I am a HUGE Christmas movie fan. There are always 10-15 of my favorites on my DVR year round. Since this year’s new Christmas movies started airing in October, I have fallen behind as usual and there are currently 24 brand new, not yet watched, Christmas movies on my DVR. One of the reasons this number is so large, other than my very busy October, is for the last 3 years, we have added the Christmas movies from Great American Family to our must-watch list.

If you haven’t watched Great American Family yet, why not? If you are looking for wholesome, God-honoring movies, Great American Family is the place to be. I know what Great American Family stands for and I don’t have to fear that they will sneak in relationships and concepts that we don’t allow in our home.

About A Christmas for the Ages

Prompted by their youngest granddaughter, four generations celebrate family and what Christmas was like in the 40s, 60s, 90s, and present day.

The movie stars Natasha Bure, Anna Ferguson, Kate Craven, and Cheryl Ladd.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I already had this movie scheduled to record this Sunday night and even though we’ve seen it, I’m still going to record it so I can watch it again and again. A Christmas for the Ages isn’t your typical Christmas Rom-Com, it’s a movie about family, traditions, and love.

In all honesty, watching the opening scene I was nervous. The acting seemed stilted and the dialog seemed odd. Thankfully all that improved greatly as the movie went on. I really wish they had gone back and re-shot the opening scene because I feel some people might stop watching in the first few awkward minutes and miss a great story.

This movie centers around 4 generations of one family and how time changes who they are and what roles they play in the family. This is something we can all relate to, change is inevitable and we want to transition from one season to the next with grace, but that isn’t always easy.

If you love a heartfelt Christmas movie, watch A Christmas for the Ages on Great American Family.

The Giveaway

One US based winner will receive a 3 month subscription to Great American Flix. The winner cannot have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last 6 months. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on December 6, 2023. The winner will be verified and their email will be forwarded to the sponsor for fulfillment.

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About Journey to Bethlehem

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.

This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

The Cast:

• Mary-Fiona Palomo
• Joseph-Milo Manheim
• Herod-Antonio Banderas
• Antipater-Joel Smallbone
• Gabriel-Lecrae
• Melchior-Omid Djalili
• Gaspar-Rizwan Manji
• Bathazar-Geno Sergers
• Deborah-Moriah
• Rebekah-Stephanie Gil

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I want to start by telling you there is artistic license taken with this movie. The biggest being that, we all know the Wise Men didn’t arrive to see Jesus until He was about 2 years old. In this movie they follow the star to His birth. I’ll be honest, this bugged me. The other biggie was that Antipater (Herod’s son) came to see the baby, to arrest them but what he witnessed changed him. He told them to leave Bethlehem. Again, this is not at all what the Bible says happened.

There are comedic elements woven into this holy story. The wise men bring most of the comedy, which works pretty well. It seemed very odd for Gabriel to bring some comedy, that didn’t sit right with Ron at all.

The music in this film is amazing!! You can listen to it now on Spotify. I loved every second of music, the performances were wonderful! I can’t wait to watch it again so I can experience the music and dancing again.

The casting and acting were top notch. Fiona and Milo were wonderful as Mary and Joseph. The bond between Mary and her sisters was very authentic. The characters of Herod and Antipater had such an interesting relationship, it drew you in and made you feel for the position Antipater was in. The Wise Men were a hoot and added levity to a pretty serious story.

If you love musicals and Christmas, get your tickets now to see JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10th.

You can download coloring sheets, discussion guides, and more here.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. This giveaway is open to US based readers only. This giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on 11/14/23. The winner will be verified and submitted to the sponsor who will then be responsible for providing the prize to the winner.

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I have been a fan of Sight & Sound Theaters’ work for years. Visiting them live is on my bucket list. I’ve seen several of their amazing productions on TV and my youngest son got to see one live at their Branson theater when he was a missionary to the youth of America. When I heard they were making their first feature film, I couldn’t wait to see it! I was blessed to be asked to screen this film and share my thoughts with you.

