tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50553339534756600602024-03-19T05:19:34.716-04:00The Whimsy OneUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-59273476436133352632019-05-01T10:24:00.003-04:002019-05-01T10:34:59.166-04:00Ladies Who Lunch: Brio Tuscan Grille<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cannot even properly express how excited I am for patio weather to be back in my life. This winter held on for far too long and so, last week when I met up with a friend for lunch at <b><a href="https://brioitalian.com/crabtree_valley_mall.html" target="_blank">Brio Tuscan Grill<u>e </u></a></b>and we finally had a gorgeous day out, I jumped at the chance to sit on their spacious patio before they could even sputter out "indoor or outdoor" Brio is located on the upper level of my favorite Triangle area shopping center: <a href="https://www.crabtree-valley-mall.com/" target="_blank"><b>Crabtree Valley Mall.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their patio offers comfy seats and plenty of room for smaller lunches where you want to catch up with a friend or ladies who lunch...on their break. There were a plethora of businessmen and women coming and going while we enjoyed a leisurely meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite items that Brio offers is their bread basket, It always comes out warm and slightly crunchy on the first bite which is what I want in my bread, especially in an Italian restaurant. They brought the bread out to me as soon as I sat down and my friend should consider herself lucky I left her a piece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were able to check out their new lunch offerings and it was nice to see the variety they now have on their menu. You can order a large entree salad or pasta dish. However, if you want to try more than one item you can opt for their lunch combinations of soup and salad or my favorite: two-course specials! This way I was able to get the soup I was eyeing on their menu but also satiate my taste for pasta but on a smaller and more manageable scale. Perfect choice for lunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We started our meal out with their calamari. It is lightly fried with pepperoncinis and served with arrabiatta and lemon aioli. My friend raves about their carpaccio but I have yet to try that. Next time I would like to indulge in one of their flatbreads because they looked incredible when they were serving them to nearby tables. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I mentioned earlier, I opted for the two course special and I went with the Sorrento ChickenSoup and Cacio E Pepe. One of my favorite things that my Italian husband whips up for me so I went in with slight skepticism but it was perfectly light and seasoned just as it should be and was the perfect pairing for my soup. The soup really does embody the true Tuscan style of eating: simplicity. In Italy, the food is simple but delicious. This lemon chicken soup was so good I good have gone for a second bowl. I loved the hint of lemon with the saltiness of the chicken. Definitely recommend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I mentioned large salads earlier and I give you my friends Steak Salad. It will most certainly fill you up! The table next to us ordered the Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad and the Grilled Salmon Salad and both looked scrumptious as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are craving something other than the combo options they also offer full-size pasta dishes and entrees such as Mezza Grilled Chicken Marsala or Shrimp & Lobster Fettuccine. They have something for everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last but most assuredly not least was our desserts. First up was the Berries Zabaglione which is fresh berries topped with house-made zabaaglione flavored with Grand Marnier and Amaretto. It was very light and refreshing. Then, then my friends, we move on to the star of the show for me. Their Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake was absolutely divine and I need to take a few somber moments to myself right now since I don't have any. At least I know where to go get some;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are shopping at the mall or looking for a place to eat on your lunch hour, head over to Brio Tuscan Grill at Crabtree Valley Mall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">This meal was provided to me complimentary from Brio to come in and try their new lunch menu. Thanks to TableTop Media for arranging this lovely meal. All opinions are my own. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-19037562912366306792018-03-29T03:30:00.000-04:002018-03-29T04:51:45.049-04:00#EasterSweetsWeek Dark Chocolate & Pistachio Cannoli<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>I created this recipe for #Eastersweetsweek and I was sent samples by some of our sponsor companies but as always, opinions are 100% my own. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to this year's #EasterSweetWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="https://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear’s Wife</a>. We’re so glad that you’ve joined us for this week long event of Springtime and Easter dessert recipes! We're sharing tons of treats this week plus a few fantastic giveaways! You’re going to love what we have in store for you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, my food quirks are aplenty. They somewhat drive my husband batty but at this point, he has learned to put up with them. For example, I love a cannoli but not the traditional cannoli made with sweetened ricotta. I prefer my ricotta in savory dishes. A few years ago I stumbled upon a small bakery and they used mascarpone in their version and my cannoli fandom was officially born. This is slightly blasphemous to Italians but that's ok, my mister eats them anyways;) if you can't find mascarpone, cream cheese will work as well. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I absolutely adore pistachio in desserts. Cookies, ice cream, cupcakes. You name it, I want it. This divine mashup of pistachio and dark chocolate is the perfect combination and will be a fabulous option for your Easter table or any time of the year! </span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have made these a few times and there are two ways you can make these, with mascarpone and whipping cream or a more mousse-like texture you can just use whipping cream. I used to make my own cannoli shells but then I found out our local grocer offers them and since I usually request them empty, they give me to them half price. I will link to my favorite cannoli recipe (and then just dip them in dark chocolate or serve them in the traditional cannoli shell) or you can see if you can find some locally like me!</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cannolis</b></span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Filling</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 oz mascarpone</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 pack pistachio pudding mix</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8 oz heavy whipping cream </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cannoli shell (<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Cannoli-Shells/" target="_blank">recipe</a>)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dark chocolate melting wafers</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">melt the package of dark chocolate wafers. Once totally melted. Dip the cannoli shells in the chocolate and let harden. set aside. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For Filling:</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in a bowl, place the softened mascarpone, whip till fluffy. Add in the pistachio pudding mix and pour in the whipping cream, a little at a time. Beating on low till all combined and thickened. </span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Place in a piping bag ( I usually cheat and use a large ziplock and clip off a corner, works just as well) Fill the cannoli shells from each side. This will typically yield 12 large or 18 small cannolis. If there is any filling left over, I love to use it as a dip or a frosting!</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This year we have are 28 fantastic bloggers participating in this year’s Easter dessert event! Throughout the week we’ll be share tons of great Springtime and Easter themed dessert recipes with you. With over 75 sweet dessert recipes being shared this week we just know that you’re going to want to save some of these recipes to make again and again! We even hope that some of these recipes end up in your Easter recipe keepsake collection! Plus, don’t forget that we have 5 (five) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scroll down to take a look!</span><br />
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<strong>Check out the amazing #EasterSweetsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong><br />
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<strong>Candy and Fudge:</strong><br />
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<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":771,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"11":4,"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Angie - Big Bears Wife - Robin Egg Fudge"}"><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Robin Egg Fudge</a> from Big Bears Wife</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Homemade Cadbury Style Cream Eggs</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</li>
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<strong>Cookies:</strong><br />
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<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Wanda - My Sweet Zepol - Piña Colada Biscotti"}"><a href="https://www.mysweetzepol.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piña Colada Biscotti</a> from My Sweet Zepol</span></li>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Madi - Mildly Meandering - Lemon Madeleines"}"><a href="https://mildlymeandering.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Madeleines</a> from Mildly Meandering</span></li>
</ul>
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Liz Berg - That Skinny Chick Can Bake - Coconut Macaroon Easter Nests"}"><a href="https://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coconut Macaroon Easter Nests</a> from That Skinny Chick Can Bake</span></li>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Zainab Storms - blueberry lemon pancakes with blueberry compote"}"><a href="https://aclassictwist.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Lemon Pancakes with Blueberry Compote</a> from A Classic Twist</span></li>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Mug Cake"}"><a href="https://thebittersideofsweet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Mug Cake</a> from The Bitter Side of Sweet</span></li>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Strawberry Cream Puffs"}"><a href="http://www.meandmypinkmixer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Strawberry Cream Puffs</a> from Me and My Pink Mixer</span></li>
</ul>
<strong>No Bake Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Betsy Eves - The JavaCupcake Blog - Raspberry Tiramisu "}"><a href="https://javacupcake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Raspberry Tiramisu</a> from The JavaCupcake Blog</span></li>
<li><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5035,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Jamie - Love Bakes Good Cakes - No-Bake Funfetti Cheesecake"}"><a href="https://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No-Bake Funfetti Cheesecake</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</span></li>
</ul>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #1</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22258" height="524" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Prize-1-Dixie-Crystalss.png" width="250" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 — <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving away one (1) Instant Pot (8 Qt) to one lucky winner!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #2</strong></h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22260" height="405" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Adams-Prize.png" width="400" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #2 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner 5 different extracts including a bottle of Pure vanilla and a color pack.</span></div>
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</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #3</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22263" height="619" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage-2.png" width="400" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #3 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one (1) winner a box of Apples and some wonderful Apple themed goodies from Sur La Table</span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #4</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22261" height="312" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage.png" width="350" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #4 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="https://www.anolon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Anolon</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner a Anolon® Vesta™ 9-Inch Square Baker in Cobalt Blue</span></div>
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</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #5</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22262" height="477" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage-1.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #5 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="https://us.microplane.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Microplane</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner a Twist & Zest, grip & strip and a classic zester/grater</span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1fdad94b45" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1fdad94b45/" id="rcwidget_4aqhk968" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
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<i>Giveaway</i><em> open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from Marh 26th - April 1st at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 5 (five) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 5 (five) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eastersweetsweek/">#EasterSweetsWeek</a> but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.anolon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Anolon</a></span> and <span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://us.microplane.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Microplane!</a> </span>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eastersweetsweek/">#EasterSweetsWeek</a> bloggers to use in their recipes.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-62451533046571406002018-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:002018-03-27T21:50:56.392-04:00#EasterSweetsWeek Maple Bourbon Carrot Cake Bars<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post and recipe was created for </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eastersweetsweek?source=note" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">#EasterSweetsWeek</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was sent samples by some of the sponsor companies but as always opinions are 100% mine. This recipe contains alcohol but the alcohol is cooked out so it should be fine for children*</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Welcome to this year's #EasterSweetWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="https://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear’s Wife</a>. We’re so glad that you’ve joined us for this week-long event of Springtime and Easter dessert recipes! We're sharing tons of treats this week plus a few fantastic giveaways! You’re going to love what we have in store for you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpRIH9v68T9EQK46CrfxS_5TR5inLOsgWm5CBwYmMJk6xlFqZQDWfqol3cUEfzRx6jK6vYhGFGrhkNN5WCL5ifEzBKSiFLkNVLCHU-aCweRgeB-calal4NF46Fa8A0sv0xvdcyt50XIuR/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpRIH9v68T9EQK46CrfxS_5TR5inLOsgWm5CBwYmMJk6xlFqZQDWfqol3cUEfzRx6jK6vYhGFGrhkNN5WCL5ifEzBKSiFLkNVLCHU-aCweRgeB-calal4NF46Fa8A0sv0xvdcyt50XIuR/s640/easter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easter and carrot cake go hand in hand, kind of Spring besties if you will. This is when I should admit that I am not a fan of carrot cake. I think it may be a texture issue for me. I don't necessarily dislike it I am just not prone to go out of my way and order it. These maple bourbon ooey gooey bars may have changed all that. Oh my goodness. Perfect pairing! These are Ooey Gooey Bars but you may have heard of them as a myriad of titles: Chess Bars, Neiman Marcus Bars etc. Whatever you call them, they are decadent! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4V6EhP_6WeUbklkn5V7yjUIcBSU2BpJxt9Atp3yBipawOifU1ZZNvHNahGould9MxUZw8RrJTI9tFknaBx5aqVhnZwLIN5sa0_WhYDe4XMqw7O-Ss3JA6Qkm3mlEu3zGEjRNOBqsnaOe/s1600/_carrotcake12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4V6EhP_6WeUbklkn5V7yjUIcBSU2BpJxt9Atp3yBipawOifU1ZZNvHNahGould9MxUZw8RrJTI9tFknaBx5aqVhnZwLIN5sa0_WhYDe4XMqw7O-Ss3JA6Qkm3mlEu3zGEjRNOBqsnaOe/s640/_carrotcake12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am so psyched to be participating in Easter Dessert Week with a bunch of lovely (and talented) bloggers. I have seen what everyone is making for you all and you will not be disappointed! I just wanted to thank our amazing sponsors again and hope you enjoy my recipe!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Cake:</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">1 box carrot cake mix</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.3833px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">8 tbsp butter, melted</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">1 egg</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 22.3833px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Filling:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">1 8 oz pkge of cream cheese, softened</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3833px;">16 oz Dixie Crystal powdered sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 oz Bourbon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 TBSP Maple Syrup</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Candy Eggs for decoration (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2em; line-height: 29px; text-transform: uppercase;"><b style="letter-spacing: 0.2em;"><i>DIRECTIONS</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Combine the cake mix, egg, butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, maple syrup, and bourbon and beat together. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next, slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey. Let cool for about 20 minutes before you cut. These are really sweet, like overly sweet and so I usually serve them with ice cream to cut the sweetness but they are so delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RsmKf1Zi0HgHe01G0GMsMnke0MnTl96-qgln1Ayevd9GQL2xSQz2bk-6MJmPw0Vfwtv6fYKSLJqe-8kAqNxISF3AIdasExdmxgjmT1VsrT3lzgZ07ve9TtDkpKd6dKWH4FqWvbF8cRr4/s1600/carrotcakebars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RsmKf1Zi0HgHe01G0GMsMnke0MnTl96-qgln1Ayevd9GQL2xSQz2bk-6MJmPw0Vfwtv6fYKSLJqe-8kAqNxISF3AIdasExdmxgjmT1VsrT3lzgZ07ve9TtDkpKd6dKWH4FqWvbF8cRr4/s640/carrotcakebars2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zLgCb9MID33H9oJJkeKSKEzFAHizchSDjAvzlkusvtoc1N49nMShtX_fqkmeHDdKS6KlrjsYB5swWYf6WU4YDBYnssDcde-CM_rnuFYAJlIHnA1nVlUe5-0fIkFaxbFvynLvUCnJOSKF/s1600/carrotcakebars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zLgCb9MID33H9oJJkeKSKEzFAHizchSDjAvzlkusvtoc1N49nMShtX_fqkmeHDdKS6KlrjsYB5swWYf6WU4YDBYnssDcde-CM_rnuFYAJlIHnA1nVlUe5-0fIkFaxbFvynLvUCnJOSKF/s640/carrotcakebars3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjDN6BtzgnRVbFMrr_14HkDL4TzyHA6QtHxMpV5W5bI_FmbDHwQJse513LPjNGOR5U_LpvTdxETeJICI-LsRyl8FcqeRXCSst8O5aImDBKqoIiRWoEgwcMITeK5VCIq66srs12kjPpxcU/s1600/carrotcakebars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1176" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjDN6BtzgnRVbFMrr_14HkDL4TzyHA6QtHxMpV5W5bI_FmbDHwQJse513LPjNGOR5U_LpvTdxETeJICI-LsRyl8FcqeRXCSst8O5aImDBKqoIiRWoEgwcMITeK5VCIq66srs12kjPpxcU/s640/carrotcakebars.