Category Archives: Pajama Food

10 Late Night Snacks for Sweet Dreams and Better Sleep

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Late-night cravings can strike at any time, but choosing the wrong snack can lead to sleepless nights. While it’s essential to satisfy your hunger, it’s equally crucial to select snacks that won’t disrupt your sleep. We’ve compiled a list of eight delicious late-night snacks that are not only delicious but also sleep-friendly. Say goodbye to tossing and turning and hello to sweet dreams with these bedtime treats.

Bananas: Let’s start with the classic banana. It’s not just a convenient snack; it’s also a natural source of tryptophan, the amino acid that can lull you into dreamland. Plus, it’s low on the glycemic index, so no sugar rushes to keep you awake. Slice one up or enjoy it as is for a quick and nutritious bedtime treat.

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt isn’t just a morning thing. It’s packed with protein, and when paired with a drizzle of honey, it becomes a creamy, satisfying treat that keeps your blood sugar steady. The protein in Greek yogurt can help prevent blood sugar spikes, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

Cherries: If you’re a fan of fruity snacks, cherries are a sweet option that naturally contains melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep, making cherries a smart choice. You can have a small bowl of fresh cherries or opt for dried ones for a convenient, sleep-promoting snack.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast. A warm bowl of oats made with milk is both comforting and sleep-friendly. Oats contain complex carbs that can boost your serotonin levels, helping you relax. You can top your oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a touch of flavor.

Almonds: If you’re into nuts, almonds are your bedtime buddies. They’re a magnesium-rich snack that can help relax your muscles and improve the quality of your sleep. Just don’t go overboard with the portions; a small handful should do the trick.

Turkey and Cheese: Yes, you read that right. Turkey contains tryptophan, and when combined with a bit of cheese, it makes a delightful duo. Just remember, moderation is the key. You can create a mini turkey and cheese wrap or enjoy them separately for a light, sleep-promoting snack.

Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is the unsung hero of late-night snacks. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a satisfying choice. Add some fruit or honey for that perfect touch of sweetness. The protein in cottage cheese can help stabilize blood sugar levels, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.

Kiwi: Kiwi is a tasty fruit that not only provides a natural dose of vitamins but is also rich in serotonin, which can help regulate your sleep. It’s a low-calorie option that you can enjoy a couple of hours before bedtime.

Warm Milk: A classic choice, warm milk is known for its sleep-inducing properties. It contains tryptophan and can have a soothing effect on your nervous system, helping you relax before sleep. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Dark Chocolate: If you’re in the mood for a little sweetness, opt for dark chocolate. It contains less sugar than milk chocolate and offers antioxidants that can be beneficial for your health. Dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth without causing sleep disturbances.

Choosing the right late-night snacks can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. These eight options provide a balance of comfort and sleep-friendly nutrients, ensuring that you satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your rest. So the next time you find yourself craving a midnight snack, reach for one of these options, and enjoy a more peaceful night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!

5 Red, White, and Blue Recipes for your 4th of July Celebration

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It’s the Fourth of July weekend and time to celebrate the USA! That means cookouts, picnics, parades, and parties. Great food makes for great gatherings and Independence Day gives us the opportunity to show our patriotism through the food we make. It’s all about the red, white and blue and we’ve got 5 recipes that are a must for your celebration.

American Flag Caprese Salad with Blueberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Caprese Appetizer

A perfect starter, this Caprese salad from eatingwell.com has cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and blueberries with a sweet yet tangy dressing on the side. The American Flag presentation is a perfect way to show your patriotism!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 3 (8 ounce) packages mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries, divided
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh shallot
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  1. Trim the stem end off each tomato, so they sit flat on their cut sides.
  2. Arranging one row of 10 tomatoes, cut-side down, on a large platter or cutting board. Arrange a row of 10 mozzarella balls directly below the tomatoes, and repeat with another row of tomatoes, another row of mozzarella balls, and another row of tomatoes. On the third row of mozzarella balls, add 5 more to extend the row to the left. Repeat with tomatoes and mozzarella balls two more times, ending with tomatoes.
  3. Set aside 1/4 cup blueberries. Arrange the remaining blueberries in a square to the right of the shorter rows of tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
  4. Slice mozzarella into 4 pieces, then cut each piece into quarters. Using a paring knife, cut a star from each quarter, creating 16 stars total. (Alternatively, use a small star cookie cutter.) Gently arrange the mozzarella stars on top of the blueberries.
  5. Combine the reserved 1/4 cup blueberries, oil, vinegar, honey, shallot, salt and pepper in a blender; blend until smooth. Scatter basil leaves around the flag, if desired, and serve with the dressing on the side.

