Even though “fall” unofficially starts after Labor Day, I realize that for many folks it’s a bit early to dive into a pumpkin pie when the calendar says it’s still summer. To remedy the situation, I decided to merge the two seasons. By taking a bit of summer (blackberries) and a bit of fall (pears), I’ve created one dessert that you can enjoy now or when autumn officially arrives.
As you will discover, this pie is a lovely combination of flavors and colors. It’s inspiring me to create a cocktail with the same flavor profile. Wouldn’t that be yummy?
How to Make Blackberry Pear Pie:
I started things off with my go-to pie crust recipe. You can use your favorite recipe or even opt for store-bought.
Once the crust is made, it’s time to whip up the filling. Just stir together the prepared pears, blackberries, cornstarch, orange zest, and salt. I used Bosc pears. I prefer them for baking. Anjou also work well.
With everything ready, it’s time to assemble the pie.
This ruffled pie dish is my new favorite. I love it because the edge is so easy to finish. Simply trim off the excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch hanging over the edge of the dish. Then, tuck that excess 1/2-inch under, and you have a beautifully clean edge.
Pour the filling into the pie shell.
For a festive fall touch, I cut out leaf shapes using some of the remaining dough*. I used these cookie cutters. I also love these cutters (which I own but wasn’t able to find in my baking supplies).
*You will only need about 2/3 of the dough. You could use the leftover dough to make my Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies or even a small Berry Crostata.
Once all of these shapes are cut out, place them on top of the pie filling. Brush the pieces and the edge crust with a mixture of egg yolk and cream. Then sprinkle everything with coarse sugar.
I love coarse sugar on pastry. Not only does it add an extra touch of sweetness, but it adds a little sparkle, too.
The pie is now ready to go in the oven. As with most pies, I start at a higher oven temperature and then lower it during the baking process.
This particular pie got slightly dark on top because I accidentally set my oven to 475 instead of 425. (I guess I’m still learning out to work my new range. Oops!)
If you notice that your pie is getting too dark, loosely set a piece of aluminum foil on top. This will slow down the browning. Remove it when you’re happy with the color.
And with that, your summer-meets-fall pie is ready to enjoy!
Begin by preparing your pie crust. (I've listed my go-to recipe below. You can use your favorite recipe or even store-bought crust.)
To make the filling, in a large bowl stir together the prepared pears, blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Then, on a lightly floured surface roll out 1 disc of your prepared pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough circle to your pie pan. Trim off any access dough and save. Crimp the pie dough edges or tuck them under for a clean look.
Roll out the saved dough and about 1/3 of your second disk of dough. Use cookie cutters to cut out leaf shapes.
Add the filling to the pie shell; then arrange the dough shapes onto the filling.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cream. Brush over the dough. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees Then, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.** Place the pie to a wire rack so it can cool.
Notes
Inspired by Charm's Go-To Pie Crust recipe can be found here. Lately, I've been skipping the food processor and using a pastry blender to incorporate the flour into the butter. I then use my hands to mix in the iced water.* You will only need about 2/3 of the dough. You could use leftover dough to make my Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies or even a small Berry Crostata.**I should note that my crust is a little dark because I accidentally had my oven set at 475 to start. I typically start baking my pies with a small piece of aluminum foil on top to prevent over-browning. If your crust is getting too dark, I recommend doing the same.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Fall meets summer in this Blackberry Pear Pie. Rich in color and flavor, this delicious dessert perfectly blends the best of both seasons. Blackberry Pear Pie Yesterday I shared my fall kitchen decor, which includes lots of ideas and inspiration for fall decorating. In that post, I also teased you with this amazing Blackberry Pear […]
Add a touch of autumn to your home with these simple fall decorating ideas for the kitchen. From decor to fresh flowers and sweet treats, you can dress up your kitchen for the season in no time at all.
After sharing the big reveal of my kitchen remodel with you last week (Click here to see my full and detailed KITCHEN REMODEL REVEAL.) I’m back with another tour of my kitchen. It’s a bit different this time, however. My Seasons of Home blogger friends and I are back for another year of inspiring seasonal decor ideas.
We are kicking off our 2019 season by sharing fall decorating ideas for the kitchen! After you’ve checked things out here, be sure to take a look at everyone’s festive fall kitchen space. I’ve linked all of them at the end of this post. A special shout-out to the amazingly talented Kristen of Ella Claire and Co. for organizing this fun blogger event!
Since we are in the early days of “fall” (According to the calendar, it’s actually still summer), I added just a few simple fall-inspired decorations to my space. These easy ideas will work whenever you decide to start decorating for autumn. Implement them now, or pin a few for later reference.
Fall Decorating Ideas for The Kitchen
Let me walk you through my Fall Decorating Ideas for Your Kitchen!
Kitchen Sources: If you’re looking for a full list of kitchen sources (appliances, paint, lights, tile, etc.), please visit this post here. If you’re looking for a source list of decorative items that appear in this post, please scroll to the end of this post.
Add Colorful Blooms and Fall Foliage
The first thing I did was buy a bunch of flowers. Lately, I’ve been picking up flowers from a local flower farm (Pisarcik Flower Farm, if you are local). They grow the flowers they sell, and you can’t beat their beauty. The colors, shapes, sizes, and varieties are incredible. I’m a huge fan of their dahlias.
However, because of my schedule, I ended up shooting my kitchen on Labor Day and couldn’t get my blooms from Pisarcik Flowers. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods were open so I was able to get what I needed.
I mean, how gorgeous is this collection of flowers just sitting in my sink!? Gah!
I prepped all of these flowers and put together little arrangements which I spread around the kitchen. Lately, my go-to vessel for easy flower arrangements is one of the inexpensive white pitchers I’ve found at HomeGoods. I love that the pitchers typically have a small opening at the top (which makes arranging super easy). Plus, white goes with any flower and any season.
In my pantry, I used this small ironstone creamer. It’s amazing how much life and color a small botanical element gives a space. To me, it’s just lovely.
Decorate with the Harvest
I also took advantage of the seasonal harvest. Since it’s still a bit early, the selection of pumpkins is limited. I made do with apples, pears, and squash! I grew the spaghetti squash and butternut squash in my garden. How’s that for inexpensive decor!?
I found this basket at a local shop, House15143. It’s one of my new favorite shops here in Pittsburgh.
Since I had so many apples, pears, and squash, I ended up filing up bowls and baskets with them. This is not only a great way to decorate for the season, but also a subtle reminder to bake up something delicious. (Like my Aunt Maybe’s Apple Strudel!)
I also added some faux pumpkin to the shelves in my pantry. (Faux works when the real harvest isn’t ready.)
I’ve had these brass (West Elm) and white (HomeGoods and Grandin Road) pumpkins for several years now. They are some of my favorite fall decor. I make use of them every year.
Baking Something Seasonal
Speaking of baking, since I knew you were coming, I decided to whip up a pie! Because I had pears aplenty, and summer blackberries are still available, I combined the two to create this amazing Blackberry Pear Pie. (You can find details on the recipe here.)
Boy, is it delicious! Just as summer gradually melds into fall, it perfectly blends flavors of both seasons. (Of course, this recipe will be equally wonderful later in the fall if it’s still too hot for baking where you live!)
I served up my pie on this vintage wooden tray I found at a local antique shop a couple of years ago. I love using aged wood like this for fall. It reminds me of barns and crates of pumpkins.
I also picked up this gorgeous tea towel at another fabulous antique shop: Vintage Revival. The color combination is unique and so pretty! And the towel features pears, which couldn’t have been more perfect with my pie.
Add Functional Decor that Feels Seasonal
On my custom work table, I decided to set up a cocktail station. I thought this was a great way to show how seasonal decor doesn’t need to be something literal like a pumpkin or an apple. Here, golds, wood tones, canned bourbon cherries (I’ll be sharing this recipe soon!), and a splash of bourbon create the feeling and look of autumn. I probably wouldn’t leave this up all the time, but it’s a fun display for guests.
For those of you who follow IBC, this set-up may remind you of my Apple Cider Sidecars. I made them last year, and they have become a must-make fall cocktail around here. I think you’ll love them, too!
You could create a more permeant installation by setting up a bar cart or using a small countertop area or shelf to create your cocktail moment.
Some useful items like matches and cinnamon sticks in pretty containers also make great decor.
I also set out my favorite “Forever Fall Mugs”. You may remember last year I made hot apple cider in them. They are from a local shop, Lily and Val. Unfortunately they are not available this year. (Though they do have lots of other cute goodies!)
Incorporate Unique or Quirky Elements
Finally, I don’t believe any space is complete without a few unique, personal, or even quirky elements. Let me show you what I mean.
In my pantry, I’ve displayed this set of salt and pepper shakers shaped like football players. (How perfect for fall!? I found them at a local antique store.) Not only are they cute, but since I shared them on Instagram a few weeks ago, it’s been fun how they sparked a conversation about what people thought they were upon first glance. Those thoughts included sumo wrestlers and maidens with big buns in their hair. Love it!
As I also mentioned when I shared my kitchen reveal, I’ve started a collection of vintage metal trays on the wall in my pantry. While the designs vary, several of the plates are specific to Pennsylvania. They include images of the state flower and names of towns/cities in the Keystone State.
Finally, I’ve been adding to my collection of vintage brass animals. This pig, which I recently found at a flea market, is the perfect bit of bling on my range. What do you think?
And with that, I’d say my kitchen is ready for the start of a new season. I hope you picked up a few simple fall decorating ideas for YOUR own kitchen!
Want more fall decorating ideas? Check out these ideas:
It’s been a pleasure showing you around my new space. I hope you enjoyed this fall tour. Again, if you want to see more of my kitchen or have questions about finishes and selections, visit this post here for all the details.
Items No Longer Sold: white ceramic pumpkins, brass ceramic pumpkins, brass acorn, wood / silver flatware, living rosemary tree
Vintage Items: salt and pepper shakers, tines, wood bowl set, glass rolling pin, cutting boards, metal trays, small wall art, gravy boats, tea towels
That’s a wrap on sources. If I missed anything, please let me know in the comments below.
Seasons of Home Fall Kitchen Decorating Ideas:
Now, before you click away to enjoy more of your day, don’t forget to visit a few of my blogger friends’ kitchens below. There’s seasonal inspiration galore!
Add a touch of autumn to your home with these simple fall decorating ideas for the kitchen. From decor to fresh flowers and sweet treats, you can dress up your kitchen for the season in no time at all. After sharing the big reveal of my kitchen remodel with you last week (Click here to […]
This Pumpkin Cake is an easy recipe for when those pumpkin spice cravings hit. With its crunchy crumb topping, this delicious cake will quickly become your new go-to fall baking treat!
Did you know that pumpkin spice season begins on the morning of September 1!? I’m not sure how it is with other folks, but I’m already excited about celebrating all things fall. While I’m still soaking up every ray of sunshine, the warm weather doesn’t stop me from also savoring yummy autumn goodies such as this Pumpkin Cake!
Pumpkin Cake:
Over the years, I’ve shared a variety of delectable pumpkin-based recipes. Some of my favorites include Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal, and Frosted Pumpkin Cookies. I’ve been wanting to add a quick, no-fuss pumpkin cake to the collection, and this easy recipe is it!
My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can put it together in under 15 minutes without the use of a mixer. (Win-win!) That means clean-up is almost as fast as the preparation!
