These Coconut Pralines are super easy to make and are the perfect candy for any gathering, especially the holidays!
If you love these pralines you will also love these wonderful Graham Cracker Pralines. They are very versatile and a great addition to any Christmas dessert table.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
If you like coconut and pecans you will love this candy. Make this anytime for a delicious treat or make it for any holiday or event. These coconut pecan pralines make a wonderful gift for a friend or neighbor. They look great on a buffet table.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
white granulated sugar
evaporated milk
corn syrup
butter
vanilla extract
pecans
coconut
RECIPE FEEDBACK
“I made these yesterday using part light brown sugar and subing 2% milk for the evaporated milk. I must say that they turned out awesome! Because there’s only my husband and me in the household, I froze most of them and plan to bring them out next time the grandkids come to visit.” -Jackie
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
These are pretty simple to make with only a few ingredients. You will find the FULL printable recipe in the recipe card below.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Combine sugar, milk, corn syrup and butter in a pan on top of the stove. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 4 minutes, stirring often.
Step 2 Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, pecans and coconut. Stir for several minutes until mixture starts to thicken. Takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3 Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Refrigerate or put in cool place until hardens. Makes about 36 pralines.
⭐TIP
You can easily make these in advance, they will last for a while in an air tight container.
OTHER DELICIOUS CANDY RECIPES
STORING & SERVING SIZE
Store these in an air tight container and this recipe makes about 36 pralines depending on the size that you make them.
Every office is a microcosm of personalities, making the quest for the perfect gifts for coworkers both exciting and baffling. You’ve got the snack lover, whose bottomless drawer of treats resembles a mini convenience store, always offering a morsel during that midafternoon slump. There’s the wellness enthusiast, ever zealous to remind us to take a break and stretch. And let’s not forget the Gen Zer, a beacon of pop culture, stocked with podcast recommendations and eager to draw you into their latest binge-worthy obsession.
Even if your team is remote, these quirks show in the little details: Zoom backgrounds that reveal snippets of our personal lives, Slack banter that often teeters the line between productivity and procrastination, and those GIFs we can’t help but overuse. Shopping for a coworker can feel daunting, but you probably know them better than you think.
To help you brainstorm and reflect on some of the characters in your workplace, we’ve curated a gift guide for coworker that caters to every persona—from the foodie to the tech whiz. Don’t see anything you like? Check out our other gift guides, from travel gifts to gifts for the outdoorsy hiker and backpacker.
This is such a unique cake, made with a cake mix, but taken up a few levels! It’s so good and one your family will love!
If you love this recipe you will want to try this Turtle Cake! It’s delicious topped with ice cream.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
They call it earthquake cake because it will crack in the middle in some recipes. This one does not crack because I do it a little different. I can’t leave this cake alone when I make it because I love chocolate and this is a chocolate lovers dream. This cake will melt in your mouth!
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Nuts (I use walnuts. Pecans would be good, too)
Coconut
German chocolate cake mix or regular chocolate cake mix
Milk
Butter
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Chocolate chips
SWAPS
You can make this cake with other cake mixes, too. I like to divide the cake mix because I think it makes a much prettier cake. You can just put in all the cake mix and put the cream cheese mixture on top and bake. We have also made this with spice cake mix and using butterscotch chips. It was delicious.
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This cake comes together really quickly and it’s wonderful topped with ice cream. Full printable recipe in recipe card below.
📖COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle the nuts on the bottom of the dish. Layer the coconut on top of the nuts. In a separate bowl prepare the cake mix according to package directions except use the 1 cup of milk in place of the water called for in the directions on the box. Spread half the cake mixture over the coconut.
Step 2 In a microwave safe glass bowl melt the butter and cream cheese. This takes about 2 minutes in my microwave. Whisk the powdered sugar or mix with mixer into the cream cheese and melted butter. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the layer of cake mix in the baking dish. (You can drop it by spoon fulls if you want). Read step 3 below in the recipe card.
⭐TIP
All ovens vary, and you want to cook this until it tests done. As you can see from some of the comments, it may take up to an hour to cook. We love this cake heated up with vanilla ice cream. It’s so good!!
OTHER DELICIOUS CAKE RECIPES
Oatmeal Cream Pies – These are homemade and absolutely wonderful! If you love the Little Debbie’s you must give these a try!
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – This is a classic and it’s also made with a cake mix! Try this one, you will love it.
Lunch Lady Brownies – These are one of our most popular recipes and have great reviews! If you love brownies, these are a must-make!
Watergate Cake – This is a vintage cake that your Grandmother probably made! Add this one to your holiday menu.
STORING & SERVING SIZE
We store this cake in a cool place and it’s made in a 9X13, so it makes around 10-12 servings.
This Earthquake Cake is one your family will love. If you are a fan of chocolate add this one to your recipe lit!
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 40 minutesmins
Total Time 55 minutesmins
Course Cake
Cuisine American
1cupnutsI use walnuts. Pecans would be good, too
1 1/2cupsshredded sweetened coconut
1regular chocolate cake mix or can use German chocolate cake mix
1cupmilk
1stick butter or 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup
1(8 ounce) package cream cheese
3 3/4cupspowdered sugar
2cupschocolate chips
Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle the nuts on the bottom of the dish. Layer the coconut on top of the nuts. In a separate bowl prepare the cake mix according to package directions except use the 1 cup of milk in place of the water called for in the directions on the box. Spread half the cake mixture over the coconut.
In a microwave safe glass bowl melt the butter and cream cheese. This takes about 2 minutes in my microwave. Whisk the powdered sugar or mix with mixer into the cream cheese and melted butter. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the layer of cake mix in the baking dish. (You can drop it by spoon fulls if you want)
Spread the other half of the cake mix on top of the cream cheese and sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 40 to 45 minutes.
You can make this cake with other cake mixes, too. I like to divide the cake mix because I think it makes a much prettier cake. You can just put in all the cake mix and put the cream cheese mixture on top and bake.
Boo! It’s an informal Halloween get-together. Who said that kids get to have all the fun? OK, they can come, too.
This year the big day falls on a Thursday, an almost-end-of-the-work-week date that calls for a one-bowl entrée style gathering. A delicious soup can be a festive main course that stands on its own without a side dish.
In two of the soup recipes that follow, the preparation can be done in advance; they can be prepared a day or two ahead, cooled and refrigerated airtight. Keep them warm in a slow cooker if you like. The Italian Savoy Cabbage Soup is an exception. The components for that dish can be prepped the day before, but it requires some last-minute assembly followed by four minutes under the broiler to achieve an appealing brown spotted surface atop a layer of shredded cheese.