Red White and Blue Burgers

RWB Burger

No summer holiday celebration is complete until you add the burgers! This delicious twist on the basic cheeseburger is courtesy of tablespoon.com. It’s topped with mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and blue cheese. Perfect for the 4th of July!

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs ground beef
  • 8hamburger buns
  • 8oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 red peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 4oz blue cheese crumbles
  • Salt and pepper
  1. For roasted red peppers, place peppers on grill over over gas burner on high for about five minutes, turning occasionally until the pepper skin is very charred. Remove peppers and place in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let steam for ten minutes. Remove peppers and peel off skin. It should come off pretty easily and it’s okay if some skin is left on. Slice stems off of peppers and remove seeds, then slice.
  2. Form burgers into quarter pound rounds and make a small indent in each burger with your thumb. Season well with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill burgers over high heat for 3-4 minutes. Flip burgers, cook for another 2 minutes or so and then add a slice of fresh mozzarella to each burger. Close the lid on the grill to help the cheese melt. Let cheese melt for a minute, then add pepper slices and blue cheese. Cook for another minute. That should leave you with about a medium burger. Cook longer if you want your burger more done.
  4. Serve burger on a toasted bun.

Easy and Sweet Honeyed Quinoa Fruit Salad

Quinoa Salad

A sweet, delicious, and healthy salad is the perfect accompaniment to you celebration meal. This beautiful side dish from saladmenu.com will bring out the oooh’s and aaah’s from everyone at the party.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ lb strawberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup blackberries
  • 1 stem fresh mint
  • ½ lemon
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  1. Cut strawberries into bite size pieces, mix with 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup blackberries, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, and chopped fresh mint.
  2. Sweet dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together juice from 1/2 lemon and 3 Tablespoons honey; mix with fruit and quinoa and serve.

Sparkling Red, White & Blue Sangria

Cocktail

No party is complete without a cocktail and this Sangria recipe from gimmesomeoven.com is the perfect libation to toast America with! Fresh fruit and summer flavors will also cool you off on a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

  • White wine: One bottle of any kind of (still, not sparkling)
  • Sparkling white wine: We will also add in a bottle of sparkling white wine (such as cava or champagne) just before serving to make the sangria “sparkle.”
  • Berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
  • Apples: Thinly slice some crisp apples to serve as our “white.” Use a small star cookie cutter or cut the apple slices into star shapes.
  • Liqueur: Brandy is the liqueur that is most traditionally added to sangria. But you’re welcome to add cognac, orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec), white vermouth, or whatever sounds good.
  • Ice: For serving.
  1. Mix together the base ingredients. Stir together white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and orange in a large pitcher.
  2. Cover and refrigerate. Pop the pitcher in the refrigerator for anywhere from 1-4 hours, so that the drink can chill and all of those fruity flavors can meld.
  3. Stir in the “sparkles.” Once you’re ready to serve the sangria, stir in the sparkling white wine, apples and a handful of ice.
  4. Serve! Then pour the sangria over ice, serve and enjoy!

Berry-Patch Brownie Pizza

Brownie

Don’t forget the dessert. This patriotic pizza from tasteofhome.com is a decadent way to round out your amazing meal. Chocolate and fresh berries will create your own fireworks when your guests get a taste of it.