The resulting Pumpkin Cake is moist and packed with the fall pumpkin spice flavor that so many of us love! And don’t get me started on the crumb topping! You don’t need frosting when you have a crumb topping as good as this one.
Let me walk you through the recipe for this easy Pumpkin Cake with Crumb Topping.
How to Make Pumpkin Cake:
Start by preparing the crumb topping on the stove. This comes together with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and flour.
Once it’s mixture is ready, transfer it to a sheet of wax or parchment paper and allow it to cool. (Don’t make the mistake I did of letting the topping sit in the pan. It will stick to the pan and be a bit of a challenge to remove.)
While the crumb topping cools, prepare the pumpkin cake batter by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. No mixer is required!
Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ones until everything is just combined. As with any cake, be careful not to over mix.
To bake this recipe I used one of my favorite 8×10-inch baking dishes from Staub. I have this baking set and I used them constantly! I adore the quality of Staub products.
With the batter in the pan, break the cooled topping into chunks/crumbs and evenly sprinkle them on top.
Now, you’re ready to bake! Once your cake cools, dig in!
You can serve this Pumpkin Cake warm, but it will be equally tasty in the next day or two. Just store it in the pan covered with plastic wrap.
Enjoy this Pumpkin Cake? You’ll love these pumpkin-inspired treats:
This Pumpkin Cake with Crumb Topping is truly that simple. My dad and his wife visited my house (to check out my new kitchen) a couple of days after I made this cake, and they gave it rave reviews.
This Pumpkin Cake is an easy recipe for when those pumpkin spice cravings hit. With its crunchy crumb topping, this delicious cake will quickly become your new go-to fall baking treat!
Begin by preparing the topping. In a medium saucepan, cook the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir until smooth. Remove from the heat and then whisk in the flour until smooth. Transfer to a sheet of wax (or parchmenpaper. Cool completely.
Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Spray an 8x10-inch rectangular baking pawith cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, whisking until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Then break the cooled topping into chunks/crumbs and sprinkle on top of the batter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
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 Pumpkin Cake is an easy recipe for when those pumpkin spice cravings hit. With its crunchy crumb topping, this delicious cake will quickly become your new go-to fall baking treat! Did you know that pumpkin spice season begins on the morning of September 1!? I’m not sure how it is with other folks, but […]
Hello, friends! The day is finally here. It’s been almost 6 months since the start of my kitchen remodel, and it’s time for the reveal! I hope you’re as excited as I am!
Now, before we get into it, I need to tell you a few things.
First off, in this post, I’m going to focus on the kitchen. My entryway and powder room were also included in the remodel, but I’ll share those in a future post.
Secondly, the dining room still needs some love. (This room was also altered as part of the kitchen remodel.) I plan to get a new dining room table, chairs, and buffet and also style it. My budget needs time to recover, however, so I will work on the dining room piecemeal as time goes on.
Finally, this is real life. Styling is not 100% complete and things aren’ t exactly the way I’d like them. However, I think the space is beautiful in its current state, and it’s time to share it as is.
If you’re new to IBC and wondering what the kitchen looked like before, check out this post here. I will include a few before and after shots at the end of this post.
Also, I am going to create a short video tour of the space. The video is not included in this post but will be coming soon. (I’m working on a Fall Kitchen Tour with my Seasons of Home Blogger friends next week. I will likely include it there.)
All sources will be linked at the end of this post.
Want to see this kitchen decorated for the fall and Christmas?
Since sharing this kitchen reveal post, I have shared two additional posts to show you how I’ve decorated this space for the fall and Christmas season. If you’re interested in seeing this space with some additional seasonal decor, click on the links below.
Now with those items out of the way, let me show you around with a slew of images. Then we’ll chat.
I’m in LOVE. It was a long process, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the transformation.
First, let’s talk cabinets. I opted for custom cabinetry. The doors are inset shaker fronts with a little detail to make them a bit more interesting. The doors and drawers are soft close. I adore this feature.
There are some fun cabinetry details. Let me show you!
One is this set of doors to the left of the refrigerator. The doors not only open but slide into the cabinet. There is a light built into the shelf that automatically comes on when the doors open. This is where my microwave lives.
There’s also a bifold door to the right of the sink. I haven’t decided what treasures to store in there. Currently, it’s home to my paper towels, some dishes, and my toaster.
With walnut stained interiors, the cabinets were designed to look beautiful whether the doors are open or closed.
Just below that cabinet is my trash bin which is on a sliding door.
As you might have noticed, I also opted for a panel front refrigerator and dishwasher. My kitchen isn’t huge, so I didn’t want to break up the cabinetry with appliances. (Read more about the appliances I selected here.)
I chose to have glass front doors in two places. There’s a lower cabinet in the dining room and an upper cabinet on the opposite side of the fridge. I love the tile detail behind this upper cabinet that extends down to the countertops. This tile matches what’s on the opposite side of the room.
Because my kitchen is fairly narrow, a big island wasn’t feasible. Instead, I installed a work table. This pieces was custom built for the kitchen.
Small but mighty, this has already been a handy piece in my kitchen. I did want to note that this piece will change slightly. The top is currently a finished piece of poplar. However, I wanted a walnut butcher block top to make it a bit more functional. The tops will be swapped out soon.
I chose a farmhouse/apron style sink, and I’m in love with it. This particular sink is from Bocchi. The durability of the fireclay is perfect for me. (You can read more about it here.) For my faucet, I selected this unlacquered bridge faucet from Rohl. It might be one of the nicest things I’ve ever owned. I gave it a little polish for the photos, but I plan to let the brass age into a beautiful patina.
The window above the sink was enlarged to allow for more light to enter the kitchen. Previously, there was only a single window; now there are two!
Above the windows, there are two brass picture lights. I wanted something different from the standard pendant light. There is an identical picture light above the pantry sink.
The workhorse in my kitchen is the Wolf range. This thing is a beast. I’ve done a lot of baking over the past couple of weeks, and it’s been a joy to use this appliance. It’s dual fuel. – The range is gas and the oven is electric. To me, it’s the best of both worlds! Above the range, I have a range hood from Zephyr. I never thought I would get excited about a range hood, but it works beautifully.
In case you missed it, between the sink and the range is the dishwasher.
On the wall behind all of that goodness is floor-to-ceiling subway tile. This was a feature I knew that I wanted in my kitchen, and I’m so pleased with how it turned out. (Additional details on the tile and grout can be found here.)
Before the remodel, the long wall had two doors. (Well, it was one door and one panel that looked like a door but didn’t open.) To make room for the range, the doorway was bricked up and a new Dutch door* went in its place. I’ve long been a fan of Dutch doors, especially when they’re in the kitchen. The dutch door hardware is from Emtek.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, I added a butler’s pantry to my kitchen. This area had been a full bathroom. I decided to remove the full bath and replace it with this butler’s pantry and a small powder room.
I’m so glad I did because this is such a fun space. It might be one of my favorite details of the remodel.
As you can see, it’s mostly used for storage, but it has fun and stylish features as well.
One feature is a built-in coffee maker which freshly grinds beans to make coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, etc.
The cabinet makers even built this adorable shelf so I have a space to be my own barista!
Open shelves provide lots of space to store kitchen goodies and collections. There’s likewise this fabulous drawer for storing cutting boards and baking trays. Love this!
Right now I’m testing out this gallery wall of vintage metal trays. I’ve been collecting them for a few years and thought they’d make a fun art installation.
You’ll notice that the floors in the kitchen are new. As part of this remodel, I chose to have new hardwood floors installed in the kitchen, entryway, pantry, and powder room. They were integrated into the existing hardwood floors in the dining room and living space. Now the first floor is entirely hardwood. They turned out beautifully. The floors are red oak with Bona Dark Walnut stain.
I did want to point out several changes made to the dining room too. The most significant change was the addition of these three windows. This had been a solid wall.
The windows flood the room and the kitchen with light. The sun rises on this side of the house, so the mornings are especially magical.
I also installed this fabulous chandelier. It’s the Radcliffe 30″ round chandelier from Rejuvenation. It brings in a modern element to the space. I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. I was thrilled to be able to use it in this room.
The French doors are also new. While the size of the doors is the same, the window panes are much larger which allows in even more light.
I now have Phantom Screens on both of these doors and the dutch door. I will be doing a post on them, but they are virtually invisible. They are hands down the best screen doors if you want a seamless look and an unobstructed view.
Finally, let’s look at a couple before and after pictures so you can see where we started.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
And there you have it, my friends, Bayberry Kitchen is complete … mostly. Ha!
Before I go I need to give a shoutout to my fabulous designer Katy Popple. (You can read about why I decided to work with a designer here.) The overall design ended up being this beautifully collaborative effort. Katy provided amazing guidance, assistance, and a voice of reason throughout the entire process. I’m so thankful for her great eye and enormous skill set. Thank you, Katy!! If any of you are in Pittsburgh and need a designer, check out her website here. She comes highly recommended.
Avanti Construction was my contractor. I highly recommend them as well if you are in the Pittsburgh area. I will definitely be using them again.
I’m not sharing a full breakdown of the budget for this entire project (or sharing the budget at all.) However. I did want to mention that roughly 93% of the budget came out of my pocket. As a blogger, I have an excellent relationship with many fine brands and several brands offered me products to include in my space. I wasn’t paid to use their products. I chose the brands myself and was honored to include their products.
I’m certain I will do lots of follow-up posts because there is a lot more I want to share about the space and the process. Stay tuned for those. Also, if you have questions, please leave them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them there or create a follow-up post with more details.
Finally, thanks to all of you for joining me on this fun (perhaps once-in-a-lifetime) journey. It was a joy to take you along on the adventure. As I said, there will be several follow-up posts and, of course, a look into my new powder room and updated entryway will be coming soon!
Until then, I hope you enjoy seeing my remodeled space and creating your own happy place!
Hello, friends! The day is finally here. It’s been almost 6 months since the start of my kitchen remodel, and it’s time for the reveal! I hope you’re as excited as I am! Now, before we get into it, I need to tell you a few things. First off, in this post, I’m going to […]
Pumpkin cheesecake sandwiched between layers of brownie makes these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies a fall dessert recipe that everyone is sure to love.
It might seem a bit early for fall baking, but I couldn’t resist whipping up a batch of these tasty Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies. My goal here is to get some recipes out to you as soon as possible so you’re able to enjoy them now as well as later when we move into fall. (Of course, I’m also still savoring all things summer. I hope you’re celebrating whatever season makes your heart happy!)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies:
Speaking of autumn, I have to tell you that the weather here in Pittsburgh was wonderful this past week. After a few big storms, the humidity is gone, the days have been in the high 70s, and the nights have been in the mid-to-low 60s. I wish it would stay like this.
As much as I’m savoring every minute of late August, I will admit that these chilly nights (A blanket is needed while snuggling on the couch.) have me anticipating the glories of fall.
And baking up a batch of these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies didn’t help this yearning for fall. The aroma of chocolate and pumpkin spice was downright heavenly.
I’ve always loved the combination of chocolate and pumpkin so you know these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies were a winner in my book. I think you’re going to adore them, too! Let me show you how to put them together.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies:
They’re pretty easy. Start by making a basic homemade brownie batter. Combine chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. This mixture is fairly thick which is necessary to create the brownie and pumpkin cheesecake layers.
Next, whip up a quick pumpkin cheesecake. You’ll need cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, and lots of delicious fall spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
With both of those assembled, you’re ready to layer.
First the brownie batter, then the pumpkin cheesecake, then more brownie batter.
