Blackberry Cobbler

Recipes

Sunday
Aug / 21 / 2022
Comments 6
       
blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

This easy blackberry cobbler can be put together in minutes. It’s loaded with fresh blackberries, topped with a soft cake-like cobbler, and served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s a summer dessert perfected!

blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

Easy Blackberry Cobbler

A couple of weeks ago I shared a recipe for rhubarb cobbler. It was SO good that I wanted to try it again but with a different filling. Since blackberries are one of my favorites when it comes to pies, crisps, cobblers, etc., I decided to try a blackberry cobbler!

blackberry cobbler in round pan.

I’m so glad I did because it turned out wonderfully and was just as delicious. The only major change that I did was to swap out the rhubarb for blackberries (obviously) and decrease the amount of sugar used. Rhubarb is really tart and not very sweet, so the extra sugar was a must. 

Want more summer desserts? You’ll love these:

blackberry cobbler in dish and glass bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can You Make This Gluten Free?

You bet you can! I actually tried a gluten-free version of this recipe and it turned out beautifully. Just substitute a 1-to-1 baking mix for the flour. I used and recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. 

blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

Can You Make This with Other Fruit?

Go for it! In fact, my mom had success using peaches and blueberries with this recipe. You could also try:

  • mixed berries,
  • apples,
  • plums,
  • strawberries,
  • and the list goes on!

For me, recipes like this one are quintessentially summer comfort food. It’s a dish I ate as a kid and will continue to enjoy forever. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can quickly whip up for a weeknight dinner dessert or late afternoon snack with friends.

Let’s get baking!

blackberry cobbler in dish and glass bowl.
blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

How To Make:

You can find a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Spray a 9″ deep-dish pie dish with baking spray. 
  3. Add the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to a bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine. 
  4. Add the blackberries to the prepared pie dish. Set aside.
making blackberry cobbler.
  1. In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine. 
  2. In a large bowl add the butter and sugar. Cream together until fluffy and pale. 
  3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix to combine. 
  4. Add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined. 
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping onto the blackberries. 
making blackberry cobbler.
  1. Bake for 38-42 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. 
  2. Serve with freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

Recipe Notes:

Be sure to use a deep-dish pie dish. (You can find the one I used HERE.) Cobblers bubble, so you want to make sure there’s room for expansion. If you don’t have a deep-dish pie dish, an 11×7 pan will work perfectly. I also recommend adding a sheet pan or piece of aluminum foil to the rack below this cobbler just in case anything bubbles over.

And that’s it, you’re ready to dish up this amazing blackberry cobbler.

blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

As you can see, I served mine with homemade whipped cream (get my easy recipe for whipped cream HERE), but know that vanilla ice cream would be just as scrumptious! If you’re serving this for a dinner and want it to feel a bit elevated, I recommend serving it in some footed glassware and garnishing it with fresh mint as I did here. You can find the glass bowls that I used HERE.

That’s a wrap on this blackberry cobbler. Enjoy and happy baking!

blackberry cobbler in dish.
blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Homemade Blackberry Cobbler

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blackberries, blackberry, cobbler, dessert
Servings: 6
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
blackberry cobbler in glass bowl.
This easy blackberry cobbler can be put together in minutes. It’s loaded with fresh blackberries, topped with a soft cake-like cobbler, and served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s a summer dessert perfected!

Ingredients

Filling:
  • 3 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Cobbler:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Spray a 9″ deep-dish pie dish with baking spray. (An 11×7 baking dish will work here too.)
  • Add the blackberries to a bowl. Add the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to combine.
  • Add the blackberries to the prepared pie dish. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • In a large bowl add the butter and sugar. Cream together using a hand mixer until fluffy and pale. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix to combine. Add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping onto the blackberries.
  • Bake for 38-42 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving with freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 221kcal • Carbohydrates: 49g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 0.3g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g • Trans Fat: 0.01g • Cholesterol: 28mg • Sodium: 216mg • Potassium: 151mg • Fiber: 4g • Sugar: 29g • Vitamin A: 197IU • Vitamin C: 15mg • Calcium: 87mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

This easy blackberry cobbler can be put together in minutes. It’s loaded with fresh blackberries, topped with a soft cake-like cobbler, and served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s a summer dessert perfected! Easy Blackberry Cobbler A couple of weeks ago I shared a recipe for rhubarb cobbler. It was SO good that […]




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Mango Margarita

Recipes

Friday
Aug / 19 / 2022
Comments 2
       
mango margaritas in glasses.

You’re going to love this mango margarita recipe. Made with mango sorbet, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice, this easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for summer sipping or Cinco de Mayo. 

mango margaritas in glasses.

Over the years Inspired By Charm has experimented with a bunch of unique margarita recipes. (In fact, I have an entire blog post HERE dedicated to my favorites.) Today we’re adding another to the list: Mango Margaritas. 

mango margaritas in glasses.

The BEST Mango Margaritas

If you’ve been following along with IBC, you’ll know that a couple of weeks ago I made some homemade no-churn mango sorbet. It was so wonderful that I wanted to see if I could use it to create a few cocktail recipes. To my delight, I had success using the mango sorbet to make mango mojitos, mango mimosas, and now these mango margaritas. 

These turned out so good because

  • they are loaded with mango flavor,
  • they are bright and refreshing,
  • and they are so simple to make! 

When it comes to flavored margaritas, mango has always been my personal favorite. These are especially good because the mango sorbet I used is homemade and approximately 98% mangos. (I did add in a splash of simple syrup and fresh lime juice.)

Let’s shake some up! 

Looking for more margarita recipes? Try these:

mango margaritas in glasses.

How to Make:

I’m going to walk you through the steps to make a Mango Margarita. At the end of this post, there is a printable recipe card with detailed ingredient amounts and recipe instructions for your convenience.

  1. To a glass add your mango sorbet and a few ice cubes.
mango sorbet in glass.
  1. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the tequila, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously. 
  2. Strain the margarita mixture on top of the mango sorbet and ice. 
pouring margarita.
  1. Add additional ice if needed. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  2. Serve, sip, and enjoy!

It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to making mango margaritas.

mango margarita in glasses.

What kind of alcohol is used in mango margaritas?

A mango margarita is made with the same alcohol as a traditional margarita. I use silver tequila and orange liqueur. My go-to orange liqueur is Cointreau, but any triple sec or even Grand Marnier would work too.

Do you use salt for mango margaritas?

Typically salt is used as a rim garnish for margaritas. I prefer salt, but you could use sugar. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, try Tajin. It would work wonderfully here.

mango margaritas in glasses.

How can I make this a skinny margarita?

You can make a few simple substitutions to eliminate some of the calories.

  • Use a liquid stevia sweetener instead of simple syrup.
  • Make your own homemade mango sorbet (using my recipe HERE) and eliminate the simple syrup.

“This recipe is too strong/weak/sweet/citrusy.”

This isn’t really a question, but it’s worth mentioning. Everyone has a different taste level with cocktails. Some like them really sweet, some like a heavy alcohol pour, etc. When you’re crafting a cocktail, I always recommend giving it a taste and adjusting it based on your personal preferences.

mango margarita in glass.

Cheers, Friends!

And that’s a wrap on these mango margaritas. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve been having a love affair with anything mango, so these are right up my alley. Whether you enjoy mango, margaritas, or just a little tequila, I think you’re going to love this recipe too.

Enjoy!

mango margaritas in glasses.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

mango margaritas in glasses.

Mango Margarita

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: mango, margarita, tequila
Servings: 1
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
mango margaritas in glasses.
You’re going to love this mango margarita recipe. Made with mango sorbet, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice, this easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for summer sipping or Cinco de Mayo.

Ingredients

  • 1 scoop mango sorbet
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • kosher salt and lime wedge to garnish

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing your glass. Run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Dip the glass into the kosher salt.
  • To the glass add your mango sorbet and a few ice cubes. Set aside.
  • To a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the tequila, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously.
  • Strain the margarita mixture on top of the mango sorbet and ice.
  • Add additional ice if needed. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  • Serve, sip, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 295kcal • Carbohydrates: 30g • Protein: 0.03g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.03g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g • Sodium: 19mg • Potassium: 27mg • Sugar: 30g • Calcium: 4mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

You’re going to love this mango margarita recipe. Made with mango sorbet, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice, this easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for summer sipping or Cinco de Mayo.  Over the years Inspired By Charm has experimented with a bunch of unique margarita recipes. (In fact, I have an entire blog post […]




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Homemade Apple Strudel

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 18 / 2022
Comments 47
       
Make Apple Strudel at home with this delicious and easy recipe. #homemade #apple #strudel #fall #baking #dessert #puffpastry #recipe

This delicious and easy apple strudel (created by my Aunt Maybe) is one of my favorite dessert recipes. While it’s fabulous for fall, you can serve it any time of the year. Once you make it for your family and guests, I’m sure they will agree.

apple strudel pinterest image

The fall season is the perfect time for baking apple recipes. I’m sharing my Aunt Maybe’s Apple Strudel. At the end of this post, there are links (with images) to 18+ more fall-inspired apple recipes. I want to make them ALL! I so admire this group of bloggers and their wonderful ideas. There’s something for everyone, so check out the full list of recipes.

Looking for more IBC apple recipes? Try these:

fresh baked fall dessert

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Strudel

Before we get to the apple strudel recipe, here are some questions people often ask about it. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What pastry is apple strudel made from?

Classic apple strudel is made from a puff pastry, like filo pastry. To save me time, I used a store-bought puff pastry. However, if you have time, feel free to make a puff pastry from scratch.

What is the difference between strudel and streusel?

There are a lot of differences between these two popular desserts. A strudel is a baked dessert with thin strips of puff pastry wrapped around the filling. A streusel has the filling inside of a pie crust and is topped with a crumb topping made from sugar, flour, and butter.

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, to save yourself time, it is just fine to use canned apple pie filling. You could even pre-make the filling and then save it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then, all you have to do is add the filling to the pastry, wrap it, and bake it.

That being said, this pasty will taste best when you are able to make the filling from scratch, so I encourage you to give it a try.

Is strudel dough the same as pie dough?

No, the dough is not the same as regular pie dough. A traditional strudel is made with puff pastry.

baked puff pastry dessert

Classic Apple Strudel

Last year we did a similar round-up of fall apple recipes. You might remember that I made apple streusel cake. (It’s delicious, by the way, and it makes a great breakfast sweet or dessert.)

A couple of years ago, my Aunt Maybe (her name is May, but we’ve always called her Maybe) brought this apple strudel to a Christmas get-together. Her husband, my Uncle Dan, and their children had always raved about how delicious it was.

It only took one bite to know how right they were. With such a marvelous combination of flavors, I’d say it’s crazy delicious.

bird's eye view of baked apple strudel

Ingredients:

There are only a handful of simple ingredients in this classic homemade apple strudel. Here’s what you need to have when you make them.

Strudel Ingredients

  • Apples – Use Granny Smith apples. They are tart and taste best when you bake them.
  • Sugar – Granulated white sugar is ideal for the filling.
  • Butter – Unsalted butter is always the best choice for baking.
  • Cornstarch – This thickens the filling.
  • Spices – Use both cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic apple pie flavor. Plus, extra salt enhances the flavors and makes them more pronounced.
  • Puff Pastry – Just buy a package (two sheets) of pre-made puff pastry.
  • Egg – This is to add an egg wash on the outside.

Glaze

  • Butter – Unsalted butter tastes better in the glaze.
  • Vanilla – Gives the glaze the classic vanilla flavor.
  • Milk – Use your favorite type of milk. If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, use less sugar.
  • Powdered Sugar – Also called confectioner’s sugar, this will give you the perfect consistency.
slice of strudel with apple filing

I also love how quick and easy it is to make. Let me walk you through the recipe.

How to Make Apple Strudel:

The hardest part of this recipe is peeling the apples. If you can do that, you’re golden. I’ll split this recipe up into easy sections for you.

Thaw the Puff Pastry

This apple strudel recipe starts with puff pastry. You can make your own, but I think the frozen variety is equally as good. You might as well save yourself time and trouble.

Once thawed, I like to roll out the puff pastry dough to make it 15-20% larger. This allows you to fit in all of the apple filling.

cup of sugar being poured onto bowl of chopped fruit

Make the Filling

Speaking of the filling… Mix diced apples, sugar, butter, cornstarch, spices, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook this for about 7 minutes or until the mixture becomes a sauce and thickens.

adding cinnamon and sugar to granny smith apples in a mixing bowl

Add Filling to the Puff Pastry

Once the apple filling is cooled, divide it evenly between the two puff pastry sheets. Then, spread the filling on the middle third of the puff pastry.

apple chunks and spices on a stovetop
process photo for making apple strudel

Add Decorative Pie Strips

To make the apple strudel a bit more decorative, use a knife to cut lines (about 16 or so) into each outer third of the puff pastry, forming strips. Then criss-cross the strips onto the filling. (You’ll need to add a bit of water to the end of each of the dough strips to seal them.)

It’s a simple method, but it creates a beautiful effect.

folding puff pastry strips over chunks of apple
puff pastry wrapped around apple strudel filling

Once everything is assembled, brush the apple strudel with an egg wash and pop it into the oven for 35-40 minutes.

Make the Glaze

Let the strudel cool slightly. While it cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk. I recommend starting with about 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and then adding more to create a glaze that is the desired consistency.

two baked apple strudel loaves on a stove top
glaze pouring off the end of a whisk

Add Glaze on Top

Drizzle the glaze on the warm apple strudel, then dig in!

I am not exaggerating. It is SO-O-O GOOD! And yet it’s simple to make, isn’t it? The frozen puff pastry dough makes it easy.

top view of sliced baked apple puff pastry dessert

Of course, this apple strudel is delicious in the fall, but this is a recipe you can fix any time of the year. As I said, we have it for Christmas, and it’s such a treat.

That’s a wrap on apple strudel!

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this homemade apple strudel recipe and will give it a try. I have a feeling you’re going to love it as much as we do.

Aunt Maybe's apple strudel on a plate
bite of baked apple dessert on a fork

Want even more? Then check out all of the wonderful (and beautiful) apple recipes listed below. My Seasons of Home blogger friends and I have been busy baking for you!

baked apple strudel on a platter
close up of glazed apple dessert

Homemade Apple Strudel Recipe:

Aunt Maybe’s Apple Strudel

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, German
Keyword: apple strudel, apples, dessert, fall, fall baking
Servings: 20
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Homemade Apple Strudel
This delicious and easy Apple Strudel (created by my Aunt Maybe) is one of my favorite dessert recipes. While it’s fabulous for fall, you can serve it any time of the year. Once you make it for your family and guests, I’m sure they will agree.

Ingredients

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples - cored, peeled, and diced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup water - plus extra for sealing the dough
  • 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry - thawed
  • 1 egg - beaten
Glaze:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, butter, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Stir to combine. Cook at medium heat for about 7 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Set aside and allow the apple mixture to cool.
  • In the meantime, unfold your puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to make each puff pastry sheet about 15% larger in size.
  • Place half of the cooled apple mixture down the middle one-third of one puff pastry sheet.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut horizontal strips along both the left and the right outer thirds of the puff pastry. (Make about 16 strips on each side.)
  • Lightly moisten the ends of all the strips with water. Then fold the strips over the top of the apple mixture. To create a braided look, first fold over a strip from the left, then a strip from the right. Continue left, right, left, right until all of the strips are in place.
  • Seal both ends with a little water.
  • Repeat this process with the rest of the apple filling and the second puff pastry sheet.
  • Transfer both strudels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.* Brush with beaten egg.
  • Baked for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the strudel to cool slightly.
  • In the meantime, prepare a glaze by whisking together the butter, vanilla, milk, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Start with 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Add more to create a glaze that is thick but still can be drizzled. (If the glaze becomes too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it.)
  • Slice and serve warm.

