These Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars are an easy-to-make fall treat that’s packed with flavor thanks to cinnamon baking chips and a sweet maple glaze.
Thank you so much for joining me and Julie Blanner back here for Day 3 of Fall Cookie Week (FCW). Today we’re baking Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars!
In case you’re new to this year’s cookie week, you can catch up here. If you’d like all 40+ fall-inspired cookie recipes from past FCWs, click here.
Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars
Every once and a while, I like to include a non-traditional cookie in Fall Cookie Week. I especially like to make bar cookies because they are easy and fast to put together. All you need is one pan. There’s no shaping, rolling, or cutting. Just bake and cut!
How to Make Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars:
Some of the great flavor in these bars comes from cinnamon chips. Cinnamon chips are a relatively new product. Similar to chocolate chips, they can be melted, mixed into baked goods, melted, or sprinkled on top of them.
These chips get folded into the cookie dough that is then spread into a pan. Once the baked dough comes out of the oven and has a chance to cool, it is drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. I strongly recommend using pure maple syrup in the glaze. My favorite is Finding Home Farms.
Once the glaze sets up, slice the baked dough into bars. Your easy and flavorful fall treat is now ready to be enjoyed.
These Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars are an easy-to-make fall treat that's packed with flavor thanks to cinnamon baking chips and a sweet maple glaze.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and brown until well blended. Then, beat in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Stir in the cinnamon chips, reserving a few for the top. Lightly spread the dough into a greased 9x13 baking pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with the reserved cinnamon chips.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, create the glaze by whisking together the confectioners' sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and kosher salt. Add enough maple syrup to create a drizzling consistency. Drizzle on top of the pan of baked cookie dough.
After the glaze is set, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars are an easy-to-make fall treat that’s packed with flavor thanks to cinnamon baking chips and a sweet maple glaze. Thank you so much for joining me and Julie Blanner back here for Day 3 of Fall Cookie Week (FCW). Today we’re baking Maple Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars! In case […]
Decked out for fall, my side porch is arrayed with mums, pumpkins, and plaid. Today I’m sharing some Fall Porch Decorating ideas and showing you around my space.
Yes, my friends, we’re taking a brief intermission from Fall Cookie Week (FCW) to focus on fall decorating. I hope you don’t mind. If you’re following along with FCW, today’s recipe can be found here. If you have no idea what FCW is, then start right here.
Cookies aside for a moment, this post is all about fall porch decorating.
Fall Porch Decorating Ideas:
In fact, I’m back with my friends from the Seasons of Home blogger series. So once you’ve checked out my porch, you can get more fall decorating ideas from the other bloggers participating in the series. You’ll find links to their sites at the end of this post. I hope you enjoy visiting everyone’s beautiful fall spaces!
This post contains affiliate links.
You might remember that a couple months ago, I furnished the side porch of my new home. It’s a wonderful place to relax, work, and entertain. I enjoyed it so much during the summer.
With fall upon us, I decided to make a few decorative changes to it to welcome the new season.
My first step was to switch up the textiles. My navy and blue pillows went into storage, and I pulled out these orange plaid and striped pillows I picked up at HomeGoods.
These pillows are not designed to be used outdoors, so I store them in an interior closet when I’m not hanging out on the porch or hosting guests out there.
If you’re curious about my outdoor furniture, you can find it here. I purchased it last year and it’s held up beautifully!
I’ve always been amazed at how changing throw pillows and blankets can alter the look of a space. My preference to switch things up seasonally is one of the reasons I chose this neutral furniture. It’s an excellent base for adding whatever colors fit the season or current decorating trends.
With new textiles in place, I also shifted the furniture. I’ve been really pleased with this outdoor furniture collection. It’s very cozy and the white outdoor material cleans up nicely. You may have noticed that my outdoor sofa is a bit longer. That’s because I added another section.
I found this adorable little bench at a local antique shop. Isn’t the detail fantastic? It’s the perfect size for a coffee table, so I placed it in the center and moved the wood drum tables to each side of the sofa.
More Fall Porch Decorating Ideas:
A lot of my summer plants are still doing well, so I didn’t need to replace them. Instead, I added a few mums and ornamental cabbages in various colors.
Rather than planting these in pots, I tucked them in decorative containers. I found these metal pails and vintage buckets at HomeGoods.
Here’s a quick tip for you that I shared on my Instagram Stories. These galvanized pails have colorful words and patterns printed on them that didn’t suit my overall look. Using 100% pure acetone applied with a paper towel, I was quickly able to remove the design, leaving the fronts clean. (You can find the Instagram story in the highlights section on my page if you want to see the removal in action.)
With all of that in place, I decided to tuck pumpkins all around. It is fall after all!
Every year I tell myself, “Don’t go crazy with pumpkins, Michael.” Then 10 minutes later I have a trunk full. How does this always happen? Tell me I’m not the only one who does this.
Because I love all pumpkins, I opted not to stick with a specific variety or color. I simply selected the ones I liked. I love that there are so many varieties and colors of pumpkins and gourds to choose from.
I was also inspired to style my bar cart. These “Forever Fall” mugs from Lily & Val served as my inspiration. (I believe they are currently sold out, but you should definitely check out their shop for other goodies. And I love these speckled vases I found in Target’s fall Threshold collection. They are the perfect blend of vintage and modern.
Since the sun sets earlier and earlier each day, I decided to add a little glow to the space by stringing inexpensive outdoor lights around the entire porch. Everything is better with string lights, right?
I also placed a few votive candles around and put pillar candles in these chic black lanterns.
I’m really digging this space in the evenings. In fact, I took some photos of the space at night. I’ll be sharing those in a separate post sometime soon. You’re going to love it!
And with that, I’d say my porch is ready for fall. Overall, I am so pleased with how it came together, and I will definitely be spending as much time out there as possible.
I had a side porch at my St. Marys house (You can see how I styled that for fall here.), but I have found that this one is even more fun to decorate.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my “fallified” porch and picked up a few ideas for decorating your own outdoor spaces for autumn.
If you’re looking for a few more ideas or just like perusing pretty spaces, be sure to visit all of the Seasons of Home bloggers below.
Decked out for fall, my side porch is arrayed with mums, pumpkins, and plaid. Today I’m sharing some Fall Porch Decorating ideas and showing you around my space. Yes, my friends, we’re taking a brief intermission from Fall Cookie Week (FCW) to focus on fall decorating. I hope you don’t mind. If you’re following along […]
A brownie baked inside a peanut butter cookie makes these cookies extra special and extra delicious. This flavor-packed fall cookie recipe is definitely a winner!
Welcome to Day Two of Fall Cookie Week 2018 (FCW)! Today we are making these crazy good Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies!
I’m so excited you’re here for FCW 2018! My blogger buddy Julie Blanner and I will be sharing a new cookie recipe every day this week. You can follow along here in case you missed anything. I’ll be linking Julie’s cookie recipe at the end of each post, so you can also easily check out what she’s baking!
Peanut Butter Browne Pillow Cookies:
My friend Mike gave me today’s recipe idea. In his version, a chocolate chip cookie is wrapped around a brownie. However, because of my deep love for anything peanut butter and chocolate, I couldn’t resist making my own flavorful adaptation.
While I carefully select/create all the FCW recipes I share, there’s usually one that stands above the rest each year. Despite the unassuming appearance of these cookies, they just might be “the one” for 2018. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is hard to beat!
How Do You Make Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies:
The recipe might seem complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy. You start by making a brownie batter and a peanut butter dough.
After time in the refrigerator, the brownie batter is rolled into balls which are then covered with peanut butter cookie dough.
Next, the cookies are baked. And, if the dough coverage is good, no one will ever suspect there’s a brownie hiding inside. What a delightful surprise it will be when someone bites into the cookie or breaks one open!
The end result is a peanut butter cookie with a chewy brownie center. Oooh!! It’s love in every bite!
Like this peanut butter-inspired recipe? You’ll love these too:
You can grab the complete recipe for these Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies below.
Before you go about your day, click on over to Julie Blanner!
Today for FCW, she’s also baked up something with peanut butter. These No-Bake Stuffed Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Don’t they sound dreamily delicious!? I’ll take a dozen, Julie!
Hope you’re enjoying FCW. Julie and I will back tomorrow with two more tasty recipes!
Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brownie, fall baking, fall cookie week, peant butter, pillow cookie
A brownie baked inside a peanut butter cookie makes these cookies extra special and extra delicious. This flavor-packed fall cookie recipe is definitely a winner!
Begin preparing the brownie batter by adding the chocolate and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Stir in the sugars.
Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth. Then add the flour and stir to combine. Refrigerate the brownie batter until it becomes firm - 4-5 hours or overnight.
