September 2016 Printable Calendar + Seasonal Inspiration

My September 2016 Seasonal Calendar is now available for your to download, print and add to your personal day planner or iCal, simply click here to grab yours and sign up for special updates.
SEPTEMBER 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar 750x

This month we celebrate Labor Day, Creating Fall Entranceways to Welcome visitors, Pumpkin Everything, Apple Dumpling Day, the First Day of Autumn and the always popular Elephant Appreciation Day!

Click on the image above and you will receive yours in your inbox asap! Plus you will begin to receive special updates I share with my newsletter community – sign up here.


Labor Day 2016 is Monday September 5th, 2016

Summers final celebration! See How to Create a Hot Dog Bar, my favorite Beach Party Must Haves, and make a refreshing Spiked Agua Fresca to welcome guests.

labor Day Weekend #Anappealingplan


Decorating with Pumpkins on Pinterest!

I have pulled together my favorite ways to decorate with pumpkins and am sharing them on Pinterest – check out my “Decorating with Pumpkins” board as I add more daily!

@AnAppealingPlan Fall Dinner Party White Pumpkins #CelebrateEveryday centerpiece 3

 


Apple Dumpling Day 2016 is Saturday September 17th, 2016

 


First Day of Autumn 2016 is Thursday September 22nd, 2016

Celebrate the season by decorating your entranceway with fall planters and decor, try new recipes including warming spices and all my favorite ways to celebrate Autumn!

Goodbye-Summer-Hello-Autumn on @KraylFunch

 


Elephant Appreciation Day 2016 is Thursday September 22nd, 2016

Elephant Appreciation Day September 22 on @KraylFunch

Peach Burrata Pizza {#SundaySupper}

Say it isn’t so… summer can’t be coming to a close already. Can it? My garden is full of basil and the markets are full of peaches and other summer produce waiting to be discovered. I had to find a way to bring my late summer favorites together in one recipe – enter my Peach Burrata Pizza Recipe. With or without prosciutto the flavor combination of sweet late summer peaches, creamy cool burrata, fresh basil and pepper arugula are perfect for serving with chilled white wine out on the patio with friends or as a mid-week dinner date with your husband. 

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch full peaches

It’s not my first time combining peaches and burrata but it is my first time pulling them together on a warm pizza crust and I am sold! The combination came to together based on one of my favorite pizza’s I first had in Atlantic City, New Jersey over 10 years ago. In a dark Italian restaurant, sitting at the bar with a friend we ordered an Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza not really knowing what we were getting into. From the first bite, the perfect combination of salty peppery goodness became a favorite and remains one to this day. I can’t help but to order it anytime it is on a menu.

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch on table

While the green arugula topped pizza is still my favorite, I have been looking for a new twists on it and with a container of burrata in my fridge just begging to be used up and a line of peaches ripening on the windowsill inspiration was easy to find. 

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch cut

 

KITCHEN TIPS::

Feel free to make your own pizza dough but for this recipe I used pre-made dough from the market. Store bought versions are easy to keep on hand and are perfect for a Sunday dinner or last minute weeknight supper.

Blue Cheese adds a bit of additional saltiness and works well with peaches however if you are sensitive to the flavor omit it in the recipe or replace it with feta.

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch with peaches

PEACH AND BURRATA PIZZA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough
salt and pepper, to taste
olive oil, for drizzling
1 cup fresh basil leaves, julianned
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
4-5 slices, proscuitto
8 ounces burrata cheese
2 cups baby arrugula leaves
additional basil micro greens

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven and pizza stone to 450 degrees F.

On a chilled surface lightly dusted with corn meal, roll the dough out until it is thin in a rectangle or circle, depending upon your pizza stone shape. Transfer the dough to pizza stone. Drizzle dough with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, top with basil leaves, blue cheese and peaches.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper lightly again. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden, the cheese has melted and the peaches have caramelized.

Remove from the oven and top with burrata slices. Allow the burrata to sit on the pizza and warm through, about 5 minutes. Top with prosciutto and arugula. Sprinkle on the basil microgreens and serve warm.


