Traditional and New Holiday Cake Recipes

It’s that time of year when holiday cake recipes are cooking, baking, and taste of the holidays making in the Places In The Home test kitchen.

Grandmother’s Tennessee Pound Cake with Nutmeg is tradition on a cake plate, and Wilshire Walnut and Spice Cake is a newly developed recipe worthy of center stage on the holiday dessert table.

grandmothers-pound-cake-with-nutmeg-1

The warm and inviting colors, textures, and patterns found in this house of the year kitchen by Susan Burns Designs offers holiday cake recipes baking inspiration.

Susan-Burns-design-house-of-the-year

Reflecting on holidays past brings back memories of recipes baked with love and taste traditions.

Crammed between the pages of a beloved cookbook inherited from an aunt is a collection of handwritten recipes cooked, baked, tested, and penned in the kitchen of my paternal grandmother.

grandmothers-pound-cake-with-nutmeg-recipe

Truth in baking disclosure:

The cupboard was bare of mace, and most importantly, what is mace?

Mace is a spice native to Indonesia.  The flavor is sweet and woody reminiscent of nutmeg, however, not quite as sweet. Some describe the taste of mace as a blend of cinnamon and pepper.

Nutmeg stands as the spice I have plenty of, and so 2 teaspoons found its way into the batter.

grandmothers-pound-cake

Grandmother’s Tennessee Pound Cake with Nutmeg

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar

3 sticks salted butter

6 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour; sifted

2 teaspoons nutmeg or to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 300° F.  Using a mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar together until mixture reaches a fluffy texture. Add eggs one at a time to creamed butter and sugar.

holiday cake recipesReduce mixer speed to low; slowly add sifted all-purpose flour and nutmeg to wet ingredients.

creamed-eggs-butter-sugar

Using a wooden spoon or cake spatula, spoon batter into greased and floured tube pan.

floured-greased-cake-tube-pan

Bake at 300° F for 1 hour or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Grandmothers-Tennessee-holiday-cake-recipes

Remove cake from tube pan and transfer to cake stand or platter of choice.

Thanksgiving-table-cake-plate

Building upon a traditional holiday recipe, this next cake highlights the spices, fruits, and nuts associated with the taste of the holidays.

Wilshire Walnut and Spice Cake

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1  teaspoon nutmeg

1  teaspoon ground cloves

½  teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 ½  cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped walnuts

3 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup golden raisins

1 Tablespoon candied lemon peel

holiday-bundt-1

floured-greased-cake-tube-pan

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Grease and flour Bundt pan.

Peel and chop apples; sprinkle with lemon juice.

sugar-eggs-oil

Mix together sugar and oil; add eggs one at a time and beat until creamy.

Add vanilla.

Using a whisk, combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves together.

Add dry ingredients in small amounts to sugar and oil mixture.

fruit-nuts-coconut-apples-lemons1

Next, add chopped apples, walnuts, candied lemon peels, coconut, and golden raisins.

Stir until incorporated.

cake-ingredients-fruit

Using a wooden spoon, evenly spoon mixture into a greased and floured Bundt pan.

cake-batter

Bake in 350° F oven for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

holiday-cake-1

Meyer lemons are pucker power packed with bright flavor that complements two of my favorite fall spices– nutmeg and cloves.

boiling-lemon-peels

Candied Lemon Peels

Ingredients

6 lemons

6 cups cold water, divided

1 teaspoon salt, divided

2½ cups sugar

Directions

Peel lemons by taking off long thick strips.  In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, ½ teaspoon salt, and lemon peels. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat, strain mixture and reserve liquid.

Return liquid and lemon peels to pan.  Add in ½ teaspoon salt and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes.  Remove pan from heat, strain mixture, and reserve lemon peels.

Add 2 cups water and sugar to pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally  until sugar dissolves.  Reduce heat to low.  Add lemon peels. Gently simmer for 45 minutes being careful not do let the sugar caramelize. Remove from heat and drain.

Place lemon peels onto a piece of parchment paper that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Allow candied lemon peels to dry for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Store candied peels in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

holiday cake recipes

enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gather Together Thanksgiving Dishes

In preparing and feasting anticipation of traditional and new traditional Thanksgiving dishes sure to impress plate and palate, it is my pleasure to share with you all a collection of company worthy Thanksgiving dishes for your gather together holiday celebration.

fall-pumpkin-centerpiece-SL-photo-Helen-Norman

Southern Living – Photo by Helen Norman

how much turkey per person guide

holiday-table-Thanksgiving-turkey-photo-David-Tsay-BHG

Better Homes & Gardens

Click on the links for recipe ingredients and directions.

You ain’t seen stuffing yet until you put a Louisiana spin on it.

Creole Roasted Turkey with Holy Trinity Stuffing

Creole Roasted Turkey with Holy Trinity Stuffing

Creole Baked Oyster Dressing

creole baked oyster dressing

plymouth-pumpkin-dinnerware-collection

Plymouth Gate Dinner Plates, Turkey

thanksgiving dishes

Dixson+Platter

hotel knife

Volkman+3+Piece+Acacia+Tree+Bark+Board+Set

Autumn-spiced pecans introduce the taste of the season as appetizer or garnish.

seasoned-pecans

Autumn-Spiced Pecans

Ingredients

1 pound pecan halves

½ cup sugar

1½ teaspoons apple pie spice

1½ teaspoons smoked paprika

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 large egg white

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°.  Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together pecans, sugar, apple pie spice, smoked paprika, salt, and red pepper.

