Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 427

Mulled Wine, Two Ways.

Spiced warm cocktails to the rescue!

This is quintessential holiday season right here.

A big fat hug in a mug. November and December, right there in your cup.

It warms you to your soul!

It’s like homemade house potpourri.

See also: how to make new friends at Christmastime.

I’m thinking that you should totally make a batch of this and take it in a thermos wherever you go until January 1. You can even keep it going after that. Why not? If it’s freezing, this is your security blanket. Pass it around on Friday. Pregame for all of your holiday shopping. With a DD of course. Eeeep.

I am absolutely in LOVE with mulled wine right now – especially since I can have variety. I’m not always into reds and crave whites more often. But reds seem… warmer, if you will. Better for sitting by the fire while the snow falls outside. Better for holiday parties and get togethers and Thanksgiving cocktails.

And now I can have both!!

But really, it’s not even about me (yeah right, isn’t it always about me?), because Eddie and I can never decide on just one wine. He usually wants a red and I usually want a white. I adore this idea for a party so guests aren’t stuck with only one version, especially if it’s red and they aren’t into it. But hello, holiday parties and cocktails because LIFE.

So let’s talk about the delicious flavor.

Both wines are flavored with apple cider, some vanilla bean, an assortment of spices and fruit. The red is sweetened with a touch of maple syrup (YES!) while the white is sweetened with some honey and ginger. It’s just the slightest flavor change but works with both versions of wine and I cannot proclaim my love enough!

Yes, you can totally warm this in a slow cooker.

And yes, you can even make it ahead of time.

I’m just gonna use this cinnamon stick as a straw, thanks very much.

And don’t be scared of the star anise! It makes it pretty, which obviously = high-liked instagrams.

Holiday priorities, people.

Now I’m definitely partial to my apple cider sangrias and margaritas for the next two or three days… but why not just serve both of these as options too? I definitely think that is fair. It’s the best way to say hi, I’m so thankful for YOU!

Mulled Red and White Wine

Yield: each recipe serves about 4, is easily multiplied

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

mulled white wine

1 bottle dry white wine, like chardonnay

1 1/2 cups apple cider

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup whole cranberries

1 orange, sliced

1 apple, sliced

4 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean, split in half

1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 teaspoon-size knob of ginger

extra for serving: cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, star anise

mulled red wine

1 bottle semi-dry red wine, like cabernet

2 cups apple cider

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup whole cranberries

1 orange, sliced

1 apple, sliced

4 cinnamon sticks

4 star anise

1 vanilla bean, split in half

1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods

1 teaspoon whole cloves

extra for serving: cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, star anise

Directions:

mulled white wine

Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. If it's easier, you can keep the cloves, cardamom and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth, otherwise you can fish them out with a slotted spoon after warming. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly simmering and hot. At this point I like to taste it and see if I want more sweetness or spice. Serve immediately in glasses filled with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

mulled red wine

Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly simmering and hot. Serve immediately in glasses filled with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

Major hearts for you.

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Tuesday Things.

1. These double chocolate creme fraiche cupcakes are KILLING ME today. Oooomph.

2. I have the craziest phobia of falling down the steps. Is this a real thing? I also have a phobia of other people falling down steps. Maybe it’s the height thing?

3. Kristen has me obsessed with the idea of bullet journaling. I have no idea how I would find the time to do this, but as fanatic I am about pens, paper and doodling, it might be a good way to reset/recharge in the morning or evening and help the work/life balance that I soooo don’t have going on. Have you tried this?

4. Can we talk about how much I’m dying over the Gwen Stefani Urban Decay collaboration? I haven’t caved yet but eeeep I love her so much. PLUS since she has been Eddie’s crush for 20 years, I think that justifies any purchase.

5. Speaking of, are you a Black Friday shopper? Do you wake up at 3am and head out? Or at like, midnight on Thanksgiving? Tell me the deets and I’ll think of you while I’m cuddled in bed.

6. 8 ways to wake up earlier. Can you do it?

