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Handmade Gift Ideas

Holidays

Tuesday
Dec / 10 / 2019
Comments 0

A Collection of my favorite Handmade Gift Ideas #gifts #homemade #handmade #holiday #christmas #gifting #gift

Do you prefer to make your gifts for family and friends? Are you still looking for something unique to give someone on your holiday list? If so, this post is for you. It’s brimming with Handmade Gift Ideas from Inspired by Charm.

Today, I’ve gathered more than 12 ideas for handmade gifts. They range from décor to food and drink to what I call feel-good items. Although these gifts are perfect for Christmas, many of them would be appropriate and appreciated at any time of the year.

Handmade Gifts – Décor:

Cookie Cutter Wreath
I made this wreath several years ago during a 12 Days of Christmas series on IBC. I probably wouldn’t be considered a minimalist, but I adore the simplicity of this wreath. You can customize it for any season or event by using different colored ribbon and different cookie cutters. This is a handmade gift you will enjoy designing, crafting, and giving!

DIY Cookie Cutter Wreath

Wood Bead Garland
Garlands are a wonderful finishing touch when decorating for the winter holidays or any special occasion. This wood garland is easy to paint and put together with a sturdy string or leather cord. I love it so much that I’ve made several versions. What bead shapes and paint colors will you use?

DIY Wood Bead Christmas Garland

Colorful Wood Trees
I’m crazy about these trees and I predict the people who receive this handmade gift from you will be as well. Paint the trees various shades of green or whatever colors will complement the recipient’s décor. These colorful trees look gorgeous on a mantel or shelf or nestled among miniature houses and ribbon in a table centerpiece.

DIY Colorful Wood Christmas Tree Decorations

Handmade Gifts – Food and Drink:

Homemade Pancake Mix
This has been my go-to pancake mix for years, but I only recently got around to posting it on the blog. For a practical and pretty gift, mix up the dry ingredients and put a jar of the mix in a basket along with my homemade pancakes recipe, a bottle of pure maple syrup, and a whisk. For holiday appeal, add a bright bow, a couple of candy canes, and a cheery tea towel or two.

Homemade Pancake Mix

Hot Cocoa Mix
It’s that time of year…for handmade gifts and hand- and heart-warming drinks. Why not combine the two by tucking a container of this homemade hot cocoa mix in a gift box with a fun Christmas mug, peppermint candies, and marshmallows? The mix is so easy to make. There are also white chocolate and spiced chocolate versions.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Red Pepper Jelly

Did you know that you can make the classic red pepper jelly rather than buying it at the store? It’s quite simple to do, plus you decide on the level of heat. I should warn you, though – you will probably get requests for this handmade gift every year. It’s that good!

Red Pepper Jelly

Cookie Tray

Like many folks, you probably bake a lot during the holidays. Share some of the goodness (and calories!) with family and friends by putting together trays of favorite cookies and confections. Here are a few of mine: Cream Wafer Cookies, Three-Ingredient Fudge, and Sweater Weather Sugar Cookies. (Lots more cookie recipes are linked in the post.)

14+ of My Best Christmas Cookies

Apple Pie Moonshine
This handmade gift is as dangerous as it is delicious! Made from 190 proof grain alcohol, apple cider, apple juice, and seasonal spices, this drink is best enjoyed in moderation. To reinforce this, you might present a small bottle of it with a couple of cute shot glasses and a friendly reminder about drinking responsibly.

Apple Pie Moonshine

Handmade Gifts – Feel-Good Items:

Cookie/Gift Card Bags
These gift bags are an alternative to the pricey ones that are commercially available. Don’t worry – no sewing is required. Just iron the free printable transfer on ready-made cotton bags that can be purchased online. The bags are also a clever way to package other handmade gifts or even gift cards.

DIY Christmas Cookie Bags

Clear Glass Ornament Gift Ideas
I like to make these for stocking stuffers or as accompaniments to year-end cash presents for the wonderful people whose services I rely on. I fill clear glass ornaments with something I think each person will like. Examples: sprinkles for baking, bath salts, loose leaf tea, lottery tickets, hot cocoa mix with mini-marshmallows, colorful small candies.

Holiday Gifting with Clear Glass Ornaments

Terrarium
A terrarium is a beautiful handmade gift that allows you to bring the natural world inside. Once you choose a glass jar and gather the supplies, it won’t take long to set up the terrarium. Your family and friends will love tending their little indoor gardens. A green thumb is optional.

How To Make a Terrarium

DIY Beeswax Candles
This is a handmade gift that can be completed in an evening. Even though candle making sounds difficult, it’s not. For me, the most challenging part is selecting the vessel and making sure I have all of the necessary supplies. As for the scents, I went with lavender and sandalwood.

DIY Beeswax Candles

Bath Bombs
Yes, you can make bath bombs. Stay with traditional holiday colors or go with the recipient’s favorite hues. The fragrance is also up to you. I prefer essential oils that relax and reenergize. (You might pair several bath bombs with a couple of the DIY beeswax candles for an extra special handmade gift.)

DIY Bath Bombs

Bonus Gifting Ideas:

Christmas Gift Tags
These North Pole Express Delivery Service tags are so much fun. They are another free download from IBC and available in blue and red. Seeing one on a package from you is sure to bring a smile to your dear one’s face!

Christmas Gift Tags (Free Printable)

Plaid Gift Tags
I’ve been mad for plaid wrapping paper for a while now, and it is my pleasure to offer free printables such as these on Inspired by Charm. As one of the gift tags says, “Plaid Tidings of Joy” (from me to you). Which of your handmade gifts will you top with a plaid tag?

Plaid-Inspired Printable Christmas Gift Tags

Christmas Bottle Hang Tags
If you’re giving someone wine or spirits this season, may I suggest adding one of these clever and festive tags? The printable can be downloaded from IBC for free. As with all of my tags, I recommend printing on cardstock.

Printable Christmas Bottle Hang Tags

I hope these Handmade Gift Ideas inspire you to make life a little merrier for others at Christmas and throughout the year.

Happy DIYing and Giving!

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Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Recipes

Monday
Dec / 9 / 2019
Comments 8

Peppermint Kiss Christmas Cookies #peppermint #blossom #peppermintkiss #christmas #holiday #cookie #recipe

These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a new must-make for my Christmas Cookie tray. They have a sugar cookie base that’s topped with a peppermint kiss. In essence, they’re a peppermint-twist on peanut butter blossoms.

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

If it were possible for me to just wrap presents and bake cookies for the next two weeks, I would be in a state of absolute bliss. I realize many people dislike these activities, but they are two of my favorites during the holiday season. That’s why today I’m super excited to be teaming up with some of my blogger friends (a.k.a. the #ChristmasCookieSquad) for our annual Christmas Cookie Swap. In addition to my Peppermint Kiss Cookies, there are seven more cookie recipes to help you on your holiday baking adventures. You can visit all the participating bloggers here:

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Linzer Cookies – Freutcake
Reindeer Truffle Cookies – Pizzazzerie
Chai Spice Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Drizzle – Lovely Indeed
Christmas Sugar Cookies – Paper & Stitch
Bobho Rainbow Gingerbread Cookies – The Proper Blog
Rudolph Nose Dough Balls – Julie Blanner
Chocolate Cherry Chunk Cookies – Sugar and Charm
Peppermint Kiss Cookies – Inspired by Charm (you are here)

I decided to make these Peppermint Kiss Cookies because of my current love affair with peppermint kisses. (I think their real name is Candy Cane Kisses.) My mom mentioned them to me a few years ago. I haven’t always been a peppermint fan, so I turned my nose up back then. However, my tastes seem to have changed, and now I can get enough of these creamy, peppermint and white chocolate kisses. Yum! (You may have noticed there’s a bowl of them on the coffee table in my family room.)

Naturally, yours truly HAD to turn them into a cookie!

Please know that I’m not the creator of this smart cookie idea. I’ve seen this cookie floating around on the internet for the past couple of years. I thought you might appreciate my take on it, or you might even be seeing this cookie for the first time.

Whatever the case may be, let me show you how to make these Peppermint Kiss Cookies.

How to Make Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Before we begin, you need to know that these cookies are simple to make.

Start by preparing a classic sugar cookie dough with butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. (I’ve shared the full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.)

Once the dough is ready, the fun can begin. I got creative and split my dough into two. I knew I wanted red cookies and green ones. You can make as many colors as you like or just one color or leave the dough plain. The choice is yours.

To “dye” my dough, I added coarse green sugar to one half and coarse red sugar to the other half. It’s that easy.

The dough is then rolled into 1-inch balls. Before baking, the balls are rolled in more sugar. To make the color pop and give the cookies a little sparkle, I added some of the coordinating green and red sugars. While this step isn’t essential, it does brighten the cookies.

Before baking, slightly flatten each ball of dough using your finger. This is an important step. You probably can tell that some of my cookies don’t look as flat as the others. That’s because I forgot to flatten that batch. (Oops!) While they still look and taste delicious, I prefer the flatter ones. – I make the mistakes so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.

Now, you’re ready to bake!

Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Because the peppermint kisses will melt more readily than standard chocolate kisses, you’ll want to allow your cookies to cool for 2-3 minutes before adding the kisses. Once you’ve put on the kisses, don’t touch or move the cookies. If you do, you run the risk of losing that classic kiss shape.

When the Peppermint Kiss Cookies are completely cooled, you can pack and store them in an airtight container.

And just like that, your Peppermint Kiss Cookies are complete and ready for your cookie tray! (Or insert one or more directly into your mouth. I won’t tell. Besides, this is a judgment-free zone.)

This is an exceptionally delicious and colorful cookie recipe. With pops of red, green, and the candy cane stripe on the kiss, these cookies are perfectly festive!

If you’re looking for more of my Christmas cookie recipes, you’re in luck because I have a round-up post of my favorites. You can find all of my go-to Christmas cookie recipes here.

Want to see what my #ChristmasCookieSquads blogger friends have made? (Of course, you do!) I will link them all again here:

This is an incredibly talented group of bloggers. Their cookie recipes are not only delectable but beautiful and creative, too. I know you’ll enjoy them!

I hope you’ll give some of those recipes a try along with my recipe for Peppermint Kiss Cookies. Happy holidays, and happy baking, my friends!

Peppermint Kiss Cookie Recipe:

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Servings: 3 dozen | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a new must-make for my Christmas Cookie tray. They have a sugar cookie base that's topped with a peppermint kiss. In essence, they're a peppermint-twist on peanut butter blossoms.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
3/4 cup sugar, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse green sugar*
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse red sugar*
36 Peppermint Kisses unwrapped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, whisk together the four, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mix until just combined. Divide the dough in half and put each half in a separate bowl.* Add one tablespoon of green sugar to one bowl of dough and mix with a spoon to combine the dough and sugar. Then add one tablespoon of red sugar to the other bowl of dough and mix to combine.
Divide the remaining 1/2 cup sugar into two shallow bowls. To one bowl, add 1 teaspoon green sugar; to the other bowl, add 1 teaspoon red sugar.
Use a spoon, cookie scoop, or your fingers to spoon out 1-inch dough balls. Roll the dough in the palm of your hand to form a ball. Then roll the dough ball in the coordinating colored sugar. (That is, green dough in green and red in red.) Place the sugared dough ball on the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
Before baking, use your finger to gently press each dough ball to slightly flatten it. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Wait 2-3 minutes; then place a peppermint kiss on each cookie, slightly pressing it into the cookie. The peppermint kisses melt easily, so do not touch or move the cookies until they are completely cool. Pack and store the cookies in an air-tight container.
*You can use as many colored sugars as you'd like. Divide the dough accordingly.

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Homemade Pancake Mix

Recipes

Friday
Dec / 6 / 2019
Comments 11

One of my go-to’s for breakfast is pancakes. And today I’m sharing my Homemade Pancake Mix recipe with you. Just whip up a batch of this dry mix every couple of months, and you’ll be ready to make pancakes whenever your heart desires.

Homemade Pancake Mix

Yes, my friends, we’re talking about breakfast food (namely pancakes) today on the blog. I love making breakfast! (You may remember I owned and operated a Bed and Breakfast in St. Marys from 2008 to 2013.) I have been intending to share this Homemade Pancake Mix recipe with you for YEARS. I’m not sure what’s taken me so long.

When I ran the B&B, pancakes were on the breakfast rotation. Having a homemade dry pancake mix to use made those mornings just a little bit easier. This is that pancake mix recipe. – I guess you could say it’s been Bed & Breakfast tested and approved.

What I love about this recipe is that you can mix up a big batch, and then you only need to mix it into your wet ingredients whenever the craving for pancakes strikes.

Once the batter is prepared, you can customize it any way you like. Toss in blueberries, add chocolate chips, stir in peanut butter,…. The possibilities are almost endless.

What is Pancake Mix Made of?

If you’ve never made pancake mix, you might be surprised to learn that you probably already have all the ingredients. Pancake Mix is made with pantry staples and can be put together in minutes.

To make this dry pancake mix, you will need:

all-purpose flour
sugar
baking powder
baking soda
salt

Yes. It’s that simple.

How to Make Homemade Pancake Mix:

Just grab a big jar, toss in these ingredients, whisk to combine, and your pancake mix is ready! (You will find the full ingredient list and amounts in the printable recipe card below.)

That’s it. Really. This mixture can be stored in an airtight container on your counter or in a cabinet for up to three months.

How to Make Pancakes from Pancake Mix:

Once the dry mix is prepared, you’ll need to add a few wet ingredients to make a batter. For this, you will need:

buttermilk
milk
egg
butter
vanilla extract

Exact amounts are listed below. Other than the buttermilk, it’s likely you also have most of these items in your refrigerator or pantry. (Side note: You can make buttermilk at home. Just add 1 tablespoon white vinegar OR 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir to combine.)

To make the batter, whisk together all the wet ingredients and then add the prepared dry ingredients. It’s that simple. Your pancake batter is ready to go.

When I make pancakes, I like to use a cast iron griddle on my stovetop. (This is the one I have.) However, an electric griddle or even a nonstick pan works equally well.