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Check out the amazing #EasterSweetsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Brownies:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caramel Bunny Peanut Butter Brownies</a> from Big Bear's Wife</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Cakes:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thespiffycookie.com/">Chai Apple Cake</a> from The Spiffy Cookie</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Theresa Greco - The Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine- Blueberry Almond Springtime Cake"}"><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Almond Springtime Cake</a> from The Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.meandmypinkmixer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mini Bundt Cakes</a> from <span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4540,"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":3,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Me and My Pink Mixer"}">Me and My Pink Mixer</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Liz Mays - Eat Move Make - Strawberry Upside Down Cake"}"><a href="https://eatmovemake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Strawberry Upside Down Cake</a> from Eat Move Make</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Terri Truscello Miller - Love and Confections - Lemon Poppy Seed Layer Cake"}"><a href="http://loveandconfections.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Poppy Seed Layer Cake</a> from Love and Confections</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Maple Bourbon Carrot Cake Bars</a> from The Whimsy One</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Liz Berg - That Skinny Chick Can Bake - Easter Cake Pops"}"><a href="https://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Easter Cake Pops</a> from That Skinny Chick Can Bake</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Candy:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sweetrecipeas.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cadbury Cream Egg Patties</a> from <span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4540,"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":3,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Sweet ReciPEAs"}">Sweet ReciPEAs</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jello Divinty</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.4theloveoffoodblog.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bottoms Up Easter Candy Apples</a> from For the Love of Food</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Michelle Keith-The Domestic Kitchen Lemon Truffles"}"><a href="http://www.thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Truffles</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Kirsten Kubert - {Nut free!} Chocolate Sunbutter Eggs"}"><a href="https://comfortablydomestic.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Sunbutter Eggs {Nut free!}</a> from Comfortably Domestic</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Cookies:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.4sonrus.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Cookies</a> from 4 Sons 'R' Us</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thebittersideofsweet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Malted Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie</a> from The Bitter Side of Sweet</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Meaghan Mountford-- EASY bunny decorated cookies"}"><a href="http://www.thedecoratedcookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EASY Bunny Decorated Cookies</a> from The Decorated Cookie</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Deb Attinella - Easter Monster Cookies"}"><a href="http://www.cookingonthefrontburners.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Easter Monster Cookies</a> from Cooking on the Front Burners</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://pintsizedbaker.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Giant Sugar Cookie</a> from <span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4540,"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":3,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Pint Sized Baker "}">Pint Sized Baker</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://javacupcake.com/">French Apple Tart</a> from The Java Cupcake Blog</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://niksnacksonline.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Jelly Doughnuts</a> from Nik Snacks</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://mildlymeandering.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hot Cross Buns</a> from Mildly Meandering</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.missinthekitchen.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fried Apple Hand Pies</a> from M<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4540,"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":3,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Miss in the Kitchen"}">iss in the Kitchen</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Shanaka Frueh- Easter Brunch Apple Fritter Casserole"}"><a href="http://www.blendermom.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Easter Brunch Apple Fritter Casserole</a> from A Blender Mom</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Deseree Kazda -Life's Ambrosia-Lemon Poppy Seed Bread "}"><a href="http://www.lifesambrosia.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Poppy Seed Bread</a> from Life's Ambrosia</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.mysweetzepol.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Crumb Bars</a> from My Sweet Zepol</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>No Bake Treats:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":5055,"3":[null,0],"4":{"1":2,"2":10797812},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Erin Indahl-Fink - No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars"}"><a href="http://www.delightfulemade.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars</a> from Delightful E Made</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.southernfromscratch.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Waldorf Salad Apple Basket Cups</a> from Southern From Scratch</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://aclassictwist.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coconut Key Lime Pie</a> from A<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4542,"4":[null,2,16777215],"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":[null,2,0]},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":2,"11":3,"15":"arial,sans,sans-serif"}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"A Classic Twist"}"> Classic Twist</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>PRIZE #1</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 — <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving away one (1) Instant Pot (8 Qt) to one lucky winner!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEdPGs5tId-LMhnrRaydxvObudrI_V2zDO7hYlaAITajQxiTxt3l-7QTvpAOvGUpCFnx3mXIoGr4SZ4zIWxy7wXxdGBUodRd-USzjuZDEd7GZxxQlDheaKwo3r61mBR9E87qSn5xjOmT/s1600/Prize-1-Dixie-Crystalss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEdPGs5tId-LMhnrRaydxvObudrI_V2zDO7hYlaAITajQxiTxt3l-7QTvpAOvGUpCFnx3mXIoGr4SZ4zIWxy7wXxdGBUodRd-USzjuZDEd7GZxxQlDheaKwo3r61mBR9E87qSn5xjOmT/s640/Prize-1-Dixie-Crystalss.png" width="304" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #2</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22260" height="405" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Adams-Prize.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #2 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner 5 different extracts including a bottle of Pure vanilla and a color pack.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #3</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22263" height="619" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage-2.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #3 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one (1) winner a box of Apples and some wonderful Apple themed goodies from Sur La Table</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #4</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22261" height="312" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage.png" width="350" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #4 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="https://www.anolon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Anolon</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner a Anolon® Vesta™ 9-Inch Square Baker in Cobalt Blue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PRIZE #5</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22262" height="477" src="https://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PicMonkey-Collage-1.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #5 — </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="https://us.microplane.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Microplane</a></strong> is giving one (1) winner a Twist & Zest, grip & strip and a classic zester/grater</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Giveaway</i><em> open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from Marh 26th - April 1st at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 5 (five) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 5 (five) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.</span></em></div>
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<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eastersweetsweek/">#EasterSweetsWeek</a> but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.anolon.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Anolon</a></span> and <span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://us.microplane.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Microplane!</a> </span>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eastersweetsweek/">#EasterSweetsWeek</a> bloggers to use in their recipes.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com443tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-74480428719683577152018-01-18T17:04:00.002-05:002018-01-18T17:04:42.318-05:00AC Hotel: Raleigh, North Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago we were able to enjoy a staycation at the lovely<a href="http://achotels.marriott.com/hotels/ac-hotel-raleigh-north-hills" target="_blank"> AC Hotel by Marriott</a> in the North Hills section of Raleigh. This is the perfect spot for a weekend of fun and with the addition of the AC Hotel to North Hills, you can now stay and play with the added bonus of parking your car and not needing it again til you are ready to check out. This is one of the best ways to weekend. Raleigh has long been overdue for a boutique hotel with panoramic views. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The AC Hotel is conveniently located for anyone traveling to Raleigh for business or pleasure. Locals will also love it for its access to all the shopping, dining, and nightlife that is North Hills. The hotel is a quick drive to downtown and is situated in the heart of the Oak City so you can easily get to wherever you need to be in no time. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot for European inspired tapas or craft cocktails with stunning views. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We chose our staycation on a Friday in December and our room was the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long week at work. The lobby was all dolled up for Christmas and the tree was gorgeous and over the top gold and I totally loved it! The AC Hotel is sleek and modern but with a homey feel. The beds are so comfortable I had a hard time getting up to indulge in breakfast the next morning. I love that the floors aren't your typical hotel carpeting but a more urban feel with hardwoods. The tv is massive which made my husband rather happy and probably my favorite part of the rooms is that each bed has a light for reading which I love. I almost always fall asleep after indulging in a good book and often hotels have the huge lamps that light up the whole room and these small reading lights let me read and my husband sleep. Way to score some points with me! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday night we lounged in our room for a bit, we had the upgraded king with an additional sofa which offered us plenty of space to relax for a time before we headed upstairs to Level 7, the gorgeous rooftop bar located on the 7th floor. We had originally planned to have dinner at one of the many restaurants located in the bustling North Hills but we were so satiated from our many dishes that we ended up catching a movie at the theater instead of having dinner somewhere else. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can read my previous post <a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/2017/12/level-7-rooftop-libations-tasty.html" target="_blank">here</a> about our meal and cocktails at Level 7 but keep in mind it is a fabulous option for an event; large or small. Birthday parties and girls weekends will be made better with a stay at AC Hotel and Level 7!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hotel comes with a gym on the first floor along with a small library. I really love the local touches that the hotel offers. Off of the lobby is a small shop with wine, drinks, a few snacks and, best for last: Lumpys Ice cream! Lumpys is known for the decadent homemade ice cream. I also love that they offer these hand poured candles that you can purchase and they are made by a local Raleigh girl. She makes each one herself! They are a very soothing teal color that reminds me of the ocean. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tony and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about our stay at The AC Hotel in North Hills and I am already looking for dates to have a girls weekend this spring! This winter weather we have recently had has me dreaming of spring nights on the rooftop with breathtaking sunset views!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post was done in a sponsorship with AC Hotel Raleigh but all opinions are my own. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com148tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-70772673718926433762017-12-30T11:55:00.002-05:002017-12-30T11:57:19.174-05:00Level 7 Rooftop: Libations & Tasty Tempations<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">North Hills in Midtown Raleigh is one of my favorite areas of the city. There is so much to do and see. You can grab a bite, shop at many of the boutiques, catch a movie at the theater. One of the options that was missing from North Hills was a really good rooftop for views and drinks with friends. <a href="http://www.level7roofbar.com/" target="_blank">Level 7 </a>rooftop fulfills this need and more. We have been a few times and always enjoy ourselves, especially if we are able to catch the sunset. Level 7 is located in the sleek<a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rduar-ac-hotel-raleigh-north-hills/" target="_blank"> AC Hotel by Marriott. </a>The hotel is fabulous and perfect for if you are visiting Raleigh and want a central location. The AC is hip without being overly sterile as some newer hotels can be and that is most likely due to the European inspired design that was used in building this lovely hotel. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you take the elevator and get out on the 7th floor you are met by an open space with lots of windows, numerous seating options and a fun, colorful bar area. If you are able to arrive and catch sunset, you will not be disappointed! The outdoor seating is spacious and the perfect gathering spot with friends before a night out. They also have heaters on the patio so you can enjoy the view for more than one season. One of my favorite aspects of Level 7 is that they create quality cocktails in a fabulous ambiance. They truly have put thought into each of their cocktails and the tapas menu has a variety of options for just about everyone's palate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am a bourbon girl and that is what my taste buds gravitate towards. My bartender asked me a few questions and led me to order the Level 7 Old Fashioned. This is typically one of my go to cocktails but I was slightly skeptical as it is made with Rye and I am not usually the biggest fan of Rye. Wellll, this drink changed that. I also loved the final touch of the cinnamon stick as it added a slight hint of favor that enhanced my drink. My husband is more of a gin fan and would normally go for simple and order a gin rickey or gin soda but went with the midnight martini. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were somewhat hungry and wanted to check out the tapas menu and ended up ordering a variety of plates. My husband really enjoyed the charcuterie board. He loved the quality of the cheeses and meats. He added the olives and more than once commented how he appreciated that the olives were pitted, this always garners points from us when a restaurant serves them this way. We also ordered the crisp potato wedges (these aren't your mamas potato wedges;) and the roasted wings. The potatoes were perfectly cooked and had just a subtle flavor of olive oil, truffle and salt. So decadent. The major hit for me however was the wings. They were so good I could have ordered more but decided to try and pretend to be classy while indulging at this trendy spot;) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Level 7 is also a fabulous location to host your next gathering. They have plenty of space for a small get together or a larger event. They can stage the lounge to meet whatever your need is. They are more than willing to walk you around the space and work with you to get the most out of their location so that it works best for whatever event you may be planning. Just be sure to invite me as well. That seems fair. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you find yourself in the North Hills area, are looking for a place to plan a staycation or have friends/family visiting and looking for a place to stay that will double as your entertainment for the evening, check out the AC Hotel in North Hills and the Level 7 Rooftop . Be sure to follow along on their social media for any upcoming events they have planned! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.twitter.com/level7roofbar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.instagram.com/level7rooftopbar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/level7rooftopbar</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-82039793311046081152017-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:002017-12-21T10:18:36.199-05:00Kiss My Boots A few weeks ago I took the quick trip from Raleigh to the small and charming town of Wendell to check out a distillery, <a href="http://www.oakleedistilling.com/" target="_blank"><b>Oaklee Distilling</b></a> and their new release; Boots Vodka Troop Strength. Their space is small but the product and equipment used in the process is of highest quality. Obviously, if you follow my blog at all then you know my love language is bourbon. I enjoy a quality vodka in a cocktail but I have rarely sipped a vodka and found myself enjoying the flavor profile. Boots changed all that and I believe it is due to many reasons but the two main ones would be this is a much higher proof vodka at 90 proof and the fact that they use a "hybrid" of sweet potatoes and corn. Lee was so pleasant and helpful and you can tell how much love and passion is behind this spirit. In 2018 Oaklee plans to release a gin and bourbon as well. I cannot wait to try them out as I know they will be outstanding. You know I'll be the first in line when the bourbon is released!<br />
