If you’re looking for a simple but flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make, you need to try these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups. They make the perfect tasty treat for any occasion.
Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups
Whether you call it a roll-up or a pinwheel, these little bite-sized appetizers are one of my favorites. I’ve made several roll-ups on the blog and I’m excited to add these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups to the list.
I love to make roll-ups for appetizers because they are so easy and the flavor combinations are almost endless.
I’ve been wanting to try out this combination for quite some time and I’m so glad I did. Salty turkey, crispy bacon, and sweet-tart cranberries are a match made in heaven. Roll them up in a wrap with cream cheese and green onions and you’ve got a winner!
I think you’re going to like these little bites too! Let me walk you through the recipe!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon, dried cranberries, and onions. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
Divide this mixture evenly onto your tortillas. Spread to about 1/2-inch from the edge. Then, add one layer of turkey.
For the tortillas, you can use three 7 to 8 in. tortillas or two 9 to 10 in. tortillas.
Roll up each tortilla.
Place the rolled tortillas on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) before slicing.
As I mentioned above, there is so much flavor, creaminess, and texture packed into these little roll-up bites of goodness. It’s something everyone can enjoy and appreciate.
I hope you’ll give these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups a try! Enjoy!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
If you're looking for a simple but flavorful appetizer that's easy to make, you need to try these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups. They make the perfect tasty treat for any occasion.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
If you’re looking for a simple but flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make, you need to try these Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups. They make the perfect tasty treat for any occasion. Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups Whether you call it a roll-up or a pinwheel, these little bite-sized appetizers are one of my favorites. I’ve made […]
If you are a cinnamon fan or just looking for a tasty seasonal dessert, then you need to bake up a batch of these Cinnamon Bars. They are flavorful, chewy, and so simple to make!
Cinnamon Bars
The best way I can describe these Cinnamon Bars is to say that they are like a brownie, but with cinnamon instead of chocolate.
They are full of flavor, chewy, and have a lovely cinnamon, sugar crust. I mean, what’s not to love?
Since cinnamon is kind of seasonal, I really enjoy making these during the fall and holiday seasons. However, these Cinnamon Bars are fabulous any time of the year.
When it comes to desserts, it’s easy to get bored with the same old things. Since these are quick to make, they are a great recipe to throw into your rotation.
This was one of those recipes where right after I made the bars to photograph for this post, I had to quickly package them up and get them out of the house because I would have eaten WAY too many and regretted it later. (We’ve all been there, right?)
Whether you decide to whip these Cinnamon Bars up for the fall, save them for your Christmas dessert table, or wait to try them in the spring, let me walk you through the recipe.
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
In a medium saucepan, add the butter and brown sugar. Cook and stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 24-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
For the topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
While the bars are still warm, brush them evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, you can pack and store these cinnamon bars in an airtight container.
And that’s it, my friends. If you’ve ever made brownies before, the process is quite similar. It’s a super simple recipe and the results are well worth it.
Give these Cinnamon Bars a try and let me know what you think!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
If you are a cinnamon fan or just looking for a tasty seasonal dessert, then you need to bake up a batch of these Cinnamon Bars. They are flavorful, chewy, and so simple to make!
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add the butter and brown sugar. Cook and stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
Spread the batter in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 24-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
For the topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of kosher salt.
While the bars are still warm, brush them evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pack and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
If you are a cinnamon fan or just looking for a tasty seasonal dessert, then you need to bake up a batch of these Cinnamon Bars. They are flavorful, chewy, and so simple to make! Cinnamon Bars The best way I can describe these Cinnamon Bars is to say that they are like a brownie, […]
I’m sharing ideas, tips, and techniques for adding vintage charm to your home. From light fixtures to wallpaper and everything between you can use these suggestions to create a lived-in and welcoming look to your home.
How to Add Vintage Charm to Your Home
While my decorating style has changed and evolved over the years, one thing that has always been present is a touch of vintage charm. And this goes back as far as I can remember. I was going to flea markets and using old windows as mirrors even back in high school.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a fresh look and I’m always interested in the latest trends, but there’s something about a nod to the past, to antique treasures and vintage finds that will always have my heart.
Incorporating vintage charm into my home has become second nature to me and so I wanted to create this post to share some of these ideas with all of you. Now, before we get started, let me explain what “vintage charm” means to me.
What is Vintage Charm?
I don’t think that vintage charm has a standard definition in the design world, so I’m just going to explain how I see it and what it means to me and my design.
Vintage charm feels like a hug from the past. It’s comforting. It’s like walking into an old book store along a cobblestone road. Vintage charm evokes memories of simpler times. It’s a hand-sewn quilt, a pie on the window sill, or a handwritten recipe card.
It’s also worth mentioning that vintage charm doesn’t always mean “old” or antique things either. I will share some more examples below, but you can create a vintage charm with wallpaper or a unique collection of treasures. You can opt for wood-handled kitchen tools instead of metal or plastic. Make sense?
Okay, with all of that being said, let’s get into it! I hope these examples will serve as inspiration for you to create similar looks in your own space.
Vintage Charm: Artwork
Over the years I have amassed a unique art collection that I love. I’m constantly adding to and editing my collection. In fact, as I’ve developed my own art practice during these past few years, I’ve become a more avid collector.
When looking for vintage charm-inspired pieces, I start by checking out local antique and thrift stores. However, some of my favorite contemporary painters do work that evokes sweet feelings of the past. I’ve shared some of my favorite artists in this post here if you want to dive a little deeper.
You could also create your own art by framing old photographs of family members, an old love letter, a worn favorite recipe card, a sentimental piece of fabric, etc.
Vintage Charm: Start a Collection
I think adding a collection to your home is one of the best ways to infuse some vintage charm. In fact, I’m so passionate about this idea that I did a mini-series about it here on the blog. I will link all three posts in the series for you here:
What’s more charming than a grouping of vintage straw hats on a wall? Or how about a display of white vases on a kitchen shelf?
You can use some of the collections that I have HERE as inspiration, but get creative and collect things that bring you the most joy while also adding a little style and charm to your home.
Vintage Charm: Kitchen Essentials
As I mentioned above, making simple and subtle choices can quickly and easily evoke that vintage charm look and feel. For example:
Choose wooden tools instead of steel or plastic.
Opt for copper or cast iron cookware and put it on display.
Designate a place next to a window for growing herbs.
Display frequently used pantry items on shelves in large glass jars.
Frame a vintage recipe card.
Display an apron on a hook.
Use a vintage wood table instead of a traditional island.
Consider antique knobs and drawer pulls for your cabinets.
As you can imagine, this list could go on and on. In fact, as I was writing this list, I thought it would be a good idea to share a post dedicated to this topic. I have countless ways and product recommendations to help you create this look in your kitchen. Stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, I hope this list gives you some initials ideas and helps you develop even more ideas for adding that vintage feel to your kitchen. You can also find all of my favorite kitchen essentials HERE. I cover everything from my favorite dinnerware to small appliances.
Vintage Charm: Built-ins and Molding
Molding will forever be one of my favorite ways to add character and charm to a home. While it can be a time consuming task, require some skills/specialty tools, and there is a cost involved, you get a lot of “bang for your buck.”
For example, a couple of years ago I added board and batten to my bedroom and it completely changed the look and feel of the room. It instantly added a cozy, rich, and cottage vibe.
Other things you could consider/do:
Add beadboard to a wall in your home.
Create a shelf with a board and wood corbels.
Add a peg rail to your entryway.
I’ve also been adding several built-ins to my home as another great way of adding vintage charm. Built-ins give this effect especially when they include details like corbels, beadboard, decorative molding, built-in lights, peg rails, etc.
These projects can be a bit more expensive if custom cabinetry is involved, but I’ve seen dozens of DIY versions that look just as fabulous and add that vintage charm too.
If you’d like to take a closer look at my custom cabinetry you can follow these links here:
If you follow the design world in any capacity, you’ll know that wallpaper is having a big comeback. Wallpaper isn’t used solely for creating a vintage charm look, but if you select the right pattern and use it in the right way, it can definitely emulate that sweet cottage vintage charm esthetic.
I have one example to share with you and that is my powder room. I love this space. While the wallpaper is a deep navy color, the whimsy in the pattern (which features foxes, bunnies, bees, foliage, etc.) adds a whole lot of charm.
In the coming months, I will be wallpapering another room in my home. Stay tuned for that. I’ll be certain to update this post when it’s finished.
While there are many, one of my favorite brands that really nails that vintage charm look is Lake August. I want to wrap myself up in their wallpapers.
That’s it for now!
That’s a wrap. I hope you’ve been charmed!
While this list could potentially go on and on, I hope that these examples have sparked some ideas and inspiration for adding a little character, whimsy, and vintage charm to your space.
Did I miss anything that should definitely be included? Let me know in the comment section below.
And if you liked this post and want more like it, be sure to join the IBC Mailing List HERE so you don’t miss a thing. I’d love to have you.
I’m sharing ideas, tips, and techniques for adding vintage charm to your home. From light fixtures to wallpaper and everything between you can use these suggestions to create a lived-in and welcoming look to your home. How to Add Vintage Charm to Your Home While my decorating style has changed and evolved over the years, […]
Loaded with decadent milk chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, these Chocolate Chip Muffins (made from my Basic Muffin Recipe) make a delicious and easy breakfast sweet or afternoon treat.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Previously, I shared my Basic Muffin Recipe with you. (You can find it HERE.) As promised, I wanted to offer you some ideas on how you could take that recipe, toss in some additional ingredients, and create dozens of unique and delicious muffins.
I had a bag of milk chocolate chips in my pantry, so I thought I would kick things off with these Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Essentially, I just followed the base recipe, added in some milk chocolate chips and cinnamon, and topped the muffins off with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for good measure.
It’s really that easy!
And while I prefer milk chocolate chips, you can use any variety you like. You could even get a little crazy and try peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips, or caramel chips. The choice is yours.
No matter how you make these tasty muffins, this is another recipe I know you’re going to enjoy! Here are a few things you’ll need to get started.
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.
And with that, let’s mix up some Chocolate Chip Muffins.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Muffins:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray or line the cups with baking papers, then spray with baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. Set aside. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold the two together gently. Mix until just barely/almost combined. This is the key to light and tender muffins. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into each muffin paper until about 3/4ths of the way full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the pan when they are cool enough to handle. Allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.
That’s really it, my friends! As you can see, this is a really easy recipe to make — simple ingredients and no fancy equipment for the win.
I hope you’ll give this Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe a try! Remember, if you liked this recipe, be sure to check out my basic muffin recipe which you can use to create almost any type of muffin that your taste buds may desire.
Happy baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Loaded with decadent milk chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, these Chocolate Chip Muffins (made from my Basic Muffin Recipe) make a delicious and easy breakfast sweet or afternoon treat.
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray or line the cups with baking papers, then spray with baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold the two together gently. Mix until just barely/almost combined. This is the key to light and tender muffins. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into each muffin paper until about 3/4ths of the way full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the pan when they are cool enough to handle. Allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.
Notes
This recipe was developed from my Basic Muffin Recipe. If you're looking to create more unique and delicious variations on this recipe, check out this post HERE.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Loaded with decadent milk chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, these Chocolate Chip Muffins (made from my Basic Muffin Recipe) make a delicious and easy breakfast sweet or afternoon treat. Chocolate Chip Muffins Previously, I shared my Basic Muffin Recipe with you. (You can find it HERE.) As promised, I wanted to offer you […]
Fellow magazine lovers, this post is for you. I’m sharing all of my favorite magazines and additionally, I’m showing you how I keep them organized in order to avoid the clutter and to be able to find exactly what I need when I need it.
Magazines: My Favorites and How To Organize Them
Okay, this may be a really odd/slightly obsessive post to folks who don’t read magazines. For those that love magazines as much as I do, this post is going to be a wealth of helpful information.
I noticed the other day that the basket of magazines in my living room was overflowing and magazines were falling onto the floor. It was a nice reminder that my magazine collection needed some attention. I thought I would take you along and show you how I keep my magazines (mostly) in order and the number of magazines I have to a minimum.
I have been a lover of print magazines for as long as I can remember. I used to flip through shelter magazines at my grandparent’s house while I waited for my mom to pick me up after delivering newspapers. This love has continued into adulthood. I have subscriptions to 12+ magazines and I still get a tickle of excitement when I open the mailbox and see a new issue.
Since I enjoy magazines so much and subscribe to too many, I never want this joy to become a burden. Years ago I used to have stacks and stacks of magazines everywhere and all they did was overwhelm me. Now, I have a system in place that encourages me to only keep one year’s worth of magazines on hand while also saving the stories, content, and recipes, that I love.
Everything is wonderfully organized, I can find what I need, and my love of magazines stays joyful instead of overwhelming. Mission accomplished!
Ready for my system? I’ll walk you through step-by-step and when I’m finished, I’ll give you a rundown of my favorite magazines.