Now prepare the peanut butter cookie dough with an electric mixer by creaming together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Then, beat in the peanut butter.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time; then stir in the vanilla.
Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Add that to the batter, along with the salt. Finally, mix in the flour. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and remove the dough from the refrigerator.
Form the brownie batter into 3/4-inch balls. Then cover the brownie balls with the peanut butter dough. (I found it easiest to first roll the peanut butter dough into a 1 1/2-inch ball and then flatten it and wrap it around a brownie batter ball.) Cover the brownie ball completely.
Place the balls of dough to an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookie begin to brown. Cool on a baking rack.
Store the cookies in an airtight container.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
A brownie baked inside a peanut butter cookie makes these cookies extra special and extra delicious. This flavor-packed fall cookie recipe is definitely a winner! Welcome to Day Two of Fall Cookie Week 2018 (FCW)! Today we are making these crazy good Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies! I’m so excited you’re here for FCW 2018! […]
These Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies bring together some of my favorite flavors and make the perfect sweet treat for fall.
Well, dear friends, it’s a special day here on Inspired by Charm! We are kicking off another Fall Cookie Week with these Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies!
If you’re new around these parts, Fall Cookie Week (FCW) started back in 2012 when I baked a selection of cookies for a Fall Open House that I was hosting at the Gift Shop in my Bed and Breakfast. Although I chose to close the B&B in 2013, the FCW tradition is still going strong on IBC.
Several years ago, I asked Julie Blanner, who is a fellow blogger and one of my close friends, to join in on the FCW fun. Julie is such a powerhouse of talent, and I couldn’t be more excited to again share this wonderful week of cookie baking with her. You can find her blog here. I will also be linking up her cookie-of-the-day at the end of each of my posts, so you won’t miss a thing. Over the course of the week, we will be posting a total of 10 fabulously fall and decadently delicious cookie recipes. *loosens belt buckle*
If Fall Cookie Week is new to you, you can catch up below. I’ve linked every year’s FCW recipes, beginning with 2012. (Please forgive the quality of the 2012 recipes and photos. I was just a beginning blogger back then. I hope to get those posts updated in the future!)
Okay, now that the FCW introductions and history have been taken care of, are you ready to talk about these Salted Carmel Shortbread Cookies?
When I’m planning a Fall Cookie Week, I think about the big fall flavors I love – pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, salted caramel, and so on. Although I can’t hit every one of the flavors in just five recipes, I decided that salted caramel was a must and that these shortbread cookies would be the ideal lead-off for this year’s FCW.
How to Make Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies:
These cookies are simple to make. They start with a basic shortbread cookie recipe.
Once the cookies are baked, they are topped with melted caramel. This can get a bit sticky, so it’s important to move quickly with this part of the recipe. A small ice cream scoop worked best for me.
This post contains affiliate links.
Once the caramel is on, sprinkle it with flake sea salt. My recommendation: Maldon Flake Sea Salt. It’s THE BEST. (Don’t even think about using table salt or kosher salt.)
The final step is to drizzle the cookies with melted semi-sweet chocolate.
When the chocolate is set, your cookies are complete and ready for a taste test. (If you’re like me, you won’t be able to wait that long to try one.)
The crisp shortbread, gooey caramel, drizzle of chocolate, and sprinkle of flake sea salt make this cookie a winner!
Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies:
If you like this caramel recipe, you’ll love these:
In a large bowl with your electric mixer on high, beat the butter until creamy. Then beat in the sugar and vanilla. Turn the mixer to low and beat in the flour until just incorporated.
Divide the dough into two parts. Place one half of the dough between two sheets of wax paper and roll it until it’s 1/4-inch thick. Then use a 2 1/2-inch-diameter round cookie cutter to cut the dough. Place the cut-outs on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining half of the dough. (You can reform excess dough, roll it out, and cut it again until all the dough is used.)
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until set and just barely starting to brown. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool: In a microwave safe bowl, melt the unwrapped caramels and milk on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add1-2 teaspoons of the caramel mixture to each cookie. Then sprinkle the cookies with flake sea salt.
Finally, in another microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter on high for 1-2 minutes until it is smooth. Stir every 30 seconds. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the cookies. Let the cookies cool until the chocolate sets.
These Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies bring together some of my favorite flavors and make the perfect sweet treat for fall. Well, dear friends, it’s a special day here on Inspired by Charm! We are kicking off another Fall Cookie Week with these Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies! If you’re new around these parts, Fall Cookie Week […]
This post is sponsored by Morton Salt. As always, all opinions are my own.
As you know, I’ve been busy making improvements to my new home. While some of them have been more obvious (like my cozy new deck space), others are taking place behind the scenes. For example, my water softener and water filtration system, which I’m excited to tell you about today.
Shortly after moving in, my friends over at Morton Salt contacted me about their Water Softener Salt. Not knowing whether I had hard water, they sent me a free hard water test strip.
And as you may have guessed, since I’m writing this post. I discovered that I had hard water at my new place.
In case you’re not familiar with hard water, it has a high mineral content, which is primarily calcium and magnesium. In your home, hard water can cause spotty dishes, dry skin, stained clothes, and rust build up on appliances.
Do You Need a Water Softener?
You’ll need to determine if you have hard or soft water. You can visit the Morton Salt website here and ask them to send you a test strip. It’s free!
I hired a local plumber to install my softener since my plumbing skills are limited. It actually fit perfectly in my garage. It doesn’t make for a beautifully styled photo, but it does get the job done.
The black container to the left of the tank is called the brine. This is what holds the Water Softener Salt. This container should always be half full of salt. You simply add more salt whenever needed. Depending on your system and water usage, it’s usually about 1 bag per month.
How much Does it cost to put in a water softener?
My particular system, which is a water softener and water filter, cost about $3,000 to install. Depending on the location of your system the price may fluctuate to run more plumbing or electricity.
It’s always best to get a quote from a trusted plumber for the best estimate.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Well, it’s pretty simple. The brine tank (the black container) contains resin beads. When the water passes through them, the minerals in the hard water are attracted to the resin and removed from the water. This turns the hard water into soft water before it flows into your home.
Adding Morton Water Softener Salt recharges the resin beads so the softener can perform at its best.
Morton offers a variety of water softener salts. I’m using the Morton Clean and Protect Plus Rust Defense. This variety gives you better tasting water, fewer rust stains in your bathroom and kitchen, brighter laundry, and longer-lasting appliances.
My particular water softener unit also contains a charcoal water filter, so I’ll never need to buy a water filtering pitcher or attach any units to my faucets. The water is softened and filtered before it enters my house.
I love that!
What Are the Benefits of using a Water Softener?
There are quite a few benefits of having soft water. First off, it leaves your hair and skin feeling clean after your shower. Soft water also makes your laundry bright and your dishes spot free.
In addition, softening your water can improve the taste of your drinking water.
Another reason I was excited to get a softener installed is my upcoming kitchen remodel. Soft water helps to protect appliances from harmful build up and makes cleaning them easier.
With new kitchen appliances, a new washer and dryer, and even new toilets, soft water will help to extend their life, plus prevent mineral build up. Win-win-win!
Bet you didn’t expect a lesson in water today.
I am super happy with my new water softener and the benefits of using Morton Water Softener Salt.
If you want additional information about soft water, head on over to the Morton Salt website. While you’re there, you can also get that free test strip to test your own water.
This post is sponsored by Morton Salt. As always, all opinions are my own. As you know, I’ve been busy making improvements to my new home. While some of them have been more obvious (like my cozy new deck space), others are taking place behind the scenes. For example, my water softener and water filtration system, which […]
It’s finally time to tackle a few indoor projects. First up, a design plan for my family room.
It’s hard to believe it’s officially fall. It’s even harder to believe I’ve already been in my new home for more than three months. While I’ve made a lot of progress, I had wanted to be further along by now. Even though things haven’t panned out exactly as planned, I’m allowing myself a little latitude and moving forward with excitement.
With the holiday season sneaking up on us, there are two big spaces I would like to tackle: my family room and my den.
Family Room Design Plan:
These spaces function fine with the furnishings I had in my apartment, but they just aren’t what I envision in this house. We’ll save the living room for another day. Today I want to talk about my family room design plan.
As I mentioned before, this is my favorite room in the house. It’s probably where I spend most of my time. And while I’m dreaming of big fires on cool fall days and frigid winter nights, the space isn’t very cozy yet.
Here are my current issues with the room…
Without any windows on the back wall, it’s a dark room. I don’t really mind it, but I would like to brighten things up with furnishings.
I’ve discovered I don’t like the leather couch. It’s either cold or sticky. I’d rather have fabric against my skin than cold, sticky leather. Also, this couch seems a bit too large for the space.
