Save Big + Win Big With Gingerbread @HolidayMM Recipes, Coupons, Contests + More

Momma Told Me: Taste the holidays.

When it comes to the holidays, few things get me in the festive spirit like a seasonal treat. Whether it's the wafting aroma of a honey glazed ham, the gentle crackling of roasting pumpkin seeds in the oven, or the chance to decorate a gingerbread house; I tingle with warm fuzzies at the very thought. And, much like the gifts we exchange during these holidays, the seasonal flavors that accompany them are so special because they are only around for a few fleeting months. Then, like the last unicorn, they disappear into the horizon of the calendar, a rainbow of textures, sights, and tastes, only to return on the anniversary of the next. And, in this seasonal category of delicacies, there are few things I hunt down with more fervor than seasonal M&M's. That's right, those Melt In Your Mouth little morsels of candy coated chocolate come in a variety of seasonal flavors, such as White Chocolate Carrot Cake and Candy Corn, or even Pumpkin Spice. But the newest flavor to hit shelves nationwide, Gingerbread, is a real treat true Fall fanatics will clamor for.

If you know me, you know I'll often pay 3x the retail price to buy these seasonal flavors before they hit my local market. As soon as I hear about a new flavor I get antsy just anticipating their first spotting on a shelf; and the home cook inside me immediately begins brainstorming ways I can use the candy pieces to inspire a new family favorite. For weeks I have been stalking the aisles of my local grocery stores until, at last, I found these Gingerbread M&M's nestled between two classics on my Walmart shelf. I snapped up four bags then and there, much cheaper than I'd usually buy them online- then went back this week to buy even more with an exclusive $1/9.9oz bag printable coupon. Is there anything better than saving money on your favorite seasonal candy? Well, yes- turning that seasonal candy into a delicious holiday recipe, and entering to win CASH in a simple Instagram contest. Win, right?

Grab some Gingerbread M&M's and curl up with your favorite mobile device and get ready to win big with a chance at one of 3 $200 prizes open to the general public in the #HolidayMM Instagram contest. It's as simple as uploading an original image to Instagram with inspirational ideas and creations using Gingerbread M&M's to decorate and craft during the holidays. Just caption your Instagram post with the hashtag #HolidayMM, and share on Twitter for one entry. Each individual Instagram account may submit up to 3 unique entries per day, during the entry period. Winners will be selected at random from valid entries.

What Daughter Says: Celebrate seasonal flavors with specialty confections and recipes the whole family will love!

If you need some festive holiday decorating ideas check out these fun Gingerbread M&M's crafts.  If you have some creative ideas of your own, participate in the Gingerbread M&M Instagram contest to win a great prize! Click the image above to print an exclusive $1 off coupon for seasonal Gingerbread M&M's.

INSTAGRAM CONTEST- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Upload an original image to Instagram with inspirational ideas and creations using Gingerbread M&M's to decorate and craft during the holidays, caption that image with the hashtag #HolidayMM, and share on Twitter (an “Entry”)

Pumpkin-Gingerbread Parfaits with Gingerbread M&Ms

***Click here for printable gingerbread parfait recipe

Ingredients:

* 3 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

* 16oz (2 tubs) Refrigerator Thawed Whipped Topping

* 1 (3.4oz) Package Pumpkin Spice Pudding Mix

* 1 (9.9oz) Bag Gingerbread M&Ms

* 1 Cup Low Fat Milk

* 1/2 Stick Softened Butter

* Assorted Sprinkles/Gingerbread Men for Decoration

Directions:

1.) Prepare pudding mix according to directions on box. Add 1, 8oz, tub of whipped topping to prepared pudding mix and place in fridge to chill.

2.) Take 2C Graham Cracker Crumbs and Softened Butter and combine well. Press 1" portions into 4-5oz dessert cups.

3.) Food Process 1/2 Bag Gingerbread M&Ms to even chunks and combine with remaining graham cracker crumbs. Set Aside.

4.) Layer Pumpkin Spice Pudding atop crust. Top with generous layer of candy/crumb mixture. Top with whipped topping to rim. Be careful not to mound whipped topping as it will melt over edges.

5.) Decorate with gingerbread cookies, holiday sprinkles, or additional M&;M's as desired. Serve chilled.