I add a little butter to the griddle and then remove any excess with a paper towel. Once the griddle is hot, it’s time to make the pancakes.

Tip: After pouring the batter on the hot griddle, I let the pancake cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping it. I know it’s time to flip the pancake when I see lots of bubbles on the top of it.

How to Serve Pancakes:

This pancake mix will give you delicious, fluffy pancakes. To finish them off, I highly recommend a pat of butter and a generous amount of pure maple syrup. (Avoid the “maple-flavored” syrup you find at the grocery store.)

Voila! Your homemade pancakes are ready to be enjoyed!

This Homemade Pancake Mix recipe also makes an excellent holiday gift. Make a batch of the mix and pair it with high-quality pure maple syrup. As you probably know, my favorite is Finding Home Farms. It’s the only maple syrup I buy. I keep an ample supply of it on hand so I don’t run out. Yes, it’s that good!

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Enjoy!

Looking for more of my go-to breakfast recipes? Try these:

Pancake Mix Recipe:

Homemade Pancake Mix

| Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 4 votes

One of my go-to's for breakfast is pancakes. And today I'm sharing my Homemade Pancake Mix recipe with you. Just whip up a batch of this dry mix every couple of months, and you'll be ready to make pancakes whenever your heart desires.

Ingredients

Dry Mix:

3 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Mix:

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

To prepare the pancake mix, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large jar or container. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. This pancake mix can be stored for up to three months.
To prepare the pancake batter, add the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Whisk together to combine. Add 1 cup of the prepared dry mix. Stir until just combined. Let the mixture sit for1-2 minutes before cooking.
Set your griddle on medium-low heat. Brush with butter. Allow the butter to melt. (Optional: Remove any excess butter with a paper towel.)
Pour 1/4 cup* of the batter onto the hot buttered griddle. Cook the pancake until bubbles form on the top and the bottom is golden. (This will take bout 4-5 minutes.) Flip the pancakes and cook about 2 more minutes until golden.
Serve with butter and pure maple syrup.
This recipe will make 10 pancakes with dry mix left over.

Recipe Notes

*1/4 cup of batter makes a 3-inch pancake. You can create a larger or smaller pancake by adjusting the amount of batter you use.

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A Smart Upgrade For My Front Door

Interiors

Thursday
Dec / 5 / 2019
Comments 2

A Smart Upgrade for my Front Door #smarthome #schlage #encode #smartlock #frontdoor

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Schlage. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I’m excited to share how I gave my front door a much needed and smart upgrade!

First, a bit of backstory. I bought my current home a little over a year ago. All of the exterior doors on my house required a key to lock them. Nothing strange about that, right? Wrong. They also needed the key to lock them from the inside. Dealing with this has been a mini-nightmare. I can’t begin to count the number of times someone has come to my front door, but the door is locked, and I can’t find my keys.

After replacing two sets of doors during my kitchen remodel this past summer, there was one exterior door left to tackle. The front door. So, when my friends over at Schlage reached out and asked if I wanted to try the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, I jumped at the chance. I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to fix this problem and at the same time upgrade my door with cool new smart home features!

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi deadbolt is a smart lock that enables remote access from anywhere. Yep, you can lock and unlock your door even when you’re not home. You can also unlock the door physically with a key or a code.

While I was familiar with smart locks, I had no idea of their capabilities until I had this opportunity to install one. You can read about the many features of this particular lock here on the Schlage website, but I thought I’d share a few of my favorite features as well.

First, I was able to install the deadbolt lock myself. I did have to drill some larger holes, but once that was done, the system was a breeze to install. I also downloaded the Schlage Home app to manage my new Schlage Encode. It was simple to set up, and I found the app intuitive and easy to use.

When I installed my new smart deadbolt, I also took the opportunity to install a matching door handle. Both the deadbolt and door handle are available in matte black or satin nickel. You can also choose between a modern style called “Century” or a more traditional style called “Camelot.” Since my door is black and my home has a colonial look, I opted for the Camelot in satin nickel. I think this was a great choice. The new door handle looks beautiful on my front door.

Here’s what it looked like before …

… and now.

That’s quite an upgrade, isn’t it?

Another wonderful feature of this particular Schlage smart lock is that it also includes a key. The lock runs on batteries, and while the app will give you notice when the batteries are running low, it’s reassuring to have a manual back-up

Still, another feature that I especially like about my new smart lock is the ability to create up to 100 unique codes for recurring, temporary, or permanent access. This means you can give a different code to your pet sitter, house cleaner, contractor, delivery person, and so on. This allows you to monitor when the lock has been accessed and based on the code use, by whom. I will soon be setting up a code for my cat sitters.

Although I don’t currently use voice assist in my home, you can pair this lock with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Amazon Alex ;allows you to lock and unlock your door with the sound of your voice. This smart lock even works with the Ring Video Doorbell so you can see who’s at your door.

And finally, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt also includes an auto-lock feature which is super handy. I have lost count of how many times I have had to run back home to check if I locked the door. With the app, you can set an auto-lock that allows you to select a delay time range from 15 seconds to 4 minutes. You never need to worry about locking your door again.

All-in-all, I’d say this lock is an incredible upgrade. And while I’m obsessed with all of the smart features, I’m probably most excited about finally being able to lock my door from the inside without a key. It’s the little things in life, my friends!

I hope you find this review helpful. If you’re looking for a smart lock deadbolt, I heartily recommend the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt. I think you’ll like it as much as I do!

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Woodland Glam Christmas Tree

Holidays

Wednesday
Dec / 4 / 2019
Comments 42

It’s time to share another of my 2019 Christmas trees. Today I’m thrilled to show you how I decorated the Woodland Glam inspired Christmas tree in my entryway!

Woodland Glam Christmas Tree

When I bought my house, I never thought I’d be able to fit anything other than a tabletop Christmas tree in my entryway. However, because of my kitchen remodel this year (which ended up affecting my entryway), I now have a full-size Christmas tree in here.

And I have all of you to thank for it. Back in October, I shared my updated entryway. After I removed the closet (I have plans to replace it this coming year.), many of you mentioned that the newly opened space would be ideal for a tree. Two months later, allow me to introduce my Woodland Glam Entryway Christmas Tree!

I’m smitten with this tree. I will tell you all about it, but first, here’s a bit about how the design idea came to be. I was flipping through magazines and happened upon this tree in Southern Living. The credit indicated it had been styled by Lindsey Ellis Beatty. (Thank you, Lindsey, for the inspiration!)

What attracted me most to the tree was the gorgeous pheasant ornaments. Once I was able to track them down online, I ordered one to see it in person. When it arrived, I was in love and ordered a handful more. From there, I sought out inspiration from my other favorite holiday sources, and this tree is the result!

I couldn’t be more pleased with it. Now for the details:

Woodland Glam Christmas Tree Decor:

(I will include a source list at the end of this post. I will try to link up everything I can for you.)

Let’s start with the tree. I sourced it from Balsam Hill, my favorite place for trees. This is their 6.5 ft Nantucket Blue Narrow Tree with Micro Lights. It’s such a pretty tree, and it makes the perfect base for my ornaments.

First, I put on the ribbon. (If you’re curious about how I did that, I have a full blog post and video tutorial on the subject. You can find that here.)

Once the ribbon was in place, I added solid glass ball ornaments. The large gold and silver balls are from the Balsam Hill Essential Metallics collection. They are stunning and such a great size.

I also decided to bring in a pop of color: turquoise! This was inspired by the shades of green and turquoise in the pheasant ornaments. The color works so well on this tree and looks lovely with my navy walls.

Since this is a woodland-themed tree, I needed a few other animals to join the party. Have you spotted them all?

There are whitetail deer (bucks and fawns), owls, and squirrels.

While I adore all the ornaments, I can’t get over the squirrels. They are just the cutest things, I found them at HomeGoods.

From there, I filled in with a couple of other ornament sets from Balsam Hill. This Silver and Gold Ornament Set added the perfect amount of bling. This is Woodland GLAM after-all.

Icicle ornaments were a must as well. I think of icicles as Mother Nature’s wintertime jewelry. This set, also from Balsam Hill, was a fabulous addition.

Near the top center of the tree is an extra special and unusual ornament – a cuckoo clock! When I spotted it on one of my local shopping adventures, I knew I had to have it. It is large and was rather pricey, so I only bought one. However, I think its uniqueness adds to its appeal.

My final additions were a bunch of glass pinecone ornaments I found at Walmart. I had been hunting for weeks and weeks and couldn’t’ find them anywhere. Then, lo and behold, on a random trip to Walmart, I spotted them. Serendipity!

For the tree topper, I used this beautiful antique snowflake I got two years ago form Balsam Hill. While I think it works perfectly, and I love the twinkle from the jewels, I had had my heart set on this Starry Crown from Terrain. However, It’s been on backorder and is expected to be in stock again by 12/9. I’m still on the fence about whether to order it.

I tucked a cable-knit tree skirt around the base and filled in with presents. I also displayed this little Glowing Winter Village for even more interest and sparkle.

I don’t believe I showed you the vintage wood bench I found for my entryway. While I eventually plan to build in a closet and bench in the entryway, I wanted some sort of seating in the meantime, and this bench fits wonderfully. A throw and extra presents make it feel festive.

I also put garland and a few other festive touches on the banister. I’ll share those in my full Christmas Home Tour which I’m hoping to get live late next week.

And there you have it: my Woodland Glam Christmas Tree! Isn’t she a beauty?

This year I have three Christmas trees. I posted about my Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree a couple of weeks ago. (You can find that here if you missed it.) I’ll be showing you my third tree sometime next week. Stay tuned for that!

Thank YOU for joining me on the blog today for a look at my Woodland Glam Christmas Tree. If you’re wanting more Christmas tree decorating ideas, check out this post here. It features most of my Christmas trees. There’s a lot of inspiration to be had.

Happy decorating, friends!

Woodland Glam Christmas Tree Sources:

Christmas Tree: 6.5ft Nantucket Blue Narrow Tree with Micro LED Lights
Christmas Ornaments:

Tree Topper: Antique Snowflake
Metallic Houses: Glowing Winter Village
Tree Skirt: HomeGoods
Bench: Antique
Throw: Thrifted
Paint Colors: Details HERE

*Balsam Hill was kind enough to offer IBC readers a coupon code. Enter code: IBC10OFF at checkout. This will save you 10% off your order of any amount. This can be used on sale items and regular-priced items on the site. It’s a great deal. The coupon is valid now through December 15, 2019.

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Linzer Cookies

Recipes

Tuesday
Dec / 3 / 2019
Comments 9

Delicious Recipe for Christmas Linzer Cookies #linzer #cookies #raspberry #recipe #christmas #holiday #cookie #holidaybaking

Grab your baking supplies, because today we are making Linzer Cookies. Filled with raspberry jam, these classic butter cookies make a beautiful and delicious holiday treat.

How to Make Linzer Cookies:

I think it’s safe to say we have officially entered the Christmas season. Thanksgiving has passed, trees are being decorated, and now we’re baking cookies. Today I’m excited to add this recipe for Linzer Cookies to my Christmas Cookie Collection.

I’m also tickled because I’ve once again teamed up with my Tastes of the Seasons 24+ blogger friends. Each blogger is sharing a delightful holiday cookie recipe. If you’re looking to add new cookies to your holiday baking repertoire, this is the post for you. All the cookie recipes will be linked at the end of this post. We’d also love to have you join in on the fun. Share a picture of your favorite Christmas Cookie on Instagram. Tag me @inspiredbycharm and use the hashtag #BestChristmasCookieRecipes. I can’t wait to discover YOUR favorite!

Before we get to that, let’s talk about these Linzer Cookies.

How to Make Linzer Cookies:

You may have never heard of them, but for many folks, Linzer Cookies are a holiday classic. Linzer Cookies are crispy, but flakey, buttery sandwich cookies with a jam filling. Raspberry jam is typical, but you could use whatever flavor you like best.

What makes these cookies special is that the top cookie in the cookie sandwich has the center cut out to reveal the delicious jam inside.

You can get as creative as you want with the cookie cutters you use for this recipe. I selected a round scalloped cutter for the base of the cookie and then used different holiday shapes for the cutouts. Small cookie cutters can be tricky to find, so if you like what I used, I will link to them here. I do not have a source for the round cookie cutter because it is vintage. However, it’s pretty standard, so finding it shouldn’t be difficult.

With your cookie cutters chosen, you’ll whip up a batch of dough in your stand mixer. The dough is quick and easy to make. Just in case you have trouble with the dough holding together, a little milk (or even water) will help the process along.

The dough needs to be chilled before it is rolled out, so be sure to plan your cookie-making schedule accordingly or make the dough a day ahead.

Roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut out your cookies. Remember, you’ll need one cookie for the bottom without the center cut out, and one cookie for the top that has the center cut out.

The cookies get baked on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove them from the oven before they start to brown. This will result in a pale and pretty cookie.

While your cookies are still a bit warm, spoon a bit of jam on the bottom cookie. Like I said above, I prefer raspberry. (Bonne Maman is my personal favorite, but homemade would be extra delicious!) Then, put on the cookie top. (The top has the cutout.) Lightly press the top and bottom together to seal the deal.

Once the cookies have cooled, sprinkle them with confectioners’ sugar for the perfect finishing touch.

As you can see, the result is a beautiful cookie that’s ready to be served to your holiday guests.

You’ll notice that I also baked the little cut-out shapes from the tops. I thought the tiny cookies were a fun and cute addition to my cookie plate.

I also brought out my adorable DIY Christmas Cookie Bags. Aren’t they sweet? I made them last year and even shared the free printable with all of you! Click here for the printable and tutorial.

I may be partial to the “Elf” version, but both are so cute. They’d also make lovely bags for gift cards too!

Want more Christmas Cookie Recipes? You’ll love these:

All-in-all, I’d say these Linzer Cookies are a lovely and sweet cookie I’m proud to add to my cookie tray.

