Sunday, November 30, 2014

Rooibos Cranberry Sauce


As I was finishing up my Thanksgiving cranberries and enjoying 
a cup of chai, I thought the chai flavors would work realy well with the
cranberries.  So I dunked a rooibos teabag in the bowl of hot cranberries
and left it in for about 10 minutes.  I was really pleased with the results.

I thought I'd make another batch by making the chai first and using
it as part of the liquid in the cranberries.  Here how it goes:


Ingredients:

12 oz. bag of cranberries
3/4 cup of strong chai rooibos*
3/4 cup of orange juice
One cup sugar
Pinch of salt




*Make chai rooibos using 3/4 cup of boiling water with
two teabags of chai rooibos.  I used Yogi brand.



Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.



Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes until thickened.



Pour into a bowl and bring to room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate when cooled.




The spices in the chai are subtle but add a warm, almost
floral quality to the cranberries.

I love cranberries and will eat all I can for the rest of the year.
I always make extra and enjoy them on toast (or even on ice cream)
after all the Thanksgiving leftovers are all gone.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend
with their family and friends.  Let the holidays begin!

Friday, November 28, 2014

Today is the Day! Free Shipping* 20% of Herringbone Throws & Linens, Cookie Cutter Bundles, $5 Off Boxwood Wreaths


Festive Holiday Decor on Sale for Black Friday
Today is the day - it is officially time to deck the halls! Today I'll be offering my biggest specials of the season - linens, cookie cutters, boxwood wreaths and Free Shipping on all orders over $50. Today is the day!
This weekend we're heading to the farm to pick out our tree, next week we have big plans get a jump on our holiday baking (freezing sugar cookies!), adding festive touches throughout the house and wreaths in every window. I hope my specials today help you "deck" your own halls and find gifts for your loved ones. Don't forget to stock up on festive ribbons and gift wrap to wrap up all of those great deals you're getting today!
My Black Friday specials :
▪ 20% off Herringbone Throws
▪ Copper Cookie Cutters bundle of 4, $48 ($12 off!)
▪ Up to 20% off Linens
▪ Boxwood Wreaths, $5 off
▪ *Free Shipping on orders over $50 (use the code : DECKTHEHALLS at checkout)
▪ As always, all orders with a Gift Card will receive a Free Shipping code to use for their next order.

Officially... Happy Holidays and Happy Decking the Halls!
Jenny

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving


I'm happy to have a few days' break to relax, to cook and share
time with friends and to be thankful for everything I have.

I might even get in another post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Flowers are from my friend Shelley at Bow Street Flowers.)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Elegant (& Easy) Pre-Packaged Gifts | Free Shipping Coupon

Around the holiday season, it is always a good idea to keep some gifts ready to go.  So many times we're invited to a last minute party, or receive an unexpected gift and it is a great idea to have something pre-packaged to give at the last moment.  These are my favorite, easy-to-give gifts that come from my store ready for giving.  They are all right around $10-15 - the perfect amount for a teacher gift, work friend or neighbor.

Free Shipping Code!
For every order placed today that is over $50, I will email you a Free Shipping Code you can use anytime after today... it might come in handy this weekend when I'll be featuring some specials on my favorite products. 


Everyday Occasions Gift Card

These boxed Gift Cards have been a big hit with my readers!  They come in amounts from $25-100 and are pre-packaged in this great box with a ribbon and tag.  It looks especially great with the Warm Grey Plaid Linen Tea Towel



My Everyday Candle

My Everyday Candles have been re-stocked, again, for the last time this holiday season!  They are by far the most popular product I carry.  The Mini Latte Bowl ($16) candle comes packaged in a kraft box, cushioned with krinkle ready for giving.  The Gold Tin ($12.50) is the perfect little thing to complete a gift, or put in a stocking.
Tablet + LePens, $14

These Tablets come with four of my favorite LePens - in many colors.  Vermont Red is a particular favorite of mine for this season, but...
 The Frasier Fir Green is also a great choice!  I have the tablets made of cardstock, so they are an extra luxurious treat for list makers like me.
Copper Cookie Cutters, $15