Magazine Organization Sources:
Since I know there are going to be questions about sources, I thought I would get that out of the way first. These things are not required, but I find them really helpful tools to keep me organized. You’ll see how I use them as I explain the process below.
The first step is pretty simple. I have a large round basket in my family room. Anytime a new magazine comes into the house, it goes into this basket. Typically I will flip through a new magazine once or twice before it ends up in the basket, but this is where any new magazines go.
Step Two: When the basket is full, move half of the magazines to magazine holders.
When this basket is almost full, it means it’s time to organize. (And yes, there have been occasions when this basket is overflowing.) What I do is take the bottom half of the magazines (usually the oldest magazines) and move them to magazine holders that are located in my office.
I have 12 magazines holders. Here is the organizational breakdown:
January and February
March and April
May and June
July and August
September and October
November and December
Fall Magazines/Bookazines
Christmas Magazines/Bookazines
Recipe Bookazines
Home Bookazines
Other
Other
Side note: A bookazine is like a book but in a magazine form. It’s a magazine that costs $10-$20 and covers a broad topic like Christmas, Fall Baking, etc.
Based on my current magazine subscriptions, there is just enough room (specifically in the monthly magazine holders) to hold everything comfortably. The magazines will live here for a year. Since they are organized, I can easily reference them when needed.
Step Three: Seasonally sort through magazines older than one year.
As you can see, right now everything has a place. But what happens when things start to overflow?
My goal is to only keep a magazine for one year*.
I work through my stored magazines seasonally. Usually, I have a day or two that I spend brainstorming content for the blog and gathering seasonal inspiration for my home. This is when I’ll set aside time to pull a stack of magazines from the magazine holders and go through them one more time before I recycle them.
This will free up space for when the basket in my living room gets full again.
*This is not always the case with the bookazines. I will keep them until I’m done with them or until they no longer fit in the magazine organizers. And in all honesty, there are a few series of bookazines that I can’t part with so there are exceptions to every rule.
Step Four: Tear out sheets and recycle the rest of the magazine.
As I mentioned above, I like to give my magazines a final look before I get rid of any given ones.
When I’m flipping through the magazines, I tear out anything I love. It could be a design element, decor idea, recipe, a color scheme, something I want to research more, a product I want to check out, etc. I usually go through a stack of about 20 magazines at a time. It seems like a lot, but I usually watch something on TV, and by the time the movie is over the task is complete. (Lately, I’ve been doing this in the mornings while I have my coffee instead of scrolling through my phone. It’s been a better way to start the day.)
Each tear-out goes into a keep pile and then I recycle the rest of the magazine since it is no longer needed. Pretty simple.
Step Five: Sort tear-out sheets into vinyl pouches.
Next, I take my stack of tear-outs and organize them. I found these zippered vinyl and mesh pouches and I love them. They are a game changer, friends. The size is right, they are durable, have a zipper closure, and take up very little space.
I have about 10 of these pouches. They are sorted by categories such as spring, summer, fall, winter, Christmas, home, etc. I also have one labeled “current” for things that I’m referencing at the moment.
As you can see, each pouch is labeled so I can reference what I need quickly.
I store all of these pouches in a large basket on a shelf in my office. Whenever I need a dose of inspiration or an idea for a project, I can quickly reference what I found to be the most valuable parts of my favorite magazines.
I will also sort through these pouches every so often and trash what I no longer need or what’s no longer inspiring to me.
Step Six: Repeat
And that’s it! I just repeat this process seasonally or whenever that basket of magazines in my living room is full.
I suppose that this may seem like a daunting process, but isn’t any new organizational effort kind of overwhelming? I’m not an organized person by nature, but when I have systems like this in place, I realize how beneficial they can be to mental clarity, productivity, and even happiness.
Now, onto my favorite magazines!
My Favorite Magazines
I’m not going to give you a detailed description of why I like all of these magazines. However, I will list them in order starting with my favorites and working down the list. I like them all, some just make me happier when they appear in my mailbox.
I also did my best to link them all so if you’re looking to subscribe, the process should be pretty easy.
And that’s a wrap on my favorite magazines and how I organize them! I really hope you found this helpful!
Have I missed your favorite? Are there magazines I should be reading that aren’t on my list? Let me know in the comments below.
Fellow magazine lovers, this post is for you. I’m sharing all of my favorite magazines and additionally, I’m showing you how I keep them organized in order to avoid the clutter and to be able to find exactly what I need when I need it. Magazines: My Favorites and How To Organize Them Okay, this […]
The combination of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and sage-infused simple syrup is dynamic in this Bourbon and Sage Cocktail. It’s refreshing, aromatic, and smooth all in one sip. What’s not to love?
Bourbon & Sage Cocktail
If you would have told me four years ago that I would be such a big bourbon fan, I wouldn’t have believed you. Flash forward to today and now I basically want to make every bourbon-based cocktail recipe I can. I’m in love!
I’m especially excited to bring you today’s recipe. With fresh sage growing in terra cotta pots on my deck, it was the perfect time to whip up this Bourbon and Sage Cocktail.
The recipe is really simple as the cocktail is only made up of three ingredients:
And you can make the simple syrup at home. It’s easy as can be, I promise. I shared all the details and a link to my simple syrup recipe below.
Adding the sage to the simple syrup creates an earthy and aromatic flavor that complements the bourbon and fresh lemon juice perfectly. The combination of all three is just oh so good!
Can we also talk about the adorable cocktail garnish? My Mom and I went out to dinner recently and they served my Old Fashioned with this mini clothespin holding on the orange peel and I just about died of cuteness. Naturally, I had to repeat the look, but for this cocktail, I just used a baby sprig of sage. So adorable!
These bitty clothespins are tricky to find. The one-inch size are a bit more readily available, but these are smaller than that. I was able to source them for you HERE. I also found them at Michael’s Craft Store, but was unable to find a link. I highly recommend them for cocktail garnishes.
I also need to give a shout-out to these rocks glasses too. I’m digging them. They have just the right amount of subtle detail without it being too much.
Okay, I think it’s time we stir up a few of these Bourbon and Sage Cocktails. Let’s do it!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.
How to Make a Bourbon & Sage Cocktail:
To start, you’re going to want to make the sage simple syrup. It sounds fancy, but it’s not difficult. In fact, I have a blog post with my easy simple syrup recipe HERE.
To infuse the sage, simply add 10 sage leaves to the simple syrup as soon as you turn off the heat. Let the sage leaves steep for 10 minutes, then remove from the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool before preparing your cocktail. That’s it! Simple as can be and the resulting syrup is just so much more deeply flavored. It’s so good!
To a rocks glass filled with ice, add the lemon juice, bourbon, and sage simple syrup.
Stir with a spoon to combine.
Garnish with half of a lemon slice and sage leaves.
Okay, so not only is this Bourbon and Sage Cocktail really delicious, but it’s quite fetching too, don’t you think? Maybe all cocktails need a clothespin garnish. Who’s with me?
I hope you take the time to give this recipe a try! Cheers!
LOOKING FOR MORE Bourbon-Based Cocktails? TRY THESE:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
The combination of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and sage-infused simple syrup is dynamic in this Bourbon and Sage Cocktail. It's refreshing, aromatic, and smooth all in one sip. What's not to love?
To a rocks glass filled with ice, add the lemon juice, bourbon, and sage simple syrup.
Stir with a spoon to combine.
Garnish with half of a lemon slice and sage leaves.
Notes
You can get my recipe for basic simple syrup HERE.To infuse the sage, simply add 10 sage leaves to the simple syrup as soon as you turn off the heat. Let the sage leaves steep for 10 minutes, then remove from the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool before preparing your cocktail.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
The combination of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and sage-infused simple syrup is dynamic in this Bourbon and Sage Cocktail. It’s refreshing, aromatic, and smooth all in one sip. What’s not to love? Bourbon & Sage Cocktail If you would have told me four years ago that I would be such a big bourbon fan, I […]
I can’t help myself. I love a shopping trip to Target! While there, I also enjoy seeing what’s in other people’s carts. Are there awesome goodies at Target that my eye didn’t catch or that I don’t know about? That’s why I decided to put together a post of my favorite things to buy at Target!
My Favorite Things to Buy at Target
Yes my friends, today we are shopping at Target.
I’ve been meaning to put together a post of all my favorite things to buy at Target for quite some time. Knowing it was going to be a big task, I’ve been procrastinating, but I finally got it together.
What you’ll find below is a roundup of the things I’ve bought at Target and things that I continue to buy at Target. These are products that I love and happily recommend to you. While I didn’t provide a detailed description for every item, each grouping of products has a “notable items” section so that I could comment about favorites in each category.
As you might know, some products are always stocked on the shelves, and others are seasonal. That’s why I will continue to update this post seasonally as things change. I will reshare this post to the top of my feed a few times a year after making any significant and/or seasonal changes to this list. Sound good?
Also, it’s worth mentioning that some of these items are not specific to Target. However, Target just happens to be the place I buy them so I wanted to include them on this list.
I don’t have a picture for every item I’ve linked below, but I did add in several. Most of the items are pretty self-explanatory, but I will continue to add images when I have them.
If you like this style of post, there are more! Check out some of my other favorites below:
As I mentioned above, this is one of those posts I will continue to update as the product selection changes at Target. I’m a big fan of Target’s seasonal offerings, so you can expect this particular section to be the most frequently updated. This is the only section that may contain items that I do not own but I do like and/or am considering purchasing.
Notable Items:It’s fall at Target! I’ve shared lots of my favorites below included decor, throws, pillows, and more!
Over the past 10 years or so, Target has become a go-to for home decor. With lines like Threshold, Hearth & Hand, Opalhouse, Project 62, and many more, they offer really trendy home decor with pretty reasonable prices. Here are many of the pieces I own, love, and recommend.
Notable Items: All the frames I’ve linked below have been used in multiple places throughout my home. You cannot beat the price and they look great in so many spaces. They have a gallery look without the gallery price tag. Highly recommend.
I wanted to separate the kitchen section from the home section because the list was just a bit too long. If you’re on a budget and looking to outfit your kitchen space, Target is a must. They have it all and their things look pretty chic! I’m also a big fan of white serveware and Target has basically everything I would need.
Notable Items: I have the marble utensil and paper towel holders in my kitchen. The design has changed slightly, but I still love them. Also, this set of black tableware is great. I love the design.
A few years ago, Target came out with the Goodfellow brand for men and they’ve done a really nice job with their offerings. It’s not groundbreaking fashion and I’m not sure these pieces will last a lifetime, but a few of the items have become an inexpensive go-to for everyday casual wear.
Notable Items:The Goodfellow t-shirts are a staple for me. I have them in many colors and they are great for just matching up with a pair of shorts in the summer. They also layer well if you’re looking for a fall/layered look.
I can’t forget my sweet kitties. Here are just a few of the things that my cats love and that I’m constantly buying at Target. Most of these are items that need to remain in stock in my kitty pantry.
Notable Items: The Hartz SqueezeUp treats are a MUST in my house. My cats get one almost every day. I also linked the cat bed. There’s not anything “special” about it, but I have it on my desk and Leo is obsessed with it. It’s his go-to spot.
Last but not least, I thought it would be worth mentioning a few of my favorite grocery finds. With this category especially, you can find a lot of these items elsewhere. The exception would be with Target’s Good & Gather and Favorite Day lines. While I’ve always found that Target has done such a nice job with their own grocery lines, these two new iterations have been my favorites.
Notable Items:Okay, so I’m strangely obsessed with the Broccoli and Cheddar Tater Tots. They are exceptionally good with a ranch dipping sauce. I’m also generally a big fan of the Good & Gather products at Target. While I typically stick to name-brand items, Good & Gather is one brand that I do trust over other name brands. Also, Tillamook cheese is the best.
Okay, friends, that’s a wrap … for now. I hope you found this list both interesting and helpful. As I mentioned above, I will continue to update this post when needed.
Now that you know my favorites, what are yours? Let me know your Target go-tos in the comments below!
Happy Shopping!
I can’t help myself. I love a shopping trip to Target! While there, I also enjoy seeing what’s in other people’s carts. Are there awesome goodies at Target that my eye didn’t catch or that I don’t know about? That’s why I decided to put together a post of my favorite things to buy at […]
This Basic Muffin Recipe, while delicious on its own, can be used as a base to create any variety of muffins you need or desire. This recipe is easy to make and results in a delicious, tender muffin every time.
Basic Muffin Recipe
I don’t know about you, but I love having a delicious base recipe that I can add to or manipulate in order to create dozens of additional recipes. That’s the case with this Basic Muffin recipe.
Want a blueberry muffin? Add blueberries. Lemon Poppy Seed? Add poppy seeds and lemon. Chocolate Chip? Add chocolate chips. You get the point, right? Your delicious options are only limited by your creativity.
I developed this recipe by using my favorite blueberry muffin recipe as a starting point and then tweaked a few things to make it adaptable for any muffin recipe. The results are delicious.
