Marina Delio's Blog, page 14
December 9, 2016
Holiday Wreath Cheese Plates
Beautiful ideas for creating holiday wreath cheese and veggie platters.
Last week one of my girlfriends sent me a text asking, "Hey, can I come over for a glass of wine this week?" You know you have a good friend when she invites herself over for a good chat and loads of laughter. Since this particular friend and I share of love of the holiday season, I threw together a quick Christmas cheese plate, lit a fire, and turned on some holiday music. I thought it turned out so darn cute that I had to share this holiday wreath cheese plate with you. This Christmas wreath cheese board would be the perfect compliment to the Mulled Wine recipe I posted yesterday! This holiday cheese board wreath is comprised of delicious ingredients that are in season now. The mandarin oranges are just incredible in December, and pomegranates and persimmons are just finishing up. For an extra indulgent cheese board I love to add a bit of broken up dark chocolate. This one here has hazelnuts. If you would like to make a dairy-free, vegan cheese board, you can do that too! My favorite vegan artisan cheeses are from Kite Hill and Miyoko's Kitchen.
If you want to make a healthier, kid-friendly, veggie and cheese wreath, here's another idea! I saw something similar on Pinterest. These edible wreaths are so incredibly easy to make and so darling. For this broccoli version, simply place broccoli florets around the perimeter of a plate or round cheese board (this one is from World Market). Top with pomegranate arils, blackberries, and cheese star cut-outs like I did, or use whatever veggies you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes would be wonderful too. For a non-dairy vegan version, use your star cookie/veggie cutter to cut stars out of jicama. Serve a bowl of your favorite dressing or hummus with this broccoli veggie wreath.
If you liked these fun holiday cheese and veggie boards, you might want to check out these posts as well!
How to make a Spanish Cheese Board
Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites
Easy Mulled Wine
Happiest holidays to you and yours!
Holiday Wreath Cheese BoardBy yummy mummy kitchen
Published 12/09/2016
This small wreath serves about 4 people. Increase the ingredients as needed for a larger group. This holiday wreath includes some of the best winter produce. Ingredients2 bunches fresh rosemary1-2 favorite cheeses2 mandarin oranges1 Fuyu persimmon1 pomegranate, halved or seedednuts (I used rosemary Marcona almonds)assorted olivesdark chocolate piecescrackersInstructionsPlace the rosemary around the a plate or wooden or slate cheese board to create a wreath shape. Top with all the other ingredients. Yield: serves about 4
Prep Time: 10 mins. Total time: 10 mins.
Tags: fall, winter, Christmas, holidays, appetizers, cheese
Last week one of my girlfriends sent me a text asking, "Hey, can I come over for a glass of wine this week?" You know you have a good friend when she invites herself over for a good chat and loads of laughter. Since this particular friend and I share of love of the holiday season, I threw together a quick Christmas cheese plate, lit a fire, and turned on some holiday music. I thought it turned out so darn cute that I had to share this holiday wreath cheese plate with you. This Christmas wreath cheese board would be the perfect compliment to the Mulled Wine recipe I posted yesterday! This holiday cheese board wreath is comprised of delicious ingredients that are in season now. The mandarin oranges are just incredible in December, and pomegranates and persimmons are just finishing up. For an extra indulgent cheese board I love to add a bit of broken up dark chocolate. This one here has hazelnuts. If you would like to make a dairy-free, vegan cheese board, you can do that too! My favorite vegan artisan cheeses are from Kite Hill and Miyoko's Kitchen.
If you want to make a healthier, kid-friendly, veggie and cheese wreath, here's another idea! I saw something similar on Pinterest. These edible wreaths are so incredibly easy to make and so darling. For this broccoli version, simply place broccoli florets around the perimeter of a plate or round cheese board (this one is from World Market). Top with pomegranate arils, blackberries, and cheese star cut-outs like I did, or use whatever veggies you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes would be wonderful too. For a non-dairy vegan version, use your star cookie/veggie cutter to cut stars out of jicama. Serve a bowl of your favorite dressing or hummus with this broccoli veggie wreath.If you liked these fun holiday cheese and veggie boards, you might want to check out these posts as well!
How to make a Spanish Cheese Board 
Sparkling Cranberry Brie BitesEasy Mulled Wine
Happiest holidays to you and yours!
