Chewy Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

Maple Sugar Cinnamon Rolls

Vermont Inspired Recipes

Maple Sugar Cinnamon Rolls

for rolls

• 2 tablespoons yeast

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 cup of warm water

• 3/4 cup of warm whole milk

• 1 teaspoon of sea salt

• 1/2 melted butter

• 1 egg

• 3 1/2-4 cups of unbleached flour

for filling

• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon 

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar

• 1/2 cup of maple sugar- we use Butternut Mountain Farm

for frosting glaze

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup of butter

• 1/2 cup pure Vermont Maple Syrup - we use Butternut Mountain Farm

Using stand mixer add yeast, water, milk salt and sugar to mixing bowl. Mix slightly and allow the yeast to grow. 2-5 minutes.

Add melted butter and egg. Mix together. Using the dough hook add 1 cup of flour and mix. Allow to sponge up the flour for 5 minutes. Then slowly add one cup of flour at a time mixing until incorporated. Continue to kneed the dough on low for about 5 minutes.  The trick with dough is to make sure you don't use too much flour. The dough will be smooth but not too sticky and not too dry.

Spray a baking sheet and place dough into middle of pan then place in oven for 45 minutes to rise and double in size.

More Vermont Posts

Delicious Harvest Apple Pie

Our destination for FALL this year is Vermont. Vermont is one of my very most favorite places on earth. Fall in Vermont means stunning colorful autumn leaves of the sugar maples, the smell of sweet wood burning in the fireplaces, harvest dances at the local town halls, harvest full moon walks, plaid flannel, men letting their beards grow out in anticipation of hard cold winters, crisp fresh apples, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and a delicious harvest apple pie. When I lived in Vermont it felt like I was living in a movie. Everything you do in the small towns of Vermont is special unlike anywhere else in the world. Schedule a trip to Vermont and spend at least a week exploring the winding Green Mountain roads, little villages (yes they are called villages in Vermont), visit the local general/grocery stores, take a hike or swim in one of the many swimming holes of the fresh rivers. If you are there in the fall don't miss having a sip of fresh apple cider and an apple cider doughnut. Yes, it really does look like the beginning of Newhart even now in 2015 thirty years later and it's just as enchanting as the song Henry Mancini wrote for the show. Go ahead and listen. You will imagine yourself driving from small town to small town peeping at the rainbow of colors that cover the mountains this time of year.

I love this recipe for apple pie because it's a mix of both a pie crust and the taste of an apple crisp blended together in this delicious pie.  I use locally grown apples which always taste best and are freshest. I was blessed this year to have a wonderful heirloom apple tree that is a remnant of the apple orchards that use to cover the small town of Orem, Utah.

Did you know? Many of the variety of apples were lost during prohibition because they didn't want people to make hard apple cider so the trees were cut down. So sad but if you are lucky and in Vermont and find a wild apple tree along the side of the road go and forage for some of these tasty old varieties that have long since disappeared from all most everywhere. You never know it could be along one of the roads (Hazen's Notch Road) President George Washington sent the troops up to Vermont to build during the revolutionary war.

Harvest Apple Pie Recipe

makes one pie

Pie Filling

• 12 fresh apples

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

• pinch of sea salt

Peel and slice apples in about 1/2 inch slices. In a large mixing bowl add sugar and spices and mix. Toss apples in sugar-spice mix. Set aside.

One Pie Crust Recipe

Pie Crumble Topping

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1/2 cup of unbleached flour

• 1/2 cup of fresh cream butter

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

With a fork or your hands blend together ingredients until the mixture forms small pebbles. Set aside.

Add pie crust to 9-inch pie pan. Be sure to prick small holes in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust with a fork. Add apple filling to the pan. Top with pie crumble topping. 

For the star fall decorative topping I tool a small cookie/pastry cutter added stars around the edge of the pie crust then made the star fall pattern starting at one side overlapping the stars then slowly spacing them further and further apart to get the star fall effect. This would also be pretty with a tiny maple left cookie/pastry cutter to make a windblown leaf decoration.

