You are here: Home / Archives for Seasonal

Seriously Tempting No-Bake Desserts to Try This Summer

July 21, 2016 by

If you can’t even imagine turning on the oven during the summer heat, no-bake desserts are the perfect alternatives to your usual fresh baked cookies. These oven-free desserts are just as delicious as more traditional options, and they’re often much easier to prepare, which leaves you with more time for lounging by the pool! Here are three no-bake dessert recipes to try at your next potluck dinner.

7-Layer Ice Cream Cake [marthastewart.com]
Cool off after a summer dinner with this colorful ice cream cake. Pound cake creates a sweet, dense base stacked between layers of tasty vanilla ice cream, while thick meringue is a wonderfully fluffy replacement for the usual heavy icing.

Creamy Layered Lemon Squares [snackworks.com]
Swap out your usual lemon square recipe for something much quicker — and cooler. Basic graham crackers create a crunchy crust, and the addition of ripe strawberries makes this dessert perfect for the summertime.

Hawaiian Cookie Balls [kraftrecipes.com]
The kids will adore these fun and tasty cookie balls made with sweet, crushed pineapple and flaky coconut. You can also decorate them with colorful gel icings and sprinkles to turn them into fun ducks or chickens for a child’s birthday party.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Make Your Own Spring Floral Arrangement

April 21, 2016 by

These fast and easy tips will help you to create a florist-quality spring floral arrangement that you’ll be really proud to display in your home.

  1. Begin with the color palette. If you want to mix and match flowers to create your own bouquet, it’s best to have a color palette in mind. Stick with muted tones, a blend of bold primary hues, or variations of one color to create a cohesive look.
  2. Create a space for each flower. Cheat by creating a sort of grid guideline inside of the vase. Place a piece of chicken wire flat inside of the opening, or even create a crosshatch of durable florist tape across the surface of the vase. The goal is to have a series of 1-inch squares where you can place each type of flower.
  3. Start with the largest flower. Create a base by adding the largest flower (or branch or fern) in the center.
  4. Add the thickest flowers. Arrange thick, heavy flowers around the tallest one in the middle.
  5. Finally, add accent flowers. Add tulips, daffodils, roses or other eye-catching accents last.

DIY Spring Flower Arrangement by Ashley Woodson Bailey [Design Sponge]
How to Make a Cool Flower Arrangement: 8 DIY Ideas for Spring [Stylecaster]
Simple Spring Centerpieces [Better Homes and Gardens]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Fete the Fall Season With These Sweet Apple Recipes

November 19, 2015 by

Give your tried-and-true apple pie recipe a rest and experiment with some new apple recipes this fall season. These three creative culinary ideas offer just as much sweet apple flavor as a traditional pie, but they come in a variety of different forms to last you all season long.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes [southernliving.com]
Caramel apples are delicious, but they’re not exactly practical to bring to social gatherings. This adorable cupcake recipe combines the classic combination of caramel and apples in a handheld form, and they’re topped with toasted pecans and miniature crab apples to give them an extra special appearance.

Mile-High Apple Pie [marthastewart.com]
Most baking enthusiasts are loyal to one apple pie recipe, but this one might just give your usual recipe a run for its money. The deep-dish crust makes the pie incredibly dense, and best of all, it tastes even better the next day.

Apple Squares [allrecipes.com]
All of the flavors of apple pie are packed into conveniently cake-like squares in this simple recipe. Apples and nuts make each bar taste hearty and rustic, while the vanilla and cinnamon will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma while they’re baking. Slice them into oversized portions and pack them in the kids’ lunches, eat them for breakfast, or serve them as a dessert at your next holiday party.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Hearty Chili Recipes to Try This Fall

September 18, 2014 by

Few things taste better on a chilly fall day than a warm bowl of hearty chili, but your staple recipe may start to get a bit old after a few seasons. Here are three tasty new chili recipes that are equally as comforting but a bit more creative.

All-American Chili [myrecipes.com]
Whether you use it to top grilled hot dogs or to eat right from the bowl on a cold afternoon, it doesn’t get more all-American than this chili recipe. Ground sirloin and hot Italian turkey sausage give this a flavorful, meaty taste, while a hefty splash of merlot makes a delicious secret ingredient that your guests are sure to ask about.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup [allrecipes.com]
Add a Mexican flair to your usual chili with this hearty chicken taco soup made entirely in the slow cooker. Serve it topped with sour cream, green chilies, tortilla strips, or healthy avocado for even more flavor.

Turkey and White Bean Chili [marthastewart.com]
If you prefer a chili that’s a bit lighter than most, this recipe is the perfect choice. Lean turkey and mild white beans are the base ingredients, but jalapenos and ground cumin give it that slight kick that you love about spicy chili.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Pin It on Pinterest