Ingredients

  • 1 package fudge brownie mix (13×9-inch pan size)
  • 1/3 cup chopped unblanched almonds
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • Assorted fresh berries
  • Optional: Fresh mint leaves and coarse sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions for fudgelike brownies, adding almonds and almond extract. Spread into a greased 14-in. pizza pan.
  2. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Beat next 4 ingredients until smooth; fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust to within 1/2 in. of edges; refrigerate, loosely covered, 2 hours.
  4. To serve, cut into 12 pieces; top with berries of choice. If desired, top with mint and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July celebration. This year more than ever it will be wonderful to celebrate with family and friends!

Easy DIY Dog Treats

How to Make Holiday “Cookies” for Your Dog

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Winter is the time of year to get cozy at home. There is no better way to make a house feel warm and welcoming than with the smell of freshly baked treats. Throughout the holiday season home bakers are whipping up batches of cookies for family, friends, and neighbors — so why not your best furry friend?

Even if you’re not a baker, we promise that your pup won’t be as critical of your skills as your human friends and family! As with any changes to your dogs diet, we advise that you consult your vet first and consider possible allergies before feeding these treats to your buddy.

Lazy One Red Plaid Bear Cheeks FlapJack for Dogs

Matching pajamas for the whole family, including Fido! “Bear Cheek” FlapJack pajamas for dogs by Lazy One.

8 Incredible Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

1. Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats

You’d be hard pressed to find a basic human cookie recipe that’s this easy to make! With only four ingredients and a few steps, your pup can be enjoying warm peanut butter goodness fresh from the oven! We’re willing to bet you have all or most of the ingredients in your fridge already. Get the super simple recipe from Damn Delicious here.

2. Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Donuts

If you give a dog a donut… These adorable treats are inspired by the children’s book by Laura Numeroff. If you’re worried about the sodium content in the bacon, opt for a natural, low-to-no sodium brand, or just skip it all together. He’ll be plenty happy with the peanut butter. Get the recipe from Sunny Day Family here.

3. Chicken and Biscuits Dog Treats

Deviating from the peanut butter theme for a moment, here is a simple dog treat recipe that would make great use of leftover scraps of meat from a roasted chicken. Be sure to read the author’s note on not including the skin because of fat content or heavily seasoned meat. We really love that the author simplifies the recipe further by skipping the cookie cutter process. Let’s be honest, the dog is going to eat them no matter the shape! Get the four ingredient recipe and instructions from Two Healthy Kitchens here.

4. Spinach, Carrot and Zucchini Dog Treats

If you’re already making a New Year’s resolution to eat more vegetables, let your dog join in on the fun! These DIY dog treats are easy, nutritious, and easy to make. Yes, your dog will devour them — vegetables and all! Get the unique dog treat recipe from Damn Delicious here.

Lazy One Moose Fair Isle FlapJack for Dogs

For pups who feel the winter chill more than most, “Moose Fair Isle” FlapJack pajamas for dogs by Lazy One.

5. Luxe Cheddar Bacon Dog Treats

Leave it to the folks at Good Housekeeping to develop a dog treat recipe that’s so over-the-top delicious that humans admit to snacking on them too. This recipe has the mouth-watering combination of bacon and cheddar along with a healthy punch of fiber and protein from rolled oats and eggs. Check out the recipe and video from Good Housekeeping here.

6. Chicken and Wild Rice Biscuits

Modeled after one of the more popular dog food flavors, this homemade chicken and wild rice dog biscuit recipe is going to be a surefire hit with your pup. Another great alternative to all the peanut butter and bacon-heavy recipes floating around on the internet. Get the recipe and instructions from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen here.

7. Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats

This healthy treats are supposedly great for your pup. Canned pumpkin is recommended for dogs to settle stomach upsets. Apples are also good treats for dogs, loaded with fiber and vitamins A and C (just remember to remove the seeds!). Get the four ingredient recipe and step-by-step instructions from Three Little Ferns here.

8. Grain-Free Breath Freshening Dog Treats

Have you ever bought those pricey breath freshening dog treats before? It seems like the second you invest in a 10 lb. bag, suddenly your pup loses all interest. Not with this homemade version. The treats are not only easy to make, they’re also grain-free for dogs with sensitivities to wheat. Learn how to make these dog treats from Health Starts in the Kitchen here.

