Strawberry Galette

 

 

 Well friends I did it!  Well Eva and I did it.  We created a TikTok Channel for me and my content.  She is not only an amazing editor but she is great with socials and marketing.  My little 7th grader is becoming such a Branding Wiz.  She helped me create my intro video and a few more to get started with.

 

The first recipe I shared is for this amazing Strawberry Galette.  Truth be told, I didn't even know how to pronounce Galette until I watched Five Star Weekend and now I am obsessed!

 

I think if you have been following along for awhile then you know I am not much of a baker.  I consider myself a cook.  I love to cook.  It is therapeutic and helps me to decompress.  I meal plan like a ninja and try different recipes all the time.

 

I am working on my baking game and this galette came out great so I wanted to share it with YOU.  If you are on Tiktok and want to follow along, my channel is "Holly Helps Mamas".  The video below was posted yesterday.  

 

Here is the recipe and instructions and the video goes over how to put this bad boy together.  If you try it, let me know and enjoy! 

 

 

 

Ingredients

1 16- ounce carton strawberries sliced 

3 tablespoons granulated sugar. 

 1 small lemon zested 

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 

1 refrigerated pre-rolled pie crust 

1 egg 

1-2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar

 

Instructions

 

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
 

Add the sliced strawberries to a bowl along with the granulated sugar, lemon zest, cornstarch, and vanilla. Toss several times so that the berries are evenly coated.
 

Carefully unroll the pie crust onto the parchment lined baking sheet. It's okay if it's slightly too large to fit as you'll be folding the edges over.
 

Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the dough. Arrange the strawberries in an even layer leaving a 2-inch border free. 

 

Fold the edges of the dough toward the center over the berry filling, overlapping as needed. Gently press any folds to help them adhere.
 

Beat the egg in a small bowl for the egg wash. Brush the crust with the egg wash then sprinkle with the Turbinado sugar.
 

Bake in the preheated 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. 

 

Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Slice and serve with ice cream or freshly whipped cream if desired. 

 

Enjoy warm or at room temperature

 

 

 

The Dorm Haul is coming next...

Italian Summer Dinner Party

First Things First....

 

 

 

and now...for our main event...

 

 

 

When I heard that Zach and Zoe were coming home for a visit, we agreed on a night for dinner and I decided to really dial things up.  If you have been following along for awhile then you know cooking for people is a way I show my love so I will often go overboard ;)

 

 

I thought there was no better time for an Italian Summer Dinner Party and I made some dishes that I want to remember and share here so I can refer back to these wonderful recipes.  I hope you will give them a shot as well!

 

But first....our VIPs :)

 

 

After the hugging attacks, we enjoyed some Market Basket Spinach Pie and Stuffed Grape Leaves while I got everyone a drink.  I didn't do anything fancy for drinks but it would be the perfect meal for an Aperol Spritz ;)  We stuck with water, seltzers, sodas and wine.

 

Here is what our Italian Summer Dinner Looked Like

 

Steak Pizzaiola

Find the Recipe HERE

This is a fairly simple recipe and just dials steak up a bit.  The sauce consists of tomatoes, olives, capers and onions and peppers- so colorful and delish.  I served the sauce on the size in case anyone didn't like it but it tastes even better when the steaks are sitting in this deliciousness

 

Caprese Salad

Kept this one pretty straight forward- the only tweak I made was to add some little golden tomatoes as well

You can find my Caprese recipes HERE  in this post

 

 

Next, I whipped up a Mediterranean Orzo.   The recipe calls for Shrimp in this yummy dish but I omitted the shrimp since Zoe doesn't eat fish.  Rob and I agreed the shrimp would be a nice addition or you could serve this with lamb kabobs OR even by itself- it truly could be a meal in itself and it is SO GOOD

Check out the Recipe HERE 

 

 

 and the finishing dish on our Italian Dinner was a Sauteed Zucchini and Corn and it was probably my favorite dish of this collection!

Check out the Recipe HERE

 

 

 and although not very Italian, I also whipped up a couple of desserts (even though I am really not a baker)

I made the Pioneer Woman's "Knock You Naked Brownies" which are essentially Chocolate Caramel Brownies.  Check them out HERE

 

 

 and Reeses Fluffernutter Bars

Find them HERE

 

 So yes...it was a delicious night BUT the highlight was hearing Zach's stories...we had some real good belly laughs and quality time...I cherish these times more than anything :)

 

 

 

Hot Cocoa Bundt Cake!

 

Hi Friends!  I am sharing a fun recipe with you today.  It is a cake I made for the first time last weekend.  Don't get me wrong.  I am not a baker.  It is a long and tenuous process but the end result is so worth it.  This is a cake that brings on the coziness vibes and is a perfect dessert all...winter....long!

 

 

Hot Cocoa Bundt Cake

 

 

What you will need...

 

Ingredients

 

For the Cake

• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup water 
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cubed (1½ sticks)
• ¾ cup canola oil 
• 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped
•  1½ cups granulated sugar 
• 3 cups Flour
  
• ¾ cup dry hot cocoa mix
  
• 2½ teaspoons Baking Soda 
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup buttermilk (see note)
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows 

For the Chocolate Ganache

• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (¼ stick)
• 4 ounces semi sweet baking chocolate, finely chopped
•  

For the Garnish

• 1 cup marshmallow cream
  
• Mini Marshmallows Bits

 

 

Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-cup Bundt cake pan and lightly sprinkle with the unsweetened cocoa powder. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, heat the water until warm.

 Add the butter, oil, and chopped semisweet chocolate. Cook on low, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes 

Turn off the heat and stir in the sugar until smooth. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.

