Making Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes couldn’t be easier! Today I’m showing you how with my recipe for this classic summer dessert. Let’s bake!
When you think about quintessential summer desserts, strawberry shortcake probably comes to mind. This is is one of the desserts my mom often made during the summer months, especially when strawberries were at their peak. I was in heaven!
Typically, we used store-bought shortcake shells and cool whip. As a kid, I thought the combination was amazing. I still like them, however, today I want to show you how to make everything from scratch.
Yep, we’re baking the shortcakes, whipping the cream, and macerating the strawberries. That might sound like a lot, but it’s all pretty easy.
If you’ve never made single-serving strawberry shortcakes before now, I have a feeling they are going to be your new summer go-to!
Let’s get to it!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes:
Start with the strawberries. You need to macerate them. This is a fancy term for adding sugar to cut-up strawberries to create a delicious juice. That’s it.
Simply slice the strawberries, sprinkle them with sugar, and wait a few hours. I leave mine on the counter and stir them every half hour or so.
Then, it’s time to make the shortcake! And though it might look complicated, let me assure you it’s not.
The first step is to prepare the pan. With an intricate pan like this one, generously spray the molds with baking spray. Then, add all-purpose flour to each mold, shake that around, and discard the excess. (You can find that pan that I used HERE.)
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add the vanilla, softened butter, milk, and egg. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about two minutes. (You’ll find the full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
I told you it wasn’t difficult!
Now spoon the mixture into the prepared shortcake pan and pop that in the oven.
Quick note: I recommend placing a sheet pan under the cake pan to catch any batter that might spill over when you fill the molds. That will make cleanup a breeze.
When the shortcakes are done, let them cool in the pan. Once they’re completely cooled, the shortcakes will be easier to remove from the pan. To release the cakes, loosen each shortcake with your finger and invert the pan.
While the shortcakes cool, make the Homemade Whipped Cream. I have a delicious recipe which I shared HERE. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. I promise it’s simple and that the results are delicious!
At this point, you’re ready to assemble the shortcakes. Spoon a mound of macerated strawberries onto each shortcake. Drizzle with a little of the strawberry juice, too. Finally, top the strawberries with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream.
For garnish, tuck sliced strawberry and a piece of fresh mint in the whipped cream. This is not required, but it makes the dessert look extra special.
I also highly recommend homemade whipped cream. Again, it’s SO simple to make! You can grab my recipe here. I break the process down step-by-step. I’m betting you’ll never go back to store-bought whipped cream once you’ve made your own.
Tada! That’s it! These Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes are ready to be enjoyed. Talk about the perfect summer dessert!
The flavor combination in these shortcakes is divine! I also love how the shortcake soaks up the juice from the macerated strawberries. It’s no wonder this dessert has passed the test of time!
If you’re looking for more shortcake ideas, then try these:
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Start by preparing the strawberries. Add chopped (or sliced) strawberries to a bowl and sprinkle them with sugar. Stir to combine. Let them hang out on your counter for about 2 hours and they will create a delicious juice. I recommend stirring them every half hour or so. (I don't add vanilla extract to my strawberries, but you're welcome to add a splash if you'd like.)
Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray the shortcake molds generously with baking spray. Then, add some all-purpose flour to the molds, shake it around, and discard the excess.
The next step is to whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then add the vanilla, softened butter, milk, and egg. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about two minutes.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared shortcake molds. Each mold should be about three-quarters full. In case there are any drips, set the pan on a baking sheet while spooning the batter into the molds. Then place the shortcake pan in the preheated oven.
Bake the little cakes for 18-20 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. Gently loosen each cake with your fingers: then invert the pan to release the cakes.
While the shortcakes cool, prepare the whipped cream. I've included a link to my recipe for Homemade Whipped Cream below.
Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and juice on each shortcake. Top with a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream. Garnish with a sliced strawberry and sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Notes
The cake pan I used for this recipe can be found HERE. In case you don't have this pan and don't want to buy it, you could use a muffin pan. If using a muffin pan, you may need to adjust the baking time.You can find the recipe for Homemade Whipped Cream HERE. If you want just enough whipped cream for these shortcakes, I recommend cutting the recipe in half. (But who doesn't love having extra whipped cream on hand?).
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Making Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes couldn’t be easier! Today I’m showing you how with my recipe for this classic summer dessert. Let’s bake! When you think about quintessential summer desserts, strawberry shortcake probably comes to mind. This is is one of the desserts my mom often made during the summer months, especially when strawberries were at […]
This is an exciting day! I’m here with an update on my adventure in growing dahlias! Today I’m going to show you how my 27 tubers are doing and let you know what’s next for the dahlias I’m growing.
Growing Dahlias: Trimming and Staking
As I mentioned in my first post in this series, I’m a novice at growing dahlias. This is my first official year growing dahlias in my backyard garden. (Last year I put a few tubers in pots, but I’m not sure that counts.)
I planted 27 tubers (details on the varieties can be found here) this year, and I’m happy to report that all of them have sprouted!
To be more precise, 25 sprouted, and I needed to plant 2 additional tubers. So technically speaking, 27 of the 29 tubers I planted are growing. Not too shabby for a newbie dahlia gardener!
Here’s a peek at how my garden looks right now:
Not bad, right? As you can see, there is some variance in the height and growth of the plants. That’s because different varieties of tubers have different germination times. I noticed that the varieties I planted needed from 2 to 5 weeks to germinate.
Once everything is growing, it’s time to do a couple of things. The first is staking; the second is trimming or pinching.
Growing Dahlias: Staking
Dahlias grow tall and have large blooms. Thus, they need support as they grow. I decided to use cedar stakes and garden twine (both from Lowes) to support my dahlias.
It’s important not to damage your tubers when adding the stakes. The best way is to insert the stakes in the soil before planting your tubers.
Since I didn’t do this, I had to wait to put in my stakes until after all of my tubers had started to bloom. That way I knew exactly where each tuber was planted.
For my 27 dahlia plants, I used 18 cedar stakes. I then took garden twine and created a grid between all of the stakes. To avoid damaging the plants, a soft rope or garden twine is best. (This twine is similar to mine.)
As you can see in the photos, I created two rows (or levels) of twine. This will offer twice the support as my dahlias grow.
Although I think my grid will be sufficient, I might create extra support by running garden twine diagonally between the stakes. Again, I’m new to all of this, so if you have suggestions, please let me know.
Other Staking methods:
From my research (and my limited personal experience), I’ve learned there are other staking methods to consider.
Cage/Trellis – Last year, I planted my tubers in large terra cotta pots. For support, I added a cage to each pot. (I found mine at Lowes, but these are similar.) The cages provided excellent support.
Single Stake – Another option is to put a stake next to each dahlia once it gets large enough. You can use garden twine to attach the plant to the stake.
I hope these additional ideas are helpful.
Okay, now that your dahlias have been properly staked, it’s time to talk about trimming.
Growing Dahlias: Trimming
It doesn’t matter who I consult or what I read, everyone recommends trimming or pinching dahlias in the early stages of their growth.
It seems counterproductive to cut the top off the plant, but doing so encourages branching, which will give you a fuller plant and more flowers! That’s the goal, of course!
And don’t worry. At this point in the dahlias’ life cycle, they are sprouting and growing rapidly, so they will recover quickly.
When to Trim Dahlias?
You want to trim off the top of the dahlia when the plant is about 16 to 18 inches tall. There should be at least four sets of leaves by then. Pinch or cut the center growing tip right above the fourth set of leaves.
It’s that simple. Again, this will help you create a stronger plant with more blooms. It can keep the plant from becoming top-heavy. Win-win!
And that’s it! All that’s left is for the plants to grow and bloom.
Growing Dahlias: More to Come!
If you’re wondering about fertilizing and pest control, I will discuss that in my next growing dahlias post. I’m still testing different methods and products. I promise to share what I learn.
Once I have a few blooms, I’ll also offer information on cutting, deadheading, and such. But I can tell you now that the more blooms you cut, the more the plants will grow. Which is another reason to love dahlias!
In case you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below!
I hope you find this series of posts helpful should you decide to also grow dahlias. For me, this adventure has been filled with much joy and learning. I can’t recommend it enough.
Here’s to LOTS of beautiful blooms!
This is an exciting day! I’m here with an update on my adventure in growing dahlias! Today I’m going to show you how my 27 tubers are doing and let you know what’s next for the dahlias I’m growing. Growing Dahlias: Trimming and Staking As I mentioned in my first post in this series, I’m […]
This past weekend I realized that it’s been two years since I moved into my home, which I lovingly call Bayberry House as a tribute to my grandparents. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long already. It feels like yesterday.
Today I thought it might be fun to take a walk down memory lane and look at changes I’ve made to the house. I also want to share some of the exciting moments that have occurred at Bayberry House since June 2018. If you’re wanting to update or upgrade your home, you might find an inspiring idea or two!
I hope this post likewise provides some perspective on how long some home decorating and remodeling can take. Based on home improvement shows (which I love) and bloggers like me who focus on home design, it’s tempting to think that major changes to our homes should happen overnight.
But the reality for most of us is that these things can take a lot of time, planning, and money. There are so many changes and updates I want to make here at Bayberry House. My goal is to do what I can and enjoy the process along the way.
With that intro out of the way, let’s get to it!
Two Years at Bayberry House
If you are new here, this is where we started. (Take the full home tour here.) Here’s a look at Bayberry House before I moved in. And, if you’re curious about my previous home, I wrote a post about that HERE. You can see where I used to live and how my style has evolved.
Refinishing My Upstairs Hardwood Floors
One of my first big projects (before I could get settled in my new home) was refinishing the hardwood floors upstairs. The former owner had carpeting but ripped most of it up before listing the house. Refinishing the floors was a must. (The downstairs floors were refinished by a Bona Flooring expert and used Bona stain in Dark Walnut.)
While I was pleased with the results of the refinishing, I later found out that there were some issues with how the upstairs floors were sanded and with the stain that was used. It’s nothing major, but I prefer the refinishing method and stain that was used in my downstairs.
A New Roof
I knew when I bought this house that the roof needed to be replaced. A new roof is a big expense, but it’s also a smart investment. Replacing the roof fixed an existing leak, plus the new shingles are resistant to moss, which had been an issue. My home is now protected for years to come. You can read more about that process HERE.
New Furnishings
The first six months in this house involved a lot of experimentation with furnishings. Since almost all of my furniture and decor items were included in the sale of my previous property, I knew I would need to start slowly in furnishing this house. My first purchases were my living room sofa and my family room furnishings.
Painting
All of the walls were painted a basic beige before the house was listed. Thankfully, that meant nothing needed to be repainted immediately. However, I did crack open a few cans of paint.
My living room was the first to get a fresh coat of paint. It took me two attempts, but I found a color I loved.
As you probably know, one of my favorite times to decorate is during the holiday season. This was the first time I got to decorate an entirely new space for Christmas.
In an exciting turn of events, my holiday decor from 2018 sparked the interest of Better Homes & Gardens. I kept my holiday decor up until February 2019 when a photo crew from the magazine arrived to shoot my home for their 2019 Christmas Ideas issue. Even more exciting than that (if that’s possible), my home later appeared in the 2019 December Issue of Better Homes & Gardens with a five-page spread! Pretty exciting stuff for my first year in this new place.
Once the BHG crew packed up, I quickly removed my Christmas decor so work could start on my kitchen renovation. This project had been in the planning stages for several months, and it was exciting to finally begin.
Kitchen Remodel
This is the biggest home improvement project I’ve ever experienced. Not only did we tackle my kitchen, but this renovation affected my dining room, entryway, and downstairs bathroom. Plus, as part of the project, I also had all of my downstairs floors refinished.
It took the efforts of many skilled workers (and a fabulous designer) and caused a lot of upheaval in my life, but I was left with a space I now adore. In addition to the big changes I already mentioned (a brand new kitchen and refinished floors), we created a butler’s pantry, added three windows to the dining room, replaced doors and windows, updated trim work, and so much more.
This renovation also allowed me to update my powder room, which is now one of my favorite spaces thanks to a bold wallpaper and custom vanity.
And even though my entryway may look similar, the closet was removed and the damaged slate floor was replaced with hardwood to match the rest of the house. See more of the update entryway HERE.
Master Bedroom Remodel
If all of that weren’t enough, I decided to join the Spring 2019 One Room Challenge as a featured designer and completely renovate my master bedroom. This was a project I tackled on my own. I hung board and batten, gave everything a fresh coat of paint, updated the furnishings and linens, and even did a mini-makeover of my adjoining master bathroom.
in addition, I worked with Sherwin-Williams to make over one of the bedrooms of my home using their 2020 Color of the Year. I turned the space into a fitness room. I went bold and used this navy blue color on the ceiling and partway down the wall to create a unique look. Check out the full makeover HERE.
Tree Removal and Landscaping
During these past two years, I also did some work outdoors.
Since 2018, I have had more than 16 trees removed. These trees were already dead, being choked by vines, or hollowed out by carpenter ants. It’s always a diffcult decision to remove trees, but in such cases, it’s necessary. I was able to create a beautiful new landscaped area, and I will be planting 7 or so trees to replace the ones that were removed most recently.
Adding Style to My Outdoor Rooms
Beyond that, I did a little decorating. You might be familiar with my side porch since I’ve shared it both in the spring and the fall. This is one of my favorite spaces.