7. For my TV obsessions this week, I loved The Affair episode but thought it was kind of one of those filler episodes they need to stick in towards then end. I can’t believe there are only two left. WAH. Homeland was SO freaking good, but I thought the ending with Carrie’s discovery was a little cheesy. I’m so glad this show is back to being GOOD though. And Walking Dead?? Thoughts? I’m happy but have a feeling this coming week will bring something very bad. I’m waaaay too invested. Scandal had me all WTF and Grey’s: hello worst storylines ever. So done.

8. Christmas decor is in full swing and can we talk about how Target has mini trees for EIGHT dollars?! Would it be too much to put a mini tree in Max’s room before he is one. Hmmmm.

9. P.S. in case you missed it, my 2015 his & hers gift guides went up last week – and more are coming tomorrow! P.P.S. I’m also going to tell you about my favorite movies and music… oooh oooh.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Dip.

It’s totally dip season.

Dip season is when you have seven holiday parties to attend or that dreaded potluck at work and you’re just like, what the heck can I bring other than a sandwich ring? Or the I-forgot-about-the-party-cookies that you grabbed on the way that come in a plastic container with lots of red and green sprinkles. Or that bottle of wine, to go with the 17 other bottle of wine at the party. Or! That saltine chocolate cracker toffee stuff that you make yourself sick eating because you literally don’t stop eating it. The entire time.

Is there a secret drug in that toffee? There has to be.

Spinach artichoke dip definitely had it’s moment (decade?) and while it still appears on most bar food menus, it always leaves me wanting more. More of what, besides cocktails, I don’t know.

It’s just so blasé these days, you know? Probably because we are so busy pumpkin spicing everything and clogging our aterties with bacon in every recipe that exists in life. It’s not like regular old spinach dip can even taste good anymore.

Unless it has the pound of bacon. Then, yes. That’s why there is a pound of bacon here, duh.

Also, I’m just kind of too engaged to think about the best party appetizer I can bring to your house, because I am buying my soon-to-be-toddler nicer clothing than I have, shoes he can wear for the next 15 minutes before he grows again and oh! – making a list of gifts for everyone at Christmas which ultimately will end up as “one for you, two for me.’

See also: why I’m the worst.

This may not be the most aesthically appealing dish but HOLY COW is it ever packed with flavor. Three days later, we were still talking about this dip. It’s not just the butternut squash.

It’s the bacon!

And the caramelized onions.

And the mushrooms.

And I guess the spinach.

Oh and the cheese. Of course. Of course! Can I just go one day without telling you about cheese. God why it is so good?

Soooooo, this will make an appearance on your holiday table, yes? Or perhaps on Friday afternoon when you have already been shopping for eight hours and need some comfort food? I think that’s the best idea ever. Twinning.

Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Dip

Yield: serves 4 to 6

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

2 cups cubed butternut squash

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

8 sliced bacon, chopped

1/2 red onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces sliced mushrooms, chopped

12 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

8 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated

4 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the squash cubes on top. Toss with olive oil and maple syrup. Toss with the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Roast for 15 minutes, then toss, roasting for 15 minutes more until fork tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

When the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet (or even a pot!) over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until it is slightly crispy and some of the fat has rendered, then stir in the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 15 minutes so they onions begin to caramelize and the bacon is crispy. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and gently toss. Cook until the spinach completely wilts.

In a large bowl, mash three quarters of the squash (saving a few cubes for garnish) until it resembles mashed potatoes. Add the softened cream cheese and mascarpone to the bowl and stir and mash until combined. Add the contents of the skillet - the bacon, onions, mushrooms, spinach and garlic, and stir until completely combined. Fold in the grated cheeses. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and melty. Serve immediately with chips and crackers!

P.S. you could do double duty with this butternut goat cheese dip too. Just sayin’.

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Him.

Next up: guy’s stuff. I reference Eddie a TON in this gift guide – many things are gifts I bought him and things he recommended. If you missed it, here is the gift guide for her.

A pizza stone: our pizza stone is in use every single week, and I recently bought my brother one for his birthday. I love ones that can be used in the oven or on the grill – and these mini ones are cute too!

Artifact Uprising Wood Block Set: this is what I bought Eddie for Father’s Day this year and he LOVES it. It’s compact enough to put on a desk at work and you can change the photo daily. Super cute.

