This post is sponsored by Hershey's

5 Simple Dessert Ideas

While our school year is quickly wrapping up, our patience seems to be dwindling too. The rush of the school week, the work week, and after school activities combined with weekend events can be overwhelming at times. I recently decided to stop and smell the roses with my kiddos and just “be”. Sure, we’re still busy, but we found a couple of ways to enjoy our time together in the afternoon and I know I’ll miss these days with my young kids so much in the future!

As you see a lot here at Smart School House, my kids and I spend tons of time in the kitchen cooking, baking, and creating. It’s our favorite thing to do! I have vivid memories of the after school snacks my mom would make for us and the pure excitement we had helping her! Today, we’re sharing some of those simple treats to make at home. They will hit the spot and bring you back to happy memories of your childhood.

Homemade Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

My mom had the most fabulous vintage milkshake maker. I remember being so eager to learn how to use it myself! She loved making milkshakes for us on hot afternoons or after we got home from the beach. I always liked my milkshake extra chocolatey and extra thick…my kids do too!

Supplies Needed:

• Blender or milkshake maker
• 2 cups of vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup of milk (whole or 2%, whichever you prefer)
• 3 tablespoons of Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup

Blend the ingredients together and serve the milkshake in a kid-friendly cup.

Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup takes all of the complication out of hectic afternoons. With 5 simple ingredients this gluten free, non-GMO, genuine chocolate flavor syrup tastes just like the Hershey’s syrup we had as children. We don’t need to worry about high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. Instead, we can worry about which color straw we want to use and how quickly the milkshake will be ready to drink!

Serves 2-3

Chocolate Drizzled Pretzels

Raise your hand if you love a salty sweet chocolate taste? Me too!!! Chocolate covered pretzels don’t have to be fancy or purchased from the store. You can dip pretzel sticks into chocolate syrup or drizzle it on as you can see my kids and I did.

You know what else is fun to do with your kids? FREEZE THEM! Lay out wax paper on a cookie sheets. Arrange the pretzel sticks and drizzle a little Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup on top. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let them freeze for a couple of hours. Remove them from the wax paper and enjoy! Salty, sweet, crunchy, and cold!

Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate

Just like the chocolate pretzels, chocolate covered strawberries don’t need to be fancy, expensive, or complicated. We happen to be growing strawberries in our garden this year so it was the perfect time to test out what we have grown! We picked the strawberries, gently rinsed them, and dipped them in some Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup. Delicious!

Chocolate covered strawberries made in our kitchen with our very own homegrown strawberries – wow! I wish we could grow more of our own food, however, I’m very grateful that our garden allows us to share important memories like these…

Simple Chocolate Sundae with Sprinkles

Ok, I’m not going to lie. Eating an ice cream sundae at ANY point in my childhood was amazing! Ice cream sundaes can be topped with whatever you desire. This week, we made them simple and perfect. Just a couple scoops of ice cream, some Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup, and some rainbow sprinkles on top.

Friday Movie Night anyone? A chocolate sundae creates a fun Friday evening for kids to kickoff their weekend (especially if they have a friend over!).

Chocolate Milk Recipe

I grew up on chocolate milk! With lunch, with dinner, or with a snack. It was my favorite! The best part is that it’s so easy to make, and with Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup, I know I’m able to provide the same special memories that my mom did with me. Simple days, simple schedules, and simple chocolate milk…. that is what childhood is about!

In a clear glass, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup. Let your child do the magic! Give them a spoon and listen to them giggle in excitement as their milk turns chocolatey! Drink it alone, with a straw, or use the spoon for fun. Your kids might even want a straw and a spoon! You know what I say? Have at it and enjoy!

Here’s a tip: put their glass in the freezer before making it! Using an ice cold cup will help keep their chocolate milk extra cold and your kids will LOVE “experimenting” with the frost on the outside of the cup as they drink their milk. You remember doing that as a kid? Yeah, me too:)

For more Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup inspired recipes and ideas, be sure to follow them on
Facebook and Twitter

Hershey’s Simply 5 Syrup is truly made with five simple ingredients. It is available in 21.8 oz bottles and various grocery stores and will be available in 48 oz bottles at Costco this spring (yay!).