“As summer comes to a close, many of us find our gardens overflowing with red, ripe tomatoes and foot-long zucchini. At the market, fresh sweet corn, cucumbers and berries are plentiful and reasonably priced. Everywhere we look this time of year, we can find produce at its peak! As foodies, we have the natural instinct to stretch out the goodness of the season as far as we can. We do this by finding the best ways to preserve the harvest. Of course, when foodies think about preserving the harvest, our first though is canning. But, preservation can be done in so many other ways besides canning.” Join the Sunday Supper Community this week as we celebrate How to Harvest Summer.

A Special Thank You to Caroline of Caroline’s Cooking for hosting this week!!

Condiments

Main dishes

Sides

Snacks

Dessert

Beverage

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

Weekly Recap :: Krayl on Instagram August 27th

Happy Saturday!! 

This week behind the scenes on Instagram is full of images from a wild week of private client projects, time with friends, traveling to my favorite places and taking time to let the future in. I hope you will come on over and follow along on Instagram

Make space for your future quote on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunchIt’s been a crazy week with client projects, events, travel, time with friends and life in general. Now, I’m taking a few days to shut down, turn off the phone + computer and simply be. 💕

I can feel a change coming, not yet sure what it is but I’m ready and it’s time. Sometimes you need to clear space to allow your future to enter.
#MakeSpaceForYourFuture #BePresent

Krayl Funch on INstagram at the Standard High Line patio bar - lemon displayPretty sure I need this sign for my house.🍋🍋🍋

#fordisplayonly #12lemoncenterpiece #anappealingplan

Krayl Funch and Sara Peterson of HGTV at the Blogger Block PartyA pure pleasure to meet and chat with Sara Peterson, Editor in Chief of HGTV Magazine during the#BloggerBlockParty.  She was super sweet and even prettier in person!

Adding her to my girl crush list for sure!! How cute is that dress?!
I totally wanted to ask for the extra-large cover of the September issue to take home but chickened out… I did have the courage to ask for her to sign my copy of the issue. Don’t forget to pick up your copy and check out page 16 for my quote!!
#hgtvmagazine #hgtv

Krayl Funch on INstagram - Sunset on the Highline

When in doubt head to the @highlinenyc . Sunset over the Hudson. No filter needed.

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Design + Function. Would expect nothing less at the HGTV#bloggerblockparty 💕#anappealingplan#hgtvmagazinebloggerblockparty

IMG_7894#bloggerblockparty listening to my favorite HGTV designers + contributors. Reading the current issue. My quote and name in print.

Priceless!
Stay tuned for all the latest design trends from all my favs!! Tap image for all speakers accounts to follow along.

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Morning coffee view. #happycamper at Camp Susquehannock.

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Make the most out of the best days of summer! Plan a beach picnic {or a stay-picnic in your own back yard}!🍉
I’m sharing my Blueberry Chicken Salad recipe and tips to create your own picnic spread complete with selfie props!⚓️
See the recipe and my tips on The Sunday Supper Movement website + sign up to join the community!  http://bit.ly/SSBlueberryChickenSalad
#summereats #weekdaysupper #anappealingplan

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My Monday motivation. {from a recent visit to Hortulus Farm in Bucks County, PA}

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With a very busy week ahead I plan on slowing down today for a much deserved Sunday Funday. 🍍 I hope you are having a great weekend!! Cheers! 🍾
#sundayfunday #goodmorning #beapineapple

Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca

ok… it’s official I am obsessed. Both with Blueberries AND Agua Fresca. My fridge is filled with them both and I LOVE it. Who knew Agua Fresca would be come my new favorite drink – perfect for a morning pick me up and as an refreshing spiked Agua Fresca cocktail on the weekends. Pure brilliance. 

Blueberry Agua Fresca with fresh basil from AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 447 x750

Although the traditional Agua Fresca recipes are a simple combination of fruit, sugar and ice I have found that making a batch of herb infused simple syrup adds a tasty twist to the classic and allows the sweetness of the syrup to fully dissolve in the mixture. Plus you get the added kick of the herbs with out actually biting into a basil leaf. 

Blueberry Agua Fresca with fresh basil from AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4455 x750

Most recipes for Watermelon Agua Fresca also call for the mixture to be strained of the pulp… while I can completely understand that tradition – especially with the addition of the blueberries – I actually prefer the texture with the pulp. Try it both ways and let me know what you think!