Black Truffle Salt: one word: popcorn. I get Eddie all different kinds of salts and seasonings, not for the purpose of cooking, but to sprinkle on popcorn weekly.

Popcorn Seasoning Set: See above. Love these flavors.

Gray Malin Print of Central Park: It’s nearly impossible for me to choose ONE Gray Malin print (I adore them all) – and there is almost something for everyone.

Anthony Perfect Shave Kit: this is something I get for Eddie every single year, a version of this kit or even one by Jack Black. It’s something he never buys himself, but he uses it up and loves it right after the holidays.

Fit Bit Surge. I’ve loved my Fit Bit Flex for years but this one is fancier and tracks any and everything Eddie would ever want. Super watch!

Go Pro Hero 4: We’re tried multiple cameras for video in the last year and as it turns out, if you’re on the move, this is the best one.

Entire James Bond collection. A classic.

Tumi Travel Weekend bag: A few years ago I bought Eddie a Tumi suitcase for his birthday and while it was pricey, it is seriously the best suitcase EVER. And I regularly steal it from him. Now that we are taking shorter trips and driving more, this weekend bag is on the list.

Leather toiletry case: Another classic. Eddie used a plastic bag up until this year (and he’s 42), and couldn’t believe how much he loved the leather when he switched. So much nicer.

UGG shearling gloves: If you’re in a chillier climate, these are the warmest gloves ever. And stand up during massive snow shoveling.

Premier Edition Scrabble: I adore these beautiful classic games that are not only playable but can become a part of the décor.

Whiskey Wedge glass: This is probably one of the coolest glasses I’ve ever seen. Move over, whiskey stones.

North Face Vest: It may be no secret that we are a vest family and the North Face ones are incredible quality – while being light and warm at the same time.

Legacy Travel Bar: Target literally has everything.

Sock of Month Club. If you follow Eddie on snapchat, you may know that he is obsessed with colorful, wild socks. I buy him two or three pairs for every birthday and Christmas, and the month club idea is so fun. (P.S. when I’m buying separates, he really loves the Stance brand.)

: Super fun.

Alexander McQueen Keychain: I feel like key chains and luggage tags and wallets are the guy’s purses and clutches. The vice. I think a splurgy one is fun. He’d probably never buy it himself.

: Eddie was never a PJ pants guy until Max was born (..and we spent months laying around in pajamas) and now he is hooked. J Crew’s are the SOFTEST.

Bose Soundtouch: I included a Bose in this guide only because I included a Beats Pill in the first – and my family is pretty loyal to Bose. My parents have had the alarm clock radio and larger CD player stereo for probably over 20 years? And the sound quality is impeccable.

Faux Fur Ushanka Hat: Again, if you’re in a freezing climate? This is a winner. WARM.

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Currently Crushing On.

{via}

Hey hey hey! It’s the freaking WEEKEND. I am so excited. What are you up to? What are your plans?

We are going to start decorating a bit for the holidays – I KNOW I know, it’s kinda early, but now that I have Max it takes me approximately 56 times longer to do everything in my life. True story.

Please tell me you’re going to make a massive batch of apple cider sangria and apple cider margaritas? ALSO! All week long we’ve been sharing a full Thanksgiving dinner over on the pioneer woman, and I made this delicious pecan pie tart. It was practically impossible to not stand over it and eat it with a fork. SO good.

P.S. – did you see I shared the first holiday gift guide of the season? More coming this weekend!

P.P.S. you can find things to do with your Turkey Day leftovers right here and here, plus I’ll share more in a few days.

Internet goods:

holy cow: goat cheese grits with brussels, squash and an egg. wowza.

not sure how to handle this chocolate mudslide pie. i want to consume the entire thing.a

also, this butterscotch pumpkin pie is perfection.

perhaps this stunning roasted beet and pear salad will make an appearance on my thanksgiving table.

the prettiest winter sangria.

i might be switching up my usual side this week to make some brown butter sweet potato casserole. oh my gosh.

super craving this at home beef and broccoli.

a holiday cocktail that’s dreamy: cranberry mules.

pumpkin spice coconut ice cream in a PANCAKE. a pancake!

i want to be crafty so badly so i can make these DIY party gifts.

how cute are these little sweet and savory little cheddar muffins?

