Beef Tenderloin With Braised Onions For Your Holiday Dinner

Growing up, Christmas Eve was the holiday dinner around the table in my house. My mom would create a wonderful menu, I would set the table with my sister and Grandmom Funch would arrive from New York, with her car filled with gifts, to stay over for the big night. The dinners were warm, cozy, full of anticipation and always incredibly tasty.

To this day I love hosting Christmas Eve dinner – the night when the magic is so real you can feel it in the air. The question of what is to come is lingering and gathering friends and family around the table to celebrate at the peak of the magical Christmas season.

I love to try new recipes for Christmas Eve dinner and it’s my chance to make a special meal full of rich flavors and combinations. This year it will be Beef Tenderloin with Braised Onions and Thyme for my holiday dinner and I can not wait!

The table will be set with my red and green Johnson Brothers Christmas tree dinnerware, green glassware and rustic silver flatware. For the flowers, my favorite seeded Eucalyptus with a twist – no vase needed. Simply clip the branches and place them on the table down the center as your centerpiece and your serving platters. Place a single pinecone at each placesetting, add a few green glass votives for additional ambience and you are done with the Christmas Eve tablescape.

A hostess note for serving beef – specifically tender prime cuts of beef – do not over cook your meat. I prefer to sear the outside to get a nice crust and then place in the oven to be cooked through. I also prefer my tenderloin to be served rare so I can appreciate all the flavor – of course be sure to use a meat thermometer when cooking and bring it up to temperature. It is super easy to further cook individual slices if guests prefer medium or well done, simply either place it briefly back in the oven or sear it on the stove top.

Serve your beef tenderloin on a long white platter with several slices ready, a bunch of thyme springs and butter sautéed hericovert for a touch of color. The tenderloin will most likely continue to loose it’s juices so be sure your serving platter has edges to save your tablecloth!

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to sides for your tenderloin but I love the traditional flavors of onions or mushrooms, especially in the winter months. Try thyme and wine-braised onions and a side of garlic herb cheese – amazing combination perfect for the holidays, or really any time of the year!

[yumprint-recipe id=’19’]

If you like this beef recipe you are going to LOVE all the recipes the Beef Website has to offer. They even have an entire section of beef entrees ready for you to incorporate beef into your holiday dinner! Learn more on the Florida Beef website.

Founded in 1961 as the Florida CowBelles, Inc., the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW) conduct and participate in a variety of activities that can be summed up in their Purpose: To foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council.

Please visit + like the Florida CattleWomen Facebook Page. to learn more about the wonderful organization, the women involved and what they are serving this holiday season! Florida CattleWomen on Facebook.

Win A Holiday Dinner For Your Family!

$250 Gift Certificate – congratulation Gladys H. on winning!!

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by the Florida CattleWomen Inc. the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas are all my own.

December 8, 2015December 30, 2015

Holiday Party Appetizer Idea: Mini Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Beef + Couscous

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” right? Except you have a million things to get done before the magic can really begin and that’s on top of attending holiday parties, gift wrapping and or course don’t forget, you still have to decorate your own home and tree. How about combining a few of your holiday tasks by hosting a Christmas Tree Trimming Party! In my opinion it is THE easiest way to see your friends AND ensure your tree is decorated well before Santa comes sliding down the chimney after Christmas Eve dinner.

{ visit The Florida CattleWomen on Facebook to learn more about how they are celebrating this year}

I know, you might be thinking – Put another party on calendar? Won’t that add to my to-do list rather than take things off? Yes. And no. While it may add a few items to your list, it is guaranteed to take more off then put on. Here are my top suggestions for planning a tree trimming party::

Don’t Over Think It.
Tree trimming parties can be super casual get together, no need to pull out the party dress yet. It is a way to gather friends and neighbors to get the party started early in the season. Keep the tablescape decor simple by placing everything on a tray to be moved from the kitchen to the living room. A simple vase with white Tulips and seeded Eucalyptus looks festive but not over done.

Keep The Menu Simple.
Your guests will be busy hanging ornaments and chatting but you will want to offer a few easy bites. Try something that can easily be made ahead of time then heated up right before guest arrive. Put out a cheese board along with another easy to make appetizer like Mini Sweet Peppers stuffed with Beef + Couscous. How cute are they in their festive red!

