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The No-Bake Summer Secret

By Sponsored July 1, 2015
Sweet summer fun is about to begin! The endless pool parties, picnics, backyard BBQ’s and, of course, a summer birthday party or two. It may be summer, but the year round question remains the same: “What can I bring to the party?”  Since I’m the queen of dessert making, I always bring goodies for guests and even a little something sweet for the host. I love baking, but, true confession time, not in the summer. The last thing I want to do is spend time inside over a hot oven when I could be outside in the garden, or the pool, or anywhere else but the kitchen. But, I don’t want to show up to a party empty-handed, so I have a little go-to, no-bake secret - the bakery department of my local grocery store. Seriously. I pick up something delicious, wrap it with a personal touch, and – voila! – I’ve created the perfect gift!

Here’s my approach:  
1. Visit Pinterest for inspiration. One of my go-to boards is Give Bakery Because – they have so many ideas for creative desserts and gifts that involve baked goods. I pin a couple of images of baked goods I want to purchase and a few ideas on how I want to package it.  
2. Head to the grocery store. Chances are I’m going there anyway to pick up something for dinner. I purchase as many baked goods as I need – enough for the party or even just something sweet for the hostess. 
3. Package it. I usually have some items around the house, or I head to the Dollar Store and pick up a couple of craft items. It’s amazing what I can use to create simple, yet special packaging to give it my own signature touch.
 
A super cute idea I saw recently was cinnamon roll sunflower bites. They’re adorable, so easy to assemble and who doesn’t like cinnamon rolls? Here’s a quick video on how to put them into a flower bouquet. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSZkQ3G7XkI

And there you have it. The grocery store bakery department – my no-bake savvy secret!