3 steps to perfectly crispy turkey skin. my fave.

pumpkin spice cheesecake with salted caramel. dead.

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Brown Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pistachio Macaroon Crust.

Annnnd a pistachio macaroon crumble on top. Save me.

 

Isn’t that the fluffiest cake o’ love you’ve ever seen? I just want to burrow a hole through the center and chew my way out. The flavor! The texture! What is my exclamation point allowance here? Because I am most certainly going to run over.

Are you ready to talk about cheesecake perfection?

Just

look

at

this.

!!!!!!

And it gets better with that.  ^^^^^^^ A crumbly pistachio macaroon crumble, held together by brown sugar and butter and sprinkled on top of the cake for a fab crunch.

Owwwweeee just stop it.

I know I know! I’ve been a bit overzealous with the pumpkin this year. I mean, I haven’t been PSL-ing everything, but I was really off pumpkin the last two years and so this year, I’ve been all over it. As we pass through the middle of November, I’m not even close to being sick of it. I’ve made more pumpkin muffins than I can count and have made this pumpkin bread a bunch of times too. It is the BEST.

Don’t make me stop.

Oh oh oh! AND.

Someone mentioned a pumpkin coconut pie on my Thanksgiving post earlier this week and I can’t get that idea out of my head either. Seriously? Sounds so freaking delicious. So I’ll probably do that while I battle this pumpkin flavored addiction.

Just be glad I’m not making, like, pumpkin spice scrambled eggs or something.

By the way, I have totally already moved waaaay on – to the eggnog latte. So there’s that. You determine what’s more basic.

Given my intense and wacky fascination with pistachios, I couldn’t NOT make a pistachio macaroon crust. Chewy, pistachio-y, coconutty. I figured it would take my love for graham cracker crusts to another level. Elevate it, if you will.

It also really helps that cheesecake is my number one dessert. Absolute fave of all the faves.

How much more do I need to sell you: fluffy pumpkin cheesecake on top of chewy pistachio crust, topped with whipped cream (flavor it if you want!) and a crunchy crumble. Eeeeeep, I am SO deep in cheesecake lust. What else could a texture lover want? NOTHING.

Brown Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pistachio Macaroon Crust

Yield: makes one 9-inch cheesecake

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 10 hours

Ingredients:

pistachio macaroon crust

1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios (roasted are fine, I'd try to avoid salted)

3/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut

2 tablespoons brown sugar

8 to 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

pumpkin cheesecake

4 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature

2 cups loosely packed brown sugar

1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree

5 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

whipped cream for serving

pistachio coconut crumble

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 tablespoons brown sugar

3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped

2/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Add the pistachios to a food processor and blend until small crumbs (as powdery as you can get it before becoming butter) remain. Place the pistachios in a bowl and stir in the coconut, brown sugar and melted butter. Combine until the entire mixture is moistened (if it's super dry, add another 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then press it into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let cool.

Beat the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of your electric mixture until fully combined. Beat in the pumpkin puree until combined. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, spices and salt, beating until just combined and making sure to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl when needed. Pour the batter into the crust.

[I used a water bath to bake this cheesecake (I rarely do because it's so high maintenance!) and it worked wonderfully - not one single crack in the cake! I placed the springform pan on a large baking sheet with a lip and poured in enough water to just come up to 1/4 of the pan.]

Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, then turn off the oven. Open the door to let some heat out of the oven, then close it and allow the cheesecake to sit inside for another hour. After one hour, remove the cake and let it cool completely. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 to 8 hours) before serving.

pistachio coconut crumble

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the sugar and cook until bubbly. Stir in the pistachios and coconut and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 more minutes. Pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment and let it cool. Crumble it apart once cool and place on top of the whipped cream.

[adapted from food network]

Whipped cream cannonball time.

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Bacon, Egg and Brussels Carbonara.

This should come with a warning label.