Video

Notes

*Once the strudel is filled, moving it to the lined baking sheet can be a bit tricky. Just be quick and careful. If you prefer, you can assemble the strudel directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid having to move it. You will just need to use two baking sheets.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 298kcal • Carbohydrates: 39g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 15g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 24mg • Sodium: 183mg • Potassium: 60mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 26g • Vitamin A: 211IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 11mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Seasons of Home Fall Apple Recipes:

seasons of home apple recipe collection images

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins by Ella Claire & Co. | Puff Pastry Apple Strudel by Inspired by Charm | Apple Crumb Pie Bars by Tidy Mom | Stovetop Applesauce by Tidbits | Apple Cheesecake Tart by Rooms for Rent

Gluten/Dairy Free Apple Crisp by Zevy Joy | Apple Pie Chocolate Chip Cookies by Anderson + Grant | Easy Apple Dumpling Dessert by Happy Happy Nester | Gluten-Free Apple Fritters by Home Made Lovely | Sheet Pan Apple Crumble by My Sweet Savannah

recipe collection of apple desserts

Salted Caramel Apple Tart by Shabby Fu Fu | Cinnamon Apple Bread by Julie Blanner | Apple & Blackberry Topped Waffles by French Country Cottage | Sugar-Free Apple Butter by Farmhouse on Boone | Puff Pastry Apple Pie by Jenna Kate at Home

collage of apple recipes from bloggers

Apple Walnut Bread by On Sutton Place | Apple Cake with Homemade Caramel Sauce by Town and Country Living | Mini Apple Pies by My 100 Year Old Home | Apple Scones by Boxwood Avenue

This delicious and easy apple strudel (created by my Aunt Maybe) is one of my favorite dessert recipes. While it’s fabulous for fall, you can serve it any time of the year. Once you make it for your family and guests, I’m sure they will agree. The fall season is the perfect time for baking […]




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Join the conversation.






Lemon Drop Shot

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 17 / 2022
Comments 2
       
lemon drop shot in glasses.

Pucker up! You only need a few ingredients to make a Lemon Drop Shot. This recipe packs a punch in both tartness and sweetness.  It’s sure to be a hit at your next party. 

lemon drop shot in glass.
lemon drop shot in glass.

The BEST Lemon Drop Shot Recipe:

We’re back at my home bar today shaking up another shot recipe. Over the years I’ve shared a few shot recipes on Inspired by Charm and today I’m adding another to the list with this Lemon Drop Shot. 

WANT MORE SHOT RECIPES? TRY THESE:

lemon drop shots in glass.

Let me give you a little background with some FAQs. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Before we get into the recipe, here are some questions often asked about a Lemon Drop Shot.

What are lemon drop shots made of?

You only need three things to make a lemon drop shot.

1. Vodka – It’s your choice here. My preference is Grey Goose, but you can use whatever you enjoy. A citron vodka would work really nice here as well. 

2. Lemons (juice and wedges)  – Always, always, always use freshly squeezed lemons; it makes all the difference in flavor. You’ll also need some small lemon slices for garnishing.

3. Sugar (granulated and simple syrup) – The granulated sugar adds sweetness to your lemon garnish and the simple syrup adds sweetness to the shot. 

lemon drop shots in glass.

Why is it called a lemon drop?

My guess is that the name comes from the classic lemon drop candy. Because both the shot and the candy are sweet and tart, they share similar qualities and flavor notes. 

Why are Lemon Drop Shots so strong?

Well, they don’t have to be. In fact, I feel my recipe is a really nice balance. With that being said, if you like things sweeter, add more simple syrup. If you want more tartness, use more lemon juice. You should never have to drink something you don’t like. Find the right balance that works for you. 

With those questions out of the way, I think we’re ready to shake some up. Let’s do this! 

lemon drop shots in glass.

How to Make a Lemon Drop Shot:

Let me walk you through the recipe here. For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Begin by preparing your garnish. Dip both sides of a quartered lemon slice into sugar. Set aside. 
  2. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. 
  3. Shake vigorously. 
  4. Strain into a shot glass. 
pouring lemon drop shot into glass.
  1. Garnish with sugared lemon.

To enjoy, drink the shot first, then suck on the lemon slice. 

hand holding lemon drop shot.

Cheers!

It’s that easy, my friends. 

You’ve been successfully schooled on the lemon drop shot and are fully prepared to mix some up the next time the occasion arises. 

You can find the shot glasses that I used HERE.

lemon drop shot in glass.

I think this is a really easy, fun, and approachable shot that most people will tend to like (if not love). Don’t believe me? Give it a try at your next party and let me know how it goes. 

I sincerely hope you enjoy it! 

lemon drop shots in glasses.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

lemon drop shot in glass.

Lemon Drop Shot

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon, lemon drop, shooter, shot
Servings: 1
Prep Time 2 mins
Total Time 2 mins
lemon drop shot in glass.
Pucker up! You only need a few ingredients to make a Lemon Drop Shot. This recipe packs a punch in both tartness and sweetness. It’s sure to be a hit at your next party.

Ingredients

Garnish:
  • quartered lemon slice
  • sugar

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing your garnish. Dip both sides of a quartered lemon slice into sugar. Set aside.
  • To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into a shot glass. Garnish with sugared lemon.
  • To enjoy, drink the shot first, then suck on the lemon slice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 107kcal • Carbohydrates: 11g • Protein: 0.1g • Fat: 0.03g • Saturated Fat: 0.01g • Sodium: 9mg • Potassium: 24mg • Fiber: 0.04g • Sugar: 11g • Vitamin A: 1IU • Vitamin C: 5mg • Calcium: 3mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Pucker up! You only need a few ingredients to make a Lemon Drop Shot. This recipe packs a punch in both tartness and sweetness.  It’s sure to be a hit at your next party.  The BEST Lemon Drop Shot Recipe: We’re back at my home bar today shaking up another shot recipe. Over the years […]




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Snackle Box

Recipes

Monday
Aug / 15 / 2022
Comments 25
       
snackle box filled with snacks.

A traveling charcuterie board… a grazing box on the go… a tackle box meets snacks? Call it what you want, but the Snackle Box might be my new favorite way to snack. Organize a box with your favorite goodies, open it up, sit back, and enjoy. You’re in for a treat! 

snackle box filled with snacks.

Let’s Create a Snackle Box!

Okay, so the snackle box might be my new favorite charcuterie / grazing board trend. I came across it on social media and when I saw it I knew I had to give it a try. The results made me giddy and now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to regular snacking. 

So you might be wondering….

What is a snackle box?

It’s a portable and cleverly organized charcuterie board! The basic idea here is to take a tackle box and fill it with snacks. We’re turning a tackle box into a charcuterie board and calling it a snackle box. 

snackle box filled with snacks.

Now, before you get confused (because folks have in the past), I am aware that a charcuterie board is traditionally associated with a spread of meats. However, these days I believe it’s generally acceptable to call any spread of foods, be it cheeses, desserts, snacks, meats, etc., a charcuterie. I’ve done a few in my time including a s’mores board, a coffee-inspired snack spread, and a summer cheese board. No matter how you do it (in this case it is organized and built into a tackle box), it’s a fun way to eat. 

I did a bit of research to see if there was an “official” creator/inventor of this snackle box idea and I came up with at least five different names, so I don’t know who to give credit to. My assumption is that the idea evolved from the popular bento box (which is basically just a small tackle box) and morphed into something larger. 

snackle box with snacks.

What can I use as a snackle box?

I’d say you need some sort of tackle box to make this a true snackle box, but as with many things, creativity is welcome. I searched for a while on Amazon to find the tackle box I’m using here. Know that there are LOTS of options, so I’m certain you can find something that works for you. There are even single layer or small options if you don’t want something as big as I used here. 

empty tackle box.
empty tackle box.

I really like the design, style, and color of this one. I also love that the lid completely folds back to rest on your surface making it stable. The last thing you want is your snackle box to tip over.

One thing I will caution you about is to pay attention to the dimensions of your tackle box. I ordered some smaller ones to do a mini version. Unfortunately, I didn’t take note of the exact size and they ended up being way too small. 

Also, don’t limit yourself to just a traditional “tackle box.” Check out craft departments and look for craft, sewing, etc. storage boxes as these also work really well! 

snackle box filled with snacks.

Is a tackle box food safe?

Yes. However, please review the materials you’re using before purchasing or filling with food. Make certain your box is food-safe before using it. Tackle boxes are available in metal or plastic. I opted for plastic as I felt that it might be easier to clean and it would eliminate any risk of rust. You could also line your boxes with some sort of parchment paper if you have any concerns with your food items directly touching your tackle box of choice. 

snackle box filled with snacks.

What are good options for a snackle box?

In addition to the one I used, I’m going to link a few snack boxes that I think would work well. However, please keep in mind that I only used/tested the one pictured here. So please do your research before ordering to make sure the tackle box you’re buying is food safe, the right size, and meets your specific needs. 

snackle box filled with snacks.

What goodies go in a snackle box?

Anything really. 

I went with the more traditional approach of cheese, meat, fruit, and veggies, but you can do whatever you’d like. Fill your snackle box with desserts, candies, just cheese, strictly meats, tea sandwiches, etc. You’re only limited by your imagination and appetite. 

For my snackle box, I used the following:

  • assorted cheeses
  • pepperoni, cured meat
  • carrots, snap peas, cucumbers
  • assorted nuts
  • chocolate chips
  • chocolate cookies
  • berries
  • grapes
  • olives
  • peanut butter pretzels
  • crackers
  • mini preserves, honey
  • herbs to garnish

That’s it! 

It takes a little time to put together, but my goodness it’s totally worth it. The results are just too cute for words. And delicious too! 

snackle box filled with snacks.

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

You may have a few other questions before or while assembling. I’m going to do my best to answer those for you. 

Does a snackle box need to be refrigerated? 

Yes. It’s likely that it will. Make sure you have space in a refrigerator or cooler. 

How do you clean it?

I just used hot soapy water and washed it out in my sink. This is why I chose the box I did. The process was really easy. 

snackle box filled with snacks.

How many does it serve?

It all depends. I’d say this particular snackle box serves about 4-6 as an afternoon snack. 

Is it worth the time and effort?

You bet it is! When you open the lid of the box and the little drawers fold open to reveal layer after layer of treats, magic happens. (You can see a video of this box in action HERE.) 

snackle box filled with snacks.

That’s a Wrap! 

And that’s a wrap on the snackle box. It’s the latest in food, charcuterie, and grazing board trends. I highly recommend you give it a try! 

Want to know more? Want me to try other variations of snacks? Have questions? Let me know in the comments below. 

I hope you’ll give this trend a try! If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @inspiredbycharm so I can see your creative culinary work! 

snackle box filled with snacks.
snackle box filled with snacks.

LOVE THIS IDEA AND WANT MORE?

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Snackle Box

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: charcuterie, cheese board, grazing board, snackle box
Servings: 4
Prep Time 3 mins
Total Time 3 mins
snackle box filled with snacks.
A traveling charcuterie board… a grazing box on the go… a tackle box meets snacks? Call it what you want, but the Snackle Box might be my new favorite way to snack. Organize a box with your favorite goodies, open it up, sit back, and enjoy. You’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

  • assorted cheeses
  • pepperoni, cured meats
  • carrots, snap peas, cucumbers
  • assorted nuts
  • chocolate chips
  • chocolate cookies
  • berries
  • grapes
  • olives
  • peanut butter pretzels
  • small desserts
  • cookies
  • M&Ms, skittles, yogurt-covered raisins
  • mini alcohol bottles
  • crackers
  • mini preserves, honey
  • herbs to garnish

Instructions

  • Begin by thoroughly cleaning your tackle box. If desired, line each compartment with parchment paper.
  • Carefully fill each cavity with your selected food items. Spread items out in a pleasing manner to create an attractive spread.
  • Add napkins, cutlery, hand wipes, etc. to the bottom of your tackle box.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs.
  • Store chilled until ready 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!

A traveling charcuterie board… a grazing box on the go… a tackle box meets snacks? Call it what you want, but the Snackle Box might be my new favorite way to snack. Organize a box with your favorite goodies, open it up, sit back, and enjoy. You’re in for a treat!  Let’s Create a Snackle […]




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Strawberry Jello Salad Dessert

Recipes

Saturday
Aug / 13 / 2022
Comments 9
       
strawberry jello salad in pan.

Fluffy, fruity, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Jello Salad is a dessert recipe from my childhood that hasn’t gone out of style. Twenty-five years later it’s still just as delicious! It might quickly become your new go-to treat. 

strawberry jello salad in pan and on plates.

Strawberry Jello Salad Dessert:

It’s time for another old-fashioned recipe, and once again, it is coming from my great-aunt Maggie. I’ve mentioned her a few times here. I recently shared her ice cream salad recipe and a while back, her pumpkin roll recipe. (Can you tell I’m a fan of her desserts?) 

Strawberry Jello Salad was on her list of frequented recipes and probably one of my personal favorites. It’s basically a fluffy, (almost marshmallow-like but not sticky) cold dessert that is filled with strawberries and has a layer of bananas at the bottom. 

strawberry jello salad in pan.
strawberry jello salad on plates.

While growing up, I visited my aunt’s house (which was also my dad’s house) every other weekend and this Strawberry Jello Salad was in the dessert rotation. I remember that she made it in a semi-transparent white plastic Tupperware container with a matching lid. Yes, I can still see it and taste it.  I would eat it like it was my job. 

I haven’t had this dessert in years and this was my first go at making the recipe. It was a wonderful and delicious trip down memory lane. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – time travel is real. Just make/enjoy a recipe from your past and you’ll know what I mean. 

I think that’s enough of my little nostalgic trip, so let me walk you through the recipe. 

Want more summer strawberry desserts? Try these:

strawberry jello salad in pan.
piece of strawberry jello salad.

Ingredients:

You only need five ingredients (plus water) to make this Strawberry Jello Salad. 

  • Strawberry Jello: Classic strawberry Jello adds flavor and binds this dessert together. 
  • Dream Whip: this might be a new ingredient to you, but it’s pretty old-fashioned. It’s a powdered mix that makes really fluffy whipped topping. This gives the dessert its airy texture. 
  • Milk: This gets mixed with the Dream Whip. 
  • Bananas: Bananas act as a surprise bottom layer for this dessert. If you’re not a fan of bananas you can leave them out. 
  • Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are my preferred choice. My aunt used to make it with frozen strawberries and I never really loved them. 

And with that, we’re ready to get out our mixers and whip this dessert salad up! 

strawberry jello salad on plates.

How to Make:

I will explain the recipe here, but you can find a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by mixing the Jello with two cups of hot water in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until dissolved. Add one cup of cold water, whisk to combine, then refrigerator until firm. 
  2. Once set and firm, line a 2 quart (8×12) baking dish with banana slices. 
sliced banans in pan.
  1. In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) beat the milk with two envelopes of Dream Whip until stiff. Add the Jello and beat until the Jello is incorporated and the mix is fluffy. 
dream whip in bowl.
jello and dream whip in bowl.
  1. Fold in the sliced strawberries. 
strawberry jello salad mix.
  1. Pour this mixture into your banana-lined pan and level with a spatula. 
strawberry jello salad in pan.
  1. Refrigerate for three to four hours to set. 

Garnish with additional strawberries (optional), slice, serve, and enjoy!

plated strawberry jello salad.
fork into strawberry jello salad.

Recipe Notes:

A few quick notes:

  • This will last for about three to four days covered and refrigerated. You can definitely make this a day in advance if you’re short on time the day you want to serve it.
  • As I mentioned above, fresh strawberries are recommended.
  • I haven’t tried alternatives for the Dream Whip. If you happen to try homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip and it works well for you, please let me know.
  • If you’re not a fan of bananas, you can skip them or use some other fruit for the base layer. I really like the sweetness and creaminess of the banana, but feel free to make it your own.
  • I recommend a 2-quart or 8×12 inch pan. (I used this one HERE.) You can use a 9×13 inch pan, but your dessert won’t be as high and you may need an additional banana.
piece of strawberry jello salad.

