This sweet and festive ornament shaped cheeseball is ideal for serving as a Christmas themed appetizer!

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Christmas Ornament Brie Cheeseball

Ingredients

• 6-8 oz spreadable brie cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans divided
• 1 tbsp honey
• Rollo gold wrapped candy optional
• crackers for serving

Instructions

• In a bowl mix together the soft brie, 1/4 cup cranberries, 1/4 cup pecans, and honey.
• Once combined scoop onto a large piece of cling wrap.
• Form into a large ball and secure top.
• Place in the fridge for a couple hours up to overnight.
• Once it is set, remove from fridge and unwrap.
• Add the remaining cranberries and pecans to a plate and roll the brie ball in them to coat.
• Place on a decorative plate.
• Top with a gold wrapped Rollo candy as the top of the "ornament".
• Serve with crackers and a knife for spreading and enjoy.

This Christmas themed cheeseball is so easy to make with just four ingredients! 

I used this spreadable brie cheese. 2 3-4oz packages of it was enough for one cheeseball.

Add 1/4 cup cranberries and 1/4 cup pecans to a bowl.

Add honey.

Then add both containers of soft brie. Mix well to combine.

Scoop onto a large piece of cling wrap.

Form into a large ball and secure top.
Place in the fridge for a couple hours up to overnight.

Once it is set, remove from fridge and unwrap.
Add the remaining cranberries and pecans to a plate.

Roll the brie ball in them to coat.
Place on a decorative plate.

Top with a gold wrapped Rollo candy as the top of the “ornament”.

Place on a decorative plate and serve with crackers and a knife for spreading.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my family to yours!

The post Christmas Ornament Brie Cheeseball appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Grinch Movie Night would not be complete without a festive snack mix.

This salty and sweet recipe is a delicious holiday treat that the whole family will enjoy!

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Grinch Holiday Snack Mix

Makes a large bowlful

Ingredients

• 4 cups Chex Cereal I used Rice Chex
• 4 cups Popcorn popped
• 2 cups pretzel sticks
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• green food coloring
• 3 oz package Christmas M&Ms
• 1 Hershey's white chocolate bar I used the holiday sugar cookie flavor

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, pretzels, and Chex cereal. Mix well and set aside.
• 2.In a small bowl add the white chocolate chips and microwave on  50% power for 45 seconds. Stir and heat an additional 15 seconds, stirring again. Repeat until fully melted and smooth.
• Add green food coloring and stir in drops until you get the color green you want. I added about 6 drops.
• Now pour the chocolate over the snack mix and stir to coat. Optional you can also scoop into a large gallon size bag and add chocolate then seal and shake to coat.
• Spread onto a lined baking sheet.
• Meanwhile, boil a small saucepan of water and add the Hershey bar. Dip in with tongs for a few seconds until it is melted.
• Remove and cut off a corner of the wrapper. Drizzle all over the snack mix.
• Finally, sprinkle on M&M's .
• Let set then scoop into cups and serve!

Start by gathering your snack mix ingredients including your favorite Chex cereal, pretzels, and popcorn. 

In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, pretzels, and Chex cereal. Mix well and set aside.

In a small bowl add the white chocolate chips and microwave on  50% power for 45 seconds.

Stir and heat an additional 15 seconds, stirring again. Repeat until fully melted and smooth.

Add green food coloring and stir in drops until you get the color green you want. 

I added about 6 drops. 

Now pour the chocolate over the snack mix and stir to coat.

Optional: you can also scoop into a large gallon size bag and add chocolate then seal and shake to coat.

Spread onto a lined baking sheet.

Meanwhile, boil a small saucepan of water and add the Hershey bar. Dip in with tongs for a few seconds until it is melted.

Remove and cut off a corner of the wrapper. Drizzle all over the snack mix.

Finally, sprinkle on M&M’s .

Let set then scoop into cups and serve! 

We served this snack mix along with Green Grinch Hot Chocolate for our Grinchmas Movie Night.

   “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch  

The post Grinch Holiday Snack Mix appeared first on For the Love of Food.

My girl is becoming quite the little chef and her go to cheese- brie- has now become her signature appetizer for special occasions. So this year for Thanksgiving she decided to make a twist on my popular baked brie appetizer: Cranberry Pecan Brie Baked in a Bread Bowl. It turned out better than we imagined and was a big hit with our foodie family!