Danger danger: you will want to consume every last bit of this in one sitting.

Oooooooh it makes me so excited though. I cannot wait for you to make this and have been waaaaiting and waiting to tell you all about it. Also: green vegetables. More descriptively, brussels sprouts, one of the greenest and most vegetable-y of all the vegetables.

If that doesn’t scream health food, then I don’t know what does.

Apparently I’m really feeling breakfast for dinner this week. Or in this case, dinner for breakfast? I mean, it’s the one completely legit reason to eat pasta for breakfast. Other than just because you want to and you do what you want.

I always used to do what I wanted, waaaay back when Eddie and I first got married and he traveled all the time (which was kind of wonderful) and I could eat things like wine and cheese for dinner along with my own tears from watching The Notebook or some other movie. That was the time when I made my first carbonara pasta (we are talking, like, for the first time EVER) and while I was a bit freaked with the whole raw egg scenario, that fear flew out of my mind the minute I tasted the whole mess.

so.freaking.good.

Pretty much wanted to carbonara everything. Carbonara my life, if you will.

Plus, those were the days when I really DID eat things like carbonara for breakfast. So maybe I was carbonara-ing my life accidentally on purpose.

I have had brussels carbonara on the brain for MONTHS but I really thought that I had seen the idea somewhere else. At least I was pretty sure that I had, but to be honest I barely remember the entire last year thanks to baby brain. Googling didn’t ding anything in my brain so with a thorough search through my crushing on series, I realized that it was a recipe that Heidi made last year. Of course it was. One of my spirit animals.

Knew that this HAD to happen. Knew it.

So. Perhaps the best part of the entire dish, aside from the copious amounts of bacon and cheese, is the fact that Eddie actually deems this a MEAL. The carnivore of all carnivores doesn’t want chicken or steak piled on top (though I’m sure he probbbbbably wouldn’t deny it’s presence) and it’s one meal that we can make in one pot and be done.

And! It’s one of those meals that tastes best when you’re standing over the pot with a fork. Maybe at midnight? Oops

Bacon, Egg and Brussels Carbonara

Yield: serves about 4

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

12 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

2 cups brussels sprouts, stems removed and coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 pound bucatini

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

extra salt + pepper for taste, if needed

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until totally crispy and the fat is rendered. While the bacon is cooking, boil the water for the bucatini and cook it.

Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain the grease. Use a large spoon to take out half of the bacon grease, placing it in a bowl to use later. Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet with the pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the brussels and place them in a bowl off to the side.

Whisk together the eggs and grated parmesan, try to smooth out all the lumps.

Add the reserved bacon fat back to the skillet, heating over low heat. Add the bucatini to the skillet and toss it well in the bacon fat - you want it to be throughly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour in the egg/parmesan mixture and stir quickly and constantly to create a creamy sauce, tossing for 3 to 4 minutes or so. Toss in the cooked bacon and brussels. Top with extra cheese. Taste and season additionally if you'd like. Serve immediately!

(Note: I rarely use salt in the recipe because the bacon is so salty. Use your tastes to determine if your dish needs it, since all bacon is different.)

[inspired by foodiecrush, adapted from my cauliflower carbonara]

P.S. look at how fat and tube-y and delicious that pasta is.

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Her.

I know it’s sliiiightly early, but I wanted to share my 2015 gift guides with you before the rush of holiday shopping begins – in case you’re a Black Friday die hard. If you follow my monthly favorites, a lot of this will look familiar. But I chose my absolute faves right here for you!

Lots more for him, foodie and stocking guides to come! What’s on your list this holiday? 

An UGG Duffield Robe. You may remembered that I got one of these last year for Christmas and never being a robe person, shockingly LOVED it. Like I think that I lived in it until at least May? It’s so warm and wonderful and cozy – and a bit more luxurious than a robe you may buy yourself.

Paint Chip Calendar. How cool is this?!

Nest Birchwood Pine Candle. Um, this is hereby the BEST candle I have ever smelled for Christmas. I got one as a birthday gift from my cousin and couldn’t wait to burn it. It smells so fantastic. I already bought extras and a few for gifts.

Elwood the Rainbow Unicorn Mug. Enough said.