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To find out even more, check out their <a href="http://www.oakleedistilling.com/" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> that offers a more thorough backstory and information along with a video. I am really excited to bring you guys this holiday inspired cocktail and I think you will really enjoy it. Boots pairs really well with the flavors I chose but Boots will serve you well as the vodka choice for any cocktail you make!<br />
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I chose to name this fun cocktail "Kiss My Boots" <br />
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This is a simple cocktail with a twist on typical holiday variations but one that goes down easy (maybe a little too easy so watch how much you pour in grandma's cup;) I used cranberry pomegranate but if you cannot find them together. just buy them separate and use about 1 1/2 oz of each. You should be able to find pear nectar in most grocery stores. I added a little more flavor by making my ice cubes of the cranberry pomegranate juice so not to water the cocktail down as it melts.<br />
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<b><i><u>Kiss My Boots</u></i></b></div>
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*Makes 2 servings</div>
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3 oz Cran/Pom juice</div>
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2 oz Pear nectar</div>
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3 oz Boots Vodka</div>
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1 oz Triple Sec</div>
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1 oz Ginger Beer</div>
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In a shaker with ice, combine the first four ingredients and shake vigorously. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the cocktails in the glass. Top each one with ginger beer and serve. You can also use Sprite if you are not a fan of the spice of ginger beer. <br />
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I *may* have enjoyed this tasty libation this while watching a Hallmark movie and wrapping presents. <br />
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Have a very Merry Christmas and I definitely recommend you purchase a bottle of Boots to ring in the New Year or even just 'survive' the holidays;)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-87440852405897440082017-12-14T10:46:00.000-05:002017-12-14T10:47:40.465-05:00Pumpkin & Prosciutto Gluten Free Pasta<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">When I first heard about </span><a href="http://www.tresomega.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">TresOmega Gluten Free </span></b></a><span style="color: #444444;">pasta options I will admit I didn't have the highest of hopes. GF </span>pastas<span style="color: #444444;"> haven't been friendly to me in the past and the taste and texture of </span><a href="http://www.tresomega.com/" style="color: #444444;" target="_blank"><b>TresOmega</b></a><span style="color: #444444;"> was a pleasant surprise! It was as delicious as eating grain pasta and it is not only </span>gluten free<span style="color: #444444;">, it is organic as well. Score! While no one in my household is gluten free we have many friends who are due to varying reasons and I have purchased many products before trying to find a pasta that tastes similar to wheat </span>pastas<span style="color: #444444;">. Most have failed or been outrageously expensive. I am happy to know about <b>TresOmega Organic & Gluten Free Pastas </b>for the next time I cook for my friends who are Gluten Free. Since it is organic as well, I will make it for us as well. Who doesn't want to be healthy when they can and not lose out on taste. It is a win-win!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This dish is the perfect comfort food and it is rather simple to whip up. When I think of pumpkin, my mind leans towards savory as I am just not a fan of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin itself tends to just add a subtle flavor to your dish and it a paired perfectly with the salty prosciutto. The pinch of red pepper flakes added just another layer of flavor. Make this for a group or half it and enjoy a quiet meal at home!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This recipe is for using the whole box of pasta. If you like a thinner sauce, add a little more half and half and if you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a little more cheese! Just remember if you are making this recipe for friends who are gluten-free that you make sure all other products are also gluten-free. Certain cheeses often times are not so I made sure to look for brands that are safe!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Pumpkin Prosciutto Pasta</u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 box TresOmega Pasta</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup Half & Half</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup pumpkin</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup white cheddar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup shredded parmesan</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">pepper</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">garlic salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">red pepper flakes </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dijon mustard (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sriracha (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a saucepan, start your water to a rolling boil. With Gluten Free pastas it is imperative you follow directions for cooking time and amount of water to use. It definitely makes a difference in how they taste! Once it is boiling, add your pasta. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a separate saucepan add in the half and half and whisk in the pumpkin. Make sure they are totally combined and add in the cheddar and parmesan making sure to continuously whisk. Add your salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This is to taste so choose the amount you would like. You can also add a dash of dijon mustard and sriracha if you like a sharper taste with a little more spice. Make sure to whisk thoroughly so not to let the cheese become stringy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chop the prosciutto and saute til crispy. set aside. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once the pasta is ready; drain and place back in the pan. Pour the pumpkin cheese sauce over the pasta and toss together making sure to coat all the pasta pieces with sauce. Place the pasta in a serving dish and top with the crispy prosciutto and sprinkle on more shredded parmesan. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yD2HmGDFvauQXp3igGMiIyelRlHon-cYUwv0LsaLU-I1LDluysJAglXn0WLkPUIUB2FIOvyfQL-kloUIpyH1fVnsH6oc6cAiQ8oI8PyNVXHjiWzMU2STpj19Ze2mMon4ZQnkd2css41W/s1600/tresomega4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yD2HmGDFvauQXp3igGMiIyelRlHon-cYUwv0LsaLU-I1LDluysJAglXn0WLkPUIUB2FIOvyfQL-kloUIpyH1fVnsH6oc6cAiQ8oI8PyNVXHjiWzMU2STpj19Ze2mMon4ZQnkd2css41W/s640/tresomega4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">TresOmega offers a lot more than just pasta, they have fantastic organic coconut oil, sugar, and flour for your healthy cooking pleasure as well!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can purchase TresOmega at these stores on line and follow along on their social media! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tresomega.com, Sams.com, Amazon.com, and at Walmart.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.tresomega.com</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/Tresomegafoods</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">www.twitter.com/Tresomegafoods</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-65676766134750699552017-10-25T13:29:00.002-04:002017-10-25T13:29:41.610-04:00Safer Skincare & Makeup With BeautyCounterSome people may say I have a <i><u>slight</u></i> addiction to anything and everything makeup and skincare. Those people would be underestimating my love. Nothing makes me giddier than new makeup or finding a moisturizer or other product that makes my skin look and feel its best. I have extremely sensitive skin and so it has been a process to find what works for my skin. I am pleased to say that<a href="http://www.beautycounter.com/lindsayhittner/social/279763-Safer+Beauty+with+Madison" target="_blank"> Beautycounter </a>fits that bill and is home to my absolute favorite foundation, Skin Tint. It offers medium coverage and doesn't dry my skin out at all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wvO0Jc1HUU2xF7WRwHFgoBNz0mNeGC-Mwcdb8X6lf_gSw2NcEZZjVJcmvPmzoIIgxWmJQywr67Hy17xj9h0PZB2HouyTtgZ6oqNQ8EAKtx-v4xq31qrZEMGYxlE8sXYqclm69qDQ1DtM/s1600/IMG_9291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wvO0Jc1HUU2xF7WRwHFgoBNz0mNeGC-Mwcdb8X6lf_gSw2NcEZZjVJcmvPmzoIIgxWmJQywr67Hy17xj9h0PZB2HouyTtgZ6oqNQ8EAKtx-v4xq31qrZEMGYxlE8sXYqclm69qDQ1DtM/s640/IMG_9291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best part is that they are a company that also takes your health into account. My friend Lindsay is hosting a party for me via facebook tonight and if you have any interest in a purchase of just learning a little bit more about Beauty Counter and all they stand for, this is your chance.<br />
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Here is a little bit about Beauty Counter and a few facts you may not be aware of!<br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who is Beautycounter?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beautycounter is a mission driven, education first company advocating for change in the personal care industry. They are leading the way in providing safer, high-performing products free of over 1,500 harmful, or potentially harmful ingredients.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or this is another description I like to use. It depends on what you think will be more compelling for your readers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beautycounter is a company that believes in making products that are safer, high-performing, and innovative with a strong corporate mission to educate and effect change.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r42p71bhwDV63DJ7O5NDz82i2JrC6kk4tQ4AJeb240-g3WOrAgl7bdoXsEuCeB6DJyAvaydEgG-enRZlAOjuQCjZYK-C6Ia44mhPuYIOCdmn_uh0RElBDgkHWHofqaZaWX8EPKgwFY9N/s1600/Statistics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r42p71bhwDV63DJ7O5NDz82i2JrC6kk4tQ4AJeb240-g3WOrAgl7bdoXsEuCeB6DJyAvaydEgG-enRZlAOjuQCjZYK-C6Ia44mhPuYIOCdmn_uh0RElBDgkHWHofqaZaWX8EPKgwFY9N/s640/Statistics.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shocking facts about the industry</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (feel free to bullet these out or use the image I’m sending):</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The European Union has banned or restricted more than 1,400 ingredients from use in personal care and beauty products. The U.S. has banned or restricted 30.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1938 was the last time there was major federal legislation passed to regulate the ingredients in personal care and beauty products</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many of the chemicals in personal care and beauty products have never been tested for their impact on human health</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, there are more than 85,000 ingredients on the market used in popular products and the majority of them have not been tested for human safety.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beautycounter doesn’t just want to educate consumers, they are pushing Congress to pass laws to better regulate the industry - through 200+ meetings since 2014. They are fighting for change and can’t do it alone. Women of all ages want to present their best, most beautiful selves to the world, but over time they have been asked to make compromises. No woman should be harmed for making her own choices or living her own life. No woman should compromise her health and safety for beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading this makes you think! People often spend time researching their foods and household products but don't take the time to investigate as thoroughly when it comes to their makeup and skin care! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you decide you may want to purchase via my event, here is the link to the party and it will be open thru this Sunday. You can follow Lindsay along any day of the week and get more information and updates, plus learn about any specials and sales the company is having by joining Lindsay's Facebook group You can find it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/beautycounterwithlindsay/" target="_blank">here. </a></span></div>
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Link to my party:) <a href="http://www.beautycounter.com/lindsayhittner/social/279763-Safer+Beauty+with+Madison" target="_blank">Let's Party!</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-7604102726153868722017-10-24T10:43:00.002-04:002017-10-24T16:32:41.958-04:00Yule Thank Me LaterI cannot believe October is almost over and next week is Halloween! October is my favorite month and so I am a little sad about it ending but then we will be right into the swing of the holidays! I have the perfect libation to get you in the mood to jingle some bells. Or cut some turkey. Or you know, to help you deal with your relatives you want to hide from;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojjAIKB9E2J5Ogb-Ijn-Zw06lGeWUWGS1-xNIbz-2d9Q3VS9b-1FSwJItZnyzuQjEpbxU0gaqWhhGWetA1nS3JtOrzv1svB8_o12TmkUboiiCfguL0_cPG06cM0pW2W6ud_YCwET2WlLq/s1600/yulethankmelater1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojjAIKB9E2J5Ogb-Ijn-Zw06lGeWUWGS1-xNIbz-2d9Q3VS9b-1FSwJItZnyzuQjEpbxU0gaqWhhGWetA1nS3JtOrzv1svB8_o12TmkUboiiCfguL0_cPG06cM0pW2W6ud_YCwET2WlLq/s640/yulethankmelater1.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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I had been looking for a drink that would do well at both Thanksgiving and Christmas and one that is not too high in sugar as I am trying to watch my waistline and it is rather difficult this time of year. I found the answer though and there is no lacking in taste what you give up in calories when you use <a href="https://www.steviva.com/" target="_blank">Steviva</a> products. This concoction is absolutely delicious. You could also make this as a cocktail and forgo the alcohol.<br />
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The base of this drink is just that: a base. Once you create the base, you can make a multitude of flavors and drinks and it is definitely more simple than it looks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOjoCYnjG4yQfzN7VZB8xG3-bpRcr-3Ww0sn0flkhd4lzD1UvOLhgarHZPlbd13dGnwdBR33n5L8ZXwoV8V52xunlKgzQkhJjYsBMiG9oiXmyvcTktwnGyUrhG5ZWm9w9-c49LQSHQz7V/s1600/steviva+cocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOjoCYnjG4yQfzN7VZB8xG3-bpRcr-3Ww0sn0flkhd4lzD1UvOLhgarHZPlbd13dGnwdBR33n5L8ZXwoV8V52xunlKgzQkhJjYsBMiG9oiXmyvcTktwnGyUrhG5ZWm9w9-c49LQSHQz7V/s640/steviva+cocktail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Yule Thank Me Later</u></i></b></div>
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Base</div>
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1 to 1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries</div>
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1 large orange (or 2 small)</div>
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1 1/2 tbsp <b>Fructevia</b></div>
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1/2 tbsp <b>Nectevia</b></div>
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drink</div>
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1 1/2 oz bourbon (chilled)</div>
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2 oz ginger beer (chilled)</div>
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In a small saucepan, add the cranberries, juice from the orange (make sure to squeeze out as much as you can) Fructevia, Nectevia, and 2 or 3 pieces of orange peel. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. Once it has broken down to the texture of a compote, let cool. After about a half hour, push the cranberry/orange compote mixture through a mesh sieve. With the puree you have left, using a spoon, place 2-3 tablespoons in a glass. Top with bourbon. Stir. Finish off with ginger beer and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-ocUqKEkTH5sZQE7AEK64kImM9JrSIQqhwXWS2rchzLxbAzfCGrAKMaT9lziPDbXYwbUJkIn_K4nq1bDGBpcYfHWDNQBXcvFrIEa3Z5dsV9U6PYVJdgwaXJZZfrIc-YqSFw88kMOBqLl/s1600/nectivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-ocUqKEkTH5sZQE7AEK64kImM9JrSIQqhwXWS2rchzLxbAzfCGrAKMaT9lziPDbXYwbUJkIn_K4nq1bDGBpcYfHWDNQBXcvFrIEa3Z5dsV9U6PYVJdgwaXJZZfrIc-YqSFw88kMOBqLl/s640/nectivia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This whole drink takes about half an hour from start to finish but with only about 5 minutes of hands-on work. It really is simple but tastes like the holidays. I have made a lot of libations and I think this may be my favorite so far. The tartness of the cranberry is muted by the sweetness of the Fructevia and Nectevia additions and they pair so well together with the bourbon and the final bite of ginger beer! You can always do this to taste and use less or more of the Steviva products or ginger beer. The best part of making your own cocktails at home is that you control the taste! Forgo the bourbon for a family-friendly treat.<br />
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and thanks to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethanyboylephotography/" target="_blank"> Beth </a>for the pics!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3wqf2dUbX17lfCrvm6Xejt4C_-IRxDpP9IYCpcu5-EX-TGRZB1YlfPkeE17yPMTtJ1n9LHqpy855RDqUPLc26kwMg_V04IDmQNW48qQ2tBzoIB70fNKR9In9pfzDq0S3JS_6Pc8XB4TZ/s1600/yulethankmelater5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3wqf2dUbX17lfCrvm6Xejt4C_-IRxDpP9IYCpcu5-EX-TGRZB1YlfPkeE17yPMTtJ1n9LHqpy855RDqUPLc26kwMg_V04IDmQNW48qQ2tBzoIB70fNKR9In9pfzDq0S3JS_6Pc8XB4TZ/s640/yulethankmelater5.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I am in love with all of these Steviva products. They taste great with no aftertaste like you often find in some low sugar alternatives. You can find more about their products at www.steviva.com<br />
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<i>Facebook: www.facebook.com/steviva</i><br />
<i>Twitter: www.twitter.com/steviva</i><br />
<i>Instagram: www.instagram.com/stevivabrands</i><br />
