Posts

Crock Pot Cranberry Cider

Looking for a last minute bevie to serve your guests tomorrow? How about a super easy drink to serve at all your holiday gatherings? I have the thing for you & you can serve it through New Year’s. It’s nice to have a punch bowl sitting out for guest to serve themselves instead of having to play bartender all day long. Just have a little cooler of ice next to the table so they can pack their glass & you are free to enjoy your own festivities. This Champagne Punch takes just a couple minutes to prepare, is super pretty when served & adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering.

If you are wondering about the ice ball – It’s FABULOUS. I picked up the smaller version to start. You see – the size & shape of your ice has a huge impact on the taste of your beverage. The larger the ice- the more surface area touching the beverage – making it colder & giving it better flavor. Larger ice also melts slower – so your beverage won’t become watered down before it’s gone. LOVE these. You can pick up this Ice Ball Maker Moldfor this size ball. Or you can pick up Whiskey Ballfor a larger size.

So anyhow- look how gorgeous this drink is!! I think it’s the perfect addition to any party.

Print Recipe

Champagne Punch

Ingredients

1 750ml bottle dry champagne
3 cups cold ginger ale
1 ounce triple sec
cranberries
ice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except ice in large punch bowl
Stir to combine
Serve in lightly packed rocks glass - cocktail style

Looking for more holiday beverage ideas?

Blushing Whiskey Sour

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

By Kleinworth & Co 1 Comment

I love utilizing my slow cooker whenever I can. It frees up my oven for other things & makes life in the kitchen simpler. So a couple years ago I learned how to make bread in the slow cooker. It was definitely a game changer for me. I love fresh bread & being able to utilize my slow cooker to make it just puts a smile on my face. Since we are just 2 days away from Thanksgiving – I figured these Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls might be a recipe worth sharing. You can have these going while your oven is occupied with the turkey.

Do you love the smell of freshly baked bread. I have a slight obsession with it. I would make fresh bread every day if I could. I like this recipe because it’s just enough for one night for our family of 5. We don’t have leftovers so we can all enjoy it while it’s fresh & warm. Perfect way to eat bread if you ask me.

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk 95-115 degrees
1/4 cup butter - melted
3/4 cup honey
2-1/2 to 3-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp rapid rise yeast
Melted butter for serving

Instructions

Line slow cooker with parchment & lightly spray with cooking spray.
Combine yeast, sugar & milk in mixer bowl. Wait 5 minutes & then mix.
Add salt & butter & 1/2 the four - combine using dough hook.
Let sit 2 minutes to rest.
Add remaining flour, & honey. Mix to combine.
Knead in mixer with dough hook 4-5 minutes (or 10 min by hand) until elastic - add more flour if needed until it becomes elastic - not sticky
Allow dough to rest 5 minutes.
Pull off pieces & shape into rolls & place in slow cooker. -It's okay to double the layers if your cooker is smaller.
Cover & cook on high 1-1/2 hours or until firm.
Remove lid & do not allow condensation to drip on bread.
Lay a paper towel over cooker top & recover. Wait 10 minutes.
Remove & enjoy.

Want more bread recipes?

Irish Soda Bread

Pumpkin Pecan Bread

Beer Bread Recipe

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Peppermint Thin Cake

Blackberry White Chocolate Buckle

It’s been a really long time since I made a cake. I have been craving cake. Growing up in a house with a baker – cake was an almost everyday thing. So going so very long without it had me sort of going through a funk. One that only a good piece of chocolate cake could fix. But since we have been working so hard at being dedicated to the gym – even during this time of year, I wanted a lightened up version. I created this Peppermint Thin Cake which gives me everything I have been craving – but I don’t have to feel so guilty about having it during the week. Plus it’s all holiday inspired – which makes it feel extra special.

It’s just enough cake to cure the craving – at least for now.

Adding whipped topping instead of frosting helps keep it a little healthier too. You could omit all these toppings & just do a little confectioners sugar right before serving if you like. That would be so pretty too!

Print Recipe

Peppermint Thin Cake

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp homemade kahlua
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate - chopped
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
5 egg whites
8 ounces whipped topping -semi thawed
Peppermint pieces for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Lightly coat 9" spring form pan with cooking spray & set aside
In medium saucepan - combine water, sugar & homemade kahlua
Heat over medium until sugar has dissolved & mixture almost boils.
Add chocolate & stir until melted - remove from heat - set aside.
Place the 2 egg yolks in small bowl (reserve your whites for later)
Gradually add your chocolate mixture to your egg yolks being careful to not scramble them
Once combined - add vanilla - stir & set aside.
In a medium bowl - combine cocoa powder, flour & baking powder
Add in chocolate/egg mixture & whisk until smooth. Set aside
In mixer bowl with whip attachment - add your reserved egg whites & additional 3 egg whites
Whip on medium-high until stiff peaks form
Take a small amount & whisk into chocolate mixture to lighten
Then fold in the rest carefully as to not deflate the egg whites
Transfer to prepared pan
Bake 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched
Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes
Transfer to freezer to continue cooling
Once cooled - spread your semi-thawed whipped topping over the top
Sprinkle your peppermint pieces to decorate
Return to freezer until time to serve to keep whipped topping from completely melting.

Want more cake ideas?

Red Velvet BlackBerry Crash Cake

Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

White Chocolate Fall Popcorn

Hello everyone!!! Today is exciting! I have the pleasure of sharing this fabulously yummy White Chocolate Fall Popcorn over at Leigh Anne’s place today for Bake Craft Sew– today!!!! Can I get a WHOOT??!!! So, if you are not familiar with Bake Craft Sew let me share a little bit about it. Each year a few very AWESOME bloggers open their blogs up to all of us who love them & allow us to post a little something holiday themed. The idea is to inspire people to get started creating handmade holiday items – be it food gifts, sewing ideas & crafts. This series has been going on for 5 years!! Wow – how cool is that?!

So since we are sharing edible gifts I thought I would go with this White Chocolate Fall Popcorn.

I know that I typically end up with at least 2 of those jumbo cans of popcorn during the holidays. Giving popcorn as a gift isn’t unusual. However – giving some like this all covered in gooey marshmallow creme & white chocolate is WAY BETTER!

Really – aside from the cheese popcorn in those tins – could take them or leave them. I do have quite an addiction to the cheese popcorn. It’s crazy. If those tins came with just one flavor – I would buy 10 of them – all cheese! No joke.