Ready to Serve!

Pretty easy, right? If you don’t count the time it takes for the Jello to set, you can whip this dessert together in under twenty minutes. It’s really simple.

strawberry jello salad in pan.

This Strawberry Jello Salad is perfect for summer, but you can serve it all year long. I think it would be fun to dress it up for Valentine’s Day or even Christmas! The color would be perfect!

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try! If you do and enjoy it, I would LOVE to hear about it. Stop back and leave a comment/star rating below. Enjoy!

piece of strawberry jello salad.

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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

piece of strawberry jello salad.

Strawberry Jello Salad

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dessert, jello, old fashioned, strawberry
Servings: 8
Prep Time 20 mins
Chilling Time: 3 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 20 mins
strawberry jello salad on plates.
Fluffy, fruity, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Jello Salad is a dessert recipe from my childhood that hasn’t gone out of style. Twenty-five years later it’s still just as delicious! It might quickly become your new go-to treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes (3 ounces each) strawberry Jello
  • 2 envelopes Dream Whip
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 bananas - peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups hulled and chopped strawberries

Instructions

  • Begin by mixing the Jello with two cups of hot water in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until dissolved. Add one cup of cold water, whisk to combine, then refrigerator until firm.
  • Once set and firm, line a 2 quart (8×12) baking dish with banana slices.
  • In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) beat the milk with two envelopes of Dream Whip until stiff. Add the Jello and beat until the Jello is incorporated and the mix is fluffy.
  • Fold in the sliced strawberries.
  • Pour this mixture into your banana-lined pan and level with a spatula.
  • Refrigerate for three to four hours to set.
  • Garnish with additional strawberries (optional), slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 190kcal • Carbohydrates: 33g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 6g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g • Monounsaturated Fat: 2g • Cholesterol: 20mg • Sodium: 110mg • Potassium: 230mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 27g • Vitamin A: 214IU • Vitamin C: 24mg • Calcium: 59mg • Iron: 0.3mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Fluffy, fruity, and full of flavor, this Strawberry Jello Salad is a dessert recipe from my childhood that hasn’t gone out of style. Twenty-five years later it’s still just as delicious! It might quickly become your new go-to treat.  Strawberry Jello Salad Dessert: It’s time for another old-fashioned recipe, and once again, it is coming from […]




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Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Recipes

Thursday
Aug / 11 / 2022
Comments 9
       
lemon asparagus pasta in pan.

Take your dinner to the next level with this Lemon Asparagus Pasta. With bold flavors and a light cream sauce, everyone will be asking for seconds.

lemon asparagus pasta on table.

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

If I could live on pasta alone, I would. Seriously. Maybe I was Italian in another life? Who knows. Either way, I’m excited to be bringing you another new pasta recipe. We’re making Lemon Asparagus Pasta.

This pasta recipe combines all of my favorite flavors: lemon, asparagus, cream, garlic, and a kiss of red pepper flakes. SO GOOD. What’s not to love?

lemon asparagus pasta in pan.

Also, this style of cream sauce is my favorite when it comes to pasta. I often find other white sauces like Alfredo to be way too heavy. While still silky and creamy, this sauce is light and fresh. (That means I can eat more. Ha!)

Ready to give it a try? I know you are! Let me walk you through the simple recipe!

Want more pasta recipes? Try these:

lemon asparagus pasta on plate.

How to Make:

You can find a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by cooking the pasta. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
pasta in colander.
  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook the asparagus. Remove from the pan and set aside.
cooking asparagus in pan.
  1. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and add in the onions and garlic until softened. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of flour. Mix to combine.
  2. Add in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
making lemon asparagus pasta sauce.
  1. Add in the parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream.
  3. Turn off the heat, and mix in the pasta, asparagus, parsley, and red pepper flakes until combined.
making pasta sauce in pan.
  1. Add in as much pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Serve immediately after garnishing with salt and pepper and parmesan cheese.

Finito! Your Lemon Asparagus Pasta is ready to be enjoyed! I know you’re going to love it!

lemon asparagus pasta in pan.

Cooking Tips and Tricks:

  • Add in some protein. To really bulk up this dish, I love to make grilled lemon chicken or shrimp and toss it in with the asparagus and pasta. So good!
  • Use fresh ingredients. When making pasta like this, I highly recommend using the freshest ingredients possible for maximum flavor.
  • Use your favorite pasta. Depending on the type of pasta you use, you may not need a whole pound. The pasta I used, cavatappi, is a really large noodle. I cooked a pound but only ended up needing about three-fourths of it.
plated lemon asparagus pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to making this lemony pasta with asparagus.

What’s the best kind of pasta to use for this recipe?

I personally recommend pasta with a bit of texture. You want something that’s going to grab and hold onto that tasty sauce. Cavatappi is my personal favorite, so that’s what I reached for. I think a bow tie pasta would be lovely here too.

Can I swap out the asparagus for another green veggie?

Sure! I was making this recipe with my mom and she mentioned that Broccolini would be good. I concurred. You just want to make sure it’s a sturdy vegetable.

How can I spice up this lemon pasta dish?

I used a touch of red pepper flakes in this recipe. Want it hotter? Add more!

Can I make lemon asparagus pasta ahead of time?

It’s not recommended. I feel pasta recipes like this one are best enjoyed right after cooking. I did have some (cold) leftovers the next day. It was still yummy, but it just wasn’t quite the same.

serving lemon asparagus pasta.
lemon asparagus pasta on plate.

Let’s eat!

Divertiti! (That’s ‘enjoy’ in Italian!)

If you’re a pasta lover like me and want to add a new recipe to your weekly/monthly dinner routine, then I couldn’t recommend this dish more.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Stop back here and leave a comment and five-star review!

Happy cooking!

plated lemon asparagus pasta.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: asparagus, lemon, one pan dinner, pasta
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins
lemon asparagus pasta in pan.
Take your dinner to the next level with this Lemon Asparagus Pasta. With bold flavors and a light cream sauce, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • .75 – 1 lbs pasta*
  • 1 lb asparagus - trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion - diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup dry white wine - sauv blanc
  • 1 lemon - zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan - plus more for serving
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - optional

Instructions

  • Begin by cooking the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the asparagus until slightly tender, but still firm. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and add in the onions and garlic until softened. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of flour. Mix to combine.
  • Add in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add in the parmesan and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream.
  • Turn off the heat and mix in the pasta, asparagus, parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional) until combined. Add in as much pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately after garnishing with salt and pepper and parmesan cheese.

Notes

*Depending on the type of pasta you use, you may not need a whole pound. The pasta I used, cavatappi, is a really large noodle. I cooked a pound, but only ended up needing about three-fourths of it.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 763kcal • Carbohydrates: 99g • Protein: 24g • Fat: 27g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g • Monounsaturated Fat: 12g • Cholesterol: 42mg • Sodium: 810mg • Potassium: 678mg • Fiber: 8g • Sugar: 9g • Vitamin A: 1790IU • Vitamin C: 28mg • Calcium: 248mg • Iron: 5mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Take your dinner to the next level with this Lemon Asparagus Pasta. With bold flavors and a light cream sauce, everyone will be asking for seconds. Lemon Asparagus Pasta If I could live on pasta alone, I would. Seriously. Maybe I was Italian in another life? Who knows. Either way, I’m excited to be bringing […]




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Apple Pie Moonshine

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 10 / 2022
Comments 88
       

This Apple Pie Moonshine is an easy recipe you can make at home. It’s full of crisp apple and seasonal spice flavor. Serve it for special occasions or present it as gifts to friends and family. Either way, you’ll enjoy this delicious and flavorful recipe.

Apple Pie Moonshine | inspiredbycharm.com

Party-Ready Apple Pie Moonshine

This homemade apple pie moonshine recipe comes from my sister-in-law, Missy. She’s been making this moonshine for the past couple of years. I’m not sure why I hadn’t thought to share it with you sooner.

It’s become a tradition of sorts for us to have a sip during the holidays and on special occasions. It also makes a unique gift for friends, family, and neighbors, whatever the occasion.

Like this moonshine recipe? Try these cocktails:

Pouring homemade moonshine into tiny mason jar shot glasses
4 shot glasses next to a container of apple pie moonshine

What is Moonshine?

Real moonshine is a homemade high-proof liquor. It is usually used to describe alcohol that is made illegally. In fact, that is where the name comes from – making alcohol by the light of the moon during Prohibition (when the government isn’t watching).

That is not what my recipe is. Nope, I created what tastes as strong as moonshine. Instead of distilling my own alcohol, I used Everclear. This drink really does taste as strong as some of the drinks you might find in the mountains.

If you’ve never had apple pie moonshine, I must warn you that it’s as dangerous as it is delicious! This moonshine is made from 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear), so it packs a punch. Given that it also tastes amazing, it’s best in moderation and should only be served by the shot.

Please enjoy responsibly.

Mason jars filled with homemade moonshine with apple flavor and cinnamon sticks

How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine

There are just a few simple ingredients in this super-strong drink. My recipe makes a big batch that you can serve at parties or hand out as gifts. Here is what I used:

To make the moonshine, simmer apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and seasonal spices for an hour to blend all the flavors together. (While the juice is cooking, check out my Friendsgiving playlist here.)

DIY moonshine with vodka and everclear
adding brown sugar to homemade liquor
how to make homemade apple pie moonshine

Once cooled, add the alcohol. Then the apple pie moonshine is ready to drink. It’s that simple. However, for best results, I recommend letting it sit in the refrigerator for about a month. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions people often ask about apple pie moonshine. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

Mason jar shotglasses filled with moonshine

What type of alcohol should I use to make moonshine?

If your state doesn’t sell 190 proof grain alcohol (aka Everclear), you can substitute 150 proof or use more vodka.

Pouring DIY apple moonshine into mason jars for storage.

What are the best jars for apple pie moonshine?

I like to store the moonshine in full-size mason jars and seal them tightly with lids. This will help this mixed drink last longer.

Side note: For those wondering about my cute mason jar shot glasses you can find them HERE. Aren’t they adorable!?

Mason jar filled with homemade moonshine

How long does flavored moonshine last?

If you can seal it, this moonshine should last up to two years. Once opened, I’d say it will keep for about three months in the refrigerator.

However, I like to store mine in the freezer. They can last in the freezer for up to two years as well.

Does apple pie moonshine get stronger the longer it sits?

Yes, this drink really does get better with age. Place it in mason jars, seal it, and let it sit in the back of your refrigerator for about three weeks. You will notice a stronger flavor and aroma!

What proof should apple pie moonshine be?

There really isn’t a rule for how strong this drink should be – that is up to you. The grain alcohol with the vodka will make this a very strong drink. With all the apple juice and apple cider in it, the flavors are really well balanced, so the alcohol doesn’t burn as it goes down.

How do you make apple pie moonshine mash?

I have heard of people making homemade applesauce and then using this apple mash to flavor their moonshine mixed drinks. I have not personally tried it. If you do, please let me know how it turns out.

Should I freeze apple pie moonshine?

Yes, I think you should freeze the moonshine, especially if you won’t drink it all very soon. It will stay good in the freezer for up to two years. This is my favorite way to store alcohol.

Mason jar filled with apple pie moonshine

That’s a Wrap on Apple Pie Moonshine!

No matter how you make it, this moonshine is a delicious treat in small doses, and, as I said, it makes a special gift. You can grab the full recipe for this delicious apple pie moonshine recipe below.

Shot glasses of diy apple pie moonshine.

Thank you so much for joining me! I hope you like this apple pie moonshine recipe.

Cheers, my friends!

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe:

Apple Pie Moonshine

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fall, moonshine, apple pie, apple pie moonshine
Servings: 10 quarts
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 20 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Recipe #moonshine #apple #christmas #gift #holdiay #recipe
This Apple Pie Moonshine is an easy recipe you can make at home. Serve it for special occasions or present it as gifts to friends and family. Either way, you’ll enjoy this delicious and flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 gallon apple juice
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 6 cinnamon sticks - plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle grain alcohol, 190 proof
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle vodka

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot, combine the apple cider, apple juice, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and apple pie spice. Bring to almost a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat. Simmer for one hour. Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
  • Once cool, remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the grain alcohol and vodka. Transfer the apple pie moonshine into sterilized quart jars or bottles and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
  • The Apple Pie Moonshine can be enjoyed immediately. However, for the best flavor, store in the jar with a lid in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks before drinking. Shake well before serving.

Notes

I did not seal these with a water bath. I simply stored them in my refrigerator. 
For long term storage, you can keep these in the freezer. They won’t ever fully freeze, but do leave room in the jar for expansion or store in a freeze friendly container. 
This recipe makes 10 quarts. Serving size is 4 ounces. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 128kcal • Carbohydrates: 21g • Protein: 0.1g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.02g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g • Sodium: 6mg • Potassium: 104mg • Fiber: 0.3g • Sugar: 19g • Vitamin A: 2IU • Vitamin C: 1mg • Calcium: 15mg • Iron: 0.2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

This Apple Pie Moonshine is an easy recipe you can make at home. It’s full of crisp apple and seasonal spice flavor. Serve it for special occasions or present it as gifts to friends and family. Either way, you’ll enjoy this delicious and flavorful recipe. Party-Ready Apple Pie Moonshine This homemade apple pie moonshine recipe […]




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Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pie

Recipes

Tuesday
Aug / 9 / 2022
Comments 3
       
stacked Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies.

Want to create a gourmet campfire dessert? I’m teaching you how to make these decadent Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies. They are perfect while camping or delicious at home around the fire.

stacked Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies.

I recently gathered together a bunch of ingredients to craft three mountain pie recipes to share with you. We’ve previously covered pizza mountain pies and cherry mountain pies. Today we’re wrapping up this little mini-series with Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies. 

Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies

Why Strawberry Nutella?

I discovered Nutella back in 2004 when I was studying abroad in Switzerland. This was well before it became popular in America. We did little side trips to Paris and any time we were there I got a banana and Nutella crepe from a street vendor. I can still taste them. They were heaven.

That experience was some of the inspiration for this mountain pie recipe. I was considering doing banana (which you could totally do), but I thought that sliced strawberries might travel better if you’re camping. (Now that I’m thinking about it, you could probably just slice the banana fresh when you are assembling the mountain pies around the fire. Anyway…)

Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies

What I love about this particular recipe is that it’s totally campfire friendly, but still feels special and a bit gourmet. I realize that Nutella is probably mainstream now, but to me, it will always be the delicacy I discovered in Paris. 

Before we get into the details of the recipe, let me answer some questions you may have about mountain pies. (I explained most of this in my last post, but if you’re new it’s worth going over again.) 

More recipes to enjoy around the campfire:

What is a Mountain Pie?

I believe that the name “mountain pie” is a regional thing. According to many of you (and a quick google search), mountain pies are also known as hobo pies, iron pies, pudgy pies, campfire pies, and camper pies.

No matter what you call them, the idea behind them is mostly the same. They are made by putting a filling (savory or sweet) between two slices of buttered bread and then placed in a long-handled metal tool (typically cast iron) that is held over a campfire until the ingredients are cooked and the bread is toasted. The result of this process is a warm and delicious handheld “pie.”

moutain pie maker in fire.

How to Make:

I briefly explained the process above, but now I want to walk you through it step-by-step with this strawberry Nutella mountain pie recipe.

I’ve also included a detailed ingredient list and directions in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Before we begin, you’re going to need a pie iron. (Or as I call them: a mountain pie maker.)

This one HERE is the one I own and my personal favorite. You can also find them in a circle shape.  You can even get double sandwich irons. 

Begin by spraying your pie iron with cooking spray. Alternatively, your bread can be buttered. I just find the spray to be a bit easier. I recommend something like Pam or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray.

Place one piece of bread on one side of the pie iron. Evenly spread out a layer of Nutella with a knife. Top with sliced strawberries.

nutella on bread in pie iron.
strawberries nutella on bread in pie iron.

Add the second bread slice to the other side of your pie iron and close.