The TV cable runs from the closet (to the right of the fireplace) across the floor to the TV. (The cable has been edited out of these photos so you can’t see it.)
There isn’t enough seating. I went back and forth on the layout of this room. It’s challenging. However, I think I’ve come up with a good solution.
With all of that in mind, here’s my plan for the space:
#Bayberrry House Family Room Design Plan:
To give you an idea of what I’m thinking, I have a couple inspiration images. (Coincidentally, both of these inspiration photos are Christmas related, but that works since the holiday will be here soon, and I’m already thinking about where to put the Christmas tree.)
The skeleton of the room is obviously different, but this image gave me the idea to do two matching sofas.
I love this idea because it creates comfort for everyone. I noticed that when my Mom visited or a friend was over for a movie, I gave my guest the sofa while I took the chair. Even though I was perfectly comfortable in a chair, it’s nice to nestle on a sofa when watching a movie. (Sometimes you just want to be horizontal, right?) Having, two sofas allows for more coziness.
While we’re looking at this picture, I also should note that the Christmas tree will go to the left of the fireplace behind the sofa (where the cactus is).
Then I stumbled upon this image from the latest Pottery Barn catalog, and it reinforced my decision to do double sofas.
On the wall opposite the fireplace will be a large console for storage and TV components. I’m also working with my electrician to mount the TV above the console and add a sconce on each side.
For the coffee table, I selected this leather ottoman. The goal for this room is comfort so I thought this could offer additional seating, including a place to sit if you want to be even closer to the fire. It’s also a comfortable place to put your feet up should there be more than one person on the couch. I will add a large tray to the ottoman so there is a surface to place drinks and snacks.
In the design plan above, I did include pieces I’ve already selected for the space. The larger pieces (sofa, ottoman, console) have been ordered and are on their way. I’m still on the hunt for sconces, pillows, and accessories.
(I haven’t linked to anything but will provide sources once everything is in place.)
Other things to note with my Family Room Design Plan:
For now, I will keep the wall color as is. One wall in this room will get repainted during the kitchen remodel so I may opt for a different color then.
I’m also considering swapping out the natural wood mantel for a thick white painted slab. I have no intention of painting the brick. However, I think a chunky, white mantle could brighten things up a bit.
Once the sofas are in place, I will make decisions about side tables and lamps. This could mean a narrow sofa table behind the sofa to the left of the fireplace or a couple small side tables. Neither of the inspiration images has lamps but I do need lamps, so I’ll have to figure out what will work.
I also need a larger area rug. Although I love this one, it’s just a couple feet too small.
I’m on the fence about curtains for this room. Right now, I’m digging the no-curtains look.
As I mentioned previously, my design scheme for the entire house is Modern Country Colonial, so I think this plan suits it well. While the larger pieces are neutral, I will incorporate color through the rug, pillows, art, and accessories.
I hope this gives you an idea of what I’m planning. I’ll pop back in when I have updates and more information about the space.
Now, I’m off to find throw pillows!
It’s finally time to tackle a few indoor projects. First up, a design plan for my family room. It’s hard to believe it’s officially fall. It’s even harder to believe I’ve already been in my new home for more than three months. While I’ve made a lot of progress, I had wanted to be further […]
Creepy, crawly, and delicious, these Spider Cheeseballs are the ideal Halloween appetizer recipe.
With Halloween only a little over a month away, I thought now might be a good time to share a few ideas and recipes to help you celebrate! First up are these Spider Cheeseballs.
Halloween Cheeseball Recipe Idea:
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “Really, Michael? Another cheeseball recipe?”. I know, I’ve been on a cheese kick lately, but let’s just ROLL with it. (Pun intended.) I like to compare my obsession with cheese to an artist who works in a particular medium for a time. Apparently, my current medium is cheese shaped into balls.
Even if you’re not as excited about cheeseballs as I am, there’s no denying that these Spider Cheeseballs are a fun Halloween treat.
Spider Cheeseball for Halloween:
I recently styled a Halloween table (I’ll be sharing that with you soon.) and wanted to add a couple food elements. While a tablescape can look beautiful on its own, I think a few treats and drinks can complete the look.
In fact, I actually made two cheeseballs – these spiders plus this Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball. If you look closely at that post, you can see a few cheeseball spiders tucked among the grapes.
How do you make a Spider Cheeseball?
It is so easy.
Toss all of your ingredients into a bowl, mix them together, and form the mixture into small balls. As you can see I made two different sized spiders.
The base for this particular cheeseball has a delicious herb flavor mixed with cream cheese and goat cheese. I think the combination is well-suited to the spiders.
Before adding the “legs,” roll each ball in black sesame seeds. These will give your spiders a wonderful texture and color.
For the legs, I tucked small pretzel sticks into the cheeseball. For the larger spider cheeseballs, I used whole sticks, and for the smaller cheeseballs, I broke the sticks in half.
Just pop them in the refrigerator until serving time.
While you can use the pretzel sticks to eat the cheeseballs, I also like serving them with crackers.
Be sure to get creative with your presentation. I think the “spiders” look extra creepy climbing over green grapes. I even tucked in a few fake plastic spiders for more variety. Halloween appetizer perfected!
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and olive oil until smooth. Then beat in the goat cheese, green onions, garlic, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes.
With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (for small spiders) and 3-inch balls (for large spiders). Then roll the balls in the black sesame seeds to coat.
For the small spiders, use four pretzel sticks broken in half to create eight legs (four on each side of the ball.) For the large spiders, use eight pretzel sticks to create eight legs (four on each side of the ball.)
Cover the Spider Cheeseballs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until you're ready to serve them. Serve with crackers or additional pretzel sticks.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Creepy, crawly, and delicious, these Spider Cheeseballs are the ideal Halloween appetizer recipe. With Halloween only a little over a month away, I thought now might be a good time to share a few ideas and recipes to help you celebrate! First up are these Spider Cheeseballs. Halloween Cheeseball Recipe Idea: Okay, I know what […]
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Moist and rich with fall flavor, they can be served for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
I have a sweet treat for you today. Last week I shared my latest fall tablescape and hinted at a couple tasty recipes. Today I’m back to share these Baked Apple Cider Donuts.
Apple Cider Donuts:
Like many folks, when it comes to fall, I’m a sucker for anything apple cider or pumpkin flavored. (Hence this recipe for Baked Apple Sider Donuts!) However, I do prefer homemade or freshly baked goodies over “fake” pumpkin things.
These are actually mini-bundt cakes, but I couldn’t resist calling them donuts because of the holes in the center. It seemed so much more suitable.
What I love about this particular recipe is that they are simple to make. You just need two bowls and a whisk. That’s right, no mixer is required. (I know it’s not a big deal, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to clean the mixer.)
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts:
To make these Baked Apple Cider Donuts, mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another and then mix them together. (It’s really that easy.)
Once they are out of the oven and still warm, brush them with butter and press a generous amount of cinnamon sugar on them. This will give them that beautiful deep cinnamon color and add a crunchy outer shell.
With that, your Baked Apple Cider Donuts are complete!
They are wonderfully moist and full of apple spice flavor. I think you’re going to love them!
If you liked this fall-inspired recipe, you’ll love these:
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Moist and rich with fall flavor, they can be served for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray your donut (mini-bundt cake) pan with a baking spray*. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider, canola oil, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the donuts to sit in the pan for 3-4 minutes. Then invert the pan to remove.
In a small bowl, make the topping by whisking together the cinnamon and sugar. Brush each donut with melted butter. Then, using your hand, press the cinnamon and sugar mixture onto each donut.
The donuts can be stored, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
*The particular pan that I used for this recipe will bake six donuts at a time. I baked half of the recipe first, removed the donuts from the pan, and then baked the remaining half. Alternatively, you could use two of the same pans.
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 Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Moist and rich with fall flavor, they can be served for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. I have a sweet treat for you today. Last week I shared my latest fall tablescape and hinted at a couple tasty recipes. Today […]
Inspired by the bold and bright colors of the season, I created this chic and colorful outdoor fall tablescape to enjoy the beautiful autumn days.
Did you know that the first day of fall is this coming Saturday!? I still don’t know where the summer went. As sad as I am to say goodbye to summer, fall is my favorite time of year so I will welcome it with open arms. (I’m just going to avoid thinking about what follows fall.)
Once again, I’m thrilled to team up with some blogger friends to share a collection of fall-inspired table settings. At the end of this post, I’ve linked up everyone involved.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to click through all of the links below. I’m sure you’ll find a few ideas to help you decorate your home and table for the season.
