Good Living Guide

HOLIDAY

No Bake Bourbon Balls

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Make it a very merry party season with classic No Bake Bourbon Balls. These decadent bites of creamy chocolate are whiskey-laced truffles that will make your guests swoon. Best of all, they require no baking and are ready in minutes.

No Bake Bourbon Balls

Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Bourbon balls are a traditional Southern treat, and this version is the classic recipe. The original recipe comes from Kentucky, which is not surprising since Kentucky is known for its many fine bourbons.

Bring these out at the end of dinner for a dessert that’s also an after-dinner drink. They’re small enough to be enjoyable even after a big meal. No Bake Bourbon Balls are perfect on holiday buffets and dessert tables.

Tips for Making No Bake Bourbon Balls

  • Children will find the gooey chocolate balls irresistible. Keep these boozy treats out of their reach.
  • Bourbon is not the same as other types of whiskey like rye, Irish whiskey or Scotch. Be sure to use Kentucky-style bourbon for the full, smooth flavor that gives these desserts their distinctive taste. Jack Daniels and Wild Turkey are two popular brands of bourbon.
  • You can change up the flavor and texture of bourbon balls by dusting them with granulated sugar or a mix of cinnamon and sugar. You can also swap out the ground walnuts for ground pecans or ground hazelnuts.

What to Serve With No Bake Bourbon Balls

Enhance the slight vanilla tones of bourbon by pairing these with coffee and homemade vanilla creamer. They’ll also go well with a spicy, creamy Chai Tea Latte.

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No Bake Bourbon Balls
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No Bake Bourbon Balls

No Bake Bourbon Balls are perfect on holiday buffets and dessert tables. These decadent bites of creamy chocolate will make your guests swoon.

Course Dessert
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix ingredients.

  2. Roll into balls.

  3. Dust with powdered sugar.

Recipe Notes

Makes about 3 dozen. Keeps well in an air-tight container.

No Bake Bourbon Balls

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

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Just when you think there’s nothing new in fall baking, along comes this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread. This moist, sweet bread will be the star of your brunch table.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

This Wonderful Bread Will Warm You Up Quickly

Quick breads hold a special place in every baker’s heart. They never fail you. They’re a fast, easy way to enjoy something warm and fresh from the oven without having to work at it all day.

I like breads that hover between a loaf and a cake, and this moist, tender bread fits that description. It’s perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

  • Dried cranberries are similar to raisins but with a more vibrant, tangy flavor and a beautiful ruby color. They’re a great way to add taste, color and health benefits to all your baking.
  • Make this bread even more scrumptious by drizzling a cream cheese frosting over it while it’s still warm. Try this classic recipe.
  • Pumpkin puree is not the same as pumpkin pie filling. If you only have the pie filling, you can use it if you leave out the pumpkin pie spices.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

This bread is a wonderful centerpiece to any fall brunch. Serve it with whipped butter and add delicious, seasonally appropriate items.

Try this Butternut Squash, Apple and Bacon Hash or a cheesy, comforting Spinach and Herb Pastatta.

Keep it cozy with mugs of warm mulled cider you can make in your crock pot.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread makes a wonderful centerpiece to any fall brunch. It's perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9-inch loaf pan with Pam baking spray. Set aside.

  2. Using a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking powder until combined.

  3. Whisk in the sugar, pumpkin puree, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla until combined.

  4. Fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips and 1 cup dried cranberries.

  5. Pour batter into the loaf pan.

  6. Sprinkle remaining dried cranberries and chocolate chips on top.

  7. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Allow to cool completely before enjoying!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

White Christmas Mojito

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Whip up the perfect winter cocktail with a White Christmas Mojito. This seasonal take on the classic tropical cocktail will lift your spirits even on the grayest, coldest winter day.

White Christmas Mojito

Enjoy Winter with a White Christmas Mojito

You might think that spiced rums, coconut and mint are strictly for summertime drinking, but this special mojito is all dressed up in a winter coat.

This is a drink that looks as gorgeous as it tastes. It comes out pure white, and the pomegranate arils look like holly berries against snow.

Make It a Very Merry Christmas

This gorgeous cocktail is a must at any get-together.

It’s also a great way to treat yourself after a long, grueling day fighting the holiday crowds.

