Caramel Apples Two Ways: Caramel Apple Snack Plate with Autumn Glory Apples

Let's be real: is there anything more delightful in the fall than a caramel apple? In my humble opinion, there simply isn't. However, while caramel apples are super fun to make and quite delicious, too, prep and clean-up can be a sticky mess. Between melting the caramel just right, finding suitable sticks, and buffing the apples so the caramel sticks, you never quite know if the path to fall's favorite treat is going to take a few minutes or several hours. 

Case in point: when I set-out to develop caramel apple "cake-pops." I had a brilliant idea of making miniature caramel apples, and I got to work scooping tiny balls out of my Autumn Glory apples with a melon baller. These were going to be EPIC...and as I dipped the tiny little balls into caramel, my recipe dreams crumbled to the ground: the caramel slipped right off into a sticky puddle. Not exactly what I had imagined. And so, I improvised.

The idea behind the cakepops was to create something healthy yet fun. With my caramel apple topping bar already prepared - a little midweek treat to myself - I turned lemons into lemonade. I melted some caramel soft candies, added a little sea salt, sliced up a delicious, sweet cinnamon-flavored apple and enjoyed a caramel apple snack plate. Here's what I included on mine:

- Crushed pretzel sticks
- Candy-covered miniature chocolate candies
- Caramel with sea salt

The possibilities with this are endless. I love the idea of doing this cheese plate style with tons of toppings for a "healthier"girls night. Think things like shredded coconut, crushed toasted pecans, miniature chocolate chips, sprinkles, and even melted fondue cheese.

Get kids involved, too! They'll love watching the oozy caramel capture tiny toppings before their eyes.

I mentioned today's post would have caramel apples two ways: come back next week for steamy baked caramel apples; the perfect end to a fall dinner party. 

Fabulously Fresh Thanksgiving Side: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples

Thanksgiving, especially in the South, can be a bit...heavy. There's cream of something in everything, potatoes rule the roost, and pie takes the cake. While I absolutely love all of the hearty foods that we're about to indulge in, I also like an opportunity to have something a little lighter. 

Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables, and we're in the thick of the season. In fact, Trader Joe's has huge stalks of sprouts proving their freshness. Between loads of sprouts and the abundance of apples, this simple shaved Brussels sprouts salad will be a Thanksgiving showstopper and have guests hungry for more. 

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples 

For the salad, you will need:

- Several hearty handfuls of Brussels sprouts, trimmed

- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries 

- 1/4 cup toasted pecans 

- 2 apples, chopped

- 1 shallot 

- olive oil for frying shallots 

For the dressing, you will need:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil 

- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

- 1 tablespoon maple syrup

- 1 teaspoon Dijion 

- salt and pepper to taste 

To prepare:

Mix salad dressing ingredients together and set aside. 

Using a food processor, shred Brussels sprouts using the shredding attachment. If you do not have a processor, cut your sprouts into thin slices using a knife or a mandolin. 

Add shaved sprouts to a large bowl and add remaining ingredients up until shallot. Gently toss and refrigerate. 

Slice shallots into thin rings. Add enough olive oil to a small pan and fry shallots until they are crisp. This goes quickly, so pay attention as not to burn. Allow shallots to dry on a paper towel. 

Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and gently toss. Top with fried shallots. 

Note: If you aren't into shallots, feel free to use pancetta in it's place. Simply fry like bacon over a pan. I love adding a little salty crunch, and either the shallots or pancetta works well! 

*recipe modified from Iowa Girl Eats

Photos by Shelby Rae Photographs. 

Unique Table Runners: Setting your table for 3 major holidays

Wrapping paper is one of the most versatile things in your entertaining arsenal. While it can of course be used for making gifts look lovely, wrapping paper has many other uses, too. My personal favorite, is using it for a quick table runner. Not only will it bring instant color to your table, but it makes clean-up a breeze. 

Last week I took a stroll through my local Hallmark to check-out their wrapping paper section. Not only was I greeted with fabulous paper, but I also found an incredible selection of accessories and tags which, as you will see, make great table accessories and name plates. Plus, Hallmark was running a special in which if you bought one roll of paper, you got an additional roll for $1...not to mention several of my wrapping paper choices were already on sale for 30% off. Two thumbs up, Hallmark. 

Since I found so many beautiful wrapping papers, I decided to show you how to achieve an easy table look fit for the next three major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Eve. Since I wanted to make it a point to use what you have, I didn't change any of the items I used other than the wrapping paper & name plates (all from Hallmark). Everything else is straight from my own collection of china & glassware. In my opinion, you don't have to buy something new to host, especially with these gift accessories from Hallmark. 

Take a look at my video showing a quick glimpse into each tablescape, or scroll down for more information on creating three beautiful tables of your own:

Thanksgiving: Use brown craft paper from Hallmark for this table runner. The best part? It is the perfect width, so you can easily add it over your favorite tablecloth without having to worry about cutting a straight line. Add a leaf with guests name (from your own yard) for a splash of color. Oh, and don't forget to have to-go boxes readily available to send guests home with leftovers. I love these brown boxes tied up with ribbon. 

Christmas: For Christmas, I'm loving classic red this season, so I chose a plaid wrapping paper for my table runner. I also picked up two red bells & two red ornaments to serve as place cards. I love that each guest can take their place setting gift home and add it to their own tree. 

New Years Eve: New Years Eve is an excuse to get glamorous. Use silver chargers (seen in every other tablescape) against metallic scallop paper from Hallmark. I love the glimmer that dances off of the stemware from the paper. I also used gift tags as place cards. Instead of writing guests name, write fun New Years Eve inspired words like "cheers," "clink," "pop," and "fizz." 

There you have it! Three tables without changing more than the table runners & takeaway gifts! All thanks to the amazing selection of Christmas decor at Hallmark. 

What are your tricks for setting your holiday tables?

Thanksgiving Printables

So, if I were to be totally honest, I would have to let y'all in on a little secret of mine: I really don't care for Thanksgiving food all that much. In fact, I really really dislike "real" turkey. I don't like cranberry sauce, and I really think stuffing is ick. Whew! I feel so much better. 

What I do enjoy, however, is the meaning behind Thanksgiving. I don't think we take time to reflect & truly be thankful for all of the good things in our lives. We spend a lot of time complaining about this and that, but the reality is, there is so much in life to be grateful for. That is why I've decided to embrace Thanksgiving this year and give it the proper nod it deserves. 

Luckily, a lot of my fellow bloggers are on board and have created free, yes free, printables for you to enjoy this Thanksgiving. Get into the holiday spirit & get those gallery walls holiday prepped!

via My Fabulous Life

via TomKat Studios

via A Night Owl Blog

And for a small, but worth it fee...

via The Burlap Bungalow