During my time at Bayberry House, I also created a fire pit in my backyard. I love sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows, and cooking up mountain pies. I have a fairly large wooded property (2 acres), so an area like this was practically a must.
Creating a Garden
I also added a small garden last summer and filled it with vegetables. This year I took a different approach and planted one raised bed with dahlia tubers and the other with my favorite veggies. In my first year of gardening, I discovered that I like growing vegetables, but I LOVE growing flowers. You can read about my dahlia growing adventures HERE.
I hope to expand this garden in the future and make it a more permanent and attractive part of my backyard.
As I shared earlier this year, there are lots of things I want to accomplish this year and beyond. In case you missed that post, you can find my 2020 Bayberry House Projects here.
I’ve already begun work on a few of the items, including my office makeover. Click here to see how that’s coming along. I’ve also lined up a carpenter to make a few built-ins in my entryway and living room. I’m especially excited about those.
That’s it!
I think that wraps things up. This post was probably mostly for my edification, but I’m glad I took the time to put it together. I often feel like I need to be tackling more, doing more, changing more, but the truth is, this is a lot for one home and one person.
It’s always such a joy to share this journey with you. Thank you for joining me and being my cheerleaders and support system. Here’s to more exciting adventures at Bayberry House!
This past weekend I realized that it’s been two years since I moved into my home, which I lovingly call Bayberry House as a tribute to my grandparents. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long already. It feels like yesterday. Today I thought it might be fun to take a walk down memory lane […]
How about a Moscow Mule with a twist? Bourbon and a sprig of mint give this Kentucky Mule its distinctive Southern charm. I just know you’re going to love it.
Yes, my enjoyment of bourbon keeps growing! I’ve been putting it in any cocktail I can. My latest is this Kentucky Mule.
What is a Kentucky Mule?
I didn’t invent this recipe; it’s been around for quite some time. It’s a variation on the classic Moscow Mule, which is made with vodka. A Kentucky Mule follows the same recipe except bourbon is used in place of vodka.
If you’ve ever made a mule, you know how simple it is to put together. After adding liquor, ginger beer, and lime juice to a glass, you just stir and garnish. That’s it. I’m certain you can make one in under a minute.
As with any mule, the resulting cocktail is fresh, bright, and flavorful. And it’s easy to drink. Unless you don’t like ginger, I think you’ll enjoy this cocktail.
What’s in a Kentucky Mule?
Only ice and a few ingredients:
Bourbon: I’ve shared my favorite below, but you can use whatever bourbon you like. Bonus points if it’s from Kentucky.
Ginger Beer: Sample a few and see which one you prefer. My current go-to is Fever-Tree. It’s available at most grocery stores or online HERE.
Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must. We’re only using three ingredients, so you want the best of the best.
Mint: Every cocktail needs a garnish. Mint is perfect for a Kentucky Mule.
What Bourbon Do You Use for a Kentucky Mule?
As I mentioned, it doesn’t matter what bourbon you use. However, if you’re new to bourbon, here are a few recommendations:
My Favorite Bourbons:
Four Roses Single Barrel:This might be my favorite. (As you can see the bottle is just about empty!) There are several varieties so make sure you get the Single Barrel. It’s the best. Plus, it’s made in Kentucky, which is perfect for this recipe!
Redbreast 12 Year: I was introduced to this last year when I was in Ireland. It makes an amazing Old Fashioned.
Bulleit: Both of the previous options are top-shelf, so they are an investment. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try Bulleit Bourbon.
How to Make a Kentucky Mule:
Now that we’ve talked about what goes into a Kentucky Mule, let’s make one! (You will find a printable recipe card near the end of this post with a full list of ingredients and instructions.)
1. Add ice to a glass or mug. Traditionally, a mule is served in a copper mug. This helps keep the drink cold. I had these beautiful hand-painted glasses (I found antiquing) with a grouse and a pheasant on them so I decided to use them instead of copper mugs. (I felt the glasses fit the theme.)
2. Add the bourbon, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. I listed the “standard” measurements in the recipe card below, but feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to suit your tastes. Again, I’m using the Four Roses Single Barrel. It’s perfection here.
3. Stir and garnish. Stir everything to combine and garnish with a wedge of lime and a sprig of mint.
4. Cheers! Sip and enjoy, my friends.
I told you this drink is easy to make! It also tastes wonderful. If you’re not careful, this Kentucky Mule might become your new go-to cocktail.
Looking for more bourbon based cocktails? Try these:
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
How about a Moscow Mule with a twist? Bourbon and a sprig of mint give this Kentucky Mule its distinctive Southern charm. I just know you’re going to love it. Yes, my enjoyment of bourbon keeps growing! I’ve been putting it in any cocktail I can. My latest is this Kentucky Mule. What is a […]
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes are on the menu today. Thes are made with homemade shortcake, strawberry rhubarb pie filling, and freshly whipped cream. What’s not to love?
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes
When I think of spring and summer, one dessert that comes to mind is shortcake. Typically, shortcake is served with strawberries and whipped cream, but today I’m switching things up and making Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes.
In a recent post, I showed you how to make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling and suggested a few creative and tasty ways to use that recipe. One of my suggestions was to spoon the filling over homemade shortcakes and top them with freshly whipped cream for a delightful and unique treat.
Love strawberry rhubarb like me? You can find all of my FAVORITE Strawberry Rhubarb recipes HERE!
As I’ve said many times on Inspired by Charm, strawberry and rhubarb pair wonderfully together. This shortcake recipe proves that yet again.
And yes, you can make shortcake at home. It is SO EASY! Earlier this year I bought this special shortcake pan, which I’ve used multiple times since. (Do you remember earlier this spring when I made these Blueberry Shortcakes?) You can find the pan here if you’re looking to purchase. If not, you can use a mini angel food cake pan or even a regular muffin pan.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes:
For starters, you will need to make the filling. You can find my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling recipe here. That recipe will give you more than enough filling for the shortcakes. But don’t worry, any extra filling won’t go to waste. In my post about the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling, I’ve included lots of yummy ways to use the pie filling.
Now it’s time to make the shortcake! And though it might look complex, it’s not hard at all.
The first step is to prepare the pan. With an intricate pan like this one, generously spray the molds with baking spray. Then, add all-purpose flour to each mold, shake it around, and discard the excess.
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add the vanilla, softened butter, milk, and egg. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about two minutes. (You’ll find the full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
That’s it!
Now spoon the mixture into the prepared molds of the shortcake pan and pop the pan in the oven.
Quick note: I recommend placing a sheet pan under the cake pan to catch any batter that might spill over. I overfilled my molds so the batter ran over. That wasn’t fun to clean up.
When the shortcakes are done, let them cool in the pan. This will ensure they come out easily. Once cooled, gently loosen each shortcake with your finger; then invert the pan to release the cakes.
After that, you’re ready to assemble the shortcakes. Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry rhubarb pie filling onto each shortcake. I like the filling to be cold or at room temperature, but you’re welcome to warm it up if you prefer. Finally, top the filling with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream.
And yes, you need to use freshly whipped cream! It’s so simple to make. You can grab my recipe here. I break the process down step-by-step. You’ll never go back to store-bought whipped cream.
Tada! That’s it! Your Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes are ready to be enjoyed!
If you’re a fan of rhubarb like I am, you’re going to LOVE these. And once you realize how easy shortcake is to make, you’ll be experimenting with all sorts of toppings! I can’t wait to hear what other types of shortcakes you put together.
Happy Baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes are on the menu today. Thes are made with homemade shortcake, strawberry rhubarb pie filling, and freshly whipped cream. What's not to love?
Next, coat the cake pan with baking spray. For more intricate pans, spray with baking spray. Then, add some all-purpose flour to each cavity, shake it around, and discard the excess.
The next step is to whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then add the vanilla, softened butter, milk, and egg. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about two minutes.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cavities in the mold pan. Each cavity should be about 3/4 full. In case there are any drips, set the pan on a baking sheet while putting the batter in the cavities. Then place the pan into the preheated oven.
Bake the little cakes for 18-20 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. Gently loosen each cake with your fingers: then invert the pan to release the cakes.
To serve, top each with about 1/3 cup of the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling. Top with a generous dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream.
Notes
The cake pan I used for this recipe can be found here. In case you don't have this pan or want to buy it, you could also use a muffin pan. If using a muffin pan, you may need to adjust the cooking time.You can find the recipe for the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling HERE. You won't need the whole recipe to make these shortcakes. I did share additional used for the pie fillingYou can find the recipe for Homemade Whipped Cream HERE.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes are on the menu today. Thes are made with homemade shortcake, strawberry rhubarb pie filling, and freshly whipped cream. What’s not to love? Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcakes When I think of spring and summer, one dessert that comes to mind is shortcake. Typically, shortcake is served with strawberries and whipped cream, but today […]
Everybody should probably know how to make Homemade Whipped Cream. That’s why I’m sharing my recipe for delicious and easy whipped cream. It’s sure to be a sweet and creamy addition to many of your favorite desserts.
Homemade Whipped Cream
A lot of the dessert recipes I’ve posted on Inspired by Charm have called for whipped cream. This past weekend as I was working on a few new shortcake recipes for the blog, it dawned on me that I should also share how I make whipped cream.
I realize that some of you do not need a recipe for whipped cream. However, I suspect there are just as many of you who may not be aware that you can make your own whipped cream or how to go about it
The good news is that it’s SUPER SIMPLE. The bad news is that you’re going to want to put it on EVERYTHING! Ha!
First, let me tell you what you’ll need, and then I’ll walk you through the recipe.
What is Whipped Cream Made of?
You might be surprised to learn that you only need a few ingredients to make whipped cream at home.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is required. Make sure it is COLD. If the heavy whipping cream is warm, it will not whip.
Confectioners’ Sugar: I prefer this over granulated sugar. Confectioners’ sugar adds all the sweetness you could want without the risk of tasting sugar granules in your whipped cream.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is an optional ingredient, but I always use it. I love the flavor it gives my whipped cream. (You can find my favorite vanilla extract HERE.)
How Do You Make Whipped Cream from Scratch?
As I said, this is a SIMPLE recipe. Let me explain ….
Add the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
With your mixer on medium speed, whip the cream until it begins to thicken.
Continue whipping for several minutes until the cream is fluffy but not too firm. I like medium-to-firm peaks. This means that the whipped cream holds its shape when spooned or piped on your dessert. Be careful not to over mix the whipping cream, or it will start to separate. (Then you’ll have butter!)
You can serve this delightful whipped cream right away or cover it tightly and chill it for up to 36 hours. I like to store mine in a plastic piping bag (like this one) fitted with a large close star tip. That way it’s ready to use when I’m in the mood for whipped cream.
And that’s it, my friends. You now know how to make your own whipped cream. As you’ll discover, it is SO good! I promise you’ll never want to buy it at the store again. Homemade is hard to beat!
Looking for dessert recipes where you can serve your Homemade Whipped Cream? Try these:
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.
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Everybody should probably know how to make Homemade Whipped Cream. That’s why I’m sharing my recipe for delicious and easy whipped cream. It's sure to be a sweet and creamy addition to many of your favorite desserts.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Everybody should probably know how to make Homemade Whipped Cream. That’s why I’m sharing my recipe for delicious and easy whipped cream. It’s sure to be a sweet and creamy addition to many of your favorite desserts. Homemade Whipped Cream A lot of the dessert recipes I’ve posted on Inspired by Charm have called for […]
Who doesn’t love blueberries? Besides having incredible color, blueberries taste fabulous and are often available year-round. I’ve used them in all sorts of desserts and sweet treats, including a unique cocktail.
Growing up, I lived just up the road from a large blueberry patch. It was in someone’s backyard and they would allow folks to go pick blueberries whenever you’d like. Payment was made into a tin coffee can via the honor system. Those were simplier times. Blueberry picking and eating was a favorite summer activity. That’s why today I’ve rounded up My Best Blueberry Recipes. I’m sure you’ll find something special to add to your repertoire. If you’re blueberry-obsessed like I am, you’ll probably want to make all of these blueberry recipes many times.
I was inspired to create this blueberry recipe when I found a gorgeous shortcake pan. (If you’re also a fan of specialty cakes, you might want to take a look at my post on Specialty Cakes to Bake at Home here.) Of course, these shortcakes are loaded with blueberries. They’re finished off with more blueberries and a lemon glaze, plus a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and lemon zest.
Here’s another blueberry recipe that brings together the delightfully refreshing flavors of lemon and blueberries. It’s a fun recipe to experiment with in the middle of winter the way I did. Given the popularity of whoopie pies, though, you’ll probably want to bake them whenever you get the chance.
This is a quick bread, so it doesn’t take long to whip up. The batter is jam-packed with fresh blueberries highlighted with lemon. As you can tell, I love the combination of blueberries and lemon.
These cuties are tasty and simple to put together. You just pipe a cream cheese filling into store-bought mini phyllo pastry shells and top with a spoonful of blueberry sauce. I have a feeling this professional-looking dessert will become one of your entertaining go-to’s.
Are you wanting something sweet to accompany the cup of coffee you have in the morning or middle of the afternoon? You can whip up these muffins easily with ingredients you’re likely to have on hand. I often bake these in the summer when blueberries are in season where I live.