Blueberry Agua Fresca with fresh basil from AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 439 x750

Blueberry Agua Fresca with fresh basil from AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch COVER 700x300

Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed fresh watermelon
1 cup fresh blueberries
ice cubes
juice of one lime, to taste
1 tablespoon basil simple syrup
basil leaves, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add blueberries, simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: Serve cold and fresh in a serving glass or fill glass with ice, top with watermelon and blueberry mixture. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

Looking for the perfect picnic lunch combo… mix up a batch of this Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca and pack up my Blueberry Chicken Salad with Picnic Tips! or get a little crazy and make my Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca for your next date night!

Weekly Recap :: Krayl On Instagram August 13th

Happy Weekend!! 

This week behind the scenes on Instagram is full of images celebrating my favorite season and month! I hope you are celebrating as well and will come on over and follow along on Instagram

This time of year people start talking about the end of summer and how they are ready for the sweaters and scarfs of fall…

Me? I’m trying to hang on to every bit of summertime. I just love everything about this season- morning coffee on the porch, neighborhood bbq’s with fresh corn, dips in the lake and sandy toes from the day at the beach.⚓️

So while I appreciate every season and will get on board when autumn arrives, right now I am happily savoring summer.☀️

Looking for more ways you can celebrate the seasons? Sign up for my updates and get my monthly calendar filled with seasonal celebrations and reminders! Simply click on the link in my profile or go to AnAppealingPlan.com/free-updates. See you there!

#SummerLovin #LiveInTheMoment #CelebrateEveryday


It’s #friyay !!! Spotted these chairs on a recent mini beach getaway. ⚓️

Anyone want to join me for a beverage and some people watching? 

Oh cabana boy…I will have another please.

#weekendgoals #cabanalife #anappealingplan

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca I was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes it’s true. #bravoholic

Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan of the show you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stop by.

My version has watermelon + basil and is just as tasty as it is pretty.

Making your own is easier than you think learn how here

{ps @rezafarahan if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door for a cocktail… just saying}.

#bravosuperfan #bravoandy #mjmademedoit


Apparently I was too busy reading to realize it was #nationalbookloversday yesterday!

I’m taking the opportunity to post the cover of my own book for those of you who are new around here and may not know about it!

Learn more about it here! http://bit.ly/AAPBook or click the “buy the book” flag at the top! .

An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations was written with my goal of encouraging everyone to celebrate everyday. It’s part cookbook, part decorating, with menu and tablescape ideas for every season! .

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

#anappealingplan #celebrateeveryday #bigmagic


The birthday celebration continues.

Feeling blessed to have wonderful friends to toast with.

@emily_ellyn @michaelrizzo69 #gingeraleoverchampagne #theshowmustgoon #epiccheftb #epicchef


“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

It’s a rainy Monday here which makes me want to stay in bed and watch movies under the covers… But not today. My to-do list is long and I need to get them all crossed off early this week. Productivity is a key word for me this month so please pass the coffee. ☕️

What’s getting you motivated today? 

{grab your own motivational quote from my Pinterest board! }

#mondaymotivation #coffeetime #bosslady


Missing this two little faces on #nationalfriendshipday !

What a great time I had visiting with them recently. We hardly left the house all week {or even the pool for that matter}. ☀️Time with friends and family is so important our souls. It nourishes me and gives me memories to last until the next visit.

In the comments, Tag a friend you are thinking about today and wish them a happy #friendshipday2016

#friendshipgoals #anappealingplan #sundayfunday

Spiked Watermelon + Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes I am one of those. Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stopped by {Reza if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door… just saying}.

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4381 x750

Traditionally Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink served by street vendors, in bodegas, and at cafes in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coming in many flavor combinations Agua Fresca is made by combining fruits, seeds, and occasionally flowers, with sugar and water. 

I had just picked up a fresh juicy watermelon at the market over the weekend and my patio garden is overflowing with fresh basil, so I figured I would give a Spiked Watermelon and Basil Agua Fresca a go as my first attempt at this “exotic” recipe.

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4374 x 1000

On my first try I muddled the basil leaves in the cup leaving bits of them floating in the pink juice. The flavor was nice but the leaves ended up in your mouth which although I was ok with this, I figured not everyone would be. Especially as a guest at a party, you may then be worried about bits in your teeth – at least I would be – and thats never a good thing for a party guest to be concerned about.