Cook over a hot campfire until golden brown and hot inside: about 5-7 minutes. The time will vary based on where the iron is in your fire, how hot your fire is, etc.

strawberries nutella on bread in pie iron.

Flip the iron while it is in the fire so the mountain pie cooks evenly. Also, be sure to check on your mountain pie throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.

Remove the cooked mountain pie from the iron and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying. This is very important. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burnt my mouth on hot mountain pie filling. I have zero self-restraint.

stacked Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies.

And that’s it! Dessert is ready. You can make a whole meal out of mountain pies. Start with pizza and end with this one filled with rich Nutella and fresh strawberries.

Want a few more ideas? You got it!

Other filling ideas:

If you’re anything like me, your mind is already thinking of all the “pies” you can put together in a mountain pie maker. You could try:

  • canned pie fillings,
  • ham and cheese,
  • pulled pork,
  • buffalo chicken,
  • cheesesteak,
  • Rueben,
  • breakfast (egg with cheese, sausage/bacon),
  • grilled vegetables and cheese,
  • Caprese (tomato, cheese, and basil),
  • and so many more!

As you can see, you’re only limited by your culinary creativity. Get adventurous, dig through your pantry and fridge, use leftovers, and try new recipes.

stacked Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies.

That’s a wrap!

I hope you enjoyed learning about these strawberry Nutella mountain pies (aka hobo pies, iron pies, pudgy pies, campfire pies, and camper pies) and are feeling inspired to give them a try!
Enjoy!!

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Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pie

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: campfire pie, mountain pie, nutella, strawberry
Servings: 1
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 7 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies
Want to create a gourmet campfire dessert? I’m teaching you how to make these decadent Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies. They are perfect while camping or delicious at home around the fire.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bread
  • 1-2 tablespoons Nutella
  • 2-3 strawberries - sliced
  • cooking spray - or butter

Instructions

  • Spray your pie iron with cooking spray. (Alternatively, your bread can be buttered. I just find the spray to be a bit easier.)
  • Place one piece of bread on one side of the pie iron. Evenly spread out a layer of Nutella with a knife. Top with sliced strawberries. Add the second bread slice to the other side of your pie iron and close.
  • Cook over a hot campfire until golden brown and hot inside: about 5-7 minutes. Flip the iron while it is in the fire so the mountain pie cooks evenly. Also, be sure to check on your mountain pie throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
  • Remove the cooked mountain pie from the iron and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 261kcal • Carbohydrates: 40g • Protein: 7g • Fat: 8g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g • Trans Fat: 0.02g • Sodium: 273mg • Potassium: 191mg • Fiber: 4g • Sugar: 14g • Vitamin A: 5IU • Vitamin C: 14mg • Calcium: 94mg • Iron: 3mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!
Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies

Want to create a gourmet campfire dessert? I’m teaching you how to make these decadent Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pies. They are perfect while camping or delicious at home around the fire. I recently gathered together a bunch of ingredients to craft three mountain pie recipes to share with you. We’ve previously covered pizza mountain pies […]




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Baby Guinness Shot

Recipes

Sunday
Aug / 7 / 2022
Comments 4
       
baby Guinness shots on table.

Made with Irish cream and coffee liqueur, these Baby Guinness Shots look just like a glass of Guinness beer, only smaller. They are an adorable and delicious way to celebrate with family and friends. 

baby Guinness shots on table.

You might remember that a couple of years back I shared a recipe for mini beers. Mini beers are a shot recipe made of Licor43 and heavy cream that look just like glasses of beer… only smaller. This recipe has been so popular on Inspired by Charm that I wanted to create another to go along with it. In this post, I’m doing just that with these Baby Guinness Shots.

This isn’t a recipe that I invented. I knew that these baby Guinness shots existed but I didn’t give them much thought. Several weeks ago at a family party, my uncle’s partner arrived with a bottle of Kahlúa and Baileys and several plastic shot glasses. He poured some up and as soon as he presented them to the group I knew that I needed to share them with you. 

WANT MORE SHOT RECIPES? TRY THESE:

hands cheers baby Guinness shots.

What Is a Baby Guinness Shot? 

So you might be wondering, what exactly is a baby Guinness shot? 

Well, I believe they are called such because when poured, these shots look like a glass of Guinness. The coffee liqueur is the base of the shot that gives it the deep rich brown color of Guinness. A layer of Irish cream, which is a soft creamy tan color, floats on top creating the “foamy head” of the beer. It’s pretty clever and really tasty! 

baby Guinness shot on table.

Ingredients:

You only need two ingredients to craft these baby Guinness shots. Here’s what you need, along with my recommendations.

baileys and kahlua bottles.

1. Coffee Liqueur – For me, Kahlúa is the standard here. Anytime a recipe has limited ingredients you want to choose the best you can for the finest results. 

2. Irish Cream – Again, stick with one of the best here: Baileys Irish Cream. I personally recommend the Salted Caramel Baileys if you can find it. It pairs wonderfully with the Kahlúa. 

baby Guinness shots on table.

How to Make Baby Guinness Shots: 

The process for making these shots is fairly simple. 

  1. Pour the coffee liqueur into the shot glass. (It should fill the glass about three-fourths of the way.
pouring a mini Guinness shot.
  1. Hold a teaspoon above the shot glass at an angle, and very slowly pour on the Irish cream liqueur. You want to go very slowly with this process. Pouring slowly and using the spoon will allow this to later “float” on top of the coffee liqueur which will create the look of a real Guinness beer.

And that’s it! Just serve, cheers, and enjoy! 

Pretty simple, right? And totally delicious too! This is a fun shot that most people enjoy even if they aren’t fans of Guinness or beer in general.

hand cheers baby Guinness shot.
baby Guinness shots on table.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some questions that often arise when I talk about this shot recipe. 

What does a baby Guinness shot taste like?

“Like Guinness beer?” you might ask. 

No, not even a little bitter. Since the shot is mostly coffee liqueur it tastes like coffee with a subtle kiss of whiskey. In fact, it is really delicious; this is one shot that won’t have you grimacing after you take it. 

Can I use Flavored Kahlúa or Baileys?

Yes, of course! In fact, as I mentioned above, I really like the salted caramel Baileys, so that’s what I used. Both of these brands typically have seasonal flavors, so have fun creating something unique! 

baby Guinness shots on table.

Where did you get the mini beer shot glasses?

Aren’t they the cutest? I found these specific glasses HERE. If you’re looking for other styles of mini beer glasses, check out these:

And with that, I think you’re ready to serve some of these baby Guinness shots. If you do, I’d love to hear all about them. Let me know what everyone thought!  

These shots are always a hit and I know they will be for you too! 
Cheers! 

baby Guinness shots on table.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

baby Guinness shots on table.

Baby Guinness Shots

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baileys, kahlua, mini beer, shooter, shot
Servings: 1
Prep Time 2 mins
Total Time 2 mins
baby Guinness shots on table.
Made with Irish cream and coffee liqueur, these Baby Guinness Shots look just like a glass of Guinness beer, only smaller. They are an adorable and delicious way to celebrate with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces coffee liqueur - such as Kahlúa
  • .5 ounce Irish cream liqueur - such as Baileys

Instructions

  • Pour the coffee liqueur into the shot glass. (It should fill the glass about three-fourths of the way.)
  • Hold a teaspoon above the shot glass at an angle, and very slowly pour on the Irish cream liqueur. This layer should “float” on top of the coffee liqueur.
  • Serve, cheers, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 192kcal • Carbohydrates: 23g • Protein: 0.5g • Fat: 2g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g • Cholesterol: 0.01mg • Sodium: 3mg • Sugar: 23g
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Made with Irish cream and coffee liqueur, these Baby Guinness Shots look just like a glass of Guinness beer, only smaller. They are an adorable and delicious way to celebrate with family and friends.  You might remember that a couple of years back I shared a recipe for mini beers. Mini beers are a shot […]




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Krunch Kote Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Recipes

Friday
Aug / 5 / 2022
Comments 2
       
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

Rich peanut butter cakes, topped with smooth peanut butter frosting, and rolled in Krunch Kote peanut brittle crunch sprinkles make a GRAND dessert recipe. These cupcakes aren’t just Krunch Kote peanut butter cupcakes, they’re the ultimate peanut butter cupcakes!

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

I’m a fan of pretty much any peanut butter-based dessert. And while I’ve created many here on Inspired by Charm (check them all out HERE) I’ve yet to do any sort of peanut butter cupcake. They say “go big or go home,” so I went peanut butter on peanut butter on peanut butter with these Krunch Kote Peanut Butter Cupcakes. 

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

Here’s the breakdown of the triple peanut butter goodness:

  1. Peanut Butter Cake – a really dense moist cake loaded with as much peanut butter as it could handle.
  2. Peanut Butter Frosting – think buttercream frosting, but with mega peanut butter flavor.
  3. Krunch Kote Peanut Brittle Crunch – a fun and colorful addition that adds added flavor and crunch.

I think the only thing I could have added was a peanut butter filling! Ha! Maybe next time. 

Want more peanut butter desserts? Try these

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

What is Krunch Kote:

Let’s talk about this peanut brittle crunch or as most know it as Krunch Kote. I’m not sure if this is a regional thing, but it’s definitely something I had in my childhood and still enjoy today. Krunch Kote was available as a sprinkle option for soft serve ice cream cones. There was one ice cream shop in my hometown that had it (they’ve since closed) and a couple of places that I know of here in Pittsburgh that still offer it on soft serve cones. 

krunch kote peanut brittle sprinkles.

To me, Krunch Kote is the ultimate soft serve ice cream topping. It’s SO GOOD! Since I love it so much, I figured why not use it on cupcakes?

If you’re looking to buy it, you can find some HERE and HERE. 

I think it’s time to get baking!

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

Recipe Instructions:

You can find a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the vegetable oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and sour cream. Mix until smooth. 
  4. Add the dry ingredients and begin to mix. 
  5. Add the milk and beat until completely combined. 
peanut butter cupcake batter,
  1. Add the batter to the paper-lined cupcake pan(s) filling each liner about two-thirds full. 
peanut butter cupcake batter in pan.
  1. Bake for 20-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth. 
  3. Add 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar, and beat on low. Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat on low. 
peanut butter frosting in bowl.
  1. Add in 1/4 cup of the heavy cream and then more as needed to achieve desired consistency. 
  2. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy. 
  3. Transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. 
piping peanut butter frosting.
  1. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then immediately roll in the Krunch Kote. 
rolling cupcake in krunch note.

Recipe Notes:

A couple of quick notes to consider before you bake:

  • Peanut Butter: For this recipe, I highly recommend using one of the following: Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan. ‘Natural’ style peanut butter tends to want to separate. 
  • Mixer: You do not need a stand mixer for this recipe. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to yield the same results. 
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

Serve and Enjoy!

And that’s it!

If you’re a big fan of peanut butter desserts like I am, you definitely need to give these Peanut Brittle Crunch Peanut Butter Cupcakes a try!

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

As a bonus, you can use any leftover peanut brittle crunch on a bowl of ice cream. You’re welcome!

Happy baking! 

peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Krunch Kote Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cupcakes, frosting, Krunch Kote, peanut butter, sprinkles
Servings: 15
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins
peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
Rich peanut butter cakes, topped with smooth peanut butter frosting, and rolled in peanut brittle crunch sprinkles make a GRAND dessert recipe. These cupcakes aren’t just Krunch Kote peanut butter cupcakes, they’re the ultimate peanut butter cupcakes!

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Cupcakes:
Peanut Butter Frosting:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the vegetable oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  • Add the dry ingredients and begin to mix. Add the milk and beat until completely combined. Do not overmix.
  • Add the batter to the paper-lined cupcake pan(s) filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • While the cupcakes cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.
  • Add 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar, and beat on low. Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat on low. Add in 1/4 cup of the heavy cream and then more as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  • Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy.
  • Transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then immediately roll them in the Krunch Kote sprinkles.

Notes

Peanut Butter: For this recipe, I highly recommend using one of the following: Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan. ‘Natural’ style peanut butter tends to want to separate.
Mixer: You do not need a stand mixer for this recipe. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to yield the same results.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 452kcal • Carbohydrates: 47g • Protein: 10g • Fat: 27g • Saturated Fat: 9g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g • Monounsaturated Fat: 11g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Cholesterol: 36mg • Sodium: 315mg • Potassium: 264mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 35g • Vitamin A: 324IU • Vitamin C: 0.1mg • Calcium: 59mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Rich peanut butter cakes, topped with smooth peanut butter frosting, and rolled in Krunch Kote peanut brittle crunch sprinkles make a GRAND dessert recipe. These cupcakes aren’t just Krunch Kote peanut butter cupcakes, they’re the ultimate peanut butter cupcakes! I’m a fan of pretty much any peanut butter-based dessert. And while I’ve created many here […]




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Peach Bellini

Recipes

Wednesday
Aug / 3 / 2022
Comments 2
       
two glasses of Peach Bellinis.

Classic Peach Bellinis are made with peach puree and topped with prosecco. A tradition that started in Venice, Italy is now a staple cocktail (often served at brunch) that can be enjoyed by many!

two glasses of Peach Bellinis.

What is a Bellini?

We’re stirring up a new cocktail on Inspired by Charm today: Peach Bellinis.

A peach bellini is a classic cocktail recipe that originated in Venice, Italy back in the 30s or 40s. The Bellini got its name because its unique color reminded the creator, Giuseppe Cipriani, of the colors found in one of Bellini’s (a painter) 15th-century paintings. How fun is that!?

Traditionally, Bellinis are made with white peaches, however, it’s generally acceptable to use white or yellow. While using a different peach will slightly change the color and flavor, they will still be delicious.

Since its creation almost 100 years ago, the Bellini has become a popular cocktail to serve at brunch and breakfast. I tend to think that’s because it is light and refreshing, very easy to make, and you only need four ingredients!

Peach Bellinis in champagne glasses.

Ingredients:

Putting together these Peach Bellinis is really easy and you only need a few ingredients.

  • Peaches: Use peeled, ripened peaches as the base for this brunch cocktail! (If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can use frozen.)
  • Lemon Juice: This adds a refreshing kiss and helps to bring out the peach flavor.
  • Sugar/Simple Syrup: Depending on the sweetness of your peaches, a little sweetness is welcomed. You can get my simple syrup recipe HERE. I provided some sugar alternatives in the printable recipe card below.
  • Prosecco: Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy. It is traditionally used to make a Bellini.
peach puree in a container.

How to Serve:

Let me walk you through the recipe. For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Place the peaches, lemon juice, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until smooth.
  2. Transfer the purée to a storage container.
  3. Place 2 tablespoons of the peach puree into each champagne glass.
peach puree in champagne flutes.
  1. Fill with cold prosecco.
  2. Serve immediately.
pouring prosecco into champagne glass.

If you like the champagne glasses that I used (I don’t blame you as I love them too), you can find them HERE.

As I mentioned above, Bellinis are perfect for brunch. Here are a few recipes they pair nicely with:

two glasses of Peach Bellinis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to making a fresh peach bellini.

What’s the difference between a bellini and a mimosa?

As I explained above, a bellini is made of pureed peaches and prosecco while a mimosa is made with orange juice and champagne.

What are some good variations to the classic recipe?

One of my favorite things about cocktail mixing is that you can always add your own twist. Here are a few variations on the classic peach bellini.

  • Add other fruits. To switch things up, consider mixing in some raspberries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, etc. (I’ll be sharing a recipe for a raspberry peach version soon!)
  • Use frozen fruit. To make a frozen version of this peach bellini, use some frozen peach chunks in place of fresh peaches.
  • Use champagne/sparkling wine: While prosecco is traditional, you can use champagne, sparkling wine, or moscato.
  • Make it a mocktail. Instead of prosecco, use sparkling grape juice. This way everyone can join in the celebration.
two glasses of Peach Bellinis.

Cheers!

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Peach Bellinis, how to make them, and tips for serving.