Chic and Colorful Outdoor Fall Tablescape
With the transition of the seasons in mind, I thought I’d create this chic and colorful outdoor fall tablescape to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall. That’s why I mixed bright and bold colors with pumpkins and gingham.
When I’m putting together a tablescape, I’m usually inspired by something I’ve seen or purchased. (If you remember the table I shared last week, that beautiful tablecloth from HomeGoods provided me with inspiration.) This time around, I was inspired by the orange, pink, and purple colors of these beautiful dahlias.
The dahlia is among my favorite flowers. I love how it works so well for summer and fall. I found these particular blooms at the grocery store (Whole Foods). After arranging them in a couple white vases, I was able to quickly put the rest of my table together with things I had on hand.
Earlier in the day, I picked up some of these white pumpkins and white acorn squash. They were just what I needed to add that quintessential touch of fall in the center of the table.
Outdoor Fall Tablescape Place Setting:
For placemats, I opted to use these white and orange gingham ones. You might be surprised to know that they are actually paper! They are from a company called Hester & Cook, which has some of the most beautiful paper entertaining products. (I used one of their runners to decorate my Friendsgiving table last year.) I think their paper goods work well for an outdoor table and make clean-up extra easy!
Once again I relied on my dishtowel napkin trick. (The trick is simply using dishtowels as napkins!) These were among my recent finds at HomeGoods. The colors matched so well.
A small leaf-shaped plate (from Target’s Dollar Spot) finishes off the place setting. I topped it with just a small sprig of flowers to tie all the colors together.
The final touch was a pair of lanterns outfitted with candles for the perfect flicker and glow.
Voila! My chic and colorful outdoor fall tablescape is complete. Too cute, right? Now we just need to fill it with fall snacks and drinks.
As always, I hope that this table inspired you and your fall entertaining endeavors. For more creative tablescape ideas, be sure to check out the links below.
Inspired by the bold and bright colors of the season, I created this chic and colorful outdoor fall tablescape to enjoy the beautiful autumn days. Did you know that the first day of fall is this coming Saturday!? I still don’t know where the summer went. As sad as I am to say goodbye to […]
Who wouldn’t love a cookie stuffed with a peanut butter cup? Combining two flavors I love, these Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are one of my favorite treats!
Fall is one of my favorite seasons to bake. That’s why I created Fall Cookie Week here on Inspired by Charm. This is a series I started back in the early days of blogging. If you’re curious about (or missed) any of my FCW recipes, you can find them all below. There are so many delicious fall cookie recipesI know you will love!
Fall Cookie Week 2018 will be returning next weeks on Monday, September 24th. In the meantime, these Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a blast from the past and one of my favorite fall cookie recipes recipes! What’s not to love?
How to make Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:
I decided to share another of my favorite cookies to end this cookie week. I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
And with these particular cookies, the chocolate drizzled all over the top is literally and figuratively the icing on the cake … er … cookie.
As with most of the cookies this week, these come together quite quickly. It’s basically just a peanut butter cookie recipe.
I love all of the unique touches to this cookie as well – the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup tucked away inside and the glorious drizzle of chocolate on the top.
It just looks like a cookie you want to eat.
If you want to make these cookies, I’ve shared the full recipe at the end of this post.
Want more Fall Cookie inspiration? You’ll love these recipes:
Who wouldn't love a cookie stuffed with a peanut butter cup? Combining two flavors I love, these Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are one of my favorite treats!
In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light
and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
In a smaller bowl, combine flour and baking soda.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Roll dough into 1-1/4-inch balls. Press a miniature peanut butter cup into
each; reshape balls.
Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
For drizzle,melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and shortening in a microwave (or in a double boiler). Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. (I allowed my mixture to cool slightly and then put it into a Ziploc bag. I snipped off a tiny portion of the corner of the bag so I could drizzle the cookies.)
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
(This post was originally publish in September 2013.)
Who wouldn’t love a cookie stuffed with a peanut butter cup? Combining two flavors I love, these Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are one of my favorite treats! Fall is one of my favorite seasons to bake. That’s why I created Fall Cookie Week here on Inspired by Charm. This is a series I started back […]
This Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball is an easy, beautiful, and tasty appetizer that’s just right for fall entertaining.
Thank you all so much for the love on my fall tablescape. It was fun to create, and I’m glad you enjoyed it! Today I’m sharing the Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball recipe that I teased you with in that post.
Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball:
A couple weeks ago I was chatting with my mom about one of my earliest memories. I was in first grade and had left my snack at home. I still remember my mom showing up at the classroom with my cheese and crackers. I think it’s the pure joy I felt at that moment that makes the memory so strong.
Some thirty years later, my love of cheese and crackers still runs deep.
Sidenote: I found the acorn salt and pepper shakers at HomeGoods. You can also find them on Amazon here.
In the past, I’ve experimented with creative cheese balls, including ones shaped like apples, pumpkins, and a Christmas tree. However, for this Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball, I opted for a classic shape with bold flavors.
If you’ve never had bacon in a cheese ball, you’re totally missing out. It is out-of-this-world delicious. In this particular recipe, the salty bacon and sharp white cheddar cheese pair beautifully with the sweetness of the dried cranberries. It’s a cheese pairing made in heaven.
Beyond the fact that it’s cheese, I also love serving this cheese ball because it’s so simple to make. You simply blend everything together, roll it into a ball, and you’re ready to go. (The recipe does recommend refrigeration. But if you’re in a pinch for time, you can serve the cheese ball right away.)
You can also have lots of fun with different flavor combinations suited to the season or your celebration.
How to Make a Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball:
Speaking of customizing your cheese ball, I styled mine to go with a Halloween tablescape. Here’s a sneak peak.
While the colors of this cheeseball work beautifully for fall, changing a few of the garnishes adds an element of spooky chic, don’t you think?
All you need is a mini clever and some beet crackers for a whole new look!
No matter how you serve it, I’m certain you and your guests are going to love the flavors of this Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball.
If you liked this cheeseball recipe, you’ll love these too:
In a bowl, whip the cream cheese to soften and smooth any lumps.
Add the white cheddar cheese, bacon, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon parsley. Blend everything together.
Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a ball and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the cheese ball is firm.
On a plate, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Roll the cheeseball in this mixture to evenly coat.
Serve with crackers.
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 Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball is an easy, beautiful, and tasty appetizer that’s just right for fall entertaining. Thank you all so much for the love on my fall tablescape. It was fun to create, and I’m glad you enjoyed it! Today I’m sharing the Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball recipe that I teased […]
If you’re feeling the itch to decorate for fall, you’re in luck today. I’m sharing colorful fall decor ideas for your dining room.
It’s an exciting day in blogland because I’m teaming up with 15 blogger friends for the Seasons of Home series. Today each of us is posting a tablescape for fall. And since a table setting alone wasn’t enough for me, my post also includes sneak peeks for upcoming recipes, a cocktail idea, and more!
It’s also very exciting as this is my first fully styled interior room in my new home! Yay!
I am thrilled that you’re here to check out my tablescape and fall decor ideas. At the end of this post, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check out all of the beautiful table settings that are part of this series. These are some amazingly talented bloggers and decorators. I’m certain you’ll get an idea or two … or twenty!
Fall Decor Ideas for Your Dining Room:
Call me crazy, but styling a table might be one of my most favorite things to do. (I have been busily furnishing my new dining room for this very reason!)
This post contains affiliate links.
The inspiration for my tablescape was this tablecloth from HomeGoods. As soon as I saw the colorful pattern, I knew it would be perfect for the season. From there, everything else seemed to fall into place.
I decided to have fun with the tablecloth by placing it on the diagonal. This is certainly not a traditional or formal way to use a tablecloth, but I love the casual vibe. It’s less fussy and much more inviting.
It also helps to show off my dining table legs. They are just too pretty to hide.
As you know, I like to shop the dishtowel section for napkins. That’s where I found these golden yellow checked “napkins.” (I actually bought them at HomeGoods the same day I got the tablecloth.) I think they add a happy punch of color that complements the tablecloth.
Place Setting Fall Decor Ideas:
From there, I used my classic white plates and topped them with these scenic fall harvest plates. Aren’t they beautiful?
With touches of gold elsewhere, gold flatware worked perfectly on this table. I got my set from West Elm a few years ago. (This set is similar.)
For glassware, I brought out my favorites. These French-inspired wine and champagne glasses. I love the shape and design of these glasses, and they are so reasonably priced.
With the main pieces in place, I completed the looks with lots of festive fall touches. In the center of the table, a wood cutting board holds an arrangement of flowers I picked up at the grocery store. The blooms are in a gold-rimmed pitcher from a local antique store. I just love the look!
I also lit candles to create a fall glow. To me, candles are a must for fall dining.
