How To Prepare The Perfect Christmas Dinner

 The 25th of December is such a special day for many families around the world, and that’s likely why it’s so popular to prepare a delicious festive feast to tuck in to with your nearest and dearest! 

Cooking up the perfect Christmas dinner can often seem like a mammoth task, and it can be tough to keep everyone around the table satisfied with their meal. However, this guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to ensure you can whip up the most mouth watering meal that’s memorable for all of the right reasons!

So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more and start preparing your festive feast today!

Image Source - Pexels 

Start Prep A Few Days Beforehand 

Attempting to complete all of your cooking responsibilities on Christmas Day is no doubt going to be one of the worst decisions that you can make, as you need to give yourself more than enough time just in case anything goes wrong. Starting your prep a few days beforehand is the best way to go, as you can do all manner of chopping and creating before the big day. For example, you can get to work chopping and parboiling your vegetables and potatoes a day or two before, and simply pop them in the freezer ready to roast a few hours before your guests arrive. You can also create things like Yorkshire pudding mix or cake mix a day before too - just put them in a sealed container and leave them somewhere fresh! You’ll be so glad that you started your prep a few days earlier, as there’s nothing worse than running round your kitchen like a headless chicken with far too many tasks to complete! 

Cater For Every Diet 

Making the mistake of preparing one set meat for every single one of your guests could leave you in hot water, as there are so many different diet types and food preferences that people have in today's modern world. Putting in a little extra effort so that you can attempt to cater to a few different common diet types will always be a productive option, as those who eat them will massively appreciate you including their needs in your cooking! For example, you can prepare a batch of gluten free stuffing, or even make an eggless triple chocolate layer cake for dessert. There are lots of different recipes online that you can make the most of if you’re not too sure about different diet and their guidelines, and these will often contain some advice about how to minimize any contamination too - this is absolutely essential if you have any dinner guests who have allergies or intolerances, as you don’t want to make them poorly by accident. 

Figuring out how to prepare the perfect Christmas dinner has never been such a simple task when you can utilize some of the brilliant tips and ideas detailed in this informative guide! Good luck in your quest to prepare a magical festive feast.

Weekend In the Woods With The Kids, Family Time

 With technology at our fingertips, it's hard to tear families away from their gadgets and get them outside. But unplugging and spending time together in nature have tons of benefits for both children and adults. So if you're looking for ideas on how to spend a fun weekend in the woods with your kids, look no further! This blog post will provide tips on everything from camping to hiking to enjoying nature crafts and also give you some great ideas for family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained all weekend long. So pack your bags and get ready for some outdoor fun!

1) Camping:

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family and bond with nature. It's also a fantastic way to teach kids about Leave No Trace principles and how to respect the outdoors. When camping with kids, be sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied, as well as snacks and food that everyone will enjoy. And, of course, don't forget the marshmallows for roasting over the campfire!

Via Pexels

2) Hiking:

One of the best ways to explore the woods is by taking a hike together as a family. Kids will love getting out and seeing all the different plants and animals, and you can even turn it into a learning experience by teaching them about different species of trees or birds along the way. If your kids are young, be sure to bring along a carrier or pack so they can take a break when needed. And always remember to pack plenty of water and snacks!

3) Nature Crafts:

Another great way to spend time in the woods with your kids is by doing some nature crafts together. There are tons of different ideas out there, but some of our favourites include making leaf rubbings, painting with rocks, and creating woodland creature puppets out of sticks and leaves. These activities not only get kids interacting with nature, but they'll also have a blast being creative and using their imaginations.

4) Picnicking:

What could be more perfect than enjoying a lovely picnic lunch surrounded by nature? Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, and that easy mashed potatoes recipe with cold meats and drinks and head out to a nearby park or forest. Let the kids run around and explore while you relax and enjoy the scenery. And don't forget to save some room for dessert!

5) Geocaching:

Geocaching is a great way to combine spending time outdoors with a bit of friendly competition. Families can search for hidden "caches" that contain treasures using GPS coordinates. It's a perfect activity for kids of all ages and a great way to explore new areas.

In conclusion, there are tons of great ways to spend a weekend in the woods with your kids. Whether you're camping, hiking, picnicking, or doing nature crafts, your family is sure to have a blast spending time together outdoors. And who knows, you might even find that you all enjoy it so much that you want to make it a regular weekend activity!