In a medium bowl, beat egg white with a mixer at medium speed until foamy. Add egg white to pecan mixture, stirring until coated. Spread mixture in an even layer on prepared pan.

Bake, stirring twice, until egg white begins to dry, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely, stirring occasionally.

Makes about 6 cups

-Southern Lady Magazine

As lovely as a candy or bon-bon dish is for housing appetizers, Covid-19 safety practices deem individual serving options necessary.

nut-bowls-individual

Potato-Apple Gratin

otato-Apple Gratin photo amy allen

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Amy Allen

Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables with Spicy Pecan Topping

Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables with Spicy Pecan Topping

Spiced Acorn Squash

Spiced-Acorn-Squash

fall-table-decor-ideas-hbx-Allisonn-Gootee

House Beautiful – Photo by Allisonn Gootee

English Victorian gravy boat

Bacon-Caramelized Onion Gravy

bacon-caramelized-onion-gravy

Traditional favorites set our Thanksgiving table, but there’s always a place at the table for new traditional dishes and decor accents and accessories.

New for Thanksgiving 2020 is this wonderfully rustic DIY place card idea.

Thanksgiving-2020-table-settings-ideas

Pick up a package of pine wood discs and a permanent marker in your personal choice of color.

Design and decorate to taste and theme and assign the name of each diner to a disc.

pine wood discs

Green Bean Bundles

Green-Bean-Bundles

Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet-potato-casserole

Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion

roasted-sweet-potato-pear-red-onion

Pretty Duchess Potatoes

Pretty-Duchess-Potatoes_

Coffee-Glazed Carrots

Coffee-Carrots

Godinger-cake-pedestal

Apple-Cinnamon Layer Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

Apple-Cinnamon Layer Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

five-pie-slices-plates-Blaine-Moats

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo Blaine Moats

Pumpkin-Butterscotch Gingerbread Trifle

Pumpkin-Butterscotch Gingerbread Trifle

Chocolate and Pecan Tart

Chocolate-Pecan-Tart

Whiskey and Cream Pumpkin Tart with Pecan Butter Shortbread Crust

Whiskey and Cream Pumpkin Tart with Pecan Butter Shortbread Crust photo by Carson Downing

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Carson Downing

enjoy

Holiday Kitchen Accessories

Let’s talk getting an idea of the holiday kitchen accessories perfect for the holiday decorating season.

With the present state of health affairs we all find ourselves in I say if we’re spending more time at home let’s start sooner than later decking the halls, dining rooms, and kitchens.

One good thing about staying close to home and being Covid 19 safe is the scads of internet time it affords decoristas to check out the latest and greatest home for the holidays goodies.

It’s never too early in my humble and holiday opinion (think Black Friday).

Besides, who wants to play the waiting game and run the risk of the dreaded sold out and not available notice?

With that thought in mind, coupled with the knowledge Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, I’m sourcing and sharing kitchen accessories and accents in holiday and not so holiday finery.

vintage-kitchen-at-the-holidays

Images of Christmas from 1900 yesterday depict the hustling and bustling times of the spirited and decorated holiday kitchen.

Check out the back in the day Philco Port-O-Sound Cart.

Music is a key part of my kitchen plan and prep routine, a natural stress reliever, brings back and makes memories old and new, and delivers as a grand communicator.

Vintage wares and groovy sound system style caught my eye, but the apron is sending true kitchen keepsake love my way.

Feast your eyes on Mama Places In The Home modeling her mother’s apron which is almost identical to the one in the image.

mama-PITH-apron

Necessary holiday kitchen accessories for the holiday kitchen include a sassy apron in seasonally appropriate colors and patterns.

Little Red Truck Half Apron - Christmas Apron for Women

Little Red Truck Half Apron – Christmas Apron for Women

Do you include home decor items on your Dear Santa gotta have it list?

Lost on me is the notion of home decor accents and accessories being off limits for Christmas gift giving and/or receiving.

Who came up with that?

A decoristas love of all things house that make a home does not take a break at the holidays, and the gift of holiday kitchen accessories and accents is the gift that keeps on giving.

wrapped gifts burlap ribbon

Working with an in the style of premise, let’s look at a few items dripping in vintage chic that classically make the leap from yesteryear to current decor styles.

Holiday Kitchen Accessories

Christmas morning comes early when you find a forgotten set of copper molds bought sometime last year on a Goodwill run.

woodward-style-iron-patio-bar-cart-chez-vous-1

Chic is served in the holiday kitchen in many ways, but I especially like the blending of old with new, classic with current.

The Woodward Style Iron Patio Bar Cart becomes a classic statement piece stylishly prepped for kitchen duty.

 Marari Rattan Bar Cart in Black

Global Caravan Marari Rattan Bar Cart in Black

Option number two is this super chic Marari Rattan Bar Cart.

kitchen-work-area

Number three gives a nod to the gold accents and accessories throughout my kitchen.

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Trevia Folding Cart

CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Trevia Folding Cart

The addition of a lovely table lamp(s) to your kitchen countertop creates an inviting and cozy aesthetic as well as promotes a curated ambiance.