This year I decided to splurge on some plush velvet pumpkins. (I believe these Plush Pumpkins were the ones that inspired all the copies we see in stores today.) These guys are the originals with real pumpkin stems. The quality is amazing. Aren’t they beautiful? I think they amp up the feeling of abundance of the tablescape, plus I plan to use them for many years.
You might have noticed a few other changes in my dining room. I replaced my old chairs with these white modern shaker style ones. I think they are perfect!
I also did a console swap! I moved my wood mid-century piece into the family room and this black metal buffet into the dining room. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this sooner, but it works so well
You can find the recipe for them HERE. They are made with cognac. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed cognac until I took a sip! These may be my new go-to fall cocktail.
This new one is made with dried cranberries, walnuts, bacon, and goat cheese. The flavor combination is amazing. It might be my new favorite. You can grab the recipe for this Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball here.
To wrap up this colorful and festive fall tablescape, a sweet treat was in order. How about Baked Apple Cider Donut Cakes?
I previously made Baked Pumpkin Donuts, so this variation seemed like the perfect follow-up. They are so moist and flavorful, you’ll definitely want to try this recipe. (I’ll be sharing it in the coming days – stay tuned.) I baked them up in this cute mini bundt cake pan.
What do you think of my tablescape? Feeling a bit inspired to pull out your fall decor?
I hope you enjoyed this peek into my dining room and gathered fall decor ideas that you might try when the time is right.
Before you click away, be sure to take a look at the posts below. I’m certain you’ll find more fall decorating inspiration. Enjoy!
If you’re feeling the itch to decorate for fall, you’re in luck today. I’m sharing colorful fall decor ideas for your dining room. It’s an exciting day in blogland because I’m teaming up with 15 blogger friends for the Seasons of Home series. Today each of us is posting a tablescape for fall. And since […]
Fall and folk go together like peanut butter and jelly. Home For Fall: Songs for Autumn is my latest Tuesday Tunes Playlist inspired by my fondness for fall and folk/country music!
Happy Tuesday, dear friends! This past weekend it rained for three days straight. Along with the rain, came cooler temperatures and falling leaves, which instantly stirred the love for autumn in my heart. (I was even tempted to light the first fire in my new home.) That’s why I decided to put together a new playlist of folksy fall songs.
It’s hard to compete with the Christmas season, but fall is a strong contender for my favorite time of year. For me, the flavors, colors, smells, and sounds of autumn are a treat for the senses. I also love that fall encourages relaxation and cozy nights on the couch next to a fire. That’s exactly why I created this playlist of fall songs.
Whether you’re sitting at home next to a stack of fall issues of your favorite magazines, sitting around an outdoor campfire roasting s’mores, or driving around town in search of the perfect pumpkin, this just may be your new go-to playlist. I know I’ve been listening to it non-stop as I start to plan, bake, and decorate my new home for autumn.
My Favorite Fall Songs:
As with all of my playlists, you can use the media player below to listen to this collection of fall songs. You can also find the playlist on Spotify by clicking here.
I often create new collections of tunes, so feel free to find me on Spotify if you’d like to follow along.
Finally, I’m always looking for new music. What are some of your favorite songs or artists to listen to in the fall? Is there anyone new I should be listening to? Please let me know in the comments below.
Fall and folk go together like peanut butter and jelly. Home For Fall: Songs for Autumn is my latest Tuesday Tunes Playlist inspired by my fondness for fall and folk/country music! Happy Tuesday, dear friends! This past weekend it rained for three days straight. Along with the rain, came cooler temperatures and falling leaves, which […]
This Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria recipe is made with red wine and seasonal fruit and spices and is a delicious cocktail for celebrating the glory of autumn!
Fall entertaining is upon us. Maybe you’re hosting Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) this year, or you’re simply gathering with friends to mark the end of another work week. Whatever the occasion, this Autumn Harvest Harvest Sangria is the perfect specialty libation for the season.
Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria
Sangria is simple to make, yet it looks super special. It’s likewise something that most people enjoy. I also find it helpful that you can mix up a large batch if you’re expecting a lot of guests.
This Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria incorporates fresh apples and pears and was inspired by my visit to an orchard. A cinnamon simple syrup gives it spice for the season.
How Do you Make Sangria?
In case you’ve never made sangria, don’t worry. It’s so simple. Just toss all the ingredients into a large pitcher, stir, and refrigerate for a few hours. That’s it!
Another wonderful thing about sangria is that you can whip it up the day before your event. It just gets better as the flavors meld together.
I am in love with the colors of this particular blend. It looks like autumn in a glass, don’t you think?
With your delicious Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria prepared, you’re ready to celebrate the season in style.
Cheers!
If you like this fall cocktail recipe, you’ll also love:
This Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria recipe is made with red wine and seasonal fruit and spices and is a delicious cocktail for celebrating the glory of autumn!
1bottle light-bodied Spanish wine - (I used Rioja.)
2cupsapple cider
1/2cuppear - or apple brandy
1/4cupcinnamon simple syrup*
1Honeycrisp apple - cored and chopped
1green pear - cored and chopped
1/2orange - quartered and sliced
Seeds from one pomegranate - about 1/2 cup
3or 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, apple cider, brandy, cinnamon simple syrup, and fruits.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight prior to serving.
Notes
*Cinnamon Simple Syrup:1 cup water
1 cup sugar
6 cinnamon sticksIn a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the sugar dissolves and the liquid just starts to thicken. Transfer the liquid to a heatproof container, add the cinnamon sticks, and chill for at least 4 hours.
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 Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria recipe is made with red wine and seasonal fruit and spices and is a delicious cocktail for celebrating the glory of autumn! Fall entertaining is upon us. Maybe you’re hosting Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) this year, or you’re simply gathering with friends to mark the end of another work week. Whatever […]
Whether you just need an easy homemade cookie for dipping or you prefer not to throw away excess pie dough, these Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are a delicious dessert treat you can make with just a few ingredients.
How to Make Pie Crust Cookies:
Honestly, I hesitate to even call this a recipe because it’s as simple as sprinkling cinnamon and sugar onto pie dough and baking it.
However, these cookies are delicious and part of something I’m sharing tomorrow, so this recipe is rather important.
I think the idea for these cookies came about when someone made a pie and didn’t want to discard the dough scraps. Instead, that excess dough was sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, baked, and turned into a tasty little treat.
Like many others, I took the recipe one step further and brought out seasonal cookie cutters to create adorable little cookies.
Not only are they the perfect size, but they come with a built-in stamper that creates a nice detail on the cookie. In this particular case, I used a leaf-shaped cutter, and the stamper made the vein of the leaf.
What to serve with Pie Crust Cookies?
As I mentioned, served plain, they are great for snacking. They also work beautifully with sweet dips like:
I especially like them as a garnish for desserts. Add them to a bowl of ice cream, use them to dress up your pumpkin pie, or decorate a cake with them. As you can tell, the options are many.
So whether you want to whip up a batch of pie dough to make dozens of these or just don’t want to waste your extra pie dough, I hope you find this helpful.
Whether you just need an easy homemade cookie for dipping or you prefer not to throw away excess pie dough, these Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are a delicious dessert treat you can make with just a few ingredients.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, roll out the pie dough. Use cookie cutters to cut detailed shapes or a knife to cut strips or squares.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar to combine. Sprinkle the cut dough with the cinnamon and sugar.
Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Usually, you can re-roll and cut the extra dough once or twice before it becomes unworkable.
Notes
Note: This recipe is more of a general guideline. How much dough you have and the size of your cookie cutter will determine how much butter, cinnamon, and sugar you will need and how many cookies your recipe will yield.You can get the recipe for my go-to pie crust 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!
Whether you just need an easy homemade cookie for dipping or you prefer not to throw away excess pie dough, these Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are a delicious dessert treat you can make with just a few ingredients. How to Make Pie Crust Cookies: Honestly, I hesitate to even call this a recipe because […]
These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious dessert recipe to kick off Pumpkin Spice season!
It’s officially September, so we can start talking about all things fall, right? Ready or not, I’ve teamed up with some blogger friends to do just that. We’re celebrating our Tastes of the Season series with all things pumpkin!
That’s why I whipped up these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. And if that’s not enough pumpkin goodness for you, there are 19 more recipes linked up at the end of this post. From savory to sweet, I’m certain you’ll find something to love.
How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:
In case you’ve never had a whoopie pie, it’s two soft cake-like cookies sandwiched together with frosting. As Ina Garten would say, “How bad can that be?” Whoopie pies are traditionally made with chocolate cookies and white frosting, but I decided to shake things up a bit for fall.