I got this blueberry recipe with the fun name from my grandma. Boy bait, which dates back to the 1920s, is similar to coffee cake or buckle and is pretty straightforward: batter, berries, and crumb topping. You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Boys AND girls of every age will love it!
Beautiful to behold, these meringues have a delicate crunch and just the right amount of sweetness. Their lightness also makes them the perfect blueberry recipe for spring and summer! You will be looking for excuses to fix this fancy treat.
Don’t let the name of this unique dessert throw you! To make a grunt, you simply steam small sweet dumplings in a shallow bowl of fruit, in this case, wild blueberries. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the sweet-tart flavor is intense.
Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover pancakes? Why not combine them with blueberries, sliced almonds, and custard for an unbeatable breakfast casserole? Topped with real maple syrup and real whipped cream, this is a blueberry recipe your family will be begging you to make.
This is another lovely blueberry recipe from my Year of the Skillet. I used store-bought pie dough when I baked these during the summer, but you are welcome to fix your favorite crust. You can also customize the filling to suit your preference for sweet versus tart. These skillet pies are as cute as they are delicious!
These darling pies are a cinch to make. You simply spoon homemade blueberry filling into small jars, cover them with store-bought crust cut to fit, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake. The hard part will be waiting for the pies to cool a bit before taking a bite.
In this delectable pie, a custard center is covered with a generous layer of homemade blueberry filling. All of that goodness rests in a graham cracker crust that has a surprise ingredient-coconut. The blueberry lovers in your life will go gaga for this pie recipe!
You will feel healthy eating this blueberry treat for dessert (or even breakfast!) on a hot day. Besides the molds and sticks, you’ll need yogurt, fresh berries, granola, and honey. Plus, about four hours of lead time to make and freeze the pops.
This gorgeous cocktail is made with blueberry rum, simple syrup, lime juice, club soda, and, of course, blueberries. For garnish, add a sprig of mint and a few more blueberries along with a colorful paper straw. You’ll probably wish every day was Friday and the start of the weekend.
I hope this latest recipe compilation inspires you to hop on the blueberry train with me. Once you’re on, you won’t want to get off. Of course, you won’t need to with all of these luscious blueberry recipes 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.
Who doesn’t love blueberries? Besides having incredible color, blueberries taste fabulous and are often available year-round. I’ve used them in all sorts of desserts and sweet treats, including a unique cocktail. Growing up, I lived just up the road from a large blueberry patch. It was in someone’s backyard and they would allow folks to […]
This recipe for Rhubarb Muffins is a classic. Made with brown sugar and lots of diced rhubarb, these tart and sweet muffins are a winner for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between.
Homemade Rhubarb Muffins:
Every once in a while I come across a recipe and I wonder to myself, “Why have I not shared this recipe sooner?” That’s the case with these Rhubarb Muffins. This recipe dates back over 20 years. I used to work at a small cafe in my hometown back when I was just a teen and these muffins were on the menu.
What makes these Rhubarb Muffins special is their simplicity. Sometimes you just don’t need all the bells and whistles or fancy new ingredients. You just want a recipe that was probably tucked into all of our grandmothers’ cookbooks.
Looking for more rhubarb recipes? I have an entire collection of them! Click here for more.
Whether you are a fan of rhubarb or not, I think anyone can appreciate this recipe. Tart rhubarb is paired with sweet moist cake and topped with a crunchy, sugary, buttery topping. What’s not to love?
I actually love these muffins as they are. Honestly, you don’t need butter or jam. However if you want to take them to the next level, make them slightly warm and serve with some salted butter and strawberry jam. (This jam is my favorite.) It’s a winning combination!
Now, let me show you how to make them. (And bonus points because no mixer is required.)
How to Make Rhubarb Muffins:
You’ll need rhubarb to start. I highly recommend fresh rhubarb. I recently had a bad experience with frozen rhubarb. For me, it tends to lose its volume and becomes rather watery. So, I personally won’t be freezing rhubarb again.
Anyway, to the rhubarb, add brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, an egg, and vanilla extract. Then mix all of that together until it’s well blended. (Full ingredient list and recipe instructions are detailed in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Then, put the two together. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
With your batter ready, add it to some paper-lined muffin tins. This recipe makes approximately 18 muffins.
Then, and this might be my favorite part, add on the topping. You only need butter and sugar to create the sweet, buttery, and crispy topping.
Mix the butter and sugar together to create clumps and add this to the tops of all your muffins. Then, bake at 325 degrees F for about 25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean) and your muffins are done!
If you can resist, I recommend allowing them to cool in the pans a bit before you attempt to remove them.
You can serve these muffins up for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon treat, or even as dessert. (Warm them up, top them with ice cream and drizzle with strawberry jam for the ultimate treat.)
Now go out, get your hands on some rhubarb, and whip up a batch of these classic Rhubarb Muffins.
Happy Baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
This recipe for Rhubarb Muffins is a classic. Made with brown sugar and lots of diced rhubarb, these tart and sweet muffins are a winner for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This recipe for Rhubarb Muffins is a classic. Made with brown sugar and lots of diced rhubarb, these tart and sweet muffins are a winner for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between. Homemade Rhubarb Muffins: Every once in a while I come across a recipe and I wonder to myself, “Why have I not shared […]
After searching for more than a year, I finally have a new, well old, sideboard for my dining room. Today I’d like to show you what I found.
A bit of backstory: Last year I did a major kitchen remodel, which affected my dining room as well. The changes in the latter space included refinished hardwood floors, new French doors, three new windows (which were not there previously), and a handful of other things. Because of these updates, I decided to start fresh with furnishings and decor.
I was (and still am) taking my time in developing this space. There has been no need to rush to get it done. I’m OK with the space feeling/being incomplete for now.
Well, that’s the backstory.
A New (Old) Sideboard for My Dining Room
Flash forward to almost a couple of months ago, when after a year-long search for the “perfect” sideboard, I found a beautiful vintage cabinet on Facebook Marketplace and knew immediately this could be it.
I had envisioned a painted piece because my dining room already had a lot of wood in it with the table and floors. However, anything can be painted, so I was more open-minded in my search.
And here’s what I found:
Isn’t she a beauty?
Now a few notes about the sideboard…
The size was ideal. I wanted something to sit underneath the window trim, and this was perfect
This piece is not painted like I originally envisioned, but it’s darker than the surrounding wood tones so it doesn’t get lost. Of course, I could still paint it if I desired. But for now, I like it as is.
It’s rougher than what I had in mind. I’m assuming someone made it for a garage or workshop. It came with that “workshop” smell. The insides of the drawers were also dirty and stained with oil.
Although it’s a tad rough, it’s well built, solid, and heavy. Those are characteristics I like.
One of my favorite aspects is the asymmetrical drawers. If you’ll notice, the drawers on the right are not as wide as those on the left and in the middle. I love this because it means it’s one-of-a-kind.
Other details that I like: It still has all of the original drawers (which can be rare in old cabinets). All of the hardware is the same. And with 12 drawers, there’s a ton of storage.
Before I could start using this piece, I needed to do something about the dirty drawers. My first thought was to line them with wallpaper, but that is a BIG project, and I don’t have the supplies on hand. So, I decided to paint them instead. I figured that this would give me a clean surface and lock in all of the dirt and oil.
I used my go-to craft and furniture paint: Fusion Mineral Paint. I love this stuff because it doesn’t require a primer coat or a topcoat. However, I later learned that if there are oil stains, a primer should be applied. Oops!’
I had a quart of Fusion Mineral Paint in Lamp White on hand (though I did end up having to order another quart), so I went with that. After a thorough cleaning, each drawer got two coats of paint. And then I went back and applied a third coat to the areas that had those oil stains coming through.
The paint did exactly what I wanted it to do. It locked in all the old dirt and freshened up the drawers. And even though I didn’t use a primer on those stains, the paint ended up doing a great job covering them up.
Only a few are still slightly visible, but that’s part of the charm of a vintage piece.
Once the paint was dry, I was able to start loading up my new sideboard.
I was so looking forward to this moment since for the past two years all of my linens, extra flatware, and other entertaining items have been packed in totes in the basement. They finally got a proper home.
I’ve filled about half of the drawers so there’s still plenty of room for more goodies. Once I organize things a bit more, I’ll give you a full tour.
My sideboard purchase also inspired me to finally order a rug for the dining room so I’ll have to update you on that when it arrives. I have a couple of other decorative storage solutions in this space that I’m excited to share with you, too. Stay tuned for those.
I hope you enjoyed this look at the new (old) sideboard in my dining room and are digging it as much as I am. (Frankie says, “Hello!” too.)
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.
After searching for more than a year, I finally have a new, well old, sideboard for my dining room. Today I’d like to show you what I found. A bit of backstory: Last year I did a major kitchen remodel, which affected my dining room as well. The changes in the latter space included refinished […]
These Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars are basically Strawberry Rhubarb Pie in handheld form. The combination of flavors, combined with a moist cake may make these your new go-to summer sweet.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars
I feel the need to apologize for all of the rhubarb-based recipes I’ve been sharing, but then I remember how delicious they are and realize that there’s no need to apologize. These Strawberry Rhubarb Bars fall into that same delicious category. They are SO GOOD!
Plus, just the smell of these baking reminds me of my grandparents. My house smelled just like theirs and it made my heart want to burst.
This is actually a new recipe that I tested using my strawberry rhubarb pie filling (you can find that recipe here) along with a cake base for another style of bar. The combination created this sensational dessert that I will be making year after year. They are that good, but I’m clearly partial to strawberry rhubarb.
It’s also worth mentioning that you could essentially create these bars with any prepared pie filling that you love. You can use the canned variety or a filling you cook at home. The key is that you want the filling to be precooked.
No matter how you make them (I recommend the strawberry rhubarb variety), I think you’re going to love them as much as I do.
With all that goodness out of the way, let me walk you through the recipe.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars:
First things first, you’re going to need to make a batch of my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling. That recipe will give you more than enough filling for these bars, but don’t worry, any extra filling won’t go to waste. In my post about the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling, I’ve included lots of yummy ways to use the pie filling, including drizzling it over ice cream.
Once your pie filling is cooled, you can get started on the bars. They are really easy to make.
You can grab the ingredient list and recipe instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.
You’ll start by creaming together the butter and the sugar with an electric mixer. Then, add in your eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla. (Don’t add all the eggs at once or you’ll risk curdling the mixture.)
Next, add in all of your dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
You’re going to bake this in a parchment-lined baking pan. I like the parchment because it makes these pie bars really easy to remove. However, if you’re going to eat them right out of the pan, just use baking spray.
Add a little over half of the cake batter to the parchment-lined baking pan. Use an offset spatula to spread out an even layer. Top with the strawberry rhubarb pie filling and spread out into an even layer.
Finally, add dollops of the remaining cake batter over the strawberry rhubarb pie filling. Gently spread into an even layer using your offset spatula. And yes, it’s okay if some of the pie filling shows through. You can see how mine looked before baking in the image above.
Pro tip: I really recommend using a small offset spatula (like this one) to make really nice and even layers. (If you don’t have an offset spatula you can use a regular spatula or even a butter knife.) Yes, it’s a bit tedious, but I think it’s absolutely worth the extra few minutes it takes to create really nice and even layers.
And with that, these Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars are ready to bake!
Once they come out of the oven, allow them to cool. Once cooled, slice them up and top them with a simple confectioners’ sugar glaze. (I explain how to make it in the recipe card below.)
And that’s it, my friends! Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars perfected. And my goodness, I can’t stress enough how yummy they are! The top almost get’s a crusty / crunchy layer that is divine paired with that sweet and tart pie filling.
I hope you give them a try. And when you do, come back and let me know how they were in the comments below.
Happy baking!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars Recipe
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bars, strawberry rhubarb, strawberry rhubarb pie
These Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars are basically Strawberry Rhubarb Pie in handheld form. The combination of flavors, combined with a moist cake may make these your new go-to summer sweet.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, line a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray and set aside.
With a stand (or handheld) mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Add a little over half of the cake batter to the parchment-lined baking pan. Use an offset spatula to spread out an even layer. Top with the strawberry rhubarb pie filling and spread out into an even layer.
Finally, add dollops (about 1 tablespoon) of the remaining cake batter over the strawberry rhubarb pie filling. Gently spread into an even layer using your offset spatula. (It's okay if some of the pie filling shows through.)
Bake for 35 minutes or until the top starts to become golden brown. Avoid over baking. (You can test the center of a cake with a toothpick. It should come out clean.) Allow to cool, then slice into rectangles or squares.
For a final finishing touch, drizzle with a confectioners' sugar glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together the sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. (Add the milk a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.)
These Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars are basically Strawberry Rhubarb Pie in handheld form. The combination of flavors, combined with a moist cake may make these your new go-to summer sweet. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars I feel the need to apologize for all of the rhubarb-based recipes I’ve been sharing, but then I remember how delicious […]
Today I’m showing you the Hanging Basket Plants that I created for a shady area on my deck. You only need three types of plants to create this stunning and wow-worthy arrangement.
DIY Hanging Basket Plant for Shade
This post was a happy accident. Last year, I found these beautiful shade loving hanging basket plants at one of my favorite local greenhouses. I purchased three to hang on my deck and was so pleased with how they filled out throughout the summer.