Let Guests Serve Themselves.
No need to set a full table. These people are here to work! Place your appetizers out on the coffee table along with small plates and napkins. For this type of gathering I prefer to serve recipes that don’t require utensils – one or two bites is perfect with a small side plate. Less to clean up at the end of the night!

[yumprint-recipe id=’18’]

If you like this beef appetizer recipe you are going to LOVE all the recipes the Beef Website has to offer. They even have an entire section of appetizers ready for you to incorporate beef into your holiday parties! Learn more on the Florida Beef website.

Please visit + like the Florida CattleWomen Facebook Page to learn more about the wonderful organization, the women involved and what they are serving this holiday season! Florida CattleWomen on Facebook.

Win A Holiday Dinner For Your Family!

$250 Gift Certificate – congratulations to Gladys H. on winning a $250 gift certificate from the Florida CattleWomen!

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by the Florida CattleWomen Inc. the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas are all my own.

December 3, 2015August 25, 2020

Champagne Selection + Pairing Ideas From My #ChampagneSisters

If you have been around here for any amount of time you know how much I love a glass of bubbly. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – they are all perfect occasions to pop open a bottle and fill up your flute. However, I find that I have been in a rut lately and am simply grabbing a bottle of one of my go to labels rather than branching out and try new vintages, regions and styles. So what is a girl to do when you are stuck in a rut and heading into the holiday entertaining season?? Ask your friends of course!!

So that is exactly what I did! I reached out to 10 of my favorite Champagne Sisters for their take on Champagne selection tips, the best way to pair champagne and what champagne is currently their favorite bottle to open. I LOVED all their answers and I know you will to! So without further delay… let me introduce to you my Champagne Sisters!!

{NOTE: the list is purely in alphabetical order, no favs here. AND I have provided a live link to their websites in their title, head on over and learn all about these fab ladies. Just be sure to invite me to the next party. I promise to bring a bottle!}

Amanda Reboul of Tasting The Stars

Twitter: @thebubblediva
IG: thebubblediva

What is currently your favorite champagne? It’s so hard to pick a favourite – it’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! I find things to love in every champagne I try. However, lately I have really enjoyed a new grower champagne I have discovered from Vincent Brochet. Their 2002 vintage is exceptional. It’s from a small village in the Mountain de Reims, Ecueil, and the Pinots from there are to die for.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? I would have to say caviar – bubbles happening everywhere in your mouth! Big bubbles, little bubbles, firm bubbles, softer bubbles – it’s the best experience!

What are your champagne selection tips? Choosing the right champagne really depends on the occasion. If it is for a large party, when it is all about getting together with friends, it is better to choose a non-vintage champagne. If you are having a dinner party with about six to eight close friends, try to be more adventurous with selections. Try a blanc de blanc with a seafood starter, a rosé with a duck breast main, and a low dosage with dessert. Vintage champagnes should be kept for those times when you are with a couple of friends who really appreciate good champagne. It should be savoured and every drop appreciated.

Davon Hatchett of The Bubbleista

Twitter: @TheBubbleista

IG: TheBubbleista

What is currently your favorite champagne? For a bubbly obsessed girl like me, this question is akin to being asked to pick a favorite child (ha). Right now I’m loving anything Taittinger (especially Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc when I’m lucky enough to get my hands on it); the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection; and Laurent Perrier rosé. Also, about a month ago I stumbled across this incredible grower champagne that I fell in love with: Champagne Guy Larmandier Grand Cru “Signé Francois” Blanc de Blancs–so incredibly delicious!

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? Champagne is so versatile that I pair it with almost any and everything, but some of my favorite ways include champagne with hot, thin, salty, crispy french fries {salt + bubbles = divine}; with a big bowl of my mother’s Creole Louisiana gumbo filled with crab, shrimp, sausage, and chicken {champers balances the roux’s richness perfectly}; and I definitely believe in champagne with breakfast!