So I switched instead to creating an easy basil simple syrup first which imparted the same flavor with out the bits. I feel this is probably the best method when serving to a group at your home for a summer BBQ or at a beach picnic.

Beach Picnic Chicken Salad for #SundaySupper by @KraylFunch 1b

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch cover 750x300

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/4 cup basil simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
juice of one lime
ice, for each serving
chilled vodka 
basil sprig, for garnish
watermelon slice, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: In serving glass filled 3/4 with ice add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, top with approximately 1 cup of melon mixture. Stir well to combine and chill. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

Krayl On Instagram ~ Week of August 6th

#friyay 😃

I am ready to wash this week off and head into the weekend!!!👙

Who’s with me?? What are your plans for this perfect summer weekend? 🇺🇸⚓️


The August Calendar is here! This month we celebrate by hosting a BBQ with a gourmet hot dog bar, staying hydrated with herb infused water and creating a pineapple centerpiece to welcome a new neighbor. 🍍

Just a few of the special days in August 2016 are :: My Birthday! #NationalFriendshipDay, #NationalS’moresDay and so many other reasons to #CelebrateEveryday! So come along let’s get the summer celebration started!

Grab yours today + get my free updates :: http://bit.ly/KraylAugust2016Calendar

Happy Birthday to ME!!🍾🍾🍾

Stopping work a little early today to enjoy a little time by the pool.👙⚓️

THANK YOU to everyone for the birthday wishes, love + support over this past year! 😘😘😘

#happybirthdaytome #clink #champagnetoast #champagneproblems


Summertime and hot dogs go together like peanut and jelly. 🇺🇸

To make sure the menu at your next gathering is a crowd pleaser for guests of all ages {yes even those picky little ones}, set up a hotdog bar so guests can choose to make one of your specialty hotdog recipes or dream up their own creation by mixing and matching from a variety of toppings and flavors.🌭

I’m sharing my tips for Setting Up A Hot Dog Bar on the blog! http://2adw1ya 

#summerentertaining #anappealingplan #sundaysupper


Grilled summer corn… Is there anything better? 🌽

Well a farm fresh tomato might compete… 🍅

But that’s a story for another day.

In the farm world of yester-year there is a saying “knee-high by Fourth of July”. It means all is well with your corn crop and the growth is on schedule. Well these days you can get fresh corn as early as Memorial Day – or year round in some parts – but the I still believe the sweetest corn is late season corn grown in New Jersey {sorry… it’s the Jersey girl in me that I just can’t shake!}. 😍

Late season Jersey corn hardly needs butter, just a touch of salt and pepper and it is perfect! This weekend we are making regular grilled corn as well as Mexican Street Corn. 🌽

How do you take yours?

See the recipe on the blog :: http://bit.ly/GrilledMexicanCorn

#summergrillin #outdoorentertaining #anappealingplan


Yesterday after a client interior design consult I grabbed an ice coffee and took a stroll down to the small marina in town to check out the boats. {luckily I was in my nautical outfit and fit right in!}⚓️

It took me back to my summers growing up in CT… The sounds of the lines hitting the mast in the wind. The waves splashing against the edges of the dock. The smell of the salt air.🚤

I wish I could have stayed the rest of the afternoon but real life was calling … 💕

Where can you take 10 minutes today to take a break in your day and get outside and appreciate the summer season! Stroll down the street or in the garden. 🌱

#summerlovin #nauticallifestyle #anappealingplan


Rise + Shine!☕️

This week I am working on getting into more of a morning routine… And believe me I am not a morning person. So this night owl is waking up earlier, working out and committing to not letting technology be the first thing I reach for when I wake up.📲

Guess I better get off now….☀️

What’s your morning routine? Or what do you WANT your morning routine to look like?

#ownyourmorning

One pillow. Four ways.