Tips for Making a White Christmas Mojito

  • If you’ve never eaten or cooked with pomegranate, don’t be afraid. Pomegranates have thick, tough skins and can be messy. They’re absolutely worth it, however, for their sweet, tangy taste, gorgeous color and incredible health benefits. Get a few tips for seeding and eating them here.
  • Coconut milk is not coconut cream, which is thicker and sweeter. Coconut milk is a popular ingredient in Thai and Latin American cooking. You can usually find it in the international foods section of your grocery store.

What to Serve With White Christmas Mojitos

These Holiday Cheese Ball Bites are a perfect pairing for your White Christmas Mojitos. They’re bright with the colors of the season and have a similarly creamy taste.

Another great option is this warm, festive-looking Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips.

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White Christmas Mojito
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White Christmas Mojito

This White Christmas Mojito looks as gorgeous as it tastes. It comes out pure white, and the pomegranate arils look like holly berries against snow.

Course Drinks
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cut the ½ lime into 2-3 wedges.
  2. Muddle the lime wedges, mint and sugar in a glass to release the lime juice and mint oils.

  3. Add ice until it fills one to three quarters of the glass (based on your preference).

  4. Pour in the rum and coconut milk. Stir until combined.
  5. Top with club soda.
  6. Garnish with mint and pomegranate arils.

White Christmas Mojito

Celebrate Christmas with a Crochet Nativity Scene in Amigurumi Style

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It’s never too early to start a new needlework project, and Gourmet Crochet is ready to help with an utterly adorable Crochet Nativity Scene.

Crochet Nativity

Here’s Why You Need to Make a Crochet Nativity

It’s ridiculously cute.

  • It makes a wonderful gift.
  • It gives you a chance to use up your spare yarn.
  • You can customize the colors to your liking.

Where Can You Buy the Pattern?

It’s available from Gourmet Crochet.

Gourmet Crochet is an Etsy seller who specializes in unique patterns for amigurumi and other crochet projects.

When Do You Get Instructions for the Crochet Nativity?

The instructions are available as an instant, digital download. You can see them as soon as your payment is processed.

Reviews for this pattern say that the instructions are clear, detailed and easy to follow. You should have no trouble creating this adorable crochet nativity scene.

Crochet Nativity

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Bourbon Apple Bars

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Apples may not be exotic, but they add tons of tart, crisp flavor to savory and sweet dishes. If you never tire of apples in any form, you’re going to enjoy making and eating these Bourbon Apple Bars.

Bourbon Apple Bars

What’s Special About These Bars

These bars feature a rich, spicy and sweet apple filling on top of a buttery crumb crust and a streusel topping. If you’ve never tried freshly made streusel, you’re in for a surprise. It makes a wonderfully delicate, crisp topping that’s a great alternative to pie crust.

You’ll be tempted to eat these bars right from the oven, but give them time to set. The flavors will be even better once they meld.

Better with Bourbon

The combination of slightly tart apples, sweet streusel, rich bourbon and buttery crumbs will knock your socks off. Don’t worry, the amount of bourbon is just enough to give them a punch of flavor.

Tips for Making Bourbon Apple Bars

  • Bourbon imparts a smooth, deep flavor to baked products. You can buy bourbon in miniature sizes at your local liquor store. If you don’t want to add alcohol, you can use an extract. You can also substitute with rum or cognac.
  • For the best results, use real butter and be sure it’s unsalted.
  • Gala apples are popular, but feel free to substitute your favorite type.

What to Serve with Bourbon Apple Bars

Serve them with a bottle of chilled Moscato D’Asti. This sweet, sparkling wine is low in alcohol and high in fruity flavors that pair perfectly with the fresh, buttery flavors of these bars.

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Bourbon Apple Bars
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Bourbon Apple Bars

Bourbon Apple Bars feature a rich, spicy and sweet apple filling on top of a buttery crumb crust and a streusel topping.

Course Dessert
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

Apple Filling Ingredients

Streusel Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Line an 8 in square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

Crust Directions

  1. In a medium bowl stir the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt together.
  2. Slowly add the flour to the mixture stirring to blend all the ingredients together.
  3. Using your hands, press the mixture into the baking pan.
  4. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.

Apple Filling Directions

  1. In a large bowl add the sliced apples, flour, sugar, bourbon, cinnamon and nutmeg.

  2. Continue working with the apples until they are well coated. Set aside.

Streusel Directions

  1. Begin adding the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl.
  2. Whisk all ingredients together until they are mixed well.
  3. Slowly begin to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Using your hands to work with the mixture until it looks like crumbs. Set aside.
  4. Remove the crust from the oven. Set aside.
  5. Increase the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees.
  6. Begin to make a thin layer of apples on the baked crust. Put the apple slices close together pressing them down into the crust.
  7. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the apples.
  8. Return to the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. (Streusel should be a golden brown)
  9. Take the baked streusel from the oven. Set it aside to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  10. Transfer to the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill.
  11. Remove the bars from the baking pan and cut into bars.