What are your champagne selection tips? Don’t be swayed solely by price alone. You can get really good champagne and all sorts of price points, so don’t presume that a $100 bottle is automatically better than a $40 bottle. Venture into grower champagnes! These artisanal sparklers are often vivacious and charming and can help you expand your palate with their unique flavor profiles.

Bri Seeley of Bri Seeley

Twitter: @BriSeeley
IG: IAmBriSeeley

What is currently your favorite champagne? I love Chandon. My pallet is usually more tied to experiential memories. I toured the Chandon winery a few years ago, and when I drink it now I can still feel the sun on my skin, the laughter with my friends, and the smile I had on my face all day long.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? With a gorgeous sunset! I live in Los Angeles and usually drink champagne on my rooftop. Sometimes alone and sometimes with company. But usually it’s watching the sunset and filling my heart with gratitude for the wonderful life I’ve created.

What are your champagne selection tips? Drink what works for you and what makes you happy. Everyone has a different pallet, so don’t necessarily listen to what someone tells you ‘should’ taste good – in the end you have to try a variety and decide what you like best.

Emily Ellyn of Emily Ellyn Productions

Twitter: @Emily_Ellyn
IG: Emily_Ellyn

Current favorite Champagne/sparkling wine? I love Iron Horse Blanc de Blanc as well as their Brut Rose! I have always enjoyed sipping on these sparkling wines, BUT they are really spectacular with food. The Blanc de Blanc is 100% Chardonnay and it is like a buttery piece of toast that radiates with it’s effervescence. The Brut Rose on the other hand is bold and vibrant and I like drinking it with food! Ham and eggs to a juicy steak.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? Champagne pairs with all food and puts all in a celebratory mood! Like I mentioned above a buttery toasty champagne pairs with all foods and looks so festive sipped in a coupe or flute. Cheers!

What are your champagne selection tips? How to buy Champagne, you ask? Remember the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald who said “…too much champagne is just right!” I’m toasting myself for being the hostess with the mostess and never having a dry party 😉

Eve Walkey of Glass of Bubbly

Twitter: @GlassOfBubbly
IG: glassofbubbly

What is currently your favorite champagne? That’s a very difficult question as I have so many favourites, though I did recently really enjoy a glass of Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 1988.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? I do enjoy Champagne with a selection of vegetarian sushi.

What are your champagne selection tips? I would advise speaking to your local wine merchant and not always thinking Grand Marques unless you are prepared to pay that little bit more for their vintages, sometimes a local wine merchant can have a very nice Grower Champagne which I do advise people to try.

Diana Hasenbalg of Wearing Memories

Twitter: @FrenchyBubbles
IG: FrenchyBubbles

What’s currently your favorite champagne? My favorite champagne is Any ….true brut from Reims

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? Straight up ….nothing else. Bien frappeé {well chilled}

What are your top champagne selection tips? Champagne is always the answer !

Kiron Barui of Wearing Memories

Twitter: @ChampagneMemori
IG: ChampagneMemories

What’s currently your favorite champagne? I love all champagnes the Belle Epoque 06 would have to be the best tasting prestige cuvee at the moment for a bottle that you can pull off the shelf and just drink — it is fresh and light and perfect for a hot Christmas in Australia.

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? I have just invented this new game where by you pop some caviar on the back of your hand and lick it, then sip on your champagne and then finally you suck down an oyster. It is like the lick, sip and suck we used to play with tequila but this is the lovely adult version with caviar, champagne and oysters.

What are your top champagne selection tips? Always choose what you like to drink. Rose is perfect with donuts, blanc de blanc is perfect with seafood and vintages should always be drunk in a more open glass and allowed to breathe. But most of all enjoy what you like, for there is a magic memory in every bottle popped.

Laurie Delk of Promiscuous Palate

Twitter: @100Beers30Days
IG: @CaliWineGal

What’s currently your favorite champagne? anything from Egly-Ouriet. They just blow me away.

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? oysters and sushi

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? talk to your Sommelier and wine shop about what style you like for the perfect pick! Do you like dry and lean? Yeasty, biscuity, and full bodied? Citrus driven? There is that yes bottle for every style and price point.