Below the printable Linzer Cookie recipe, you’ll find links to all my blogger friends’ cookie creations. They’ve made delicious holiday cookie recipes I know you’re going to love. We’d also love to have you join in on the fun. Share your favorite Christmas Cookie on Instagram. Tag me @inspiredbycharm and use the hashtag #BestChristmasCookieRecipes. I can’t wait to discover YOUR favorite!

Happy baking!

Linzer Cookie Recipe:

Linzer Cookies

Servings: 40 cookies | Prep Time: 1 hr | Cook Time: 12 mins | Cooling Time: 1 hr

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

Grab your baking supplies, because today we are making Linzer Cookies. Filled with raspberry jam, these classic butter cookies make a beautiful and delicious holiday treat.

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter cubed
1 large egg
1-2 tablespoons cold milk if needed
1 jar (13 ounce) raspberry jam
Confectioners' sugar for garnish

Instructions

Add the flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low for 10-15 seconds to combine.
Next, add the cold butter and beat until crumbly. Add the egg and then beat at medium speed until the dough starts to form. If the mixture is not coming together well, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold milk until the dough begins to form.
Turn out the dough on a floured surface and knead by hand to form a smooth dough. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 1 hour until firm.
Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a couple of cookie sheets with parchment paper (or silicone mats). Set aside.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out the cookie; then use a smaller shaped cutter to cut out the center of half the cookies. (Remember, you'll need one cookie for the bottom without the center cut out, and one cookie for the top with the center cut out.)
Transfer the cut-out cookies to your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be baked, but not browned.
(Repeat this process with the remaining dough.)
Remove the cookies from the pans and let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Before they are completely cooled, add about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the bottom side of the cookies without the cutout. Then, place the cookies with the cutout on each jam-topped cookie. Gently press the two cookies together. Allow the sandwich cookies to cool completely; then dust with confectioners' sugar.
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Tastes of the Season Christmas Cookie Recipes:

Double Chocolate Junior Mint Cookies by Ella Claire & Co. | Snowball Cookies with Pecans by Live Laugh Rowe | Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies by Boxwood Avenue | Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cookies by Rooms for Rent.

Pie Cookies by Handmade Farmhouse | Linzer Cookies by Inspired by Charm | Pistachio Cardamom Butter Cookies by The Chronicles of Home | Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies by Anderson + Grant

Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies by Jenna Kate at Home | Iced Peanut Butter Cookies by Maison de Pax | Caramel Thumbprint Snickerdoodles by Summer Adams | Peanut Butter Cookie Cups by Town and Country Living

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies by French Country Cottage | Reindeer Cookies by Shabbyfufu | Chocolate Chip Cookies by Happy Happy Nester | Gluten/Dairy Free Spritz Christmas Cookies by Zevy Joy

Pecan Tassies by On Sutton Place | Snowball Cookies by Julie Blanner | Braided Sugar Cookie Stick by Tidbits | Sugar Cookie Trees by My 100 Year Old Home

Gooey Butter Christmas Cookies by Tidy Mom | Toasted Coconut Einkron Cookies by Farmhouse on Boone | Christmas Candy (M&M) Cookies by Nina Hendrick | White Chocolate Peppermint Oreos by My Sweet Savannah

Praline Snickerdoodles by So Much Better with Age erdoodles/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Praline Snickerdoodles by So Much Better with Age

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Bloody Mary Bar

Entertaining

Monday
Dec / 2 / 2019
Comments 2

I love having a well-stocked bar cart and changing it to fit the current season or an event I’m hosting. In this post, I want to share the Bloody Mary Bar I created. With its red, green, and gold colors, it would be perfect for the holidays.

Bloody Mary Bar:

Bar carts have been popular in recent years and continue to be common home accessories. These beverage carts are especially useful when entertaining. Since many are on wheels, you can roll them where ever your guests are. Plus, you can outfit the cart with supplies and accessories that fit the theme of your celebration.

I always enjoy styling a bar cart. In case you haven’t seen it, I have a post on IBC in which I share creative holiday bar cart ideas. You can find that here.

How to Style a Bloody Mary Bar:

On my Bloody Mary Bar, I started with the basics – ice, hot sauce, spices, Bloody Mary mix, and vodka. Use your favorite brands. You can also create your own homemade Bloody Mary mix if you’d like. I have yet to perfect my recipe, but once I do, I’ll be sure to share!

Alos, if you’re interested this this particular bar cart, you can find it here.

Although I didn’t have any on hand, I think it would be nice to also include black pepper vodka or jalapeño vodka for people who like things extra spicy.

Next came the garnishes – olives, pickles, celery, peppers, lemon wedges, and asparagus, I could have included lots more – everything from cooked bacon to shrimp to fried mozzarella sticks. (Yes, I’ve seen each of those served in a Bloody Mary.) However, I decided to keep things simple on my cart.

On one of my shopping trips, I purchased modern highball glasses for serving the Bloody Marys. And I found a beautiful gold cocktail shaker set and brass cocktail picks. All of these items perfectly suited my setup!

To finish things off, I set out small bowls of a few favorite nibbles – pistachios, peanuts, and wasabi peas. My goal was to offer a variety of savory snacks that complement a Bloody Mary. I also made sure they were things my family members and friends like.

Finally, I styled everything on my small gold bar cart and placed plates, napkins, and seasonal décor along with a few extra glasses and supplies on the second shelf.

As you can see, the Bloody Mary add-ins (olives, pickles, peppers) are in white serving dishes that set off their colors. I love having simple pieces like these because they always come in handy for entertaining.

And with that, my Bloody Mary Bar was complete and ready for enjoying with my guests!

You can certainly set up a Bloody Mary Bar any way you want. If you don’t have a bar cart, use a cabinet or counter. I hope seeing what I did inspires you to have fun with your own choices and styling.

Cheers, my friends!

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DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree

DIY

Friday
Nov / 29 / 2019
Comments 16

Learn how to make this DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree #christmas #holiday #vintage #ornament #tree #walldecor #decorating

Want to add color and vintage style to your home this Christmas? Today I’m showing you how to make this fun and festive DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree.

If you’ve been a follower of IBC for some time, you know I can’t get enough of vintage Christmas decor. Inspired by my stash of vintage ornaments, I made this DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Tree. Check it out!

How to Make a DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree:

I wish I could take credit for this genius idea, but I can’t. It’s my understanding that the concept originated when someone hung ornaments on a screen. If you’ve seen trees like this, you’re probably familiar with that method. You just hook the ornaments on an old wood window screen in the shape of a tree or any design you prefer. Simple!

I love that look, and it was my first thought when I decided to make one for my home. However, since I’d be hanging the ornament tree in my dining room, I realized I needed something a little more refined. I continued searching online and saw that folks had made similar versions on bulletin boards using straight pins. I loved that idea and thought it would be perfect in my space. (If you’d like you can get a full look at my Christmas dining room here.)

I searched a few stores for just-the-right bulletin board and found a winner at HomeGoods. I had a feeling HomeGoods wouldn’t let me down. It took me a couple of weeks of hunting and going to a few different stores, but I finally found THE board for my project.

While I did pick up a few new ornaments to make this wall tree, I had a pretty good collection to start. I used about 65 small- and medium-size ornaments for this project. I also ordered a set of these 1 1/4-inch pearl top straight pins. They turned out to be the ideal length.

With all my supplies on hand, I got started on my project!

If you like DIY and vintage ornaments, you will also want to check out the DIY Vintage Christmas Ornament Wreath that I made last year. It’s one of my favorite holiday creations! You can find it here.

How to Make a DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree:

You will need:
-bulletin board (Mine is 18×30-inches.)
-ornaments (I used about 65 small- and medium-size ornaments.)
–pearl top straight pins

Begin by hanging your bulletin board on the wall.

Next, start at the bottom of your tree shape. (Don’t forget to leave room for a “trunk”.) Add an ornament and secure it in place with a pin. Continue across the bottom row, adding ornaments to fill the entire row.

Move up to the next row and continue adding ornaments to fit. Continue this method, going up the bulletin board. As you move up, your rows should get shorter and shorter to form a tree shape. (You can make this a more permanent decor project by hot gluing the ornaments to the bulletin board.)

If you’re using a variety of sizes and shapes of ornaments, it may take a bit of trial and error to figure out which ornaments fit best where.

Finish off the top of the tree with a star ornament and use one or more uniquely shaped ornaments for the trunk.

And with that, your DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Tree is complete!

Other than the time it took to go through my ornament collection and hunt down some additional ornaments at a local antique store, this project came together quickly!

I did end up using a few new ornaments, but I think they fit in with the look. I also stuck with all glass ornaments for a more cohesive look.

Like this project? See more of my holiday DIYs here:

Isn’t this a great piece for this space? I love that it adds a little sparkle and a bold pop of color. Plus, since it’s mostly comprised of vintage ornaments, there’s a touch of nostalgia.

I hope you enjoyed this easy DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Tree. With a few simple modifications, this would even be a fun craft activity for a holiday get-together with friends.

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Vintage Christmas Cupboard

Holidays

Tuesday
Nov / 26 / 2019
Comments 17

Vintage Christmas Cabinet Decorating Ideas #christmas #vintage #putz #holiday #decor #ideas

Inspired by the vintage cardboard Christmas houses I found, I put together this little Vintage Christmas Cupboard in my dining room. I’m excited to show you how it came together.

Can you believe it’s already the week of Thanksgiving? This year has flown by, but it seems that November has gone even faster. I had a long list of ideas for the blog, and even though I worked constantly, I was hoping to get more done. Many of you have told me how much you enjoy the holiday content here on IBC, so I’m doing my best to give you all I can.

Having said that, I must confess that my creativity and mental fuel tank are just about tapped out. Although I had intended to fill your feeds with a new post every day this week, I’ve decided to take the rest of the week off and return to blogging on Monday. I’m heading home for a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving, and then it’s back to work on Sunday. It’s not a long break, but I’m hoping a couple of days in the bosom of my family will give me the recharge I need. I hope you also get a little break this week to reenergize and fortify yourself for the month ahead.

Now that I’ve shared my plans, let me show you my vintage Christmas cupboard.

Vintage Christmas Cupboard:

I debated whether to post this. I think it’s super cute, but it has issues, and in some ways, doesn’t feel “good enough” for the blog. Still, I think there’s beauty in the imperfect, so I’m sharing it and hoping you enjoy it.

I picked up this cabinet this past summer. I found it thanks to my blogger friend Bre of brepurposed. She lives in Ohio and spotted it at an antique shop that happens to be only an hour or so from me. Bre wasn’t planning to purchase the cabinet, so I decided to go check it out. As you can see, it came home with me. It’s just the right size for this corner of my dining room.

If you’re interested, you can see more of my dining room Christmas decor here.

The cupboard’s been collecting junk for the past few months so I decided to give it a mini-makeover. The interior was previously painted brown to match the wood, so I painted over the brown with a brighter paint color. I also replaced the shelves since the old ones were falling apart. As you can see, I did a terrible job matching the stain color of the new shelves to the color of the cabinet. In my defense, the stain color on the can looked like the perfect match. I will likely end up staining some new shelves, but this works well enough for now. Perfectly imperfect!

A couple of weekends ago I spotted these little Putz paper Christmas houses on sale at a local antique store. I thought that when paired with some of my white serving pieces, this little village would make the cutest vintage-inspired Christmas cupboard.

So I filled and styled the shelves, and the cupboard was complete.

I’ve been wanting a collection of little paper houses like this for years, so I’m thrilled to finally have them. I did mix in a couple of new houses that are meant to look like the old ones. It doesn’t bother me to combine new with old as long as the items look good together.

I also added a few other antique finds, including a bowl of vintage cookie cutters. I’ve been collecting cutters with red or green handles as well as pine tree-shaped ones. Why? I’m not sure. I suppose I get overwhelmed looking through piles of cookies cutters. Having a few favorites in mind helps to narrow my focus when I’m out antiquing.

I also found wood-handled kitchen tools on my antique adventures, so I tucked those in, too. They are nestled in my favorite baking pans from Staub. I often get questions about these pans when I share my recipes. I have them linked on my shop page if you’re interested.

And that’s it. My little cupboard is dressed for Christmas. As I said, it’s not perfect. But sometimes good enough is good enough. Right?

I hope you enjoyed this look at more of my Christmas decor. I’ll meet you back here next week with more recipes, peeks into my home, and Christmas decoration ideas!

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. May you be filled with love, gratitude, and turkey!

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My Favorite Cranberry Recipes

Recipes

Saturday
Nov / 23 / 2019
Comments 5

Cranberries (the fruit, not the group) have been a part of holiday celebrations for hundreds of years. I enjoy the lively tartness of cranberries all year round and have featured them in a variety of foods here on Inspired By Charm. In this post, I’ve pulled together my favorite cranberry recipes for your convenience.

My Favorite Cranberry Recipes

Gleaming, plump, red ripe cranberries are beautiful to behold and useful for adding color as well as a distinct tart flavor to appetizers, libations, and sweet treats. Today’s collection offers many easy-to-prepare crowd-pleasers. Which cranberry recipes will you serve this holiday season?

Cranberry Recipes: Appetizers

Cranberry Meatballs
It’s the tangy-sweet sauce that takes these meatballs to the next level. Simply combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice, spoon the mixture on meatballs, and bake them in the oven. You’ll be looking for lots of occasions to make this cranberry recipe.

Cranberry Bacon and Walnut Cheeseball
You can’t miss with the flavor combination in this festive cheeseball. It looks stunning amidst small pretzel sticks, hearty crackers, and purple grapes. Best of all, it’s simple to create.

Cranberry Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
I’m one of those people who can’t resist anything bacony, including this classic hors d’oeuvre. In my take on the traditional, I use whole water chestnuts, thick-cut bacon, and a cranberry-infused chili sauce. That burst of tartness with the bacon crunchiness is mouth-wateringly good!

Cranberry Recipes: Libations

Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Bourbon has become a go-to liquor at my house, and this is a drink I recently made to mark the start of the holiday season. The maple and cranberry play together so well! Even if you’re not yet a big fan of bourbon, this cranberry recipe will let you explore the medley of flavors as you sip and celebrate.