<i>Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/stevivabrands</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-62999535836420998832017-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-20T07:00:39.046-04:00Happy Fall Y'all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello everyone. I am pumped to take part in this week's Fall Home Tour with some lovely bloggers. There are new posts every day this week! Be sure to check them all out! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It never fails, each year I wholeheartedly declare my love of all things Fall, how I can't get enough football, sweaters, boots, and scented candles from Bath & Body Works. And while I do love pumpkins, you can keep the pumpkin spice;) </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year my adoration for Fall has reached new heights because we finally own a home versus a townhome and I may have gone a little overboard in the decorations. My house is still slightly under construction so I am showing more o highlights of my home and Autumn decor versus total rooms. Not having curtains or blinds when you were supposed to will do that to you. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Welcome to our abode and I hope you enjoy your visit! </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will say that one of my favorite parts of the house is our steps leading to our homey front porch. These steps are perfect for mums and we love to sit on our porch and chat with new neighbors who are walking by! It is also the perfect spot for wine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE9fX0wDg5PHbALEEol0MDh8gxmwoymOtXPQErFypNvEvJ1vpBWcLhXvY1Be5n2-T293Zh1aa9YVBKiYLxTb9RtXQmG7oxLgsKPhGjhLPm5NFWhKAbzhgM1eErH7ryn5khwQiApljmUdk/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE9fX0wDg5PHbALEEol0MDh8gxmwoymOtXPQErFypNvEvJ1vpBWcLhXvY1Be5n2-T293Zh1aa9YVBKiYLxTb9RtXQmG7oxLgsKPhGjhLPm5NFWhKAbzhgM1eErH7ryn5khwQiApljmUdk/s640/IMG_0429.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meet Wilbur, our guard pig. He is my buddy. Always happy to see me. Haha</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRdbErMrJWcStpC-ukfHbd3G_N4EtYw-Ytq-v2A0QherkSuzfygyH0m02zHlWed8miom6pe7c2OFi41FaZ26fkiU8Xg0lKMIsFrRcKinWwgdIezGNIJX0NlG9g8QIR-jIcW9yWmLlo8Cy/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRdbErMrJWcStpC-ukfHbd3G_N4EtYw-Ytq-v2A0QherkSuzfygyH0m02zHlWed8miom6pe7c2OFi41FaZ26fkiU8Xg0lKMIsFrRcKinWwgdIezGNIJX0NlG9g8QIR-jIcW9yWmLlo8Cy/s640/IMG_0432.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These white pumpkins and gourds with green and orange stripes are my new obsession. I love how atypical they are and add a little more flair to my front porch!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoAImayDPo3HUbJwvkGN4i7K6uTHzUySCx5O0XS_w0xomM3o-NMfBDNpxwGuvr0MMxA5Cm-rBmMFryWt_jyYMSO3UM1xSTEfs9UM_WxhgpYBXGM7qtJSoYFbmqm62HKmllmMPCZpZ6EwJ/s1600/fallfrontporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoAImayDPo3HUbJwvkGN4i7K6uTHzUySCx5O0XS_w0xomM3o-NMfBDNpxwGuvr0MMxA5Cm-rBmMFryWt_jyYMSO3UM1xSTEfs9UM_WxhgpYBXGM7qtJSoYFbmqm62HKmllmMPCZpZ6EwJ/s640/fallfrontporch.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The living room is one of my favorite spots in the house. It is so bright and airy. I kept this room mainly neutrals with a few pops of color. This space is so comfy and I find myself drawn here with a book and the fireplace going...even in September. I am sure my husband is thrilled. I found this sweet propeller clock for 65% off at Kirklands and it was the final touch I needed for the room. One of my favorite pieces is the rug. It could be an Autumn themed rug for all intents and purposes with its muted greens, oranges, and grays. It pulls everything together and it was a total steal on Wayfair and even better...it is so soft and perfect to run your toes through!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The absolute adoration I have for these pumpkins may be a bit unhealthy. Ha, absolutely one of my newest Fall obsessions around the house. I just love them and the sweet addition they are to my home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up is my tablescapes for my kitchen and dining space. Prior to this home, we had a really small kitchen table in our townhome. Due to the smaller space, it was difficult to decorate to the extent I wanted and therefore my kitchen tables were decorated for about a week before I had to put the decorations away to make room to you know, actually eat. Now space is in abundance and we have a kitchen and dining table and so was able to buy two small centerpieces and I love them. They match each room and my personality well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the small peak into my home. It is coming together nicely and I hope to have a full-on tour available soon with the upstairs as well as the sweet screen porched area. I know it was not quite the extent of typical home tours but I was excited to show you what we have put together these last few weeks in our new home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be sure to check out the rest of these amazing homes on today's stop of the Fall Home Tour and the rest of the week.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Fall, Y'all!!</i></b></span></div>
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<b>Monday</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.diybeautify.com/">DIY Beautify</a> || <a href="http://www.raisingafarmhouse.com/">Raising a Farmhouse</a> || <a href="http://unlikelymartha.com/">Unlikely Martha</a> || <a href="https://reinventedcollection.com/">The Welch House</a> || <a href="http://lifeonshadylane.com/">Life on Shady Lane</a></div>
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<b>Tuesday</b></div>
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<a href="https://frazzledjoy.com/">Frazzled Joy</a> || <a href="http://www.northcountrynest.com/">North Country Nest </a>|| <a href="http://www.apurdylittlehouse.com/">A Purdy Little House</a> || <a href="http://www.hoodcreeklogcabin.com/">Hood Creek Log Cabin</a> || <a href="http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com/">Peonies & Orange Blossoms</a></div>
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<b>Wednesday</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/">The Whimsy One</a> || <a href="http://www.polkadotpoplars.com/">Polka Dot Poplars</a> || <a href="https://ahometogrowoldin.com/">A Home to Grow Old In</a> || <a href="http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/">Virginia Sweet Pea</a> ||<a href="http://www.lincludencottagelife.com/"> Lincluden Cottage Life</a></div>
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<b>Thursday</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.semiglossdesign.com/">Semigloss Design</a> || <a href="http://www.keystoinspiration.com/">Keys to Inspiration</a> || <a href="https://reinventedcollection.com/">Reinvented Collection</a> || <a href="https://ourcraftymom.com/">Our Crafty Mom</a> || <a href="https://faeriesandfauna.com/">Of Fairies and Fauna</a> || <a href="http://rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com/">Rosemary and Thyme</a></div>
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<b>Friday</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.kimpowerstyle.com/">Kim Power Style</a> || <a href="http://backtothesouth.com/">Back to the South</a> || <a href="http://livinglargeinasmallhouse.com/">Living Large in a Small House </a>|| <a href="http://www.fromhousetohome.com/">From House to Home</a> || <a href="https://www.centsablycreative.com/">Centsably Creative</a> || <a href="http://www.lifeisaparty.ca/">Life is a Party</a> || <a href="http://www.theorganizedmama.com/">The Organized Mama</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-44281907030167989842017-08-17T21:52:00.000-04:002017-09-07T21:55:41.692-04:00Whiskey Woman<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of you who follow my blog know about my love affair with all things bourbon. I am a country girl through and through. Bourbon soothes me and I prefer it neat; no ice or cola for this gal. I will enjoy it in a cocktail from time to time if it is done right. I have found a few bars in Raleigh that fuel my bourbon desire. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First up is Whiskey Kitchen. I waited for months for this place to open, not only to dabble in their bourbon selection but because their patio is one of the best in all of Raleigh. It just screams for you to have a good time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.whiskey.kitchen/" target="_blank">Whiskey Kitchen</a> has an amazing selection of bourbons and other whiskeys from all over the world. You can also eat dinner here but I will be honest and say I have yet to order anything other than cocktails and pie. I can say with certainty that you should try their shoo fly pie. Oh, it will do you good. I promise. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't yet been over to Whiskey Kitchen, grab a bunch of your girlfriends ( or any friends for that matter) and head over to Nash Square and grab a table on their fabulous patio. The summer is winding down which means it is perfect outdoor weather here in Raleigh for the next month or two. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2PuQDiIqBm5Fdt1wLG1Xj24BhOyU3i5dJkBNNOwqkXWqlDAZ-ZsrJBTWxDQtyGRHI8HAsfXpfA8m5kwmlUkyfU1Nlxp4Jpxy2ddcfc4PqCxYrjQX44YS6abC_hynbpMBkz3T0uLkXjR0/s1600/20160817_173043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2PuQDiIqBm5Fdt1wLG1Xj24BhOyU3i5dJkBNNOwqkXWqlDAZ-ZsrJBTWxDQtyGRHI8HAsfXpfA8m5kwmlUkyfU1Nlxp4Jpxy2ddcfc4PqCxYrjQX44YS6abC_hynbpMBkz3T0uLkXjR0/s640/20160817_173043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also suggest <a href="http://www.dramanddraught.com/" target="_blank">Dram & Draught</a> off of Hillsboro St. They constantly change their cocktail menu up to suit the season so you will always be able to venture out of your usual libation and try something new. Kevin is probably one of the best bartenders in all of Raleigh and he will steer you in the right direction that is suited to your taste. They do not offer food but there is usually a food truck on site. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0MbComEITczrg9t6WJ62CKshD6E8dghW6mDjk_Ajk0EeY5KmDLC6UVIw3wiHo0JF2GsBJjafgEpreOKNqETfuVZweAldmCm2J05TbC13Spfbi4HBkEMW6WxSOC6vzgufN6sqOa-WFrzk/s1600/20160825_173424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0MbComEITczrg9t6WJ62CKshD6E8dghW6mDjk_Ajk0EeY5KmDLC6UVIw3wiHo0JF2GsBJjafgEpreOKNqETfuVZweAldmCm2J05TbC13Spfbi4HBkEMW6WxSOC6vzgufN6sqOa-WFrzk/s640/20160825_173424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last but not least for a fabulous whiskey selection is the often over looked <a href="http://www.blindbarbour.com/" target="_blank">Blind Barbour</a>. This is actually one of my go to bars for tried and true bourbon cocktails. It is a smaller, more intimate bar tucked away from downtown but they offer great service and one of the best Old Fashioneds around! This place gives off more of an old school vibe and I love it. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-73486263993648188612017-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002017-07-27T06:00:14.519-04:00Chocolate Covered Bourbon Cherries #SummerDessertWeek<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of today's items/ingredients were supplied by our #summerdessertweek Sponsors. As always, all opinions are my own.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am always about making simple, yet tasty bites for when we have a crowd over and this recipe is no different. I had these the first time probably 10 or so years ago at a party for a football game and was hooked immediately. The big difference is the few I have had before use the "jar cherries" and for this particular version I used fresh sweet cherries (<a href="http://rainierfruit.com/our-fruit/cherries/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainier</a>) with no added sugar and they were even better than I anticipated! Yes, you do have do do a little more "work" with fresh cherries by pitting them but it took me less than 5 minutes to pit over a dozen of them ( thanks in large part to my amazing <a href="https://www.oxo.com/products/preparing/fruit-vegetable-tools/cherry-olive-pitter#black" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OXO </a>cherry pitter!) These chocolate covered bourbon soaked cherries will become a staple at parties!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNNmyfnfKZoE1JEqtkVan3M9jzCL_9SoNSNGQBCdU5S9K-sleTH-QScs1JLpYUUYXIxdDMHvUaeiSyUzSlrU9Hel4W_TLZncz3_uIo-17SK1y9L-R0wYmVJUGFga3K7rGeW9SfMPiZfuV/s1600/chocolatecoveredbourboncherries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNNmyfnfKZoE1JEqtkVan3M9jzCL_9SoNSNGQBCdU5S9K-sleTH-QScs1JLpYUUYXIxdDMHvUaeiSyUzSlrU9Hel4W_TLZncz3_uIo-17SK1y9L-R0wYmVJUGFga3K7rGeW9SfMPiZfuV/s640/chocolatecoveredbourboncherries.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was a little worried how this would go in the beginning because normally when I make them I just use the jar cherries and pour out half the juice and replace with bourbon and let sit for a few days. I wasn't sure without cherry juice to dilute the bourbon a little how they would taste but the cherries were just so juicy anyways, they used their own juices to meld with the bourbon and you get a nice mixture of both cherry flavor and bourbon with each explosive bite.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 lb Rainier Fruit Cherries ( pitted)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup bourbon</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 oz dark chocolate</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pit your cherries and then put in a container and pour in the bourbon. Make sure to seal with a lid overnight. The next day, drain the cherries ( save your cherry bourbon, because why would you waste it?!) pat the cherries dry. Melt the chocolate and using a toothpick or small fork, dip the cherries in the chocolate and cover completely. Place on a nonstick pan for the chocolate to set up and harden.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy. These also make great gifts. You can place them in a small mason jar or similar container and top with a bow and the perfect gift!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6hDwEv16ObQZ8k6J5B0Nza1xukCS6NijCQ9iPrbL3z8-_Jytu-AaOTI7roag-0TlQhha_Sci5mjn6cdXXfAjvgUqMr6Vi3S58x86cEWS4MoV3uAJXqe2RoSV4ZO4GZf2VfwdkDJN47_U/s1600/20170726_161150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6hDwEv16ObQZ8k6J5B0Nza1xukCS6NijCQ9iPrbL3z8-_Jytu-AaOTI7roag-0TlQhha_Sci5mjn6cdXXfAjvgUqMr6Vi3S58x86cEWS4MoV3uAJXqe2RoSV4ZO4GZf2VfwdkDJN47_U/s640/20170726_161150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Check out the amazing #SummerDessertWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong><br />
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<strong>Ice Cream Recipes:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://kudoskitchenbyrenee.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Triple Chocolate Cherry Kahlua Ice Cream</a> from Kudos Kitchen by Renee</li>
</ul>
<b>Pies of Summer:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://javacupcake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Key Lime Pie </a>from The Java Cupcake Blog</li>
</ul>
<strong>No Bake Treats:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/">Homemade Snow Cone Syrup</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Strawberry Cheesecake Lush Dessert</a> from That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Bourbon Soaked Cherries</a> from The Whimsy One</li>
</ul>
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Summer Fruit Dessert Pizza</a> from Big Bear's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://fakeginger.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mississippi Mud Cookies</a> from Fake Ginger</li>
<li><a href="http://dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fruit Swirled Madeleines</a> from Daily Dish Recipes</li>
<li><a href="http://thebittersideofsweet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mini Cherry Almond Galettes </a>from The Bitter Side of Sweet</li>
<li><a href="http://thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Baby Blueberry Cobblers</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://mybakingheart.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Cardamom Hand Pies</a> from My Baking Heart</li>
<li><a href="http://jenaroundtheworld.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Sugar Cookies</a> from Jen Around the World</li>
</ul>
<br />
Welcome to the first #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear's Wife</a>. We're so glad that you've joined us for this week long event of desserts and giveaways. You're going to love what we have in store for you.<br />
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<img alt="SummerDessertWeek LOGO" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19487" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/700SummerDessertWeek.png" height="547" width="700" /><br />
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There are 25 amazing bloggers participating in this year's event! Throughout the week we'll be share tons of fantastic summer dessert recipes with you. With over 70 recipes being shared this week we just know that you're going to find a new summer favorite! Plus, don't forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!<br />
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Scroll down to take a look!<br />
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<strong>Prize #1 </strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dixie Crystals Giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19489" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dixie-Crystals-Giveaway-300.png" height="800" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 -- <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving one winner a $100 Willimas Sonoma Gift Card <strong>OR</strong> a $100 Sur la Table! Winner of prize #1 gets to pick which gift card they would like!</div>
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<strong>Prize #2 </strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19490" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/19198487_10155912628519879_704989105_n.png" height="482" width="482" /></h3>
<strong>Prize #2 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one winner a </span>Pie dish, Cherry Pitter, Serving Spatula, Pinch Bowls, Pie Carrier! Everything you need to make the perfect cherry or blueberry pie!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #3</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19491" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OXO-Giveaway.png" height="265" width="300" /></div>
<strong>Prize #3-- <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO </a> </strong>is giving one winner an 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set.<br />
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OXO Glass Bakeware is made of thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, which means it can go from freezer to oven without the need to thaw. The OXO 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set is the perfect partner for all of your baking adventures. The Set includes a Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish, Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish, Glass Loaf Pan, Glass Pie Plate, 1 Cup Round SNAP Container, and 2 Cup Round SNAP Container.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #4</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19492" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Adams-Extract-Giveaway.png" height="446" width="390" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #4 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one winner a </span>Pyrex with baking utensils and 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Pure Lemon, Almond, Peppermint and Vanilla.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #5</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19493" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/General-Mills-Giveaway.png" height="537" width="404" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #5 -- <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a></strong> is giving one winner 4 boxes of cereal, 2 Big G Cereal character bowls, 2 Big G Cereal character , 2 “Good Morning” spoons, 2 Cheerios tumblers with straws 1 long-sleeve Cereal Character hooded t-shirt, 1 short-sleeve Cereal Character t-shirt.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #6</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19494" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Land-O-Lakes-Giveaway.png" height="539" width="386" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #6 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Land O’Lakes</strong></a> is giving one winner a b</span>randed insulated tote with a stainless steel water bottle, two mugs with cocoa mix, a dish towel and coasters.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1fdad94b43" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1fdad94b43/" id="rcwidget_91ztslf7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from July 24th until July 30th at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. </span></em></div>
