Be a Hero with Quick & Easy Dessert Recipe Ideas using Smart & Final First Street Bakery Items #ChooseSmart

It's rare that we get a full weekend with Big G home and off of work. Most times he works at least one weekend day (or night). So yesterday we decided to have a nice Saturday afternoon family barbecue since he was off for the entire weekend! Our local Smart & Final always has the best prices on all the items we would need for the occasion. Whenever we decide to have a low key barbecue, a potluck, or a full on party, Smart & Final is always the store of choice. Whether it's drinks, party decor or paper items, or the food itself, they always have the best selection of items for anything you may need to entertain or feed your guests.

Since Big G is usually in charge of the barbecue items, I get to prepare the side dishes. My husband always works so hard for our family, I wanted to prepare some nice treats that were quick to whip up so that could be more time to spend together. While shopping for our other items, I decided to check out the Smart & Final First Street Bakery items to see what I could whip up with them, and I found a few simple items that I could make extraordinary. Once the kids saw what I had in mind to whip up for this little occasion, I definitely became the "hero" of the day. They were so excited to see how just a few little touches on these bakery items can make such a memorable dish for a fun afternoon barbecue! I quickly informed them that they were for the real hero of the family, Daddy! He sure enjoyed these treats too, his favorite were the S'Mores Pound Cake. Our littlest ones enjoyed the fun White Chocolate Drizzled Toasted Loafs. They were the perfect size for their little hands, and what little kid doesn't love sprinkles?

The S'Mores Pound Cake definitely has the taste of S'Mores, but since it's on pound cake it gives almost a cookie feel to it. As far as the White Chocolate Toasted Loafs, they were so cute and sweet, but not overpowering. If I ever plan another coffee party I will definitely serve these then. Both recipes were fun and extremely quick to put together. They definitely made me the hero for the night with my family, a title I'll most gladly accept anytime!

S'Mores Pound Cake Ingredients:

• 1 First Street Bakery Vanilla Pound Cake, cut into slices
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup crushed pretzels

S'Mores Pound Cake Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

With a serrated knife, slice the pound cake into about 16 thin slices.

Lay in large casserole dish (I had to use two), then cover tops of bread slices with the chocolate chips.

Then cover evenly with the marshmallows.

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until tops of marshmallows are toasted. Immediately sprinkle with crushed pretzels right after removing from the oven.

Let cool, then slice through the marshmallows and serve.

Enjoy!

White Chocolate Drizzled Toasted Loaf Ingredients:

• 1 First Street Bakery Sliced Vanilla Loaf Cake
• cinnamon sugar
• 2 white chocolate baking squares
• sprinkles

White Chocolate Drizzled Toasted Loaf Directions:

Cut edges off each loaf, creating a square.

Toast the squares once, just until toasted.

Slice each square into 3-4 long slices, then place on wax paper and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Melt white chocolate baking squares (I placed in a microwave safe dish for 10-15 seconds at a time and stirring between each heating session. Continue until smooth and melted.)

Drizzle white chocolate over the toasted pieces on wax paper.

Sprinkle with whatever colored sprinkles your heart desires. 

Set aside to cool and let white chocolate settle.

Serve with your meal. 

Enjoy!

Smart & Final is having a special promotion that runs from July 24 - August 6. You can be your own families hero by purchasing two First Street Bakery items from Smart & Final and receiving a Hollywood Movie Money Certificate that can be redeemed for one ticket to see Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters that will be released in theaters on August 7, 2013!

Don't forget you can pick up other party supplies at Smart & Final! I got these plates, napkins and utensils during my shopping trip. You can see the rest of my shopping trip here!