Slow Cooker Holiday Sangria
You know I LOVE Sangria. (I’ve featured it many times on IBC.) This version is ideal for the holidays because it’s resplendent with the colors of the season. Plus, it stays warm in the slow cooker, and your guests can serve themselves.

Cranberry Old Fashioned
I recommend having a signature cocktail for a Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas celebration. And this fabulous drink is one I often suggest. You can mix one up in a flash with cranberry simple syrup (I’ll show you how to make that, too.), a quality bourbon, and a splash of bitters.

Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The base of this cranberry recipe is equal parts bourbon and cranberry juice. I fancified it with a rosemary sage simple syrup (Directions are included.) and a little lemon juice. If you haven’t decided what cocktail to serve before the turkey and trimmings, this might be the one.

Cranberry Recipes: Sweet Treats

Mascarpone Cranberry French Toast
This cranberry recipe is likely to become your new favorite breakfast for the holiday and winter season. The creamy mascarpone and fresh juicy cranberries make this French toast appealing to both the eyes and the palette. And when life is even busier than usual, you can put this dish together in advance. Just refrigerate it overnight and bake the next morning.

Apple Cranberry Tart
In this delicious dessert, cranberries are the star and apples and walnuts are supporting players. Bursting with cheery red color and warm, sweet, and tart flavors, this cranberry recipe is my seasonal take on a traditional apple tart. You and your family and guest will love it.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread
Whether you’re planning a small brunch or a big gathering, this monkey bread is the kind of sweet yumminess everyone loves. Drizzled with icing and full of seasonal flavors, this gooey cranberry recipe will be gobbled up in no time.

Cranberry Orange Walnut Tassies
The look and taste of these small tarts will wow your family and friends. Although this cranberry recipe appears time-consuming, it comes together pretty quickly once you’ve made the cookie dough and the filling has had time to chill.

Cranberry Pecan Pie
Something tells me this is a cranberry recipe your dear ones will be begging you to make! The cranberries offer the perfect counterpoint to the traditional rich and sugary pecan filling. And their ruby color gives this pie a holiday touch.

Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
The secret to this dessert is the puff pastry crust. Once it’s rolled out and filled with a mixture of dried cranberries, sliced apples, cinnamon, and sugar, another layer of pastry goes on top. After the pie is baked and cooled, you drizzle it with icing. I promise it will get rave reviews!

Sugared Cranberries
To make these shimmering beauties, you coat fresh cranberries in simple syrup and then in sugar. After the sugared berries are dry, use them for snacks, garnishes, and décor. I recently decorated a Black Walnut Christmas Cake with them. You can find that recipe here. Also, check out my Gingerbread House Cake where I used these cranberries to garnish that too.

I hope this collection of cranberry recipes from IBC inspires you. Enjoy your holiday preparations!

Want more tasty Christmas treats and ideas? Try these:

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Recipes

Friday
Nov / 22 / 2019
Comments 2

The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate shines in these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Although I’m serving these on my holiday cookie tray, they would be delicious at any time of the year.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies:

Ok, I’m doing it again. – I’m mixing peanut butter with chocolate to create another delicious treat! You know this combination is a weakness of mine. Since I also love a shortbread style cookie, I couldn’t say no to these Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies.

If you’re a fan of peanut butter treats, IBC is the place for you. I have an entire blog post dedicated to them. You can find that roundup of all my favorite peanut butter-inspired recipes here.

Want more cookie recipes? I’ve got you covered there too:

The concept behind these cookies is pretty straightforward. A chocolate shortbread cookie is topped with peanut butter or chocolate icing. That is drizzled with even more peanut butter and chocolate.

In my perfect world, I would have made all of these chocolate cookies with peanut butter icing. However, I know there are lots of chocolate-only fans out there, so I wanted to provide a couple of options.

Let’s get baking!

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies:

Start by making the shortbread dough.

In case you’re new to cookie baking, I need to tell you that shortbread isn’t the easiest cookie dough to work with. You might want to start with another type of dough. I do have confidence in you, but be warned that shortbread wants to break and crack. It’s a bit more fragile than most doughs.

I like to mix shortbread dough by hand, but you could do this in a food processor. (The full ingredient list and instructions are listed in the printable recipe card below.)

Once the dough is made, roll it out on a floured surface. You can use whatever cookie cutter you’d like to cut out your cookies. I recently found this fluted round cookie cutter on one of my antiquing adventures, so that’s what I used!

After the cookies are baked and have time to cool, they are ready to be frosted.

The icings are made from melted chocolate chips and melted peanut butter chips. A little vegetable shortening is added to each to keep the icing soft.

Half of the cookies get frosted with the chocolate icing, and half get frosted with the peanut butter. The leftover icing is drizzled on the cookies for a decorative touch. (Before you start this step, set the cookies on wax paper to make clean-up easy.)

Allow the icing to set, and you’re ready to enjoy these tasty Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies!

If you love peanut butter and chocolate and buttery soft cookies, you’re going to adore this sweet treat.

Enjoy your baking!

Want more Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats? Try these:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookie Recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Servings: 3 dozen | Prep Time: 24 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter cubed
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Icing:

1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening divided

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Next, add the butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Use a pastry blender to incorporate the ingredients. Once the dough starts to come together, form the mixture into a ball with your hands and knead until smooth*.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough until it is about 1/3- inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out cookies in the desired shape. Place the cutouts about 1/2-inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
To create the icing, start with a small microwave-safe bowl. Add the chocolate chips and half (1 1/2 teaspoons) of the shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chips are melted and the shortening is blended in.
In another small microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter chips and the other half (1 1/2 teaspoons) of the shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, again stirring to ensure that the icing is smooth and the ingredients are blended.
Place the cooling rack of cookies on a piece of wax paper. Then spread half of the cooled cookies with the melted chocolate mixture and the other half with the melted peanut butter chip mixture. Then, drizzle all the cookies with the leftover icing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container. (They can be frozen for up to three months.)
*If you prefer, this process can be done in a food processor. Mix the dry ingredients first; then add the others. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together.

*Recipe adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

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Family Room Christmas Decoration Ideas

Interiors

Wednesday
Nov / 20 / 2019
Comments 31

Happy Holidays, friends! Grab a cup of cocoa or make yourself a cocktail and join me as we tour my family room. I have lots of festive and cozy Christmas decoration ideas for you.

Family Room Christmas Decoration Ideas:

In case you missed it, yesterday on the blog I shared the first of my three decorated Christmas trees. I call this one my Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree. You’ll get a peek at it below, but if you want all the details or happened to miss the post, you can click here to check it out.

As promised, today I’m widening the lens of my camera and showing you around the rest of the room. You not only get another glimpse of my tree, but you’ll see how it looks with the rest of the space and (I hope) pick up a few Christmas decoration ideas for your place.

Today I’m joined once again by my Seasons of Home blogger friends. This week we’re sharing a living room space or our Christmas trees. As you might imagine, these posts are loaded with festive inspiration. I will link everyone at the end of this article. Be sure to click through the links to see how these talented bloggers are decking their halls!

(In case you missed any of them, we previously shared our Christmas Kitchen Decorations here and our Christmas Dining Room decor here.)

Also, if you’re curious about sources for things in my space, I’ll do my best to provide a source list at the end of this post. I will inevitably overlook something, so if you have questions, let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to update the source list as quickly as possible.

Family Room Christmas Decoration Ideas

In my family room, I decided to incorporate many of my Christmas decorations from last year but do it with a twist. I had thought about totally switching things up, but that didn’t work in my budget or schedule. So, I reused elements from last year in different ways and brought in new things as well.

One of the additions can be found when you come into the family room from the entryway. I recently purchased this vintage wood cabinet with a glass door. My original plan was to create an advent calendar in it (and I still may), but I couldn’t wrap my head around how I wanted it. So, I said to myself, “What do you have a lot of that would fill this cabinet and give it a unique and festive look?” As you can see, the answer was Christmas ribbon!

I confess to having a large tote of Christmas ribbon. (I bet I’m not the only one!) I went through it, picking out some of my favorites, and in no time, my cabinet was full. I’m smitten with the results!

Turning into the room, you’ll see my tree. Again, you can read all about it here. Looking at it, makes me feel all warm inside. (It was inspired by a cozy lodge!)

I highlighted a few of my favorite ornaments yesterday but wanted to point out two more – this Santa in a rocketship and this paintbrush dipped in red paint. Aren’t they fun?

I also styled the base of the tree with wrapped packages. I even included a few vintage elements, such as this red picnic basket, an old scotch tape tin, and a little metal house. I love unexpected touches like these.

Moving to the mantel, I swapped out my old man painting (from my fall family room tour) for a round mirror. I also decorated the mantel with garland. It’s faux but looks real. To tie in the tree, I strung the garland with some coordinating tree ribbon. I also tucked in a few pipe cleaner candy canes and large sugar pinecones.

I decided to try something different this year, so I strung the garland with colored C9 string lights. Although I’m typically a white-light-kinda-guy, I think these colored lights have a vintage vibe in keeping with the lodge/cabin theme. I must admit I adore how they look!

I again hung stockings on the mantel. Last year I did four of the same stocking. This year, I mixed it up with four different stockings but in similar colors and styles.

I added cozy details to the couches with pillows and throws. Given that my TV and fireplace are in this room, it’s where I spend my downtime. It’s always handy to have a few blankets and pillows to get cozy with. (You may have noticed the large bowl of peppermint Hershey kisses. I can’t seem to get enough of them! If you’re a fan of peppermint, give them a try. They are SO delicious.)

On the back wall of my family room, I replaced the mirror above my bar cart with a wreath. To tie things together, I used more of that ribbon.

This past fall, I hung a little paint-by-number collection on this wall. I was fortunate enough to find three winter-themed paintings, so I swapped a few out. I wish they had a bit more red in them, but I think they offer a nice subtle change for the season. You can also see into my powder room, which I recently renovated as part of my kitchen remodel. In case you missed it, you can find out all about it in the reveal post here. I’m still quite taken with the wallpaper.

My bar cart also got the holiday treatment. This included my favorite nutcracker, a candle, and a stocking for good measure. I even swapped out several of my liquors for seasonal favorites. (I usually change them 2 or 3 times a year to coordinate with the season.)

On the wall opposite my fireplace, I hung my vintage glass ornament wreath. I made it last year and couldn’t wait to hang it back up. It’s quickly become one of my favorite holiday decor pieces. You can see how I made it here.

It’s feeling very merry Christmas-y in here, isn’t it?

And that’s it, my friends. I have a few more photos to share with you, and then we’ll wrap up this tour!

I’d say this space is ready for the season. How about you? I will probably still futz with things as the season progresses. When it comes to Christmas decorations, I never stop moving things around until just the week or so before the holiday.

All-in-all I love how this space came together. In addition to my tree, I’m especially enjoying the big colored lights on the mantel. They give a fun and cozy vibe to this entire room. I love seeing them out of the corner of my eye when I’m in the kitchen.

As I’m sure you know, I’ll be back with more Christmas decoration ideas and peeks through my home soon. Until then, be sure to click through all of the fabulous bloggers below. There’s lots of inspiration to be had.

Happy Decorating!

Christmas Living Room Decor Sources:

Sofas: Ravity Sofa in Hailey Linen
Ottoman: Leather Topped Ottoman
Sideboard: Hughes Kelly Sideboard
Fur Lined Pillows: Knit Pillow with Faux Fur Trim
“Snowed Inn” Pillow: Snowed In Pine Trees Hooked Pillow
Round Mirror: Umbra Wall Mirror
Bar Cart: Libations Bar Cart
Gold Coupe Glasses: Pryce Gold Coupe Glasses
Brass and Marble Lamp: Sphere + Stem Table Lamp
Mirrored Tray: Grant Mirror
Wall Sconces: Black Swing Arm Sconce
Rug: Buffalo Plaid Rug
Wall Color: PPG Paints Early Evening
Ornaments Wreath: Handmade – Tutorial Here
Small Trees: Faux Mini Trees
Wreath: Wild Berry Forest Wreath
Garland: Fraser Fir Garland
Throws: HomeGoods
Stockings: HomeGoods & Target
Nutcracker: Target (no longer sold)
Ribbons: Everywhere and Anywhere

Vintage items: Wall cabinet, picnic basket, scotch tape tin, red roof tin house

Christmas Tree Sources:

Tree: 7ft Sanibel Spruce
Garland: Classic Beaded Garland
Tree Skirt: Arctic Holiday Faux Fur Tree Skirt
Ribbon: Sourced locally. Similar version at Joanns, but smaller in width.
Ornaments:

Balsam Hill was kind enough to offer IBC readers a coupon code. Enter code: IBC10OFF at checkout. This will save you 10% off your order of any amount. This can be used on sale items and regular-priced items on the site. It’s a great deal. The coupon is valid now through December 15, 2019.

Seasons of Home Christmas Decorations Ideas:

Ella Claire & Co. | Rooms for Rent | Handmade Farmhouse | Zevy Joy

Kindred Vintage | Home Stories A to Z | French Country Cottage | The Lilypad Cottage

Inspired by Charm | Dear Lillie | Maison de Pax | Nina Hendrick Design Co.

Boxwood Avenue | Craftberry Bush | Jennifer Rizzo | My Sweet Savannah

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Apple Cranberry Tart

Recipes

Tuesday
Nov / 19 / 2019
Comments 6

This Apple Cranberry Tart is a delicious dessert that’s not only gorgeous, but bursting with warm, sweet, and tart seasonal flavors. If you’re looking for a new holiday dessert, this is a great candidate.

Apple Cranberry Tart:

You might remember when I teased you a couple of weeks ago with this Apple Cranberry Tart in my Christmas Kitchen Decorations blog post. It’s been a little while since I made this tart, but I couldn’t be more excited about sharing it with you.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy baking with cranberries this time of year. My reasons? Here’s a couple of them: First, cranberries are delicious. That burst of fresh tartness helps to cut the sweetness of a lot of holiday desserts. Secondly, cranberries are beautiful. Their brilliant red color and little round shape add to the visual appeal of both sweet and savory dishes.