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<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, #SummerDessertWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam's Extract</a>, <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Land O'Lakes</a> and <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a>! <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #SummerDessertWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.<br />
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<span class="_4yxp"> </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-9577131587257037822017-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:002017-07-26T19:07:09.455-04:00Caramel Heath Ricotta Cheesecake Bars #SummerDessertWeekSome of the ingredients/items in today's post are courtesy of our sponsors for #summerdessertweek, as usual, all opinions are my own.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love cheesecake and when I want to make a simple version for a large group of people, I have found that no bake cheesecake bars are the best option. These are a combination of both. Baked crust and no bake for the filling. Still super simple and easy to whip up. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have tried out a multitude of versions over the years and I think this may be my favorite so far. I love the combo of caramel and Heath in basically any recipe and this one ended up being no exception. For this particular recipe, I decided to mix ricotta and cream cheese for a sweeter and richer texture. My husband loves ricotta and while I dig it in savory dishes, I am not the biggest fan of it in sweet dishes (ie: cannolis) but this creation may have finally changed my mind. The added creaminess of the cream cheese lessened the grainy texture that I don't particularly usually care for in ricotta based desserts. I think this Caramel Heath Cheesecake Bar recipe may end up being a regular contender on my dessert menu. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuMKP9Dl-dX-t17ODNPSXivTQz7FSozlJ_yWqrFSAwNYSTsaByH1-u98ZqigqNRwfsGoZxkxBK_szxHxkijSdAlEjL2d6Oqq4zjrScC3Um2WAKwQWIv9hINfNnb9iXBqz48jBIxxcD5Vf/s1600/caramelheathcheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuMKP9Dl-dX-t17ODNPSXivTQz7FSozlJ_yWqrFSAwNYSTsaByH1-u98ZqigqNRwfsGoZxkxBK_szxHxkijSdAlEjL2d6Oqq4zjrScC3Um2WAKwQWIv9hINfNnb9iXBqz48jBIxxcD5Vf/s640/caramelheathcheesecake.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the crust on these bars, I did a somewhat 'cheat" I bought chocolate chip cookie dough and used that vs making my own dough but it was just as good. I have made a few different versions changing the crust each time. I have used sugar cookie dough and oatmeal butterscotch. All of them have been scrumptious so far. Feel free to make whatever version you prefer. </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b> <b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Caramel Heath Ricotta Cheesecake Bars</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10-12 oz chocolate chip cookie dough</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 oz cream cheese, softened</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 oz ricotta</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup Dixie Crystals Sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp Adams Best Vanilla Extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/3 cup heavy whipping cream </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place foil in bottom of 9x9 pan. Fill the pan with the cookie dough, use your fingers to spread the dough out and use your palms to flatten it down, making sure the bottom of pan is covered. Bake on 350 for about 20-22 minutes edges begin to brown. Center may appear undercooked. Chill the in fridge for about 30 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Start your mixer on low and once all combined increase speed and mix for about 2 minutes to make sure mixture is smooth. I usually do a spoon taste at this point to make sure I am happy with the sugar amount and don't need to add any more. Once you are satisfied with taste, add in the whipping cream and beat on high for another 2-4 minutes until it has more of a mousse/thick cheesecake mixture. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pour over chilled chocolate chip cookie dough crust and place in fridge for at least two hours. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before serving, sprinkle the top with crushed heath bar pieces and drizzle the top with a caramel sauce. I have used a few versions and I have noticed that the more expensive ice cream sauces hold up better and do not water the cheesecake down after it settles. You can get a good quality jar for about $3.49. Or you can always make your own!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cut into bars and enjoy. I will also say that these *may be* even better at midnight two days later after you have frozen them. But only maybe;) </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I used a 9x9 pan and ended up using about 10 oz of cookie dough. I like the dough to be a little crispy and thin so once the cheesecake mixture settles, it becomes very chewy but still with a good texture and bite! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1zyKQIw_ZztdG5RoOC_PhBsagRRw6Nd99ro5Dg_xHQWm180mtqGb9NC4vN6IxTZt8lsIy9Y7BaZxzCHRxfB-5PtdWCyiPx1Z9ZhqFXoPgtmO5tX_n737UmueyqLPTJB1W0XCdghxgHRN/s1600/20160624_140759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1zyKQIw_ZztdG5RoOC_PhBsagRRw6Nd99ro5Dg_xHQWm180mtqGb9NC4vN6IxTZt8lsIy9Y7BaZxzCHRxfB-5PtdWCyiPx1Z9ZhqFXoPgtmO5tX_n737UmueyqLPTJB1W0XCdghxgHRN/s640/20160624_140759.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxO_ecnyuckvhfROUxcQqL9g1nT0vh_HbxGun3s-O0jAx_-R8xoWbmaOGYwrOfiT-lTbSZibR5XyfiWSzAaVutn_VGgplTICSLawcm6_eKQoB1dDhA48uKWj_uN_OnOBIlrC22R9Dc0g_/s1600/caramelheath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxO_ecnyuckvhfROUxcQqL9g1nT0vh_HbxGun3s-O0jAx_-R8xoWbmaOGYwrOfiT-lTbSZibR5XyfiWSzAaVutn_VGgplTICSLawcm6_eKQoB1dDhA48uKWj_uN_OnOBIlrC22R9Dc0g_/s640/caramelheath.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Check out the amazing #SummerDessertWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Ice Cream Recipes:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Healthy Watermelon Popsicles</a> from Big Bear's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://www.southernplate.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fried Ice Cream Milk Shakes</a> from Southern Plate</li>
</ul>
<b>Pies of Summer:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mini Blueberry Pie</a> from Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine</li>
<li><a href="http://dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pie</a> from Daily Dish Recipes</li>
</ul>
<strong>Sweet Summertime Cakes:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.meandmypinkmixer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cookies & Cream Mini Bundt Cakes</a> from Me and My Pink Mixer</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sweetrecipeas.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sweet Corn and Raspberry Layer Cake</a> from Sweet ReciPeas</li>
<li><a href="http://4sonrus.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Malted Milkshake Cake</a> from 4 Sons 'R' Us</li>
<li><a href="http://www.southernfromscratch.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Layered Strawberry Shortcake</a> from Southern From Scratch</li>
</ul>
<strong>No Bake Treats:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thebittersideofsweet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Granita</a> from The Bitter Side of Sweet</li>
<li><a href="http://thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Frozen Fruit Cupcakes</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</li>
</ul>
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Cheesecake Brownies</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</li>
<li><a href="http://xhomesweethomesteadx.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Cheesecake Chimichangas</a> from Home Sweet Homestead</li>
<li><a href="https://kudoskitchenbyrenee.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon Curd Topping </a>from Kudos Kitchen by Renee</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caramel Heath Ricotta Cheesecake Bars</a> from The Whimsy One</li>
<li><a href="http://www.blendermom.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Banana Pudding Cake</a> from A Blender Mom</li>
<li><a href="http://www.4theloveoffoodblog.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">S'mores Crepes</a> from For the Love of Food</li>
<li><a href="http://jenaroundtheworld.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Apple Dumplings</a> from Jen Around the World</li>
<li><a href="http://cookinginstilettos.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Summer Berry Dessert Bruschetta</a> from Cooking In Stilettos</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thespiffycookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread</a> from The Spiffy Cookie</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the first #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear's Wife</a>. We're so glad that you've joined us for this week long event of desserts and giveaways. You're going to love what we have in store for you.<br />
<br />
<img alt="SummerDessertWeek LOGO" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19487" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/700SummerDessertWeek.png" height="547" width="700" /><br />
<br />
There are 25 amazing bloggers participating in this year's event! Throughout the week we'll be share tons of fantastic summer dessert recipes with you. With over 70 recipes being shared this week we just know that you're going to find a new summer favorite! Plus, don't forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!<br />
<br />
Scroll down to take a look!<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 </strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dixie Crystals Giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19489" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dixie-Crystals-Giveaway-300.png" height="800" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 -- <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving one winner a $100 Willimas Sonoma Gift Card <strong>OR</strong> a $100 Sur la Table! Winner of prize #1 gets to pick which gift card they would like!</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #2 </strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19490" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/19198487_10155912628519879_704989105_n.png" height="482" width="482" /></h3>
<strong>Prize #2 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one winner a </span>Pie dish, Cherry Pitter, Serving Spatula, Pinch Bowls, Pie Carrier! Everything you need to make the perfect cherry or blueberry pie!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #3</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19491" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OXO-Giveaway.png" height="265" width="300" /></div>
<strong>Prize #3-- <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO </a> </strong>is giving one winner an 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set.<br />
<br />
OXO Glass Bakeware is made of thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, which means it can go from freezer to oven without the need to thaw. The OXO 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set is the perfect partner for all of your baking adventures. The Set includes a Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish, Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish, Glass Loaf Pan, Glass Pie Plate, 1 Cup Round SNAP Container, and 2 Cup Round SNAP Container.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #4</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19492" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Adams-Extract-Giveaway.png" height="446" width="390" /></div>
<br />
<strong>Prize #4 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one winner a </span>Pyrex with baking utensils and 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Pure Lemon, Almond, Peppermint and Vanilla.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #5</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19493" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/General-Mills-Giveaway.png" height="537" width="404" /></div>
<br />
<strong>Prize #5 -- <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a></strong> is giving one winner 4 boxes of cereal, 2 Big G Cereal character bowls, 2 Big G Cereal character , 2 “Good Morning” spoons, 2 Cheerios tumblers with straws 1 long-sleeve Cereal Character hooded t-shirt, 1 short-sleeve Cereal Character t-shirt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #6</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19494" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Land-O-Lakes-Giveaway.png" height="539" width="386" /></div>
<br />
<strong>Prize #6 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Land O’Lakes</strong></a> is giving one winner a b</span>randed insulated tote with a stainless steel water bottle, two mugs with cocoa mix, a dish towel and coasters.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1fdad94b43" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1fdad94b43/" id="rcwidget_91ztslf7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from July 24th until July 30th at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. </span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, #SummerDessertWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam's Extract</a>, <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Land O'Lakes</a> and <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a>! <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #SummerDessertWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.<br />
<br />
<span class="_4yxp"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-37999427352187671582017-07-25T05:00:00.000-04:002017-07-25T05:00:31.124-04:00Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake #SummerDessertWeek*Today's post includes items/ingredients I received from our sponsors. As always, all opinions are my own.<br />
<br />
Hello again for round two of this week's delicious treats for #summerdessertweek. Today I continue the blueberry trend and have a recipe for you that is absolutely divine. I am a lover of all things ice box cake. They are scrumptious. They are simple to create. The best part is that the flavor combos you can create are pretty much endless. Today I have made a blueberry lemon ice box cake and I am not sure that anything screams "summer" more than that combination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrZBwLPmcTZ8Kk1hM0qNwdPpFif0Pr7tuzbWplc4MvoRWUr_NtjLyp_j0fZe3mX7B-Va3e7pJSANuDwWZvaT73laTyj07tY3dOZFFpaLbJHxiU66WNYxY2n9Na23VLzy4B0v6SiBHGjs8/s1600/lemonblueberryiceboxcake11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrZBwLPmcTZ8Kk1hM0qNwdPpFif0Pr7tuzbWplc4MvoRWUr_NtjLyp_j0fZe3mX7B-Va3e7pJSANuDwWZvaT73laTyj07tY3dOZFFpaLbJHxiU66WNYxY2n9Na23VLzy4B0v6SiBHGjs8/s640/lemonblueberryiceboxcake11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When coming up with ideas to incorporate the beautiful blueberries that Rainer Fruit sent us, I knew I wanted to somehow use a blueberry mousse. I was grocery shopping and grabbed one of my favorite breakfast cookies when I noticed they now offered a blueberry version and I knew they would make the perfect crispy cookie layer for my icebox cake and then once I had that part in my head I couldn't think of another flavor that better accentuates blueberries in the summer than lemon. This is a very simple dish to put together and you will win many hearts with this dessert...I kind of promise;)<br />
<br />
<b>cookie layer</b><br />
1 box blueberry breakfast cookies<br />
1/2 cup milk for dipping<br />
<b>blueberry mousse layer</b><br />
1/2 cup blueberry compote*<br />
8 oz cream cheese<br />
1/4 cup Dixie Crystals Sugar<br />
1/2 Tsp Adams Best Vanilla<br />
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream<br />
<b>lemon mousse layer</b><br />
2 boxes lemon pudding<br />
12 oz milk<br />
8 oz homemade whipped cream or cool whip<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b> <b><i>*blueberry compote recipe</i></b><br />
1 cup Rainer Fruit Blueberries<br />
3 Tbsp water<br />
3 tbsp Dixie Crystal Sugar<br />
1 tsp Adams Best Vanilla<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
<br />
**Combine all ingredients in sauce pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Once blueberries begin to burst, lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until it begins to thicken. Let cool.<br />
<br />
Once blueberry compote has cooled, add it to 8 oz of softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on low till all ingredients are combined thoroughly. Add in the cold whipping cream and increase the speed of your mixer and beat until the mixture becomes thicker and takes on a creamy blueberry texture. Place in fridge until ready to assemble.<br />
<br />
In a mixing bowl combine the two pudding packs and add in the milk, whisk until thick. Set in fridge for about 2 or 3 minutes to set. If you are making homemade whipping cream for this, you will need about a cup. I didn't add any sugar to mine bc the pudding has plenty. Once you have your stiff peaks, fold into the pudding mixture. (Or go the easy way and use cool whip, I have done that plenty of times!<br />
<br />
Now to assemble.<br />
<br />
I used a 9 x 9 but you could just double the recipe and do a 9x 13.<br />
<br />
Pour a bowl of milk. Have your blueberry breakfast cookies ready and quickly dip each cookie into the milk before laying on the bottom of the dish. Once you have cookie layer down, spread a layer of the lemon mousse on top and then follow with the blueberry layer. Start again with the cookies and do as many layers as possible. I got 3 layers from mine.<br />
<br />
Garnish with lemon slices and blueberries and some fresh whip cream. Refrigerate for at least two hours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg155pAwXlsJ_3Q9IoU9GgE1NuMZ74098ZcAx0eekR0cYXIiBLUspB_45U0slPjxlXdyQXpyFc-F0tFD0AnuXifi8Y86wQRUjT55P2i5Qbt8ARZ_kQdHPTBpzMVoTZG0wk3vNbZBiSIrrp_/s1600/lemonblueberryiceboxcake3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg155pAwXlsJ_3Q9IoU9GgE1NuMZ74098ZcAx0eekR0cYXIiBLUspB_45U0slPjxlXdyQXpyFc-F0tFD0AnuXifi8Y86wQRUjT55P2i5Qbt8ARZ_kQdHPTBpzMVoTZG0wk3vNbZBiSIrrp_/s640/lemonblueberryiceboxcake3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzwYn26nA3GcLqhSVpe1NkxrfMcYQdXg2zv8zdNEWfKZ4Z9QtTKgmkW14qLH8ALwpvn4D-dsTXFzUihLZ3JDHexkkMYnDbHkH86fV-5rwqp6f0lxa2lQhklkuZGicmJluDEddpyuxkci/s1600/blueberrylemoniceboxcakerecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzwYn26nA3GcLqhSVpe1NkxrfMcYQdXg2zv8zdNEWfKZ4Z9QtTKgmkW14qLH8ALwpvn4D-dsTXFzUihLZ3JDHexkkMYnDbHkH86fV-5rwqp6f0lxa2lQhklkuZGicmJluDEddpyuxkci/s640/blueberrylemoniceboxcakerecipe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Check out the amazing #SummerDessertWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>No Bake Treats:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna Lush</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Lemon Ice Box Cake</a> from The Whimsy One</li>
</ul>