About Sight & Sound

Sight & Sound® is a ministry on a mission to create spectacular entertainment experiences for the whole family. Since its beginning as a traveling multimedia show in 1976, Sight & Sound® has inspired over 25 million people with stories of faith. Today, Sight & Sound® owns and operates two live theater locations, immersing audiences in state-of-the-art original productions. Sight & Sound TV® launched in 2020, and this online streaming platform has since welcomed a global virtual audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, Sight & Sound® announced expansion into feature films production, with I Heard the Bells as the first-ever theatrical release set for cinemas nationwide December 2022.

About I Heard the Bells

This is the inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life…until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.

I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters beginning December 1, 2022. Find a local theater and get your tickets here.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on I Heard the Bells

Wow! As is everything that Sight & Sound does, I HEARD THE BELLS was done with excellence. The acting, scenery, costuming, script, everything is top notch and there is not one criticism I could give. This movie was captivating and moving. The story was beautifully told.

If you are used to Sight & Sound’s massive musicals, this is different. It’s not a musical and it is not filmed in one of their theaters, though some scenes, like the New Hope Chapel, were built on their backlot, much of the movie was filmed in Pennsylvania.

This is an inspiring story of redemption and rekindled faith, the perfect film to watch with your family as you prepare to celebrate Christmas!

The Poem

I wasn’t aware that there are verses in the poem about the Civil War which, of course, are not included in the Christmas hymn. Here is the original poem, “Christmas Bells”.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow December 25, 1864

Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1!

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one US resident. The giveaway ends 12:00am ET 12-9-22, the winner will be verified. Prize fulfillment will be handled by the sponsor. Good Luck.

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The post I Heard the Bells in Theaters 12/1/22 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

About Kathie Lee Gifford Presents The Way

Moving stories from the Bible brought to life as you’ve never seen before written by four-time Emmy award-winning TV personality, actress, and best-selling author Kathie Lee Gifford, and hit songwriters Brett James, Louis York, David Pomeranz, and Sal Oliveri. This set of oratorios merges the ancient with the modern – bringing to life biblical stories with contemporary orchestral arrangements, powerful narration, and touching visuals.

Over the course of 4 movements spanning 75 minutes, these pieces revolve around Kathie Lee as our narrator, a symphony orchestra, and a cast of musical stars singing tailor-made roles such as Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Jimmie Allen, Larry Gatlin, BeBe Winans, and more.

“Today’s culture tends to view the Bible as an ancient text that is no longer relevant, but my hope is that this film, with modern music and visual storytelling, will reignite the passion for truth in today’s culture and in a younger generation.”

Kathie Lee Gifford

Kathie Lee Gifford Presents THE WAY will be streaming exclusively on Pure Flix beginning December 2, 2022. Don’t have a Pure Flix Subscription yet? Now is the time to get one. Now through November 29th you can get a 7-day free trial nd then only 99 cents a month for the first two months. Then the price reverts to the usual $7.99 a month. Join Pure Flix now and celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix!

Not only is Pure Flix the exclusive streaming home for THE WAY, LIFEMARK, and LEGACY PEAK, there are lots of other shows and movies available as well. This is the year to celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix! With 190 movies to inspire and encourage the whole family this season, you’ll experience the difference that positive entertainment can have.

Enter to Win a 3 Month Pure Flix Subscription

I am giving away a 3 month Pure Flix subscription to 1 US resident who hasn’t won a subscription in the last 6 months. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on December 2, 2022. The winner will be verified and their information will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

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Do you want to put Christ back into the center of your Christmas season? We often get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year that we forget what it’s really all about, the birth of the Savior. Make plans now to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters for one night only, November 29, 2022. This modern-day Christmas musical is suitable for the whole family, though I think ages 9-adult will enjoy it the most.

