Delight Your Guests with an Antipasto Christmas Wreath

Welcome to the Holiday season! With Christmas just around the corner, what better time to get creative with your holiday recipes? One of the most eye-catching and unique dishes to serve for any Christmas gathering is an antipasto Christmas wreath. This delicious and festive dish is sure to be the talk of the table. I think it is so cute that this dish is designed to look like your traditional Christmas wreath, with a variety of savory antipasto ingredients like salami, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cheese. Not only is this dish festive and colorful, but it's also a great way to feed a crowd without having to spend too much time slaving away in the kitchen. Read on to find out how to make stunning antipasto for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to wow your guests and give them something fun to change up the same old charcuterie boards we have been making all year.

This wreath is the ultimate edible centerpiece that promises to be as visually stunning as it is tantalizing to the taste buds. This culinary creation is both a feast for the eyes and a prelude to the main events of the holiday meal. Prepare to be the host with the most, as we show you how to delight your guests with an Antipasto Christmas Wreath that's guaranteed to be the talk of the table. The fun thing about this antipasto Christmas wreath is you can customize it in so many ways to make it all your own! You can change and swap the cured meats, add marinated artichoke hearts, and drizzle different toppings instead of the olive oil pesto I share below. Other delicious options for drizzle would be balsamic vinegar or garlic butter. YUM! This is one of my favorite recipes that I have found and is such a unique appetizer that is sure to be a hit for your first course of the meal. Another great option is to make this antipasto in the form of a candy cane instead of a wreath. Both are beautiful and perfectly festive for the Christmas season!

Start with a large round platter lined with arugula or green lettuce. Then layer the cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and soppressata, and top off the wreath with a variety of cheeses, olives, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. For a festive look, add fresh herbs and edible flowers. Include a few different types of crackers on the side and a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Italy without leaving your home with this tasty and convenient dish. No cooking necessary - just assemble the ingredients and you're set! Your guests will be delighted by the unique presentation and delicious flavors of this antipasto Christmas wreath. This is a great way to provide an elegant and tasty centerpiece that will impress your guests this holiday season. To complete the experience, serve the wreath with a festive holiday cocktail. Your guests will love it! With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful and delicious antipasto Christmas wreath that will be the highlight of your holiday gathering.

Other Appetizers To Serve On The Side Of The Antipasto Wreath

For an appetizer that won't take too much time to prepare, pesto crostini is a great choice. Simply spread pesto on a toasted baguette, top with slices of fresh tomato and you will have a delicious and easy appetizer that is sure to please any crowd. Bruschetta is another classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for a holiday gathering. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic make the perfect topping for a toasted baguette. Stuffed mushrooms are also a great appetizer for your holiday party. Filled with a flavorful mix of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, these mushrooms are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Finally, antipasto skewers are a colorful and easy way to add some pizzazz to your antipasto Christmas wreath. Olives, artichokes, salami, and other delicious ingredients will make for a great presentation and a tasty treat. Delight your guests with all of these great choices, especially the Antipasto Christmas Wreath this holiday season. With a variety of options to choose from, whatever you prepare is sure to be a hit!

Holiday Antipasto Wreath Ingredients

4 oz salami salami

4 oz pepperoni

4 oz prosciutto

4 oz mortadella

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 cup blue cheese stuffed olives or similar

8 oz favorite cubed cheese

8 oz Cherry sized mozzarella balls

Mezzetta Basil pesto

Olive oil

Fresh Basil

Arugula or other lettuce to lay down on a plate

Instructions

1. Layer arugula or other lettuce on your round plate of choice. I used a white dish to let the colors of the food stand out but feel free to add in holiday color and texture here also.

2. Lay out all of the ingredients so you can see everything you're using to assemble the antipasto skewers. Grab your skewer and start layering your meats, cheeses, veggies, and herbs! I change it up for each one so if a guest doesn't like one thing on one they can grab another. However, if you like to have more symmetry and keep it simple, then of course make them all the same. I also try to not put the same colors next to each other. So, meats and cherry tomatoes wouldn't go by each other but instead you can add olives, marinated artichokes, and mozzarella balls to add variety and color.

Now that you assembled the skewers and layered them in a wreath pattern you're ready to layer with a light sauce to make it extra delicious! I personally love the pesto & olive oil sauce I make but they give delicious combination variations to this dish. (another option if you are making for a big party is to add all 3 sauces on the side for the guests to pick whatever one they would like!).

3. Mix together the Mezzetta basil pesto and olive oil to your consistency. I add roughly 3 tablespoons. Stir and sprinkle over the antipasto skewers.

4. You can make this ahead of time and leave in the refrigerator in an airtight container and bring it out right before the guests arrive. I hope you ENJOY this recipe and that it gave you lots of inspiration for your holiday appetizers!

Other great recipes to try this holiday season:

A Crowd-Pleasing Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Perfect Pairings: Savor the Flavor with Our Ultimate Steak and Feta Crostini Recipe!

Festive Flavors Unveiled: Crafting a Herb Christmas Tree Focaccia Bread Masterpiece for the Holidays

Indulge Your Taste Buds with The Ultimate Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

A Crowd-Pleasing Stuffed Mushroom Recipe

If you're looking for an easy, crowd pleasing, finger grab appetizer, then look no further than this delicious stuffed mushroom recipe. This appetizer is the perfect start to any Christmas meal, but also just as fitting any time of the year! They are quick and easy to prepare, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. This tasty dish is packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of creamy cheese, savory herbs, and my secret ingredient...chopped pecans. These are a great way to add some gourmet flair to your next gathering, and to be food friendly to most all types of guests. They are keto and vegetarian, making an incredibly versatile dish to bring to any holiday event. If you don't have anyone coming to your party that is vegetarian, and you want to add some delicious meat, my favorite to add in is Italian sausage for a great and hearty taste. Read on to discover the recipe and how to make these tasty stuffed mushrooms.