All of my handmade Copper Cookie Cutters come packaged in a Large Cello Bag along with my Sugar Cookie Recipe card and are tied with Grosgrain ribbon.  It really is the perfect hostess gift, or gift for school friends and teachers.  I'm also planning to have a kitchen Christmas Tree decked out in our Copper Cookie Cutter collection.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Individual Quiche Tarts | Make Ahead Easy Entertaining




I wish I had had thought of this when I had my catering business... my clients would've gone crazy for them.  I can't tell you how many brunches and ladies lunches I catered!  Baby shower brunches, wedding showers, holiday breakfasts, anniversary luncheons - all requesting quiche.  They would've loved these.

Not only would they be great for a party, but also great to keep in the freezer for holiday house guests.

When we have friends or family stay, I like breakfast to be a casual, help-yourself kind of thing - everyone can do their own thing while lounging and drinking coffee.  These would be perfect to make ahead of time and put out with scones (that you also made ahead and kept pre-baked in the freezer) and a bowl of berries.  Easy, and better than making everyone waffles or omelets.

I used basically the same recipe I use for a regular size, but divided it among my disposable Petite Tart Pans ($6 for 10).  They are naturally non-stick because they have a wax coating.





  They require quite a bit of filling, which is nice because it is a generous portion.  I recommend portioning 2 eggs for each pan.  Along with the classic egg, and half-and-half mixture you can add anything - here I did mushrooms, spinach, feta and chives.  

The other combo I made was ham, cheddar and chive (for Mike).


I love the idea of having a variety of combinations for people to choose from.  There were a couple of "everything" ones for me, and some veggie for Mike's Dad.




Here is the egg mixture recipe I used :

Basic Quiche Filling, for 6 Petite Quiche Tarts :
2 Pastry Crust = enough for 6 tart pans
12 eggs
1 1/4 cup of Half & Half
Salt & Pepper
1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
*Cheese, Ham, Mushrooms, Peppers, Chives... etc!


Cut the crusts into circles, about 1 inch bigger than the pans, then press them in.  Fill with cheese, meats and veggies.  Pour egg mixture in.


Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.  You need to bake them a little longer than you might think because the crust on the bottom needs time to brown.


Aren't they pretty!  Your guests will love them.






I served ours with Orange Cranberry Scones.  They are great to make ahead of time and keep in the freezer or refrigerator.  They bake for just 15 minutes, so they don't take much time at all in the morning.  You can also make the orange glaze for them ahead of time, or the morning of if you "need" something to do : )



















Products Featured :

Petite Tart Pans, $6 for 10

Red & Natural Gingham Plaid Tea Towel (under tart pan), 2 for $28

Red & Natural Striped Tea Towel (under plate), 2 for $28

Parchment Pan Liners, $8 for 100






My free 2015 Monthly Planner is back!

By popular demand, I've prepared next year's monthly planner and I'm offering it up again as a free PDF download! Merry early Christmas to you all.



The design/layout is identical to previous years as it has been working for me quite well and I love the fun colors.


For full step by step instructions on how to print/arrange the PDF and get it assembled very inexpensively, see my 2013 and 2014 planner posts.

Here's a look at the monthly spread:


And the backside notes/monthly cover pages:


 Can't wait to start marking it up... nothing like a fresh blank slate to start the year off!


Click here to download your free PDF from my Facebook page. You'll just need to enter your name & email to subscribe to my shop newsletter (don't worry, you'll only receive a handful of emails per year). You definitely want to be on this list anyway to stay up to date on the latest releases/sales!

Speaking of which... we're coming up on my largest sale of the year. It's going to be huge, 24 hours only, and if you've been eyeing any prints in my shop, trust me... now is the time to snag them!


I can't give away any more details yet, but if you're on my list you'll see an email this weekend with a coupon code for early access! Keep your eyes peeled.

Wishing you all the happiest of Thanksgivings and I hope it's overflowing with turkey and cider and pumpkin pie and family. I'm getting a head start on some holiday decorating before our guests arrive so hopefully I'll have some fun DIY's lined up for you guys next week!