Place pie pan on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. The pie will be bubbling hot so use caution when taking out of the oven.

Sweet Tip: Let pie set up for a least 20 minutes before serving.

More Vermont Posts

DIY Dog & Cat Collar Craft

DIY Dog & Cat Collar

Supplies:

• Measuring tape

• Sharp scissors

• Button down shirt with collar 

As I mentioned, this is a super quick and easy DIY dog craft. (or cat)

First, measure your cat or dog's neck making sure to leave a little give so the collar isn't too tight. To find the correct size shirt for your pet measure the inside of the shirt collar and match it as closely as possible to your pet's neck size. 

For my cats, I used a size 6-12-month-old sized shirt. For my small dog, I used a 2 T sized shirt. You could easily fit all sizes of dogs and cats with shirts ranging from preemie to XXL men's sizes. 

A new or gently used shirt works fine. To save a little I bought my shirt at a local thrift shop. 

Next, cut along the collars edge just below the rolled seam, trimming as close to the edge as possible.

That's it. Really there is nothing more to it. 

Quick Pickled Red Onion Recipes

Making red pickled onions are so easy to make and are one of my favorite things to top salads, wraps and a  good charcuterie board.

Pickled onions are popping up topping burgers and salads at all the trendy restaurants. They are something our grandmothers use to make. I don't really know why they ever fell out of popularity in food because they are soo flavory and easy to make.
I loved picking out the pearl pickled onions out of my grandma's mustard pickles. I promise to post the mustard pickle recipe sometime soon because anyone who makes a roast should have some mustard pickles to add as a relish.

You can make pickled onions with an onion really. I'm making a batch with both red onion and yellow onion. 
You will simply need vinegar and onions. That's it! See super easy!
I love using my vintage ball canning jar with the glass lid and clamp on it to make pickled onions.

Peel your onions. Slice your onion into thin slices.  Add to a jar of vinegar. All to pickle in the refrigerator for about 2 days then they will be ready to top your hamburger, salad or add to your charcuterie board.

Enjoy!

National S'mores Day Recipes and Ideas

Today is National S'mores Day. For national S'mores Day why not host a S'mores party with a S' mores bar. Our Raspberry Nutella and Chocolate S'more is so delicious and simple to make. Add it to the bar along with other toppings for your guests to choose from.

Nutella S'mores Recipe

• Original marshmallows

• Homemade or the best raspberry jam

• Hersey's chocolate bars

• Nutella hazelnut spread

• Graham crackers

First, toast your marshmallow to the perfect melting point. See our directions here: The Perfect toasted marshmallow. Next spread Nutella, and raspberry jam on a square of graham cracker. Next place chocolate square on the top. Finally, add the perfectly warm toasted marshmallow. Top with a second square of graham cracker and press together. Enjoy!

Sweet Tip:

Be sure to have your cracker ready for the marshmallow so you can place the marshmallow on top while it is still hot so your chocolate will melt for the perfect S'mores.

Fresh Grilled Pineapple & Strawberries with Maple Syrup

Vermont Inspired Recipes

This delicious recipe is naturally gluten-free. It's perfect for everyone at your next BBQ. My mom loves grilled pineapple. I love the way the grill brings out the sweetness of the fruit and caramelizes the fruit sugars while still keeping a little bit of the tanginess. Serving grilled fruit kabobs for dessert while dining Al fresco is perfect. Drizzle some real pure Vermont maple syrup over the top and its heaven. Great for a light dessert. For a warm summer evening, another way to serve the fresh grilled pineapple and strawberries is to serve it over a vanilla bean ice cream then drizzle the maple syrup over the top for a fresh grilled fruit ice cream sundae. YUM

P.S.I use Butternut Mountain Farm pure Vermont Maple Syrup because my sister's sugar bush in northern Vermont contributes to their maple syrups. I know many of the maple producers in the area that contribute Butternut Mountain Farm and have visited Butternut Mountain in Johnson, VT. I know I am getting the best quality maple syrup from them. Their syrup comes from some of the most pristine mountains filled with wild beautiful sugar maple trees. I've walked the mountains. My kids have helped tap the trees where this syrup comes from and have helped stoke the fire on a chilly March evening in the wood-fired evaporator. 