Darren 25.5" Glass LED Table Lamp, Mercury Silver (Set of 2) by JONATHAN Y

Darren 25.5″ Glass LED Table Lamps (Set of 2) by JONATHAN Y

Fast forward to today’s music scene and heard options equipped with smart features and full-range sound quality.

An audible squeal of delight followed when I saw this image from Leanne Ford’s home as featured in Domino.

Leanne-Ford-cabin-vintage-albums

On, Elvis! on, Haggard! on Harris and Campbell!

Elvis That's the Way It Is (Original Soundtrack) (4 LPs)

Talk about two albums (and 8 tracks) that shaped the soundtrack of my childhood into teenage years.

Glen-Campbell-Wichita-Lineman-Vinyl

Parker Light Beige Record Player

Parker Light Beige Record Player 

The Parker Record Player from Victrola captures a vintage style while offering the warm sound of analog recordings through built-in stereo speakers.

Modern technology allows you to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

mosser-glass-hen-covered-dish-jadeite-green

Mosser Glass Hen Covered Dish 6 inch Vintage Style, Jadeite Green Opaque Glass

Behold this in the style of vintage covered hen dish in jadeite reimagined as a sugar bowl.

Beautiful L.E. Smith Clear Glass Standing Turkey Dish w Lid

Beautiful L.E. Smith Clear Glass Standing Turkey Dish w Lid

Get kitchen creative when it comes to sugar, sweetener, salt, and spice bowls.

kiss-dishGodinger Hershey’s Kiss Crystal Candy Dish

Using a Hershey’s Crystal Kiss Candy Dish as a counter decoration holder for sweetener packets, sugar in the raw, or coarse sea salt is a crystal clear reminder of holiday traditions.

Connected Goods Olive Wood Spice Bowl and Spoon

Spending an afternoon checking out the many talented artists and wares the internet has to offer is part of the source and ye shall find show and tell.

You never know what unique pieces you’ll find as was the case with these Thanksgiving turkey decoupage oyster shells.

I believe they’ll be focal point worthy as salt and black pepper cellars.

turkey-oyster-shells

Decoupage Handpainted Thanksgiving Turkey Oyster Shells

In keeping with the rustic and natural theme associated with Thanksgiving, farmhouse, and a woodland Christmas, artisan wood bark natural decorative bowls become an eye catching addition to your holiday kitchen accessories portfolio.

bark-decorative-bowl

Copper in the kitchen is my kind of holiday decoration.

Cook and bake for the holidays in good taste as well as in great style.

copper measuring cups set of 4

Copper Measuring Cups, Set of 4

We’ve covered copper, now let’s toast this beauty that can pull double duty as a champagne bucket/wine cooler when celebrating and as an anything but everyday utensil holder when not.

Traditional Aluminum Bucket Wine Cooler

Traditional Aluminum Bucket Wine Cooler

Super stylish decorative pieces is always reason enough to celebrate.

fresh bay leaf wreath

Fresh Bay Leaf Wreath

Fall into Thanksgiving straight through to Christmas counts as the holidays at our house.

Festive-Kitchens-Gallery-Timothy-Johnson-photographer-Virginia-Macdonald

House & Home – Designer Timothy Johnson – Photo by Virginia Macdonald 

Decorating a kitchen backsplash , window(s), or wall with a wreath is a year round decorative delight, and at the holidays it gives such a festive look.

12" Preserved Natural Boxwood Leaf Christmas Wreath by Ashland

Further the presentation with additions and accents in not just for the holidays colors, textures, and patterns.

red jute webbing

holiday-kitchen-wreath-embellishments 2

Farmhouse style is a design style darling for today’s kitchen decor, and these mixing bowls in hobnail white are sure to become a favorite kitchen element all year long.

ironstone-bowls-pitchers-creamers

Victoria Magazine- Photography and Styling by Stephanie Welbourne Steele -Styling by Melissa Sturdivant Smith

mixing-bowls-hobnail

Tabletops Gallery® 4-pc. Mixing Bowl Set

cream-mason-cash-mixing-bowls

cream-mason-cash-mixing-bowls

Mason Cash In The Forest 1 Quart Measuring Jug

diy-christmas-wreath-ideas-shiny-brite-David-Tsay CL

Country Living Magazine -Photo by David Tsay 

Mosser Jadeite Mixing Bowls, Set of 3

Mosser Jadeite Mixing Bowls, Set of 3

patterned-yellow-mixing-bowl

Between traditional convenience and today’s technology and performance lies my hand mixer preference.

The Oster 270-Watt Hand Mixer with HEATSOFT Technology softens cold ingredients with gentle heat while mixing- cutting out the need to bring non-room temperature ingredients to room temperature.

Oster 270-Watt Hand Mixer with HEATSOFT Technology, White

Oster 270-Watt Hand Mixer with HEATSOFT Technology 

Copper is a delightful color complement to the shades of the fall and Thanksgiving color palette, however, I’m thinking the KitchenAid Artisan Empire stand mixer in holiday happening red is the way to mix things up.

Cooking, baking, and delicious treat making goes with the seasonal territory, and remember, Santa does love his cookies.