Bourbon Apple Bars

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

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If you want a classic taste with a holiday twist, these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars should be right up your alley. They take only 10 minutes to prepare and come out of the oven amazingly soft, chewy and luscious.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

Soft, Sweet Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a classic, favorite cookie that everyone loves. This recipe uses the same ingredients along with pumpkin and seasonal spices.

If you’re like me, you take advantage of every opportunity you have to turn everything into a celebration of all things pumpkin. Those spices are irresistible, and there’s no need to hold back.

Sugar and Spice

The cinnamon and sugar cover on these bars takes them to the next level. When you blend cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree, you get pure deliciousness. These bars will truly melt in your mouth.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

  • Baking soda gives snickerdoodle cookies their characteristic puffy shape. In this recipe, it keeps the bars full and fluffy. If you don’t have baking soda, try one of these substitutes.
  • The recipe calls for pumpkin puree. If you can only find pumpkin pie filling, you can use it. Just be sure to leave out the pumpkin pie spices.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

Snickerdoodles are a natural companion to a tall, cold glass of milk. Since you’re serving an updated version, pair them with a milk-based cocktail like this creamy, decadent Panda Bear.

If you want to keep it nonalcoholic, make a sparkling cranberry punch. It adds a festive touch and needs only three ingredients.

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Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
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Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars take only 10 minutes to prepare and come out of the oven amazingly soft, chewy and luscious.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 9 bars
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Bar Ingredients

Topping Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prep baking pan with baking spray.

  3. Line the baking pan with parchment paper.

  4. Add butter, pumpkin puree, both sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla to a mixing bowl. Begin to blend ingredients with the electric mixer. As needed scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.

  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients (baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and flour) to the wet ingredients.

  6. Using the electric mixer on low-speed, continue to mix until all ingredients are combined. (Dough will be sticky)

  7. Begin pouring the dough into the prepared baking pan. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to get all of the dough out.
  8. Butter your hands, if necessary, to help spread the dough in the baking pan.

  9. Combine the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Pour the cinnamon sugar evenly on top of the dough.

  10. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. (If you prefer a chewy gooey bar shorten the baking time)

  11. Remove from the oven when done. Set aside to cool before cutting into bars.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars

Zombie Pudding Cups with Liquor Worms

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Are you tired of your kids getting all the trick-or-treating goodies on Halloween? Get your own treats when you make these Zombie Pudding Cups with Liquor Worms.

Zombie Pudding Cups

Surprise Your Guests

These cute little treats look just like miniature graveyards with worms surrounding a zombie hand.

Turn them into a fun centerpiece by making several pudding cups for your Halloween party. They’re edible decorations that will surprise your guests.

Tips for Making Zombie Pudding Cups with Liquor Worms

  • Wilton’s Zombie Hand Icing Decorations hit the stores every Halloween season. You can buy them at party stores, Halloween stores, Walmart and some groceries.
  • This recipe makes two servings. It’s easy to multiply.
  • Sour apple pucker is the apple-flavored liquor that’s the basis for appletinis and other cocktails. You can buy it at any liquor store.

What to Serve with Zombie Pudding Cups

Pump up the party spirit with a big bowl of Frankenpunch. This glowing orange punch is easy to make.

More Halloween Food and Drink Ideas

Zombie Pudding Cups
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Zombie Pudding Cups with Liquor Worms

These cute little Zombie Pudding Cups look just like miniature graveyards with worms surrounding a zombie hand.

Course Dessert
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Worms

Pudding

Instructions

  1. Pour the Sour Apple Pucker over top of the gummy worms in a bowl.

  2. Place in the refrigerator for 24 - 48 hours.
  3. Place your Oreos in a sealable bag and smash into bits.
  4. Scoop your pudding into the snack cups only 3/4 of the way full.

  5. Add your crumbled Oreos on top.

  6. Add the liquor worms on top along with the candy zombie hand.
  7. ENJOY!!

Zombie Pudding Cups

Jack O’ Lantern Floats

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Are you hosting a Halloween party? Get things bubbling with these fun, frothy Jack O’ Lantern Floats. They’ll add some serious sparkle to any ghostly get-together.