10 Unique and Tasty Tiramisu Recipes to Try

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with ladyfingers, coffee, mascarpone cheese, and a sweet wine or coffee liqueur. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible. But, there are so many unique ways to make it! I gathered 10 of my favorite recipes to share with you. I know you will find one or two to try yourself.

But, before we get into the tasty ways to give this classic dessert a twist, here is some info about why you would want to serve this treat to guests.

Here are some reasons why tiramisu is a great dessert:

• It is delicious. The combination of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and sweet wine or coffee liqueur is simply irresistible.
• It is easy to make. Tiramisu is a very simple dessert to make. All you need to do is dip the ladyfingers in coffee, layer them with mascarpone cheese, and then dust with cocoa powder. That's it!
• It is perfect for any occasion. Tiramisu is a great dessert for any occasion. It is perfect for a party, a special dinner, or even just a weeknight dessert.
• It is versatile. There are many different ways to make tiramisu. You can add different flavors, such as chocolate or fruit, to make it your own.
• It is affordable. Tiramisu is a relatively affordable dessert to make. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and you can make a large batch for a crowd.

If you are looking for a delicious, easy, and versatile dessert, tiramisu is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious tiramisu today!

Here are ten awesome variations to try:

1. Strawberry Vegan Tiramisu by Addicted to Dates

2. Mini Panettone Tiramisu by Rosanna ETC

3. Tiramisu Cheesecake by An Italian in My Kitchen

4. No Churn Tiramisu Ice Cream by Homegrown Happiness 

5. Raspberry Tiramisu by This Little Home

6. Ombre Tiramisu Cake by Eat Loves Eats

7. Raspberry Tiramisu Tarts by Food Meanderings

8. Earl Grey Tiramisu by The Cozy Plum

9. The Best Tiramisu by What a Girl Eats

10. Tiramisu Cupcakes by Spatula Desserts

Here are some additional tips for making tiramisu:

• Use strong coffee. The coffee should be strong enough to flavor the tiramisu without being too bitter.
• Use good quality mascarpone cheese. The mascarpone cheese should be smooth and creamy.
• Use a sweet wine or coffee liqueur. The liqueur should add a touch of sweetness to the tiramisu.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. When layering the tiramisu, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the tiramisu from setting properly.
• Refrigerate the tiramisu overnight. The tiramisu needs to be refrigerated overnight for the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften.
• Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Dusting the tiramisu with cocoa powder before serving will give it a classic look.

Find more favorite recipes here

Gourmet Mac N Cheese Recipes

Loaded Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

 

My family loves rice pudding and I often make it in the instant pot. But, we had some over ripe bananas and I thought maybe, I could put them to use in the pudding we all love so much. And let me tell you, this is one of my most delicious ideas yet!

This is such an easy recipe. You can have it ready in minutes if you like it warm, but if you like it cool, no worries! Just give it a little time to rest and cool.

This is a great recipe to keep on hand because it is cheap to make, and it tastes like a million bucks when you dig into it. It is a great way to stretch your grocery budget by adding in affordable rice to your desserts. Plus this no bake goodie won't heat up the house on a hot day.

Ingredients:

1 c white rice

1 ½ c water

2 cups of milk

½ c sugar

2 overripe bananas

1 tsp vanilla

Add rice and water to the instant pot.

Seal and select high heat.

Set the timer for 3 minutes.

It will take about 10 minutes before the timer begins to countdown.

When the timer beeps, turn off the instant pot. 

After 10 minutes, quick release the steam.

Add milk and sugar.

Stir.

In a small bowl, smash the bananas and add vanilla and cinnamon.

Pour this into the rice.

Turn the instant pot to saute, and allow to cook until it comes to a boil. 

Remove the liner from the instant pot and allow to cool and thicken.

Serve warm or cold, with cinnamon sprinkled over the top and sliced bananas if you like.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Makes 6 servings.

If you are looking for more affordable dessert ideas you might like these peanut butter cream puffs or  my homemade stove top rice pudding recipe.

10+ Gingerbread Treats

It wouldn't be the holidays without a delicious gingerbread goodie! I have rounded up ten of my favorite gingerbread treat recipes from bloggers to share with you in case you need a gingerbread treat to savor and share this holiday season.