Serve in individual soup bowls or coffee mugs. For more generous servings, use large cappuccino cups with large loop handles. No need to set a formal table — this dinner can be portable.
These are soups that would happily warm any mummy’s tummy.
Chipotle, shrimp and hominy tortilla soup can be made with varying degrees of spiciness, based on how many chipotles are used. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Chipotle, Shrimp and Hominy Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup becomes party food when augmented with shrimp. This one flavor spikes the broth with a mixture made by pan-toasting spices (cumin seed, whole clove and whole allspice) and then pureeing them with onion, chipotle and a little broth. And of course, the toppings bring delicious flavor to the party: crisp tortilla strips, avocado slices and chopped cilantro. As for the chipotles, adding one makes a broth that is mild; adding two makes a broth that is spicy.
Yield: 10 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 to 10 corn tortillas, cut in half, then cut into 1/4-inch wide strips
2 to 3 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil for tortillas, plus 2 tablespoons for soup
Coarse salt, such as kosher salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 large yellow onions, finely chopped, divided use
7 3/4 cups canned, low-salt chicken broth, divided use
1 to 2 canned chipotle chili plus about 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce
2 teaspoons salt
2 (29-ounces each) cans golden hominy, drained
1/3 cup canned crushed tomatoes with added puree
Salt and/or pepper, if needed
1 pound uncooked small shrimp (51 to 60 per pound size), peeled and deveined
Garnish: 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 ripe avocadoes, sliced
For passing: lime wedges
Cook’s notes: Chipotles are ripe jalapeños that have been slowly dried over wood smoke. They may be purchased in many supermarkets in small cans; canned chipotles are surrounded with adobo, a tomato-based sauce.
DIRECTIONS
1. Adjust oven racks to bottom third and top third positions. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss tortilla strips with 2 to 3 tablespoons oil. Scatter strips on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Season with coarse salt. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until crisp and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil on medium heat. Add half of the onion, plus the carrot, celery, garlic and oregano. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet toast the allspice, clove, and cumin seeds. To toast, place skillet on medium-high heat and shake handle frequently. They are toasted when they smell fragrant and the cumin is a shade darker.
4. Place remaining onion in a blender. Add 3/4 cup broth. Add toasted spices, chipotle, adobo sauce (sauce from the can), and salt. Cover and whirl until very finely ground, about two minutes.
5. Add contents of blender to pot with the vegetables. Add remaining broth, hominy and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer on high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer 30 minutes.
6. Taste and add salt and/or pepper if needed. Add shrimp and simmer until just barely cooked through and opaque in center, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide soup among 10 bowls. Top with cilantro, tortilla chips and avocado slices. Pass lime wedges for optional squeezing.
Gingered Carrot Soup is a Thai-style concoction that is perfect for a cool fall evening. (Photo by Nick Koon, The Orange County Register/SCNG)
Gingered Carrot Soup
Only a modest amount of dried red pepper flakes is used in this version of a Thai-style carrot soup. Be sure to taste it after it is pureed and adjust the spice level to suit your taste. I like to use Frank’s RedHot because it is a hot sauce that is both spicy and tart.
1. In large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, ginger and carrots; cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent. Add broth, pepper flakes, coriander, turmeric, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, vinegar, peanut butter, brown sugar, sesame oil, and milks; bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover and allow to cool slightly.
2. Process in batches in either food processor fitted with metal blade or blender until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
3. If making ahead, cool the soup and store, airtight in refrigerator until ready to gently reheat.
4. Heat on low until simmering gently. Remove from heat and ladle into soup bowls or cups. Garnish soup with chopped fresh cilantro and pinch of toasted sesame seeds.
Source: “The Wine Lover’s Cookbook”’ by Sid Goldstein (Chronicle, $22.95)
Italian Savoy Cabbage Soup, a cold-weather dish from the Italian Alps, looks more like a casserole than a soup. (Photo by Cathy Thomas)
Italian Savoy Cabbage Soup (Zuppa alla Valpellinentze)
This cold-weather dish hails from Valle d’Aosta in the Italian Alps. Arranged in a 9-by-13-inch broiler-proof pan, it looks more like a casserole than a soup. Much of the hot broth, flavored with Savoy cabbage and pancetta, is absorbed by large chunks of dry bread. Bite into the Fontina cheese topped bread and your mouth fills with delectable broth.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
10 to 12 ounces whole hearty rye bread, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes, see cook’s notes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 ounces pancetta, cut into small dice
1 onion, halved, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 head Savoy cabbage, about 1 1/2 pounds, cored, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 ounces fontina cheese, shredded, about 1 cup
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Cook’s notes: This dish requires an uncut loaf of bread. I find it difficult to track down whole loaves of rye bread. I substitute sturdy La Brea Bakery Italian Round, or La Brea Bakery Whole Grain, or La Brea Bakery Country White that are sold at my local Albertson’s market.
DIRECTIONS
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Spread bread in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, until dried and crisp throughout, about 45 minutes; let croutons cool completely.
2. Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat until butter melts. Add pancetta and cook until browned and fat is rendered, about 8 minutes. Stir in onion and salt; cook over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in cabbage, broth and bay leaves; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until cabbage is tender, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. If you want to make the soup a day ahead, you can cool the soup and refrigerate it airtight. Store the dried bread cubes airtight at room temperature. Reheat the soup before proceeding to Step 4.
4. Adjust oven rack to 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Discard bay leaves from the hot soup. Spread half of the cabbage mixture evenly in bottom of a 9-by-13-inch broiler-safe baking dish, then top with half of the bread cubes. Repeat with remaining cabbage mixture and remaining bread cubes. Gently press down on croutons with rubber spatula until thoroughly saturated. Sprinkle with cheese over top and broil until melted and spotty brown, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Source: Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen
Award-winning food writer Cathy Thomas has written three cookbooks, including “50 Best Plants on the Planet.” Follow her at @CathyThomas Cooks.com.
With the hectic pace of day-to-day family life, it’s so important to get away together and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s the forest or the beach, time in nature has a huge impact on the physical and mental health of adults and children alike.
In this article we’ll take a look at some of the top outdoorsy holiday ideas for active family fun.
Water sport adventures in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country known for its beautiful coast and diverse nature. It’s the perfect destination for families that never get tired of the beach and also like to get active trying out different water sports.
Here, you can try out surfing lessons, kayaking, river rafting, scuba diving, parasailing – you name it. There’s truly no shortage of water sports in Costa Rica, as long as you’re brave enough to take on the adventure!