Here is how they looked at their peak:
(To be honest, I totally forgot to snap some dedicated photos of them at their best. These photos were of the screen doors I had installed last year and my hanging baskets just happened to make it into the photos.)
And here is another picture of them earlier in the season:
It turned out to be a really striking combination. Even my mom wanted to buy a few for her house. However, when I went to buy them again this year, the greenhouse didn’t recreate this combination. Whomp! Initially, I was totally bummed out. However, I took this opportunity to just plant them up myself. While I wouldn’t get that initial impact of an already planted and filled out hanging basket, I would still get the combination I loved; plus it would be fun to watch them grow throughout the summer months.
As an added bonus, I get to share the process with you! Let me walk you through it.
How to Create a Hanging Basket Plant for Shade:
Let’s start with a materials list. Here’s what you will need:
– Slow Release Fertilizer:
I’m using this variety HERE. This is optional. I haven’t used this in the past, but I plan to use it in all of my container plantings this year to see if it makes a difference.
– Hanging Basket:
I found the one I’m using HERE. I love it! The texture is great and the 18″ diameter is a bit larger than your normal hanging basket size. They do have some smaller ones HERE. I bought some of these for my ferns.
Start by creating some drainage holes in your hanging basket. This one is lined with plastic, so I poked a few holes in it with a knife so that the basket could easily drain. (Your particular basket may not be lined with plastic. Just be sure to check for proper drainage before planting.)
Next, fill your hanging basket with your potting soil. I do about 3/4 of the way full and then top it off once my plants are in place. You’ll also want to mix in your slow release fertilizer now. (I’m using this one.) Use the recommended amount based on your particular fertilizer. For mine, I did two scoops per basket.
Next, start planting!
I began with my large Streptocarpella in the middle.
After that, I planted three of my Creeping Jenny. One at 2 o’clock, one at 6 o’clock, and one at 10 o’clock. One at 12 o’clock, one at 4 o’clock, and one at 8 o’clock.
Then, my Vinca went in. One at 12 o’clock, one at 4 o’clock, and one at 8 o’clock.
With all of my plants in place I filled in with potting soil, packed everything in nicely, and then gave them a good watering.
After that, they were ready to hang! I love these particular hanging basket planters as they come with a chain for hanging. It ended up being the perfect height for my particular location.
All that’s left to do is watch them grow. I also highly recommend watering with a water soluble fertilizer (like this one) once a week. In fact, I water all of my outdoor flowering containers with fertilizer once a week. I typically do it on Monday and call the process Miracle-Gro Monday. It’s a nice reminder every week.
I know that my hanging basket plants don’t look like much now, but here’s how I’m hoping they will look in the coming weeks:
I’ll be sure to update you on the progress of my Shade-Loving Hanging Baskets here on the blog. You can also follow me on Instagram if you want to see their progress there as well.
I hope this tutorial was helpful for anyone out there looking for a dynamic shade-loving hanging basket plant idea.
Happy Gardening, friends!
Looking for more more of my gardening ideas? Check out these posts:
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.
Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.
Today I’m showing you the Hanging Basket Plants that I created for a shady area on my deck. You only need three types of plants to create this stunning and wow-worthy arrangement. DIY Hanging Basket Plant for Shade This post was a happy accident. Last year, I found these beautiful shade loving hanging basket plants […]
One of my favorite flavor combinations is strawberry and rhubarb, which is why I love this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling Recipe. It’s easy to make and has a variety of tasty uses.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling:
If no one objected, during the spring, I’d be tempted to only feature rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb recipes on IBC. Not a fan of rhubarb …? Sorry, not sorry. Ha!
Rhubarb is wonderfully delicious when prepared properly. I even have a post dedicated solely to my favorite rhubarb recipes. You can find that here. I especially love rhubarb when it’s mixed with strawberries.
Today, I’m showing you how to make this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling. I needed this for another recipe (That’s coming soon!) so I thought it might be helpful to do a separate post about the filling.
As strange as it may sound, I probably wouldn’t use this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling in an actual pie. When making a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (recipes HERE and HERE), I prefer to start with raw ingredients and allow them to cook as the pie bakes.
So how would I use this pie filing? Let me explain.
Uses for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling:
As I mentioned above, I needed this filling to make another recipe. (I’ll be sharing that recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars with you soon. They’re AMAZING.)
Other ways I like to use this pie filling:
Warm it up and serve it on ice cream. (Crazy delicious!)
Spoon it on shortcake or biscuits and top with freshly whipped cream. (Recipes for both are coming soon!)
Use it as a filling for hand pies, turnovers, donuts, or a layered cake.
Spread it on toast.
Still another use, which I photographed for you, is serving it with yogurt and granola. If you caught the post about my latest go-to breakfast, you’ll know that I’ve been loving yogurt with granola, berries, and honey.
If you decide to serve the strawberry rhubarb filling with yogurt and granola, simply substitute the filling for the berries. It’s SO good!
As you might imagine, there are many more uses than what I’ve listed here.
Another reason I’m crazy about this recipe is that it’s easy to make. Here are the steps.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling:
Start by adding the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. (The full ingredient list and recipe instructions are available in the printable recipe card below.)
Mix well and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Stir the mixture often so it doesn’t burn. This is one of those recipes that needs your full attention.
Reduce the heat to simmer and continue to cook, while stirring, for another 5-10 minutes. The filling is done when the rhubarb is soft. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the latter is melted and both are incorporated.
Before using the filling (any way you’d like), allow it to cool. This Rhubarb Strawberry Pie Filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Looking for more delicious pie recipes? Try these:
And that’s it! I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and are feeling inspired to try it.
If you have other creative and yummy uses for this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling recipe, please let us know in the comments below.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling Recipe:
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pie, pie filling, rhubarb, strawberry rhubarb
One of my favorite flavor combinations is strawberry and rhubarb, which is why I love this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling Recipe. It's easy to make and has a variety of tasty uses.
Add the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven.
Mix well and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Stir often as this mixture can burn if left unattended.
Reduce the heat to simmer and continue to cook, while stirring, for another 5-10 minutes. The filling is done when the rhubarb is soft. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the latter is melted and both are incorporated.
Allow the mixture to cool. This pie filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
If the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can thin it with a splash of water while cooking. I typically don't feel the need to add water, but this will depend on the variety of rhubarb and how recently it was harvested.I have not frozen this pie filling, so I'm not sure if freezing will alter its texture or flavor.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
One of my favorite flavor combinations is strawberry and rhubarb, which is why I love this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling Recipe. It’s easy to make and has a variety of tasty uses. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling: If no one objected, during the spring, I’d be tempted to only feature rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb recipes on […]
I’m planting dahlias! Join me on this adventure from start to finish as I discover the joy of growing dahlias. This is a new mini-series here on Inspired by Charm, and I can’t wait to get started!
Planting Dahlia’s: A Novice’s Journey
Yes, my friends. I am deep into dahlias. This past week I planted 27 dahlia tubers in one of my raised garden beds and thought you might want to go along on this gardening adventure. Before we get into what I did, I want to remind you that I am not an expert on dahlias or plants of any kind. I planted several dahlias for the first time last year. This is only my second year growing them, and so I’m still very much a novice.
My goal with these posts is to tell you what I learn. This series is not a definitive guide on planting and growing dahlias. I just thought you might enjoy following along on this fun learning journey. As I discover experts, resources, guides, and more about dahlias, I’ll share everything with you.
What are Dahlias?
First off, they’re my favorite flower.
Secondly, according to Wikipedia, “Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. … Its garden relatives include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia.”
Dahlias come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. I’m going to include a few pictures here of arrangements I’ve made in the past that have incorporated these beautiful blooms so you can get an idea of what they look like. I also love this guide from Longfield Gardens. They detail many types of dahlias with images.
A dahlia arrangment I made for a dahlia arranging class.
They’re STUNNING, right? Their beauty, shape, and form just boggle my mind. And the colors! My goodness! I find one that I “love the most,” and without fail, I see another that I like even more. As I mentioned, I planted 27 dahlias. I put in more than 12 varieties, and I still yearn for more. It’s a problem!
Where to Buy Dahila Tubers?
There are a plethora of places where you can get tubers: Lowes, Amazon, small garden stores, flower farmers on Instagram, etc. I recommend the latter because they often offer unique and more “coveted” varieties. Plus, you’re supporting a small business!
Something to keep in mind: If you’re looking to buy from a seller with a limited supply (or a popular seller on Instagram), notice when they put their dahlias on sale. You don’t want to miss out on snagging your favorites. Also, be aware that suppliers usually only ship in the spring right before planting.
This year, I purchased my tubers from the following places*:
*I also ordered a random mix of 5 tubers from Pisarcik Flower Farm, which is a local business where I regularly buy cut flowers.
These aren’t “the only” or “the best” places to buy from. Although these suppliers are reputable, I chose them somewhat randomly based on Google searches. At this point, however, I can recommend them all because they shipped on time, and everything they sent was well packaged.
How to Plant Dahila Tubers?
Here’s what I know…
I live in Pittsburgh, PA, which is in Zone 6. Our winters require dahlia tubers to be dug up before winter and replanted in the ground after the threat of frost (mid- May)
I had been told that dahlias like rich, well-drained soil, so a week before planting, I amended my planting bed with a few bags of composted cow manure and a bag of peat moss. These enrich the soil and help with drainage. A friend who likes to grow flowers recently reminded me that “manure equals blooms” and even recommended a thin top dressing of manure once all of my tubers were planted.
Dahlias like full sun so plant in an area that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Dahlias can be planted 12-18 inches apart. Because of the size of my raised bed, the spacing between my tuber clumps is just 12 inches. This could be problematic, but I’m hoping for the best.
I’ve been planting my dahlia tubers in the clumps sent by the suppliers. I don’t know what the standard is for planting, but it’s my understanding that a single tuber will grow a plant. As you can see by the array of tubers on my counter, each clump of tubers is what I’m considering “one plant.” This is how I planted the dahlias last year, and the results were good.
I used thick popsicle sticks and these extreme permanent Sharpies to label all of the tuber clumps. This way I’ll know what’s growing where and be able to organize the tubers when I take them out of the ground in the fall.
I also created a map showing each plant in case I’m unable to see or locate the popsicle sticks as the plants start to grow.
The tubers should be planted under two inches of soil with their “eyes” facing up. On some tubers, it’s fairly obvious where the top is, but on others, it’s a bit more challenging to tell. In that case, I usually just lay the tuber on its side and hope for the best. I’m not sure if that’s correct, but in my mind, it’s better than the top facing down.
Something else that’s important to know: There’s no need to water the tubers until the dahlia plants start to grow. This is something I only learned this year. Last year I watered my tubers after I planted them. Oops! From what I’ve read, tubers can rot if they are overwatered. A local friend even recommends covering them if a lot of rain is in the forecast. Once the dahlias sprout, the threat of rot is gone, and you should water them 2 or 3 times a week to soak the ground.
Phew!
Armed with all that information, I got to work on planting my dahlias. In no time, I had my bed filled with tubers and the promise of a lush garden of beautiful blooms!
There is much more to do once the dahlias start to sprout, but I’ll save that for another post. In that update, we’ll talk about staking the plants, pinching off some of the growth (which is important for lots of blooms), and any other tidbits I discover about growing dahlias.
Now I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that all 27 of the tuber clumps sprout and that there’s no rot. Originally, I planned to keep some tubers back in case a few failed. However, I was able to fit everything in the beds so I may be scrambling to find more tubers if there are duds. Hopefully, that won’t happen
One final question:
Can You Grow Dahlias in Pots?
Yes!
That’s what I did last year. I planted my tubers in four 20″-high terra cotta pots. For the soil, I combined potting soil, manure compost, and peat moss. Here is one of my blooms:
Who’s Excited for my Dahlia Adventures?
And that’s a wrap on this first installment of Planting Dahlia’s Adventure. I’m giddy about going on this little growing journey and excited to take you along.
If you have experience planting or growing dahlias, please let me know in the comments below. I welcome your advice. Let’s learn and grow together.
Looking for more more of my gardening ideas? Check out these posts:
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.
Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.
I’m planting dahlias! Join me on this adventure from start to finish as I discover the joy of growing dahlias. This is a new mini-series here on Inspired by Charm, and I can’t wait to get started! Planting Dahlia’s: A Novice’s Journey Yes, my friends. I am deep into dahlias. This past week I planted […]
I recently put together a list of all of my favorite folk/acoustic, singer-songwriter songs. It took over a month to compile and refine, and now I’m finally ready to share it. Here is what I’m calling The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist.
The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist:
You may remember that several weeks ago when I posted my new spring music playlist, I mentioned that I was working on another playlist Well, The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist is that list, and today’s the day to officially unveil it.
This new playlist contains more than 150 songs and provides over 9 hours of listening enjoyment. Crazy, right? This is the longest list I’ve ever created. (Previously, my Christmas playlists had that distinction.) I have no intention of stopping there, however. As new music is released or I discover new songs, I will continue to add to this playlist.
I’ve been listening to this music non-stop for the last month, and I still can’t get enough. Since the playlist is 8+ hours long, I’m unlikely to hear the same song twice throughout the day. This ensures I won’t get tired of these tunes anytime soon.