My late friend Ruth Seeshultz made the best gingerbread cookies ever. I can't help but think of her whenever I run across a good recipe for any kind of dessert. During the holidays, she seems to always be on my mind, as there are so many goodies I know she would have wanted to make!

This collection has something for everyone, from gingerbread candy houses to gingerbread cupcakes that are so moist and flavorful! Any of these treats are perfect for a party or to share with a friend! 

Rice Krispie Candy Houses
Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread House Party
Rice Krispie Treat Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread People
Gingerbread Balls
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Dark Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread Snowflakes
Gingerbread Cupcakes

I can't wait to hear which of these gingerbread treats sounds the most festive to you! 

If you are craving more Christmas fun, check out some of my holiday craft ideas.

Reader favorites include:

Easy Ribbon Tree Ornaments

Nail Polish Ornaments

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

Breakfast has never been easier or tastier than it is with this simple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats recipe.

Some of the best things in life are simple; this recipe embraces that and plays on the goodness of pantry staples. I love that you can literally toss this together in under a moment for a no frills, but tons of flavor start to the day.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients
1 cup of old fashioned oats
1 cup of 1% milk
1/8 teaspoon of vanilla
1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food storage container. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Overnight is ideal.
Serve cold, or heated in the morning for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.

This recipe will last for 3 days covered in the fridge.

I love this cold and often opt for it over dessert. It is that good! I consider it my happy food these days. If you have a favorite overnight oat recipe I hope you will leave a comment and share it with me.

Find some of my favorite recipes here:
Reader favorites include:
Cold Veggie PizzaLoaded Jalapeno Bites

12 Cheesecake Recipes to Make for Christmas

Cheesecake is one of those things in life that should be savored and shared. I think it is always one of my favorite options at the dessert table. I found 12 Cheesecake Recipes to Make for Christmas that are perfect for sharing and celebrating this holiday season!

I have found 12 incredible cheesecake recipes to make this Christmas and I know you are going to find a few on this list that you can't wait to try! From Peppermint varieties to Pecan Pie Cheesecake, this list has something for everyone on it!

No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

Eggnog Cheesecake

Candy Cane Cheesecake with a Sugar Cookie Crust

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

Raspberry Cheesecake Shooters

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cheesecake

Santa Hat Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Pie

Which of these sounds like the cheesecake of your dreams?

You can find more awesome recipes here

These Christmas tree inspired snacks are sure to be a hit with the kids!
My family is crazy for these fun Christmas treat ideas.

If you have a favorite cheesecake recipe, please do tell me all about it!

12 Ghoulish Snacks for Halloween

Fun food for Halloween is here! Your friends and family will love these 12 ghoulish snacks for Halloween!

Halloween is near and I am busy making treats to share! I love to be in my kitchen in the fall! This year I am patting myself on the back, just a little, over a genius idea I had to get my kids to eat more bananas in the spirit of Halloween! Check out the video to get the scoop on how to make a healthier treat that is loaded with fresh banana!




This made me want to make all kinds of ghostly treats! I visited some of my favorite blogs and gathered some spooktacular treats to share with you! These are perfect for a Halloween party or just a special treat for a spooky night at home!

Ghostly Guacamole by In the Playroom

Whipped Cream Ghosts by She Saved

Haunted Halloween Pizza by Cherished Bliss

Ghostly Fruits by Mom Endeavors

Ghost Bananas by Sweet Silly Sara

Halloween Rolls by Creations by Kara

Ghostly Sandwich by Mom Endeavors

Pop Tart Ghost Pops by This Silly Girl's Life

Milano Ghost Cookies by Dollar Store Crafts

Ghost Rice Krispie Treats by Who Needs a Cape

Pudding Cup Ghosts and Ghouls by Craving Some Creativity

Ghosts on a Boat by Thirty Something Super Mom

These fun recipes are so addictive to make and eat I couldn't stop myself from taking dessert to a new level of yummy. You can check this Twinkie Ghost idea in the facebook video below.

You might also like this Paper Plate Witch Craft.

If you have a ghost themed food idea please give me the details in a comment!

Apple Dessert Recipes to Fall For

It is only August, but we have picked our first apple of the season and now I have all of the symptoms of seasonal obsession. I MUST MAKE ALL OF THE YUMMY APPLE THINGS!

If you too suffer from seasonal apple obsession, you are going to adore these tips for picking the best apples and these awesome apple recipes I am crushing on this year.