My Crowd pleasing stuffed mushroom recipe

Ingredients

15 large baby bell or portobello mushrooms

3 tablespoons butter

2 garlic cloves

1 small yellow onion

1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup chopped pecans

3 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. De-stem mushrooms, set aside tops and chop stems.

3. Take a sauté pan and heat adding butter and chopped mushroom stems. Sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add in chopped onion, garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Cooking until onion is soft and opaque.

4. Add stove top mixture to softened cream cheese, Parmesan and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined and fill mushroom tops!

5. Add into a casserole pan (or my personal favorite from 360 cookware the 9 by 13 bake & roast pan) and bake in oven for 20-25 min.

6. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve!

For 20% off all 360 cookware use code AMANDAWARREN20

More Appetizer Recipes

Fruit & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

My Italian Seasoning Recipe

3 Easy Homemade Seasoning Recipes

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Looking for a unique and flavorful salad to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than this Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad! The flavors come together so nicely with this salad from the sweetness of the pears and pomegranate seeds, complemented by the peppery arugula, and the bitterness of the feta cheese crumbles. You get a little bit of every delicious taste in your mouth. This salad is sure to impress your guests during this Christmas season and beyond! It's also a beautiful looking dish to bring to any gathering.

You can pair this with chicken for a wonderfully balanced combination, and it typically will serve 5-6 people if used as a main dish. Of course, if served as a side salad in addition to your delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner you can serve as many people as you want. It's honestly good enough to enjoy any time of the day.

Ingredients

10 ounces of arugula salad

1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup feta cheese ( goat cheese is also a delicious addition)

1 thinly sliced red pear

1 thinly sliced green pear

Ingredients For Dressing

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup raw honey

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry all fruit and vegetables.

2. Add all dressing ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. I use fresh pomegranate seeds but pom pomegranates arils are great when in a hurry! This dressing can be premade in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days ahead of time.

3. Now it's time to assemble the pear and pomegranate arugula salad. Add half the pomegranates seeds, half feta cheese, and half of both thinly sliced pears. Pour dressing over top and mix up! Then layer remainder of pears on top. Sprinkle feta cheese and pomegranates on top and serve!

I hope you enjoy this delicious salad recipe during Christmas season and all year around! For another favorite salad head to my Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

To Shop These plates head -here- holly napkins head -here-. For all other items shown here you can shop my LTK -here-

Quick & Easy Enchiladas using Happi Foodi

When life gets busy we all tend to grab quick and easy bites on the go. Usually those quick, easy bites aren’t the healthiest of choices! I love having Happi Foodi bowls and other delicious quick meals on hand that I can warm up when pressed for time. I also love adding a little extra something to their bowls at times to make it a whole new meal, but without the time consuming work! Today I’m going to share how I make the Happi Foodi enchilada bowl into enchiladas by using the bowl for the filling. So easy and delicious!

Ingredients:

1 box of Happi Foodi enchilada bowl

4-6 tortillas

1 can of green enchilada sauce

6-8oz cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Layer bottom of pan with enchilada sauce

3. Fill each tortilla with Happi Foodi enchilada bowl and roll. Lay into prepared dish of enchilada sauce.

4. Layer the top with enchilada sauce again and cheese!

5. Bake in oven for 20-25 min.

6. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

If you love a delicious cup of hot cocoa and are serving it for a crowd at a party or event, then you will love this Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station idea! This hot cocoa bar is a perfect looking setup for parties and makes for a fun way to make and display the cocoa. There are so many ways to customize different ingredients in your cocoa to make it just the way you like it. With this hot cocoa bar, you can have all the fixings for the hot cocoa ready to go and all you have to do is mix it up and turn on your slow cooker 2 hours before your company arrives.

One of my favorite things to do for company is to be very detailed with the small things, but also be practical and leave yourself time for the other things you have to do and not be rushing to make the cocoa last minute. It's also a fun way for the guests to get creative when making their own cup!

Some of my favorite things to add in the hot cocoa station and on the tray are heavy whipping cream, Chocolate chips, sprinkles, cookies, cinnamon sticks, caramel, and candy canes. Christmas is such a special time of year and adding in little touches to the station like Santa mugs and Holiday decor will help the area feel even more special and festive for all your December celebrations!

HOT COCOA RECIPE

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

1- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

4 cups whole milk

4 cups half and half

Marshmallows

Directions:

1. Mix together all ingredients in slow cooker

2. Turn on slow cooker to 1 to 2. Stirring every 30 min for 2 hours.

3. Top with marshmallows and turn slow cooker all the way down.

4. You can leave slow cooker on low to serve and enjoy for 2-3 hours.

5. Stir again before serving and Enjoy! 

You can shop my slow cooker on 360 Cookware -shop here- and use code AMANDWARREN20 for 20% off your entire purchase! I love that this is the only slow cooker that is stainless steel and made in the USA. Amazing quality that will last you a lifetime!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert - My Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Looking for a new dessert this Thanksgiving that isn’t the same ol’ pumpkin pie? This is it!! My husband isn’t the biggest pie fan, so I was looking for something as a replacement with that same familiar taste to accommodate the whole crowd, especially those that still love and crave a traditional pumpkin pie! This dessert hit all the marks for our early family Thanksgiving, and it will surely be a hit throughout the Holiday season as well!

We hope this pumpkin crisp recipe satisfies every sweet tooth of every family member you have, just as it did to ours! Here is the best pumpkin crisp recipe ever!

Ingredients

• 1 (15-oz.) canned pumpkin purée

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• I can evaporated milk

Cinnamon topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour*

• 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cups brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 12 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/2 cup pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425. Grease 9” round pan and set aside.