About It’s Christmas Again

Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised
Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We really enjoyed this movie. I am a musical theater lover and IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN didn’t disappoint. We felt that at times it gave off vibes of some other recent famous musicals, and that’s a good thing. The story was well thought out and executed. The time travel sections fit seamlessly, and that doesn’t always happen. The music was fresh and some had a definite hip-hop feel. The choreography was great but sometimes it felt like it was too much and took away from the moment.

Lawson Touliatos, who played the lead character, Jake Young was amazing! Lawson is a musician first and a relative newcomer to acting. He is a talented singer, his voice is wonderful. I commented to my husband a few times how great his voice was while we watched the movie.

Get It’s Christmas Again Tickets Now

IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN will be in theaters one night only, Tuesday, November 29, 2022. You can check where it’s playing near you and buy your tickets at the official website.

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card, US residents only. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on 12-6-22. The winner will be verified and then their information will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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That adorable picture is my adorable grandson, 5 month old, Reuben Genesis. This is his blog debut. It’s amazing that I am on the second generation of blog models. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been blogging for 14 years! Reuben is wearing the 6 months size of the Starry Night pajamas. He is big for his age and I was afraid they might not fit him, but the soft cotton knit stretches nicely and they fit just fine.

About Holy Pals

The Mission

• Give children the opportunity to draw near to Christ, and to help parents teach their children about their faith.
• To shine a light on child-focused charities in need of support, raising awareness of their worthy causes and supporting them alongside our customers.

Every pajama sale supports the Littlest Lamb Orphanage, a privately funded orphanage in Egypt. They have built a home for orphaned and at-risk children who have lost parents to death, imprisonment, or abandonment. The Littlest Lamb provides these children with everything they need to thrive – shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly A FAMILY that loves them. 

The Pajamas

• 100% premium grade cotton, chosen for its coziness and softness 
• The cotton was knit in such a way as to maximize stretchiness and breathability. They are SO comfy! 
• A small label has been stitched on the right arm of all our pajamas with the Bible passage the pajama is displaying, as a reminder to the child and the parents if they’d like to look up the story and read together.
• In addition to Christmas prints, they also offer (Easter, Palm Sunday, Esther, Noah, Daniel, David & Goliath, Jonah, Adam & Eve, and more!)
• These pajamas are snug fitting for women and children and loose fitting for men. 
• Consciously sourced & produced 
• Made in India
• The Family Christmas PJs come in sizes Newborn- Women’s XL and Men’s XXL (sadly none to fit me).
• The Bible Story PJs come in sizes Newborn-Kids 14

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

The Holy Pals pajamas are adorable, soft, and stretchy. We had no trouble getting our little chunk into the onesie. Check the Size Guide on the website before ordering. If your child is in between sizes, size up. I will be buying these pajamas for baby showers and birthdays as well as Christmas gifts. I love the biblical themes on each set of pajamas. I also that they give back to The Littlest Lamb orphanage.

If you would like to receive a 10% discount on your Holy Pals order click here. You can also to enter to win a pair of Christmas pajamas here.

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Ice Skating at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando will be one of the few places Central Floridians can lace up and hit the ice. During the day, park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at Bayside Stadium. Once night falls, they can sit back and relax as the pros show off what they got with “Winter Wonderland on Ice”. Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create an experience the entire family will not want to miss.

All-New Magical Shows and Entertainment

There are even more ways for families to get into the holiday spirit this year at SeaWorld Orlando. At the end of the night during the Christmas Celebration, guests can be dazzled by the impressive “Holiday Reflections” fireworks show that showcases an impressive fireworks display set to the sounds of the season in the sky above the Sea of Trees.

Holiday cheer can also be found throughout the park with stilt walkers at the Waterfront and in Wild Arctic Plaza, jump-roping toy soldiers, and Elf Story Chair Stacking in Sharks Plaza. Guests also cannot miss the opportunity for photos with Santa, Rudolph and Bumble! Rudolph and Bumble have found a new home this year in Wild Arctic, while Santa can be found at his new workshop in the Shoppes at the Waterfront. Guests can also dine with Santa throughout the Christmas Celebration for an additional cost.