On the blog today I’m showing you four ways to incorporate these summer inspired cabana striped pillow covers into your home!☀️

Fresh from my Seasonal Home Box – Summer 2016 – I love the pop of summertime they add to my bed and to the pool area!⚓️

See them all and find out more http://bit.ly/SummerHomeBoxReveal16

#seasonaldecor #seasonalliving #anappealingplan #seasonalhome

 Nothing like a summer stroll along the river to brighten your day! 😍

Make sure to get outside in nature everyday, even if it’s just for a moment! It will keep you grounded and serve as a reminder that the world is so much bigger than we are! 🌱🌳☀️

#nature #feetofinstagram #anappealingplan

This bed. Those tropical pillows. That green paint. The mirror. 

Good design makes me so happy! Loved all the special touches in our room for a mini getaway in Naples.🌴 

Where are you off to this weekend? 

#beachweekend #naples #anappealingplan #hoteldesign

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.❤️Yesterday I experienced a major shift in my perspective that I have had for almost 20 years. MAJOR shift. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out in all aspects of my life. Stay tuned🍾What one thing can you shift your perspective on today to make a difference in your life? ☀️

#liveauthentic #anappealingplan #livebeautifully

Krayl’s August 2016 Printable Calendar + Summer Seasonal Inspirations!

The  August Calendar is here! This month we celebrate by hosting  a BBQ with a gourmet hot dog bar, staying hydrated with herb infused water and creating a pineapple centerpiece to welcome a new neighbor. 

Just a few of the special days in August 2016 are :: My Birthday!  National Friendship Day, National S’mores Day and so many other reasons to #CelebrateEveryday! So come along let’s get the summer celebration started!

Click here to get your August 2016 calendar sent to you + to automatically receive new updates.

AUGUST 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar 750x

Click here to get your August 2016 calendar sent to you + to automatically receive new updates.

Celebrations + Happenings In the month of August ::

National Friendship Day is Sunday August 7th, 2016

Celebrate National Friendship Day by inviting a few of your besties over for a glass of bubbly!  Here are my picks! Champagne Selecting Tips , My Champagne Sisters Picks, and my interview on Bubbly Talk Radio!

#ChampagneSisters #ClinkandChat

National S’mores Day is Wednesday August 10th, 2016

Celebrate National S’mores Day by making your own! Here are a few of my favorites ::

Cook Butter S’mores Dip by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie S’mores Tarts by Fearless Dining 
S’mores Ice Cream by Tara’s Multicultural Table

National S'mores Day

 

National Hot Dog Day is Friday August 26th, 2016

Celebrate by creating your own Hot Dog Bar and invite the neighbors over!

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4342

 

How To Set Up A Hot Dog Bar {#SundaySupper}

Hotdogs and Summer get togethers go together like peanut and jelly. To make sure the menu at your next gathering is a crowd pleaser for guests of all ages {yes even those picky little ones}, set up a hotdog bar so guests can choose to make one of your specialty hotdog recipes or dream up their own creation by mixing and matching from a variety of toppings and flavors.

There is an updated version of this post on KraylFunch.com ~ 3 Creative Hot Dog Recipes.

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4342

The classic American hotdog, grilled to perfection, placed in a toasted top cut hotdog bun, topped with ketchup and mustard is still incredibly popular at summer BBQ’s, ball parks and county fairs across this great nation however, a new breed of hotdogs is also claiming it’s rightful place at summer gatherings.

These new species of dogs offer topping combinations and flavors previously only found on dishes ordered in your local hipster neighborhoods and food trucks. But with a little planning and prep, you can bring these combinations to your own party by setting up a hotdog bar!

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4302

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4368

It’s summer and you are serving hot dogs… Place a few America flags into a glass vase, add a blue and white tablecloth and pull out your best flag platter for this gathering! 

Instead of plates, offer guests napkins, bakery papers, or in this case I cut a slit in a stack of glassine bags I had from and other event and they worked perfectly to hold the hot dogs and looks great on the hot dog bar!

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4304

When it comes to the actual star of the show – the hot dog – I prefer to offer an all beef option as well as turkey dogs and a soy dog option. This way all of your guests have something they feel comfortable eating and can join the fun!

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4286

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4283

Along with the traditional toppings, offer guests a few new alternatives. If you have a few combinations you are fond of, group the toppings and place small signs with the name and ingredients so guests can give them a try or create their own new versions.