Mella Noir of Clink And Chat

Twitter: @ChampagneChat
IG: clinkandchat

What’s currently your favorite champagne? My current fave is Tendil et Lombardi Hyménée as it pairs perfectly with virtually everything yet is delicious alone as well…

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? What ISN’T?! I love it mixed with liqueurs, fresh juices as well as just crisp and cold all by its’ beautiful effervescent bubbly self! To pair with nibbles — I adore fruit, nuts, any kind of seafood, cheese (side note: MMMMMMM… Cheese!) As well as salty chips and caviar.

What are your top champagne selection tips? Try new kinds and ask your friends what their faves are! I find social media to be a great source of new brands to find, taste and then pass onto others!

Ro Davis of Traveling Flute

Twitter @TravelingFlute

What’s currently your favorite champagne? Perrier Jouet

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? I love to pair my champagne in a decadent beautiful flute, of course along with something sweet and something savory. My favorite Perrier Jouet, pairs well with beautiful cheeses and marcona almonds. For something savory, I like smoked salmon with a pairing of roasted root vegetables.

What are your top champagne selection tips?I would recommend that you always serve champagne in its proper flute. Never serve champagne in a wine glass, water goblet or paper cup. It takes away the flavor and effervescence of the bubbles.

** Thank you Mella of Clink And Chat for providing the featured image for this post as well as creating a fabulous Champagne community! Be sure to head over to Bubbly Talk Radio to listen in to our chat! CHEERS!!

November 22, 2015November 23, 2016

Creating an Easy Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

To me flowers make the table! I like to use unexpected vessels for my arrangements but occasionally they aren’t water tight. Here is my quick fix for that and a how-to for creating an easy holiday centerpiece with flowers and candles using a few of my favorite greens – Seeded Eucalyptus and Boxwood clippings as well as a mixture of colorful flowers – Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova, Purple Liatris and Orange Safflower Seed. Please feel free to use whatever flowers you find at the market or garden.

Although I mention specific flowers and greens in this article, and in the video, the real take away is that you can create a base for your arrangements using any vessel that inspires you with just a few items you may even have around your home. Use this as an inspiration and let your creativity run wild!

Creating a Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

SUPPLIES

oasis, wet floral foam
Ziploc style baggies – 1 gallon size or larger
2 taper candles
Stick Um
Fiskar garden clippers
Assorted Greens + Florals used in this arrangement:
- Seeded Eucalyptus
- Ornamental Cabbage or Flowering Kale heads
- Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova
- Purple Liatris
- Orange Safflower Seed
- Boxwood clippings

METHOD

Cut your oasis foam block in half and soak in water overnight to completely saturate with water.
Push your candle holders into the oasis foam deep enough to hold them straight and secure. If you are not using small candle holders the taper candles may be push directly into the oasis to ensure the stay upright.
Place each block into a water tight bag and roll down the edges so they are just above the top of the block but are below the top of your decorative vessel. Place block and bag into vessel, add the candles and center in the vessel.
Begin to cut and place Eucalyptus branches along the outside edge, be sure the cut ends are deep into the oasis for hydration and so the are secure. Insert large Ornamental Cabbage heads into oasis to create the main body of your arrangement. Cut and insert Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova and Orange Safflower Seeds then fill in with Boxwood Clippings.

This flower and candle arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or it can easily be updated for any entertaining opportunity that occurs at your home during the winter and Christmas entertaining season. Simply adjust the color pallet coordinate with your seasonal decor or tablescape as needed.

My Boxwood + Besties tablescape with my Roasted Butternut Squash + Cauliflower Soup recipe, perfect for entertaining friend during the holiday season has also been featured on The Inspired Home website.

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

* * * * *

November 1, 2015April 12, 2022

Krayl’s Easy Holiday Cheese Board {#SundaySupper}

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (5)

The holidays are almost here – literally they are only weeks away – and if you are considering entertaining at home now is the time to begin your holiday party menu. It may seem early but the sooner you pick your top go to appetizers the more relaxed you will feel about heading into the year’s most popular entertaining season.

May I suggest putting an easy holiday cheese board at the top of your go to recipe list.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #EntertainingAtHome (3)

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlancom #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (6)

Cheese boards are super easy to pull together and when you offer items sweet and savor on the board you will please almost everyone in the crowd.

