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4 Ways to Set the Mood for Fall

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If there are sure-fire things that remind me of fall, I’d have to say they are: autumnal home decor, pumpkin anything, spiked apple-flavored cocktails, and yummy game day foods! How about you? What says “fall” to you?

Depending on where you live, the weather may not feel like fall even if it is mid-September. Sometimes it’s still hot (upper 90s here in Kansas) in September! After using my list of 4 Ways to Set The Mood for Fall, you’re sure to come around to my way of thinking.

It’s Fall Y’all: Decorate Your Home DIY Style

Look around your home. Pull out all of your gold, yellow, reds, and white dishes and decorative items. Then, combine them with a few purchased store-bought decorative items and let your creativity run wild! Don’t forget to check your pantry for dried beans, grains or whole fruits in the same color palette! Even a pile of oranges in a bowl or towers of yellow or brown dried pasta in clear jars can say “fall” to when added to your seasonal kitchen decor.

Want to see how I decorated using a items I already had plus purchased ones? Get inspired (and learn how to paint plastic pumpkins!) >> Click here.

See that cute white pumpkin? I bought super cheap at a craft store and simply painted it white!

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

Why not keep with the autumnal-theme party going by making my Crisp Fall Day Cocktail that is BIG on apple flavor?! Thanks to the cider and flavored liqueur – it’s applicioius! Partial to Louisburg Apple Cider since it’s located in my beautiful home state of Kansas, you can use any brand. This cocktail is super simple to make and doesn’t require fancy bartender tools either.

Tip: This cocktail can also be made into a  large batch if you need to serve a crowd at Thanksgiving (just multiply its ingredients). Don’t forget to add a pretty straw to each glass before serving!

If serving cocktails at a fall party, remember to add decorative items to your drink station.

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers with Gorgonzola and Buffalo Sauce 

If the weekend’s ball game is on, I’m eating tailgating (totally NOT heathy) appetizers like these spicy, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. We like to smoke our poppers on our Traeger using hickory or apple wood pellets, but you can easily grill these off until soft on a propane grill or even using a grill pan on the stove top. This recipe is over the top rich in flavor because of the cream cheese, bacon, and added buffalo sauce, so you’re going to want a ice cold beer or mocktail to wash it down.

If you want to really crisp up the bacon, smoke the poppers on the grill and finish them in the oven on broil for a couple of minutes.

Decadent Poached Pears Made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Some people may not be ready to let summer go just yet, so this recipe pleases everyone because it includes cold ice cream AND fall flavors like cinnamon, pear, and apple cider. Dinner guests are always impressed by this dessert since it looks like something you would find on a restaurant menu, and you’ll love it because it’s super simple. Preparing it is as easy as peeling the pears, simmering the liquid ingredients with the spices, and poaching the pears. Everyone loves this dessert!

When serving, pour a bit of the wine/apple cider reduction into a bowl, add a poached pear, two scoops of double vanilla ice cream, and a cinnamon stick to make it pretty.

Do I have you crushin’ on fall yet? :: wink :: I hope these posts help you to set the mood for fall in your home and give you fun recipe ideas to celebrate with friends whether you’re watching sports on TV or relaxing with a cocktail in front of the chiminea. I hope you have a fantastic fall! For a BONUS fall-themed post, check out my Salted Caramel Apple Martini recipe.

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

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Have any Bah Humbugs in your house this holiday? Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are the cure!

Not only does the house fill with the smell of warm cinnamon (better than any candle – thank you), but I dare any bah humbugs to try and remain a Scrooge after sampling warm pecans from the oven! The spirit of Christmas is the secret ingredient in this recipe.

Tis the season to abandon your diet and go for the YUM!

The beauty of making this candy substitute is that the recipe is incredibly simple to make and one even the kiddos can help you with. So, throw on an apron and invite the kids into the kitchen!

Pecans or walnuts are good choices for this recipe so the sugary mixture bakes inside all of the nuts’ nooks and crannies. My walnuts were frozen in the freezer, so I used only pecans.

To make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Next, simply whisk one egg white with water and pour it over a bowl containing three cups of raw, unsalted pecans. Add the remaining ingredients, stir, and ta-da! Transfer the wet, coated pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 25-28 minutes. That’s it!

After removing the pecans from the oven, let them cool before moving them from the baking sheet. The toughest part of making the pecans is not eating them while they’re warm! The pecans will be naturally clumped together because of the melted sugar coating, but that’s okay.

This is what the pecans look like as soon after they are removed from the oven and before they cool.

Once the pecans have cooled, break them up with your hands and transfer them to glass jars or Ziplock bags for simple storage. You could easily gift this dainty holiday snack by tying a ribbon around a pecan-filled mason jar and adding a gift tag! If you’re going to make a DIY foodie gift, make this one! It’s a guaranteed win and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Send holiday dinner party guests home with a gift – jarred cinnamon sugar pecans. They’ll love you for it!