How to Grill Pineapple and Strawberries

• 1 fresh ripe pineapple

• 1 pint of fresh strawberries

• 1 pint of real Vermont maple syrup- I use Butternut Mountain Farms grade A dark robust

Cut pineapple into large bite-size chunks. Remove stems from strawberries. Alternate strawberries and pineapple on skewers. This gives a nice contrast for the presentation. 

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon!

SUMMER SALAD SERIES - LOW CARB GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS

Broccoli Salad is one of those favorite foods you see at potlucks, picnics and summer bbq’s. It’s great with grilled chicken or steak or even alone. It’s easy to put together and gets even better when you make it the night before and allow the flavorys to marinate together. It’s definatly one of our favorite family recipes we share at get-togethers.

SWEET LIFE TIP: Rather than fry your bacon on the stove top place the bacon on a baking sheet and cook at 375 degrees until crisp.

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Broccoli Salad Recipe

By Simply the Sweet Life

This recipe can be doubled or even tripled for a large group.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli
• 1/2 medium size red onion
• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar - for low carb use natural sugar substitute such as erythritol
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries - optional

Instructions

1. Chop raw broccoli into bite size pieces.
2. Cook bacon and allow to cool. The chop into small pieces
3. Chop onion into small pieces.
4. In a small bowl whisk together mayonaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper for dressing.

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 00 hrs. 15 mins.

Total time: 15 mins.

Nutrition

• Calories: 317
• Fat: 26g
• Totalcarbs: 17g
• Dietaryfiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g

Tags: Broccoli, Salad, Bacon, Recipe

SAVE IT FOR LATER - PINTEREST

The Healing Power & Energy of Amethyst Crystals

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Please note: This information is to be used as an informational guide only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.

Using Amethyst for Healing and Energy Work

Have you ever placed your hand in or over an Amethis geode? Did you feel the cool calming effect it has? Amethyst gems are more than the February birthstone, it is believed in some cultures and faiths that amethysts hold healing properties. This beautiful purple crystal ranges in hues of blue-purple to warm plums. Amethyst comes from the Greek word améthystos which means “ not intoxicating” which makes perfect sense since it is a great tool for calming and grounding your energy. Let's explore the basics of using amethyst for energy work and healing.

We have more info on where amethyst is sourced and they are found around the world here: Where in the World is Amethyst from?

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Amethyst Quick Reference

• Color - light pink-violet to a deep blue purple

• Birthstone - February

• Chakras - Crown Chakra, Third Eye Chakra

• Numerology - Number 3

• Zodiac - Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

• Ruling Planet - Jupiter, planet of wisdom & knowledge

• Element - Air

• Access to inner nobility

• Relieves stress

• Relieves pain

• Brings inner peace & calm

• Brings spiritual awareness

• Helps with psychic abilities

• Brings positive transformation

• Useful in meditation

• Brings balance to energy and thoughts

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What are amethyst crystals good for?

Manifestation & Insight:

Amethyst is known as the Stone of Power and is one of the most powerful healing crystals. It’s a master of manifestation and calm. Amethysts open your third eye accessing your source of power and wisdom from within and your higher self or spirit. This makes amethyst an excellent stone for meditation when seeking insight.

Calm:

Do you need a calming relaxing helper? Amethyst is believed to calm nerves and emotions, and alleviate anxiety, exhaustion, inflammation, pain, and headaches. Because of its ability to ease inflammation, it is good for the lungs, immune system, and fighting viruses.

Placing a beautiful piece of amethyst in your bedroom is thought to calm your space and help you sleep well.