We hope your pup enjoys these tasty treats! If you really want to spoil your pup this holiday season, browse our collection of adorable pajamas for dogs. For more ideas for family fun this holiday season, check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Best Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers

15 Late-Night Snacks You Can Make In A Microwave

Back to College: Late-Night Treats You Can Make in a Microwave

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School is back in session. By now you’ve moved into the dorm, unpacked, and are getting settled into your class schedule. Balancing school, your social life, and maybe even your job is a lot to take on. This often leads to evening study sessions, night shifts, or late-night hang outs with friends. Whatever you’re up to in the wee hours, you’re bound to get a craving for a late night snack every now and again.

Don’t let minor details like “not having a kitchen” stop you from cooking up something delicious. Crawl into your favorite pajama pants and give one of these inventive microwave-only recipes a try. We guarantee that you will be equally amazed and satisfied!

Unisex Pajama Pants

Get cozy with a snack and these Unisex Flannel Pajama Pants from Boxercraft.

15 Late-night snacks you can make in a microwave.

1. Chocolate Pudding Cake. Brown sugar in the batter of this classic fudgy cake makes it extra rich and gooey. Swing by your local convenience store and grab your favorite vanilla ice cream to top it with. The longer the cake cools, the more the pudding is absorbed into the mixture. Get the recipe from Food Network here.

2. Blueberry Muffin. Fresh “baked” blueberry muffin, cooked in a mug in your microwave! While summer is over, you might still be able to find some reasonably priced blueberries. What we like about this recipe is that it’s actually low-sugar, low-carb, so it’s a lighter choice as well. Get the recipe from The Gingham Apron here.

3. Caramel Popcorn. You read that correctly: perfect caramel popcorn. Hot from the microwave. Each piece of popcorn is guaranteed to be coated with just enough salty sugary sweetness. Best part? Its light and crispy texture. Get the recipe from This Week for Dinner here.

4. Chili Cheese Dip. This is just a friendly reminder that the go-to “microwave classics” are still just as delicious. Whip up a quick 3-ingredient chili cheese dip in a mere 5 minutes. Crack open a bag of tortilla chips and enjoy. Get the recipe from All Recipes here.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup. That’s right a freshly baked… errr, zapped… ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie, on demand, using nothing but your microwave. The perfect snack to go with a pair of warm footy pajamas and a big glass of milk. Get the recipe from No. 2 Pencil here.

6. Oatmeal Bars. Great for a late-night snack or a sweet accompaniment to stale coffee, these chocolate-slathered oatmeal bars can be whipped up in just moments. With so few ingredients, it’s pretty easy to keep everything you need on hand. Get the recipe from Taste of Home here.

7. Best Ever Bacon. What about those Saturday or Sunday mornings when you’re craving a hot breakfast but feeling a little… shall we say, under the weather? If you’re not one to make it to the dining hall for breakfast, master this easy how-to for perfectly crispy microwaved bacon. Get the instructions from The Creek Line House here.

Sushi pajama pants

Unfortunately, you can’t make sushi in the microwave. Satisfy your late-night craving with these sushi flannel pajama pants from The Cat’s Pajamas.

8. Cheesy Vegetable Quiche. Looking for a follow-up dish to go with that perfectly crispy bacon? Why stay in your pajamas and whip up some brunch? These quiche delivers time after time, regardless of the ingredients you choose. Get the recipe from Fresh April Flours here.

9. Enchiladas. Late night cravings for salty, cheesy, spicy Mexican food can be satisfied with this quick and easy recipe for microwave enchiladas. Ready in just 10 minutes! Get the recipe from Flippin Delicious here.

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake. This super decadent cake tastes just like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and just like the candy, it’s virtually impossible to share. The entire cake is made inside — you guessed it — a coffee mug. Get the recipe from Yammie’s Noshery here.

11. French Toast. Okay, we understand that this one might be hard to wrap your head around but it is possible to recreate French Toast in a microwave… in just 2-minutes! Top with maple syrup and you have a tasty fall treat for any time of the day. Get the recipe from Pretty Prudent here.

