Cranberry, Pistachio, and White Chocolate Biscotti

Nov 24, 2015

Have you started thinking about teachers gifts? Mailman gifts? Neighbor gifts? That lady that once watched your kid when your husband was in the field and you had pink eye again gifts?

I, as usual, am totally stressed and overwhelmed over all of it.

I really want to DIY most of those gifts but you know I’m not much of a crafter so I’m thinking food is my best bet. And who doesn’t like to get food?

📖 Recipe

Cranberry, Pistachio, and White Chocolate Biscotti

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pistachios
1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Fold in dried cranberries and pistachios. The dough will be sticky.
Scrape dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten into a long, wide log, about 10 inches by 5 inches.
Bake until firm, about 40 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and cool for about 10 minutes. Use a serrated knife to slice into ¾" slice. Transfer back to the pan, cut side down, and bake for another 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool completely before dipping in chocolate.
Melt white chocolate chips over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring the entire time. Remove from heat and quickly dip the bottoms of each biscotti in white chocolate. Let firm up on a wire rack before serving.

Cranberry Margaritas

Nov 23, 2015

Cranberry Margaritas is the perfect holiday cocktail! These festive cocktails are made from only a few ingredients and are so easy. Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

I also have a Frozen Cranberry Margarita that is delicious and it starts with canned cranberry sauce!

Cranberry Margaritas - the perfect holiday cocktail! These festive cocktails are made from only a few ingredients and are so easy. Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

The big day is this week!

Is your table set? Are you ready?!

I am definitely not and I’ll probably be up most nights this week. But that’s part of the fun, right? I enjoy the hectic Thanksgiving rush!

I also enjoy a good cocktail on Thanksgiving and I’ll be making these Cranberry Margaritas at some point tomorrow!

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries
Cranberry juice
Tequila
Orange liqueur
Fresh lime juice
Fresh orange juice
Simple syrup

Instructions

Mix all ingredients. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until mostly smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
Serve. Serve over ice with fresh cranberries to garnish.

How To Make Simple Syrup

Homemade simple syrup is so easy to make! It is just equal parts water and granulated sugar.

So, put 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir it until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly syrup.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

I’m kind of lazy when it comes to simple syrup so I usually buy mine.

Can You Make It Ahead?

You can make these Cranberry Margaritas the morning of or the night before by just mixing everything together and storing them in a pitcher in the fridge.

When you are ready to serve them, pour over ice and garnish with fresh cranberries.

More Margarita Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberry Margaritas is the perfect holiday cocktail! These festive cocktails are made from only a few ingredients and are so easy. Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cranberries
¾ cup cranberry juice
½ cup tequila
⅓ cup orange liqueur
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons simple syrup

Instructions

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until mostly smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Serve over ice with fresh cranberries to garnish.

Cranberry Nut Chex Mix

Nov 20, 2015

Cranberry Nut Chex Mix is the perfect holiday snack mix. Cinnamon chex, walnuts, and dried cranberries tossed in an orange juice and brown sugar mixture. It’s all made in the microwave!

Cranberry Nut Chex Mix - a holiday twist on the classic! This easy recipe is made in the microwave and you won't believe how delicious it is!

Do you have any holiday traditions?

I’m not a big tradition person. I like to change things up every year but there are a few things that we do every year without fail.

We always do a gingerbread house competition between me and my husband that no doubt ends with one of us shouting “THAT’S NOT FAIR! YOU ONLY WON BECAUSE MY ROOF COLLAPSED!”. We always find a church or neighborhood that does a huge light display and we get hot chocolate from a coffee shop beforehand. And we always make Chex Mix™.

Chex Mix is a must.

Chex Mix is one of my favorite things to make around the holidays. I love sweet and salty, I love all the different textures, it’s just my favorite.

And my kids enjoy it because they get to help. There’s lots to pour, lots of stirring, and even some microwaving which makes it the perfect recipe to make with kids. Plus, they’re always very proud to give away their homemade Chex Mix as gifts to their friends and teachers.

This Cranberry Nut Chex Mix is one of my favorite Chex Mix recipes. It’s just Cinnamon Chex (which is my fave variety of Chex!) mixed with walnuts and dried cranberries and then tossed with an orange juice and brown sugar mixture. And it’s all made in the microwave so it doesn’t get any easier!

It is so delicious – you won’t be able to keep your hand out of the bowl!