Jo Malone gift set. I love these colognes and they are wonderful for someone who likes to switch up their scent often. They have fabulous candles too and hand soaps and just lovely things. Anything Jo Malone would be on my list!

. I wrote about this tote in my favorites a few weeks ago and have been using it nonstop. It’s huge, you can fit a large laptop plus a million other things, you can fit baby stuff if you’re a mom, and it’s also structured enough that it will stand up on it’s own. But is still soft leather. Win.

The Day Designer. Fancy planners are all the rage right now but that’s not why I love the Day Designer. I just bought my third (or fourth?? I think third) one for next year and adore the layout, the daily planning sheets and all the free printables you get too. If you know someone who is entrepreneurial, this is such a great agenda.

Samsung nx300 Mirrorless Camera. When I don’t want to lug my huge DSLR around but want better quality pics than my iphone, this is what I use. It’s small and compact but takes incredible photos. And you can switch out the lenses!

Beats Pill. I bought one of these for Eddie and few years ago and the portability is what makes it so wonderful. Plus, the sound quality is insane. He uses it indoors and outdoors, at work and at home. I love the white one. If you want to really go over the top, get this GOLD version!!!

Formula X Nail Polish Set. Some of my favorite polishes, hands down. Oh ha.

Kate Spade Pen. I love this idea for the creative who has EVERYTHING. It makes for some excellent office décor.

Bright Checkered Throw Blanket. This is another gift that I love to give (and receive!) because I find that it’s really rare to spend the money on a luxurious blanket that you might actually use everyday – if it’s in your living room.

Kate Spade Glitter Studs. If you have frequented this blog at all in the last three years, you know these are my go-to earrings! I have them in almost every shade, they can be casual or fancy and they are pretty affordable. LOVE.

Sara Happ Lip Slip Set. Love this idea, even if it’s someone who isn’t necessarily into cosmetics or products. Delicious sounding lip stuff – YES.

Kate Spade Tid Bit Plates. This gift reminds me of something my grandma would have given me – or even taken somewhere as a hostess gift. I love the white and black and also that they can be used year round.

Kendra Scott Opal Cuff. My mom got me this for my birthday and it’s stunning. So much prettier than I expected, and comfortable because it doesn’t slide all over the wrist.

Gilded Ceramic Coasters. Super pretty!

Swell Sparkling Champagne Stainless Steel Water Bottle. Might be a bit extravagant, but it’s a neat upgrade from the water bottles I get at Target. Makes drinking water feel all fancy and stuff.

Artifact Uprising Deep Set Frames. This may be a recurring theme that you see in my gift guides because I am OBSESSED with Artifact Uprising. I love absolutely everything they do. A lot of their smaller gifts are fairly affordable, so I think a splurge of a framed print would be awesome.

Nespresso Machine. I am a serious convert. I’ve had one now for maybe six-ish months and cannot get enough. I love this so much more than my Kuerig and I don’t have as much of a desire to go out and get coffee everyday. Better yet, if someone already has one, the coffee or espresso pods would be a great stocking stuffer!

Marble Cheese Boards. While everyone would love one of these for it’s pretty entertaining purposes, I often bring one out for Eddie and me on the weekends! Very versatile. Snacky meals are the best.

Vinyasa Scarf. As a serious scarf queen (I have waaaay too many), in the cooler months I never stop reaching for my vinyasa scarf. The fact that it’s stretchy and comfortable, an infinity scarf that is easy to wear but can also be unsnapped (really cool), it also looks good and makes sense if you’re bopping around in workout clothes. But it looks great when dressed up a little too!

Manduka Yoga Mat. Back when I was going to yoga five or six days a week (ahhh the good life), I didn’t think the mat made a difference and couldn’t fathom splurging on a nice mat. Um, once I did it was life changing. This mat made a HUGE difference in my practice and if you know someone who loves yoga and is using a beat up old mat from Target that is ten years old, they’d probably adore this.

Copper Eye Mask. Super indulgent and is all about the experience. I don’t’ know if I’d splurge on one for myself yet, but I’d love to get one as a gift.