A few to consider Tropical Hot Dogs {Pineapple, Lime + Cilantro}, Korean Hot Dogs {Kimchi + Sriracha}, or Oaxacan Hot Dogs {Avocado and radish – inspired by one spotted in the August 2016 Family Circle Issue}.  {all recipes coming here soon!}


This week’s #SundaySupper event is all about the kids in your life and what they love to eat! No kids?  No problem…any recipe that is kid-friendly is welcome in this event. 

Thank you to the event host:  Ellen Folkman from Family Around The Table

Check out all the kid, and adult, friendly recipes from the Sunday Supper Community below and let me know what your favorite hot dog topping combination is in the comments!

Appetizers

Desserts

Main Dish

Snacks

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella {#SundaySupper #JuneDairyMonth}

My family has a running joke about how much I love cheese… I see no joke about it! I LOVE CHEESE! And I don’t try to hide it one bit, so when I heard June was National Dairy Month I knew this was my opportunity to finally put my passion into action!

I have several books on how to make cheese at home that to be honest, are currently being used more for decor on my coffee table than in the kitchen for their cheese recipes.  All of that is about to change. I am going to learn how to make homemade mozzarella cheese {with more varieties of cheese to follow}!

How to make homemade mozzarella on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #JuneDairyMonth #SundaySupper @FloridaDairy 1000x 33

Like every great dish, in order to get the best end result you must begin with the best basic ingredients, in the case of homemade cheese, milk is the star of the ingredient list so selecting fresh quality Florida Dairy Farmers milk at the market is a must. Fortunately we have a local farm in town so I headed over and lucky me, 10 day old “Honey” was just beginning to see visitors and I got to love on this special little brown miracle. 

Krayl funch at the south tampa farm with the new baby calf honey #JuneDairyMonth

Krayl funch at the south tampa farm with the new baby calf honey #JuneDairyMonth 663

The remaining ingredients read more like a science experiment than pantry items. Liquid vegetable rennet, citric acid and non-chlorinated water. Sounds scary to me however, from what I have read making cheese really is more of a scientific formula but not scary at all. I think the scariest part is going to be that I will now have the power to create my favorite food right in my kitchen!

Unlike my usual recipe posts I have included the images within the recipe for how to make mozzarella – my reasoning being this is a slightly more difficult process than most recipes make it seem. Worth it, but more complex than simply following a recipe. There are details that can only be explained using visuals.

So let’s begin…

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella

Makes about 1 pound of mozzarella

Adapted from Artisan Cheese Making at Home by Mary Karlin

What You Need

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup bottled water, non-chlorinated
1 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
1/4 rennet tablet or 1/4 teaspoon liquid vegetable rennet
1 gallon milk, whole or 2%, not ultra-pasteurized, not homogenized
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for brine

Equipment

5 quart or larger non-reactive pot
Measuring cups and spoons
Digital read thermometer
Non-reactive knife, off-set spatula, or similar
Slotted spoon
Rubber spatula
Non-reactive whisk
Cheese cloth
Rubber Gloves

Instructions

1. In a non-reactive stock pot heat milk to 88 degrees over a slow heat over the course of 15-20 minutes. 

2. Measure out 1/4 cup of water in a separate bowl. Stir in the citric acid until dissolved.

3. Measure out 1 cup of water in a separate bowl. Stir in the rennet until dissolved.

How to make homemade mozzarella on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #JuneDairyMonth #SundaySupper @FloridaDairy 1000x 25

4. Pour the milk into the pot. Stir in the citric acid solution. Set the pot over medium-high heat and warm to 90°F, stirring gently.

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5. Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the rennet solution. Stir for 1 minute. Stop stirring, cover the pot, and let it sit for 15 minutes.

6. After 15 minutes, the milk should have set, and it should look and feel like soft silken tofu – although under the whey. If it is still liquidy, re-cover the pot and let it sit for another five minutes. Using your knife, cut the curds into 1 inch cubes and let sit for another 10 minutes.

How to make homemade mozzarella on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #JuneDairyMonth #SundaySupper @FloridaDairy 1000x 26

7. Place the pot back on the stove over medium heat and warm the curds to 105°F over 15 minutes. Stir slowly as the curds warm, but try not to break them up too much. The curds will eventually clump together and separate more completely from the yellow whey.