But since I can’t do that – this is the next best thing. You see – I can whip up a large batch & disburse among all the little gift buckets. Then I save out a little bit to snack on while the kids are out delivering to the neighbors. It works out great.

So to grab the recipe – head on over & see Light Anne at Your Homebased Mom

Check out all the other AMAZING contributions by other bloggers for Bake Craft Sew while you are there.

~~So now on to the GIVEAWAY!!!~~

Check this bad boy out! I soooo wish I could be eligible to win. Look at this!!!

ENTER! ENTER! ENTER!! GOOD LUCK!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more food gift ideas?

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Macadamia Nut Bark

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Natural Ornaments

Easy Christmas Porch Decorations

When we moved up here two years ago it was the weekend of Thanksgiving. So since my mom was with us- she desperately wanted to help us set up Christmas. (Little did we know that it would be her last Christmas) So at that time I was desperate to makeover the tree. We headed to Target in search of some new ornaments. Well the batch I really wanted only had one set left & they were half broken. So I settled for the set of traditional red, green & gold. I was truly disappointed. It wasn’t what I wanted & I didn’t have a whole lot of time to worry about it since we were just moving in. I vowed that I would make them the way I wanted for the next tree. Flash forward a year & Christmas wasn’t celebrated because of all that happened with the passing of my mom. So I never fixed those ornaments. Soooooo- this year it was a priority. We were already moving things around in the garage to make room for the outdoor stuff & the new snow blower & so I had the hubs pull out all the ornaments so I could get started on them. I decided that I along with some color changes I really wanted to make some Natural Ornaments to fit with the beachy vibe of the house. I love how they turned out.

This is what I started with – look at all those colors. I really wanted a more streamlined look this year.

I grabbed my hot glue gun & all these natural elements I have here in the studio & let my imagination run wild.

I wrapped some in corn husks, ripped pieces of muslin, ropes, burlap – you name it.

I think my favorite are these sisal ones. Just add a strip of glue & press all the way around until completely covered.

This was the first of many. It was definitely an afternoon project & so worth it.

I love how the texture pops against the tree.

See- I told you it was simple.

These will go perfectly with the tree this year! I can’t wait to get started.

Want more Christmas ideas?

How to Gift Wrap like a PRO

DIY Scented Pine Cones

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Christmas Wreath Series

Painted Christmas Sign

Hello friends!! Today I have the pleasure of joining in with some amazing bloggers to be a part of the Christmas Wreath Series over at Jill’s Create Craft Love. You see – a LONG time ago Jill invited us all to hop on board this super fun series where we all create a Christmas Wreath to share. I love this because I have been saying I would make a new Christmas wreath for years now. So this was just the thing I needed to make sure it happened this holiday. I chose to keep it simple – using the foam wreath form to create this Boxwood Wreath.

I will be sharing the details here in the coming weeks. However – I encourage you to head on over & visit Jill & check out the full tutorial where I show all my steps. You can also check out all of the other Wreaths shared for the Christmas Wreath Series.

Want more holiday ideas?

DIY Scented Pine Cones

Hot Chocolate Mix

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Effortless Oven Roasted Potatoes

By Kleinworth & Co 7 Comments

It’s almost Thanksgiving. Like – one week from now! How can that be?! Looking for Easy Family Dinner Ideas? Well – I mentioned before that we don’t typically do Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving. A lot of that comes from the fact that the hubs is on call – so having him run out in the middle of festivities is a real drag. But it’s the nature of his job – so we work around it. So we actually had our Thanksgiving a week ago. Just the 5 of us, on a random night & it was great. One thing I have been telling myself I would try making – Oven Roasted Potatoes. So after years – I finally did it. I was so pleased with the results I just had to share them with you. Incredibly EASY too – so here you have them Effortless Oven Roasted Potatoes that will have all your guests coming back for more.

Really – just toss them in a bowl with your seasonings & bake. That’s it.

You never know with the kids. Sometimes they really surprise me & won’t like some random recipe that I fully expect them to love. It’s rare, but it happens, so I always hold my breath a little when I give them something new. I was super happy to see them going back for seconds. I think I’ll add this as a side for regular, everyday dinners too.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Effortless Oven Roasted Potatoes

Effortless Oven Roasted Potatoes that will have all your guests coming back for more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: potatoes, roasted

Servings:

Ingredients

8 medium red potatoes
2 medium russet potatoes
4 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp granulated garlic
2 tsp parsley
1-2 tsp dried dill
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Spray baking sheet with cooking spray
Wash & cut your potatoes & place in a large bowl
Drizzle olive oil over cut potatoes
Add all other ingredients except butter & parsley - toss to coat well
Spread in a single even layer on prepared baking sheet
Bake 25- 30 minutes or until golden & crisp on the outside & perfectly soft in the inside
Remove from oven & carefully transfer to large bowl
Toss with butter to coat
Sprinkle with parsley - serve

Notes

To make these in the air fryer - reduce the ingredients by 50-75% to accommodate the size of your air fryer. Then cook at 400 for 15 minutes - stirring about halfway through.

Looking for more great Thanksgiving recipes & what to do with those leftovers?

Pilgrim Butty

Simple Turkey Gravy

Turkey Quesadillas

Crock Pot Turkey & Rice Soup

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Sour Pom-Cider {Cocktail & Mocktail}

By Kleinworth & Co 1 Comment

Hello my dear friends!!! Are you looking for a great fall beverage to serve your guests this Thanksgiving?? Have I got the drink for you!! Bourbon is all the rage right now – which is why I dedicated an entire week to bourbon recipes a while back. This Sour Pom-Cider {Cocktail & Mocktail} has that great fall cider flavor but it’s mixed with pomegranate liquor & of course bourbon. WIN WIN!! It’s easy to make & your guests will LOVE it! Oh & I included a non-alcoholic version too. So really you can’t go wrong. This bourbon drink will keep everyone happy during your holiday festivities.

To get the recipe – head on over to see my friend Kelly at Live Laugh Rowe! I’m sharing the details on this tasty bevie over at her place today while she’s touring Rome!! I can’t wait to hear all about her adventures when she returns. I have been following her on Instagram – you should too. She always has something amazing to share – including all her fun she’s having on her trip.

Want more great beverage ideas?

Pink Peppermint Russian

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

I think I mentioned it before – but I think it’s okay to say it again….It’s cookie season!!! Now is the time when the kitchen never gets a break. I’m in there daily baking up goodies to send off to this person or that person. My mom was like that, always baking a plate full of love to give to someone on her list. I suppose that is where I get it. I love homemade gifts- especially the tasty kind. I came up with this recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies that will surely be a hit with all who receive them.