Monday, November 24, 2014

All My Thanksgiving Recipes, Worksheets, Photos & Tables


This is a post I share every year, and each year I update it with some of the new recipes I've added  - Hello, Kale Salad and Petite Pecan Pies.  I've also included the link to my Thanksgiving Planning Worksheets (below) to help you with your scheduling for the week... it is "go" time for those of you hosting! 

It is always fun putting this post together - all of my Thanksgiving recipes and posts from the last 5 years.  I love seeing how my photography and style has evolved.  Somethings haven't changed, like Baked Brie with Pecans being the best appetizer for Thanksgiving, and the BEST Turkey recipe that starts with a bottle of white wine and a pound of butter : ) Hope you enjoy and it helps you prepare for the big day.

Even though we're not hosting this year (big house update coming tomorrow or wednesday!), we have a busy week making teachers' gifts for school, gifts for my work helpers, gathering flowers for centerpieces and getting ready for a holiday packed weekend.  This weekend marks the start of the most wonderful time of the year.  The old "kids" (as in me, my sister, brother and our husbands/girlfriends) going to the Mizzou football game, heading to the Christmas tree farm and Emma having fun with her "best" cousin, as she calls them.  I can't wait  :) 
Here is a link to download my Thanksgiving Worksheets.  They will help you go on autopilot for the day so you can enjoy yourself and know that everything will be perfectly timed... or at least most things.   You will be prompted to add your email before the lists download, just FYI.  This adds you to my email list so you can stay updated on new posts and specials I have for the store.  I'm trying to decide what I'll be doing for Black Friday... any ideas?!


Kale, Pumpkin Seed, Apple & Cranberry Salad

This is what I'm making for our Thanksgiving at Mike's parents house - we had it earlier this Fall (when this photo was taken...) and they've requested it for Thanksgiving.  Always nice to have something fresh and crunchy in addition to such an indulgent meal.

 

Thanksgiving Planner | Traditional Herb Stuffing Recipe | Sage & Thyme Dressing Recipe



 The Best Classic Mashed Potatoes | Potato Ricer

This is what I'm making for my Mom's Thanksgiving - I'm making them ahead of time and we'll bake them to reheat.   She's having a crowd of 14 Adults and 7 kids, so I think I'm going to make 15 pounds to make sure we have lots of leftovers... I better start peeling potatoes today.   She's having all of our cousins from her side of the family, just like we used to when we were kids, but haven't done in almost 5 years since we all started having kids.  I'm excited for the house to be buzzing and kids to be everywhere like old times.  

Holidays | Entertaining | Thanksgiving Planner | Countdown Day 9 | Roasted Turkey & Gravy Recipes

One thing that I highly recommend, is trying the Turkey recipe I have posted from Martha Stewart.  We stared using this method a couple of years ago and everyone goes crazy over it.  You stuff the bird with lemon, garlic, thyme, and sage, then baste it with a mixture of a bottle of chardonnay and 4 sticks of butter.  It makes the most unbelievable pan drippings for gravy.  Turkey is usually a little bland, but this recipe makes it amazing.





 

Pecan Tart | A New Twist on a Classic Pecan Pie Recipe


Petite Pecan Pies with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

 


Pumpkin Cream Tart


Chocolate Cream Tart with Pecan Shortbread Crust

 Thanksgiving Table Setting | DIY Flower Pumpkin Centerpiece, Woodland China, Hemstitch Linens, Pewter Flatware & Rustic Glassware

 

Thanksgiving Table : Pears, Bittersweet, Velvet & Linen


Holidays | Entertaining | Thanksgiving Planner | Countdown Day 3 | Table Setting Tools & Inspiration | Thanksgiving Table Setting & House Decor

Holidays | Entertaining | Thanksgiving Planner | Countdown Day 3 | Table Setting Tools & Inspiration | Thanksgiving Table Setting & House Decor



Thanksgiving & Holiday Products! Wheat Centerpiece | Grosgrain Ribbon | Stationary | Kraft Loaf Pans 

Enjoy this week of planning - my favorite part of Thanksgiving... getting everything ready!

Jenny