On the days that you want to rest from the adrenaline rush, you can also enjoy family-friendly guided walks and tours. A visit to a turtle nesting site, for instance, is a great way for children to learn about the environment and conservation, in keeping with the theme of the ocean.
Camino de Santiago family pilgrimage
Walking holidays are becoming a popular choice for families looking for an active way to explore new destinations and spend time outdoors. Camino de Santiago is a historic network of walking routes in Europe, all leading to the town of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Many of the trails are family-friendly, with the most popular being Camino Frances from Sarria and Camino Portugues (including the coastal route). Both of these are safe, well-maintained, and well-serviced with accommodation options and eateries.
When booking a walking holiday through Orbis Ways, families can be sure that everything will be planned and pre-booked for them. Therefore, they can enjoy their trip with no additional worries.
Eco-friendly glamping in Slovenia
For families who would like to lower their impact on the environment, Slovenia is a destination that is known for its sustainable tourism options. A great choice for families is the Trnulja Estate near Ljubljana, offering a unique eco-glamping experience. The modern flats here are built with natural materials like wood and clay, with hemp used for furnishings and insulation.
Families with kids will enjoy a farm-stay experience surrounded by beautiful nature, while playing their part in protecting it. The estate also emphasises sustainability in its meals, using organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Wildlife safari experience in Borneo
If a long flight doesn’t bother you, Borneo is a fantastic destination for a wildlife family adventure. Located in the Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, this island is home to some of the most incredible safaris, where you can spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles in their natural environment.
The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary gives children a chance to see conservation efforts up close. Many eco-lodges in the area offer educational programs that teach the importance of protecting Borneo’s unique ecosystems. For a deeper experience, families can join night walks to spot nocturnal animals or participate in local conservation projects.
Final thoughts
Balancing adventure and relaxation is important in family holidays. Each of these outdoorsy holiday ideas provide just that, allowing you to enjoy each other’s company while spending time exploring nature.
Impress your family and friends with this delicious apple pecan smoked turkey breastrecipe. With a step-by-step video tutorial, you’ll have the perfect centerpiece for your holiday meal!
There is not a more juicy and flavorful turkey than this smoked turkey breast. It is our current favorite for Thanksgiving. I thought that Instant Pot Turkey was incredible, but man, this one just totally one upped that recipe.
We aren’t lacking for turkey recipes on our site. We love a juicy turkey slice for dinner, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t keep adding to it. That fried turkey from years ago is still ad favorite, the classic oven roasted whole turkey never disappoints, and we make the herb roasted turkey breast all year round for a healthy dinner recipe idea that isn’t chicken.
So even if you’re like us and there are other turkey recipes you’ve made before, take a chance and make the most amazing apple pecan smoked turkey recipe this Thanksgiving.
Ingredients for Smoked Turkey Breast
This list might look a little overwhelming at first, but there are a few components to this recipe in order for it to come together just perfectly! You need your smoker supplies, brine ingredients, rub ingredients and turkey gravy ingredients. Here is everything you’ll need:
For the Smoker
Pecan Pellets or Chips
Tin Pan
Turkey Brine
Maple Syrup
Brown Sugar
Kosher Salt
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Chicken Broth
Smoked Paprika
Turkey Breast: Buy a bone-in turkey breast for the best flavor and texture.
Turkey Rub
Brown Sugar
Seasonings and Spices: Smoked Paprika, Ground Mustard, Kosher Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Chipotle Chili Pepper Seasoning, Pepper and Cumin
Butter
Steaming Liquids
Gravy
This is meant to be just a quick overview of the ingredients you will need. The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Turkey Basics
Before we jump in to making this smoked turkey, I want to cover a few of the basics:
A frozen turkey will need thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
Turkey will need to smoke for 25-30 minutes per pound.
Safe internal temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees F in the breast.
So let’s assume you are going to roast a 6.5 pound turkey that is frozen when you purchase it and you want to have your meal on Thursday afternoon. Here is your brief timeline:
Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 2 days ahead of time (Tuesday afternoon – Wednesday evening)
Now the turkey is ready to carve and eat Thursday afternoon! Now here are those same steps in a little more detail…
How to Make Apple Smoked Turkey Breast
Alright, let’s get down to how to make The Most Amazing Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast. Start out by brining your turkey breast. Even though it’s not an entire bird, brining is essential to a tender and flavorful turkey breast.
How to Brine a Turkey
Brining a turkey needs two specific ingredients and then the remaining ingredients vary based upon your own individual recipes.
Liquid- Your turkey breast (or whole turkey) will sit in a liquid anywhere from 8-24 hours. The kind of liquid does in fact make a difference as they will help to flavor the meat. Brining, as well as marinating is not made to soak into the center of the meat, but to flavor the outside so well that as it cooks that flavor emerges.
Salt- It’s preferred that you use Kosher salt for brining as it’s a more coarse salt which will help to break down the meat, soak in the liquid for a more juicy meat and finally, the salt helps to flavor the meat more than just a rub later on.
Combine all the ingredients for the brine into a large pot with a lid. Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly and then submerge in the brining liquid. Store in the fridge with the lid on for 10-12 hours or overnight.
Next up is the rub on the turkey. Do not ever make a turkey without this step as this is where all of those yummy flavors are going to come from. Here’s what you need to do:
Rub for a Turkey
Spices- You usually see a lot of herbs with turkey, but spices are great to bring out a little extra flavor. In this case, we throw in smoked paprika to really drive home the flavor but also the color with that deep red. Cumin, garlic and even ground mustard bring a balance to the spices that creates a warm, aromatic experience.
Sugar- Just a stitch of brown sugar like any good BBQ or Smoked recipe adds the tiniest amount of sweetness which really balances the garlic and smokiness.
Butter- Butter is essential to add a little more juiciness and flavor to the meat. It also helps the spices to stick to the meat.
Combine all the ingredients for the rub and set aside. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Spread the rub all over the turkey breast, under and on top of the skin.
That’s not all though, you still need to fill a drip pan with liquids that will help to steam the bird as it smokes. Trust us on this one, you do not want to just go with water.
Drip Pan with Juices
Fill a tin pan, we just get ours at the local grocery store, with pineapple juice and water. Even though this is an apple juice brined turkey the pineapple juice adds a really interesting level of flavor to the bird and the gravy.
Apple or orange juice may be used if you can’t find pineapple juice in the can.
How Long to Smoke a Turkey Breast
Preheat your Traeger smoker to 300 degrees F with pecan pellets. Place the drip pan with the smoking liquids in it under the rack of the smoker. Then put the turkey breast side down, on the smoker grill grate and close the lid.