Tips for Picking the Best Apples

• Pick apples from the outside of the tree first, as these will be the ripest.
• Select apples that are firm to the touch.
• Fragrant apples are also a good sign of freshness.
• Avoid bruises, nicks and apples that have fallen to the ground, as these may have insects feasting inside!
• If an apple isn't quite ripe, it won't ripen more after picking. 

Now that you know what to look for in apples as you are picking them, let's get on to more important matters, what to make with these lovely apples!

Baked Honey Crisp Apples
Crockpot Baked Apples This is perfect for dessert on crazy busy days.
Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Baked Apple Chips These are perfect for healthy snacking!
Apple Cheese Danish
Heirloom Apple Cake


Which of these recipes will you try first? I think it has to be the Baked Honeycrisp Apples for me! They look perfectly delectable! We made a really cute apple tree window cling last year you might want to make your own.

Find all of my apple posts here

18 Treats for the 4th of July

The 4th of July is here, but have no fear! I have you covered for all treats Red, White and Blue! I rounded up 18 fun recipes that I thought you would love!  From kid made to downright Patriotic, this list of treats are perfect for your 4th of July party!

Patriotic Pudding Pops from We Made That
Red, White and Blue Patriotic Pops from Oh My! Creative
Red, White and Blue Layered Jello from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Patriotic Jello from We Made That
Patriotic Popcorn from Life with Moore Babies
Patriotic Dipped Pretzels from Mama Miss
Patriotic S'mores  from Club Chica Circle
4th of July Drink from We Made That
4th of July Layered Kids Drink from Artsy Mama
Berry Sparkler from Bitz n Giggles
Exploding Cookie Bars from Life with Moore Babies
Red, White and Blue Marshmallow Decorating from Stella 123
4th of July Fruit Kabobs from School Time Snippets
4th of July Homemade Gummi Candy from Mama Miss
4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars from Kids Activities Blog
Red, White and Blue Cake from Just Enza
Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes from KleinWorth & Co
Summer Velvet Parfaits from Bitz n Giggles


Which of these patriotic treats will you be making for Independence Day? Do you have a favorite festive recipe to add to this list? Tell me about it in a comment!

This easy patriotic parfait is perfect for a last minute dessert!

The Perfect Dish for Summer Sauteed Corn and Squash

Sauteed corn and squash makes for the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is delicious enough to make a meal on its own! Made with fresh and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in a matter of moments and is going to get rave reviews from anyone that samples it!

Summer is here you guys! I have never been so happy to hit the farmers market! After a long winter with access to a sad selection of fresh veggies, to see food grown with care and pride inspired my stomach and my menu planning.

I made the easiest dish for dinner last Sunday. It was a lazy summer day. The kids had been playing outside most of the day and I turned to my farmers market finds to create dinner. This recipe is so easy you guys it makes only 3 ingredients and the prep time is minimal, so you can spend more time making summer memories.

Chefs notes:

Use real butter. Butter is something that should not be sacrificed in any kitchen. I firmly believe that using butter to cook is healthier than turning to some scientifically created food like substance. Butter- just do it guys. 

At the last moment, I tossed roughly chopped fresh parsley into the veggie mix to add a splash of green and a little extra flavor. This is optional

This post contains affiliate links

Ingredients

1 yellow squash

2 ears of corn on the cob

2 tablespoons of real butter

parsley to taste (optional)

Directions

Shuck your ears of corn 

Cut the corn from the cob

Chop the squash into chunks

Heat a skillet at a a medium heat setting

Add butter

Add corn and squash

Add parsley if desired

Sautee for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. When your squash is tender you can remove from the heat and serve.

I served this along with garlic roasted asparagus for a delicious dinner that was extremely delicious and healthy. It offered a colorful plate packed with summer veggies! This is one of the many ways we love to enjoy summer squash.

 I would love to hear how you enjoy summer squash!

This dinner was so economical. It is one of the many examples of the reality that you can eat wholesome and healthy foods even on the tightest of budgets.  I always hear people claim that it costs too much to eat healthy. Recipes like this dispel that myth. While I didn't add meat to the meal- you could easily do so if you desired.

You might also like this Easy Berry Parfait Recipe for a quick and scrumptious dessert!