I also wanted to keep this recipe really easy and fuss-free so you only need a few kitchen tools and a mixer isn’t one of them. (I love a recipe that doesn’t involve me cleaning my mixer. Ha!)
Basic Muffin Recipe Variations:
As I mentioned above, the purpose of a basic muffin recipe is to have a go-to recipe that you can build upon to create virtually any variety of muffins.
My goal with this post is to provide you with a list of unique recipe ideas that you can create from using this base recipe. For now, I’m just sharing ideas. As I work and experiment with this recipe, I will be able to provide more detailed ingredient amounts for each type of muffin. Some ideas to get you started include:
Blueberry
Lemon Poppy Seed
Cranberry Orange
Strawberry Rhubarb
Chocolate Chip (I’ve already tried this. This recipe is coming soon!)
Generally speaking, I would add about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of adds in. As I try out different combinations, I will be updating this post with exact amounts. Check back soon!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Now that you are fully informed and fully equipped, let’s make some tasty muffins!
How to Make This Basic Muffin Recipe:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray or line the cups with baking papers, then spray with baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold the two together gently. Mix until just barely/almost combined. This is the key to light and tender muffins. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into each muffin paper until about 3/4ths of the way full. Bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the pan when they are cool enough to handle. Allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.
That’s really it, my friends! As you can see, this is a really easy recipe to make — simple ingredients and no fancy equipment for the win.
Give this basic muffin recipe a try and remember to make it your own. When you’re done, be sure to pop back here, and in the comments section below, let me know what delicious flavor combinations you tried.
Happy muffin creating and baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
This Basic Muffin Recipe, while delicious on its own, can be used as a base to create any variety of muffins you need or desire. This recipe is easy to make and results in a delicious, tender muffin every time.
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray or line the cups with baking papers, then spray with baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold the two together gently. Mix until just barely/almost combined. This is the key to light and tender muffins. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into each muffin paper until about 3/4ths of the way full. Bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the pan when they are cool enough to handle. Allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.
Notes
If you are making this basic muffin recipe without any additions, I recommend adding 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the dry ingredients and sprinkling the tops of the muffins with coarse sugar before baking.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Basic Muffin Recipe, while delicious on its own, can be used as a base to create any variety of muffins you need or desire. This recipe is easy to make and results in a delicious, tender muffin every time. Basic Muffin Recipe I don’t know about you, but I love having a delicious base […]
Made with sausage, peppers, onions, Colby cheese, and ranch dressing, these Sausage Wonton Bites are bursting with flavor. They are certain to be a hit at any gathering.
Sausage Wonton Bites
I said it before and I’ll say it again, I could make a meal out of appetizers. In fact, that’s exactly what I did with these Sausage Wonton Bites. They were so delicious I didn’t have the heart to get rid of them, so dinner they became. Boy, are they yummy?
If you’ve been following IBC for some time, you might remember that I made a similar appetizer recipe several years ago using these handy wonton wrappers. The other recipe is for Artichoke Wonton Wrappers. They are made using the same method but have a different, but equally delicious filling. You can find that recipe here.
What I love about using these wonton wrappers to make an appetizer is that they are so easy to work with and they make whatever you put inside of them look really fancy and special. Folks will think you made these delicate pastry cups, but you can just pick them up at most grocery stores. (It can be our little secret.)
In this recipe, they are filled with pork sausage, chopped peppers and onions, Colby cheese, and ranch dressing. I bet you never cooked with ranch dressing before! It may seem like an odd thing, but it adds such wonderful flavor and creaminess to this recipe.
I promise that you and your guests are going to devour these scrumptious little bites. Let me show you how to make them!
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you are just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:
Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.
How to Make Sausage Wonton Bites:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Gently press the wonton wrappers into the mini muffin pan. This can be a bit tricky, so please reference the image below.
If you attempt to just press the wonton wrapper into the cup, it’s going to tear. You want to pinch the wrapper together into the flower shape shown above, insert it into the baking cup, and then gently press it into place. With this method, I had no tears.
Once all the wrappers are in place, bake until the edges of the wontons just start to brown: about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink.
Remove the sausage from the pan and drain excess grease.
To the same pan, add the chopped peppers and onions. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, then return the sausage to the pan. Add in the shredded Colby cheese and ranch dressing. Cook until the cheese is melted and heated through.
Add a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each wonton cup. Return the pan of filled wontons into the oven and bake for another 6-7 minutes or until the wontons are evenly brown.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Ta-da!
Your Sausage Wonton Bites are ready to be served. To amp up the presentation, I sprinkled them with a few sliced green onions. The extra burst of color and freshness makes them pop.
I hope you love and enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Enjoy!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Made with sausage, peppers, onions, Colby cheese, and ranch dressing, these Sausage Wonton Bites are bursting with flavor. They are certain to be a hit at any gathering.
Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Gently press the wonton wrappers into the mini muffin pan*. Bake until the edges of the wontons just start to brown: about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink.
Remove the sausage from the pan and drain excess grease.
To the same pan, add the chopped peppers and onions. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes then return the sausage to the pan. Add in the shredded Colby cheese and ranch dressing. Cook until the cheese is melted and heated through.
Add a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each wonton cup. Return the pan of filled wontons into the oven and bake for another 6-7 minutes or until the wontons are evenly brown.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
*I recommend referencing the blog post images for the best way to place the wonton wrappers into the baking pan. This method will help to prevent the wrappers from tearing.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Made with sausage, peppers, onions, Colby cheese, and ranch dressing, these Sausage Wonton Bites are bursting with flavor. They are certain to be a hit at any gathering. Sausage Wonton Bites I said it before and I’ll say it again, I could make a meal out of appetizers. In fact, that’s exactly what I did […]
What may seem like a strange combination of ingredients results in these delicious, rich, moist, and delightful Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes. These are a must-make summertime dessert recipe especially when blueberries and zucchini are in season.
Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes
This past Christmas my Aunt Maybe (who is famous around these parts for her Apple Strudel recipe that I shared last fall) brought these delicious Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes to our Christmas Eve festivities this past year. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of zucchini in baked goods, so I sort of turned my nose up at them. However, my sweet tooth gave in and I couldn’t resist giving one a try.
They were amazing! The flavor combination is wonderful and the zucchini is barely noticeable. These cupcakes were a win in my book and a recipe I definitely wanted to try so I could share it with all of you.
While these were delightful at Christmastime, I think they make an even better summer dessert especially given that blueberries and zucchini are in season at this time of year. There’s nothing better than using fruits and veggies directly from the garden.
I just made these last week to take to my family reunion. The general consensus was that these were rich but wonderfully delicious. I went home with an empty container so that speaks for itself.
You’re definitely going to want to give these Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes a try. Let me walk you through the recipe.
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This recipe makes 24 cupcakes so prepare two cupcake pans with paper liners. Set aside.
Grate the zucchini and then place it into a clean dishtowel or paper towels. Squeeze until most of the excess water is removed. The zucchini should still be slightly wet. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Then fold in the shredded zucchini. Set aside. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until almost combined and then add in the blueberries and lemon zest. Gently fold in until everything is evenly distributed.
Divide the batter evenly amongst the prepared cupcake pans. Each cupcake liner will be about 3/4ths of the way full.
Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding the frosting.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and salt until light and smooth.
Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
Add the confectioners’ sugar slowly, about one cup at a time, and mix until smooth.
Use a piping bag or spatula to add the frosting to the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with fresh blueberries.
If not served immediately, these cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving.
And there you have it, delicious homemade cupcakes perfect for summer!
Oh, and here is a quick styling tip: If you are displaying these cupcakes (or any cupcakes), I recommend placing them in another cupcake liner before serving them as I did here. Oftentimes, the cupcake liner used for baking may look greasy or stained, so I just set the entire cupcake into a fresh liner to keep it looking its best.
Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:
Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tolls I recommend for this recipe:
And that’s a wrap on these Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Happy Baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
What may seem like a strange combination of ingredients results in these delicious, rich, moist, and delightful Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes. These are a must-make summertime dessert recipe especially when blueberries and zucchini are in season.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This recipe makes 24 cupcakes so prepare two cupcake pans with paper liners. Set aside.
Grate the zucchini and then place it into a clean dishtowel or paper towels. Squeeze until most of the excess water is removed. The zucchini should still be slightly wet. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Then fold in the shredded zucchini. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until almost combined and then add in the blueberries and lemon zest. Gently fold in until everything is evenly distributed.
Divide the batter evenly amongst the prepared cupcake pans. The paper liners will be about 3/4ths of the way full.
Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding the frosting.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and salt until light and smooth.
Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
Add the confectioners' sugar slowly, about one cup at a time, and mix until smooth.
Use a piping bag or spatula to add the frosting to the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with fresh blueberries.
Notes
If not served immediately, these cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving.I also wanted to give a shout-out to Amanda from iambaker.net. While I got this recipe from my aunt, it looks like it's very familiar to a recipe she has on her website. I'm not certain of the original source of the recipe, but I want to give credit where credit may be due.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
What may seem like a strange combination of ingredients results in these delicious, rich, moist, and delightful Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes. These are a must-make summertime dessert recipe especially when blueberries and zucchini are in season. Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes This past Christmas my Aunt Maybe (who is famous around these parts for her Apple […]
Are you looking to improve your art skills or do you want to start an art practice? In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite online art courses to help you learn, grow, and practice from the comfort of your own home.
My Favorite Online Art Courses
2021 has been the year where I’ve made a dedicated commitment to begin creating art again. While I’ve dabbled here and there for the past few years, this year I’m fully committed. I’ve been trying to paint more often than not, sign-up for a local art course, and absorb as much info as I can.
I’ve included a few photos of some of my recent artwork in this post. In this current phase, I’m am just practicing as I try out mediums, papers, sketchbooks, material, styles, etc. to see what I like best. My current goal is just to create and enjoy the process.
As with any new adventure, I like to take you along with me. In the previous posts about my art journey, I’ve shared how I got started (and how you can get started) and my favorite art supplies. Beyond those two topics, one thing I’m often asked about it is how I am teaching myself and what are some of my favorite online art courses.
That’s why I took the time to put together this extensive list of some of my favorite online art courses and online artists. This list includes things like YouTube, Instagram, Skillshare, and others. Not everything on this list is an official “course,” but I’ve used all of these avenues to learn and grow in my own practice, so I thought it was worth sharing them with you.
Let’s get into it!
YOUTUBE
Cost: Free
Over the past couple of years, I’ve started following a handful of artists that I really love. Each of them is very unique and different in their approach to art, the mediums they use, how they create their videos, etc.
Not all of these YouTubers are “teachers,” but I’ve learned so much from watching their channels.
It just helps to hear artists talk about things such as value, shapes, light and shadow, mediums, and substrates. I’m also a visual learner so it helps to see how they work with mediums and tackle subjects.
In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites:
Sandi Hester – Bits of an Artist’s Life Acrylics, Mixed Media, Sketchbook
Sandi’s approach to art is pure magic and joy. Her art is loose, colorful, and just makes me happy. Not only are her videos educational, but they are also entertaining. Her videos may be the ones I look forward to the most and I am often smiling ear to ear while watching them. I’ve watched every video on her channel at least twice. I’ve learned so much!
Chris Fornataro – Paint Coach Oil Paint
Chris is an amazing source of information for oil painters. I believe he shares two videos a week that educate on the dos and don’ts of oil painting and seemingly endless helpful tips. His videos show him painting and putting these techniques to work.
Michael Chamberlain – Chamberlain Paintings Oil Paint
I just recently discovered Michael and have been obsessed with his channel. He mostly does plein air paintings which I absolutely love and in which I have developed an interest. I love his loose style, beautiful colors, and attention to light and shadow.
Kim Myers Smith Oil
I mostly follow Kim via her Instagram channel. Every Wednesday morning she goes live and does a real-time painting for an hour. I love it! I am mentioning her here because, like Renee Mueller, she uploads these lives to her YouTube channel. It’s a great way to watch if you missed the live.
Alai Ganuza Oil and Digital
Alai is new to YouTube. I couldn’t be more excited that she decided to launch a channel. I have been following her on Instagram for quite some time and I’m obsessed with her work. Her use of color is amazing. I also love her channel because she’s been sharing how she uses the app ArtRage to create digital art.
Melanie Chadwick Mixed Media and Sketchbook
What I love about Melanie is her work in her sketchbook and her plein air adventures. She is a very talented illustrator and it’s great to see how that translates in her personal work.
Susan Jenkins – Monet Cafe Soft Pastels
I really haven’t painted with soft pastels, but I think they are such a beautiful medium. Susan walks viewers through her process and shares helpful ideas for working with soft pastels.
James Gurney Gouache and Watercolor
James is a very talented painter. It’s a joy to watch how he works. I especially love his plein art videos and the magic he can create with a limited color palette.
Ian Roberts Oil Paint
Ian is a well-known artist that has written a couple of books about the subject. His channel is very educational in learning about the fundamentals of what makes a good painting. He provides valuable insight into things like composition, value, color, etc.
