ML Interest Tag: appetizer

14 Things We’re Falling for from Target’s Magnolia Hearth & Hand Fall Refresh

by Karly Wood

It’s time to start decking out your home for autumn and Joanna Gaines is making it easy with Target’s Hearth & Hand collection fall refresh. The designer has released over 100 new items with a fall feel, including a bathroom collection for the first time. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks that will get you in the fall spirit in no time.

Textured Stoneware Pitcher

Whether you embrace the farmhouse look or really just love rustic decor come fall, this textured stoneware pitcher ($21) is for you! The cream and brown design make it rustic and festive for autumn, and we'd imagine this would look just as great holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers as it would service a chilly drink.

Decorative House Box

Small yet big on design, this decorative house box ($7) has a removable lid and is perfect for storing little items out of site. Spare change or your keys won't take over your fall vignette when you have one of these.

Tiered Serving Stand

Serving fall treats have never looked so beautiful as when you dish them up on Hearth & Hand's new tiered serving stand ($35). The wooden base and galvanized metal make this perfect for rustic decor or giving a little more of that autumn flair.

Acacia Bread Cutting Board

This Acacia bread cutting board ($30) isn't just functional, it's beautiful too. Made in a rustic design, you'll cut breads evenly every time and look pretty darn good while doing it!

Lantern

The gold accents on this metal and glass lantern ($35) make it perfect for fall. The 16" decorative piece can hold your favorite fall-scented candles and is also fair-trade certified.

Set of 4 Wood Appetizer Plates

This set of four wood appetizer plates ($23) is made from lightweight yet durable materials that make them beautiful yet still functional. Perfect for all your fall functions, these adorable plates are perfect for dishing up pumpkin pie and other tasty treats.

"Family" Throw Pillow

Use on your couch or on the floor, this 20x20 family throw pillow ($23) is made from polyester and foam to hold up to constant use. The "family" inscription perfectly embodies the fall season and the impending holidays spent with loved ones.

Faux Crespedia Wreath

Target

Welcome guests in total fall style with a Faux Crespedia Wreath that can be used for years to come. The vibrant yellows are a common theme in this years Hearth & Home refresh and we gotta say––we love it. The 17-inch wreath is perfect for outdoor hanging, or even on a feature wall inside your home.

You can snag one for yourself for $36 in the decor section at Target.

Plaid Table Runner

Target

This 90x20 blue and yellow plaid table runner is the perfect decor piece from September through November. The rich colors are a fresh change from traditional oranges and reds usually associated with fall, and make quite the statement on your table. Whether you regularly use your dining room table, or its a showpiece in your home, this runner will do its job of warming up your design for autumn.

You can pick up this runner at Target for just $25.

Hand Soap, Fir & Leather

Target

No seasonal decor is complete without some festive hand soap to accompany your design. As part of the newest collection within Hearth & Home, this Fir & Leather hand soap and lotion combo brings the smells of fall we love just as much as the sights.

You can pick up this soap and lotion duo for just $17.

Gold Pinecone Coaster Set

Target

Pinecones are often synonymous with fall, and that's why this gold set of coasters is so perfectly designed. Not  only does it stylishly keep your tables free of condensation, but the entire set stacks up to form a full faux pinecone. And would you look at that lustrous gold color?

Grab this $20 set at Target before it's gone.

Wooden Vase

Target

Add some natural elements in the form of a sleek and classic wooden vase to your fall decor. Coming in three sizes and starting at just $13, any of the assorted vases would be the perfect addition to your mantle or autumn vignette.

Each size has a more gorgeous shape than the next and you can find them all at Target.

Set of 2 Blue Cake Stands

Target

Fall officially kicks off baking season and you can never have enough accessories to display all your pumpkin desserts. This set of two blue cake stands is a steal at just $10, and while their size may not contain a huge layer cake, they are perfectly poised for cupcakes and cookies.

Deck out your table in this festive flair from Target.

Throw Plaid Blanket

Target

What's fall without a little cozying up next to the fireplace? This year, you can cuddle under this gorgeous throw plaid blanket that comes with a nifty carrying handle. Made from a combination of acrylic and wool, this throw is machine washable and oh so soft.

Choose from 2 plaid color palettes for $35 at Target.

––Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

Joanna Gaines Gets Real about Pulling an All-Nighter with a Newborn at Age 40

Target Just Dropped SIX New Spooktacular Halloween Collections & Everything Is Under $20

Target’s Newest Clothing Line Was Designed by KIDS and is AWESOME!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Can You Guess THE Most Popular Trader Joe’s Product of 2017?

by Karly Wood

Every year, Trader Joe’s puts power in the hands of it’s loyal customers by holding its Customer Choice Awards. For the ninth consecutive year, shoppers got the opportunity to vote on categories like favorite overall item, favorite bakery, beverage, candy, cheese, coffee and so, so much more (because Traders Joe’s.) So, just what are all those Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards winners this year?

