Every morning Mr. A and I have breakfast together. Sometimes I make him bacon & eggs or a big breakfast sandy but most mornings he is in the kitchen making us smoothies. He seriously makes the best smoothies. They're the perfect consistency and I love the flavors of all the fruit combinations he comes up with! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube page and also here on BrandiMilloy.com and let us know what else you want to see us shoot together!
Babymooning might be a fairly new concept but I'm all for it. Going on one last epic trip before the baby comes was a great way for Mr. A and I to celebrate us and our family of two. We know the big adventure is yet to come when we welcome our little one in July but we also realize life will change for a bit and it won't be as easy to just jet set to Hawaii for a romantic getaway. It was tough to choose one island to visit but ultimately we chose Maui for its mix of paradise and resort amenities. Our trip was 5 days and it was the perfect amount of time for us to connect, enjoy one another and experience new things with each other. Together, Mr. A and I compiled our list of must have spots to visit while on the island whether you're there babymooning or not.
COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS AT MAMA'S FISH HOUSE
Everyone told us Mama's Fish House is a must visit. So we went directly from the airport to the famous restaurant for lunch. The place faces the water with breathtaking views and a refreshing ocean breeze. Tiny little birds fly in and out of the restaurant and the intoxicating smell of gardenia flowers is everywhere. Decked out with bamboo chairs and Hawaiian decor, it's the epitome of tropical. And while the food was good and completely authentic (fresh seafood and traditional Hawaiian sides), it was really expensive and we ended up having plenty of dishes on our trip that were more delicious elsewhere on the island. So for us, we would suggest going there for a cocktail (or a mocktail)... and if you dine there, go for a sunset dinner on one of your last nights to really make it special.
Mai Tai for Mr. A and a Virgin Lava Flow for his Baby Mama
The view as your walking down to Mama's Fish House
MAUI'S HEART ROCK AND NAKALELE BLOWHOLE
Despite being almost 7 months pregnant with cankles that wouldn't quit, I had no intention of just spending our babymoon hanging at the resort all day sipping virgin pina coladas with my feet up! I wanted to explore Maui as much as possible! We walked, hiked and climbed our way around the island and during a day trip to Kapalua we made our way to find the Heart Rock and Nakalele Blowhole. There's a trail at mile marker 38.5 where you scale rocks and sandy dirt down to the famous spot. Round trip it's about a mile hike with a couple steeps spots so I would recommend wearing tennis shoes or secure sandals. Once you get to the bottom, you'll see the blow hole to your left and if you turn around and look to the right along the water, you'll see the heart shaped rock! The blowhole is quite impressive, powerfully shooting water over 100ft in the air. But beware, signs along the trail warn visitors that the blowhole is dangerous so it's best to stay at a safe distance when visiting.
Heart Rock with my loves!
BREAKFAST AT GAZEBO RESTAURANT
Our wedding photographers, Brandon & Kristin Kidd suggested this spot as an absolute must eat. Maui is one of their favorite places to visit and they frequent there pretty often to shoot weddings making them practically locals plus they are foodies just like us, so we knew it would not disappoint. The Gazebo is located in Lahaina on the property of an apartment complex by the pool. The casual restaurant is on a gazebo (this is probably obvious) with limited seating and a wait time averaging an hour. But trust me, the wait is worth it! The portions are large and meant to be enjoyed family style. Once you're seated, the service is quick and the food is hot! I enjoyed a glass of POG (pineapple orange guava juice) with Hawaiian fried rice and pineapple mango pancakes. Mr. A ordered the Portuguese Sausage Platter. Despite being super hungry and eating a ton, we still had leftovers!
Traditional Hawaiian Fried Rice
Pineapple Mango Pancakes with Coconut Syrup
Portuguese Sausage Breakfast Platter
MAUI'S SUNFLOWER FIELD
it's hard not to stop at the Sunflower Field in central Maui and snap a pic. As far as the eye can see the land is speckled with bright yellow flowers. It's absolutely gorgeous! The Biodiesel Sunflower Project offers tours for visitors but keep in mind the field is on private property and a working farm so respect the land and please don't pick the flowers!