Let it smoke for 3 – 3 ½ hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast reads 165 degrees F.
Once it has reached the desired temperature, remove the turkey from the smoker and tent it with foil for 20 minutes to let it rest. RESERVE the drippings in the drip pan to make the gravy.
Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Pour all the drippings from the turkey into a saucepan on the stove top and bring to a boil. Once boiling, slowly add the cornstarch mixture and whisk everything together until thickened.
A smoked turkey will sometimes have a pink ring around the meat, but that’s from the smoke and flavor, it doesn’t mean that you need to keep cooking the turkey.
In fact, sometimes that pink hue can really penetrate into the meat, so it’s important to recognize if it’s the smoke or raw meat, which do in fact look different.
What Goes with Smoked Turkey
Oh my goodness, let’s talk about sides before we forget. Here are a few of our favorite things to go with smoked turkey.
Depending on your smoker and how much time you have you will want to adjust the temperature of the Traeger Pellet Smoker. We prefer 300 degrees F for 3-3 ½ hours. You could also do 325 degrees F for 2 ½-3 hours, but we much prefer to have a low and slow meat.
Can You Freeze Smoked Turkey?
You can easily freeze smoked turkey, but only keep it in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If you wish to keep it for 1-2 months, use a Food Saverlike Cade and I have.
BEST. INVESTMENT. EVER.
How to Reheat Smoked Turkey
Place turkey in a casserole dish, and cover well with aluminum foil. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and cook only until warm.
You can also use a microwave with paper towels wrapped around the meat to keep it from drying out.
Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with this mouth-watering apple pecan smoked turkey breast recipe.
Thanksgiving RECIPES:
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 1 dayd
Cook Time: 12 hourshrs
Total Time: 1 dayd12 hourshrs
Description
Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with this mouth-watering apple pecan smoked turkey breast recipe.
For the Brine
In a large pot, add the brine ingredients. Stir to combine.
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup, 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar, 1 Cup Kosher Salt, 4 Cups Apple Juice, 1 Cup Orange Juice, 32 ounces Chicken Broth, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly.
6.5 lb Turkey Breast
Place the turkey in the brine and put the lid on the pot. Refrigerate 10-12 hours or overnight.
For the Smoker
Remove the turkey from the brine, discarding all liquid and pat the turkey completely dry.
In a bowl, combine the spice ingredients and stir to mix.
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, 1 ½ Tablespoons Smoked Paprika, 2 teaspoons Ground Mustard, 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Pepper Seasoning, 1 teaspoon Pepper, 1 ½ teaspoon Cumin
Add the butter and stir again.
6 Tablespoons Butter
Rub the mixture all over under and over the skin of the turkey.
Heat a Traeger Smoker to 300 degrees F with pecan pellets or chips.
Pecan Pellets
Place the pineapple juice and water in a tin pan under the rack in the smoker.
3/4 Cup Pineapple Juice, 3/4 Cup Water
Put the turkey, breast side down, on the smoker rack and close the lid.
Smoke for 3 to 3 ½ hours depending on your smoker.
Remove the turkey to rest for 20 minutes under tented foil, reserving the drippings in the tin pan.
Tin Pan
Slice the turkey and serve with gravy.
For the Gravy
Pour the drippings into a Gravy Fat Separator .
Heat a skillet to medium high heat and pour off the drippings, avoiding too much fat.
Whisk together the cornstarch and water and as the drippings begin to simmer, whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
1-2 Tablespoon Cornstarch, 1-2 Tablespoon Water
Continue to whisk as the gravy thickens and serve immediately.
Turkey Basics
A frozen turkey will need thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
Turkey will need to smoke for 25-30 minutes per pound.
Safe internal temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees F in the breast.
Turkey Timeline
Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 2 days ahead of time (Tuesday afternoon – Wednesday evening)
You may use apple juice or apple cider. If you don’t have either, Place 1 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup and fill the rest with water. Smoked turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Christina Aguilera and Cher had the Golden Globe-nominated Burlesque.Channing Tatum made a trilogy out of Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike. Now, early-aughts heartthrob Chad Michael Murray is boldly going where no actor has before—headlining a holiday-themed movie about a shirtless all-male dance revue.
Netflix has unveiled the first look at The Merry Gentlemen, which stars Murray—best known for The CW’s One Tree Hill and the film A Cinderella Story—as a “kind, confident, and slightly sarcastic” contractor who strips down in the name of seasonal tidings, as the actor told Tudum. The film’s other main character, Ashley (played by Britt Robertson of Girlboss and The Longest Ride) stages the all-male dance show to save the Rhythm Room, her parents’ small-town performing arts venue.
Murray, who appeared alongside Brooke Shields in last year’s Netflix comedy Mother of the Bride and recently reprised his role as Lindsay Lohan’s love interest in Freaky Friday 2, has starred in his fair share of Christmas movies, including Hallmark’s Write Before Christmas and Lifetime’s Toying With the Holidays. But a more risqué concept was new territory for Murray. “It’s a fine line to thread a Christmas movie and strippers to make it work, right?” he told People. “It’s not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think Christmas. So for us, it was really making sure that the tone’s right,” adding that the film will get viewers “a little hot and bothered under the collar.”
The movie is directed by made-for-TV (or streaming) rom-com regular Peter Sullivan and written by Full House alum Marla Sokoloff, who also plays a supporting role in the film. Starring alongside her, Robertson, and Murray are more familiar faces for Millennials, like Beth Broderick of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Maxwell Caulfield of the so-bad-it’s-good Grease 2.
The Merry Gentlemen will stream as part of Netflix’s previously-announced holiday slate, which includes Our Little Secret starring Lohan and Hot Frosty, fronted by fellow Mean Girls star Lacey Chabert. The Chippendales-esque movie (be warned, certain cast members of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) debuts on Nov. 20.
These Honey Nut Cheerio Treats are so easy to make and a wonderful snack! We love them and they are simple to make.
If you love these treats you may also love these delicious Graham Cracker Pralines. Super versatile, super easy and a wonderful snack.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Honey Nut Cheerio treats recipe has definitely become a family favorite. We love chocolate and peanut butter and the addition of marshmallows and honey gives them the BEST taste. You can easily double this recipe. Make them for any holiday or just anytime you want something sweet. Honestly, they make the best snack! They keep well in an airtight container in a cool place. A quick, easy recipe you will make over and over again.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
light corn syrup
white sugar
honey
peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
Honey Nut Cheerios
miniature marshmallows
chocolate chips
SWAPS
This is a versatile recipe, you can switch out the chocolate chips for butterscotch, or white chips or any that you like. You could use another type of Cheerios too, the chocolate or the multi-grain and add some spices. You can definitely play with this recipe.