Let me know in the comments what your favorite Chex Mix recipe is. I’d love to try some new ones this holiday season!

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: about 12 servings

Cranberry Nut Chex Mix

from Chex

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

6 cups Cinnamon Chex
1 cup walnut halves
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup sweetened dried cranberries

Instructions

In large microwave-safe mixing bowl, stir together cereal and walnuts; set aside.
In a microwave-safe measuring cup, stir together brown sugar, orange juice concentrate and oil and microwave on high 1 minute; stir. Microwave another minute, stirring after 30 seconds, until mixture is hot. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until the cereal mixture is coated.
Microwave the mixture uncovered on high for 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in cranberries. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in tightly covered container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 123mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 2g

Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie

Nov 17, 2015

Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie is going to be your new favorite Thanksgiving pie! Apples and cranberries topped with a crunchy streusel topping!

Apple and cranberry is such a delicious combination! One of my other favorite Thanksgiving desserts is Apple Cranberry Crisp.

Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie - your new favorite Thanksgiving pie! Apples and cranberries topped with a crunchy streusel topping!

This is the one dessert I make every Thanksgiving. I generally like to try new recipes every year but this one is so good that I refuse to have Thanksgiving without it.

If you invite me to Friendsgiving, I’m bringing this pie. Just so you know.

The pie is an apple and cranberry mixture (using canned cranberry so it’s super easy!) that gets topped with an oat streusel. The streusel gets crunchy when baked and it’s just perfect. Give me a streusel topping over a top pie crust any day!

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Light brown sugar
Old-fashioned oats
Ground cinnamon
Butter
Refrigerated pie crust – you can also use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe
Granny Smith apples – you want to use a tart apple since you are adding brown sugar
Whole berry cranberry sauce – make sure it is the whole cranberry kind and not the jellied kind!
Cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare. Preheat oven to 350F.
Make the streusel. To make the streusel, combine flour, 6 tablespoons llight brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly; set aside.
Prepare pie crust. Roll pie crust on lightly floured surface to an 11-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold excess crust at edge under. Press dough together on rim to form a thick crust edge. Form a decorative edge using fingers, fork or other utensil.
Make apple mixture. Combine apples, cranberry sauce, remaining ¾ cup light brown sugar and cornstarch. Spoon apple mixture into pastry-lined pie plate.
Top. Sprinkle with streusel.
Bake. Bake about 1 hour, or until apples are tender.
Enjoy! Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

How Long Is It Good For?

This apple cranberry pie will be good in the fridge for up to 4 – 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

I recommend reheating it when serving the leftovers.

More Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie

Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie is going to be your new favorite Thanksgiving pie! Apples and cranberries topped with a crunchy streusel topping!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespons firmly packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 refrigerated pie pastry
2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
1 can, 16 ounce whole berry cranberry sauce
¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.
To make the streusel, combine flour, 6 tablespoons llight brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly; set aside.
Roll pie crust on lightly floured surface to an 11-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold excess crust at edge under. Press dough together on rim to form a thick crust edge. Form a decorative edge using fingers, fork or other utensil.
Combine apples, cranberry sauce, remaining ¾ cup light brown sugar and cornstarch. Spoon apple mixture into pastry-lined pie plate. Sprinkle with streusel.
Bake about 1 hour, or until apples are tender. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Avocado Brownies

Nov 12, 2015

Fudgy brownies made with no butter or oil! Avocado Brownies are so rich and delicious and no one will guess that the secret is avocado!

Avocado Brownies - fudgy and delicious brownies made with absolutely no butter or oil! You won't believe how delicious these brownies are!

Okay, stay with me.

I know, avocados in brownies sound really, really, really weird.

But you’re just going to have to trust me on this one.

Because you know how everyone always talks about how avocado is full of healthy fats? Those healthy fats easily replace the fats found in the butter or oil you normally put into your brownies.

Which means that these brownies have the same texture you know and love but you can feel a little bit better about eating half the pan in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep and E! has stopped showing Sex & the City reruns from midnight to 2 am so you have nothing to do but stand in the kitchen and eat half a pan of brownies.

Just me?

