Hello 2021. Am I glad to see you! I am up early today as 2020 New Year’s celebrations went the same as the rest of 2020. Small, low-key and at home. We ordered sushi takeout and Mr. SB made some steamed clams. I think I was in bed by 10!
The upside is I am up bright and early this morning and thinking through my hopes and plans for 2021. I thought I would share instead of keeping them in my head.
Organization and Home Plans for 2021
I will start with the house. If you have been following my blog you know I started Project O (O is for organization) years ago. I learned a great deal and will be sharing more this January on how you can declutter and organize. I am in a good spot but have the following to tackle in 2021.
Archiving all kids artwork. Yes, I have teens. Yes, I still have artwork that I want to preserve. I am going to use a free app from Artkive and put all of the actual art into a book. If you would like Artkive to do the task you can. For me, by the time I organized the art (it is one large folder) I may as well do it myself.
Tackling sentimental clutter. I found an excellent podcast over break, called the Sustainable Minimalists She recommends making appointments with your sentimental clutter and going through it in 15 minute increments. I love this idea. My goal is to take two packing boxes and consolidate into a scrapbook or one memory box.
Creating photo books. I usually create a photo book and calendar every year. This year was no different. I created a calendar of our time at the shore in CT. However I never created a book for our three week trip to Bretagne and Normandy France or our tour of the Pacific Northwest. On my list for this winter!
Refreshing our kitchen. Our kitchen screams late nineties. Everything works and I am grateful for all of the yummy meals we make there. However having spent so much time in it this past year, I really want to paint the cabinets white, install new countertops and refresh certain appliances.
Deck redo. Our deck has been an afterthought until this year. In 2020 our girls loved laying out in the sun and we started entertaining on the deck. The table, which is 19 years old, has seen better days. I would like to paint it a Nantucket grey and buy some comfortable deck furniture. Aiming for this spring.
Well am sure there will be more plans to come but these are some of the more pressing ones that I hope to tackle. How about you? Do you have certain projects and goals for 2021?
Hi all. I could not wait to share this special recipe with you. Chocolate. Toasted hazelnuts. Nutella. Need I say more? Yes, today I am sharing the most spectacular chocolate hazelnut cake with Nutella frosting. I was looking for a decadent cake for our Christmas Eve celebration. This recipe fit the bill perfectly. Both girls sighed after the first bite and then mumbled through mouthfuls…”really, really yummy mom.” Coming from two teens that is about as good as it gets! Trust me this recipe will be on rotation for all of your special events.
Tips for making chocolate hazelnut cake with Nutella frosting
This cake is not hard to make but it does have a few steps.
I bought roasted, unsalted hazelnuts at Trader Joes (you can buy these anywhere of course). I took a cup and about an 1/8 of a cup and spread them out on a cookie sheet with a non-stick pad. Roast the nuts at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Watch the nuts carefully as they cook fast and can burn. I also turn them over by shaking the cookie sheet gently about halfway through.
Do not add hot chocolate to your cake batter or it will melt the butter and not come out properly. I let the chocolate cool (I used my microwave to melt the chocolate) and then added the Nutella (I took a little sample to make sure it was the right temperature:).
If you would like even cake layers you can slice off the top with a serrated knife. For this version I made the cake in tiny pans but I have made it as both a bundt cake and a layer cake. The layer recipe is below.
Recipe for chocolate hazelnut cake with Nutella frosting
6ouncesabout half a bag of semisweet chips or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4cupNutella
1cupunsalted butterroom temperature
3cupsconfectioner’s sugarsifted
1pinchsalt
3Tbspheavy creamthe cream should not be cold
For decorating:
Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
White chocolateoptional for decorating
1/4cupground toasted hazelnuts
Instructions
For the hazelnut cake
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottom of the pans with a circle of parchment paper. Note: make sure your cake pans have full 2 inch sides to accomodate this cake batter. You can also use a springform pan or even make cupcakes. Make sure you thoroughly grease pans. Non stick pans also work well.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or with electric beaters, cream the butter and sugar together until very light and fluffy (4-5 minutes).
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl to get everything incorporated.
Add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and mix briefly to combine.