12. Peanut Brittle. We agree that at first glance, microwave peanut brittle does sound like it would be a total disaster. However, this recipe turns out beautifully to everyone’s surprise. Just like grandma used to make, but without all the fuss. Get the recipe from Plain Chicken here.

13. Hasty Chocolate Pudding. Have you ever had fresh, hot pudding? It is absolute perfection, especially on a chilly fall night. Pull on your coziest flannel pajamas and curl up with a bowl of this delicious microwave alternative to stove top pudding. Get the recipe from All Recipes here.

14. Scrambled Eggs. Another great side to go with that microwave bacon, scrambled eggs in the microwave is done in as little as three steps and 3 minutes depending on how many eggs you make. Throw in some cheese and green onion if you want to get crazy. Get the recipe from She Pins here.

15. Mac n’ Cheese. This list wouldn’t be complete without the addition of the ultimate late-night craving, mac n’ cheese. This is an awesome recipe for homemade single-serving mac that you can whip up in a coffee mug in the microwave. It’s creamy and delicious and actually better for you than the store-bought microwave variety. Get the easy recipe from Ella Claire Inspired here.

We hope this collection of fun microwave recipes come to your rescue this semester! For more recipes and ideas for fall fun, visit The Pajama Company blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Back to College Pajamas

Best Fall Hot Drink Recipes

12 Warm and Cozy Drinks for Fall

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Let’s be honest: yes, we all love a good pumpkin-spiced coffee drink — ‘tis the season, right? But sometimes we don’t feel like waiting in line for thirty minutes or dropping up to $42 each week on a new bad habit. We’re more the “sip-at-home-in-your-pajama-pants” type and that shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Instead of schlepping your cold, tired body to your nearest coffee chain this fall, try these simple, warm and cozy fall drink recipes at home. Don your favorite bathrobe and curl up with a book from our latest reading list — what’s more ‘fall’ than that?

"Coffee" Hooded Fleece Adult Union Suit by Boxercraft

“Coffee” Hooded Fleece Adult Union Suit by Boxercraft

12 Hot Drink Recipes for Fall

1. The Golden Latte

Move over, Pumpkin Spice. This is a dairy-free, lightly spiced drink that warms and satisfies. It has a beautiful golden yellow glow from the turmeric, which is blended with fresh ginger, honey, and coconut oil for a decadent, calming, brew. Get the recipe from Martha Stewart here.

2. Easy Chai Tea

This coffee shop favorite is actually easier to make than you think. Just bring crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger and milk to a boil, add tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes. Get the full recipe from Real Simple here.

3. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

This homemade hot chocolate mix is made with a blend of chocolate and cocoa powder for a rich, decadent, creamy texture. Throw it in a jar, wrap a bow around it, and it’ll make a great gift too! Get the instructions from Epicurious here.

4. Caramel-Hazelnut Cafe Mocha

The only thing you need to know about this recipe: melted Nutella. Yes, please. This recipe is made in the slow cooker and after cooking it can be kept on the warm setting for one hour, so it’s great to serve at an upcoming holiday party. Get the recipe from Midwest Living here.

5. Matcha Green Tea

How’s this for a pick-me-up? Matcha, a traditional Japanese tea, is one of the most nutritious beverages you can consume. This is a warm, healthy pick-me-up to replace your morning cup o’ joe. Get the recipe from My Recipes here.

6. Easy Blender Eggnog

Make this holiday favorite with all the flavor in half the time (without sacrificing quality!). Use your blender to whip up a batch of this fall / winter favorite instantly. Get the time saving recipe from Real Simple here.

Women's "Fancy Coffee" Classic Pajama Set by Munki Munki

Women’s “Fancy Coffee” Classic Pajama Set by Munki Munki

7. Cinnamon White Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon lends a warming and welcome complexity to this comforing, creamy, cold-weather drink. A bit of a grown-up twist on your childhood favorite. Of course, it’s great for white chocolate lovers. Get the recipe from Epicurious here.