Ingredients

Semisweet chocolate chips
Ripe avocados
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Salt

How to Make Avocado Brownies

Prepare. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
Melt chocolate. Microwave chocolate chips in 30 second increments until melted. Let cool slightly.
Combine wet ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the avocados and sugar until creamy. Beat in cooled chocolate. Beat in eggs, one at a time; beat in vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt until no lumps remain.
Combine everything. Slowly add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined.
Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

How Long Are Avocado Brownies Good For

To store these Avocado Brownies, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They are probably tastiest when enjoyed within the first few days though.

Can You Freeze Them?

You can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag – just defrost on the counter overnight before serving.

I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap so that I can pull them out one at a time when I feel like having a brownie.

More Healthy-ish Treats Recipes

Avocado Brownies - no butter, no oil! These are so rich and delicious and no one will guess that the secret is avocado!

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 16 servings

Avocado Brownies

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 medium ripe avocados, mashed
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
Place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, remove, and stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, stirring after, until completely smooth. Let cool slightly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the avocados and sugar until creamy. Beat in cooled chocolate. Beat in eggs, one at a time; beat in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt until no lumps remain. Slowly add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and beat until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Nov 05, 2015

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup tastes like fall in a bowl! It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. And it’s ready in about 30 minutes!

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup - this healthy and delicious soup is going to become your fall favorite!

Happy almost Friday!

Are you obsessed with butternut squash right now? I am and it’s weird because butternut squash has never been my thing. I love spaghetti squash, I love acorn squash, but I’ve always been pretty “meh” on butternut.

Mostly because it’s really annoying to peel and cut. Like, the worst.

But you know I’ve been obsessed with Panera’s autumn squash soup for the last month or so and I finally got tired of making the 5 minutes drive and 30 minute drive-thru wait for a cup of soup.

This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is so worth peeling and cutting a butternut squash. I’ve always avoided squash soup recipes that included apple because I assumed they’d be too sweet but the apple adds the perfect amount of sweetness in this recipe. Not too sweet at all.

If you’ve been searching for a good Thanksgiving soup, you should definitely give this one a try! I think this is one pretty much everyone will enjoy!

More Soup Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup tastes like fall in a bowl! It's rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. And it's ready in about 30 minutes!

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoons unsalted butter
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 large garlic clove, smashed and peeled
1 ⅓ cups cubed peeled Braeburn apple
1 ¼ pounds cubed peeled butternut squash
¼ teaspoon dried rubbed sage
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup evaporated milk
pumpkin seeds, for serving

Instructions

Melt butter in large pan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes, until it begins to soften. Add garlic and apple; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in squash, sage, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Add broth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 20 minutes or until squash and vegetables are tender.
Place half of squash mixture in blender with ¼ cup evaporated milk. Blend until smooth. Pour into bowl. Repeat with remaining squash and evaporated milk.
Top with pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately.

Maple Pecan Baked Brie

Oct 19, 2015

Maple Pecan Baked Brie is delicious melty brie topped with a maple, brown sugar, and pecan mixture. Serve with apple slices and graham crackers! This is perfect as a holiday appetizer or the star of your cheeseboard!

If you love brie, I also have Cranberry Brie Bites and Bacon Cranberry Baked Brie!

Maple Pecan Baked Brie - delicious melty brie topped with a maple, brown sugar, and pecan mixture. Serve with apple slices and graham crackers! Perfect holiday appetizer!

This maple pecan baked brie is my alltime favorite appetizer for parties, especially holiday parties. It looks so pretty on a cheeseboard surrounded by sliced baguette, fruits, and other cheeses.

And it’s also really easy to make. It’s as easy as putting a few toppings on top of the brie and baking until the cheese has melted!

My biggest tip is to pull it out of the oven after all your guests have arrived. Once you cut into it, the cheese is going to flow out and start to harden once it hits room temperature. You get the really gooey cheese in the first few minutes of serving it.

Ingredients

Brie cheese – you want the round brie and leave the rind on so the cheese stays in while it bakes.
Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Pecans – you can use walnuts if you prefer.

Instructions

Warm the brie. Place brie on a small baking sheet. Bake at 350F for about 15 minutes or until softened. Remove and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Make topping. While the brie cools, heat maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar has dissolved; stir in pecans.
Assemble. Pour over the brie and serve immediately.

Where To Buy Brie

You can find brie at any large grocery store. It’s usually not with the shredded cheese but most stores will have a “fancy cheese” section near the deli and that’s where you can find it.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Baked brie should not be made ahead. It’s best when served really hot so the brie is still gooey and dippable.