Jack O' Lantern Floats

Bubble Up Some Halloween Fun

These floats create a glowing candle effect inside the cup. It’s a fun way to drink to the spirit of Halloween.

These Jack O’ Lantern Floats Make Halloween Entertaining Easy

Are you put off by Halloween recipes that require hours of work?

There’s no need for any of that with these Jack O’ Lantern Floats. They come together in minutes with just two ingredients, some plastic cups and a few markers.

Tips for Making Jack O’ Lantern Floats

  • Use a fine-tip marker for a clear drawing. Thicker tips can end up looking like blots of ink.
  • Get creative with the colors and flavors. Use grape soda to make purple floats.
  • Use cute, colorful Halloween-themed straws to dress up your drinks.

What to Serve with Jack O’ Lantern Floats

Keep it fun and easy with Spooky Spider Deviled Eggs.

Add a fun, easy Halloween Cookie Pizza and your Halloween party is complete.

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Jack O' Lantern Floats
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Jack O' Lantern Floats

Are you hosting a Halloween party? Get things bubbling with these fun, frothy Jack O' Lantern Floats.

Course Drinks
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Using the black permanent marker, draw jack o' lantern faces on the cups.

  2. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream in each cup.

  3. Pour orange soda over the top of the ice cream until the cup is full.

Jack O' Lantern Floats

 

 

Target Releases Adaptive Halloween Costumes For Kids With Disabilities

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Target is making its Halloween costumes more inclusive with a new line of costumes for children with physical and sensory disabilities. These adaptive Halloween costumes are the first ones designed exclusively for these children.

Now Everyone Can Share the Fun with Adaptive Halloween Costumes

Available online and at Target stores, these costumes let all children turn into pirates, fairies, unicorns and more on Halloween.

What’s Different About Adaptive Halloween Costumes?

Until now, there were few costume options for children with disabilities. Target’s new costumes allow them to transform their wheelchairs into a princess carriage, a pirate ship and more.

They’re also great for children with autism. According to Autism Speaks, many children on the autism spectrum suffer from sensory sensitivity. That means most fabrics can feel rough on their skin. These costumes address that with soft, lightweight fabrics.

Halloween Should Be a Treat for Everyone

Target’s new costumes make it easy for everyone to share in the Halloween fun. Do you know anyone who’s going to wear an adaptive Halloween costume?

 

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Pumpkin Carrot Cake

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If you can’t get enough of classic fall flavors, indulge them all with this spicy, nutty Pumpkin Carrot Cake.

Nestled under cream cheese frosting, this moist, rich cake keeps everything you love about carrot cake while adding a seasonal touch that makes it perfect for fall.

Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Enjoy Your Favorite Flavors with Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Most of us think of carrot cake as a spring cake. It’s traditional for Easter and other spring holidays. That might make you hesitant to make it when the weather turns cooler.

Now, you don’t have to hold back. You can make carrot cake that fits into fall with the addition of creamy pumpkin and seasonal spices.

Pumpkin Carrot Cake Is a Holiday Star

You love all the holiday classics, but you want something a little different. If you want a break from pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins, you need this rich, delectable Pumpkin Carrot Cake.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Carrot Cake

  • You need pumpkin puree for this recipe. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional ingredients. You can make your own from a fresh pumpkin, but be sure to select small, so-called sugar pumpkins.
  • Don’t use low-fat or nonfat cream cheese for the frosting. You won’t get smooth, creamy results.
  • Instead of using premade pumpkin pie spice, try mixing up your own.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Serve this Pumpkin Carrot Cake for breakfast or after dinner with a creamy cup of Cinnamon Coffee.

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Pumpkin Carrot Cake
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Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Nestled under cream cheese frosting, this moist, rich cake keeps everything you love about carrot cake while adding a seasonal touch that makes it perfect for fall.

Course Dessert
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Cake

Frosting

Instructions

Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Grease two 9-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  3. Whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually combine the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
  6. Fold in the carrots and chopped nuts. Pour equal amount into each of the cake pans.
  7. Bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 50-60 minutes.
  8. Let cool inside the pans for 15-20 minutes, then place on wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting

  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.

  2. Beat in the vanilla extract and whip until smooth.

  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to whip with a mixer on high for a few minutes.

  4. If the consistency is not to your liking, try adding more powdered sugar.

  5. Sprinkle cinnamon on top (optional).

Pumpkin Carrot Cake