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Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Recipes

Tuesday
Sep / 15 / 2020
Comments 10

When the air outside turns crisp and cool, this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day. Packed with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and seasonal spices, this seasonal breakfast dish is also easy to make.

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal:

There’s something special about a big cup of coffee and a warm, wholesome breakfast on a chilly fall morning. The thought of it has me wanting to stay in my pj’s all day, snuggling up under a blanket (and a kitty or two), and reading magazines on the couch all day. And the breakfast to start that day? This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal.

Today I’m back with my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. Each of us is sharing a seasonal breakfast idea. This collection of recipes is SO GOOD! Be sure to scroll down and check out everyone’s recipe at the end of this post.

If you’ve been following IBC for a couple of years, you might remember another delicious baked oatmeal recipe that I shared: Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal. It has become a go-to for me. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve made it.

But as much as I love that recipe, I also enjoy mixing things up sometimes. That’s why I put together this new flavor combination. I think I might like it just as much!

The flavor of this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is just so-o-o good! The sweet apples pair wonderfully with the tart cranberries and crunchy pecans.

I like topping oatmeal with milk and pure maple syrup. And of course, my syrup of choice is Finding Home Farms Maple Syrup. It’s the best. (You can purchase it HERE.)

Now that I’ve tempted you, I suppose you’re wondering how to make it? Let me show you!

How to Make Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal:

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 12 x 8-inch (2.5 quart) baking dish with baking spray. Set aside. (This baking dish set from Staub is my favorite. I’m constantly using it for everything from dips to baked oatmeal!)

Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. (I’ve shared all the ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions in the printable recipe card below.)

Now, in a medium bowl, stir together the old fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice.

Apple pie spice can be tricky to find in some grocery stores. I purchased mine HERE.

Finally, add the oat mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Fold in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and orange zest. Transfer this to the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

I promise your kitchen is going to be filled with the most amazing aromas of fall.

As I mentioned above, I like to serve this dish with a splash of milk and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for the ultimate start to my day.

My friends, the flavors here … I am at a loss for words.

Once you try this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal, you’re going to want to make it again and again. And if you’re anything like me. it will become your new go-to breakfast this time of year. Enjoy!

Want more fall breakfast recipe ideas? Try these:

Tastes of the Season Fall Breakfast Recipes:

Before you head off, be sure to check out all of the other tasty fall-inspired breakfast recipes below. You’re in for a treat!

Delicious Coffee Cake by Ella Claire & Co. | Apple Pie Crepes by Tidy Mom | Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal by Inspired by Charm

Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast by Freutcake | Cinnamon Apple French Toast by anderson + grant | Granola Brunch Baked Apples by Handmade Farmhouse

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe:

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked oatmeal, fall breakfast, oatmeal

Servings: servings

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Pin It!

This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day. Packed with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and seasonal spices, this seasonal breakfast dish is also easy to make.

Pin It!

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter - melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups old fashioned oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apple - (I used Granny Smith.)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons orange zest
Optional: Milk and pure maple syrup for serving.

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 12 x 8-inch (2.5 quart) baking dish with baking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
In a medium bowl, stir together the old fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice.
Add the oat mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Fold in the chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and orange zest. Transfer this to the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Serve with milk and pure maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 398kcal • Carbohydrates: 49g • Protein: 7g • Fat: 20g • Saturated Fat: 9g • Cholesterol: 80mg • Sodium: 293mg • Potassium: 259mg • Fiber: 5g • Sugar: 24g • Vitamin A: 517IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 146mg • Iron: 2mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Foraged Fall Wreath with Sweetgum Balls

DIY, Fall, Holidays, Wreaths

Sunday
Sep / 13 / 2020
Comments 15

Today I’m going to show you how to make a foraged fall wreath using the balls from a Sweetgum tree. You can whip up this easy and inexpensive craft in under 30 minutes.

Foraged Fall Wreath with Sweetgum Balls:

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a craft idea here on Inspired by Charm. Today, I’m excited to be back with my Seasons of Home blogger friends to share beautiful, and frugal seasonal decor ideas with you. I’m making a foraged fall wreath with supplies from my yard. My blogger friends are also sharing their budget-friendly decor and craft ideas with you. Once you’re done here, be sure to click through all of the links at the end of this post to check out everyone’s festive projects and spaces.

Every couple of weeks from now until Christmas, the Seasons of Home blogger group (hosted by the uber-talented Kristen of Elle Claire Blog) will offer ideas to help you get your home ready and decorated for the season. This week our theme is budget-friendly or foraged fall style. I was especially excited about this theme because a few weeks ago when my mom was visiting, I mentioned to her that I didn’t love the Sweetgum tree on my property because it drops all of these golf-ball-size balls on everything. She immediately said, “You should make a wreath out of those!”

I agreed. So when the theme for this week’s series was presented, I went outside, gathered a bag of those Sweetgum balls, and got to work.

Where to get Sweetgum Balls?

Now, before I show you how to make this wreath, let me say I do realize that some folks might not have a Sweetgum tree in their yard. I did a little research, however, and found that you can buy Sweetgum balls online, and they are fairly inexpensive. You can find them here on Etsy andhere on eBay. Just do a little digging for the best deal. At one point, I saw someone selling 200 for $4.99.

Once you have your Sweetgum balls, you only need a few other supplies.

How to Make Forged Fall Wreath with Sweetgum Balls:

You will need:

Grapevine wreath (I used an 8″ wreath and a 10″ wreath.)
Sweetgum balls (You’ll need about 65 for the 8″ wreath and 90 for the 10″ wreath.)
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks

To begin, trim the long stems from the Sweetgum balls.

Then hot glue the Sweetgum balls to the interior of the wreath. To do this, place a dollop of glue on each ball and firmly but gently press it on the wreath to ensure it adheres.

Continue adding Sweetgum balls with hot glue until you fill the interior of the wreath. Then, repeat the process on the exterior of the wreath.

Whether you use an 8″ or a 10″ wreath, I found that you’ll need two more rows of Sweetgum balls around the top of the wreath. I found it best to work back and forth between the two rows as you make your way around the wreath. This will give you an even look.

Once you’ve done this, make sure that all of the Sweetgum balls are firmly attached. Add a bit more hot glue if any feel loose. Also, take a few minutes to remove hot glue strings. I found a pair of tweezers to help in removing the glue strings that got stuck between the spikes on the balls.

Once you’re finished with that, attach a piece of wire to the back of the wreath to hang it or use a piece of satin ribbon like I did. I hot glued my ribbon to the back of the wreath.

And that’s it! Aren’t the wreaths beautiful? It took me under 20 minutes to make the smaller one and under 30 minutes to make the larger one. So quick and easy.

And I need to be candid with you – I’m probably the only blogger who hasn’t started decorating for fall. (Don’t tell the others. It’s our secret.) But that will likely change this week when I put these wreaths in a more festive fall setting, I’ll be certain to update you and this post with how they look. I plan to take you on a fall tour of my home in a couple of weeks so I’m guessing you’ll see the wreaths again when I do that.

Looking for more fall craft ideas? Try these:

In the meantime, I’m digging the way they look hanging from the peg rail of my new entryway cabinetry. I love their color and don’t get me started on the beautiful texture. It’s something only Mother Nature could provide.

Who knew that what I thought was a nuisance in my front yard could be turned into a stunning foraged fall wreath? I’m so thankful to my mom for this idea. I think I need to also make her a wreath!

Seasons of Home Budget-Friendly Fall Decor:

Now, for additional frugal, foraged, and festive fall ideas, check out all of the links below. I know you’re going to find inspiration in what these talented bloggers have created.

Happy Fall!

Ella Claire & Co. | Dear Lillie | Boxwood Avenue | French Country Cottage

Inspired by Charm | Craftberry Bush | City Farmhouse | Zevy Joy

Want More from Inspired by Charm?

I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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Home Office Makeover Update

Interiors

Thursday
Sep / 10 / 2020
Comments 16

Home Office Makeover Design Plan #home #office #designplan #decor #decorating

Today I’m sharing a home office makeover update, including a look at the progress I’ve made, how I altered my design plan, and what still needs to be done.

Well, friends, it’s been four months since I told you I was starting my home office makeover. I’m a tad embarrassed to admit that, but as you’ll see, I have made progress. My plans have also changed a bit, so I’m popping in today with this update.

Let’s start with the design plan.

Updated Home Office Design Plan:

If you want to look at the previous plan, you can find that HERE.

Recently, I acquired a new piece of artwork, and that led to changes in the accent colors.

Here’s a peek at the updated plan:

SOURCE LINKS: If you’re looking for sources, I’ve add a full source list at the end of this post.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am repurposing/reusing several of the pieces in this space. The white “desk” was once my dining table. Before its current use for office storage, the sideboard functioned as an entertainment stand and then a sideboard. The bookcase also had a previous life in my former office.

Home Office Design: What’s Changed?

I got a new piece of artwork, It came from the uber-talented Linsday Letters. (You all know how much I love that woman and her work. I have another piece from her in my living room.) This latest piece is titled, “Resilience Abstract.” When Lindsay launched her new fall collection, this work immediately grabbed me. I needed to have it, even though I wasn’t 100% sure where it would end up.

When it arrived and I unpacked it, I knew it had to go in my office. The green tones in the painting were almost the same as the color I had painted the walls. It was a match made in heaven.

I was also excited about this change, because of that rusty orange color in the artwork. I realized it would be a better accent color than the yellow I had been leaning toward in my previous design plan.

After that, I found a new rug which I think is going to be fabulous. I also took advantage of a big West Elm sale this past weekend and purchased two chairs for the room. One is a desk chair, which looks like it’s going to be ultra-cozy. And, to bring in that rust-orange color, I also bought this stunning velvet club chair.

I’ve also changed my lighting plan. As much as I liked the fixture I had selected, I decided it was just a bit too expensive. Yes, I’m willing to pay more for a fixture that I LOVE, but this wasn’t the time.

That lead me down the rabbit hole of searching for other options. Ultimately, I selected this beauty, which cost a quarter of what I would have paid for the other fixture. Besides the price, I liked that this new fixture is wider, making it feel more substantial in the space.

Finally, I found a pair of gold swing arm lamps at HomeGoods that I’ve placed on the sideboard. You know me and gold. (Yes, I’m still addicted to gold and brass.) I thought these lamps were a great fit in the space.

Well, those are the changes. I’m super excited about the new design direction.

So now you may be wondering about the progress I’ve made. Let me show you.

Home Office Design: What’s Been Completed?

First, the painting is complete. That includes the walls, trim, and closet.

I also installed new outlets and outlet covers. The old outlets were so loose they could barely hold a plug in them. The outlet covers were also showing their age.

Second, I changed the closet. As I mentioned, I wanted it to be more of an office closet than a bedroom closet so I added shelves to provide lots of storage for supplies and equipment.

(You can see what the closet looked like BEFORE here.)

Making this change was the biggest hold up for me and the source of my procrastination. I didn’t have a table saw to cut the wood for the shelves or a vehicle large enough to haul the lumber I thought I’d need for the project.

After procrastinating a bit, I purchased a table saw. (I got this one and LOVE IT.) I also found wood at Lowe’s that would work. Even though I needed to trim the wood (with my new saw!), I was able to get the wood into my vehicle.

The process for “building” these shelves was basic, but if you are interested in some sort of tutorial, please let me know. I’d be happy to share what I did.

As you can see, the closet is looking much more organized these days. My goal isn’t to have an Instagram-worthy closet, but I do want to get things a bit more organized and pretty, so stay tuned for that.

In addition to the painting and building the shelves in the closet, I’ve hung a few things in the room, including my bulletin boards, artwork, and light fixture.

Another project that took some time was organizing my magazine collection. Yes, I am a magazine junky. (We all have our vices.) I subscribe to so many magazines that I need an organizational system for them. I found a system that seems to be working, and I’ll be sure to share more about that, too.

I also hung these much-needed blinds. They were an Amazon find, and I think they are great for the price. I love that they are cordless and can be cut to specific window sizes. There are even a few color options to match your decor.

Again, everything is sourced and linked at the end of this post.

Although I’ve made progress in the office, there’s still more to do. The bookcase is kind of a mess. The walls need more decor. Plus, I’m waiting for furniture and rugs to arrive. (That could take months!)

Home Office Design: What’s next?

I’m in no rush, and fortunately, I have no “deadline” for completing this makeover. I’m going to continue taking my time with it and enjoy the process. It feels serendipitous that it all played out this way. I’m so happy to have found this beautiful artwork, and I’m overjoyed with the new color direction. It was meant to be.

For now, I’m taking my time, organizing, styling, and filling up my bulletin board with beautiful inspiration.

I also wanted to mention that I found this amazing vintage cabinet. (Some of you may remember when I shared it on my Instagram stories.) It’s unique on the outside but especially interesting on the inside.

I had hung it where the new artwork now is but realized that wasn’t the spot for a cabinet. It’s a piece that’s designed to sit on a table, so it looks just a bit odd hanging on the wall. However, I may still try to hang it in here to see how it feels. I’m thinking that if I add a rod to the bottom and use it for holding ribbon spools, the cabinet might feel a bit more intentional. What do you think?

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you enjoyed this update and are feeling as excited as I am about seeing this space come together.