In this recipe, I used these luscious berries to dress up a standard apple tart for fall and winter. This Apple Cranberry Tart would be a delicious dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s or anything you’re celebrating during the next few months.

Besides the cranberries, this tart recipe has hints of other seasonally inspired flavors. The crust incorporates finely chopped walnuts, and the filling is sprinkled with orange zest, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. It truly is an amazing combination of flavors. (Plus, it smells wonderful!)

Now that I’ve tempted you with all the tasty details, let me walk you through the recipe.

How to Make an Apple Cranberry Tart:

First, you’ll need a deep tart pan with a removable bottom. This is the one I have. You can prepare this recipe in a standard tart pan; you’ll just have leftover crust and filling. (You could just make a second- smaller – tart as well. That’s how my grandma dealt with leftover pie dough and filling.)

I like to mix my crust by hand. You could also mix it in a food processor if desired.

Butter is cut into the dry ingredients. Then egg and half-and-half are added to bring the mixture together. I also put in finely chopped walnuts for a nutty flavor.

The crust gets par-baked before the filling is added. While the crust bakes and cools, you can make the filling. It’s simple.

In a large bowl, add the prepared apples, fresh cranberries, and bourbon. (The bourbon is optional. You could use brandy instead or no liquor at all.) Then mix in the sugar, flour, spices, and a bit of salt and spoon the mixture into the cooled crust.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, this Apple Cranberry Tart gets topped with a streusel. Once the streusel ingredients are combined, crumble it on top. Then scatter a handful of cranberries over the streusel for color.

Your pie is now ready to go into the oven. While it’s baking, you may need to place a piece of foil on top of the tart to keep it from getting too brown. This will depend on your oven.

Allow the tart to cool a bit before serving. I recommend serving it slightly warm, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature. (I should know. – I had a piece for breakfast the day after I made it. Ha!)

This Apple Cranberry Tart is a dessert recipe that you and your family and guests will love this holiday season and beyond. All of the flavors blend beautifully – buttery nutty crust, sweet and tart filling, and crumbly goodness on top. What’s not to like?

You can get the full recipe and ingredient list for this Apple Cranberry Tart below. Enjoy your baking, my friends!

Looking for More Cranberry Recipes? You’ll love these:

Apple Cranberry Tart Recipe:

Apple Cranberry Tart

| Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 2 votes

This Apple Cranberry Tart is a delicious dessert that's not only gorgeous, but bursting with warm, sweet, and tart seasonal flavors. If you're looking for a new holiday dessert, this is a great candidate.

Ingredients

Crust:

1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
1/2 cup walnuts finely chopped

Cranberry Apple Filling:

3 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced (I used Granny Smith apples.)
2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon bourbon optional
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/3 teaspoon salt

Streusel:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Additional cranberries for garish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk, half-and-half, and vanilla. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and then use a pastry cutter, to cut it in until it's about the size of peas. Stir in the egg mixture and combine with a spoon. Add the chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to thoroughly combine. The dough will be crumbly.
Add the mixture to a deep 9.5-inch diameter tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough mixture into the sides and bottom of the pan to create a 1/4-inch thick crust. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and place in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Remove and bake for 15 minutes until the crust just begins to brown. Remove from the oven to cool.
Adjust the oven to 350 degrees F.
To a large bowl, add the apples, cranberries, bourbon, sugar, flour, orange zest, spices, and salt. Mix with a spoon to evenly combine. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust.
In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Combine with your fingers until the mixture begins to clump together. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the tart. Add cranberries for garnish.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until the apples are tender when poked with a fork. (If the tart begins to brown too quickly, cover it with a piece of foil during the rest of the baking process.) Before serving, allow the tart to cool until it is barely warm.

Recipe Notes

Deep Dish Removable Bottom Tart Pan found here.

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Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree

Interiors

Monday
Nov / 18 / 2019
Comments 41

Ideas for Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree Decorations #christmastree #decor #holiday #decorations #christmas #tree #ideas

Yes, dear friends, the tree has been trimmed. Today I am super excited to show you my first Christmas Tree of 2019! I’m calling it my Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree.

Oh, what a good time I had this past week decorating my tree in anticipation of today’s post. It is so nice to turn on the tree lights when the sun goes down at 5 pm. As much as I’d love the sun to stick around a little longer each day, the glow of the tree makes up for the lack of daylight.

This year I’ve decided to do three Christmas trees. One in my living room, one in the foyer, and this tree in my family room. This Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree is in my family room. I’m especially excited and honored to show you this tree since my friends at Balsam Hill invited me to again take part in their 12 Bloggers of Christmas series. (You might remember I joined them back in 2017 with my Rustic Modern Christmas Tree.) They were gracious enough to send me a tree along with ornaments for it.

The 12 Bloggers of Christmas series runs today through Wednesday. Each day four bloggers will share their Christmas trees. I’ve gone ahead and linked up everyone at the end of this post. (I will update the links on Wednesday with all of the bloggers’ trees once everyone has posted.)

Balsam Hill is also running a 12 Days of Giveaways that starts today and continues through November 29, 2019. They are giving away many wonderful items. You can click here for details.

Balsam Hill Coupon Code:

Before I show you more of my tree, I wanted to mention one more thing, Balsam Hill was kind enough to offer IBC readers a coupon code. Enter code: IBC10OFF at checkout. This will save you 10% off your order of any amount. This can be used on sale items and regular-priced items on the site. It’s a great deal. The coupon is valid now through December 15, 2019.

Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree:

Now that you have that important information, let me show you my Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree!

Ta-da! I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. What do you think?

You might have noticed that I again have a red-themed tree in my family. (If you’re new here, I did a red tree in this room last year. You can check that out here.) I thought about doing something completely different, but I’m enamored of red in this room. To change things up a bit, I pulled inspiration from a cozy lodge.

First, I started with a new tree – a 7ft Pre-Lit Sanibel Spruce from Balsam Hill. This is easily among my favorite trees. I’ll include a picture of it sans decorations. I love the long needles/branches. Since I’ve been digging sparser trees lately, I also love how realistic it looks and the spacious gaps between the branches. The needles are slightly icy blue, which was different for me, but I think it works well in this room and with my theme. (You’ll notice throughout this post I have images with the lights on and off. They are in no particular order. I just wanted to show you both ways.)

Once I had the tree up, I added ribbon. (You can find my tutorial for how to add ribbon to a tree here.) I found this ribbon at a local shop. It reminds me of a Christmas sweater, which fits my cozy lodge theme. This tree took slightly more than 30 yards of ribbon.

From there, I filled the tree with red balls. As you can see, I like a fuller looking tree, so I always start with lots of round glass balls that fit my color scheme. While some of these are vintage, I also used several of Balsam Hill’s Essentials in Red and Burgundy. (I will link all of the Balsam Hill products I used at the end of this post.)

Next, I hung the special ornaments. I used a few sets of the diorama ornaments from Balsam Hill’s Christmas Cabin Ornament Set. These are probably my favorite ornaments on this tree. They are made of glass and there are three designs: a tree, a house, and a car. Aren’t they beautiful?

Since I can’t resist camper ornaments or vehicle-with-a-tree-tied-to-the-roof ornaments, I used two sets of these On The Road ornaments (also part of the Christmas Cabin Ornament Set.) The variety of vehicles and campers is delightful. What a beautiful little collection!

My next step was filling in with some of my other favorite glass ornaments that fit the theme, including this adorable hot cocoa mug and vintage plaid thermos.

I also spotted these Alpine Ski ornaments at Balsam Hill and thought they were perfect for my cozy lodge theme. Their scale is wonderful, too. I love the fun and interesting element they add to this tree.

For my tree topper, I went with a vintage metal star. This poor thing barely hangs together, but I am so fond of it that I continue to use it year after year. It’s one of my absolute favorites.

As a finishing touch, I draped the tree with this classic glass beaded garland. I’m still so amazed at the impact of garland. Although the tree looked lovely without the garland, once I added it, the tree seemed to come to life. I haven’t always used garlands like this on my trees, but I don’t think I’ll ever go without one again. This garland also feels vintagey and nostalgic, which always tugs at my heartstrings during the Christmas season.

My tree skirt (which you can barely see under all of the presents) is the Arctic Holiday Faux Fur Tree Skirt. It’s stunning. The faux fur and red trim are so luxurious!

Once the tree was decorated, I wrapped gifts to pile under the tree. I also added a couple of unique vintage finds to my gifts. I spotted this red picnic basket at a local antique shop. As soon as I saw it, I said to myself, “That would be PERFECT under my Christmas Tree!” I also found more goodies including this old tin house and a tin container for scotch tape. They both fit perfectly with all of my plaid wrapping paper, don’t you think?

One tree down, two to go. My Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree is complete. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am and that you picked up a few ideas for decorating your own Christmas Tree.

I’m loving how the tree turned out and how it looks in the space. On Wednesday, I’ll be showing you how I decked out the rest of the room for Christmas. Be sure to stop back then.

Also, don’t forget to check out all of the 12 Bloggers of Christmas over the next few days. It’s such a talented group. I’m sure you’ll come away with a great new idea every day.

Early wishes for a merry Christmas!

Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Sources:

And remember, Balsam Hill was kind enough to offer IBC readers a coupon code. Enter code: IBC10OFF at checkout. This will save you 10% off your order of any amount. This can be used on sale items and regular-priced items on the site. It’s a great deal. The coupon is valid now through December 15, 2019.

12 Bloggers of Christmas:

MONDAY 11/18

French Country Cottage
Inspired by Charm – You are here!
Golden Boys and Me
Styled with Lace

TUESDAY 11/19

WEDNESDAY 11/20

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White Birch Yule Log

Recipes

Friday
Nov / 15 / 2019
Comments 3

Delicious and beautiful Birch Yule Log Recipe for Christmas entertaining! #yulelog #yule #cake #christmascake #chirstmas #holiday #dessert #recipe

In today’s post, the classic chocolate yule log recipe receives a modern update in design, but still packs loads of delicious flavor for the holiday season. Inspired by a birch bark log, this White Birch Yule Log will be a wow-worthy dessert for your holiday celebration.

White Birch Yule Log:

Yes, my friends, I’m back with another yule log cake recipe for you! This one has a bit of a backstory.

If you’ve been following IBC for a while, you might remember back in 2016 when I made this stunning Pink Velvet Yule Log recipe. It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Well, flash forward three years, and the yule log recipe is now in Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas Magazine. (You can read about this article here.) I still have a hard time believing this happened, but I have visual proof to remind myself. (Yes, that’s a picture of me holding this exact yule log cake. So surreal!)

The folks at BHG wanted to include my yule log in the article, but pink didn’t work with my green and red Christmas decor. That’s when I challenged myself to create the same recipe, but with a different look. Inspired by some of the decor in my living room and the birch bark logs in my fireplace, I opted for a Birch Yule Log.

I took my Pink Velvet Yule Log recipe, and with a few simple changes, I created this!

I love recipes like this one because they allow you to get creative. Just by changing the food coloring and using different baking chips, I had a stunning yule log cake with a whole new look. Want it red? Go red! Green? Do it!

Pretty fun, right?

How to Make a Yule Log:

Whenever I’m working on a new recipe for the blog, I typically like to do it the day time so I can snap pictures along the way. (I like to shoot in natural light.) However, because of the schedule of my magazine shoot with BHG, I had to bake this recipe at night. While I have lots of pictures of the completed cake, I don’t have process shots.

However, if you’re a visual learner like me, you’re in luck because when I made my Pink Velvet Yule Log recipe, I took lots of pictures throughout the process. You can check out that post here for a visual presentation on how to make a yule log.

Although it looks pretty fancy, it’s fairly simple. My biggest tip (which is noted in the recipe below) is to pre-roll the cake when it comes out of the oven. This prevents it from cracking and splitting after you add the frosting/filling and attempt to roll it up again. However, since this cake is frosted, a few cracks won’t matter.

I also had fun creating mushrooms for this cake. I used melted milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips. Typically, yule log recipes call for meringue mushrooms (which I may try the next time I make one), but I wasn’t comfortable with meringue, so I went with chocolate. I dressed up the mushrooms with sprinkles and coarse sugar for a whimsical touch. I think they turned out pretty darn cute.

And that, my friends, is the Birch Yule Log Recipe for the cake that appeared in BHG!

If you’ve never made a yule log cake, I encourage you to give it a go. The process is a lot of fun, and the cake looks stunning on your holiday or Christmas table. I may even make another one this season. Stay tuned!

Want more sweet holiday treats? Try these:

Again, you can find the recipe below. Happy baking!

Yule Log Recipe:

Birch Yule Log Recipe

Servings: 14 people | Prep Time: 1 hr | Cook Time: 15 hrs | Garnishes and Decor: 45 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 1 vote

The classic chocolate yule log recipe receives a modern update in design, but still packs loads of delicious flavor for the holiday season. Inspired by a birch bark log, this Birch Yule Log will be a wow-worthy dessert for your holiday celebration.