Holiday Wreath Cheese BoardBy yummy mummy kitchen
Published 12/09/2016
This small wreath serves about 4 people. Increase the ingredients as needed for a larger group. This holiday wreath includes some of the best winter produce. Ingredients2 bunches fresh rosemary1-2 favorite cheeses2 mandarin oranges1 Fuyu persimmon1 pomegranate, halved or seedednuts (I used rosemary Marcona almonds)assorted olivesdark chocolate piecescrackersInstructionsPlace the rosemary around the a plate or wooden or slate cheese board to create a wreath shape. Top with all the other ingredients. Yield: serves about 4
Prep Time: 10 mins. Total time: 10 mins.
Tags: fall, winter, Christmas, holidays, appetizers, cheese
December 8, 2016
Easy Mulled Wine Recipe
An easy, delicious, mulled wine recipe with no added sugar that can be made in the slow cooker or on the stove.
Every time December rolls around, I get all wanderlusty and daydream of dashing off to Paris, Germany, or Italy to wander through the Christmas markets. I'd be ice skating, sampling macarons, and of course warming up with a cup of mulled wine. Mulled wine is a warm beverage with cozy spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's perfect for serving at holiday parties, but quick and easy enough to enjoy in your snuggled up on the couch.
Have you seen anything as charming as this German Christmas market (stock image)? While jetting off to Europe is not in the cards this Christmas, making mulled wine at home is. Like it's cousin, mulled cider, mulled wine fills the house with the warm scent of holiday spices. You can make mulled wine on the stove or pour all the ingredients into a slow cooker and keep on warm. With the slow cooker method, the mulled wine will stay warm and be ready at any time. Mulled wine always gets me in the holiday spirit and is so much more festive than a plain glass of wine. After a little research I found out that mulled wine was created by the Romans in the 2nd century. Another account said it was created in Greece and then the idea spread to the Romans. They drank warm wine to warm up in the winter. Others in Europe soon started adding spices to their warm winter wine for the health benefits and to make wine taste better. Mulled wine also became very popular in Sweden, where it is called Glogg. In Italy mulled wine is known as Vin Brule. Warm mulled wine is still hugely popular all over Europe and in the U.S. during the holidays.
Mulled wine is similar to mulled apple cider, also very popular during the holidays. I realized that instead of adding all the various spices to the wine, I could take a little shortcut by adding a few cups of natural spiced apple cider to the mix. While many mulled wine recipes call for added sugar or honey, I love to add just a hint of natural sweetness with the apple cider. Pour the remaining apple cider into a small saucepan on the stove for any children or friends who would prefer a non-alchaholic beverage.
While we are on the topic of wine, I have to share a new wine book with you. This is the best gift for any wine lover. How to Drink Like a Billionaire (Amazon affiliate link) is a new book from our friend Mark Oldman. I have learned so much from this humorous and entertaining book and I really want to saber a bottle of champagne on New Year's. Okay, that's definitely not going to be happening. A few of my favorite tips from the book include how to choose a less expensive Champagne substitute, and how to eat Biscotti with Vin Santo wine.
Be sure to pin and print the recipe for all your holiday entertaining needs. As always, drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Sending you big cozy mulled wine holiday wishes.
Easy Mulled Wine RecipePRINTER FRIENDLY RECIPE
By yummy mummy kitchen
Published 12/08/2016
An easy and festive mulled wine recipe without any added sweeteners. You can make this recipe in the slow cooker or on the stove. Ingredients1 (750 ml.) bottle red wine3 cups spiced apple cider (natural with no added sweeteners)1 apple, sliced into thin rounds1 orange, sliced into thin rounds2 cinnamon sticks InstructionsPour wine into a pot over low heat. Simmer 10 minutes and pour into mugs. To make in the slow cooker, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and set on low or warm until ready to enjoy. Yield: Serves about 8
Prep Time: 5 mins. Cook time: 10 mins.
Total time: 15 mins.
Tags: fall, winter, Christmas, French, wine
Every time December rolls around, I get all wanderlusty and daydream of dashing off to Paris, Germany, or Italy to wander through the Christmas markets. I'd be ice skating, sampling macarons, and of course warming up with a cup of mulled wine. Mulled wine is a warm beverage with cozy spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's perfect for serving at holiday parties, but quick and easy enough to enjoy in your snuggled up on the couch. 
Have you seen anything as charming as this German Christmas market (stock image)? While jetting off to Europe is not in the cards this Christmas, making mulled wine at home is. Like it's cousin, mulled cider, mulled wine fills the house with the warm scent of holiday spices. You can make mulled wine on the stove or pour all the ingredients into a slow cooker and keep on warm. With the slow cooker method, the mulled wine will stay warm and be ready at any time. Mulled wine always gets me in the holiday spirit and is so much more festive than a plain glass of wine. After a little research I found out that mulled wine was created by the Romans in the 2nd century. Another account said it was created in Greece and then the idea spread to the Romans. They drank warm wine to warm up in the winter. Others in Europe soon started adding spices to their warm winter wine for the health benefits and to make wine taste better. Mulled wine also became very popular in Sweden, where it is called Glogg. In Italy mulled wine is known as Vin Brule. Warm mulled wine is still hugely popular all over Europe and in the U.S. during the holidays.