Next, add the flour in a few stages, alternating with the milk, mixing until all of the ingredients are combined. Then mix in the ground hazelnuts. I like to finish mixing by hand with a silicone spatula to make sure everything on the bottom and the sides of the bowl is well mixed.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes, until risen, golden on top, and the cake springs back when pressed lightly.
Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes or so in the pan, then remove the layers and place on a baking rack to cool completely before frosting. (Cake layers can also be made a day ahead, and wrapped and kept in the fridge until ready to frost.)
For the frosting
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave using short bursts. Stir until smooth and allow to cool to room temperature before adding to the frosting. Note: this is important because you don’t want warm chocolate to melt the butter. Once warm. Add in the Nutella and mix.
Cream the butter and confectioner’s sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or mix with an electric mixer.
Add the salt, the cooled melted chocolate mixed with the Nutella, and beat together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Add the cream and mix until smooth. Make sure the cream is room temperature.
Frost between the cake layers, and then frost the sides and top of the cake. Decorate with curls of white chocolate, a dusting of confectionary sugar and the hazelnut crumbs.
Hi there. It is countdown to Christmas around here, and I can’t wait to share with you a few creative ways for wrapping holiday gifts. Wrapping gifts is one of my favorite things to do. Growing up my mom used to have me wrap all of the presents. I gladly took on the task! Every step is fun from picking out the look + color scheme, wrapping paper, ribbon, trimmings – not to mention watching my family and friends open the gifts. I hope you enjoy these ideas, and that they spark some creativity while you wrap your own gifts.
Please note, this post contains affiliate links (but I only recommend what I love and would use!).
The steps to creative ways of wrapping holiday gifts
Creative holiday gift wrapping steps:
Establish the look and feel. Rustic? Cozy? Formal? Vintage? Farmhouse? Just as you would pick a look for decorating your home, the same can be done for wrapping gifts.
Choose the container. I often re-use boxes year to year (eco friendly). I keep a selection of different sizes. Further, the assortment of box sizes also adds some visual interest when you group the packages together.
Select wrapping paper. Wrapping paper really sets the tone with the color palette, texture, pattern. I also prefer to buy some wrapping paper that is not only for Christmas. The colors can evoke holidays without an obvious holiday theme. Bonus: You can use that paper year round.
Choose ribbon or trim. Trim also can add that special detail and again give a look and feel. Of course, velvet has a very different feeling than straw raffia. Both can be lovely if paired with the right paper and embellishments.
Embellishments. This is where I have some fun. I love using ornaments, natural items like pine cones or fun details such as greenery. Additionally, ornaments are also a second gift. I include gift tags here too. I use everything from cut out holiday card images to photos for my gift tags.
How I wrapped my gifts this year
This year I had several themes:
La Belle France: I used a deep red cranberry and cream toile wrapping paper with coordinated velvet and gold ribbon. If you have read my blog, you know I am a Francophile. So it is no surprise that French toile would be one of my favorite ways to wrap gifts. The touch of gold adds some sparkle too. It says holiday without being obvious.
Shimmery gold and white: For this theme, I selected cream and gold wrapping paper patterned with holiday messaging. I tied the packages with heavy, dark green velvet ribbon or gold satin. I embellished one gift with a beaded, gold star ornament for some additional holiday cheer.
A sparkly star adds a nice touch
Candy cane land: With a few younger children to wrap for, I opted for a cheery bright red wrapping paper embellished with candy cane inspired trimmings of red ribbon, white string and ornaments or bells.
Brown paper packages tied up with string (could not resist the Sound of Music tie in!): Here I chose rustic patterned craft paper trimmed with holiday ribbon and pinecones from the yard.
Nautical “Take me to the sea” (or seafood as the case may be): I used plain craft paper with a natural straw, raffia ribbon embellished with sea ornaments and real sea shells.
Details on wrapping ideas
La Belle France
Deep cranberry red and cream toile wrapping paper is the base. This toile is not necessarily a Christmas print but the deep cranberry paired with the cream works so well for holiday wrapping. I picked up the ribbon at Costco ages ago but this here.
Cranberry toile evokes the holidays without an obvious theme
The small tree you see has fairy lights on it with miniature vintage inspired cranberry heart ornaments. I put the tree in our formal living room (our real, fresh tree is in our more casual family room).