8. Remove the pan from the heat and continue stirring gently for another 10 minutes.

How to make homemade mozzarella on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #JuneDairyMonth #SundaySupper @FloridaDairy 1000x 39

9. The curds should now feel springy and stretchable, if not leave the curds for 10 minutes then test again.

10. Line a colander with cheese cloth and scoop curds into it with a slotted spoon. Let drain for 15 minutes, reserve the whey.

How to make homemade mozzarella on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #JuneDairyMonth #SundaySupper @FloridaDairy 1000x 42

11. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the whey and stir. Slowly heat over 30 minutes to 175 degrees.

12. In the meantime, wrap curds in cheese cloth, place on cutting board, flatten out and allow to dry out for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, open cloth and cut into 1/2 inch strips.

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13. Once the whey is up to temperature, place sliced curds on slotted spoon and dip into mixture to melt curds. Using gloves, begin to knead or pull the curds several times until shinny and stretchable, repeat dipping and melting as needed. Form curds into balls and place into a bowl of ice water to chill.

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14. The mozzarella can be used immediately or kept refrigerated for a week. To refrigerate, place the mozzarella in a small container filled with whey brine. Cover and refrigerate.

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Please note, this recipe was adapted in my kitchen, with my tools, in my given environment, I want you to know that each of my three attempts turned out three slightly different textures of cheese. It seems cheese making is a true science {and art} and minor factors greatly impact the outcome. Be kind to yourself and try, try again if your first batch isn’t worthy of appearing on the cover of  Bon Appetite.

Since June is National Dairy Month I want to share a few interesting facts about the amazing community of Florida Dairy Farmers with you. 

Did you know that for generations, Florida’s more than 130 dairy-farming families have remained true to their values & committed to producing a fresh supply of wholesome, quality milk. These hardworking men & women are caretakers of their cows, stewards of the land, & leaders in their communities. The state’s more than 130 dairy farms are primarily owned and operated by second and third-generation farmers.

And just as interesting, there are about 123,000 dairy cows in Florida, each dairy cow produces about 6-8 gallons of milk each day and is milked 2-3 times per day that collectively produces about 2.34 billion pounds of milk a year. 

Don’t live in Florida? I am sure your state has a just as interesting group of farmers, take this month to research organizations or individual farms in your area.

FDF-horizontal-logo-with-website-300x168

 

 

Follow Florida Dairy on their social media accounts :: FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramPinterest

 

 

Meet our Farmers links: http://www.floridamilk.com/on-the-farm/meet-our-farmers/

On the Florida Dairy Farm: http://www.floridamilk.com/on-the-farm/

Florida Milk in the kitchen: http://www.floridamilk.com/in-the-kitchen/

Florida Milk in schools: http://www.floridamilk.com/in-the-schools/dairy-101/

Florida Milk in the news: http://www.floridamilk.com/in-the-news/blog/#page=1&sort=start_time&order=desc

Disclosure Statement: This post is sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.

Please take a moment to visit the other Sunday Supper family contributors and check out their tasty recipes, all including milk!

Milk in the Morning:

Milk during the Day:

Milk in Desserts:

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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

Tinto de Verano ~ A Sangria Alternative {#SundaySupper}

Tinto de Verano, translation the “red wine of summer”, is a refreshing blend of Spanish red wine and lemon-lime soda and the perfect beverage to serve on a hot summer day… or night!

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 39 1000x

A sangria alternative Tinto de Verano, with just 3 ingredients or less, could be one of the quickest cocktail recipes you will ever make! And when you chill the ingredients over night before mixing them, you will have one less thing to think about right before your guests arrive.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 40 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 57 1000x

In Southern regions of Spain it is common for locals to drink Tinto de verano as it is easy to make at home and is considered less touristy than the more expensive Sangria. And as the name implies tinto de verano is often served during warmer days of summer.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 62 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 66 1000x

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is that you can choose a mixer that you prefer to suit you or your guests tastes. I happen to love San Pelligrino Limonata, however Squirt and Sprite mixed with sparkling water is another option readily available in all areas.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 88 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 71 1000x

Tinto de Verano Recipe

[yumprint-recipe id=’33’] 

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 94 1000x

Para Empezar, Las Tapas (Appetizers/tapas) –

Postres (Desserts) –

Bebidas (Drinks) –

Plus Alcachofas al Ajillo – Garlicky Artichokes – and Spanish Tapas Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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