Next time you’re hosting breakfast, brunch, or even lunch, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try.

Enjoy!

two glasses of Peach Bellinis.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Peach Bellini

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bees knees cocktail, bellini, peach, processo
Servings: 6
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Peach Bellinis in champagne glasses.
Classic Peach Bellinis are made with peach puree and topped with prosecco. A tradition that started in Venice, Italy is now a staple cocktail (often served at brunch) that can be enjoyed by many!

Ingredients

  • 2 peeled fresh peaches - ( or 2 cups frozen peaches)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup
  • 1 bottle prosecco
  • mint leaves

Instructions

  • Place the peaches, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until smooth.
  • Transfer the purée* to a storage container.
  • Place 2 tablespoons of the peach puree into each glass and fill with cold prosecco.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

*If desired, the puree can be passed through a mesh sieve to remove any solids.
You can purchase simple syrup or make your own. Find my recipe HERE.
Don’t want to use simple syrup? Substitute with 1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust to your desired level of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 92kcal • Carbohydrates: 9g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.01g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g • Sodium: 17mg • Potassium: 177mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 8g • Vitamin A: 167IU • Vitamin C: 3mg • Calcium: 14mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Classic Peach Bellinis are made with peach puree and topped with prosecco. A tradition that started in Venice, Italy is now a staple cocktail (often served at brunch) that can be enjoyed by many! What is a Bellini? We’re stirring up a new cocktail on Inspired by Charm today: Peach Bellinis. A peach bellini is […]




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Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Recipes

Monday
Aug / 1 / 2022
Comments 4
       
chocolate zucchini muffins on cake stand.

Made with shredded zucchini, cocoa powder, and plenty of chocolate chips, these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast. They are rich, moist, and loaded with chocolaty goodness.

chocolate zucchini muffins on rack.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

During mid to late summer, everyone seems to have an excess of zucchini. In this post, I’m giving you a delicious and decent way to use up the zucchini with these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins.
I’m loving these muffins for a few reasons:

  • They are delicious for breakfast, brunch, or snack.
  • The hidden zucchini adds extra nutrition.
  • They have the perfect amount of chocolate.
  • Like many of my recipes, they are really easy to make.
unwrapped chocolate zucchini muffin.

I also noticed that some of the chocolate chips melted and stayed soft and creamy even after they were cool. It could be the chocolate chips I used (Ghirardelli) or the extra moisture from the zucchini and sour cream. Either way, I really enjoyed it.

Looking for More Fabulous Muffin Recipes? Try these:

Want to give these muffins a try? Let me walk you through the recipe!

chocolate zucchini muffins on cake stand.

How To Make:

For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
dry ingredients for chocolate zucchini muffins.
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and vegetable oil.
  2. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
pour wet ingredients into dry.
  1. Fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
  2. Fill the prepared muffin cups about three-fourths of the way full.
chocolate zucchini muffin batter in pan.
  1. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the muffin comes out clean.

And that’s it! I love recipes that don’t involve an electric mixer. All you need is a couple of bowls, a whisk, and a spatula.

plate of chocolate zucchini muffins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I peel the zucchini before grating?

Nope. There’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skins are soft, so once you grate the zucchini and bake the muffins you won’t even notice the skins. Also, after I grated my zucchini I left it to rest on a paper towel to eliminate some of the extra water.

What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?

I used a combination of milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is typically how I approach any recipe with chocolate chips. With that being said, you can use whatever chocolate you like best.

Can I freeze these chocolate zucchini muffins?

You sure can. Just make sure you package them in a freeze-friendly container to avoid any freezer burn. Defrost before serving.

Would this work as a quick bread recipe?

Yes! It works beautifully. In fact, I decided to make twelve standard muffins and two mini loaves.
You will have to adjust the baking time which can vary depending on the size of the loaf. I find that a standard loaf takes about 60-70 minutes. Just test the center of the bread with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, you’ll be good to go.

loaf of chocolate zucchini bread.

sliced chocolate zucchini bread.

You’re Ready To Bake!

And with that, I think you’re ready to bake these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins! If you have some extra zucchini you need to use up, this recipe is perfect. My guess is that you may already have the other ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.

Enjoy and happy baking!

unwrapped chocolate zucchini muffin.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blueberry muffins, chocolate, zucchini
Servings: 18
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
21 mins
Total Time 56 mins
chocolate zucchini muffins on rack.
Made with shredded zucchini, cocoa powder, and plenty of chocolate chips, these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast. They are rich, moist, and loaded with chocolaty goodness.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and vegetable oil.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  • Fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
  • Fill the prepared muffin cups about three-fourths of the way full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the muffin comes out clean.

Notes

*You can use your favorite chocolate chips. I used a combination of 3/4 cup milk chocolate and 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 182kcal • Carbohydrates: 29g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 7g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g • Monounsaturated Fat: 1g • Trans Fat: 0.002g • Cholesterol: 30mg • Sodium: 260mg • Potassium: 175mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 14g • Vitamin A: 156IU • Vitamin C: 3mg • Calcium: 73mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Made with shredded zucchini, cocoa powder, and plenty of chocolate chips, these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast. They are rich, moist, and loaded with chocolaty goodness. Chocolate Zucchini Muffins During mid to late summer, everyone seems to have an excess of zucchini. In this post, I’m giving you […]




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A Collection of Delicious and Easy Dip Recipes

Recipes

Sunday
Jul / 31 / 2022
Comments 54
       
A Collection of the BEST Easy and Delicious Dip Recipes #easy #delicious #dip #recipes #appetizer #dips #partyfood #appetizers #snack

This is my ultimate collection of easy dip recipes. This list contains everything you need, including veggie dip, corn dip, fruit dip, and more! These are easy dip recipes everyone will love!

easy and delicious dip recipes pin

With the super bowl just a week away (it is next Sunday, right? I’m clearly not the person to ask), I thought it would be smart to put together a collection of delicious and easy dip recipes for your parties.

I mean, if it weren’t for the food and commercials, I would never attend a super bowl party. Plus, every party needs a good dip recipe!

So here is a pretty awesome collection of easy dip recipes. Enjoy! You can click on the image or the name of the dip (in mint color) for the recipe.

MORE DELICIOUS RECIPE COLLECTIONS:

Watch These Dip Come Together:

Do you want to see a few of these dip recipes in action? Check out the fun video below.

Want more? Let me share all of my BEST dip recipes that I know you’re going to LOVE!

Easy Dip Recipes

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Artichoke Dip

This tomato, spinach, and artichoke dip takes the classic recipe to the next level with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked Gouda, and Fontina cheese. It’s so tasty! You’ll be making this delicious appetizer dip recipe again and again.

spinach artichoke tomato appetizer spread on a cracker

2. Skillet Reuben Dip:

This Reuben dip brings together the flavors that you love of the classic Reuben sandwich, but in dip form. This is always a crowd pleaser!

crusty bread with Reuben dip on top

3. Out-Of-This-World Corn Dip

This is easily MY FAVORITE appetizer easy dip recipe. I make this delicious corn dip multiple times a year. In fact, my family expects it at various events throughout the year. I’m certain you will love it as much as we do!

Out of this World Corn Dip scooped up on a frito

4. Really Good Veggie Dip

This veggie dip is my favorite thing for vegetables! Look no further if you’re looking for the ultimate vegetable dip recipe. It is loaded with flavor and will quickly become your new go-to recipe. You’re going to love it as much as I do!

vegetables on a platter surrounding veggie dip

5. Easy Fruit Dip

If you’re looking for a flavorful and creamy fruit dip, look no further. You only need four ingredients and five minutes to whip up this easy fruit dip recipe. And, it goes perfectly with all your favorite fruits.

platter of fruit surrounding sweet fruit fluff

6. The Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe

Because I think that every party needs a pizza dip, this sausage pizza dip is a must. It’s loaded with layers of hearty pizza flavor everyone will go crazy about.

easy dip recipes inspired by pizza

7. Broccoli Casserole Cheese Dip

This broccoli casserole-inspired dip recipe combines the classic broccoli and cheddar flavors we all love in a dip no one can say no to. Plus, it’s easy to make!

ritz cracker scooping up crumbly broccoli cheese casserole

8. Jalapeño Corn Dip

Made with fresh jalapeños, sweet corn, cheese, and spices, this spicy corn dip is an appetizer that’s sweet and spicy, easy to make, and certain to please a crowd. You won’t be able to stop at just one scoop.

jalapeño corn dip in a frito

Want More? You got it!

9. Warm Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dip recipe, this goat cheese dip is a guaranteed winner. Topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s a delicious combination that’s sure to satisfy your guests.

warm goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes being scooped up on crusty bread

10. Really Good Chip Dip

This creamy chip dip is a delicious and fresh alternative to store-bought dip. In under 10 minutes, you can stir up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips but also veggies!

potato chip scooping up chip dip

11. Really Good Jalapeño Dip

This spicy jalapeño dip comes together with just a few ingredients. You determine the heat by adding more or less pith and seeds from the jalapeños. You and your guests will love it no matter how you make it!

jalapeno dip with cream cheese

12. Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Okay, so this technically isn’t a dip, but you can dip a cracker into it, so let’s go with it. Dip or not, this everything bagel cheese ball is one of my personal favorites! While this one is shaped into a pumpkin (it was fall when I made it), a ball would work just as nicely and taste just as amazing!

And if you like cheese balls, I have an entire collection of recipes for you! In fact, I’ve created a cheese ball for every season. You can find that post HERE.

pumpkin shaped everything bagel cheese ball

13. Veggie Pizza Dip

One of your favorite appetizers is now a dip! Classic veggie pizza has a new look but all the same delicious flavor you’ve come to love. Made with cream cheese, ranch, and lots of crisp veggies, this veggie pizza dip is so easy to make and will become an instant crowd-pleaser.

dipping into veggie pizza dip

14. BLT Dip Recipe

This layered BLT-inspired dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, this appetizer recipe brings together the classic flavors everyone loves.

BLT layered dip being scooped up with a chip

15. Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Made in a slow cooker, this beer cheese dip is rich with flavor and likely to become your new favorite appetizer recipe. I like to serve it with these little pretzel bites – the combination is delicious!

beer cheese dip for easy dip recipes

Decadent Dessert Dip Recipes:

16. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip

We need to throw a sweet dip into the mix, right? What’s a party without dessert. I would start with this salted caramel cheesecake dip. It’s rich and wonderful. Serve with apples, cookies, and graham crackers for a winning combination!

mini trifle dish with salted caramel fruit dip inside

17. Cheesecake Dip with Strawberries

Served with strawberries and graham cracker crumbs, this more classic cheesecake dip makes a quick and easy impromptu treat or dessert. It’s the perfect summertime treat.

dipping a strawberry into cheesecake fluff

18. Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip

Who doesn’t love a dip that’s ready in minutes? This caramel apple cream cheese dip is another sweet dip recipe that you’re going to love. With minimal ingredients, this flavor powerhouse is ready in no time.

close up of caramel apple inspired easy dip recipe

FAQs about Easy Dip Recipes:

Now that you know some of my favorite easy dip recipes, here are some questions people often ask about making dips at home. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

What is crack dip made of?

Crack dip is made from a combination of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise and topped with bacon, ranch dressing mix, and lots of bacon!

How many types of dips are there?

There are probably thousands of different types of dips you could make. I shared 18 easy dip recipes above. I hope you enjoy them and find a few new go-to’s for snacks or parties.

What dip is good with crackers?

Since crackers are thin and break easily, use softer dips with them. A yogurt-based dip or melted cheese dip will be the best with crackers.

What goes with dip?

This depends on what type of dip you are serving. If it is a sweet dip, serve it with fruit or sweet bread. If it’s a salty or savory dip, serve it with crusty bread or crackers. Raw veggies are fantastic for salty or savory dips too.

That’s a Wrap on Easy Dip Recipes!

Amazing stuff, right!? I just love dippable food. I could make a meal of it – how about you? Either way, I hope you picked up a few new delicious and easy dip recipes. Which one are you going to try first? Happy Cooking!

Want More from Inspired by Charm?

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

Connect with Michael on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Have you made an IBC recipe you love? Follow me on Instagram. Share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm so we can see your delicious creation.

This is my ultimate collection of easy dip recipes. This list contains everything you need, including veggie dip, corn dip, fruit dip, and more! These are easy dip recipes everyone will love! With the super bowl just a week away (it is next Sunday, right? I’m clearly not the person to ask), I thought it […]




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Wilted Endive

Recipes

Saturday
Jul / 30 / 2022
Comments 4
       
bowl of wilted endive.

Wilted Endive is an old-fashioned salad recipe served with onion, hard-boiled egg, and a hot bacon dressing. It’s an easy recipe that can be assembled in under fifteen minutes and enjoyed by all.

wilted endive in a bowl and on plates.

What is Wilted Endive

Before we get into this recipe, it’s worth mentioning that this is not a healthy salad. (Please do not come at me.) It’s made with sugar, eggs, and bacon grease. This is a recipe I grew up on, but it wasn’t something we ate often. It was a treat.

Nowadays I’m lucky to have it once a year. While most wouldn’t consider a salad to be comfort food, to me, this is the ultimate comfort food. It takes me back to my childhood. I think we all have foods like that, don’t we?

wilted endive in a bowl.

As far as I know, this is an old German recipe. However, after doing some research I’ve also read that it could have originated in Poland and/or been a Southern (USA) cuisine. Who knows?

Regardless, Wilted Endive is a family favorite. It’s such a delicious combination of flavors. I love the sourness of the vinegar, the sweetness of the sugar, and the creaminess that the eggs add. So good!

Want more green salads? Try these:

Let me teach you how to make it the way my mom taught me.

plated wilted endive with fork.

How to Make:

For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by preparing your endive. Wash thoroughly and dry. Remove any hard stems and roughly chop. Add to a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the endive with the sugar, then top with sliced onion and two of the sliced hard-boiled eggs.
adding sugar to endive.
  1. Cook the bacon in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the bacon is cooked and crispy, but not burnt, pour the hot bacon and bacon grease evenly over the endive.
cooking bacon in a pan.
  1. Add the water to the frying pan, then pour over the endive.
  2. Pour the apple cider vinegar onto the endive.
pouring bacon and grease onto wilted endive.
making wilted endive in a bowl.
  1. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the endive to evenly combine.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Decorate the top of the salad with the third egg.
  4. Serve immediately.

That’s it! You’ve just made Wilted Endive!

wilted endive in a bowl.

Variations:

Here are a few variations to this Wilted Endive recipe you might consider trying:

  • Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken to make this salad a quick and easy dinner.
  • Use a different green. Can’t find or don’t like endive. You can create this with head lettuce as well. In fact, any crispy/firm leafy green will work.
  • Add croutons. Want a little extra crunch? Toss some croutons onto the finished salad.
wilted endive in a bowl.
hand with fork into plated wilted endive.

Frequently Asked Question:

I’ve tried to anticipate any questions you may have about this recipe and have shared them below. Have other questions? Let me know in the comments area.

Can I make this salad in advance?

No. This is best enjoyed immediately after making.

Can I make this without sugar?

Maybe, but I wouldn’t. While not considered “healthy,” the sugar and bacon grease makes this recipe what it is. You could try using a bit less of each if you prefer.

Want a “healthier” salad? Try my Summer Berry Spinach Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad.

plated wilted endive.

And You’re Ready to Enjoy!

If you’re looking for a new salad recipe to have as a treat, I definitely recommend giving this Wilted Endive a try. I just know you’re going to love it as much as my family and I do. Maybe it will become a new tradition in your home.

Happy cooking!

wilted endive on a plate.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Wilted Endive

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, German
Keyword: bacon, bread salad, endive, lettuce, wilted
Servings: 6
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
wilted endive in a bowl.
Wilted Endive is an old-fashioned salad recipe served with onion, hard-boiled egg, and a hot bacon dressing. It’s an easy recipe that can be assembled in under fifteen minutes and enjoyed by all.