I likewise love that almost 611 of you are already following this playlist! (Which surpasses my Folk Christmas Music Playlist, which has 600+ followers.) I mention this not because follower counts matter to me. It’s just interesting to see what people seem to like. As I’ve told you, I create these playlists for myself. Sharing them and knowing you also enjoy them makes me happy.
What’s on The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist?
This list includes so many of my favorite artists and songs. I probably know all the words to 90% of the songs on this list. As for the other 10%, I might not know every word (yet!), but I can certainly sing along.
Some of my favorite artists on this folk playlist are:
Brandi Carlile
The Lumineers
Gregory Alan Isakov
The Highwomen
First Aid Kit
Kasey Musgraves
Mumford & Sons
Jenna Nicholls
The Avett Brothers
Caamp
The Tallest Man On Earth
Nathaniel Rateliff
The Secret Sisters
Alexi Murdoch
Mandolin Orange
The Wailin’ Jennys
And there are MANY more.
What Occasions is this Ultimate Folk Music Playlist Suitable For?
The short answer is anything and everything. Ha! But if you’d like a few specific suggestions, I’m happy to oblige.
Dinner party. Host it outdoors, if possible, and serve a farm-to-table or rustic menu.
Sitting around a campfire. String outdoor lights overhead for the ultimate effect.
Lazy Weekend Mornings. Get your favorite beverage, a stack of magazines, and this playlist… Heaven for the senses!
LISTEN: Ultimate Folk Music Playlist
Per usual, you can find this playlist HERE on Spotify. Please know that this isn’t sponsored in any way; I simply love Spotify. I’ve included an embedded player below if you want to sample the tracks.
If you like this playlist, you can follow my Spotify profile here. Spotify just gave me an “approved” account. I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds nice.
And because folks often ask, my go-to speakers for listening to music are the Sonos Speakers. I have four of the Sonos Play:1 speakers around my house, and I recently purchased a Sonos Move to use outdoors. I love these speakers. I probably should do a blog post about them at some point.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you love The Ultimate Folk Playlist as much as I do. Happy Listening!
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.
Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.
I recently put together a list of all of my favorite folk/acoustic, singer-songwriter songs. It took over a month to compile and refine, and now I’m finally ready to share it. Here is what I’m calling The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist. The Ultimate Folk Music Playlist: You may remember that several weeks ago when I […]
As you may know, I recently took time off from Instagram. Last week I shared what I accomplished during my short hiatus. In this post I wanted to talk about some of the things I learned while I was offline at home, the benefits of being off the app, and how I plan to manage my time moving forward.
My time away from Instagram was extremely eye-opening, and probably “life-changing” to some extent. If you’re looking to alter your habits with the app (or your phone in general), I hope this post offers inspiration and guidance. I have a lot to say, so please bear with me.
Before I go any further, I need to note that I’m writing this post as Michael, the human being behind IBC, who has thoughts, feelings, concerns, and a big ol’ sensitive heart. This post comes out of a place of love and caring for anyone who might find it beneficial. This post is based on my personal experience. This post isn’t intended as a judgment of anyone else’s way of living life. You’re welcome to disagree and do things differently. We are all trying to figure out what works for us as we go through our days. Do what makes sense for your soul. For your heart. For where you are in your journey.
I read through this post many times, edited my words, and tried to be as sensitive as possible while still telling my story. I always try to do my best, and realize I won’t get it right every time. Thank you for your grace and understanding.
Why I Needed Time Off Instagram:
There’s a good chance you LOVE your time on Instagram and may think “a break” is crazy. This wasn’t the case for me. Here’s why.
First, based on my phone data, I was spending at least 2.5 hours on the app each day. That’s 912.5 hours or 38 days per year. When I looked at my overall time on my phone, it ranged from 4-5 hours a day. That means I spent 1,825 hours or 76 days per year looking at my phone.
Those numbers were eye-opening for me. Based on my life goals, there are so many things I would rather be doing than looking at a screen, and yet, I was spending a little more than a fifth of each year on my phone.
Second, although I enjoy finding out what’s new, being inspired by others’ ideas, and seeing what my friends are doing, scrolling so much has frequently left me feeling a lot of things I don’t want to feel.
Too often I would compare myself to others. I’m one of those people who struggle with feelings of “not enough” (which I’m working on and getting better at) but scrolling exacerbated those feelings. And, as we know, social media is a place for people to share their highlights, so it’s so easy and tempting to compare.
I got jealous. Jealousy is a slippery slope and not something I’m proud to feel, but it happens. I would watch as people had “everything” and did “everything,” and it would bum me out. Instead of focusing on the many blessings in my life – my family and friends, my home, my opportunities – I found myself wanting things I didn’t have.
I didn’t have this revelation until my break, but I found that scrolling and consuming social media overloaded my brain with information. It made me feel inferior, like I needed to be doing all of the incredible things I was seeing. Of course, I realize that isn’t possible for one person, but the feeling was there. Instead of focusing on my to-do list and goals, all of a sudden I needed to read this book someone recommended, update my throw pillows with the new style, clean out my junk drawer, start an herb garden, make the new cocktail recipe, try this new type of paint, check out a new app, and so on. The pressure was unending.
Beyond all of that, I must tell you that Instagram is one of my favorite things and favorite social media apps. But, as the platform changed and algorithms emerged, I started to dislike it. It’s tough because I use Instagram for my business as well. It’s an important tool that allows me to make a living doing what I do. While I don’t get it right every time, my goal is to strike a balance between what I share for the sheer joy of it (non-sponsored content) and what is linked for revenue.
The Parameters for My Instagram Break:
I went cold turkey. I planned to take two weeks off the app. On Sunday night before I went to bed, I deleted the app from my phone. Two weeks later, on Monday, I reinstalled the app.
My only connection with the app was via my Facebook business page where I could access my direct messages. From a business standpoint, it was important to be able to do this. And I only did it a couple of times during those two weeks.
As my hiatus approached, I had major doubts about it. I didn’t know how I was going to manage. I was even telling myself that it was okay if I made the break shorter.
However, when the time finally came to sign-off, I couldn’t have been more excited. And when it was time for my break to be over, I had little desire to sign back on.
What I Loved About My Time Off Instagram:
This was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a while. As I said above, the experience and the perspective it gave me was “life-changing” in several ways.
The first noticeable change was how much time I spent on my phone. It dropped from 5 hours a day to 1.5 hours a day. Pretty amazing, right?
Because I wasn’t constantly picking up my phone to check Instagram, the time I spent doing other things on my phone also went down. I even stopped carrying my phone with me everywhere. There were many occasions when I didn’t know where my phone was. Talk about freeing!
A second strange and unforeseen effect was that my house stayed cleaner. I think this was due to a combination of things.
Because my hand was free a lot more, I tended to put things away. I also didn’t feel so rushed, so I took the time to keep things tidy.
An example of this was my bathroom sink. Typically, I leave things out on my sink because I’m in a hurry, but during those two weeks, my bathroom sink stayed clean and uncluttered. This wasn’t intentional at all, but it was something I observed and loved.
A third noticeable change was my mood. This was significant. In general, I found myself feeling happier, more motivated, and less irritable. This alone is one reason I want to spend less time on the app (and my phone in general). I removed the temptation to feel “not enough” or jealous. And although I hope that someday I can be better about managing these feelings while on social media, removing them from my path has proven helpful.
And speaking of motivated. I accomplished SO MUCH. (I shared a full list here in case you missed it.) Not only did I get quite a bit done, but I was excited about doing it. I also finished things more quickly because I wasn’t stopping to check my phone or share the process.
Because of the current stay-at-home order, I couldn’t tell how my time off the app impacted my relationships or time with other people. I did visit with my mom over Mother’s Day weekend, and I loved that I was able to be present without feeling the urge to constantly check my phone.
I don’t think there were any big drawbacks to taking two weeks off. Did I miss things? Sure. There were moments when I wanted to share what I was doing or show some unique thing I’d found, but in general, I didn’t feel any pressure to do so. There were also a handful of people whose updates I missed. I quickly caught up with them upon my return, so, in the end, I didn’t MISS anything. It was so different from when I had to check the app every few hours for fear of missing out.
What Does All of This Mean?
If you’re thinking I had a “problem,” you are right. I’m glad I took a step back for a couple of weeks. I learned so much about myself from it and only wish I had done this months ago. I still have lots to learn and lots of room to grow, but this was a meaningful start.
To sum things up, my two-week break shows that I needed a change and that I’m a happier, more motivated, more productive, more intentional, more present, kinder, and possibly tidier person without Instagram.
Based on what I learned, I’ve made some plans. (See below.) Pushing the pause button to assess and reflect was a smart move for me. Chances are I will revert to my old ways if I’m not careful. However, I’ve given myself a tool to use for a reset whenever those old ways start to creep back in. It’s not so scary.
My Plan Going Forward:
I’m still figuring out my plans for moving forward, and it’s likely they will shift as I test them out. Here are my initial thoughts:
Set Boundaries
This is a must. If you’re following me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I’ve set boundaries in the past week. The responses to them were mixed. There was lots of love but anger, too. I get it. Boundaries are hard. I’ve decided not to share the full list of boundaries I’ve set for myself while on the app. I’m afraid they may come across as rude or insensitive to some folks. But I’ve put these boundaries in place to give myself permission to walk away from the app when I must and to only give as much of myself and as much of my time as I can in any particular moment.
Here are ideas for boundaries you might also want to consider:
Times of day when you’ll visit the app.
Turning off your direct messages if you’re too busy to respond.
Setting a timer for how long you’ll respond to comments and questions.
Only using the app when you feel mentailly strong and prepared.
Take Daily Breaks and Extended Breaks from the App
Whenever I feel like I need a break from the app, I’m going to delete it and step away. I won’t be announcing it; I’ll just delete it, step away, and sign back on when I’m ready. I may also schedule days off. I’m thinking I may delete the app from Friday night through Monday morning. I’m still figuring this out.
No Instagram in the First and Final Hours of My Day (No Phone in Bed!)
I used to start and end my day on Instagram. This will no longer happen. For the first few hours of my day and at least two hours before bed, I will not be on Instagram, and I will use my phone as little as possible.
Previously, checking my Instagram feed (and my email) while still in bed was a daily ritual. I would unintentionally let what I saw in my Instagram feed (and inbox) determine my day. I would often be mentally exhausted or emotionally defeated before even getting out of bed. This can’t and won’t happen anymore.
Focus on MY Goals
I’ve learned that it’s easy for me to think that “I need to do ALL things,” especially when I see so many great things on Instagram. I think limiting my time on the app will help with this, but I also need to remember that my goals, projects, and to-do list are most important. Just because someone has bought the latest new thing, is doing something cool, or is traveling to some locale, I don’t need to do and have those things as well.
If it aligns with or enhances MY goals, then fine. If it doesn’t, then it’s just not for me.
We can either waste our days constantly comparing ourselves to others, or we can intentionally spend our time doing things for which there is no comparison. I’m opting for the latter.
Be Intentional and Limit “The Scroll”
From now on, if I’m getting on Instagram, it’s going to be for a purpose. I won’t get on because I’m bored. I won’t get on because I’m waiting for something to load on my computer. I won’t get on because I’m avoiding work. I won’t get on because I want something to look at while I’m snacking. I won’t get on because I’m waiting in line at the store.
I will get on when I have something I want to share or need to post. I will get on when I have a free moment and want to see what a friend is doing. I will get on if I need a resource or want to check a specific feed. I will get on if I need to message someone or have time to check my messages.
You get the idea. In essence, I want to use the app with intention and not as a time filler.
The Numbers (Likes and Follows) Won’t Affect My Personal Happiness
The number of likes I receive on a post and the number of followers I have are irrelevant.
However, YOU are very relevant! I do want you to know how thankful I am for your follows likes, comments, and messages. Writing all of this feels tricky because I don’t want you to think that your support isn’t greatly appreciated. You are wonderful. I’m so glad each of you is here. I love this community that we’ve built, and I’m immensely grateful for all you do to support me online and in real life. With that being said, my goal is to focus on the content I’m sharing, the community we’re co-constructing, and the connections we’re creating. Because of Instagram, I feel like I have so many new friends and this amazing support system. I love our time together. The number of likes and follows are far less important.
In conclusion …
Wow. That was a lot. I sincerely hope this post has been helpful. I tried to share everything I could. If you have any questions, please let me know below.
If you feel the need to take a break. Do it! It just might give you the perspective you’ve been seeking. And it’s much easier than you might think. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find joy and freedom beyond the app.
I also want to reiterate that I realize all of us are different. In this post, I’ve talked about my personal experience. It’s not my goal to shame people for the way they use the app or how they choose to spend their time. This is YOUR life. You do you. Spend your days in the way that works for you. Learn, grow, and change along the way.
This post was important for me to write. As our digital social worlds continue to expand, they can be tricky to navigate. For too long, I felt as if I was the only person who struggled with how Instagram was affecting me and how much time I spent on my phone. However, after sharing more about my break and what I learned from it, I’ve discovered that other folks have similar feelings and concerns. I think it’s important that we talk openly about such things. We won’t always agree, but we should have these hard conversations and respect each other’s journey.
Again, thank you for being so supportive during my absence and for allowing me to open up about some of the personal parts of my life.
Stay well, friends!