Scroll down for the recipe and enjoy this tasty Ava creation! 

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Cranberry Pecan Brie Baked in a Bread Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 bread bowl
• 1 10 oz circle of brie
• 1/2 cup orange cranberry spread I used Trader Joe's Maple Cranberry Orange Spread⁣, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans divided⁣
• 2 tbsp butter melted⠀⁣
• honey for topping (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cut out a hole in the center of your bread bowl that will fit the brie. Remove bread from the top and scoop out inside.
• Spread 1/4 cup cranberry spread and 1/4 cup chopped pecans in the center of the bread.
• Cut 1 inch slices around the edge of the bread to create tabs (do not cut to the bottom of the bread).⠀⁣
• ⠀⁣
• Score your brie (cutting lines horizontal and vertical across) and place in the bread.
• Top with remaining cranberry spread and chopped pecans.
• Place in a baking dish and brush the bread with melted butter.
• Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
• Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Ava made quite the spread for Thanksgiving this year!

Her baked brie appetizer was the star and will for sure be requested every year from now on!

Start with a round of brie cheese.

Do not remove the edible rind, it holds the cheese together when it melts.

Score your brie (cutting lines horizontal and vertical across) and set aside. 

This was a good knife skills activity for Ava.

You want to score the top but do not cut all the way through. 

I picked up a fresh baked bread bowl from our local bakery. 

Cut out a hole in the center of your bread bowl that will fit the brie. Remove bread from the top (you can cut it up for dipping) and scoop out inside.

Cut 1 inch slices around the edge of the bread to create tabs (do not cut to the bottom of the bread).⠀

This seasonal find from Trader Joe’s was the perfect jam to go in the brie!

If you cannot find it any fruit spread works but I love the flavors of cranberry and orange for the holidays. 

Spread 1/4 cup cranberry spread in the center of the bread.

Then add 1/4 cup chopped pecans.

Place the brie in the bread next. 

Top with remaining cranberry spread and chopped pecans.

Place in a baking dish and brush the bread with melted butter.

Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Remove cut bread on the side and dip.

I also like to serve with sliced apples and pears for dipping. 

Un-brie-lievable! 

Serve this appetizer at your next holiday meal and your guests will be begging for more!

The post Ava’s Cranberry Pecan Brie Baked in a Bread Bowl appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Happy December!

Attention parents: Elf on the Shelf craziness is upon us! Over the years our elf Jingle has surprised my kiddos with all sorts of silly antics. Sometimes he brings a book or treat, other times he is silly and occasionally he has some naughty fun! Jingle is pretty creative but even the best elves need help sometimes right? 

If you and your elf are looking for some elf approved suggestions for holiday fun check out this Ultimate List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas roundup below!

You’re sure to find some new tricks (and treats) for hilarious elf shenanigans this holiday season!

1. Elf on the Shelf Teeth Flossing – Mama in the Now

2. Copycat Elf on The Shelf IHOP Pancakes – Simplistically Living

3. Elf on the Shelf Gets Frozen by Elsa – Studio DIY

4. Elf on a Shelf Printable Snack Shack – Saving Dollars and Sense

5. Grinch Dust Recipe with Printable Bag Toppers and Tags – For the Love of Food

6. Elf on the Shelf Goes Fishing (for Goldfish) – Rocking My 365 Project

7. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Movie Night – Free DIY Props – Movie Nights at Home

8. Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Catapult – Crystal and Comp

9. Elf Poop Cookies (EASY White Chocolate Haystacks) – The Olive Blogger

10. Elf on the Shelf White Hot Chocolate – Sparkles to Sprinkles

11. Elf on the Shelf Camping Scene – The Creek Line House

12. Elf on the Shelf Skittles Rainbow Printable – So Easy Being Green

13. Girl Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Bubble Bath – Crystal and Comp

14. Fun and Festive Elf on the Shelf Photo Props – Confessions of Parenting

15. Elf on the Shelf Snowball Fight – Celebrating with Kids

16. Two Elf on the Shelf’s Playing in the Christmas Tree – Crafting with Kids

17. Free Printable Elf Letter Boards – Mimosas and Motherhood

18. Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt – Glitter on a Dime

19. Elf On The Shelf Charcuterie Board – Healthy Family Project

20. Elf of the Shelf Christmas Table – A Mother Thing

21. Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate Station (with printable signs!) – For the Love of Food