Protection:

Amethyst Quartz Crystals are a strongly protective stone. It protects the person who wears it from negative energy and any dark magic or intentions.

Amethysts & Chakras

The crown or 7th chakra is purple like amethyst. Aiding in opening your crown chakra amethyst will help you connect with your higher self and ground you to mother earth.

Amethyst Gemstone Benefits in Astrology

Amethyst is particularly good for Aquarius and Capricorn and also good for Aries, Cancer, Leo, and Scorpio.

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Hot Dog Toppings Bar For Dinner or a Party

This post is sponsored by Hebrew National® 

Are you planning a springtime BBQ celebration get-together? I have the best quick but still delicious and quality grilled dinner idea for you, your friends and your family. It's a Hot Dog Toppings dinner party. It is seriously the easiest to plan and make. It's also a HUGE crowd pleaser. The kids, as well as the adults, will love it.

I put together a list of premium toppings I thought would cover everyone's tastes to go with Hebrew National® All-Beef Franks. One of the things I love about Hebrew National® All-Beef Franks is that the hot dogs are good premium cuts of 100% kosher beef. Quality is always something I look for when planning dinner.

For our Hot Dog Bar, I added fresh ingredients. I made sure to chop the pieces smaller than I usually do so they could fit nicely on the bun. I bought freshly made buns from a local bakery and chose some tasty toppings, including onions, avocado, tomato, peppers, sauerkraut, a spicy green sprout mix, a variety of mustards and, of course, some ketchup. You can pretty much add any that you love. Think of your favorite salad-bar toppings if you are looking for some inspiration. With the kids, you can tell them to choose three toppings so they are sure to get some veggies in their meal. My family loves it and it's definitely on our list of things to make when friends come over. Happy spring!

More Recipes for Your Hot Dog Bar

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Bedroom Makeover - Choosing the Perfect Bedframe & Headboard

I'm in search for a bed frame or a nice headboard. It's been a while since I've had one. You know, it's just one of those things on your list that gets pushed back with other more pressing things making their way ahead on your budget. I finally decided I need to just get one. Choosing one I will like for a while is the trick though. I like the idea of a sofa upholstered headboard like the one pictured above. It's from Wayfair and at a great price too only $169 for a queen.

I also like this bed frame from Joss and Main. It costs more but it has the full frame with a low foot board that I really like so I can sit on the end of the bed. I like the combination of the darker wood with the linen colored upholstered headboard. It's still a great price at $285.95 for the queen size.

There is just something about a spindle bed that is enchanting and classic and almost fairytale like. Do you like the gray color shown above or the navy here on at One Kings Lane?

I'm off to find the perfect one. Wish me luck!

A Small Kitchen Herb Garden

My little herb garden is coming along nicely. It's a first year for most of the herbs and second for a few of them. This is the dill. I am letting it go to seed so I will get more next year. I am growing for home made pickles.

This young lavender is for drying and tucking away into drawers and closets or possibly a hot bath to relax the muscles.

I am so happy with the basil. It is the first herb plant I have grow from seed and it's getting bigger than the plants I bought at the farmers market. I even planted it late.

Thyme has always been one of my favorite herbs to pick and rub in my hands for a fragrant treat. I have two varieties including lemon thyme.

Spearmint is to dry for winter teas to wake me up in the winter mornings.

I also have sage for Thanksgiving stuffing, oregano to add to a good tomato sauce, peppermint to mix with the spearmint and some chives too.

It has been a joy to be able to walk out the back door and pick some fresh organic herbs while cooking. Next year I want it to be twice or maybe even three times as big with many more herbs added.

Do you have an herb garden?

Easy * Fresh Pico De Gallo Salsa Recipe

LOW CARB KETO FRIENDLY RECIPE

Fresh pico de gallo is one of my favorite kinds of salsa. It made from all fresh ingredients and is another one of those delicious condiment toppings to have on hand. It's great on everything from carne asada to fish!