Leather Clutch Pouch. The metallic colors are so pretty and great for the holiday, but I love these bags because they easily fit inside a huge tote (or diaper bag!) too. Double duty!

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Tell Me What You’re Making For Thanksgiving!

So I realize that by now, most of you might have your menu figured out. But if you haven’t, and if you’re a crazy millennial who changes their mind 23 times before settling on an idea only to wake up the morning of your party and add one more thing in… then I’m your girl.

Just like last year, will you tell me below exactly what you’re making?! I want the full menu, from the snacks to the drinks to the non-pumpkin pie. Also, let’s talk Thanksgiving snacks. What do you serve to ensure that your guests can have a snack without getting TOO full? Or do you not even worry about that because, um, hello – it’s Thanksgiving and you’re all unbuttoning the top button of your jeans after dinner anyway.

Are you a traditional Turkey dinner family or do you switch it up a bit? Let’s talk ideas! 

Starting with the most important… the cocktails. I’ve made almost all of these already this season since I couldn’t enjoy them last season – and let’s say that I didn’t forget how much I love them. They are SO good.

First up, for a mocktail, this cranberry cider punch is fancy looking delicious. And if you love it, add rum.

For wine based drinks, this apple cider sangria is always as a hit, as is this vanilla pomegranate sangria. For autumn margaritas, choose between (or do a margarita bar!) the apple cider margaritas, fresh cranberry ginger margaritas and pomegranate margaritas.

If you want to serve something warm, maybe after dinner or even the Friday after Thanksgiving, this hot cider nog is an awesome twist on classic egg nog. And there is ALWAYS room for a nutella latte. Of course.

For snacky things, my number one go-to is a massive cheese plate. I love this idea for holidays because it can be as large or small as you want. If you’re going to eat dinner at 6 or 7 like my mom serves (yes, really), I’d make a big one early on. If your guests come just an hour or so before dinner, make a teeny version of it. Easy!

This pomegranate jeweled cheeseball is pretty but also stuffed with crispy sage and cheddar, so obviously. Or these adorable goat cheese truffles!

If you’re feeling dippy, I suggest a roasted butternut squash hummus or this warm honey and fig blue cheese dip.

What is your stance on salad for Thanksgiving? A must have or a waste of space? I like having a little greenery to balance out the table full of carbs and if you want a little switch of flavors, this crunchy kale salad is wonderful – and makes for a great base for any toppings! This maple bacon brussels and pear salad is also lovely annnnnd perhaps my favorite ever – autumn arugula. If it’s not too weird flavor-wise: brussels caesar salads. These… are to die for.

I know I ranted and raved (?) about not being a bread person last week, but the bread basket is kind of a staple on the T-Day table, right? My grandma always brought the most wonderful butter flake rolls and I love those. They are the ones that I may dip in leftover mashed potatoes and gravy if I’m feeling super indulgent. (Always.)

If you want to fill your bread basket with homemade goods, which I must admit, is a HUGE accomplishment and not something that I always do because I prefer to make them fresh and with ten other dishes, that’s difficult. But! If you want something homemade, or better yet, want to assign someone to make these at home, I’d say go with the brown butter garlic knots. If those are too spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner for you, then homemade cloverleaf rolls and sweet potato dinner rolls are your best bet. The most classic, if you will. If you want something flakey, you can go with sage butter biscuits or fresh cranberry biscuits.

Side note, it’s like four years later and I still think that the insides of cranberries are weird as heck.

If you’re feeling SUPER ambitious, you can make mini cream cheese and chive biscuits. Or make ’em into big ones!

We always have a traditional buffet-style Thanksgiving meal, but if I was having a slightly smaller, fancier sit down dinner, I would definitely start with soup! Maybe this roasted garlic potato soup with crispy brussels… or this smoky butternut soup.

This is great. I’m starving!

Since my mom always does a traditional roasted turkey, I only have one recipe here on the blog but it’s fantastic: it’s applewood smoked and comes with cider bourbon gravy. Eeeeeeeeeek. I KNOW.