As you may know, I recently took time off from Instagram. Last week I shared what I accomplished during my short hiatus. In this post I wanted to talk about some of the things I learned while I was offline at home, the benefits of being off the app, and how I plan to manage […]
My current go-to breakfast is Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey! It’s everything I want in a breakfast food right now. It takes minutes to make and is loaded with flavor. Plus, it fills me up and can be easily customized.
Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey
I realize that yogurt with granola, berries, and honey isn’t a revolutionary recipe idea, but after eating it for breakfast for over a month now, I thought it was worth sharing. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that are the most delicious and wonderful. Right? We may just need a little reminder or inspiration to make them.
Yogurt with granola and berries has been a go-to of mine for a while. When I go out for breakfast or brunch and want to avoid overindulging on eggs Benedict or French toast, I will order some combination of yogurt, granola, and berries. I love the flavor, and it always fills me up. I also feel good about myself after eating it. To me, that’s a triple-win!
The concept for this recipe is simple, but I thought I’d share a few tips and ideas that make it especially good. I’m also going to give you the details on some of the ingredients and products that I love to use.
My Go-To Ingredients for Yogurt with Granola:
1. Bowl: Okay, stick with me on this one. I think the bowl you use for this recipe is important. I have this lovely set of dishware, and this low wide bowl is my favorite. I LOVE it! (So much so that I use it for a lot of my meals. It’s large, and the curved sides are great for keeping everything contained.)
2. Yogurt: My yogurt of choice is siggi’s. It’s an Icelandic skyr yogurt. I’m not sure what that means, but it has less sugar and more protein than most yogurts. Vanilla and Strawberry & Rhubarb are my two favorite flavors.
Sidenote: According to Wikipedia, “Skyr is an Icelandic cultured dairy product. It has the consistency of Greek yogurt but a milder flavor. … (It’s not as sour and tart.) … Skyr has been a part of the Icelandic cuisine for centuries.”
3. Granola: Ultimately, homemade is best. I have a fabulous recipe HERE. Lately, however, I’ve been buying granola. I especially like Granola Factory’s Honey Pecan. It’s available in original and organic. I alternate between the two based on what’s available.
4. Berries: My standard is chopped strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. I sometimes add raspberries if I have them. (Unfortunately, raspberries seem to get moldy the day after I bring them home, so for the most part, I’ve stopped buying them.)
5. Honey: I recommend finding honey that is local to you. I’ve heard that eating local honey might help with seasonal allergies, but don’t hold me to that. If you’re local to Pittsburgh, you might want to get your honey from Pisarcik Flower Farm as I do. Their honey is wonderful! (Pisarcik Flower Farm is the place where I get a lot of my flowers.)
I also need to give a little shout-out to this handy and adorable honey dipper. It’s designed to fit onto a regular mouth mason jar. It works perfectly especially for how I purchase my honey. You can find it HERE.
How to Assemble Yogurt with Granola:
Again, this is a straightforward process. Of course, you’re welcome to do whatever works for you, but here’s my method. (I’ve also included a full printable recipe card at the end of the post with measurements and steps.)
1. Add the yogurt to your bowl. I like to spread the yogurt out a bit so that it’s in a flat and thick layer.
2. Top with berries. Sprinkle the berries evenly over the yogurt.
3. Drizzle the honey. I like to drizzle the honey over the berries before adding the granola.
4. Sprinkle on the granola. Add as much granola as you’d like. I try to stick to the recommended serving size, which is 1/4 cup, but some days I’m more generous with myself. (The granola is just so good!)
5. Garnish. I don’t do this when I’m preparing a bowl for myself, but if you’re making this recipe to serve company, a sprig of mint would be the perfect finishing touch. It adds color and aids digestion!
And that’s it, my friends. Your Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey is ready to be served.
I’m not exactly sure what it is about this breakfast dish that I like so much, but I find it a great way to start the day. It has lots of my favorite things and flavors. Plus, it fits into my breakfast calorie guidelines but is so satisfying.
Yogurt with Granola Strawberry Rhubarb Variation:
And if you liked this idea, I created a similar yogurt and granola breakfast recipe using my strawberry rhubarb pie filing recipe! It’s the same process, I just substituted the berries for pie filling. Here’s how that looks.
While it is more of a “treat”, it’s a really delicious combination! You can get my recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling HERE if you’d like to try out this variation.
Here are a few more of my favorite breakfast ideas:
If you’ve never tried this combination, give it a whirl and let me know what you think. Have fun with different flavors of yogurt and granola and switch up your fruit for something new every day, if that’s your preference. Find what YOU love!
Enjoy!
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My current go-to breakfast is Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey! It's everything I want in a breakfast food right now. It takes minutes to make and is loaded with flavor. Plus, it fills me up and can be easily customized.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
My current go-to breakfast is Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey! It’s everything I want in a breakfast food right now. It takes minutes to make and is loaded with flavor. Plus, it fills me up and can be easily customized. Yogurt with Granola, Berries, and Honey I realize that yogurt with granola, berries, and […]
A couple of weeks ago I told you that I was giving my home office a makeover, and then I left you hanging as I took time off from the blog and social media. Well, I’m happy to report that during my break, I was still forging ahead and making progress in the space. Today I thought I’d share an update along with my (rough) design plan.
Home Office Makeover Update:
Where do I begin? Let’s start with paint since that’s the first decision I made about this makeover.
One of the things that inspired me to tackle this makeover is the new Emerald Designer Edition “Designer Color Collection” from Sherwin-Williams. (SW is my go-to for paint, but this post is not sponsored. I just get strangely excited about new paint colors.)
Because I’ve worked with Sherwin-Williams in the past, they were kind enough to send me brochures about this fabulous collection. There are 200 new colors, and they’re divided into five categories. You can view them here. There’s something for everyone.
Which one are you loving? My hands-down fave is the Classic + Collected, which has soft shades and statement hues. I like this category because it has the most color variations. The palette looks like a rainbow where the others have a more refined focus. (I also love the Rustic + Refined collection for blues and greens. There are some stunning shades.)
All of that is a roundabout way to tell you I found so many colors in this collection that I NEED in my life and my home. One of the colors I was immediately drawn to was SW 9677 Kingston. It’s a beautiful and relaxing shade of minty green.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I picked this color somewhat blindly. Typically, I like to sample and test, but with the current stay-at-home order, I just boldly ordered the paint.
Thankfully, my instincts did not let me down. I’m loving how the color freshens the space. It’s also been a joy to add a bit of my personality to a room where I spend so much time.
I’m including photos of my progress in this post.
Because this room faces south, the color is reading bluer than on the paint sample, but I don’t mind it one bit. The color has a chameleon quality that makes it look different throughout the day and from various vantage points in the room.
Speaking of paint colors, I wrote about how I choose paint colors HERE. I also recently shared a post with all the paint colors I’ve used in my home. You can find that HERE.
So that’s my progress to date. (I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll have the room completely painted by the time this blog post goes live.)
Once the room is painted, I’m turning my attention to the closet. I don’t need a clothes rod in there, so I’ll be ripping that out and adding three more shelves. This closet was a hot mess before, so I’m hoping that the additional shelves and functional storage will turn it into an organized and beautiful space.
All-in-all, I’m enjoying this makeover and loving how it’s coming together. So now that you know where I am in the process, let’s talk about my plan.
Home Office Design Plan:
I wasn’t sure about creating and sharing a design board for this space. As I’ve mentioned, my intention for this makeover is to take my time with it, get a sense of the space as it evolves, and decorate it as I find the right pieces.
While that’s still the goal, I thought it might be helpful to have a general vision on paper, so here’s what I came up with:
Of course, this is subject to change, but for the moment I’m loving the general feeling. I’m still trying to use a lot of what I already have. And although there’s a mishmash of furnishings, they somehow work together. (At least I think so.)
I added a rug and chair that I sourced online. I probably won’t have those exact items in my space; I just wanted something to keep in mind.
Even though I like the general plan, to me it lacks color and personality. But no worries. That will come through art, accessories, and the inspiration and ideas I put on the bulletin boards.
I’m not sharing sources at the moment, but will have a full list available once the space is a bit more complete. However, I did want to offer image credit to @yasminemei who’s image I used at color inspiration for this space. (Her flower photo is on the bulletin board on my design plan.)
Home Office Design Questions:
After I announced the makeover and showed the before photos of my office, I did get questions/comments about the placement of my desk. I arranged it that way for two reasons.
I can’t have my chair facing the window because the winter sun comes right through the two windows and blinds me. It’s very distracting. (It’s not as bothersome in the summer when the sun is higher in the sky.)
I do not like to have my back to the door. That might seem weird given that I live alone, but I still don’t like it.
I have experimented with various arrangements and think I’ve found one that suits me. I’m also trying to keep my desk in the center of the room, under the light fixture, so that I can select a fixture that hangs a bit lower without constantly worrying about hitting my head on it.
Anyway, that’s an update on my progress, plus my plan. I wrote another section about designing a space but have decided to save that for a post dedicated to the topic. It’s something I realized and pondered during my Instagram break. I think it’s important (and something we tend to forget in this social media-driven world), so I’m looking forward to sharing it with you in a future post!
I hope you enjoyed this brief update and are getting a better idea of my vision for my home office!
I’ll be sure to post another update when more progress has been made!
A couple of weeks ago I told you that I was giving my home office a makeover, and then I left you hanging as I took time off from the blog and social media. Well, I’m happy to report that during my break, I was still forging ahead and making progress in the space. Today […]
This Cinnamon Roll Bread is a classic sweet baked in a new way. Cinnamon rolls are packed into a loaf pan to create a delicious bread that’s swirled with cinnamon and sugar and topped with a cream cheese glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Bread
I have had a sweet tooth since I was a kid, and cinnamon rolls are way up there on my list of favorite treats. I love their taste and the memories they evoke. My mom and both of my grandmas made cinnamon rolls, and each of their versions was as delicious as the next. Occasionally, we had the store-bought tube-packed ones (because those are also yummy), but most of the time our family ate homemade cinnamon rolls.
This Cinnamon Roll Bread captures that classic homemade cinnamon roll flavor in a new and beautiful way.
As you can see from the photos I’m sharing here, this is a wow-worthy bread. Depending on how you layer the cinnamon rolls in the pan, you can get different and unique looks.
If you’ve ever made cinnamon rolls, this recipe will be a piece of cake … er slice of bread! And don’t worry if you’re new to making cinnamon rolls; it’s not that hard. To my way of thinking, this Cinnamon Roll Bread recipe might just be a good way to dip your toe in the yeast bread waters.
Let me walk you through the steps.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread:
This is a yeast-based recipe, but don’t let that make you nervous. Once you do this a few times, you’ll quickly get over your fears. Let’s get started (A full printable recipe card with ingredients and instructions is available at the end of this post.)
1. Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk them together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
2. Heat the butter, milk, and vanilla. This step is important for activating the yeast. I heat the butter and milk on the stovetop, but a microwave will work as well. Heat until it reaches 120-130 degrees F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. If this mixture is too cold the yeast won’t activate; if the mixture is too hot, the yeast will be killed.
3. Mix the dough. Add the heated butter mixture to the dry ingredients and beat at a medium speed to combine. Then beat in the eggs and remaining flour. Before you finish mixing, switch the mixer attachment to the dough hook.
4. Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let the dough rise for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
5. Mix the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Set aside. Also prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan. I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread. I use one piece that covers the bottom and long sides of the pan. pray everything with a baking spray. Then set aside.
6. Make the cinnamon rolls. Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 26×7-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter on the dough with a spatula; then sprinkle that with the prepared cinnamon and sugar mixture. Roll up the dough lengthwise and pinch to seal the ends. Slice into 26 1-inch slices.
7. Assemble bread. Next, fill the prepared loaf pan with the cinnamon rolls. The photos show how I arranged my cinnamon rolls. I think a more random approach could result in a unique look, too!
8. Let the bread rise. Cover the loaf pan with a towel and set it in a warm place so the bread can rise for about 45 minutes. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9. Bake. Once the bread has risen, bake it until golden. This will take about 55 minutes to an hour.
10. Make the glaze. While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the ingredients until smooth. (I recommend using an electric hand mixer for the smoothest results.)
11. Serve. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then remove and drizzle with the glaze. Serve the bread warm or at room temperature.
And just like that, the Cinnamon Roll Bread is done and ready to be enjoyed. As I mentioned above, any yeast-based recipe does seem a little intimidating because of the number of steps and need to pay attention to temperatures. Still, I think this comes together fairly easily.
You can serve this Cinnamon Roll Bread like you would monkey bread and just pull off one cinnamon roll at a time. Or you can slice it the way I did. The bread is delicious no matter how you choose to serve it!
Cream cheese glaze or cinnamon butter make the perfect topping! Enjoy the bread and your baking!
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.
Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.
This Cinnamon Roll Bread is a classic sweet baked in a new way. Cinnamon rolls are packed into a loaf pan to create a delicious bread that's swirled with cinnamon and sugar and topped with a cream cheese glaze.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk together 2 cups of flour, ¾ cup sugar, yeast, and 1½ teaspoons of salt.
In a saucepan heat together water, ½ cup butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture reaches 120-130 degrees F. (If the temperature gets too high, simply let the mixture cool before proceeding.)
Add the butter mixture to the dry ingredients and beat at a medium speed to combine. Then beat in the eggs and 2 additional cups of flour. Beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl if necessary.