To create an easy holiday cheese board begin with a gorgeous wooden, or marble, board large enough to hold your cheeses – or consider two wooden boards, one to hold the cheeses and the other to hold the crackers and breads. Build your cheese board around a center of colorful grapes in the center, then placing 3 or four cheeses around them faces each corner for easy reach.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #EntertainingAtHome (1)

On the second board place a selection of crackers and candied nuts for crunch. I like to offer the a variety of sweet and savory spreads to accompany the cheese board – place them in small vessels with serving spoons.

Here are my suggestions for an easy holiday cheese board::

Two varieties of soft cheese :: brie, double cream, blue, goat cheese
Two varieties of hard cheese :: aged gouda, cheddar, manchengo
Fruits :: grapes, berries, pomegranate seeds
Spreads :: honey, fig butter, olive tamponade,
Breads + Crackers :: water crackers, crusty Italian, rosemary crackers

The above are suggestions and as long as you provide a mix of textures and flavors you really can’t go wrong when you build a holiday cheese board. Be sure to put out cheese knives, small spoons and spreaders as well as small plates and napkins for your guest.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (4)

What are you favorite things to put on a holiday cheese board??? Let me know in the comments!

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations.To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

* * * * *

Thank you Michelle De La Cerda-Nash, of The Complete Savorist and Valerie Cathell Clark, of Lifestyle Food Artistry, for hosting this weeks Sunday Supper Community post! Be sure to visit all my fellow contributors as they share their favorite recipes for Easy Holiday Entertaining.

Beverages

Caramel Coffee by Party Food & Entertaining
Christmas Cranberry Mojitos by Our Good Life
European-Style Hot Chocolate by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Peppermint Hot Chocolate by My San Francisco Kitchen
Pomegranate Sangria by The Redhead Baker
Spiced Hot Milk Brandy by Nosh My Way

Appetizers

Apple Cranberry Brie en Croute by The Crumby Cupcake
Beet Hummus by Soni’s Food
Christmas Cranberry Dip by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Festive Shrimp Bites by The Freshman Cook
Gluten Free Spinach Cheese Fondue by Fearless Dining
Hot Crab Dip by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Krayl’s Easy Holiday Cheese Board by An Appealing Plan
Mini Cheese Balls by Books n’ Cooks
Pear Proscuitto Arugula and Cheese Rounds by Food Done Light
Pull-apart Beer Bread with Mediterranean Vegetables by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Ranch Buffalo Chicken Dip by Table for Seven
Shrimp Puffs by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Smoked Salmon Dip by Palatable Pastime
Smoked Salmon Shooters by Amee’s Savory Dish
Spiced Nuts by Confessions of a Cooking Diva
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Dip by The Complete Savorist
Ultimate Taco Dip by Momma’s Meals

Main and Side Dishes

Fruited Wild Rice by Magnolia Days
Harvest Roast Chicken with Grapes, Olives, and Potatoes by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
La Grande Zuppa del Costiera Amalfitana (The Grand Soup of the Amalfi Coast) by Monica’s Table
Make ahead Parmesan Mashed Potatoes by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pasta With Duck Sugo by The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine

Desserts and Baked Goods

Apple Brown Betty by Curious Cuisiniere
Apple Panna Cotta by Caroline’s Cooking
Banana Coconut Lime Bundt Cake by Desserts Required
Chocolate Sheet Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Easy Pumpkin Dip by Wholistic Woman
Gluten Free Key Lime Tartlets by Gluten Free Crumbley
Grown Up Peppermint Bark with Sambuca by Lifestyle Food Artistry
Microwave Carob Fudge by Pies and Plots
Orange and Dark Chocolate Chunk Scones by The Texan New Yorker
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread by Ruffles & Truffles
Pumpkin Mousse Parfait by Brunch with Joy

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

March 1, 2015August 25, 2020

Navy Bean + Kale Soup Recipe {#SundaySupper}

White Navy Beans and chicken broth form the base of this soup made with fresh kale, celery, carrots and tomatoes. Simmer this Navy Bean and Kale Soup on the stove and warm up the kitchen as well as your family for dinner time.

