Gingerbread houses are a delightful holiday tradition that brings joy and creativity to the festive season. If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly alternative to traditional gingerbread, why not try making salt dough gingerbread houses so they last years to come? In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process and provide a free gingerbread house template to make your crafting experience even more enjoyable. They also smell amazing!
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
3/4 cup cinnamon
1 cup water
Gingerbread house template (provided below)
Rolling pin
Baking sheets
White puff paint
Hot glue gun
Instructions:
Prepare the Salt Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon and water.
Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, pliable dough.
Print and Cut the Gingerbread House Template:
Download the free gingerbread house template provided [here].
Print the template on sturdy paper and carefully cut along the outlined edges.
Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Roll out the salt dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut and Bake:
Place the gingerbread house template pieces onto the rolled-out dough.
Carefully cut around the template using a knife.
Transfer the cut pieces onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 2-3 hours or until the dough is completely dry. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Let it Cool:
Allow the baked pieces to cool completely before assembling the gingerbread house.
Decorate and Glue Together:
Use white puff paint to decorate your house.
Once the paint is dried, hot glue pieces together.
Creating salt dough gingerbread houses is a delightful and budget-friendly way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones. With our free gingerbread house template and easy-to-follow instructions, you’re all set to embark on a fun and festive crafting adventure. Enjoy making memories as you decorate and share the joy of your unique salt dough gingerbread creation!
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There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a juicy, tender meatball, especially when it’s coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce. If you’re looking to elevate your dinner game and impress your friends and family, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delectable teriyaki meatballs that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. A golf ball size is a good starting point.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
Place the meatballs in the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Add the slurry to the saucepan and whisk everything together.
Combine and Glaze:
Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over them in the pan.
Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
Let them simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the meatballs.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the meatballs from the heat.
Serve them hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
These teriyaki meatballs are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and savory flavors. The juicy, tender meatballs absorb the rich teriyaki sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a party or as a main course for dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
This November, we are teaming up with Dakota Bluffs Beef on a “Fill Your Freezer” full of grass-fed beef giveaway! This is in celebration of the autumn season, and we are literally going to FILL YOUR FREEZER with beef!
Giveaway Time!
Every year, Dakota Bluffs opens up deposits to their fall herd to get you a share of bulk beef (Eighths, Quarters, Halves, and Whole beefs) but this year Dakota Bluffs Beef is going all out starting with one lucky person who is going to literally get their freezer stuffed with $70 worth of the best Grass-Finished Beef on the planet! Trust us, this beef has been compared as “better than chocolate”!
When it comes to holiday baking, there’s nothing quite like the joy of crafting delicious and visually appealing treats. This year, we’re bringing a twist to the classic cherry cream cheese danish by transforming them into candy cane shapes. These festive pastries are not only a delight to your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients:
To make these cherry cream cheese danishes in candy cane shapes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pastry:
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape. Using a candy cane cookie cutter, cut out each shape until all dough is used.
Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto one end of each strip and top it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden.
While the pastries are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze over the candy cane-shaped danishes.
These cherry cream cheese danishes in candy cane shapes are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread. Their delightful appearance and scrumptious taste will impress your guests and add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these treats with confidence and share the joy of holiday baking with your family and friends.
Hot chocolate is a beloved beverage that warms our souls during the cold, cozy days of winter. It’s a timeless classic, and you might think there’s not much room for improvement. But what if I told you that you can take this comforting drink to the next level by adding a scoop of ice cream? Yes, you read that right – hot chocolate with ice cream is a delightful twist that turns a childhood favorite into an indulgent treat for all ages. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps of making this delectable hot chocolate with ice cream.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup milk
2-4 tablespoons agave nectar (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness)
1/2 cup ice cream (any flavor you desire!)
Whipped cream
Sprinkles
Instructions:
Whisk Together the Cocoa, Milk, and Agave Nectar
Start by combining the cocoa powder, milk, and agave nectar in a saucepan.
Whisk them together thoroughly to create a rich and smooth chocolate mixture.
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener, and you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, use more; for a lighter sweetness, use less.
Add the Ice Cream
The magic begins with the addition of ice cream. You can use any flavor you like, whether it’s classic vanilla, chocolate chip, or something more adventurous.
Soften the ice cream slightly by leaving it out at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes it easier to incorporate into the hot chocolate.
Heat on the Stovetop
Place your saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Stir the mixture consistently as the ice cream begins to melt and blend with the cocoa and milk.
Continue heating until the mixture is warm all the way through. Be careful not to overheat it, as you don’t want to scorch the mixture or bring it to a boil.
Serve and Garnish
Once your hot chocolate is warm and thoroughly mixed, pour it into your favorite mug.
Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence.
Don’t forget to add some sprinkles on top for a burst of color and extra fun.
Hot chocolate with ice cream is a delightful twist on a classic beverage that’s perfect for indulgent moments or as a special treat during the holiday season. The combination of rich, creamy cocoa and the cold, sweet ice cream creates a contrast that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you choose a traditional flavor or go for something unique, this hot chocolate variation is bound to become a favorite. So, why not surprise yourself or your loved ones with this scrumptious creation the next time you’re craving a comforting, warming drink? It’s the perfect way to make winter a little sweeter and a lot more enjoyable.
Elf is a heartwarming holiday classic that has captured the hearts of many with its whimsical storyline and the lovable character Buddy the Elf, played by the talented Will Ferrell. One of Buddy’s most iconic culinary creations is his famous spaghetti pancakes, where he combines spaghetti, maple syrup, and candy. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to recreate Buddy’s delightful Elf Pancakes using pancake mix instead of spaghetti, all while celebrating our affection for the movie that has become a cherished part of our holiday traditions.
Creating Buddy’s Signature Dish with a Twist:
Buddy’s unwavering love for all things sweet, combined with his unique culinary tastes, has made him a memorable character. To recreate Buddy’s signature Elf Pancakes with a twist, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
Pancake mix
Maple syrup
Candy (e.g., M&M’s, marshmallows, and chocolate chips)
Pop tarts (any flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the pancake mix according to the package instructions. Drizzle mix onto heated griddle.
Cook the pancakes on a griddle or non-stick skillet until they are golden brown.
Once the pancakes are cooked, stack them on a plate.
Drizzle a generous amount of maple syrup over the pancake stack.
Sprinkle an assortment of candy on top of the pancakes. Get creative with your candy choices, using items like M&M’s, marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
Crumble up Pop tarts on top of dish.
Serve your Elf Pancakes and enjoy this delightful treat that captures Buddy’s unique culinary spirit.
Elf is a film that warms our hearts, and recreating Buddy’s iconic pancakes is a delicious way to pay homage to the movie. This activity is perfect for enjoying with loved ones during the holiday season. So, get your pancake mix, maple syrup, and candy ready, put on the movie, and savor the magic of the movie while indulging in a plate of Elf Pancakes. As Buddy would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.