Mulled wine is similar to mulled apple cider, also very popular during the holidays. I realized that instead of adding all the various spices to the wine, I could take a little shortcut by adding a few cups of natural spiced apple cider to the mix. While many mulled wine recipes call for added sugar or honey, I love to add just a hint of natural sweetness with the apple cider. Pour the remaining apple cider into a small saucepan on the stove for any children or friends who would prefer a non-alchaholic beverage.
While we are on the topic of wine, I have to share a new wine book with you. This is the best gift for any wine lover. How to Drink Like a Billionaire (Amazon affiliate link) is a new book from our friend Mark Oldman. I have learned so much from this humorous and entertaining book and I really want to saber a bottle of champagne on New Year's. Okay, that's definitely not going to be happening. A few of my favorite tips from the book include how to choose a less expensive Champagne substitute, and how to eat Biscotti with Vin Santo wine.
Be sure to pin and print the recipe for all your holiday entertaining needs. As always, drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Sending you big cozy mulled wine holiday wishes.
Easy Mulled Wine RecipePRINTER FRIENDLY RECIPE
By yummy mummy kitchen
Published 12/08/2016
An easy and festive mulled wine recipe without any added sweeteners. You can make this recipe in the slow cooker or on the stove. Ingredients1 (750 ml.) bottle red wine3 cups spiced apple cider (natural with no added sweeteners)1 apple, sliced into thin rounds1 orange, sliced into thin rounds2 cinnamon sticks InstructionsPour wine into a pot over low heat. Simmer 10 minutes and pour into mugs. To make in the slow cooker, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and set on low or warm until ready to enjoy. Yield: Serves about 8
Prep Time: 5 mins. Cook time: 10 mins.
Total time: 15 mins.
Tags: fall, winter, Christmas, French, wine
December 6, 2016
Apple Roses and Holiday Entertaining Tips
This post is sponsored by BLACK+DECKER®. All opinions are my own. Healthier apple roses made with flaky phyllo dough, cinnamon apples, and a natural salted caramel. These deceptively easy roses are vegan and naturally sweetened. They make a beautiful and tasty holiday dessert or breakfast treat.
The holidays are in full swing and that means relaxed joyful moments with family, and delicious smells and flavors filling the house. If we're being honest though, it also means a bit of chaos. Having the right tools in the kitchen can make a huge difference when it comes to stress-free holiday entertaining. I am all about simplifying, so when BLACK+DECKER® asked me to share some tips for easy entertaining, I was more than happy to help! Their small appliances are simple, reliable, and not overly fussy, which is so helpful as a busy mama.
The toaster oven is one appliance I use every day, but during the busy holiday season, I'm even more grateful for it. Not only do I make toast (of course!) in the toaster oven, I often use it to reheat foods and even to bake in. The toaster oven heats up much faster than my large oven, so I can bake an apple crumble or these cute little apple roses in less time. The BLACK+DECKER® Extra Wide Convection Oven is small and sleek enough to be unobtrusive on the counter, but wide enough for a 9x13 casserole or a standard muffin tin! However, BLACK+DECKER® makes a great variety of appliances, so you can choose the ones best for you. I made these phyllo apple roses the night before, stored them in the refrigerator, and reheated the next day in the toaster oven. Easy Entertaining Tips The right equipment. A slow cooker and a toaster oven are my two essentials. The last time we had a big dinner party, I had two lasagnas in the main oven and a pie in the toaster oven. These tools definitely help me survive the holidays. Everything from warm holiday drinks like apple cider, to soups and stews can be made ahead and kept warm in the slow cooker so you can relax with friends instead of stressing in the kitchen. You can find easy to use BLACK+DECKER® appliances on Amazon. Choose make-ahead recipes. The last place you want to be is stuck in the kitchen while your friends are mingling, so go with recipes you can prep ahead. Set the table days in advance. Relax the day of the get-together by taking one less thing off your plate. Check out some of my favorite effortless holiday tablescapes here. Relax and enjoy! Entertaining can be stressful, but remember that real parents rarely have perfectly tidy homes and Pinterest-perfect meals. Real friends won't judge. On to these gorgeous baked apple roses! They are sure to wow your guests. 