Once everything is layered (I’ve shared some tips on how to do this in the recipe below.), the brownies are ready for baking.
Friends, as I mentioned previously, the smell of these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies baking is mouth-watering. If you weren’t ready for fall before you started baking these, you will be after they come out of the oven.
Allow the pan of brownies to cool after baking. Then slice the brownies into bars for a tasty, rich, and creamy fall treat.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies for the fall baking win! I think you’re going to fall in love with these as I did. Enjoy the recipe and happy baking, dear friends!
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper and then spray again. (The parchment paper is optional, but I find it helpful in removing the brownies once they're baked.)
In the microwave, melt the chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals until smooth and well blended. Stir between each interval. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt. Stir in the vanilla and chocolate mixture. Gradually add the flour to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined. This batter will be thick.
Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan.*
Next, prepare the cheesecake mixture by beating together the filling ingredients until smooth. Softened/room temperature cream cheese is essential. I also recommend using a hand or stand mixer for this process to achieve a smooth filling.
Using an offset spatula, spread the cheesecake filling over the batter in the pan. Then add the remaining brownie batter over the filling. Spread to completely cover.*
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for at least one hour; then refrigerate for an additional hour. Cut into bars.**
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Notes
*The batter will be thick. This is important to keep the layers separate. I find it easiest to use a small offset spatula to spread the batter. If the batter sticks to the offset spatula, spray it with a bit of baking spray. This process does take a little patience. Continue to use the offset spatula to spread the pumpkin cheesecake filling as well. For the final brownie batter layer, I find it best to microwave the remaining batter for 15-30 seconds. This will make the batter thinner, allowing you to spread it more easily. **This recipe makes 2 dozen large brownies. If you cut the bars smaller, the recipe yields 3-4 dozen.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Pumpkin cheesecake sandwiched between layers of brownie makes these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies a fall dessert recipe that everyone is sure to love. It might seem a bit early for fall baking, but I couldn’t resist whipping up a batch of these tasty Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies. My goal here is to get some recipes out to […]
We all need a good blondie recipe in our lives. This Butterscotch Blondie recipe is the one for me. It makes a delectable handheld treat or a legendary dessert when served with ice cream.
You may have noticed that I’ve been sharing a lot of recipes this past couple of weeks. After being without a functional kitchen for five months, I was itching to get in there again and play. For those of you who visit IBC for design inspiration, thanks for sticking with me.
Blondie Recipe:
I’ve been wanting to make and share a blondie recipe for quite some time, so I’m excited to bring this one to you. I have long been a butterscotch fan. As a kid, one of my favorite treats was a Butterscotch Dilly Bar from Dairy Queen. I can still taste it in my mind.
There’s something about butterscotch that makes me think of fall. The flavor is one of those comforting ones that wraps itself around you. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It’s classic.
With crisp autumn days around the corner, today seemed like the right time to share this recipe. During the inevitable hot Indian summer weather between now and then, you can serve this up with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. That way you get the best of both worlds.
How to Make This Butterscotch Blondie Recipe:
If you’ve ever made brownies, the process for blondies is pretty much the same … minus the chocolate, of course.
You simply combine the dry ingredients and then the wet ingredients, and then you mix them all together.
What’s great about this recipe is that you can incorporate whatever mix-ins you like. I chose butterscotch chips, however, you could add nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, dried fruit, . . . The sky is the limit.
I mixed most of the butterscotch chips into the batter but saved a few to scatter on top once the blondie recipe was baked.
Even though this might sound odd, before I cut the blondies for serving, I sprinkled them with a little flake sea salt. Salt is the perfect complement to butterscotch. Trust me on this one.
If you’re hesitant to sprinkle on sea salt, just try it on one blondie. Then you can add it to the rest once you realize how fabulous it tastes.
Pack up these butterscotch blondies and serve them as a delicious handheld treat. Or to make them even more memorable, plate them and top with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
We all need a good blondie recipe in our lives. This Butterscotch Blondie recipe is the one for me. It makes a delectable handheld treat or a legendary dessert when served with ice cream.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking pan with baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and then spray the parchment paper with baking spray.
Tip: You can use two metal butterfly clips to hold the parchment paper in place. Clipping them to the long sides of the pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the vanilla and eggs and then stir to combine. Fold in the flour mixture and stir until almost combined. Gently fold in one cup of the butterscotch chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter the remaining butterscotch chips over the top. (I also saved a few chips to add to the top once the blondies come out of the oven.)
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is light brown. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center. The toothpick should come out clean.
Allow the blondies to cool in the pan. Remove from the pan and sprinkle with a little flake sea salt. Then slice and serve.
Notes
These blondies are delicious on their own. For an over-the-top dessert, serve the blondie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
We all need a good blondie recipe in our lives. This Butterscotch Blondie recipe is the one for me. It makes a delectable handheld treat or a legendary dessert when served with ice cream. You may have noticed that I’ve been sharing a lot of recipes this past couple of weeks. After being without a […]
Topped with apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, this French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast or brunch recipe you can prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a no-fuss and delicious meal.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole:
I hate to admit this, but as the end of August approaches, I’ve started to crave fall flavors, such as apple, maple, pumpkin, and cinnamon. Anyone else? Last weekend I had overnight guests, so I decided to make this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole.
It was the perfect breakfast and transition from summer to fall. It has a freshness thanks to the apples but also a touch of fall flavor due to the cinnamon and nutmeg.
What I especially love about recipes like this French toast casserole is that everything is assembled the night before, allowing you to just pop it in the oven in the morning. This way, as the host, you don’t feel rushed and are free to enjoy a cup of coffee with your guests.
How to Make This French Toast Casserole:
To make this dish, start with a loaf of French bread. You can get this at most grocery stores. (I’m a fan of the French bread from Walmart. I find that it works well for almost any French toast recipe. I also love it for my Berry Stuffed French Toast.)
For this recipe, you simply slice the loaf and layer the bread in a 13×9-inch pan, slightly overlapping each piece. The bread is then topped with freshly sliced apples. You can use your favorite variety or whatever you have on hand. I used Honeycrisp.
Next, you create a custard by whisking together milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Pour that over the bread and apples and then top the entire casserole with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar.
That’s it, my friends. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator overnight.
I find that this casserole can brown quickly in the oven. (You’ll notice in my photos that a piece or two got a bit brown.) I’ve learned to bake it covered for half the time and uncovered for half the time, but do what works best in your oven.
Top with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch!
I ended up serving this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Bacon. This is my absolute favorite way to make bacon! I went very light on the brown sugar since the casserole is sweet. I also paired the French toast with a bowl of seasonal berries. It was such a delicious little morning treat and so simple to put together.
Topped with apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, this French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast or brunch recipe you can prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a no-fuss and delicious meal.
Begin by spraying a 9x13-inch baking dish with baking spray. Arrange the slices of bread in the pan, slightly overlapping each slice. Layer the apple slices over the bread. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk until well blended. Pour this mixture over the apples and bread.
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle over the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until set. (Bake for 30 minutes covered; then remove the aluminum foil to finish baking.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve with pure maple syrup.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Topped with apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, this French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast or brunch recipe you can prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a no-fuss and delicious meal. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: I hate to admit this, but as the end of August approaches, I’ve started to […]
Creamy and packed with flavor, this Really Good Pimento Cheese makes a delicious party dip, topping for crackers, filling for a sandwich, and so much more!
This past weekend my mom and her husband visited me in Pittsburgh. Anytime my mom visits my home I like to welcome her with a snack and wine. This time I decided to whip up this Really Good Pimento Cheese to serve with crackers and vegetables.
Really Good Pimento Cheese:
I’ve made a lot of tempting appetizers here on Inspired by Charm, but sometimes I like to keep things simple. What’s not to love with the classic veggies and dip?
Usually, when I serve vegetables, I make a batch of my Really Good Veggie Dip, It’s hands down my favorite veggie dip. And while it would have certainly been enough on its own, this weekend I wanted to add in a little something else. Hence, this Really Good Pimento Cheese!
This is your basic pimento cheese recipe, but it includes a few extras to make it … well … really good!
In case you didn’t know, pimento cheese is easy to make. Just toss all of the ingredients into a bowl, mix, and serve!
To make my pimento cheese special, I do a couple of things. First, I freshly shred the cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a powdered coating on it to keep it separated. Freshly shredded is always better.
I also add jalapeños. If you remove the seeds and white inner pulp, there isn’t too much heat – just a nice, fresh crunch. However, if you prefer more heat, leave in the seeds.
Dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce complete the recipe.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese:
My favorite way to eat pimento cheese. as shown here, is on Ritz crackers. Fresh veggies also pair well with it.
Other ways to serve pimento cheese include:
between two slices of bread (Some people like to cut off the crusts.)
grilled pimento cheese sandwiches
on top of a hamburger
stuffed inside small hollowed-out peppers
stirred in macaroni and cheese
And the list goes on!
No matter how you decide to serve this Really Good Pimento Cheese, I think you’re really going to love this recipe!
Creamy and packed with flavor, this Really Good Pimento Cheese makes a delicious party dip, topping for crackers, filling for a sandwich, and so much more!
Place all of the ingredients in a bowl. Stir well until combined.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Serving options: - With crackers and veggies - As a sandwich between two pieces of bread (served cold or grilled) - On top of a hamburger*Add the seeds to the mixture for more heat
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Creamy and packed with flavor, this Really Good Pimento Cheese makes a delicious party dip, topping for crackers, filling for a sandwich, and so much more! This past weekend my mom and her husband visited me in Pittsburgh. Anytime my mom visits my home I like to welcome her with a snack and wine. This […]
If you’re looking for a fun, unique, and delicious way to celebrate, this Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is the perfect sweet treat. Colorful and full of birthday cake flavor, this dessert cheese ball is a crowd pleaser!
Many of you know how much I love a cheese ball recipe here on Inspired by Charm. Well, recently, I realized I’d never created a dessert-style cheese ball. That needed to change immediately so today I’m sharing this recipe for a Birthday Cake Cheese Ball!
Looking for all of my cheese ball recipes? You can find them here.
Birthday Cake Cheese Ball:
I don’t know if it’s the same for you, but birthday cake ranks near the top of my favorite desserts. I’m sure it sounds crazy to some folks. However, I’m even a fan of the classic grocery store birthday cake. Serve it up with a scoop of ice cream, and I’m a happy human. Anyone else? (BTW, for me, it needs to be vanilla cake, vanilla icing, and vanilla ice cream.)
I suppose that’s why a birthday cake-inspired cheese ball seems like an excellent idea. Covered with sprinkles, it’s not only yummy but fun and colorful, too!
How to Make a Birthday Cake Cheese Ball:
The process is simple. Start by whipping together cream cheese and butter.
Next, beat in funfetti cake mix, extra sprinkles, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. There’s just a touch of almond extract in this recipe, but I think it adds a depth of flavor. I personally love desserts with almond extract.
Once everything is incorporated, transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. As you wrap it, shape it into a ball. Then, place the cheeseball in the refrigerator so it can firm up.
Before serving, roll the ball in a bowl filled with sprinkles. It’s at this point that the magic happens! The ball instantly transforms into this colorful sprinkle-coated beauty. What’s not to love!?
After that, your Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is ready to be served. I chose vanilla wafers and shortbread for serving, but feel free to use whatever cookies you like best.