These are a huge favorite of the hubs. I don’t know if it’s a guy thing or what. But most of my blogger friends say that their spouses love the peanut butter & chocolate combo. I’m a fan too- don’t get me wrong. It IS pretty amazing. But my hubs- it’s his “go-to” flavor combo every single time. I love that this recipe makes approximately 64 cookies – so I can take care of multiple people on my list with one batch of cookies. YAY!

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups brown sugar - packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spread - melted
1/2 cup Reese's Spreads
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs - room temperature
4 tbsp water
2-1/2 cups Peanut Butter Chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda & salt in medium size bowl- set aside
Cream sugars, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter & Reese's Spreads
Add eggs, vanilla & water. Beat well
Add dry ingredients
Fold in peanut butter chips
Make tablespoon sized balls with the dough & place on baking sheet
Add a couple extra peanut butter chips to the tops
Bake 7-9 minutes
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to completely cool.
Store in airtight container
*Makes approx 64 small cookies

Want more cookie recipes?

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are soft and chewy, loaded with a tender buttery crumble, melty chocolate chips, and a wonderful pecan crunch.

Hello there all of my wonderful friends!! I am in cookie mode around here. I like to give packages of cookies whenever I can over the holiday season. I think homemade gifts packed full of love are the best kind of gifts.

When we first moved to this area 2 years ago, we had several of our neighbors stop by to not only welcome us to the neighborhood – but they came with plates full of holiday goodies that I was so grateful for.

View post

Eggnog Pancakes

By Kleinworth & Co 14 Comments

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with our Eggnog Pancakes! Light, fluffy, and infused with the rich, creamy taste of eggnog, these pancakes are a delightful holiday treat.

Get ready to welcome the holiday season with a delightful twist on your favorite breakfast treat – Eggnog Pancakes! Imagine waking up on a chilly morning to the sweet aroma of fluffy, golden-brown pancakes with the heartwarming taste of eggnog. It’s like having Christmas in every bite!

These eggnog pancakes are the perfect way to start your day, combining the classic pancake fluffiness with the rich, festive flavor of eggnog. I don’t know about you, but I would include eggnog in more meals throughout the year if the stores would sell it to me. Ha!

View post

Holiday Card Ideas

By Kleinworth & Co 4 Comments

**Disclosure – I received product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s time to start thinking about holiday card ideas!!! I like to get our photo session wrapped up by this time each year & get our cards ordered quickly. The thought behind this is that I can have the cards here by Thanksgiving & get them ready & out the door by December 1st. Sometimes life happens & that doesn’t always come through. Last year I was shooting our session around this time. My plan was to not only get the cards done but order a nice large canvas for my mom too. Well – as most of you know, my mom passed away right after Thanksgiving last year. So holiday cards didn’t happen. I was home in So Cal for most of December. The hubs was so sweet & decorated the house for us so we could have Christmas a couple days after we came home. It was a strange year with life being completely turned upside down. This year I am planning on getting our family session all wrapped up this week. I would love to stick to my usual plan & stay on schedule. We will see. The temps have been much colder & it’s been a long time since I have done a session with the whole family.

I had planned on using these images last year if I had sent out cards. I love how they turned out.

The weather was about 16 degrees before the wind chill at the lake & the kids were such troopers.

One thing for sure – I will be using Minted for our cards. Their quality is absolutely TOP NOTCH! If you met me this past spring at SNAP! Conference then you probably received one of my super gorgeous business cards. Really – Minted did such a wonderful job on them. I am so pleased with the heavy paper- the colors printed true & the exceptional customer service too. So you can see why I am so excited (read- practically giddy) to have our holiday cards printed by them too.

Check out all the gorgeous items in Minted’s holiday collection this year!!

From rose gold foil cards, to gift wrap, to cards that double as ornaments, printed envelopes, booklet cards, postcards, fun & unique shapes, custom stationary, kid’s door signs, planners & address books that make great gifts, custom art & photo gifts, framing, calendars & all sorts of party decor. They really have you covered this year!!!! Again – I can’t stress enough just how INCREDIBLE the quality is. I will never print with another company for my cards!

Visit Minted & choose all your holiday paper gifts & cards!!

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Slow Cooker Clam Chowder

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

The cold winter weather has arrived not only here in North Idaho- but in nearly every place in the country. So are you wanting to hunker down, pull out the slow cooker & make some comfort food?? Yeah – I thought so. I have the perfect Easy Family Dinner Ideas for you. I love utilizing my slow cooker on cold winter days because I can have dinner going & still have my stove top & oven free for all the other things I want to make. On the coldest days my favorite place to be is in the kitchen baking. The oven warms the room & it feels so cozy. But I still need dinner & that’s where this Slow Cooker Clam Chowder comes in.

This recipe proves that a good Clam chowder doesn’t have to be complicated.

The hubs was traveling when I made this. He sure missed out. The kids didn’t leave him even a taste.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Clam Chowder

Ingredients

4 6.5 ounce cans minced clams with juice
1 pack bacon- cooked
1 medium onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
6 medium potatoes russet or red - peeled & chopped
1 cup clam juice from your cans
4 cups chicken broth
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp dried dill
1 tsp fresh parsley
1 cup half & half
2 cups milk
4-6 tbsp corn starch
1/2-2 cups instant potato flakes

Instructions

Cook bacon until it's crispy.
While the bacon is cooking add onion, clams, celery, chopped potatoes, clam juice, broth, seasonings to crock pot & cook on high 3-4 hours or on low 6-7 hours
When bacon is done - chop & add to soup
During the last hour - add half & half.
In a separate bowl combine cornstarch & milk - add to soup & allow to continue to cook & to thicken
If it's not as thick as you like - add potato flakes 1/2 a cup at a time - waiting about 10 minutes before adding more until you reach the thickness you desire
Enjoy.

Looking for more hearty soups?

Jalapeno Cheddar Chicken Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Tomato Soup

Idaho Potato Soup

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Vodka Sauce

Chicken Vodka Tortellini

Before the hubs had left on his trip I stopped at the store & picked up a huge bag of tomatoes. For some reason I had it in my head that I was going to make enchilada sauce. Well… those of you who already know that you don’t use tomatoes in enchilada sauce are laughing at me right now. I know – but at least I didn’t try to make it work using them. I ditched my not so great idea & went back to my Easy Family Dinner Ideas. One thing I have always wanted to do was make my own pasta sauce. I have seen many different marinara recipes floating around & I thought about trying one of those. But what I really love is Vodka Sauce. It’s so amazing & I love that you get the flavor enhancement from the vodka – but all the alcohol cooks out so everyone can enjoy it. So that’s what I set out to make.