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Classic Sweet Cherry Pie</a> from Big Bear's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Lime Puff Pastry Tarts</a> from Daily Dish Recipes</li>
<li><a href="http://thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Vanilla Tart</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://jenaroundtheworld.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels</a> from Jen Around the World</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the first #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear's Wife</a>. We're so glad that you've joined us for this week long event of desserts and giveaways. You're going to love what we have in store for you.<br />
<br />
<img alt="SummerDessertWeek LOGO" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19487" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/700SummerDessertWeek.png" height="547" width="700" /><br />
<br />
There are 25 amazing bloggers participating in this year's event! Throughout the week we'll be share tons of fantastic summer dessert recipes with you. With over 70 recipes being shared this week we just know that you're going to find a new summer favorite! Plus, don't forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!<br />
<br />
Scroll down to take a look!<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 </strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dixie Crystals Giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19489" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dixie-Crystals-Giveaway-300.png" height="800" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prize #1 -- <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving one winner a $100 Willimas Sonoma Gift Card <strong>OR</strong> a $100 Sur la Table! Winner of prize #1 gets to pick which gift card they would like!</div>
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<strong>Prize #2 </strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19490" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/19198487_10155912628519879_704989105_n.png" height="482" width="482" /></h3>
<strong>Prize #2 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one winner a </span>Pie dish, Cherry Pitter, Serving Spatula, Pinch Bowls, Pie Carrier! Everything you need to make the perfect cherry or blueberry pie!<br />
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<strong>Prize #3</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19491" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OXO-Giveaway.png" height="265" width="300" /></div>
<strong>Prize #3-- <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO </a> </strong>is giving one winner an 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set.<br />
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OXO Glass Bakeware is made of thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, which means it can go from freezer to oven without the need to thaw. The OXO 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set is the perfect partner for all of your baking adventures. The Set includes a Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish, Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish, Glass Loaf Pan, Glass Pie Plate, 1 Cup Round SNAP Container, and 2 Cup Round SNAP Container.<br />
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<strong>Prize #4</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19492" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Adams-Extract-Giveaway.png" height="446" width="390" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #4 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one winner a </span>Pyrex with baking utensils and 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Pure Lemon, Almond, Peppermint and Vanilla.<br />
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<strong>Prize #5</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19493" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/General-Mills-Giveaway.png" height="537" width="404" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #5 -- <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a></strong> is giving one winner 4 boxes of cereal, 2 Big G Cereal character bowls, 2 Big G Cereal character , 2 “Good Morning” spoons, 2 Cheerios tumblers with straws 1 long-sleeve Cereal Character hooded t-shirt, 1 short-sleeve Cereal Character t-shirt.<br />
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<strong>Prize #6</strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19494" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Land-O-Lakes-Giveaway.png" height="539" width="386" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #6 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Land O’Lakes</strong></a> is giving one winner a b</span>randed insulated tote with a stainless steel water bottle, two mugs with cocoa mix, a dish towel and coasters.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1fdad94b43" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1fdad94b43/" id="rcwidget_91ztslf7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from July 24th until July 30th at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. </span></em></div>
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<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, #SummerDessertWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam's Extract</a>, <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Land O'Lakes</a> and <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a>! <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #SummerDessertWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.<br />
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<span class="_4yxp"> </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-7926187686381440802017-07-24T03:30:00.000-04:002017-07-24T11:09:18.344-04:00Blueberry & Coconut Gelato Pie #SummerDessertWeek<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*This post was created for #summerdessertweek and I was sent samples from some of our sponsors to use for this recipe. All Opinions are my own. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hello everyone and Welcome to the first #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from <a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Bear's Wife</a>. We're so glad that you've joined us for this week long event of desserts and giveaways. You're going to love what we have in store for you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziuJ4KUL4kioMQXHZnQXjqjJaGAdWOeeT611X3c1K80YB9jf_LZ1ao1bvl3Uc-e0ZX9YOs6BvewLIM6C3EcykNvhxHwEO6gmjzEANtTT4vMpKDnn_YQiCMpgT2xX0TEVL5CpAFRo0ZTY7/s1600/blueberry+gelatopie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziuJ4KUL4kioMQXHZnQXjqjJaGAdWOeeT611X3c1K80YB9jf_LZ1ao1bvl3Uc-e0ZX9YOs6BvewLIM6C3EcykNvhxHwEO6gmjzEANtTT4vMpKDnn_YQiCMpgT2xX0TEVL5CpAFRo0ZTY7/s640/blueberry+gelatopie10.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am so pumped for today's dessert. It is perfect for the summer and pleasing for any palate. There are a few ways to make this creamy and delicious dessert that combines Rainier blueberries with decadent coconut gelato. For this particular version, I made a saltine crust but you could easily use a pre-made graham cracker crust and it would be just as tasty. I am just a really big fan of the saltine crust as it oozes a buttery flavor that melds together with the gelato to exhibit and awesome custard texture. I promise that once you make this blueberry and coconut gelato pie...you will be craving it as soon as the heat rises again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Blueberry & Gelato Coconut Pie</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Saltine Crust</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 1 & 1/2 sleeves saltine crackers (salted)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup softened butter (unsalted)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3 TBSP Dixie Crystals Sugar</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Blueberry Compote</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rainier blueberries</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 tbsp sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 tbsp water</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/product.asp?ProductID=7299" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adams Best Vanilla</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Coconut Gelato</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 pints ( semi melted)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">**garnish with blueberries/coconut chips/whip cream (optional)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keep the crackers still in the sleeve and crush with a rolling pin. You want them in small pieces but not completely ground fine. In a large bowl mix together the crushed crackers and sugar. Then knead in the butter until a soft dough begins to form. Press into an 8 inch pie crust. I made sure to spray mine with cooking spray first. Chill the crust for about 15 minutes and then bake on 350 for about 20-25 minutes until the crackers develop a golden color. Chill again once it is cooked. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Set the coconut gelato out and let it begin to melt. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the blueberry compote; place all ingredients in a sauce pan on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stirring and put on low heat for about 5-10 minutes until blueberries begin to burst and cook down. Once it thickens, it is done. Set aside and let cool. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once the gelato is halfway melty and the crust is cooled, pour the gelato into the crust, it should fill about halfway up the crust. This is when you can spoon the blueberry compote in, swirling to combine the two. Top with more gelato and then top with more compote, swirling in. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Place in the freezer for 2 hours. You can top with whip cream, coconut chips, and blueberries. You can serve with any extra compote left over!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The best part about this is how the outer crust remains crunchy and salty and the bottom part of the crust gets a little melty and melds together with the gelato and it has almost a tres le ches flavor/texture. So delicious. I hope you enjoy my this and check out all the other recipes for #summerdessertweek</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a side note, I used the amazing pie pan from<a href="https://www.oxo.com/products/cooking-baking/glass-bakeware/glass-pie-plate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> OXO</a> and it is slightly bigger than usual so I actually ended up using 2 sleeves of crackers and an extra tbsp of butter. I am in love with this pie plate, so thick and large and perfect addition to my kitchen!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiH8c42WPWOR4_fbtBThpkdWMx8bivDx2IpOfj7PvlO-HUXdUQRsJl1Rv_1WU3GjKxRTN1wYGfkY0kyihOU1CVOJ8eXBS_SasS1CyVfcII66-CnnMbhaJLrtjtHWeeOWwR15uwgVcFkpG/s1600/blueberrycocnutgelatopie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiH8c42WPWOR4_fbtBThpkdWMx8bivDx2IpOfj7PvlO-HUXdUQRsJl1Rv_1WU3GjKxRTN1wYGfkY0kyihOU1CVOJ8eXBS_SasS1CyVfcII66-CnnMbhaJLrtjtHWeeOWwR15uwgVcFkpG/s640/blueberrycocnutgelatopie6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are 25 amazing bloggers participating in this year's event! Throughout the week we'll be share tons of fantastic summer dessert recipes with you. With over 70 recipes being shared this week we just know that you're going to find a new summer favorite! Plus, don't forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Scroll down to take a look!<br />
<strong>Check out the amazing #SummerDessertWeek recipes from our bloggers today!</strong><br />
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<strong>Ice Cream Recipes:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream</a> from Big Bear's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://www.missinthekitchen.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No Churn Cherry Crisp Ice Cream</a> from Miss in the Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://xhomesweethomesteadx.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No-Churn Peanut Butter Lovers Ice Cream</a> from Home Sweet Homestead</li>
<li><a href="https://kudoskitchenbyrenee.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No Churn Banana Walnut Ice Cream</a> from Kudos Kitchen by Renee</li>
<li><a href="http://dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grilled Pineapple Ring Rum Sundae</a> from Daily Dish Recipes</li>
<li><a href="http://4sonrus.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Creamy No Churn Peach Ice Cream </a>from 4 Sons 'R' Us</li>
</ul>
<b>Pies of Summer:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Peach Blueberry Galette</a> from That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://thevillagecook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coconut Key Lime Pie</a> from The Domestic Kitchen</li>
<li><a href="http://www.blendermom.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Berry Cherry Pie </a>from A Blender Mom</li>
</ul>
<strong>Sweet Summertime Cakes:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.foodhuntersguide.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Almond Cake</a> from Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine</li>
<li><a href="http://www.meandmypinkmixer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Homemade Angel Food Cake with Sugared Berries</a> from Me and My Pink Mixer</li>
<li><a href="http://thebittersideofsweet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Vanilla Poke Cake</a> from The Bitter Side of Sweet</li>
<li><a href="http://www.4theloveoffoodblog.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gooey Nutella Microwave Mug Cake</a> from For the Love of Food</li>
</ul>
<strong>No Bake Treats:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Coconut Gelato Pie</a> from The Whimsy One</li>
<li><a href="http://http//www.bowl-me-over.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Parfait</a> from Bowl Me Over</li>
</ul>
<strong>Baked Desserts:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Churro Bites with Mexican Chocolate Dipping Sauce</a> from Love Bakes Good Cakes</li>
<li><a href="http://javacupcake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes</a> from The JavaCupcake Blog</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sweetrecipeas.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Limencello Cobbler</a> from Sweet ReciPeas</li>
<li><a href="http://fakeginger.com/">Blueberry Biscuits</a> from Fake Ginger</li>
<li><a href="http://www.southernplate.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blueberry Crumb Bars</a> from Southern Plate</li>
<li> <a href="http://mybakingheart.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Struesel Muffins</a> from My Baking Heart</li>
<li><a href="http://jenaroundtheworld.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rustic Cherry Galette</a> from Jen Around the World</li>
<li><a href="http://cookinginstilettos.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Roasted Cherry Meringue Fool</a> from Cooking In Stilettos</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thespiffycookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Rosemary Cobbler</a> from The Spiffy Cookie</li>
<li><a href="http://www.southernfromscratch.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Almond Cobbler </a>from Southern From Scratch</li>
</ul>
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There are 25 amazing bloggers participating in this year's event! Throughout the week we'll be share tons of fantastic summer dessert recipes with you. With over 70 recipes being shared this week we just know that you're going to find a new summer favorite! Plus, don't forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!<br />
<br />
Scroll down to take a look!<br />
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<strong>Prize #1 </strong></h3>
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<img alt="Dixie Crystals Giveaway" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19489" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dixie-Crystals-Giveaway-300.png" height="800" width="300" /></div>
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<strong>Prize #1 -- <b><a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a></b></strong> is giving one winner a $100 Willimas Sonoma Gift Card <strong>OR</strong> a $100 Sur la Table! Winner of prize #1 gets to pick which gift card they would like!</div>
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<strong>Prize #2 </strong><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19490" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/19198487_10155912628519879_704989105_n.png" height="482" width="482" /></h3>
<strong>Prize #2 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rainier Fruit</strong></a> is giving one winner a </span>Pie dish, Cherry Pitter, Serving Spatula, Pinch Bowls, Pie Carrier! Everything you need to make the perfect cherry or blueberry pie!<br />
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<strong>Prize #3</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19491" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OXO-Giveaway.png" height="265" width="300" /></div>
<strong>Prize #3-- <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO </a> </strong>is giving one winner an 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set.<br />
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OXO Glass Bakeware is made of thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, which means it can go from freezer to oven without the need to thaw. The OXO 8 Piece Glass Bake, Serve & Store Set is the perfect partner for all of your baking adventures. The Set includes a Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish, Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish, Glass Loaf Pan, Glass Pie Plate, 1 Cup Round SNAP Container, and 2 Cup Round SNAP Container.<br />
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<strong>Prize #4</strong></h3>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19492" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Adams-Extract-Giveaway.png" height="446" width="390" /><br />
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<strong>Prize #4 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><strong><a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam’s Extract</a></strong> is giving one winner a </span>Pyrex with baking utensils and 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Pure Lemon, Almond, Peppermint and Vanilla.<br />
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<strong>Prize #5</strong></h3>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19493" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/General-Mills-Giveaway.png" height="537" width="404" /><br />
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<strong>Prize #5 -- <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a></strong> is giving one winner 4 boxes of cereal, 2 Big G Cereal character bowls, 2 Big G Cereal character , 2 “Good Morning” spoons, 2 Cheerios tumblers with straws 1 long-sleeve Cereal Character hooded t-shirt, 1 short-sleeve Cereal Character t-shirt.<br />
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<strong>Prize #6</strong></h3>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-19494" src="http://www.bigbearswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Land-O-Lakes-Giveaway.png" height="539" width="386" /><br />