In case you’re wanting more birthday, check these out:
Obviously, this Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is perfect for a birthday party. However, I think the classic flavor would make it a delicious addition to any get-together. And feel free to change the color of the sprinkles to suit your celebration. The options are endless.
And that’s it, my friends. A dessert cheese ball recipe dressed to impress. Your friends and family will be delighted!
If you're looking for a fun, unique, and delicious way to celebrate, this Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is the perfect sweet treat. Colorful and full of birthday cake flavor, this dessert cheese ball is a crowd pleaser!
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add the cake mix, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 1/4 cup of extra sprinkles.
Once everything is incorporated, transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. As you wrap it, shape it into a ball. Then, place the cheeseball in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours so it can firm up.
Before serving, roll the ball in a bowl filled with sprinkles.
After that, your Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is ready to be served. I chose vanilla wafers and shortbread for serving, but feel free to use whatever cookies you like best.
Video
Notes
*The raw flour in cake mix may contain harmful bacteria. Before using the cake mix, microwave the mix until it reaches at least 160 degrees. This will take about one minute and 15 seconds in a standard microwave. I recommend stirring the mixture every 15 seconds while microwaving for best results.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
If you’re looking for a fun, unique, and delicious way to celebrate, this Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is the perfect sweet treat. Colorful and full of birthday cake flavor, this dessert cheese ball is a crowd pleaser! Many of you know how much I love a cheese ball recipe here on Inspired by Charm. Well, […]
This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip will become your new go-to party appetizer recipe. It’s quick to make and loaded with great flavor.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of really good dip recipes. They are especially great this time of year for taking to picnics and parties, or just when hanging by the pool. This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip is officially one of my new favorites.
Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip:
If you’ve been following IBC for a while now, you’ll know that I have two pretty popular dip-style recipes: my Out-of-this-World Corn Dip and my Jalapeño Dip. I love both of those recipes equally, but for different reasons.
This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip is basically the combination of both of those recipes put together; you’ve got the corn, peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, and a few other goodies. As you can imagine, it’s really good!
In fact, after I made this recipe again to photograph, I ended up eating it for dinner. Not all of it obviously, but enough to feel guilty about it afterwards.
How to Make Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip:
Honestly, recipes don’t get any easier than this. After you are done prepping and chopping up all the veggies, toss all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix to combine.
That’s it. Seriously.
I did want to note a couple of things, though. First, if you like things spicy, include a few of the jalapeño seeds. I ended up making this recipe two ways: 1) with the jalapeño seeds included, 2) with the jalapeño seeds omitted which made for a spicy dip that wasn’t overpowering. So, if you want less spice, just leave out the seeds and use only the green parts of the jalapeño.
Second, you can really use any type of chip you’d like for serving, but I think corn chips (Fritos) are the best. As noted in the recipe, when I took photos for this post I accidentally bought the Jalapeño Fritos. I thought they went especially well with this recipe!
Looking for more delicious dip recipes? Try these:
And that’s it my friends! You’ve been fully educated on this delicious Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. I’m certain you and your guests will enjoy it!
1-2jalapeños - finely diced (include seeds for added heat)
1red bell pepper - finely diced
1can(2.25 ounces) black olives, chopped
2cans(8 ounces) sweet corn, drained
1packageranch seasoning mix
corn chips or tortilla chips for serving*
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients (with the exception of the chips) to a bowl. Stir to combine. Mix together until well incorporated.
Refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with corn or tortilla chips.
Video
Notes
Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before mixing. If not, mix the cream cheese with the sour cream and ranch until smooth before adding the vegetables. *Fritos are my favorite for this recipe. I also highly recommend the Jalapeño Fritos. I bought them by accident, however they paired really nicely with this recipe.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Loaded Veggie Ranch Dip will become your new go-to party appetizer recipe. It’s quick to make and loaded with great flavor. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of really good dip recipes. They are especially great this time of year for taking to picnics and parties, or just when hanging […]
Looking for some new summer tunes? I’ve got you covered! Today I’m sharing a new playlist that I’m calling Summer Folk. It’s an easy, upbeat playlist that’s the perfect background for all your favorite summer activities.
I thought it was time for another playlist. I’ve actually been assembling this one for a couple months now. It finally came together when I heard the new music from The Highwomen. It’s an incredible talented group of women including Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and my absolute favorite, Brandi Carlile. They just released two songs: “Redesigning Woman” and “Crowded Table”. Naturally I had to include both on this playlist.
Summer Folk Playlist
There have also been a few new songs released by The Lumineers in their three-part EP series. “Gloria” is a standout favorite, but I also love their latest “It Wasn’t Easy To Be Happy For You”.
I wanted to create this playlist as a background soundtrack for my summer meanderings. I recently purchased three of these Sonos speakers. One for my new kitchen, one for my living room, and one for my family room. As you know, I use Spotify for all of my music needs and these speakers work seamlessly with the platform. They play music through your wireless rather than bluetooth so your phone doesn’t need to be near the speaker and noises from calls, texts, apps, etc. don’t play through the speakers. Clearly, I’m a big fan!
This Summer Folk collection is my go-to playlist when I’m putzing around the house, whipping up something in the kitchen, or hanging out on my deck or side porch. (I’ve placed the speakers near a window by the deck and porch so I can hear the music outside too.) It’s honestly been the best. All three speakers play at the same time, so I can here my music wherever I am in the house. To me, I love music like this to play in the background. It’s a combination of chill, happy, and homey.
If you enjoy artists like Mumford and Sons, Brandi Carlile, and The Avett Brothers, I think you’ll like this playlist as much as I do. You can use the widget below to listen or find it here on Spotify. If you like my music selection, be sure to follow along with my Spotify profile here.
If you liked this folk-inspired playlist, you’ll love these too:
And that’s a wrap on today’s Tuesday Tunes. I hope you enjoy and discover some new music through my playlists. Want more? You can find all of my Tuesday Tunes here. Happy listening.
Looking for some new summer tunes? I’ve got you covered! Today I’m sharing a new playlist that I’m calling Summer Folk. It’s an easy, upbeat playlist that’s the perfect background for all your favorite summer activities. I thought it was time for another playlist. I’ve actually been assembling this one for a couple months now. […]
Tomatoes that have been slow roasted in the oven top crispy bread and creamy burrata to create a delicious appetizer that’s big on summertime flavor.
I could make a meal out of cheese and bread. Let’s be honest … I have made a meal out of cheese and bread. Today, however, I’m stepping it up a notch and making these delicious Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini. Whether you decide to make a meal out of them or just serve them as an appetizer at your next get-together, the choice is yours.
Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini:
Recently I taught you how to make these oven roasted cherry tomatoes. And while I shared a few ideas on how to serve them in that post, I wanted to give you a really delicious and thoughtful recipe, too. These crostini are it.
I call it a “recipe,” but once you have the tomatoes roasted it’s more of just an assembly process.
How to Make Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini:
Start by roasting your cherry tomatoes. You can find the step-by-step recipe here.
Once your tomatoes are ready, you’ll want to toast up some crostini. Just pick up a fresh baguette at the grocery store, slice it on the diagonal, brush it with some good olive oil, and toss it under the broiler until brown. It’s really that simple and oh-so delicious!
After that, you’ll want to top each slice of crostini with some burrata. What’s burrata? It’s basically magic cheese. Well, not really, but it’s crazy delicious. Burrata is a ball of mozzarella cheese that’s been filled with rich, super thick cream. If you’ve never tried it, you can find it at most grocery stores these days near the fresh mozzarella.
With the burrata on the crostini, add on a couple of the roasted tomatoes. Then give everything a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flake sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Yes, flake sea salt (my favorite can be found here) and freshly ground pepper make all the difference.
And with that, you’re finished. You’re Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini are ready to be enjoyed.
If you’d like, you can top everything with fresh basil or just add some to the serving plate as a garnish. Personally, I almost prefer the crostini without the basil in order to let the flavor of the cheese and roasted tomatoes shine, but you do what pleases your palate.
1recipe for roasted tomatoes - (recipe linked in notes below)
Instructions
Begin by slicing your baguette on a slight diagonal into 12-14 slices.
Place the slices onto a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Set your oven to broil and then put your baking sheet of baguettes into the oven until lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and transfer the crostini to a platter. Top each with a serving of burrata and then about 2 of the roasted cherry tomatoes.
To finish, drizzle lightly with olive oil and top each with sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can find the recipe for the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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!
Tomatoes that have been slow roasted in the oven top crispy bread and creamy burrata to create a delicious appetizer that’s big on summertime flavor. I could make a meal out of cheese and bread. Let’s be honest … I have made a meal out of cheese and bread. Today, however, I’m stepping it up […]
These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are delicious little bites that help to make any party or dinner spread more flavorful and special. You won’t believe how simple they are to make!
It was the end of July and I saw a store selling jack-o-lanterns. While at first I was annoyed (Why so early?), I flipped the script in my head and used those pumpkins as a reminder to celebrate all the things I love about summer. And when I think about summer, I think about tomatoes.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:
This year I had the opportunity to plant a little garden in my backyard. One of my favorite things to grow is cherry tomatoes, so I planted two varieties: Ketchup and Fries and Sun Gold. If you’ve ever planted cherries tomatoes before, you’ll know that even two plants can yield a lot of fruit.
I’ve been coming up with creative ways to serve them (other than just dipping them into salt and popping them into my mouth) and this recipe for Roasted Cherry Tomatoes is one I’m loving.
How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:
As you might suspect, the process is pretty simple.
Add cherry tomatoes to a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and top with salt and pepper, then pop into the oven. That’s really it. (You can print the full recipe below for all the details.) However, I wanted to note a few things.
First, if you are presenting these as they are, it’s kind of fun to purchase the cherry tomatoes on the vine. I found mine at the local supermarket. They just make a beautiful presentation. However, cherry tomatoes already off the vine will work just as nicely.
Secondly, since you are using such limited ingredients, you’ll want to make sure they are really top quality. This recipe is best in the summer when tomatoes are fresh and in season. Also, splurge on some good olive oil. I like to pick mine up at HomeGoods. If you watch their ads, they often have great varieties at really good prices. I tend to stick to olive oils made in Italy.
I also have to mention how much I love Maldon Flake Sea Salt. I love it so much I actually just ordered a tub of it from Amazon. That and kosher salt are the only salts I have in my kitchen.
They have such great flavors compared to table salt. Finally, freshly ground pepper is a must. Not only is it more flavorful, but the larger flakes look so much prettier, don’t you think?
How to Serve Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:
Now that your cherry tomatoes are roasted, how to you serve them?
– add them to a cheese board
– toss them into a salad
– put them on a cracker
– add them to a sandwich
– use them as a topping on hummus
And because I couldn’t leave you with just those ideas, I whipped up a recipe that features these roasted cherry tomatoes in such a a delicious way: Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini.
Friends, these are SO delicious. If you’re looking for an appetizer to wow and impress guests or if you just want to treat yourself, you are going to love this.
I created a separate blog post to share this recipe with you. You can find that here. Enjoy!
And with that, I hope you’ll hold onto summer like I am and give this recipe for roasted cherry tomatoes a try. Enjoy!
These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are delicious little bites that help to make any party or dinner spread more flavorful and special. You won't believe how simple they are to make!
Place the tomatoes on a sheet tray. Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with flake sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 90 minutes. The tomatoes should be darker and the juices runny. Serve immediately.