According to lore…The navy bean got its current popular name because it was a staple food of the United States Navy in the early 20th century. These small white beans are available year-round in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Canned navy beans are also available year round at most markets.

Navy beans are small, pea-sized beans that are creamy white in color. They are mild-flavored beans that are dense and smooth.

NAVY BEAN + KALE SOUP

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, peeled finely diced
1 sweet white onion, peeled finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
3 sticks celery, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 – 28 ounce can peeled San Marazano tomatoes
3 cups navy beans, soaked or drained
3 sprigs thyme
1 quart {4 cups} chicken stock
4 cups water
1 pound small white potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 bunch kale, roughly cut into 1/2 inch wide ribbons
extra virgin olive oil, to serve
parmesan cheese, to serve
sourdough bread, to serve

METHOD

In a large saucepan, heat oil over a medium low heat and add onion, carrot, celery, chopped garlic and fennel seeds. Cover and cook stirring occasionally for approx 25 mins or until vegetables are very soft and sweet but not browned. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer, stir to break up tomatoes.

Add stock and water, bring to a simmer. Stir in thyme, drained beans, potatoes, kale and season well. Simmer, stirring periodically, for at least half an hour. Remove thyme sprigs.

Divide between warmed soup bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

Visit all the Sunday Supper Beantastic recipes this week and leave a comment to let them know what you like best about their recipe!

Beantastic Beginners:

Avocado Hummus by Our Good Life
Bean Ragoût and Crisped Mushrooms by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Black Bean Chili Nachos by Brunch with Joy
Chickpea Fries (Panisse) by Curious Cuisiniere
Five Layer Greek Hummus Dip by Food Done Light
Pizza Roasted Chickpeas by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
White Bean and Basil Spread by Peaceful Cooking

Bean-a-rific Soups and Stews:

Butternut Squash White Bean Soup by Magnolia Days
Chickpea and Bean Soup by Momma’s Meals
Classic Cassoulet by Food Lust People Love
Navy Bean & Kale Soup by An Appealing Plan
Navy Bean Soup by The Messy Baker
Slow Cooker Pork and Bean Stew by Nosh My Way
Kielbasa and White Bean Soup by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Spicy Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Soup by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen

Bean-a-licious Sides:

Bean and Cornbread Salad by MealDiva
Clams with Black Beans by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by Gluten Free Crumbley
Gold Rush Baked Beans by Lifestyle Food Artistry
Maple Brown Sugar Baked Beans by Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
Pinto Beans With Cornbread Croutons by Nik Snacks
Whiskey Bacon Baked Beans by Sew You Think You Can Cook

Incredi-bean Main Meals:

Arugula Tomato and Beans Flatbread by Family Foodie
Bean and Bacon Tacos by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Beefy Lima Bean Casserole by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Colombian Red beans – Frisoles Antioquenos by Palatable Pastime
Italian Beans and Greens by Simply Healthy Family
Honey-Lime Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos by The Chunky Chef
One Pot Tuscan Style Garlic Herb Pork Chops by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Orecchiette with White Beans and Swiss Chard by Delaware Girl Eats
Skillet Black Beans and Pork by Cooking Chat
Ultimate Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Pancake Warriors
White Bean Ragout, Frisèe, and a Fried Egg by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Amaze-beans Sweet Endings:

Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean Bark by Love and Confections
Flourless Almond Joy Cookie Dough Ball by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Flourless Mocha Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl
Gluten-Free Donuts by NinjaBaker
Pecan Praline Black Bean Brownies by Rhubarb and Honey
Soy Awesome Cookies 2.0 by What Smells So Good?
Strawberry Coco-Cacao Bean Smoothie by Dandelion Greens
Sweet Bean Pie by Shockingly Delicious
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee by Noshing With The Nolands

February 27, 2015January 22, 2017

Bailey’s Bonfire Spiked Warm Milk + Chocolate

Few things can warm you through to your toes after a day on the slopes like a Bailey’s Spiked Warm Milk. This version adds a toasted marshmallow sweetness to the top layer along with shaved dark chocolate. Sip as you watch the flurries out the window.