So I just started pulling ingredients out that I thought would work well. I didn’t really have a plan – it was sort of throw this in & “oh, this would be great” sort of recipe day. I had the basics in my head & the rest was just R&D. Which I am happy to say, worked out great this time. While that isn’t always the case & there have been plenty of recipes as of late that didn’t make it here for one reason or another – this one I had to give you.

Something so satisfying about making your own sauce. I then used it with some ground beef & elbow macaroni & a few olives. YUM!

Print Recipe

Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

1 green bell pepper
2 orange sweet peppers
1/2 purple onion
10 to matoes
1 can tomato paste
1/3 cup vodka
3 fresh basil leaves
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 - 1 cup half & half
season salt
granulated garlic
salt & pepper

Instructions

Cut all peppers - removing seeds & chop
Chop onion
Place peppers & onion in food processor & pulse to thick but pureed consistency
Transfer to deep skillet
Cut tomatoes & place in food processor & pulse just a few times to bring them to the consistency of crushed tomatoes
Pour into skillet
Add seasonings, vodka & tomato paste
Bring to a boil for 5-7 minutes stirring frequently
Add basil
Cover & reduce heat to low & allow to simmer approx 30 minutes
After 20 minutes - slowly add cheese & half & half - stir
Allow to simmer remaining 10 minutes
At this point you can immediately add this to your browned meat & then to your pasta & serve
Or you can carefully transfer to jars & store in refrigerator for several days before using.
This filled 2- 32 ounce jars.

Looking for more great pasta ideas?

Tuscan Ravioli Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Creamy Mac & Cheese

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Gingerbread Truffles

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Easy, no-bake Gingerbread Truffles are made with just a few ingredients and are a cute treat to give or serve during the holiday season.

Do you have a moment to daydream with me? These perfect bite-sized confections burst with gingerbread flavor, coated in creamy white chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. Sound amazing to you?

Today, I’m sharing my Gingerbread Truffles recipe, a delightful treat that will be the star of your holiday season. They’re so darn delicious, I’m sure you’ll be making them every Christmas season (and maybe more often than that!).

View post

Nutella Kahlua Truffles

By Kleinworth & Co 9 Comments

Today I have a very special blog hop to share with you all. I have joined up with some of my favorite blogging friends to help you get ready for your Thanksgiving feast with these Nutella Kahlua Truffles. I mean- Here we are – 12 days into November.

Are you feeling even the slightest bit ready for Thanksgiving? We actually don’t get together with family – in fact since my mother-in-law passed several years ago & my brother was stationed in Japan a couple years ago- we have been doing Thanksgiving with just he 5 of us.

truffles with kahlua

I actually like it – it’s low key, no pressure. Sometimes we actually make the dinner on the weekend before so we can spend Thanksgiving just eating football snacks, my favorite leftover sandwich & enjoying the game. It’s my preferred way to spend the holiday because then I’m not doing dishes all day.

But I do still plan a menu & try to come up with some new family favorites to enjoy. One goodie that I whipped up the other day will be making another appearance whenever we do make our Thanksgiving dinner this year – Nutella Kahlua Truffles. The hubs was OFF THE CHARTS in love with these, which made me pretty happy as he’s not a huge chocolate lover.

kahlua recipes

I like to make a double batch & then split it in half. One has kahlua & cocoa powder. Then I do the other half without kahlua & add fun sprinkles for the kids. But these – with kahlua, are all for the hubs & I to enjoy. Have a couple while cooking – then have a couple more with some champagne when we curl up on the couch for some zone-out time after the kids go to bed. It’s the perfect little evening treat after a long holiday.

Other Delicious No-Bake Desserts

Keto Fudge

No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Rum Balls

Print Recipe

Nutella Kahlua Truffles

Easy chocolate truffles made with Nutella and spiked with Kahlua.

Prep Time20

Chill2

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: chocolate

Servings:

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese- softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1½ cups Nutella
1 -2 tsp homemade kahlua
⅓ cup cocoa powder for rolling
or sprinkles of desired

Instructions

Blend the cream cheese & confectioners sugar together in a mixer until smooth.
Add Nutella. Stir.
If separating some for kids - remove a portion of the mixture & place in a small bowl - cover & freeze.
With the remaining mixture - beat in the Kahlua until creamy and smooth.
Cover & freeze 1-2 hours.
Once the mixture is quite firm - scoop out portions with a melon baller & roll into balls between your hands.
Roll in the cocoa powder or another coating of choice.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet & return to the freezer to firm again.
Store in the freezer until ready to serve.

I mentioned above that I have joined up with some of my best bloggy friends today to not only share this recipe, but to give you an entire meal’s worth of recipe ideas for this Thanksgiving Recipe Blog Hop.

While I am posting a dessert today (along with many other great dessert ideas being shared) – there are some INCREDIBLE recipes for main & side dishes too. Just look at all of these!!! Your menu planning is now complete!

Main Dishes

Cranberry Stuffed Turkey | Thoughts from Alice

Maple – Glazed Turkey with Bacon and Sage | Five Heart Home

Turkey Tetrazzini w/ Mushrooms and Kale | The Fountain Ave Kitchen

Orange Balsamic Glazed Ham | Cherished Bliss

Turkey Soup | Carmel Moments

Vegetables

Cauliflower Gratin | Love Grows Wild Creamy Cheese Corn Casserole | Five Heart Home Cranberry Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans | Delightful E Made Sautéed French Green Beans | Cherished Bliss

Potatoes

Potatoes Au Gratin | Yummy Healthy Eats Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Live Laugh Rowe Honey-Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Cooking with Ruthie Cheesy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes | Cherished Bliss

Sides & Breads

Harvest Grain Rolls | Heather’s French Press Jello Salad | Your Homebased Mom Herb and Cheese Monkey Bread | Five Heart Home Brown Rice | Uncommon Designs

Pies

Desserts

No Bake Brown Sugar Cheesecake w/ Spiced Pears | Baking a Moment Pumpkin Cupcakes & Maple Cream Cheese Frosting | Cupcake Diaries Cream Filled Coffee Cake | Tastes of Lizzy T Cranberry Orange Mulled Wine | Wine and Glue Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake | Maison De Pax

Want to make your own Homemade Kahlua for these like I did?

