Ok…so I’m a little delayed in getting this recipe to you guys and I get there’s no way you’re going to fit this into your already packed and hectic Easter weekend but here’s the truth – I totally had a FAIL on the first one! It happens y’all. This is my first time working with yeast and rising dough and sometimes it just takes practice. Good news is that while the first one didn’t turn out as pretty as I was hoping, it still tasted AMAZING and there was no complaining in this household when I said, “Well…we’re just going to try that one again!” And BAM. Not only did it turn out beautiful but I also was able to test some theories I had from my flaws on the first one that I can now share with you. So here we go, this yummy and beautiful Cinnamon Twist Wreath by Chatelaine.
Tag: breakfast
Easter Brunch Tablescape
We recently went to visit my parents and I learned two things: 1. flying with a toddler during their nap time is both stupid and one of the most stressful things ever (why did we think that would be ok again?) and 2. playing with my mom’s china is my grownup version of dress up. Literally within moments of recovering from the worst plane flight ever, I spotted my mom’s beautiful vintage china and said, “I’ll be doing an Easter brunch table setting. Cool?”
Garden Brunch Tablescape
Brunch is definitely different with a kiddo. Those days of sleeping in until 11am, stumbling to our favorite brunch spot and indulging in bottomless mimosas are long gone. These days it’s more like rise and shine at 6:30, down our coffee, scarf some food down (I suggest Southwestern Breakfast Muffins :)) and then have our friends over to the house to indulge in the second breakfast of the day before putting the little one down for her nap so I can enjoy a couple mimosas. Ya…it’s definitely different but I gotta tell ya…I love my new style of brunching. Partly because I love being able to eat breakfast twice in one day but mostly because it allows me to stick to my 8pm bedtime…I am not ashamed.
Banana Bread & Gift Wrap
I have a confession y’all…I hate bananas. Even more odd…I love making banana bread. Right? Such a contradiction. Here’s the deal: from a very young age I would complain to my parents that bananas made my mouth itch. However, this weird itching thing didn’t lend itself to showing up on an allergy test so my parents chalked it up to this little girl being her dramatic self and just not liking bananas. So be it. But I still stand by my complaint – bananas make my mouth itch and I will not eat them. As much as I personally despise the fruit…my little girl has given me a new appreciation for them. They’re natures easiest food – soft for the early eater, loaded with nutrients and no packaging required. And thanks to banana breads, I can always get the most out of my bananas without ever having to eat them. I’ll take it…just don’t make me eat it.
Strawberry Hearts
I know it’s not quite strawberry season just yet but nothing can stop Valentine’s Day from covering fruit in chocolate to convince everyone they’re getting a healthy goodie right? See …it’s not me…it’s that tricky Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day. Regardless, Trader Joe’s has my strawberries and I had an idea I just HAD to try. And now I just HAVE to share it with yall! I present to you…drumroll please…strawberry hearts!
Paleo Southwestern Breakfast Muffins
LAST WEEK OF WHOLE30!! If you are scratching your head about what the heck Whole30 is check out It’s Not A Diet…It’s A Challenge. If you are scratching your head about why the extra exclamation point is needed let me explain. I am not only finally on the upswing of Whole30 (so many victories happening!) but also only one week away from a nice little celebratory cocktail after 30 days of NO ALCOHOL…and did I mention I had a toddler? Ya, I’m ready for a drink.
The Best Pumpkin Cookies You’ll Ever Eat
That’s a loaded title…I know. But ask any of my friends and they will tell you, “If it has pumpkin, Melissa will eat it.” So it’s no surprise that I’ve already gone through an embarrassing amount of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice this season. But it has all been worth it because I have finally hit the jackpot when it comes to pumpkin cookies! These have been adapted from one of my new favorite bloggers, Lauren’s Latest, who shares my love for all things pumpkin and pretty food pics – hers are gorgeous. A forewarning, the art of these coming out perfect is in the timing so pay attention and you won’t be disappointed!
Scrumptious Mini Apple Pies
Think summer time, think 4th of July, think Memorial Day, think Labor Day, think back-to-school, think teacher appreciation day. I can come up with countless reasons to make apple pies and countless recipes to try. These mini apple pies happen to be my fave. Probably because of the streusel topping (because who doesn’t need a second helping of brown sugar and butter?) but also because they are so darn cute! Not to mention – bite size always seems to make serving and eating oh-so-easy.