It’s no surprise that Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken dinner retains its throne as the fan favorite most popular Trader Joe’s product overall, and largely due in part to its easy preparation and juicy chicken covered in a delicious sauce. Goodbye crappy frozen dinner, hello Mandarin Orange Chicken! This meal not only took home the trophy for favorite overall, but for the separate frozen entrée category, too.

Other winners include Trader Joe’s Spanakopita for favorite appetizer, Spiced Cider for favorite beverage (it must be good because it beat out all of the wine in this category), Unexpected Cheddar for the cheese category and Candy Cane Joe Joe’s for best holiday item (a much-deserved win).

If there’s one thing that’s apparent, it’s that customers love Trader Joe’s and their products. It seems pretty reasonable to use the Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards list the next time you hit up TJ’s to try a few new things!

Check out the full list of customer winners over at Trader Joe’s!

Did your fave Trader Joe’s item make the list? Let us know in the comments below!

—Karly Wood

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Today Is #Thanksgiving Day

by amynicosia

Daily
Today Is #Thanksgiving Day
Come on, pilgrim.
1

Last minute invite or guests? Don’t panic. Just whip up an appetizer that calls for three ingredients or fewer.
2

Keep the kiddos busy today in-between times with Thanksgiving games.
3
No matter the struggle, we’re all grateful to be parents. Here are a few reasons why.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by the #ParentsforPeas movement. It’s time to give peace (and peas!) a chance. Click here for more details and to participate.}

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

15 Appetizers the Kids Will Gobble Up

by Abigail Matsumoto

This Thanksgiving, skip the munchies and the “Can we eat yet?” chorus. We’ve rounded up crowd-pleasing appetizers that prep your palate for the big meal and are super easy to pull off. Best of all, the kiddos can help make (and serve!) these super snacks. Bon appétit!

Photo: Also, That’s It

1. Turkey Cheese Plate
This ain’t your average party cheese plate! In fact, we’re loving how getting creative with cold cuts can lead to such a cute turkey spread. To make your own, get inspired over at Also, That’s It. 

 Photo: Amy Roskelley via Super Healthy Kids

2. Portion Controlled Apps
Want to avoid spoiling little appetites before the Thanksgiving meal? We’re digging this appetizer from Super Healthy Kids, which is all about providing tasty and healthy pre-meal bites in small baking cups. Go for nuts, hummus and dippers, and more.

Photo: Say Yes

3. Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Who can resist a chip? This sweet potato version is super easy to make yourself, doesn’t involve any frying, and can be made extra festive with the help of a pumpkin cookie cutter. Learn all about it over at Say Yes.

Photo: Mom Endeavors

4. Turkey Veggie Tray
Re-create the bird of the day with a veggie sculpture that will have everyone smiling. It’s an easy way to get kids to happily eat their veggies, too. Get all the details from Mom Endeavors.

Photo: Erin at Well Plated

5. Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
You can’t have too much turkey, right? These oh-so-tasty meatballs are a little bit sweet, very juicy, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Plus, they’re bursting with fall flavors. Get the recipe at Well Plated.

Photo: Hungry Happenings

6. Veggie Pizza
Colorful, flavorful and easy to put together. These veggie leaf pizzas are everything on your appetizer wish list. Young ones can even get in on the action by helping with the sprinkling of veggie toppings. Just yell “pizza” and they’ll come running. Get the recipe at Hungry Happenings.

Photo: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

7. Sweet Potato Sliders
These simple sliders have a lot going for them: delicious and guilt-free, they can also be turned into a build-your-own bar for kids who like to get in on the kitchen action. Get all the info at Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.

Photo: Simple and Chic

8. Puffed Pastry Bites
Isn’t Puffed Pastry the best? We love how it automatically ups the wow factor but is still so easy to work with. The beauty of these bites is that you can customize them to suit your tastes. This recipe, from Simple and Chic, has zucchini, dried tomato and ricotta. Yum!

Photo: Boulder Locavore

9. Creamy Hot Artichoke Dip
Let’s face it, cheesy dip is a guaranteed appetizer touchdown–and this recipe is no exception. With plenty of cheese and artichoke, this dish is gluten-free and can be made in about 15 minutes! Learn more at Boulder Locavore.

Photo: The Yummy Life

10. Leafy Cheese Platter
This appetizer is so genius you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. Simply snag some leaf-shaped cookie cutters and turn a standard cheese platter into an autumn-y delight. Serve with a cranberry relish for extra T-giving tastes. Get all the info (plus the relish recipe!) at The Yummy Life.