While baked apple roses aren't my idea, I was so excited to try making a healthier, more natural version. If you know who came up with this fabulous apple rose idea, please let me know. I've swapped out the puff pastry and replaced it with light and flaky phyllo dough. To glue these babies into roses and add flavor I used my super natural, refined sugar free salted caramel made with dates. A pinch of cinnamon inside each rose makes these apple roses taste like apple pie. My kids weren't sure if these roses were cinnamon rolls or apple pies, and I'm perfectly okay with that because the combination is divine. The only refined sugar here is a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top.
These beautiful apple roses are surprising easy to make. 2-inch strips of phyllo dough get a nice coating of salted caramel. Then thinly sliced and softened apples are layered over the top. Fold the lower half of the dough up, roll, and voilà - they're ready for the oven. I know many people are nervous about working with phyllo dough. I know that because I myself feel that way sometimes, but it's really easy. The only trick is to keep any dough you're not working with covered with a damp towel. Once it dries out it becomes very brittle and can't be used.
Aren't these just little stunners? I cannot get over how easy these were to make and how beautiful and tasty they turned out. I love the lighter pastry thanks to the phyllo dough. These lovely baked apple roses are so guilt-free I even had a couple for breakfast. For a holiday dessert, I would serve these with a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Baked Apple Roses Printer Friendly Recipe
By yummy mummy kitchen
Published 12/06/2011
Apple pastry roses made with phyllo dough and natural salted caramel. Serve alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ingredients6 apples (pink lady preferred)2 teaspoons cinnamon2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 roll phyllo dough (thawed according to package directions)1/3 cup melted butter or Earth Balance 1/2 cup date salted caramel powdered sugar for garnish (optional) fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)InstructionsPreheat oven for 10 minutes to 375 degrees F. Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray. Core and cut apples in half lengthwise. Cut into 1/8" thick slices. Place apples in a large saucepan or skillet and add just enough water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and cook just until apples have softened enough to bend without breaking, about 3 minutes. We will need to roll the apples and don't want them snapping. Drain. Cut phyllo dough crosswise into approximately 2-inch wide strips. Work with one rose at a time while keeping the rest of the dough covered with a damp kitchen towel. Place one strip on your work surface. Brush with a thin coating of melted butter. Lay another strip on top, brush with butter, and continue to layer until you have 5 layers. Spread a thin layer of the date caramel over the top of the phyllo strip. Arrange the apples so that they are slightly overlapping at the top of the phyllo strip. The apple skin should be just above the top of the dough, so that the apples will create rose "petals." Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Fold the lower half of the dough to meet the top, just over the bottom of the apples. Start at one end of the strip and roll up like a cinnamon roll. Place rose into the prepared muffin tin. Continue until all the dough and apples are used up. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the roses are golden brown and crisp. We don't want mushy roses. Check halfway through baking and place a piece of foil on top if the tops are getting brown. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or room temperature, with ice cream or alone. I like to tuck mint leaves into a petal to look like leaves. Yield: Makes about 12 apple roses
Prep Time: 20 mins. Cook time: 20 mins.
Total time: 40 mins.
Tags: vegan, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday, dessert, brunch
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BLACK+DECKER® . The opinions and text are all mine.
December 5, 2016
Date Caramel Sauce Recipe
Creamy, dreamy caramel sauce made with dates. This wholesome vegan date caramel takes just a few minutes to make and is the perfect dip for apples or sauce to drizzle over ice cream. Did you know you could make a delicious caramel without using any refined sugars? Hooray!
Tomorrow I'm sharing a naturally sweetened dessert recipe that involves salted caramel and apples. And it's totally gorgeous. Make sure you've subscribed to my email newsletter so you don't miss it! The caramel involved in that recipe just so happens to be the only caramel I eat. Can you believe you can actually eat caramel sauce on a healthy, whole food, plant based diet? A caramel sauce that's actually good for you? I'm in! Since caramel is traditionally made with cooked white sugar, it's something I normally avoid. This caramel sauce, however, is a completely wholesome and natural caramel sauce or dip made from dates. Keep a bag of dates on hand and you'll be ready to make this vegan caramel sauce anytime the sweet tooth strikes. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Tomorrow I'm sharing a naturally sweetened dessert recipe that involves salted caramel and apples. And it's totally gorgeous. Make sure you've subscribed to my email newsletter so you don't miss it! The caramel involved in that recipe just so happens to be the only caramel I eat. Can you believe you can actually eat caramel sauce on a healthy, whole food, plant based diet? A caramel sauce that's actually good for you? I'm in! Since caramel is traditionally made with cooked white sugar, it's something I normally avoid. This caramel sauce, however, is a completely wholesome and natural caramel sauce or dip made from dates. Keep a bag of dates on hand and you'll be ready to make this vegan caramel sauce anytime the sweet tooth strikes. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
December 1, 2016
Mini Pecan Pies Vegan
Recipe for beautiful mini pecan pies. These vegan pecan pies are naturally sweetened with no corn syrup. These are the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday parties, or for giving instead of Christmas cookies.