Ingredients

  • 1 head endive
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 small sweet white onion - sliced
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs - sliced
  • 6 slices bacon - chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • kosher salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing your endive. Wash thoroughly and dry. Remove any hard stems and roughly chop. Add to a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the endive with the sugar, then top with sliced onion and two of the sliced hard-boiled eggs.
  • Cook the bacon in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once the bacon is cooked and crispy, but not burnt, pour the hot bacon and bacon grease evenly over the endive. Add the water to the frying pan, then pour over the endive. Pour the apple cider vinegar onto the endive.
  • Use your hands to massage the dressing into the endive to evenly combine. This process will also break up the eggs, incorporating them into the dressing.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Decorate the top of the salad with the third sliced egg.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 193kcal • Carbohydrates: 15g • Protein: 7g • Fat: 12g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g • Trans Fat: 0.03g • Cholesterol: 108mg • Sodium: 196mg • Potassium: 275mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 12g • Vitamin A: 2292IU • Vitamin C: 10mg • Calcium: 58mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Wilted Endive is an old-fashioned salad recipe served with onion, hard-boiled egg, and a hot bacon dressing. It’s an easy recipe that can be assembled in under fifteen minutes and enjoyed by all. What is Wilted Endive Before we get into this recipe, it’s worth mentioning that this is not a healthy salad. (Please do […]




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Mango Mojito

Recipes

Thursday
Jul / 28 / 2022
Comments 2
       
two mango mojitos in glasses.

Made with mango sorbet, white rum, lime, and mint, this Mango Mojito recipe makes the perfect refreshing and delicious cocktail for a hot summer day!

two mango mojitos in glasses.

Mango Mojitos

A couple of weeks ago I shared a recipe for no-churn mango sorbet. And while I could have eaten the whole batch right out of the pan, I thought it would be fun to put it to use in creating some cocktails. So, that’s exactly what I did.

I will be sharing all of those recipes with you, but in this post, we’re going to mix up some mango mojitos! These mango mojitos are the perfect cocktail for summer entertaining, and they are easy and simple to make.

two mango mojitos in glasses.

What Do you Need for this Mango Mojito Recipe?

If you’ve never made a mojito, have no fear as the process is simple and you don’t need many items. Here are the ingredients:

  • mango sorbet: You can get my homemade recipe HERE, but store-bought is great too.
  • lime juice: Always use fresh whenever possible. It makes all the difference.
  • white rum: Use your favorite. I’m using this white rum from Maggie’s Rum Farm which is local to Pittsburgh.
  • fresh mint: Pineapple mint is my favorite because of its variegated leaves, but you can use whatever you like.
  • simple syrup: Again, you can find my recipe HERE, but you can also use store-bought. You will find simple syrup in the cocktail mixer section at the grocery store.
  • soda/sparkling water: I made a new discovery here. See below:
Topo Chico with a twist of lime.

Most mojitos are finished off with some sort of lemon-lime soda, so when I was recipe testing that was my plan too. However, when I went to add the soda, I realized I never bought any. Oops! Then I remembered I had some Topo Chico Twist of Lime so I used that instead. What a happy accident! I loved it. It added that fizz and a touch of flavor without added sugar. Perfection.

Side note: If you’ve never had Topo Chico before, I highly recommend it. It made me a sparkling water fan.

Looking for more rum based cocktails? Try these:

two mango mojitos in glasses.

Let’s Stir Up a Mango Mojito!

You can find a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Add the mango sorbet and some ice to a highball glass.
  2. Add the rum, simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves.
making a mango mojito.
  1. Stir with a spoon or straw to combine.
  2. Garnish with mint leaves.
  3. Sip and enjoy!

Effortless, right?

The flavor combination is so good here. While I love a classic mojito, the mango has a delicious tropical twist. You need to give this one a try.

hand holding mango mojito.

Make it a Mocktail:

This recipe perfectly adapts itself to a mocktail. (I feel like most mojitos do.) To make this an alcohol-free drink, just leave out the rum. It’s that simple. Thanks to the mango sorbet, lime juice, and mint, this drink is still loaded with flavor even sans the rum!

That’s A Wrap!

I hope you enjoyed this tasty cocktail recipe. You need to add these Mango Mojitos to your cocktail-making repertoire.

Want more? Coming up next, we’re going to use the mango sorbet to make mango margaritas and mango mimosas. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

two mango mojitos in glasses.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

two mango mojitos in glasses.

Mango Mojito

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail, mango, mojito, rum
Servings: 1
Prep Time 4 mins
Total Time 4 mins
two mango mojitos in glasses.
Made with mango sorbet, white rum, lime, and mint, this Mango Mojito recipe makes the perfect refreshing and delicious cocktail for a hot summer day!

Ingredients

  • 2 scoops mango sorbet - (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 6-8 mint leaves - plus more to garnish
  • 2-3 ounces Topo Chico Twist of Lime
  • mint leaves

Instructions

  • Add the mango sorbet and some ice to a highball glass.
  • Add the rum, simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves.
  • Stir with a spoon or straw to combine.
  • Sip and enjoy!

Notes

All of these amounts are recommendations. Like it sweeter? Add more simple syrup! Want less lime? Just do a squeeze. Want a mocktail? Skip the rum.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180kcal • Carbohydrates: 14g • Protein: 0.3g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.01g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g • Sodium: 11mg • Potassium: 77mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 11g • Vitamin A: 269IU • Vitamin C: 10mg • Calcium: 20mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Made with mango sorbet, white rum, lime, and mint, this Mango Mojito recipe makes the perfect refreshing and delicious cocktail for a hot summer day! Mango Mojitos A couple of weeks ago I shared a recipe for no-churn mango sorbet. And while I could have eaten the whole batch right out of the pan, I […]




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Lazy Daisy Cake

Recipes

Tuesday
Jul / 26 / 2022
Comments 9
       
lazy daisy cake in pan and plated.

This Lazy Daisy Cake is an old-fashioned recipe that has stood the test of time thanks to its moist buttery cake and broiled coconut and brown sugar topping. It’s also a breeze to make and travels beautifully!

two pieces of lazy daisy cake.

The other day I was brainstorming with my mom about recipes that I could make and share here on the blog. My mom used to be a chef at a cafe in my hometown and has a bunch of delicious recipes from that time.

We got on the topic of desserts and she mentioned this Lazy Daisy Cake. It sounded a bit basic to me when I first heard it, but my goodness am I so glad I tried it. Friends, it’s incredible.

piece of lazy daisy cake.

This is an old-fashioned dessert that was supposedly invented back in the 1910s and popularized in the 40s. If you’ve been following along with Inspired by Charm, you’ll know how much I love old-fashioned recipes. I couldn’t be more excited to bring you another.

If you need a dessert for a potluck, picnic, or family get-together, you can trust this cake to be a winner!

Want more winning cake recipes? Try these:

lazy daisy cake in pan.

What is a Lazy Daisy Cake?

The base of the cake is essentially a hot milk cake in which melted butter and milk are mixed into a simple batter. This gives a unique flavor and creates a tender, dense, and moist cake. It’s similar to a pound cake.

piece of lazy daisy cake on plate.

While the cake is delicious on its own, the brown sugar and coconut topping take it to the next level. It’s what makes this recipe truly special. The topping is mixed together, spread onto the cake, and then broiled to a gooey, caramelly, toasted perfection.

If you’re a fan of coconut, you’re going to love this! Not a fan, this recipe may change your mind.

Let’s bake!

lazy daisy cakes on plates in pans.

How To Make:

Ready to give this Lazy Daisy Cake a try? Let me walk you through the steps to make this dessert. For your convenience, there is a printable recipe card with detailed ingredient amounts and recipe instructions at the end of this post.

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar and egg mixture and whisk until just combined. Set aside.
dry ingredients in mixing bowl.
  1. Add the milk and butter to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. While whisking, slowly add the boiling mixture to the batter. Whisk until smooth and combined. Pour this batter into the prepared pan.
cake batter pouring into pan.
  1. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  2. Just before the cake is finished baking, prepare the coconut topping by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in the brown sugar and milk until combined. Add in the coconut and stir to evenly coat.
  3. When the cake is finished baking, spread the topping over the cake and place it under the broiler for three to four minutes or until it is bubbly and the coconut begins to toast.
broiling top of lazy daisy cake.
  1. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Recipe Notes:

  • This Lazy Daisy Cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
lassie daisy cake in pan
fork into lazy daisy cake.

Baked and Broiled to Perfection:

And that’s how you make a Lazy Daisy Cake!

I couldn’t get enough of this cake. I actually had to pack it up and give it to my brother before I ate the whole darn thing.

lazy daisy cake on plates on table.

If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that has stood the test of time and is loved by many, then you need to give this recipe a try.

As always, enjoy, and happy baking!

plated lazy daisy cake.

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lazy daisy cake in pan and plated.

Lazy Daisy Cake

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, coconut, dessert, easy, milk cake
Servings: 12
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 55 mins
plated lazy daisy cake.
This Lazy Daisy Cake is an old-fashioned recipe that has stood the test of time thanks to its moist buttery cake and broiled coconut and brown sugar topping. It’s also a breeze to make and travels beautifully!

Ingredients

Coconut Topping:
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar and egg mixture and whisk until just combined. Set aside.
  • Add the milk and butter to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • While whisking, slowly add the boiling mixture to the batter. Whisk until smooth and combined. Pour this batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Just before the cake is finished baking, prepare the coconut topping by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk until combined. Add in the coconut and stir to evenly coat.
  • When the cake is finished baking, spread the topping over the cake and place it under the broiler for three to four minutes or until it is bubbly and the coconut begins to toast.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Video

Notes

Cake can be served warm or at room temperature. 
 
This cake can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 days. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 531kcal • Carbohydrates: 81g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 22g • Saturated Fat: 14g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g • Trans Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 98mg • Sodium: 345mg • Potassium: 171mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 62g • Vitamin A: 596IU • Calcium: 110mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

This Lazy Daisy Cake is an old-fashioned recipe that has stood the test of time thanks to its moist buttery cake and broiled coconut and brown sugar topping. It’s also a breeze to make and travels beautifully! The other day I was brainstorming with my mom about recipes that I could make and share here […]




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Cherry Mountain Pie

Recipes

Sunday
Jul / 24 / 2022
Comments 10
       
cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

Looking for a campfire dessert? Then grab some sliced bread, your favorite pie filling, and a couple of pie irons because we’re roasting up some Cherry Mountain Pies.

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

I recently gathered together a bunch of ingredients to craft three mountain pie recipes to share with you. We started with one of my favorites, a pizza mountain pie, and today we’re moving on to a dessert with this Cherry Mountain Pie.

What I love about this particular recipe is that you can use any pie filling you like: cherry, apple, blueberry, peach, etc. I even thought about making and using my strawberry rhubarb pie filling. Talk about epic!

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

If you’ve never had a mountain pie before, you’re in for a treat! I have been making and eating these for as long as I can remember. They are my favorite campfire treat and the options for fillings and flavor is virtually endless.

Before we get into the details of the recipe, let me answer the obvious questions. (I explained most of this in my previous mountain post, but if you’re new, it’s worth going over again.)

More recipes to enjoy around the campfire:

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

What is a Mountain Pie?

I believe that the name “mountain pie” is a regional thing. According to many of you (and a quick google search), mountain pies are also known as hobo pies, iron pies, pudgy pies, campfire pies, and camper pies.

No matter what you call them, the idea behind them is mostly the same. They are made by putting a filling (savory or sweet) between two slices of buttered bread and then placed in a long-handled metal tool (typically cast iron) that is held over a campfire until the ingredients are cooked and the bread is toasted. This process creates a warm and delicious handheld “pie.”

mountain pie maker in fire.

How do You Make a Mountain Pie?

I briefly explained the process above, but now I want to walk you through it step-by-step with this cherry mountain pie recipe. What’s especially nice about mountain pies is that you only need one ingredient to fill them. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

making a cherry mountain pie in mountain pie maker.

I’ve also included a detailed ingredient list and directions in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

This one HERE is the one I own and my personal favorite. I highly recommend that you go with cast iron. It cooks the best and will withstand the heat of the fire for many years to come. The square is the traditional style but you can also find them in a circle shape. You can even get double sandwich irons.

There’s some debate as to whether you start with a hot or cold pie iron. Personally, I find a cold/warm pie iron to work best. A hot iron cooks the bread too quickly resulting in a burnt outside and cold inside. Feel free to experiment and do whatever method you like best.

Spray your pie iron with cooking spray. Alternatively, your bread can be buttered. I just find the spray to be a bit easier. I recommend something like Pam or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray.

Place one piece of bread on one side of the pie iron. Evenly spread out the cherry pie filling.

making a cherry mountain pie in mountain pie maker.
making a cherry mountain pie in mountain pie maker.

Add the second bread slice to the other side of your pie iron and close.

Cook over a hot campfire until golden brown and hot inside: about 5-7 minutes. The time will vary based on where the iron is in your fire, how hot your fire is, etc.

Flip the iron while it is in the fire so the mountain pie cooks evenly. Also, be sure to check on your mountain pie throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

Remove the cooked mountain pie from the iron and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying. This is very important. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burnt my mouth on hot mountain pie filling. I have zero self-restraint.

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

And that’s it! Dessert is ready. You can make a whole meal out of mountain pies. Start with pizza and end with cherry.

Want a few more ideas? You got it!

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

Other filling ideas:

If you’re anything like me, your mind is already thinking of all the possible creations and combos to make when using a mountain pie maker. I’ll be sharing another recipe with you soon, but in the meantime, you could try:

  • other canned pie fillings,
  • ham and cheese,
  • Nutella and berries/banana,-
  • pulled pork,
  • buffalo chicken,
  • cheesesteak,
  • Rueben,
  • breakfast (egg with cheese, sausage/bacon),
  • grilled vegetables and cheese,
  • caprese (tomato, cheese, and basil),
  • and so many more!

As you can see, you’re only limited by your culinary creativity. Get brainstorming, dig through your pantry and fridge, use leftovers, and try new recipes.

That’s a wrap!

If mountain pies (aka hobo pies, iron pies, pudgy pies, campfire pies, and camper pies) are new to you, I really hope you enjoyed learning about them and getting a few of my recipes. You definitely need to give these cherry mountain pies a try.

Enjoy!!

cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Cherry Mountain Pie

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: campfire pie, cherry, mountain pie
Servings: 1
Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
cherry mountain pies stacked on cutting board.
Looking for a campfire dessert? Then grab some sliced bread, your favorite pie filling, and a couple of pie irons because we’re roasting up some Cherry Mountain Pies.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray your pie iron with cooking spray. (Alternatively, your bread can be buttered. I just find the spray to be a bit easier.)
  • Place one piece of bread on one side of the pie iron. Top with your (cherry) pie filling. Add the second bread slice to the other side of your pie iron and close.
  • Cook over a hot campfire until golden brown and hot inside: about 5-7 minutes. Flip the iron while it is in the fire so the mountain pie cooks evenly. Also, be sure to check on your mountain pie throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
  • Remove the cooked mountain pie from the iron and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 221kcal • Carbohydrates: 43g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 3g • Saturated Fat: 0.4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g • Trans Fat: 0.02g • Sodium: 276mg • Potassium: 141mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 3g • Vitamin A: 122IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 77mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Looking for a campfire dessert? Then grab some sliced bread, your favorite pie filling, and a couple of pie irons because we’re roasting up some Cherry Mountain Pies. I recently gathered together a bunch of ingredients to craft three mountain pie recipes to share with you. We started with one of my favorites, a pizza […]




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Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Recipes

Friday
Jul / 22 / 2022
Comments 2
       
Sweet Tea Mint Juleps in glasses.

We’re combining two Southern classics (sweet tea and mint juleps) to create these delicious and refreshing Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. If you’re looking for the perfect summer cocktail where you can whip up an entire batch all at once, this may be the drink for you.

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

I’m back with another quick and easy cocktail recipe that’s ideal for summer parties or summer porch sitting: Sweet Tea Mint Juleps.