Want more great Thanksgiving recipes?

Simple Turkey Gravy

How to Gift Wrap like a PRO

By Kleinworth & Co 10 Comments

I always love unwrapping those fabulous boxes from Tiffany’s. They are always so impeccably perfect. Ever wonder how they do it? Today I’m going to show you how to use your ribbon differently & give that box that same perfect wrap. I know that I order, order & order some more & stash everything away until Christmas Eve. Then I hole myself up in our room ALL NIGHT LONG wrapping 75-100 gifts to be opened up the next morning. It’s daunting & oh so time consuming. By the time morning comes – I am so done looking at wrapping paper. This year I will be shifting to this easier way of wrapping that actually looks better, saves time & it’s all reusable. YAY! If you know me well- then you know I have issues with waste. Whether it’s my time, food or money – I don’t like to be wasteful. So today I’m sharing my trick for How to Gift Wrap like a PRO.

Start with a nice box & ribbon.

This is where I will be doing things differently this year. I typically wrap & then do the bow.

This year – good quality boxes that are so pretty in & of themselves that they don’t need anything but a ribbon.

You don’t want to do this!

Most people start on the top & place the middle of the ribbon in the middle of the box & then twist it around on the bottom.

This gives you a twist that keeps the box from sitting flat.

Set your box top up in front of you.

Hold your ribbon in the center of the top of your box – leaving enough of the end to make your bow when you get to that part.

Wrap the ribbon around the box- meeting in the center of the top of the box where you are holding the other end.

Like I illustrated in the image – wrap that longer piece around the short end you were holding on the top.

Then wrap around the other side of the box meeting back at your center point on the top.

Now you trim the long piece so that you can make your final knot & bow.

Tuck that newly cut end under & to the right to help give it tension.

Pull through & your ends should be coming out of opposite sides of your twist.

Make your knot.

Then you can either tie in a bow like I did here – of you can create a fancier bow to tie onto your knot.

I have a method for making bows that I may cover at a later time.

But this year I plan on using a standard bow as it makes unwrapping so much easier.

When you are done the bottom of your box will look like this. Pretty!!

There you have it! A simple & pretty way to gift wrap that will save you HOURS.

Want some homemade gift ideas to give in your pretty new gift wrap?

DIY Clay Coasters

Modge Podge Picture Plaque

But First….. Coffee – DIY T Shirt & Printable

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Firefighter Appreciation Gift ~ Give Extra

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Have you ever thought about what really happens in time of an emergency? Most people don’t really think about those that come to help when they are in time of need – until they are in time of need. First responders are special people. These are men & women who often live at the station for several days at a time – on the ready the entire time they are there. If the call comes out at 3am – they are out the door in moments to help in whatever way is needed – often times risking their lives for the safety & property of a complete stranger. That dedication & sacrifice often goes unrecognized. So I came up with this simple little Firefighter Appreciation Gift & Give Extra.

I realized one day when having a conversation with my neighbor that most people don’t realize the sacrifices our first responders make. I mentioned to her that even though my hubs is no longer a line guy (meaning he doesn’t sleep at the station anymore) – he’s the chief – that actually means he’s working more – often 60-80 hours a week. She said “what, he’s just bossing everyone around all the time?” I was sort of taken aback by this & then realized that most people don’t truly know what it means to do the job he does. They take it for granted that when they need something- some stranger will come to their rescue. Yes – he typically works 8-5. But then after those 40 hours AT the station – there are far more hours NOT at the station that most don’t see. The countless hours of phone calls with commissioners during dinner time, travel to conferences on weekends, phone calls regarding emergencies & personnel matters when we are supposed to be having family time at the gym. When a call comes out at bedtime – he’s laying awake listening to the radio to make sure everything is handled – or he’s racing out the door at midnight on a cold & snowy night to help someone who’s house is burning or they crashed their car because of the weather. He’s always on call – never unavailable. He has been driving home with ice cream for a birthday celebration only to have to turn around & go back to work for a call. We have turned our car around after only starting our family vacation 6 hours earlier to drive all the way home so he could head out for a 20 day assignment for a wildfire in another state. I’m not complaining – really, it’s the nature of the biz. We are all understanding & know it’s our livelihood. But I think that knowing the sacrifices that my hubs & so many others in his profession make is important.

There are so many that devote their lives to helping others & making their community a better place.

They deserve our thanks – no matter how small.

Sometimes it’s the gesture – more than anything, that matters most. Just letting them know that you notice & appreciate all they do can mean the world to them. While you are celebrating Thanksgiving & Christmas – there are countless first responders away from their families working to ensure everyone else has a safe holiday.

So during this holiday season- print off these easy Thank you’s I created & pick up some Extra Gum.

Give this simple & inexpensive gift to show you care! It doesn’t take much to say Thank You!

They will smile & they will appreciate your kindness!!!

Connect with Extra Gum @ExtraGum on twitter & Facebook & on Pinterest

DOWNLOAD HERE

Want more easy gift ideas?

Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Paracord Survival Keychain

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pages: 1 2

Chicken Fajitas

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

This post brought to you by The Frozen Food Foundation. The content and opinions expressed below are that of kleinworthco.

I love a hot, home cooked meal. Good Easy Family Dinner Ideas. But with heading to the gym & the kids swim team & rock climbing schedules – it’s hard to be here to prepare something for us all. I certainly don’t feel like making something time consuming after getting home late but I don’t want to head to the drive-thru either. It’s important to me to give the kids home cooked meals as often as possible – which is why I am so in love with these simple Chicken Fajitas. I was able to whip these together in less than 30 minutes & even the clean up was a breeze. Now that’s my kind of dinner.

The key here – frozen veggies. I love fresh veggies in my meals – but the prep time can be a bit much when it’s late at night. So grabbing these ready to cook frozen veggies is PERFECT. Nearly 80 percent of Americans fail to consume the recommended amounts of fruit, with nearly 90 percent failing to meet dietary recommendations for vegetables. That is a startling statistic. I am striving to change that for our family. A variety of factors may contribute to low consumption, including cost and convenience. A recent study revealed one easy solution: frozen.

I just skillet fried my chicken & shredded. Then I returned it back to the skillet – added the veggies & a little sauce & cooked until the veggies were hot & the flavors had blended. SIMPLE!

The best part – my kids LOVE these. After a hard workout – this was delicious.