I recently received a reader email asking for a Mini Pecan Pie Recipe. She said she loved my Mini Pumpkin Pies so much she was hoping I'd also miniaturize pecan pie. Ask and you
I recently received a reader email asking for a Mini Pecan Pie Recipe. She said she loved my Mini Pumpkin Pies so much she was hoping I'd also miniaturize pecan pie. Ask and you
November 24, 2016
Fresh Cranberry Smoothie
In case you hadn't noticed the bags of fresh cranberries lining the grocery store shelves this month... it's cranberry season, y'all! Though sweet cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving may be what comes to mind, fresh cranberries are so nutritious we should be enjoying them any chance we can. Not only can cranberries protect against UTIs, their powerful phytonutrient structure also gives them
November 21, 2016
Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Thanksgiving Sandwich
This vegetarian and vegan smashed chickpea and avocado salad sandwich has a delicious Thanksgiving flare thanks to the addition of cranberry sauce!
Everyone has a few favorite Thanksgiving foods. Those special foods we look forward to enjoying once a year. What are yours? For me, it's fresh cranberry sauce and Thanksgiving sandwiches. I remember loving day-after-Thanksgiving turkey
Everyone has a few favorite Thanksgiving foods. Those special foods we look forward to enjoying once a year. What are yours? For me, it's fresh cranberry sauce and Thanksgiving sandwiches. I remember loving day-after-Thanksgiving turkey
November 14, 2016
50 Vegetarian and Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Over fifty, vegan or vegetarian, plant based, natural recipes even meat lovers will love!
I cannot believe Thanksgiving is just next week! The holidays have truly arrived. Last week we stopped into Orchard Supply Hardware and were stopped in our tracks the moment we stepped foot inside. It's like the North Pole in there with gorgeous Christmas trees and lights all over the place. While
I cannot believe Thanksgiving is just next week! The holidays have truly arrived. Last week we stopped into Orchard Supply Hardware and were stopped in our tracks the moment we stepped foot inside. It's like the North Pole in there with gorgeous Christmas trees and lights all over the place. While
November 10, 2016
Mushroom Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash filled with mushroom quinoa is a beautiful vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free autumn dinner perfect for Thanksgiving or any day.
I love all the beautiful autumn and winter squashes gracing the markets this time of year. My favorites are sweet roasted delicata and butternut squashes, which make appearances on our dinner table at least weekly. I love autumn and winter squash in
I love all the beautiful autumn and winter squashes gracing the markets this time of year. My favorites are sweet roasted delicata and butternut squashes, which make appearances on our dinner table at least weekly. I love autumn and winter squash in
November 8, 2016
How to Make Iced Tea and Tea Sandwich Toasts
This post is sponsored by Lipton. All opinions and content are my own.
Today's blog post is actually a vlog post, that's a video blog post. I'm so excited to share these ideas for a fresh, modern, reimagined tea time. I have always loved the idea of enjoying afternoon tea with friends and family. It's such a special time to recharge with a cup of tea and nibbles, and connect with loved ones. I love having tea with my little girls and friends. These toast ideas are a few favorite seasonal picks inspired by tea sandwiches. Plus, you'll find out how to make a pitcher of fresh brewed iced tea in just five minutes! All the instructions are in the video. Head over to Bright Bites on FoodNetwork.com for seasonal recipes, articles and videos.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lipton. The opinions and text are all mine.
Today's blog post is actually a vlog post, that's a video blog post. I'm so excited to share these ideas for a fresh, modern, reimagined tea time. I have always loved the idea of enjoying afternoon tea with friends and family. It's such a special time to recharge with a cup of tea and nibbles, and connect with loved ones. I love having tea with my little girls and friends. These toast ideas are a few favorite seasonal picks inspired by tea sandwiches. Plus, you'll find out how to make a pitcher of fresh brewed iced tea in just five minutes! All the instructions are in the video. Head over to Bright Bites on FoodNetwork.com for seasonal recipes, articles and videos.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lipton. The opinions and text are all mine.