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
gel food coloring optional
Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Filling / Frosting:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese softened
3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar
15 ounces white baking chocolate melted
Brown gel food coloring Optional

Garnish:

Sprinkles, sugar pearls, coarse sanding sugar
Melted white chocolate, milk chocolate, and peanut butter chips

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 15x10x1-inch pans with baking spray, cover with parchment paper, and then spray again.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs on high for 3-5 minutes, until pale in color. Continue beating as you slowly add the sugar. Once combined, add the oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat to incorporate. Finally, beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Tilt the pan (or spread with a spatula) to even out the batter.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
While the cakes bake, lay two tea towels out on your countertop and sprinkle each towel with powdered sugar.
When the cakes are done, immediately invert them onto the prepared towels. Remove the parchment paper and then roll the cake in the towel starting at either of the narrower ends. Set the rolled-up cake on a wire rack to cool completely. (This step is important because it will prevent your cake from cracking later when you reroll it after it's cooled.)
In the meantime, prepare your filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and salt until smooth. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and beat to combine. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar and white baking chocolate until smooth. Divide this frosting evenly into three bowls. (I added a bit of brown gel food color to two of the bowls because I would be using it as the filling frosting for the cakes.)
Once the cakes have cooled, unroll them. Using two of the three bowls of frosting, spread one bowl over each of the cakes to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Roll them up again, without the towel. Place both rolls seam side down onto a large platter and refrigerate until the filling has set. This will take about 2 hours.
Once the cakes have cooled, trim off the edges of each cake. Set one cake roll on a platter. Then cut the second cake roll to create the branches for the other cake roll. Trim the cake branches so they fit snuggly against the first cake roll.
Divide the remaining bowl of frosting into two bowls. Use a touch of brown gel food coloring to dye the frosting in one of the bowls; leave the frosting in the other bowl white. Spoon each frosting into a separate piping bag, cut off one corner of each, and pipe lines on the cake to resemble bark. Fill in any areas where the cake connects.
Garnish the yule log with sprinkles, sugar pearls, and coarse sanding sugar for sparkle.
To create chocolate mushrooms, put melted white chocolate, melted milk chocolate, and melted peanut butter chips into separate piping bags. Pipe the desired shapes onto wax paper. Sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar or add sugar pearls to the mushroom shapes before the chocolate sets for added interest. Allow the chocolate to cool completely, and then tuck them into your yule log.

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Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Recipes

Thursday
Nov / 14 / 2019
Comments 8

Delicious Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes #dip #recipe #baked #goatcheese #sundriedtomatoes #appetizer

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dip recipe, this Warm Goat Cheese Dip is a guaranteed winner. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s a delicious combination that’s sure to satisfy your guests.

Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

In the coming months, I plan to host a dip party. It’s like a potluck, but everyone brings a different dip recipe. There will appetizer dips, main-course dips, and dessert dips! Doesn’t that sound fun and delicious!?

You know I love dip (Click here for some of my favorite recipes.), so I couldn’t resist adding another to my collection. This Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful combination of several of my favorite ingredients.

I also like a quick recipe that I can whip together with things I have on hand, and this Warm Goat Cheese could certainly be one of those dishes. It’s made with goat cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. What a great bunch of flavors!

How to Make Warm Goat Cheese Dip:

As I mentioned above, this recipe comes together quickly.

You start by putting the cheeses, olive oil, and pepper in a bowl. Then, using an electric mixer, you whip it all together. You could do this by hand, but an electric mixer will give you smoother results.

Next, spoon the cheese mixture into a baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes or until heated through.

While the mixture bakes, press the sun-dried tomatoes between a couple of paper towels. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are the best because of their texture and flavor, but you don’t want the extra oil in this recipe.

Once your Warm Goat Cheese Dip is hot, top it with the sun-dried tomatoes and julienned fresh basil leaves.

Serve with toasted baguette slices or Triscuit crackers.

Voila! Your Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is complete.

Can I substitute with feta cheese?

One other thing: I often hear that people want to substitute feta cheese for goat cheese. This is something I don’t recommend in most cases. The two types of cheese have very different flavor profiles and textures. If you think you don’t like goat cheese, I recommend giving it a try, especially in a recipe like this. I think you’ll quickly become a fan.

Looking for more baked dips? Try these:

I hope you enjoyed this Baked Goat Cheese recipe! If you’re looking for more delicious dips, I have a full collection here on the blog. Click here for all the tasty details!

Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe:

Warm Goat Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

| Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 2 votes

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dip recipe, this Warm Goat Cheese Dip is a guaranteed winner. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, it's a delicious combination that's sure to satisfy your guests.

Ingredients

10 ounces goat cheese room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained
2 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves
Toasted baguette slices for serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, grated parmesan, olive oil, and black pepper. Using an electric mixer, mix until smooth and combined.
Lightly spray a small (1-quart) baking dish with cooking spray; then add the cheese mixture and spread into an even layer. Baked until golden and heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, transfer the drained sun-dried tomatoes to a paper towel. Press to remove any excess oil. Set aside.
Once the dip is baked, remove it from the oven and top with freshly julienned basil leaves and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.

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Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor

Interiors

Wednesday
Nov / 13 / 2019
Comments 46

Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor ideas to dress up your home for the holidays! #diningroom #decor #tablesetting #tablescape #table #decorating #christmas #holiday #modern #vintage

You’re in for a treat today because I’m inviting you to join me in my dining room to share my vintage modern-inspired Christmas table decor.

Yes, my friends, I’m excited to show you my Christmas tablescape. It’s a joy to decorate my home for the holidays and then share the results with you. I hope that these tours offer ideas and inspiration for decking your halls if you’re inclined to do so. Last week I posted about my Christmas Kitchen Decor and today we’re over in the dining room to check out my holiday table setting.

It’s a pleasure to again be teaming up with my Seasons of Home blogger friends. That means LOTS of festive dining room decor ideas for you. Each of the 15+ bloggers has a unique style so everyone will find inspiration. Be sure to click through all of the links at the end of this post.

As you know, I completed a kitchen remodel this summer. My dining room also got a few changes as part of that project, so I’m slowly working to redecorate the space. It’s bare-bones at the moment, but I am making progress. When you see my fall table setting, you will probably notice my new-to-me dining room table!

I was so excited to find this table. I’d been hunting for a vintage dining room table (and am still hunting for a vintage sideboard) and was lucky enough to score this one at a local antique shop. Because my new kitchen peninsula extends a couple of feet into the dining room, I wanted something a tad narrower than the standard width, and this vintage oak table was the perfect fit.

Although I still need a rug, artwork, that vintage sideboard, and more, this space is starting to feel more like I envisioned. And the nice part is, I’m in no rush. It’s fun to be able to style this room as it transitions. It’s like a new space every time.

Now that I’ve given you all the background, let me show you my Christmas table decor!

Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor:

My inspiration for this table came from several places. First, was the color. I knew I wanted red, black, and wood.

Next was the style. I envisioned a touch of modern, a bit of vintage, folded up in a simple Scandinavian style. I think I achieved that look!

I started with this beautiful white runner with red stitching around the edge. (All sources will be linked at the end of this post.)

From there, I set out my go-to white dinnerware. This is the dinnerware I use every day, and I love it. It’s affordably priced, and you can dress it up or down. It works so well here.

Side note: If you’re looking for some festive music to play while entertaining this holiday seasons, I can help! I’ve created FIVE Christmas music playlist. You can find them all here.

Naturally, I needed some plaid (I can’t seem to get enough!), so I added the napkins.

Because of the matte black of my chandelier, I wanted a few black elements in my Christmas table decor to tie it into the space. (If you remember, I did the same thing with my fall tablescape.) This matte black flatware is gorgeous and worked perfectly here.

The table needed one more black element, so I used these black candlesticks. Every table, especially at Christmas, needs some sparkle. These candlesticks contribute a Scandinavian feel.

For my vintage elements, I turned to glassware. I was lucky enough to find both of these glasses the day before I styled this table. The “holiday cheer” highballs were a must. I was so excited when I saw them because I knew they would fit in perfectly.

And since I can’t resist a little gold and glam, these more traditional-looking water goblets with gold trim were a nice unexpected element. Aren’t they beautiful?

The table only needed a couple more things. For additional sparkle, I strung a set of rice lights down the middle. Battery operated, these lights are a quick and easy way to give a little glow. I also added two mini evergreen trees to the table.

As you may have noticed, I hung evergreen wreaths on my dining room windows. I thought the trees on the table tied them in nicely.

The wreaths on the windows are faux. To hang them, I used these clear Command Hooks. The red satin ribbon is there for aesthetic reasons, though I do like how it looks as if the ribbon is holding up the wreaths.

And to wrap up this Christmas tablescape, I included two sweets. First, the Black Walnut Christmas Cake that I shared with you yesterday. This cake is not only crazy delicious, but it’s beautiful too, making it the perfect centerpiece for my table. (Get the recipe here.) I also added a large red and green candy cane to each place setting as a treat for my guests.

And with that, my Christmas table decor is complete! I’m loving how it turned out. What do you think? Does it make you want to join me for a holiday meal?

It brings me so much joy to style pretty spaces and then to share them with you. As I mentioned above, I hope that my Christmas table decor gives you a few ideas for styling your table for the holidays. Whether you spend the season with only a few people or dozens of family and friends, it’s always nice to create a beautiful, festive, and welcoming space!

Again, if you’re looking for more Christmas table decor inspiration, I encourage you to click through the links below. Enjoy!

Christmas Table Decor Sources:

Table Runner: Red Embroidery Oversized Table Runner
Napkins: Holiday Plaid Square Napkins
Candlesticks: Black Taper Candle Holders
Dinner Plates: Hue White Dinner Plate
Salad Plate: Hue White Salad Plate
Flatware: 5 piece Matte Black
Candy Cane: Strawberry Single Candy Cane
Small Trees: Faux 7″ Mini Tree
Mini Lights: Copper Wire Starry Lights
Chandelier: Radcliffe 30″ Round Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Chairs: At Home (not longer sold)
Cakestand: HomeGoods
Wreathes: Sewickley Creek Greenhouse (sourced locally)
Wreath Hanger: Clear Command Hooks
Glassware: Vintage
Dining Table: Vintage

Seasons of Home Christmas Table Decor:

Ella Claire & Co. | French Country Cottage | Craftberry Bush | Julie Blanner

Maison de Cinq | Rooms for Rent | Beneath My Heart | Home Stories A to Z

Dear Lillie | The Handmade Farmhouse | Zevy Joy | Inspired by Charm

Maison de Pax | Keeping it Cozy | Kindred Vintage | My Sweet Savannah

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Black Walnut Christmas Cake

Recipes

Tuesday
Nov / 12 / 2019
Comments 27

This Black Walnut Cake is a delicious Christmas Cake perfect for the holiday season! #blackwalnut #cake #recipe #christmas #christmascake #cake #dessert #recipe

This Black Walnut Cake is a delicious, unique, and festive Christmas cake idea. Decorated with sugared cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and black walnuts, it’s a cake that will also look beautiful on your holiday table.

Black Walnut Christmas Cake

It’s been a hot minute since I made a layer cake recipe here on Inspired by Charm. That’s why I thought I’d bust out my baking pans and whip up this wonderfully tasty traditional Black Walnut Cake. I’ve dressed up like a Christmas cake, making it perfect for any holiday celebration.

And if you’re looking for holiday sweets, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’ve teamed up again with my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends. Each of us is sharing a delicious holiday dessert. I got a sneak peek at the list and can hardly wait to try the recipes. (Deciding which ones to make is going to be difficult!) You can find all of the recipes linked at the end of this post.

And if you all the details on this beautiful Christmas table, I have them for you. Check out this post here for lots of pictures and sources.

But first, let’s talk about this Black Walnut Cake!

What Are Black Walnuts?

You may be wondering what black walnuts are. They are similar to regular walnuts, but they have a distinct flavor that’s bolder and earthier.

To me, black walnuts smell a little like anise. That concerned me because I’m not a fan of anise flavor. However, once I tasted the result, I was so impressed and delighted with the flavor they added to the cake. It’s a warm, spicy, and comforting flavor that is perfect for the holiday.

I purchased mine here, but I’ve also seen them at my local grocery store.

How to Make a Black Walnut Cake?

If you’ve ever made a homemade cake, the process for making this Christmas cake is quite similar. The only difference is that you fold in black walnuts at the end.

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients; then set them aside. (The full recipe and ingredient list can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Next, in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar. Then beat in the eggs (one at a time) along with vanilla extract.

Now add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. The buttermilk gives a creamy richness to this cake.

Finally, fold in the black walnuts.

I wanted to create a layer cake, so I lined three round baking pans with parchment paper and then gave them a good spray of baking spray.

Bake the cakes for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cream cheese frosting is perfect for this cake, so I used my go-to recipe which you can find here. However, I did eliminate the almond extract and used eggnog instead of milk. It’s not essential, but it’s a subtle holiday touch.

Once your cakes are cooled, level them off (if necessary) with a serrated knife. Then you’re ready to add the frosting. I wanted a rustic look so I opted for a “naked” cake. This just means that the frosting is spread on thin so you can see the cake through the frosting. You’re welcome to frost this cake however you like.

I did want to mention one thing I would have changed about the way I stacked the three layers in the cake. I stacked the top and bottom layers upside down (to create a more level surface) but put the middle layer right-side up. (I should have just stacked them all upside down.) While you can’t tell from the outside, when you cut the cake, you can see two lines of caramelization between the middle and bottom layers and no lines of caramelization between the middle and top layers.

It’s not important, except for aesthetic reasons. However, I wanted to note.that you can avoid this by simply staking your layers all in the same direction, or if you want to get extra fancy, you can remove the caramelization from the bottom of each layer.

To finish off my Christmas cake, I decorated it with additional black walnut pieces, small sprigs of rosemary, and sugared cranberries. You can find my recipe for sugared cranberries here. They are simple to make and, as you can see, they are wonderful for decorating holiday desserts or garnishing cookie trays and cocktails.

And with that, my Black Walnut Christmas Cake is complete.

Isn’t it pretty? You need zero cake decorating skill to make this festive Christmas cake. An offset spatula will make the job easier, but you could manage with a butter knife.

I am now a fan of the black walnut flavor. At the start, I was a little nervous, but as soon as I cut this cake, I couldn’t resist a bite. I ended up eating the entire slice.

I think you’re going to love this Black Walnut Cake. Don’t forget, if you want to see more of my holiday table and Christmas dining room decor, click here.

Want more sweet holiday treats? Try these:

Now, that your Christmas Cake is made, all you need to do is bake a few batches of Christmas cookies, and your holiday dessert table will be ready for entertaining.

Happy baking, friends!!

Black Walnut Christmas Cake Recipe:

Black Walnut Christmas Cake

Servings: 16 people | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 6 votes

This Black Walnut Cake is a delicious, unique, and festive Christmas cake idea. Decorated with sugared cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and black walnuts, it's a cake that will also look beautiful on your holiday table.