KitchenAid ® Artisan Empire Red Stand Mixer

KitchenAid ® Artisan Empire Red Stand Mixer

nordic-ware-sunflower-harvest-loaf-pan

Nordic Ware Sunflower Harvest Loaf Pan

Nordic Ware Woodland Cakelet

Nordic Ware Woodland Cakelet

Nordic Ware Premier Gold Classic Fluted Loaf Pan-1

Nordic Ware Premier Gold Classic Fluted Loaf Pan

Nordic Ware Premier Gold Classic Fluted Loaf Pan

nordic-ware-twas-the-night-before-christmas-loaf-pan

Nordic Ware ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Loaf Pan

Christmas rolling pin

Christmas Theme Engraved Laser Rolling Pin

Earthenware Winter Forest 3D Lodge Cookie Jar - Certified International

Old-St.-Nick-Cookie-Jar Old St Nick Cookie Jar

Sweets, treats, and holiday eats.

hot-chocolate-Santa-mugs-photo-John-Granen-BHG

Better Homes & Gardens

No time like the present for getting into the holiday spirit.

Fall into winter is the season of cozy, and hot chocolate is the official unofficial warm beverage most of us love to settle in with.

Setting up a hot cocoa bar is easy and never fails to impress and please the home for the holidays crowd.

Holiday Kitchen Accessories

Grab an inexpensive silver tray from the dollar store, fill with equally inexpensive theme of the season mugs, and you’re off to the races.

Pick your garnishes and place in glass containers, jars, small bowls, porcelain creamers, vintage gravy boats- you get the idea.

apothecary-jar-clear

Snacks, appetizers, charcuterie boards, and yes, a hot cocoa bar/station will still be a part of our holiday sip and snack times with a few tweaks to keep with safe and smart gathering.

Oohs and aahs over presentation is a gift to host, hostess, and guests alike.

Construct a central presentation board, and from there go with individual items, single portions, and serve yourself beverage or cocktail bars.

fall-cheese-board

Fall into winter themed charcuterie boards dressed with seasonal cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, jellies, and preserves tempt and delight.

Serving ideas include:

Assemble individual charcuterie boards.

olive wood board

Layer glass jars with cheese bites, seasonal dried fruits, sweet breads and nuts, a couple of breadsticks, garnish with fresh herbs, and voilà.

individual charcuterie board ingredients

Prepare individual trays for beverages including all items to mix, mingle, spike, and jingle.

Simply and elegantly single serve to guests.

We can’t spread the germs, but we can spread the holiday joy!

Pear Shaped Mango Wood Cutting Board Pear Shaped Mango Wood Cutting Board

Stoneware Cheese Board Home Shaped

Stoneware Cheese Board

snowman-shaped-cutting-cheese-board

Epicurean Slate Snowman Cutting Board

Simple Glass Cloche, 12 Inch

Simple Glass Cloche, 12 Inch

Rustic with a stunning twist is on-trend, and I love these options for year round serving pieces.

Uplifter Cream Pitcher

Seasonal fruits, flowers, eats, and treats will entice the eye even more when housed in and on these presentation pieces.

Devon+Dinner+Plate+2

Wall art is an excellent way to introduce color into a space, and reproduction advertising prints and posters do just that.

Lady Cirio Canned Food Company Woman Holding Vegetables Fruits

Pomegranate-pot-roast-photo-Blaine-Moats-BHG

Pomegranate Pot Roast-Photo by Blaine Moats

Striking cookware and serving pieces top the must have holiday kitchen accessories list.

stoneware-bakers-white

Better Homes & Gardens Oval Baker With Lid
Ruffled Edge Baker
Better Homes & Gardens Porcelain Bakeware Serve Dish, Oven to Table

baking-dishes

fall-home

Home for the holidays can present a whole host of dishes both delicious and dirty.

If you are even remotely considering replacing your current kitchen faucet, there’s no time like the present.

Under consideration for a new kitchen sink faucet is the Bolden-Single Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet.

Kraus-pull-down-kitchen-sink-faucet

Edison Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet 

Multi-purpose warrants consideration when selecting home furnishings and decor pieces.

Romilly 7-Drawer Black and Oak Brown Dresser

Romilly 7-Drawer Black and Oak Brown Dresser

This Baxton Studio Romilly 7-Drawer Black and Oak Brown Dresser checks all the boxes in regards to function, form, affordability, and the signature feature required by decoristas, style.

But wait, Darleen.

Did I understand you to reference it as a dresser?

Good eye, decoristas!

True, it is marketed as a dresser, but the dual tones, serpentine shaped frame design, and ample amount of drawers qualifies it as an excellent furnishing option for use as a sideboard-buffet-server.

Virginia Macdonald Source: House & Home November 2019 Designer: Angela Wheeler

House & Home – Designer Angela Wheeler- Photo by Virginia Macdonald

Striking holiday kitchen accessories bring seasonal appeal as well as year long chic to the heart of the home.

Love your style!

New Year’s Eve Celebrating and Entertaining

New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining.

Maybe it’s much too early in the game,

Aah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella asks it, and revelers answer with a chorus of festive New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining.

new-years-eve

Pinterest

As for Dave the Builder and me, hardcore party animals we are not.

Our party of choice is to host a casual come as you are ringing in the New Year open house in at home style with a few family members, close friends and beloved neighbors.

I keep the decorations traditional, festive, sparkly, and inexpensive.

