Confession: I have a sweet tooth.  But like most of my tastes in food, I don’t just like any sweet dessert. It has to be rich and decadent…Chocolate is just the icing on the cake and definitely a bonus.

Approximately 2 months ago, Walmart introduced a new product called Biscoff Spread, and for someone who lived in Europe for nearly 8 months, I can’t believe I had yet to try it.  The original Biscoff Cookie has a long history which originates in Belgium.  These “caramelized biscuits” were first baked delivered door-to-door in 1932.  Many years later a mom who enjoyed the cookie invented a spread that has come to be known as the European alternative to peanut butter.

Available in creamy and crunchy varieties, Biscoff Spread resembles peanut butter in consistency and appearance, only sweeter and richer.  Both spreads are a nut-free blend of Biscoff Cookies with the same caramel-like flavor.  Like peanut butter, Biscoff Spread can be used on toast, bagels, pancakes, waffles, fruit and more.  I appreciate the fact that the spread is vegan which means my son can enjoy it.  At 88 calories a serving, the spread is made with natural ingredients and free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, trans fats, and cholesterol.

You can simply enjoy Biscoff Spread and Cookies for breakfast or a snack as I recommended above.

Or, you can make this rich, decadent Biscoff-Inspired Layered Dessert!

Ingredients

Crust:

Biscoff Cookies

Unsalted Butter

Dessert:

Marscapone Cheese

Chocolate Pudding

Freshly brewed coffee, cooled

Chocolate Shavings

Fresh Whipped Cream (Whip heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar)

Begin by crushing approximately 3 packages of Biscoff Cookies (there are 2 in each package). I like to use our mini food processor.  Melt butter.  Combine crushed cookies and melted butter and press into the bottom of a dish. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes.  Cool.

Begin layering the dish by first adding a layer of Marscapone Cheese and Biscoff Cookies.  Drizzle chilled coffee over cookies being certain not to soak the dessert (see note below).

Cover with chocolate pudding.

Repeat layering process a second time, topping with a layer of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Chill until firm.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup and serve with fresh strawberries, if  desired.

In many ways this dessert resembles Tiramisu, however I don’t recommend soaking the Biscoff Cookies in coffee as one might do with Lady Fingers because these cookies tend to fall apart when soaked with liquid.

Biscoff Spread and Cookies are currently available on Walmart store shelves across the country.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

Photos: Rockin’ Mama

1. Cut out all sugar from my diet.  Eat less sugar.

2. Buy all organics. Do my homework and buy the organic versions of those foods that are most important.

3. Work out 3-5 times a week.  Start going to the gym.

4. Lose weight. See number 1 and 3.

5. Get more sleep. Get uninterrupted sleep.

6.  Spend more time together as a family.

7. Travel more.

8. Worry less.

9. Slow down.

10. Simplify.

11. Give more.

12. Spend less.

These are just SOME of the many “resolutions” I have for 2012. I could honestly double that list if I sat here long enough.  There are so many things I want to do, want to change, and stop doing.  January is the month where, in theory, we all start out with a clean slate.

I don’t know about you, but come Spring, I’ve already either forgotten about, failed to keep, or changed the direction of my New Year’s Resolutions.  Apparently, I’m not alone.  Every year, nearly half of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions, yet by the end of the month, 36 percent of those have been broken. There has to be a better way to make and stick to those goals for the new year.

So why even make a resolution? Because studies have shown that those who make resolutions are still 10 times more likely to eventually achieve their goals as opposed to those who don’t.

Last week, I had a chance to chat with Food Network star Claire Robinson, who’s popular show 5 Ingredient Fix features tasty, eclectic recipes made with just five ingredients. She had some pretty fabulous tips on making resolutions that you will actually keep, how to make healthier eating choices, and focusing on what’s important for the coming year.

In summary, Claire Robinson suggests that those looking to keep their resolutions should avoid drastic decisions that may be impossible to sustain long term and create a built-in reward system to celebrate those small victories which help keep you motivated towards achieving those long-term goals.