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This is a super simple recipe with only 2 steps. Just organize your ingredients before you get started to simplify the process.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Combine corn syrup, sugar, honey and peanut butter in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 2 Remove from heat and combine with cereal, marshmallows and chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Makes about 24 treats depending on size you make them.
⭐TIP
We have never had these be dry but if they are you can add more marshmallows or karo syrup. Also check the comments for other suggestions!
OTHER DELICIOUS TREATS
Kentucky Bourbon Balls – These are always a hit, especially at Christmas! They make a wonderful gift.
Easy Christmas Divinity – This is such a great recipe and it’s made in the microwave. Over 200 comments!
Microwave Peanut Brittle – This is a wonderful recipe and one your family will love. Makes a great gift during the holiday season.
Five Minute Fudge – This is a super versatile one and can be made with any type of chips, peanut butter, chocolate, etc.
These honey nut cheerio treats are so easy to make and a wonderful treat. They are also a great gift during the holiday season.
Prep Time 5 minutesmins
5 minutesmins
Total Time 5 minutesmins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
1/2cuplight corn syrup
1/4cupwhite sugar
1/4cuphoney
1/2cuppeanut butterSmooth or crunchy, whichever you like
3cupsHoney Nut cheerios
1/2cupminiature marshmallows
1/2cupchocolate chips
Combine corn syrup, sugar, honey and peanut butter in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and combine with cereal, marshmallows and chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Makes about 24 treats depending on size you make them.
These make around 24 treats depending on the size you make them.
CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, September 25, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– As the holiday season approaches, families are seeking a getaway that will delight both kids and adults. Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ five stunning properties in Los Cabos offer something for everyone—world-class golf, luxurious spas, private beaches, kids’ clubs, water parks, outdoor activities, and a range of dining options, as well as spacious suites with kitchens. The season is filled with unique experiences like whale watching and festive holiday celebrations.
Holiday Festivities
While Cabo may be known for its tropical climate, Solmar Hotels & Resorts transforms the destination into a winter wonderland. Guests can partake in festive activities like Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, Santa’s unforgettable parachute arrival, piñata parties, gingerbread house-making workshops, and indulgent churros and chocolates for Three Kings Day. To elevate the festivities, La Roca, Brigantine, and Anica offer special menus for Christmas. The celebrations culminate with dazzling themed New Year’s Eve parties at each property, such as the Fabulous 50s featuring an Elvis Presley tribute at Solmar Playa Grande.
About the Resorts
Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes offers an upscale retreat with expansive suites overlooking the Pacific. Guests enjoy direct access to the 18-hole Solmar Golf Links designed by Greg Norman, along with a variety of amenities, including a kids’ club with a water park, a luxurious spa, pickleball court, fine dining restaurant, and water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Grand Solmar Land’s End boasts a prime location near the world-famous Cabo Arch at the southernmost tip of the peninsula with stunning panoramic views, infinity pools, kids’ club, swim-up bars and farm-to-table dining.
Playa Grande Resort is perfect for action-packed fun with mini-golf, tennis courts, award-winning spa, two jacuzzies and four pools (with distinct adult, family and children’s areas), kids’ club, theme nights, and daily activities.
The Ridge at Playa Grande is ideally located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, within walking distance to the marina, which boasts numerous restaurants and activities. The hotel offers a more intimate experience with spacious family suites with kitchens, kids’ club, mini golf court, tennis court, infinity pool, private beach, theme nights and full-service spa using traditional and ancient techniques.
Solmar Resort, the brand’s first hotel, was established in 1974. This 100-room hotel, showcasing inviting Mediterranean-style architecture, seamlessly blends comfort with excitement. Guests enjoy private beach access, two pools, a jacuzzi, two restaurants, and the convenience of being close to Cabo’s vibrant city center.
Destination Attractions
Beyond the resorts, Cabo San Lucas is a haven for adventure. Renowned as one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations, December marks the start of the season, offering guests extraordinary encounters with humpback and gray whales. Solmar Hotels & Resorts arranges these excursions, while also providing opportunities to explore the vibrant underwater world through scuba diving and snorkeling. For a more leisurely experience, guests can embark on a sunset cruise along Cabo’s stunning coastline with the Solmar Sea Experience.
This Oatmeal Raisin Bread has a swirl of delicious brown sugar and spices in the center. It’s one of our favorite breads and it’s great with coffee!
If you love this bread you will also love this Best Banana Bread! It has incredible reviews and it’s one of our most popular recipes for a reason.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love this style of quick bread, takes nothing to make and it’s delicious. Great for brunch with friends or afternoon coffee or tea. It has a wonderful flavor and it’s super versatile. Not a fan of raisins, that is okay.. leave them out. The bread will still be great, this is a recipe you will make over and over.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Quick-cooking oats
Salt
White granulated sugar
Eggs
Buttermilk
Sour cream
Butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Raisins
Swirl and Glaze Ingredients:
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Pecans or walnuts (optional)
Powdered Sugar
Milk
Vanilla
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This is an easy recipe to make and it doesn’t take a lot of time which is always a plus! Just make sure you have all of your ingredients out and organized before you start, that way you don’t forget to add any!
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, oats and salt. Cream sugar and eggs, add buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter and vanilla with mixer.
Step 2 Combine with flour mixture and mix well. Fold in raisins. Pour batter in a sprayed 9X5 inch bread pan.
Step 3 Spread the swirl mixture over the top and cut into the batter with a knife until swirled throughout the mixture.
Step 4 Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 65 to 70 minutes until center tests done. Add glaze.
Step 5 Whisk together and drizzle over cooled bread.
⭐TIP
Don’t like raisins, simply leave them out. Many have posted they have made this bread without it and thought it was fantastic. Also, if you love raisins, you can soak them in water to plump them up before you add them to the bread.
OTHER DELICIOUS BREADS
Hobo Bread – This is an old fashioned bread your Grandmother may have made. It is made without eggs. Super versatile and so good. Great reviews!
Coconut Bread – If you are a coconut fan add this one to your recipe list. It’s easy to make and great with coffee.
Molasses Oat Bread – This is another great bread with a different taste. The molasses and the oats are a great combination.
Old Fashioned Sweet Bread – This is a very old recipe and it has more of a cake like texture. Great to enjoy with fruit and coffee. Delicious for brunch!