Home Office Sources:

PAINT COLORS:
Wall Paint: Sherwin-Williams Kingston SW 9677 Kingston (Emerald Designer Edition – Satin)
Trim Color: Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006 (ProClassic Semi-Gloss)

LIGHTING:
Overhead Light: Maddox Black Farmhouse Pendant with Black Socket
Table Lamps: Ralph Lauren Swing Arm Lamps – HomeGoods

FURNITURE:
Desk: No Longer Available – Similar: Hubbardston Dining Table
Office Chair: Helvetica Leather Office Chair
Upholstered Chair: Isabella Chair in Rust
Bookcase: Archive Walnut Bookcase
Sideboard: Casement Black Large Sideboard
White File Cabinet: Poppin White Snow File Cabinet

WALL DECOR:
Bulletin Boards: Quartet Cork Board 4 x 3
Artwork: Lindsay Letters Resilience Abstract

ACCESSORIES:
Sonos Speaker: Sonos Move
Computer Stand: Walnut iMac Stand
Magazine Holders: Bigso Graphite Stockholm Magazine Holder
Cordless Blinds: Cordless Woven Roman Shades in Eastfield Teak
Outlet Covers: Franklin Brass Classic Architecture Wall Plate
Rug: Wynter Auburn and Multicolor Area Rug

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Decorating with Mini Paintings ( + Entryway Update)

Interiors

Tuesday
Sep / 8 / 2020
Comments 16

Decorating with Mini Paintings - Entryway Decor and Paint Colors #artwork #paintings #entryway #decor #paint #walldecor

This post has a two-fold purpose. I finished repainting my entryway (I’m loving the change!) and wanted to update you about that today. But that didn’t feel like quite enough for a post, so I thought we’d also talk about decorating with mini paintings.

Yes, my friends, the entryway has a new paint color, and I’m super pleased with it. I even hung up a few new-to-me mini paintings. Let me show you around, and then we can chat about the progress and the new artwork in my life.

Entryway Update:

A quick refresh: Previously my entryway was a beautiful navy blue color. (You can see that here.) Then I had custom cabinetry installed and realized the navy blue no longer worked. After researching and sampling paint colors, I landed on Farrow & Ball Shaded White No. 201.

Side note: Did you know that I have a blog post dedicated to all of the paint colors I’ve used in my home? You can find that here should you ever have a paint color question or be looking for inspiration for your space.

I am thrilled about this new color for several reasons. First, although beige might seem boring to some, a more neutral wall color gives me flexibility when switching up my decor for the seasons. A neutral background will look appropriate no matter what the season.

The second benefit of this new color is that the entryway feels brighter and bigger. I love that!

And maybe most important, this new color pairs beautifully with my cabinetry. It was a match made in paint heaven.

Now that everything is painted, I can finally start to think about decor for this space. As we enter the fall season, I already have a few ideas for adding touches of autumn to this entryway.

As you can see, I’ve started hanging decor on the walls. A couple of these items were here before I painted: the mirror next to the front door and the cuckoo clock near the entrance to my kitchen.

Entryway Sources:

Wall Color: Farrow & Ball Shaded White No. 201 (Estate Emulsion)
Cabinets Wall Color: Farrow & Ball Pigeon No. 25 (Custom match and finish by cabinet maker)
Trim Color: Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006 (ProClassic Semi-Gloss Finish)
Drawer Pulls: Mission Bin Pull – 4 inch in Unlacquered Brass
Cabinet Pulls: Large Mission Drawer Pull – 4 inch in Unlacquered Brass
Wall Plate: Toggle Switch Wall Plate in Polished Brass
Light Fixture: Mellow Semi-Flush Pendant (Lacquered Polished Brass, Clear Shade)

Decorating with Mini Paintings:

The new-to-me items are these vintage mini paintings. Last week a nearby antique store (If you’re local to or visiting Pittsburgh, you can find all of my favorite antique stores HERE.) posted this trio of mini paintings on their Instagram feed. I immediately messaged them and asked if they could save them for me. Thankfully, they hadn’t yet been sold, so they were all mine. I thought they were a steal at $22 for the set.

I wasn’t sure where I’d hang the paintings, but when I got home, I noticed the narrow wall space next to my cabinetry and thought they’d look lovely there. Plus, the colors in the paintings worked well with the wall and cabinetry color. After measuring and pounding in a few small nails, the first new decor items in my freshly painted entryway were hung.

I couldn’t love them more.

It looks as though I may have developed a “thing” for mini paintings. I don’t think I shared this on the blog, but earlier this year I hung a mini painting from Marian of Miss Mustard Seed in my powder room. (See more of my powder room HERE.)

She was so kind as to send me this lovely piece she had painted. I picked up this frame from Target and simply mounted the piece inside with double-stick tape. I think the painting suits my powder room to a T.

I also recently received some mini art from one of my favorite artists, Laurel-Dawn Latshaw. I am a huge fan of her work (I have two of her prints hanging in my dining room.), and she graciously sent me these two originals.

When I thanked her for her kindness, I mentioned to her how much they reminded me of the opening scenes from the Wizard of Oz. Can you see it?

I haven’t yet picked a spot for hanging them, but when I do, I’ll be certain to show you how they look.

And that’s it, everyone. It feels so good to have finally made progress in my entryway. I hope you’re digging it as much as I am.

I also hope you enjoyed the peek at my collection of mini art and are feeling inspired to add mini paintings to your home.

Until next time!

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Citrus-Ginger Spritzer

Recipes

Friday
Sep / 4 / 2020
Comments 5

A special thank you to The House of ANGOSTURA® for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own.

If you’re looking for a light end-of-summer drink, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m showing you how to make this delicious Citrus-Ginger Spritzer. It’s a bright and refreshing drink that’s perfect for socially distant sipping over Labor Day weekend.

Citrus-Ginger Spritzer:

I’m always on the hunt for new drink recipes. That’s why today I’ve teamed up with The House of ANGOSTURA^® to share a tasty No-ABV cocktail inspired by their orange bitters. I wanted to create a drink similar to a classic wine spritzer but without the spirits, perfect for enjoying all day when it’s hot and sunny.

Low-proof cocktails or spirit-free drinks boost “session-ability,” meaning they offer the versatility to enjoy several over an extended period of time, while experimenting with different flavors and mixtures. By combining some of my favorite citrus and fruit flavors along with a splash of ginger beer and a few dashes of ANGOSTURA® orange bitters, I’ve crafted the perfect spirit-free summer spritzer.

In case you’re not familiar with ANGOSTURA® bitters, the company was started in 1824 when founder Dr. Johann Siegert first created aromatic bitters as a medicinal essence designed to alleviate stomach ailments.

Today, ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters is a staple all around the world for top mixologists, cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders like me. ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters is an essential ingredient to bring to life flavors within a range of cocktails, from higher-proof to spirit-free. I often use it in the cocktails I make here on Inspired by Charm
.
Today, I’m making a citrus-inspired spritzer. I love spritzers because they can be made with only a few ingredients and are easily portable for drinking at home in the yard or at a socially distanced picnic or backyard barbecue. For this drink, I’ve incorporated ANGOSTURA orange bitters because its complex blend of orange citrus oils and tropical spices are the ideal complement for my spritzer recipe, balancing tangy ginger with sweet, fruit-forward flavors.

I’m always amazed at how just a few dashes of ANGOSTURA aromatic or orange bitters can transform any beverage. You’ll reach for them again and again to enhance the complexity and intensity of the flavors of other drink components, while subduing acidic ingredients. This results in greater balance, especially when experimenting with lessening or eliminating spirits in cocktails.
I love that this particular spritzer is made without alcohol. As we all increasingly embrace wellness, No- and Low-ABV drinks are a great way to enjoy the intricacies of a cocktail without any of the drawbacks. And as mentioned above, before anyone thought of adding ANGOSTURA bitters to a cocktail, it was used to calm an upset stomach. Love that!

How to Make a Citrus-Ginger Spritzer:

This Citrus-Ginger Spritzer is simple to make.

Start by filling a highball glass with ice. I’m making two glasses, one for me and one for a friend.

Next, add orange juice, pineapple juice and lime juice. I’ve included the amounts in the printable recipe card below, but feel free to add more of the juice you love most. Then, top with ginger beer to fill the glass.

Add 2 dashes of ANGOSTURA orange bitters and stir to combine.

Finally, garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh mint. I used pineapple mint. I think the variegated leaves are so pretty!

And voila! Your drink is ready to be enjoyed!

It doesn’t get much easier than that. What you get for minimal effort is a delicious drink that’s great for cooling off during hot summer days.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to experiment and make your own unique take on a spritzer.

You can add or substitute liqueurs, simple syrups, fruit juices and more. As long as you have the bitter and sweet elements plus some bubbles, you’re good to go. Just don’t forget the ANGOSTURA bitters!
Cheers!

Cheers!

Citrus-Ginger Spritzer Recipe:

Citrus-Ginger Spritzer

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bitters, ginger, orange

Servings: cocktail

Prep Time 3 mins

Total Time 3 mins

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Learn how to make this delicious Citrus-Ginger Spritzer. It's a bright and refreshing drink that's perfect for summer sipping.

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Ingredients

2 ounces orange juice
3 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
2 dashes ANGOSTURA orange bitters
Orange slice and fresh mint for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer to fill the glass.
Add 2 dashes of ANGOSTURA orange bitters.
Stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh mint.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 113kcal • Carbohydrates: 26g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Sodium: 9mg • Potassium: 224mg • Sugar: 21g • Vitamin A: 113IU • Vitamin C: 41mg • Calcium: 11mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Italian Hoagie Dip

Recipes

Thursday
Sep / 3 / 2020
Comments 5

All the ingredients and flavors you love about an Italian hoagie (submarine sandwich) have come together in this unique Italian Hoagie Dip. You’re going to be looking for an excuse to try this tasty dip.

Italian Hoagie Dip

I love a good dip recipe. (I have an entire post dedicated to dip recipes. You can find that HERE.) So whenever I have the opportunity to add a new dip recipe to my collection, I’m totally on board. Today, we’re making this Italian Hoagie Dip.

I first tasted this dip several years ago when my Dad’s wife made if for a family get-together. I have thought about it off and on since then because it’s been on my “To-Make-for-the-Blog” List. Well, the hoagie dip finally made it to the top of the list, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

This is the time of year for a recipe such as this. Dips go great with football parties and watching the big game on TV. I realize things are looking a bit different this year, but I hope you’ll still find a reason to make this dip. (And in case you want more game day treats, I’ve got you covered there, too. I have a full collection of those HERE.)

I did not come up with the idea for this recipe. After doing an online search and looking through my recipe collection, I discovered that there are many versions of this dip. So, inspired by all of that, I gathered the ingredients I love and created what I think is a really good Italian Hoagie Dip.

What’s in Italian Hoagie Dip:

One of the best parts of this dip, and hoagies in general, is that you choose the ingredients. It all depends on what you like and have on hand.

Here’s what I put in my Italian Hoagie Dip:

Deli ham, chopped
Genoa salami, chopped
Deli pepperoni, chopped
American cheese slices, chopped
Iceberg lettuce, chopped
Tomato, chopped
Banana pepper rings, chopped
Red onion, chopped

Other things you might want to add: sliced black olives, jalapeño peppers, sweet peppers, and mushrooms.

For the dressing, I combined mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and dried oregano. Feel free to add kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.

How to Make Italian Hoagie Dip:

Putting this dip together is easy.

After chopping each item, I toss it into a large bowl. Once everything is cut up, I get into the bowl with clean hands and break everything up. It’s okay if some of the meat and cheese slices stick together, but I like to break things up as much as I can.

Next, whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour the mixture into the large bowl that contains the chopped ingredients. Toss to combine.

For a fun presentation, I decided to serve my dip in a bread bowl. However, serving the dip in a regular bowl is perfectly fine.

Finally, chop up fresh Italian bread for serving. Your Italian Hoagie Dip is ready to enjoy!

Can’t you just about taste this through the screen? It tastes exactly like an Italian sub sandwich! So-o-o good!

Looking for delicious dips? Try these:

I think you’re going to fall in love with this hoagie dip recipe. I have. I’m already looking forward to making it again. Have fun making it AND making it your own!

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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.

Italian Hoagie Dip Recipe:

Italian Hoagie Dip

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizer dip, dip, hoagie dip, italia hoagie, sub dip

Servings: servings

Prep Time 20 mins

Total Time 20 mins

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All the ingredients and flavors you love about an Italian hoagie (submarine sandwich) have come together in this unique Italian Hoagie Dip. You're going to be looking for an excuse to try this tasty dip.

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Ingredients

1/2 pound sliced deli ham - chopped
1/2 pound sliced Genoa salami - chopped
1/2 pound sliced deli pepperoni - chopped
3/4 pound American cheese slices - chopped
1/2 head iceberg lettuce - chopped
3/4 cup chopped tomato
3/4 cup chopped banana pepper rings
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1-2 Loaf(s) of Italian bread for serving

Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Add all of your chopped ingredients (except for the bread) to a large bowl. Use clean hands to break up any meat or cheese slices that may be stuck together.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add the dressing to the large bowl and toss everything so it's well combined.
Serve with cubed Italian bread.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 656kcal • Carbohydrates: 23g • Protein: 21g • Fat: 53g • Saturated Fat: 21g • Cholesterol: 81mg • Sodium: 1720mg • Potassium: 362mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 14g • Vitamin A: 407IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 317mg • Iron: 2mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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German Apple Cake

Recipes

Tuesday
Sep / 1 / 2020
Comments 31

Delicious German Apple Cake Recipe #germanapplecake #applecake #fallbaking #cake #fall #cinnamon #recipe #dessert

This two-tiered German Apple Cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a decadent fall dessert recipe that’s loaded with seasonal flavor and charm.

German Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cake is a happy place for me. If the calories didn’t count, I would probably eat a slice almost every day. Who’s with me?

Today I am beyond thrilled to be back with my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. Each of us is sharing one of our favorite fall apple-inspired recipes. As you’ve probably figured out, my contribution to this recipe fest is a German Apple Cake. At the end of this post, you’ll find five more incredibly tasty fall apple desserts that you’re also going to want to make.

Before we get to those, however, let’s talk about my German Apple Cake.

What is German Apple Cake:

From my research, I learned there are several versions of German Apple Cake. I’m not sure this recipe is the most traditional one, but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful. For added interest, I decided to take the recipe that I had (which was made in a 9 x 13-inch pan) and turn it into a two-tiered cake. That probably makes this recipe even less traditional, but that’s fine by me. Putting a twist on the classics is one of the things I love to do.