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

I’ve always been an iced tea lover. It’s still one of my go-to beverages when I go out to eat. I’m also a big fan of bourbon (the liquor in a mint julep). In fact, mint juleps were one of the things that helped me to enjoy (and now love) bourbon. I had my first mint julep when I attended the Kentucky Derby several years back. It only took one sip and I was hooked.

In this cocktail recipe, the sweet tea and mint julep come together to create a lovely, refreshing, and easy-drinking cocktail.

Want More Bourbon-Based Cocktails? You got it:

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

What is a Mint Julep:

A mint julep is a bourbon-based drink consisting of bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice. It’s mostly recognized for being the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby but also serves as a popular cocktail in the South.

Another popular Southern drink is sweet tea, so putting the two together makes perfect sense.

Now that you know what a mint julep is, let’s walk through the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this cocktail recipe.

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

Ingredients:

  • Brewed iced tea: You can brew your iced tea however you’d like. Here I did a sun tea. (Just add your tea bags and water to a glass jar and place it in the sun to brew.) I also highly recommend these cold brew tea bags from Lipton.
  • Simple syrup: Sweet tea needs sweetness. I find simple syrup the best way to do this. You can find my recipe HERE or use store-bought.
  • Mint leaves: Fresh is a must here. I just grabbed some from my garden, but you can pick them up at the grocery store.
  • Bourbon: If you’ve ever seen my bourbon-based cocktails, then you’ll know Four Roses Single Barrel is my go-to bourbon. If you want something a bit more affordable, try Bulliet.
  • Sliced lemon: Lemon and iced tea are like peanut butter and jelly for me, a classic combination. Sliced lemon adds a fresh zing and depth of flavor.

I also wanted to quickly mention the glassware I used to serve my Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. These are Nesting Jars from Ball and I’m completely obsessed with them. They function as typical jars and can be used for canning, storage, etc. However, I think they are perfect for a cocktail like this one. What’s even better is that they are stackable. Love that! The empty jars take up very little space in your pantry or kitchen cupboards. 

You can find these Nesting Jars HERE or anywhere Ball jars are sold.

Okay, enough chatter, let’s make some cocktails!

How to Make:

This is a pretty simple recipe. In addition to the steps here, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. To a large container, add the iced tea, simple syrup, mint leaves, bourbon, and lemon slices.
pouring bourbon into iced tea.
iced tea in large jar.
  1. Stir to combine.
  2. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced lemons and fresh mint.
pour iced tea into glasses.
  1. Sip and enjoy!

Pretty easy, right? You can whip up a big batch and you’ll be ready to go for a night at home or a celebration with friends and family.

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

Cheers!

If you like iced tea, I know you’re going to love these Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Connect with Michael on Social: Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps in glasses.

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bourbon, cocktail, mint julep, sweet tea
Servings: 6
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
sweet tea mint juleps in glasses.
We’re combining two Southern classics (sweet tea and mint juleps) to create these delicious and refreshing Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. If you’re looking for the perfect summer cocktail where you can whip up an entire batch all at once, this may be the drink for you.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups freshly brewed unsweetened iced tea - cooled
  • ¾ cup simple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves - plus more for serving
  • 1 ½ cups bourbon
  • 1 sliced lemon - plus more for serving
  • ice

Instructions

  • To a large container, add the iced tea, simple syrup, mint leaves, bourbon, and lemon slices. Stir to combine.
  • Serve over ice and garnish with sliced lemons and fresh mint.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 349kcal • Carbohydrates: 55g • Protein: 0.3g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.02g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g • Sodium: 37mg • Potassium: 94mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 54g • Vitamin A: 319IU • Vitamin C: 2mg • Calcium: 31mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

We’re combining two Southern classics (sweet tea and mint juleps) to create these delicious and refreshing Sweet Tea Mint Juleps. If you’re looking for the perfect summer cocktail where you can whip up an entire batch all at once, this may be the drink for you. Sweet Tea Mint Juleps I’m back with another quick […]




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Mango Sorbet (No-Churn Recipe)

Recipes

Wednesday
Jul / 20 / 2022
Comments 9
       
mango sorbet in bowls.

You can make Mango Sorbet at home with this easy no-churn recipe. You only need four ingredients to make this creamy dessert sorbet.

mango sorbet in bowls.

It’s been a long time since I made homemade ice cream. (Several years ago I made two no-churn ice creams. One was birthday cake and the other was cookies and cream. You can find those recipes HERE.) I thought I would give it a go again, but this time I wanted to do a sorbet. I considered a few flavor options but ultimately decided on mango. (I may try watermelon or peach next.)

scooping mango sorbet.

Homemade Mango Sorbet

I’ve been having a little love affair with mango lately. My grocery store sells it peeled and cut in packs. I realize this is a total luxury, but I find mango so difficult to peel and so this makes it easy to eat and enjoy.

Thankfully, you use frozen mango for this mango sorbet recipe which makes the whole process even easier.

mango sorbet in bowl.

The resulting sorbet is luxuriously creamy and the flavor is lip-smackingly good! I love this homemade sorbet straight out of the food processor, but you can freeze it and enjoy it at a later date. Just be sure to remove it from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before you want to eat it (longer if you want it even softer).

Another reason I wanted to make this homemade mango sorbet is that I was planning on using it to craft some new cocktail recipes. Yes, cocktails! I’ll be using it to make mango margaritas, mango mojitos, and mango mimosas.

mango sorbet in pan.

Ingredients List:

As I mentioned above you only need four ingredients to make this homemade mango sorbet.

  • frozen mango: Having your mango frozen is essential to a cold creamy sorbet.
  • sweetener: I used simple syrup, but maple syrup would work as well. (You can find my simple syrup recipe HERE.)
  • lime juice: This adds depth of flavor and a really nice kick
  • kosher salt: It’s amazing what a little salt can do to enhance the flavor of sweeter recipes.

You’re also going to need a good food processor. You can find the one I have HERE. It’s a workhorse and it’s simple to use. (I bought it because it’s the one Ina Garten has, so you know it must be a winner.)

mango sorbet in bowls.

No-Churn Recipe:

Let me walk you through the recipe here. For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Place the frozen mango in the food processor and pulse until slightly chopped.
mango in food processor.
  1. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add in the simple syrup, lime juice, and salt.
  2. Continue the process of scraping down the sides as needed.
mango pieces in food processor.
  1. Leave the food processor on for at least one minute to achieve a creamy consistency.
Homemade No-Churn Mango Sorbet

The sorbet can be enjoyed immediately or put in a sealed container and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Only four ingredients and four steps to a delicious dessert treat! That’s it, my friends!

mango sorbet in dish.

Variations – Get Creative!

If you want to have even more fun with your mango sorbet flavors, try adding in other frozen fruit. Some delicious ideas could include

  • raspberries,
  • pineapple,
  • blueberries,
  • and more!

Want to make this recipe without the sugar/sweetener? Go for it! Leave out the sugar or use something like stevia to add a touch of sweetness.

mango sorbet in bowl.
mango sorbet in dish.

Dig in!

And that’s how easy it is to make homemade no-churn Mango Sorbet! If you’re looking for a refreshing, cool, and sweet treat, you might want to give this a try!

Remember to stay tuned in as I’ll be sharing those mango sorbet-inspired cocktail recipes in the coming weeks.

Until next time!

scooping mango sorbet.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Connect with Michael on Social: Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Mango Sorbet

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade, mango, no churn, sorbet
Servings: 4
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
scooping mango sorbet.
You can make Mango Sorbet at home with this easy no-churn recipe. You only need four ingredients to make this creamy dessert sorbet.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen mango
  • ¼ cup sweetener - maple syrup or simple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • mint to garnish

Instructions

  • Place the frozen mango in the food processor and pulse until slightly chopped.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add in the simple syrup, lime juice, and salt.
  • Continue the process of scraping down the sides as needed. Leave the food processor on for at least one minute to achieve a creamy consistency.
  • The sorbet can be enjoyed immediately or put in a sealed container and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks.
  • (Remove from the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before serving.)

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 101kcal • Carbohydrates: 25g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 0.2g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g • Sodium: 2mg • Potassium: 286mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 23g • Vitamin A: 1789IU • Vitamin C: 62mg • Calcium: 19mg • Iron: 0.3mg
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 can make Mango Sorbet at home with this easy no-churn recipe. You only need four ingredients to make this creamy dessert sorbet. It’s been a long time since I made homemade ice cream. (Several years ago I made two no-churn ice creams. One was birthday cake and the other was cookies and cream. You […]




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Ramen Noodle Salad

Recipes

Tuesday
Jul / 19 / 2022
Comments 24
       

This ramen noodle salad is so simple to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd pleaser. You’re sure to love this easy and delicious pasta salad recipe!

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com
You'll love this Ramen Noodle Salad recipe! #ramen #noodle #salad

I realize that based on the deliciousness of this salad recipe, it should have a better or more descriptive name. However, around here, it’s referred to as ramen noodle salad, so I decided to stick with that.

This is another one of those recipes I can’t believe I haven’t shared with you before now. It’s something my family has been eating for years. It usually pops up half a dozen times in the summer months.

Want more pasta salad recipes? Check out my favorites below:

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

Easy Ramen Noodle Salad

Not only is this ramen noodle salad super simple to make, but it’s also really tasty. Plus, the ingredients are basic (in a good way), so it tends to please most people (with the exception of my brother, who doesn’t like almonds.)

If you’re in a rut and tired of the same ol’ pasta or macaroni salad, you need to give this recipe a try. I’m confident you and you’re guests are going to like it. Also, it holds up well in the refrigerator, so it will last you a couple of days, should there be any leftovers.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

Ingredients

There are two basic parts to this ramen noodle salad – the salad and the dressing. Even so, the list of ingredients is still really short. Here’s what I used in my ramen noodle salad.

  • Chicken Ramen Noodles: You will use both the noodles and flavor packs.
  • Fresh Broccoli: Since this is a salad, chop up the broccoli into tiny bite-sized florets.
  • Celery: Dice fresh celery into small pieces, so they do not distract from the rest of the salad.
  • Red Onion: These have the best and sweetest flavors. You can use yellow onions as a substitute.
  • Vegetable Oil: Use your favorite type of oil in the salad dressing. Olive oil and avocado oil are great choices.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the salad the tangy flavor everyone loves! You can also use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute.
  • Sugar: White granular sugar sweetens it up and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Fresh ground black pepper has the strongest flavor.
  • Sliced Almonds: These are optional, but they add protein and fiber to the salad (plus a fun crunch!)
Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad

The process of making this ramen noodle salad is simple.

You start by cooking the noodles. However, instead of boiling them, you just pour hot water over them and allow them to soak while you prepare the other ingredients. This results in the perfect noodle.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

Into the noodles go fresh broccoli, celery, and red onion. You can vary the amounts based on what you have, but I think the proportions I have in the recipe card below work well.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

The dressing is also easy to make.

Just whisk together vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and the flavor packets that come with the ramen noodles. Yes, it will seem like a lot of flavor packets, but there are a lot of noodles, so the amounts balance out.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

With the noodles ready, veggies cut, and the dressing whisked, throw in some sliced almonds and mix it all together.

Now, before you get frustrated trying to mix this, let me recommend using a chef’s best tool: your hands. Give them a good wash and get in there and mix it all up so the dressing coats everything.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

I recommend popping the salad in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving just to let those noodles soak up some of that flavor. Before carrying it to the table, give the salad one final stir, and you’re good to go.

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Ramen Noodle Salad

Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about ramen noodle salad. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

Can lettuce be used in ramen salad?

Yes, you can add lettuce to this salad if you like. Some people add crispy shredded red cabbage. Others sprinkle in some matchstick carrots. Whenever you add different types of veggies, make sure they are shredded or chopped really small.

Is it ok to eat raw ramen noodles?

Raw or uncooked ramen noodles are safe to eat. Some types of ramen noodle salads actually use uncooked ramen noodles. This way, they become more like crispy chow mein noodles or crunchy croutons.

In fact, I knew a person that used to open a bag of ramen, sprinkle in the seasoning packet, and eat it like potato chips.

What kind of dressing do you add to ramen noodle salad?

I’ve seen lots of different variations on this classic recipe. Some people use a soy sauce-based Asian dressing. I prefer a sweet Italian dressing because I like the tanginess of it.

I should also mention that this salad is fairly inexpensive. Did you know that ramen noodle packs only cost 25 cents a piece? I hadn’t bought them in years (my mom is the one who usually makes this recipe), but I was shocked when I saw the price tag.

That’s a Wrap on Ramen Noodle Salad!

Delicious! You can grab the full recipe for this ramen noodle salad below. This is the perfect salad to make for your meal prep or to serve for a large group at a party.

So, if you’re looking for a new and delicious summer pasta salad, this ramen noodle salad just might be the one. Enjoy!

Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

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Ramen Noodle Salad | inspiredbycharm.com

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe:

Ramen Noodle Salad

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pasta salad, ramen
Servings: 12 people
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins
This Ramen Noodle Salad is so simple to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd pleaser. You’re certain to love this easy and delicious pasta salad recipe!

Ingredients

  • 6 packages Chicken Ramen Noodles - noodles and flavor packs
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli - cubed
  • 1 cup celery - diced
  • 1 small red onion - chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2/3 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the six packets of ramen noodles. Break each block of the noodles in half before adding it to the bowl. Set the flavor packets to the side so you can use them for the dressing.
  • Top the noodles with 6-8 cups of boiling water. As the noodles soak, stir them every few minutes to ensure they are evenly cooked.
  • While your noodles soak, chop up the broccoli into 1/- to 1-inch pieces. For this recipe, I recommend using mostly the leafy part with a shorter stem. Cut the celery and red onion as well. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and all six of the chicken flavor packs from the noodles. Set aside.
  • After 10-15 minutes your noodles should be ready. Strain off the water and rinse the noodles with cold water. Rinse them until they are cooled. Shake off the excess water.
  • In a large bowl, add the noodles, broccoli, celery, red onion, and sliced almonds. Pour the dressing over the top. Mix together with your hands (recommended) or a large spoon until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 346kcal • Carbohydrates: 39g • Protein: 7g • Fat: 19g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Sodium: 881mg • Potassium: 236mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 10g • Vitamin A: 185IU • Vitamin C: 21mg • Calcium: 45mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

This ramen noodle salad is so simple to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd pleaser. You’re sure to love this easy and delicious pasta salad recipe! I realize that based on the deliciousness of this salad recipe, it should have a better or more descriptive name. However, around here, it’s referred to as […]




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Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread

Recipes

Monday
Jul / 18 / 2022
Comments 2
       
whipped honey goat cheese spread in bowl.

Sweet, light, and creamy, this Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread is a snack, appetizer, and dessert wrapped into one. You can whip this up in under five minutes to create a delicious treat.

whipped honey goat cheese spread in bowl.

Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread

The other day, I put together a stunning summer berry and cheese board as part of a brand collaboration. It was so fun to make and style, not to mention delicious. I wanted to include a custom element to my spread, so I decided to whip up this delicious and super simple Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread.

summer berry and cheese board.
summer berry and cheese board.

The spread turned out so tasty that I decided to take a few extra pictures and write this post so I could share it with you.

I love this recipe for a few reasons:

  • It’s really simple and easy to make. If you have five minutes, you can recreate this delicious spread.
  • The flavor combination is magic. Crunchy cracker, creamy sweet cheese, and tart summer berries. YUM!
  • Versatility. It can be served as an afternoon snack, refreshing appetizer, or after-dinner treat.

More delicious spread and dips like this one:

whipped honey goat cheese in bowl.

How to Prepare:

Let me walk you through the recipe here. For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey to a medium bowl.
  2. Use a hand mixer to combine starting at a low speed and gradually increasing to high.
  3. Beat until light and smooth.
  4. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh berries and mint.
  5. Serve with crackers or bread.
whipped honey goat cheese spread in bowl.
whipped honey goat cheese spread on cracker with berries.