Photo: Bakeaholic Mama

11. Pumpkin and Cranberry Crostinis with Maple and Brie
Imagine a fall flavor checklist and you’ve got this crostini appetizer. Maple? Check. Pumpkin and cranberry? Yep. Brie? You’ve got it. Learn more at Bakeaholic Mama.

Photo credit: Of Winds and Water

12. Pumpkin Cheeseballs
Isn’t it great when an appetizer looks super impressive but is actually easy to pull off? These pumpkin cheeseballs may look like feats of wonder, but the magic is in the paprika. And since kids love food that comes in fun shapes, we’re betting these will be a hit all around. Find out more at Of Winds and Water.

Photo: The Kitchen is My Playground

13. Spinach Balls
This tasty app is part stuffing, part spinach, and just big enough for a couple of bites. We like that it adds some green goodness into the kiddos’ meal. Get the scoop at The Kitchen is My Playground.

Photo: Averie Cooks

14. Six-Layer Taco Cups
Want to add a little Mexican flair to your pre-Thanksgiving menu? Try these bite-size taco cups, which sport vegetarian ingredients you likely already have on hand. Snag the recipe over at Averie Cooks.

Photo: Laughing Spatula

15. Caprese Bites
These lollipop-inspired caprese bites are a great way to tide tummies over until the Big Meal. Food on a stick is usually a crowd pleaser, but if your kids are on the younger side you can skip the sticks for less poking opportunities. Get the scoop at Laughing Spatula.

What’s your fave pre-meal snack for Thanksgiving? Share it with us in the comments section below!

— Abigail Matsumoto

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

9 Wow-Worthy Thanksgiving Food Art Ideas

by Erin Lem

Go ahead, play with your food! This Thanksgiving, impress your guests with these clever food art ideas. From fruit platters to bread bowls, there are so many ways to add creative flair to everyday ingredients. Click through the slideshow below to get inspired.

A Gobbler Bread Bowl

This turkey bread bowl from Kudos Kitchen by Renee is the Thanksgiving appetizer of our dreams. Filled with spinach dip and garnished with tasty dippers, it’ll keep everybody satisfied while waiting for dinner. To get the recipe (and step-by-step photos!), click here.

photo: Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the Comments!

— Erin Lem

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Chickpea and Rosemary Soup

by drealestercontributor

Nothing pairs better with the winter season more perfectly than a hearty soup. Stir up this delicious chickpea and rosemary soup from Little Yumminess as an appetizer or pair it with some salad and hearty bread for a full dinner time meal. Hear the “Mms…” from your taste tester as they fill up their tummies with a warmth that goes down to their toes.

Ingredients:
4 large garlic cloves, chopped finely leaves from two sprigs of rosemary, chopped finely
1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
2 15 ounce cans chickpeas
1 quart chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian)
Salt to taste
small piece of Parmegiano Reggiano rind (optional)

Method:
1. Saute garlic, rosemary, and a big pinch of salt.
2. Cook until the garlic is softened and golden.
3. Add the tomatoes (breaking them up a bit with the back of a spoon).
4. Stir well and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the chickpeas, stir well and simmer 10 minutes.
6. Add broth and simmer for at least 15 minutes. For extra flavor, throw in a small piece of parmegiano reggiano rind.
7. Remove the cheese rind and discard.
8. Ladle about a third of the soup into a blender or food processor. (Beware of pureeing hot food because it can spray out, so let it cool before proceeding). Puree and return it to the pot, stirring well.
9. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

This is a guest post from our friends Simran and Stacie at a Little Yumminess. Be sure to visit their blog for more fab, kid-friendly recipes!

Adapted from the recipe in Marcella Hazan’s “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking.”

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Pigs in a Blanket

by Erin Lem

For a summer eat that can work as an appetizer, mid-day snack or party dish, look no further than this easy recipe for pigs in blanket. With just two ingredients and four steps, your kids will gobble up these bite-sized hot dogs in no time. If you’re feeling ambitious, check out this recipe from Epicurious that gives step-by-step instructions on how to make your own dough.

Ingredients:
8 hot dogs, cut into thirds
1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough

Method:
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the biscuit dough so that it forms a square. Cut each rectangle into 6 strips.

3. Wrap each hot dog with one strip leaving the edge of the hot dogs exposed on each side.

4. Bake until golden brown 10-13 minutes.

Have you made pigs in a blanket before? Do you adapt the recipe at all? Tell us below!

recipe adapted by Erin Lem from Allrecipes.com. Photo credit: plasticrevolver via flickr

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

A Tour of Tribeca with Giggle CEO Ali Wing

by Jacqui Boland


What is your dream date night?: My husband and I adore a date night at Terroir (Harrison Street, off of Greenwich) – a cool wine bar with great appetizer-sized eats & an easy fun atmoshphere.  That followed by a walk down the River.  Perfect time away – closeby!