Do you remember what Claire Robinson’s resolution is for 2012?

 Win It!  Simply answer the question above and you’ll be entered to win a sweet Dove gift basket which includes the following:

3- 3.3 oz. Dove silky smooth 71% cacao dark chocolate bars

3- 3.3 oz. Dove silky smooth dark chocolate bars

3-3.3 oz. Dove roasted almond silky smooth dark chocolate bars

2- 9 oz. Dove dark chocolate silky smooth promises bags

Comments will close on January 27th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @Dove_Chocolate gift basket from @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/6ruayvr” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Products for review and giveaway along with the interview were made possible by Dove.

As someone who enjoys various of types of chocolate, I was interested in trying the new variety out to see how it compared to Hershey’s 3 other flavors. Traditionally, I’m not someone who enjoys nuts in chocolate. However, being an almond lover, I thought the pairing of milk chocolate and this particular type of nut was delicious. The company takes a whole almond and then surrounds it with milk chocolate and then covers the entire delicacy in a crunchy hard shell. Pieces definitely have the “crunch” dynamic and it seems appropriate to introduce a variety with nuts.

This December (the 2nd, to be exact), Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Pieces will hit store shelves, just in time for the holiday season. Wouldn’t it be cute if they offered red and green options? I can see these making their presence at holiday parties for guests to enjoy.

Win It! I want to give 3 of you the opportunity to try Hershey’s new Milk Chocolate with Almonds Pieces. Simply leave me a comment with another flavor you enjoy. Comments will close on November 22nd at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win @hersheys Pieces @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/7lh7zl5”

Pieces Facebook fans receive an extra entry

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review and giveaway supplied by the company.

Supplies:

Orange beverage or luncheon size paper napkins
Assorted HERSHEY’S Candies
Green party streamer crepe paper
Green curling ribbon
Scissors

Instructions:

1.  For each favor, open napkin and lay flat on table or surface. Place selection of candies in center of napkin.

2.  Tear off two lengths (about 4 to 5 inches each) of green party streamer crepe paper and cut an 8-inch length of ribbon.

3.  Pull napkin corners into the center and hold while pulling in remaining edges to the center; twist paper slightly, forming pumpkin stem.

4.  Position one length crepe paper over stem and then from opposite side position second length over stem.

5.  Tie ribbon around stem and using scissors curl ribbon ends to form pumpkin tendrils.

6.  Plump pumpkin and trim “leaves” if desired.

If you’re having a “grown-up” party, this recipe for Witches’ Brew Ice Cream Soda looks delicious!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons HERSHEY’S Syrup
Cold club soda, seltzer or ginger ale
3 scoops (about 3/4 cup) orange sherbet
TWIZZLERS Strawberry Twists

Directions:
1. Combine syrup with small amount of club soda in 16-ounce soda glass.

2. Add sherbet; fill glass with club soda. Garnish with candy. Serve immediately. Makes one 16-oz. serving.

As I mentioned above, Celebrate With Hershey is filled with spooky and not-so-spooky Halloween crafts and recipes. This year, the company has released several new items including Kit Kat Assortment 50 Snack Size Pieces, Pieces and More 50 Snack Size Pieces, Scare n’ Share Mix 50 Snack Size Packages, Jolly Rancher Assortment 120 Snack Size Pieces, Twizzlers Candy Assortment 120 Snack Size Pieces, and Twizzlers Sweet & Sour Filled Twists Snack Size Bag along with seasonal varieties of your Hershey’s favorites.

For more information, visit CelebrateWithHershey.com.

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples provided which helped facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: Chocolate: The Event

Chocolate: The Event, is being held as a fundraiser for MUZEO’s Eniro programs (providing access to the arts for at-risk you and children) and the Downtown Anaheim Association.  While the events on Saturday are free, you can purchase tickets for Friday’s opening Gala dinner at the Anaheim White House Restaurant (complete with a chocolate-inspired menu…of course), Saturday’s special chocolate-themed experiences, and Sunday’s closing Gala awards and movie screening.