STORING, REHEATING & SERVING SIZE
We store this bread in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave. It’s great at room temperature but it’s delicious heated up with a little butter. This makes about 8 servings.
This Oatmeal Raisin Swirl Bread is wonderful. It’s a quick bread and has a delicious swirl in the center that takes this bread to the next level. Delicious with coffee and perfect for brunch! Don’t forget the glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr20 minutesmins
Course bread
Cuisine American
2cupsall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
1teaspoonbaking soda
1cupquick-cooking oats
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2cupwhite granulated sugar
2eggs
1cupbuttermilk
1/4cupsour cream
1stick or 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup buttermelted
1teaspoonvanilla extract
3/4 to 1cupraisins
Swirl Ingredients
1/2cupbrown sugar
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonnutmeg
1/2cupnut piecespecans or walnuts (optional)
Topping or Glaze Ingredients
3/4cuppowdered sugar
3or 4 tablespoons milk
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, oats and salt. Cream sugar and eggs, add buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter and vanilla with mixer. Combine with flour mixture and mix well. Fold in raisins.
Pour batter in a sprayed 9 x 5 inch bread pan. Spread the swirl mixture over the top and cut into the batter with a knife until swirled throughout the mixture. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 65 to 70 minutes until center tests done. Add glaze below.
If you love pralines, you will love this easy recipe for Graham Cracker Pralines. This super versatile candy is a great addition to any gathering.
If you are a fan of this candy you will definitely want to try our delicious Maple Walnut Fudge. It’s a recipe that is perfect for the holiday season!
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
These little treats are really easy to make and super versatile. This recipe has only a handful of ingredients. We add marshmallows and chocolate syrup, and they are fantastic. You don’t have to add those ingredients; you can leave them out if you like. These also make a wonderful gift during the holiday season, and they keep well, too.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Honey graham crackers
Butter
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Chopped nuts (I use pecans or walnuts but could use peanuts or other nuts chopped)
Miniature marshmallows
Chocolate, butterscotch or caramel syrup or whatever syrup you like to drizzle on top
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
These are really simple to make and don’t take much time at all. Just gather your ingredients, and you’re ready!
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Line baking sheet with graham crackers. Combine butter and sugar in a saucepan on top of the stove and bring to a boil. Remove and add vanilla extract. Pour mixture over graham crackers.
Step 2 Sprinkle on nuts and marshmallows. Place in preheated 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until marshmallows begin to melt and brown. Remove and drizzle on your favorite syrup or sauce.
Step 3 Cool 10 to 15 minutes. Break apart and store in air-tight container in a cool place. Makes 24 squares or 12 large snacks or you can just break into pieces.
⭐TIP
If you are making these for the holidays you can add red and green M&M’s, sprinkles, white chocolate, etc. This is a very versatile recipe.
OTHER CANDY RECIPES
STORING & SERVING SIZE
We store this in an airtight container in a cool place and can be kept in the refrigerator. This makes about 24 pieces so about 10 servings.
These Graham Cracker Pralines are super easy to make and very versatile. You can add any toppings your family loves. They also make a great treat or gift during the holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Total Time 30 minutesmins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
12long honey graham crackers
1/2cupbutter or 8 tablespoons or 1 stick
3/4cupbrown sugar
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1cupchopped nutsI use pecans or walnuts but could use peanuts or other nuts chopped
2cupsminiature marshmallows
Chocolatebutterscotch or caramel syrup or whatever syrup you like to drizzle on top
Line baking sheet with graham crackers. Combine butter and sugar in a saucepan on top of the stove and bring to a boil. Remove and add vanilla extract. Pour mixture over graham crackers.
Sprinkle on nuts and marshmallows. Place in preheated 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until marshmallows begin to melt and brown.
Remove and drizzle on your favorite syrup or sauce. Cool 10 to 15 minutes. Break apart and store in air-tight container in a cool place. Makes 24 squares or 12 large snacks or you can just break into pieces.
This Sorghum Cornbread is a wonderful addition to any meal! We love to top it with butter and extra sorghum for a real treat!
If you love this recipe, you will also love our delicious Pumpkin Cornbread. It’s a wonderful Fall treat and goes great with chili!
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
If you have followed our site for any amount of time you know we are huge sorghum fans. When Leigh and I were little we grew up in a community that had a wonderful fall festival and they made sorghum at the festival. It always smelled so good! This cornbread is delicious with butter and a cup of coffee.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Self-rising cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Salt
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Brown sugar
Buttermilk
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sorghum syrup
Butter
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
The hardest part about this recipe is organizing your ingredients. I always like to get everything out and measured correctly before I start.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, ground cloves, ground nutmeg and sugar until well mixed. Add eggs and buttermilk plus vanilla extract and sorghum syrup. Stir well with a spoon.
Step 2 Spray a 10 inch iron skillet with cooking spray. Add the butter and put skillet into preheated 425 degree oven until butter melts. Add the cornbread mix and bake at the same 425 degree temperature 25 to 30 minutes.
⭐TIP
This recipe calls for buttermilk and many people will ask if you can use a buttermilk substitute. You can but it will change the fat content of the cornbread. The buttermilk adds fat which is what makes the cornbread delicious.
You can also use a 2 quart baking pan, but be sure and check on how quickly it is cooking and you would need to spray the pan instead of melting the butter in it.
This Sorghum Cornbread is made in a skillet and a great addition to any chili or crock pot dish. We love it during the Fall season.
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 30 minutesmins
Total Time 45 minutesmins
Course bread
Cuisine American
2cupsself-rising cornmeal
1/3cupall-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2teaspoonground ginger
1/4teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonground cloves
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
1/4cupbrown sugar
1 1/4cupsbuttermilk
2eggs
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/3cupsorghum syrup
1/4cupbutter or 4 tablespoons
Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, ground cloves, ground nutmeg and sugar until well mixed. Add eggs and buttermilk plus vanilla extract and sorghum syrup. Stir well with a spoon.
Spray a 10 inch iron skillet with cooking spray. Add the butter and put skillet into preheated 425 degree oven until butter melts. Add the cornbread mix and bake at the same 425 degree temperature 25 to 30 minutes.
If you are a maple fan this is for you! You can make this maple fudge with walnuts or pecans and it’s the perfect treat.