Candied pecans also make a delicious addition to any salad or as a yogurt mix-in. I served Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans to guests in place of a heavy dessert. Rather than eating a rich dessert after our steak dinner, we enjoyed hot coffee and handfuls of sweet pecans!

3 cups

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

As a snack, dessert replacement or on a salad, Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are delectable!

10 minPrep Time

40 minCook Time

50 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups raw, unsalted pecans
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 T. water
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar (packed)
  • large pinch Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat over to 300 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Whisk egg white with the water in a small bowl until foamy.
  4. Pour egg white mixture on pecans in a large bowl and stir until pecans are well coated.
  5. Combine remaining ingredients in separate large bowl. Then, add sugar mixture to pecans.
  6. Stir pecans until the sugar mixture evenly coats the nuts.
  7. Transfer pecans to the baking sheet and spread them until almost flat.
  8. Bake at 300 degrees for 25-28 minutes. (Check them at 25 minutes.)
  9. Remove from oven and allow pecans to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

Notes

I did not stir the pecans half-way through baking, but you can.

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https://onedelightfullife.com/baked-cinnamon-sugar-pecans/

 

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

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I didn’t want to make the typical fall dessert. You know the kind. Pumpkin Pie. Caramel Brownies. Nope! I wanted to make something fresh, comforting, and over the top delicious. My Decadent Poached Pears made with cabernet and apple cider is the quintessential fall dessert.

Made with 19 Crimes Cabernet and Louisburg Mill Apple Cider, this recipe for Decadent Poached Pears takes a new twist on the typical poached pear recipe. Instead of adding orange juice, I used my favorite autumnal beverage, apple cider, which gives the pear glaze its rich flavor.

First, clean two red pears. Using a paring knife, remove the skin of each pear. Do not remove the stem. Slice the bottom of each pear off so it sits flat on the cutting board.

Second, add the cabernet, apple, cider, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon stick to a small stovetop pot.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat. Stir frequently.

Third, add the prepped pears to the pot. The heat should be turned to low right now.

This is what the pears look like before you spoon the liquid over them.

Spoon the liquid over the pears several times. Allow to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, lay each pear on its side and spoon more liquid over it. Set a time for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, repeat the process turning the pears to their other side. Repeat this process for a total of 20 minutes are until the pears are tender.

Fourth, remove the steamed pears (they should be tender when pierced with a toothpick or spoon) and place them in a wide bowl.

Fifth, remove the cinnamon stick from the liquid. Increase the heat back to the high setting to bring the liquid to a boil stirring constantly for five minutes until it thickens to glaze. Remove from heat.

Lastly, spoon cabernet glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Add cinnamon sticks for garnish.

2 pears

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Impress holiday guests with this seasonal dessert that promises to wow a crowd and is super easy to prepare.

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

45 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 peeled, whole red pears
  • 1 c. cabernet
  • 1/8 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. apple cider
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Using a small paring knife to peel the pear but leave the stem.
  2. Slide off the bottom of each pair so it sits evenly.
  3. Over medium heat combine the cabernet, sugar, and apple cider and stir frequently.
  4. Reduce to a simmer.
  5. Place the apples into the pot sitting on their base.
  6. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot.
  7. Spoon the cabernet liquid over all sides of each pear. Set a timer for five minutes.
  8. After the five minutes expire, put the apples on their sides and spoon more of the cabernet liquid over them. Set a time for five minutes.
  9. Repeat these five minute intervals two to three more times always rotating the pears each time to guarantee that the color covers the pear evenly.
  10. Check the pears for softness after about 20 minutes of rotation intervals.
  11. Remove the pears and allow them to cool in a wide bowl.
  12. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  13. Bring the heat of the pot back up to medium high and stir the cabernet liquid continuously until the liquid thickens to a glaze (approximately 10-15 minutes).
  14. Pour the finished glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can substitute orange juice for apple cider if you prefer a citrus flavor note.

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https://onedelightfullife.com/decadent-poached-pears-made-cabernet-apple-cider/

Nutrition

Calories

601 cal

Carbs

174 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Easy to Make Baked Apple Slices

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Did you know that apples are a member of the rose family of plants, along with pears, peaches, plums, and cherries?

According to nyapplecountry.com, Americans eat more apples per capita than any other fruit. Why? Perhaps we know that they’re good for us. A medium-sized apple contains about 80 calories. They keep us feeling full unlike other processed snack foods. Better yet, apples are fat-free, sodium free, and cholesterol free!

Clearly, I’m fascinated by the delightful qualities of apples. So much so that I tried my hand at baking apple slices this weekend. Initially I wanted to make these bite-sized snacks to add to a copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad (which I may still whip up), but yesterday’s chilly temperatures inspired me to add them to a bowl of warm oatmeal for breakfast. It was delicious!