Because I was crazy excited to make this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, I may have put a bit too much of it on my cake. When you make this recipe, I suggest being a little less generous with the frosting. That is unless you’re a frosting freak like me. Then, by all means, go to town.

No matter how you make it, German Apple Cake is a winner. It’s a moist, dense, and rich cake that’s loaded with apples and flavor. (Want more apple recipes? I just put a post together with ALL OF MY FAVORITES. You can find it HERE.) It also has pecans. If pecans aren’t your thing, feel free to substitute walnuts or leave the nuts out altogether. You’ll still end up with a delectable cake.

Let me walk you through the recipe!

How to Make German Apple Cake:

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. (A full ingredient list and detailed recipe instructions are available in the printable recipe card below.)

In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to combine. Add the flour mixture and mix again until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans. The batter will be thick.

Side note: I used my new cordless KitchenAid hand mixer to make this cake. The mixer is a DREAM. I highly recommend it. You can read more about it HERE.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pan on a wire rack. These cakes are delicate, so when removing them from the pan, be gentle and don’t rush. I used a large dinner plate to make the process easy.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Using a mixer, blend the cream cheese and butter. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time. Add the kosher salt and cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the frosty is fluffy.

Transfer one of the cake rounds to the serving platter and spread frosting on that first layer of cake. Position the second cake round on the frosting and then top the second layer of cake with more frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top and sides of the cake.

I went for a “naked” cake effect. It gives a rustic-looking cake. It also doesn’t require a lot of frosting skill so it’s one of the easiest ways to frost a cake. In essence, you’re just scraping off the frosting to let some of the cake show through.

To garnish the cake, top it with apple slices and chopped pecans. I tossed my apple slices in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.

You can serve this cake immediately or store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. I suggest allowing the cake to come to room temperature before serving so the frosting is soft.

And that’s a wrap on my German Apple Cake!

As you can see, this cake is loaded with apples and other warm and comforting fall flavors. It’s a rich cake, so a thin slice is probably all you need.

Looking for more apple-based recipes? Try these:

If you’re having a small gathering this fall, give this German Apple Cake a try. And if you’re looking for other treats for fall, be sure to check out all of the delicious Tastes of the Season apple recipes below. What will you put on your “Must-Make” List?

Happy baking, my friends!

Tastes of the Season: Fall Apple Recipes:

Slow Cooker Baked Cinnamon Apples by Ella Claire & Co. | Mini Apple Pies by French Country Cottage | German Apple Cake by Inspired by Charm

Apple Butter Pie by Anderson + Grant | Apple Cake by Boxwood Avenue | Apple Blossom Mini Pies by Handmade Farmhouse

German Apple Cake Recipe:

German Apple Cake

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, German

Keyword: apple cake, cake, fall baking

Servings: servings

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

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This two-tiered German Apple Cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a decadent fall dessert recipe that's loaded with seasonal flavor and charm.

Pin It!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup canola - (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples - (That's about 3 apples. I used Granny Smith.)
3/4 cups pecans

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese - softened
1/2 cup butter - softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Thin apple slices and chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to combine. Add the flour mixture and mix again until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans. The batter will be thick.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pans on a wire rack.
In the meantime, prepare the frosting. Using a mixer, blend the cream cheese and butter. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time. Add the kosher salt and cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the frosting is fluffy.
Transfer one cake to the serving plate and spread frosting on that layer. Top with the other cake round and add another layer of frosting on top of that. Smooth the top and sides of the cake with an offset spatula. Garnish with the apple slices and chopped pecans.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If refrigerating, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

This cake can also be made in a 9 x 13-inch cake pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

The frosting recipe makes a generous amount. Any excess can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use the extra to dip apples, frost cinnamon rolls, or spread onto cookies.

To prevent the sliced apple garnish from turning brown, toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice before putting them on the cake.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 701kcal • Carbohydrates: 87g • Protein: 5g • Fat: 39g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Cholesterol: 82mg • Sodium: 431mg • Potassium: 134mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 68g • Vitamin A: 572IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 42mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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.

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Favorite Fall Recipes

Recipes

Monday
Aug / 31 / 2020
Comments 4

This is a delicious collection of some of my favorite (and yours too) fall recipes on Inspired by Charm. From sweet to savory and cocktails too, there’s something everyone will love!

Inspired by Charm’s Best Fall Recipes:

As you may have noticed, I’m slowly transitioning to fall here on Inspired by Charm. (Don’t worry though, I’m still enjoying summer and will be sad to see it go.) Last week I highlighted IBC fall home decor ideas and DIY projects to inspire you as you get ready for the change of seasons. Today I’m back, as promised, to share some of my favorite fall recipes.

Though I enjoy cooking and baking any time of the year, there’s something especially wonderful about fall baking. Fall welcomes pumpkins, apples, and cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Given my love for these things, it’s no wonder I relish autumn. And while I have dozens of fall-inspired recipes, below are of few of my favorites. I’ve included your favorites as well, based on which recipes have garnered the most views here on IBC. I hope you enjoy this flavorful walk down memory lane and pick up a few ideas for your own cooking and baking.

You can click on any of the photos or links in the mint green color for more photos and information.

Sidenote: Selecting recipes was extremely difficult. I initially chose more than 35 and narrowed it down to these 18(ish). For more recipes, check out the IBC archives HERE.

Fall Recipes: Cookies!

Let’s start with Fall Cookie Week standouts. (Yes, Fall Cookie Week will be back the third week in September. Stay tuned!) These Frosted Pumpkin Cookies may be an all-time favorite. A soft cookie with a cream frosting. Perfection.

My Soft-Baked Butterscotch Cookies were also a huge hit. I didn’t expect to like them so much, but I couldn’t get enough. I’ve already had requests from my family to make these cookies again for the holidays.

If you’re also a big fan of frosted cookies, these Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies are the bomb. These Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies (not pictured) deserve a shout out, too. So unassuming, but so good!

Also, I have to give a little love to these Caramel Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. Who wouldn’t enjoy a cookie with a caramel interior?

Fall Recipes: Savory!

You’ve probably noticed that I don’t do a ton of savory dishes, but when I do, I try to do them right. Case in point: these single servings of Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. Talk about comfort food.

I will also be making this Fall Harvest Pasta Salad again this year. I was so pleased with how it turned out. The flavor combination is out of this world.

If you’re a mac and cheese fanatic and enjoy savory pumpkin dishes, then this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with bacon is for you. It’s the perfect fall side.

When it comes to picture perfect (and delicious), these apple-inspired cheese balls will impress your guests every time.

And if you thought those were cute, you’ll love this Everything Bagel Cheeseball shaped-like a pumpkin. It’s one of my FAVORITES. I know you all love it too because every time I share it on Instagram everyone goes crazy. And for good reason: it’s delicious and adorable!

Fall Recipes: Desserts

Given my sweet tooth, I’ve shared a lot of desserts here on IBC. This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread is easily one of the most popular. Not only is it simple to make, it’s crazy delicious.

If you want something a little fancier, try this Pumpkin Tiramisu. It’s a seasonal take on the classic dessert. I dished mine up in single servings, but you could make a larger pan if you’d like.

Need an autumn brunch or breakfast treat? These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a winner. Again, this is another super popular recipe on the blog.

This Pumpkin Cake is an easy recipe for when those pumpkin spice cravings hit. It’s incredibly moist and full of pumpkin spice flavor. With its crunchy crumb topping, this delicious cake will quickly become your new go-to fall baking treat!

Every fall recipe collection needs a drizzle of maple. And since I so enjoy the flavors of maple and walnut, I put the two together in these from-scratch Maple Walnut Cupcakes. They are so easy to make and the results are scrumptious!

Fall Recipes: Cocktails

Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without a round or two of cocktails. Right? This Caramel Apple Martini, which I shared back in 2014, is still a favorite of mine and yours. To make it, you only need three ingredients…and some caramel sauce of course. (I also made a creamy version which you can find here.)

You know I love sangria, and I selected two of my recipes for you: Apple Pie Sangria (pictured below) and an Apple Cider Sangria. Both are tasty autumn libations.

Need something warm to serve on cooler fall days? This Mulled Wine is guaranteed to please!

And I can’t forget my Salted Caramel White Russians. Anytime I share this on social media, the comments, likes, and shares abound. Lots of folks seem to adore this cocktail, and so do I!

Favorite Fall Recipes: That’s it!

Wow. That’s a lot of tasty fall goodness, don’t you think?

Have you tried any of my favorite fall recipes? Which one is your favorite? Are there any that you MUST add to your fall cooking/baking cocktail-making list?

More Delicious Fall-Inspired Recipe Collections:

Want More from Inspired by Charm?

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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How to Create a Pet Emergency Kit

Life

Sunday
Aug / 30 / 2020
Comments 7

How to Create an Emergency Pet Kit #pet #emergencykit #cat #dog #planning

It’s always smart to plan if you can. Today I’m going to show you how I put together a pet emergency kit. Plus, I’ll be sharing ideas and resources for creating an emergency plan for your fur-family.

A special thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? This observance was established in the U.S. by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose is to inform people about the importance of disaster preparedness and encourage them to prepare.

As you might remember from the post I did about my cats’ adoption stories, this year I’ve partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to share helpful information regarding our pets and their health. Since it’s September, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about National Preparedness Month and our pets. According to Hill’s, there are two things we can do: 1) Create an emergency plan, and 2) Assemble a pet emergency kit.

Creating a Pet Emergency Plan:

I’ll be listing the basic steps here. If you want more information, Hill’s has created a dedicated website for creating a Pet Emergency Plan. You can find that HERE.

I realize emergency planning isn’t a fun thing to think about, but you’ll be glad you prepared when the next emergency arises. It turns out that all too often, people forget to include their pets in their disaster plans, as sad as that is. I hope this information helps you inform both you, your family, and friends about the importance of ensuring your fur-friends are included in your disaster plans.

Here are some steps you can get to work on today:

Identify a place where you can take your pet if you need to leave your home. Keep in mind that not all disaster shelters will allow pets. It’s best to choose a friend or family member who knows your pet and won’t mind watching your pet for a few days.
Make sure your pet is identified with a collar tag or microchip. If your pet already has one of these, be sure the information is up-to-date.
Have a recent/good picture of your pet in case you get separated.
Add a pet rescue decal to your front door or a front window. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
Put together an emergency kit for your pet(s). More details on that are below.

Preparing a Pet Emergency Kit:

Assembling a Pet Emergency Kit is easier than you think. Before writing this post, I hadn’t prepared one. However, now my kit is ready, and it took less than 15 minutes since I had most of the items on hand. Frankie and Jax seem pretty happy about it, too.

Jax helped to pick out the best toys for the box …

… and Frankie took them out of the box.

Although I made my kit for cats, the list below includes items for dogs and cats. Should you have pets besides a dog or cat, use this list as a guide for what supplies you might need for your particular pets.

Here’s what you will need:

Food and Water: You will want a three-day supply of pet food and bottled water. (Make sure to have some of your pet’s favorite treats.) Keep in mind that pet food can expire, so rotate your stock regularly to refresh the kit.

Medications/First Aid Supplies: Include any medications your pet needs. It’s also helpful to have basic first aid items.

Blanket/Toys: Stash a blanket or towel in your kit to keep your pet cozy. A few favorite toys should be included as well.

Leash and Collar: An extra leash and collar may also come in handy. (My cats do not use these, so I didn’t put any in my kit.)

Waste Clean-up Supplies: For me, this means litter and a box. I put my litter in a plastic food container with a lid. The container can be used as the litter box. Plastic bags for waste should also be put in the kit.

Contacts List/Veterinarian Contact Info: Provide contact information for your veterinarian as well as phone numbers for a couple of close friends or family members. Should you not have your phone, it’s important to have such a list.

Basic Care List: Write down when to feed your pets and when to administer medications as well as where they like to be petted, plus any other information a caregiver will need.

And that’s it. As you can see, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare a Pet Emergency Plan and a Pet Emergency Kit to ensure that you’re ready in case of a disaster.

A final note: When natural disasters strike, local animal shelters are inundated with pets that have been displaced from their homes. That’s why Hill’s set up the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network to help local shelters. You can read more about it HERE. Since 2013, Hill’s has responded to more than 100 emergencies, ranging from tornados and hurricanes to wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. They’ve also donated over 400,00 pounds of food during these times of crisis.

Even if you don’t or can’t have a pet, you can still get involved by talking to your local shelter about their disaster preparedness plans and finding out what you can do to help in case of a natural disaster.

I hope you find this post helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared. Let’s all do what we can to mark National Disaster Preparedness Month in a meaningful way.

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Maple Walnut Cupcakes

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 27 / 2020
Comments 7

Delicious Homemade Maple Walnut Cupcakes #maple #walnut #cupcakes #dessert #recipe #fallbaking #maplecupcake #maplefrosting

A special thank you to KitchenAid for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own.

I so enjoy the flavors of maple and walnut. Today, I’m putting the two together in these from-scratch Maple Walnut Cupcakes. But don’t worry, they are a breeze to make (especially with the new KitchenAid Cordless Collection).

Maple Walnut Cupcakes

During the latter part of August, I often start to think about fall. And while I’m not ready to dive into pumpkin just yet, I have been craving something rich and comforting. That’s where maple comes in. Maple is delicious year-round, but I especially love it as we revel in the remaining days of summer. That’s why I created these Maple Walnut Cupcakes.

I was even more excited to make these Maple Walnut Cupcakes because my friends over at KitchenAid sent me the new KitchenAid Cordless Collection. It features a Hand Blender, 5 Cup Food Chopper, and 7 Speed Hand Mixer, all which have no cords and totally change the baking game. Without the hassle of power cords everywhere, I could feel free to move around my kitchen without limits. Plus, in true KitchenAid form, the collection is available in eight gorgeous colors. I got Blue Velvet. Isn’t it spectacular?