Recipe Notes and FAQ:

How to Serve:

While I got a bit fancy with my presentation and created an entire cheeseboard around this goat cheese spread, you can keep it simple and just serve the spread with crackers and some fresh berries.

It’s a really easy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed with wine, champagne, or even some hot tea.

summer berry and cheese board.

What Type of Crackers?

You can just use your favorites. However, I really like the La Panzanella Croccantini® Artisan Crackers (original flavor) for this spread. They are sturdy crackers and add a great crunch. 

Can I Make This in Advance?

You sure can. Whip this up a day or two in advance so it’s ready to go.

whipped honey goat cheese spread on cracker with berries.

Time to Dig In!

And that’s a wrap on this Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread. As you can see, this is an easy, beautiful, and delicious recipe that you can whip together at a moment’s notice. Unexpected summer guests? They are going to love it!

Enjoy! 

whipped honey goat cheese spread in bowl.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

summer berry and cheese board.

Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: berries, goat cheese, honey, spread
Servings: 12
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
whipped honey goat cheese spread in bowl.
Sweet, light, and creamy, this Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread is a snack, appetizer, and dessert wrapped into one. You can whip this up in under five minutes to create a delicious treat.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. goat cheese - softened
  • 4 oz. cream cheese - softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • fresh berries and mint to garnish*
  • crackers and bread

Instructions

  • Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey to a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer to combine starting at a low speed and gradually increasing to high. Beat until light and smooth.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh berries and mint.
  • Serve with crackers or bread.

Notes

*While I used fresh berries to garnish my spread, feel free to get creative. You could use things like nuts, dried fruit, herbs, etc.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 94kcal • Carbohydrates: 3g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 7g • Saturated Fat: 5g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g • Monounsaturated Fat: 2g • Cholesterol: 18mg • Sodium: 99mg • Potassium: 19mg • Fiber: 0.01g • Sugar: 3g • Vitamin A: 322IU • Vitamin C: 0.02mg • Calcium: 36mg • Iron: 0.4mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Sweet, light, and creamy, this Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread is a snack, appetizer, and dessert wrapped into one. You can whip this up in under five minutes to create a delicious treat. Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread The other day, I put together a stunning summer berry and cheese board as part of a […]




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Charming Vintage Decor Ideas for Any Home

Interiors

Sunday
Jul / 17 / 2022
Comments 3
       
Vintage Decor Ideas

Wondering how to use that antique you just bought, or where to even find items you love? These vintage decor ideas will help you add historic beauty to every room of your house.

Charming Vintage Decor Ideas

FAQs about Vintage Decor Ideas

Before I show off some of my all-time favorite vintage decor ideas, I wanted to answer a few questions people often ask about buying and displaying vintage items. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

bookcase decor with vintage brass animals

How do you find quality vintage items?

Honestly, finding quality vintage items is a bit of a scavenger hunt, which makes it all the more fun! When you find that one unique piece that is still in amazing shape, you feel like you struck gold. It’s exciting and all part of the adventure!

Some shops will be better places to find high-quality items than others. I suggest asking around. If you are in someone’s house and they have a really stunning piece, ask them where they got it. There is nothing like word-of-mouth marketing.

If you prefer online shopping, then I suggest Etsy. It is a treasure trove of antique items that you won’t find anywhere else.

You can also browse eBay. Since it’s a larger site with a bigger focus, you’ll have to browse longer, but you can still find amazing things there too.

Vintage Decor Ideas
vintage crystal chandelier

Is vintage the same as retro?

You might hear people say that they love your retro artwork – is it the same thing as vintage?

Thankfully, Apartment Therapy explains the differences in detail. Antiques are usually so old that they are almost historic.

Vintage items are usually mid-century modern or almost as old as your grandparents.

Retro items technically describe anything that is recently outdated or uncool. Remember in Mean Girls when Regina George called the girl’s clothes “retro?” That’s basically the standard and common use of it.

Of course, in modern vernacular, we all use those 3 words interchangeably!

How old does something have to be to be considered vintage?

Most antique dealers agree that vintage items are at least 40 years old. So for 2022, this can include anything from the 1920s to the 1970s. Again, that’s the technical definition, and not necessarily how we use the word today.

Cozy and Stylish Outdoor Living Decor Ideas #outdoorliving #porch #decor #decorating #outdoor #patio #deck #styling

How to Decorate with Vintage Art

Over the years, I have become more and more into vintage art. After creating a collection, I built a gallery wall that makes me smile whenever I walk by it…then I built another (and another!). Check out my entire collection of vintage art and keep reading for my tips on decorating with your own finds below.

Fall Decorating Ideas from Bayberry House #falldecor #hometour #fall #decorating #ideas #seasonaldecor

1. Take Care of It

The best thing you can do when you decorate with vintage art is to keep it clean and dust-free. This will help your pieces shine like new, making them even more awe-inducing.

If you buy a pricy vintage piece, you might even want to invest in professional restoration. They will bring it back to its proper glory and give you care tips.

2. Create a Gallery Wall

Once you begin to create a collection of vintage artwork, display them on a gallery wall. The wall space by your stairs is always a fantastic place just begging for conversation starters.

artwork gallery wall

3. Layer on a Shelf

Don’t be afraid to display more than one vintage piece on your bookshelves. Adding multiple items together creates depth. These layers can be a very important design element that adds interest to your shelves.

Use Vintage Pieces in Every Room of Your House

Vintage decor can add charm to any room in your house. Check out my home tour and get inspired to place pieces in more rooms than just your library or living room.

One of the best ways to add charm to your house is to display seasonal vintage pieces. Set out vintage salt and pepper shakers at Thanksgiving, or place some vintage towels at Christmas. You can see an entire post filled with ideas for vintage Christmas decor here!

Styling a Staircase Christmas Garland
Styling a Staircase Christmas Garland #christmas #garland #holiday #decor #decorating #banister# #vintage #vintagechristmas

I also love to create contrast with textures. Next to my floor-length linen curtains, I set up a brass lamp. While the colors complement each other, the materials are very different.

Finally, go from room to room and create notes and visualize the kind of items you want or need. Then, keep an open mind and be creative while also staying true to the original goal.

For example, if you are looking for blanket storage in your bedroom, you might use a vintage ladder or an antique trunk.

You’ll find these tips and more in my quick guide to antiquing. It’s a valuable resource for anyone that is just starting out.

Shop at Your Favorite Antique Stores

You’ll find some fantastic items at flea markets and estate sales. I love going to estate sales because often people amass a collection, and you can get things together.

I live in Pennsylvania, and these are my favorite Pittsburgh antique shops. They can be a dangerous place to visit as I can usually find something I want every time I walk into them.

My Favorite Pittsburgh Antique Stores in Pittsburgh PA #antiques #pittsburgh #PA #antiquing

Best Vintage Decor Ideas

These vintage decor ideas will give you enough inspiration to decorate every room in your house.

1. Paint By Numbers Artwork

Paint by Number paintings is one of my most recent fascinations. I display vintage artwork all throughout my home. Take some time and browse artwork at antique shops – you might be surprised at what you find.

collection of paint-by-numbers

2. Cat Bookshelf Decor

You can also find lots of creative bookshelf decor ideas at antique shops too. If you love cats like I do, then you should be able to find some quirky ideas. It doesn’t have to be cats – go find things that match your aesthetic.

How to Add Quirky Decor to Your Home #homedecor #quirky #unique #collecting #vintagefinds #decorating

3. Vintage Brass Lamp

Your vintage finds can have practical uses too. For example, a vintage brass lamp can still work to create light in your reading nook while adding to the ambiance at the same time.

Check out this post for more master bedroom ideas.

4. Brass Animals

Have fun creating your favorite collection. These vintage ideas from around my home are some of my favorites. I love collecting and displaying them in little groups.

How to Incorporate Antique Into Your Home Decor #antiques #vintagefinds #homedecor #styling #vintagetins #decorating

5. Trophy Decor

This amazing trophy is from 1932 – it was from one of my favorite vintage hauls. It’s an instant conversation piece, which is exactly what I like about vintage items.

Vintage Trophies - My Latest Vintage Finds (Antiquing with Charm) #vintagefinds #vintage #antique #antiques #home #decor #styling

6. Vintage Rolling Pins

Another way to decorate your home is to create a vintage collection in every room. These rolling pins are perfect in the kitchen. I won’t use them, but they create an atmosphere of a busy kitchen full of flour and sugar.

How to Add Quirky Decor to Your Home #homedecor #quirky #unique #collecting #vintagefinds #decorating

That’s a Wrap on Vintage Decor Ideas

There you have it! This is everything you ever needed to know about how to decorate with vintage pieces. When something grabs your attention at a flea market, estate sale, or antique shop, snag it! It just might become the beginning of a new hobby.

Even More Decor Ideas

bookcase decor

Looking For More from Inspired by Charm?

Please join me on Instagram. Follow along for details about my antiquing adventures, shopping trips, decorating ideas, and more! Also, be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you don’t miss a thing. I will send weekly updates with all of my favorite ideas, delicious recipes, and the best tips to create your happy place!

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Wondering how to use that antique you just bought, or where to even find items you love? These vintage decor ideas will help you add historic beauty to every room of your house. FAQs about Vintage Decor Ideas Before I show off some of my all-time favorite vintage decor ideas, I wanted to answer a […]




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Perfect Summer Dessert Recipes for All Occasions

Recipes

Saturday
Jul / 16 / 2022
Comments 0
       
The BEST Summer Dessert Recipe for any Occasion.

All of these summer dessert recipes are ready for your next BBQ, outdoor party, or just a relaxing summer evening in the hammock. Each of these are unique and refreshing, with a fun combination of flavors.

The BEST Summer Dessert Recipes for any Occasion.

There is just something about those long summer nights that beg for parties and cookouts. Whenever I host a party of any kind, you know I’m going to make sure there are plenty of desserts for everyone.

This collection of summer dessert recipes all look enticing and are absolute showstoppers. They will impress your guests and make you proud to share them with everyone. Even better is how easy they are to make! You don’t even have to be an experienced pastry chef to whip these treats up.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

FAQs about Summer Dessert Recipes

Before we get into the recipes, I’m going to address some common questions I’ve received over the years of sharing these desserts. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Which types of fruit are seasonal in the summer?

Fruit always tastes best when you use what’s in season. The most common fruits that are seasonal in the summer are berries and stone fruits (fruits with a pit in the middle like peaches).

I highly recommend browsing a local farmer’s market in the summer. There is nothing quite like baking with fresh fruit.

These are the most common summer fruits – but check your local area to see if they are in season where you live.

  • Apricots
  • Plums
  • Cherries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Nectarines
  • Strawberries
  • Peaches
Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes.

What types of recipes are served in the summer?

Since it’s the warmest in the summer, salads and grilled foods do the best. Things that will cool you down when it’s hot out (like fresh fruit salads, fruit desserts, and frozen treats) are really popular in the summertime.

It’s also not as fun to cook in a hot kitchen in the summer, so anything grilled or no-bake is a huge bonus!

Which desserts do well in the heat?

The best desserts for serving outdoors when it is hot out include anything that is not frozen. Cakes, cupcakes, and dessert bars are fantastic.

Ice cream cakes or frozen fruit bars are incredibly refreshing in the heat, but they have a tendency to melt. So, it’s best to only serve them right when people will eat them immediately.

Summer Desserts

Here we go! Let’s look at my all-time favorite summer dessert recipes. I hope you find a few new favorites from this list.

mixed berry pound cake

1. Mixed Berry Pound Cake

Let’s start out with a really simple recipe. Mixed berry pound cake is aesthetically pleasing, with pops of blue, red, and green. The fresh mint leaves enhance the flavors and add a bit of chill to the cake too.

Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes #blueberry #lemon #zucchini #summer #cupcakes #dessert #recipe

2. Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes

I love serving cupcakes at parties because they are already individually portioned. Blueberry lemon zucchini cupcakes are a delicious way to hide high-fiber zucchini. You don’t even have to tell your guests you added it.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie.

3. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie

The combination of strawberries and rhubarb makes me think of home gardens and farmer’s markets. Strawberry rhubarb crumble pie looks and tastes like a family recipe passed down from generation to generation.

Vegetable Garden Mini Cakes in pan.

4. Vegetable Garden Mini Cakes

Evoke images of cute little garden veggies in these sweet, delicate cakes. Don’t let the decorations fool you – these cakes don’t actually contain vegetables.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes on plate.

5. Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes

Spongy little cakes topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, how much more summertime does it get? These homemade strawberry shortcakes are a classic summer dessert.

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes made with Phyllo Cups.

6. Mini Blueberry Cheesecake

Blueberries are another classic fruit found in summertime desserts. These mini blueberry cheesecakes are adorable and perfect for brunch too.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake on cake stand.

7. Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake

Serve this frozen treat indoors – you’ll enjoy how refreshingly delicious it is! Strawberry ice cream cheesecake is a creamy frozen treat perfect for any occasion.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad in dish.

8. Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad

It’s both a dessert and a salad – a combination the midwest knows very well. Strawberry Jell-O pretzel salad can be enjoyed with your meal or saved for after.

Cheesecake Dip with Strawberries with hand.

10. Cheesecake Dip with Strawberries

This incredible cheesecake dip is the perfect thing to serve as both an appetizer at wedding showers or birthday parties and as a dessert at cookouts. The dip has the perfect creamy consistency and is easy to use as a dip with strawberries and other types of fruit.

Strawberry Coconut Cake on cake stand.

11. Strawberry Coconut Cake

Bring a taste of the islands to your dessert table! This strawberry coconut cake is two layers of bright pink strawberry goodness and decadent buttercream.

Mini No-Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar on plate.

12. Mini No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Grab some mini mason jars and assemble the cutest little key lime pies. They are the perfect portions for guests or to limit your dessert intake.

Two-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream in dish.

13. No-Churn Ice Cream

Forget about an ice cream maker – you don’t need it to make this creamy and amazing no churn ice cream. It only has two ingredients, so it’s a breeze to prepare.

Cream Puff Cake Dessert in dish.

14. Cream Puff Cake

This cream puff cake is both delicate and awe-inducing. Every single bite just melts in your mouth.

Ritz Cracker and Mixed Berry Icebox Cake on cakes stand.

15. Ritz Cracker and Mixed Berry Ice Box Cake

With an incredible 3-D design, this icebox cake will draw people in and have them asking you how you did it. What they don’t know is just how simple this cake is to make!

ice cream pudding dessert on plates.

16. Ice Cream Pudding Dessert

This old-fashioned Ice Cream Pudding Dessert (or Ice Cream Salad as it’s known in my family) is an easy-to-make dessert recipe comprised of a salty Ritz cracker crust and creamy toasted coconut ice cream pudding filling. It’s one of my favorite. I know you’re going to love it too.

Mixed Berry Shortcakes with Homemade Whipped Cream in jars.

17. Mixed Berry Shortcakes

Have a little fun with a classic shortcake. These mixed berry shortcakes are a fun new take on a summertime favorite. This recipe also includes instructions for homemade whipped cream that you can use over and over again in other desserts.

Blueberry Cream Pie in dish.

18. Blueberry Cream Pie

Plump, juicy blueberries sit in a bed of delicate cream – a combination that could not get any better! This blueberry cream pie will remind you of southern hospitality and summertime memories.

Mason Jar Cherry Supreme

19. Mason Jar Cherry Supreme

For the perfect blend of sweet and tart, make a batch of this cute little mason jar cherry supreme. The sugary-sweet cherries sit on top of a delicious graham cracker crust – it’s incredible.

That’s a Wrap on the Best Summer Dessert Recipes!

I hope you enjoyed browsing this list of delicious summer dessert recipes. Pin your favorites to Pinterest and create an epic summertime cookout that everyone will talk about.

All of these summer dessert recipes are ready for your next BBQ, outdoor party, or just a relaxing summer evening in the hammock. Each of these are unique and refreshing, with a fun combination of flavors. There is just something about those long summer nights that beg for parties and cookouts. Whenever I host a […]




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