pumpkin white chocolate hot cocoa

November 18, 2015

Pumpkin White Chocolate Hot CocoaNothing against those powdered mixes but in my world nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate goodness. Our Jettie must agree because the last time I pulled out a packet for a quick hot chocolate fix she said “No, like the kind you stir in a pan mom!”

Lately I have been mixing up the cocoa routine..with the most recent being this pumpkin white chocolate version. Whenever I make a pumpkin recipe I always have a little leftover. Not enough to make in another baked recipe but enough to feel bad about throwing it away. This recipe only takes a 1/4cup of pumpkin puree which is perfect for my small stash of unused pumpkin.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Pumpkin White Chocolate Hot CocoaWhy white chocolate? Why not? It’s fabulous with the flavor of pumpkin! I did mellow out the sweetness a bit with espresso powder and dark cocoa powder. May seem like a lot of ingredients for a simple drink but believe you me, it is worth it and then some.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Hot CocoaI would love to know what your favorite version of homemade hot cocoa is! (Mine usually involves peppermint but this guy certainly comes in a close second.)

Cheers!

brandyjsig

 

 

pumpkin white chocolate hot cocoa
 
Print
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2cups milk
  • ½cup white chocolate chips
  • ¼cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼tsp cinnamon
  • ¼tsp espresso powder
  • ½tsp cocoa powder
  • ½tsp vanilla
  • ¼tsp kosher salt
  • frothed milk, nutmeg, marshmallows or fresh whip cream to top (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat the milk in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add the white chocolate and stir until melted.
  2. Add the pumpkin and stir until well combined. Add the cinnamon, espresso, cocoa, vanilla and salt. Stir and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Pour into mugs and top with favorite topping.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Hot Cocoa
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diy oatmeal bath & free printable

November 17, 2015

DIY Oatmeal BathWinter is creeping her way in.. I can already tell my skin is a little dryer and slightly more sensitive. Add that to the pending holiday stress and I’d say we are all due for some at home pampering. (Or giving the gift of TLC to a deserving friend.)

Good news is it couldn’t be easier to fix yourself a soothing warm bath. If you’ve got  oatmeal, a grinder and a tub with running water you have yourself a way to relax and hush all your troubles.

DIY Oatmeal BathWe all know that oatmeal is a perfect cold weather breakfast. Many of you may already know it’s fabulous for your skin as well. It not only soothes and hydrates the skin, but protects from irritants. Anyone who suffers from conditions like eczema can benefit from a warm oatmeal bath. And just like eating a bowl on a cold morning, the bath will comfort and calm all your senses.

Simply grind a 1/4 cup whole oatmeal in a spice grinder. Have a cup of warm water handy to test that your grind is fine enough to dissolve in water. Once it is you can add to a tub being filled with warm water. Be careful when you get in the tub as the oatmeal can make it slippery. After your soak is complete, you may need to use a cup of water to help entice the oatmeal down the drain.

DIY Oatmeal Bath

If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive you can’t wrong with this oatmeal bath. Simply grind oats, fill an airtight container and tie a scoop and this printable around the container. You could also add sachets of dried lavender or even essential oils. Either way the person receiving their jar of ground oats will be very pleased. Enjoy!

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in beauty, diy, freebie, give a gift, skin | Tagged | Leave a comment

gone country

November 16, 2015

This weekend I went country… well, more country than I have ever been before at least. We made our first trip to Nashville and for a non-country music loving girl I have to admit that I loved it. Of course it is filled with honky tonk bars and lots of cowboy boots (which are both pretty fabulous) but it also bodes some fantastic neighborhoods loaded with hipster eateries and locals who can rock a flannel like no other.

In honor of those stylish Nashvillians here is a comfy way to look cute, whilst staying warm, in this oncoming of winter we are experiencing:

flannel outfit1Forever 21 faux-fur hooded parka/2H&M grey hat/3Forever 21 destroyed skinny jeans/4Ochenta flannel shirt/5H&M bag/6Madden Girl fringe booties (No joke, these are the most comfortable pair of booties I have ever owned. I have trounced around a zoo, airport and the city of Nashville in them without feeling the desire to take them off once. That is pretty impressive for a boot with a heel. Buy them, love them and thank me later.)