(Exact pan I used linked -here-)

1. Whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, vanilla, eggs until combined.

2. Add in sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

3. Pour into pre-greased pan and place in oven uncovered for 20 minutes.

4. While pumpkin mix if cooking mix together all cinnamon topping ingredients and make a nice crumble for the top.

5. Once 20 min has passed remove from oven and turn oven to 375.

6. Add crumble onto top of pumpkin mix and place back into oven for 20-30 minutes or until a knife or toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

7. Enjoy with ice cream, caramel or chocolate toppings.

If you by chance don't finish you can store in the refrigerator, cover with plastic wrap, and reheat in oven when ready for leftovers!

For all 360 pans I used shop -here- and use code AMANDAWARREN20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

Baked Burrata Pumpkin Ziti with Pork Sausage Recipe

This dish is an Autumn favorite and is perfect for a nice cold day. It features pumpkin ziti, oven-baked burrata cheese and Italian pork sausage. The burrata cheese texture is soft, mild and delicate, made from both mozzarella and cream. The pork sausage is a seasoned ground pork that is smoked for a richer flavor and pairs so well with the pumpkin sauce taste on the ziti pasta. This dish takes a delicious traditional pasta plate and pairs it with that Fall pumpkin craze for a fun festive way to celebrate the season. If someone coming over for dinner isn't the biggest pumpkin fan, then don't worry because this blend isn't an overpowering flavor of pumpkin. This makes it a satisfying dish with just a hint of unique flavors that everyone is sure to love. Trust me when I tell you this dish is sure to be an Autumn favorite, but also one you will find yourself craving all year long.

Ingredients :

1 lb ziti

4 tablespoons butter

1 shallot

2 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 cup 100% pure pumpkin

1 cup heavy cream

1 lb pork sausage

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup veg broth

1 1/2 cup parmesan

8 oz. Burrata

Instructions :

Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degree temperature. Bring pot of water to a boil. Mince shallot and garlic cloves. Shred Parmesan. Prep time 5 minutes.

1. Add butter garlic and shallots to pot and let cook until fragrant and shallots become caramelized.

2. Add in pork sausage (you can double the amount of meat in this if you want a more hearty meal as well) and cook breaking up meat as it cooks.

3. Once sausage is cooked in pan add seasoning; red pepper flakes, basil and oregano. Blend together and add flour. Now add in 100% Pumpkin pure and vegetable broth stirring to marry together.

4. While cooking sausage and sauce, if water has come to a boil add in the 1 lb of ziti to cook. Once al dente drain. Usually this takes 9-11 minutes

5. When you are almost ready to add in pasta turn off stove and add in heavy cream and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese. Add pasta and incorporate together.

6. Next to make a baked ziti you will be adding this into the oven. If you do not have an oven-safe pan you will need to pour ingredients into a new oven-safe container. I love the 360 pans because they are 100% stainless steel and can go from stove top to oven!.

7. Once ready to go into oven you will sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan on top and break apart the Burrata as well.

8. Place in oven and bake for 12-17 minutes until top is bubbly.

9. ENJOY!!

For more recipes like these head to my Pinterest tab titled Cooking with Amanda. Here you will find even more 100% pure pumpkin recipes and comfort food to enjoy this Christmas and holiday season.

You can shop all 360 cookware I use -here- discount code AmandaWarren20 will give you 20% off the entire site and will make the perfect Christmas gift this season for your favorite chef!

The Most Delicious Homemade Corn Bread Loaf Recipe

Fall is upon us, the weather is cooling down, and that makes the timing perfect to serve a warm plate of cornbread. I love making this tasty treat. Cornbread is so easy to make and can be used to pair with such a variety of dishes. In this article I'm going to show you how to make a cornbread loaf everyone will love! This recipe makes will make 2 full sized loafs, so to only make 1 loaf you will just split all ingredients of the recipe in half. Another fun way to use this recipe is to make mini cornbread loaves. To do this you will make change the cooking time accordingly. Such Fun for the holidays!

In this recipe I used my 360 Cookware loaf pans that are linked -here- and as you can see in the photos their pans have beautiful handles that look great on the table when serving. They also have the tab loaf -here- that has more of a table handle and is also beautiful. Both of these pans are the best way to make this bread. All 360 Cookware products are made in the good ol' USA and stainless steel, giving your food the best quality and making you feel good about your purchase!

Cornbread loaf is the ultimate comfort food. It Goes great with chili, soups and really any Fall meals, especially warm meals. I love adding actual corn into my cornbread to give an extra crunch that isn't always expected.

Ingredients:

2 cups yellow cornmeal

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sea salt

2 cups milk (or buttermilk substitute)

1 stick butter + additional 1/2 tbsp butter

1/2 cup honey

4 eggs

1 cups corn

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and oil your loaf pans. This recipe makes 2 loaves of corn bread if you are looking for less just cut everything in half. I use my 360 Cookware pans and will link them below.

2. Add all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together.

3. In a new bowl add eggs, and lightly beat with a fork. Add in milk, melted butter, honey and mix with eggs.

4. Add all dry ingredients into wet mixture and blend well. Lastly, add in 1 cup of corn and softly fold into batter.

5. Pour batter into loaf pans equally and bake for 30-45 min or until loaf is set in the middle. Tip..place a toothpick in the center of the loaf, then pull out to see if it comes out clean. This means your loaf is cooked well.

6. Next take the last 2 tbsp of butter and lather the top of the cornbread evenly. This gives a delicious caramelized top to the golden brown bread.

7. Enjoy! I love my cornbread with butter and a little honey on top! YUM!

To Find more recipes from Amanda Warren head -here- or click on Food & Dink on the website!