What To Serve with Baked Brie

My favorite things to serve with baked brie is sliced baguette, graham crackers, and apple slices.

You could really do any sort of cookie, cracker, or fruit though. I think strawberries and crisp grapes would be delicious with this particular baked brie.

I also think it goes great with a dry white wine if you are looking for drink options!

How To Reheat

You can warm up leftover baked brie at a low temp (300F or so) in the oven or even in the microwave. You aren’t trying to cook it, just get it back to it’s melted, dippable state.

Can You Freeze It?

I don’t recommend you try freezing this baked brie. Once it’s baked, it will probably be a mess to try to contain and freeze.

More Party Snack Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Maple Pecan Baked Brie

Maple Pecan Baked Brie - delicious melty brie topped with a maple, brown sugar, and pecan mixture. Serve with apple slices and graham crackers! This is perfect as a holiday appetizer or the star of your cheeseboard!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 8 ounce round brie cheese
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup chopped pecans
sliced baguette, graham crackers, apple slices (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.
Place brie on a small baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes or until softened. Remove and let cool for about 5 minutes.
While the brie cools, heat maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar has dissolved; stir in pecans.
Pour over the brie and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 432mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 11g

One Pot Pizza Pasta

Oct 16, 2015

One Pot Pizza Pasta – pasta cooked with Italian sausage, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and lots of cheese. It cooks in just one pot so it is the perfect easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

One Pan Pizza Pasta - pasta cooked with Italian sausage, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and lots of cheese. Easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Who else feels like life has been insane since school started?

Some days I look up and it’s 5 pm and I have no idea how it happened. It’s like, I’ve been busy all day and I haven’t had a single minute to think about dinner and maybe we’ll just have PB&Js and potato chips.

But gahhh, the guilt!

So I’ve been trying to plan more easy meals and my new favorite thing is easy one-pan meals that cook in less than 30 minutes. Like this One Pan Pizza Pasta!

Ingredients

Olive oil – you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Turkey Italian sausage – I like to use turkey Italian sausage to keep this pasta a little lighter but you can use pork. Just make sure to drain off the fat if necessary.
Onion
Garlic
Pepperoni – I used mini pepperoni in this recipe but you can use regular pepperoni. You may want to cut regular sized pepperoni into quarters if you are using them.
Tomato basil pasta sauce – use your favorite homemade or store-bought pasta sauce.
Rotini pasta – you can use any small pasta shape such as elbows, shells, or penne.
Italian blend cheese – this will have any mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone.

How To Make One Pot Pizza Pasta

Cook sausage and aromatics. Cook sausage and onion in oil; cook breaking up the sausage, until the sausage is cooked completely and the onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add remaining ingredients. Add pepperoni. Add pasta sauce and water and stir until combined. Stir in pasta.
Boil. Bring to a boil. Boil about 10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add cheese. Stir in the cheese. Serve immediately.

How Long Is It Good For?

This pizza pasta will be good for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to serve.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze this pasta for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely and then put it in an airtight container.

When you are ready to serve it, let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as desired.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

One-Pot Pizza Pasta

One Pan Pizza Pasta - pasta cooked with Italian sausage, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and lots of cheese. It cooks in just one pot so it is the perfect easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
8 ounces turkey Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pepperoni
2 cups tomato basil pasta sauce
2 cups water
8 ounces rotini pasta
salt and pepper
2 cups Italian blend cheese

Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a over-proof skillet. Add sausage and onion; cook breaking up the sausage, until the sausage is cooked completely and the onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add pepperoni. Add pasta sauce and water and stir until combined.
Stir in pasta and bring to a boil. Boil about 10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cheese. Serve immediately.

Pear Pomegranate Sangria

Oct 15, 2015

Pear Pomegranate Sangria – delicious white wine sangria with pomegranate juice, brandy, sliced pears, cinnamon, and topped with Prosecco. How delicious would this be for the holidays?

Winter sangrias are so underrated. Try Pear Cider Sangria and Honeycrisp Apple Sangria, too!

Hi guys! Happy almost Friday!

I’ve been having a thing with sangria recently. I think I’ve made more sangria since we moved to Texas than I’ve made in the last 5 years. I’m blaming the heat.

Speaking of the heat, it’s the middle of October. Why is it still 100 degrees? I don’t like it and I need it to change immediately. There are sweaters that need to be worn.