Switch to the dough hook and beat at a low speed for about 4 minutes until a dough ball forms.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Use one sheet of parchment paper to cover the bottom and long sides of the pan. Let a couple of inches of paper hang over the long sides to make it easy to later remove the bread. Spray with baking spray.
Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a 26x7-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Using a spatula, spread ½ cup of softened butter on the dough, leaving a ½ border along one long side. Sprinkle the butter evenly with the prepared cinnamon and sugar mixture. Roll up the dough lengthwise and pinch to seal the ends. Gently reshape the dough into an even 26-inch long cylinder. Slice into 26 1-inch slices.
Fill the prepared loaf pan with the cinnamon rolls. (You can reference the photos in the blog post to see how I arranged my cinnamon rolls. I used 14 standing on their sides for the bottom layer and 12 cut side down for the top layer.
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and set it in a warm place to let the Cinnamon Roll Bread rise for about 45 minutes. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Once the dough has risen, bake the bread until golden. This will take 55-60 minutes. If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it lightly with a piece of foil. (The internal temperature should be at least 190 degrees F.)
While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth. Use less milk for a thicker glaze. (An electric hand mixer is recommended for the smoothest results.)
Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then remove the bread using the excess parchment paper on the sides. Drizzle with the glaze to complete. Serve the bread warm or at room temperature.
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 Bake from Scratch
This Cinnamon Roll Bread is a classic sweet baked in a new way. Cinnamon rolls are packed into a loaf pan to create a delicious bread that’s swirled with cinnamon and sugar and topped with a cream cheese glaze. Cinnamon Roll Bread I have had a sweet tooth since I was a kid, and cinnamon […]
Now that I’ve returned, the first thing I want to do is thank YOU for your comments, emails, and messages about my mini-sabbatical. Your outpouring of kind words, blessings, and encouragement filled my heart in a way I cannot explain. Having such a loyal, thoughtful, and understanding audience rocks my world and makes every moment of my work more than worth it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
All-in-all, the time away was more than I could have ever wanted or expected. I especially appreciated and enjoyed being off Instagram. I’m going to write one or two blog posts about that experience and the lessons I learned for moving forward. However, I need more time to process it all and see how things feel now that I’m back. You can expect that post sometime early next week.
During my break, I still worked, but I was flexible with my schedule and gave myself lots of time to just be still or tackle the home projects I wanted to do. Because I wasn’t constantly checking my phone and getting caught up in scrolling, the amount of “extra” time I had skyrocketed. I was able to accomplish so much more. This was one of my goals after all: to figure out a way to spend less time on my phone. I did just that.
As I continue to collect my thoughts about my time off and prepare an in-depth post or two. I thought today I’d share a list of some of the things I did instead of scrolling Instagram.
If you read my previous post, you may remember that I spent an average of 3.5 hours a day on Instagram. That meant that during my two-week hiatus, I had 49 “extra” hours (3.5 hours x 14 days).
Here’s what I did with those 49 hours instead of scrolling on Instagram:
– Power washed and stained the floor of my deck.
– Power washed my sidewalk.
– Painted a room in my house. (More on that this week!)
– Began building a more functional closet.
– Watched movies, phone free!
– Hired a business coach and started to make plans for the future.
– Created a new work schedule that I’m pumped about.
– Bought a Nintendo Switch and played Animal Crossing. (Talk about fun!)
– Cleaned out my clothes closet and donated two bags of clothes.
– Cleaned and organized my entire basement. Donated two boxes of stuff and trashed two bags of stuff.
– Straightened up the contents of my garage.
– Moved a large pile of bricks and stacked them neatly under my deck.
– Photographed and wrote seven blog posts.
– Organized all of my photos on external hard drives.
– Cleared space on my laptop so it is functional again.
– Power washed my side porch.
– Cleaned and waxed my outdoor furniture and put on the cushions and pillows.
– Jogged or walked 3-4 miles every day.
– Weeded and tilled my garden beds. Then added compost and peat moss.
– Planted rhubarb.
– Set up an area in my guest bedroom to do art.
– Plus a bunch of other little things!
Yes. all of those tasks took more than 49 hours in total. But without this intentional time off, I don’t think I would have managed to accomplish a quarter of that list.
I also wanted to quickly mention that there’s a lot to love about Instagram and our phones in general. This isn’t a judgment of folks who choose to spend a lot of time on the app or their devices. I just know, even more so now, that I want to alter the way I spend my time.
I still have a lot to learn and discover, but I know that my motivation, mood, and general zest for life were significantly enhanced by putting my phone down.
Thank you again for your support and understanding during my break.
Questions??
As I mentioned above, I will be putting together a more thorough account of my hiatus. So, if you have any specific questions about it, please leave them in the comments below. I will try to answer them in my next post.
If you want more information about any of my “time off Instagram” activities, also let me know that in the comments. I already have plans to blog about some of the things, but I’m always curious about what YOU want to hear about.
Until then, I have some new blog posts scheduled for the week and I’ll see you back over on Instagram.
I’m back!!! In case you didn’t know, I recently took a short break from Instagram and the blog. Now that I’ve returned, the first thing I want to do is thank YOU for your comments, emails, and messages about my mini-sabbatical. Your outpouring of kind words, blessings, and encouragement filled my heart in a way […]
Looking for some easy and unique cupcake recipes? I’m here to help! I’ve put together a list of my favorite unique cupcake recipes to surprise and delight. Which one will you make first?
Unique Cupcake Recipes:
Cupcakes just might be the tiny houses of the dessert world. You get all the sweetness and style you could want but in a compact form for a lot less money and far fewer calories. In my book, that’s a win-win!
For today’s post, I’ve rounded up Inspired by Charm’s Best Unique Cupcake Recipes. If you want a unique cupcake for a mid-afternoon treat, special dessert, or future party, then this is the place. I’m positive you’ll enjoy the mouth-watering yumminess of each of these cupcake recipes!
This flamingo-topped unique cupcake recipe will make you think you’re on an island getaway. Pineapple juice and crushed pineapple give the store-bought mix a refreshing tropical taste. The frosted cupcakes are then dipped in graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy texture and the look of sand.
Fans of butter pecan ice cream are sure to rave about this easy cupcake recipe. Both the batter and the frosting are loaded with pecans toasted in butter, and a pecan half sits atop each little cake. I fixed these cupcakes to celebrate fall, but you can bake them any time.
I so enjoy the flavors of maple and walnut. In this cupcake recipe I put the two together to make these scrumptious from-scratch Maple Walnut Cupcakes. But don’t worry, they are a breeze to make. You are going to LOVE them!
What may seem like a strange combination of ingredients results in these delicious, rich, moist, and delightful Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes. These are a must-make summertime dessert recipe especially when blueberries and zucchini are in season.
These luscious cupcakes are a coconut lover’s dream. Coconut is added to the batter and sprinkled on the frosting. I have been obsessed with them ever since I saw Ina Garten make them on her show. Once you make this cupcake recipe, you’ll understand my obsession!
Aren’t these guys cute and colorful? They’re a classic yellow cupcake that’s hollowed out in the center, filled with M&Ms, and topped with pale pink frosting and a variety of sprinkles for spring or Easter. Customize yours with liners, little candies, and sprinkles in colors that fit your theme.
Folks of all ages will welcome an excuse to indulge in the “magically delicious” kids’ cereal. This unique cupcake recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you want to charm your dear ones with something deliciously whimsical.
You’ll love the simplicity of this classic cupcake recipe. I whipped up a batch and smothered them with my favorite cream cheese frosting to which I added chopped pecans. For a patriotic look, go with red, white, and blue liners and candies like I did. These are so great for any Fourth of July festivities!
These edible ghosts are made with meringue frosting (a.k.a. seven-minute frosting) and chocolate eyes. The adorable piped chocolate trees have autumn-colored sprinkles for leaves. Your family and friends will ooh and aah when they see this unique cupcake recipe at your fall get-together. They are a must-make for Halloween!
To make these, I used a standard white cake mix, red velvet flavoring, and purple food coloring. Adorned with my go-to cream cheese frosting (tinted pale purple) and a few mini-flowers, these pretty cupcakes are both festive and delicious. These are a “must-make” cupcake recipe if you know someone who is a lover of all things lilac and violet.
If you want something fun and different, layer cake and frosting in a small mason jar. You can customize this special dessert for a particular occasion by using cake and frosting in holiday hues or the guest of honor’s favorite colors. I like to make jar lids to fit the occasion.
That’s a wrap!
After compiling this collection of delicious, easy, and unique cupcake recipes, I’m craving a cupcake. Which one should I bake? Or do you have a cupcake recipe I should try? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy Baking!
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.
Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.
Looking for some easy and unique cupcake recipes? I’m here to help! I’ve put together a list of my favorite unique cupcake recipes to surprise and delight. Which one will you make first? Unique Cupcake Recipes: Cupcakes just might be the tiny houses of the dessert world. You get all the sweetness and style you […]
I’ve decided to take a short break. For the next two weeks (give or take), I’ll be off the blog and Instagram.
(This is a longer-than-usual post, so grab your drink of choice and settle in.)
Let me explain…
Lately (starting last year), I’ve been feeling a bit off. I’ve been struggling with comparisonitis, feeling “not good enough,” poor time management, lack of motivation, fear of failure, procrastination, and the like. If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while now, you know that these aren’t new struggles for me. – I assume some of these things are just part of my makeup. (Lovely, right? Haha.)
However, these struggles have been more intense lately (maybe because of our current world situation), and a reset is in order. I need to take a little time off to look at how I currently spend my days and how I want to spend my days. (This involves less time on my phone and more time creating!) I want to make and do without the fear of failing or disappointing someone. I want to journal and reflect. I want to get a better grasp on my time management and my schedule. I want to rediscover what brings me joy for its own sake.
I write this from a good place. There’s no need to worry. I’m fine. I will be back in a week or two, hopefully, better than ever. It’s been years since I took an intentional break from it all, and I need one. If you’re someone who spends a lot of your day online, I’m certain you know what I mean and how I’m feeling.
Instagram, in particular, has become a challenging place for me these past few months. (I think it’s been worse because most of us are spending more time at home and doing a lot of aimless scrolling. Do you know what I mean?) Recently, I looked at how much time I spend on the app. It averages 2.5 hours a day. That’s 912.5 hours or 38 days per year! (And you don’t even want to know about the time I’m on my phone every day. It’s scary!) I am so thankful for the app because it allows me to connect and share, but I don’t want to spend 38 days of my year on an app, especially when it is time just scrolling and feeling bad, guilty, and not good enough.
I plan to step away for about two weeks. When I was thinking about doing this, one week didn’t feel like long enough. I’m not sure two weeks is enough time either, but that’s the plan for now. (In some ways, I want a month-long or even a year-long hiatus.)
The Plan for My Time Off:
I’m still figuring out my plan for this time. I want to keep it flexible, but here are my thoughts at present:
I’m deleting social media (Instagram and Facebook) from my phone. I plan to avoid both for two weeks. And as I continue to think about this plan, it’s making me crazy nervous because there is a part of Instagram that brings me SO MUCH JOY, and I’m going to miss it. Sharing, inspiring, and connecting in positive ways is fuel for me. For example, it was so much fun the other day when I gave folks a tour of my landscaping. I loved all of our conversations in my messages. BUT, I realize I do need better boundaries, and even though it may be difficult, it’s a necessary step. I will probably also be sharing my plans for less phone time once this is all done. The goal is to create steps and a plan to limit how much time I’m staring at my screen.
I have a list of projects, recipes, and other things I want to do during this time so I’ll probably continue to “work” (photographing, writing, etc.). However, I want to approach this as a creative time rather than work time. I know that sounds confusing, but I haven’t quite figured out how to manage that yet, so we’ll see.
Part of that work will include updating some old blog posts so you might see an old post reemerge on IBC. However, nothing new will be posted.
Other things I want to do: clean and organize spaces in my home, paint a room (My office! Stay tuned for that!), spend time outdoors, journal, read, get back in an exercise routine or just move, listen to music (My new Ultimate Folk playlist is coming together beautifully by the way. I’m obsessed!),…The list goes on. Generally speaking, I just want to do things that fuel my soul and fill my heart. It’s not that I haven’t been doing those things; I’ve just forgotten how to do them with intention and focus.
How to Get Your IBC Fix While I Take a Break:
If you’re looking to stay connected in my absence, you have a couple of options:
First, I started a new email series where I share some decorating secrets. If you haven’t yet joined that series, you can do so HERE. You’ll get a new email every day for 6 days, so that should give you your IBC fix.
Second, I will continue to send out my weekly emails. If you’re not on the IBC Mailing List, you can join HERE.
Finally, I post on the IBC Facebook page several times a day. It’s a smattering of both current and past posts. So if you want to follow along with some older posts and maybe catch things you missed, join me there.
Ultimately, I hope to be able to set new goals and new boundaries for myself regarding social media, work, and phone use by the end of these two weeks. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but I know that I will be taking more time off Instagram. Perhaps I won’t post on weekends or maybe I’ll just limit my scrolling time. We’ll see.
I will also be adjusting my work and personal schedule. I’ve decided to add more me-time. I want to schedule time to paint or draw, to read, to visit interesting local places, museums, and restaurants (when they open) that have been on my “To-Visit” List. There’s just so much I’d rather be doing that’s more life-giving than staring at my phone. I’m on a mission to bring more joy into my days and contentment into my life. I want to fall back in love with my work and how I spend my time.