Print Recipe

Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients

3-4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
Frozen peppers & onions blend
Tortillas
Sauce of choice

Instructions

Saute your chicken breasts in large skillet until thoroughly cooked - adding your favorite seasonings
Once cooked - remove & shred into large chunks
Return to skillet & add frozen veggies & sauce of choice - I like a glaze
Saute until veggies are cooked & flavors are blended
Serve in small flour tortillas

Notes

Make this in the air fryer - cook at 360 degrees for 16-20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.

Why do I stock up on frozen foods??

The University of California, Davis, in partnership with the Frozen Food Foundation, conducted a study that revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables are most often (or generally) nutritionally equal to – and in some cases better than – their fresh counterparts. For the study each fruit and vegetable was analyzed under the following conditions: frozen (analyzed within 24 hours of harvest and after 10 and 90 days of storage in a freezer) and fresh-stored (analyzed within 24 hours of harvest and after three and 10 days of storage in a refrigerator).

I love that I can always have fruits & veggies on hand without the worry of then going bad too quickly. Freezing fruits and vegetables is nature’s pause button and an easy way to combat things like the cost of fresh produce, the cost of fresh ‘out of season’ produce and issues like fresh fruits and vegetables spoiling before you’re able to prepare and eat them. Results of the studies done reveal that frozen fruits and vegetables are most often (or generally) nutritionally equal to – and in some cases better than – their fresh counterparts. Which makes me confident when turning to them to make quick & easy meals for my family.

I love to incorporate fruits & veggies in my daily recipes but having a variety in the house at all times would be challenging if it were not for the convenience of freezing. I keep a nice stock in both my freezers to make meal prep quick & simple on busy nights.

Visit Frozen Food Foundation Twitter Frozen Food Foundation Facebook

Want more quick & easy dinner ideas?

Angel Hair Pasta in Burgundy Garlic Sauce

Simple Teriyaki Stir Fry

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pages: 1 2

Reese’s Frappuccino w/ Reese’s Spreads

By Kleinworth & Co 13 Comments

I received compensation and information and/or free product from The Hershey Company and/or Collective Bias. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Up here in the Pacific Northwest we drink coffee beverages 24/7. There are coffee huts on every corner – if not 2-3 per parking lot. It’s just a culture thing here & I absolutely love it. But I usually don’t stop at the huts. I like to make my favorite beverages at home so I can have them any time of day, whenever I want a little something. In order to do this I like to stock up on great ingredients so I can make a great variety of flavors. My latest creation & new favorite flavor is this Reese’s Frappuccino w/ Reese’s Spreads.

You see – I was wandering through Walmart on our weekly shopping trip when I came across this Reese’s Spreads in the peanut butter isle. I mean – the perfect combination of chocolate & peanut butter in spreadable form is like heaven in a jar in my book.

I added all my ingredients to the blender – adding my 2 tbsp of Reese’s Spreads last. Blend & serve! There isn’t a whole lot that goes in to this drink- but it tastes so delicious, one would never know. With just 4 ingredients & blend – you are done in less than a minute or two. #AnySnackPerfect

This is the perfect peanut butter & chocolate frappuccino! I love to have one mid-day while here in the studio.

Now the whip cream & drizzle topping is optional – but when making it at home, I like to get the full coffee house experience.

I encourage you to attend the in-store demo in your area to try Reese’s Spreads paired with apples November 13-16. Find a location near you.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Reese’s Frappuccino

Ingredients

2 cups chilled strong coffee
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp Reese's Spreads
2 cups ice
opt - whipped cream & drizzle for topping

Instructions

Place coffee, ice, milk & Reese's Spread in blender & blend until frothy
Serve

Based on the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, new Reese’s Spreads will make snacking even more delicious by adding the unique, one-of-a-kind combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavors to any food, anytime, anywhere.

Don’t miss this FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!!! (Thanks Reese’s & #CollectiveBias)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more snacks?

Plum Fruit Leather

Zeppole

Homemade Fortune Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pages: 1 2

Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites

Irish Cream Mint Brownies

It’s that time of year where the days run together & there seems to be a shortage of hours in a day. I know that my baking list is long & so when I can find little ways to speed up the time it takes to make recipes- I am happy to do it. So yeah, sometimes I use box mix for some things. Not everything has to be from scratch. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad. I decided to replace the eggs, oil & water usually used in brownie mix with some healthier ingredients to create these Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites. They are so moist & fudgy – incredible! Definitely easy & a crowd pleaser. I love Yummy Bar Recipes!

I decided to add a light caramel glaze & pecans on top. Then cutting them into bites made these the perfect party dessert.

To make – I used the 9×13 cake pan from the set by Cake Boss sold on Hayneedle.

Top quality & definitely compare well to my professional pans.

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Brownie Bites

Ingredients

8 ounces pumpkin puree- not pie filling
8 ounces apple butter
1 box brownie mix - family size for 9x13 pan

Caramel Glaze

1/4 cup brown sugar - packed
1/8 cup unsalted butter
1-1/2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Line 9x13 pan with parchment
In large bowl - combine brownie mix, apple butter & pumpkin puree
Stir until fully combined
Transfer to prepared pan & bake 25-30 minutes
Remove & allow to cool completely

For Glaze

Combine brown sugar, butter & milk in small saucepan & heat over medium
Bring to a boil - boil 1 min
Remove
Add vanilla & confectioners sugar
Whisk well
Pour over brownies
Top with pecans

Want more great brownie recipes?

Truffle Brownies

PayDay Brownies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pumpkin Buttered Rum

Pink Peppermint Russian

Ahhhhh – ’tis the season for warm drinks. It’s so nice to hold that warm glass in your hand, sit by the fire & cozy up with your honey on a chilly evening. For me, I’m usually choosing between a warm beverage or a treat – but with this Pumpkin Buttered Rum, I feel like I get the best of both. It’s got that great pumpkin flavor to go along with the season & then that wonderful brown sugar. Mmmmmmm – seriously. If it didn’t need that flavor of rum to make it what it is- I would be finding a way to make this into a mocktail to be enjoyed during the day. It’s definitely the perfect fall drink.

Usually I associate rum with summer & tropical stuff. But change it up & add it to a warm beverage & it changes the whole vibe. It suddenly becomes cozy & comforting. Perfect for these colder, darker days.

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Buttered Rum

Ingredients

**Per glass
2 ounces dark rum
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 pat butter
2-3 ounces hot water

Instructions

Place butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice in bottom of glass & muddle together
Pour in rum & hot water - stir
Top with another pat of butter if desired
Garnish with cinnamon stick

Want more holiday bevvies?