ROAD SIDE SMOOTHES
While Shave Ice will always be my first love, you rarely marry your first love (although I adore a good high school/college sweetheart story and admire those couples who find each other early on in life)! And while I had plenty of shave ice while we were in Maui, the sugary snow just didn't compare to the fresh fruit smoothies we enjoyed during our babymoon. Our favorites were found on the side of the road on our way around the north part of the island. Family owned and made in a small truck, we placed our order with one of their young daughters. I ordered pineapple mango and Mr. A got guava peach. When they came out you could just see they were the perfect consistency. Thick ribbons of frozen fruit with the most intoxicating smell. Oh my goodness they were the best things I had ever had! I guzzled mine so quickly I almost forgot to snap a pic!
Paradise in a cup!
Road side food trucks are the best!
BLACK SAND BEACH
For me, going to Black Sand Beach was worth the trip to Maui alone! From the smooth black pebbled beach to the nearby lava rock anchored by the turquoise blue water, the Black Sand Beach lives up to all of the hype I've ever read about. If you get there early, you'll find yourself alone where you can really soak up all of nature's beauty. Black Sand Beach is off the Road to Hana (another HUGE must do when visiting Maui-so important that it deserves its own post coming soon). The area is lush with palm trees, birds of paradise and every other hypnotic Hawaiian flower. It's like nothing you've ever seen before!
While some of it is black sand, it should probably be called Black Pebble Beach!
Definitely bring water shoes if you're a baby like me. The rocks aren't all smooth!
Whether you go to Maui for your babymoon, honeymoon or any other special celebration my recommendation is to take advantage of the entire island! Rent a car, roll down the windows and let your heart be your guide! There is so much more to do on Maui than just hang by the pool. For more photos, go to Instagram @BrandiMilloy and search the hashtag #littleamazingmauimoon.
How could you resist these adorable little cuppies made with Dr. Pepper?!
Anyone that knows me knows I love Dr. Pepper. We've had a thing since I was a teenager. I love everything about DP. I prefer it in the can but love a good fountain drink with baby ice. If I drink it from the bottle, it's gotta be the one made with cane sugar. God I love the way it feels going down the ole pie hole. It's so good! And the flavor is amazing! Some people like to compare it to root beer (gasp!) or even cherry coke (what the what?) but there is NO substitute. Dr. Pepper has helped me through break ups, final exams in college and it's my drink of choice on a hot summer's day. It's not like any other soda out there. Anytime I go home my Dad makes sure the fridge is fully stocked. I remember in college my girlfriend, Jola and I would drink 2-3 in one night. She always had cans of it in the fridge and we'd talk about boys and gossip and just sip our happy drink- it was the BEST!
Ok...I just reread this and now you all know what I weirdo I really am, but I don't care. Did I mention I've been to the Dr. Pepper factory in TX? And I own the Dr. Pepper bbq sauce, the Lip Smackers lip gloss and a vintage photo of a Dr. Pepper pick up truck? SO RANDOM. Anyway, WATCH HERE to learn how to make my Dr. Pepper Cupcakes! And scroll down for the full recipe.
Makes: 24 cupcakes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Fun fact: Mr. A & I got this blanket in Tulum, Mexico the day after we got engaged.
I had so much creating this segment for KTLA featuring a self-serve Nacho Pie Bar, Waffle Ice Cream Tacos with Coolhaus Ice Cream & Sugarfina Cactus and Pineapple Gummies, DIY Mexican Fruit Cups and a Make-Your-Own-Margarita Bar. Be inspired to host your own party by watching the full segment here! Yippity Yippa Yiyiyiyiyiyiiii!!!
For my favorite products for Cinco de Mayo, scroll down!
Sugarfina Cowboy Cactus: bursting with prickly pear flavor. $7.50
World Market Taco Truck Taco Holders $6.48
World Market Rocco Glassware $12-$24
Urban Outfitters Mini Donkey Pinata $12.00
Bliss and Baker El Churro Crispies $18.00 for 4
World Market Aiden Bar Cart $199.00
World Market Cactus Lights $19.99
Photo Credit: TODAY Show/Nate Congleton @photonate
When TODAY Show asked me if I could make a couple of my favorite desserts dairy-free for Hoda, I was up for the challenge! This Ice Box cake features fresh blueberries, bananas, Golden Oreos and a delicious coconut whipped cream made with coconut cream. This dessert isn't too sweet, totally comforting and perfect for spring or summer. The star of the show is really the coconut whip! The trick is to you put the cans of coconut cream in the refrigerator the night before. This allows the cream to solidify so that you drain the liquid and only mix the cream. Once you see soft peaks, add a little powdered sugar and vanilla beans/extract. It's absolutely delicious and a fantastic frosting too! Click here for the full recipe and to watch my segment on TODAY!
