Cherry Almond Coffee Cake #BrunchWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BrunchWeek. I received product samples from sponsor 

companies to aid in the creation of the #Brunchweek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

This Cherry Almond Coffee Cake is a sweet addition to any brunch menu. Made with fresh cherries, almond 
extract, and slivered almonds, this delicious cake will quickly become a family favorite!

I'm gonna be honest here, coffee cake is my weakness. I would make one every few days if I could, but I don't because I know I'll devour it all by myself. Coffee cakes are one of those things that are good for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, and even dessert. I can eat coffee cake all. the. time. See the problem here? I need to learn to control myself better. But since Mother's Day is this weekend, and since I really want to spoil my mom, I'm making myself this Cherry Almond Coffee Cake. I mean, her. I'm making her this coffee cake. Sorry about that.

Cherry Yogurt Power Smoothie

I am honored to be a Stonyfield Ambassador and I thank them, and prAna for sponsoring today’s post.  

All opinions, as always, are my own.

This smooth and creamy smoothie is made with frozen sweet cherries and thick and tangy Greek yogurt. 

Full of antioxidants, protein, and fiber, it's a great way to start your day!

In this crazy busy world we live in, most people don't make time for themselves as often as they should. Myself included. I've been a single mom to my sons for the past 15 years and have raised them on my own. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade it for the world! But sometimes it can be exhausting. Working, take care of the kids, doing chores, etc. can be a lot to handle whether you're by yourself or have a partner to share in the everyday tasks. That's why it's so important to take time out for yourself every day. 

Mini Chocolate Cherry Tarts

These three ingredient Mini Chocolate Cherry Tarts are the perfect sweet treat for any holiday gathering or party!

The holidays are quickly approaching, whether we are ready for them or not! I cannot believe that today is November 1st...I mean, where did the year go? It seems like we just celebrated the new year, then summer was here, and now it's the holiday season once again. I swear the older I get, the faster time goes! I tell my kids this all the time but they have yet to believe me. Once they get my age they will completely understand!

Anyway, I'm already starting to think about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all of the holiday parties and get together's we will be having. I'm starting to get ideas for my menus and jotting things in my journal as I think of them. Being a baker at heart, you know my mind is instantly pulled towards desserts and sweet treats. I always need to make sure they are over the top!

Cherry Chocolate Turnovers

These three ingredient Cherry Chocolate Turnovers couldn't be easier to make! Served 

right from the oven they are a delicious treat to serve to your family and friends.

Growing up my mom used to buy these delicious little turnovers from the store for a special treat on the weekends. She served them for breakfast and I remember how excited I would get when I knew we were having them. Sometimes they were cherry filled, other times they were apple. No matter what the variety, they were always delicious!

It wasn't until I grew up and started baking that I realized I could make these delicious treats at home. Of course you can make your own homemade dough, but I love using Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets. They are perfect for so many things, like Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust, or this Gruyere & Campari Tomato Tart. But I especially love using them in sweet recipes.

Cherry Filled Crepes

These delicate and delicious crepes are filled with a homemade cherry sauce and come together quickly 

for the most fabulous weekend breakfast!

I'm beginning to think I should turn this blog into a breakfast blog. I mean, my obsession with breakfast is off the hook right now! Don't you agree? I hope you are cool with this, because I really love creating new breakfast recipes and sharing them with you. And I promise, I'll blog about other stuff too. Like desserts. And quick weeknight meals. But I've got to keep doing this breakfast thing, too. Do we have a deal?

For now, let's talk about these Cherry Filled Crepes. Probably one of my favorite weekend breakfasts right now. Who can go wrong with thin, delicious crepes and a luscious homemade cherry sauce? It's seriously the bomb. My kids agree too!

Sweet Cherry Coconut Cooler

Refreshing, healthy, and delicious, this Sweet Cherry Coconut Cooler will quickly become 

one of your new favorite summer sippers!

On a hot summer day, what's more refreshing than an ice cold drink? When that drink is full of delicious sweet cherries and creamy coconut milk, I say not much! This Sweet Cherry Coconut Cooler has quickly become my new favorite summer drink. It's similar to a smoothie, but not as thick, so I prefer to call it a cooler. Because that's exactly what it does. It cools you off.

Sweet Cherry Yogurt Pops

Fresh, sweet cherries and creamy yogurt are all you need to make one healthy and 

delicious frozen treat that the whole family will love!

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Break out those ice cream makers my friends, and let's get going! I remember my aunt and uncle having one of those old fashioned giant hand crank machines, the ones that you put the ice and salt in. You'd have to sit there and crank and crank and turn and turn for what seemed like hours to make that ice cream! But in the end it was so worth it to get that fresh, homemade deliciousness. I absolutely loved it and it was a highlight of many childhood summers.

Fast forward many years (many, MANY years), and now I have a fancy ice cream maker that does all the turning for me. No ice needed. No hand cranking. I kind of miss that old machine, but on the other hand it's way easier doing it this way and much quicker! I make my own ice cream quite often during the summer, but I also love making other frozen treats, like frozen yogurt and popsicles. I have a few different popsicle molds and love trying different combinations from sweet to fruity to chocolaty and even sometimes spicy. This week I took some delicious, fresh sweet cherries and combined them with thick and creamy Greek yogurt and got the best ever Sweet Cherry Yogurt Pops.

Cherry Cardamom Scones

These sweet, tender scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea!

It's no surprise that with my love for baking and all things baked, that I adore scones. I've made a batch here and there, but never really perfected my recipe. Well, until now anyways. 

After recipe testing for the last couple of years, I finally created the perfect scone. You only need a few ingredients and a few minutes of time to create the most delicious, fluffy, and tender scones. 

Cherry Walnut Granola

Homemade crunchy granola studded with walnuts and tart cherries is a perfect breakfast, especially over yogurt!

Do you make resolutions? At the start of each new year I always resolve to lose some weight. I'm pretty sure it's been the same resolution every year for as long as I can remember. I start out doing well but by the end of January it seems like I've fallen off the wagon. I know I'm not the only one that goes through this. I've heard from many of my friends that they go through this same routine, year after year.

So this year I decided to give myself a break and have a more attainable goal. Instead of striving to lose weight, I'm going to take baby steps and focus on eating better and trying to exercise more. My eating habits have definitely improved over the last few years. I cook dinner just about every single night, my family eats way less fast food, and I've incorporated more fruits and veggies into our diet. 

Tart Cherry Scones

Light and fluffy scones bursting with plump, tart cherries perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack! 

Today I am really excited to be posting at Anyonita Nibbles!  I'm a new Monthly Contributor over there and am so happy to be part of Anyonita's team! 

Sweet Cherry Bundt Cake

Fresh Michigan Sweet Cherries fill this light and tender vanilla Bundt cake, making one delightful summer dessert!

I picked up a big bag of fresh Michigan sweet cherries at the market last week. My kids and I love to just snack on them as is, but I had so many that I knew I wanted to bake with them as well. After taking suggestions from my fans, and thinking long and hard about what to make, I came up with this cake.

This Bundt cake is light, tender and fluffy and has hints of vanilla. The bites of sweet cherries throughout the cake give it a wonderful little pop. I felt that no icing or drizzle was necessary, but a dusting of powdered sugar would be good if you wish. I left mine as is and it was truly delicious. A little slice of summer on your plate!