The Bloggers Guide to Merlot

If you're a wine lover like me, chances are you've seen the movie "Sideways", which showcases a large part of the beautiful, majestic wine region of the Central California Coast which contains 40 AVA's (American Viticultural Area). We all know the famous Paul Giamatti "not safe for the blog" line about Merlot in the movie, but I need you to forget about that line right now! This movie has actually been heavily mentioned as being a serious catalyst to the cause in the drop of the popularity of Merlot, affecting its sales, and even simultaneously increasing the popularity of other varietals such as Pinot Noir. Sideways couldn't take down Merlot though as it is the second most planted grape variety in the world! Being that it's Merlot month, I want to take you through the back story of this great wine and explain why it's become one of our favorites. Of course, the foodie in me has compelled me to share a few ideas on what you can pair Merlot with at your next dinner party!

Why We Like Merlot

It's quickly become one of our favorite wines in the Warren home, especially as a dinner wine. Merlot pairs so well with many of the things we like to cook. It's often compared to Cabernet but with a softer option and usually lower in tannins. I happen to be slight;y sensitive to tannins and find that I get headaches easier with some red blends that are heavy in them. Sometimes all it takes is one glass, and I can still wake up with a headache. Merlot doesn't have this effect on me however, and even though I also love a good cab, this is one reason why I find myself quicker to grab for Merlot off the shelf. Merlot also has a lower acidity and lighter body which I also feel helped fuel the rise in popularity of Pinot Noir as a replacement for a bit of lost popularity in the past. Depending on the region and climate of where the wine is produced will also have a factor on the taste. Growing in a warmer client will produce juicier, fruit forward notes. Whereas growing in cooler climates can produce a product closer to the taste of a Cab. This is why we love the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot from Paso Robles, CA. The climate in which its grown is a perfect mix of cooler nights and warmer days. The 2020 vintage is also blended with 14% Malbec which brings juiciness to the palate and 10% Cabernet Franc that adds layers of cocoa and peppery spice. This blend gives a lighter, juicier mouthfeel product with fantastic notes of fresh plum and bright raspberry flavors.

Characteristics of Merlot

Wine drinkers have been known to say that they can taste of the local flavor of the wine grapes. These can be sweet and sometimes dry, sometimes smooth and sometimes bitter at the finish, and often times that they can't taste any difference at all. Have you ever wondered about the different grape varieties themselves and how the wine has these differing tastes and textures? Merlot is a type of grape that has a soft, fruity taste and is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. The grapes grow in different climates, soils, and with differing techniques will slightly alter the characteristics of it. This makes Merlot one of my favorite wines to enjoy and experience the uniqueness of it at wine tastings.

Merlot Growing Regions

Grown all over the world the four leading producers of Merlot grapes are

1.)Bordeaux, France 2.)Tuscany, Italy 3.) A northern region of Italy called Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and of course close to my heart, and my personal favorite, 4.) California. According to The Wine Institute the majority of California's Merlot vines are planted in Lodi/San Joaquin County, followed by Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. While the majority of California Merlot comes from these regions, there are not many other popular wined regions in California that produce world class Merlot, such as Paso Robles. Our favorite, the Los Osos Merlot from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, is grown in the moderately cool El Pomar District of Paso Robles, which is acknowledged to be the ideal area for this variety in the Paso Robles AVA.

Food Pairings with Merlot

Merlot, while amazing to sip on its own, is just as wonderful to enjoy with food.

Our featured wine, the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot is a very versatile wine for food pairings as well. This wine goes absolutely great with a variety of foods ranging from a grilled sausage and vegetable shish kebob all the way to a decadent creamy spinach and tomato tortellini dish. I personally love pairing the Los Osos Merlot with lamb chops topped with a fig cherry glaze and a side of roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.

No matter the occasion, be it elegant dinner parties, or just a weekend backyard BBQ the 2020 J.Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is going to please every guest that sits at your table. This perfect blend of 76% Merlot, 14% Malbec, and 10% Cab Franc gives the wine the bright, fruitful flavor that brings a juiciness to the pallet that you are sure to love. Do yourself a favor and uncork a bottle, then sit back and enjoy the smiles of all your satisfied friends.

For more about the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot or to visit the beautiful vineyards in Paso Robles, California click -here-.

Other Wine Related Blog Posts:

The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine

Planning the Perfect Romantic Picnic with J. Lohr Wines

This is a sponsored post by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. All opinions and research is my own.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

I love both chocolate and peanut butter so much, so naturally when mixed together and its doubly delicious. They both just melt in your mouth, and my sweet tooth just can't get enough. That's why I made these brownies for my friends and family. You won't be able to stop with just one, and I promise you wont be disappointed!

You can serve these up fresh out of the oven, or let come to room temperature and add-on a delicious peanut butter buttercream frosting topping making for a delicious cake brownie!

What Pan is Best for Baking Brownies?

I am using the newest 360 cookware brownie pan and its the absolute best pan for baking brownies to ensure even baking. I always use their stainless steel pans for the best non-toxic baking. All of their pots and pans are also made homegrown here in America which I love, and from my dealings with them they are the nicest company!! This recipe works perfect for this pan size only, but if you are wanting to make it in one of their other pans like the jelly roll -here- or bake and roast pan -here- you will need to double everything in the recipe. I would start the baking time the same and just check in adding 5 min increments until cooked to your liking.

Ingredients :

1/4 cup melted butter

2 oz melted chocolate

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup melted peanut butter

Instructions & Directions :

1. Add hot melted butter to chocolate and mix until chocolate melts. If it doesn't melt quick enough I put my mixing bowl -here- on top of my 2 quart sauce pot -here- on my stove. Stirring the entire time to prevent from burning.

2. After melted, mix into bowl eggs & vanilla ingredients.

Next add in unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour ingredients until well blended.