Gold Glitter Ball Confetti

silver tissue pom poms

Gold and silver glamour is the party color palette, and gold glitter ball confetti and silver tissue pom poms signals we’re gonna party in style like it’s 1999 and beyond.

1999

Speaking of party tunes, here’s our updated New Year’s Eve playlist.

New Year.

Classic tunes.

Good times.

Fun and stylish decorations that you can pick up well in advance or even the day of hit all the right New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining and decorating notes.

Metallic and/or glitter spray paint and a collection Styrofoam balls in various sizes makes a fun NYE DIY project that results in focal point presence.

Holiday clearance sales quickly become a decorista’s best friend.

Hit up a holiday clearance sale for everything from party supplies to glitter accents to string lights and lanterns.

A quick and easy table decoration tip that always looks grand is to intermingle battery operated string lights and flameless LED battery operated candle filled lanterns or glass holders from table end to table end (think table runner).

ombre pillar candles trio

Don’t you love the no worries convenience and safety of using flameless candle?  I haven’t used a real candle for luminary purposes in years.

Flameless LED battery operated votive and tea light candles give good style, eliminate safety concerns and unless the batteries die, light the party night.

sand-timer-and-prosecco

A sand timer and clock become perfect centerpiece accents and sidekick to a bottle of New Year’s Eve bubbly.

Jaeger-LeCoultre-clock-1

Wine corks make a stylish place card holder.

wine corksMichaels

You know me and leopard- leopard print love it!

leopard accent plateLeopard Salad Plate

black-gold-cocktail-napkin

White tie formal with the decorative yet casual oomph party boxes and table decorations are a big hit with the New Year’s Eve party crowd.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Gold glitter favor boxes, white and gold gift boxes, and/or black & cream pinstripe round wine boxes.

white gold gift box

A nice selection of sugar paper™ boxes are on clearance at Target.

Black & Cream Pinstripe Round Wine Box

Fill each box with white and gold paper shreds, black-eye peas, and gold or silver jingle bells (a great take on traditional noisemakers).

gold jingle bells

Hobby Lobby

Camellia brand blackeyes

For the table, fill the bottom of clear candle holders with black decorative sand and add a flameless votive and glitter noisemakers.

If decorative sand is not your filler of choice, fill the candle holder about ½ way up with black-eyed peas.

Finish with dollar store silver trays filled with gold chocolate coins or fortune cookies for a festive look and good luck.

coins-1

trays-nickel-plated

fortune-cookie

We ring in the New Year and the dinner bell with a buffet style supper.

Our pork and beans Louisiana Lagniappe New Year’s Eve buffet includes baked ham, pork tender, blackeyes, coleslaw, and buttermilk cornbread muffins.

foodie-gift

The closest thing to black tie required at our what are you doing New Year’s Eve gathering will be these Tuxedo and Cheese and Crackers appetizers.

Get the recipe from Kitchen Mason.

tuxedo-cheese-crackers

Tuxedo Cheese and Crackers

southern-comfort-drink

Southern Comfort Sparkler

1 ounce Southern Comfort

¼ to ½ ounce peach schnapps

3 dashes black walnut bitters

4 ounces Brut (dry) champagne, chilled

1 dash lemon juice (optional)

In champagne glass combine Southern Comfort, peach schnapps and bitters.  Add cold champagne and lemon juice, if desired. Makes 1 cocktail.

~Recipe by Chef Mary Payne Moran via Traditional Home 

oreo-cookie-clocks-12-600x900

Our New Year’s Eve themed dessert comes to us compliments of this recipe for Chocolate covered no-bake Oreo Cookie Clocks from Pint Sized Baker.

You had me  at chocolate-covered.

And no-bake.

And Oreos.

As the year draws to a close, the question on many a New Year’s Eve  celebrating, entertaining, or relaxing mind is what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

However you celebrate it, enjoy and Happy New Year!

Love your style!

Fetching Friday Thanksgiving to Christmas Dinner Side Dishes

Today’s Fetching Friday shines the gather together spotlight on Thanksgiving to Christmas dinner side dishes.

fetching-definiton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

thanksgiving-to-christmas-dinner-side-dishes

Martha Stewart

New takes on classic and traditional Thanksgiving to Christmas dinner side dishes as delicious as these are sure to become must-have favorites at the holiday table.

roasted-sweet-potato-pear-red-onion

Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion

Ingredients

2 Bartlett pears, about 14 oz, cored and cut into wedges

2 small red onions, cut into wedges

2 small sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), cut into ½ inch-thick half-moons

6 sprigs thyme, plus more for serving

3 tbsp. olive oil

Kosher salt

Pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 425°F.  On large rimmed baking sheet, toss pears, onions, sweet potatoes, and thyme with olive oil and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper.  Roast until golden brown and tender, 35 to 45 minutes.

Sprinkle with additional thyme if desired.

-Good Housekeeping

Rustic Mashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe

Rustic Mashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan 

Ingredients

3 pounds small unpeeled red potatoes, roughly chopped

½  cup whole buttermilk 1 cup salted butter, softened

4 ounces herbed cream cheese (about ½ cup)

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

¼  cup chopped fresh chives

Directions

Place potatoes in a large Dutch oven with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high; boil until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.  Drain and return potatoes to Dutch oven over medium.  Cook, stirring once, until potatoes dry out slightly, 30 to 50 seconds.