I’m sharing this delicious Pear Pomegranate Sangria today. It is easy, delicious, and the prettiest pink color. It would be perfect to serve with your holiday meal or at any holiday parties you have!

I love making sangria for holiday parties because you can make it ahead of time so it’s ready to go as soon as your guests arrive!

Ingredients

White wine – I like to use a dry white wine for this recipe because the rest of the ingredients are pretty sweet
Pomegranate juice
Pear brandy
Pears – you want them to be ripe but still firm so they don’t fall apart in the sangria
Cinnamon stick
Prosecco – don’t spend a lot on this, you can get away with a cheaper prosecco in this recipe

Instructions

Combine ingredients. In a pitcher, stir together white wine, pomegranate juice, pear brandy, pear slices, and cinnamon stick.
Chill. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve. Pour sangria over ice and top with a splash of Prosecco.

How Long Is It Good For?

Sangria is good for about 5 days in the fridge. If you have a pitcher with a lid, it should be fine it that – this is the pitcher I use.

The fruit will start to get really soft after the first few days so I wouldn’t recommend trying to serve it to guests on day 4 or 5.

More Sangria Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12 servings

Pear Pomegranate Sangria

from Self

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 bottle white wine
3 cups pomegranate juice
½ cup pear brandy
2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 bottle Prosecco, for serving

Instructions

In a pitcher, stir together white wine, pomegranate juice, pear brandy, pear slices, and cinnamon stick. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, pour sangria over ice and top with a splash of Prosecco.

DIY Indestructible Dog Toy

Oct 12, 2015

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

Hey guys! Happy fresh start of the week!

How’d your weekend go? I spent mine watching chick flicks and making DIY indestructible dog toys from old t-shirts! In other words, my perfect weekend!

I decided to share this quick DIY today because I know there are probably a lot of crazy dog ladies like me who also have a habit of buying bright colored t-shirts that they won’t ever wear because they only wear black, white, and grey.

Yeah? You too?

So not only is this the easiest dog toy DIY but it also cleans out your closet a little bit.

You simply cut your t-shirts into thin strips. I used 3 shirts and cut 6 strips from each. And It doesn’t matter if they’re all the same size – I promise your dog won’t care.

Gather all the strips together, tie a knot on one end, and braid to the other end. Tie another knot and get ready to play.

And guess what! This is basically indestructible for your dog. My dogs are the kind of dogs that get a new toy and immediately try to destroy it. They want the squeaker out, they want to scatter the stuffing all over the house, they just want it dead.

But with this, they can’t tear it and they can’t unravel it.

The husky and the schnoxie spent hours over the weekend running around the backyard and playing tug of war with it. Which was nice because it’s still way too hot in Texas for long walks and dogs need to be active to stay healthy, just like we do.

On top of exercise, I think healthy snacks are important to my dogs overall well-being. I love these Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken Cutlets because they are grain free, chicken is the first ingredients, and this may sound crazy, but I love that when I open the package, it actually smells like chicken.

That just makes me feel good about giving the pups a treat.

They are also made in small batches in Arkansas, contain no poultry by-product meal, or artificial colors, flavors,or preservatives.

The dogs love them!

📖 Recipe

DIY Indestructible Dog Toy

Materials

6 strips of t-shirt

Instructions

Make a knot at one end of all the t-shirt strips.
Braid the t-shirt strips.
Make a knot on the other end to secure it.
Play!

Crockpot Cheeseburgers

Oct 07, 2015

Crockpot Cheeseburgers – sloppy joe style cheeseburgers cooked in the slow cooker. Serve it on buns with all your favorite burger fixins for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

If you love burgers, try our Cheeseburger Quesadillas!

Crockpot Cheeseburgers - sloppy joe style cheeseburgers cooked in the slow cooker. Easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Happy Wednesday guys! We made it halfway through the week!

In case I forgot to mention it, I am currently obsessed with bread and butter pickles and Velveeta cheese slices right now.

I mean, if that’s not the epitome of sophisticated taste buds, I don’t know what is.

But every morning, I have 2 eggs with a slice of Velveeta cheese and every afternoon, I have one of my burger salads with tons of pickles on it.

And more than once in the last month, we’ve had these Crockpot Cheeseburgers for dinner because Velveeta! And pickles! My two favorites in one easy dinner!