3. Take your brownie pan of choice and pour 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter and using a paper towel coat the entire pan evenly. Pour in brownie batter

4. In a new bowl melt peanut butter and add tablespoons of peanut butter into brownie mix. Taking a sharp knife swirl around peanut butter. Be sure not to over swirl or the peanut butter brown will start to blend with brownie batter. You want them to have a fun design and the peanut butter to be equally spread throughout, while still being separate from brownie batter.

5. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.

6. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting and ENJOY!

Substitute:

A few substitutions you can make are:

• Regular brown sugar to dark brown sugar - this will give a more rich taste for this substitute.

• Adding 1/4 cup chocolate chips into brownie batter - this will give you a richer and gooier brownie! This combination is amazing if you love a rich chocolate dessert!

• Trading our butter for olive oil - I am always a fan of butter however if you cannot have butter switching to olive oil is the best switch to make in the directions.

I really hope you guys enjoy my Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies recipe! This is one of my favorite baked goods to enjoy at home or to take to a party! If you are precutting to take to an event I suggest placing on parchment paper in an airtight container for the best presentation and taste!

For more recipes head -here- and come back soon for a delicious lemon cheesecake recipe!

Have a blessed day, Amanda

Pork Banh Mi Bowl : Deliciously Satisfying

Are you looking for an easy and delicious meal that will have everyone in your house coming back for more? Try the Pork Banh Mi Bowl! This flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your cravings with its combination of Vietnamese-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it is also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and tasty meal, the Pork Banh Mi Bowl is sure to hit the spot!

I first started making this after getting it in a Home Chef box and thinking it was delicious. Then I thought…this was something different than we normally eat, but so yummy that I decided to make it with my own little twist! I took their recipe and tweaked it just a little by adding a little more garlic, and radishes, along with a few other different ingredients I normally have on hand! It came out super tasty and now is always a favorite in our home. I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!! So here is my version of a pork banh mi bowl recipe.

A way to make this meal all your own.. You can always change this to a beef banh mi bowl with a change of meat or take our the meat and use even more vegetables to make a vegetarian banh mi bowl. If you are looking for a more low carbohydrates meal substitute the jasmine rice for lettuce wraps.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground pork

4 garlic cloves diced

1/4 cup coconut aminos

1 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup vegetable stock

1 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 cup jasmine rice

Pickled Veggies:

1/2 cup cucumber

1/2 cup carrots

1/2 cup radish

1 cup warm water

1 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup jasmine rice

Sauce: (my version of a sriracha mayo, you can always substitute if you want)

1/4 cup mayo

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

Instructions:

1. Lets pickle the veggies first! Cut cucumbers, carrots and radish (add jalapenos in also if you want a little more spice) into slices and stir together with warm water, vinegar and sugar. Let sit in refrigerator while building your bowl.

2. Making the pork. Start cooking pork in a stainless steel pan. As always I use 360 cookware and will link everything used below as well as my discount code!

3. Heat 1 cup water in pan until boiling. Add 1 cup of jasmine rice and stir. Once comes to a boil reduce heat to low and cover with lid. Cooking until water has evaporated. Around 15 min,

4. While pork is cooking on medium make sauce to pour onto pork. Combine all ingredients; minced garlic cloves, coconut aminos, corn starch, vegetable stock, rice vinegar and brown sugar in a bowl until well combined.

5. Once pork is all cooked pour over sauce and stir. Let coat the pork until its combined and not runny. Set aside

6. Lastly make spicy sauce by combining mayo and chili garlic!

7. Now, Make your bowl! Layer rice, pork, veggies and sauce! ENJOY!

Items used for recipe from 360 Cookware linked below. When using code AmandaWarren20 you will receive 20% off entire order! Or by clicking -here-.

3 PIECE MIXING BOWL SET

2 QUART SAUCE POT WITH LID

For more recipes make sure you are following along by signing up for emails and be the first to know when a recipe is posted. Sign up -here-.

Banh Mi Bowls are bursting with bold flavors and a variety of textures. The jasmine rice base is the perfect foundation for the bright, crunchy vegetables, savory marinated pork, and creamy Sriracha mayo dressing. To boost the flavor, top with pickled jalapeños and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Delicious and healthy, Banh Mi Bowls are a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds. Plus, it is a quick and easy meal to put together. Simply cook the ground pork and assemble all the ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in no time!

Other Dinners You May Enjoy:

Baked Burrata Pumpkin Ziti with Pork Sausage Recipe

Delicious and Easy Chorizo One Pan Dinner

Easy and Delicious Mushroom & Pea Risotto Recipe

Garlic Mushroom & Shrimp Pasta

Birthday Cutout Sugar Cookies

These may be called “birthday sugar cookies” but I approve them to be eaten on any day all year long! Enjoy them for any celebration, special milestones, or also just because you want a tasty dessert. I love making these for fun and adding a small amount of white chocolate to add décor and to add a little extra sweetness. The cookie itself without the chocolate isn’t overly sweet (but more buttery and delicious), so this makes for the ultimate pairing! Adding in the colorful sprinkles makes for a fun burst of color and you can even add different color themes to go with parties, holidays like Christmas, Valentine Day, and more! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup melted butter

2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla ext

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup sprinkles

white chocolate for decorating (can use buttercream if you rather)

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and sugar together.

2. 2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.

3. In another bowl, sift flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder together, and add little by little to butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

4. Now that your dough is made you will wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. I like to let mine stay overnight and up to 24 hours. This makes the cutouts come out better on edges.

5. After dough has chilled and you are ready to roll out. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

6. Be sure to flour surface area, rolling pin and dough to make sure no sticking happens. I am using 360 cookie cutters here! So many amazing designs and shapes!! Shop entire collections -here- (use code AMANDAWARREN20 for 20% off entire site)

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes on stainless steel pan. After baking place onto cooling rack and decorate once cooled. After decorated ENJOY!!