Place buttermilk and butter in a microwavable glass bowl, and microwave on high until warm, 30 to 60 seconds.  Add warm buttermilk mixture, cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, and white pepper to potatoes, and coarsely mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.  Sprinkle with chives just before serving.

Reheating Instructions:

Slow Cooker:  Spoon potatoes into a 4 to 6 qt. slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high until heated through, about 2 hours.

Oven: Reheat in a tightly covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through, about 1 hour.

-Southern Living

corn-salad-bacon-honey-recipe

Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium shallot, chopped

1 Tablespoon fresh thyme

2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

3 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 teaspoon pure honey

Directions

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate with a slotted spoon; reserve skillet.

Add shallot and thyme to reserved skillet.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.  Add vinegar and corn. Cook, tossing until heated through, 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in honey and reserved bacon.

-Country Living

Melting Sweet Potatoes (with Maple-Pecan Sauce)

Oh my Melting Sweet Potatoes (with Maple-Pecan Sauce) goodness!  Click on over to Dessert for Two and get the recipe for this delicious take on traditional sweet potatoes.  Click here.

Winter Squash-and-Mushroom Medley

Winter Squash-and-Mushroom Medley

Ingredients

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped carnival squash

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped butternut squash

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped hubbard squash

2 (8-ounce) packages wild-mushroom medley

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons olive oil

¾ teaspoon coarse salt

¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish: fresh thyme

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°.  Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, mix together carnival, butternut, and hubbard squash and mushrooms.  Add melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.  Place on prepared baking sheet.  Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and brown.  Garnish with thyme, if desired.

-Victoria Magazine

Pressure Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Cabbage

Pressure Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Cabbage

Ingredients

6 cups shredded red cabbage

2 cups chopped apples

¼ cup cider vinegar

¼ cup water

3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme, crushed

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Dash ground allspice (optional)

Directions

In a 6-qt. electric or stove-top pressure cooker combine all of the ingredients.

Lock lid in place.  Set electric cooker on high pressure to cook 2 minutes.  For stove-top cooker, bring up to pressure over medium-high heat; reduce heat enough to maintain steady (but not excessive) pressure.  Cook 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.  For both models, quickly release pressure. Open lid carefully.  Stir before serving.

-Better Homes & Gardens

honey-garlic-butter-roasted-carrots

Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots

Ingredients

2 pounds carrots, rinsed

5 tablespoons butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons honey

¼  teaspoon salt

¼  teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

To prepare the honey garlic butter roasted carrots recipe:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).  Lightly oil a baking sheet and set aside. Quarter the carrots lengthwise, keep them attached near the base of the stem.

Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan.  Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring very frequently.  Make sure not to burn the garlic.  Remove from heat and stir in honey and whisk to combine.

Arrange carrots on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the honey garlic butter sauce.  Toss carrots to coat them evenly and arrange them in one layer.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for 15 minutes, or until carrots are tender.

Remove roasted carrots from oven and transfer to a serving plate.  Adjust seasoning if necessary.  Garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

-Eating Well101

Delicious sets a fetching holiday table, and these Thanksgiving to Christmas dinner side dishes will bring the c’est si bon.

enjoy

 

Places In The Home For The Holidays: Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes Ideas

Thanksgiving dinner shines the spotlight on Thanksgiving side dish recipe ideas.

ironstone-vegetable-bowl-serving-spoon

Corn pudding, sweet potato casserole, green peas with mushrooms and pearl onions, buttermilk cornbread, and cornbread dressing pleases the Southern faithful.  Pondering Thanksgiving side dish recipes ideas provided me with delicious inspiration for dishing a new holiday side dish.

Cane Syrup-Roasted Carrots with Garlic-Herb Yogurt Sauce

Cane Syrup-Roasted Carrots with Garlic-Herb Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

¼ cup cane syrup

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

¾ teaspoon ground cumin

2 (16-ounce) packages peeled small rainbow carrots with tops (halved, if large)

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint

1 small clove garlic, grated

½ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

½ teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish: fresh mint leaves, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°.  Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, stir together cane syrup, melted butter, lemon juice, and cumin.  Set aside.

Divide carrots between prepared pans. Toss carrots with ¼ cup oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.  Roast for 15 minutes.

Brush carrots with cane syrup mixture, and roast until tender, about 18
minutes more.

In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, 2 tablespoons water, mint, garlic, parsley, and zest.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, stirring to combine. Drizzle yogurt sauce over carrots.  Garnish with mint and parsley, if desired.

-Louisiana Cookin’

Potato-Apple Gratin

Potato-Apple Gratin

Ingredients

8 medium Yukon gold or other yellow-flesh potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch thick (8 to 10 cups)

2 cups shredded or finely chopped Granny Smith apples (2 or 3 medium)

2/3 cup sliced green onions (6) or thinly sliced leek

4 slice bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups shredded Gruyere, provolone, Swiss, or Jarslberg cheese (12 ounces)

1 1/3 cups whipping cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Green onion slivers (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Layer half of the potatoes, half of the apples, half of the sliced green onions, and half of the bacon in prepared dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt and half of the pepper. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layers. In a medium bowl combine the cream, garlic, and, if desired, nutmeg.  Pour cream mixture over layers in baking dish.  Cover with foil.