To make these Maple Walnut Cupcakes, I used the Hand Mixer for the batter and the frosting. I also used the food chopper to chop up the walnuts. I’m saving the Hand Blender for another recipe that I’ll be sharing on my Instagram page. You can follow along here so you don’t miss it.

Next, I’m going to walk you through this easy and delicious recipe.

But before I forget to mention it: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can leave them out of this recipe. I like them because they add a slight bitterness and depth of flavor, which works beautifully with the sweet maple syrup.

Now that I’ve said all that, let’s bake!

How to Make Maple Walnut Cupcakes:

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Line your muffin tin(s) with paper liners. You’ll probably need 16. Set the pan(s) aside.

In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Then, beat in the maple syrup and heavy cream at medium speed. Be sure to use pure maple syrup. It’s essential for this recipe.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in the butter and vanilla extract until just smooth. Then, fold in the chopped walnuts.

And this is where your KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer comes in handy. With seven speeds, you can stir, mix, and whip. There’s a slow speed for stirring chunky ingredients, medium speed for creaming butter and sugar, and high speed for whipping egg whites and heavy creams.

Some may be wondering how long the battery lasts given the lack of a cord. Well, not to worry–this little workhorse can make up to 200 cookies on a full charge!

I won’t skip steps, but keep reading and I’ll tell you about another cool feature I discovered when I made the frosting.

Once the batter is mixed, it’s time to chop the walnuts. Like the Hand Mixer, there’s no need to be concerned about battery strength. The food chopper can chop up to 40 onions on a full charge, and you can control how fast it chops with two different speeds.

Once the chopped walnuts have been folded into the mixture, our maple walnut cupcake batter is ready for baking!

Fill the prepared muffin tins about 3/4 full of batter. Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then remove and transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

In the meantime, prepare the Maple Frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, salt, and maple syrup until fluffy. If your frosting is a bit thick, add a splash of heavy cream.

And here is the other reason I love this KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer: It’s designed to stand on its own. There’s no need to rest the beaters on the countertop or side of a bowl. Genius! I could easily scrape the side of my bowl with a spatula and the mixer was out of the way and not making a mess on my countertop.

Once the frosting is prepared, add it to a piping bag fitted with a large close-star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Top each cupcake with a walnut half.

With that, these Maple Walnut cupcakes are ready for serving. Trust me, they taste as decadent as they look. I promise you are going to love them. (Be warned: You will also get lots of requests for the recipe.)

For more information about the KitchenAid Cordless Collection, head on over to the KitchenAid website.

As always, happy baking, my friends!

Maple Walnut Cupcakes Recipe:

Maple Walnut Cupcakes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cupcakes, fall baking, maple syrup, maple walnut

Servings: cupcakes

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 24 mins

Total Time 44 mins

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I so enjoy the flavors of maple and walnut. Today, I'm putting the two together in these from-scratch Maple Walnut Cupcakes. But don't worry, they are a breeze to make.

Pin It!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup heavy cream
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter - melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
16 walnut halves for garnish

Maple Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
Heavy cream - optional

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Line your muffin tin(s) with paper liners. You'll need 16 or so. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Then, beat in the maple syrup and heavy cream at medium speed. Add the eggs, one a time, beating after each addition. Beat in the butter and vanilla extract until just smooth. Then, fold in the chopped walnuts.
Fill the prepared muffin liners about 3/4 full of batter. Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing and transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
In the meantime, prepare the Maple Frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, salt, and maple syrup until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream.
Add the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large close-star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Top each cupcake with a walnut half.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 445kcal • Carbohydrates: 66g • Protein: 3g • Fat: 20g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Cholesterol: 73mg • Sodium: 317mg • Potassium: 122mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 50g • Vitamin A: 617IU • Vitamin C: 1mg • Calcium: 102mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Entryway Cabinetry Reveal

Interiors

Tuesday
Aug / 25 / 2020
Comments 47

Entryway Cabinetry and Bench Reveal - Farrow and Ball Pigeon #entryway #cabinets #cabinetry #entrywaybench #custom

Today I’m excited to share the new custom cabinetry and bench in my entryway. What once was a basic, stud-and-drywall closet is now a custom cabinet with lots of intentional storage, a bench seat, and a decorative peg-rail shelf.

Friends, it’s a special day at my place. This entryway cabinetry reveal has been a year in the making. You might remember that last year during the kitchen renovation we ripped out my existing entryway closet. Despite not having money to replace the closet, I wanted to put in new flooring in the entire entry. Flash forward about a year and six months: I now have a whole new entryway!

Let me show you around.

Entryway Cabinetry and Bench Reveal:

Isn’t the cabinetry beautiful? I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. The color, style, and details are exactly what I wanted.

As I mentioned when I shared the design for this cabinetry, I worked with a local cabinet maker, Drury Cabinetry. (I highly recommend them if you’re local to Pittsburgh.) They did a fabulous job!. The unit was designed and built at their workshop and then installed in my home.

Entryway Cabinetry and Bench Details:

The color is Pigeon by Farrow & Ball. It’s one of those chameleon colors in that it changes depending on the light. Sometimes it’s green; other times it’s gray. It’s truly a beautiful color.

I chose many of the details like the peg rail, shelf brackets, and beadboard to coordinate with the details of the cabinets in my kitchen and butler’s pantry. The style of the cabinet doors is also similar, but to keep things interesting, it’s not identical.

I opted for hardware in unlacquered brass. The pulls on the drawers below the bench are the same pulls I have in my kitchen, just a different finish. You can find those here. I used another pull in a different style but the same finish for the doors. You will find those here. And I also swapped out the light switch plate for a brass one. You can find that here.

Inside the closet, there is plenty of functional storage. When the original closet was removed, I asked my electrician to add an outlet in this space, knowing that I’d eventually install cabinetry.

I wanted an outlet here because this is where I store a cordless vacuum. The outlet allows the vacuum to charge while it’s in the cabinet. There is also a bar for hanging coats and additional shelves for holding other things.

As I mentioned when I shared the design plan for this cabinetry, I was hoping that the cabinetry color (which I’m obsessed with) and the navy blue walls would play nicely together. Well, now that the cabinets are in, I think the navy needs to go. Although I don’t think the combination is downright terrible (it looks better in the photos then in real life), I’m just not crazy about it, and I think I can do better.

After lots of researching and testing paint, I finally landed on Shaded White from Farrow & Ball. This is a surprising choice for me because I’m not a big fan of beige. However, as stated on the Farrow & Ball website, this color is “a light grey beige … not too warm nor too cool.” I think that’s a beige I can get on board with.

I also think the Shaded White looks lovely with the cabinetry color. I tested in on a section of the wall, and even though I didn’t cut in all the edges (and it will need a second coat), here’s how it’s going to look.

I think it’s an improvement. I may eventually wallpaper the top section of the wall, but I’m just not ready to dive into that right now. In the meantime, this feels like good middle ground.

As much as I loved the navy color, I did find it a bit dark and somewhat limiting. During the fall and at Christmas, the navy was challenging for my seasonal decorating. While I made it work (you can see here), I think a more neutral palette will help things flow together more seamlessly. But we shall see, Goodness knows, I may be changing it in another couple of months.

Right now I’m going to get this entryway painted and then decorated for fall! I’m currently on the hunt for a cushion for the bench. I’m also going to add a few decorations to the shelf and peg rail. I may even make some other decorative changes to the rest of the space.

I’ll be sure to share all of that with you as it comes together.

Entryway Cabinetry Before & After:

And in case you’re wondering (because everyone loves a good before and after), here is how the entryway looked when I first moved in:

Here is how it looked without the new custom cabinetry:

And here’s how it looks now:

That’s it for today. What do you think of my new entryway cabinetry and bench? Do you agree with me on the wall color?

Be sure to check back soon. Next week I’m going to show you the design plan for the upcoming custom cabinetry install in my living room. It includes updating the fireplace surround and bookcases. Stay tuned!

Entryway Sources:

Current Wall Color: Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue No. 281 (Estate Emulsion)
Proposed Wall Color: Farrow & Ball Shaded White No. 201 (Estate Emulsion)
Cabinets Wall Color: Farrow & Ball Pigeon No. 25 (Custom match and finish by cabinet maker)
Trim Color: Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006 (ProClassic Semi-Gloss Finish)
Drawer Pulls: Mission Bin Pull – 4 inch in Unlacquered Brass
Cabinet Pulls: Large Mission Drawer Pull – 4 inch in Unlacquered Brass
Wall Plate: Toggle Switch Wall Plate in Polished Brass

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Coffee-Inspired Snackcuterie (Dessert Charcuterie Board)

Entertaining

Monday
Aug / 24 / 2020
Comments 19

We’re making a Dessert Charcuterie Board today. I’m using pre-made sweets plus fresh berries to create a coffee (or tea)- inspired snackcuterie board that’s a delicious showpiece for entertaining, no matter the season or occasion.

Coffee-Inspired Snackcuterie: (Dessert Charcuterie Board)

Yes, my friends, there is such a thing as a snackcuterie. It’s a charcuterie board that’s loaded with snacks! What’s not to love?

I’m excited to share this delicious and beautiful snack board with you today. I created it in collaboration with my friends at HomeGoods. They featured it on their blog, and because I loved the idea and spread so much, I decided to post about it on IBC as well. I hope you enjoy it and are inspired to put a board of your own together.

You may have noticed that snack boards, charcuteries, and food platters have become popular in recent years. The reasons are many: They’re easy to put together. They offer a variety of goodies to please different palates. and the presentation can be striking.

Although charcuterie boards typically feature cheeses and meats, I decided to create a board full of sweets that can be enjoyed with coffee and tea.

NOTE: In case you’re looking for ideas and inspiration to create a more classic meat and cheese charcuterie, I wrote a post all about that. You can find it HERE. I was thrilled with how that board turned out!

Want to know the best part of this snackcuterie? I purchased all of these treats in the Gourmet Food section at HomeGoods. No cooking or baking required! However, in creating your version of a Dessert Charcuterie Board, if you want to include some homemade treats, go for it! One of the best parts of a snackcuterie is that you can use the things YOU love.

Homemade Treats You Can Make for Your Charcuterie:

Since I’ve created quite a few charcuterie-style spreads when entertaining family and friends, I thought I’d use this post to share some tips and tricks that will help you in designing your board.

How To Create A Dessert Charcuterie Board:

1. Create the Setting

Since you’re putting together a board, you’ll want to start with a good base and small containers. I used a cutting board, which is a great base for big spreads like this. Keeping in mind what I would be serving, I then added bowls and glasses. If you don’t have a big cutting board, get creative. You can use a mirror, chalkboard, cookie sheet, or even a clean piece of slate. Just make sure that the base and containers are food safe.

I try to create an appealing set-up from the start, but I’m also flexible when I begin adding the goodies. Being willing to make changes to the arrangement, contents, and containers will give you the best results.

2. Add the Larger Elements

I find it helpful to place the largest elements first and then work around them. As you can see, I first added some of the larger cookies and treats. I spread them out in different sections of the board to keep things interesting and convenient

I recommend placing the big items first because it’s challenging to squeeze them in later when most of the board is covered.

3. Fill In with Different Shapes and Textures

When you’re considering the elements for your board, select items of different sizes, shapes, colors, flavors, heights, and textures. This will give your board visual variety and make it more interesting and inviting.

Looking around my board, you can see the array of things I selected. Like me, you probably want a nibble of each.

4. Add Freshness and Color

Since the bulk of items on my board were baked goods in shades of brown, I knew another element was needed to give the board a bit of color. That’s why I included a variety of berries. I even tucked in a few sprigs of mint for a touch of green.

I also think that a snack board needs a sauce, dip, or spread. (People love condiments!) For this particular board, I went with three different jams and jellies. But chocolate sauce or a cream cheese spread would have been delicious, too.

5. Fill In and Spill Over

I think the perfect finishing touch on any board is using one smaller element for “filling in and spilling over.” On this board, I scattered small almond cookies where there were “holes” and let a few of the cookies hang over the edge and onto some of the other treats.

This final step makes the board look full and give it lots of movement and interest. Using the same element across the entire board also helps tie everything together.

Dig into you Dessert Charcuterie Board!

With the addition of the almond cookies, my dessert charcuterie board was complete. I am so pleased with how it turned out! And aren’t those flowers the perfect backdrop? I picked them up at a local flower shop for my birthday. (Treat yo’ self!)

All that’s left to do is pour the coffee, sit back, and enjoy!

Although I used sweet snacks for my board, I hope these tips and tricks will help you create a snackcuterie that suits your specific celebration or event.

Remember to use treats you love and have fun with it! Happy entertaining.

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Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

Recipes

Friday
Aug / 21 / 2020
Comments 5

We are kicking off fall on IBC with a delicious new cocktail recipe. I took a classic old fashioned and added seasonal flavor with apple cider and pure maple syrup to create this sensational Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. I know you’re going to love this combination as much as I do.

Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

Well, August is upon us, and I’ve started to talk about fall. I know. The changing of the seasons always feels a bit early in the blog world. This happens because of the algorithms we bloggers try to “please” plus our goal of getting content out as early as possible so you can enjoy it when the timing is right for you.

LIKE THIS GLASSWARE? BUY IT!: Tour Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Since it’s been a rough year, we may have even more reason to be looking ahead to fall. For some of us, a Pumpkin Spice Latte or string of Christmas lights may be just what we need to take our mind off the world for a bit. If it makes you happy (and doesn’t hurt anyone), I say go for it!

Retailers also seem to be gearing up for fall. When I was at the grocery store the other day, I bought some apple cider. That was all the inspiration I needed to whip up this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned.

In essence, this is a classic old fashioned recipe but with a couple of substitutions. Instead of sugar, we’re using maple syrup, and instead of orange and cherry, we’re using apple cider. These changes give the classic a new flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.