Pitcher of Pina Colada’s

Summer may be nearing an end but this pitcher of pina coladas is still tasty all year long! The perfect drink to serve with your next lunch or to have when relaxing and enjoying the pool! I’m a big fan of having fresh pineapple and coconut milk in the mix making it a little healthier version of for your fun cocktail! Cheers to a great drink to enjoy with friends and family!

Ingredients:

2 cups rum

1 cup pineapple juice

1 can coconut milk

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup honey

4 cups frozen pineapple

3 cups ice

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into blender and blend!

2. Pour into pitcher and serve!

3. Enjoy!!

Fruit & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

In the middle of a hot Summer and the hottest days of all call for the most delicious treats to make it through! I’m a huge fan of bruschetta, so making this twist on it as a fruity version just seemed so delicious and fit for Summer. You can totally change this up in the fruit department to whatever fruit sounds yummy to you along with whatever is best in season! I did strawberries, cherries and raspberries this time, and it was oh so delicious!

Now.. how do you BBQ these little slices of baguette’s? I just found out the way to not burn my 360 cookware griddle on the grill is to put a coat of dish soap on the bottom and MY GOODNESS its genius! The Pan Cleaned so easy! Cannot wait to work on even more recipes for the grill with my favorite 360 pans!

Ingredients:

8 oz cut strawberries

6 oz cut cherries

6 oz raspberries

8 oz whipped cream cheese

8 oz goat cheese

1 lime

1 baguette

honey

salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Wash & cut all fruits and mix into bowl.

2. Zest 1 lime making 1 tsp of lime zest and add into small bowl with 1 tbsp of sugar. Pour over fruit mix & juice of 1 lime and mix together.

3. Mix whipped cream cheese & goat cheese. sprinkle over with sea salt & pepper to taste. Drizzle with honey and set aside until bread is ready.

4. Slice baguette and spray with olive oil spray.

5. Take your 360 griddle and apply dish soap on bottom to prevent from burning pan.

6. Now on your BBQ take the griddle and place bread on top until lightly toasted (or to liking). Flip and do the same to other side.

7. You can serve with everything separate and allow everyone to make their own. Or prep ahead of time. Baguette, cheese mixture, fruit. You can also top with more honey & more lime zest if desired.

Delicious and Easy Oven Baked Drumsticks Recipe

Oven Baked Drumsticks are a delicious and easy meal to make for a weeknight dinner. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a tasty and satisfying dish, these oven-baked drumsticks are sure to hit the spot. They're juicy and flavorful, without being too heavy, and they can be cooked in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare a more complicated meal. Plus, you can customize them to your tastes with the addition of spices and sauces. Read on to learn how to make these tasty and simple oven-baked chicken drumsticks recipe!

This is such a simple and delicious recipe that I make very often. It’s great for Summer dinners accompanied with side dishes like; fresh fruit, cauliflower, veggies and broccoli rice or in the Winter with cornbread and baked beans. It’s a fan favorite and the perfect dish for a crowd as well as something you can whip up quickly when you aren’t sure what to make.

Ingredients

6 Drumsticks

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

olive oil spray

1/4 cup coconut amino

2 tablespoons. honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Spray olive oil on drumsticks and coat.

3. Put all additional ingredients in a bowl with drumsticks and mix to coat over all drumsticks.

4. Place bowl in the fridge and marinate for at least 1-2 but can go longer too! Halfway through marinating toss to coat drumsticks again.

5. Once ready bake for 45 min on 360 cookware jelly roll pan or any pan you have to lay chicken drumsticks on a single layer. (I will link below) I like to place foil or parchment paper under for easy cleanup. Halfway through cooking flip the drumsticks over.

6. Remove from oven, serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

7. For storage place in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

You can shop all the pans I used to make this dish at 360cookware and use code AMANDA20 for a total of 20% off your entire order!!

2 qt pot for rice tap -here-

Bake & Roast Pan for Chicken tap -here-

Other Chicken Dinner Recipes you will Love:

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Whole 30 Chicken Piccata

Taste the Deliciousness of Pistachio Cake: A Treat for Any Occasion

Every June for quite a few years now I have been making this Pistachio Birthday Cake for My husband Scotty. My idea for this cake all started with his love for pistachio ice cream. It is his go-to ice cream when out at an ice cream shop. So, being that he seemingly never could think of a favorite cake for himself, I thought one year I’d go ahead and make a Pistachio Cake along with pistachio ice cream, and it's been our tradition ever since! Let me know in the comments below if I should share the ice cream recipe too! I hope you enjoy this just as much as the birthday boy himself!

Pistachio cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays. It is made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients, making it easy to make without too many complicated steps. The result is a moist and flavorful cake with a crunchy nutty topping that everyone will love! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pistachios. The base is a simple cake batter with pistachios mixed in. For the topping, you have a combination of butter, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and sprinkled nuts on top to create a crunchy texture.

The final product is a moist and flavorful cake with a crunchy nutty topping. It’s perfect for special occasions and makes a great gift for family and friends. Everyone will love the sweet and nutty flavor of this cake. So if you’re looking for a delicious dessert that is easy to make and sure to please, you must make this pistachio cake. With just a few simple ingredients and no complicated steps, you can make a sweet treat that everyone will love!

How to Enhance the Pistachio Flavor Into Cake

Pistachio cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The nutty flavor of pistachios pairs perfectly with moist cake and creamy frosting. I incorporate some lightly-crushed pistachios into the cake batter as well as further enhance the flavor of the cake by adding a few teaspoons of almond extract. To get the most intense pistachio flavor, you can use real pistachio paste or extract in your cake batter. For a toasty twist on the flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the cake batter as well.

