Weekend Recap: Thanksgiving

It's no fun being sick during the holidays. One of the reasons posts have been sporadic. However, my skin appreciated the absence of makeup while I was sick. Since the hubs had to work Thanksgiving day (shout out to all the men and women who worked the holiday and to their families who also sacrificed), the family postponed Thanksgiving until Friday. It was a relaxing day with tons of yummy foods. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, my sister-in-law made Cranberry-Cream Cheese Crescent Bites that were delicious. I also tried a new dessert recipe, Apple Pie Cake. So good (if you like apple pie)! This dessert is the best of both worlds; apple pie and cake! Best served warm with ice cream (this Texas girl says Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla DUH).

It is finally starting to feel like fall around here. Currently simmering away as I write this post is a recipe I found on Pinterest. I printed the recipe in 2014, but never made it. Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe (one-pot meal). Before publishing this post I will come back and update you on how it turned out. I love a good stew, soup, or chowder when the weather cools down. Not much of a chili person, but every now and then I enjoy some. I am hoping this recipe is warm and "good for the soul."

It is hard to believe the semester is almost over. Two weeks and the students will be gone for the winter break. Always makes me sad to live in a college town when the students are away.

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe update: Delicious! Why did I wait so long to try it? If you decide to give it a try, use 6 cups of chicken broth. The recipe makes a lot, be prepared to feed an army or eat a lot of leftovers ;)

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 41

Happy Friday! Yesterday was National Drink Wine Day...who participated?! :) My boss let me off work an hour early so I took advantage of the beautiful weather and sat on the porch with Lexi and drank a glass of wine.

Today's post revolves around adult beverages, but baking with them. When we were in Breckenridge (read about it here) we visited the Breckenridge Distillery. The hubs and I had been on a previous trip, but in four years they have really expanded. During the tour/tasting we tried their spiced whiskey. The spices used are inspired by the master distiller's grandmother's pumpkin pie recipe. Talk about delicious. I immediately though it would taste good in a cake. Here are some recipes I thought might be good to try it in.

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Happy baking! Until next post...xoxo Becca

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 34

As you're reading this the hubs and I are in NYC. I've pre-written this post so you'd have something to read while I was away. Today I'm talking cookie exchange! Does anyone have a cookie exchange party to attend this season? I've never participated in one, but they sound so fun! You bake one type of cookie and come away with a bunch of others + recipes. Here are some of the cookies I think would be the talk of the town.

This counts as a cookie right? It's technically cookie dough and candy and is brought to you by The Pioneer Woman. Make a lot, these never last long. Ree shows you variations, but my favorite is peanut butter cookie with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

What screams Christmas? Peppermint! These Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies from Giada De Laurentiis sound delicious. 

This is my go to recipe for the holidays. It was one of the first pins I ever made when Pinterest was first starting out. Everyone raves about these cookies and it starts with a cake mix so it's quick and easy. Find step by step instructions (with pictures) here.

Happy baking! Until next post...xoxo Becca 

Check back Monday for pictures from our trip. 

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 27

TGIF! You came back because my last post said today would focus on fall desserts. I see how it is...all you followers with a sweet tooth. :) LOVE it! Here's what you came for:

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Apple Crisp

Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

Do you have a "go to" fall dessert recipe? If so, share it in the comments.

Find all my other dessert Pins here. Until next post...xoxo Becca

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

I took advantage of a quiet Sunday afternoon and got back in the kitchen to bake. I was craving a warm chocolate chip cookie. When I traveled for work I often stayed at Hyatt Place hotels and one located in Dallas would heat up a chocolate chip and peanut butter cookie for me almost every night. It was a simple comfort of home that made hotel living easier to handle. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

8 Tbsp. butter, softened
½ cup sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips (I used ½ cup milk chocolate and ½ cup white chocolate)

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add vanilla and egg, beat until incorporated
3. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Add chocolate chips until incorporated
4. Drop by the spoonful onto greased baking sheet. Makes about 12 cookies.
5. Bake for 13-18 minutes, until edges are slightly brown
6. Let cool and serve

Until next post...xoxo Becca