Eggnog Hot Chocolate

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Parchment Decorating Bag {Tutorial}

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Back around National Cake Decorating Day I shared this Parchment Decorating Bag {Tutorial} over at Or So She Says. But I really wanted to share it here too. You see- my mom was a master at cake decorating. I grew up watching her create the most amazing cakes. One thing she always did was make these little parchment decorating bags. She would be piping frosting in all sorts of colors & these little bags were perfect. They would be scattered all over the counter as she worked – colors everywhere. Disposable & they hold just the right amount of frosting for delicate jobs. They are a fabulous little tool so I wanted to show you how to make them.

Place the triangle on a flat surface with the point facing you. Longest edge on top. I know that this image is the other way – just flip it around if it looks like this in front of you – the point should face in.

**A special “Thank you” to my son. He provided the hands that helped me photograph these steps.

Curl the right point up and under, bringing it toward you until that point & the one nearest you meet. The curled edge from the right point should lie on top.

Wrap the third point around to meet the other points in back. All 3 points align to form 1 sharp point.

You now have the bag’s cone.

Fold the points of the bag down into the bag.

You can add a little tape on the seam if desired – but this is not necessary.

At this point you can use a decorating tip without a coupler if you like. Just cut 3/4 in. off the end of the bag. Then drop the tip in, narrow end first.

The icing will hold it in place once filled.

Or you can slip your coupler in the end & snip. Then add your tip of choice.

Fill with icing – only about 1/2 way full. This is for small piping jobs. Not for frosting cupcakes.

Fold over ends – each corner & then fold over at the top & keep rolling it down until it’s sealed.

I usually chose to use the simplest way – no coupler, no tip. I just snipped the very tip of the parchment off to create a small hole.

Pipe your desired design or words – it’s that easy! When you are done- it’s disposable. No mess!

See – I told you it was simple. Far more durable than a plastic baggie too. I tend to bust the seam of the plastic bags – so this works much better for me. Plus it keeps the tip stiff where the plastic will stretch with pressure. Now you can make your own decorating bags whenever you need one.

Use it with my favorite frosting recipe!

Buttercream Frosting

Use it to decorate some of these great recipes!

Fall Sugar Cookies

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Chocolate Bourbon Sauce {Bourbon Week – Day 5}

By Kleinworth & Co 7 Comments

It’s the final day of bourbon week!!! Hope you have enjoyed all the bourbon recipes I have shared & that you can use them through the holidays & beyond. I thought that since the day usually ends in dessert of some sort – bourbon week should also end in dessert. Or at least a topping for your dessert. So I created this Chocolate Bourbon Sauce that you will love to use in all your party dessert recipes. It’s simple & delicious.

I love the ease of this recipe. I made this batch for us adults. Then since the bourbon is added at the end (like most of the recipes I have shared this week) it’s easily adaptable to make it kid-friendly if you so choose.

You know- this makes a great gift for neighbors too!

Other Sweet Dessert Dips

Be sure to check out our Bourbon Cake too!

Print Recipe

Chocolate Bourbon Sauce {Bourbon Week – Day 5}

Ingredients

1/2 cup half & half
2 tbsp light brown sugar
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

Heat half & half with light brown sugar in small saucepan until sugar is dissolved & cream starts to bubble just slightly
Remove from heat.
Place chocolate chips & vanilla in glass bowl
Pour hot mixture over chocolate chips & stir until smooth
Add bourbon - stir to combine
Store in an airtight jar in refrigerator

Don’t miss yesterday’s bourbon post – Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch!

Want more gift recipes?

Pumpkin Caramel

Simple Pepper Jelly

Chocolate Covered Truffles

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch {Bourbon Week – Day 4}

By Kleinworth & Co 5 Comments

When I’m hosting a gathering – be it for the holidays or otherwise, there are a few things I always want. One, I want the house to smell amazing when guests first step in the front door. Two – I want the menu to be simple & one that I don’t have to tend to all day. I want to enjoy my guests. Three – I want everyone to be able to find & grab their appetizers, snacks & bevvies easily. So that’s what makes drinks like this Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch so AWESOME. It cooks & then stays warm in the slow cooker. The house smells AMAZING with all the cinnamon & spices too. I can just toss it all in there & it’s ready to go.

Really – it’s so nice to have a warm beverage to serve guests during holiday parties. Which is why I had to include this one in bourbon week. With the popularity of bourbon right now- this one will surely be a hit with your guests.

You could do a separate batch in another crock pot without the bourbon if you want to offer a non-alcoholic version.

Print Recipe

Cran-Apple Bourbon Punch {Bourbon Week – Day 4}

Ingredients

1 gallon fresh apple cider
1 pkt mulling spices about 3/4 cup
2-1/2 - 4 cups bourbon depending on how strong you want it
1 cup cranberries
Apple wedges from 2 apples

Instructions

Add all ingredients- except bourbon- to crock pot
Cook on low 1-2 hours
Turn off - allow to cool about 15 minutes
Add bourbon
Serve in low ball glass with floating cranberries
Sip warm

Don’t miss yesterday’s Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls

Want more great beverages?

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour

Cinnamon Roll Hot Chocolate

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls {Bourbon Week – Day 3}

By Kleinworth & Co 8 Comments

Do you like giving gifts of food during the holidays? Do you host or attend a lot of parties? Well I have just the recipe for you. These Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls are the perfect little goodie for all those occasions. Imagine a little box of these all wrapped in a pretty bow to pass out to all those who deserve a little something this time of year. You know you have those people on your list. Those that you want to say “thank you” to or those that you want to feel special or remembered. These are a twist on the classic bourbon ball – adding Captain Crunch cereal for that touch of nostalgia. Super easy to make too.

Really – these took just a couple minutes to make & pop in the fridge to chill.

Print Recipe

Captain Crunch Bourbon Balls {Bourbon Week – Day 3}

Ingredients

1 cup Captain Crunch crumbs about 2-1/4 cup before crushing
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup confectioners sugar + 1/2 cup for coating
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tbsp + 2 tsp light corn syrup

Instructions

In food processor - pulse captain crunch until it's finely crushed - almost like a powder
Transfer to medium bowl
Next pulse pecans in food processor until finely chopped
Add to bowl with captain crunch
Add confectioners sugar & cocoa to bowl & mix until combined
In small bowl combine corn syrup & bourbon
Add to dry mixture & mix well until completely moistened
In a small bowl add confectioners sugar
Take your bourbon ball mixture in tablespoon size scoops & form 1 inch balls
Roll in confectioners sugar
Place on baking sheet & repeat with remaining mix
Chill in refrigerator until firm
Store in refrigerator until serving

Did you catch yesterday’s bourbon recipe?