The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the popular Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where guests can see all their favorite Sesame Street characters getting into the holiday spirit. For an additional cost, families who come to the park on Saturday mornings can have breakfast with their friends from Sesame Street. Elmo’s Christmas Wish is also back this year on event mornings at SeaPort Theatre. Visitors can join Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe and Rosita as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

Decadent Holiday Drinks and Treats at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Guests to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the holiday season with ALL-NEW food and beverage offerings this year. Traditional flavors like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint can be found all around the park in new and unexpected ways. There will also be a very special holiday doughnut from an Orlando-based doughnut shop. 

Some of the NEW food offerings guests can taste at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:

• Monty Cristo Waffle – ham, turkey, Swiss cheese & cranberry glaze
• Santa’s Sweet & Savory Treat Doughnut Chicken Sandwich – honey Sriracha & pickles
• The Main Event – fried turkey breast, andouille stuffing, cranberry gastric & brown gravy
• Corn Husk Enconchada Tamale – carnitas & ancho mole poblano sauce
• Christmas Bread Pudding – brioche bun, white chocolate, raspberry sauce & whipped cream
• Arroz con Dulce – cinnamon dust & Caribbean rum raisin
• Fresh Baked Deep-dish cookies – M&M, S’mores & Chocolate chip

Guests will be able to sip NEW seasonal drinks while strolling around the park. They can drink either a hot or frozen hot chocolate, or a frozen eggnog or coquito. There are also several NEW holiday cocktails to try, including:

• Holiday Peppermint Eggnog – eggnog, white chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka & peppermint schnapps
• Christmas Beer Sangria – apple cider, Tito’s vodka, maple syrup, Christmas ale& cinnamon
• Chai Swizzle – chai tea, Bailey’s Irish Cream, simple syrup & cinnamon
• Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy – Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey, Jack Daniels Winter Cider & chai tea

Best Way to Enjoy Holiday Cheer

One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2023 Fun Card, which offers park admission through December 31, 2023, for one low price of $132.99. Guests will have admission to SeaWorld Orlando for a full calendar year to experience thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and energizing entertainment. For even more unbeatable benefits, guests can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass for as low as $14/month + tax with no down payment. With an Annual Pass, guests will enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Busch Gardens Christmas Town returns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area offering brand new experiences to celebrate the holidays and create memories to cherish for a lifetime. Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions such Iron Gwazi every day from Nov. 14 through Jan. 9. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is included with park admission.

New Activities

• New! Holiday in the Sky – The evening sky comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks while an added spectacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights.   
• New! A mesmerizing and enchanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building. Guests will not want to miss this spectacle, which will run daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m.  
• Christmas with the Celts – A wonderful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance will captivate guests with the spirited and energetic entertainment of Christmas with the Celts. The renowned group of vocalists, musicians and dancers will perform live at Stanleyville Theater’s stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 16 through Dec. 25. 
• New! Land of the Sweets – At this sweet winter wonderland, guests will findthe Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier, the newest characters to join the Sugar Plum Princess in her magnificent new realm.  
• New! Right in the heart of Jungala, guests will be in awe with a new 32-foot-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a red and white winter wonderland.  

Returning fan-favorites include:

• Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola, a unique experience where jolly elves guide guests to interact with Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season. Parked outside, guests will see Santa’s sleigh for the merriest photo opportunity.
• Joyful songs fill the air and holiday tales come to life for Storytime with Mrs. Claus.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is joined by Clarice and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, where guests get to meet and greet to find the most famous reindeer of all.
• “Christmas on Ice” – The Moroccan Palace Theater is the home of Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show, a winter-wonderland on ice and an unmissable skating show set to classic holiday tunes.  
• Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Guests can join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show. 
• Three Kings Journey – The musical tale of the three wise men famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated at Dragonfire Grill. Only during select nights from Nov. 18 through Jan. 8. 
• Holly Jolly Express – All aboard for Christmas Cheer! The merriest train will transport guests into the celebration as they loop around the park aboard this sing-along journey playing the favorite songs of the season.  