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<strong>Prize #6 -- </strong><span class="_4yxo"><a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Land O’Lakes</strong></a> is giving one winner a b</span>randed insulated tote with a stainless steel water bottle, two mugs with cocoa mix, a dish towel and coasters.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1fdad94b43" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1fdad94b43/" id="rcwidget_91ztslf7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<em>Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older.<span class="_4yxp">. All entries will be verified. </span>No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from July 24th until July 30th at 12AMEST. Winners will be selected soon afterwards and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. <span class="_4yxp">No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. </span></em></div>
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<strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These posts and recipes are part of the week long event, #SummerDessertWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like Thank our amazing sponsors: <a href="http://www.dixiecrystals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dixie Crystals</a>, <a href="http://rainierfruit.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rainier Fruit</a>, <a href="https://www.oxo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">OXO</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsextract.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adam's Extract</a>, <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Land O'Lakes</a> and <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">General Mills Cereal</a>! <a href="https://www.generalmills.com/Brands..." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #SummerDessertWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.<br />
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<span class="_4yxp"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-34292624675699385072017-07-12T02:00:00.000-04:002017-07-12T02:00:00.157-04:00The Unicorn Mimosa<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't participated in The Ultimate Recipe Challenge for a bit but when I knew this month was drinks, I was all in! I cannot wait to see what all everyone came up with this month and add some new items to my cocktail repertoire!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This simple, colorful, and horribly named cocktail probably ended up being one of my favorites to date. It was fun to put together and truly only took about ten minutes of prep time. It was also delicious. I used a few of my favorite juices and you can easily swap them out to mix and match for any gathering. I am a fan of mimosas in general and this tasty version is perfect for summer. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfniapp-vSoiORkM1UwJibyLfrdNw1Tvoyxw0yP_hn-ona_LRkA4RdhpDItOO5wXK2KPEKEnwC7kvGpsHt6Vw4SHcdmJvqAR4pE1rYmmrtbHcB-3fKMS_0jE0B1h1D5DC_CckmP0KULcC_/s1600/Unicorn+Mimosa+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="572" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfniapp-vSoiORkM1UwJibyLfrdNw1Tvoyxw0yP_hn-ona_LRkA4RdhpDItOO5wXK2KPEKEnwC7kvGpsHt6Vw4SHcdmJvqAR4pE1rYmmrtbHcB-3fKMS_0jE0B1h1D5DC_CckmP0KULcC_/s640/Unicorn+Mimosa+4.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can also call this whatever you like. I am not going to pretend here, the hardest part of cocktail creating (at least in my case) is not coming up with a delicious libation, nope that part is fun and relatively easy. It is naming a creation that is often the most daunting part aspect. I have come up with some fun and catchy ones prior ( naughty southerner is my personal favorite) but this particular concoction left me flumoxxed. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I decided to play by 2017 rules and well, colorful and full of champagne basically screamed "unicorn" to me. You know what the best part about this tasty beverage is though? It doesn't care what you call it. So just drink up and enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHukFAX1fXVZ6eJsx4a2ornpAn0uKH8VMFQvkalDuSBCSTcQoYw2NURXxdKzPH5bFeBVQ-f4jAWUQZiKdAJcWFdsYX9xYadIMWN7aHiUssZ8aGaioam-1mmTr2OpVyz6FXtaat4uLReEjk/s1600/unicorn+mimosa+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHukFAX1fXVZ6eJsx4a2ornpAn0uKH8VMFQvkalDuSBCSTcQoYw2NURXxdKzPH5bFeBVQ-f4jAWUQZiKdAJcWFdsYX9xYadIMWN7aHiUssZ8aGaioam-1mmTr2OpVyz6FXtaat4uLReEjk/s640/unicorn+mimosa+3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For this particular version, I used guava nectar, apricot nectar, and blood orange juice. I froze them the night before and they don't fully freeze like water so they melt down a little easier. I want to try it with peach puree, mango, and OJ next time. I have also made these with fun shaped ice trays, You truly can make these any flavor and any theme. Also, if you want to make this kid friendly, just top with sparkling cider or grape juice!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I used 1/2 cup of each juice and they yielded about 10-12 small ice cubes each. You should be able to find these in the international isle of your grocery stores. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unicorn Mimosa </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup guava nectar </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup apricot nectar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup Blood Orange Juice</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 bottle Champagne</span></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a glass, place 5-6 ice cubes and top with chilled champagne or prosecco. I think they taste best if you let them melt down for a minute or two and let the flavors meld together. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And as always, thanks to the fabulous Bethany Boyle for taking photos and being my taste tester!</span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-48197643927170726302017-05-06T08:30:00.000-04:002017-10-25T15:05:22.347-04:00Bear City<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This weekend we decided to explore a little closer to home. Every time we think we have done all there is to do in North Carolina, we realize how much more there is to see and do. We had originally planned to hit up the Lake Lure area but instead headed to New Bern. I haven't been there since I was a teenager and there wasn't much back then I would have appreciated. You may have heard of New Bern because of one Nicholas Sparks. He is semi famous I guess. Or you know, some people would say because of Pepsi. Toss up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How glad I am we went to this sweet, little town. I couldn't believe how many fantastic restaurants and things there were to do. No, there isn't a hopping nightlife here and if that is what you are after, then look elsewhere. However, we did luck out and stumble onto 3 fantastic bars that hit the spot for what we were looking for. New Bern is the perfect walking location. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is on the Pamlico River and the hotel we stayed at is right on the harbor. Our view was pretty much perfect and I got in my history fix all weekend and the best part is that we were able to park at the hotel on Friday and walked absolutely everywhere until it was time to leave on Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hotel rates and food price points for what we got were reasonable. We stayed at the Courtyard and found it enjoyable. There are also a plethora of B &B's right downtown. Our visit to the original Pepsico was worth our time. This is where I state that I am 100% a Coke girl, but this place was so much better than the World of Coke in Atlanta and what I mean is that it is the original pharmacy. It is free to walk in the few rooms and watch how it was originally made and order a Pepsi from the counter. And while I had Mt. Dew, he, of course, went with Pepsi. I will admit that the old bottles tasted better than the ones you find in the stores. And yea, the Pepsi float was the real deal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New Bern showcases painted bears all throughout the town. Bern is the Swiss word for bear and goes back to the town's history and is basically the official town mascot. Here are a few of my favorites. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The eats were really good in New Bern and my two favorite meals were at The Chelsea and for lunch, right on the water, Persimmons. Both were delicious and we tried out Prohibition and the cocktails were very good. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tryon Palace was quite the treat, especially if you are a history buff like we are. Home of NC's first permanent capital. The gardens are absolutely stunning. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and of course, Tony being Tony, our two-hour trip home took 5 hours, but at least we found some sweet spots. I just adore the little town of Oriental. We stumbled upon a pier next to a park with lots of empty Adirondack chairs and then a little ways up the road, we found a free ferry. This almost made up for our failure to go for a sail this weekend. Almost.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-56546752377786922442017-03-08T06:00:00.000-05:002017-03-08T06:00:00.160-05:00Girls Weekend Staycation: Raleigh Marriott Crabtree<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Is there a term that gets you more pumped up than "Girls Weekend"? I think not. A few weeks ago some of my best friends from home came to visit and we knew since the whole squad would be here, staying in a hotel would be our best option. Enter the newly renovated <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdunc-raleigh-marriott-crabtree-valley/">Raleigh Marriott Crabtree</a>. I had recently attended their grand re-opening and left very impressed. I felt this would be the perfect spot for us to enjoy ourselves!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I may or may not be obsessed with these lobby lights!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We did a lot of eating, shopping, and laughing. We may have also indulged in a few cocktails. The hotel is in the perfect location as it is across the street from Crabtree Mall and relatively close to downtown. Tony joined me for some afternoon cocktails while we waited for the girls. They have redone their bar/restaurant from a "typical" somewhat boring hotel fare to a Southern-inspired dining experience called 'Braise' </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> They have an awesome cocktail menu that uses a lot of bourbons. If you read this blog at all then you know how much I adore my bourbon! I enjoyed my prosecco based option but after I tasted Tony's whiskey based libation, I realized I chose wrong. Joel ( I hope I got his name correct because he is the nicest and our entire crew spent half our time drooling as he looks as good as his drinks. hahaha) He named this one 'Height of Fashion" and as a cocktail creator who spends way to much time coming up with names, I was left with name envy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqlbDp1Uoiyolt3-na31ZkDssgeeIhifqVADngJ6FXqwlBBM2nX6BpyYl81uFLc0NmIPmibahNxdTGMOXUpmgmSDJLm6o9YPobSn2cHt2bRteb5bZIf30la3APJUUEQBJCBjb-iEF8qsk/s1600/crabtree+cocktails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqlbDp1Uoiyolt3-na31ZkDssgeeIhifqVADngJ6FXqwlBBM2nX6BpyYl81uFLc0NmIPmibahNxdTGMOXUpmgmSDJLm6o9YPobSn2cHt2bRteb5bZIf30la3APJUUEQBJCBjb-iEF8qsk/s640/crabtree+cocktails.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alas, the gals arrived and we got straight to work with making cocktails and getting our shopping on. Five women can do a lot of damage in a very short time! The best part about our suite was that it was not a typical suite. We had the hospitality suite in the middle, flanked by our rooms on either side. I am not a big fan of wallpaper but I loved the one they chose. Plus, I had a crush on the sofa. I also love that they have a smart tv and can just catch up on any of my binges!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ladies and I spent way too much time laughing and making snap chat videos. Yes, this is what middle aged woman who are too cool for school ( yes, I legitimately just typed that;) do to bide their time. Then we gorged ourselves on the awesome chocolate covered strawberries and champagne from the hotel. They have many additions to complete your stay at the hotel and make it memorable. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That night we headed to one of my favorite Raleigh dinner spots: Relish. It may not be very "chic" or even "trendy" but oh my gosh the food really is just to die for and it was a quick five-minute drive from the hotel. Or, more accurately, it is if you don't get lost because your GPS is a big fat liar. oops. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We headed towards downtown which is about a fifteen-minute ride from the hotel but I would recommend you take an uber. Parking downtown is the worst and it probably wouldn't be more than 5 bucks or so for the uber. Then, upon our return, we ended our night we cheesecake and since they are incorporating more Southern cuisine into the restaurant, the cheesecake option was banana pudding cheesecake! Yes, you read that correctly. Banana. Pudding. Cheesecake. Also, I hate bananas and somehow this was divine!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All in all, we had a fabulous stay at the new Mariott Crabtree and our weekend hitting up some of my favorite Oak City stops: <a href="https://www.relishraleigh.com/">Relish</a>, <a href="https://www.moonandlola.com/">Moon & Lola</a>, Cameron Village, and C. Grace! If you are looking to visit Raleigh, I definitely recommend it. Or, if like me, you want a staycation, it is great. I cannot wait to return this summer once the pool is open!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-40743656313909986222017-03-01T00:00:00.000-05:002017-03-01T00:00:00.366-05:00March Madness Giveaway<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21900" height="640" src="https://mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MARCH-MADNESS-2017-2-1.jpg" width="640" /></h2>
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March Madness <span style="color: red;">$200</span> Giveaway - PayPal Cash or Amazon GC!</h2>
March Madness is usually associated with basketball! But March also has some other fun events like St. Patrick’s Day which brings up images of all sorts of beer parties. March also ushers in the 1st day of Spring and Spring Breaks from school which are themselves a bit of madness. March also begins daylight savings time which can make us all crazy. I get the gardening itch and also want to get outside and do “normal” things minus the snow! What does March Madness mean to you?<br />
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A group of fabulous bloggers have come together to bring one lucky reader a March Madness $200 Giveaway - Winners choice of PayPal Cash or Amazon GC! This is a blogger sponsored giveaway which means the bloggers have donated towards the cost of this giveaway! You will the blogger sponsors as entries on the Rafflecopter form.<br />
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March Madness $200 Giveaway - PayPal Cash or Amazon GC</h3>
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Open <em>worldwide</em> and ends March 15, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST.</div>
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Organized by <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/">My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life</a></div>
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<strong>Enter on the Rafflecopter below:</strong></div>
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<span class="s1">Disclaimer: This blog did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway and there is a limit of one entrant per household. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning are determined by the number of valid </span><span class="s2">entries</span><span class="s1"> received. Winner will be chosen by <a href="http://random.org/"><span class="s3">Random.org</span></a> and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner(s) will be chosen if original winner(s) has not responded within 48 hours of email notification.<a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/">My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life</a> is responsible for shipment of prize. This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or other social media outlet. Disclaimer is posted in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-78607150602204053682017-02-28T18:38:00.000-05:002017-02-28T18:38:46.565-05:00We All Need Some Good Vibes<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend The Mister and I visited one of our favorite places: Asheville! I could go on and on about how fantastic Asheville is and how you must visit, but I will save that for later this week. For now, here were a few sites with quotes that we stumbled onto and I just loved! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully everyone had a wonderful weekend. The weather in North Carolina has been perfect the last few weeks and I have enjoyed being outside.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-84644999405728127942017-02-14T08:20:00.000-05:002017-02-15T08:20:52.866-05:00Happy Love Day<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been a long and tumultuous journey since my car accident back in September. I am so excited to finally be back on the road to blogging and have tons of trips, tips, cocktails, and yummy eats to share with you guys in the next few weeks. </span><div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This past weekend we traipsed around the Alleghany Mountains of Virginia and will be sharing all about that trip soon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the meantime, this was one of my favorite photos I captured, just as the sun was setting. "Virginia is for lovers" has been the slogan in my home state for as long as I can remember and one of my favorite things they have around the state is the differing love signs. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope everyone had a good day of "love" and a fabulous wee</span>kend!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-31437522287704768872016-12-23T10:26:00.004-05:002017-02-02T18:33:39.737-05:00Whimsy Cocktails: Bonfire Nights<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you read this blog at all then you know that bourbon is my go-to libation. I usually prefer it neat but when paired with ingredients that showcase its flavor well, then I am all about some bourbon cocktails! This concoction conjures up thoughts of chilly nights in the fall or winter, sitting fireside. It will warm you up quickly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This may be one of my new favorites and it was so simple to create! The bourbon meshed well with the tang from the blood orange and the sweetness from the maple syrup. I am so excited to show you my creation for the <a href="https://www.stirrings.com/" target="_blank">Stirrings </a>Cocktail Contest and I hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stirrings has so many flavor options you can use to create a unique cocktail and you can barely tell you are using a mixer. <a href="https://www.stirrings.com/" target="_blank"> Stirrings</a> mixers are far smoother than the average cocktail mixer! I also love that they have multiple flavor options to rim your glass with. I chose the cosmopolitan flavor for this particular drink and added a little cinnamon to it to incorporate the season.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bonfire Nights</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 to 3 oz of Stirrings Blood Orange Mixer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 oz bourbon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp maple syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 to 2 oz of Hard Cider</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stirrings Cosmopolitan Sugar </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> First get your glass. On a plate, pour a little maple syrup and run the edge of the glass through it. Then, slowly rim the top of the glass in the sugar, going in a circle to make sure the whole rim is covered in the sugar. Fill with ice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine the Stirrings mixer, the bourbon, and the maple syrup. Shake well and pour into your sugar rimmed glass. Top with hard cider. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few notes to make this perfect. I recommend you use pure maple syrup, no 'knockoff' syrup will do;) You can adjust the amount of <a href="https://www.stirrings.com/" target="_blank">Stirrings</a> mixer you want to your taste, I also would not use more than 1 or 2 oz of hard cider to top it off with, that will dilute the true taste of the drink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can find Stirrings at Harris Teeter, Total Wines, and more! Follow them along on www.facebook.com/stirrings www.twitter.com/stirringsmixers, www.instagram.com/stirrings and discover some more drool-worthy recipes at www.pinterest.com/stirringsmixers </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">#StirringsMixologyContest</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**I was supplied with Stirrings Mixers and Sugars for this contest but all opinions are my own. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-32542255794309490262016-11-02T10:52:00.002-04:002016-11-02T10:52:41.300-04:00Falling For KitchenAid Giveaway!I am so excited to be participating in this amazing giveaway. My Kitchenaid changed everything for me in the kitchen, it makes baking so much simpler! Read below to find out how you can win this fabulous prize!<br />