Fell in love with the vintage heart ornamentsCranberry and cream toile wrapping paper with gold and velvet ribbon wraps presents under a fresh evergreen tree
Shimmery Gold and White
Cream and gold paper with holiday script makes a great canvas. The “Merry Christmas” pattern came from Home Goods. Home Goods has a lovely assortment of papers and the quality is excellent. If you can find what you are looking for, I would think you will be happy with the weight and handling of this paper.
That said, I also picked up the other pattern at Walmart for 97 cents a roll! Once you decide on your look and feel you can often find papers even the drugstore. This one was a perfect example. Since I had chosen the gold and cream color palette as an overall theme, it was easy to find gift wrap at Walmart that fit the bill. I also found another pattern at Caspari which has gorgeous papers. This dark green velvet ribbon drapes beautifully and was easy to tie.
Gold and white wrapping paper is tied with green velvet and gold satin ribbon
Candy Cane Land
Candy cane inspired. The cheerful bright red paper was actually from my local drugstore and was reversible with a peppermint stripe.
Red and white gift wrap decorated with ribbon and bells
I added ribbon and embellishments of a candy cane ornament, some bells from Michaels and a glittery red ribbon I had on hand. If you use double sided tape to secure the ribbon to the back of the package it is seamless. I can’t wait to drop these specially wrapped gifts with the little girls who will be receiving them!
Candy cane inspired presents for little girls
Brown paper packages tied up with string
I had the patterned craft paper on hand but added the cute truck/Christmas tree ribbon and tied some pine cones (from the yard) on top with raffia string. I love the rustic feel. Additionally, candy canes (and other candy) are also an easy and inexpensive way to decorate a gift.
Craft paper with natural embellishments make perfect wrapped holiday gifts
Take me to the sea
Last summer we spent so much time sailing, kayaking and enjoying the beach on northern Long Island Sound, I was excited to purchase nautical gifts and wrap them up accordingly. My husband is a huge seafood fan so I could not resist the lobster and crab ornaments. These ornaments are from Christmas Tree Shops but you can find a similar lobster here – I also used real seashells that I had on hand for additional embellishments.
Craft paper gift wrap decorated with sea ornaments and real seashellsA lobster holiday ornament makes a great gift embellishmentA blue crab adorns this gift
Next step I put wrapped gifts around the house and in the places where the gift wrap really accents the surroundings.
How about you? Do you like to wrap gifts? Any special creative ways for wrapping holiday gifts that you would recommend?
Hi there! Today I am sharing my favorite gingerbread cookie recipe. The cookies have the perfect mix of warming spices and are soft in the center, but crispy on the outside. We love to use our favorite cookie cutters and then decorate with sprinkles or icing or possibly some raisins or currants. You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a couple of days or even freeze for later use. This year I made them twice. Once for our Christmas Tree Cutting Tailgate Menu and another batch for gift giving and eating at home!
Making gingerbread cookies is a holiday tradition
I have been making this recipe ever since I was in elementary school! I would make them for eating of course but also for decorating our Christmas tree or putting into pretty containers for a holiday gift. My mother loved these cookies and I used to make her a plate just for her! She liked them with tea and called them “spice” cookies and always said the cookies were not overly sweet and perfect with a cup of tea.
Tips for making my favorite gingerbread cookie recipe
A few tips for making what will become your favorite gingerbread cookies:
Be sure to use plenty of flour on your cutting board or counter where you roll out the dough. The flour melts into the cookie during baking so you do not have to worry about it detracting from the look of the cookie.
I recommend a non-stick rolling pin. I have had this Kitchen Aid version for years, and it rolls the dough out evenly and without letting it stick.
When you cut out the dough, place your cookie cutter at the edge as far as it will go. This will allow you to maximize the number of cookies you can cut out at once so the process will be more efficient.
Like all cookies, you need to watch the baking time carefully. The tops of the cookies should not be too shiny. I usually bake one batch and then try a cookie to determine the best time to bake.
If you like a soft cookie, make the dough thicker. If you prefer something crispy, roll it out more thinly and cook slightly longer. When I am using dough to decorate I tend to make the cookies crisper so they easily hold their shape. For eating, I prefer a chewy cookie so I adjust the thickness and baking time accordingly.