As you might recall, I’ve recently become a bourbon fan. A few years ago I wouldn’t dream of making or ordering a bourbon-based drink. However, after intentionally trying bourbon whenever I had the opportunity, it’s now a favorite. I’m especially fond of Four Roses Single Barrel, which you will often see me use.

For maple syrup, you can’t miss with my go-to: Finding Home Farms. This time around, though, I opted for their Rye Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. I thought a maple syrup aged in a whiskey barrel would make a lovely addition. I was right!

If you don’t have this particular maple syrup, don’t worry. Your cocktail will be equally delicious. Just make sure you use REAL maple syrup.

Now that you have an idea of some of my favorite ingredients for this Cider and Maple Old Fashioned recipe, let’s whip one up.

How to Make a Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

This cocktail couldn’t be easier to make. Since I like my drinks as cold as possible, I like to put this together in a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have one, you can just add all of the ingredients to a rocks glass and give them a good stir.

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. Then shake up the mixture to cool and combine.

Strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

LIKE THIS GLASSWARE? BUY IT!: Tour Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Pro Tip: I prefer these longer cinnamon sticks for cocktail garnishes. They can be challenging to find in the grocery store so I buy mine online. You can find them HERE.

And that’s it! An exquisite cocktail for fall!

Looking for more bourbon based cocktails? Try these:

This Cider and Maple Old Fashioned is such an enjoyable drink for fall and even winter. The cider, maple, and bourbon flavors blend beautifully. And don’t hesitate to make this cocktail your own. If you like things sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup. If you find the drink too strong, try an extra splash of apple cider.

No matter how you make yours, I hope you’ll shake up a Cider and Maple Old Fashioned to celebrate the new season!

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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.

Cider and Maple Old Fashioned Recipe:

Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, old fashioned

Servings: cocktails

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

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I took a classic old fashioned and added seasonal flavor with apple cider and pure maple syrup to create this sensational Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. I know you're going to love this combination as much as I do.

Pin It!

Ingredients

5 ounces bourbon - (I enjoy Four Roses Single Barrel.)
1 ounce pure maple syrup - (My go-to brand is Finding Home Farms.)
1 ounce apple cider
4-6 dashes of orange bitters
Cinnamon sticks to garnish

Instructions

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, pure maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. Shake to combine.
Strain into two rocks glasses filled with ice and then garnish each with a cinnamon stick.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 218kcal • Carbohydrates: 12g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Sodium: 3mg • Potassium: 32mg • Sugar: 10g • Calcium: 15mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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The Best Apple Recipes for Fall

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 19 / 2020
Comments 10

When I think of autumn, apples (and delicious apple recipes) are one of the wonderful things that come to mind. I love the color and beauty of the different varieties and the many delicious things you can make from this unassuming fruit.

The Best Apple Recipes for Fall:

I’ve shared lots of apple recipes here on Inspired by Charm, and today, for your convenience, I’m posting The Best Apple Recipes for Fall. This roundup includes apple dessert recipes, apple recipes for breakfast and bread, savory apple recipes, and recipes for drinks using apple cider.

What will you make? (I know it’s hard to decide.)

Apple Recipes: DESSERTS

German Apple Cake
This two-tiered German Apple Cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a decadent fall dessert recipe that’s loaded with seasonal flavor and charm.

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread #appetizer #recipe #caramel #apple #snack

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
I first had this spread at a friend’s house and was thrilled to learn how simple the recipe is. You just cover a block of cream cheese with caramel sauce, sprinkle on toffee bits, and serve with sliced apples.

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and sweet way to celebrate the season. With a homemade pie crust, fresh apple filling, and salted caramel that you can hold in your hand, what’s not to love?

This Apple Cranberry Tart make a delicious and beautiful holiday dessert. #cranberry #apple #tart #dessert #recipe #thanksgiving #christmas #holiday

Apple Cranberry Tart
This gorgeous apple dessert has a buttery nutty crust, crumble top, and filling that is bursting with sweet and tart seasonal flavors. I like to serve this tart warm on a cake plate or pedestal stand and garnish it with rosemary sprigs and cranberries.

These Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious fall dessert recipe. #apple #cinnamon #cheesecake #bars #dessert #recipe #fallbaking #apples

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Bars
If you need a break from pumpkin, these bars are for you. With a graham cracker crust and apple cinnamon filling, they’re easy to put together. Plus, they’re handy for packed lunches and dessert buffets.

Make Apple Strudel at home with this delicious and easy recipe. #homemade #apple #strudel #fall #baking #dessert #puffpastry #recipe

Homemade Apple Strudel
I got this marvelous apple dessert recipe from my Aunt Maybe and look forward to making it when the days turn crisp in the fall. Like so many classics, it never fails to comfort and remind me of good times with loved ones. This recipe is a winner!

This Apple Cranberry Slab Pie is the perfect fall dessert. It's easy to make and the flavor combination is delicious.

Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
Although I usually recommend homemade pie dough, this is a recipe where frozen puff pastry works best. The flakey layers of crust seal in the apple-cranberry filling and look stunning drizzled with a buttery sugar glaze.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie #cinnamonroll #apple #pie #dessert #recipe

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
To make this crust, you pull out store-bought dough, sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar, roll it up, slice it, and then arrange the slices in the pie pan. The apple filling gets a crumb topping and swirl of cinnamon icing. Beautiful and tasty!

Apple Recipes: BREAKFAST AND BREAD

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze #apple #bread #roll #caramel #dessert #recipe #fallbaking

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Glaze
I enjoyed preparing this apple recipe when I ran my B&B. The bread is made by coiling apple slices with strips of dough in a round pan. All of that loveliness is then topped with sugar and cinnamon. After baking the bread, you brush it with butter and a caramel glaze!

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal
When the air outside turns crisp and cool, this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day. Packed with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and seasonal spices, this seasonal breakfast dish is also easy to make. I serve mine with milk and pure maple syrup for the ultimate flavor combination.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole - Easy Overnight French Toast #breakfast #apple #cinnamon #frenchtoast #brunch #recipe #French #toast

Apple Cinnamon French Toast
This French toast is a staple on IBC. The flavorful combination makes it especially welcome for breakfast on a crisp, fall morning. If you’d like, you can make the recipe ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and pop it in the oven the next day.

How to make Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers #apple #creamcheese #turnovers #pastry #breakfast #fallbaking #recipe #applerecipe

Apple Turnovers with Cream Cheese Frosting
You’re going to love these Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers. They are one of my favorite apple-based recipes. The cream cheese gives the turnovers creamy richness and tang – a match made in heaven. They just might become your new go-to pastry.

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious fall treat! #donut #applecider #fallbaking #recipe #apple #bakeddonut

Apple Cider Donuts
Moist and rich with the flavors of fall, these donuts can be served for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. I baked mine in a mini-Bundt cake pan. A sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar is the perfect finishing touch.

This Apple Streusel Cake is delicious fall dessert recipe. #apple #cake #streusel #baking #fallbaking #fall #recipe

Apple Streusel Cake
Anyone who knows me, knows I’ll take streusel any way I can get it. For this cake, you start by sautéing diced apples. The sweet, softened fruit is then layered in a baking pan with a super-easy cake batter and LOTS of yummy streusel. (It might seem like too much, but don’t worry, it’s not!)

Apple Recipes: SAVORY Dishes

One Pan Chicken Apple Sausage #onepan #chicken #sausage #apple #chickensausage #pasta #recipe

Chicken Apple Sausage One-Pan Pasta
This is one of my favorite one-pan meals. The combination of pasta with chicken apple sausage, Granny Smith apple, tomatoes with chiles, onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and more make this a craveable dish for fall (or any time of the year).

Apple Celeriac Soup
I’m confident you’ll agree this savory soup tastes as good as it looks. I first experienced it when I was in Ireland a couple of years ago and couldn’t wait to recreate it at home. The unusual presentation was inspired by a Thai soup that I also had in Ireland.

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with apple, cranberries, and pecans make a tasty fall side dish. #sidedish #fall #recipe #roasted #brusselssprouts #apple #cranberries

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples
I’m a huge fan of Brussels Sprouts. But I enjoy them, even more, when they’re roasted with apples, dried cranberries, and pecans and then drizzled with red-wine vinaigrette. (You will thank me for this recipe!)

Apple Recipes: DRINKS

Hot Apple Cider
Also known as Mulled Apple Cider, this fall classic will warm you up from the inside out. The fragrant seasonal spices will likewise give your home an appealing (pun intended) autumn aroma as you heat up this drink in a saucepan or slow cooker.

Apple Cider Sidecar - easy and delicious fall cocktail recipe. #sidecar #applecider #cocktail #fall #recipe

Apple Cider Sidecar
Made with crisp apple cider, smooth cognac, and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, this Sidecar is a perfect cocktail when the days grow shorter and the evenings get cooler. If you’re like me, however, you might not want to wait until then.

Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe #moonshine #apple #christmas #gift #holdiay #recipe

Apple Pie Moonshine
I got this recipe from my sister-in-law, Missy. To make it, you combine apple cider, grain alcohol, vodka, sugar, and spices. Not surprisingly, it packs a punch! I like to gift a pint or two to family members and friends.

Apple Cider Sangria #fall #cocktail #recipe #applecider #sangria

Apple Cider Sangria
You’re probably aware of my fondness for sangria. (You can find my post A Sangria for Every Season here. I share 10+ unique and delicious sangria recipes.) Blended with white wine, apples, pears, and cinnamon, this fall apple recipe is pleasing to the eye and the palate.

That’s a wrap!

I hope this collection of The Best Apple Recipes for Fall has whetted your appetite for apples. No matter how you prepare or serve them, you are sure to enjoy this versatile fall fruit.

More Delicious Recipe Collections:

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My Newest Vintage Finds

Interiors

Monday
Aug / 17 / 2020
Comments 30

How to Add Vintage Charm to Your Home #vintage #vintagefinds #antiques #homedecor #decor #decorating #charm #vintagecharm

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my recent vintage finds. That’s because I haven’t been able to visit my favorite antique stores much this year. During the past couple of months, however, I was able to hit up a handful of them, so I thought you might enjoy seeing what I found.

I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but it was so nice to get out and hunt. (Safely of course. Wearing a mask and social distancing was a must for me.) During those few trips, I was able to pick up a handful of little treasures that I’m already using or have plans to use down the road.

Let me show you my finds!

My Latest Vintage Finds

Vintage Orchard Ladder

This might be my favorite item. It’s an old orchard ladder. I’m not sure if it would have been used for picking apples, cherries, both, or something else. That doesn’t matter to me, though, because it looks fabulous tucked into the corner of my bedroom.

I always thought that that corner needed something, and this little ladder is perfect. Not only does it have great lines, but its character hints at its history.

You can see more of my Master Bedroom HERE. I redecorated it in 2019 as part of the One Room Challenge.

Brass Horn

I was so excited to find this brass horn because it checks so many boxes on my “things-I-love-about-antiques list”:

It’s brass. Many of you know I LOVE brass.
It’s whimsical. I’m a big fan of having something unexpected in a space or vignette.
I wasn’t looking for it and had no idea that something like this existed.

I don’t have the brass horn officially styled anywhere, but I’m thinking it will make an interesting accent piece on a bookcase or coffee table.

Pie Plates

Last winter when I was planning to make my favorite pie recipe to share with all of you, I had trouble locating a smallish glass pie plate. I discovered that all of the (newer) glass pie plates I owned were just too big.

I remembered that problem when I spotted some vintage pie plates while antiquing. I bought a few of them so now I’ll have a smaller pie pan when I need one! (In case you have a hankering for pie, you can find lots of my favorite pie recipes HERE.)

Wood Arched Mirror

I wasn’t looking for a new mirror for my entryway, but when I spotted this one, I knew it had to come home with me. Even the shop owner said, “That looks like you!” (She’s familiar with the blog and has a sense of my style.)

Previously, I had a mirror that I’d picked up at Target because I needed something. While it served its purpose, I was never in love with it in the space. This new-old mirror is a better fit, and it better suits my aesthetic.

(I should also mention, the custom cabinetry I had planned for my entryway was installed last week! Stay tuned to see how it looks.)

Vintage Enamelware Storage

Every once in a while a particular vintage item sparks a mini obsession. My latest love is vintage enamelware lidded containers. I’ve had storage on the brain lately, and when I think about containing all my miscellaneous “stuff,” I’d prefer to use cool vintage pieces rather than plastic containers.

Yes, it will likely take more time to find the enamelware. and it probably won’t look as pristine or match as nicely as modern storage pieces would, but my vintage-loving heart takes joy in all of the “treasures” the enamelware containers have likely held throughout their years.

Right now, I’m using these smaller pieces of enamelware to corral some of my art supplies. They’ve been working wonderfully!

Vintage Tin Collection

Do you remember the vintage wall cabinet I found last year and filled with Christmas ribbons? (That is still one of my favorite things! You can see it HERE in case you missed it.) Well, once Christmas had passed, I packed away all the ribbons and wasn’t sure how to fill that little cabinet.

I had some vintage tins on hand, so I decided to start there. Since then I’ve been picking up a tin here and there when I find one that sparks my interest. Slowly, I’ve been filling up the cabinet, and it’s starting to look pretty good.

For whatever reason, it’s not my favorite collection, but I think it works until I hit upon the next thing I “must collect.” This “coffee” tin is my latest find. I love how it brightens up the collection of vintage tins.

Bird Salt and Pepper Shakers

Have you ever been over at your great-aunt’s house and wondered how or why she has this large collection of salt and pepper shakers? Well, I can tell you: You get one set because it’s cute and fits your display perfectly. Then you need a different set for Christmas. Then you think you should probably change things up for spring. Then you need a new set for late summer. And then all of a sudden you realize you have five different sets of specialty salt and pepper shakers. Now you know!

All of that is to say that I found another pair of salt and pepper shakers, and they are adorable. The sweet little birds have big doe eyes, so, of course, I couldn’t resist them. And apparently, now I’m a vintage salt and pepper shaker collector … but I’m just fine with that.