8. Hot Honey Lemonade with Ginger

Sweet and a touch of spicy, kids actually love this hot lemonade! What makes the drink so popular? Honey-drop candies are melted in each glass… You could alter the recipe with less sugar and serve it as a soothing beverage for your little ones when they come down with their first cold of the season. Get the unique and fun recipe from Martha Stewart here.

9. Heartwarming Cider

Spiced with the right ingredients — ginger, allspice, nutmeg — this classic drink is transformed into a festive treat that’s sweet but not too sweet. Optional: serve with rum. Get the recipe from My Recipes here.

10. Chai Eggnog

A spicy twist on a classic. Mix this homemade eggnog recipe with a touch of chai tea (and a dash of bourbon if you’d like!). You’ll feel extra toasty inside and out. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven here.

11. Mexican Hot Chocolate

This. Is. The. Best. If you’re a fan of a little spicy kick now and again, you’ll never drink chocolate the old way again. Simmered with a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and a touch of chili powder, this hot chocolate is fragrant and delicious with a dollop of whipped cream. Get the mouthwatering recipe from My Recipes here.

12. Pumpkin Spice Latte (we had to)

Make this favorite at home! Enjoy this fall favorite anytime. The recipe calls for strong coffee, warming spices, and plenty of whipped cream. Get the recipe from Martha Stewart here.

For more drinks, recipes, and ideas for family fun this fall season, visit our blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

coffee pajamas

Quick and Easy Snack Ideas for March Madness

8 Quick and Easy ‘March Madness’ Snack Ideas

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“Oh, by the way, the guys are coming over to watch the game in 30 minutes…” Is March Madness driving you bonkers? The guys are coming over might be a common ‘FYI’ in your house these days. Unlike the Super Bowl, an event you have months to prepare for, the weeks of March Madness can result in a parade of last-minute house guests. Just because the gathering is less “formal,” doesn’t mean that you won’t be expected to provide something to snack on during the game.

A simple solution for any last-minute gathering is to have simple snacks that you can throw together from your pantry with little to no preparation. Here is our collection of game day snacks that will make you look like a super host without any effort. We promise you won’t even have to put real pants on.

Easy Game Day Snack Ideas

With a few items from your pantry, you can whip up a snack to please the crowd (and keep your pajama pants on).

Game Day Snack Ideas from Your Pantry

1. Flatbread Pizza. If you keep flatbread or pita bread on hand, you can have a snack in a flash. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place the flatbread or pita rounds on a baking tray. Top with whatever you have on hand and bake for 8 minutes. Here are a few combinations to get you started:

  • pasta sauce and shredded mozzarella with pepperoni
  • olive oil and parmesan topped with olives or roasted red peppers
  • shredded sharp cheddar with ham or bacon
  • ricotta, red onion, and asparagus finished with arugula after baking

2. Chips and Queso. What is Velveeta? Who cares. It’s ‘cheese’… we think. It has a long shelf life so you can keep it in your pantry for entertaining emergencies. Drop the block of Velveeta in a small pot or microwavable bowl, top with a can of your favorite chili, and heat until melted while stirring every so often. In five minutes or less you will have a tasty dip to go with chips, a jar of salsa, and beer.

3. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. Bacon, frozen shrimp, and toothpicks will make an amazing snack to serve alongside cheese and crackers. Thaw out the shrimp, cut the slices of bacon in half, roll up the shrimp in the bacon and secure with a toothpick. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or wax paper, line with the wrapped shrimp, and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes — done!

4. Easy Poutine. For a poor man’s version of this Canadian indulgence, just keep a bag of frozen fries on hand. Bake according to instructions on a baking sheet, remove from oven and create a pile of fries. Drizzle with a can of brown gravy and top with shredded cheese (the real deal is made with cheese curds, but use any cheese really). Pop under the broiler until the cheese is melted. Serve on the baking sheet and let the animals have at it.

Easy Entertaining Ideas for March Madness

White Bean and Rosemary dip is so versatile, you can serve it with anything.