Key Ingredients

This cake is made with all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, milk, pistachios, and cream cheese. The all-purpose flour provides the cake with a light, airy texture and structure. The eggs act as a binding agent and help keep the cake moist. Butter adds flavor and richness to the cake while the sugar helps to sweeten it and create a tender crumb. Baking powder helps the cake to rise and gives it a nice texture, while salt enhances the flavor of the cake. The addition of vanilla extract adds a nice flavor to the cake, while the milk helps to keep it moist. With these ingredients, you're sure to have a delicious Pistachio Cake that will be a hit with everyone!

Decorating Inspiration

Pistachio Cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Adding crushed nuts and fresh berries to the top of the cake is an easy way to add a colorful layer of flavor. For an extra special touch, consider drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the top of the cake. This simple step adds a decadent finish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Pistachio Cake is a truly unique dessert that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweet and fluffy texture of a traditional cake. This delicious cake is made with crushed pistachios in the batter, giving it an extra crunchy and nutty texture. The crushed pistachios are also used as a topping, giving the cake a beautiful decorative element and an extra layer of flavor. Pistachio Cake has a delicate, creamy flavor that pairs well with a variety of other flavors, such as chocolate, strawberries, and caramel.

The unique flavor of pistachio makes it a great choice for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Whether you’re looking for a unique and delicious cake for a special occasion or just want to try something new, Pistachio Cake is sure to be a hit. Its unique flavor and texture make it a great choice for any event or party. So if you’re looking to impress your guests, Pistachio Cake is the perfect dessert to make.

Does Pistachio Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?

Pistachio Cake is the perfect dessert for those days when you want to enjoy something sweet but don't want to worry about it spoiling. This delicate cake has a light and moist texture that can easily be kept at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about refrigerating it. However, the frosting does need to be refrigerated. If you want to use this recipe to make a pistachio bundt cake without frosting you can leave it out at room temperature. If you are making it as a cake with this delicious frosting then you will need to keep it in the fridge after serving due to the mascarpone in the frosting. It can stay at room temp for a few hours, just not overnight. The ease of keeping Pistachio Cake at room temperature makes it a great choice for picnics and outdoor events. You can easily transport the cake and enjoy it without worrying about it spoiling. So the next time you are looking for a delicious dessert to take to a gathering, Pistachio Cake should definitely be on the menu.

An Easy Pistachio Cake Recipe

Recipe feeds 20-24

Ingredients

2 cups shelled pistachios

2 3/4 cups cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup salted butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sour cream

3 large eggs white

Icing

1 cup salted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

5 cups powdered sugar

8 oz mascarpone

Chopped Pistachios for decorating top

Instructions

1. Prep by oiling 3 circle pans (8 or 9 inch - my favorite are the 360 cookware with handles I will link below) and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Finely grind 1-1/2 cups pistachios in a food processor. Chop the remaining 1/2 cup for decorating cake

3. Beat butter until creamy. Add in sugar, vanilla & almond extract, and eggs until combined

4. Next, whisk together finely ground pistachios, flour, baking powder and sea salt.

5. Alternate adding in dry ingredients & Milk/sour cream until all blended.

6. In another dry bowl you will beat 3 egg whites until stiff peaks show. Fold this into the batter mixture

7. Once combined pour into baking dish. I use 3 pans that are oiled and put into oven. 20-30 min or until a toothpick put into center comes out clean. For a taller cake like in my photos you can double this recipe making 6 layers (which will also feed more!)

8. Blend together all frosting ingredients until incorporated. (butter should be room temp if not heat in microwave for 30 sec at a time). If doubling the cake recipe for a taller cake be sure to double the recipe for frosting.

9. Once cake is done baking let cool in pan for 15 mins and transfer to wire rack for another 15.

10. Ice layers of cake and do a thin layer around for a “crumb layer” that will catch all the crumbs and make a base for the final layer. Place in fridge for 30 mins and then do another final layer. Smooth, textured, whatever you desire! Add the remaining pistachios to decorate!

11. Enjoy!

Pistachio cake is the perfect way to end a special occasion and show your guests your baking talents. Its unique flavor and texture make it an ideal choice for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. Pistachio cake is also incredibly easy to make and can be customized with different toppings to suit any particular occasion. The nutty flavor of pistachios makes it a great way to end an evening with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dessert to serve on a special day or just want to add a little extra something to your next gathering, pistachio cake is sure to be a hit. Its unique flavor and texture make it a great way to show your guests that you care. The nutty flavor of pistachios is sure to add a little bit of extra flair to your next gathering. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be customized with different toppings to make it unique and special.

Other Recipes For Your Sweet Tooth:

My Favorite White Cake Recipe

Indulge in Deliciousness: Cherry Chip Cake with Chunks of Dark Chocolate Recipe

The Most Delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Tantalizingly Delicious Recipe For Lemon Cheesecake With An Amazing Glaze

Blackberry Cinnamon Rolls with Mascarpone Frosting

There is nothing I love more on a Sunday morning then hot cinnamon rolls with some fresh brewed coffee! I am always trying to create new recipes with varieties of flavors to make it unique! For this recipe I used my tried and true cinnamon roll recipe but added a small twist of blackberry ( which is delicious even by itself) filling and a marscapone frosting that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

A couple of tips when using this recipe:

1. You can make them overnight or same day. You will bake less same day because they won’t be cold. Check on them around 25 mins and every 5 mins after.

2. These may be softer then other cinnamon rolls you make when curing and rolling dough. Don’t be worried, this is normal!

3. Don’t worry if you eat more than one.. they are addicting 😉

Ingredients:

Dough

• 3 cups lukewarm water

• 2 tbsp instant yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 8 cups flour (may need more)

Filling

• 1 cup melted butter

• 1 cup blackberries

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

Icing

• 8 oz marscapone

• 1/2 cup butter

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 4 tbsp milk

• 2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Mix luke warm water, yeast and 2 tbsp of sugar. Let sit for around 10 minutes to make sure yeast is good. You will notice the yeast growing in size.