That’s it!

I did find a few other goodies, but the ones I’ve shared here are my faves. I hope you enjoyed seeing what I found and picked up an idea or two for your home.

Also, if you’re local to Pittsburgh, or visiting the area, I’ve put together a list of my favorite antique stores. You can find that HERE.

Have you done any antiquing or thrifting lately? If so, what were your best vintage finds? Please let us know in the comments below.

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Tortellini Pasta Salad

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 13 / 2020
Comments 8

Take your pasta salad game to the next level with this Tortellini Pasta Salad. Just combine cheese tortellini, pepperoni, cheese, mixed veggies, and pine nuts and toss all of that with a bold red wine vinaigrette. A new go-to for lunch? Dinner? Get-togethers? Yes, all of the above!

Tortellini Pasta Salad:

I’m back today to share another winning pasta salad recipe with you. This time we’re making this crazy delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad. As you may know, I’m a huge fan of pasta/macaroni salad. Over the years I’ve posted more than a dozen pasta salad recipes on IBC. I’ve collected all of them for you HERE.

I’m especially excited to add this recipe to my collection because this is the first time I’ve used tortellini in a pasta salad. It’s a game-changer. Pasta is wonderful, of course, but cheese-filled pasta is even better!

I put this particular recipe together using classic pasta salad mix-ins: tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, cheese, pepperoni, nuts, onion, and pepperoncini. This combination hits all the flavors and textures that I love. However, this recipe is user-friendly so you can add whatever you love or have on hand.

My only warning to you is that if you have a big bowl of this sitting in your refrigerator (like I currently do), it’s going to be super hard not to eat it for every meal. Trust me, I can hear the pasta salad calling my name as I write this. It’s that tasty!

Now that you’ve been warned, let’s whip up a batch.

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad:

Start by cooking the pasta. I prefer the tortellini pasta that you can find in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. It’s typically near the deli or specialty cheese section.

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente. (For me, this was between 6 and 7 minutes.) Then, drain the pasta and run cold water over it. This stops the cooking process and also prevents the tortellini from sticking together.

Next, chop all of the other ingredients so they’re ready to toss in the salad. When possible, I like to make everything around the same size. The exceptions are intensely flavored things, such as olives, pepperoncini, and onions. Again, use what you love.

Once everything is chopped, you’re ready to make the dressing. Just toss everything in a bowl and whisk to combine. I recommend using flake sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add as much as you like.

Finally, put everything in a large bowl and gently stir to distribute all of that goodness.

You’ll want to let this Tortellini Pasta Salad hang out in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving so the flavors can combine and some of the dressing can soak in the pasta. (Of course, all of us cooks know it’s OK to sample a little bowl before putting the salad away to cool.)

And that’s it! Your Tortellini Pasta Salad is ready to serve!

This pasta salad recipe is one that I’m sure to come back to time and time again. I hope you and your family and guests like it as much as I do.

Want more pasta salad recipes? Try these:

Love this Recipe and Want More?

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Tortellini Pasta Salad:

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: pasta salad, tortellini

Servings: people

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 7 mins

Total Time 27 mins

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Ingredients

20 ounces cheese tortellini
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes - halved
1 1/2 cup olives - halved or whole
1 cup chopped cucumbers
1 cup chopped pepperoni
1 cup mozzarella pearls
1 cup chopped sharp provolone cheese
1 cup roughly chopped pepperoncini - drained
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup diced red onion

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves - minced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs - basil and parsley
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Flake sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the directions on the package. The pasta should be al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Place the cooked tortellini in a large bowl and then top with the remaining ingredients.
Next, in a small bowl, add the salad dressing ingredients and whisk together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and stir gently with a large spoon to combine. Refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 413kcal • Carbohydrates: 26g • Protein: 15g • Fat: 28g • Saturated Fat: 7g • Cholesterol: 38mg • Sodium: 745mg • Potassium: 169mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 5g • Vitamin A: 315IU • Vitamin C: 14mg • Calcium: 197mg • Iron: 2mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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Adopting Cats (And How You Can Do the Same!)

Life

Wednesday
Aug / 12 / 2020
Comments 13

Adopting a Cat - How to Adopt a Pet #petadoption #petfood #catadoption #cats #foster #fosterpet #adoptdontshop

A special thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own.

Today’s post is all about my sweet kitties. I’m sharing their adoption stories and ways you can help your local animal shelter this August.

Just his past weekend I received a few messages on Instagram asking about my cats. Folks were wondering if I’d posted information on the kitties’ backgrounds or tips for living with felines. Although I’ve talked about my cats over the years, I don’t think I’ve devoted an entire post to them. With that in mind, I brainstormed a few ideas and made some notes for future posts. Today, I thought it’d be fun to start at the beginning and share how my boys came into my life.

This post is especially timely since I recently partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. This month they are sponsoring their largest adoption event. (Last year 160,000 pets found their fur-ever home!) I’m excited to tell you more about that event, plus what you can do to help. I’ll also share resources if you’re looking to adopt! #adoptdontshop

My Cats’ Adoption Stories:

As you might know, I have two adorable kitties, Jax and Frankie. If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while, you may also remember my tabby, Sebastian. He was my first real pet and Jax’s best bud. Sabastian crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last February.

I adopted all of my cats. Sebastian and Jax came from shelters. Sebastian was from the SPCA, and Jax was from a small local shelter via an independent pet store.

Growing up, I didn’t have pets, except for a tank of fish. But I knew my love for cats was strong. One of the first things I did after I finished college and moved into an apartment of my own in Philly was to go to the SPCA and adopt a cat. That was back in 2005, and Sebastian was the kitty I found.

A year later, when I was visiting a local independent pet store, I instantly fell in love with the cutest, tiniest gray kitten. After paperwork and an approval process, that dear boy, whom I named Jax, went home with me.

I love having two cats. I was especially lucky because Sebastian and Jax became instant friends. Whenever I had to be away from home, it was always good to know they had each other.

Sebastian and Jax moved with me from Philadelphia back home to St. Marys where they lived at my Mom’s house for a year and then eventually with me at the Bed and Breakfast. Most recently they relocated with me to Pittsburgh, first to my apartment, and then to Bayberry House. This is when Frankie joined our family.

With Sebastian approaching 15 and Jax 14, I realized I should be on the lookout for another cat. Sebastian was pretty independent, but I knew Jax would need a companion if something happened to Sebastian.

In December 2018, a blogger friend (Thank you, Julia!!) alerted me to a cat in Pittsburgh that needed a home. His name was Frankie. Several people were interested in adopting him, but luck was on my side, and he came to live with me. While there was a small adjustment period, within days, all three of my boys were getting along well and even sharing the same bed.

Unfortunately, just a couple of months later Sebastian became ill and passed.

I was sad to lose Sabastian but so grateful that Frankie had come into my life when he did. It’s almost as if Sebastian, sensing his time was coming, had sent Frankie to us. That’s what I like to think, anyway.

It has been one of my greatest joys to share my adult life with one or more cats. My kitties are a source of comfort and companionship. I will forever be a proud Cat Lady … er, Cat Gentleman. Ha!

How You Can Help:

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your home, August could be a perfect time. As I mentioned above, Hill’s is hosting its largest adoption event this month. It’s a month-long celebration to provide resources for pet owners, including a quiz to determine which pet is right for you, pet care advice, and an information portal dedicated to tips for first-time pet owners. In 2019, more than 1,900 shelters participated in this event, and as I stated earlier, more than 160,000 pets found their fur-ever home. I love that!

If you want to learn more about this month-long event and how you can help, Hill’s has a webpage with details and resources. You can get information on adopting, fostering an animal, volunteering at a local shelter, donating money or supplies, or even something as simple as just spreading the word to others. Click here for more information.

I hope you enjoyed hearing more about my darling kitties. Do you have any adopted pets? I would love to hear their stories. Let us know about them in the comments below.

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Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers

Recipes

Tuesday
Aug / 11 / 2020
Comments 18

Today we’re making Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers The cream cheese gives the turnovers creamy richness and tang – a match made in heaven. They just might become your new go-to pastry.

Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers

Turnovers are one of my favorite pastries. The sweet fruit filling that’s wrapped in light-as-air pastry and topped with a creamy glaze hits me in all the right places. And if you use pre-made frozen puff pastry dough, turnovers are incredibly easy to make. Let me show you how I put together these Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers.

As I mentioned at the start of this post, the addition of cream cheese sends the flavor of these apple turnovers into the stratosphere. There’s a cream cheese smear on top, plus cream cheese in the filling. Everyone will be wondering: “What did you put in these to make them so delicious?” If you want, it can be our little secret. My lips are sealed.

Although there are a fair number of steps, (That’s the case with almost any pastry.), these turnovers are easy to make. And, once you have the technique down, you’re going to be wrapping everything in puff pastry. Let’s go through the steps.

How to Make Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers

Start by making the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Once the butter melts, add the apples and water and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the lid and cook for 8 more minutes or until the apples are tender. Stir as needed.

Now remove the skillet from the heat and stir in cinnamon and vanilla. Allow the mixture to cool a bit before proceeding. Once cooled, fold in 2/3 of the cream cheese (5 ounces), the flour, and the egg yolk. Stir until evenly combined. (Don’t worry if there are some small cream cheese lumps.) Set aside.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. (I keep a ruler in my kitchen drawer because I’m a terrible estimator.) Cut the square into four 6-inch squares.

Add 1/4 cup of the cream cheese and apple filling to the center of each pastry square. Then, brush the edges of each pastry square with water. Fold the pastry square in half to form a triangle and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork.

Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry. You can make these turnovers smaller if you’ll be serving a lot of other things with them, but I like this size for a single serving.

Transfer the pastries to your prepared baking sheets; four turnovers per sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this mixture over the top of each pastry. Bake for about 15 minutes or until beautifully puffed and golden brown.

While the turnovers cool, prepare the frosting. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the remaining cream cheese with until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the consistency you desire. I wanted thicker frosting for this recipe, so I opted for less milk.

Spread the frosting on the turnovers and serve.

Voila!

I’m not kidding when I tell you these turnovers are easy to make and well worth your time. Plus, your family and guests will be impressed that you made pastries from scratch.

Looking for more apple-based recipes? Try these:

Thank you for allowing me to take you along on my baking adventures. I hope you give these Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers a try. Happy baking!

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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.

Cream Cheese and Apple Turnover Recipe

Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple turnover, apples, pastry, turnover

Servings: turnovers

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 40 mins

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You're going to love these Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers. The cream cheese gives the turnovers creamy richness and tang - a match made in heaven. They just might become your new go-to pastry.

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups peeled - cored, and chopped apples (about 3 whole apples) I used Granny Smith.
1/4 cup water
8- ounce cream cheese - softened
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
1 egg - lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
1 package - 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 1/2 cups powder sugar
Milk - as needed

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Next, in a large skillet, add the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the apples and water, and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the cover and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until the apples are tender. Stir as needed.
Remove from heat, stir in the cinnamon and vanilla, and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled, fold in 2/3 of the cream cheese (5 ounces), the flour, and egg yolk. Stir until evenly combined. (It's OK if there are some small cream cheese lumps.) Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Cut the square into four 6-inch squares. Add 1/4 cup of the cream cheese and apple filling to the center of each pastry square. Then, brush the edges of each pastry square with water. Fold the pastry in half to form a triangle and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
Transfer the pastries to your prepared baking sheets (four turnovers per sheet). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water and then brush this mixture over the top of each pastry. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the turnovers are beautifully puffed and golden brown.
While the turnovers cool, prepare the frosting. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the remaining cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and the milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency. (I used less milk because I prefer thicker frosting for this recipe.)
Spread the frosting on the turnovers and serve. Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 309kcal • Carbohydrates: 41g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 15g • Saturated Fat: 9g • Cholesterol: 88mg • Sodium: 306mg • Potassium: 236mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 34g • Vitamin A: 679IU • Vitamin C: 8mg • Calcium: 73mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

Recipe adapted from Country Home

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Sheet Pan Pancakes

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 5 / 2020
Comments 11

Are you craving pancakes but not in the mood to stand over a hot griddle for a half-hour? You’re in luck today because I have just the recipe you need: Sheet Pan Pancakes! They are simple to make and have all the flavor and fluffiness of classic pancakes. You’re going to love them!

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Yes, my friends! I’m back with another pancake recipe using my Homemade Pancake Mix. We’ve made classic pancakes, funfetti pancakes, and now these Sheet Pan Pancakes.

I was inspired to make this recipe after seeing something similar in All Recipes magazine. They made sheet pan pancakes using a store-bought pancake mix. When I saw this, I wondered if I could make them with my Homemade Pancake Mix.

Well, as you can see … you can!

I think this is such a smart idea. I love pancakes, but there are mornings when I don’t want to stand at my griddle. With these Sheet Pan Pancakes, the hands-on time is under five minutes. Seriously.

What I also love about this recipe is that you can customize it as your heart desires. Add chocolate chips and top with peanut butter, mix in sprinkles and drizzle with frosting to celebrate a birthday, or top with peaches and ice cream for an easy dessert.

Want to make them? Let me show you what I did.

How to Make Sheet Pan Pancakes:

Start by lining a quarter baking sheet with parchment paper and spraying that with baking spray. (You can find my favorite quarter sheet pans HERE.) This step isn’t “required,” but it makes for easier removal and clean-up.

You’re also going to need my Homemade Pancake Mix. It’s simple to make and nice to have on hand anytime you’re craving pancakes. You can find the recipe HERE.

In a bowl, mix the Homemade Pancake Mix with the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Let sit for 5-8 minutes.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Spread the batter out evenly with a spatula. For added interest and sparkle, sprinkle the batter with a tablespoon of coarse sugar. (I added a little more coarse sugar once the pancake came out of the oven.)

Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cut into squares and serve any way you’d like. I used about 2 cups of mixed berries, 1/2 cup of granola, and some of my favorite pure maple syrup.