5. White Bean and Rosemary Dip. An alternative to hummus, this is the best dip to make if you don’t want to invest in a tub of tahini and have fresh rosemary on hand. Simply drain a can of cannellini beans and add to your food processor with a squirt of lemon, and 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary. Blend and add olive oil until you reach the consistency you prefer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with veggies, crackers, chips, pita bread, or toasts.

6. Easiest Cheesiest Bean Dip. If there’s anything we learned from our parents or grandparents, it’s that you can make a meal in minute with a can of condensed soup. Keep a can of condensed bean with bacon soup — you know the brand — in your pantry. Stir together the soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of minced onion, and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning mix in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high until hot, about 3 minutes. Stir again and microwave an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve with chips and you’re done!

7. Easy Mini Meatballs. Keep Italian sausage in your freezer to thaw as you need it. Cut off the casing of the sausage and cut the link into quarter size pieces, rolling them into balls. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, place balls on a wax-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of warm pasta sauce for dipping. You can also use Italian turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option!

8. Hot Crab Dip. Dips that you can bake require minimal effort on your part. Crab dip may sound complicated, but you can make it with items in your kitchen that have a long shelf life. In a bowl, combine a block of softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, 1 ½ cups shredded cheese of your preference, 1 can of crabmeat, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh onion (red, white, yellow, or green). Mix together then transfer mixture to an oven-friendly baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees. Stir. Sprinkle sliced almond on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot with crackers!

For more recipes and ideas for entertaining, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

12 Simple and Delicious Late Night Snacks

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The clock is creeping past ten. You’re unwinding in your pajamas, snuggled into the couch, wrapped up a cozy throw blanket… when your stomach grumbles. You know you “aren’t supposed to” eat after 8pm, but is that really a hard rule? And who made the rule? Why do you have to follow it?

As it turns out, the supposed link between weight gain and late-night eating is a myth. Our metabolism doesn’t slow down at night, converting everything we ate into fat. The same daytime rules apply at nighttime: everything in moderation. That said, we’ve compiled a collection of tasty late night snacks that you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Strawberry Smoothie

Late Night Snacks You Can Feel Good About

1. Strawberry Smoothie. Combine vanilla yogurt, milk or your preferred milk substitute, frozen strawberries and blend. Depending on how sweet the yogurt is, add honey to sweeten the shake. Using Greek yogurt will increase your protein intake — on average 15 to 20 grams per 6 ounces — and make for a more satisfying snack. Low fat yogurt is also an option for reduced calorie intake.

2. Avocado Toast. Simply make a piece of toast and slice up half of a small avocado. Smash the avocado on top of the toast with a fork. Add other toppings like nutritional yeast, green onions, sliced radishes, or baby arugula. Using multigrain or sprouted bread will increase both your fiber and protein intake.

3. Frozen Grapes. This may sound a little strange if you’ve never done it before, but trust us — frozen grapes are delicious. Pull grapes from their stems and place them in a freezer bag. Once they’re frozen you have snackable sorbet. This is a wonderful low-calorie option for those of us who like to reach for a frozen treat at night. Crackers, Turkey, Cheese

4. Whole Wheat Crackers with Cheese and Turkey. Fiber-rich woven wheat crackers are low in calories and very satisfying. Just six Triscuit crackers contain 120 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. Top with thin slices of your favorite cheese and roast turkey. Very satisfying!

5. Quesadilla Half. Heat one 8-inch multigrain tortilla on a skillet and place grated cheese on one half. Layer with other toppings if desired (deli meats, baby spinach, green onions), top half with second layer of cheese and fold the quesadilla in half. Once one side is toasted, flip and toast the other side until the cheese is melted through. Serve with salsa and enjoy!

6. Greek Yogurt and Low-Fat Granola. As we mentioned earlier, Greek yogurt is packed with protein so a small serving will ward off hunger for a long time. Combine the yogurt with the fiber punch of granola, top with honey, and you have a sweet, creamy, and crunchy snack.