Photo Credit: TODAY SHOW/Nate Congleton @photonate
Photo Credit: TODAY SHOW/Nate Congleton @photonate
Even though it's been 3 years since the first time I was invited on the TODAY Show I am still SO grateful anytime they invite me on the show and the butterflies are always there up until the cameras roll. I think if you don't get butterflies when you're doing LIVE television, you have no soul! Just kidding but seriously the rush of doing LIVE television is so exhilarating but stressful too because you want to make sure you say everything you need to say, don't skip a step, etc. Well most of those rules go out the window when I'm with Kathie Lee & Hoda. They are always so much fun and this time they had a sweet surprise just for me! You can watch the entire segment where I showed the ladies how to make my Cookies & Cream Cinnamon Rolls and my Banana Blueberry Ice Box Cake right here.
Photo Credit: TODAY SHOW/Nate Congleton @photonate
Photo by: AshtonStan.com
I'm doing everything in my power not to lick my screen just to taste this Lemony Tear & Share Bread. It's like sunshine on a plate!
Photo by: AshtonStan.com
Warm and gooey, featuring zesty lemon, soft fluffy dough, a sticky sweet sauce made from Chick-fil-A lemonade and a to-die-for cream cheese frosting, it's what brunch dreams are made of! Get the full recipe right here and let me know what you think!
Photo by: AshtonStan.com
What an honor it was to be invited to the Chick-fil-A (CFA) HQ in Atlanta, GA to come up with my very own recipe hacks using some of my favorite breakfast items from CFA.
Photo by: AshtonStan.com
From my Mini Muffin Frittatas to my Hashbrown Breakfast Lasagna and Lemony Tear and Share Bread, these are some of my favorite and easiest dishes to make for my family. You can watch all of my behind the scenes fun and get the full recipes here!
This is what happens when PEEPS die and go to heaven. They become the most delicious, soft and chewy gourmet marshmallow cereal treats! Get the simple recipe I created and more by going to the World Market blog now.
There's nothing I love more than creating a pinterest perfect tablescape. But I must admit-I'm a shameless host-I love when my guests walk in and "oooh" and "awe" over every little detail and that's half of the satisfaction! Creating this scape was so simple-every single item is from World Market, even the adorable sugar cookies! I had a casual & playful vibe in mind but I still wanted it to look pulled together and elevated. Head over to the World Market blog to see all of the details and learn more!
What's not to love about flaky, sweet dough stuffed with fresh strawberries and ribbons of hazelnut chocolate spread? These scuffins or scone-muffins are a great breakfast hack because you start with a pre-made scone mix and you can flavor them with whatever mix ins you want. Go the the World Market Blog for the full recipe and more!
Everyone keeps asking me what I’m craving. If you’re eating a lot more protein, you’re having a boy. Consuming bread like it’s your job? Definitely a girl! For the most part, I’m eating the same foods-more veggies, lots of water and no supersized Oreo chocolate bars. The snack that is always stocked in my fridge? noosa yoghurt. I’m not even a “yoghurt person” but it’s the only yoghurt I like. I love the thick and creamy texture made with whole milk and all natural ingredients. They just came out with three tart & sweet flavors: orange & ginger, strawberry & hibiscus and pear & cardamom. And while I love them by themselves, they are great for making smoothie bowls; toppings for my whole-wheat waffles and I just love a dollop on top of my warm oatmeal. The rich and creamy noosa is the perfect combination with the warm oatmeal. Check out my go-to recipe below and then click here to download the noosa coupon! You can find the new tart & sweet flavors at Target stores nationwide.
Brandi's Afternoon Snack
Ingredients
Directions
Top warm oatmeal with a dollop of noosa yoghurt and garnish with fruit and nuts. Serve and enjoy!
Be sure to follow me on instagram @BrandiMilloy for more fun and easy recipes!