Renee Mueller Mixed Media
I have taken a couple of courses with Renee (more on that below) and just love her spirit, style, and brush marks. I am part of her Facebook group where she shares weekly live videos with painting advice, tips, etc. She uploads these videos to YouTube in case you miss the live program.
Other YouTube Artists to Follow:
There are a few other channels that I follow, but not as religiously. Like the Youtubers already mentioned, these people are amazingly talented, so I thought they were worth mentioning if you’re looking for more artists to follow. Their Youtube channels are definitely worth checking out as well.
If you’re looking to invest a relativity small amount into online art courses, I highly recommend Skillshare. There are thousands of classes and it only costs $9.99 a month. Not only can you learn art, but you can take courses on public speaking, photography, building confidence, graphic design, productivity, etc.
If you put in the time and effort and take even one class a month, this is an amazing value. To me, this is more valuable than any other subscription you can buy. Plus, they also offer a free 14-day trial. It’s the best.
I have been taking a few in-person art courses so I have not set aside the time to dive into Skillshare art lessons, but I will be taking a course or two when my in-person courses are finished. I have about a dozen saved classes. I will be certain to update this post with the classes I found the most enjoyable and beneficial.
INDEPENDENT Online Art Courses:
Cost: $10-$100
Jeanne Oliver All Medias
This is one of my favorite sites for top-notch online art courses. Jeanne has collaborated with some of the best artists to provide courses for almost every medium and style. I have purchased seven courses and have loved every one.
Tip: Pay attention because once or twice a year Jeanne offers 50% off her courses. That’s a great time to buy!
Renee Mueller Art All Medias
Renee is one of my favorite creatives. I’ve taken a few of her classes via Jeanne Oliver, but she also offers classes on her own website. There are even a few free lessons!
Paint Coach – Foundations of Oil Painting Oil
After watching his YouTube videos, I can tell that Chris is truly a great teacher. He offers a Foundations of Oil Painting course. I have not taken the course myself, but it’s something I would recommend for any beginning oil painter. I also believe he offers the color mixing lesson of this course for free. You could take this lesson first to see if you enjoy his teaching style.
Chris has also teased that he will be launching a drawing course in the near future. I think this will be another worthwhile course if you need to work on your drawing skills.
Debbie Miller Acrylic, Oil
I just love Debbie’s art style and the way she paints flowers. This fall she is offering a course called Habit-Forming Flowers which I believe she has taught before. I’ve already signed up for this class and look forward to it with anticipation!
Haidee-Jo Summers Oil
Haidee-Jo doesn’t have a class per se, but she does offer two videos of her painting. I own both and love them equally. I have learned so much just from watching her paint and hear her talk about why she’s doing certain things, how she chooses her subjects, etc.
Kim Myers Smith Oil
I mentioned Kim above. She also has an online course called Art in Bloom. This is another course I really want to take. I believe she will be opening the course for enrollment this fall.
Marian Parsons (Miss Mustard Seed)
Oil, Watercolor
Marian is an all around powerhouse of talent. During the pandemic she taught live oil painting classes. (I added several.) Since then, she has made those classes (and more) available on her website.
PODCASTS:
Cost: Free
I have recently discovered some painting and creative-related podcasts that I really love. Again, I find it so helpful and encouraging to hear about other artists’ journeys, how they got started, how they use their mediums, and so much more. I mostly listen to these on my daily walks or while I’m driving.
I’m not going to give a full description of each of these podcasts, but I do recommend checking them out, listening to a few episodes, and determining if you like them. While some of these podcasts have great episodes every time, others can be a hit or miss depending on the guest, etc. Therefore, I recommend listening to a few episodes before making a final decision.
The amount of art inspiration and education on Instagram feels virtually endless. There are dozens of artists I enjoy following on Instagram. While I would love to list them all, I’m going to limit my list to some of my favorites. Some of these are repeats from above. I’m listing them again here as I enjoy following them on multiple platforms and since the content is not always the same.
Generally speaking, Instagram just serves as a source of inspiration versus a place for painting tutorials. However, there can be some educational elements especially in Stories, Reels, IGTV or Lives.
Again, I’m not going to describe each of these artists/creatives in detail. I have linked them all, so click on through and see if you enjoy their content.
Also, if you’re not following me on Instagram, you can find me at @inspiredbycharm. Not only do I share my own art practice, but I’m often sharing other artists and their work that inspires me.
Phew! That was a ton of information. I hope that this is more than enough online art courses and artist resources to get you started painting and keep you painting for years to come.
I tried really hard to provide you with a surplus of resources. I hope that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. If it does, just take it one piece at a time. Find one artist to love, find one medium to explore, and take it from there.
As with the other posts in my art series, know that I will continually update this post with new and relevant information to help you along on your art journey.
You can check out the posts below for even more information.
Are you looking to improve your art skills or do you want to start an art practice? In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite online art courses to help you learn, grow, and practice from the comfort of your own home. My Favorite Online Art Courses 2021 has been the year where I’ve […]
Sweet and spicy meet bourbon in this delicious and flavorful summer cocktail recipe. Muddled with fresh strawberries, lime, jalapeño slices, and topped with ginger beer, this Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail is a winning combination of flavors to beat the summer heat.
Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared a new cocktail recipe here on Inspired by Charm. Several of my cocktail recipes are some of the most popular posts on the blog, so I thought it was time to add another to the mix.
Today we are making this Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail.
I actually got this recipe from my FAVORITE bourbon maker, Four Roses. They have a handful of sweet and spicy summer cocktails on their website. (You can find those here.) They invited me to give one a try and this beauty sparked my interest.
I love the combination of flavors here and I especially like the mix of sweet and spicy. It’s one of my favorites in a summer cocktail. My love for sweet and spicy cocktails began back when I made that Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini years ago and I’ve developed a few other similar recipes since.
And since this is a bourbon-based cocktail, I should mention that my go-to bourbon of choice is Four Roses. When the bourbon is the focus of the cocktail (or if you’re sipping it alone), I recommend the Four Roses Single Barrel. However, when you’re making a cocktail with several other flavorful ingredients, I’d reach for the Four Roses Small Batch.
With all of that being said, let’s mix one up!
How to Make a Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail
Begin by using a cut lime to wet half the edge of a glass. Then dip into the Tajin. The original recipe called for a sweet barbecue rub, but I wasn’t a fan of that. Instead, I found the Tajin to be much more enjoyable.
Add the lime juice to the glass along with the sliced strawberries and sliced jalapeños. The number of jalapeños you use will determine the spice level of your cocktail. Add more jalapeños for additional heat; use fewer jalapeños and/or remove the seeds and inner pith for less heat.
Muddle.
Add in the bourbon, ice, and ginger beer. Stir. Top with additional ice if needed. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
Garnish with a lime wheel, strawberry, and/or jalapeño slice.
Voila! Your Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail is ready to be enjoyed!
If you like a spicy jalapeño kick as I do, I really think you’re going to enjoy this recipe.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Sweet and spicy meet bourbon in this delicious and flavorful summer cocktail recipe. Muddled with fresh strawberries, lime, jalapeño slices, and topped with ginger beer, this Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail is a winning combination of flavors to beat the summer heat.
Begin by using a cut lime to wet half the edge of a glass. Then dip into the tajin.
Add the lime juice to the glass along with the sliced strawberries and sliced jalapeños. Muddle.
Add in the bourbon, ice, and ginger beer. Stir. Top with additional ice if needed.
Garnish with a lime wheel, strawberry, and/or jalapeño slice.
Notes
*This will determine the spice level of your cocktail. Add more jalapeños for additional heat. Use fewer jalapeños and/or remove the seeds and inner pith for less heat.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Sweet and spicy meet bourbon in this delicious and flavorful summer cocktail recipe. Muddled with fresh strawberries, lime, jalapeño slices, and topped with ginger beer, this Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail is a winning combination of flavors to beat the summer heat. Sweet + Spicy Bourbon Cocktail It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared […]
Flavorful antipasto and classic pasta salad come together to create this bold and beautiful Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad. This unique and delectable pasta salad recipe will quickly become your new entertaining go-to!
Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “Another pasta salad recipe, Michael!?”
Friends, I just can’t help myself. You know I can’t pass up a great pasta salad. Plus, summertime and pasta salad go hand-in-hand. I couldn’t resist.
A while back I made a pasta salad recipe using tortellini. (You can find that recipe here.) I loved that idea and recipe so much that I wanted to try it again but in a different way. That’s what led me to make this Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad!
The idea behind this recipe is pretty simple. Essentially, it’s all the wonderful goodies you’d find in antipasto mixed together with tortellini and a simple dressing. What’s not to love, right?
This Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad includes some of my favorites:
olives
sun-dried tomatoes
roasted red peppers
pepperonicini
cheese
salami and pepperoni
… and so much more!
As you can imagine, this makes a delicious side dish for summer entertaining, picnics, parties, and the list goes on! I took this to a recent party and afterward I left with an empty container and several requests for the recipe. Without a doubt, it’s a winner!
And with that, let’s make some Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad!
How to Make Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad
Begin by preparing the tortellini according to the package directions. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Add the cooked tortellini to a large bowl. Then add in the rest of the pasta salad ingredients. I’ve included a printable recipe card below for a full rundown of the recipe ingredients and instructions.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, sugar, and dried oregano.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix gently to evenly coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
In regards to the ingredients that I used in this recipe, feel free to make it your own. If there is something you don’t like or something you feel is missing, switch things up to create a pasta salad you are excited to serve and eat.
Other additions could include:
garbanzo beans
marinated artichokes
cucumbers
cannellini beans
sweet drop peppers
There is so much to love in this Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad. I hope you’ll give it a try. Feel free to make it your own with all the yummy additions you love.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Flavorful antipasto and classic pasta salad come together to create this bold and beautiful Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad. This unique and delectable pasta salad recipe will quickly become your new entertaining go-to!
Begin by preparing the tortellini according to the package directions. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Add the cooked tortellini to a large bowl. Then add in the rest of the pasta salad ingredients.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, sugar, and dried oregano.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix gently to evenly coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Thank you to Morgan of hostthetoast.com for inspiring this recipe. My recipe is adapted from hers.
Flavorful antipasto and classic pasta salad come together to create this bold and beautiful Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad. This unique and delectable pasta salad recipe will quickly become your new entertaining go-to! Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “Another pasta salad recipe, Michael!?” Friends, I just can’t help myself. You know […]
Looking for some Home Decor Collection ideas? In this exciting conclusion to my mini Home Decor Collection series here on Inspired by Charm, I’m going to walk you through all of my Home Decor Collections hoping that it provides a little inspiration for you to start your own.
My Home Decor Collections
If this is the first post you are finding in this collection, let me get you up-to-date. I began this series by talking about how to Start a Home Decor Collection, then I shared ideas for Displaying A Home Decor Collection, and now I’m wrapping things up by sharing some of My Home Decor Collections.
(I know … how many times can I say “Home Decor Collection”?)
I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual learner. In order for me to grasp the fullness of a concept/idea, it is helpful for me to be able to see it firsthand. While I’ve shared a few of my collections throughout this series, I wanted to gather them all in one place to make it easy for you when you’re hunting down inspiration.
Sources and Where To Buy
I also added a line to each post to help guide you on where to find some of the items. While a lot of the sources are similar, under each collection I did link to the specific search terms that I used when searching for these items to make it really easy for you. As I was gathering all of these links it was REALLY HARD not to shop because I found plenty of things I wanted to add to my cart. My love of collections is real.
If you are in the Pittsburgh area and want to check out some of my favorite antique stores, I’ve shared a list of the best HERE.
I hope that seeing some of my collections gives you the inspiration and encouragement to start your own home decor collection.
Let’s get into it!
DECORATIVE HOME DECOR COLLECTIONS:
Let’s start by talking about some of my collections that are mostly just for decorative purposes. (Though, some of them double as functional items too.) These collections are throughout my home and they bring me joy when I see them.
Paint By Numbers
I don’t know what it is about vintage Paint By Numbers (PBN) artwork, but I just LOVE it. This collection started with one piece that I purchased while on a trip to Round Top, Texas. Long-time IBC followers might remember that this piece originally hung above the kitchen sink in my Pittsburgh apartment.
From there, the collection grew to become a gallery wall in my family room. I now have enough PBN items that I can even swap out the artwork on this gallery wall so the paintings suit the season.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
Artwork
If Paint By Numbers isn’t your jam, a collection of any style of artwork you love could be a great option. I collect two different styles of art in addition to the PBN.
First, I love vintage art. This can be found anywhere you find vintage goods: antique stores, thrift shops, eBay, etc.
Second, as my interest grows in my own art journey, I have been collecting art from some of my favorite current artists. It’s honestly such a joy to have pieces from artists I know, love, and admire.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores, directly from the artist
Salt & Pepper Shakers
This was another accidental collection. When I finished my kitchen renovation, I was looking for some quirky items to add to the shelves in my pantry. I happened upon a set of football player shakers and since the fall season was just around the corner, I knew they would be the perfect fit.