If you have followed our site for any amount of time, then you know we are huge fans of fudge! We have many different variations on our website and they are all delicious. Our most popular is our Five Minute Fudge which we used to make this recipe too.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love maple and we love fudge so this recipe was a no brainer for us. Maple just says Fall and the holiday season and we are a huge fan of that time of year. This fudge also makes a wonderful gift and comes together very quickly, which is always a plus.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Brown sugar
Miniature marshmallows
Evaporated milk
Butter
Salt
White baking chips
Walnuts (can use pecans)
Maple extract
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This fudge is really easy to make which is one of the reasons we love it. Five minute fudge takes all the guessing out of it and makes this one simple! Such a versatile recipe.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Combine sugar, marshmallows, milk, butter and salt in a pan. Bring to boil, reduce to medium and cook about 5 minutes or until reaches soft ball stage. I just boil mine 5 minutes stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 2 Remove pan from stove, stir in baking chips until melted and smooth. Stir in walnuts and maple extract. Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray and add fudge mix. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until hardens. Cut in pieces and enjoy!
⭐TIP
You can use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. We usually use unsalted since we add salt to the fudge.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge – This is a simple fudge that is only 2 ingredients and you can switch out the chips for different flavors.
Easiest Fudge – This is a chocolate fudge your family will love. It’s simple to make too!
DELICIOUS MAPLE RECIPES
STORING & SERVING SIZE
We store our fudge in an airtight container in the fridge because we enjoy it cold, but it will be fine in just an airtight container. This makes about 8 -10 servings.
This maple fudge is so easy to make and made with the five minute fudge recipe. It’s one of our holiday favorites!
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 5 minutesmins
2 hourshrs
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
1 3/4cupsbrown sugar
1 1/2cupsminiature marshmallows
2/3cupevaporated milk
6tablespoonsbutter
1/2teaspoonsalt
1cupwhite baking chips
2cupsfinely chopped walnutscan use pecans
1teaspoonmaple extract
Combine sugar, marshmallows, milk, butter and salt in a pan. Bring to boil, reduce to medium and cook about 5 minutes or until reaches soft ball stage. I just boil mine 5 minutes stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Remove pan from stove, stir in baking chips until melted and smooth. Stir in walnuts and maple extract. Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray and add fudge mix. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until hardens. Cut in pieces.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is the perfect time to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino communities in your classroom! Here are five Hispanic and Latino mathematicians to celebrate with students this month: 1. Jaime Escalante (1930-2010) David Butow/Corbis via Getty Images Jaime Escalante was a math educator from Bolivia. He […]
This Buttermilk Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a classic that will never go out of style! It’s a wonderful cake for any occasion.
If you are fan of delicious chocolate desserts, you will definitely want to give this delicious Sweet Chocolate Pie a try. It’s a wonderful dessert and has many great reviews.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
Buttermilk cake is good to serve family and friends as dessert or with a tall glass of milk anytime. This buttermilk cake is wonderful for any holiday. It is a classic that never goes out of style and one you will make over and over again. It makes a great presentation served on any buffet and there will not be any leftover. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream or just plain with coffee. This buttermilk cake speaks for itself. I love the simplicity of the cake and the good old-fashioned taste. You can never go wrong with this one.
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
White Sugar
Shortening
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking soda
Buttermilk
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
Butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk
Cocoa ( I use Nestles 100% pure cocoa)
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This cake is not difficult to make and you can fully watch the process in the video player below that is located in the recipe card.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Preheat oven to 325. Beat sugar, shortening, vanilla and eggs together with spoon or mixer. Mix flour, salt and baking soda with a wire whisk and add to creamed mixture.
Step 2 Add buttermilk and continue mixing until smooth. Divide between 3 sprayed cake pans and bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until centers test done.
Step 3 Let cool and remove from pans. You can frost with any frosting you like. I used the chocolate below.
Step 4 Frosting Instructions: Mix all ingredients with mixer until spreading consistency. Spread on cake.
⭐TIP
Many people don’t keep buttermilk on hand and will ask about using a substitute. I don’t feel that would be a good thing to use in this cake. Buttermilk has a higher fat and that is needed in this recipe. You won’t have the added fat when you use a buttermilk substitute.
OTHER POPULAR CAKE RECIPES
Southern Jam Cake – This is one of our most popular cakes and it goes way back with our family. We have been enjoying this cake every Christmas for over 70 years.
Sour Cream Coconut Cake – This is one is a winner and everyone loves it! Great reviews on this wonderful cake.
Southern Coca Cola Cake – This chocolate cake has been around for a long time. Many people remember that Cracker Barrel used to serve it.
Old Fashioned Snowball Cake – This is a cake your grandmother probably made! Perfect for the holiday season.
STORING & SERVING SIZE
We store this cake in cool place and it makes about 10 servings depending on the size of each piece. This cake is one you can make the night before.
This Buttermilk Cake with Chocolate Frosting is one anyone will love. It’s pretty simple to make and never goes out of style. Classic cake for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 30 minutesmins
Total Time 45 minutesmins
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
2 1/2cupssugar
1cupshortening
6eggs
1tablespoonvanilla extract
3cupsall-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonbaking soda
1cupbuttermilk
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
1stick or 1/2 cup butter softened
3cupspowdered sugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract
5 to 6tablespoonsmilk
1/2cupcocoaI use Nestles 100% pure cocoa
Cake Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325. Beat sugar, shortening, vanilla and eggs together with spoon or mixer. Mix flour, salt and baking soda with a wire whisk and add to creamed mixture. Add milk and continue mixing until smooth.
Divide between 3 sprayed cake pans and bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until centers test done. Let cool and remove from pans. You can frost with any frosting you like. I use chocolate frosting.
Southern Candied Pecans are perfect for any occasion but we especially love them during the Fall and the holiday season. They make a great gift or your family and friends too!
If you love simple, handy kitchen tips, you may want to save this “How to Make Brown Sugar”. It comes in super handy if you want to make these pecans!
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
We love these pecans as a snack and they make great gifts for friends or relatives when you want to show someone you are thinking of them or just do a good deed. They are wonderful on ice cream, put them in dessert recipes or add to salads. You won’t be able to stop eating them and they make your house smell wonderful while baking
🍴KEY INGREDIENTS
Pecans
Egg white
Vanilla extract
White granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Salt
Ground cinnamon
SWAPS
You can easily make this with almonds, walnuts, etc. The photo shows almonds and pecans. The coating is delicious on ALL nuts, and we love to combine them during the holiday season.
🍽️HOW TO MAKE
This is a super simple recipe and one you can make up quickly, however they do need to be in the oven for about 45 minutes.
COOKING STEPS
Step 1 Whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. Mix the egg white with the vanilla extract in another bowl. Put the pecans in the egg white and mix well with a spoon to coat all the pecans.
