My Five Favorites - Recipes for the Holidays

We're sharing our favorite Holiday Recipes this month for My Five Favorites.

 Can you guys believe Thanksgiving is in a little over three weeks?!

Just writing that makes me both excited and panicky. 

I LOVE entertaining during the holidays, and am sharing some of my easy, do ahead

 and tried and true recipes to keep it fun and stress free.  

Kris @ Driven by Decor is hard at work on her pretty One Room Challenge and will

 be back with us next month, but I'm anxious to see what these lovely ladies are sharing:

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

We're happy to have darling Mary Ann @ classic~casual~home as our guest host this
month. I've followed her for years, and in addition to being a talented designer she's such
 a gracious hostess, and a pro when it comes to entertaining. Check out her
 Parties & Recipes category on her blog. I'm swooning over this bathroom she just
 completed for a client, it's the perfect representation of her timeless, chic style!

Onto my favorite recipes, click the link below the photo for recipes:

#1
Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie
I found this recipe in my November 2003 Bon Apetit magazine and haven't used another
apple pie recipe since. It's always a hit!
 (Don't be alarmed by the tall mound of apples, just pack and press the crumbles onto it. 
Be sure to put a baking sheet under your pie pan as it will ooze yummy-ness and make your oven a mess.) 
One year I made it for my neighbors as their Christmas gift,
and delivered it warm a few nights before Christmas in pretty pie plates.

Cinnamon Crumble Apple Pie

#2
Rustic Cheese & Fruit Tray

Not only is this cheese and fruit tray pretty enough to be the centerpiece, but there's
 truly something for everyone. It's perfect for a casual get together with a few friends, no
 one has to cook, just swing by the deli and you're set. It's fun to create a tray with everyone
 pitching in and this recipe has detailed suggestions for types of cheese, meat, fruit and nuts
 ~ making it really helpful for recommendations when friends ask what they can bring.  
And, details for arranging. :)

Rustic Cheese & Fruit Tray

#3
Do Ahead Molten Chocolate Cake
This is a favorite dessert to serve during the holidays when I'm entertaining.
It's SUPER easy, but looks and tastes like you went to a lot of trouble.
I love that you can make it the day before with five ingredients you have on hand
and then pop it in the oven for 20 minutes ~ and serve warm!

Do Ahead Molten Chocolate Cake

#4

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat
Having friends and family over during the holidays doesn't have to be a ton of work, a simple
 dinner where I'm not stuck in the kitchen is at the top of my list. A delicous hearty soup I
 can make ahead is always a go to. Confession - I served this
 so many times last year my boys were over it! Haha!

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat

#5
Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots

Oh you guys, these little nuggets are the BEST! I like to use pre-made pizza dough
I pick up at a local Italian restaurant instead of refrigerated biscuits the recipe calls
 for. I put the garlic butter in a large dish, dip the warm rolls in it when they come
 out of the oven, and serve immediately slathered in butter. 
Warning: Have a few batches ready to go in the oven!
(These would be great with the soup above.)     

Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots 

Stop by and check out my talented friends' favorites:

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

Mary Ann @ Classic~Casual~Home

You might like these previous Five Favorites, too:

Entertaining Accessories

Displaying DIY Artwork
Ways to Mix Metals

DIY Projects

Fabric

Decorate an Outdoor Space
Pillow Projects
Decorating for Spring
Decorative Accessories
Home Organizing Tips
Quick & Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas

Paint 

Fabulous Do Ahead Al Fresco Dinner Menu

Hope you had an awesome weekend and are savoring these summer days.
One of my favorite things about summer is having friends over

 to dine Al fresco on our deck. A simple do ahead menu is a must! Don't get me
wrong, I love a simple juicy burger on the grill, but I wanted to serve something
 more unique. It's no fun having to slave in the kitchen once your guests arrive so I
 always look for recipes that can be prepped ahead of time, I think these are winners!
 I'm sharing a yummy summer menu I served recently, along with my tips and

 timeline for having it all together ahead of time, so you're free to enjoy your guests.
I've noted where I deviated from the recipes, and how I prepped everything prior to
our get-together for a smooth stress-free dinner.  