Notes
*The cherry tomatoes on the vine create a beautiful look, however you can create this recipe with cherry tomatoes off the vine just as deliciously.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are delicious little bites that help to make any party or dinner spread more flavorful and special. You won’t believe how simple they are to make! It was the end of July and I saw a store selling jack-o-lanterns. While at first I was annoyed (Why so early?), I flipped the […]
These Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups combine two of my favorite appetizer ideas into one easy and delicious recipe everyone is going to love.
Yes my friends, I’m back with another roll-up recipe. (Also known as pinwheels.) This time I’ve combined two of my favorites, roll-ups and veggie pizza, into one bite-sized snack that’s perfect for easy entertaining.
As you know, I’m a big fan of roll-ups and pinwheels. It seems that you love them too as several of my recipes have become pretty popular here on the blog and via Pinterest. I’ve created a blog post with all of my roll-up / pinwheel recipes if you’re looking for more recipes or something a bit different. There’s something for everyone!
Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups:
I think I like them so much because they are very simple to make and are packed with flavor. I also find it hard to resist any appetizer that involves cream cheese and / or ranch flavoring.
What’s in Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups:
Since these roll-ups are inspired by veggie pizza, you’ll find a lot of similar ingredients to this classic appetizer.
That includes:
– cream cheese
– sour cream
– ranch dressing seasoning
– mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and red pepper)
How to Make Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups:
As I mentioned above, roll-ups are really simple to make which is one of the reasons I like them. For Veggie Pizza Roll-ups, you’ll start by chopping up your vegetables. You’ll want them pretty small so it’s easy to roll them into a roll-up.
Here I used broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and red pepper. These are traditional veggie pizza vegetables, but if you wanted to include something different, feel free to make it your own. (I think radishes would be a lovely addition.)
Once chopped, mix them up in a bowl to evenly combine.
Next, whip up your cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. As hard as I try, I can never get the cream cheese fully smooth without a hand mixer, so I recommend using one for this recipe.
Once your cream cheese spread is smooth, spread it out evenly onto six flour tortillas. Again, you can use whatever tortilla you like best, but I recommend flour tortillas for this recipe.
With your cream cheese spread out, evenly top with your vegetable mixture.
Then you’re ready to roll them up! (Hence the name: roll-ups!)
At this point I like to let them hang out in the refrigerator for about an hour. This allows the cream cheese to firm back up which makes the roll-ups a lot easier to slice.
Once they are firm, just slice them up with a serrated knife and then they’re ready to serve!
You’re left with these delicious little bite-sized treats that taste just like veggie pizza.
Want more veggie-inspired snack recipes? Try these:
Pretty easy and delicious, right? These Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups are the perfect party food that everyone will go crazy for! They really are irresistible.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and give these Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups a try for your next party. You can find all of my roll-up and pinwheel recipes HERE.
In a medium bowl beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix until smooth.
In a large bowl combine the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and red pepper. Mix to combine.
Evenly divide your cream cheese mixture (about 1/3 cup each) onto your six tortillas. Spread into an even layer leaving about a 1/2" boarder clear around the edges.
Sprinkle each tortilla with the vegetable mixture.
Roll up tightly. Then place the rolls onto a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45-60 minutes. Once chilled, cut into 1/2" slices with a serrated knife.
Add the roll-ups to a dish or platter and you're ready to serve them!
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Veggie Pizza Roll-Ups combine two of my favorite appetizer ideas into one easy and delicious recipe everyone is going to love. Yes my friends, I’m back with another roll-up recipe. (Also known as pinwheels.) This time I’ve combined two of my favorites, roll-ups and veggie pizza, into one bite-sized snack that’s perfect for easy […]
Today we are headed back into my kitchen remodel so I can give you a final rundown on the kitchen finishes including countertops, tile, and lighting.
Yes, my friends, it’s been a hot minute since I gave you a kitchen update. At this point the kitchen is about ninety-five percent complete. I have a few final items to attend to: details from the cabinet makers, exterior painting (as a result of the added windows), and a bit more plumbing in the powder room. Beyond that, I just need to style all of the spaces.
As a heads-up, I want to take my time with the styling so it’s likely that when I do share the completed renovation it won’t be fully styled.
Styling aside, I want to use today’s post to wrap up some of the finishing details in my kitchen as promised. In two previous posts I shared details on the appliances, sinks, and faucets as well as the paint, hardware, and trim. Now I’m covering the countertops, tile, and lighting.
Selecting countertops was somewhat of an easy decision. Before starting the renovation, I did some research and ultimately decided quartz was the best option for me. When I’m in the kitchen I tend to make a mess. Yes, I’m a messy cook and baker. I love the quartz option because quartz is not only chip and scratch resistant, but it’s also resistant to heat, bacteria, and stains. Quartz is non-porous so it requires no sealing, conditioning or polishing! It’s basically maintenance free. Love that!
While there are many different quartz manufacturers, I opted to go with HanStone Quartz after hearing and reading several great reviews from friends and fellow bloggers.
HanStone Quartz has over sixty patterns so I knew I would find something that would work for me. I wanted mostly white with a look of marble to it.. While I considered five different patterns, I ultimately ended up selecting HanStone’s Montauk color as it worked beautifully with all of my paint colors and finishes.
The pattern has a subtle veining with both warm and cool grays which coordinates nicely with the cabinetry colors. I opted to use this quartz pattern in both the kitchen and the pantry to unify the spaces.
As the design plan came together, I knew that I wanted two tile details. The first detail being a fully tiled wall and the second being tile behind / inside a glass-doored cabinet. Thankfully there was space to make both of these things happen.
As you might remember from the design plan, the back wall of the kitchen (behind the range and the sink) will be completely tiled from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.
On the opposite wall, the cabinetry to the right of the refrigerator will have a base cabinet, tiled wall, and then a glass door upper cabinet placed onto the tiled wall. This is the cabinet where I will store my everyday glassware and dishes. I think the tile backing will really make it extra special.
The tile I chose was a standard, white subway tile that has an uneven handmade look. There is a special feature to this tile: when you walk into the kitchen the tile sparkles because of it’s glossy glaze and uneven handmade texture. I think every space needs a little sparkle and bling. This tile adds just that!
Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Lighting
Because of the layout of the kitchen, there aren’t a lot of unique opportunities for lighting. However, I did want to take advantage of the spaces I do have and add something special to them.
Typically you’ll find a pendant hanging over the sink, but my designer, Katy Popple, had a great idea to use brass picture lights. I loved this idea. Not only was it unique and different, but it really helped to tie in the brass faucets. There will be a light over each of the two windows in the kitchen and one over the pantry window.
Speaking of the pantry, I opted for this beautiful schoolhouse-inspired fixture for the overhead pantry light. The size suits the space well and the brass detail coordinates with the picture light and faucet.
Since the wall that separated the dining room and the kitchen is now gone, I wanted a really impressive fixture for above the dining room table. I’ve been in love with the Redcliffe Chandelier from Rejuvenation for quite some time.
It checked quite a few boxes for me: the size was substantial, the design was modern but the exposed bulbs felt vintage, and the oil-rubbed bronze color matched the kitchen cabinet hardware beautifully.
And with that, my lighting choices were complete! I should also mention that the kitchen will have a total of eight dimmable, recessed lights as well as two under-the-cabinet lights. The range hood also has a built-in light.
That wraps up all of the details on the kitchen finishes. I hope that sharing all of these details is helpful and will provide some insight into the design of the kitchen.
As you may know, my entryway and powder room were also updated as part of this renovation. I am going to cover those spaces in a separate post. Therefore, I’ve just limited these Bayberry Kitchen Finishes posts to the kitchen, pantry, and dining room.
In the next kitchen post, I will finally be revealing the completely remodeled space. I’m hoping to get that live around mid-August. Stay tuned.
Today we are headed back into my kitchen remodel so I can give you a final rundown on the kitchen finishes including countertops, tile, and lighting. Yes, my friends, it’s been a hot minute since I gave you a kitchen update. At this point the kitchen is about ninety-five percent complete. I have a few […]
This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Summer is in full swing and I’m enjoying every second of it! Today on the blog I’m excited to show you how I gave an outdoor fire pit area in my backyard a makeover with a splash of color, some hard work, and a touch of magic.
I’ve been in my home for a little over a year now and I just realized (other than a picture or two) that I’ve never shared my backyard fire pit area here on the blog. I probably didn’t share this outdoor fire pit area with you because it wasn’t much to look at last year. However, I was recently inspired to give it a “mini makeover” along with adding in a dash of color and style. I’ve always been amazed at the transformative power of paint, so I’ve teamed up with my friends at Sherwin-Williams to add a punch of color and life to my backyard nook.
Color-Inspired Backyard Fire Pit Makeover
I suppose I should show you where I started. I was looking through some of the photos I first took when I bought this house and realized I never fully captured this particular area on camera. I suspect that since it was an area overgrown with trees and weeds, it didn’t seem photo worthy to me at the time.
Luckily, I was able to dig up a few images of the space. As I mentioned, this was just an overgrown area and included this weird metal cage – I’m assuming it was a batting cage of some sort. Late last summer I had the cage removed and hauled away and then got to work cutting down approximately ten trees. Using a chainsaw, I cut down most of the trees myself, but a couple of the trees were quite large so they had to be professionally removed. You can see in the image below that I was starting to visualize how the space was going to look and function. You can even see that trees, brush and weeds were removed.
Other than a bit of clean up, weeding, and raking, this is mostly how I used the space last year. It worked fine for what it was. I even crudely hung some string lights in the tree.
Up until a couple weekends ago this space was mostly ignored since last fall. Some weeds grew back and the area became a collection spot for brush clean-up, fallen branches, etc. It was a mess. See below.
While I have bigger dreams for this area in future years (a more level surface, stone work, building a fireplace, landscaping, etc.), I wanted to get it cleaned up so that I could start enjoying the space this summer and fall. I love an outdoor fire pit so it was a shame this one wasn’t being used.
Ideas for a Backyard Fire Pit Makeover
I never loved the temporary, plastic Adirondack chairs I bought on a whim last year so I decided to start there. I thought this would be a great opportunity to add a little color and fun to my backyard so that’s where my friends at Sherwin-Williams came into play. I decided to pick up some inexpensive, unpainted Adirondack chairs and give them life with a splash of fun color so that’s exactly what I did.
When deciding on the color, the answer came pretty quickly. I knew I wanted purple. I wanted this space to feel a little magical and I’ve always associated the color purple with magic. I also purchased a lot of purple annual flowers for my deck this year and so the color was just begging to be used in a bigger way. I used my Sherwin-Williams fan deck to find a color match to a particular flower I loved and ended up with Purple Passage SW 6551.
I found the Adirondack chairs online for a great price. I ordered them along with a little side table. Once they arrived I assembled them myself. They were really easy to assemble and the instructions were pretty straight forward. Each chair took about 20-30 minutes.
To make painting the chairs a bit easier, I decided to purchase this paint sprayer. This would be my first attempt at using a paint sprayer so I was a little intimidated. However, I’m pleased to say that the process was insanely simple and I ended loving the paint spray gun. I will definitely be using it again. (My only note is to be sure to read the instructions and follow your paint sprayer’s guide for set-up, diluting the paint if necessary, and clean-up.)
For the top coat, I used Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamelin a satin finish. If you remember, I used this line of paint in my ORC Master Bedroom Makeover and have loved it ever since. Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is designed for indoor/outdoor use and delivers a beautiful finish that will withstand wear and tear. It was perfect for this project.