Did you know that Pico de Gallo only has 5 ingeirents? It's super eay to make. If you want to grow one thing even on a porch garden this summer make it a pico de gallo garden. Tomatoes and jalapenos are some of the easiest garden plants to grow. Add a pot of cilantro and you will be making this delicious recipe all summer!

FRESH PICO DE GALLO SALSA RECIPE

serves 4

• 3 large tomatoes

• 1/2 onion

• 1/2 fresh jalapeno

• Small bunch of cilantro

• Juice of 1 lime

• Course Sea Salt 

Simply chop all your vegetables into small pieces. Chop cilantro. Mix together in a bowl. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime over the top. Salt to taste.

Our Favorite Avocado Guacamole Dip Recipe

LOW CARB KETO FRIENDLY RECIPE

There is no need to miss out on some good snacks at a party. Just make this quick and easy low carb keto friendly guacamole inspired dip. Perfect for dipping veggies.

Avocados are rich in good fats and essential nutrients. They also happen to be one of my favorite foods. This simple Avocado Party Dip, which is basically another kind of guacamole recipe, will be the rave of our party. It's soooo addicting so be sure to make extra. You might even want to make a batch for yourself.  

More guacaole recipes coming soon... until then enjoy this creamy dip!

• 2 Large Haas Avocados

• 1/2 sour cream

• 1 lime

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

In a small mixing bowl add all ingredients squeezing in the juice of the lime. Smash together with a fork. Top with a light sprinkling of red pepper for garnish. 

Serve with tortilla chips, veggies or potato chips. Enjoy!

Note: The lime keeps the avocado from turning brown. I left mine out for a good hour to test it and it works quite nicely.

MORE RECIPES TO TRY!

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Easy * Lettuce Wrap Tacos Recipe

LOW CARB KETO FRIENDLY RECIPE

Taco on a low carb keto diet? You bet! I wouldn't go with out some good Mexican flavory keto tacos in my life.

🎵"If you like Cinco de Mayo, so you  c'n eat tacos all day. If you're not into carbs, and you have half a brain. If you like taking walks at midnight ..." 🎵 I know, in another life I was weird al with food lyrics haha.

There is no way I'm missing Taco Tuesdays just because I'm on a low carb keto diet. I love Mexican foods and flavors. Any taco can easily be converted to a low carb - keto taco by replacing the taco shell with your favorite lettuce. I used romaine hearts but a butter lettuce taco shell would be really good too.

Do you make tacos for Taco Tuesday? These turned out so good. You're going to love them and so will your family.
 

LETTUCE SHELL SOFT TACO RECIPE

serves 4

• 1 lb ground beef

• vegetable oil, butter or bacon butter

• red pepper flakes

• 1 small onion

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• head of lettuce

• Pico de Gallo- recipe here

• white cheddar cheese - shredded

• 1 large avocado 

• sour cream

In a saute pan add bacon butter, ground beef, chopped onions, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, paprika, cumin and sea salt. On medium heat brown your ground beef until starting to caramelize. Set aside.

How to Boil Eggs } Easy to Peel Boiled Eggs Method

I have always loved eating boiled eggs but avoided them because of sore fingers after peeling them. This easy-to-peel method will thrill you once you give it a try. Don’t worry the eggs won’t crack anymore than placing them in boiling water versus placing them in cold water and bringing them to a boil.

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How do you get boiled eggs to peel easily?

It’s really very simple. You won’t believe how easily this simple reverse in method works!

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by April | Home & Holidays (@the.classic.vintage.home)

Enjoy!

Spring | Lemon Love | A Few Lemon Favs

New on Simply the Sweet Life are Seasonal Themes of my favorite things! For spring I chose lemons, lemon love!

I’ve had a life long love of lemons. When I was very young around 4 or 5 when I went with my grandma and mother shoppping I would always ask for the plastic lemons with lemon juice in them for my treat. I love lemon yellow and and butter cream yellow colors. I love to scent of lemons and lemon essential oil.