In case you’re curious about my maple syrup: It’s from Finding Home Farms and is THE BEST maple syrup. (Even Oprah thinks so!) I’ve been buying it since they started making it back in 2015, and I won’t buy anything else. It’s SO GOOD!

And that’s it. Your Sheet Pan Pancakes are ready to be enjoyed! I told you this recipe is easy.

Here are a few more of my favorite breakfast ideas:

Give these Sheet Pan Pancakes a try and let us know in the comments below what you think. I’d also love to hear about your favorite ways to garnish your pancakes.

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

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.

Sheet Pan Pancakes Recipe

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pancakes, sheet pan dinner

Servings:

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 17 mins

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Sheet Pan Pancakes! They are simple to make and have all the flavor and fluffiness of classic pancakes. You’re going to love them!

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Homemade Pancake Mix - (My recipe is linked in the Notes below.)
3/4 cups buttermilk
3/4 cups milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish optional:

Coarse sugar
Fresh berries
Granola
Pure maple syrup

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Then, line a quarter baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix the Homemade Pancake Mix (recipe linked below) with the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Let sit for 5-8 minutes.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet. Spread out evenly with a spatula. For added interest and sparkle, sprinkle with a tablespoon of coarse sugar.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cut into squares and serve any way you'd like. I used about 2 cups of mixed berries, 1/2 cup of granola, and some of my favorite pure maple syrup.

Notes

My quarter baking sheet is 13 x 9 x 1 inch. You can find it HERE.

You can find my recipe for Homemade Pancake Mix HERE. This Sheet Pan Pancake recipe is designed to work with this Homemade Pancake Mix only. A store-bought mix will not achieve the same results.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 97kcal • Carbohydrates: 8g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 5g • Saturated Fat: 3g • Cholesterol: 49mg • Sodium: 150mg • Potassium: 123mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 3g • Vitamin A: 223IU • Vitamin C: 1mg • Calcium: 108mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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10+ Creative and Unique Pie Recipes

Recipes

Monday
Aug / 3 / 2020
Comments 1

I’m sharing my favorite unique pie recipes. I’ve taken your favorite classic desserts and gave them a unique twist, flavor, or presentation. You’re in for a treat!

Pie is one of my favorite desserts. Over the years, I’ve made many kinds of pie, including some that are a bit unusual. I’ve even had a Year of Pie on Inspired by Charm. Not long ago I shared A Collection of My Favorite Pie Recipes. Today’s post features more of my Creative and Unique Pie Recipes: skillet pies, hand pies, slab pies, and mini pies. Right now, this post offers 10 pie recipes, but I plan to add more as I continue to create one-of-a-kind pies.

Let’s get into these delicious and unique pie recipes!

Skillet Pie Recipes:

Skillet Apple Pizza Pie

If you’re a fan of apple pie but dread making crust, this pie recipe is for you. It uses a tube of pizza dough(!) and precooked apple chunks; all of that is finished off with a delicious crumb topping. This pie may be the best dessert pizza ever!

Mini Skillet Blueberry Pies

This is a quick, down-and-dirty, no-fuss blueberry pie recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth. What makes the pies unique is that they’re baked in single-serving cast iron skillets. Cute and tasty for the win!

SHOP: Mini Cast Iron Skillets

Hand Pie Recipes:

Strawberry Hand Pies

If you’re craving the taste of summer, this on-the-go dessert is for you. Rounds of dough are folded over so the edges can be crimped to keep all of the strawberry goodness inside. I used my go-to pie crust to make this pie recipe, but you can opt for a store-bought variety.

Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies

Did you know that you can make hand pies in an air fryer? These adorable round pies are filled with a couple of tablespoons of berry jam and some fresh berries. Putting them together is so easy and clean-up is a snap!

Berry Hand Pies

I made this fun and flavorful pie by cutting dough in the shape of a cat face. You could use any large cookie cutter that doesn’t have a lot of detail or freehand a simple design. For the filling, I went with mixed fresh berries, but feel free to substitute your favorite fruit to make this pie recipe your own.

SHOP: Cat Cookie Cutter

Slab Pie Recipes:

Apple Cranberry Slab Pie

To make these beauties, you roll out puff pastry and spread it with a generous filling of apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and sugar. Another piece of puff pastry goes on top to seal in all that yumminess. After baking but before slicing, the slab pie is drizzled with a buttery sugar glaze.

Pumpkin Slab Pie

This pan pie recipe is an easy and interesting way for you to serve the quintessential fall dessert. Different-sized dough circles complement the modern look of the angular pieces of pumpkin pie. A dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon finishes off each slice.

Mini / Bite-Size Pie Recipes:

Key Lime Pie in A Jar

With its rich key lime flavor, graham cracker crust, and whipped cream garnish, this mini pie will hit the spot whenever you’re wanting a little sunshine in your life. I used bottled key lime juice, which takes the tedium out of making this unique pie recipe. Because the pies are in jars, they’re also a breeze to pack for your lunch, a picnic, or even an afternoon snack.

SHOP: Mini Mason Jars

Mason Jar Blueberry Pies

Almost anything tastes better when served in a cute jar, and this blueberry creation is no exception. Each little pie is made with a store-bought dough that you fill with a blueberry mixture and top with a star dough cutout. Before going into the oven, the top crust is lightly brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with coarse sugar.

Bite-Sized Peanut Butter Pies

If you’ve been reading IBC for a while, you know about my fondness for peanut butter. (If you love peanut butter as much as I do, check out more of my favorite peanut butter desserts HERE.) This unique pie recipe has a flower-shaped chocolate(!) crust that is baked and then piped with a filling made from PB, cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. All of that deliciousness is drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chopped peanuts!

Thanks all … for now! Happy Pie Baking!

I hope you’ve enjoyed revisiting more of my pie recipes. Which are your favorites? Which will you make? Please let us know in the comments below.

Happy Baking and Eating!

More Delicious Recipe Collections:

Want More from Inspired by Charm?

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What’s The Tea: A Little Summer Update

Life

Wednesday
Jul / 22 / 2020
Comments 51

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

Hey, friends! It has been a few minutes since I last posted, hasn’t it? This has been a sort of slow and quiet summer here on Inspired by Charm. I know many of you understand and are feeling the same. Today I thought I’d pop in to share a little life update, talk about a few things I’m excited about, and show you what’s been happening around these parts. Sound good?

Garden Update:

This year I planted tomatoes, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, spaghetti squash, jalapeños, and cucumbers. (I also planted a cocktail garden, which you can read more about HERE.)

I’m happy to report that my garden is doing well! I’ve harvested about 10 large cucumbers, and there are several more on the vine. I have five spaghetti squash with the promise of more. The Swiss chard also has produced well, but it is my one regret. I don’t know what to do with it, and I’m shamefully lacking motivation to get creative with it. The kohlrabi is just about ready to harvest, and my tomato plants (except for the one that is struggling) are loaded with green fruit.

All-in-all, things have been a success!

If you’ve been following IBC lately you also know that this year I decided to devote half of my garden beds to dahlias. I am happy to report …

The Dahlias are Blooming!:

As of today, two plants have completely bloomed, and at least 3 or 4 more have buds.

In case you missed it, this spring I put in a dahlia garden. I planted 27 tubers and have been lovingly caring for them for the past few months. I’ve also been documenting the process HERE if you’re curious about growing dahlias.

As you can see, the dahlias are at least four feet high and flourishing. I’ve had a few issues with bugs, but I think I have that problem mostly taken care of now. In my next dahlia update post, I’ll be sharing what I used for bug control and how I’ve handled fertilizing and other maintenance.

Dabbling in Art:

For the past year or so I’ve been feeling this pull to get back into art and drawing. When I was in high school and college, I took several art classes, and those were among my favorite classes. In the decade since I’d drifted away from that passion. Last year I finally took a couple of adult education art classes in my neighborhood. One class was on watercolors, and the other was oil painting. I loved both and planned to take more classes this year. Unfortunately, that’s just not been possible.

However, that didn’t stop me from building up my art supplies. Since the start of the quarantine, I’ve bought paints, brushes, pencils, pastels, and so on. The only problem was that I hadn’t been using them. (Anyone else familiar with this story?)

So, I decided to commit to my art practice and sign up for a painting course through JeanneOliver.com. Last night I finally sat down and started the course. (The course I’m taking is Graceful Muse with Renee Mueller.) The first lesson was to work on several color studies. The goal was to practice and play with different media.

Abstract is new to me, but I have to tell you, I had SO MUCH FUN! These are the three studies I created. I’m not sure anyone would call them “good,” but I’m digging the results, and I had a lot of fun in the process.

It’s been so wonderful to dive back into this old passion. I have a feeling I’ll be sharing more of my art here on the blog.

Other Things I’m Loving:

– The Tidbits Planner is BACK!! This is my GO-TO planner, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it return for 2021. I have tried DOZENS of planners in the past, and this is the one for me. The ordering process is a bit different this year, so if you want a planner, you need to order NOW. You can find all of the details HERE.

– The new album from The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) is incredible. I’ve had it on repeat for the past week. My standout favorites are Gaslighter, Sleep at Night, and Set Me Free. (Although all of the songs are fabulous.)

– I’m STILL eating my go-to breakfast. It’s an obsession. I also picked up new spring honey from Pisarcik Flower Farm. If you’re local to Pittsburgh, it’s a must. So-o-o good! (The honey dipper featured below can be found HERE.)

– If you are looking for a silly, heartwarming, music-inspired movie, you need to watch Eurovision on Netflix. It stars Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrel. It is truly a delight! I also recently rewatched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It came out back in 2013. It’s another must-watch for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

– Since moving into Bayberry House, I’ve been slowing adding lots of blooms (annuals and perennials) to my yard. (These are in addition to my dahlias.) All of these lovely plants have allowed me to put together a handful of arrangements. (I shared a short tutorial on my Instagram stories and saved it to my Instagram story highlights if you’re interested.)

– I’ve also been walking or jogging daily. I haven’t missed a day since April 1. (More on that soon.) When out walking, I’ve found so much joy in listening to podcasts.

My favorites include:

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – self-help, life, current events
The Creative Exponent – art, entrepreneurship, creativity
Simple Farmhouse Life – recipes, decor, blogging, life
Jeanne Oliver Podcast – art, entrepreneurship, creative business
The Simple Sophisticate – life advice, cooking, style
The Life Coach School – life advice, self-help

What are some of your favorite podcasts? Let me know in the comments below!

In conclusion …

Well, I think that’s it for this update. Next week I’m hoping to ramp up content here on Inspired by Charm. As we start thinking about fall and the coming holidays, I like to keep things jumping here on IBC so it’s time to get my butt in gear. I have lots of things to share with you, so stay tuned!

And one final note. For those of you, like me, who have struggled with heightened anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, lack of creativity, sadness, etc. during these past few months, please know that it’s okay. You are not alone. You are okay. You are enough.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to assume you should be handling things like a champion, but that’s not the case for everyone. Be kind to yourself. Take time away if you need it. Find someone to talk to if you need help. Take breaks from things that cause you stress and anxiety. Dig deep into things that bring you joy. Find healthy distractions. Meditate. Journal. Read. Listen to music. Cry. Start a new hobby. Do a good deed for someone else. Or don’t do any of that and create a plan of beauty that works for YOU.

Sending you all love, joy, grace, peace, and lots of creativity!

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Creating an Impromptu Cocktail Garden

Interiors

Thursday
Jul / 9 / 2020
Comments 3

Creating and Planting an Impromptu Cocktail Garden #cocktailgarden #garden #planting #cocktail #containergarden #vegetablegarden

Are you familiar with a cocktail garden? It’s a small garden full of ingredients you can harvest for fresh garden-inspired cocktails.

Creating an Impromptu Cocktail Garden:

Today, we’re looking at how I designed and put in a cocktail garden. I realize it’s a bit late in the season to be planting, but if you like this idea, it’s something you could also tuck away for next year.

About a month ago I was majorly pumped about this project. – Don’t get me wrong, I’m still excited about it. – It just didn’t come together in the way I expected. Let me explain.

I got the idea to plant this cocktail garden from Laura of Garden Answer. (If you love gardening and don’t follow her YouTube channel, you are missing out. Gosh, even if you’re not into gardening, she’s a joy to watch.)

She posted a video about how she put her cocktail garden together, and I thought it was so lovely and creative that I wanted to do something similar. Since my main garden is full of dahlia tubers and other edibles, I decided to get window basket-type planters and hang them from my deck railing. This would make accessing the garden easy since the deck is right off my kitchen. Plus, being on the deck would keep the plants high off the ground and safe from the deer.

As I was sourcing and shopping online, I found these beautiful hay rack planters from Terrain. They were a perfect size and on sale. Unfortunately, they were out of stock until June 5. I figured that would still give me enough time, so ordered them.

In the meantime, I bought all of the veggies and herbs that I wanted to put in the planters, and I picked up soil for planting. Shortly before June 5, I got an email from Terrain notifying me that the backorder was extended through July 7. Whomp. Whomp. I was bummed. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.

Then a couple of weekends ago my mom came to visit. We put on our masks and hit up a few local antique shops. Luck was on my side when I spotted this long wooden box in the first store. I immediately thought it would be the perfect size for my cocktail garden. And it would be easy enough to screw it on my deck railing.

Long story short, I was ready to create my cocktail garden!

When I got it home, I lined the box with plastic to protect the wood somewhat. I also drilled holes in the bottom and through the plastic to allow for drainage.

I inserted several screws through the inside of the box to securely attach it to the railing.

Once the box was up, I added the soil. I was finally ready to plant!

What Do You Plant in a Cocktail Garden?

Generally speaking, you plant things you’d use in a cocktail. Herbs are a great choice. But you can also grow berries, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Since I was working with a smaller space, I kept that in mind when choosing plants. It was also a little late in the season when I purchased my plants, so the pickings were a bit slim. I didn’t get exactly what I wanted, but I’m happy about what I got.