Step 2 Pour the pecans into the sugar mixture and mix until all the sugar has coated the nuts. Spread on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Step 3 Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Stirring well every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
⭐TIP
You can double or triple the recipe or make as much as you like. This is a great recipe for the holidays!
MORE RECIPES WITH PECANS
STORING & SERVING SIZE
This makes about 3 cups and we always store it in an airtight container. These pecans will keep for about a month.
Southern Candied Pecans are so easy to make and a wonderful treat! They also make a great gift during the holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 40 minutesmins
Total Time 55 minutesmins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, southern
2cupspecans
1egg white
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/4cupwhite granulated sugar
1/4cupbrown sugar
1/4teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonground cinnamon
Whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix the egg white with the vanilla extract in another bowl.
Put the pecans in the egg white and mix well with a spoon to coat all the pecans. Pour the pecans into the sugar mixture and mix until all the sugar has coated the nuts. Spread on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Stirring well every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Store in airtight container for up to a month. You can double or triple the recipe or make as much as you like. This makes 3 cups.
Welp. It’s that time of year again. The first week of August where everyone starts obsessing over all things Fall, Halloween, and pumpkin spice for absolutely no reason.
Pumpkin beer will start hitting the shelves even though it’s 90 degrees outside. Spirit Halloween stores are already open because I definitely need to buy a costume that won’t fit me by the end of October.
So we thought it was necessary to collect some of the best premature Autumn memes the internet has to offer.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
It’s currently summer, so most people are thinking about attending barbecues and buying fireworks — not planning their holiday shopping season. However, if you run a brick-and-mortar store or ecommerce business, this is the best time to begin thinking about the holiday inventory.
Successful planning in June and July will set you up for profitability in November, December and January. Here are six ways you can successfully plan for increased inventory demand during the holiday season.
The holiday season is the most profitable sales period for most retailers. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday sales exceeded $964 billion in 2023, a 3.8% increase from the previous year.
So start by coming up with a timeline of key dates when you can anticipate increased sales and demand. These dates most likely include:
Think about the shipping cut-off dates for each of these holidays, and add them to your calendar. That way, you can let customers know the last days to receive standard and expedited shipping on their orders.
2. Determine what you’ll need
Next, you’ll forecast the types and amount of inventory you’ll need for the holiday season. Having enough inventory on hand to meet customer demand will ensure you don’t lose out on business to competitors. It will also help you avoid overstocking items you don’t need.
The best way to estimate holiday demand is by looking at previous sales data and taking note of customers’ shopping patterns. Of course, shopping habits can change slightly from year to year, so you also want to look at industry trends. For example, you can see what your competitors are doing and how they’re preparing for the holidays. And if you have an NRF membership, you’ll receive insights into consumer and retail trends.
Once you’ve done adequate research, you can begin planning your holiday inventory. You can also start to think about when you should begin marketing and how much staff you’ll need to have on hand to manage the increased demand.
3. Do an inventory audit
An inventory audit involves regularly reviewing your inventory for accuracy. During an inventory audit, you’ll verify that your physical inventory matches what you’ve recorded in your financial records. An inventory audit can also help you spot inefficiencies in your supply chain.
To perform an inventory audit, you’ll start by organizing your inventory to reduce the odds of miscounting items. From there, you’ll begin physically counting and recording each item into your inventory management software.
Once the audit is complete, you’ll reconcile the count with your inventory records. If there are any discrepancies, you can investigate where they came from. You can also begin developing a plan to reduce discrepancies in the future.
Once you know how much inventory you’ll need to meet the holiday demand, you should begin reaching out to your suppliers. Checking in early with your suppliers will ensure you’re on the same page and you’re not caught off-guard by changes to their order times or pricing.
It’s also a good idea to ask if any of your suppliers offer pre-sale discounts or promotional pricing. It never hurts to ask, and some may be willing to give you a discount for large orders.
5. Think about financing
As you begin planning for your holiday inventory, one of the biggest issues is how you’re going to pay for everything. Many small businesses don’t have the cash flow to pay for a large inventory order, shipping supplies and the unexpected costs that come along with it.
If you find yourself in this place, financing may be a good solution. Inventory financing is a one-time loan or ongoing line of credit you can use to purchase inventory for your business. The inventory purchased is used as collateral for the loan.
Financing can help you maintain consistent cash flow during seasonal fluctuations in your business. It will also give you the flexibility to respond to increased customer demand. If you’re interested in exploring your financing options, you should begin looking into this now so you’ll be well prepared come fall.
6. Place your orders early
Many customers begin their holiday shopping in September and October out of concern over product shortages and slow shipping times. So you want to place your inventory orders as soon as possible so you can capture those early shoppers.
However, it’s impossible to forecast exactly how much inventory you’ll need, and you’re bound to run out of items. So you also want to have a plan for how you can quickly replenish out-of-stock items. For example, a good inventory management system will alert you when you’re running low on certain items and need to re-order.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For a Charlotte company providing roadside assistance, the holiday and the heat usually mean an increase in calls for service.
What You Need To Know
A company providing roadside assistance expects a higher call volume during holiday weekend
Flat tires and battery issues are some of the top calls this time of the year
The company recommends waiting in your car with the AC running if possible until help arrives
Charlotte Hero Patrol Roadside Service operations manager Alex Grullon said the day before and after Independence Day are usually busy.
AAA estimates more than 70 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday, which includes the entire July Fourth week and the Saturday before and after.
“The top three calls is definitely flat tire change, especially around this time it’s very hot so that’s a big thing when it comes to heat. Battery jumpstarts and battery replacements,” Grullon said.
When he is not providing roadside assistance or towing vehicles, he keeps an eye out for stranded drivers along the interstate.
On Wednesday, he found a driver with a flat tire who was waiting for help.
“He says he’s going to wait here. I’m just going to give him a water bottle because it’s certainly hot out here,” he said.
With hot temperatures, he brings a cooler with water for him and customers.
He recommends others do the same and keep a phone charged in case of emergency.
“The last thing you think of is breaking down when you are driving local or out of town, and having a phone charger, at least an extra one, is the best thing to do,” Grullon said.
He said it’s important to be safe while waiting for help on the side of the road.
“Being anywhere that there’s around shade. I mean if they have just a simple breakdown where the vehicle still runs and they’re able to sit in there with the AC running, by all means they can stay in their [car],” Grullon said.
Other than water, AAA recommends having nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and jumper cables in your car in case of an emergency.
In addition, AAA recommends buying a spare tire if you don’t have one.
Grullon recommends changing your battery every few years and getting your car checked.
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