Favorite Gingerbread Cookies
These gingerbread cookies have the perfect mix of warming spices and are soft in the center, but crispy on the outside. Use your favorite cookie cutters and decorate with sprinkles or icing. Perfect holiday treats that are as delicious to eat as they are to look at!
Sprinkles and raisins or currants if you like for decorating
Instructions
Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Put to the side.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla and mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into two thick flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight or up to a couple of days. You can also freeze dough and then thaw it out when you are ready to use it.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread men and women or desired shapes with a cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. If you are using sprinkles or raisins/currants then decorate before baking (raisins and currants won’t stick to baked cookies).
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown (See tips on how to avoid overcooking). Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.
We love to decorate cookies for Christmas, Valentines and pretty much any holiday or celebration. Sugar cookies are a natural go-to recipe but through the years I have found most recipes result in crispy or even hard cookies. This recipe tweaks the standard sugar cookie recipe with the addition of cream cheese. The other secret is using cake flour instead of regular flour. The result? Pillowy soft sugar cookies that melt in your mouth! With snow coming later today I am planning on making a second batch!
Tips for Making Pillowy Soft Sugar Cookies
The first tip, which actually applies to all cookies, is to soften both the cream cheese and butter. I usually leave it out on the counter or use the soften function in my microwave. Softening allows the cream cheese and butter to mix in with your dry ingredients and gives an even texture to the cookie.
Second, as I noted above, cake flour is super fine flour. You can find this in the baking aisle at your local supermarket. I find King Arthur makes excellent flours for baking, and they have a cake flour version. My local supermarket also carries Swan’s Down and Soft As Silk. Either brand would work well too.
Lastly, you need to watch the baking time carefully. In order to get that soft, pillowy texture you will not want to over cook. I usually bake two trays at once and then switch the cookies from top to bottom racks midway through baking. You will need to work with your oven. The second the edges become the slightest brown, take the cookies out to cool.
Decorating soft sugar cookies
These cookies are perfect for dipping into sprinkles or some powdered sugar. As Christmas is next week I used a mix of red, green and multi colored sprinkles for an assortment. I have also used red and pink at Valentines day. My girls love to decorate cookies too so we have also frosted these cookies. Would love to hear if you have tried the recipe and how it came out. Please comment below!
Pillowy Soft Sugar Cookies
Pillowy soft sugar cookies melt in your mouth. Decorate with powdered sugar or sprinkles and you have the perfect sweet treat for holiday or anytime baking.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat (I like Silpat)
Combine flour with baking powder in a bowl.
Cream together butter and cream in a separate bowl with electric or stand mixer.
Add sugar to butter/cream mixture and beat for 1 minute. Add egg and beat to combine. Add extracts and beat until combined. Add in baking powder and cake flour (in three sections), mixing to combine.
Once incorporated, refrigerate dough for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Dough will be sticky so use flour on your hands or wear gloves to roll out 1-2 inch balls.
If using sprinkles, dip into sprinkle mixture gently.
If you would like a dome shape, you can use the bottom of a cup to gently flatten the top of the balls but don’t flatten too much or the cookies won’t puff up or be pillowy soft.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. Remove cookies when you see the underside edges turning golden. You will have to watch carefully after about 8 minutes as it happens quickly. The time may also might vary for your oven and altitude.
Let cool on a baking rack. If frosting, let cool completely.
Happy Monday all, and welcome to the holiday weekend wrap up. It was a busy one! This weekend I finished decorating, baked my favorite gingerbread as well as soft sugar cookies (that taste as good as they look) and wrapped gifts. I am focusing today’s post on holiday decorating and Buffalo check style finds but promise to share my recipes and gift wrap ideas in the coming days.
It’s a Buffalo Check Christmas
Buffalo check wired ribbon trims my pine garland on the deck
As I shared before in my wreath tutorial (making your supermarket wreath look good:) I love this year’s trend of buffalo check. I am craving a homey, warm Christmas atmosphere inside and out. The cheerful red combined with the black check fits the bill. Never one to be reticent I will admit right now that I may have gone overboard. Is it bad to buy a matching buffalo check scarf for your dog? GG and I had some fun (and there were plenty of treats for her patience!). I found both the dress and scarf at Old Navy which is always a good source of affordable fashion and usually right on trend. I bought a sweater too.