With the sprayer, I applied about three coats of the satin finish paint. I had good coverage with two, but since these chairs would be exposed to the elements, I opted for a third.
As much as I liked the natural wood finish, I think this pop of purple is really something unique and special. Don’t you?
Now, with the chairs and table primed and painted, it was time to get things styled.
Before I was ready to style, I took some time to completely clean up the area. I had a big fire and burned up all the brush, twigs, and branches that collected over the past year. I also took the weed trimer and eliminated lots of unsightly weeds. Then I raked up all of the debris. I even purchased a new log rack to keep all of my wood off of the ground so it could dry out well and be ready for burning. Finally, I properly hung my outdoor string lights and created a circle of light in the treetops.
And with that, my color-inspired backyard fire pit makeover was complete! Let’s take a look around.
My Color-Inspired Outdoor Backyard Fire Pit Makeover:
As you can see the space is looking so much better. That pop of Purple Passage SW 6551 added the most perfect clean, beautiful, and magical touch. It really brought this space to life in the way I hoped it would.
The primer along with a few coats of the Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethan Trim Enamel will also keep these chairs protected against the elements. It applied so smoothly for a really nice finish. I am so pleased!
I also like that these chairs are foldable. During the winter months I will be able to fold them up and easily store them away to keep them protected from those really harsh elements.
I’m glad I decided to purchase and paint a little side table too. It is a great spot to set the drinks and snacks. As you can see, I currently have it stacked up with supplies for s’mores. I mean, what’s a fire pit without s’mores?
Speaking of fire and s’mores, let’s light the fire.
I was also excited to finally finish my light installation. I climbed up a ladder and drilled a hole into each tree and then screwed in eye hooks. I then used zip ties to attach the lights to the trees. It’s hard to tell from my photos, but the light strands drape from tree to tree creating a circle around the fire pit. It’s really quite beautiful and lights up the space so nicely. I just have an extension cord running to the house for the electric.
I tucked in a few other elements including some lanterns, candles, and flowers for some extra special touches.
Now that the work is complete, I’m ready to enjoy this space for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Who’s coming over to join me? You bring the drinks; I’ll have the snacks ready!
I hope you enjoyed this outdoor backyard fire pit makeover and picked up a few ideas for your own outdoor space. Thanks for joining me!
This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Summer is in full swing and I’m enjoying every second of it! Today on the blog I’m excited to show you how I gave an outdoor fire pit area in my backyard a makeover with a splash of color, some hard […]
This post has been sponsored by Huhtamaki, Inc. makers of the Chinet® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are many things I love about summer, and close to the top of the list is dining al fresco! Today, I thought I’d share a few picnic ideas along with tips for packing a lovely and functional picnic basket.
This post is loaded with suggestions for packing the essentials, choosing picnic foods, and adding a few special touches so you’ll be ready for a picnic at a moment’s notice. Let’s get started!
How to Pack the Perfect Picnic:
Pack the essentials.
To enjoy meals or snacks out in nature, you’re going to need plates, napkins, and cutlery. The Chinet® Classic White™ line is perfect for picnics! Dining outdoors can sometimes be a bit tricky, and the last thing you want to worry about is wimpy paper goods. These Chinet plates, bowls, and platters are designed not to bend, fold, or leak. Because of the thick and sturdy design, you never have to worry about a mess.
For this particular occasion, I needed the Chinet Classic White dinner plate, Chinet Classic White bowls, Chinet Classic White napkins, and Chinet® Cut Crystal® cutlery. However, I’ve pictured other items in the line so you can see all of the available options.
In addition to plates, napkins, and cutlery, you’ll want to consider taking along a few other tools.
Here are examples:
– Corkscrew for wine
– Sharp knife for slicing cheese
– Matches or lighter for igniting a grill or lighting a candle
– Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and salt & pepper
– Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
Now that your picnic basket is packed with essentials, we’re ready to talk about a few more important details.
Always bring a blanket.
What’s a picnic without a blanket? Even if you plan to set up your picnic on a table like I did here, you’ll want to have a fresh surface on which to sit or lay out your food. The only mementos you want from your picnic are beautiful memories—not a grass stain on your favorite pair of shorts.
You can use any blanket you’d like, but I recommend something that can be easily laundered. For an inexpensive option, hit up your local thrift store for a vintage quilt. That’s what I’m using here.
Go homemade, if possible, but don’t hesitate to do takeout.
You have several options for your picnic food. One is to prepare something at home that you can take to your picnic. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring a small cooler for anything that needs to be refrigerated.
Now, if you’re the impromptu picnic type (or just aren’t inclined to make something at home), don’t be afraid to get takeout or pick up something at your favorite deli.
During the summer, I will often leave my loaded picnic basket (sans food and drinks) in the car, so I can picnic whenever the mood strikes. This is also a great way to break up your workday. You might even be able to take a longer lunch to picnic in a park.
Include a few special details.
Whether you’re picnicking alone, meeting an old friend at the park, or dining outdoors with someone special, you can always incorporate a few special touches to make the meal more memorable.
May I suggest one or more of the following:
– Bouquet of fresh flowers from the store or your garden
– Ribbon or twine to tie around your Chinet Classic White line place settings
– Snips of fresh herbs to garnish your meal or drink
– Candle or lantern (Citronella will keep bugs away.)
– Playlist of your favorite tunes
It’s picnic ideas like these that will take your outdoor meal to the next level and create a special time that will be remembered fondly.
Leave it as you found it.
No matter where you picnic, you will want to leave the space looking as pristine as you found it. If it’s just you and your picnic basket, be sure to tuck in one baggie for trash and another for recycling.
That reminds me of something else I love about the Chinet Classic White line. Cleanup is a breeze. You just toss them when you’re done!
Do a double check before leaving your picnic area to make sure you’ve taken all of your belongings and completely cleaned up the area for other picnickers.
With that, I think you’re ready for a magical meal on the lawn!
And that’s it, my friends, I hope you enjoyed these picnic ideas and are already making plans for your next picnic. For more great summer entertaining ideas and inspiration, please visit MyChinet.com.
This post has been sponsored by Huhtamaki, Inc. makers of the Chinet® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own. There are many things I love about summer, and close to the top of the list is dining al fresco! Today, I thought I’d share a few picnic ideas along with tips for packing a […]
I bet you didn’t know you could make hand pies in an air fryer. Today I’m showing you how to make these adorable and delicious Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies!
Yes, friends, I recently hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, and it’s so good to be here! Naturally, I decided to satisfy my sweet tooth, so for my inaugural recipe, I made these Berry Hand Pies. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
This post is sponsored by Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360. All opinions and ideas are my own.
The air fryer that I’m using is the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360. The folks over at Emeril Everyday were kind enough to send me one to try, and I am loving it! What I especially like about this air fryer is that it works as an air fryer, rotisserie, and a countertop dehydrator. You can also use it to toast, broil, and reheat. It’s truly a multi-purpose machine. To try it out, I used it to air fry these berry hand pies.
I love hand pies. They are great on-the-go desserts, but they are ever so tasty served with ice cream and fresh berries for garnish. To me, it’s like a Berry Pie Sundae. Summer dessert perfected!
How Do You Make Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies?
These are super easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients. I started with store-bought pie crust, although you can certainly make your own if you desire. (You can find my go-to pie dough recipe here.)
Using a rolling pin, I made the dough just a little thinner. Then I used a 4-inch circle cutter. If you space the circles tightly, you can cut seven of them out of each crust. Next, you ball up the remaining dough, roll it out, and cut out two more circles. (You’ll need 16 circles in all to create 8 hand pies.)
Side note: If you still have dough left, don’t throw it away. Save it for later and make some of my Pie Dough Cookies. You can use your air fryer to make them. too!
On eight of the 16 circles, place 2 tablespoons of berry jam and a few fresh berries. I used blueberries and raspberries, but you can use whatever berry or fruit you prefer.
Then brush an egg white wash around the edges of the circles you topped with filling. Place one of the remaining circles of dough on top of each and use a fork to crimp the edges. Pierce the top once with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush all of the tops with more of the egg white wash and sprinkle with caster sugar.
Add four of the prepared pies to the basket tray. Then once the air fry is preheated, bake for about 12 minutes or until the dough is browned.
That’s it! Baking these in the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 leaves you with a flakey crust and warm berry-filled inside that’s just heavenly.
As I mentioned above, these hand pies can be served as is for a really tasty handheld treat. However, I think they are fabulous served warm with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream and a few fresh berries. I’m certain you will love them as much as I do!
If you’d like more information on the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360, you can visit their website here. I further tested the machine by making mozzarella sticks, which you can see below. They were delish, and since they were air fried, they were healthier than the deep-fried variety. If you’re interested in that recipe, let me know, and I will get it on the blog!
Happy air frying!
Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer, berries, dessert, hand pie, pie
Optional: Ice cream and additional berries for serving
Instructions
Begin by rolling out two pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch circle cutter to cut out 14 circles. Ball up the dough scraps. roll out the dough ball, and cut out two more circles.
On eight of the 16 circles, place about 2 tablespoons of your jam and top with a bit of fresh fruit. (I used blueberries and raspberries, but you can use whatever berry or fruit you like.)
Brush a thin coat of egg white around the edges of the filled circles. Top with the unfilled dough circles and use a fork to crimp the edges. Pierce the top once with a fork to allow the steam to escape during baking.
Brush the tops with more of the egg white wash and sprinkle them with caster sugar.
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Add four of the prepared pies to the basket tray.
Once the air fry is preheated, bake the pies about 12 minutes or until the dough is browned.
Serve alone or with ice cream and additional fresh berries.
Notes
*You can use the type of berry jam and berries you like best. I used blueberry and raspberry.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
I bet you didn’t know you could make hand pies in an air fryer. Today I’m showing you how to make these adorable and delicious Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies! Yes, friends, I recently hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, and it’s so good to be here! Naturally, I decided to satisfy my sweet tooth, […]
I love to make memorable desserts for special occasions! In my corner of the world, the next big event is America’s birthday on July 4.
To get ready, I’ve gathered lots of star-spangled 4th of July desserts from IBC. In this collection, you’ll find cakes, pies, cookies, and several other delicious goodies that are in a category all their own. Once you’ve decided which ones to create for your celebration, the difficult part will be stopping yourself from going back for a second helping!
Looking for appetizers and sides for your Independence days festivities? Check out this post here.
Star-Spangled 4th of July Desserts
Red, White and Blue Trifle – Layers of red velvet cake, strawberries, blueberries, and Cool Whip give this decadent dessert the colors of the holiday. At my family’s request, I make this beautiful trifle every year for the Independence Day party that my dad hosts.
Mixed Berry Shortcakes – Not serving a crowd, but still want a beautiful and festive trifle? These Mixed Berry Shortcakes are the perfect solution. Served in tall mason jars they are as pretty as they are delicious. These are always a crowd favorite.
Red Velvet Cupcakes – These cupcakes are patriotic in every way. The cake is red (of course!), and the crème cheese frosting is white. I also serve the cupcakes in red, blue, and silver liners and decorate them with Americana-themed sugar candies.
Cream Puff Cake – This spectacular 4th of July dessert is like a cream puff in cake form. The cake part is similar to a Pennsylvania Dutch pancake. And the filling combines vanilla pudding and cream cheese. It’s all topped with Cool Whip. Yummy!
Ritz Cracker and Mixed Berry Icebox Cake – I love this old-fashioned summer treat because it’s the best of all worlds – sweet and salty as well as crispy and creamy. To make it, you need a little patience, plus Ritz Crackers, whipped cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and mixed-berry jam.