2. Once you see yeast grow add in sugar, butter (softened for 15-20 sec in microwave) egg, salt.

3. Slowly add in flour, once you have added in all 6 cups make sure the dough is slightly sticky and looking like dough. Once you see this, mix for another few minutes. It will start to pull away from the bowl, and If you don’t see this add in more flour until you do.

4. Sift flour over a clean counter top. Make sure to flour the area outside of where dough is. You will be rolling it out here and you don’t want it to stick later.

5. Once you have tipped the bowl over and poured out the dough lightly flour the top and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

6. Let rise for 3 hours.

7. Once you are about ready to roll dough, melt butter in bowl. Add butter and rest of filling ingredients to blender and milk until it looks like a smoothie.

8. When dough is ready roll out to about 1/4 inch thick rectangular form.

9. Pour over the filling mix and evenly spread over the dough.

10. Next roll dough up for cinnamon rolls! My dough recipe is a little softer than some you may have tried in the past, so if you feel its so soft don’t worry, its going to be delicious!

11. Cut about 2 inch apart and place on pan. They will grow in size so pay attention to spacing.

12. Wrap top with saran wrap and put in fridge overnight. Next morning take out and let sit at room temp for 1 hour.

13. Bake at 350. Put cinnamon rolls in as the oven is heating to help pan and rolls adjust to the heat from the fridge (1 hour room temperature they will still be cool to touch)

14. Bake an additional 45 min. Check at 25 min if tops are a golden brown layer foil for rest of cooking!

15. Once cooked to your liking pour frosting on rolls and enjoy!

Frosting:

1. Mix mascarpone and butter until smooth. (if not at room temp warm for 30 seconds in microwave before)

2. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Refreshing Lemon Twist Cocktail

If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail and the perfect drink to sip on all those hot Summer days.. look no further! This is my take on the lemon cocktails I was enjoying all over Broadway St. on our Nashville trip! It’s super easy to make for a group by starting with mixing the first 3 ingredients and then topping with your favorite sparkling wine or champagne! This will forever me by goto! Can’t wait to see what you all think! Cheer’s Friends!

2 oz lemon juice

2 oz limoncello

2 oz ginger beer

champagne

1. Grab your favorite glasses and fill with ice

2. Pour in fresh squeezed lemon juice, limoncello, ginger beer and stir with spoon.

3. Pour over champagne to fill glass.

4. Top with lemon slices and Enjoy!

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

The weather is warming up and with it those big, heavy, filling cold weather dishes may be slowly transitioning into !ighter and healthier colorful plates. This delicious salad is one of my favorites to enjoy anytime of year but especially in the Spring and Summer. I love to pair it with salmon or have it as a nice side dish for those Summer cookouts that are sure to come! This recipe will provide you with everything you need to make the dressing from scratch and to add in the candied pecans that are so addicting on any meal!

Ingredients:

10 -12 cups shaved Brussel sprouts

1/2 cup fresh strawberries

1/4 balsamic vinegar

1/4 raw honey

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 large apple ( I like the pink lady)

4 oz crumbled goat cheese

2 cups pecans

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Make Candied Pecans so they can cool while you prepare rest of salad.

   1. line baking sheet, I use my Jelly Roll Pan from 360 cookware -here-, with parchment paper and set aside.

   2. In a pan, I use my 360 cookware 1 quart sauce pan -here-, melt together maple syrup and brown sugar until mixed and bubbling.

   3. Add in pecans and coat. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and separate nuts so they don’t stick together. Let cool.

2. Make delicious strawberry balsamic salad dressing!

   1. Add strawberries, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, cup olive oil, tsp salt, tsp pepper into blender and blend until smooth.

   2. Place in bowl or dressing dish and set aside for later.

3. Shave brussel sprouts. (You can always buy pre shaved however they are always a little thicker and I prefer the shavings small to taste more like a salad and less like brussel’s) To shave them I use my Mandoline slicer on 1/8th. If I am not wanting to slice it, I just buy extra bags of pre sliced and pull out all the thick chunks and use for a side of brussels later in the week.

4. Assemble the salad. I like to put in half of the apples, half the goat cheese and half of the candied pecans add dressing and toss. Once I plate the salad I add a little of each item on the top so you can see the full color and toppings!

5. Enjoy!

All the 360 cookware products I used in making this salad and the beautiful flatware are linked below. For a 20% discount use code AMANDA20. Works off the entire site!

Strawberry Orange Bourbon Smash

While visiting Nashville last month we told ourselves we had to take in the local tradition of bourbon tasting. Bourbon has never been our first drink of choice, but ever since going Scotty has definitely been experimenting with different brands and ways to prepare a drink, and it is definitely growing on him. Your girl still needs a little something mixed with it because I just can’t quite acquire the taste yet 😝! So, I went ahead and grabbed some fresh fruit and got to making something colorful and pretty I would drink while he has his on the rocks! Funny thing is.. he loves it my way too! This recipe is delicious. It’s not overly sweet but not too strong either! If you want to make it less strong or more strong just use the blood orange sparkling water as much as you need for your desired taste.

Strawberry Orange Bourbon Smash Recipe

Ingredients:

Handful of sliced strawberries

1 oz orange liqueur

2 oz bourbon of choice

blood orange sparkling sanpellegrino

sliced oranges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle a handful of strawberries in cocktail glass

2. Pour in orange liqueur and bourbon of choice

3. Add ice and pour over blood orange sparkling drink until full!

4. Stir. Garnish with orange slices and extra strawberries.

5. Enjoy!

For more of my cocktail recipes head to search and you'll find Pina Colada pitchers, Vodka Cocktails and so much more! For videos go to my Pinterest or Instagram account where you get more behind the scenes of creating these cocktails. To be the first to see be sure to sign up by leaving you email address and signing up for our newsletter.