Holiday season is cranberry season! The bright red color brings a nice pop to tables and decor everywhere. We've rounded up 10 great ways to use all those fresh cranberries at the grocery store. Whether to smell, see or eat - it's perfect to include cranberries in your holiday plans. From the Soap Deli News Blog - A Cranberry Massage Candle. When the wax is melted, massage some into your hands for a moisture boost and softness! You don't have to over think your table decor with these easy Scented Cranberry Centerpieces by Madigan Made Your guests would love to be served a Cranberry "White Cosmopolitan" Cocktail from That Skinny Chick Can Bake Get the kids involved. You can string this anywhere and use all over your house. Cranberry Garland - JJ Begonia has … [Read more...]
Leftover Turkey Recipe – White Bean and Turkey Chili
This recipe is hands down my favorite recipe for leftover turkey EVER. In fact, I would probably cook a turkey just to have leftovers so I can make this…so in a couple days if you find yourself with extra turkey, rejoice! and try… White Bean and Turkey Chili from Cooking Light Serves 8 (about 1 cup each) Ingredients for Leftover Turkey White Bean Chili 1 tablespoon canola oil 2 cups diced yellow onion 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin (I love cumin – I actually use 1 tbsp here) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 3 (15.8 ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed (I use “small white beans”) 4 cups fat free, less sodium chicken broth 3 cups chopped cooked turkey ½ cup diced seeded plum tomato (about 1) 1/3 cup … [Read more...]
Beaujolais Nouveau Day!
Beaujolais Nouveau Day! Have you ever celebrated Beaujolais Nouveau Day? On the 3rd Thursday of every November, France celebrates – Beaujolais Nouveau Day. At 12:01am (by law!), the year’s vintage is released and the French celebrate with fireworks and parties. In 2014, Beaujolais Day is Thursday November 20. I love the idea of this event, which celebrates the harvest and abundance. Beaujolais is a region of France known for growing the Gamay grape (from which Beaujolais is made). Gamay is like a cousin of Pinot Noir. There are many rules about how the grapes are grown, when they are harvested. Because it is the first wine of the harvest and made quickly (6-8 weeks as opposed to a traditional 6 - 24 months for other wines), Beaujolais Nouveau is lighter, fruitier and a … [Read more...]
Easy Halloween Party Treats
Are you throwing a Halloween party and looking for some fun themed treats to serve? These are some favorites that wowed the crowd at a recent party. Don’t be “scared”, they are all easy to make. Monster Mouths You’ll need apples and some slivered almonds. Pending the size of your apples, cut in half or quarters. Next, you’ll cut out a wedge from the outside of the apple to mimic an open mouth. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Next just press the almond slivers into the open “mouth” like they are teeth. That’s it! Monster Mouths not only look great, but they are a healthy snack too. Tortilla Tombstones Cut flour tortillas into tombstones shapes. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees until starting to brown. They make a nice impact stuck in … [Read more...]
Best Hostess Tips
With the holidays coming up, there are going to be more and more social events to attend. And if your kids are in school or sports, there are even more! There is a lot to think about if you are attending an event. What can we bring? What time does it start? What is the address? Now imagine that you are the hostess! All those questions are multiplied and you have a bunch more work to do. I asked my Facebook fans to share their best hostess tips in hopes that they will help you! (And me!) I got a lot of really great answers! I rounded them up and gave each person credit and shared what state they are from. I hope you enjoy the best hostess tips! When your guests offer to bring something, take them up on the offer! Bottle of wine, bread, or dessert....people like to … [Read more...]
Crowd Pleasing Potluck Ideas
I'm not sure about you, but I love a great get together. Two things come with a great together - good friends and good food. When my friends and I get together we normally have a big dinner at someone's house. We all pitch in and bring things so that the host doesn't end up making everything. But sometimes it tough to try and come up with a dish for a potluck dinner. [Trust me, I know!] So I'm sharing up some crowd pleasing potluck dishes! We have appetizers, drinks, main courses and of course desserts. Everything you need to have a perfect potluck! Appetizer Ideas - Appetizers seem to always draw a large crowd. Probably because its easy to dip and chat at the same time! Caramelized Onion Parmesan Dip Skinny Veggie Dip Drink Ideas - The person who brings the drinks is … [Read more...]