Speaking of MUZEO, the museum is currently displaying  Chocolate: The Exhibition.  Through September 10th, guests can explore the plant, products, history, and culture of chocolate. 

For more information visit MUZEO and Chocolate: The Event.

No compensation was received for this post and I am SO bummed I’m not going to make it.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Emma H. Congrats!

For some reason, some of the most memorable moments with my kids involve food…and messes!  I remember the first time we introduced my son to S’mores.  My dark haired little boy was a dark chocolate mess.  But the smile on his face was something I’ll always remember.  He would go on to pull out the graham crackers, dark chocolate, and marshmallows from time to time so that mommy or daddy could make him S’mores.

Beyond being incredibly delicious, S’mores are simple and fun to create and eat.  Once you get the hang of roasting the marshmallow so it’s slightly crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, try some variations including the addition of peanut butter or strawberry jam, subbing dark chocolate or white chocolate, and using chocolate v. honey grahams.

Hershey’s wants to hear (and see) your favorite S’mores moments and memories. Through their Say S’mores campaign (which is housed on their Facebook page), families can share their favorite S’mores moments for a chance to win a Canon Rebel Camera, slate marble outdoor firebowl, $250 SnapFish gift card, roasting skewers, and all of the ingredients you need to make S’mores.

For more information just visit the Facebook page.

Win It! One of you will win a S’mores pack!  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite S’mores memory.  Comments will close on July 12th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign with Hershey’s and The Motherhood.

I remember so much about our family camping trips.  Getting stuck in the sand at Pismo Beach…fishing and swimming at Lake Castaic...snuggling and roasting marshmallows for S’mores around the campfire at Campland on the Bay.

This summer, Hershey’s is encouraging families to create their own S’mores memories with their Say S’mores campaign, which just launched on their Facebook page. Families are invited to capture and share their favorite S’mores moments on the Hershey Facebook page, and doing so, could win them a S’mores-themed prize. The grand prize (which I’m very excited about) is a Canon Rebel Camera, slate marble outdoor firebowl, $250 SnapFish gift card, roasting skewers, and all of the ingredients you need to make S’mores.  When you visit the page, you can download the Say S’mores app to participate in monthly photo contests and receive a coupon towards the purchase of two Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar 6-packs.

How do we ensure our S’mores are just right?

1. We use dark chocolate (Yum!)

2. We slow-roast our marshmallows so they’re warm and slightly toasted but not burned.

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite S’mores (and camping) moments! And…I’ll have a fun, S’mores-themed giveaway to share with you.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign with Hershey’s and The Motherhood.

I am sitting in a hotel room in Atlanta, watching Chopped on The Food Network, trying to process the wealth of information I received during BlogHer Food.  It seems kind of appropriate that I should talk about chocolate, given the fact that I’ve eaten more of it in the last two days than I have since my visit to Hershey, PA last winter.

Photo Credit: The Hershey Company

If you like chocolate…and games…you’ll have fun with Hershey’s latest Kisses Family Game Night promotion.  Share your sweet moments of family fun for a chance to win prizes like a $10,000 family room makeover and Hasbro classics like Monopoly, Twister, and Sorry.  Entering is as simple as filling out the form on the site.

So how do you create sweet moments of fun with your family?  Family activities expert/mom Deb Geigis Berry has some fun tips to sweeten your next Family Game Night:

• Schedule a date and time
• Build excitement with lunchbox invitations – Attach Kisses Chocolates to the notes
• Pick a game that’s new to your family
• Present a door prize – Chocolate, of course!
• Create a comfortable atmosphere and eliminate distractions
• Sweeten Family Game Night with Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates – Swap existing game pieces in games like SORRY! with different Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates in silver, gold, orange, purple, striped or polka-dotted foils.
• Settle disputes instantly

Win It! One of you will win a “sweet” family game night giveaway which includes the brand new Hasbro game Ratuki and 3 bags of Hershey’s Kisses. Simply leave me a comment with your best Family Game Night Tip! Comments will close on June 5th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for giveaway supplied by Hershey.