Ingredients

Olive oil
Ground beef – you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want it to be a little bit lighter.
Onion
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Velveeta cheese – don’t be tempted to use shredded cheese, it has to be Velveeta so you get that texture.
Ketchup
Mustard
Buns – use your favorite buns.
Cheese slices – this is optional but definitely makes it look more like a cheeseburger.
Pickles – these are optional. You can also top the cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, onions, or whatever you normally put on your cheeseburgers.

How To Make Crockpot Cheeseburgers

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion and cook, breaking up the beef, until no pink remains and the onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Transfer to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in Velveeta, ketchup, and mustard.
Cover and cook on low for 3 – 4 hours, stirring about once an hour.
Serve on buns with more cheese and pickles!

What Size Crockpot Should I Use?

I use my 6 quart slow cooker for these cheeseburgers but I think you could also use an 8 quart. I don’t recommend going much smaller than 6 or you will run out of room.

How Long Are They Good For?

Crockpot cheeseburgers are good for 2 – 3 days after cooking. Make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What To Serve With Crockpot Cheeseburgers

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Crockpot Cheeseburgers

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
buns, for serving
cheese slices, for serving
pickles, for serving

Instructions

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion and cook, breaking up the beef, until no pink remains and the onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Transfer to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Stir in Velveeta, ketchup, and mustard.
Cover and cook on low for 3 - 4 hours, stirring about once an hour. Serve on buns with more cheese and pickles!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling

Oct 01, 2015

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are soft, cakey pumpkin cookies sandwiched together with marshmallow cream cheese filling. A must make for pumpkin lovers!

Heeeey guys! Happy almost weekend! My kids have a random half day today – isn’t that weird? I’ve never heard of a half day in the middle of the week.

Let’s all hope that I don’t forget to pick them up.

You know what. I’m gonna set an alarm. Better safe than sorry.

momoftheyear

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling were inspired by my current favorite candle. I know, so typical.

Anyway, it’s the Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow candle from Bath and Body Works and I am obsessed. It’s sweet, pumpkiny and everything I’ve ever wanted in a candle. If you aren’t burning it in every room in your house… why not?!

These whoopie pies are so tasty! The cookie itself is soft and a little bit spicy and the filling is as delicious as it sounds!

How Long Are They Good For?

These cookies will be good for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

I like to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving just to take the chill off.

Can You Freeze Them?

You can freeze pumpkin whoopie pies for up to 3 months. I would wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer ziploc bag.

When you are ready to serve, let them sit overnight in the fridge.

More Pumpkin Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12 whoopie pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are soft, cakey pumpkin cookies sandwiched together with marshmallow cream cheese filling. A must make for pumpkin lovers!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cloves
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla

For the marshmallow cream cheese filling:

1 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1 7 ounce container marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat brown sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla and mix well. Add in flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, about an inch apart. Bake until cookies start to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before filling.

To make the filling:

Beat together cream cheese, marshmallow creme, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
When cookies have cooled completely, spread a thick layer of filling onto half of the cookies.Top with another cookie and press down slightly so the filling spreads to the sides.
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Layered Ranch Taco Dip

Sep 24, 2015

Layers of refried beans, sour cream with ranch, tomato, olives, cheese, and more! Layered Ranch Taco Dip is the perfect quick and easy appetizer for a party!

Layered Ranch Taco Dip - layered of refried beans, sour cream with ranch dressing mix, tomatoes, olive, green onions, and more! This is such a delicious dip recipe!

Happy almost Friday!

I am having one of those weeks where I can’t seem to catch my breath because I have so much going on and I am SO EXCITED for Friday afternoon to get here. We’re almost there. We can do it.

I’m sharing one of my alltime favorite party foods today! I’ve made this so many times over the years because it’s so easy to prepare, you can prep it ahead of time, and it is so delicious!

Ingredients for Ranch Taco Dip

Refried beans
Sour cream
Ranch dressing mix
Fresh tomato
Black olives
Green onions
Cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

Instructions

On a serving plate, spread refried beans
In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and ranch dressing mix. Spread over beans
Layer the tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cheddar cheese on top
Serve with tortilla chips for dipping

Can You Make Layered Ranch Taco Dip Ahead?

Yes! The whole dip can be made ahead of time! You can make it the night before a big party and it should be fine. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I would pull it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving so it’s not super cold.

Can You Freeze Layered Ranch Taco Dip?

No, I don’t recommend freezing this layered taco dip.