Bake for 1-1/2 hours. Uncover; bake for 15 minutes more or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and top is golden.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  If desired, sprinkle with green onion slivers.

-Better Homes & Gardens

field-peas

Classic Fresh Field Peas

Ingredients

2 Smoked Ham Hocks or purchased smoked ham hocks

1 ½ cups finely chopped onion

3 tablespoons bacon drippings

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups shelled fresh field peas (about 1 lb.)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Bring hocks and 2 qt. water to a boil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; simmer 1 ½ to 2 hours or until meat is tender.

Meanwhile, sauté onion in hot drippings in a medium skillet over medium-high heat 6 minutes.  Add garlic; sauté 1 minute.  Add peas and onion mixture to Dutch oven with ham hocks; bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes or until peas are tender.  Remove hocks; drain peas, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Remove and chop ham from hock bones; discard bones.  Stir ham into peas, if desired.

-Southern Living

roasted-acorn-squash-with-maple-bacon-drizzle

Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple-Bacon Drizzle

Ingredients

2 large acorn squash

¼ cup butter

2 tbsp. dark brown sugar

1 tsp. Kosher salt

5 black pepper bacon slices

1 tbsp. chopped rosemary leaves

½ cup maple syrup

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

fresh rosemary leaves

freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine butter and next 2 ingredients.  Coat squash with butter mixture; arrange on baking sheets in a single layer. Bake 20 minutes; turn squash over, and bake 10 more minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, sauté bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp.  Remove bacon with a slotted spoon. Drain drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in skillet.  Cook rosemary in hot drippings 1 minute. Stir in syrup and vinegar and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until reduced by almost half.  Arrange squash on a serving platter and drizzle with warm maple mixture.

Crumble reserved bacon over squash and sprinkle with additional rosemary leaves and pepper.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

-Good Housekeeping

Butterscotch-Pears-taste-of-home

Butterscotch Pears

Ingredients

4  large firm pears

1  tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup packed brown sugar

3  tablespoons butter, softened

2  tablespoons all-purpose flour

½  teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼  teaspoon salt

½  cup chopped pecans

½  cup pear nectar

2  tablespoons honey

Directions

Cut pears in half lengthwise; remove cores. Brush pears with lemon juice. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon and salt; stir in pecans. Spoon into pears; place in 4-qt. slow cooker.

Combine pear nectar and honey; drizzle over pears. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Serve warm.

Taste of Home

Sweet-Potato-roast-recipe

Crispy Sweet Potato Roast

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter, melted and divided

5 large sweet potatoes, washed

6 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Garnish: fresh thyme

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.  Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray; add
2 tablespoons melted butter to bottom of dish.

Using a mandolin or knife, slice sweet potatoes to 1⁄8-inch-thick rounds. Holding slices together, place in pan. Tuck in garlic among slices. Brush sweet potatoes with remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake until potatoes are tender and crisp, about 1¼ hours. Garnish with thyme, if desired.

-Victoria Magazine

Seasoned Italian Green Beans

Visit the canned good aisle at your favorite grocery store.  There you will hopefully find several cans of Margaret Holmes Seasoned Italian Green Beans.

margaret-Holmes-seasoned-green-beans-canned

Buy them.  We are six for Thanksgiving dinner, so I go with three (3) cans, allowing for leftovers.  I add a heaping tablespoon of bacon grease (a staple of the Southern kitchen) and 1½-2 cups of water.  Pearl onions and/or sliced mushrooms dress up this side dish for the holiday table.

Delicious.

enjoy

 

 

 

Patriotic Pops: Happy 4th of July Celebration

Our 4th of July celebration finds me taking a few minutes between festivities to wish you all a Happy 4th of July while I enjoy a cup of tea and some quality keyboard time.

I love the lead up to the big celebration, but life, like decorating and design, is all about balance.

We’re about to get this patriotic pops party started in bing, bang, boom fashion, and I bet you are doing the same at your own Happy 4th of July celebration.

july celebration

Tradition rings red, white, and blue true in a patriotic color palette.

Variations and creative interpretations of the patriotic color palette allow for fresh takes, takes primed for impressing the eye of the new traditional loyal.

red white and blue paint colors

Drum up the drama and set off the visual fireworks in shades, hues and tones of regal reds, shades of white, and brilliant blues.

Fenwick-console-Oomph

Oomph ~ Design by Annie Anderson

A space defined, detailed, and draped in an updated interpretation of the classic red, white, and blue color scheme pops the color in new traditional style.

red-white-blue-fabricInside Fabric

blue-white-color-swirls-glass-table-lamp-set

Navy and White Color Swirls Glass Table Lamp (Set of 2)

Table-Lamp-with-Blue-Base-and-White-Shade

Artistic Weavers Gaselle Table Lamp with Blue Base and White Shade

If a space totally immersed in a patriotic color palette does not appeal to you, perhaps a spot accessory in red, white or blue is in order.

red-white-cabinets

Domino

Color as an accessory and/or focal point?

Yes, yes, and yes!

Kemble Interiors, Inc.Kemble Interiors, Inc.

Can’t find that special accent or accessory to bring the look home?