Buffalo Check Ribbon
I love using ribbon to decorate, and I used the buffalo check ribbon to trim my garland on the deck and found an adorable basket with…you guessed it buffalo check. I picked up some bright red pillows too. This little scene is what I see from our kitchen sink so I try to always have something cute to look at for every season. As I mentioned in my how to make your supermarket wreath beautiful – I also used the buffalo check ribbon and trimmed the wreath with berries and pine cones.
Me and GG sporting our buffalo check style
Deep Red Berries in a White Pitcher
It is the small things in life right? And, sometimes the best decorating is simple and inexpensive. I found these artificial stems at Michaels and put them in this white pitcher. The pitcher was a wedding gift and from the Museum of Modern Art in New York (I like this one from Target too) I love the deep red of the berries next to the white pitcher. I keep moving it around the house as it adds such a nice pop of color. I could see these berries in vintage jars as well.
Faux red berries in a white pitcher add a nice touch for holiday decorating
Holiday Tablescape
We had a nice family dinner Saturday night. I adore the white village theme that Pottery Barn showcased this year. I found these mini ornaments with a similar look at Christmas Tree Shop (see below). Paired with a pine cone, some red candles and with my jacquard Santa and his sleigh Williams Sonoma tablecloth, it made such a cozy and festive table.
Ornaments are a fun way to add some festive touches to your holiday table and are often inexpensive and easier to store than an entire village.
Christmas village theme tablescape
Holiday Mantle Decorating Tutorial
Lastly, I love using natural products to decorate. First, I like to support our local farms and nurseries. Second, I do not have to store anything – I just add to our compost when the holiday is over. If you are in the Fairfield County area, Town and Country nursery has a lovely Christmas shop. I purchased fresh magnolia and boxwood bunches. I prefer these greens as they do not leak sap! One year it took me forever to remove the sap from the mantle after using pine branches. Here is how I decorated our mantle (see below for pictures):
Lay down the magnolia branches. Step back to see what it looks like and adjust the leaves accordingly. Also, trim any errant stems.
Layer on the boxwood using the same technique of stepping back.
I love candles and use our existing candles to flank either end. chasing some faux lighted candles.
Add touches. You can be creative here. I used some vintage looking ornaments from Magnolia home mixed in with some pinecones and silver ornaments sprinkled throughout.
You could add some lights too with a strand of white battery operated lights.
Well I hope you enjoyed this post on holiday decorating and Buffalo check style finds. Please check back in for some recipes and more and I would love to hear about your holiday decorating and planning.
Happy Wednesday friends. The holidays may be quieter this year but I am still so busy! I received our holiday cards (see picture of the SB family at the beach last fall). Here is a holiday planning secret. I always order a regular Christmas card and a New Year’s card. That way I can send New Year’s cards to friends or contacts who may have sent us a card that was unexpected (or oops if I forgot someone!). It makes it look intentional versus sending a Christmas card after Christmas which always bothers my Type A personality. In all of the holiday busyness, I also realized that I had not yet shared Mr. SB’s recipe for his best ever sliders and amazing caper mayo from our Christmas tree cutting tailgate! Read on for the recipes, details, and here is the full tailgate post too.
Tips on making great sliders
It is not easy to get Mr. SB to reveal his secrets but I promise these are the most delicious sliders, and it was worth my cajoling (OK nagging) to get him to share his recipe. Here are a few of his tips too on making the best ever sliders with caper mayo.
First, try to buy locally sourced grass fed beef. We have a share with Walden Local which delivers monthly. This is not a sponsored post. From my experience with being a customer for over two years, I can assure you that their products are sustainable, grass fed (for the beef…they also offer seafood) and most importantly delicious. You do not have to worry about antibiotics or hormones in the meat as all of their meat comes from local farms that are strictly vetted. I also like knowing that the livestock is humanely raised. Ideally you will want 80% lean for the best sliders. Grass fed beef can be on the very lean side but what we buy from Walden Local has always made delicious sliders and burgers. If this sort of beef is not available, then simply buy the best quality you can at 80% lean.