Top 15 Things To Do In Italy

The boot shaped peninsula in Southern Europe, Italy has a charm of its own. When it comes to travel, Italy never fails to impress you. Italian culture and architecture has had a strong influence across the globe. Whether this is your first visit to Italy or you have been here before, there are some things you must do when you visit this beautiful destination of Europe.

Take a Gondola ride in Venice : A trip to Italy remains incomplete without a ride on the Gondola. You might have heard many people talk about the experience and romance of the Gondola ride. The Gondola will give you an experience of a lifetime. If you are here with your partner, it is an absolute must do. See the beautiful sights of Venice as you sail past on the Gondola.

See “The Last Supper” : A lot of tourists do not visit Milan but if you are headed to Milan, remember it is the only city in the world where you will get to see Leonardo’s masterpiece of The Last Supper. You will have to get the tickets in advance and stick to the 15 minute time limit but it is indeed worth it.

Enjoy Renaissance art in Uffizi Gallery : When in Florence, the famous Uffizi Gallery is on the top of the list of every tourist and there is a reason behind it. You will not be able to see such an excellent collection of Italian Renaissance art in all the gorgeous buildings anywhere else on Earth. It is worth your time and is a memorable sight for everyone.

Take a tour of the Vatican Museums : One can either walk through the Vatican Museums or you could take a guided tour. In a guided tour, all you have to do is follow the guide and he will keep pointing out to the important pieces. This will help ensure you do not spend unnecessary time anywhere and you will also be able to enjoy a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica accompanied by the guide.

Climb the Duomo : When it Italy, you have to climb the Duomo. However, it is not a good idea for those who fear heights. If you want the most stunning view of the historic center of Florence, you need to climb on top of Florence’s Duomo.

Eat Pizza : There is nothing like enjoying an authentic Italian pizza in Naples. There are numerous pizzerias which are exceptional and you will be able to savor the mouth- watering taste of them in Naples.

Head to the Greek ruins : In Sicily, you will not only be able to view Roman ruins but also Greek ruins which are much older than Roman ruins. It is highly recommended to take a walk across the Valley of Temples for a memorable experience.

Drive along the Amalfi Coast : The road which passes by the stretch of Italian coastline is worth your time and effort. It is the best and the views are breathtaking. You can either rent a car or self drive on this route. Simply sit by the window and enjoy the heart stopping ride.
Enjoy an opera in Verona : Whether you are an Opera fan or not, there is nothing like sitting in a Roman amphitheater. You might not get to watch lions fight gladiators but the famous opera will fill the night with music and it is indeed a grand spectacle.

Head to Trastevere neighborhood in Rome : If you want to get away from the crowds or have done all the touristy things, look no further than the Trastevere. This beautiful neighborhood is full of cheap eats, quiet days and cobbled streets. If you are looking for places to stay in Italy, you will be able to find numerous options on https://www.interhome.co.uk/italy/.

Visit Pompeii : Whether you are a hardcore history buff or not, you will go back in time at Pompeii. It will give you a glimpse of Rome that is frozen in time. It is worth a visit and should be a part of your itinerary. However, remember that most of what the archaeologists discovered is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Be a part of an Italian soccer game : Going to a soccer game in Italy will make for an unforgettable trip. In Italy, soccer is considered as the second religion and when you witness it live, you will feel the passion that the locals have for their clubs.

Hike the Cinque Terre trail : If you are an adventure lover, hiking on this trail is a must. Although you will find the hike slightly crowded but as long as there is room on the path, you should keep going. It is a great way to spend a few hours of your day. The hike is between five picturesque villages and if you are visiting in the off season, all the better.

Eat gelato : While Italy is known for Pizzas and wine, you cannot miss out on the most delicious dessert, Gelato. No matter where you are in Italy or when you are in Italy, eat a few scoops of gelato daily. It is made with milk and not with cream, hence, it is less fattening and delicious. It is a well deserved treat while you are on a holiday.

Explore Venice : There are some places which need a map and then there are places which are hard to forget. Venice is in the latter category. The island does not require you to have a map. Simply walk out of the hotel without the map and get lost while you explore Venice by yourself. It is indeed one of the best ways to spend the day in Venice.

While there are many other things to do in Italy, these remain the top 15 for every traveler. No matter the traveler personality or the people you are traveling with, do not miss out on these 15 things to do when you head to Italy.