~ menu ~    

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail w/ Tortilla Chips

Chili Lime Chicken

Mandarin Orange Salad w/Sugared Almonds

Grilled Corn with Spicy Cilantro Lime Butter

Key Lime Pie


Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Recipe from Elise @ Simply Recipes

Served as an appetizer with drinks before dinner. 
I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned and pre-cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp. 
I didn't chop the shrimp, but instead put a few on top of each individual serving.

Chili Lime Chicken
Recipe from Bee @ Rasa Malaysia

I grill the chicken a couple hours before our guests arrived, let sit for 15 min before slicing,
pile on large platter and serve at room temp.
I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Sugared Almonds
Recipe from Food.com

I use organic mixed greens from Costco.

Grilled Corn with Spicy Cilantro Lime Butter
Recipe from Megan @ Pip & Ebby

I use 1/4 cup butter in place of the mayo. 
I like to serve smaller pieces of corn, so I cut the cobs in half. 
Boil corn for 2 minutes then transfer to hot grill for a short time to get char marks,
 turning once or twice. 
Pile on large platter and serve with lime wedges.   

Key Lime Pie
Recipe from Leigh Anne @ Your Home Based Mom

Use homemade graham cracker crust! 
Delete sour cream, decrease Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice to 1/2 cup.
Add whipped cream (I used Reddi Wip) to individual slices at time of serving. 

EARLIER IN WEEK

Salad - Prepare Sugared Almonds, store in plastic container.
Corn - Prepare Cilantro Lime Butter, refrigerate in plastic container.
Pie - Crush graham crackers and mix in sugar, store in plastic container. 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING
Salad - chop celery, slice onion & prepare dressing - refrigerate. 
Husk corn & cut in half - refrigerate.
Make Key Lime Pie & refrigerate.
Shrimp Cocktail - Thaw shrimp in refrigerator if frozen.

SATURDAY MORNING

Chicken - Prepare Marinade
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail - Prepare and refrigerate (Do not add shrimp or avocado)
Salad - drain mandarin oranges and refreigerate.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Grill chicken
Put salad together, except dressing
Chop avocado and add to shrimp cocktail.
Cut Pie

AFTER GUESTS ARRIVE 
Dish Mexican Shrimp Cocktail into individual ramekins and top with a few shrimp,
serve on plates with forks and tortilla chips.

When you're ready for dinner:
Grill corn over high heat just till charred, heat prepared lime butter in microwave,
transfer corn to platter and slather with butter.

Dress salad and sprinkle with sugared almonds.

That's it friends, it really is a fresh, easy to put together menu that appears much
more time consuming. I always a happy hostess if our guests ask for recipes,
and they did! :)

Here's to Al fresco dining with friends!

TGIF ~ The Gems I Found

Happy 4th of July friends ~ have a wonderful weekend!

Timeless large scale affordable posters! 

Young House Love Metallic Rimmed Glass Pendant

Clever use for wine bottle rack. 

8 Gorgeous Ideas for Gardens 

Strawberry Dream Cake perfect 4th of July Dessert

Simple favorite ideas for the fourth.

TGIF ~ The Gems I Found

Happy Friday friends, enjoy these gems! 

Stephanie Kraus Designs fabulous Kitchen Before & After

What's Ur Home Story gave these bar stools a new life.

Brooke @ Velvet & Linen shares the varieties of roses throughout Patina Farm.

Telluride Place Setting  - geometric in black and with subtle touches of gold.


Yum! Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Almonds here

Seleta shared 'How Stylish Notes Make You Smarter.'


This week's favorite vignette...

One Kings Lane - Heidi Merrick


Have the BEST weekend! 