Prepare the sliders ahead of time
Second, the sliders actually taste better if you prepare them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. The time allows for the spices to meld with the other ingredients. This is ideal for tailgating as you will want to have your burgers already mixed and formed into sliders.
Mr. SB always has a meat thermometer to test the right internal temperature. Frankly he prefers his meat on the rare side (that is very French) but with hamburgers I insist on well cooked as there is a risk of contamination. Check out the USDA’s link for what they recommend for safe cooking.
Toppings suggestions for sliders
He grills on his portable Coleman grill and once the sliders are done we always have an assortment of toppings – baby lettuce, ripe red tomato slices, thin onion for everyone to choose what they prefer. As for buns, we like ones that are firm enough that they are not impossible to eat when outside at a tailgate. Whole Foods always has a great selection in our area. Then of course, Mr. SB insists that the best topping is the caper mayo (and I have to agree…do not even suggest BBQ sauce as I did!). As the sliders are small, feel free to eat more than one. There is no point bringing home leftovers after a tailgate!
Best Ever Beef Slider Recipe
Juicy sliders with crisp toppings and a generous dose of caper mayo make the perfect bite sized meal
1lbground chuck80% lean, preferably grass-fed. We like Walden Local if available.
1tspkosher salt
1/4tspcracked black pepper
1tsponion powder
2garlic clovesminced
1tspfreshly chopped thyme If not freshyou can use 1/2 tsp of dried thyme or dried Italian herbs if you like
1/2cuponionfinely chopped
1TBSPWorcestershire sauce
1egg
1/4cupPanko bread crumbs
Slider buns
Instructions
Combine all ingredients except slider buns. Mix with your hands and form into 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch mini burgers. Cook to a safe temperature. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion slices, cheese or however you like your burgers.
Mr. SB’s Caper Mayonnaise
Creamy mayonnaise combined with briny capers, tart lemon and some good kosher salt. You will want to pair this perfect mayo with your favorite burger, sandwich or seafood or eat it as a dip with chips or veggies. It is that good.
In a food processor, pulse the capers with the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water until combined. With the machine on, slowly drizzle in the avocado oil until a thick sauce forms.
Season with salt and scrape into a medium bowl. Serve with your favorite burger, sandwich, seafood or as a dip. The caper mayonnaise can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Is there anything better than delicious bite sized sliders with creamy mayo at your tailgate?
Buffalo dip is everyone’s favorite dip for any tailgate or gathering. It is also great as an après ski appetizer as it is hearty and warm which is always welcome after a day on the slopes. I have tested so many Buffalo chicken dip recipes. I have perfected this one as it is the easiest and most delicious. Buffalo Chicken Dip in the slow cooker is full of tender, shredded chicken, creamy cheese and of course a bit of heat from buffalo hot sauce.
Why is this the best recipe for buffalo chicken dip?
This version is super easy to make as it uses the slow cooker to cook the chicken and to make the rest of the dip. So only one pan to clean up. The dip also tastes better warm so you can serve it right from the slow cooker. I have a mini slow cooker that I also use which makes it easier to serve on my appetizer spread. You can also make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then simply reheat it on the stove or put it back in your slow cooker. I have also frozen it and it is delicious that way too.
Serve it with some fresh tortilla chips, celery sticks and maybe some carrots too for dipping. You won’t have leftovers.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker
This Buffalo Chicken DipRecipe is a favorite at our tailgates and even holiday gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, tangy blue cheese, cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, and loads of cheese, This easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip is then slow cooked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping.
18 ozblock of cream cheeseCut it into smaller pieces so it will melt easily
1bottlecreamy Ranch dressing I use Nature's Promise organic or Hidden Valley Ranch would work too
2cupsSharp cheddarMild cheddar or even whole milk mozzarella works too
2Boneless chicken breasts
1/4cupHot sauceFrank's buffalo sauce is usually the brand I use
1/4cupBlue cheese dressingThis can be optional. We love blue cheese so I always add it.
1tspGarlic powder
Instructions
Put chicken breasts in slow cooker and cook on high for two hours. I always check on the chicken breasts as they are cooking. If they are not cooked through you may need to increase the time. I use a thermometer to check temperature. If cooking breasts from frozen meat you will need to increase the cooking time.