Want To Know How This Hiatus Goes?
If you want to hear more about this, it’s likely that when I return I will share a bit about my experience and time away. It might be a disaster and I’ll fail miserably, or it might (hopefully) be a wild success and I’ll walk away with a fresh perspective, a clearer mind, better habits, and more tools and ideas to share with all of you.
Until then, you will be missed. Please take care of yourself. Be safe and stay healthy. I will see you soon!
Sending you lots of e-love!
I’ve decided to take a short break. For the next two weeks (give or take), I’ll be off the blog and Instagram. (This is a longer-than-usual post, so grab your drink of choice and settle in.) Let me explain… Lately (starting last year), I’ve been feeling a bit off. I’ve been struggling with comparisonitis, feeling […]
It’s time to paint and decorate a new room at Bayberry House! Today I’m showing you how my office looks before I start to make it over.
Yes, friends, I’m ready to paint another room in my home. Earlier this year I wrote about some of my 2020 House Projects. You may remember that the list included painting several bedrooms. Well, one of those bedrooms happens to be my office. (I also want to tackle one of the other bedrooms in the next couple of months, but we’ll save that “before tour” for another day.)
My Home Office: The Before
This room is on the second floor, but it’s on the opposite side of the house from my master bedroom. I chose this bedroom for my office because it has three windows, and I love me some natural light. (The other four bedrooms in Bayberry House have only two windows.)
If you’re an eagle-eyed IBC follower, you’ve probably noticed that every piece of furniture in my office came from other areas of this house or my previous place. Can you guess each of the spaces before I tell you?
Here’s the rundown:
The “desk” is my old dining room table.
The sideboard served as the entertainment stand in my loft apartment in Pittsburgh. When I moved to Bayberry House, I had the sideboard in my dining room for a while.
The green chair was in the living room of my apartment.
As you can see, lots of things came together to make this space somewhat functional. Although things work OK as they are, I want the design to be more intentional and inspiring since I spend quite a bit of time in this room.
The great part is that’s it’s pretty much a blank slate, and I have some foundation pieces that I love to get me started.
We should also talk about the closet in this room. I was hesitant to show you this, but in the interest of “keeping it real,” here’s a look inside. *Hot mess alert*
I don’t consider myself the most organized or tidy person. A lot of that comes down to not having a designated place for everything. This closet is a prime example. I just sort of threw things in. Even though my intention was good, it’s clear the system doesn’t work. As I put this room back together, I will create designated storage with new wood shelves.
For this makeover, I’m not planning to throw a bunch of money at it to “get it done.” Instead, I want to take my time and slowly add pieces as I find them. However, after I paint, I do want to get things organized and in place so that it feels complete and pulled together.
In a year or two, I would love to add built-in cabinets to this room to create more storage and a desk space. Right now, though, that’s not in the cards. (The reason: I just hired a cabinet maker for two other cabinetry projects that will be happening late this summer. I’m already excited to share those with you down the road.)
My Home Office: The Plan
Since the above explanation was probably a bit rambly, I thought I’d break things down.
I’ve already picked out the color for the walls. And, because of the current stay-at-home order, I broke all of my “how to choose paint color” rules and picked a color based solely on a 1×2-inch sample square. EEK! I’m a little nervous about it, but I’m excited at the same time!
I’m not going to share the official color yet, but I will tell you it’s light green. It’s similar to the color of my pantry cabinets, but it’s a mintier, blue-green. I think this color will look beautiful with the blacks and browns already in the room. (I’m sure I’ll need a new rug.)
Beyond my paint color choice, I’m not sure how the rest of the space will look. I’m thinking about using more shades of green as well as pink and yellowy-orange. I found this image on Instagram from @yasminemei and love the color palette, so maybe it will be something like this:
My wall color won’t be that dark, but I hope you get the idea.
Well, that’s all I have to say about my office before I start the makeover. What do you think? Are you excited about seeing another transformation?
More than likely, I will put together a more detailed design plan and share that with you next. Stay tuned.
Until then … I’d better get painting!
It’s time to paint and decorate a new room at Bayberry House! Today I’m showing you how my office looks before I start to make it over. Yes, friends, I’m ready to paint another room in my home. Earlier this year I wrote about some of my 2020 House Projects. You may remember that the […]
This post is sponsored by Hood. All opinions are my own.
These Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs muffins are a delicious, healthy, make-ahead recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or anytime you want to power up on protein.
Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins
Yes, my friends, I have a new breakfast treat to share with you. You can prepare these Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs Muffins for your breakfast or lunch and continue to enjoy them for several days to follow. You’ll see in the photo below where that I served some of mine with fresh berries for breakfast and on another day had them with a small salad for lunch.
These muffins are incredibly moist and delicious, Plus, you can customize them based on the vegetables you like or what you have in your fridge. What a great way to use leftovers from a veggie platter!
The secret ingredient in these protein-packed egg muffins is the cottage cheese. As you can see, I used Hood Cottage Cheese. It’s my go-to because it’s low in calories and sugar, but high in protein. And IMHO it’s the best-tasting cottage cheese in the dairy aisle!
I don’t know about you, but I love cottage cheese with cracked pepper on it. That’s why I chose Hood Cottage Cheese with Cracked Pepper for these muffins. Of course, other Hood Cottage Cheese flavors would also work wonderfully in this recipe: Chive, Cucumber & Dill, and original Country Style Cottage Cheese.
I should note that Hood Cottage Cheese is likewise available in several sweet varieties: Pineapple, Blueberry, and Strawberry. Each of these is fabulous on its own or in smoothies. I love the creamy taste and protein these varieties add to my smoothies.
What do you need to make Egg Muffins?
Okay, now that you know you need cottage cheese and veggies to make these Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins. you may be wondering what else is in them. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Hood Cottage Cheese
diced vegetables
spinach (or kale)
eggs
heavy cream (or half and half)
shredded cheddar cheese
fresh herbs
paprika
salt and pepper
How Do You Make Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins?
Let me preface this by saying these muffins are simple to make!
Start by sautéing the veggies and spinach. Again, use what you like. You can even add ham, sausage, chicken, or bacon for more protein.
Once the vegetables are sautéed and cooled, it’s time to make the muffins.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. (The full ingredient list and recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.)
Then, gently stir in the sautéed vegetables and spinach along with the Hood Cottage Cheese.
Next, divide this mixture evenly into the greased muffin tin cups. The recipe below makes 12 muffins, using about 1/3 cup of mixture for each muffin.
Now just bake the muffins for 30 minutes in a 375-degree oven.
Voila, my friends. Your Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins are ready to be enjoyed. You and your dear ones are going to love them!
As I mentioned above, you can prepare a batch of these muffins and serve them to your family and friends right away or you can enjoy some now and then use what’s left for easy meal prep over the next few days. It’s up to you.
Looking for more healthy breakfast ideas? Try these:
And don’t forget to have fun with flavor. Try different vegetables, add meats, and be sure to experiment with all of the unique Hood Cottage Cheese varieties. There are oodles of options. You can also visit Hood for more cottage cheese-inspired recipes!
These Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs muffins are a delicious, healthy, make-ahead recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or anytime you want to power up on protein.
Then, sauté the vegetables over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are soft. Add the spinach during the final minute of cooking. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, herbs, and spices. Then, stir in the sautéed vegetables, and Hood Cottage cheese.
Spray a muffin pan with cookie spray. Then add about 1/3 cup of the muffin mixture to each muffin cup.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This post is sponsored by Hood. All opinions are my own. These Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs muffins are a delicious, healthy, make-ahead recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or anytime you want to power up on protein. Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins Yes, my friends, I have a new breakfast treat to share […]
Today I’m sharing several new home accessories that I received from several friends who are artists/makers. Let me show you the art prints, candles, tasty treat, and antique treasures that I got!
I LOVE to shop so not being in a store for 5+ weeks has been a real bummer. Not only do I enjoy finding interesting items, but seeing what new things are for sale is a huge source of inspiration for me. Although I realize there are much bigger problems in the world right now, I can’t wait to get back to shopping and antiquing. Who’s with me?
Despite not being able to visit brick-and-mortar stores, I’ve been doing everything I can to support local businesses, online artists, and fellow creatives and makers. That’s why today I wanted to take time to share these places with you. There are dozens of stores I support locally and online. These are just a few I’ve used most recently. (I’ve also shared a few coupon codes below, so look out for those!)
Let’s get into it!
Finding Home Farms
I could devote an entire post to Finding Home Farms. They are THAT good! If you’ve been following IBC for a while, you’ve probably heard me mention them any time I’ve used maple syrup. Why? Well, they make the BEST maple syrup! I am not exaggerating.
They have been making maple syrup since 2015, and since then, it’s the only brand I’ll buy.
They sell other maple goodies as well, including their Rye Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, Maple Sugar, Maple Mustard, and Maple Candy.
Finding Home Farms also sells candles, and they recently launched a new collection called Cedar Lakes Estate. This collection has three scents (Woods, Cabin, and Lake), which are reminiscent of summer camp and retreats at the lake. Woods and Cabin are my favorites!
Laura of Finding Home Farms graciously sent me a few of the candles to sample after I placed an order for maple syrup and a candle.
Finding Home Farms COUPON CODE:
I also asked Finding Home Farms if they would provide IBC readers with a coupon code, and they graciously obliged. YAY!!
Enter code: inspiredbycharm at checkout to save 15% on your order. This coupon expires 4/30/2020
For more about Finding Home Farms and all their goodies, be sure to visit their website. You can find them on Instagram @findinghomefarms to get the latest news.
Laurel-Dawn Corner Studio
The artwork of Laurel-Dawn Latshaw was new to me, but as soon as I saw it, I fell in love. What I enjoy most about her work is how she under paints in bold reds and pinks. It is unique and beautiful. To me, it’s like a mix of new and old which you know I love.
I found Laurel-Dawn via Instagram and shortly after I obsessively liked a ton of her photos, she was kind enough to send me two prints at no charge. I was thrilled!
Once they arrived, I ordered two frames (These are the ones.) and hung them in my dining room. They are perfect!
I now closely follow Laurel-Dawn on Instagram because she often sells her original work. This past weekend, I was able to purchase a piece from her latest collection. Her originals sell out in minutes so I felt very lucky. The painting hasn’t arrived yet, but I’ll be sure to share it when it does.
Laurel-Dawn Corner Studio COUPON CODE:
I also asked Laurel-Dawn if she would provide IBC readers with a coupon code, and she graciously obliged. She’s offering 20% her prints!
Enter code: INSPIREDBYCHARM20 at checkout to save 20% off prints. This coupon expires 4/27/2020. It applies to prints only.
Although I know this particular recommendation probably doesn’t apply to anyone who lives outside the Pittsburgh area, it would be remiss of me not to mention Pisarcik Flower Farm.
(HOWEVER, if you are looking for dahlia tubers or ranunculus corms, I believe they will ship those nationwide.)
Anywho, if you are local to Pittsburgh, a few weeks ago Pisarcik launched an Online Farmer’s Market with flower bouquets, greens, eggs, honey, perennials, indoor plants, and more. The offerings are updated on Thursdays, and items can be scheduled for pickup on Friday and Saturday. Local delivery (within 25 miles of their farm) is available on Saturday.
I discovered Pisarcik Flower Farm about two years ago and have been in love with them ever since. They come weekly to a local farmers market in my neighborhood, and I go there almost every week to buy their fresh flower bouquets and other goodies. Last summer I even made a few trips to their farm and greenhouse for annual and perennial flowers.
It’s also worth mentioning that they hold flower workshops (I’m hoping to attend one this year.), and they have a Flower Studio if you need flowers for a wedding! You can find more details on their website or find them on Instagram @pisarcik_flowers.
Antiquing via Instagram Stories
And finally, if you’re missing antique shopping as much as I am, you might use Instagram stories to check out virtual antique/thrift sales.
I’m sure dozens are happening, but unfortunately, there’s no good way to find them all. However, I wanted to share two that I recently purchased from.
@goodsresurrected Megan of Goods Resurrected has been doing a ton of sales via Instagram stories. We chat back and forth on Instagram, so I asked if she could do a sale for Paint-by-Numbers. (As you may recall, I have a collection of them in my family room.) She did, and I found a painting I love! (I’m glad I was able to support her and do a little antique shopping from home.)
@thewhitepeppervintage Christina of The White Pepper Vintage also recently did several sales via Instagram Stories. I snagged more art, including this small framed collage of vintage postage stamps as well as a vintage yard long (panoramic) portrait. If you remember, I had a pair of these vintage yard longs in my family room. I’m excited about finding this third one!
Well, that’s all I have for you today. I hope you’ll take some time to visit these artists, makers, and sellers. I’m certain you’ll find an irresistible treasure or two.
This is a new type of post for me, so if you’ve enjoyed it, please let me know in the comments below. I love discovering new items and places to shop and thought you might, too.
Today I’m sharing several new home accessories that I received from several friends who are artists/makers. Let me show you the art prints, candles, tasty treat, and antique treasures that I got! New Home Accessories from Friends Yesterday, I was reading one of my favorite blogs – Miss Mustard Seed. She was telling about some […]