My Easy to Make Baked Apple Slices make a great grab and go snack or a flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, or even a bowl of ice cream. This recipe produces soft apples slices with crispy edges. I prefer to leave on the apple skin. Unlike other baked apple slices recipes online, I bake mine at a higher temperature for less time. Let me walk you through the simple steps to making apple slices.

After shooting this photo, I ended up adding natural peanut butter to my oatmeal bowl. It was a little thick, but oh so warm and delicious.
After shooting this photo, I ended up adding natural peanut butter to my oatmeal bowl. It was a little thick, but oh so warm and delicious.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After washing each apple, remove its inside core using a melon baller. If you don’t have one, you can simply slice the apple in half and remove the core with a knife. Carefully use a mandolin slicer on the thin setting to slice each apple. Lay the apple slices on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle the apple slices with pumpkin spice.

No need to sprinkle pumpkin spice on the apple slices on both sides.
No need to sprinkle pumpkin spice on the apple slices on both sides. One side is enough.

Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the apple slices using tongs. (They will be soft, but that’s okay. We’re not making dehydrated apples.) Bake for another 10 minutes. Note: Small end pieces of apple may begin to burn so watch them closely in the later minutes of baking. Remove as necessary. Oven temperatures vary and these instructions are meant to produce still-soft apple slices not hard chips.

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If you love apples as much as I do (ironic because I was once a teacher), then you’ll also enjoy my recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Martini  or Peanut-Butterscotch Apple Nachos. Have a super apple recipe for me to try, tag One Delightful Life on Twitter or add it to the comment section below. 

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Peach Pie Martini

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Capture the taste of homemade, fresh baked peach pie in a glass with this amazing martini. Baking a pie can takes some serious dedication, but you can have the best of both worlds in just five minutes by shaking up this delightful Peach Pie Martini.

(I prefer to leave the peach skin on when pureeing it.)

peach-pie-martini2

Peach Pie Martini

This martini tastes like Grandma's fresh baked peach pie and is the perfect compliment to a backyard barbecue.

5 minPrep Time

PCook Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. club soda
  • 2 T. pureed fresh peach (1/2 peach, skin optional)
  • 1 1/2 oz. Pinnacle cake vodka
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon (reserve 1 tsp. to rim the glass later)
  • 1 tsp. sugar (reserve to rim the glass later)

Instructions

  1. Pit one peach and add fruit to a Cuisinart to puree until reaching a softened mixture.
  2. Add ice cubes to a martini shaker.
  3. Add pureed peach, vodka, club soda, and cinnamon. Shake for 15 seconds.
  4. To rim the martini glass, use part of the leftover peach to moisten the rim and then dip it in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Notes

Substitute any other fruit flavored vodka to create another pie flavor.

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https://onedelightfullife.com/peach-pie-martini/

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Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers

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I have a major sweet tooth, which doesn’t work out too well when I live with someone who doesn’t eat desserts. Ah, the humanity! Like, who doesn’t eat desserts?

So, every now and again I actually try my hand at “baking.” I don’t consider myself a baker because sometimes things just don’t turn out right and sometimes my recipes are semi-homemade. But at least I try, right? You’re going to want to try this easy recipe for flaky, scrumptious Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers. They can be eaten for breakfast, as a dessert or, when like me, you’ve given in to a craving in the middle of the afternoon.

strawberry-lemon-cream-cheese-turnovers

6 servings

Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers

You can substitute any berry in place of strawberries.

15 minPrep Time

13 minCook Time

28 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • Strawberry Filling:
  • One quart sliced strawberries (mix with 2 tsp sugar and refrigerate for at least an hour)
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup powder sugar
  • 1 T vanilla
  • 2 tsp strawberry juice
  • Pastry:
  • 8 oz can Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet Original
  • Frosting:
  • 1/4 cup powder sugar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • (add low-fat milk to thin the frosting a bit, if you prefer it thinner)

Instructions

  1. Wash, de-stem, and slice the strawberries. Mix the strawberries in a medium bowl with the sugar.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  3. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  4. When the strawberries are ready, drain the berries from their juice. Reserve the juice in a separate container. Combine all filling ingredients and add 2 tsp strawberry juice to it. Mix well.
  5. Lay out crescent dough on an ungreased cookie sheet. Slice the dough sheet into six large squares. Stuff each square with a large mound of strawberry filling. Fold the dough square into a triangle shape around the stuffing. Use your fingers to pinch around two edges of the triangle. Dust with cinnamon (optional) and bake for 10-13 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with drizzled frosting. Garnish with lemon zest and sliced strawberries.
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https://onedelightfullife.com/strawberry-lemon-cream-cheese-turnovers/

Nutrition

Calories

124 cal

Carbs

26 g

Protein

2 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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