Off to Portugal

We are off to Portugal today and I couldn't be more excited.  Have a fantastic Thanksgiving and we'll catch up in December.

Savoury Cheese and Thyme Muffins

I know I've been heavy on the recipes this week but I feel like that is what is on most people's minds.  These cheese and thyme muffins would be a perfect accompaniment for turkey and mashed potatoes.  If you wanted to put a fancy spin on them you could put them in a tulip baking cup or you could use some cute tea cake molds to give them a flower shape.  

Deep Dish Chocolate Chips with Caramel Filling

Sometimes this time of year can be stressful.  There is ALOT going on.  I've talked to a few people this week and the word that keeps coming up is overwhelmed.  They are not sure where the time to get everything done is going to come from and not sure what to make or what to bring?

If you  are feeling this way, my advice would be to fall back on an old classic.  Everyone loves chocolate chip cookes!  As a matter of fact, I send out many dessert baskets at hip hostess and no matter what fancy desserts are included the chocolate chip are always the first to disappear.  They are quick and easy and no one will be disappointed.  They don't need to be done the day of to still be delicious and if you are going to multiple Thanksgivings they will pack and travel well.

If you do want to kick it up just one notch (not that you need to), how about these cookies with caramel baked right inside.

Link Love

Sound to the Bay
Wow them with fancy pie crust.

The Idea Room
DIY on how to get make this awesome Christmas crate.

How Sweet It Is
Cannoli Tart...Oh yeah!

Sugar and Cloth
Have something important to say...give it to an elephant or rhino to get the message across.

Biscoff Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

So, it's Thanksgiving morning and you have the in-laws and aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents at your place to celebrate.  You know you have a good part of your day already devoted to chopping, cooking and dish washing.  Yet what do you do about breakfast?  You don't really want to add any more kitchen detail or god forbid MORE dishes.  How about whipping up a batch of Pumpkin Pie Smoothies for everyone.  You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and put it in the fridge then when everyone gets up you can place them in some cute glassware and throw out a couple of bagels and some cream cheese.  I personally think it is a win-win because it is festive and won't make everyone overstuffed plus gives you a break to enjoy a few hours with your family before the turkey needs to be basted.

Fall Flower Arrangements

I start a nesting process around this time of year.  I like to give the home a little face lift in the way of new cozy sheets and pillows.  I also like to buy new towels and I try to take all the whimsical summer decor and store it for another season.   Another thing I like to do is incorporate more flowers.  I feel like it is money better spent because let's face it...you're home more in the colder season.  I am usually a stick to one flower and color type of gal, mainly because it's easy.  But this year I am thinking of experimenting.  Here are a few cool fall arrangements to get the creative juices flowing.

Thanksgiving Crafts

You know every year I say the same thing, if you're going to have a lot of kids at your Thanksgiving dinner then have a project for them.  I love the idea of the older kids or a designated adult helping the younger ones with an organized craft of some kind.

This year, I saw this cute fingerprint Christmas bulb wrapping paper and I knew I had found a winner.  How cute, for each child to have signature wrapping paper...that is so Suri.  The big kids can draw on the wires and put each child's name on their in cute lettering and then let the fun begin.  I think I would go with brown paper, just cause it is easier to find and a little more affordable.  This will allow you to give thanks for 1 hour of crafting peace and quiet.

Persimmons?

Looking for a fancy schmancy appetizer to take to your Thanksgiving feast.  How about persimmon and goat cheese bites.  People are often intrigued by the persimmon but yet have no idea what to do with it.  In this recipe from Aida Mollenkamp you give it a lift with some creamy goat cheese and a little fried sage for crunch.  All you have to do is slice the persimmon.  What could be easier?  You can assemble on site in a few minutes and don't have to worry about things getting spilled or ruined in transport.

Link Love

Ipadorize
Coconut Lime Grilled Scallops...good as an appetizer or as a main.

Architecture Art Designs
Just the right time to start planning your holiday decor and I want mine to look like this!

Thyme of Taste
Pumpkin pie with gingersnap crust...yum!

Besotted
Mini flag tags for packaging or decor.

Thanksgiving Goodies

Thanksgiving is so close...where does time go?  I think I've mentioned before that I started a tradition of giving thanks in far away places as it is a great time for vacation for me and the hubby.  Both of our work schedules slow down and while I kinda miss the tradition, I don't miss the dishes and mess.  I might have a harder time with it if Christmas didn't follow so close behind and allow me to have quality family time among decorated trees and holly.  But for those of you hosting this year, it is time to start the menu planning and here are a few that I thought sounded delicious.

Kale-Apple Cole Slaw with Poppyseed dressing 

Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce

Bourbon Maple Apple Cider

Pumpkin Beer Float

I am going crazy with the pumpkin beverages this week, but like I said, the key words are "pumpkin everything" in the month of November.  Don't forget candy canes and hot chocolate are right around the corner, so you gotta grab your pumpkin while you can.  And what better way to grab then by pouring some pumpkin ale, vanilla ice cream, a shot of Snap and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Brown Butter Accordian Potatoes

These potatoes make for easy entertaining.  They are simple to make can be prepped ahead of time and look lovely when served.  I have posted about the hasselback potato before but this is a new take using  smaller potatoes.  These would make a great accompaniment for any type of roasted meat.  Let the oven do the work and sit back with your guests and have a pumpkin mojito!

Link Love

eNourishment
Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars

Decoholic
Love this kitchen...you would always feel like you are eating in Tuscany.

Driscoll's
Raspberry Ginger Bellini, very festive indeed.

Pizza
Gummy Bear Cake

Pumpkin Mojto

You have one month to get your pumpkin fix on.  That means finding creative ways to add delicious pumpkin to everything.  That includes your adult beverages...check out...pumpkin mojito.  Great drink when hosting brunch with the ladies.

Great Fall Drink: The Spiced Pear

The Spiced Pear has all the ingredients for a fantastic fall beverage: Pears, cloves, nutmeg and champagne.  A great idea paired with a charcuterie and cheese platter at your next get together.