Ingredients

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 cups finely chopped black walnuts
Sugared cranberries, black walnuts, and rosemary to garnish
1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting (Substitute egg nog for milk.)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottoms of three 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to combine. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add in the vanilla. Mix to combine.
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat after each addition until smooth. Fold in the walnuts.
Evenly divide the batter among the three prepared baking bans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick interested near the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pans for 8-10 minutes; then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
In the meantime, prepare cream cheese frosting* using the recipe linked below. Eliminate the almond extract and substitute the milk with eggnog for a festive touch.
Once the cakes have cooled, level each with a serrated knife, if necessary. Then spread about 1 cup of frosting between the layers of cake. Add another cup of frosting to the top of the cake. Spread over the cake in an even, thin layer,** using an offset spatula.
Top with additional black walnut pieces, sugared cranberries***, and sprigs of fresh rosemary to garnish.

Recipe Notes

*You can find my go-to cream cheese frosting here. As mentioned above, do not use the almond extract, and use eggnog instead of milk for a fun seasonal taste.

**With this technique, you are creating a "naked" cake. This is a rustic style of decorating a cake in which some of the cake shows through a thin layer of frosting.

***You can find my recipe for sugared cranberries here.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

If you’re looking for even more dessert treats, don’t forget to check out all of the Tastes of the Season blogger recipes below.

Tastes of the Season Holiday Desserts:

Peppermint Whipped Cream by Ella Claire & Co. | Fondant Christmas Cupcakes by Craftberry Bush | Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle by anderson + grant | Dairy Free 6 Ingredient Salted Caramels by Zevy Joy | No Bake Healthy Coconut Bars by Tidbits

Easy Peppermint Bark by Jenna Kate at Home | Black Walnut Christmas Cake by Inspired by Charm | Chocolate Covered Marshmallows with Salted Pretzel Topping by Boxwood Avenue | Christmas Popcorn by Town and Country Living | Snowman Cheese Ball by Julie Blanner

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans by Live Laugh Rowe | Fudgy Peppermint Coconut Flour Brownies by Farmhouse on Boone | Hot Peppermint Mocha by Shabbyfufu | Homemade Take 5 Peanut Butter Cups by Chronicles of Home | Slow Cooker Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels by Nest of Posies

Berry Topped Chocolate Cake by French Country Cottage | Pecan Butter Tart Bars by So Much Better With Age | Chocolate Pinecones by My Sweet Savannah | Peanut Butter Fudge by My 100 Year Old Home | Simple Holiday Fudge by House 214 Design

Coffee Cake by Rooms for Rent

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 11 / 2019
Comments 8

If you’re looking for a delicious no-bake Christmas treat, check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. “Kids” of all ages are sure to enjoy them.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars:

Long-time followers of IBC are familiar with my fondness (That may be an understatement.) for peanut butter and chocolate. So when a friend recently gave me this recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars, I couldn’t wait to try it. Because the bars are so yummy and easy to make, I thought you’d also want to know about them!

As you probably know, I have my favorite Christmas cookie recipes (You can find lots of them here.), but I’m also always looking for different cookies. I think it’s fun to experiment with new (-to-me) recipes. You never know what you’re missing or what will become your newest must-make!

I’m enamored of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars for several reasons. First, they are a no-bake recipe. Second, once they’re assembled in a pan, all you have to do is cut them. It doesn’t get much easier than that. And finally, there’s the flavor! Chocolate and peanut butter, plus a hint of salt from the pretzels. Yes, please!

Now that I’ve got you drooling (like I am), let me show you how to make them!

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars:

Up first is making the crust. It comes together by melting peanut butter, chocolate, butter, and vanilla in the microwave. (Full details and a list of ingredients are found below in the printable recipe card.)

Once everything is melted and smooth, mix in crushed pretzels and confectioners’ sugar. Then, press the mixture into a foil-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.

Next, melt more chocolate and pour that on the crust.

Before the chocolate sets, top it with mini pretzels and your favorite holiday sprinkles. Set this aside for 1-2 hours.

The last step is to cut 2-inch square bars using a very sharp knife.

That’s it, my friends.These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are ready to be enjoyed. With all of those colorful sprinkles, they will look so festive on your cookie trays, in school lunches, or on dessert plates.

Again, if you’re looking for more Christmas cookie recipes, be sure to take a look at this post here. There are oodles of recipes to try. I’m certain you’re going to find more cookies to love.

Happy Holiday Baking!

Want More Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats? Try these:

If you’re looking for a delicious no-bake Christmas treat, check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. “Kids” of all ages are sure to enjoy them.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars Recipe:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Servings: 24 bars | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cooling Time: 1 hr

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

4 from 2 votes

If you're looking for a delicious no-bake Christmas treat, check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. "Kids" of all ages are sure to enjoy them.

Ingredients

Base:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups crushed pretzels
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Topping:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups whole mini pretzels
Sprinkles

Instructions

Begin by lining a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
Add the crushed pretzels and confectioners' sugar. Beat with an electric mixer to blend. When mixed, press into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Pour over the prepared cookie base.
Immediately top with pretzels, pressing them into the chocolate. Then decorate with sprinkles.
Set aside for 1-2 hours to make sure it's completely set. With a sharp knife, cut into 2-inch squares. Pack and store in an airtight container.

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My Favorite Cookie Recipes

Recipes

Sunday
Nov / 10 / 2019
Comments 3

Like Cookie Monster, I always seem to want a cookie. And since starting Inspired By Charm, I’ve baked hundreds of them. Today I’ve pulled together some of the best of these cookie recipes.

This collection offers cookies of all shapes and types – drop cookies, rolled cookies, bar cookies, and sandwich cookies. There are cookie recipes made with peanut butter, chocolate, and even pumpkin. Some of the cookies are filled, others have sprinkles, and still others are frosted. Check them out below.

My Favorite Cookie Recipes: Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Buckeye Brownie Cookies
The name of this cookie recipe comes from buckeye candy, which is a ball of sweetened peanut butter covered in rich chocolate. This cookie version of a buckeye, however, is much easier to make. It uses a brownie mix!

Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies
I created this cookie recipe during one of IBC’s Fall Cookie Weeks. The best of two flavor worlds are combined via the chocolate on the inside and peanut butter on the outside.

Peanut Butter Lovers Cookie
This may be the ultimate peanut butter cookie. It’s stuffed with PB in the middle so that when you bite into it, your taste buds are hit with double the peanut butter flavor. I promise there is no stopping at one cookie!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints
Here’s a cookie that offers the other classic combo – peanut butter and jelly. I love how these cookies look and taste. They are fun for school lunches and study breaks, but they are also fancy enough for adult get-togethers.

My Favorite Cookie Recipes: Surprise Inside

Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies
Are you fond of maple flavor? I love the subtle sweetness of real maple syrup. It’s what’s in the maple buttercream filling of these cookies. One bite, and you’ll be in cookie heaven!

Cream Horns
If you’ve never made cream horns, you’ll want to try this cookie recipe. This is a doable and delectable traditional cookie. I will walk you through the process and show you all of my tricks. (I’ve also made a Pumpkin Spice Version that’s perfect for fall. Click here for the recipe.)

Cream Wafers
Readers of IBC know I have many “favorite” items and that these change over time. When it comes to cookies, however, these cream wafers have been my favorite forever. I will use any excuse to make them, and I will pass up every other cookie if these are available. Sorry, chocolate chip.

Caramel Apple Butter Snickerdoodle
Do you enjoy the toasty creaminess of a caramel as it melts in your mouth? Bake a caramel in a soft apple butter snickerdoodle cookie, and you have an out-of-this-world cookie recipe you’ll want to whip up whenever you can!

Sour Patch Kid Cookies
In this cookie recipe, you mix in Sour Patch Kids, possibly ones to match the occasion or season. I used heart-shaped ones for a special Valentine’s treat. The chewy candy becomes even softer when you bake it.

My Favorite Cookie Recipes: Sprinkled or Frosted

Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies
This cookie recipe was featured in an IBC Fall Cookie Week, but the crisp shortbread, gooey caramel, drizzles of semi-sweet chocolate, and sprinkling of flake sea salt make it a year-round winner. When will you make it?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s a cool, contemporary take on the traditional sugar cookie recipe. Press the dough in a half-sheet pan lined with foil. (The foil makes for easy removal from the pan after baking.) Once cooled and before cutting, generously spread the bars with colored frosting that complements your party theme or decor.

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies
This cookie recipe starts with a soft pumpkin cookie. That is topped with frosting made from cream cheese and brown sugar and sprinkled with cinnamon. As soon as autumn ends, you’ll be looking forward to its return so you’ll have a reason to bake these cookies again.

Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies
These unique cookies are made from leftover pie dough. Just cut the dough into strips or stamp out shapes using a cookie cutter. Before baking, sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon. To serve, dip the cookies in caramel sauce or garnish ice cream with them!

Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies
I hope you’ll give this cookie recipe a try even if you’re not nuts about pecans. The flavor of this cookie is on point for fall and the frosting is super easy and super sugary. And the pecans—they add great texture and crunch.

Nom nom nom. All the “cookie monsters” (big and small) in your life are sure to find what they’re looking for in this collection of cookie recipes.

Happy Baking and Munching!

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How I Plan my Christmas Home Decor

Holidays

Friday
Nov / 8 / 2019
Comments 48

How I Plan My Christmas Home Decor / Tips and Tricks for Holiday Decor #christmas #decor #holiday #decorating #planing #inspiration #ideas

As I was planning this year’s Christmas home decor, the process felt a bit different from past years. That reminded me of the questions I’ve been getting lately on Instagram about how I plan my Christmas home decor. And that led to this post! (I do realize this information may not be relevant to everyone, but I thought it was worth posting.)

Before I get into details, please know that what I’m sharing is not a bunch of hard and fast “rules” I follow every year or the way things always unfold. Sometimes inspiration will strike mid-season and take me completely off course (for better or for worse!). However, in general, my planning process goes something like this.

My First Thought is about Color (and my Trees).

When I’m designing anything, nine times out of ten, the first thing I think about is color. This is the case when I’m planning a room design, party, or tablescape.

However, when it comes to Christmas home decor, thoughts of color and thoughts of my Christmas trees usually go hand-in-hand. This means that during the fall, I try to be especially open to inspiration that might help me come up with a color scheme. I know it may sound crazy, but I sort of have a conversation about this in my head.

If you’ve been following IBC for a while, you might remember the year I was inspired by gradients and the colors of the rainbow. That led me to make this Rainbow Gradient Christmas Tree. Another year I LOVED a dress Adele wore at a live performance, and that inspired this gold and green tree. Last year I found green velvet chairs for my living room, which inspired me to go green. That decision prompted me to go mostly red in my family room.

Then I’ll Think About Themes.

In general, I try not to get too “themey.” But there are times when a loose “theme” can help with the decorating process.

For example, this year I’m going with reds in my family room. I chose that color because I used it in the space last year, and I loved how it looked and wanted something similar this year. However, I also wanted to change things up a bit, so I’m using the theme of a “lodge in England.” I realize that probably makes no sense to anyone, but when I think of “lodge in England,” I get a clear vision in my head: ski lodge meets the house in England where Cameron Diaz goes in the movie “The Holiday.” Can you see it now?

Another example is my living room decor from last year. I had the theme of the Emerald City in mind. You wouldn’t think of the magical city in Oz when you looked at that room, but that’s what guided many of my decisions. I hope that makes sense.

Having a color scheme or theme helps me resist all of the pretty distractions I find as I’m decorating. There are too many temptations this time of year, and if I want a cohesive look, I know I can’t have all of them at the same time in one place.

Yes, I Coordinate My Wrapping Paper.

Another area where a theme helps is in selecting wrapping paper. I realize this makes me sound like a loon, but here’s the deal. I like wrapping paper. I like it so much that I want it ALL. Having a theme lets me narrow my focus when I’m out shopping. It also helps to create a coordinated look under the tree. This might not be important to everyone, but for someone like me who takes lots of pictures of his home and wants an area to be aesthetically pleasing, it’s important.

When I was in my apartment two years ago, I went with deep teal, gray, and white as my theme. Last Christmas I used mainly plaid/tartan and buffalo check papers.

Yes, it’s sort of weird, but it suits my sensibilities.

Take Inventory.

With those three things in the back of my mind, I take inventory of what I have. I store my Christmas items in totes in my attic. Before decorating begins, I bring down the totes and look at what I’m working with. Since I’m a blogger, I change my decor every year, so I have plenty of decorations in storage. After taking inventory, I pack up things I won’t need or use this year and then either donate them or put them back in the attic. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff.

As you can imagine, I do love shopping for holiday decor, so I also hit up some of my favorite places for holiday decor.

They include but are not limited to:

HomeGoods / TJ Maxx
Crate and Barrel
CB2
Balsam Hill
Anthroplogie
eBay
Etsy
Local Shops
Antique Stores

Just Start.

At this point, I’m always feeling slightly overwhelmed and freaking out a bit. As someone who puts his decor on display to the world via the internet, I’m prone to panic: “Is this the year I’m going to miss the mark? What if my ideas suck? What if my creative well has dried up?”

When I start feeling this way, my go-to rule is: “Just Start.” I pick something I’m comfortable with or know is going to be a “win” for me and start there. This builds my confidence, and in no time I’m up and running! I still have my moments of doubt, but in general, it’s good from there.

For example, I recently posted my Christmas Kitchen Tour. This was the first time I was decorating this space for the holidays, so the misgivings and fear of failure rolled in. It only took hanging two wreaths on the windows, and then the ball started rolling! The rest of the space came together pretty smoothly and without a lot of second-guessing.

Another tip is to just try things. When I was decorating my kitchen, initially I had my Santa mug collection on shelves in the dining room. They looked good there. However, I decided to try them in my pantry, and that’s when the magic happened. They look fantastic in there! So try and try again until YOU love it!