Whether you're pregnant like me or just want something salty sweet to enjoy during the big game, this dip is the answer to all of your cravings. Inspired by 7 Layer Mexican Dip, this sweet take is loaded with salty potato chips, creamy peanut butter, chocolate and more! Enjoy with animal crackers, pretzels or a spoon! Scroll down for the recipe below and follow me on instagram @BrandiMilloy for more food inspiration & recipes!
7 Layer Peanut Butter Lover's Dip by Brandi Milloy
Ingredients
1 cup whipped peanut butter
¼ cup salted caramel sauce
2 cups whipped topping
½ cup crushed pretzels
½ cup crushed potato chips
¼ cup crushed peanuts
¼ cup peanut butter chocolate cups, chopped
Directions
Onto a serving plate or pie dish, layer peanut butter, caramel sauce, whipped topping, pretzels, potato chips, peanuts and chocolate candies. Serve immediately with crackers, animal crackers, pretzels and cookies.
This is definitely one of my most cherished recipes. Anytime I make this people tell me they've never had chicken pot pie that tastes like this. Maybe it's the spice from the pepper jack cheese or the fresh grated nutmeg that instantly makes this dish taste like "home." All I know is, it takes a half hour to make and is a win every time. The best kind of comfort food especially during these cold weather months. Enjoy!
Ingredients for filling:
Ingredients for biscuits:
Sage Brown Butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium high heat and add chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook until chicken is brown. Slowly add flour and whisk to combine. Add chicken stock. Add cream and keep stirring. Next, add garlic, and onion and stir until thickened. Add mixed veggies and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium. Fold in cheese and stir occasionally.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and rosemary. Whisk to combine. Add butter and milk and stir.
Drop biscuits by rounded tablespoons on top of pie. Place skillet on cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.
While the pie is cooking, make a sage brown butter by melting butter over medium high heat, about 5 minutes. Add sage and cook for 3 more minutes.
Once pie is done, brush sage brown butter over biscuits.
When my husband and I were planning our wedding we knew we wanted a dessert table. How incredible would it be to have a buffet of all of our favorite sweets & candies?! From our favorite homemade Oreos at Superba Food + Bread to Mr. A's favorite Milk Jar Cookies, our guests were absolutely spoiled with the very best! Learn how to make your own dessert bar and get inspiration from ours! Click here to see all of the photos and sweets we choose featured on POPSUGAR.com
I've judged on Guy's Grocery Games for a couple seasons now and every time is a treat. The crew that works on the show is like family. I feel beyond welcome every time I'm there. Guy is an absolute pleasure and a true talent. He is a culinary expert, producer and an incredible host. It's been surreal working with him and I find myself constantly learning from him. I love meeting the other judges. Chef Richard Blais was the first judge I judged with and he definitely helped me out a lot. It's such a big job and the first time I judged I was so nervous. He not only gave me the confidence I needed but did a great job including me in conversation and making the experience fun. But one of the best parts of judging is meeting the contestants, hearing their stories and eating their creations. :) For the full scoop, check out the personal essay I wrote on POPSUGAR.com "What It's Really Like Working With Guy Fieri on a Food Network Show" here.
One of our favorite spots during our honeymoon to Italy & Greece this summer was Cinque Terre, Italy. It's an amazing group of five centuries-old villages set along the Ligurian Sea. Everywhere you look colorful houses, vineyards, terraces, fishing boats and beaches fill the landscape. And after a long day of walking, hiking and exploring we found this amazing vantage point overlooking one of the towns. Tucked away at the top of the mountain is the most adorable cafe with just a couple things on the menu: salads, bruschetta and beer & wine. Mr. A and I decided to get a salad and traditional bruschetta. Bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers to make for parties. You can make it ahead of time and the flavors meld together over time and get even better.
To make my bruschetta all you need is:
Directions:
When I first started dating my now husband, I asked him what dessert I should bring to his parent's house for my first time over for dinner. He started saying "something with peanut butter and Oreos and chocolate and....". He was partially teasing because those are all of his favorite things. I decided to make a peanut butter pie but I swapped out the Oreo crust for a fudgey brownie. This dessert is so rich and sweet and decadent, you really only need a sliver. It's like the never ending dessert perfect for a party. I got to make this pie on the TODAY Show and it was one of their most popular recipes. Enjoy!