Obviously Nashville is full of great music…that’s sort of it’s “thing”. It is also one of the friendliest cities I have visited. From the locals, to the out-of-owners, everyone seems to be there for one thing – a good time. We certainly had one.

nashvile_2015

Cheers to Nashville and my brother in law Chuck! He’s turning 40 therefor celebration was in order. Happy Birthday Chuck!

xo,

brandyjsig

Posted in outfits, personal, style, style board | Tagged | 2 Comments

ceasar brussels sprouts slaw

November 12, 2015

Ceasar Brussels Sprouts SlawIf you ask me 2 things are a must for Thanksgiving. One would be brussels sprouts and the other would be a cold salad. With this recipe you are wrapping both up into one dish. It’s also a great way to get all those brussels nay-sayers to try this fabulous veggie since there is no chance of them being overcooked. (Brussels nay-sayers, you guys are simply cray-cray.)

Ceasar Brussels Sprouts SlawI tried a brussels slaw last year that I wasn’t 100% sold on which made me apprehensive to try another. When I saw this Ceasar version on Chowhound however I knew I had to try it. The combo of the hard boiled egg and brussels is genius while the pine nuts add a smooth, nutty crunch. I needed more parmesan cheese because…well, cheese and the dressing I mellowed a bit with sugar. (My granny always did this and she is awesome therefor I do the same.)

Ceasar Brussels Sprouts SlawBeing that this is a salad, caesar in particular, by all means use your favorite caesar dressing. You could also add more crunch with homemade croutons. What you don’t want to skimp on is the fresh cracked black pepper. In my world lots of pepper is what makes a caesar salad so delicious.

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

ceasar brussels sprouts slaw
 
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Prep time
Total time
 
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
  • 1½lb brussels sprouts, halved and sliced into ¼ strips (stopping ½" from the stem)
  • 2tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1tsp lemon zest
  • ½tsp granulated sugar
  • 1tsp dijon mustard
  • ½ medium shallot, minced (gives that garlic and onion flavor all at once)
  • ¼ olive oil
  • ½tsp salt (or to taste)
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 peeled hard boiled eggs, grated on the large holes of a grater
  • ¼cup grated parmasen cheese (plus more for topping)
  • ⅓cup toasted pine nuts (save a few for topping)
Instructions
  1. Place lemon juice, zest, sugar, mustard and shallot in a large bowl. Whisk together. Continuing whisking and slowly pour in olive oil. Whisk until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper and adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Pour brussels into the dressing and toss. Add egg (only half), pine nuts and parmesan and toss gently again. Allow flavors to meld for about 15 minutes. Top with remaining egg, pine nuts and cheese. Enjoy!

 recipe adapted from Chowhound

Ceasar Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Posted in healthy eats, recipes, vegetarian, what's cooking | Tagged | Leave a comment

cranberry pumpkin coffee cake

November 11, 2015

Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee Cake

I don’t know what it is about the holidays but from the moment I wake up all I want is my cup of coffee and a baked good. They say, in general, most people gain 1 pound a year from holiday eating. Doesn’t sound too bad until 10 years go by and that 1 pound a year was never dealt with. My New Years resolution will be to deal with that 1 pound (or 5) because I can’t stop won’t stop devouring yummy things like cake. Especially when I can have it for breakfast.

Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee Cake

As you know I love myself some coffee cake. This one is extra amazing because it combines all the flavors that a pumpkin should mingle with and the added bonus of cranberries. Yum..and festive. Perfect combo if you ask me.

Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee CakeIf you can somehow find the willpower to not eat the entire thing the first day you will be awarded by even better flavor the second. 2 pieces managed to see the light of a second day in our home and they were divine!

Enjoy!

brandyjsig

 

 

cranberry pumpkin coffee cake
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 9
Ingredients
  • Topping:
  • ¼cup sugar
  • ½cup all-purpose flour
  • 4thsp unsalted butter butter, softened
  • pinch of salt
  • ¼teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cake:
  • 4tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ½cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½cup pumpkin puree
  • 2tbsp plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
  • ½tsp vanilla extract
  • 1cup all purpose flour
  • ½tsp baking powder
  • ¼tsp baking soda
  • ¼tsp kosher salt
  • ½tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½tsp ground ginger
  • ½tsp ground allspice
  • pinch of ground nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • 1cuo fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven 350F and grease an 8 inch square baking dish.
  2. Place all topping ingredients in a small bowl and mix together with fingers until coarse crumbs form. Place in freezer until ready to use.
  3. For the cake, in a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (I ised stand mixer). Beat in the egg. Add pumpkin, yogurt and vanilla and beat again.
  4. In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just incorporated. (Be careful not to overmix.) Gently fold in cranberries.
  5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and top with streusel topping evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Allow to cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes before serving.

 recipe from Some the Wiser

Cranberry Pumpkin Coffee Cake
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