Once the fall season passed, I wanted something different for the winter, spring, and summer. Now I have a set for every season … and then some.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
Tins
Later in this post, I will talk about my Christmas ribbon collection. This wall cabinet was in my family room and I wanted to fill it with something for the holidays; inspiration struck and I filled it with my collection of ribbons. Once the holiday season had passed, I was left with an empty cabinet, so I needed to fill it with something. My solution was vintage tins.
While most of these are merely decorative, I have used some of them for storage. In fact, all of my out-of-season salt and pepper shakers are stored within them. I’ve also used some of these tins for storing my art supplies and have even made some into little artist palettes.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
Picnic Baskets
I’m not sure what it is about a picnic basket, but I feel the need to have them all. Maybe it’s because they stir up memories of simpler times. (It also helps that they carry delicious foods.) In fact, just this past weekend I was attending a local vintage market and finally found a pie carrier picnic basket. It even included the little tray so you can carry two pies. I have been looking for one like this!
I use these baskets sporadically throughout my home as decor. I have them stacked on a cabinet and even use them under my Christmas trees. As an added bonus, you can even use the baskets for storage. Love that!
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
Brass Animals
I think that vintage brass in general could be a collection of mine, however the most vintage brass items that I have are animals. This collection started during the holiday season with a pair of brass deer.
Since then I’ve added bunnies, pigs, snails, whales, and many more. There are one of my favorite things to pick up on my antiquing adventures. They tend to be relatively inexpensive and I’m kind of picky about why style of animal I like so it’s always such a joy to find a winner!
I love displaying these together, but they always have a unique punch on their own.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
SEASONAL HOME DECOR COLLECTIONS:
My Christmas collections are some of my favorites. Not only do most of them hold special memories, but I also love the ritual of putting the collections out every November and packing them away every January. I think they feel extra special because I only get to enjoy them for a limited time each year.
Christmas Deer
This special collection started with a trio of these plastic deer that I got from my grandparents.
Since then it seems that I add a few new ones to the group each year. I love how this collection has continued to grow. (And don’t worry, I marked the ones from my grandparents on the bottom so I’ll never forget which ones were theirs.)
The collection has expanded and now includes some mini ceramic and porcelain deer. I keep telling myself that this collection is complete, but then I find more deer that I just “NEED to have” and the collection continues to grow. This is the danger of a good collection.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
Santa Mugs
Oftentimes, collections happen unintentionally. This is one of those collections. I found a couple of these mugs at a local antique store and the obsession started. Not all of these mugs are vintage. Pottery Barn sells a set of Santa mugs and shot glasses. I love them as much as the vintage ones.
In recent years, this has become quite a popular collection to have. Know that this affects availability and pricing. This is just something you may want to keep in mind if this is a collection you’re looking to start.
Vintage Glass Christmas Ornaments
This collection started with my rainbow gradient Christmas tree which I decorated several years ago. I gathered over 500 ornaments to do this tree. All of the ornaments were glass and most of them were vintage. I found them everywhere from my local thrift store to eBay.
The collection continues to grow each year as I need more of a particular color ornament to fill a newly designed Christmas tree.
Where to find: eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
(Christmas) Ribbon
Does anyone else love ribbon and gift wrapping supplies? I’m a fan of ribbon so after years and years of buying it, I had a tote full. A couple of years ago, I was looking to decorate a wall cabinet for Christmas and my collection of ribbons came in handy. It beautifully filled this little cabinet and made a lovely display.
This collection doesn’t have to be seasonal. You can apply the same idea to everyday ribbons in a craft room or office space.
I love when decor has a functional purpose, which is why several of my collections are functional too! Let’s take a look at these and see how they function.
Books
I think I’ve mentioned on this blog before that I’m cursed with the love of books even though I am not blessed with the love of reading. At this point in my life, I’ve sort of embraced this fact and continue to buy books knowing I may never read them. I guess this might seem peculiar to some, but having the book collections in my home brings me joy and that’s what matters. With that being said, I do reference a lot of my cookbooks, art books, and design books.
Generally speaking, I like to display/have my books in the room that matches their intended purpose (i.e. cookbooks in the kitchen, art books in my studio, creative books in my office, etc.), but that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes color wins out and I choose books to fill a space based on the color of a book’s spine.
Pottery, Molly Jenkins Pottery
In recent years I’ve developed a love for handmade pottery. It has become one of the things I look for when I’m traveling or visiting local artist markets. While I will buy any pottery that I love, I have become a collector of Molly Jenkins Pottery. I have several of her pieces and I even inspired a collection of mixing bowls that she added to her permanent collection. (You can find those HERE.)
These beautiful crown vessels are from JL Pottery Studio which is another favorite of mine. Her work is so unique and beautiful!
My goal is to one day get a set of handmade dinnerware.
Rolling Pins
This is one of my favorite collections. It all started with a glass rolling pin that my grandma owned. While that particular rolling pin is at my mom’s house, she was able to find me a similar one on eBay.
Since then, I have added two more vintage glass rolling pins to my collection. This particular style of rolling pin is hard to find. I also picked up a few more traditional rolling pins on my antiquing adventures and have styled them in an extra-large crock in my kitchen. I love the look and they are functional too.
Where to find:eBay, Etsy, vintage/antique/thrift stores
If this post was helpful, you may also like these posts too:
Goodness knows that I’m missing a collection or two. If I think of more or start a new collection, I’ll be sure to update this post.
As I mentioned above, I hope that this post (and all the posts in my Home Decor Collection series) serves as inspiration if you’re looking to start your own home decor collection or are just looking for unique ways to decorate and style your home.
Inspired by Charm’s Home Decor Collection Mini Series:
Looking for some Home Decor Collection ideas? In this exciting conclusion to my mini Home Decor Collection series here on Inspired by Charm, I’m going to walk you through all of my Home Decor Collections hoping that it provides a little inspiration for you to start your own. My Home Decor Collections If this is […]
From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie.
Marinated Mozzarella
I have loved cheese as far back as I can remember. Back in first grade, I have a very specific memory of forgetting my snack and my mom showed up with cheese and crackers – my favorite!
For many, cheese is a go-to nibble when entertaining. At least I know it is for me. That’s why I decided to take classic cheese to the next level by marinating it in fresh herbs and spices.
The flavor combination is fresh, bold, and delightful. Plus, thanks to the sprinkling of herbs and spices, the small mozzarella cubes look like they’re dressed up for a celebration. So festive!
You can serve this Marinated Mozzarella on its own or with some crackers and/or pretzels. It also makes a beautiful addition to any appetizer spread, a cheese board, or the trendy charcuterie.
No matter how you serve it, I’m certain the dish will be empty by the end of the evening.
Want to know how to make it? Let me walk you through the steps.
How to Make Marinated Mozzarella:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, herbs, and spices. A detailed ingredient list and recipe instructions are provided in a printable recipe card below.
Add in the cubed mozzarella cheese and stir gently to combine. In case you’re wondering, you can get 21 cubes out of an 8-ounce block of mozzarella cheese. (You’ll need two 8-ounce blocks for this recipe.)
Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Gently stir the mozzarella a couple times while it marinates.
I transferred my marinated mozzarella to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and turned the jar upside down and then right side up to coat the mozzarella as it was chilling. This makes every little cube equally flavorful.
Serve chilled using toothpicks.
If you’re looking for some unique toothpicks, check out THESE, THESE, and THESE. They are some of my favorites!
Voila! Marinated Mozzarella ready for entertaining. I told you it was easy. This is definitely a new spin on my favorite first-grade snack. I think it’s a winner.
Amp up your next party with these tasty little bites. Enjoy!
Looking for more flavorful snack recipes? Try these:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, herbs, and spices.
Add in the cubed mozzarella cheese and stir gently to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for 1- 2 hours. Stir a couple times throughout the chilling process**.
Serve chilled using toothpicks.
Notes
*From an 8-ounce block of mozzarella you can get 21 cubes. (You'll need two 8-ounce blocks for this recipe.) **I transfer my marinated mozzarella to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and turn the jar upside down then right side up to coat the mozzarella as it's chilling.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie. Marinated Mozzarella I have loved cheese as far back as I can remember. Back in first grade, I have a very […]
These Really Good Seasoned Pretzels (also known as Missy’s Seasoned Pretzels) are loaded with a subtly spicy, bold flavor, and delicious crunch. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to make seasoned pretzels.
Really Good Seasoned Pretzels
This Really Good Seasoned Pretzels recipe comes from my brother’s wife, Missy. This is why I referred to them as Missy’s Seasoned Pretzels above. My brother Jason and Missy have a really awesome hangout space known as The Doghouse. They are typically entertaining someone, so Missy always likes to have snacks available for her guests. These Seasoned Pretzels are a staple on the snack list.
When I was visiting their house a few weeks ago, I found myself unable to stop eating these delicious little nuggets. This prompted me to ask her for the recipe so I could share it with all of you. She was more than happy to oblige. Thanks, Missy!
As you might know, I have a few recipes on my site that I title “Really Good…” While I hope that all the recipes I post are really good, I use the term “really good” in posts like this one to imply “the best”.
Why? Well, I feel like “The Best” is a big old generalized statement that’s used a lot these days just to get people to click on something. So over here on IBC we’ll stick to “Really Good.”
And now, why are these pretzels really good? For a few reasons …
First, I love the larger pretzel size. Typically I’m not a fan of these on their own, but when covered with a delicious seasoning blend they are pretty amazing.
Second, the delicious seasoning blend on these pretzels is a winner. It needs nothing more and nothing less. It’s a really tasty combo!
So if you’re looking for a new seasoned pretzel recipe to try and love, give this one a go!
Side note: In these photos, I’m making a double batch of this recipe. If you’re looking for the same yield, be sure to double the recipe below.
How to Make Seasoned Pretzels:
Begin by preheating your oven to 250 degrees F.
In a small pitcher, whisk together the vegetable oil, dry ranch seasoning, cayenne pepper, and dill. A detailed ingredient list and recipe instructions are provided in a printable recipe card below.
Add the broken pretzel pieces to a large bowl and pour on the prepared seasoning and toss to evenly coat.
Spread out the pretzels onto a large baking sheet. Place into the oven for 30 minutes stirring twice during the baking process.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Store in an air-tight container or resealable bags.
That’s it, friends! As you can see, this recipe comes together in no time whatsoever. These pretzels are ready for some Netflix and snacking!
I also wanted to mention that the cayenne pepper in this recipe makes these moderately spicy. You can add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your preferred spice level. Adjust to your liking.
And that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoyed another family recipe from mine to yours. Happy snacking!
Looking For More Seasoned Snack Recipes? Try These:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
These Really Good Seasoned Pretzels (also known as Missy's Seasoned Pretzels) are loaded with a subtly spicy, bold flavor, and delicious crunch. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to make seasoned pretzels.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Really Good Seasoned Pretzels (also known as Missy’s Seasoned Pretzels) are loaded with a subtly spicy, bold flavor, and delicious crunch. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to make seasoned pretzels. Really Good Seasoned Pretzels This Really Good Seasoned Pretzels recipe comes from my brother’s wife, Missy. This is why I […]
This Cucumber Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing take on classic pasta salad. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this recipe up in no time for a quick dinner side dish or a new picnic/party favorite.
Cucumber Pasta Salad
This Cucumber Pasta Salad is another one of those recipes I’ve been wanting to share on the blog for years. This is a recipe I got from my dad’s wife, Michelle. Over the years, she has made this recipe many times for family gatherings. It has always been a favorite of mine and still is today. A couple of weeks ago we were talking about the pasta salad and I finally remembered to ask for the recipe. I’m excited to share it with you today.
I’m thrilled to be adding this Cucumber Pasta Salad to my collection because it’s totally different when compared to the other recipes I’ve shared. It’s really light and refreshing. Plus, you only need a few ingredients to make it. You won’t be spending an hour in the kitchen chopping up all of the ingredients for this recipe.
It’s also worth mentioning that this is a soupier pasta salad — which basically just means that there’s a lot of dressing. I typically don’t love things overdressed, but in this case, it’s welcomed and wonderful. Not only is it delicious, but the dressing is rather light so it’s not overpowering.
I mention the dressing because it is important that the pasta salad sits for a few hours so that the pasta can soak up some of the dressing. I also don’t want you to think you made a mistake when adding the dressing to the pasta salad. You’ll understand and appreciate it once you give it a taste.
Have I convinced you to give this Cucumber Pasta Salad a try? If so, let me walk you through the recipe.
How to Make Cucumber Pasta Salad:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse, and then place into a large bowl. A detailed ingredient list and recipe instructions are provided in a printable recipe card below.
Drizzle with the olive oil and then add in the cucumbers and onion.
The original recipe calls for two large cucumbers peeled and sliced. I opted to use these baby cucumbers instead. You can use whatever cucumber you like. If the skin on your chosen cucumber is tougher, I recommend peeling before slicing.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, yellow mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Pour over the pasta and mix well to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
You can see how easy this Cucumber Pasta Salad is to make. And, since it requires some chilling time in the refrigerator, you can even whip it up the night before. Love that!