My Cocktail Garden Plants:

Based on some of the cocktails I’m hoping to create, here are the plants that I selected to plant in my garden.

Everbearing Strawberries
Super Verde Tomatillo
Stevia
Yellow Canary Tomato (Determinant)
Cherry Hot Pepper
Pineapple Mint
Barbecue Rosemary
Red Basil
Amazel Basil
Tricolor Sage

Depending on the size of your cocktail garden, here are other plants to consider:

Nasturtiums – A beautiful and edible flower. There are some in my main garden.
Cucumbers – So refreshing in a cocktail.
Celery – Great for Bloody Marys.
Rhubarb – My love! (You can find my favorite recipes here.) I have this in my main garden.

A few more considerations:

When you’re selecting plants for YOUR cocktail garden, think about the cocktails you like. If you love mojitos, then make sure you have mint. If you’re fond of spicy cocktails, plant peppers. If you enjoy garnishing cocktails, put in edible flowers.

Also, keep in mind the size of your garden and the size of your plants. Because my garden is small, I opted for plants that would still fit when they are mature.

I think my little cocktail garden is cute. And I can’t wait for things to fill in so I can start to harvest what I need for my summer cocktails.

I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos, but I do have one issue with this planter. It leans back.

Even though the planter is securely attached to the deck railing, after I added the soil, plants, and water, the combined weight caused the box to lean away from the deck. I’m not worried that the planter will fall. I just think it looks a bit askew.

Edited to add: I’m happy to report, since taking these photos, I fixed the leaning issue. I found these small wood wedges on Amazon. I was able to hammer them in between the bottom of the box and the railing. Problem solved!

I could try to level it, but that won’t be easy since the box is screwed to the railing from INSIDE the box. I would have to remove everything from the planter, reattach it, and then replant it. At this point, I’m trying to decide what will drive me crazier: looking at my leaning cocktail garden or tearing it all apart and starting again.

Looking for more gardening ideas? Try these:

Looking for more more of my gardening ideas? Check out these posts:

Despite the less-than-perfect results, I am thrilled to have this handy little garden, and I can’t wait to harvest its bounty when I stir or shake up delicious summer and fall cocktails. I promise to share the recipes with you.

What are your thoughts about a cocktail garden? Have you planted one? Will you plant one in the future? Please let us know in the comments below.

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Custom Cabinetry for my Entryway

Interiors

Wednesday
Jul / 1 / 2020
Comments 23

A new project is underway at Bayberry House. Custom cabinetry is being added to my entryway, and I thought I’d invite you along to watch the process.

Custom Cabinetry for my Entryway:

As I mentioned back in January, I have a slew of home projects I’d like to complete in 2020. (If you missed that post, you can find my project list here.) A few of the items might be delayed given our current global situation, but I’m still working away at the things I can complete.

One of my big goals for this year is to add custom cabinets in my entryway and living room. I’m pleased to say that both of those projects have officially begun and are slated to be completed this fall. I couldn’t be more excited!

The first project is in my entryway.

Quick backstory … (And I apologize to those who might be familiar with this. Feel free to skip this section.) Last year I had my kitchen renovated. As part of that, the slate tile in my entryway was replaced with hardwood. I also removed a built-in drywalled closet.

The latter decision was made knowing that down the road the existing closet would be replaced with custom cabinetry. As much as I would have loved to have the cabinets built during my kitchen renovation, the additional expense wasn’t in my budget.

So here we are. It’s roughly a year later. I’ve saved my pennies, and I’m now ready to wrap up this part of the reno project.

And because everyone loves a before and after, here’s how this space looked when I bought the house:

And I realize that is the wrong angle, but you can see where the old drywalled closet jutes out on the very left of the image. I’ll have to sort through my pictures to see if I might have a better view. If I do, I will update this post.

Here’s how it looked after I painted it: (Details on the paint are HERE.)

And here’s how it looks after the kitchen renovation with the new flooring but no closet.

Since I knew more changes were coming, I didn’t do much decorating in the entryway. The only time I decorated was at Christmas, and it was filled with holiday cheer. However, for the rest of the year, it’s been a blank canvas and not especially welcoming. I hope that the new cabinetry will motivate me to add more personal style to this space.

Now that we have all of that covered, let me tell you about the plan.

I’ve enlisted Drury Cabinetry to complete the project. They are local to Pittsburgh, Latrobe specifically, and come with very high recommendations. So far, they have been a joy to work with. You can visit their website here or follow them on Instagram here. Even if you’re just looking for a little cabinet style inspiration. Their work is STUNNING!

In planning this space, I knew I wanted a closed closet where I could store my vacuum, coats, shoes, and other odds and ends. I also wanted a small bench with storage and a shelf with room to hang things below.

I created a cabinetry board on Pinterest (which you can find here) to share my aesthetic along with cabinet styles and storage features I like.

Entryway Custom Cabinetry Design:

Taking all of that into consideration here’s a peek at the design for the cabinets:

I. am. LOVING. it!

Based on my wants and needs, the design was pretty straightforward. There’s a closet, bench, and shelf with hooks.

As I was deciding on the materials and style, I looked to my kitchen for inspiration. I wanted to keep things harmonious but not the same. For example, we will use a similar shelf bracket, but the detail on the cabinetry edge will be slightly different from that in the kitchen.

If you’re wondering about color, I’ve chosen Pigeon from Farrow and Ball. It’s a beautiful chameleon color. Sometimes it’s gray. Sometimes it’s green. Sometimes it’s blue. But it’s always lovely!

It took me a while to determine the best color for this space, but when I stumbled across this image from Becca Interiors, I knew I had a winner. (If you love the image below as much as I do, you should check out the rest of this home here. It’s a stunner!)

Image Source: Becca Interiors – Hudson River Colonial

In fact, her overall cabinet layout (minus the window) is very similar to mine.

Here’s the next question you may have … Michael, are you painting the walls?

I haven’t decided. I go back and forth. One part of me wants to paint, and the other part of me isn’t quite ready to see the navy go. I still love it.

I also don’t think it matters at this point. Yes, it would be ideal to make the decision now so that I can paint before the cabinetry goes in, but it’s also not the end of the world to wait.

I did look at the colors side by side. I think they work great together so I can’t wait to see how the entryway looks without changing the wall color. Once the cabinetry is in, I can determine if the wall color stays or goes.

In the back of my mind, I imagine that one day I will update the chair molding to something a bit cleaner and maybe add a fun wallpaper to the top half of the wall. But time will tell.

Whatever happens, I’m bursting with excitement. It will be wonderful to have a functioning storage space in this room and finally feel like I can properly decorate.

And that’s it, my friends! There are a few final things to work out, and then I just have to wait until it’s my turn on the schedule.

Drury Cabinetry will also be adding cabinetry around the fireplace in my living room. That’s going to be so beautiful. I have plans for that as well, and I will be sharing those with you soon! Stay tuned.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this close-up of the start of my entryway custom cabinetry adventures and are looking forward to seeing this project come to life.

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The Ultimate Collection of Summer Cocktails

Recipes

Monday
Jun / 29 / 2020
Comments 3

You’re in for a treat today! I’m sharing the Ultimate Collection of Summer Cocktails. With so many recipes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Cheers!

The Ultimate Collection of Summer Cocktail Recipes #summer #cocktails #sangria #martini #margarita #punch #easy #cocktail #recipe

Summertime! Sunny skies and warm weather. I’m soaking it in, but at the end of a long day or week, I want something cool and refreshing to drink.

That’s why I’ve pulled together this Ultimate Collection of Summer Cocktails. There are sangrias, margaritas, martinis, drinks for a crowd, and more. So many summer cocktails to choose from. I hope your bar cart is stocked!

Mored delicious recipe collections:

Looking for something to pair with your summer libations? Here are a few of my favorite recipe collections perfect for summertime entertaining!

Now let’s get onto the cocktails. Grab some ice and a cocktail shaker and let’s mix up some drinks.

Sangria Recipes:

Campari Sangria

To me, a pitcher of chilled sangria is always fabulous on a hot day. With its bright color and citrus flavor, this summer cocktail is as refreshing as it is beautiful. You can serve it for brunch, dinner, or anytime in-between.

Sangria Rose Popsicles are the perfect boozy summer dessert treat. #sangria #summer #popsicle #rose #cocktail

Sangria Rosé Popsicles

I first made these cool and tasty treats during Wit & Vinegar’s Popsicle Week. You simply put sliced berries, peaches, and kiwi in popsicle molds and fill them with Rosé Sangria. You can get my Rosé Sangria Recipe here. (It makes a delightful summer cocktail all by itself.)

SHOP: Popsicle Mold

Pineapple, Mango, and Basil Sangria

In this twist on traditional sangria, you pour white wine, pineapple juice, and St. Germain into a pitcher and add fresh pineapple, mango, and basil leaves. I’m not kidding. The recipe is that easy! I wouldn’t be surprised if this sangria becomes your favorite drink for summer evenings out on the porch or patio.

The Best Sangria Recipes #sangria #recipe #cocktail #thebestsangria #cocktails #sangriarecipe

Sangrias for Every Season (Including Summer)

In case you’re looking for more sangria recipes, this the post is for you. Among the warm-season sangrias, you’ll find my Blackberry Basil Sangria. Fresh basil, blackberries, and lemon, with optional club soda for fizz, add up to a “sunsational” summer cocktail.

My Favorite Margaritas

Frozen Blackberry Margarita

This scrumptious summer libation is a mix of frozen blackberries, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and honey. Everything gets put in a blender with ice until smooth. The last step is to pour the mixture into a prepared margarita glass and sip!

Prickly Pear Margarita

I tasted this summer cocktail for the first time when I worked at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, after I graduated college. You can make a version at home with tequila, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, and prickly pear syrup. If you like a bit of sweet with your salty, you will love this distinctive drink.

SHOP: These Cactus Margarita Glasses

A Collection of the Best Margarita Recipes #margarita #cocktail #recipe #frozenmargarita #strawberrymargarita #margaritamix #cocktails #tequila #margaritas

IBC’s Best Margarita Recipes

My compilation of margarita recipes from Inspired by Charm includes many more margaritas to refresh you on a warm summer day. Here are a few of my top recommendations: Raspberry Strawberry Margarita, Strawberry Coconut Margarita, and Watermelon Margarita. I might be whipping up one of these tonight.

Summertime Martinis:

Strawberry Basil Martini

If you’re looking for a light and deliciously different summer cocktail, may I suggest this Strawberry Basil Martini? Made with homemade strawberry basil-infused vodka, this drink is sure to delight your taste buds. Garnished with a strawberry, it’s also a feast for your eyes.

SHOP: Martini Glass

Watermelon Basil Martini

The base for this striking summer cocktail is watermelon juice muddled with fresh basil. To achieve this, you mash a few pieces of watermelon flesh with a couple of basil leaves and then strain that to remove the pulp and seeds. Be sure to fix plenty. I promise you’ll want more than one martini.

SHOP: Martini Glass

Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini

This summer cocktail is a wonderful way to wind down before or after dinner. You can put one together with jalapeno pepper-infused vodka, chipotle pineapple syrup, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Cheers to fun in and out of the sun!

The Perfect Cosmo

A cosmopolitan is my favorite classic cocktail. This one is “perfect” because it uses high-quality ingredients in just-the-right proportions. A simple, elegant presentation underscores the perfection. I promise that you (and your guests) will be impressed.

This Berry Watermelon Limeade combines all the flavors of summer into on delicious cocktail recipe. #strawberry #watermelon #lime #limeade #martini #cocktail #recipe

Berry Watermelon Limeade Martini

This martini is going to be your prescription for chilling out this summer. It’s a combination of homemade berry watermelon limeade, vodka, and St. Germain. Bonus: The berry watermelon limeade can also be served on its own or used in a salad dressing.

SHOP: Martini Glass

The Ultimate Pear Martini

You’re going to love this delicious and refreshing Pear Martini with a crisp pear flavor and a splash of St. Germain Liqueur! It’s the perfect cocktail any time you’re in the mood to enjoy a fancy-feeling drink.

Summer Cocktails for a Crowd:

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Made punch-style with fresh raspberries, beer, and pink lemonade, this is a unique and flavorful beverage everyone will love. It’s great for sipping poolside. You could even take it along on an impromptu picnic or camping trip.

Great recipe to create homemade margarita mix! #margarita #margaritamix #cocktail #recipe #tequila #summer

The BEST Homemade Margarita Mix

It’s a breeze to put together a large batch of this margarita mix at home. You just make a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar. Once that’s cooled, add freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice. For your margarita, pour in tequila and triple sec. All the details are with the margarita mix recipe.

Margarita Punch

This delicious and easy recipe is ideal for your outdoor entertaining when the weather turns warm. I especially like this summer cocktail because it has the strawberry margarita flavor everyone adores, yet it’s light and bright thanks to Prosecco and bottled seltzer.

Unique Cocktails:

Star-Spangled Mule

I developed this red, white, and “bluetiful” drink as part of a brand collaboration. All I did was give the classic Moscow mule a patriotic twist with the addition of fresh berries and a super special garnish.

Frozen Old Fashioned Slush

This recipe takes the traditional old fashioned to a new and cooler level. Concocted with bourbon, frozen orange juice, bitters, lemon-lime soda, and a few more yummy things, this drink can be served any time of the year. But to me, it sure hits the spot on a warm summer evening.

Sweet Heat

After first tasting a Sweet Heat on a trip to California, I finally recreated one on an 80-degree day in PA. Jalapeño, ginger, simple syrup, pineapple juice, and vodka give this drink a uniquely memorable flavor. It just might become your new signature cocktail for summer!

Lemon Drop Martini

This lemon drop martini provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It’s a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and the flavor is something everyone will love.

Thanks all … for now! Cheers!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Ultimate Collection of Summer Cocktails. Which one will you fix to top off your day? What’s your favorite summertime libation?

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