Blueberry Cream Pie – A slice of this pie is like a sweet taste of summer! The graham cracker crust has coconut in it, and the filling is a creamy custard. All that goodness is topped with a filling made from fresh blueberries.
Double Cherry Pie – This 4th of July dessert gets its name from the lovely filling, which is a mixture of frozen cherries and dried cherries. Serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It may just become a new holiday tradition at your house!
More Festive 4th of July Desserts
Berry Cup Pies – In case you’re wondering, a cup pie is a pie in cupcake form. Cup pies are cute and easy to assemble. I used sweetened berries in these and created a variety of toppers – a plain crust sprinkled with sugar, an interesting lattice crust, and an irresistible crumble.
Cherry Supreme – Prepared in small Mason jars, this classic cherry cheesecake is easy to pack up and take to your 4th of July picnic. The individual servings are a perfect size. No need to feel guilty about enjoying this treat or having seconds.
Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad – The contrasting flavors and textures of strawberry gelatin and pretzels are probably one of the reasons this dish has never gone out of style. It’s also easy to transport to any 4th of July get-together. There’s never a wrong time to introduce it to new generations.
Strawberry Cheerio Treat Bars – Cereal bars don’t require a lot of ingredients, and the preparation is simple, so they are a great 4th of July dessert. These Cheerio bars are colorful and loaded with strawberry goodness. Adults and kids love them! (You can also find the original chocolate and peanut butter recipe that inspired this strawberry variety here.)
No matter where you live or how you spend July 4, one of these star-spangled desserts will definitely make your day a little sweeter.
Happy Baking to everyone and Happy Independence Day to those who celebrate!
I love to make memorable desserts for special occasions! In my corner of the world, the next big event is America’s birthday on July 4. To get ready, I’ve gathered lots of star-spangled 4th of July desserts from IBC. In this collection, you’ll find cakes, pies, cookies, and several other delicious goodies that are in […]
I’m one of the many people who love strawberries! To me, they signal summer. For that reason, I so enjoy delighting my family and friends with strawberry desserts this time of year.
The Best Strawberry Desserts for Summer:
In this post, I’ve gathered recipes for cakes, pies, and other yummy things made with strawberries. I promise you will enjoy making and eating each of these strawberry desserts. (To add to the fun, I threw in a couple of other related posts from IBC!)
Is it ice cream or cheesecake? With such a delicious concoction, I don’t think it matters. This rich and creamy strawberry treat is dreamy to look at and perfect to serve on a warm day.
Made with a box mix, fresh strawberries, and coconut, this is a cake almost anyone can create and everyone will enjoy. I decorated it with my favorite cream cheese frosting, whole berries, plus strawberry leaves and blossoms. So beautiful!
A simple dessert doesn’t have to be ordinary. To make these bright and fruity cereal bars, just combine strawberry-flavored oat cereal, mini marshmallows, and freeze-dried strawberries. Then press the mixture in a pan and drizzle with white chocolate.
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.
Fluffy, fruity, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Jello Salad is a dessert recipe from my childhood that hasn’t gone out of style. Twenty-five years later it’s still just as delicious!
With its cake-like flavor, this smoothie lets you drink your dessert or have a bit of dessert for breakfast. Shortcake dessert shells are blended with strawberries, yogurt, and milk in this smoothie that falls somewhere between healthy and decadent. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream if you like to live on the wild side.
The sweetness of strawberries and tanginess of rhubarb play off each other wonderfully in this strawberry dessert topped with a crumble made from butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. You’ll experience summer in every bite. My mouth is watering as I write about it.
This naked Pink Velvet cake is elegant but easy and perfect for warm-weather entertaining. The layers are infused with strawberry rhubarb syrup and sandwiched together with buttercream frosting and sliced berries. The top is adorned with fresh flowers, a few whole strawberries, and more of that delectable frosting.
Want to create a gourmet campfire dessert? I’m teaching you how to make these decadent Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies. They are perfect while camping or delicious at home around the fire.
I made this cute strawberry dessert for the first time during my series, “A Year of Pie.” These handhelds are great for lunches, snacks, or picnics. Hand pies have all the things I love about pie without any of challenges. What could be better when the weather is warm?
This is a classic strawberry recipe that’s great in any season. It’s loaded with contrasts: sweet – salty, creamy – crunchy, healthy – decadent, fresh – prepared. Something for everyone. No wonder it continues to be so popular.
When you’re pressed for time, try this delightful, “deconstructed” strawberry cheesecake. Just serve fresh whole strawberries with cheesecake dip and graham cracker crumbs. Your guests will enjoy the unique presentation.
That’s a Wrap on Strawberry Desserts!
I hope these recipes have inspired you. ‘Tis the season for strawberry desserts!
P.S. Just in case strawberries are not in plentiful supply right now at your favorite farmers market, you can probably pick up a quart or two at your local grocery store. Or if you prefer, you can buy the frozen variety any time of the year.
I’m one of the many people who love strawberries! To me, they signal summer. For that reason, I so enjoy delighting my family and friends with strawberry desserts this time of year. The Best Strawberry Desserts for Summer: In this post, I’ve gathered recipes for cakes, pies, and other yummy things made with strawberries. I […]
With only weeks left in my kitchen renovation, I wanted to share more about the finishes I’ve selected for my new space.
It’s been almost a month since my last Bayberry Kitchen renovation update. Things are still moving along at a good pace. If all goes as planned, it looks like I will have a working kitchen by July 1! Please keep your fingers crossed.
In my update post a few weeks ago (which you can find here), I shared some of the finishing details for the space, including my appliances, sinks, and faucets. Today I’m going to tell you about my paint and hardware selections. Initially, I wanted to include details about my countertops, tile, and lighting, but this post started to get really long, so I’ll save that information for next week.
To start things off, let’s talk paint!
Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Paint
As I’ve mentioned, my kitchen cabinets are custom with a lot of beautiful and unique details. (You can get a peek at them here and here.) They have a shaker-style inset with a small edge detail.
Here’s a look at two design boards my designer Katy Popple created.
As you will see, there’s one for the main kitchen and one for the pantry.
I opted for a neutral kitchen. The cabinets are a light putty color with white quartz countertops and a white tile backsplash. My reasons:
I love a light, bright, white kitchen. Always have and probably always will.
As a blogger, I use my kitchen and dining room a lot for photography. These neutrals will be a good backdrop for almost anything and everything I want to photograph.
I get bored with things quickly. As fun as it would be to have lavender cabinets (hypothetically), I know that I’d soon tire of them. Although a neutral palette may seem “boring,” it’s something I’m much less likely to grow tired of in the near future.
IBC readers know how much I love to decorate for the seasons. Having a neutral backdrop will let my seasonal decor shine.
I’m loving the Sherwin-Williams Egret White on my kitchen cabinets. It’s actually a light putty gray color. However, it seems to change in the light. Sometimes it looks gray; other times it looks creamy. Both are pretty to me!
Because I also did want to have a little fun with color, I mixed things up a bit in my butler’s pantry.
I had considered a deep blue color for this space but realized “everyone” was doing blue cabinets these days. For something different, I went with green. I love this sage green we ended up with.
I think it provides color and interest in the room while still acting as a neutral. I’m already imagining how great it will look paired with purples in the spring, yellows in the summer, oranges in the fall, and reds during the winter holidays.
To help the kitchen, dining room, and pantry feel bright, connected, and uniform, they will all be painted with Sherwin-Williams Snowbound. This is a white color with just a touch of gray.
I think white paint is going to work well with the details in these spaces, but I am a bit nervous about it. Although I tend toward neutral paint colors, I’ve never gone with something so white. Down the line, I may change the color of the dining room. We shall see.
This is my go-to trim paint. It’s Extra White in Semi-Gloss, right out the can. It’s such a beautiful bright white, and it looks so crisp and clean. This is the same trim paint I used in my previous home. The only time I’ve used something different was in my recent master bedroom makeover.
Speaking of trim, let’s talk about that next!
Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Trim
During the demolition, all of the trim was removed from the kitchen, pantry, powder room, and dining room. While the trim in my house didn’t necessarily bother me, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to make it a bit more modern, substantial, and interesting.
Katy (my fantastic designer) and I visited Allegheny Millwork & Lumber to view trim samples. We ultimately decided on this base molding and this matching case molding.
Note: I’m not sure if these numbers are particular to this store. However, the links provide the profile and measurements should you be looking for something similar.
I must tell you that this was one of the harder decisions for me. I’m a visual person, so I find it challenging to make choices based on a 3-inch sample of something. However, now that the trim is hung, I’m confident we chose well. The trim ticks off all of my boxes and looks fabulous!
Now that we’ve discussed paint and trim, let’s take a look at the cabinet hardware.
Bayberry Kitchen Finishes: Hardware
All of the hardware is from Rejuvenation. I think it’s gorgeous, and the quality is unbeatable.
Without a doubt, Rejuvenation is one of my favorite sources for lighting and hardware. You’ll notice that their pieces show up a few times in this remodel.
One small note here: Although both of these are in an oil-rubbed bronze finished, they read more matte black to me. There’s also no copper distressing around the edges. They are just a solid black color. They also have a satin finish which looks and feels so smooth.
As you can see, I opted for pulls for the drawers and knobs for the doors.
Because I chose a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher (allowing them to blend seamlessly with my cabinetry), I needed hardware for them as well.
To my surprise, appliance hardware is rather expensive. For quality pieces, you’re talking $100 – $300+ for one pull. Who knew!
I needed four pulls: one for the refrigerator, two for the freezer drawers, and one for the dishwasher.
My new powder room is going to be a special little space, so I’ve decided to save the details about that for a separate post. I will work on getting that together in the coming weeks.
Phew! That was a lot of information.
My goal in sharing all of this is to not only give you an idea of what I’m doing but also to help you with your decision making should a kitchen refresh or total renovation be in your future.
As always, if you have questions, please let me know in the comments. I will do my best to answer them. Thanks for joining me on this remodeling journey!
Want more of my Bayberry Kitchen remodel? You can find all of the blog posts HERE.
With only weeks left in my kitchen renovation, I wanted to share more about the finishes I’ve selected for my new space. It’s been almost a month since my last Bayberry Kitchen renovation update. Things are still moving along at a good pace. If all goes as planned, it looks like I will have a […]
Somedays I’m not sure whether it’s a blessing or a curse, but I’m a huge fan of Amazon and avid shopper on their site. Today I thought it might be fun and helpful to share some of my favorite Amazon purchases over the past couple of years.
Recently, I’ve seen several blogger friends share their list of favorite Amazon products on their blogs. I don’t know about you, but I find it interesting to see what other people buy. I’ve also discovered cool products that way.
Today I thought I’d join in and tell you about some of my favorite Amazon purchases. I decided to just focus on 2018 to narrow the list a bit. Of course, I’m not sharing everything I bought on Amazon. To make it on my list, an item had to check off all of these boxes:
love the product
use frequently
would purchase again
would recommend to a friend
Because this list is rather lengthy, I’ve kept my description of each item short. In case you have questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments.
Let’s get to it!
Favorite Amazon Purchases of 2018
(Click on the name of the item for a direct link to Amazon.)
AMAZON: Amazon Prime – For me, Amazon Prime is a must. Free 2-day shipping (sometimes free 1-day shipping is available), is a game changer. (I also love the access to all the Amazon Prime shows / movies.) If you’re not on Amazon Prime and you shop a lot from Amazon, you’re definitely missing out. You can try it here FREE for 30 days.