What neighborhood/borough do you live in?: Tribeca

What is your favorite “escape hatch” – a way to put in some “me” time to recharge?: Running or riding my bike along the Hudson River. I adore the waterfronts in NYC – with or without kids in tow-:)
What is your “cannot live without” neighborhood activity?: As a parent, that’s time in Rockefeller Park – no question.  From toddler to preteen – there’s something for everyone; it’s like a big Tribeca/Battery Park City family backyard.

My favorite part of city life as a parent is_________ because: The time we spend in the parks, and the access to amazing – and smart – activities for your kids at every age.  Love, love, love raising a child in NYC (and I grew up in Montana – so a million miles away & totally different).  NYC actually surprises me how much I enjoy it as a parent.

What does the perfect NYC Sunday morning look like?: A late start, great coffee & time to read the newspaper-:)

What is your latest obsession?: My son is studying Spanish, and I’m trying to keep up!  I think it’s an obsession…Together, we’re reading one of his Summer school books in Spanish at night. Super fun (and hard!).

What is your favorite local “gem” in the neighborhood? A park, playground, coffeehouse, kid friendly restaurant? : My family is a fan of outdoor eating – where we can include our dog on the outing – at Edwards on W. Broadway. It’s our regular.

Family night means…..: Movies & pizza.  No one has any jobs to get done.  We just hang out together.

What’s your secret to balancing work and family life?: Make all the little times count.  For example, I cherish our morning walks to camp or school before I head to work. It’s amazing what a child will share in 5-7 dedicated blocks…

Your neighborhood is unique because…..: It’s urban/suburban.  Part of Manhattan, but also a little enclave of families that live in Manhattan. It’s rare that I’m out on a weekend and don’t bump into friends.  Best of both worlds.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?: Coffee shops & a newspaper – alone-:)

NYC Mom’s Rock because……: We’re always on the go!

I picked this neighborhood because……: I adore the green parks (they do not use chemicals on the parks here), the parks in general and the access to outside. Plus, we like the schools in the neighborhood.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

What to Eat at Snack Time

by scott wardell

Sometimes dinner just can’t come soon enough. So when your little ones start to grumble about being hungry, why not feed them a snack before dinner? Instead of reaching for a pre-packaged snack from the pantry, try some of these quick, easy-to-prepare snacks that will keep the kiddos happy, healthy, and still hungry enough for dinner. All of these recipes require little to no cooking, so they’re easy to make in a cinch.

Monkey Crunch
The kids sure are going bananas over this snack-mix! Substitute in white cheddar popcorn to give this mix a real kick!

Ingredients:
6 cups popcorn
1 cup banana chips
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
1 cup dried cranberries

Prep:
Mix together in a large bowl.
Makes 5 servings.

Crunchy Pita
Tell your kids that it’s just like a tortilla with a pocket in the middle—filled with sweet apples, savory peanut butter, and the satisfying crunch of granola. Yum!

Ingredients:
Pita
Peanut butter
1/2 apple, diced
1/2 cup applesauce
Granola

Prep:
Spread desired amount of peanut butter inside pita.
Put apple pieces and applesauce inside pita.
Sprinkle desired amount of granola on top.
Makes 1 serving

Black Bean Salsa
This is the perfect snack/appetizer for a Mexican-themed dinner night. Serve a bowl of this salsa and some chips and you’ve got yourself a great pre-dinner snack!

Ingredients:
15-oz can black beans, drained
15-oz can diced tomatoes with chili peppers
one medium diced onion
chili powder to taste
salt & pepper to taste

Prep:
Mix beans, tomatoes, and onion together in a bowl.
Season to taste.
Makes approximately 4 servings

Prefer something a little sweeter? Try some sweet, simple Honey Baked Apple Stacks.

Got leftovers? Here are a few tips on how to transform those school lunches into something that’s easy and satisfying.

Having your kiddos help you with some of the prep makes it both fun for them and easier for you! Let’s get kids excited about food, while teaching them healthy eating habits. Snack’s up!

-Scott Wardell

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Date Night: Shuck it Yourself!

by Erin Lem

We have all heard that eating oysters invokes strong feelings of love and desire, but at first glance, their amorphous, unattractive appearance may initially leave us wondering: why? Discover the answer to that question as you adventure beyond the restaurant appetizer menu, to coastal Washington. Experience and understand the allure and mystery of this unlikely mollusk, as prominent foodie columnist Langston Cook shows you how to forage for them yourself.

“As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.”

—Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

To read the entire article, including information on classes and locations, click here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement