Grab your headphones and turn up the volume. Today I’m sharing a new Tuesday Tunes playlist featuring my favorite songs from musicals!
Last week I went to see The Greatest Showman! Have you seen it? If not, you need to go immediately after reading this post. Anywho, for the past week, I’ve been listening to the soundtrack on repeat. This made me realize I’ve never shared a playlist of my favorite songs from musicals.
It probably won’t come as a surprise to hear that I’m a big fan of musical theater. Back in college a friend and I went to New York City for spring break and saw several different shows. Nowadays whenever I’m in NYC and have the time, I head to Broadway to see a new show. I’m especially excited to be in Pittsburgh this year because a number of musicals are coming to town in the next few months: Rent, Wicked, The Waitress, Aladdin,. . . The list goes on.
While it’s hard to compare, Wicked may forever go down as my favorite musical. Not only do I love anything related to the Wizard of Oz, but Wicked was the first show I ever saw on Broadway. I sat in the front row so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Inspired by the soundtrack from The Greatest Showman, my love for musical theater, and Ben Platt’s Grammy performance, these are my favorite songs from musicals.
Whether you recognize the music, share a love for the theater, or just want to listen to moving stories told through song, this playlist is for you. You can use the player below to listen or find the playlist on Spotify by clicking here.
As you know, I love sharing playlists with you. If you’d like, you’re welcome to follow along with all of my playlists directly on Spotify by clicking here.
Are you also a fan of musical theater? What’s your favorite show or song? What new musicals are must-sees? Let me know in the comments below.
Enjoy!
Grab your headphones and turn up the volume. Today I’m sharing a new Tuesday Tunes playlist featuring my favorite songs from musicals! Last week I went to see The Greatest Showman! Have you seen it? If not, you need to go immediately after reading this post. Anywho, for the past week, I’ve been listening to […]
Be the hero at your next party by making or bringing this Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip. It’s loaded with delicious pizza flavor everyone is going to love!
Friends, I can’t begin to describe how crazy delicious this dip is. (Healthy? Let’s not go there.)
The Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip:
With thoughts of the Super Bowl on the horizon, it’s hard to resist the opportunity to make all of the dips, wings, and other tasty party dishes we associate with this event. While I’m certain you have your go-to foods (We all do.), I strongly recommend you give this one a try.
How to Make Pizza Dip:
It starts with a layer of cooked sweet Italian sausage mixed with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Italian cheeses.
That gets layered with pizza sauce, adorable mini pepperoni, and more cheese. Garnished with a handful of those cute mini pepperoni, the whole thing is baked until hot and bubbly.
Surrounded by sliced bread for dipping, you can see why I’m calling this The Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip. Now, let’s dig in!
Whether you’re celebrating the Super Bowl, watching another televised event, or hanging out at your house with friends, you must give this dip a try!
As noted in the recipe, you can put this dip together the night before you plan to bake and serve it. You will need to adjust the cooking time a little, but this Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip is sure to be as delicious.
Be the hero at your next party by making or bringing this Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip. It's loaded with delicious pizza flavor everyone is going to love!
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain off most of the fat from the sausage. Reduce the heat to medium and push the sausage to the side of the pan. Add the onion and garlic to the center and cook until tender. Mix in the sausage and remove the pan from the heat.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup of the Italian cheese blend, and oregano. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 10x8-inch baking dish. Top with the pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mini pepperoni reserving about 1/4 cup to garnish the top. Top the pizza sauce and pepperoni with the remaining cheese. Finish the top with the remaining mini pepperoni.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes*. Remove the foil and turn your oven to broil. Cook an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot with sliced bread.
Notes
*You can prepare this in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just increase the bake time to about 45 minutes.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Be the hero at your next party by making or bringing this Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip. It’s loaded with delicious pizza flavor everyone is going to love! Friends, I can’t begin to describe how crazy delicious this dip is. (Healthy? Let’s not go there.) The Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip: With thoughts of the Super Bowl […]
If you’re a fan of the PB&J flavor combination, you’re going to love these Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies:
After swearing off cookies for a few weeks, it’s usually around the end of January when I start craving them again. Even though I’m being more conscious of what I eat, now and then I like a sweet treat, such as these Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies. It’s all about balance, right?
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies:
Despite my futzing, this cookie recipe is pretty easy and straightforward.
The dough comes together in minutes and requires no refrigeration time. Once the dough is made, you’re ready to portion it out.
From there, use your thumb to make an indentation on the top of each cookie. The bigger the indent, the more jam you can fit in, but be careful not to overfill or you’ll have a mess. I chose strawberry jelly, but you can use whatever flavor you desire.
Once the cookies are baked, piped peanut butter frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
As I say with every cookie, these might be my new favorite. But seriously, this is one flavor combination I’ll probably never stop loving.
Want more peanut butter dessert recipes? Try these:
If you’re having a post-holiday cookie craving like I am, you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try!
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies would also make a fabulous Valentine’s Day treat or a sweet snack for the Super Bowl. Enjoy this PB&J goodness your way!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookie Recipe:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookies, peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, thumbprint cookies
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter with 1 1/2 cups of the peanut butter until smooth. Add the sugar and brown sugar and beat until smooth. This should take 4-5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla until incorporated. Stir in the reserved flour mixture until just combined.
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough (with a spoon or small ice cream scoop) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Continue scooping balls of dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to make an indentation. Then spoon about 1 teaspoon of jelly into each indent. Bake 12-13 minutes until lightly golden. Remove to a rack to cool.
In a small bowl, beat together the remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter and confectioners' sugar. Whisk in the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a good consistency for piping. Add this mixture to a piping bag or plastic baggie. Snip off the tip of one corner of the baggie and pipe the frosting over the cookies.
Serve immediately or pack and 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!
If you’re a fan of the PB&J flavor combination, you’re going to love these Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies! Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies: After swearing off cookies for a few weeks, it’s usually around the end of January when I start craving them again. Even though I’m being more conscious of what […]
These Fried Ravioli make the perfect appetizer thanks to their crispy bread crumb coating and three delicious dipping sauces. They are always a crowd pleaser!
Whether you’re looking for an hors d’oeuvre for your next celebration or making a meal of flavorful appetizers (something I like to do sometimes), these Fried Ravioli with Three Dipping Sauces are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
If you haven’t tried Fried Ravioli, you’re in for a treat. This delectable recipe combines two of my culinary favorites – appetizers and pasta. And to make it even better, it’s a dippable food. That’s right, I paired my Fried Ravioli with classic marinara sauce, bold pesto, and creamy ranch.
Fried Ravioli Recipe:
Today, to bring you this Fried Ravioli recipe, I’m teaming up with my friends at Delta® Faucet. I recently got my hands on their new Delta Esque Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O and ShieldSpray Technologies. I’m putting this new faucet to the ShieldSpray Challenge test while I whip up this recipe. Let me walk you through it.
How to make Fried Ravioli:
First, get your ravioli. I used fresh cheese-filled ravioli, but you can use any kind you like. If you buy frozen ravioli, make sure to thaw them ahead of time.
Next, set up a breading station that includes a bowl of each of the following: eggs mixed with half-and-half, flour, and breadcrumbs. To give the ravioli a crunchy coating that sticks, start the breading process with an egg wash, then flour, then back to the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs.-
For the breadcrumbs, I recommend a combination of seasoned Italian and panko. This seems to give the best flavor and crunch.
If you’ve ever breaded anything, you know that by the end of the process your fingers and your dishes are going to need a good cleaning. This is where my new Delta Esque Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O and ShieldSpray Technologies comes in. And like the dipping sauces for my ravioli, this faucet gives you options.
First, the Touch2O Technology lets you turn on the faucet with just the tap of your finger, wrist, palm, or forearm. This lets you get rid of the mess on your hands without making another mess.
To stop the water, you just tap the faucet again. The faucet even knows the difference between a touch and a grasp. Meaning, if you’re grasping the spout to move it, the water stays on. Another tap will turn the faucet off.
The other innovative feature of this faucet is the ShieldSpray Technology by Delta Faucet. This may be the coolest feature of all. You can see how it works in the image below.
In essence, a concentrated jet of water powers stubborn messes away as a water shield simultaneously contains the splatter and clears off the mess. Again, you can get rid of one mess without making another. That also means less time soaking, scrubbing, and drying food-and-water-splattered shirts.
Pretty amazing, right? I’m also sharing a video below that shows how to make this recipe. You can see the new Delta Esque Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O and ShieldSpray Technologies in action there.
Okay, now that the mess is cleaned up, we’re ready to fry.
Fry 3 or 4 ravioli at a time. It will take about 2 minutes until they are golden brown. I recommend flipping them once during frying for even browning. Once they are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this procedure with all of the ravioli.
Fried Ravioli Appetizer Recipe:
The last step is to set out a big platter and pile up those crispy, golden ravioli. I served mine with warm marinara sauce, pesto, and ranch dressing. For more flavor and color, the ravioli get sprinkled with shredded parmesan cheese and minced parsley.
Let’s dip and eat!
If you like this appetizer, here are a few more favorites:
These Fried Ravioli make the perfect appetizer thanks to their crispy bread crumb coating and three delicious dipping sauces. They are always a crowd pleaser!
24raviolis - cheese or meat, fresh or frozen (Thaw if frozen.)
1/4cupshredded parmesan cheese
1tablespoonminced fresh parsley
1cupmarinara sauce - warmed
1cuppesto sauce
1cupranch dressing
Instructions
Add canola oil (about 4 cups) to a skillet so that the oil is approximately 2.5 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 400 degrees F. (Test by dropping a few breadcrumbs in the oil. If the oil bubbles around them, it is ready for frying.)
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs.
Dip each ravioli into the egg wash, then the flour mixture, then the egg wash again, and then the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded ravioli on a plate. Repeat with all the ravioli.
Drop 3 or 4 of the breaded ravioli into the oil and fry them for about 2 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and the filling is hot. Turn once during frying, if needed.
Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with all the breaded ravioli. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and minced parsley. Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, and ranch dressing (or sauces of your choice.)
Video
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 Fried Ravioli make the perfect appetizer thanks to their crispy bread crumb coating and three delicious dipping sauces. They are always a crowd pleaser! Whether you’re looking for an hors d’oeuvre for your next celebration or making a meal of flavorful appetizers (something I like to do sometimes), these Fried Ravioli with Three Dipping […]
Everyone needs a quick and easy overnight breakfast casserole. This recipe is so simple to make and loaded with flavor. You’re going to love it!
Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole:
Whether you’re having overnight guests, planning a special brunch, or just wanting something different to serve your family in the morning, you’ll want to try this delicious overnight breakfast casserole.
As a former innkeeper, breakfast is one of my favorite meals. (I say “one of” because, if I’m honest, I like every meal!) I have fixed breakfast for many people and have long enjoyed experimenting and creating new recipes to start the day.
What I love about this overnight breakfast casserole is that it’s a blend of classic flavors that many folks seem to enjoy. However, it also serves up a lot of flexibility.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole:
Simply by swapping breads, cheeses, meats, or vegetables, you can customize this casserole to please any palette or come up with a new flavor combo each weekend of the year.
For this particular recipe, I started with French bread and a dozen eggs. (Makes sense for breakfast, right?)
From there I went with traditional breakfast flavors, including ham, cheddar cheese, and chopped peppers. For even more flavor, I added dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.
All of this gets mixed together and refrigerated overnight. Come morning, all you do is turn on your oven and bake the casserole.
This is another huge perk of this recipe, especially if you’re not a morning person.
Now just slice, serve, and enjoy! Breakfast is ready!
In case you’re looking for something to go along with this recipe…
Here’s what to serve with this overnight breakfast casserole?
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Fill with the bread, ham, peppers, and cheese. Mix to evenly combine.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture on top of the bread mixture. Gently press down the bread with a spoon. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Bake 50-55 minutes until the eggs are cooked through. Cover the pan with aluminum foil if the top begins to brown too quickly. (If preparing the casserole in advance, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed.)
Garnish with fresh thyme and slice to serve.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Everyone needs a quick and easy overnight breakfast casserole. This recipe is so simple to make and loaded with flavor. You’re going to love it! Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Whether you’re having overnight guests, planning a special brunch, or just wanting something different to serve your family in the morning, you’ll want to try this […]
As I mentioned in my post last week, I’m house hunting. While buying a house is certainly an exciting adventure for me, I didn’t think of it as being relevant to the blog. However, last week I reached out to all of you via Facebook for some content ideas. In the comments, someone suggested sharing the process of buying a house. I thought it was a such a smart idea so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
House Hunting with IBC:
Now, before we start, I must mention that I’m not a home buying expert. Today’s post and future posts about this adventure are meant to be more for your enjoyment rather than the ultimate how-to guide for buying a home. However, I hope that through this process, you’ll be able to pick up a few tips, discover new resources, and learn from my mistakes. With that disclaimer out there, let’s get going on this fun journey!
FIND A REALTOR
I thought it would be smart to go back to the very beginning. To get my home buying process started, I first found a realtor. As you probably know, there are plenty of realtors. I suggest asking friends for recommendations or doing some online research to find someone who’s a good fit for you. Odds are you’ll be working closely with that person or team throughout the process so it’s essential that you like and trust them.
I found my realtor through social media. I was following a few developers in the Pittsburgh area on Instagram and several of them tagged Lifespace Pittsburgh as their real estate agency. After looking through some of the agency’s listings and doing a bit more research online, I set up an appointment and met with an agent to discuss my budget and what I was looking for in a home.
GET PRE-APPROVAL
While finding a realtor is an important first step, you’ll also want to take care of a few other details early in the home-buying process. If you need to finance your purchase (that is, get a loan), I strongly recommend first getting pre-approval. Pre-approval will determine how much you can spend on a home. That is to say, there’s no point in looking at $500K homes if you can only afford something closer to $300K.
There are many options for loans whether you work through a bank or other lender. I suggest starting with your personal bank. Your realtor may also be able to point you to lenders. Because I’m self-employed, my process of getting pre-approval was a bit more challenging. A standard pre-approval is fairly easy and straightforward. You should be able to get your number in a day or two.
I made the mistake of assuming what my budget could handle and simply started looking for houses in that price range. Skipping the pre-approval process was not wise. I could have avoided lots of unnecessary stress and frustration by first getting pre-approval. Trust me, you don’t want to fall in love with a home only to find out it’s beyond what the bank will loan you.
ENVISION YOUR PERFECT HOME
In my next “Buying a House with IBC” post, I’m going to walk you through in more detail what I’m looking for in a home. This is another crucial step before starting your search.
This means you have to decide where in the country you want to live. Is your perfect home in the city or the suburbs? Do you want a big backyard or are you dreaming of a large front porch? Do you want a single-family home or condo? If you’re planning on or have kids? How’s the school district? How many bedrooms/bathrooms do you need? Do you want a fixer-upper or new construction?…
When I was thinking about what I wanted in a home, I made three lists: “Must Have,” “Would Be Nice,” and “Icing on the Cake.” Anything on my “Must-Have” List is non-negotiable. Things on my “Would-Be-Nice” List give the realtor a clearer picture of what my perfect home would have. They include the style of home, flooring type, specific features I like, and so on. My “Icing-on-the-Cake” List is for things I don’t need but would love to have, such as high ceilings, a clawfoot tub, and a functional fireplace.
While it’s important to know what you want, it’s equally important to be flexible. Be sure to make mental (or actual) notes about what you can and cannot change in a particular property. For example, you can replace carpet with hardwood, but you can’t change the school district the home is in. In addition, you can paint walls and add a front porch, but you can’t change the fact that the house is on a busy and noisy street. I hope that makes sense.
START THE HUNT
Your realtor can use all of this information and help you find the perfect home. Ideally, your agent should present you with some options based on what’s on the market and offer you new options as different properties become available.
However, thanks to the internet, you can also so your own home search. Websites like Zillow and Realtor provide a list of homes on the market. You can create custom searches to fit your budget, desired location, home size, etc.
In addition to my realtor’s search, I chose to set up a few custom searches on Zillow. (I’ll talk more about what I’m looking for and why I have multiple searches in my next post.) I defined these searches to certain areas, set my price range, and chose the option to have new listings emailed to me once a day. I like this because every morning I get an email with any new listings which I can quickly go through. Now, because I’m a bit paranoid, I also check my custom search listings directly on the site in the evening. What’s especially nice is that you can be as involved as you’d like. If you prefer a more hands-off approach when looking for a house, let your realtor do the work for you.
And that brings me to where I am today: the hunt. Unfortunately, the market in Pittsburgh is rather slow at the moment, so the number of houses that fit my wants and needs is limited. Thankfully, I have a few months left on my apartment lease. I also have the flexibility to extend my lease by a few months, if needed. This is important because I would much rather find a house that suits me rather than rush into something based on time. Now, if I could just decide exactly where in Pittsburgh I want to live and what my ideal home looks like … but we’ll save that until next time.
As I mentioned in my post last week, I’m house hunting. While buying a house is certainly an exciting adventure for me, I didn’t think of it as being relevant to the blog. However, last week I reached out to all of you via Facebook for some content ideas. In the comments, someone suggested sharing […]
I suppose I owe you a life update. I invited you on this crazy journey, so I should keep you in the loop, right?
(For those of you who are new here: last June I moved to Pittsburgh. If you need to catch up, it all started here and here.)
As much I would like to tell you that moving to Pittsburgh has dramatically changed my life, made everything happier / better, and opened up oodles of opportunities, I can’t … yet. I had hoped that relocating would be enough. – That a different place, more people, new and exciting activities, etc. would be the ticket to opening me up to a supremely happy existence. However, it just didn’t happen. Part of me didn’t want to write this post because I am embarrassed to still be in much the same situation seven months after moving here.
I know I only have myself to blame. Although I went to events, markets, restaurants, coffees shops, etc., I didn’t give it enough, do enough, put myself out there enough, or try hard enough. I could list a million reasons (some better than others), but they’d just be excuses.
To be fair, it hasn’t all been miserable and unsuccessful. I’ve met some people and made a couple new friends, plus I’m genuinely enjoying this urban location. I find so much joy in visiting local coffee shops, experiencing new-to-me foods, seeing city sites, etc. I’m glad I’m here. I’m happy I took the risk of moving here. However, in my mind, I just thought I’d be further along. Great expectations I suppose.
With that being said, I’m excited 2018 is here. I’ve spent the past two weeks in kind of a haze, bummed about my current situation, but that has to end. It’s time to hit the reset button and try again. I’m not quite sure how yet, but I’m planning and working on ways to be where I want to be. In fact, last week I hired a life coach as recommended by a reader. I’m hoping to make many positive changes through that.
I do realize that some of you are sick of hearing the same story again and again. I get it. I hate telling it over and over. How many times have I made proclamations here only to find myself in the same situation a few months down the road? Too many to count. But I guess there is something to be said for continuing to try. Life may kick me down, but I’m not going to let it keep me down. I’ve got to get it correct one of these times, right?
You also might be wondering about my house in St. Marys. Well, I sold it. I had no intention of doing so. However, a few months after my move, an opportunity presented itself, and I couldn’t say no. I knew the St. Marys house wasn’t my forever home, so it was time to let it go. It also happens that the folks who are buying the house want the contents, so packing up and moving shouldn’t be too hard. Naturally, I’ll be taking personal items, but I’m going to do my best to keep things to a minimum.
I’m not sad about selling, so please don’t be sad for me. I had a great run with that house, and thankfully, I have many pages here on IBC by which to remember it. If anything, I’m feeling anxious and unsettled about simply not having a “home.” Not the physical structure, but I place where I feel comfortable, a place where I belong.
So now what? Well, I’ve been house hunting in Pittsburgh. In fact, I was inches away from making an offer on a place, but my financing kept falling through. Even though things are in order now, and I could put in an offer today, I’m taking those many failed attempts as a sign from the universe to continue the search.
As grateful as I am for my apartment and the opportunities it’s given me, I can tell you that apartment living is not for me. I’m itching to be in a house again. Unfortunately, the housing market in Pittsburgh is rather slow this time of year, so my search for a house may take a little longer than I’d like. I suppose that’s a good thing though. It seems best not to rush things. It also gives me time to pause and figure out what I want and where I want to be.
So that’s what’s been going on in my personal life.
I had thought about including a bit about the blog and my direction for it, but I’ll save that for another post. In addition to my personal uncertainties, I’ve been struggling with the blog as well. (This was probably apparent in my almost three-week hiatus from IBC and social media.) I’m certain at some point I’ll reach out for your feedback and advice. Thanks for your patience in my absence.
I could go on and share more details, but I think that pretty much covers things. If you have questions, let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something.
As always, thank you for your love, support, and loyalty. You are dear to me.
I suppose I owe you a life update. I invited you on this crazy journey, so I should keep you in the loop, right? (For those of you who are new here: last June I moved to Pittsburgh. If you need to catch up, it all started here and here.) As much I would like […]
I’m excited to give you a little tour of my bedroom and share some Christmas bedroom decor ideas and holiday decorating inspiration.
Well, friends, I thought I’d pop back in one more time before the festivities start to give you a look around my bedroom decorated for Christmas. Following this post, I’m signing off until 2018. But never fear, after a short break, I plan to be back. I’m looking forward to kicking off my 9th year of blogging!
As promised in my Holiday Home Tour, I wanted to give you a peek around my Christmas bedroom decor. Back in the fall, I painted a big black square on the wall behind my bed, but I failed to update you on how it all came together after that. Well, after today it will no longer be a mystery.
Christmas Bedroom Decor:
Clearly, a lot has changed in this space since I first shared my bedroom. I got new bedding, new lights, and new pieces of furniture and added decor. I’m loving the changes. I’ve linked up a lot of the products on my SHOP IBC page under “Pittsburgh Apartment” in case you’re looking for sources.
Granted, much of the decor in here is Christmas-related, so it will be interesting to see how things look after the holidays, but I’m not worried about that right now.
In addition to what’s on the shelf over the bed, the festive touches continue with a colorful felt ball garland (from HomeGoods) and this “Let’s Mistletoe” banner. I thought it was sort of cheeky even though there’s no “mistletoe-ing” happening. I got the idea for this banner from one I saw at Target. However, their’s was covered in glitter, so I ordered this one from Etsy.
The Christmas pendant pillow on the bed is from Fabric Scout Studio. It’s the perfect bit of old-fashioned Christmas.
You may have noticed that the big cactus from my living room is now in this space. It may look out of place, but I like the quirk factor.
I’m not sure if I ever showed you this, but I put together a tiny gallery wall next to my chair. With a couple seasonal accessories, I’m digging how it looks.
Christmas Bedroom Decor Tree:
I also put up a small tree in this space. It came together with lots of quirky ornaments I had on hand. All the wood ornaments are from Tree Hopper Toys, the buffalo check balls are from HomeGoods, and the gold sequined unicorns were a Target find last year. They might be my favorite.
And for one final touch, I hung my marshmallow wreath on my bedroom door. I made the wreath three or four years ago. If you look close, it’s a little worse for the wear, but I love it just the same.
And that’s a wrap! Not only is my Christmas bedroom tour complete, but another year is on the books for IBC. Since I can’t say it enough, thank you for your continued support, comments, likes, shares, etc. It means the world to me and helps make all of this possible. I love you!
I know I owe you a life update (as many of you have asked), so I’ll be certain to share that early in the coming year.
Wishing each of you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of new years!
I’m excited to give you a little tour of my bedroom and share some Christmas bedroom decor ideas and holiday decorating inspiration. Well, friends, I thought I’d pop back in one more time before the festivities start to give you a look around my bedroom decorated for Christmas. Following this post, I’m signing off until […]
Whether served as a dessert or side dish, this Orange Pineapple Dream Salad recipe is the perfect compliment to any celebration, holiday, or meal.
Orange Pineapple Dream Salad:
Today, I thought it’d be fun to share another family-favorite holiday recipe. This Orange Pineapple Dream Salad is a staple of our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner tables, I’m certain you’ll love it as much as we do.
This recipe came from my mom’s best friend. She called it “White Jell-O Salad,” but because that name isn’t descriptive, and there’s no Jell-O in it, I renamed it Orange Pineapple Dream Salad. (I love you, Joanna, and appreciate the recipe!)
How to Make Orange Pineapple Dream Salad:
I still don’t know why some old-fashioned desserts are referred to as “salads,” however, I’m not complaining. If I can eat a “salad” that’s actually a dessert, life is good.
I would classify this as dessert, not salad because it brings a sweet component to any holiday meal. It’s similar to ambrosia, but with fewer fruits and fillings.
The resulting concoction is a sweet, light cloud-like cream swirled with pineapple and mandarin oranges. It’s nothing fancy, but it tastes oh-so-good! It’s one of those things I always look forward to when the holidays roll around.
If you’re not certain your family will get that this is a side dish, you could simply serve it as dessert. And since it doesn’t contain any seasonal ingredients, you could serve it any time of year.
No matter when or how you make it, I’m sure your family and guests will love this dessert-disguised-as-salad.
As you can see, this is super simple to make and comes together in less than 15 minutes, hands-on time.
1can(15 ounces) mandarin oranges - drained and chopped
Fresh mandarin segments for garnish
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and water. Set aside.
Then, in a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice) and sugar. Heat until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the prepared gelatin. Set aside to cool completely.
With an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and whole milk. Beat until smooth. Add the two envelopes of Dream Whip and beat until the mixture forms peaks. Fold in the cooled pineapple mixture and chopped mandarin oranges.
Pour into an 8x12" dish and chill 3-4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mandarin orange segments, if desired.
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 served as a dessert or side dish, this Orange Pineapple Dream Salad recipe is the perfect compliment to any celebration, holiday, or meal. Orange Pineapple Dream Salad: Today, I thought it’d be fun to share another family-favorite holiday recipe. This Orange Pineapple Dream Salad is a staple of our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner tables, […]
I realize I’m probably too late for many of you. But, if you’re still wrapping gifts like I am, then some gift tags may come in handy! Today, I’m sharing a FREE download for these Christmas Gift Tags.
Unlike a lot of folks, I love wrapping Christmas presents. Whether I’m deciding on a color scheme, buying ribbons to match, finding cute Christmas gift tags, or finally wrapping while binge-watching Harry Potter movies, gift-wrapping is one of my favorite activities of the season.
Christmas Gift Tags:
Most years, I make my own gift tags. This might mean embellishing a store-bought label, creating something from scratch, or designing printable gift tags I can cut out, I think a personalized tag is the perfect finishing touch to a gift. Here’s what I came up with this year.
The design for these tags came about after seeing similar ones online. Yes, the general idea behind these tags has been done before. (I can’t take credit.) However, I couldn’t resist giving them an IBC twist!
What I especially love about the tags is that you can have fun with personalization. Obviously, there’s space to write the names of the recipient and giver. You can also check whether the recipient has been “naughty” or “nice”. And just for fun, you can circle the delivery method: sleigh, mitten, or mail.
Fun, right!?
I’ve provided the labels (which you can download here) in two color schemes: red and blue.
Because my wrapping paper theme this year is blue, teal, gray, and aqua, I needed the blue labels. However, I realize that many people keep things traditional, so there’s a red option as well.
Download Printable Christmas Gift Tags Here:
You can access the download in the IBC Printable Library which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get instant access to this library by SUBSCRIBING HERE. Once subscribed, you will instantly receive an email that contains a link to this download.
Already a member of the IBC Mailing list? You can find the password to to access the library at the bottom of the latest email from Inspired by Charm.
As always, if you use any of my printables, I would love to see them! Be sure to share them on Instagram and tag @inspiredbycharm.
To cut out these Christmas gift tags, I recommend using a paper cutter like this one. It’s fast, and it will keep the edges straight. However, scissors will work, too. (I had to cut mine out with scissors since my paper cutter is back in St. Marys.)
I usually add a fabric ribbon to my gift, so it’s simple to tie the tag to the package. However, if ribbon isn’t your thing, the tags can be attached to your package with washi tape.
Voila! Whether the recipients are naughty or nice, your presents are ready for gifting. Again, if you like these Christmas Gift Tags, click here for the free download.
Merry Christmas!
If you liked these gift tag printables, you’ll love these:
I realize I’m probably too late for many of you. But, if you’re still wrapping gifts like I am, then some gift tags may come in handy! Today, I’m sharing a FREE download for these Christmas Gift Tags. Unlike a lot of folks, I love wrapping Christmas presents. Whether I’m deciding on a color scheme, […]
Christmas is almost here, and I have one final recipe card printable to share with you. Here it is – my free Winter Recipe Card Printable!
As you may know, I have shared printable recipe cards periodically throughout the year. (I did the same thing in 2016!) Since we’ve already covered spring, summer, and fall (with bonus recipe cards for Halloween and Christmas), the final card in this year’s series is winter.
I kept the design similar to the previous cards so they would all look work as a collection. For the graphics, I used nature and winter foliage as inspiration. Wildlife, such as foxes, bunnies, and a cardinal, make an appearance along with winter berries, pine, and poinsettias.
These cards are especially meaningful to me because I chose the graphics with a nod to my grandma. She had a small sunroom on the back of her home where she spent much of each day watching the birds and bunnies at her feeders. These graphics were the perfect way to capture the scene.
Download Christmas Recipe Cards Here:
You can access the download in the IBC Printable Library which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get instant access to this library by SUBSCRIBING HERE. Once subscribed, you will instantly receive an email that contains a link to this download.
Already a member of the IBC Mailing list? You can find the password to to access the library at the bottom of the latest email from Inspired by Charm.
As always, if you use any of my printables, I would love to see them! Be sure to share them on Instagram and tag @inspiredbycharm.
Since this Winter Recipe Card Printable wraps up the 2017 collection, I thought we could take a look back at the cards in this year’s series.
As much as I love each design on its own, I always love seeing them all together. While each one speaks to its particular season (or holiday), they look beautiful as a collection, too.
The goal for the cards was to create one for each season, totaling four designs. However, this year I opted to throw in two additional cards: one for Halloween and another for Christmas. I’m so glad I decided to do that as the holiday recipe cards were some of my favorites.
In case you missed any, you can grab the details for all the cards using the links below:
Also, I wanted to ask, do you like these recipe card printables? I’m trying to decide if I should with a card series in 2018. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Would you like more recipe cards? Let me know in the comments below.
*Also, a big shout out to Mike at Dash Creative who has helped me with the tech and design for all of the recipe card printables. They wouldn’t be possible without him.
Christmas is almost here, and I have one final recipe card printable to share with you. Here it is – my free Winter Recipe Card Printable! As you may know, I have shared printable recipe cards periodically throughout the year. (I did the same thing in 2016!) Since we’ve already covered spring, summer, and fall […]
This Christmas Tree Cheeseball just might be the most festive and delicious holiday appetizer recipe!
With just a few days till Christmas, I have a few last-minute ideas to share with you this week as we finish getting ready for the big day! Today I’m kicking things off with my Christmas Tree Cheese Ball. Let’s dig in!
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball:
I wish I could take complete credit for this creative and festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball, but I can’t. The truth is I saw a few of these on the internet this past week, and I couldn’t resist making my own version.
It seemed especially appropriate given the popularity of the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball I shared this fall. I figured it needed a sidekick for the season!
If you’re a longtime follower of Inspired by Charm, you’ll know that cheese is one of my favorite foods and probably the reason I’ll never have six-pack abs. (But I’m okay with that. Bring on the cheese!) Although it might be a bit of a throwback, I still love a cheeseball for entertaining. And with a few creative touches, it doesn’t have to be staid and boring. You can make mini cheese balls or shape them into apples or pumpkins. Today, a Christmas tree is our inspiration!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Cheese ball:
This cheese ball starts with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, pimientos, and spices.
Once these ingredients are well combined, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before shaping. This will make working with it much easier. I created the tree shape using my hands (in a v-shape with palms together) on a clean kitchen counter. Just roll the mixture back and forth and shape as you go.
Once your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is formed, you’re ready to decorate. I recommend starting with tomatoes, then adding chopped parsley, followed by almonds and red pepper.
As you can probably see, I added the almonds before the parsley and this was a bit more challenging. Also, feel free to use whatever garnishes you like. I found that tomatoes, almonds, and peppers work well with the flavors of the cheeseball, but decorate your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with whatever suits you.
Festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball:
Two quick tips. First, use a yellow pepper to create the star on top of the tree. I found it easier to cut out the star with kitchen shears rather than a knife. Second, if any parsley sticks to the almonds or tomatoes, gently brush it off with a clean pastry brush.
Your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is now ready to serve. I promise it will be the merriest appetizer on your table!
Voila! Christmas appetizer perfected!
While it takes a bit longer to put together (maybe an extra 10 minutes), I think the results are well worth it. Your guests will definitely be impressed with the special touch of holiday merriment. Enjoy!
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fully. Beat in cheddar cheese, onions, pimientos, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Roll and press the cheese ball mixture into the shape of a Christmas tree.
Garnish first with the cherry tomato halves, then add parsley, followed by the sliced almonds and peppers.
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 Christmas Tree Cheeseball just might be the most festive and delicious holiday appetizer recipe! With just a few days till Christmas, I have a few last-minute ideas to share with you this week as we finish getting ready for the big day! Today I’m kicking things off with my Christmas Tree Cheese Ball. Let’s […]
This post is sponsored by Oyster Bay Pinot Noir. As always, all opinions are my own.
With parties aplenty this time of year, it’s a good idea to have your bar stocked and ready. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or planning for pop-in guests, a fully stocked and functional bar sets you up for entertaining success. Today I’m going to share my tips on how to set up the ultimate holiday bar cart. Plus, I’m giving you a peek at my holiday bar cart and the festive touches I’ve added for the season.
With a bit of planning, a trip to your local liquor retailer, and a few simple holiday decorations, you can create a beautiful way to serve up your libations during the Christmas season. Let’s get to it!
How to Set Up the Ultimate Holiday Bar Cart:
Begin by choosing your featured holiday drink. For this particular holiday bar, I decided to serve Oyster Bay Pinot Noir as my signature beverage. Wine is a smart choice for a featured drink because it requires very little work on your part. Guests can easily help themselves when their glass is running low.
I especially love this elegant cool climate Pinot Noir because of its versatility; it’s great on its own as an aperitif but pairs equally well with a wide range of cuisines, including party canapés. With a fragrant concentration of bright red cherries and red berry fruits, Oyster Bay’s classic red features a vibrant center with a silky lingering texture perfect for the holidays.
When selecting a signature drink, I think it’s important to pick something with meaning. Wines from New Zealand are my absolute favorite, especially Pinot Noir. Oyster Bay, in particular, captures the very best of what New Zealand’s naturally cool climate has to offer. I also love that it gives your guests the opportunity to explore a new region through a trusted brand.
Now that you’ve decided on your signature drink, it’s time to select a cart or cabinet. I used this vintage pie safe, but a more traditional bar cart, a standard table or even a bookcase all do the trick. Any piece of furniture that can hold a collection of bottles and glassware plus a little decor will work, so feel free to cater your choice to match your personal style.
I find it easiest to begin by clearing everything out so I can start with a clean slate. This also gives you flexibility for display. Next, I recommend adding a few cake stands, trays, or stacks of books to give a little variation in height to your display. Here, I used a couple pedestal cake plates.
Next, you’ll want to provide several types of liquor for those who prefer something other than your featured beverage. I have a collection of glass decanters, so I used them to display a few standard liquors (vodka, gin, bourbon and rum). Decanters are not required, but I think they make things feel extra special. However, feel free to customize your offerings based on knowledge of your guests’ tastes. I also recommend having one or two varieties of beer and several mixers in the refrigerator.
After those are in place, you’ll want to add glassware. Obviously, you’ll need some wine glasses if you’re serving wine. I also recommend a rocks glass, high ball glass, and martini glass or coupe. With these four types of glassware, you’ll be stocked to serve almost any drink.
With all of that set, feel free to add standard bar tools, such as cocktail shakers, jiggers, spoons, and wine openers. Put yourself in guests’ shoes and think about what they’ll need. Then, stock those things in the bar cart or somewhere nearby so you won’t have to hunt anything down while entertaining.
Ultimate Holiday Bar Cart Decor Ideas:
Finally, it’s time to pull in the holiday decor. As you know from my Holiday Home Tour, I’m a big fan of these glass trees, so I tucked a few of those around my bar cart to give it a personal touch. I also brought in different types of fresh greenery to complement the cart with a seasonal feel, fabulous texture and fresh pine scent. Perfect for the holiday!
If there’s still room to spare on your cart, feel free to set out bowls of snacks, such as mixed nuts and seasoned pretzels, along with small containers of cocktail garnishes, including lemon wedges, cherries, and olives.
And with that, the Ultimate Holiday Bar Car is complete. Let’s pour a glass of wine, shall we?
In case you’ve never had this 2015 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, I highly recommend it. It received an outstanding 90-point score from Wine Spectator and was awarded 95 points and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
I couldn’t be more excited about how this bar cart (er, cabinet) came together. It’s both festive and functional. I hope you picked up a few tips and are inspired to set up your own seasonal bar cart. Whatever you offer, be sure to include Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – your guests will thank you! You can find it at select retailers nationwide or online via Drizly. Head on over to oysterbaypinotnoir.com to learn more.
Cheers!
This post is sponsored by Oyster Bay Pinot Noir. As always, all opinions are my own. With parties aplenty this time of year, it’s a good idea to have your bar stocked and ready. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or planning for pop-in guests, a fully stocked and functional bar sets you up for entertaining success. […]
These Cream Horns (Lady Locks) are a must-have cookie recipe for my family. The flaky crust and creamy filling make them irresistible!
It’s Christmas Cookie Week on IBC. Just kidding! But it is Christmas Cookie Day. I’m sharing my recipe for Cream Horn Cookies (a.k.a. Lady Locks). Plus, some of my blogger friends (a.k.a. #ChristmasCookieSquad) are joining in for a cookie swap! Everyone is linked at the bottom of this post so you can continue on with this cookie adventure.
You’re also in for a surprise today because I’m sharing my free printable Christmas recipe cards! Say what!? We’ll get to that in a minute.
Side note: I recently shared a full post with all my BEST Christmas cookie recipes. You can find that HERE if you need a little more Christmas cookie inspiration.
Cream Horn Cookies (Lady Locks):
Back to the cookies. . . Depending on where you live in the United States, you might be wondering what Cream Horns /Lady Locks are. I grew up knowing them as “Cream Horns,” and for years they have been a Christmas staple on my Dad’s side of the family.
I assume my grandma was the one who started making them (I don’t know for sure as she passed when I was quite young.) However, for as long as I can remember, they’ve been made by my Great Aunt Maggie.
Also, I recently made a version of these cream horns for fall: Pumpkin Spice Cream Horns! You can find that recipe HERE.
I did a little research and found out that Cream Horn Cookies are more commonly known as Lady Locks and are a tradition here in Pittsburgh. It’s customary here (and in St. Marys where I grew up) to have a cookie table at your wedding.This is literally a long table full of trays of homemade cookies. Apparently, Lady Locks are a staple on the cookie table.
I have never made them before, so I was super excited to give them a try and share them with you.
How to make Creams Horns (Lady Locks):
To make them, you’ll need a mold to form the horn around. My Aunt Maggie uses a clothespin wrapped in foil, so that’s what I did. You just wrap a piece of foil around a clothespin. It’s as simple as that. However, if you’re feeling fancy, you can certainly use a store-bought mold.
The filling is similar to a buttercream icing, but it also incorporates a milk-and-flour paste which felt very old-fashioned to me. Of course, you can fill these horns with whatever filling you like best.
The result is a flaky cookie horn filled with a sweet, creamy filling. What’s not to love? I think these cream horns might be my dad’s and brother’s favorite cookie. I do love them but nothing will top my Cream Wafer Cookies!
Now, just in case you need a place to write down this recipe for Cream Horns (or any others you come across this holiday season), you’re going to need some cute recipe cards.
As you probably know, I’ve been sharing a recipe card each season for the past two years. This year, I decided to add two more cards to the bunch including one for Halloween and this Christmas recipe card.
I think they turned out beautifully. Don’t you? You can crab the FREE DOWNLOAD in this post HERE.
If you liked these Cream Horns, you’ll love these recipes too:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar for about 4 minutes or until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg yolks. Finally, mix in the flour and water until combined. Chill dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
Sprinkle your work surface with flour. Roll out 1/4 of the dough at a time until it's about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into strips that are 1/2-inch wide and 10 inches long. Then wind the strips around the foil-wrapped clothespins (or lady lock molds.) Bake on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes or until the horns are just barely starting to brown.
Remove the horns from the oven. Allow them to cool for about 2 minutes; then carefully remove them from the clothespins. (Don't let the horns cool completely on the molds or the horns will crumble easily. The horns will also crack more if they are overbaked.) Let the horns finish cooling.
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk and flour over medium-high heat while constantly whisking. Cook 8-10 minutes until thick. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, vegetable shortening, and salt 5-6 minutes or until fluffy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Then mix in the milk and flour paste and vanilla. Beat until combined and fluffy.
Put the filling in a piping bag and then fill each horn. Before serving, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Store refrigerated 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!
Before you click away, be sure to check out the rest of the #CookieSwapSquad for more festive and tasty cookie recipes:
These Cream Horns (Lady Locks) are a must-have cookie recipe for my family. The flaky crust and creamy filling make them irresistible! It’s Christmas Cookie Week on IBC. Just kidding! But it is Christmas Cookie Day. I’m sharing my recipe for Cream Horn Cookies (a.k.a. Lady Locks). Plus, some of my blogger friends (a.k.a. #ChristmasCookieSquad) […]
Holiday baking has begun. If you’re looking for festive desserts, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing my recipe for Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cake, and some blogger friends are joining me to share their sweet holiday treats. I hope you brought your sweet tooth!
As we approach Christmas, I’m sure you’re making your list and checking it twice. And I don’t just mean your holiday gift list, I’m also talking about what confections you’ll be baking this year. That’s why my Taste of the Season blogger friends and I thought we’d come together to help you out. Today, a handful of us are sharing holiday sweets to inspire your baking. After you’ve finished here, be sure to check out the full list of bloggers and their treats at the end of this post.
Also, If you’re looking for some Christmas cookie recipe ideas, I rounded up a few of my favorites here.
Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cake:
For my dessert, I decided on this Christmas Tree Gingerbread cake. It’s fun, quick, and delicious, and even the most novice of bakers can handle it.
I opted for a rich and flavorful gingerbread cake as the base of my tree. ‘Tis the season, right? Even if you don’t have a tree pan, and only want a really good gingerbread cake recipe, this is it!
Back to the cake pan for a minute . . . As much as I love unique pans, they can be a bit tricky. The challenge with this one was the very shallow top section of the tree. Even though I had filled that part with batter, about 15 minutes into baking I noticed that the batter had flowed back into the center of the cake. To remedy this, I simply used a spatula to move batter from the center of the cake to the top. After that, the batter stayed in place for the rest of baking.
How to Make a Gingerbread Cake:
My favorite cream cheese frosting recipe, which you can find here, pairs perfectly with the spices in the gingerbread cake, so it was a natural choice. With a little green food coloring mixed in, it worked well to finish off my cake.
I tried several ways to apply the frosting to this cake, including the use of a variety of piping tips. However, not being an experienced cake decorator, it wasn’t looking so good. I finally just decided to roughly add the frosting with a small offset spatula.
Once the frosting was n place, I lightly tapped it with the back of the spatula to make little frosting “peaks.” I thought they resembled branches.- a happy little accident!
While it’s certainly not perfect, I love the rustic, homemade look.
Before the frosting set, I added candy-coated chocolates to give to mimic colored ornaments. And because I love flocked trees, I dusted the entire thing with confectioners’ sugar for a snow-inspired finishing touch.
Who’s ready for a slice of this delicious and beautiful gingerbread cake?
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!
I really hope you enjoyed my Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cake. As you can see, it’s not only a showpiece for the table but a tasty seasonal dessert. I think your friends and family will love it.
Candy coated-chocolates and confectioners' sugar for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a tree-shaped cake pan with baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
With a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the molasses.
Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the water and starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the two sides of the tree mold.
Bake the cake 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Check on the cake about 15 minutes into baking. If necessary, use a spatula or spoon to move some of the batter from the center of the cake to fill in the top section of the pan.
Remove the cake from the oven. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; then turn out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.
Spread a small layer of the prepared cream cheese frosting on the back of each cake to join them together to form a tree. Add a couple tablespoons of frosting to a serving dish or cake stand and set the tree in place on the frosting. Chill for 15 minutes. Use an offset spatula to roughly apply more cream cheese frosting to the cake. Tap the frosting with the back of the spatula to create texture and "peaks" in the frosting.
To finish, decorate with candy-coated chocolates. Then chill until the frosting is firm. Before serving, use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle the cake with confectioners' sugar.
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 additional Christmas desserts, check out these delicious recipes from my fellow Taste of the Seasons’ bloggers below. You can also grab my favorite Christmas cookie recipes here.
Holiday baking has begun. If you’re looking for festive desserts, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing my recipe for Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cake, and some blogger friends are joining me to share their sweet holiday treats. I hope you brought your sweet tooth! As we approach Christmas, I’m sure you’re making your […]
These Homemade Milk and Cookie Shots turn a classic dessert into a moment of undeniable joy with family and friends. You’re going to love this sweet and unique dessert recipe!
Any cookie tastes better with milk. And because I always like to shake things up a bit, I thought I’d share these milk and cookie shots which actually hold the milk you drink with the cookie.
These milk and cookie shots are a classic chocolate chip dough, molded into the shape of a shot glass, which is baked and then filled with milk. How clever is that, right?
Since the holiday season has begun, I’m thinking this could be a unique way to help you connect with your family and friends.
How to Make a Cookie Shot Glass:
You might be wondering how these are made. Well, first you’ll need a chocolate chip cookie recipe. I tested a few recipes, including store-bought cookie dough. (I was trying to make these as easy as possible for you to make.) However, I found the recipe below to be the best. You need a recipe without leavening agents so that the dough will keep its shape and not expand while baking.
Once the cookie dough is made, you’ll need a mold. I used this one which was designed for this specific purpose. If you don’t want to buy something extra just for this recipe, you could certainly use a cupcake pan paired with a heatproof shot glass or ball of aluminum foil as the insert.
You’ll begin by greasing the pan with shortening to ensure the cookie shots release easily from the pan.
Then, you’ll put the cookie dough in the pan. Use about 3-4 tablespoons of dough per mold. Start by adding a disc of dough to the bottom of the mold and then work up the sides. The final thickness should be about 1/4-inch. Use a knife to cut off any dough above the top of the mold.
Place the inserts into the molds and pop them into the freezer for about 10 minutes. Chilling your dough will help it maintain its shape during baking.
After the cookie shots are baked and cooled, coat the inside of each with chocolate. This chocolate coating will allow the cookie shot to hold milk and keep it from seeping through the cookie.
To make my cookie shots festive, I added sprinkles and nuts. Feel free to leave them off or change them up depending on the occasion or celebration.
Once the chocolate hardens, the excitement begins when you bring on the milk.
What are cookie shots?
I recommend serving a cookie shot with a small glass of milk so your guests can keep adding milk and nibble on the cookie as they drink. What an enjoyable and inventive way to connect with dear ones over a shot of milk.
Cheers!
I hope you enjoy this unique and merry treat. And if you can stop yourself and your loved ones from eating all of them, you could leave out a few of these Homemade Milk and Cookie Shots for Santa. I think he’ll greatly appreciate your creative spirit.
These Homemade Milk and Cookie Shots turn a classic dessert into a moment of undeniable joy with family and friends. You're going to love this sweet and unique dessert recipe!
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed about 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the egg yolks and vanilla. Beat to combine.
Turn the mixer to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped chocolate chips.
Preheat your oven to 360 degrees F.
With a paper towel, grease your molds with shortening.
You'll need about 3-4 tablespoons of dough per shot mold. Begin by flattening about a tablespoon of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and adding it to the bottom of the mold. Flatten another piece of cookie dough to 1/4-inch thickness and add that to the side of the mold. Continue adding dough until the interior of the mold is evenly covered with a 1/4-inch thickness of cookie dough. Repeat with all molds.
Use a knife to cut off any dough that's above the top of the mold. Add the mold inserts and place the filled molds in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
Take the cookie shot molds out of the freezer and bake for 20-22 minutes or until the tops begin to brown. Remove them from the oven and allow to completely cool on a wire rack.
Remove the cookie shots from the molds.
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the 1 cup of milk chocolate chips at 30-second intervals to melt. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, coat the interior of the cookie shot with chocolate.
Optional: Dip the rim of the cookie shot into the melted chocolate and then into sprinkles or nuts.
Allow the chocolate to set before serving the cookie shots with a pitcher of cold milk.
Video
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 Homemade Milk and Cookie Shots turn a classic dessert into a moment of undeniable joy with family and friends. You’re going to love this sweet and unique dessert recipe! Any cookie tastes better with milk. And because I always like to shake things up a bit, I thought I’d share these milk and cookie […]
If you’re like a lot of us, you’ll be entertaining guests for a meal or two this holiday season. That’s why I thought it might be helpful to round up a variety of beautiful and festive Christmas table decorations.
I’ve put together five unique tablescapes to bring my Christmas table setting ideas to life. With styling tips for everything from table runners to napkins, I hope these creative ideas will help you set a table that’s merry and bright.
Let’s get to it!
Christmas Table Decorations:
1. Start with a color scheme.
In this first place setting, I used red and white. If you limit your color palette, it’s much easier to make things look cohesive. It also helps when shopping. You can focus on “your colors” rather than get distracted by all of the holiday awesomeness.
2. Use dishtowels as napkins.
I learned this years ago from Ina Garten. Dishtowels often make the best napkins. Not only are dish towels available in a range of colors and patterns, but they tend to be a bit larger and usually launder well. I prefer towels made from a fabric similar to traditional napkins rather than the common terry cloth variety.
3. Include a sweet treat.
I found these chocolate peppermint stir sticks and thought they would be perfect for jazzing up a table. They are an inexpensive treat that doubles as decor for the place settings. Feel free to whip up something homemade if you’re feeling extra crafty.
3. Add a piece of pine.
I use fresh pine wherever I can during the holiday season. I tie it on presents, tuck it into floral arrangements, and add a sprig or two to my table setting. It’s a free and easy way to instantly bring in beautiful texture, holiday flare, and seasonal scent.
4. Give an ornament gift.
Sometimes it’s fun to add a small gift to your table setting. Here, I paired napkins with inexpensive ornaments. The ornaments add a holiday touch, and guests can take their ornaments with them as a way to remember the celebration.
More Christmas Table Decorations:
6. Embrace playful patterns.
In my next table setting, I’m embracing a seasonal pattern. Here, I used plaid and buffalo check for inspiration as I shopped for and styled my table. Even in various sizes and styles, it all works together to create a fun, playful look.
7. Use gift wrap as a table runner.
You might be surprised to know that my “table runner” is actually wrapping paper. Save the hassle of washing your best linens by making a table runner or placemats from wrapping paper. Customize the size to fit your table. I recommend something with a recognizable pattern to create the illusion of fabric. Things like polka dots, stripes, and plaids are excellent choices.
8. Shop your own backyard.
Get branches, magnolia leaves, pinecones, and such from your own yard. Use them to embellish your napkins, tuck them into a vase, or include them in your centerpiece.
9. Mix vintage with new.
Here, I combined the new and the old. Doing this creates an interesting, meaningful, and personalized tablescape. Here, I started with brass cups. They pick up the gold on the edge of my plate. I then used this vintage “Merry Christmas” cardholder to corral some greens down the center of my table.
10. Get creative with napkin rings.
With so many beautiful and unique napkin rings available these nowadays, I couldn’t resist trying a few. Here, I used gem-shaped marble napkin rings to display my napkins in a more casual way. If you don’t want to buy napkin rings, create your own with a cookie cutter, a mini faux wreath, or a piece of ribbon.
11. Experiment with unconventional color.
As much as I love the traditional red and green of Christmas, I also like to use new and unexpected colors. Here, I paired shades of aqua with gold. (Like I did in my living for my Holiday Home Tour!) It still looks festive, but it certainly stands out from the crowd. Try using your favorite color or coordinate with your existing home decor to create something outside the box.
12. Bring on the ornaments.
I am extremely fond of glass ball ornaments (and I have quite the collection to prove it!). Ornaments often come in handy when I’m decorating. By simply scattering an assortment of them down the center of my table, I was able to create instant holiday appeal and seasonal sparkle.
And that’s it, my friends. In case you’re wondering about my sources, I found most of these goodies at HomeGoods. I love their collection of holiday dinnerware, glasses, and napkins. If you’re looking to recreate any of these looks and can’t seem to find exactly what I used, please don’t worry. It’s likely you will come across something similar or you can get creative and try something new.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope these Christmas table setting ideas will inspire your holiday tablescape.
If you’re like a lot of us, you’ll be entertaining guests for a meal or two this holiday season. That’s why I thought it might be helpful to round up a variety of beautiful and festive Christmas table decorations. I’ve put together five unique tablescapes to bring my Christmas table setting ideas to life. With […]
Merry Christmas! It’s Holiday Home Tour time. I’m so excited today to give you a peek into my new space and share some of the holiday magic I’ve whipped up.
This year I’m participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk. I believe she has been hosting this for seven years. This is my second year on the tour, and I am thrilled to be back.
In case you’re not familiar with the Holiday Housewalk, here’s the nutshell version: During a single week, 30+ bloggers share their homes decorated for Christmas. This year’s tour started on Monday with Jennifer’s home and has been going on all week with visits to the homes of many other bloggers. The housewalk ends today with the homes of even more bloggers, including me.
If you’ve come here from Allison’s home at The Golden Sycamore (the stop on the tour before mine), welcome! I am happy to have you here! After you’re finished scrolling through my space, be sure to click on the next blogger at the bottom of this post to continue on the tour.
Apartment Christmas Decorations:
If you follow Inspired by Charm, you’ll know that I’m decorating a new space this year. Back in June, life gave me a nudge to move from my big house in a small town to a smaller apartment in a big city. I loved decorating that house for the holidays, so this year has definitely been a transition (and challenge) for me. This also will probably be the first and last time I decorate this particular space for Christmas, and last year was the final time for me to decorate that large old house. (More bittersweet details on that loaded statement coming soon.) While I’m still tweaking my decor, there’s definitely holiday magic around these parts. Let me show you.
Since I already shared a few of the festive touches in my office (my Rustic Modern Christmas Tree), let’s start there.
About a month ago I painted a navy accent wall in this room. That has helped to inspire the rest of the decor in the office, including the tree. From there, my Rustic Modern Christmas Tree seemed to invite the addition of red and burgundy touches for a holiday feel. You can check out that tree in all its glory here.
Behind my desk, I hung these bulletin boards to display work projects and decor. A letterboard spells out some of my favorite holiday movie characters.
On the opposite side of the room (which I don’t believe I’ve ever shared on the blog), I created a cozy nook for taking a break from work. I’ve furnished it with a love seat, leather chair, ottoman coffee table (which was repurposed from my previous home), and a big shelf for books and whatever else finds its way there.
Sidenote: I’ll do my best to link things in this post. I also recommend visiting SHOP IBC where you can get more links to some of my apartment furnishings and decor.
It’s been especially nice to have this extra seating area in my apartment. Blankets, pillows, and comfy furniture make it an ideal spot to read or relax for a bit. I just picked up a new bluetooth-enabled record player, so lately listening to holiday tunes on vinyl has added to the joy.
Not surprisingly, my kitties are digging this space. I was even able to incorporate my colorful DIY Christmas trees on the shelf you see above them. Remember those trees? You can learn how to make them here.
I also wanted to point out that fab red canvas. It’s from Lindsay Letters, whose artwork I love. Her pieces can always be found in my spaces.
More Apartment Christmas Decorations:
Transitioning to the living room: For my Christmas decor, I played off the green and blue color scheme I already had in place. I was pleased with how it worked out.
In addition to the Christmas tree (We’ll get to that in a second.), among my favorite new holiday decor items are these stained glass trees. I bought them back in October from CB2 when they first showed up on the site. I knew they’d be perfect in here.
I’m calling it my “Not-Coco-Chanel-Tree.” Why? Well, the famous designer Coco Chanel said something to the effect: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” With this tree, however, I took the opposite approach. It was as if the tree kept saying to me, “Heck no! I’m going to be my fabulous, over-the-top self. Add some more. Yes, more. Keep adding. One more thing. One more thing.” Crazy, right?
As a result, this tree is loaded with ornaments. I’m guessing there are 200+. It might be a bit difficult to see, but a ribbon is also tucked in there. (Speaking of ribbon, you can get my “How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree” tutorial here.) And I finished this maximalist look off with a felt ball garland . . . just because. (The tree kept asking for more.)
I’m hoping to capture the details of this tree in additional photos that I’ll share soon in another post. Stay tuned!
On the opposite wall, I decided to have fun with this ceramic deer head I had in my B&B gift shop years ago. With branch antlers, ornaments, and a gold wreath, he’s my little touch of Christmas quirkiness. A must in my decor. My little gold Santa made a comeback too. I just love him.
Near the TV I installed a much-needed shelf for book storage, knick-knacks, and apparently, wine.
As you may already know, these little deer are precious to me. They belonged to my grandmother. They are especially meaningful this year because this will be our first Christmas without her.
Over in the kitchen, I brought in a few holiday flourishes as well. I’m doing my best to embrace these builder-grade cabinets. Festive touches. such as this canvas from Lily & Val (located here in Pittsburgh), make all the difference. (For those of you who might be wondering how I hang art on tile: I used these hooks from 3M. They work great for lightweight items.)
How cute are those vintage brass mice? Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.Though, it seems these two are after cake.
Little paper houses and bottle brush trees corralled on a tray and covered by glass domes add a bit of Christmas cheer to my dining table.
And finally, here is my bar cabinet dressed up for the season. This just might be my favorite vignette in the entire apartment. When I’m fretting about all the decor details, I look at this and immediately feel less stressed.
To put it together, I decorated my mirror with greens, added a trio of glass trees from HomeGoods, tucked in my trusty nutcracker (also a HomeGoods find), and finished it off with peppermint sticks.
And yes, there’s a tree in there. A small one. Thanks to gold sequin unicorn ornaments, it’s full of quirkiness, too.
Speaking of ornaments, the other ornaments on that tree are from Tree Hopper Toys. (You may remember them from my Christmas Tree last year.) They are also offering special savings to Inspired by Charm readers. Use the code “INSPIRED” to get 25% off their ornaments now through the end of the year.
And that’s a wrap for my Holiday Home Tour 2017.
I know this tour is a bit “different” from past years’. I’m struggling somewhat with that. I hope I didn’t disappoint, BUT I am hoping that 2018 will have me back in a homier home. Thanks to all of you for following along and sticking with me through the ebb and flow of life. Your kindness and support are priceless gifts.
During December, I plan to share more details about each of these spaces, including a full tour of my bedroom decor. If you’re new here, be sure to subscribe to the IBC Mailing List or follow me on social media (I recommend Instagram.) so you don’t miss a thing.
In the meantime, please continue on the Holiday Housewalk and check out the homes of my blogger friends. Their homes are stunning and inspiring in their own unique way. Up next on the tour is Jeanne Oliver. I always love what she does for Christmas. I’m sure you will, too. You can continue onto her home here.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to be with me. I hope you enjoyed your peek around my apartment and picked up a few ideas to create your own happy place for the holidays.
Merry Christmas! It’s Holiday Home Tour time. I’m so excited today to give you a peek into my new space and share some of the holiday magic I’ve whipped up. This year I’m participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk. I believe she has been hosting this for seven years. This is my second year on […]
You’re going to love this Sticky Toffee Cake. It’s a sweet cake garnished with a brown sugar caramel sauce and topped with the best english toffee.
The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time for lots of sweet treats! Today, I’m adding another one to your list. This Sticky Toffee Cake tastes as good as it looks.
Served with caramel sauce, ice cream, and chocolate almond toffee, it’s a wonderful way to show guests how much you care.
Sticky Toffee Cake:
This post is sponsored by Enstrom Candies. As always, all opinions are my own.
As you know, the holiday season is one of my favorite times to be in the kitchen. I so enjoy creating goodies for snacking during seasonal get-togethers.
Because the holidays seem to go by too quickly, I do whatever I can to savor the season and make every special moment last as long as possible.
That’s why today, I’m sharing this recipe for Sticky Toffee Cake. I was inspired to make it after sampling Enstrom Candies Chocolate Almond Toffee. Their toffee is handcrafted in small batches and has become one of my favorites.
To capture the flavors of the delicious Enstrom Candies, I used a couple of their artisan products in this recipe.
A generous sprinkling of their versatile Toffee Crumbs was the crowning touch on the cake, and a piece of their Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee garnished the plated dessert. It looks decadent AND beautiful, doesn’t it?
How to Make Sticky Toffee Cake:
This cake is actually quite simple to make. What makes it “sticky” is that the recipe uses dates. In case you’ve never eaten a date, it’s kind of like nature’s candy. Dates are super sweet and sticky inside.
Fair warning, they are also a bit challenging to chop. But it’s totally worth it because they give this cake a flavor that is beyond compare.
After the cake is baked, it’s finished off with a quick caramel-like sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
For some crunch and visual punch, I sprinkled the entire cake with chopped Enstrom Chocolate Almond Toffee Crumbs. They also add flavor and texture to this dessert.
Serve the cake with vanilla (or even eggnog) ice cream and another drizzle of that caramel sauce. A piece of Enstrom Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee perched on top finishes things off.
It’s little details like these that give a professional touch. Whether you’re baking for your family or gift giving, the extra effort is part of the pleasure of these special moments.
Your guests, friends, and family won’t forget this dessert anytime soon. Promise.
Let’s bake!
If you liked this cake, you’re also going to love:
Also, if you’re new to Enstrom Candies, you can check out all their confections via their website. Not only are they great for this dessert, but they make exceptionally delicious holiday gifts to express your love and share with family and friends.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Lightly grease a 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray and set aside.
For the cake, in a medium bowl, stir together the finely chopped dates, boiling water, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Let sit for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
With a stand or hand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the date and water mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire cooling rack.
For the sauce, bring the brown sugar, butter, and cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in brandy (One teaspoon vanilla can be used in place of the brandy.)
To serve, pour the warm sauce over the cake and sprinkle with almond toffee crumbs. Then slice the cake and serve it with ice cream, additional sauce, and a piece of chocolate almond toffee.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
You’re going to love this Sticky Toffee Cake. It’s a sweet cake garnished with a brown sugar caramel sauce and topped with the best english toffee. The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time for lots of sweet treats! Today, I’m adding another one to your list. This Sticky Toffee Cake tastes as […]
Just like that, Thanksgiving is over, and the 2017 holiday season is in full swing! I hope you had a delightful T-day and are as excited as I am for the wonder and magic that is Christmas. Today, I’m here to show you one of my newly decorated trees for 2017. I’m calling it my Rustic Modern Christmas Tree.
Isn’t it a beauty?
Rustic Modern Christmas Tree:
If you’ve been following along since my move to Pittsburgh, the location of this Rustic Modern Christmas Tree might be a tad unfamiliar. That’s because I haven’t shared this corner of my office. (My desk and newly painted blue wall are to the right.) But don’t worry, I’ll be giving you a full holiday home tour later this week.
This year, I decided to have three trees: this one, another in my living room, and a smaller one in my bedroom. This particular tree came about because my friends over at Balsam Hill invited me to join their 12 Bloggers of Christmas series. I’m one of the 12 bloggers they asked to decorate a Balsam Hill tree and share it with our readers. (Please see everyone’s links below.) When it comes to artificial Christmas trees, I look to Balsam Hill for fabulous quality and selection. Their invitation gave me an excuse to decorate another tree, and you know I couldn’t say “No” to more Christmas!
Once I’d chosen the tree, the rustic modern theme came to me when I saw this collection of Farmhouse Ornaments. It was the plaid design on some of the bulbs that steered me in this direction.
I brought in a whimsical element to this Rustic Modern Christmas Tree with a few of the red truck ornaments that I used on my flocked tree last year. Then, for a modern twist, I added some of the metallic clip-on candles and gold glitter-filled icicles that graced the tree in my dining room last year. They also give this tree a touch of sparkle.
And speaking of sparkly, how about these antique snowflakes? Along with the coordinating tree topper, I love the charming touch of yesteryear they bring. I scattered them all over this Rustic Modern Christmas Tree to complete the look. As you might be able to tell, the set includes four different designs, each in three different sizes.
To finish the tree, I used this faux fur tree skit in smoke. I’ve used a lot of tree skirts, but this is probably the nicest one I’ve ever owned. The colors tie in nicely with the floors and trim work in my space.
Of course, I had to wrap a few gifts to tuck around the tree. I love wrapping presents almost as much as I love decorating trees. They add something special to the entire look, don’t you think?
I’ve included pictures in this post showing the tree with the lights on and the lights off. When I’m decorating my trees, I strive to make them look beautiful with or without the lights on. Although I will admit, nothing beats the twinkle of lights at Christmas. That’s all part of the magic.
You also got a sneak peek at some of the new furnishings in this space. I can’t wait to share how it’s coming together. I’m planning to unveil it on Friday.
I hope you loved this first look at one of my new trees. Let me know what you think in the comments.
However, before you check out those things, be sure to visit the other 11 bloggers in Balsam Hills’ 12 Bloggers of Christmas series. I’ve linked them all up below. Also, Balsam Hill is hosting a daily giveaway. You can get more details and enter to win here.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Here’s to a Christmas season filled with joy and enchantment!
Just like that, Thanksgiving is over, and the 2017 holiday season is in full swing! I hope you had a delightful T-day and are as excited as I am for the wonder and magic that is Christmas. Today, I’m here to show you one of my newly decorated trees for 2017. I’m calling it my […]
‘Tis the season for giving. That’s why today I’m sharing my recipe for this Cranberry Pecan Pie. It’s a classic dessert with a tart new twist thanks to the addition of fresh cranberries. I know you are going to love it!
Cranberry Pecan Pie:
This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray. As always, all opinions are my own.
Before I get to my Cranberry Pecan Pie recipe, you might recall that last week I recapped my visit to Ocean Spray’s Thanksgiving Bootcamp and cranberry bog event with the CranMas in NYC. (In case you missed that, you can catch up here.) I also posted my recipe for a Cranberry Old Fashioned. It’s the perfect specialty cocktail for this time of year.
Still feeling inspired by that event, I decided to whip up something else with cranberries. At the Thanksgiving Bootcamp, I had a chance to sit near one of the CranMas. The term “CranMa” is what Ocean Spray affectionately calls their grandmas. These women are cranberry farmers who offer tips and recipe ideas for hosting a fabulous Thanksgiving meal.
Anywho, I got to chatting with the CranMa near me and asked her about her favorite things to cook with cranberries. I think it was destiny, but her response was “desserts”! You know how much I love me a good dessert!
While her favorites were cranberry muffins and bread, talking with her about these sweet treats took me back to the Cranberry Pecan Pie I had made years ago. When I reflected on things from the bootcamp that I wanted to share with IBC readers, this pie was near the top of the list.
One reason I so love this variation of pecan pie is that the Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberries contrast with the sweetness. If you’ve ever eaten pecan pie, you know how rich and sugary it is. The tart cranberries offer a tasty counterpoint.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Pie:
For the recipe below, I went with my go-to pie crust. You can use whatever recipe you like best or store-bought crust, if you prefer.
I also opted for a deep-dish pie. The recipe that follows is for a standard pie. To make a deep dish like I did, just multiply all the filling ingredients by 1.5. This will give you the amount of filling you need.
This pie is relatively easy to make since the filling comes together in one bowl and there’s no top crust. If you’re looking to practice your pie-making skills or hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, this would be a great recipe to try. Let me walk you through it.
*This filling will fill a regular pie dish. If you want to make a deep-dish pie, you'll need 1.5 times the filling ingredients.
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/8-inch thick circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the cranberries and chopped pecans. Pour into the prepared crust.
Bake on the lower oven rack for 10 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Bake 35-40 minutes, until the filling is almost set. (For a deep-dish pie, the entire baking time will be 50-55 minutes.) Cool completely on a wire rack.
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You’re welcome to serve this pie with a dollop of whipped cream, but I like mine without.
That’s it, my friends. Doesn’t it look decadent? As I said, this combination is perfection. The sweetness of the pecan filling pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries. So good!
Happy Baking and Happy Thanksgiving!
Cranberry Pecan Pie:
Cranberry Pecan Pie
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, cranberries, cranberry, holiday, pecan pie, pie
'Tis the season for giving. That's why today I'm sharing my recipe for this Cranberry Pecan Pie. It's a classic dessert with a tart new twist thanks to the addition of fresh cranberries. I know you are going to love it!
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/8-inch thick circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the dough and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the cranberries and chopped pecans. Pour into the prepared crust.
Bake on the lower oven rack for 10 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees Bake 35-40 minutes, until the filling is almost set. (For a deep-dish pie, the entire baking time will be 50-55 minutes.) Cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
*You can find my IBC's Go-To Pie Crust recipe here. You can also use your favorite recipe or store-bought crust.*This filling will fill a regular pie dish. If you want to make a deep-dish pie, you'll need 1.5 times the filling ingredients.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
‘Tis the season for giving. That’s why today I’m sharing my recipe for this Cranberry Pecan Pie. It’s a classic dessert with a tart new twist thanks to the addition of fresh cranberries. I know you are going to love it! Cranberry Pecan Pie: This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray. As always, all opinions are […]
Whether you’re making a casual family brunch or hosting a fabulous holiday get-together, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe just might be that easy fall treat you’re looking for. Loaded with the sweet and tart flavors of the season, it will be gobbled up in no time.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread:
This post is sponsored by Crock-Pot® brand. As always, all opinions are my own.
You may remember that last week my friends over at Crock-Pot® brand challenged me to come up with new and creative ways to use my slow cooker to prepare treats to serve my friends and family this holiday season. I kicked things off with my Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria (which so many of your seemed to love). Today, I’m back with this delightful dessert.
I knew a monkey bread recipe could be made in a slow cooker, so I decided to put an inspired spin on the classic by inviting cranberries and oranges to the party. The result: monkey bread with the sweet stickiness you love, plus an unexpectedly bright and bold flavor. The touch of tartness is a welcome break from the rich sweetness of most holiday desserts.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread:
To create this dish, I used the Crock-Pot® 3.5-Quart Casserole Crock Slow Cooker. I love using this slow cooker for desserts. It’s great for things like cobblers, bread pudding, and brownies, too. Who knew you could use a slow cooker for so many tasty treats?
This monkey bread recipe comes together in much the same way as the traditional kind you make in an oven.
Shake quartered dinner rolls in a delicious combination of sugar and freshly zested orange, and then place the rolls in your slow cooker that contains a brown sugar sauce made with butter, orange zest, and dried cranberries.
Set the slow cooker to high, and your monkey bread recipe will be ready in 2-2.5 hours.
It’s truly that simple. One of the big pluses of using a Crock-Pot Slow Cooker for a dessert such as this monkey bread recipe is that it saves valuable oven space. While the monkey bread is cooking, you can bake a couple other desserts.
You can serve this monkey bread from the slow cooker, however, I like to flip the whole thing onto a serving tray. For me, seeing all that caramelized goodness from the bottom of the pan is one of the best parts of a monkey bread recipe.
Complete the presentation with a drizzle of orange glaze, orange slices, and fresh cranberries, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe:
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe
Serves 10-12
Here's what you will need:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large orange, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup sugar
24 frozen dinner rolls, thawed and quartered
1 cup dried cranberries
Orange slices and fresh cranberries to garnish
Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar, orange juice, and kosher salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat. Pour 1/3 of the sauce into a Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker 3.5 qt Casserole Crock. Reserve the remaining sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and zest from one orange. Stir to combine. Spoon the sugar and orange zest mixture into a large plastic bag; then add the quartered biscuits. Shake to fully coat all of the biscuit pieces.
Add the sugared biscuit quarters to the slow cooker; then sprinkle them with dried cranberries. Finish by pouring the remaining brown sugar sauce over the top of the biscuits. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2-2.5 hours or until the bread is cooked through.
To serve, remove the lid from the slow cooker. Place a large serving dish upside down on top of the slow cooker casserole crock. Invert the slow cooker holding the casserole crock in place. The monkey bread should easily fall out onto the dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and enough orange juice to create a glaze. Drizzle this glaze on top of the monkey bread. Add orange slices and fresh cranberries to garnish. Serve immediately.
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Doesn’t that look divine? There’s something about monkey bread, no matter what the flavor combination, that will always be a winner in my book.
What will you make in your Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker this fall? Will it be this monkey bread recipe or my Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria? Whatever you do, have fun!
Whether you’re making a casual family brunch or hosting a fabulous holiday get-together, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe just might be that easy fall treat you’re looking for. Loaded with the sweet and tart flavors of the season, it will be gobbled up in no time. Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread: […]
I’m so excited to bring you today’s post: How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree! Its my step-by-step easy guide to adding ribbon to your Christmas tree.
In response to many requests, last weekend I shared an impromptu Instagram story showing me as I was putting on my Christmas tree ribbon. Over 5000 people watched it, and dozens of you commented on its helpfulness. Thankfully, I was able to download that video and with a little reformatting, I’m sharing it with you today.
Christmas Tree Ribbon Tips and Tricks:
In addition, when I was putting ribbon on another tree, I snapped some photos so I could write a more detailed Christmas tree ribbon tutorial to accompany the video one.
I hope both of these tutorials are useful if you decide to add ribbon to your tree this year or in the future.
Also, If you’re interested in seeing this tree fully decorating, then click HERE.
The Ultimate Christmas Idea and Recipe Resource List:
First, let’s talk ribbon. This particular ribbon is from Lowe’s back in 2017. As far as I can tell, it has been discontinued.
You’ll need more than you think. The narrow 7.5-foot tree pictured above took 12 yards of 2 1/2-inch ribbon. The tree in the video (which is a full 7.5-foot tree) took 30 yards of 1 1/2-inch ribbon.
I prefer to have ribbon left over for wrapping coordinating presents to place under the tree.
Wired ribbon works best. You can use other types, but you’ll probably find them more difficult to manage. As for the ribbon width, 2 1/2-inches is ideal, but you can use wider or narrower if that’s what you have. On a standard-sized tree, I wouldn’t go with less than 1 1/2-inches wide or more than 4-inches wide.
Once you have your ribbon, the next step is to make sure your tree is ready for ornaments. Whether your tree is artificial or real, all of the branches should be fluffy, full, and looking as good as possible. You’ll also want to put on your tree lights before adding the ribbon.
How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree:
Now, you’re ready to start. I like to begin at the top and work down and around the tree in a spiral.
Start by tucking the end piece of the ribbon into the back of the tree and then slowly start to work around. For some reason, I tend to work clockwise around the tree, but I’m not sure if that matters.
As you move around the tree, try to let the ribbon do its thing. The goal is for the ribbon to drape naturally and not appear forced. The ribbon should never look pulled or stretched. As you work around, you’ll want to tuck the ribbon into the tree, let it billow out, and then tuck it in again.
To keep this looking natural, you’ll want to vary the intervals at which you tuck the ribbon in and how much ribbon you let billow out.
You can also create curls in the ribbon by twisting it in your hands. This look is a bit harder to achieve but does add an interesting effect. I usually do this only 3 or 4 times per tree. Simply twist the ribbon as pictured below and then tuck it into the tree to secure.
Continue this process as you work around and around the tree.
Avoid working in a perfectly straight line. As you can see, my lines vary. Some are quite wavy; some are less so. You want to avoid sharp bands of ribbon that cut across the tree.
There’s nothing you need to do to secure your ribbon into the tree. It should stay in place as you work it in and around. If it’s not staying in place, it’s likely that you’re pulling on the ribbon, something you should avoid doing. The ribbon should have no tension. With that being said, certain ribbons are tricky to work with. So if the ribbon is not staying and you haven’t been pulling on it, you can gently curve a piece of the pine over the ribbon to hold it in place.
If you’re using multiple rolls of ribbon, just begin the new roll where the old one ended by tucking the two ends into the same spot in the tree.
This is what the tree looks like when I’m finished putting the ribbon on. The placement looks varied and loose, doesn’t it?
The goal is to have it all of the decor elements work together to form a cohesive whole. While the ribbon should certainly add to the decor of the tree, it shouldn’t stand out or be distracting.
You’re ready to decorate!
And that’s it! If you’re curious to see this tree full decorated (lights, ribbons, ornaments, topper, etc.), you can check out it’s final look by clicking here.
I realize that all of this advice on its own may not be very helpful. It’s a hard to explain this process with just text and pictures, which is why I haven’t done so before. However, now I also have a video to help!
As I mentioned I recorded this on a whim last weekend and shared it in clips via Instagram Stories. So although it’s not a professional recording, it seems to help many folks. I hope it does the same for you. You can watch that video below.
Christmas Tree Ribbon Tips and Tricks Video:
Happy tree trimming!
Finally, this is my go-to method for adding ribbon to trees. There are many other ways to do this, but this technique has never let me down. If you have questions or if something is confusing, please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to explain or update this post to clarify.
I hope I helped you learn how to put ribbon on a Christmas Tree!
Want to see more of my Christmas trees? Start here:
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I’m so excited to bring you today’s post: How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree! Its my step-by-step easy guide to adding ribbon to your Christmas tree. In response to many requests, last weekend I shared an impromptu Instagram story showing me as I was putting on my Christmas tree ribbon. Over 5000 people watched […]
This Cranberry Old Fashioned is a delicious and beautiful cocktail recipe to celebrate the holiday season.
Cranberry Old Fashioned
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times: “When hosting a gathering, have a signature cocktail.” Today I’m teaming up with Ocean Spray and their cranberry farmer Grandmas, or as they call them – CranMas, to share tips for first-time Thanksgiving hosts. Naturally, one of those tips is to create a signature cocktail. My Thanksgiving libation? A Cranberry Old Fashioned. Let’s shake one up and get this party started.
This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray. As always, all opinions are my own.
Back in early November, I scooted off to Rockefeller Center® in NYC for Ocean Spray’s Thanksgiving Boot Camp. (If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember seeing some live shots of the fun!) At the boot camp, I met with several CranMas to learn their foolproof tips for hosting a delicious, memorable, and stress-free holiday. Below, I’m sharing what I learned, a few hosting tips of my own, and my recipe for a Cranberry Old Fashioned.
While in NYC, I was also invited to a Thanksgiving lunch with the CranMas and a few other folks. What made this meal incredibly special is that the table was set in a cranberry bog. Yep. There in the middle of Rockefeller Center® was a stunning dining table set in a bog filled with cranberries.
I put on my waders, hopped in, and had a magical and memorable experience. Just like Thanksgiving should be.
While you may not be able to recreate a cranberry bog in your living room, you can host a fabulous and almost-effortless Thanksgiving.
Tips for First-Time Thanksgiving Hosts
1. Listen to Your CranMa
If this is your first-time hosting Thanksgiving, chances are you’ve watched your grandmother, mother, or someone older than you prepare the feast. Look to these experienced folks for advice and ask them to share their favorite recipes with you. Why reinvent the wheel? At its core, Thanksgiving is about family (even if your family is your friends), so use this opportunity as a way to connect and spend time with those you love.
2. Plan Ahead
At the Cranberry bog event, one tip I heard over and over again was to plan ahead. If possible, set the table a few days in advance. Prepare any food you can the day before. Things like casseroles, bread, desserts, and even mashed potatoes can be made the day before and warmed up for the big feast. To make it even easier on yourself, invite your guests to bring a dish, so you’re not left cooking the entire meal yourself. If you take care of the bird, they can take care of the rest.
3. Let Nature Inspire Your Decor
Naturally, my favorite part of the cranberry bog experience was the decor. From the flowers to the table setting to the decorations around the rest of the space – it was magical. Based on that, I have a couple ideas to share.
First, use cranberries to decorate. Add cranberries to a wire cord then shape it into napkin rings or a candle ring. Hot glue cranberries to a foam ball to create a topiary. Layer some cranberries in a jar and pop in a candle.
Next, add fruit and vegetables to your flower arrangement by skewering them with a dowel and then tucking them in like you would any other stem.
Finally, vintage is back. Hit up your local thrift store for dollies to create a vintage-inspired runner or grab a collection of vintage plates for serving.
4. Create a Separate Pre-Dinner Entertaining Area
People tend to congregate in the kitchen, which can add to the stress and confusion as you’re preparing the big meal. Set up a separate entertaining area in another room to ease congestion in the kitchen. Make a few self-serve appetizers and drinks, including a signature cocktail. Which leads me to my next tip …
5. Serve a Signature Cocktail
It’s fun to serve a unique cocktail when you’re entertaining. It gives your guests a chance to try something new, and it can be a delightful complement to your menu. I’ve recently been enjoying the classic Old Fashioned, so I thought I’d craft one inspired by the cranberry. Thus, this Cranberry Old Fashioned was born.
How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned:
A cranberry simple syrup is used to cranberry-ify this drink. It’s just your usual simple syrup with the addition of cranberries. Add a quality bourbon and a splash of bitters, and you’ve got yourself a Cranberry Old Fashioned.
Cheers!
I hope you enjoyed this delicious holiday cocktail recipe! If you try my Cranberry Old Fashioned, I love love to hear! Let me know in the comments below.
Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe:
Cranberry Old Fashioned
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, cocktail, cranberry, holiday, old fashioned
Garnish with orange peel, Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries, and rosemary
Instructions
In a serving glass with ice, stir together the bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and bitters.
Garnish with orange peel, fresh cranberries, and rosemary.
Notes
*Cranberry Simple Syrup - In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and one cup of fresh cranberries to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 4-5 minutes. Strain with a fine mesh sieve. Cool before serving.
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 Old Fashioned is a delicious and beautiful cocktail recipe to celebrate the holiday season. Cranberry Old Fashioned If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times: “When hosting a gathering, have a signature cocktail.” Today I’m teaming up with Ocean Spray and their cranberry farmer Grandmas, or as they call them […]