Getting Out of my Recipe Rut

Hope you had a fabulous weekend, the highlight of ours was meeting our new
 nephew, Cade. Oh my goodness, he couldn't be more adorable! I would have another
one in a second if I could. :)
Back to reality...my least favorite time of day is 5:00 if I don't have a plan for dinner,
and now that school is back in swing I feel like I need to up my game and make dinner be
 less casual about dinners. I'm not very good at making a menu for the week, but I do plan
 and prep for dinner early in the day and that works to keep me from being crazy. In no
time it seems like we're in a rut and rotating the same 'ol dinners over and over. I always
love getting recommendations for tried and true recipes, here are a few new ones we've
tried this summer that made it on our 'put it in the rotation' list.

Gyros with Greek Chicken, Tzatziki and Flatbread
Recipe at Cooking Classy

I don't make homemade flatbread, I like both La Brea and Stonefire from Costco.
I mix all the ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce together and don't do any of the extra
steps for the cucumber. I do make sure to make it early enough for the flavors
to meld. My family isn't crazy about feta so we omit it. Great for school lunches
too, just send the sauce separately.  

Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta
Recipe at Julia's Album

I double the sauce for my boys.


Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots
Recipe at Damn Delicious

I could make dinner out of these little gems!
I tweak the recipe by using pizza dough purchased from a local
Italian restaurant instead of canned biscuits.

Kicked Up Fried Rice with Shrimp and Crabmeat 
Recipe at Food Network Emeril Lagasse

I don't add the crab, just use shrimp and ham.

Caprese Garlic Bread
Recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod

Delish, and perfect for the garden fresh tomatoes and basil this time of year.
I use a LOT of basil. :)

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies (for two)
Recipe at The Baker Chick

Makes six nice sized cookies. I like to refrigerate the dough for just a bit to keep them
 from spreading as much - if you can hold out.

Have you tried anything new to add to your rotation lately?

You can find my favorite recipes I shared last summer here.

If you'd like to check it out my Pinterest Food Board is here.  

Layered Strawberry Shortcake in Mason Jars

My friends delight in making jokes about my love for putting food in 

mason jars ~ seriously, is it not just more fun? They're so cute, and I think it's

such a clever idea for picnics, potlucks and BBQs to open your cooler and pull

out little individual servings!  It couldn't be easier, and my favorite words when

 I'm entertaining - they can be made ahead of time!    

12 - 8 ounce mason jars

1.5 lb. carton of strawberries, cut in pieces

 1/2 cup sugar (or less)

Sprinkle sugar over strawberries and let sit 20 minutes, or until juices form.   

Pound Cake cut in cubes

 I use 6 large butter pound cakes from Costco (12 to a pkg.)

Heavy Whipping Cream - 1 pint

3 tablespoons sugar

Whip cream until stiff gradually adding sugar while whipping.

Layer ingredients in mason jars. 

Pound Cake, Strawberries & Cream and repeat.

Place lids on jars and refrigerate.

Can be made 3 - 24 hours prior to serving.    

Yield: 12 servings

Tell me I'm not alone in my enthusiasm for mason jars. :) 

Ultimate Brunch Dish ~ French Toast Fondue

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on my Easter table yesterday,

you guys liked the little peeps as much as I did! 

We always celebrate Easter with a large group of extended family over a 

plentiful brunch spread, but hands down the favorite dish we all look forward to is:

 French Toast Fondue with Maple Butter Glaze

It's sinfully delicious, so we only make it once a year at Easter.

We've been indulging for years, it's from Creme de Colorado,

an old Junior League of Denver cookbook.  

  

The recipe is below ~ a loaf of french bread, cubed and dipped in basic french toast

egg mixture, then deep fried. We use a deep fryer because we're serving a large crowd,

but a a fondue pot would be perfect for a family of 2 - 4.  

We set it up assembly style and everyone takes turns at the fryer and passing hot 

pieces at the table until we swear we can't eat another piece....and then out comes

a fresh hot batch and our willpower goes out the window!   