Each season, the Hershey Company offers new products and a holiday-themed site which includes recipes, crafts, tips, ideas, and more.  Some of the inspirational content on the site includes basket ideas, Easter egg decorating and egg Hunt ideas, scrapbooking essentials, party favors, and much more!

Photo Credit: Hershey's

One of my favorite Hershey products, that I sometimes have difficulty locating is their Cinnamon Chips.  You’ll typically find them more prominent in stores during the holidays.  I really enjoy the way these chips melt into foods to create a rich but not overwhelming flavor to recipes.  Since we’re having a brunch with some of our friends, I thought I’d make these super easy and flavorful Cinnamon Chip Muffins:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose biscuit baking mix
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips
2/3 cup milk

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Grease or paperline 12 muffin cups (2-1/2-inches in diameter).

2. Stir together baking mix, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, cinnamon chips and milk in medium bowl just until moistened. Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups.

3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or just until browned. Cool slightly; remove from pan. 12 muffins.

This season, the company introduced five new products, including a line of Hop-inspired treats sold exclusively at Walmart.  I have to admit that being the chocoholic that I am, this is one of my favorite times of the year for interesting chocolate varieties from the Hershey Company.  My two favorite chocolate fixes around Easter include their Whoppers Robin Eggs and the infamous Cadbury Creme Egg.  New this year are their mini versions of the Whoppers Robin Eggs, packaged in an adorable bunny bag (I can tell you those didn’t last more than a day!). You’ll also find their new Solid Milk Chocolate Snapsy Bunny which brilliantly breaks apart into edible pieces, just like a chocolate bar!

Photo Credit: Hershey's

Photo Credit: Hershey's

Now I prefer to eat my chocolate, but if you’re looking for a crafty Easter-themed project, check out their ideas for a Foil Egg Wreath which utilizes Hershey’s Solid Milk Chocolate Eggs and their Flower Pot Bouquet which utilizes Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans and assorted Hershey’s pastel foil wrapped candy.

For a wide variety of Easter themed recipes, crafts, and seasonal inspiration, visit Celebrate With Hershey’s.

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples provided.

The Hershey Company recently introduced an entire collection of heart-shaped, pink, purple, and red treats including Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts (which happens to tie for first place as my all-time favorite candy), Jolly Rancher Heart-Shaped Lollipops, and a variety of Kisses in cute packaging.  The snack-sized packages are ideal for pairing with a Valentine’s Day card.  The company also offers beautifully decorated themed boxes featuring classics like York Peppermint Patties and premium chocolates like the Pot of Gold Truffles.

If your child has a party coming up this week (as mine does), I recommend checking out the recipes on Celebrate With Hershey’s.  Here is an adorably yummy recipe for Sweetheart Chocolate Cupcakes.

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Vanilla frosting (homemade or ready-to-spread)
Few drops red food color (optional)
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional)
Decorative themed candies, colored sprinkles or sugars (optional)
OPEN CHOCOLATE HEARTS (directions follow)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line about 30 muffin cups (2-1/2 inch in diameter) with paper or foil baking cups.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Fill cups 2/3 full with batter.

3. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely in pans on wire rack.

4. Frost with vanilla frosting or tint all or part of frosting with a few drops of red food color to get pink. Stir in chopped maraschino cherries, if desired. (For best results, dry cherries thoroughly on paper towels.) Garnish with decorative candies, sprinkles and OPEN CHOCOLATE HEARTS, if desired. About 30 cupcakes.

OPEN CHOCOLATE HEARTS:

Cover tray or cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place 1 cup HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and smooth when stirred. Spoon melted chocolate into small squeeze bottle, pastry bag or strong resealable plastic food storage bag fitted with writing tip*. Pipe freehand hearts or follow patterns by drawing heart shapes on paper that is slipped under the waxed paper. Refrigerate hearts about 30 minutes or until firm.

For more holiday recipes, cards, and gift ideas, visit Celebrate With Hershey’s.

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples provided.

Photo Credit: The Hershey Company