Construct it.

mid-century-italian-modern-blue-glazed-ceramic-sculptural-table-lamp

Mid-Century Italian Modern Blue Glazed Ceramic Sculptural Table Lamps

contemporary-lamp-shades

Don’t shy from purchasing a lamp(s) with a shade that does not float your boat or without a shade at all.

Celebrate your independence from the unremarkable, run-of-the-mill, and lackluster by creating a custom piece by replacing or purchasing a shade(s) suited to your taste, color preference and the canvas of the space.

Timothy GodboldTimothy Godbold

The color combination of red, white and blue is synonymous with regal grandeur.

Patriotic as well as impressive, the red, white, and blue color palette makes a bold design and home decor statement from floor to ceiling.

katie.ridder.inc.portfolio.interiors.foyer

Katie Ridder Inc.

Pop the color, say cheers to the American spirit, and savor the flavor on this Independence Day.

Place the spotlight on fun, an impressive party palette, and the snacks, the crackles and the pops that go with letting freedom ring.

I think that’s a simple yet spectacular recipe for party success!

Happy 4th of July!

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasures On The Tree: Christmas Ornaments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Let’s take a look at the history of Christmas ornaments, shall we?

History shows the decorations used to trim and bedeck Christmas trees included white candy canes, fresh apples and pastries shaped in the likeness of flowers, hearts and stars.

Garlands of glass beads, tin figures and the famous glass bauble made in Lauscha, Germany by Hans Greiner captured the eyes and the hearts of admirers.  Artisans crafted the original ornaments in the shape of fruits and nuts.

peach-german-ornament

William DeMuth created the first American-made glass ornaments in 1870.  American businessman F. W. Woolworth discovered glass bauble ornaments on his travels to Laucscha, Germany in the 1880s subsequently importing the Lauscha ornaments to the United States.

Germany-glass-ornament32° North

The F. W. Woolworth Company went national in 1910 with 1000+ stores introducing glass Christmas ornaments into its inventory.

Over the 20th century, Woolworth’s would import 200,000 Christmas ornaments and top $25 million in sales from Christmas decorations.

christmas ornaments

Over the last decade, decorating the Christmas tree has become more than strictly a holiday ritual and more of a trip down memory lane starring Christmas ornaments notably in what Christmas means to me magnificence.

decorated-tinsel-tree

Small in size, but oh-so-large in representation of our individual style, personal interests, defining milestones, landmark events, choice destinations, memories of yesteryear;  Christmas ornaments become delicate, shiny, glittery and wonderful winter wonderland pieces to add to or start a these are a few of my favorite things collection.

Snow-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park  ~  Photo by Nick Yarnell

East Tennessee is our second home, and even though we will spend Christmas at home in Louisiana, the GSMNP ornament will allow us to be home for Christmas if only in our Great Smoky Mountains National Park dreams.

ornament-smoky-mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

ski-winter

Load ’em up and let’s hit the slopes memories.

ornament_ski_gondolaSki Gondola 

Winnipeg- JetsWinnipeg Jets

Our Canadian snowbird eats, sleeps and drinks all things hockey, namely, the Winnipeg Jets.

 

ornament-hockey-puck

Food truck popularity serves as an appropriate token of let’s eat fun.

ornament-food-truck

Christmas ornaments somehow become more than objects of beauty, they become ornamental objects of ourselves and treasures from our lives and the lives of those we love.

Houmas HouseHoumas House

Now for an array of Christmas ornaments celebrating the food, music, landmarks and culture of Louisiana  and ones that capture the essence of the there’s no place like home for the holidays sentiment.

ornament-landscape

Dagmara Landscape Printed Glass Ball Ornament

I fell in love with the Dagmara landscape printed glass ball ornament at first sight.

Monochrome topography fittingly depicts a scene reminiscent of the homes, buildings and churches along the parish roads and bayous of Louisiana.

Flying_pelican_grand_bayBrown Pelicans

cloisonne-Louisiana-state-ornament

Kitty Keller Designs Cloisonne State of Louisiana 

The announcement of Ultra Violet as Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 coordinates with the holiday color fest.

2018-Pantone-Ultra-Violet

A splash of non-traditional color livens the look, and complements the colors featured in the all I want for Christmas Limoges oyster plate and oyster ornament.

Limoges-oyster-plate

Hand Painted Limoges Plate With Sea Oyster Shell Decoration

ornament-oyster

Old World Christmas Oyster with Pearl Glass Blown Ornament

Beignets_and_Café_au_Lait_at_Café_du_Monde,_New_OrleansBeignets and Café au Lait at Café du Monde

Beignets and Café au Lait at Café du Monde is a delicious New Orleans tradition.

ornament-coffee-beignets-cafe-du-monde

Coffee and Beignets New Orleans Christmas Ornament 

Our pets are members of our family.

Sadie the black Labrador Retriever and Beau the white German shepherd keep our nephews company on the hunt.

Sadie-black-lab

pet-ornaments

white-German-shepherd

Creativity and color make up a large part of my day, every day.

french-artisit-oil-paint-palette

French Artist Oil Paint Palette

It’s a color your world Christmas.

ornament-artist-paletteOld World Christmas Artist’s Palette Glass Blown Ornament

The piney woods are well-represented through adorned packages in shades of blush, gray, and gold wrapped to impress.

pink-holiday-gift-wrapping-ideas

Decorate your Christmas tree as you would your home- with a sense of you.

Love your style!