Tips & Tricks

If you want a spicy version, try using spicy ranch mix instead of regular.
You could also add chopped pickled jalapeno or the jalapeno juice to the refried beans to give it a kick.
If you want to change up the toppings, try adding shredded iceberg lettuce, guacamole, or salsa!

More Dip Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Layered Ranch Taco Dip

Layers of refried beans, sour cream with ranch, tomato, olives, cheese, and more! Layered Ranch Taco Dip is the perfect quick and easy appetizer for a party!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 16 ounce can refried beans
1 8 ounce container sour cream
1 package, .4 ounce ranch dressing mix
1 small tomato, seeded and diced
½ cup sliced black olives
⅓ cup sliced green onions
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

On a serving plate, spread refried beans.
In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and ranch dressing mix. Spread that over beans. Layer the tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cheddar cheese on top.
Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Apple Spice Cupcakes

Sep 17, 2015

Apple Spice Cupcakes are delicious apple cupcakes topped with spiced vanilla frosting and cinnamon apple chips! Perfect fall cupcakes!

Apple Spice Cupcakes - yummy apple cupcakes topped with spiced vanilla frosting and cinnamon apple chips! Perfect fall cupcakes!

Honeycrisp’s are finally under $3/pound at my store. It’s absolute torture seeing them in the store for 4 or 5 bucks a pound because I refuse to pay that much for apples.

But oh my gosh, they are so good.

I picked up a few last week and sacrificed one for these Apple Spice Cupcakes.

The cupcakes are full of the apple and lots of spices and then they are topped with a spiced vanilla frosting and cinnamon apple chips.

Ingredients

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Ginger
Allspice
Butter – make sure to bring it to room temperature before beginning the recipe.
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Sour Cream
Eggs
Vanilla
Apple
Powdered sugar
Apple pie spice
Milk
Cinnamon apple chips

How To Make Apple Spice Cupcakes

Dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
Wet ingredients. Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine. Slowly add dry mixture to wet mixture.
Add apple. Fold in grated apple.
Transfer. Divide batter among the prepared muffin cups.
Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Cool. Cool completely before frosting.
Make frosting. Beat butter, powdered sugar, apple pie spice, and salt until combined. Add in vanilla and beat on medium-high until creamy. Beat in milk until fluffy.
Finish. Frost cupcakes; top with apple pie spice and cinnamon apple chips.

How Long Are They Good For?

Apple spice cupcakes are good for up to 4 – 5 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I like to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, just to take the chill off.

Can You Freeze Them?

You can freeze the unfrosted upcakes for up to 3 months. I would wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer ziploc bag.

When you are ready to serve them, let them sit at room temperature until defrosted and then you can frost and serve.

More Cupcake Recipes

Make sure you subscribe to my email list to get all my new recipes delivered right to your inbox!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for even more!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Apple Spice Cupcakes

Apple Spice Cupcakes are delicious apple cupcakes topped with spiced vanilla frosting and cinnamon apple chips! Perfect fall cupcakes!

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the cucpakes:

1 ¼ cups flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon allspice
½ cup 1 stick butter, melted
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large apple, peeled and grated

For the frosting:

¾ cup 1 ½ sticks butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon apple pie spice
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk
cinnamon apple chips, for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
With an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; beat until well mixed. Slowly add in flour mixture and beat until just combined. Fold in grated apple.
Divide batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting:

Beat butter, powdered sugar, apple pie spice, and salt until combined. Add in vanilla and beat on medium-high until creamy, about 3 minutes. Beat in milk until fluffy, about 1 minute.
Frost cupcakes; top with apple pie spice and cinnamon apple chips.

Cranberry, Pistachio, and White Chocolate Biscotti

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

Instructions

How To Make Simple Syrup

Can You Make It Ahead?

More Margarita Recipes

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

Instructions

How Long Is It Good For?

More Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

How to Make Avocado Brownies

How Long Are Avocado Brownies Good For

Can You Freeze Them?

More Healthy-ish Treats Recipes

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

More Soup Recipes

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

Instructions

Where To Buy Brie

Can You Make It Ahead?

What To Serve with Baked Brie

How To Reheat

Can You Freeze It?

More Party Snack Recipes

📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

How To Make One Pot Pizza Pasta

How Long Is It Good For?

Can You Freeze It?

More Easy Pasta Recipes

📖 Recipe