When chicken is cooked through take it out and shred with two forks. You will want a nice texture to it – not too big pieces as this will be a dip so sometimes I even chop it a bit after shredding it.
Pour out any juices that may have accumulated in your slow cooker. I usually wipe with a paper towel too. Then add your cream cheese and turn the slow cooker back on low. As it starts to melt, add in your ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing if you are using, hot sauce, garlic powder and cheese. Stir and cook on low for another 20 minutes or so.
When the mixture is bubbling on the outside, add back in your shredded chicken. Cook on low for about 45 minutes.
Stir and taste. If you like it hotter, add more hot sauce in small increments (I keep tasting at this point). If it is too hot, you can add more dressing.
Top with chopped green onion or parsley if you like. Sometimes I sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles too at this point. The dip can be served from the slow cooker directly (it is best warm) or reheated in the microwave. We always serve with tortilla chips, celery and carrot slices.
It is really starting to look like Christmas in Connecticut. That means it is time for my favorite holiday tradition, a Christmas tree hunting adventure! For years the Sunday’s Bread family has been donning warm winter clothes and sturdy boots to take a hayride into the fields of the Connecticut countryside to cut down a fresh tree.
On our first trip to the farm we noticed families from around CT and NY enjoying delicious tailgate spreads. Given that we are all-in foodies around here we just had to do the same. Read on for our favorite Christmas Tree Cutting tailgate menu, some tips and more about this wonderful tradition. As you can see, GG, was all-in with her favorite tartan scarf.
GG sporting a tartan scarf before the Christmas tree cutting
Christmas tree cutting tips
We started cutting down a fresh tree twelve years ago. The girls were so young. While now the hayride is optional back then we had to take it as they could not walk that far. So first tip – check the weather and it is likely you will need to wear warm clothes and boots. If the day is going to be cold, you may even want some hand and toe warmers.
The atmosphere is very festive. Where we go they even have oxen (see picture). They also have a cute Christmas market where you can buy ornaments, wreaths and of course trees. We prefer the adventure of walking through the fields to find one. Your own cut tree is as fresh as you can get so they last easily through the holidays. I guess you can tell that I am a fresh tree gal. There has never been a question of fresh versus artificial at the SB house. I love the smell of fresh pine, and the way the white lights glow against the needles.
Each of the oxen weighs 600 pounds!
As much as I love a fresh tree, there are a few items you may want to bring with you (even if you buy one from the market or local home store). While our tree farm does provide some cord to tie the tree to the roof, we always install our ski rack and bring our own set of cords for tying it securely. As I love the Christmas market and often buy a wreath or other items, I usually bring a plastic bag for the trunk so that the needles do not get everywhere.
Once you find your tree, perhaps the most important tip is to stay next to it. Our girls usually disagree about which tree is coming home with us so that means one of us has to stay with the trees under consideration. Mr SB then uses one of the farm’s saws (they give you those), and we all help securely get it down. At our farm, you are given a tag and part of the tag stays with the tree. You move the tree to the side and then they will pick it up and put it on their wagon to bring it to the parking area.
A note on Christmas tree decorating
Growing up in Rhode Island, we always had a beautiful tree. As I adore Christmas and all of the preparations I often decorated it. I was the most enthusiastic one especially after my sisters had left for college. You could say I am bit of an expert at this point. Now, I love taking out the antique ornaments. Some ornaments are from my grandparents – at least 100 years old at this point. We have also collected ornaments from around the world. We have brought back ornaments from our tours of the National Parks, Mexico, France, South America and pretty much everywhere we have traveled.
What do I do with the girls’ home made ornaments?
As for the home made ornaments from Sunday School or school – well, it all goes on the tree. I love the memories. I know in the blogging world, the trend is a super coordinated, perfect tree – that is just not me. It does not bring me joy. So, up goes the cardboard cutout with a little photo of my college girl when she was five. I add some beautiful gold ribbon as a garland along with candy canes and gingerbread cookies. At least in our eyes the tree is very beautiful and full of Christmas spirit, memories and meaning.