For the cake-like cookies, I went with a pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin and lots of seasonal spices create a rich taste of fall. I also busted out my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe because it goes great with pumpkin. (You only need a half batch of frosting for this particular recipe.)
To amp up the frosting flavor, I whipped in salted caramel sauce and an extra pinch of salt. It’s a quick little addition that makes the filling for these whoopie pies extra special. And it pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. I used a store-bought salted caramel sauce. (It’s often near the ice cream toppings in the grocery store.) However, you can make your own, if you prefer.
For more visual interest and flavor – and a bit of crunch, I rolled half of the whoopie pies in chopped pecans. I couldn’t resist putting all the flavors of fall in one delicious whoopie pie. Yes, please!
If you want to give these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies a try, you’ll find the recipe below. Enjoy and happy baking!
If you liked this pumpkin recipe, you’ll love these:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the pumpkin.
Drop rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake 10-11 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
In the meantime, prepare 1/2 batch of My Favorite Cream Cheese Frosting* recipe. Once prepared, beat in 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce and an additional 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Beat until incorporated.
Once the cookies are cooled, spread (or pipe) the frosting onto the bottom of half of the cookies, then top with remaining cookies. (Optional: Roll the frosted edges of the cookies in chopped pecans.)
Store whoopie pies in the refrigerator.
Notes
*Depending on the thickness of your caramel sauce, you may need to add an extra 1/2 - 1 cup confectioners' sugar to your cream cheese frosting. Placing the cream cheese frosting into the refrigerator will also help it to set. You can print the recipe for my Favorite Cream Cheese Frosting 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!
These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious dessert recipe to kick off Pumpkin Spice season! It’s officially September, so we can start talking about all things fall, right? Ready or not, I’ve teamed up with some blogger friends to do just that. We’re celebrating our Tastes of the Season […]
This Apple Streusel Cake is a delicious baked recipe for fall. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, you’re going to love this sweet treat!
Apple Streusel Cake:
While I’m still enjoying summer here in Pennsylvania, I realize many folks like to plan ahead or start the fall season as early as possible. That’s why today I’m kicking off the new season with an autumn-inspired recipe for Apple Streusel Cake.
As I did last year, I’m teaming up with a group of blogger friends to celebrate the “Tastes of the Seasons.” Every month from now through the end of the year each of us will share a new recipe inspired by the season.
This month, we are taking inspiration from the apple, one of the classic flavors of fall. I’ll be linking up all of the bloggers and their recipes at the end of this post. Be sure to visit each one for even more apple-inspired recipes.
You might remember last year around this time I made this delectable Apple-Cranberry Slab Pie for the “Tastes of the Seasons” series. It’s such a fun and tasty recipe. If you missed it, you can find it here.
Since I made a pie last year, I decided to go with a cake this time. I couldn’t do a plain ol’ cake, of course, so I’m tossing in a generous amount of crunchy, flavor-packed streusel.
How do you make Apple Streusel Cake?
It’s actually easy and doesn’t require a mixer. I love recipes that aren’t a lot of fuss, and this is one of them.
You start off by sautéing fresh apples to soften them and amp up their sweetness and flavor.
Those sweet, soft apples get layered in a baking pan with a super easy cake batter and LOTS of delicious streusel. It may seem like too much streusel, but it’s not as you will discover once the cake is baked and you take a bite of it.
After the cake comes out of the oven and cools slightly, it’s time to top it with a simple icing. Then the only thing left to do is eat it! This recipe would be great for breakfast or brunch, but you could go all out and add a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate after-dinner dessert. You’re welcome!
While any cake is best served warm, this recipe is also tasty the next day. How can you go wrong with layers of cake, apples, and streusel?
If you liked this apple-inspired recipe, you’ll also love:
This Apple Streusel Cake is a delicious baked recipe for fall. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, you're going to love this sweet treat!
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8-inch springform pan (or a 9-inch square baking pan).
Next, prepare your streusel by stirring together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle this mixture with the melted butter and vanilla. Toss together with a fork to combine.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the apples in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Stir in the brown sugar. Simmer, uncovered, for about 60 seconds. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter and toss with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir just until moistened. (The batter will be lumpy.)
Spread about 1 cup of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the apple filling over the batter in an even layer. Sprinkle with 2/3 cups of the streusel mixture. Drop the remaining batter in small mounds onto the filling. Sprinkle with remaining streusel.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, spices, salt, and enough apple cider to create a drizzling consistency.
Serve warm, drizzled with the icing. (The cake is still delicious served at room temperature.)
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
For more amazing apple goodness and beautifully styled recipes, be sure to visit my blogger friends below. They are some amazingly talented folks. I’m certain you’ll find a recipe or two (or even ten) you’ll want to make this fall season.
This Apple Streusel Cake is a delicious baked recipe for fall. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, you’re going to love this sweet treat! Apple Streusel Cake: While I’m still enjoying summer here in Pennsylvania, I realize many folks like to plan ahead or start the fall season as early […]
This post is sponsored by Walmart. As always, all opinions are my own.
These Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream are a simple and delicious way to celebrate some of the best flavors of summer.
If you’ve never grilled fruit, it might sound sort of odd. However, I’m here to tell you, it’s amazing. Serve the results over vanilla ice cream, and you may have just found your new favorite summertime dessert.
Today I’m thrilled to be teaming up with the folks at Walmart to bring you this Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream recipe just in time for Labor Day.
Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream:
If you’re hosting an end-of-summer get-together with friends and family, this will be the perfect dessert to tantalize their taste buds. (It’s also quite pretty, don’t you think?) So when you’re shopping at Walmart for your Labor Day food and party supplies, pick up a few locally grown* ingredients to create this dessert recipe. Because Walmart has fresh produce for you every day, you’ll find exactly what you need to grill up a treat everyone will love.
Did you know that Walmart has a 100% freshness guarantee? If you’re not satisfied with their produce, they’ll give you a full refund! How great is that!? And yes, in case you’re wondering, all the cute decor on my table is from Walmart!
*Local produce varies by location.
Now, with our fresh fruit in hand, let’s make this dessert!
<h2>Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream:</h2>
How Do You Make Grilled Fruit Kabobs?
The kabobs are simple to make. First, prepare your fruit. I cut my peaches and watermelon so they were about the same size. (Tip: When you’re picking out your peaches, go for ones that are on the firmer side since they’ll soften when grilled.)
Then skewer the fruit and place your kabobs on an oiled grill on medium-high heat. Cook the kabobs for 3-4 minutes on each side or until you get some nice grill marks on the fruit.
What makes grilled fruit so delicious is that the natural sugar in it is caramelized by the heat and flames. It’s kind of like roasting a marshmallow. The sugars cook/burn to create that really deep, rich flavor.
Once you’ve grilled the kabobs, serve them on top of a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The warm caramelized fruit and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven. I also tossed in a cookie for a little crunch and a piece of mint for color and a fresh summer flavor that pairs nicely with everything.
And with that, dessert is ready!
Have I convinced you to give grilling fruit a try? I hope so. You’re going to love it!
Have fun with this easy and delicious Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream recipe. I promise your Labor Day guests will thank you!
Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream Recipe:
Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream
Begin by soaking your wood skewers in water for about 10 minutes. Set your grill to medium-high heat and brush the cooking grate with oil to prevent sticking.
Once the skewers are well-soaked with water, place the peach slices and watermelon cubes onto each. In all, you'll need 8 skewers of fruit.
Place the skewered fruit onto the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or until grill marks form on the fruit. Remove the skewers of fruit from the grill with tongs.
Add 3-4 scoops of ice cream to a bowl. Top with two grilled fruit skewers. Garnish with a cookie and a sprig of fresh mint.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This post is sponsored by Walmart. As always, all opinions are my own. These Grilled Peach and Watermelon Kabobs with Ice Cream are a simple and delicious way to celebrate some of the best flavors of summer. If you’ve never grilled fruit, it might sound sort of odd. However, I’m here to tell you, it’s amazing. […]
This recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect sweet to enjoy on a crisp fall morning. Everyone will love the rich pumpkin flavor of these cinnamon rolls.
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. I especially love being in the kitchen, exploring every conceivable way to incorporate pumpkin into my creations.
Last week I made a batch of cinnamon rolls. So this week I decided to give them a fall-inspired twist and sneak some pumpkin and spices into the dough.
Let’s make some Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!
How to make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:
If you’ve ever made cinnamon rolls before, the process is pretty similar. The only big change is adding pumpkin puree and including lots of fall spices.
Let me tell you – they are pretty amazing! Just another reason to love pumpkin. I topped them off with a maple cream cheese icing that is the perfect complement!
That’s it! These just might be my new favorite pumpkin treat.
