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Fried foods are a highlight of Hanukkah meals, especially foods fried in olive oil. Both are a nod to the holiday, which celebrates a lamp in a destroyed Jerusalem temple that burned for eight days on very little oil. This recipe is based on a preparation that originated in Rome’s Jewish ghetto. Fried Baby Artichokes Total Time: 50 minutes        Servings: 10 Ingredients 20 baby artichokes (about 4 ounces … [Read more...]

Rugelach, doughnuts and cookies – oh, my! There are many delicious recipes that end your Hanukkah meal in the traditional way or with a sweet twist. I for one am obsessed with cupcakes. They are easy to eat, already portioned out so I don’t overindulge…and they are just adorable! Cupcakes have always been popular, but in the early 2000’s, gourmet cupcakes started exploding in terms of popularity. And today, the … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and those you love. What better way to celebrate than by gathering everyone together for these fun activities and crafts? We are Grateful Message Board As family or guests arrive, have them write what they are thankful for and pin it up. This frame was constructed using a linen-covered foam core and an old frame. Cut paper leaves from books or scrapbook paper in … [Read more...]

Serve this quick Thanksgiving bite as an appetizer to effortlessly work in some fish before the traditionally meat-focused meal. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites Prep/Total Time: 10 minutes                       Yields: 40 Bites Ingredients 2 English Cucumbers, peeled and cut into 1″ rounds 1 pound smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces (1) 8-ounce package cream cheese softened 3 … [Read more...]

This holiday Pumpkin Fudge recipe brings the taste of the season with pumpkin, white chocolate, and marshmallow. Pumpkin Fudge Prep Time: 10 minutes       Cook Time: 12 minutes       Total Time: 2.5 hours Ingredients 1½ cups of sugar 2/3 cups of evaporated milk ½ cup of pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons of butter 1 teaspoon of salt 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice 12 ounces of white chocolate chips 2 cups of … [Read more...]

Looking for some easy ways to spruce up your home for Thanksgiving? Check out this easy decorating idea, as well as a fun way to set the table for kids of all ages. Pumpkin and Gourd Filled Lanterns Here’s a quick and easy way to dress up your outside spaces or even brighten a dining room table. You can even pair this with a smaller lantern illuminating an unscented pillar candle to add some light and … [Read more...]

The holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year (no pun intended), but don't let the magic of the season get you off your game when it comes to safety. In fact, with added activities, household decor and events, there is a higher risk of emergencies. Holiday Decorating Safety Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants may be poisonous or can cause severe … [Read more...]

Does the idea of holiday entertaining fill you with anxiety? You're certainly not alone, but it doesn't have to be that way. Armed with perseverance and a well-stocked kitchen, you’ll find you can even breeze through those last-minute gatherings. Cheers! Drop-in guests won’t expect that you have a full cocktail menu on hand. Offer wine or beer and then really impress them by having the makings for one festive … [Read more...]

If you are planning on having some of your guests stay overnight at your home - you’ll want to ensure that your accommodations are actually accommodating. Here are a few tips and pointers to create an amazing guest experience! The most basic essential of an inviting guest room is that it must be clean and uncluttered! Put any personal items that are lying around in a box or a basket and tuck it away in a closet … [Read more...]

Who doesn't appreciate a clean bathroom? Personally, I will drive 15 miles out of my way on a road trip just so I can use the crystal clean bathrooms at Buc-ee's. I really never thought I would say that about any public place, better yet a convenience station. It also doesn't hurt that they have a huge selection of flavored beef jerky, gifts for everyone on your list and a fudge station. It truly is an experience … [Read more...]

  The holidays can sometimes be overwhelming. From grocery shopping to cooking to hosting - it's my favorite time of the year, but can also be a challenging few months while I juggle so many balls. Here are 3 simple holiday cleaning tips that helped me spruce up my home so I was prepared even for those guests that dropped in without advance notice. Stock Up on Supplies Halloween is around the corner, then … [Read more...]

Finding time to clean and what to clean isn’t as bad as you think, begin with the simple things. A tidy home looks cleaner than a cluttered home. So without any cleaning at all, you can make a much better impression on guests if you take some time to grab a laundry basket and pick up all that stuff that belongs elsewhere. *Hint: Move from left to right around the room (do this when picking up and cleaning). … [Read more...]