To start off the Lemon Love Spring here are some of my favorite lemon things!

affiliate links included

Yellow Microplane Lemon Zester

I got this lemon zester a few years ago and it has been my go to zester for all things citrus. I use it for my Lemon Keylime Bars!

GET IT HERE

Lemon Vanilla Bean Soy Candle

This candle has creamy lemon vanilla scent, a 100% cotton wick and free from paraffin!

GET IT HERE

Lemon Pure Essential Oil

I diffuse the now lemon essential oil in my kitchen daily

GET IT HERE

Lemon Botanical Dish Towels

I love these dish towels and this set comes with a bonus lemon juice press!

GET IT HERE

EO Coconut + Lemon Body Lotion

This is my go to daily lotion. It’s a pure basic lotion free from petrochemicals.

GET IT HERE

So many more lemony good things coming throughout spring!

Rainbow Coconut Jelly Bean Coconut Easter Cake Recipe

When I was growing up my mom made us a special treat each year. It was always one of my favorites. It was her White Chocolate Coconut Jelly Bean Candy Easter Nests. I just love how the white chocolate, coconut and the fruity flavors of the jelly beans mixed so well. With this flavor combination in mind I came up with a new Easter tradition our Easter Cake. As I thought about the flavor of the jelly beans Kool-Aid came to me. Kool-Aid comes in many different shades of bright colors, it has similar flavors and some of our favorite jelly beans so it was the perfect solution to both coloring and flavoring each layer of our Easter Cake.

Our Easter Cake has a pink strawberry, yellow pineapple, green lemon-lime, and blue mixed berry layers. It is frosted with the most delicious coconut white chocolate buttercream frosting. Combining the coconut and the flavors remind me of a colada drink.

This is a great cheery cake for kids.

Cake:

• 2 Box Cake Mixes or 2 batches of White Cake Batter

• 1 packet of Kool-Aid drink mix powder for each color -4 total (the ones without sugar)
  
  

Prepare your favorite box white cake mixes or this great from scratch recipe for White Cake ( two batches.)

Divide the cake batter equally into 4 medium mixing bowls. Slowly add Kool-Aid powder until you reach the desired color and flavor or each color.

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Bake each cake color layer in an 8 or 9 inch round cake pan for about 18-20 minutes check after 18 minutes. The cake will bounce back when done when pressed down in the middle with your finger.

Cool for 5 minutes then remove from pan and completely cool on cooling rack.

Wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and place in freezer.

White Chocolate Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Note: You will need two batches for this cake

• 2-pound bag of powdered sugar

• 1/2 milk

• 1 cup softened butter

• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup of melted white baking chocolate

In a stand mixer using the whip attachment whip together melted white chocolate, butter, milk, vanilla and about 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar to incorporate air. This will make your frosting nice and light and fluffy. 

Slowly mix in the remaining powdered sugar then add coconut and whip together. 

This frosting is creamy, delicious and sets up very nicely.

Coconut Nest Topping

• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 packet of green lemon-lime Kool-Aid powder mix

• 1 bag of your favorite jelly beans

• 1-quart size zip top bag

Add coconut and 1/2 packet of Kool-Aid powder to zip top bag. Mix the coconut and powder together kneading with hands. 

Mound in the center of the top of the cake to form a nest top off with a large handful of jelly beans.

SWEET TIP: To frost the cake and get beautiful layers add your frosting to a quart size zipper top bag. Snip of one corner of the bag about a half inch up.

Starting with the bottom layer squeeze our large dollops of frosting around the cake top. Spread evenly and repeat as you add each layer. Then squeeze out frosting in a zigzag pattern around the side of the cake. Spread over the sides filling in between the zigzag. Don't worry if you zigzag is straight.

The point of this is to get a fairly even amount of frosting around the cake so it is easier to spread and prevent little cake crumbs from mixing into your frosting.
If you have any holes in your frosting just go back and add another dollop of frosting.

This frosting sets up nicely and is very forgiving. Since it is a coconut frosting it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth.

The kids are going to LOVE this cake.