Also, my mom makes the best damn gravy in the world. It’s SO good, always super smooth (never has lumps) and even reheats fairly well the next day. Last year I took her recipe and made a caramelized shallot and bacon version. *covers eyes*

Now, for the BEST part of Thanksgiving – what it really revolves around: THE SIDES.

My personal fave is stuffing and I’ve done it with soft pretzels and quinoa AND cornbread and sourdough. Don’t make me choose!

Next up would be all the potatoes, and the dish I have taken to my parents’ house the last five or so years has been this lightened up sweet potato casserole. It’s definitely a winner, but I adore cinnamon sugar hasselback sweet potatoes and these buttermilk bacon blue smashed potatoes. Um, garlic goat cheese mashed potatoes anyone? I make these like every other month for Eddie. If you want to keep it simple, do it with brown butter.

Annnnd in case you missed it earlier this week: loaded sweet potato BITES. Like delicious marshmallow casserole on a bite sized round. Yesssss.

I’m a self-proclaimed brussels sprouts freak, which still makes zero sense to my mom. Seriously, she looks at me some days and is like, “Jessica, I can’t believe you eat brussels sprouts.” I CAN’T EITHER MOM! I love them fried and crispy, but since that takes a lot of time, you could roast them and serve with that aioli. They also work with brown butter because what doesn’t? You can even put them in LASAGNA.

Other green things include lightened up green bean casserole, loaded skillet toasted green beans, bacon wrapped green bean bundles and bacon caramelized sesame asparagus. Orange things include pomegranate roasted carrots with – you guess it- brown butter. Sorry?

A few untraditional but turning traditional favorites of mine include butternut lasagna (this one is delish, but I prefer the version in my book!), roasted sweet potato risotto and spicy squash with feta and herbs.

What are you thinking for dessert?! I always need at least a BITE of pumpkin pie, it just works. But I prefer chocolate on Thanksgiving, so these chocolate pecan pie bars are perfect. If you want to leave out the chocolate, try these pecan pie no bake cheesecakes!

For pumpkin lovers, we have pumpkin s’mores cupcakes, a pumpkin s’mores tart or fudge striped peanut butter pumpkin cookies.

If you’re feeling extra apple-y: amaretto apple crisp, bourbon baked apples and cider bourbon apple pie with oatmeal cookie crumble! Maybe I’ll get it together and make the pie. Maybe.

If you want something slightly lighter than can even serve as a snack later on weekend, this caramelized pear upside down bread is so wonderful.

Oh and just and idea: for Thanksgiving breakfast? Bacon cinnamon rolls, crockpot apple cinnamon steel cut oats or pumpkin waffles with bacon butternut syrup. Wowza.

I feel like I just ate a five course meal.

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Tuesday Things.

1. This pumpkin pie with speculoos cookie crust. HOW CAN I.

2. Last week I found an empty egg carton in the fridge. The worst of it was that it was UNDER two other egg cartons, both half full. I want to blame Eddie buuuuuut I’m pretty sure it might have been me.

3. My goal for now until the end of the year is to put on a holiday movie every night. I’ve fallen overboard and am drowning.

4. This update to the Alanis lyrics was the best thing I watched last week. I could not fight the giggles. Also, Jagged Little Pill was my first CD ever! Like ever ever. What was yours?

5. Twice over the weekend I went to Target just to walk through the Christmas portion of the store. Once with Max and once… without. Can I move in? How and why do I love everything they do so much? What does it take to get on their creative/marketing/brainstorming team? I think you have to have ESP or something.

6. THE AFFAIR!! oh my gosh. I cannot take it. The ending was SO so so good. I hope this show never jumps the shark. Tell me what you think! I was also freaking over Homeland and thought it was back to season one status of excellence. Well, almost. Eeeeep Carrie. I’m getting really bored of the single character episodes on Walking Dead, but I feel like they always play it this way?

7. 21 things life is too short for not to do. Honestly, my biggest thrill was that this is categorized under “chicken nuggets.” Whaaat.

8. If you could only eat ONE thanksgiving dish, what would it be? That’s a darn hard question.

9. Today my friend Laurie’s book comes out and she has the BEST recipes. Def gonna be a winner. Pick it up!

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