22. KitchenAid Elf on The Shelf Idea – Simplistically Living

23. Elf on the Shelf Twister Printable – Crystal and Comp

24. Secret Message from Santa – Elf on the Shelf Activity – Simply Well Balanced

25. Elf on the Shelf Printable Scavenger Hunt Clues – Mom on the Side

26. Elf On The Shelf Mickey Ears – Simplify Create Inspire

27. Elf On The Shelf Toilet Paper Roll Snowman – Mama’s Buzz

28. Elf on the Shelf Drinking Syrup – The Dragon Mama

29. Elf on the Shelf Printable Secret Message from Santa – Darcy and Brian

30. Elf On The Shelf Superhero Costumes FREE Printables – Mom Hacks 101

31. Elf on the Shelf Sprinkle Angels – Minimalist Mama

32. Printable Elf Donut Shop Props – Happiness is Homemade

33. Elf on the Shelf Massage Table Printable Elf on the Shelf Idea – This Mama Loves

34. Official Elf Report Printable – So Easy Being Green

35. Elf on the Shelf Dinosaur Sled – Celebrating with Kids

36. Make Hot Chocolate with Your Elf – A Worthey Read

37. Elf on the Shelf While on Vacation – Grace and Good Eats

38. Elf on the Shelf Idea: Candy Cane Jail – This Mama Loves

39. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Stories Countdown Printable – For the Love of Food

40. Elf on the Shelf Taco Truck Printables – Homemade Heather

41. Elf on the Shelf Tattoo Parlor – Minimalist Mama

42. Elf on the Shelf Tangled in Christmas Lights – Hub Pages

43. Elf on the Shelf Baking Cookies Printable – Rediscovered Families

44. Elf on the Shelf Sleepover – The Simple Parent

45. Printable Elf Cornhole Game – Glamper Life

46. Elf on the Shelf Dunk Tank – This Mama Loves

47. Elf on the Shelf Slime – Little Bins for Little Hands

48. Elf on the Shelf Playing Cards – 3 Boys and a Dog

49. Elf on the Shelf Wraps Presents – Rachel Swartley

50. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Bagels – I Heart Arts ‘n Crafts

51. Elf on the Shelf Eats Candy – Let’s DIY it All

52. Elf on the Shelf Takes a Selfie – See Vanessa Craft

53. Elf on the Shelf Cooks Pasta – Natural Beach Living

54. Vanilla Elf Hats Christmas Snack – For the Love of Food

55. Elf on the Shelf Gets Ambushed by LEGOs – Living Locurto

56. Elf on the Shelf TP’s the Christmas Tree – Rocking My 365 Project

57. Elf on the Shelf Hot Cocoa Board – A Worthey Read

58. Elf on the Shelf Gets Stuck in a Balloon – Frugal Coupon Living

59. Elf on the Shelf Takes Barbie on a Road Trip – Crystal and Comp

60. Escape Artist Elf on the Shelf – A Worthey Read

61. Elf on the Shelf Creates a Christmas Countdown – Minimalist Mama

62. Elf On The Shelf Does Bow Rock Climbing – Mama’s Buzz

The post Elf on the Shelf : The Ultimate List of Creative Ideas appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas,

this printable fill in the blank meal planner for the holidays will come in handy for organizing your family dinners. 

“Food is an important part of a balanced diet.” – Fran Lebowitz

I printed out my list Thanksgiving week and took it to the grocery store to help me plan my holiday meal with my family.

My daughter and I filled out our meal plan and decided what everyone was making.

This not only helped me be more organized and less stressed

but also helped us make our grocery list and make sure we had all dishes covered and all pans and utensils needed.

Here’s our completed Thanksgiving dinner meal plan for this year.

This sheet was the perfect size and I like the added spaces for kids and notes. It’s going to be one delicious (and large) meal and I can’t wait!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! 

Scroll down to download and print your meal plan.

> Click here to download: Free Meal Planner for the Holidays. <<

 

The post Printable Meal Planner for the Holidays! appeared first on For the Love of Food.

Snow days are happening more and more here. In fact, last week my kids went to school a whopping ONE day. Yep, one day of school and four and then the weekend at home with Mom. Stuck inside because it was mushy and icy outside. After day three two I already needed a solo tropical vacation far, far away but I had to settle for a hot shower, good book, and cup of coffee for 30 minutes locked in my room. Ah, Mom life. The one awesome thing about snow days though- hot drinks and big ol’ bowls of soup while watching our fave movies on the couch. Seriously, it does not get any better than that. 