Want more great food gift ideas?

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Truffles

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Homemade Sipping Brandy

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider {Bourbon Week – Day 2}

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Today is day 2 of Bourbon Week! With the holidays now upon us I thought I would share with you this lovely warm Honey Bourbon Apple Cider. It’s perfect for all those holiday gatherings you have coming up. You know this would be fabulous on Thanksgiving. I mean really – warm cider with a splash of bourbon – it has the holidays all wrapped up in this cozy little glass.

I can tell you – it smells incredible while cooking. You could even make a separate batch without the bourbon for the kiddos. I know we will be having this out on the porch on these chilly fall evenings.

Print Recipe

Honey Bourbon Apple Cider {Bourbon Week – Day 2}

Ingredients

12 ounces apple cider
6 ounces bourbon
1 apple - cut in thick wedges
3 tbsp raw honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Place cider, apple, cinnamon & honey in saucepan
Bring to a boil - stirring to incorporate all ingredients
Let simmer about 5 minutes to continue to release flavors
Strain into pitcher
Add bourbon
Pour into low ball glass
Garnish with apple wedge
Sip warm

Don’t miss yesterday’s Bourbon post!

Want more warm bevvies?

Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Pink Peppermint Russian

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Oreo Cookie Crust

This Oreo Cookie Crust recipe is the perfect base for all your favorite cheesecakes, no-bake pies, lush desserts, and so much more.

Do you know what makes a pie or a cheesecake even better? A crunchy, chocolatey base! Let me introduce you to a simple yet show-stopping homemade Oreo pie crust.

It will level up any pie you want to use it with. Make sure to save this recipe card for later! This crust has a rich, black layer, with a slightly buttery flavor, just waiting to cradle your favorite fillings.

View post

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon {Bourbon Week – Day 1}

Homemade Sipping Brandy

Do you like to give food related gifts this time of year? How about having something really nice to bring to gatherings for a hostess gift? I like food related gifts because they are so personal. But sometimes it’s hard to decide on what to give – so I find it best to stick with what things that are trending at the time. Bourbon is one thing that is SO HOT right now AND it makes for a FABULOUS gift. So I thought I would dedicate this whole week to bourbon recipes – starting with this Apple Pie Infused Bourbon. This infused bourbon is simple to make & will wow both your guests & gift recipients alike.

Maybe whip up a few batches & keep some on hand for yourself. One can’t give all good things away!!

If you love the flavors of apple pie – especially this time of year – this is the bourbon twist for you.

Print Recipe

Apple Pie Infused Bourbon

Ingredients

1 apple chopped
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 750-milliliter bottle bourbon
1/4 cup Lemon Simple Syrup

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a canning jar
Let flavors blend in refrigerator for 4-6 days.
Shake to distribute flavors each day
Pour bourbon mixture through cheesecloth into another jar, discarding solids
Cover and store in refrigerator up to 2 months.

Want more fall beverage ideas?

Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

Ditalini & Sausage Soup

Are these weeknights getting more hectic than ever? I know! Seems like so much is happening right around dinner time all week long. But you don’t have to go through the drive through to get dinner quick. You can absolutely have a home cooked meal your kids will enjoy with just a few minutes of prep with Easy Family Dinner Ideas. The kids can even help you. I know my kids are more invested in what we are having for dinner when they get to help make it. Plus I’m teaching them valuable life skills for the future. Let me show you how easy it is to make this Veggie Chicken Alfredo. It comes together in less than 30 minutes – which is great for those busy nights.

Sometimes I will make this ahead of time & then we can reheat at dinner time.

When we are getting home late from the gym & swim team – I definitely want easy.

My son is great at helping with this dish. He gets the veggies in the microwave & keeps the noodles stirred while I tend to the chicken & sauce. While this dish comes together in about 30 minutes if you are preparing alone – it’s even quicker if you have a few extra hands helping out.

Print Recipe

Veggie Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

1-3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 1 stick butter
1 cup half & half
1 bag Birds Eye Asian Medley veggies
4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
1 box fettuccine noodles

Instructions

Cut chicken into chunks & place in skillet
Drizzle a little olive oil over chicken & saute until full cooked. Add in desired spices about half way through cooking. Remove from heat & set side.
In a large stock pot- heat water to boiling - cook noodles to package directions (usually 8-11 minutes)
While noodles are cooking, place butter, cheese & half & half in small saucepan & heat over medium - stirring frequently
Place bag of steamable veggies in microwave & cook to package directions while you are working on the sauce & noodles
Continue to heat the sauce, stirring until all ingredients are melted & fully incorporated.
Remove from heat - set aside.
Once noodles are done cooking- drain & transfer back into stockpot.
Add in cooked chicken, sauce & veggies - stir well
Enjoy.

This year, Birds Eye has partnered with Melissa d’Arabian, celebrity chef, mom of four, and host of FoodNetwork.com’s web series The Picky Eaters Project, to make a difference and help moms with the dinnertime dilemma. Many moms think that preparing a nutritious meal is time consuming. So Birds Eye frozen vegetables is helping moms by providing nutritious, tasty veggies that kids will love. Together, Birds Eye and Melissa are combining their expertise in getting children to eat more veggies, one bite at a time.

I love that Birds Eye has partnered with Melissa d’Arabian. I have worked with her on another project a while back & I can say, she’s truly dedicated to giving families healthy & better for you alternatives.

Step Up To The Plate is Birds Eye’s long-term commitment to reshaping kids’ veggie perceptions and getting children to like veggies for life.

Today, 9 out of 10 people in the United States do not get the proper amount of vegetables, according to The State Of The Plate report.

Birds Eye continues to make eating more vegetables a reality by showing families how to fill half the plate with veggies in fun and simple ways moms and kids will both like. By providing moms with more than 40 unique vegetable blends year round at affordable prices, Birds Eye continues to be her ally in the dinnertime dilemma.

Check out this great video of Melissa d’Arabian giving her tips for getting more Veggies!

Connect with Birds Eye on Facebook & Twitter!

Want more quick dinner ideas?

Popcorn Pork & Rice Supreme

Simple Teriyaki Stir Fry

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

To see where I am linking today- visit HERE

Pages: 1 2

Stairwell Pallet Decor