I whipped up this particular batch to take to my dad’s annual Fourth of July party. The container was empty when I took it home. That’s the true sign of a tasty recipe.
Be sure to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.
Looking for more pasta salad recipes? These are a few of my favorites:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe:
Cucumber Pasta Salad
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bread salad, cucumber, pasta salad, picnic
This Cucumber Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing take on classic pasta salad. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this recipe up in no time for a quick dinner side dish or a new picnic/party favorite.
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse, and then place into a large bowl.
Drizzle with the olive oil and then add in the cucumbers and onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, yellow mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Pour over the pasta and mix well to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Notes
*The original recipe calls for two large cucumbers peeled and sliced. I opted to use these baby cucumbers instead. You can use whatever cucumber you like. If the skin is tough, I recommend peeling before slicing.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Cucumber Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing take on classic pasta salad. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this recipe up in no time for a quick dinner side dish or a new picnic/party favorite. Cucumber Pasta Salad This Cucumber Pasta Salad is another one of those recipes I’ve […]
Join me on my deck as I share my colorful and inviting table setting. I’ll walk you through the process as to how I created this summertime tablescape and share some tips to help you recreate the look!
Tips and Ideas for an Outdoor Table Setting:
As you know, I’ve shared a lot of table settings on Inspired by Charm over the years. (You can see more of them HERE.) In some ways, I feel like they are overdone in the blog world. However, they are so fun to create and I still hope my table settings will at least give you an idea or two to assist you if you happen to be hosting anyone outdoors in the near future. If you’re all good with your tablescaping skills, feel free to scroll on by. No offense is taken.
I actually created this particular outdoor table setting for my friends over at HomeGoods. They wanted a post about outdoor entertaining, so I thought this would be the perfect fit! As you’re reading, if you’re thinking “I wonder where he got that?”, the likely answer is HomeGoods!
I thought the best way to share tablescaping ideas would be to walk you through my thought process and steps for putting something like this together. I won’t go through every detail, but I will point out a few important ones. If you have questions or there is something that I missed, just let me know in the comment section at the end of this post.
Last but not least, I should mention that I created this outdoor table setting for a styled photoshoot. Please don’t feel overwhelmed or feel that this is the “standard” for outdoor entertaining. You do you! Even if you only take one or two of these ideas, that will be good enough. Entertaining shouldn’t be stressful. Do what you can/want and remember to have fun with it.
Create Direction:
Whenever I’m decorating a table, I find it easiest to start with a theme or color scheme. Having some direction makes the whole process much easier.
My inspiration for this table was these acrylic cups with lemon graphics. I used the colors in the graphics (yellow, green, and pink) as I made the selections for the rest of my table.
Having some sort of direction or focus really makes the process easy and effortless. Stick within your theme and you’ll have a pulled-together look every time.
Add Layers:
If you’re looking to add a lot of depth and interest to your table setting, consider adding layers. Think about using materials with different textures and sheens for maximum appeal and interest.
As you can see here, I started with a tablecloth, added placemats, and even layered my dinnerware. This is always a great way to add different textures to your table and it will also add interest and appeal.
Incorporate Luxury:
Just because you’re entertaining outdoors doesn’t mean you need to use disposable products. Unless a meal or an occasion is extremely casual, I opt for a fabric tablecloth and napkins whenever possible. It makes the table and meal feel much more elegant and special. It adds a touch of luxury. Plus, you can just wash them afterward and use them again.
I also opted for melamine dinnerware. I especially love this set because it looks so chic. This set looks like stone/terrazzo. It always works well with my color scheme.
Must Haves:
I think there are at least two things that every table needs to have. These two must-haves are flowers and candles. Even if you go with just the very basics: plate, flatware, napkins, and glasses, I still highly recommend some sort of botanical element and a candle or two. As you can see, I went a little more elaborate here, but even something as simple as a branch cut from your backyard and inexpensive tea lights will do the trick.
Candles add warmth, light, and movement that you can’t really achieve any other way. I also recommend going with unscented candles for a table setting. You do not want to take away from the amazing aromas of your meal.
Also, get creative and think beyond flowers for your botanical element. If you have some extra produce or fruit from the meal, try adding those to the table. A display of fresh fruit and vegetables can be just as colorful and inviting.
Recipe Ideas:
Finally, what’s an outdoor table setting without some delicious snacks and beverages? Here are a few of my favorite treats that I love for entertaining. They would be perfect for this table setting or any outdoor gathering.
And that’s it! As I mentioned above, keep it simple and fun. Do what works for you and avoid stress.
I have one additional item that I wanted to share with you. As you know, I have been developing my art practice over the past year or so. When I shared a picture from this outdoor table setting on Instagram, an artist friend of mine said I needed to paint it.
So, I did just that!
As with any of my art, I’m not sharing it thinking that it is a masterpiece. The goal of my art journey is to learn, practice, and have fun. That was the goal with this piece. Yes, I would certainly change some things, but I’m so happy that I was encouraged to give it a try. I had fun during the process and was pleased with the end result.
And with that, I’d say this outdoor table setting is complete and ready for company! Won’t you join me?
Love these Tips and Tricks and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Join me on my deck as I share my colorful and inviting table setting. I’ll walk you through the process as to how I created this summertime tablescape and share some tips to help you recreate the look! Tips and Ideas for an Outdoor Table Setting: As you know, I’ve shared a lot of table […]
*UPDATED TO ADD*
I wanted to create a quick addition to the start of this post to say that I am beyond humbled and so appreciative of all your amazingly kind, supporting, encouraging, and loving comments below. You’ve touched my heart in ways that words cannot explain. When I wrote this post, I didn’t expect such a response or outpouring of love. In fact, I was feeling bad about not being as active with my postings lately and just wanted to explain and apologize. You have overwhelmed, encouraged, and inspired me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to many more years of Inspired by Charm and this beautiful community.
Friends, how is 2021 treating you? I can’t believe we are almost halfway through the year. As I grow older, time seems to just go faster and faster. Does anyone else feel this way?
Given that we are at this point in the year, I thought it would be a good time to check in with you, share a little update, talk about the year, and chat about what’s on the horizon.
While there is nothing major happening, I’m always a bit hesitant to share these more “personal” posts. So much has changed in blogging over the past five years or so that posts like this seem almost taboo. However, I’ve felt the tug to write a little update, so here I go.
A QUIET 2021:
If you follow the blog closely you may have noticed that things have slowed down somewhat dramatically after a very busy holiday season. This year’s gas felt really different. I assume it’s the combination of the dumpster fire that was 2020 and just feeling what I’ve determined to be a need to pivot.
“The need to pivot.”
I came across the following thought in a meme and it just hit a nerve of truth for me: “I want you to stop confusing exhaustion with unfulfillment. You aren’t tired, you’re unfulfilled. Give yourself permission to pivot.”
I have been blogging since 2009 and it has been my full-time job since 2013. While lots of changes have happened in that time period, twelve years is still a long time to be doing relatively the “same thing.” Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond thankful for my job and still generally love what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else, nor do I want to do anything else. I suppose the blogging just feels a bit mundane on occasion.
2021 has just brought on this feeling of being tired/exhausted. This feeling has left me uninspired and unmotivated. At first, I just assumed that my creativity well had just dried up, or that maybe I had lost my talents, or that maybe I was just plain old lost. But what I’m learning is that maybe I’m not tired. Maybe I just need to pivot. I need something to be overly passionate about again.
The behind-the-scenes of blogging has become A LOT. It’s simply not enough to create a project/recipe, photograph it, and then share it. There are dozens of algorithms to keep up with just to be seen. There are dozens of “requirements” that Google puts into place that constantly change. These requirements need to be met, maintained, and constantly adjusted in order to be seen. And don’t get me started on social media. If you’re not outperforming yourself or putting on a grand show with every post, you basically don’t exist. Plus, you also “need to” create an Instagram Story, Timelapse, Pinterest Story, Google Story, IG Reel, and YouTube video about it. Say what!?
I love what I do, but because of all of these external “requirements,” a simple blog post seems like a heavy task rather than a simple joy.
I’m also trying to avoid comparison. As I mentioned above, blogging has changed so much. Many bloggers now have teams of people working for them. They have teams of people … assistants, people that write their posts, photographers, content managers, SEO experts, social media managers, videographers, and the list goes on. (And there’s nothing wrong with that approach. These folks are killing it and I love watching their businesses grow.)
Here at Inspired by Charm, it’s just me for the most part. I do have someone that edits my posts for grammar and spelling, and I have an amazing couple that has been filming videos for my recipe posts. (I’ve been adding those to my blog posts, YouTube Channel, and IGTV.) These people have been such a blessing to my business.
Some days I welcome the excitement and drive to keep moving forward and to become better than I was the day before, but other times I’m just annoyed and frustrated as I didn’t sign up for all of the “extras” that I just mentioned. I don’t want to be the CEO of some online media empire. I don’t want to be a manager of a team of people. I just want to live in my own space while creating, sharing, and inspiring.
It’s interesting too because I’ve noticed that a lot of my favorite bloggers and Instagrammers have talked about the same thing in one way or another. Some have stepped away completely. Others are taking the summer off. Others have made shifts in how or what type of content they are producing. Being aware of these situations has been so comforting. It makes me feel a little less crazy knowing that others are feeling the same way.
And I don’t say all of this to complain. I feel happy. I feel blessed. I feel a sense of purpose in that this is what I should be doing with my life. I suppose it’s just a reminder to be a little kinder to myself, do what I can, and not compare what one person can do to that of what a team of 6 can do.
While I’m generally pretty hard on myself, I’m trying to remind myself that this is just one of those ebbs in life that we all have. Thankfully ebbs don’t last forever. I’ll be chugging along on my flow in no time!
So how do I pivot? That’s my challenge because I haven’t figured that out yet! Ha! To be honest, I think a big part of it is just changing how I see and respond to things. It’s simply about showing up, doing my best every day. meeting the requirements I can, forgetting the rest, and then being at peace with it all. “We can do anything, but we can’t do everything.”
In a nutshell, that’s the long and short of where I’ve been at these days … physically and mentally. I think 2021 is just a year to be a bit quieter. A year to pause and reflect… and that’s okay.
OTHER THINGS I’VE BEEN DOING:
Phew! With that chunk of information out of the way, I thought I would share some of the other things I’ve been up to for the first half of the year.
While this isn’t everything, these are some of the most notable things:
Crate and Barrel Collaboration: If you missed it at the end of last month, I shared a post about my side porch and fire pit area in collaboration with Crate and Barrel. (You can find that HERE if you did miss it.) This has honestly been the highlight of my year. As mentioned above, I’ve been blogging for 12 years and Crate and Barrel has been the one brand I’ve dreamed of working with. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.
Firepit Landscaping Makeover: The aforementioned collaboration motivated me to tackle another project on my list … a makeover of my backyard fire pit area. I’ve been sharing the progress on my Instagram feed. (There is a saved IG Highlights if you missed it.) The project turned out better than I expected. I love having this little oasis in my own backyard.
I will be sharing more about this on the blog VERY soon. I’m just waiting for a few more plants. Once they arrive and I get them into the ground, I will do a full post about the update.
Gardening: This spring I was really busy outside. I planted over 60 perennials plus a few new trees and shrubs. And that’s in addition to the 70+ plants I added to the landscaping around my fire pit.
Gardening is a labor of love. And while the fruits of this labor will take a couple of years to fill out and unfold, I was so happy to make such great progress.
My Art Practice: I’ve shared a couple of posts about this on the blog (here and here), but 2021 has been a year where I dove headfirst back into my art practice. It couldn’t have come at a better time as this has been a nice mini pivot for me and something I’ve really been enjoying.
I signed up for three local in-person art courses. One was an introduction to painting which has been completed. Currently, I’m in an oil painting class where the students work on whatever project they choose and the instructor provides guidance. I LOVE the instructor and students, so this has been wonderful. This particular course will end this week and then the following week I will start a new course focusing on painting Pittsburgh landscapes en plein air. Plein air essentially means painting outside. The class will meet every week at a new outdoor location and we’ll paint outside from life. I’m especially excited about this class!
Art has brought me so much joy and peace this year; I really want to dive deeper into it. I have been trying to make art a daily habit. And while I’m not quite there, I have been painting or drawing as much as possible.
WHAT’S AHEAD:
While 2021 has brought a more relaxed blogging and working schedule, I’m not just sitting around in my PJs. I do have some fun projects in the works. I’ll be sharing more about each of these as they come to life, but here’s a little sneak peek.
Retaining Wall: When it fits into my budget, my goal is to tackle one large project each year. Two years ago it was my kitchen makeover, last year it was custom cabinetry for my entryway and living room, and this year it’s a 100 ft. two-tiered retaining wall in my backyard.
This project will happen in September, but I spent a lot of time figuring out the plan and finding the best contractors. Once this project is complete, it will open the doors to allow me to add even more to my backyard including a shed, garden, outdoor oven, etc. I can’t wait!