Christmas tree cutting tailgate tips
Back to the tree cutting, we usually go with other families. As the farms can be crowded, we caravan so we can park next to each other. We all bring our favorite menu items. So here is the menu – it may be a bit eclectic but delicious all of the same and travels easily. Oh, and Mr. SB loves to bring his portable grill.
I am including his recipe too. The caper mayonnaise is to die for, and that leftover Thanksgiving turkey is delectable when dipped in it (shh don’t tell). I also love the mayo slathered on some sourdough bread piled high with turkey for the best sandwich ever. It would even make a delicious dip for crudite or some plain ol potato chips.
Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu
OK our tailgate philosophy is pretty simple. Delicious, easy food that can be consumed ideally with your fingers (finger food:). I love to make it cute with a tartan tablecloth, festive ice bucket decorated with candy canes (a galvanized steel bucket that I picked up at Michaels a few years ago) and matching tartan plates/cups. All easy and no fuss.
An easy Christmas tree cutting tailgate…plenty of yummy food and drink!
We brought the buffalo dip in an insulated cooler and then reheated it on the grill. Mr. SB prepared the meat at home so it was ready to go on site. We used a folding table versus our tailgate as it was just easier to lay out the spread.
Mr. SB grilling the best-ever sliders on his portable grill
After a hearty tailgate we ventured out into the farm. We found our tree and even decorated it that evening (GG was tired!). We had some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving so I made my Turkey Tetrazzini and we chilled out while watching the Christmas Chronicles. Is there a better day than that? Would love to hear your Christmas and holiday traditions. Check back as I will be sharing how to decorate your mantle with natural greens and more!
GG sleeping after a long day of tree hunting…our tree decorated
Hi all! So the holiday decorating bug has hit me. With the pandemic, this year is likely to be a smaller gathering. Normally we host Christmas dinner for twenty! It may just be us or if the weather continues to be warm, a few friends on our deck – nonetheless I want to make it special. With all of this time at home it seems ever more important to make our surroundings as warm and beautiful as possible. Normally I can find a lovely wreath at Costco. This year I am not shopping as much so found myself with fewer options at the supermarket. The pre-made bow that was rather sad looking and crumpled left me realizing that I needed to do some work to make the wreath worthy of our front door. So today, I am happy to share my holiday wreath tutorial.
What do you need for this holiday wreath tutorial?
To make your supermarket wreath beautiful you need the following items that are available at your local Michaels or Hobby Lobby or even dollar store.
Wired ribbon in a pattern of your choice. This year buffalo check has been drawing me in – maybe it is the cozy feel it evokes. I want warm, cozy and luckily I found a spool at TJ Maxx. I also found it on Amazon. I used a 10 yard spool with ribbon left over.
A basic supermarket wreath. If you can find one without the bow then that is better as you won’t need it – you will save money too. They charge quite a bit for those premade ones!
Pinecones and other decorative items. I had some wired cranberry stems from previous holidays. Feel free to be creative. Michaels has a large selection of wired floral that would work well. Pine cones found in nature are lovely too. You will need wire and wire cutters if you go that route. Oh, and all of the ribbon and trimmings can be used again and again. Store them in a dry place and you can use for future wreaths.
Steps to make a beautiful holiday wreath
I took my wreath outside as the needles tend to get everywhere… I laid it down flat to see if any of the greens were sticking out too far (these supermarket wreaths take a beating during transit!). Then I trimmed any errant stems.
I took the spool of ribbon and wrapped it around the wreath. You will want some at the end to tie. Tie the ends in a loose knot. You may want to adjust it so do not tie it too tight in case you need to untie it.
Then you will prepare your bow. Take a separate bit of ribbon and loop the ribbon and place it against the tied off ribbon. Eye ball it to see if you think the bow looks full enough. Once it is to your liking tie it.
Hold your ribbon until tied and guestimate to see that it is the right length
4. Then “fluff” the bows. You will want nice rounded bows and with wired ribbon you can shape the ribbon into the desired look. This usually takes some fussing to get the look I want. I also always trim the ends into a nice double “V” shape.
5. Add your embellishments. If you have wired floral items, it is easy to tuck them in between the rounds of ribbon. If you are using pinecones from nature, you will need to cut some wire and then add your pinecones.
Enjoy your gorgeous supermarket wreath (at a fraction of the price to pay to have it decorated for you!).
