarters. I used some of the marinade from the jar in place of the suggested dressing for the recipe.

Re;Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive . I left out the oil and I thought it was still very creamy. Next time, I might try using green olives or Kalamata olives in this easy bean dip recipe.