7. Ham and Provolone Roll-Ups. Cut out the carbs with these quick and easy ham and provolone roll-ups. Spread a thin layer of mustard on a slice of provolone, top with a slice of ham, and roll it up! Packed with protein and flavor, this filling snack will put an end to your hunger pangs.

Dark Chocolate is a Healthy Snack

8. Dark Chocolate. If you’re craving chocolate, the darker the better. Milk chocolate contains less of the original cocoa bean than dark chocolate and contains more milk, sugar, and cream. Savoring a little bit of quality dark chocolate will satisfy your craving and will be a relatively healthy treat.

9. Banana and Peanut Butter. Snacks don’t get much easier than this! Simply spread a little bit on peanut butter on a banana as you peel it. While peanut butter is high in protein, it’s also high-calorie and high in saturated fat, so spread accordingly.

10. DIY Popcorn. Air pop your own popcorn at home or pop with oil. Either way, it will be far better for you than the sodium and chemical-loaded stuff that comes out of the microwave. The benefit of popping it yourself is that you’re in control of the toppings — what they are and how much. Add a little parmesan cheese, garlic salt, or zesty lime seasoning. Have fun with it!

Black Bean Salad and Tortilla Chips

11. Black Bean Salad and Tortilla Chips. Keeping a batch of black bean salad in the fridge is a great way to spice up salads, rice, and other side dishes throughout the week. It’s also wonderful as a flavorful and hearty snack on a handful of tortilla chips.

12. Pita with Veggies and Hummus. Cut a small whole wheat pita in half, open up the pocket and spread the inside with hummus. Place mixed greens and sliced veggies inside for a fresh and tasty treat!

For more ideas for how to unwind in your pajamas this winter, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

 

Snow Day Activities to Amuse Kids

10 Simple Snow Day Activities to Keep Your Kids Amused

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The temperatures may have temporarily risen here in the Northeast, but we know better. Mother Nature still has plenty of “winter fun” in store. Snow days are an inevitable part of parenting in many parts of the US, and yet every time they roll around we’re unprepared (like tax season, anyone?). Be ready for your next snow day with these simple activities that will keep your kids amused — for just long enough to catch up on your inbox.

Pancake Design Snow Day Activity

Pancake designs are a fun way to start the day, cozy in your flannel pajama pants!

Pajama-Friendly Boredom Busters for Snow Days Continue reading →

5 Treats for a Cozy Winter Weekend

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winter weekend

Happy Friday, friends! Brrrrrr…it’s chilly out there! Don’t know about you, but the cold and windy weather certainly makes it harder to get outside. This weather makes us want to curl up and hibernate. Are you with us?

We’re guessing you are, so we’re sharing 5 of our favorite treats to enjoy on cozy winter weekends, for a little something extra special:

1. The Blizzard Cocktail

Yep, we’re starting off with the hard stuff. The Blizzard Cocktail is a combination of coffee, whiskey, and liqueurs (hello hazelnut and Irish cream) topped off with whipped cream. Does it get any better than that? Maybe this weekend it’s a Sunday Funday in PJs at your house? Click here for the recipe.

2. Gourmet Popcorn

Did you ever realize how many ways there are to make popcorn? Sweet, savory, candy coated or taco flavored, we have a round-up of 10 delicious gourmet popcorn recipes for you. Or, get creative and invent your own. But if you do, be sure to share the recipe with us!

3. Homemade Donuts

Why not make donuts at home and not even leave the house? The best part is you get to eat your donut straight out of the oven, still warm. Want some easy inspiration? Yummy!

4. Vanilla Chai Tea Latte

A nice piping hot cup of tea is so soothing when it’s cold and making it a vanilla chai is even better. Here’s a great recipe for a real chai latte with the spices and all. It’s a little extra effort to make from scratch, but so worth it.  Want more caffeine? Throw in a shot or two of espresso as they suggest for a “dirty chai”.

5. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Gotta have your chocolate fix? These chewy chocolate hot cocoa cookies (with a marshmallow inside!) will hit the spot for your weekend treat.

Add your flannels and fuzzy slippers, and you’re set for a cozy winter weekend!