Audible – As I’ve said in the past I’m not a big reader, but I LOVE Audible. I always use it on long trips in the car and often listen to book when I’m having a difficult time falling asleep. Audible is easily one of my favorite things. You can sign up here for a FREE 30 day trial along with two FREE audiobooks. Love that!
OUTDOOR: Dewalt Leaf Blower – This may be my favorite purchase of the year. It’s the most efficient way to clean-up outside. I use this leaf blower almost daily.
Weber Genesis Grill (plus grill assembly) – I bought this grill because it was the cheapest one I could find, and at the time, they were running a promotion for free grill assembly. It’s turned out to be a great grill, and getting it assembled was the bomb.com. I love it on my deck.
Suncast Hose Hideaway – I have two of these. They are sturdy, well-built, and easy to use.
Outdoor String Lights – These have been hanging on my porch for over a year (even through the frigid PA winter), and I have yet to replace a bulb. The light is warm and cozy.
Woodhaven 8 Foot Firewood Log Rack – This is pricey but well worth it. I have one next to my house for indoor firewood, and I recently purchased another to store firewood near my outdoor fire pit.
Bloem Deluxe Watering Can – Love this watering can! They are sturdy with a great water stream, and they are not too heavy when filled with water.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer – I use this mostly to clean my deck, porch, and sidewalk. It’s effective and not clumsy or heavy.
Gibraltar Mailbox (Extra Large Capacity) – Since I order a lot from Amazon, having an extra large mailbox is a must. This holds several of the smaller Amazon boxes perfectly. The mailman is a fan, too!
HOME: Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum – I use this for quick clean-ups and pet hair removal. The small brush head works great for vacuuming cat hair from furniture. I believe this is an older model. If I were buying a new one, this is the one I’d purchase.
Sonos Speakers – I listen to all of my music through Spotify. If you use a music streaming service as well, these speakers are a game changer. They play through your wireless rather than Bluetooth so you can still use your phone while listening to music. I have two of these and will be purchasing this one in the near future. Amazing sound quality!
Buffalo Check Doormat – I’m one of those people who layers their front door mats. This is my favorite with a fun sisal mat on top.
Blink Indoor Security Cameras – While my home has a security system, it’s not equipped with cameras. These are so easy to install (no wires), and I can check on things while I’m away.
KITCHEN: Moccamaster 10-Cup Coffee Brewer – My absolute favorite coffee maker. I use this every morning. It’s chic and brews the perfect cup of coffee.
ChicWrap Plastic Wrap – The initial investment isn’t pocket change, but you will never struggle with plastic wrap again. (You can purchase refills.)
Bounty Paper Towels – I’m trying to limit my use of paper towels. (In my previous home, I didn’t buy them.) I have these set up to be automatically shipped four times a year.
OXO Salad Spinner – This is a must this time of year for farmers market lettuce.
CAT TOYS AND TREATS: Tabby James Organic Catnip – This is definitely a bougie catnip, but Frankie is obsessed. One bottle typically lasts a couple of months.
Da Bird Cat Toy – This has become my cats’ favorite toy in the universe.
MISCELLANEOUS: Nestle Damak Milk Chocolate – I worked with this brand a few years ago on this post and have been obsessed with this chocolate bar ever since. (The dark chocolate is good; the milk chocolate is next-level good.)
Phaiser Bluetooth Headphones – These are my go-to headphones/earbuds. They stay in my ears while running, plus the price is good.
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Tape – I’m not sure why, but I go through a lot of packing tape. This stuff is essential at my house.
Padded Furniture Movers – These padded furniture movers allow me to slide furniture without damaging the hardwood floors in my house. (I’m single so I need to be able to move stuff by myself.)
Giant Jell-O Shot Jenga Game – This was a gift to my dad for Father’s Day last year. It was a hit with him and the rest of the family!
Want more of my favorite items from Amazon? You can visit my Amazon Storefront HERE.
And that’s my Amazon list! I hope you learned a little something about me and picked up a few product recommendations for your own shopping.
Now, I must know, what was YOUR favorite Amazon purchase of 2018? Please tell us in the comments below.
Somedays I’m not sure whether it’s a blessing or a curse, but I’m a huge fan of Amazon and avid shopper on their site. Today I thought it might be fun and helpful to share some of my favorite Amazon purchases over the past couple of years. Recently, I’ve seen several blogger friends share their […]
This Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream recipe is so simple to make. You can customize it with any flavors or toppings you’d like for a unique and delicious warm weather treat.
Hot summer days always make me crave homemade ice cream. I want something that will keep my body cool and my tummy happy. However, if you’ve ever made ice cream at home, you’re aware that it’s not a quick task. Eggs must be tempered and cooked, the custard needs to be chilled and churned, etc.
That’s why today, I’m showing you how to make Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream in two different flavors.
Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream:
After seeing a few other bloggers and home cooks make homemade ice cream using only heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk (I said it was easy, not healthy.), I figured it was time to try this simple recipe for myself.
For my Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream, I chose two of my favorite flavors: birthday cake and cookies & cream.
How to Make No Churn Ice Cream:
The two things you will need are heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. That’s it.
Making the ice cream is super simple. First, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until you achieve stiff peaks. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk, and beat it again until stiff peaks form and the mixture is thick.
Once your base is ready, you can mix in whatever flavors you like. Add a swirl of chocolate, mix in peanut butter, toss in some chopped candy, fold in fresh berries, etc. – the options are only limited by your creativity.
To give you an example, I thought I’d whip up two of my personal favorites: Cookies & Cream and Birthday Cake.
With minimal effort on my part and a bit of time in the freezer, the ice cream was ready. I was truly impressed with the results. Given that I used a piece of store-bought cake and Oreos and only two other ingredients, I was beyond pleased with the deliciously smooth and creamy results.
Besides being so easy to make, the best part about this recipe is that you can put in whatever “toppings” you like to create the ice cream of your dreams.
As I mentioned, I used a piece of cake I purchased at the supermarket, but any leftover cake will do. You’ll need about 1 cup of cake. Just crumble it (frosting included) into 2 cups of the ice cream base. I also added some sprinkles for extra color. Gently fold the cake into the ice cream, place it into a reusable container, and pop that in the freezer for at least six hours or overnight.
As you can imagine from these two ideas, you can recreate all of your favorite ice cream flavors or make a new taste sensation. I guarantee you’ll enjoy the process.
Consider yourself fully equipped to beat the heat any day you wish. Enjoy!
Have you ever tried this method of ice cream making? What is your favorite flavor combination?
This Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream recipe is so simple to make. You can customize it with any flavors or toppings you'd like for a unique and delicious warm weather treat.
Using medium speed, beat the heavy whipping cream in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment until the cream forms stiff peaks. (This can also be done with a hand mixer.)
Turn down the speed and pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly increase the speed to medium and whip until the mixture is thick and stiff peaks again form.
At this point, add in any desired flavorings, sauces, or toppings. Gently fold in the ingredients.
(Cookies & Cream - 2 cups ice cream based + 2/3 cup chopped Oreo cookies)(Birthday Cake - 2 cups ice cream base + 1 cup crumbled birthday cake.)
Place the ice cream in a resealable container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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 Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream recipe is so simple to make. You can customize it with any flavors or toppings you’d like for a unique and delicious warm weather treat. Hot summer days always make me crave homemade ice cream. I want something that will keep my body cool and my tummy happy. However, […]
This post has been sponsored by American Greetings. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Giving gifts has always been important to me. I especially love the “just because” gifts we present to someone in our life who needs a reason to smile. In today’s post, I’m going to share five practical, easy, and beautiful “just because” gift ideas.
I was at Walmart the other day perusing the great selection of American Greetings cards. (Anyone else obsessed with cute cards?) As I was deciding what to purchase, it dawned on me that I should put together a list of quick and easy gifts.
Below are some of my favorite “just because” gift ideas.
Whether you’re gifting something simple, such as a coffee gift card, or something more elaborate, like a summer essentials basket, all you need to go with your gift is a thoughtful card, and American Greetings has just the right selection.
5 Practical, Easy, and Beautiful “Just Because” Gift Ideas
1. Summer Essentials Basket
If you’re looking for a “just because” gift that’s on the generous side, this is it. The idea here is to create a basket full of things that are essential for a particular summer activity. For example, you could put together a basket of outdoor games, sides for a barbecue (ketchup, mustard, chips, etc.), water activities (water balloons, squirt guns, etc.), or a kit for making s’mores like I did here.
Just get a basket or container, fill it with everything you need for a certain activity (or at least a nice selection of goodies), and present that as your gift. Believe me, baskets like these really come in handy during the summer…
Bored kids? Outdoor game basket! Unexpected guests? S’mores party! Out of ketchup? Barbecue basket! See what I mean?
Keep things simple and be sure to include what the recipient will actually use. Top off the basket with a coordinating American Greetings card from Walmart!
Speaking of cards, if you’re ever stuck on what to write inside, American Greetings has a website dedicated to solving that dilemma. It’s helpful even if you only need something to start your thoughts. You can check out their “What to Write” page here.
2. Books/Magazines
I make it a point to sit down with a good book or a stack of unread magazines during the summer. Light reading and a cool beverage are perfect for self-care after a busy day or long week.
Here, I wrapped up a few magazines and several summer grilling recipes for a friend who loves to experiment on the barbecue. A couple of magazines and a cheeky card is all it takes to make someone feel special. (Well, an invitation to a barbecue would be nice, too! Haha. Just kidding. No invite required.)
3. A Cup of Coffee
I was especially excited to find this pack of “Thanks a Latte!” cards at Walmart. Pair one of the cards with a gift card from a local coffee shop, and you’ve got a fun gift. As little as $5 on a coffee gift card will give someone a little pick-me-up or refreshing summer drink. It doesn’t get any easier than this.
4. Potted Herbs, Flowers, or Vegetables
I just finished planting all my flowers, herbs, and even a vegetable garden so I have plants on my brain. I love potted plants, and in my experience, most other people seem to enjoy them as well.
Back when I moved into Bayberry House, a neighbor stopped by. She was in her car and had her vegetable CSA, so she offered me a head of lettuce. It was a small gesture, but it’s something I will long remember.
A potted herb or flowering plant is great for welcoming new people to your neighborhood. Your gift becomes a quick way for them to dress up their new space and make it feel like home. I recommend sticking with something fairly neutral so that it suits any style. For example, a simple terra cotta pot goes with anything and is fairly inexpensive.
Tuck in a coordinating card with your name and maybe even your address on it. This information helps the new resident connect names, faces, and houses.
5. Just a Card
In our digital world, receiving a cute, thoughtful, or funny card with a heartfelt handwritten note inside can truly make someone’s day. Whether you pop the card in the mail, leave it on the recipient’s desk, or slip it in their door, it’s an easy yet special way to show you care.
This can be a “just because” card or a card of thanks to a person who has been kind to you.
Well, those are my five practical, easy, and beautiful “just because” gift ideas for summer! I hope they inspire you. And while you’re at Walmart, pick up a few American Greetings cards to spread happiness and smiles this summer and beyond.
Love to all of you!
This post has been sponsored by American Greetings. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Giving gifts has always been important to me. I especially love the “just because” gifts we present to someone in our life who needs a reason to smile. In today’s post, I’m going to share five practical, easy, and beautiful […]