Need help getting started? Looking for more Christmas inspiration? I’m so excited to share a list of my favorite blog posts to help inspire you holiday endeavors. These are a few of my favorite that I’m certain you’re going to love.

The Ultimate Christmas Idea and Recipe Resource List:

100+ Creative Christmas Ideas – my favorite resource!
The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes
My Favorite Christmas Cookies
Christmas Q&A – answering YOUR Christmas questions
Christmas Appetizer Recipes
The Ultimate Christmas Music Playlist
2018 Christmas at Bayberry House – latest Holiday Home Tour
2018 Evening at Bayberry House

How I Decorate My Trees:

This section is slightly out of place in this post, but a number of you have been asking about this, so I wanted to include it. (I am going to try and put together a full post on this topic, but I wanted to give you some information right away.)

As with the rest of my decor, when decorating my trees, I start with a general theme or color scheme. In recent years it’s been a color scheme. Once I have that, I review my inventory and start shopping, if needed. I check out the stores listed above and see what strikes me. (You can see a round-up of some of my past trees here if you need a little inspiration.)

Once I have most of what I need, it’s time to trim the tree.

Here’s the order I follow:

Set up and fluff tree.
Add lights, if not pre-lit. (All of my current trees are pre-lit.)
Add ribbon. (Please see my tutorial here.)
Add large or heavy ornaments*.
Add smaller ornaments*.
String garlands.
Add the tree topper.

*Tips about adding ornaments
-For the most part, I use ornament hooks. My current favorites are these from Amazon. They are small so they disappear. I’m not a fan of decorative hooks because they tend to take attention away from the ornaments.
-I do wire heavy, delicate, or sentimental ornaments to the branch with floral wire.
– I like a layered look with ornaments, so I tuck some into the tree and hang some on the tips of branches.
– I use only glass ornaments.

Final Notes:

I wanted to make a few more comments before wrapping things up.

Most years I do not switch out furniture or paint walls as part of my holiday decorating. I limit my decor to seasonal items and soft goods such as pillows and throws.
If you have sentimental ornaments or decorative items that don’t match your theme or color scheme, use them anyway. Treasure them. Family, friends, and memories are what’s most important during the holidays (and all through the year).
This list is intended as a guide. You do not have to do any of these things to have a beautiful and happy holiday season. Do what works for you. My friend Kate of Centsational Style just wrote a brilliant post about this topic. If you’re feeling stressed, I encourage you to read it.

And that’s it, my friends. If I’ve missed something or you have questions, please leave them in the comments below. I’ll do my best to answer your questions and update this post as needed.

I hope this information helps you create your happy place for the holidays!

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Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip

Recipes

Thursday
Nov / 7 / 2019
Comments 7

Need a tasty appetizer? Try this Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip #broccoli #cheddar #bacon #cheese #appetizer #dip #recipe #appetizer

This Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip recipe combines the classic broccoli and cheddar flavors we all love in a dip no one can say no to. Plus, it’s easy to make!

November and December are packed with holiday entertaining. My goal on IBC is to bring you new appetizer recipes that are simple to pull together and sure to please a crowd. I’m confident this Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip fills the bill.

If you’re looking for even more holiday appetizer ideas, I created an entire post dedicated to them. You can find that here. Like dips? I’ve got a post for those too! You can find them here.

Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip:

Have you ever had Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup? This recipe follows that flavor profile but in dip form. Broccoli Cheddar Soup is among my favorites, so this dip is, too. (And, yes, there’s bacon involved.)

Like many folks, I have my go-to recipes, but I also like to try different things. This recipe allows me to do both in one dish. The combination of the broccoli and cheese flavors gives this recipe a comforting familiarity, while the creaminess of the dip takes the classic taste to a new level.

No matter how you fix them, you can’t go wrong with broccoli and cheese. Still, what seals the deal for me with this dip is the crumbly and buttery RITZ crackers topping. Yummy!

Okay, that’s enough talking about the dip. Let me show you how to make it!

How to Make Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip:

Start by cooking the bacon. Once it’s done, set it aside on a paper towel and allow it to drain. Save the bacon grease in your skillet and cook your broccoli in it. You want the broccoli to be crisp but tender.

When the broccoli has cooled, chop it and the bacon into tiny pieces.

Next, in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder. Then toss in the bacon, broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese and mix that to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Then transfer all that goodness to an 8×10-inch baking dish.

Before baking, in a small bowl, stir together the crumbled Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this on the top of the dip. (Every dip needs a little crunch, right?) Finally, bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden!

The dip is now ready to serve. I like to serve it with Ritz crackers and broccoli florets. The fresh broccoli makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging, but it also tastes so good with the dip.

That’s it my friends. Not too difficult, right?

Looking for delicious dips? Try these:

This Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip will make a lovely and delicious addition to any of your holiday gatherings. (You may want to make extra so you don’t run out.)

Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip Recipe:

Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip

Servings: 12 people | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

This Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip recipe combines the classic broccoli and cheddar flavors we all love in a dip no one can say no to. Plus, it's easy to make!

Ingredients

4 slices bacon
3 cups fresh broccoli florets plus more for serving
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
RITZ crackers and broccoli florets for serving

Instructions

Over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel to drain.
Keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the broccoli and cook 4-5 minutes until crisp but tender.
Remove from heat. Chop the bacon and broccoli into very small pieces.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder to a large bowl. Mix until smooth. Mix in the bacon, broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to an 8x10-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle on top of the dip. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
Serve warm with Ritz crackers and broccoli florets.

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Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas

Interiors

Wednesday
Nov / 6 / 2019
Comments 50

Festive and Beautiful Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas #holiday #christmas #kitchen #decor #decorating #ideas

Well, friends, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. This past weekend, I got the Christmas totes down from the attic and did a little decorating, so today I’m ready to share Christmas kitchen decor ideas with you!

When I post about Christmas this early in the season, I always like to offer the following disclaimer: Bloggers post early so you’re able to take it all in and implement what you like whenever YOU are ready. Get to decorating, crafting, and creating now, or wait until later. It’s up to you, if, when, and how you do things for the holidays!

I am thrilled to be back today with my Seasons of Home Blogger friends. Each of us is giving you a peek at our kitchen Christmas decor. Once you’re done checking out my kitchen, be sure to click through the additional 11 bloggers below. Everyone is incredibly talented, and there are so many styles. I know you’ll find lots of reasons to ooh and ah!

Since it’s early in the season and I’m happily decorating a new space (In case you’re new to Inspired by Charm, I remodeled my kitchen earlier this year. The full tour and complete source list is here.), I’m still getting a feel for how I want my kitchen to look for Christmas. So please consider this a work-in-progress and sneak peek into my full Holiday Home Tour which will go live in early December. (I have A LOT of decorating to do before then, but at least I’ll have started on my kitchen!)

With that introduction behind us, let me show you around!

Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas:

In styling my Christmas kitchen decor, my goal was to bring in festive moments but keep things simple.

My process for this space started with hanging small wreaths on the windows above the sink. The wreaths are faux but quite real looking. I found them at a local Christmas store (Sewickley Creek Greenhouse if you’re in the Pittsburgh area). Inspired by the knobs on my range, I wanted pops of red in this space, so I added red ribbon to the wreaths. It’s purely decorative since I used these Command Hooks to hang the wreaths.

Because my kitchen gets a lot of use, especially this time of year, there is minimal decor on my countertops – a few bottle brush trees with gold, green, and red ornaments, a couple brass tea light holders, and small wire lights. Isn’t it amazing how a string of lights instantly makes a space feel like Christmas.

On a recent visit to a local antique store, I found these pine tree salt & pepper shakers. What a great shade of green! I paired them with a new candle my sweet friend Laura of Finding Home Farms sent me. This one is Cinnamon Bark & Anise. I never thought I was a fan of anise, but this candle smells divine!

I also swapped out the artwork to the left of my range. I found this original colored pencil drawing at an antique shop last year and instantly fell in love with it. It works beautifully here. I used Command Picture Hanging strips to attach it to the tile. I ended up using four of the large strips to be on the safe side.

As I do on most of my tours, I also baked a delicious treat for you. This is a Cranberry Apple Tart. It’s just the thing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner or party in-between. On my tour, it doubles as a lovely prop. I can’t wait to share the recipe with you. Stay tuned! In the meantime, you can find more of my holiday recipes here.

One other thing I wanted to point out is my new crock. It’s another of my antique finds. I filled it with (mostly) vintage rolling pins. The red and green handled rolling pins bring in the colors of the season but will look great all year long. The two glass rolling pins are a nod to my maternal grandma. She always used a glass rolling pin. After she passed. my mom inherited that rolling pin. I mentioned to my mom how much I love it and that I was looking for a similar one. Mom was able to find one on eBay and gave it to me for my birthday. A couple of weeks later I happened upon one at an antique store. Now I have two. I do love how this little display looks.

Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas: Butler’s Pantry

I added a couple of festive touches to my butler’s pantry as well. I chuckled as I wrote that last sentence. A year ago the space housed a single-stall shower with only cold water. Now, my pantry is there, and it’s one of my favorite places in my home. What a difference!

I continued the red theme in the pantry. When deciding on the paint color for this cabinetry, I purposely chose something that would work well with “Christmas” red. (That’s how much I love Christmas!) I couldn’t be more pleased with the combination of sage green, cherry red, and walnut. It’s warm and inviting!

Several years back I picked up this set of Santa mugs. Since then I try to purchase one or two vintage Santa mugs every year. I now have a nice-size collection. I love how they look on the shelves.

The ceramic tree is another recent vintage find. I’m hoping to find a place this year where I can paint/make one!

And with a few other holiday touches here and there, my Christmas kitchen decor is complete. What do you think?

I’m still going to futz around a bit (as I tend to do) so I’ll have more to share soon. Just recently I hung shelves in my dining room AND got a new dining room table. It’s been loads of fun to add personality to that new space.

I hope you enjoyed looking around my kitchen. Again, If you’re looking for any sources, please visit this post here for more details.

Want more decor ideas? Check out all of my Holiday Home Tours Here:

And of you have the holiday-itch and want more decor inspiration, then you’ll want to check out all of my blogger friends below. I’m certain you’ll snag some inspiration for your own home. Enjoy!

Seasons of Home Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas:

Ella Claire & Co. | Zevy Joy | Inspired by Charm | Maison de Pax

Dear Lillie | The Lilypad Cottage | Maison de Cinq | Kindred Vintage

Rooms for Rent | Home Stories A to Z | Craftberry Bush | French Country Cottage

The Handmade Farmhouse | Boxwood Avenue | Nina Hendrick | My Sweet Savannah

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Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 4 / 2019
Comments 8

These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers are a delicious bite-sized appetizer that’s ideal for the holidays.

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers:

As I’ve told you, given the opportunity, I could make a meal of appetizers. How about you? One of my menu items would be these Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers.

I hope you enjoy this new appetizer recipe for the holiday season. If you’re looking for other unique and tasty holiday appetizers, I’ve put together a fantastic list for you here. It’s full of my faves, such as a Christmas tree-shaped cheeseball and the veggie dip recipe I make every chance I get!

I was also inspired to create these Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers because they are similar to a bacon-wrapped pepper I made in the past. Do you remember my Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños? I included a special/secret ingredient in the cream cheese of that recipe.

Even if you haven’t tried that recipe, I think you are going to love this one. Sweet peppers, cream cheese, AND bacon. Could it get any better than that? Let me walk you through some of the details.

First, you might be wondering …

What are Peppadew Peppers?

Peppadew Peppers is a brand name for red, cherry tomato-sized Juanita peppers. This type of pepper is often made by companies that produce pickles. Pickling helps to preserve the sweet flavor and crisp texture of the peppers. (You want the peppers you use in this recipe to have both qualities.)

Most of the varieties I’ve seen (and purchased) have little to no heat. However, you’ll want to pay attention to the labels/signage to make sure you’re getting the heat level you prefer.

I usually purchase the peppadews that are available on the olive bar in my local grocery store. However, a jarred variety works well in this recipe.

I like to serve peppadew peppers on cheese and antipasto platters. They are perfect for this type of snacking. They are delicious on their own, but even better stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Now that you know what Peppadew Peppers are, let me show you how to make this appetizer. (Full recipe details are available in the printable recipe card below.)

Precook the bacon to give it a head start in the cooking process. I like doing this in the oven. Start by adding a cooling rack to a foil-lined baking sheet. (This makes clean-up much easier!)

Cut the bacon in half; then place it on the cooling rack in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the fat starts to render and the bacon starts to brown a bit. Remove from the oven, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and allow too cool. (Set the baking tray aside.)

Add the softened cream cheese to a piping bag (or put it in a plastic bag and cut off the corner) and pipe the cheese into each of the peppers.

Then, wrap each pepper with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. (Note: Soak the toothpicks in a small bowl of water for about 20 minutes to prevent them from burning in the oven.)

Place the bacon-wrapped peppers back on the baking sheet you used to cook the bacon. Put them in the oven and cook for 14-16 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy these delicious Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers.

The sweet pepper pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese and crispy bacon. It’s a bite-sized party for your mouth!

I think these would make a delicious holiday appetizer, but you can serve them any time of the year. Enjoy!

Want more bacon-inspired appetizer recipes? Try these:

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers Recipe:

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Servings: 24 peppers | Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

4 from 1 vote

These Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers are a delicious bite-sized appetizer that's ideal for the holidays.

Ingredients

24 peppadew peppers (Drained upside down on a paper towel.)
12 slices bacon cut in half (not thick cut)
8 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Then, soak 24 toothpicks in a small bowl of water for about 20 minutes.
Precook the bacon by placing it in a single layer on a cooling rack in a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the fat starts to render and the bacon starts to brown. Remove from oven, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, and allow too cool. (Set the baking tray aside.)
Add the softened cream cheese to a piping bag (or put it in a plastic bag and cut off the corneand pipe the cheese into each of the peppers.
Then wrap each pepper with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place the bacon-wrapped peppers back on the baking sheet you used to cook the bacon. Place these into the oven and cook for 14-16 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
Serve warm.

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