This is how this ultimate creamy and comforting soup Crock-Pot Hash brown Potato and Turkey Soup was created. It was snow day number three and I had lots of leftover turkey {it’s never ending} and a big bag of frozen hashbrowns. All the ingredients are items I had on hand and I mixed them all up in my handy dandy Crock-Pot and called it a day. Five hours later dinner was ready. Dang, I love easy meals when I really don’t feel like cooking! Hope you enjoy this as much as we did. The kids even had seconds. Mom win!

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Crock-Pot Hash Brown Potato and Turkey Soup

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 32 oz bag Southern style hashbrown potatoes
• 2 cups cooked turkey chopped
• 1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese cubed
• 1 32 oz box chicken or turkey broth
• 4 slices bacon cooked and chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish shredded
• 1/2 cup green onions, plus more for garnish diced

Instructions

• In a large Crock-Pot add all ingredients and toss to coat.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
• To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and shredded cheddar.

Start with a bag full of frozen hashbrowns. I have used both shredded hash browns and Southern style cubed potatoes.

I like the Southern style larger potatoes and thicker texture in the soup the best.

I love making this soup with leftover holiday turkey.

I chopped up about 2 cups of meat. It is delicious with chicken and ham too.

Two types of cheese make this extra rich and creamy. I add one block of cubed cream cheese and one cup of shredded cheddar. 

Bacon makes everything better, right?

Once you have added potatoes, turkey, both cheeses, bacon, green onions, and cream of chicken soup to the Crock-Pot now pour in your broth.

Chicken or turkey broth both work for this recipe. 

Stir well then cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. 

To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and shredded cheddar. 

Serve warm and enjoy!

Creamy and comforting and perfect for the cold winter nights!

The post Crock-Pot Hash Brown Potato and Turkey Soup appeared first on For the Love of Food.

1.   Daddy’s Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich – For the Love of Food 

7.   Holiday Leftover Stuffins – For the Love of Food 

11. Crockpot Hashbrown Potato and Turkey Soup – For the Love of the Food

14.   Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza – For the Love of Food

21.  Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Balls  -For the Love of Food

25. Leftover Holiday Ham Baked Sliders – For the Love of Food 

30.  Kentucky Hot Brown Boxtys with White Cheddar Sauce – For the Love of Food 

33. Turkey Florentine Quiche – For the Love of Food

The post Simple and Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Ideas appeared first on For the Love of Food.

I know I mention Ashton, my husband often, and most of the time I am talking about how this recipe is his favorite. Well, here I go again! What can I say, we are a foodie family! A match made in heaven, for sure! My man loves Peanut Brittle and I made this recipe for him when we were first dating and we were separated for Christmas. I mailed him the brittle and I personally think it sealed the deal because when he came back home we were engaged within a month!  So be careful who you make this Peanut Brittle for! I should call it Engagement Brittle!

The best part is it only takes 7 minutes and you make it all in the microwave!

Heck yay! Talk about easy peasy! This is a great recipe to make with the kids but be aware it is HOT and it hardens quickly so you have to be fast!

 

Update {2016} : For Father’s Day this year I made Ashton a batch of his favorite peanut brittle and presented it on a football shaped cutting board with a customized hammer {to crack the brittle}. He loved it and it was a quick last minute gift idea!

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7 Minute Peanut Brittle

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup salted chopped peanuts
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

• Mix corn syrup and sugar in a microwave safe bowl.
• Microwave for 4 minutes.
• Spray a rubber spatula or spoon with cooking spray and stir in peanuts.
• Microwave for 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• As soon as the peanut mixture is done quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla and using a rubber spatula coated in cooking spray pour onto a baking sheet and spread as fast as you can before it hardens.
• Once it hardens and cools, use a butter knife and roughly chop into smaller pieces.
• Store in a covered container.

Notes

I like to wrap mine in decorative saran wrap or baggies, tie with ribbon, and give as gifts.

 

Mix corn syrup and sugar in a bowl.

Microwave for 4 minutes.

Don’t forget to use your cooking spray! Spray your spoon or rubber spatula and spray your baking sheet. This will make it MUCH easier to remove the sticky sugary candy before it hardens.

The post Ashton’s Favorite 7 Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle & Gift Idea appeared first on For the Love of Food.