Whoa, it's already December 10th, how did this happen??!!  Thankfully we finished up our Christmas decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving!  But, I am totally lacking on my gift ideas for a few guys in our family.  Here is a super fun list I found over at The Art of Manliness,  for some unique stocking stuffer ideas for men...

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Give Thanks Banner ~ Tutorial

Good Morning!

Since our fireplace is not centered (drives me bananas), it can be a little tricky to decorate our mantel without it looking wonky.  I have been looking for the "perfect mirror" to hang, but still no luck, so I decided to fill up some of the open wall space with this simple give thanks banner...

It seriously only took about 10 minutes to put together! I have created a PDF file of the banner letters  to share with all of you.  Here is how easy it is:

1.  Click HERE to download & print a copy of the letters on to white or cream cardstock

2.  Using scissors, cut the letters out following the black lines 

3.  Use double sided tape to stick the cut out letters to kraft paper

4.  Cut a small border around the letters

5.  Add a clothespin to each letter to hang from ribbon or twine 

Voila, now you have a neutral and rustic fall banner! 

{click here to view our fall decor from last year}

Halloween Tags & Labels

Good Morning!

I recently came across these cute and classy Halloween labels that would be perfect for adding to some fresh baked goodies to give out to friends.  

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I just love the simplicity of these lil labels!   Head on over to The Creativity Exchange to download your free copy HERE!

October

 

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To do this fall…

• bake pumpkin chocolate~chip bread

• make mulled wine 

• take photos of all the changing leaves

• make grandpa’s chili

• carve pumpkins

• celebrate Oktoberfest

• make pumpkin pancakes

• go apple picking @ local farm

• make caramel cheesecake apple dip

• drink pumpkin spice lattes

• try new fall recipes

• make fall sangria

• take a walk & enjoy the crisp air

Orecchiette with Greens, Garbanzo Beans and Ricotta Salata

Since I'm always looking for an excuse to stop by our local cheese shop, Cheese Central, (they are so friendly and my favorite part about shopping there is that you can try any of their amazing cheeses before you buy it, who doesn't love a little cheese tasting) I thought it would be fun to try out this recipe and pick up some ricotta salata.   Everything about this simple pasta dish is excellent, so fresh,  filled with protein and veggies.  Our sun-gold garden tomatoes added a perfect burst of sweetness!  Bon Appetit!

Orecchiette with Greens, Garbanzo Beans and Ricotta Salata
adapted from:  Giada at Home

Ingredients:
1 pound orecchiette or other short pasta
1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon (or more, depending on how much heat you want) crushed red pepper flakes
12 ounces Swiss chard or mustard greens, stemmed
12 ounces baby spinach leaves
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups small cherry or grape tomatoes
8 ounces ricotta salata cheese, crumbled
2 teaspoons lemon zest
fresh Parmesan to garnish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. 

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.  Add the Swiss chard and crushed red pepper flakes, cook until wilted.  In batches, add the spinach and cook until wilted. Add the beans and tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the pasta, 1/2 of the cheese, and lemon zest. Toss well and thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed.

Transfer to a large serving bowl and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve.

Food For Thought

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Parmesan Lavash Chips with Tomato-Basil Dip

Good Morning!

I can't believe how fast summer flew by, and it's already starting to feel like fall!  Since NFL football  starts tonight, thought I would share a simple and savory appetizer to kick of the season!  These lavash chips are a fun alternative to pita and are perfectly crunchy paired up with this creamy dip.  Cheers!

Parmesan Lavash Chips with Tomato-Basil Dip
adapted from: Giada at Home

Ingredients for the chips:
Two 9-by-12-inch whole wheat lavash breads
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely grated Parmesan

Ingredients for the dip:
1 cup tomato-basil sauce
1/4 cup (2 ounces) creamy gorgonzola, at room temperature (optional)
1/4 cup (2 ounces) mascarpone, at room temperature

Directions:

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

For the chips: Brush the breads with the oil using a pastry brush and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Cut each bread into 32 triangles and arrange in a single layer, cheese-side-up, on 2 baking sheets. Bake until light golden, 10 to 12 minutes.

For the dip: Bring the tomato-basil sauce to a simmer over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the gorgonzola and mascarpone until incorporated. Pour the dip into a serving bowl and serve the chips alongside.