I know that making dough at home is slightly intimidating, but I promise you it’s a lot easier than it looks. Plus, once you taste these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you realize it was all worth it.
Yep, they are that amazing.
And the golden orange color of the baked dough is quite beautiful.
If you like these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, try these recipes too:
This recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorites. It's the perfect sweet to enjoy on a crisp fall morning. Everyone will love the rich pumpkin flavor of these cinnamon rolls.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine milk, sugar, melted butter, pumpkin puree, spices, salt, and egg with a spoon. Attach the bowl to the mixer with the dough hook attached. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead with dough hook for about 5 minutes. (If not using a stand mixer, knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes.) Place in well-greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over dough. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Then sprinkle over buttered dough. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.
Coat the bottom of 13 x 9 baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, salt, Mapleine, and vanilla until smooth. For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
*Originally published September 24, 2013*
This recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect sweet to enjoy on a crisp fall morning. Everyone will love the rich pumpkin flavor of these cinnamon rolls. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. I especially love being in the kitchen, exploring every conceivable way to incorporate […]
Grab a glass of sangria and meet me out back! We’re going to take a look at my modern country colonial deck!
A couple weeks ago I showed you around my newly decorated side porch. Well, today I’m finally taking you on a tour of my deck.
I’ve actually had this space styled and functional for a while. However, because of one thing or another, I just never got around to photographing it. It has been a rather wet and muggy summer, so maybe I can blame my procrastination on that.
Regardless of the reason for the delay, here’s my deck, all decked out (Pun intended)!
Modern Country Colonial Deck Styling:
The look of this space was inspired by the Modern Country Colonial aesthetic that I’m going for in my entire home. You’ll see all three design elements interwoven in the space.
I’m so pleased with how the deck turned out. I wanted it to be more functional for entertaining and dining, and I think I’ve achieved that. It can now accommodate a group of guests in style. (If I’m entertaining just a few folks, I can use the cozy lounge area on my side porch.)
I always love having a chaise lounge chair on a deck, so that was a must for me. When I found these, I thought they’d be great in the space, and they are. I didn’t want anything that needed cushions since this deck does not have a roof. The unique design of these loungers makes them comfy without the need for cushions.
Opposite the loungers are the round bucket chairs I had at my apartment. I love how they look on the deck. They are just the right size for that area and offer extra seating for guests.
You may have noticed that my large cactus is spending the summer outdoors. It’s done amazingly well here. It’s growing new arms and has even flowered twice! (If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know this was a special event.)
I also had room to tuck in a grill. It sits outside the door to the kitchen, which makes it extra convenient when I’m grilling.
I intentionally chose a more neutral palette for the deck. Even though I haven’t done much entertaining yet, I wanted a color scheme that would accommodate party decor, seasonal decorations, and festive foods in every color of the rainbow!
This space has worked so well for a couple outdoor photoshoots that I’ve done for the blog, and I am already looking forward to styling a few things for fall! I’ll be sharing a post later this week, so you’ll see how much the color pops.
Because it was late in the season when I was able to get this space together, I sort of missed the proper flower planting season. While I was able to incorporate some color, I think next year (and maybe even this fall), I’ll be able to add in even more color with my plantings.
Nonetheless, I’m loving my modern country colonial deck decor. It’s been a lot of fun bringing it all together and watching it grow and change over the summer. I hope you’re digging it as much as I am.
Oh, and here’s a view of the deck from the backyard. I wasn’t sure what to think about the shape of this deck at first. Now, I’m totally digging it.
The furnishings are from a variety of places. I’ll link up everything below if you’re looking for sources. Please note that some items were from summer collections, so they may no longer be available for purchase.
Grab a glass of sangria and meet me out back! We’re going to take a look at my modern country colonial deck! A couple weeks ago I showed you around my newly decorated side porch. Well, today I’m finally taking you on a tour of my deck. I’ve actually had this space styled and functional […]
Well, friends, it’s finally time. Today, I’m sharing more about the plans and design direction for my new home, Bayberry House.
I moved into Bayberry House a couple months ago. Since then I have been super BUSY with home improvement projects. I got the upstairs floors refinished and had a radon mitigation system and a water softener/water filter installed. I’ve also drawn up plans for a major kitchen remodel (details soon), created a landscape plan (details soon), and made arrangements for a new roof (details soon). And the list goes on….
When it comes to decorating, however, things have been a bit slower. I did make progress on my side porch (which you can see here) and back deck (details soon). Because I wanted to spend time relaxing outside this summer, creating these cozy and functional outdoor areas was a high priority for me.
In case you’re new here (or just need a super quick recap), for about 9 years I lived in a large home in St. Marys, PA. I then rented an apartment in Pittsburgh, PA for a year, sold the St. Marys’ house, and bought a five-bedroom home that I named Bayberry House. The folks who purchased my previous home wanted it fully furnished, so I was left with only the furnishings from my one-bedroom apartment. As you can imagine, this was both cleansing and concerning. Thankfully, the apartment furnishings seem to work well enough in my new house so that it’s stylish and totally functional.
So where do I go from here? (Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage because this post is a long one.)
If you’re a long-time follower, you’ll know that my style has always been eclectic. For me, this is a blessing and a challenge. While I see beauty in many different eras and designs, this can sometimes be overwhelming. I will probably always embrace a variety of styles, but in planning the decor for this new home, I wanted to refine my look a bit.
I decided to do this to help narrow my search when sourcing for my designs and to give the entire house a cohesive feel. I’m calling my refined eclectic style: Modern Country Colonial.
Modern Country Colonial:
While that may seem fairly straightforward, I should tell you that I struggled with using the word “country.” In today’s design world, “country” is often viewed as dated, non-trendy, and definitely not stylish.
As I pondered using that descriptor, I wondered how my work would be perceived if I incorporated a style that wasn’t in line with what the “top people” in the industry are doing.
I also realize that in the blogging world, we see a lot of farmhouse and country these days. I’m one of those people who shy away from things that have become super popular. So please know, if you’re bored with “farmhouse” style, that is not what I’m after.
Side note: Speaking of “farmhouse,” the term is widely misused. If your house isn’t on a farm, it’s probably not a farmhouse. (Erin Napier of Home Town wrote an excellent article about this.)
Back to decorating my new home: I’m inspired to decorate it as I please. It’s my place after all. Realizing that I may fail along the way and sometimes question if I’m “good enough,” I’m excited about designing this new-to-me space.
With that being said, I thought I’d show you some images that I’m using to help inspire my space planning. Although I typically don’t like to use others’ images on my blog, I feel it’s necessary for visually clarifying the direction I want to take my home.
I’ve linked up the original source below each photo. If you like something in the photos, I encourage you to click on those links and learn more about the person who created them. I’ve also made a Pinterest board in case you want to see even more of my inspiration. You can follow along with that here.
What Modern Country Colonial Means to Me:
Below are a few examples and explanations of what Modern Country Colonial means to me. While the photos below may include ideas that pertain to all of the words, I decided to organize things in three sections to better explain my thinking.
Modern
For me, modern means bright, clean, and orderly. Modern design uses the color white to create a crisp, light-filled, open space.
Modern design also embraces using color in unique and unexpected ways. Yes, I can totally appreciate a neutral space, but a colorful space is a must for me.
Another big and less obvious thing I love about modern design is that it is very intentional. I have hoarder tendencies because I like so many things, so my goal will be to limit my selections to what is functional and/or makes my heart sing.
Modern also means creating a smarter home and taking advantage of new technologies and features to make the space work for me. This includes things like a home security system, modern appliances, and connectivity.
Just look at the brick fireplace in my den/family room. This is country. This is what I love. I thought long and hard about moments in life that brought me the most joy and the spaces where I felt most inspired. This always leads me back to the country.
1. Imagine being around an outdoor fire pit made of brick or stone. The fire is crackling, and lights are strung above. A few close friends have joined you, and they’ve shown up exactly as they are. Songs by The Lumineers or Mumford and Sons are playing in the background. You’re wearing jeans and a button-down shirt and sitting on a plaid flannel blanket. Snacks are served on rustic wood cutting boards and in cast-iron dishes. The food is seasonal, simple, and fresh.
2. There’s a strawberry rhubarb pie baking in the oven. The pie dish is chipped from years of use. The rhubarb is from a plant your grandparents had growing in their garden for years. Your cup of coffee, now cold, sits on the kitchen counter. The handle is dusty with flour from the pie crust you just made. Bedsheets are hanging on the clothesline in the backyard because there’s honestly nothing better than sheets dried outdoors.
Do you feel it? That’s country to me. While it’s a definitely a look, it’s also a feeling. It’s a flavor that’s rich and bright and fresh.