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<img alt="fallling-for-k" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-21031" height="640" src="https://mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fallling-for-K-724x724.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Falling for KitchenAid Giveaway</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Organized by: <a href="https://mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/">My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life</a></strong></div>
I am so excited to bring you this KitchenAid Giveaway! This event is a Blogger Sponsored Event which means the bloggers listed below have donated to cover the cost of this 5 qt Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer!<br />
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<strong>Thanks to the following bloggers for helping to make this event possible: </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://blackberrybabe.com/">Blackberry Babe</a>, <a href="http://www.couponsandfreebiesmom.com/">Coupons and Freebies Mom</a>, <a href="http://monicasrrr.blogspot.com/">Monica's Rants Raves and Reviews</a>, <a href="http://mooreorlesscooking.com/">Moore or Less Cooking</a>, <a href="http://kellysluckyyou.com/">Kelly's Lucky You</a>, <a href="http://vegetarianmamma.com/">Vegetarian Mamma</a>, <a href="http://scrumptiousmoms.com/">Scrumptious Moms</a>, <a href="http://ameessavorydish.com/">Amee's Savory Dish</a>, <a href="http://conservamome.com/">Conserva Mom</a>, <a href="http://littlehousebigalaska.com/">Little House Big Alaska</a>, <a href="http://www.thewhimsyone.com/">The Whimsy One</a>, <a href="http://dorkysdeals.com/">Dorky's Deals</a>, <a href="http://inezbydesign.com/">Inez By Design</a> and <a href="http://www.pinoyrecipe.net/">Pinoy Recipe</a>.</strong></div>
One lucky reader will soon be mixing up all kinds of goodies with this Kitchenaid 5qt Artisan Stand Mixer! The winner will have a large selection of colors to choose from, so if you aren't into Persimmon you can choose your own color!<br />
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<em><strong>ABOUT THE PRIZE:</strong></em><br />
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<strong>KitchenAid Tilt-Head 5 qt Artisan Stand Mixer</strong><br />
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Product Features<br />
• Tilt-head mixer style for clear access to the beater and bowl<br />
• All-metal construction ensures long-life<br />
• Direct drive transmission for durability<br />
• Pouring shield minimizes ingredient splash-out and flour-puff<br />
• 10-speed slide control ranges from a very fast whip to a very slow stir<br />
• High-performance, 67 point planetary mixing action insures ingredients are thoroughly mixed without frequent scraping or rotating bowl<br />
• 9-cup flour power<br />
• 5-quart mixing bowl capacity with contoured bowl handle<br />
• Multi-purpose attachment hub<br />
• Assembled in the USA<br />
• 1yr free of charge warranty<br />
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Includes<br />
• Professional wire whip<br />
• White flat beater<br />
• ‘C’ dough hook kneads yeast dough for bread and pizza recipes<br />
• Clear pouring shield with enlarged chute for easy addition of ingredients<br />
• 5-quart stainless-steel bowl with contoured handle<br />
• Instruction book and 26 full-color recipes<br />
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[<a href="https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM150PSSM-Artisan-5-Quart-Metallic/dp/B000VUUEN2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1477675342&sr=8-4&keywords=5%2Bqt%2Bkitchenaid%2Bstand%2Bmixer&refinements=p_89%3AKitchenAid&th=1">View full product details here at Amazon</a>]<br />
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<strong>Falling for KitchenAid Giveaway Details:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>This giveaway closes November 14, 2016 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.</li>
<li>Open WorldWide!</li>
<li>The prize will be available to US only. If the winner is from outside of the US they will be paid the cash value of the prize via PayPal.</li>
<li>We'd love you to like us on Facebook.</li>
</ul>
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Enter on the Rafflecopter below:</h3>
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="36c4b9c7227" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/36c4b9c7227/" id="rcwidget_giujr1zk" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span class="s1">Disclaimer: This blog and any participating blogs did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway and there is a limit of one entrant per household. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning are determined by the number of valid </span><span class="s2">entries</span><span class="s1"> received. Winner will be chosen by <a href="http://random.org/"><span class="s3">Random.org</span></a> and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner will be chosen if original winner has not responded within 48 hours of email notification. This blog and other participating bloggers are not responsible for shipment of prize. <a href="http://www.mydairyfreeglutenfreelife.com/">My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life </a>is responsible for all shipping costs related to prize. This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or other social media outlet. Disclaimer is posted in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-28926876854773202392016-09-29T07:01:00.000-04:002016-09-29T12:22:04.513-04:00Weekending At Duke<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When people think of Duke University, basketball is what often comes to mind. To others, a top ten university or they link it with the hospital, which is a world-renowned academic medical center. I am not sure how many would actually consider it to be a destination of choice for a weekend getaway, as staying on a college campus is probably not the first idea that pops into people's mind when planning a respite. I am hoping to change that thought process. Plus, If you are local to the area, these are all spots you can visit throughout the year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If I am honest, I am somewhat biased in my opinion of all things Duke. I've worked part time in athletics for fourteen years. My husband holds a master's degree from the Pratt School of Engineering. He has worked on the campus for the past thirteen years and there is the small detail of getting engaged at half court in Cameron. So yes, I have a connection to Duke and hold it in high esteem but lest you think I am simply trying to sway you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You should probably know my allegiance is to The University of Virginia;) "Wahoowa"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With that said, let's start on why you should start thinking of a stay at Duke for you next weekend getaway, staycation, or if you are a parent coming in to visit your kids who are students at Duke...there is a lot more to do on campus than just watch a game of hoops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For our 13th anniversary, we were able to snag a room at the luxurious and award-winning <a href="https://www.washingtondukeinn.com/" target="_blank">Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club l</a>ocated right on campus and this year was voted the top <a href="http://www.collegerank.net/best-college-hotels/" target="_blank">college hotel.</a> The inn sits on 300 beautiful acres and the rooms are elegant and welcoming. The staff is top notch and goes above and beyond to ensure you have a lovely stay. Washington Duke Inn has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award for sixteen consecutive years and their restaurant, Fairview Dining Room is one of only two in the state of North Carolina that boasts AAA Four Diamond award. I cannot recommend a stay at this fabulous inn enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For your trip, I am including multiple Duke sights and a few eateries that may not be on campus, but they are very close and delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Possible Weekend Itinerary</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4pm: Check In</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5pm </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Order libations at Bull Durham Bar. If the weather is still nice, slip onto the veranda and sip your cocktails with a view of the stunning golf course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6pm </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can head down to 9th street. If you want a steak dinner; check out Metro 8 Steakhouse. It is an intimate Argentian steakhouse. I love their chimichurri steak but my favorite thing on their menu is their Proveleta. Grilled provolone topped with tomatoes, oil, and spices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">if you are looking for something a little more casual but without losing a thing on service or taste, hop across the street and check out Juju. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Durham. Amazing cocktails and entrees but you must save room for dessert because their chocolate mousse peanut cup is divine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">730 pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Catch a production at the Duke University theater or if nothing is showing while you are on your visit, head over to Bright Leaf Square and walk around, perhaps stop into Satisfaction and grab a cocktail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sat morning</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7 am</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Golf on the grand course or if you are not a golfer, stroll around campus enjoying the gorgeous buildings. Or, if you are like me, find yourself watching some tv and being lackadaisical in the comfy beds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10:30 am </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Start your day off in the Fairview Dining Room and enjoy their spectacular brunch. I am a lover of french toast and they serve up one of the best versions I have ever had the opportunity to indulge in: Challah Bread dredged in crushed cornflakes served with an SC peach compote and your choice of bacon or sausage. I am finding myself drooling just thinking about how scrumptious it was. I have it on authority ( just trust me;) that the eggs benedict (prosciutto, tomato, asparagus, and local goat cheese) will also have your mouth watering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1:00 pm</span></b><br />
<a href="http://nasher.duke.edu/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Duke's Nasher Museum of Art </span></i></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Museum is located on campus and houses more than 13,000 works of art. The collection contains more than 3,000 Pre-Columbian pieces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3:00 pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Monuts</i>. Located on 9th street, Monuts is home to some of the most delectable donuts you will ever have the pleasure to eat. The donuts change every day but they usually offer around 8 varieties. This is the perfect afternoon snack and break before heading back to campus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 pm </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sarah P Duke Gardens</i> One of my favorite places on campus ( and actually one of my favorite in all of The Triangle) The flowers are so lovely and a visit to these enchanting gardens are a must. The gardens are approximately 55 acres and are divided into four areas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">730pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dinner.</i> Once you have stopped back at the hotel to freshen up, enjoy dinner in the Fairview Dining Room or pop back over to 9th St/Main St and have dinner at the delicious Parazide. Their food is excellent, but I am partial to their cocktails and dessert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Relax back at the hotel or see if you can catch a movie at the Carolina Theater, completed in 1926. They may also have a theater production going on. We were lucky enough to catch Aziz Anzari doing stand up a few years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sunday</span></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">930 am</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Central Campus, you can grab some chicken & waffles at Dames Express. They're almost famous;) Or, if the line is too busy, head over to Elmo's Diner off of 9th street, just be prepared for a wait at either place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>noon</b>: Check out of Washington Duke Inn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 pm </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lemur.duke.edu/" target="_blank">The Duke Lemur Center</a></i> is a must. The DLC is an 85-acre sanctuary for Prosimian Primates and is the largest of its kind in the world. They offer daily tours and each tour lasts approximately an hour. The current colony consists of between 250-300 primates, representing 25 species. The tour is very informative although I do suggest that you purchase the bug repellent wipes they offer! This was a very neat experience and one I fully endorse checking out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Head back over and meander your way around West Campus. Check out the newly renovated Wallace Wade Stadium where the football team plays before making your way to the famed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Indoor_Stadium" target="_blank">Cameron Indoor </a>Stadium. Take a few photos out front and walk around to Krzyzewskiville where the students tent before games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4pm</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tour <i><a href="https://chapel.duke.edu/" target="_blank">Duke Chapel</a></i> or stay for one of their musical performances. This is one of the most impressive sites on campus and is the center of West Campus. The Chapel is in collegiate gothic style and stands 210 feet high. It was completed in 1935 and was restored last year before reopening in May. There are three pipe organs, one consisting of more than 5,000 pipes! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There truly is so much to do and see on your visit to Duke!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5055333953475660060.post-27671049667298831782016-08-29T08:55:00.002-04:002016-08-30T15:40:03.697-04:00Hawks Nest & New River Gorge, WV<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This weekend I was able to head to the gorgeous area of Hawks Nest State Park and New River Gorge in "Wild and Wonderful" West Virginia. We left from Durham on Friday night and it was about a 5-hour drive. Jean had asked me to join her for a very meaningful and important task and I was quite honored to go. Our drive was just gorgeous...or, I am sure it was but it was pitch black outside so we weren't able to tell until waking up Saturday;)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a little GPS snafu but after stopping for directions found the lodge located in the state park. We were slightly nervous we may be sharing a bed and as we got off the elevator and saw a men's room and a women's room, we readied for the mindset of shared bathrooms. Once Jean opened the door to our room she quipped "good news. Two beds and our own bathroom!!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lodge was built in the 70's and it shows but the rooms were nice and clean and the beds were super comfy. I noticed we had a balcony and wondered if we would have a great view. Once we woke up, I was not disappointed and was greeted with a majestic view of the gorge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We got breakfast and whatever you do...skip the lodge restaurant. Blech isn't even a strong enough word.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After we checked out we realized that the tram to the bottom of the gorge and base of the river was actually located on the lower level of the lodge. Doesn't get any more convenient than that! It is $25 for both the tram ride and the half hour river boat tour. We really enjoyed both. We were able to see the train trestle and the dam/tunnel and then he took us back to the real highlight of the New River, the bridge. It is the 3rd largest single span bridge in the world and the 4th tallest in the US at 876 feet. The bridge is quite the show stopper and my pictures cannot truly do it justice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After our river cruise ( which I definitely recommend, we went fast and saw amazing sites, plus Rick, the owner, and his wife were funny and one of my favorite parts of the weekend) we stopped at an overlook, which was splendid and awe inspiring. The most fun part was that across the street from the overlook was a covered shelter and they had a wedding reception set up. By far the nicest shelter I have ever seen, complete with a gorgeous fireplace.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After this, we headed towards the bridge to get a better view from the top. We then drove over the bridge to the adorable town of Fayetteville and this is where our food choices took an upswing and I was able to indulge in one of the better pizzas I have ever had. We stopped into Pies & Pints and what a delicious surprise. I got the white pizza with goat cheese and steak. Divine and Jean ordered the most unique pizza combo I have ever heard of: Grapes and Gorgonzola! She raved about it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We then walked around Fayetteville a little bit, taking in the small town charm. We came upon a few more food options that looked scrumptious and were packed... so small town Fayetteville turned out to be a foodie paradise.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you a planning a trip to this area, a stay at the lodge was fun. It was nothing fancy but the location was perfect and the beds were comfy. You will find more hotel options in a half hour radius. This area is known for kayaking, zip lining, and white water rafting. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is in the fall!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6