(I used a small fryer to make this sample batch for you, but for a crowd we use a larger deep fryer.)

 

The Maple Butter Glaze drizzled over the hot, crisp on the outside,

soft custard inside is absolutely...mouthwatering! 

French Toast Fondue with Maple Butter Glaze

4 - 6 servings

Vegetable Oil

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs beaten

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 loaf french bread cubed

Heat oil and 1 teaspoon salt in fondue pot. In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. When oil is very hot, dip bread cubes into egg mixture, then into oil to cook.

Bread is done when it is crispy and golden brown. Remove and dip into Maple Butter Glaze

Maple Butter Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 egg white, stiffly beaten

Cream together powdered sugar, butter, and maple syrup. Fold in beaten egg white.

Enjoy, friends!

simply sweet valentine treat

Just a quick reminder to share my favorite super simple Valentine treat.

I love starting the day with a festive surprise, and my boys love being greeted by a

 heap of Hostess Powdered Mini Donuts.

   

DONUT you know I LOVE YOU a hole lot!

If you don't have a chalkboard you can make a simple sign like I did

last year here.

If you're in the mood for something a little fancier, but still simple, this is a favorite:

Do - Ahead Molten Chocolate Cake

Five ingredients, and super easy to whip together then refrigerate up to 24 hours.

 When you're ready to serve, bake for 20 min and serve warm. 

Recipe here

Do you make a favorite Valentine treat?

   

a few of my favorite things...

Every year I look forward to the Favorite Things series that Melissa @ 320 Sycamore hosts
 For the past three days our favorite bloggers have shared their favorite items,
 you can get all the scoop here!
I always love finding new products, gifts and ideas from her series, I'm much more likely
 to try something if it's come recommended by a stylish blogger friend. :)
Today I'm sharing a few of my favorites...  

      Beauty

NARS Dolce Vita Lip Pencil, Lipstick, Lip Gloss

nothing more to say than...the PERFECT dusty rose color!

The lipstick is sheer, so if you like a little more color the lip pencil is great.

A bit pricey but a nice if you want to treat yourself.

Home

I LOVE this starch from Dollar Tree!!

It smells SO good, if I had a gazillion $$ and sent my linens out to be laundered and

ironed, I imagine it would come back smelling like this. :)

Since I don't I just use it to iron my pillow cases, and it makes me happy! 

Guy Gift

This is my go-to gift for every hard to buy for guy! 

Monogrammed Beer Mugs, Pilsner Glasses or Martini Glasses

Williams-Sonoma has a great selection of styles and the prices are reasonable at

$40-$50 for a set of four.

Fashion

Target Katherine Boots aka Frye Knock Offs

I can't even tell you how many compliments I get on these boots, everyone

thinks they are the real deal Frye boots. SO comfortable, and reasonable for leather

 $70 at our favorite, Target! Free Shipping through the holidays.

732 Reviews 4.5 Stars

Decor

Busts and planter heads are all the rage and I'd be happy with one in every 

room, but for now I'm stopping at these two. I found both of mine at Homegoods,
in the spring in the garden section for around $25 - $30.  

Pillows

Ikea Sanela Velvet Pillow Covers with Zippers

20 x 20 - $7

26 x 26 - $10

Pink, White, Gray, Brown, Light Turquoise

I used the gray covers for our bedroom, and trimmed them with Greek key trim from

 Hobby Lobby. They're nice quality and the price can't be beat for the generous size!

Food

Do Ahead Molten Chocolate Cake here

is a favorite dessert to serve during the holidays when I'm entertaining.

 It's SUPER easy, but looks and tastes like you went to a lot of trouble. 

I love that I can make it the day before and then pop it in the oven for 20 minutes

 and serve warm - soooo decadent.

Join me over at Melissa's Favorite Things Link Party for lots of fun lists,

gift ideas, tips and inspiration!