If you are feeling really decadent, try adding a dash of cardamom to the milk mixture or even drop a few chocolate chips in.

BAILEY’S BONFIRE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
large marshmallows
dark chocolate shavings

METHOD

In a small saucepan, add milk and Bailey’s. Turn on medium heat and let mixture warm up. Stir to combine and transfer to oven safe mugs fill only 3/4 full to leave room for the marshmallows

Turn oven broiler to low. Place 3 marshmallows on top of hot milk mixture and place mugs on a baking sheet under broiler. Keep the oven door open and watch your marshmallows. Do not walk away, they will quickly burn if not monitored. Once your marshmallows are a warm toasty color, carefully remove from heat with oven mitt.

Using a vegetable peeler shave, chocolate over top.

Enjoy!

February 14, 2015February 9, 2016

Pink Rustic Flower Arrangement

In this segment of An Appealing Plan TV I create a pink rustic floral arrangement perfect for a pink themed table, a girlfriends brunch or a romantic valentines meal for two.

Using a combination of pink flowers with various textures it is possible to create a romantic feeling centerpiece for your dining table or to be placed in any room of your home to add a natural beauty.

Allow the colors and textures of the flowers to dictate the feel of your arrangement rather than forcing it – this lends itself to an overall vintage tablesetting.

Using coordinating colors in your napkins, dinnerware and glassware brings a calm feel to the table and draws the eyes to the finer details and textures.

Add easy to make Ombre XOX sugar cookies to your table by placing them on a cakestand to add a visual interest.

December 30, 2014February 3, 2015

New Year’s Eve Champagne Cocktails

Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a large gathering or a more intimate evening for two, Champagne cocktails create a festive atmosphere that will last well past 12:01 am. Here are a few variations sure to add a signature touch to your evening, be sure to click through the links to see the full recipes!

{image + recipe courtesy of Kitchen Konfidence}

ST. GERMAIN + CHAMPAGNE

INGREDIENTS

St. Germain, chilled
Brut champagne (or any other dry sparkling wine), chilled

See full recipe :: Kitchen Konfidence

{image + recipe courtesy of Something Turquoise}

RASPBERRY SPARKLER

INGREDIENTS

Fresh raspberries
Raspberry liqueur
Brut champagne {or dry sparkling wine}, chilled

See full recipe :: Something Turquoise

Eager for more Champagne cocktail recipes? See Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail and Champagne Selection Tips

Looking for New Years Eve decorating or tablescape ideas? See How to Decorate for a New Years Eve Party and A Posh Table for New Years Eve.

November 25, 2014March 10, 2016

Holiday Decor Feature in Tampa Bay Metro Magazine

Recently I worked with Tampa Bay METRO Magazine to put together The Joy of Entertaining decor feature for the November/December 2014 Issue – you might recall my Posh New Year’s Chic table for two was featured last year. I was able to narrowed it down to 5 of my favorite tables for Fall + Holiday, from there we still needed to bring it down to only 3! Luckily I didn’t have to make the final cut, I love them all equally! Ronda Parag, Publisher and Managing Editor, selected her top 3 for the final spread – 2 fall tablescapes {fresh from being featured in the new book} and one never before released client holiday table. If you are in the area be sure to pick up a copy and let us know which one is your favorite!

Where noted photographers by Heather Stalker. Product sources available upon request.

See all the images selected by viewing online version on the Tampa Bay METRO Magazine website by clicking here.

So, which one is your favorite?? Start the conversation in the comments below.

October 28, 2014April 30, 2016

Holiday Planning Essentials Webinar: Harvest + Thanksgiving

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Planning a Harvest Dinner party? Or perhaps your are simply looking to bring this season of bounty into your home with seasonal decor.

As much as we love the holiday season it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to juggling work, family, the house and all the planning. You work hard, the last thing you want is to feel behind on planning the holiday details.

Let’s get a jump on the planning! Join me for a FREE Holiday Planning Essentials webinar with a focus on Thanksgiving + Harvest. Spaces are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today by visiting the webinar registration page here.

{This will be a group session but if you prefer to schedule a private session focusing on your specific needs please visit my services page to learn more about rates and availability.}