Bedroom Updates: I have two bedrooms in my house that have mostly gone untouched since I moved in. While they don’t require major renovations, I want to give them some sort of style direction. One room will get painted, the other room will receive wallpaper, and both will get new light fixtures and furnishings.
The goal is just to have these spaces feel more complete and intentional.
Basement Studio: This might be the project I’m most excited about. I’ve never shared my basement online before. It’s not that it’s all that bad, it’s just an awkward space with bad lighting.
For a while now, I’ve been wanting to turn my basement into a little creative studio. (I’ve been doing my art out of a small section of a bedroom and it just isn’t cutting it.) Well, I’m finally going to do it! I will obviously take you along on the journey (before photos coming soon!) and share my plans and process.
In a nutshell, here’s what needs to be done:
– update lighting
– repair and paint paneling (walls)
– new flooring
– furnish and style
– update doors and windows
While this isn’t a major renovation, there is still a lot to be done. I’m hoping to tackle some of the projects myself, I’m also bringing in some folks to do the projects that are beyond my skill/knowledge level. Thankfully I have some great folks lined up so the project should be underway soon.
With all of these design projects, my current plan is to take my time with them. While I’m anxious to get them completed (especially the basement studio), I’m in no rush.
Art Practice: As I mentioned above, my art practice is currently a big focus for me. My goal is to be able to do one painting each day. As I’ve watched and listened to other artists talk about their evolution and practice. the one thing I heard, again and again, is how important and helpful it was for them to paint every day.
I’m still working on developing my style and trying to figure out what medium and subjects I like best. Once I feel more confident and have a clear direction, I would love to be able to create a collection and offer some work for sale. I’ve been so surprised at how many folks have asked about purchasing some of my art. I would love to make this a reality.
More of What You Love About IBC: I also plan to bring you more of what you love. While I’m not going anywhere and updates will continue to be here on the blog and on Instagram, I suspect that things will be slow and quiet for the rest of the summer and things will ramp up around August. But who knows, that could change! I’m trying to let 2021 unfold as it would like. No pressure. I hope you’ll stick with me.
… I think that’s enough for the year, right?
THAT’S A WRAP:
So that was a lot. Haha. I think I should wrap things up here.
While I knew this post would be informative, I didn’t realize how long it would be until my fingers hit the keyboard. I hope that this was insightful, informative, and gave you a little look at how I’ve been spending my days.
If you’ve gotten this far in this post, congratulations, and thank you for sticking with me. Now, this is the point where I’ll ask you what you’d like to see here. And while I always appreciate the typical responses of “more of the same, recipes, keep doing what you’re doing,” etc., I’d really love to know what your soul is craving more of when you come online. What brings you here? Also, when you leave this space, what left you feeling happy and inspired. What improved your day, your home, your life. Let me know in the comments below. Thank you!
Until next time, my friends!
*UPDATED TO ADD* I wanted to create a quick addition to the start of this post to say that I am beyond humbled and so appreciative of all your amazingly kind, supporting, encouraging, and loving comments below. You’ve touched my heart in ways that words cannot explain. When I wrote this post, I didn’t expect […]
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a quintessential summer dessert. This recipe for this dessert is bursting with bright, fruity summer flavor and finished off with a crisp oatmeal topping. The combination of strawberry and rhubarb is a favorite. What’s not to love?
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Yes, I’m sharing another strawberry rhubarb-based dessert. ‘Tis the season I suppose and this time it’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp! Last year I planted some rhubarb in my garden and this year it was finally big enough for me to be able to use it in a recipe. I couldn’t let it go to waste.
Strawberry and rhubarb will forever remind me of my childhood. In fact, the rhubarb that I planted was from my grandparents’ garden. I’m certain the plant is older than I am. Anytime I bake with rhubarb I think of my grandparents and all the delicious recipes my grandma used to make — especially her Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
Speaking of rhubarb, If you have lots of it growing in your garden or are just looking for some new recipes to try, you’ve come to the right place. I have an entire blog post dedicated to all of my favorite rhubarb recipes. You can find that HERE.
With rhubarb in the garden, strawberries in the fridge, and a craving for a delicious fruit-filled crisp, this was meant to be. There’s nothing better than a warm crisp or cobbler topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe is no exception.
And with all of that being said, let’s get into the recipe!
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl add the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently to evenly combine. Set aside. (I’ve provided a full list of ingredients, amounts, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
In another large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix together with your hands or a wooden spoon until the butter is about pea-sized.
Add about 2 1/2 cups of the the topping to the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press flat. Add in the strawberry rhubarb filling and spread out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining topping over the filling.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
While this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is delicious on its own, I highly recommend serving it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’ll thank me later.
And that’s it! As you can tell, this recipe is so easy to make. If you have the strawberries and rhubarb, chances are you’ll likely have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. You’ll be able to quickly whip this up at a moment’s notice. … and you’ll be so glad you did.
I hope you’ll give this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe a try. I’m certain you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Looking for more summer dessert recipes? These are a few of my favorites:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a quintessential summer dessert. This recipe for this dessert is bursting with bright, fruity summer flavor and finished off with a crisp oatmeal topping. The combination of strawberry and rhubarb is a favorite. What's not to love?
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl add the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently to evenly combine. Set aside.
In another large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix together with your hands or a wooden spoon until the butter is about pea-sized.
Add about 2 1/2 cups of the the topping to the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press flat. Add in the strawberry rhubarb filling and spread out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining topping over the filling.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Optional: Serve with a spoon of vanilla ice cream.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a quintessential summer dessert. This recipe for this dessert is bursting with bright, fruity summer flavor and finished off with a crisp oatmeal topping. The combination of strawberry and rhubarb is a favorite. What’s not to love? Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Yes, I’m sharing another strawberry rhubarb-based dessert. ‘Tis the season […]
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie is a quintessential summer dessert recipe. Made with garden fresh rhubarb, plump strawberries, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s filled with flavors of the season.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie:
You know it’s almost summer when the rhubarb is ready to harvest. Since it’s one of my favorite things to bake with (You can find more of my rhubarb recipes here.), I couldn’t wait to get in the kitchen and whip up this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie.
How do you make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie?
If you’ve never baked with rhubarb, this pie is a great way to try it. On it’s own, rhubarb is kind of like sour celery. However, when you pair it with sugar and use it in baked goods, it turns into this tangy wonderfulness that’s unlike anything else.
I grew up on Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. We still have it at many of our family gatherings. It will forever remind me of home and family, and that is reason enough to eat it as often as possible.
My grandparents have had a rhubarb plant in their garden for as long as I can remember. That plant is probably older than me, and it keeps coming back year after year.
Many years it produces so much that we chop up the extra and freeze it so we can have rhubarb pie during the holidays. With my grandpa passing away last year and my grandma having limited mobility, the garden no longer exists, but that rhubarb plant is still going strong.
You might be wondering if you can make plain rhubarb pie. Yes, you can, and it’s delicious. I just like to add strawberries to the pie party to give the pie an extra touch of fruity sweetness.
Around here, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is usually made with a top and a bottom crust. But since I showed you how to make that a couple years ago, I thought I’d put a different spin on the recipe this time and make a Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie.
For this version, you will need one crust. I recommend using IBC’s Go-To Pie Crust, but you can use whatever recipe you like. (You can even use store-bought, and I won’t tell.)
You will need to halve the recipe. Of course, another option is to follow the crust recipe as it’s written and make two of these pies – one for you and one for a friend. (You can have your friend thank me for that tip.)
Also, while that recipe tells you to use a food processor, you can also do it by hand. Sometimes I find it helpful to do it by hand in order to feel the dough. In my opinion, that’s the best way to tell when it’s ready to be rolled out.
Whether you love rhubarb or have yet to try it, I hope you give this recipe a whirl. You won’t be disappointed.
Looks pretty delicious, right? I told you. You won’t be able to keep your hands off this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie.
You might want to forget what I told you about sharing that second pie with a friend. You can just keep both for yourself. It will be our little secret.
Begin by preparing your pie crust. (If using my Go-T0 Pie Crust recipe (linked below), you will only need 1/2 of the recipe.) Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Pinch around the rim of the dough to form an edge. Place it in the refrigerator to chill.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt. Mix with a spoon until evenly combined. Set aside.
Next, prepare the crumble topping. In a bowl, mix together the butter, flour, brown sugar, quick oats, and cinnamon. I find using your hands works best; however, you can use a spoon or pastry cutter. Mix until crumbly.
Remove your pie dough from the refrigerator. Fill the dough with the strawberry rhubarb mixture leveling off the top. Then, sprinkle evenly with the crumble topping.
Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F. Then, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes. You'll know the pie is done when the filling is bubbling and the top is browned.
Let the pie to cool for at least two hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie is a quintessential summer dessert recipe. Made with garden fresh rhubarb, plump strawberries, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s filled with flavors of the season. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie: You know it’s almost summer when the rhubarb is ready to harvest. Since it’s one of my favorite things to bake with […]
I am thrilled to be inviting you back to my home to share with you some cozy and stylish ideas to help you create a beautiful and magical outdoor living oasis.
Cozy and Stylish Outdoor Living Decor Ideas
‘Tis the season to turn all of your outdoor living spaces into stylish getaways which you can escape to in your own backyard. As you know, my side porch is one of the favorite outdoor living spaces of my home. I’ve shared it several times here on the blog. Well, thanks to help from my friends over at Crate and Barrel, this space just received a fabulous makeover and I couldn’t be more excited to share my side porch with you again.
Side Note: I have been blogging for over 12 years now. Of all the “brands in all the lands” that I could have ever hoped to partner with, Crate and Barrel is, was, and forever will be on the top of my list. This is one of those “pinch me” moments. It’s an honor and a joy to be working with them. As always, thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.
As I share this updated outdoor room with you, I’m going to take you through my suggested steps for building a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. My goal is to leave you feeling inspired, excited, and armed to create the outdoor space of your dreams.
I did my best to link all of the beautiful products I used. As always, if I missed something you’re curious about, please let me know.
With all of that being said, let’s get into it!
Outdoor Living – Start with a Beautiful Foundation:
First, here’s a little look at the newly decorated space!
As much as I loved my porch as it was, I was ready for a change. And while I wanted the space to be functionally similar to how it currently is, I knew that I wanted a different look.
Whenever you’re creating an outdoor living space, the first thing you should consider is how you are going to use it. Do you want enough space to do meals? Do you want an outdoor office? Are you just looking for a space to lounge? Are you a painter/crafter with dreams of creating art outdoors? These are such important things to consider. In the end, create a space that WORKS for you, not just a space that’s beautiful.
I use my porch as a lounge area and have my deck for outdoor dining, so I wanted “more porch” where I could unwind and relax. With that in mind, I knew comfortable seating was a must which is why I selected the Abaco Outdoor Sofa and Abaco Outdoor Lounge Chair. I couldn’t be more happy with how these look and function in the space. And talk about comfort, they are “outdoor nap” approved.
Speaking of function, I always need a few tables to place a drink, a book, and to do a little outdoor styling. I used two existing wood benches and added in the Ridge Side Table Stool and Crest Side Table Stool. What I love about these is that they can double as seating if needed!
I also decided to add this Alfresco II Grey Cart to the space because it functions really well for me in this area. I love having a place where I can set up drinks and snacks if I have company. Whether I’m serving up a big batch of sangria, a signature margarita recipe, or even afternoon tea, this bar cart is so handy! Plus, it’s on wheels so I can move it to wherever I need it.
To ground the entire set-up, I laid down the Tavares Indoor/Outdoor Checkered Rug. The colors match the sofa and chairs beautifully and really make this porch feel like a room.
And a final note about building a beautiful foundation:
There is one other change that honestly still gives me goosebumps. Did you notice it? I removed the old, rusty, and dated porch railings. This made such a huge change to this outdoor living space. Before, I felt like I was in a porch prison. Now, I feel like the whole space can breathe. It’s amazing what a small (but big) change like this can make for a space.
It’s also worth mentioning that since this space is level with the ground, the railings served no real purpose other than adding some architectural interest and maybe helped to define the space. For me, the railings just felt like clutter. I’m so pleased that they are gone and only wish I would have done it sooner.
Outdoor Living – Decorate with Beautiful Plants:
When it comes to accessorizing your outdoor living space, plants are a must. Here I have a mix of annuals, landscaping plants, topiaries, and more. Spring plant shopping might be one of my favorite things so I tend to go a little crazy in the best possible way. However, if you have more of a black thumb, keep it simple with just a couple low maintenance plants.
One thing that’s important to consider about your space is the amount of sunlight it gets. Is your area mostly shaded? Do you have all day sun? Noting these things and buying plants that suit these conditions are so important for your plants to thrive and survive.
Also, if you’re wondering what’s up with all the small plants in the terra cotta pots, let me explain. This year, I’m attempting to grow some coleus topiaries. I’m pretty excited about it. In fact, I wrote a blog post all about the process HERE. I’d love to have you join me in this fun gardening project.