There’s also nothing fake about it. The wood is weathered from age, not paint. Real flowers are tucked into mason jars, and a few of the flowers are wilting and dropping petals on the table. It’s shopping at antique shops and finding vintage treasures no one else will have. Everything has a story.
My house is a colonial so this was a no-brainer. When designing a space, I think it’s important (and in many cases easier) to work with the bones and style of the space. Obviously, there are exceptions, but this just makes sense to me.
I searched for definitions to help explain what colonial style is, and Better Homes & Gardens explained it best:
“Admired for its simple lines and rich, subdued colors, it emphasizes woods and other natural materials. Whether formal or rustic, Colonial-style interiors have one unifying thread: the look of handcrafting in every element.”
I love that. And how perfectly does that combine my goals for a modern and country space?
In my design, this plays out in adding more molding throughout the house. It means incorporating custom cabinetry in my kitchen and other areas of my home. It also points me in a certain direction when choosing colors for my spaces. I think it also gives me permission to blend traditional and rustic.
I also hope this inspires me to get back to crafting and creating and making. At its core, I want this home to be a reflection of me and always feel welcoming to others.
And that’s it, my friends. My Modern Country Colonial vision for Bayberry House. I am looking forward to bringing my designs to life and honored to invite you along on this styling journey.
I hope that sharing my thought process has helped you see my goals and inspired you to create a home you love no matter what your style may be.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I start to talk about more specific plans for each room and begin the process of my kitchen remodel. It’s going to be so exciting!
Well, friends, it’s finally time. Today, I’m sharing more about the plans and design direction for my new home, Bayberry House. I moved into Bayberry House a couple months ago. Since then I have been super BUSY with home improvement projects. I got the upstairs floors refinished and had a radon mitigation system and a […]
No matter the time of year, the bright and bold flavors of this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe are sure to delight your guests. It’s the perfect autumn appetizer!
Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball:
In this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe, the humble cheeseball gets a makeover with dried tomatoes, Italian cheeses, and a variety of seasonings. These intense flavors are the perfect complement to your favorite crackers, crudités, or chips.
Inspired by my Everything Bagel Cheeseball and my Apple-Shaped Cheeseballs, I looked to one of my favorite flavors, sun-dried tomatoes, to inspire this delicious recipe!
How to make a Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball:
Because I first made this cheeseball in the fall, I pumpkin-ified it. To do this, I removed a stem from a small pumpkin* and inserted it into the top of the cheeseball. Then I used a chopstick to create grooves from the base of the pumpkin to the stem.
*Tip: I recommend cutting off the very top of the real pumpkin and then peeling away the pumpkin flesh so that only the stem remains. Attempting to just snap off the stem may cause it to break.
In case you don’t have any small pumpkins, you could make a faux stem by drizzling balsamic vinegar on a thin breadstick and toasting it in the oven to deepen the color. Using a pretzel rod is another alternative.
I love the coloring of this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball and how the spices and bread crumbs give it great texture and depth.
However, if you prefer an intense orange color, let me suggest rolling it in Nacho Cheese Doritos instead of the breadcrumb mixture. Just put the Doritos in a large plastic baggie and smash them with a rolling pin. Pulverized, they are the perfect shade of orange.
That’s how I made these little mini cheeseballs to go along with my larger one.
This cheeseball is outstanding as a pumpkin, but you could shape it in another way that fits the season and your party theme. It could be a sun this time of year or a football in the fall.
No matter how you shape and finish the Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball, the flavor is just what you’d expect – rich and savory and bursting with sun-dried tomato goodness. Yum!
No matter the time of year, the bright and bold flavors of this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe are sure to delight your guests. It's the perfect autumn appetizer!
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Form the mixture into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for an hour.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Once the cheeseball has set, roll it in the bread crumb mixture to evenly coat.
(To make your cheeseball resemble a pumpkin, add a real or faux pumpkin stem to the top. Then use the tip of a chopstick or the back of a butter knife to create grooves.)
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
No matter the time of year, the bright and bold flavors of this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe are sure to delight your guests. It’s the perfect autumn appetizer! Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball: In this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe, the humble cheeseball gets a makeover with dried tomatoes, Italian cheeses, and a variety of seasonings. These intense […]
These Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles are a mouth-watering summer snack. Whether you’re adding them to a sandwich, serving them on a cheese board, or eating them right out of the jar, you’ll love this pickled yellow squash.
Every time I think about pickling something, that skit from Portlandia comes to mind. “We can pickle that!” Anyone else? (You can watch it here if you have no idea what I’m talking about.)
Anywho, several years ago I came across a recipe for Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles in one of my magazines. I tore it out and have hung onto it since then. Last week when I spotted a basket of yellow squash at the local farmers market, I decided it was finally time to give that recipe a try.
The whole idea of pickling squash was new to me, so I was curious how the pickles would taste. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. They are delicious!
Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles:
They taste a lot like bread and butter pickles: sweet and vinegary, So good! If you closed your eyes and took a bite, I doubt you could tell they are made from squash.
I also love the red onions in this recipe. They are as wonderful as the squash. Pickling dulls the overly pungent taste of the onion, which might be why pickled onions have become sort of trendy these days. (They seem to be served on tacos a lot.)
As with their regular pickle cousins, these yellow squash pickles would be great served with a sandwich or included with other seasonal snacks on an appetizer board. (They would have been perfect on my Summer Cheese Board!)
However, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be equally happy eating them straight out of the jar. Yum!
You can grab the recipe for these Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles below. Enjoy.
If you like this Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles recipe, you’ll love these:
These Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles are a mouth-watering summer snack. Whether you're adding them to a sandwich, serving them on a cheese board, or eating them right out of the jar, you'll love this pickled yellow squash.
In a large non-metal bowl, combine the squash and onion. Sprinkle salt over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Then, drain the liquid from the vegetables.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and dry mustard. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the squash and onion mixture and then return to boiling.
Remove from heat. Ladle the hot vegetables and liquid into sterilized canning jars.
At this point, the jars can be processed for long-term canning or covered and stored as-is in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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 Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles are a mouth-watering summer snack. Whether you’re adding them to a sandwich, serving them on a cheese board, or eating them right out of the jar, you’ll love this pickled yellow squash. Every time I think about pickling something, that skit from Portlandia comes to mind. “We can pickle that!” […]
This Birthday Cake Shot is a fun and delicious way to celebrate someone’s special day. Rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, this creamy birthday shot is one everyone will love.
Birthday Cake Shot:
This past weekend I celebrated my birthday. It was the big 3-5! I planned a low-key day which was just what I needed. Although I love any excuse to celebrate, this year I wanted to simply relax, watch movies, and play it cool. And that’s excitedly what I did.
However, I also realized that this special day was an excellent opportunity to celebrate life and all the good things in it, which is why I crafted this Birthday Cake Shot!
What I love about this recipe is that it only has a few ingredients and is super easy to make. It also looks and tastes wonderfully festive.
What’s in a Birthday Cake Shot?
There are three main ingredients:
White chocolate liqueur
Whipped vodka
Frangelico
To give this drink its festive birthday touch, you’ll also need frosting and sprinkles. – What’s a birthday cake without frosting?
How Do You Make a Birthday Cake Shot?
To make a Birthday Cake Shot, you start by rimming your shot glasses in frosting and then dipping them into sprinkles. (I used my favorite cream cheese frosting, but any kind will do.)
Then, in a cocktail shaker with ice, add equal parts white chocolate liqueur (I recommend Godiva.) and whipped vodka (I recommend Pinnacle.) along with a splash of Frangelico.
Whipped Vodka is the perfect ingredient when you want a whipped cream or icing flavor in your cocktail.
I actually prefer it over vanilla vodka. (If you’ve made my Jingle Juice Punch recipe, you’ll know what I mean.) I also like the addition of Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur, because it has a toasty/baked-cake flavor.
Finally, pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into your prepared glasses and raise them in a toast to the birthday girl or boy!
So simple, right?
While the alcohol content in these liquors isn’t too high, you could add half & half if you want to dilute it a bit.
However you make it, this Birthday Cake Shot is a tasty and celebratory way to honor anyone’s special day. Cheers!
If you liked this Birthday Cake Shot, you’ll love these too:
This Birthday Cake Shot is a fun and delicious way to celebrate someone's special day. Rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, this creamy birthday shot is one everyone will love.
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 Birthday Cake Shot is a fun and delicious way to celebrate someone’s special day. Rimmed with frosting and sprinkles, this creamy birthday shot is one everyone will love. Birthday Cake Shot: This past weekend I celebrated my birthday. It was the big 3-5! I planned a low-key day which was just what I needed. […]