There are lots of new and returning entertainment options but I was really hoping that “Christmas Is..”, “The Most Wonderful Time”, or “Christmas from the Heart” music spectaculars would be returning. I don’t ride many rides at Busch Gardens so the shows are what make me happy.

Of course we will be riding the Holly Jolly Express, that is a family must-do as is singing at the top of our lungs the entire ride. We are a family of musicians so its a lot of fun!

New Seasonal Menu Items

• New! Red Curry Shrimp and Jasmine Rice  
• New! Wild Mushroom Tart with Boursin Cheese Crema 
• New! Braised Beef and Roasted Garlic Smashed Potato  
• New! Unique cabin serving Wine and Chocolate Truffles  
• New! A “Decorate Your Own Cookie” Cabin for kids 

And because the holidays are all about tradition, guests will also enjoy the signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate located in various locations throughout the park. YUM! Christmas Town Hot Cocoa is a requirement on our visit! Hopefully having additional locations will make it easier to get. We have often waited in 30+ minute lines to get hot cocoa on a warm Florida night.

The absolute best way to experience the jolliest of all seasons at Busch Gardens is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $40 and redeemable at the numerous cabins located throughout the entire park, Samplers offer the best value for guests and will be available in quantities of five and 10. An exclusive 12-item Sampler for the same price as a 10-item is available for all Pass Members. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.   

For as low as $14 per month and with exclusive benefits valued at more than $400, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass will allow guests to get a sneak preview of this year’s Christmas Town. Also, pass members get to be the first to ride Serengeti Flyer, the park’s all-new 2023 ride opening in 2023, and have unlimited visits to the park’s seasonal events that are included with admission. 

For a limited-time, guests looking for not just the best gift but also great savings can pay for a day with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Fun Card which provides unlimited access to the park’s world-class attractions, award-winning entertainment, up-close animal encounters, and vibrant seasonal events through 2023 with the rest of 2022 free.  

The post Busch Gardens Christmas Town Celebrates a Decade of Holiday Cheer appeared first on The Mom Maven.

My Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake recipe is a poke cake that starts with a box cake mix, this makes it so easy to create. The tricky part of this cake is working with the Marshmallow Fluff, I like to use a piping bag, or zippy bag with the end cut off to pipe the Marshmallow Fluff. When it comes to crushing candy canes I like to pop them in my Nutri Ninja and 2 pulses later, I have crushed candy canes!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 18.25 oz chocolate cake mix plus eggs and oil as required on the box
• 8 oz Marshmallow Fluff
• 1.5 TBS water
• 6 candy canes
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 5 TBS Nesquik Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Instructions

• Preheat oven according to the cake package requirements. Grease a 9×13″ pan.
• Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box.
• Once the cake is baked, let it cool 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto your cake board or serving plate.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake.

• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the Marshmallow Fluff and water for about 10 seconds then stir until smooth.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture into a piping bag or a zippy bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and pipe the marshmallow into the holes. Once the holes are filled, pipe the rest of the marshmallow over the top of the cake and spread out with an offset spatula.
• Remove the plastic from your candy canes and crush them up either in a blender or food processor or by placing them in a zippy bag wrapped in a kitchen towel and beating them with a mallet or rolling pin until crushed.
• Sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the marshmallow layer.

• In a large bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and Nesquik to make a chocolate whipped cream.
• Cover the cake with the whipped cream.
• Decorate as desired.
• Keep the cake refrigerated til serving.

I brought this cake to church on the last night of our semester and my girls loved it! It has just the right amount of peppermint flavor without overpowering the bite. I also served it to Savannah when she came over to hang out. She isn’t a cake person, but she really enjoyed it as well.