Outdoor Living – Incorporate Quirky and Vintage Finds:
Recently on my blog, I’ve been talking about incorporating quirky and vintage finds into your decor. I have been addressing this topic a lot because I think it’s so important. For me, I like to incorporate some quirky and/or vintage finds into all of my spaces. Whether I’m styling an outdoor living space or a bedroom, it’s a must for me.
In my porch space I included:
a concrete bust of David
a vintage bench that I’m using as a big plant stand/side table
several old baskets
a crown-shaped planter
a vintage chicken crate that is now wall decor/planter
I have been collecting many of these unique and vintage finds for years. That’s the fun part for me. I will continue to swap these things around through the seasons. My spaces are never quite finished.
I even added a new bird bath into my landscaping right next to the porch. While this isn’t vintage, it does add a unique and fun element to the space. Plus, the sound of the water is perfect for relaxing.
Outdoor Living – Create Magic with Lighting:
Last but not least, let’s talk about lighting. If you want to create instant magic for your outdoor living spaces, lighting is a must.
Here on my porch, I have a few different lighting options:
Overhead Lighting: First, I was so happy to finally update the outdoor light I had on my porch. My old fixture was barely hanging on with a couple rusted out screws. It did nothing for the space. This new Caplet Outdoor 3-Light Pendant not only adds a touch of modern style, but it adds a whole lot of light. In fact, I want to put this light on a dimmer switch so I can really set the mood. Now, my overhead lighting is not only functional but stylish. It really adds something special and unique to this area – would you agree?
Candles: Adding a little ambient mood lighting to your outdoor living spaces is a simple way to create that cozy and welcoming vibe. While I love and have used real candles in the past, I have been embracing the battery-operated variety recently and wanted to give that a try here too. Crate and Barrel sells these awesome Indoor/Outdoor candles and they worked perfectly here. They give off a beautiful warm and flickering glow that really resembles a real candle. I used them in a few places on my porch.
First, I used two of these Archer Wall Mounted Lantern Hooks and Ora Medium Wire Lanterns to create sconces on either side of my vintage chicken crate. I’m obsessed with how this turned out. While drilling into brick isn’t always the easiest, it was well worth it.
Second, I tucked two of the candles into these Petaluma Black Metal Lanterns. (I have the medium and large sizes.) By using these candles throughout the space, it creates a really cohesive look and adds that moody ambiance I was after.
String Lights: Last but certainly not least: string lights! These are the quickest and easiest way to add lighting to any outdoor living space. Crate and Barrel has two beautiful options including these Globe Sting Lights (similar to what I used here) and these Vintage Edison Bulb String Lights if you want that classic cafe look. These are a must.
And with the final touch of a magical glow, this outdoor living space is complete. I hope you are loving the results as much as I do.
Want more? You’re in luck because the fun doesn’t stop there. I have one more space you need to see!
Firepit Sneak Peek:
I wanted to give you a little peek at another outdoor space that received a touch of love with the help of Crate and Barrel.
I only needed a few things to make this space sing!
First, Adirondack chairs are a must for sitting around an outdoor fire so I went with this Paso Teak Adirondack Chair. They are roomy, comfortable, and I love the modern design.
My firepit also got a major update. I am totally digging this this Hideaway Black Firepit. The clean design is so sleek and I love that it’s elevated off of the ground. You can even use the space underneath the fire pit to store extra wood.
With a roaring fire, s’more supplies ready to go, and a ring of string lights strung in the trees, this has become one of my favorite places to take a much needed break from the world. It’s a little getaway in my own backyard.
If you want to see more of this space, stay tuned. In the coming weeks, it’s going to go through a stunning transformation to become a more permanent and functional area in my yard. I’m working with my landscaper to level out the area, add in a nice pea gravel surface, create a winding pathway, add in some large boulders, and tuck in some lovely plants.
As stunning as this space is now (especially with this updated furniture) it’s going to be even more of a magical oasis in the coming weeks. I’ll be sure to share an update when it’s complete!
And that’s it! I know that we covered a lot in this post. If I could sum up all of these ideas into three tips, I would say …
Outdoor Living Quick Tips:
Start with a beautiful, functional, and cozy foundation of furniture that works for YOU.
Plants that you love (and that are suitable to your particular lighting conditions) are a must for a beautiful outdoor living space.
Mix in vintage elements, quirking finds, and magical lighting to make your space uniquely you!
It has been such a joy to invite you back into my outdoor living spaces. They are one of my favorite things to style and share.
I’m also so humbled and honored to be able to do it this year with my friends at Crate and Barrel. If you’re looking for more stylish outdoor living furniture and decorative accessories, I know you are going to love what they have to offer. Be sure to visit them online HERE.
Thank you for joining me! Until next time!
I am thrilled to be inviting you back to my home to share with you some cozy and stylish ideas to help you create a beautiful and magical outdoor living oasis. Cozy and Stylish Outdoor Living Decor Ideas ‘Tis the season to turn all of your outdoor living spaces into stylish getaways which you can […]
Sometimes you can’t beat a delicious salad recipe. Today I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite salad recipes for you. Whether these recipes are used as a full meal or a side dish, there’s something you’re bound to love.
Salad comes in many forms. There are the classic leaf salads, pasta salads, potato salads, chicken salads, panzanellas (bread salads), and even dessert salads!
Knowing that I’m always looking for unique and delicious salad recipes, I decided to put this list of my favorites together just in case you need a go-to list yourself.
Whether you need a side for a weeknight dinner or want something special to take to a picnic/event, I’m certain you can find a salad recipe in this list that will work perfectly for any occasion. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for an easy and fresh salad that you can assemble in minutes, this Summer Berry Spinach Salad is a winner. It’s topped with fresh berries, mandarin oranges, candied walnuts, and poppyseed dressing.
Mixed with Honeycrisp apples, pecorino Romano cheese, pine nuts, and dried currants, this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad has become one of my favorite side salad recipes. I think you’re going to love it too!
Made with broccolini, fresh greens, sliced onion, golden raisins, and pumpkin seeds, this fresh and crisp Broccolini Salad is an easy and tasty side dish that will complement any meal.
Made with arugula, dried cranberries, goat cheese, walnuts, and a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, this Butternut Squash Fall Salad is a delicious and seasonal way to start any autumn dinner. Add grilled chicken or steak and you can turn it into a meal.
Shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with pomegranate seeds, pecans, pears, parmesan cheese, and a light dressing to create this Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad. This is a healthy, easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully with any holiday or winter meal.
Move over classic potato salad; there’s a new dish in town. This Bacon and Blue Cheese Potato Salad is a fresh and flavorful take on the classic recipe. In fact, I’d take this over the classic recipe any day!
Sometimes a good chicken salad recipe can totally hit the spot. Whether you serve this Snow Pea and Chicken Salad for lunch or at a summer gathering, I know you’re going to love its fresh and delicate flavors.
If you’re looking for a salad to complement a late-summer or fall dinner, you’ll want to try this Radicchio and Blue Cheese Bread Salad. Bursting with bold flavor, it is so simple to make.
This Avocado Panzanella Salad is a celebration of summer! Bursting with summer tomatoes, crusting bread, fresh basil, and creamy avocados this salad is a winning recipe!
If you are looking for a delicious summer salad recipe, look no further than this Roasted Zucchini Panzanella. I mean, what’s not to love about a salad made with toasted bread?
This cool and creamed cucumber salad is a classic side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or family holiday. It’s a time-honored recipe that has been a favorite in my home for as long as I can remember. You’re going to love it too.
Pasta Salad Recipes:
Pasta salad might be my favorite kind of salad. That is why I have an entire blog post dedicated to my best pasta salad recipes. It’s worth checking out as there are some really good ones! You can find those HERE.
This Ramen Noodle Salad is so simple to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd pleaser. You’re certain to love this easy and delicious pasta salad recipe!
This Pine Nut and Arugula Pesto Pasta Salad contains four things I love: pine nuts, arugula, pasta, and feta. I think it’s a delightful combination of flavors that almost everyone will enjoy.
Based on one of my favorite classic sandwich recipes, this BLT Macaroni Salad is loaded with flavor. It’s a tasty and unique twist on classic pasta salad with a traditional flavor combination everyone will love!
Dessert “Salad” Recipes:
And then there’s the dessert salad recipes. Dessert salads are typically sweet and made with items such as jello, whipped topping, fruits, mayo, etc. These are a few of the dessert salads that are staples in my family – we make them over and over again!
Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf Salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for this “must have” holiday dish.
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned dessert recipe that still popular for a reason: it’s delicious! The combination of sweet, salty, and fruity is so good!
Fluffy, fruity, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Jello Salad is a dessert recipe from my childhood that hasn’t gone out of style. Twenty-five years later it’s still just as delicious! It might quickly become your new go-to treat.
Want More? Check out DELICIOUS RECIPE COLLECTIONS:
I hope you enjoy this little collection. Be sure to save this post for later as I will be adding favorites to this list whenever I add a new delicious salad recipe to the blog.
Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Sometimes you can’t beat a delicious salad recipe. Today I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite salad recipes for you. Whether these recipes are used as a full meal or a side dish, there’s something you’re bound to love. Salad comes in many forms. There are the classic leaf salads, pasta salads, potato salads, […]
This Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread is a wonderful and easy treat that’s filled with fresh rhubarb flavor and boasts a sweet crunchy topping. It’s a quick bread recipe you’ll be making again and again.
Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread:
It’s rhubarb season! One of my favorite times of the year. Who’s with me?
Over on my Instagram stories, I recently asked if people liked or disliked rhubarb, and I was shocked at how many people responded by saying that they’ve never tried it. What!?
If you fall into that category, you’re in luck because I have several rhubarb-based recipes here on Inspired by Charm for you to try. (You can find the full collection HERE.) If you’re looking for something simple and delicious, I would suggest starting right here with this Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread.
I will forever be a fan of quick bread recipes. Why? I love how simple they are to make. (Typically you don’t even need a mixer.) I also love how versatile they are. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert after dinner.
This Rhubarb Streusel Bread is no exception. Plus, it gives me another way to use one of my favorite seasonal ingredients. In fact, this year my mom gave me a piece of her rhubarb plant which used to be my grandparent’s rhubarb plant. Odds are this plant is older than I am. I’m so honored to have a piece to grow in my own garden and be able to use its harvest in my kitchen for years to come.
One final thing (and I did mention this in the recipe card below), the walnuts are optional. When I was younger, I was never a fan of nuts in quick breads, but have now come to appreciate and enjoy them. I especially love them in this recipe as they add such a wonderful nutty flavor and crunch. However, the recipe will work just as nicely if you opt to leave the walnuts out.
And with all of that out of the way, let’s get into the recipe.
How to Make Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8×4 loaf pans. Set aside. (Though not necessary, you can also line your pans with parchment paper as I did here. This makes removing the bread easier.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and oil. Then, whisk in the egg. Next, whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla. (For your convenience, I’ve shared the full recipe with ingredients in a printable recipe card below.)
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the brown sugar mixture and stir until almost combined. Add in the rhubarb and walnuts and fold them into the batter.
For the streusel, add the sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and salt into a small bowl. Mix with a small whisk or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use half of your prepared batter to start filling the two prepared baking pans. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the two pans.
Divide the remaining batter between the two loaf pans, then sprinkle each with the remaining streusel mixture.
Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for at least 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Slice with a serrated knife. Serve plain or top with butter and/or strawberry preserves.
It’s that easy! The resulting bread is so yummy. It’s so good that I ended up eating an entire loaf by myself in a matter of two days. I had to freeze the second loaf to keep myself from starting to dig into it. (And yes, this freezes beautifully.)
I love this Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread with nothing added to it. It’s so good it doesn’t need anything else. However, if you want to, some butter and/or strawberry preserves are a delicious complement.
This Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread is a wonderful and easy treat that's filled with fresh rhubarb flavor and boasts a sweet crunchy topping. It's a quick bread recipe you'll be making again and again.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8x4 loaf pans. Set aside. (Though not necessary, you can also line your pans with parchment paper as I did here. This makes removing the bread easier.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and oil. Then, whisk in the egg. Next, whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the brown sugar mixture and stir until almost combined. Add in the rhubarb and walnuts and fold them into the batter.
For the streusel, add the sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and salt into a small bowl. Mix with a small whisk or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use half of your prepared batter to start filling the two prepared baking pans. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the two pans.
Divide the remaining batter between the two loaf pans, then sprinkle each with the remaining streusel mixture.
Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for at least 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Slice with a serrated knife. Serve plain or top with butter and/or strawberry preserves.
Notes
*The walnuts are optional. However, I really love the nutty crunch they add to this recipe.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread is a wonderful and easy treat that’s filled with fresh rhubarb flavor and boasts a sweet crunchy topping. It’s a quick bread recipe you’ll be making again and again. Rhubarb Streusel Quick Bread: It’s rhubarb season! One of my favorite times of the year. Who’s with me? Over on my […]