Print

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake

Chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow combine to make a delicious and easy Peppermint Hot Cocoa poke cake for your Christmas celebration.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword cake, chocolate, marshmallow, peppermint, poke cake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

10 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 18

Author cindy

Ingredients

• 1 18.25 oz chocolate cake mix plus eggs and oil as required on the box
• 8 oz Marshmallow Fluff
• 1.5 TBS water
• 6 candy canes
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 5 TBS Nesquik Chocolate

Instructions

• Preheat oven according to the cake package requirements.

  Grease a 9×13" pan.
• Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box.
• Once the cake is baked, let it cool 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto your cake board or serving plate.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake.
• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the Marshmallow Fluff and water for about 10 seconds then stir until smooth.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture into a piping bag or a zippy bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and pipe the marshmallow into the holes. Once the holes are filled, pipe the rest of the marshmallow over the top of the cake and spread out with an offset spatula.
• Remove the plastic from your candy canes and crush them up either in a blender or food processor or by placing them in a zippy bag wrapped in a kitchen towel and beating them with a mallet or rolling pin until crushed.
• Sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the marshmallow layer.
• In a large bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and Nesquik to make a chocolate whipped cream.
• Cover the cake with the whipped cream.
• Decorate as desired.
• Keep the cake refrigerated til serving.

I hope you enjoy this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake recipe and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. Please share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

The post Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake appeared first on The Mom Maven.

New for 2021

• NOW NIGHTLY!  Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale Each Christmas Celebration night, SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, featuring soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience an amazing SeaWorld Christmas connection that illuminates the night sky. At Park Close on select Christmas Celebration nights.
• Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.
• Sounds of the Season Be there as festive weekend music makes its way to SeaWorld for this year’s Christmas Celebration! See a variety of talented acts take to the Nautilus Theater stage to bring the spirit of the season to life. These special live concerts and theatrical performances are held event days November 12 – January 2.

Returning Favorites

• Sesame Street Christmas Parade The Sesame Street Christmas Parade features fantastic, festively decorated floats with show-stopping performances that celebrate the magic of the holiday season! The whole family will experience an energetic Christmas celebration with Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, and more. Guests are sure to sing, dance, and be merry with their favorite furry friends.
• Winter Wonderland On Ice Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in a show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Guests are immersed in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s ChristmasTown. Stroll outdoors past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, and meet beloved characters including Rudolph and Bumble.
• Rudolph’s Movie Experience Rudolph and his friends star in this special-effects movie that will get the entire family in the holiday spirit, playing daily in the Sea Port Theater.
• Public Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium Guests can experience outdoor ice skating as they skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon throughout the day in a beautiful winter wonderland.

Holiday Flavors to Savor

The Christmas Market, nestled along Bayside Pathway, features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights. At this bustling market, guests will discover one-of-a-kind gifts and snack on scrumptious holiday treats. Relax near the warm glow of the fire pit with a holiday craft brew and experience a wonderful view of the vibrant Sea of Trees or sing along to musicians who bring the sounds of the season to life on the gazebo stage.  Find the tastes of the season throughout the park with the return of fan-favorite beverages, including the decadent Butterscotch Hot Chocolate or try something new like the Peppermint Berry Julep or the Mistletoe Margarita.

Additional Holiday Celebrations

• Hanukkah Celebration Celebrate the festival of lights at SeaWorld! From November 28 through December 6, gather with your friends and family to view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land throughout Hanukkah.
• Kwanzaa Festivities Join SeaWorld’s celebration of Kwanzaa! Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
• New Year’s Eve Spend the final day of 2021 enjoying SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration then ring in the New Year as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky at midnight on December 31.

Ticket Info

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and New Year’s with family and friends is with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass. For a limited time, Florida residents can become a Pass Member for as low as $12.75 per month. Pass Members can receive park benefits and rewards like priority access to new attractions, FREE parking, in-park discounts and much more. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com

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