 In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside

 Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat in the eggs one at a time until just combined. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.

 Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

 Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.

 Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan. Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then flip it onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping with the ganache. After the cake cools, make the ganache. Place the heavy cream, butter, and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave these ingredients for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time until the mixture is melted, until smooth. Let cool for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Set aside. Add the marshmallow creme to a large Ziplock bag and cut off one corner. Squeeze the bag to drizzle the creme on the cooled cake. Drizzle the chocolate ganache onto the cake.

 Sprinkle the cake with the marshmallows. Allow the ganache to fully set before slicing and serving.

 

 Enjoy!

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend Inspiration!

 

If you have been reading for awhile then you know my love for all things summer...it starts on the unofficial kick off to summer and that is Memorial Day Weekend.

 

I am obsessed with all things patriotic and all things red, white and blue so I get decorating early and let those decorations stay up all summer and through Labor Day Weekend.

 

 

I start my summer planting around Memorial Day too and several years I have gone with a red, white and blue theme with my flowers.

 

 

I just remembered that Memorial Day is a little over two weeks away- eek!  So exciting.  Our weekend is still shaping up (we have a softball tournament for Eva and a party to attend on Monday but we want to host something fun too so we will see how that shakes out)...I can't wait for the excitement of it all.

 

Today, I thought I would share a little inspiration with YOU!

 

How about some festive appetizers and main dishes to kick things off?

 A Patriotic Charcuterie Board?  Yes Please!

Red, White and Blue Bites made with triscuits, blue cheese and strawberries (I drizzled truffle honey over these- delish!)

A Yummy and Festive Dip?  Going to give this one a shot this year!  You can find the recipe HERE

Lobster Roll Sliders- always a big hit!  You can find my recipe HERE 

Patriotic Bites include watermelon, feta and blackberries and sometimes I will add a sprig of mint for flavor

and lastly a Red, White and Blue Burger- YUM!

Top your burger with mozzarella, blue cheese and roasted red peppers- sounds so good.  Check out the recipe HERE

 

 and a celebration would not be complete without dessert of course!

A Festive Charcuterie Board makes such a great statement on the table

Patriotic Bites?  Yes please!  The rolo bites are always a big hit!

Red, White and Blue Rice Krispee Treats?  Definitely giving these a shot this year!  Check out the recipe HERE

 

 and finally...next up Centerpieces!  I always have so much fun putting together patriotic arrangements!

Here are a few for inspiration

 

 and here are a few I whipped up over the years- one of my favorite ways to kick off summer :)

 So any plans for Memorial Day Weekend?  How do you kick off summer?  Any special traditions?  I want to hear it all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible Hulk Mini Blender Muffins

 

Brittany Williams is an inspiration to me.  You can find her @instaloss.  She lost over 100 pounds and did it the right way through diet and exercise.  I recently finished her latest book "Dear Body" which I flew through- it was incredible!

I peruse her websites for recipes from time to time and came across this gem.  They are so easy to whip up, delish and SO HEALTHY...great way to sneak in those veggies fellow mamas!

So without further ado and since I promised, here is this easy recipe.  Let me know if you give them a shot

Ingredients

• 1 very ripe large banana or 1 medium gala apple, cored and sliced into 4th's
• 1/4 cup raw honey or 3-5 pitted dates
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 large handfuls baby spinach
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Toppings of choice: granola, dairy free chocolate chips, dried fruit

Instructions

• Preheat an oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin pan with oil or butter, set aside.
• In order, place all of the ingredients into a high powered blender capable of grinding grain, wet ingredients first. Blend until smooth, about 45 seconds.
• Fill the mini muffin pan cups 3/4th's full and sprinkle with additional toppings, if desired. Place the muffin tin inside the oven.
• Bake for 12 minutes and let cool completely before serving.

Love at First Bite!

Favorite Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

 

Hi Friends!  With Memorial Day Weekend Quickly Approaching, I thought I would share some of our favorite recipes that are on repeat as we kick off the summer in these parts.  So I am giving you a little time to whip up a menu that will be sure to impress.

This year, we are kicking off our Memorial Day Weekend with a ladies birthday get together for Cass....Daddy will be covering the softball game that night!  The rest of the weekend will be filled with softball and getting together with family and friends....exact schedule to be determined and we tend to wait for the weather forecast in these parts!

Anyway, I digress....here are some dishes I plan to whip up for the long weekend...

Red White and Blue Bites (Version 1)

Watermelon, Feta and Blackberry Skewers (garnish with mint if you choose)

Beautiful- Patriotic - Refreshing

Red, White and Blue Bites (Version Two)

Crackers, Strawberries, Blue Cheese and Drizzle with Truffle Honey

Patriotic- Simple- Oh So Delish!

Lobster Roll Sliders (Find My Recipe HERE)

Nothing screams summer more than lobster in New England!

 

 

Fruit Salsas

 

First, The Pioneer Woman's Watermelon Pico de Gallo (Find the Recipe HERE )

 Patriotic and Refreshing!

 

 

and Strawberry Salsa

Find the Recipe HERE

 

  It is such a nice alternative to regular salsa- I typically serve this with pita chips or blue tortilla chips for a patriotic twist!

Hope you give one of these a try- let me know!

 

 

Favorite Easter Recipes

 

 

 

 

 Resurrection Rolls

 

A MUST every year is making Resurrection Rolls together on Holy Saturday- we talk about the significance and talk about the scripture as we are making these- great activity for the kids and so fun to make and see how "Jesus rises."  We use Shay's recipe HERE

 

 

 

 Bacon Gouda Croissant Casserole

 

We also typically do a big brunch on Easter Sunday.  Another one of Shay's recipes has been a big hit over the years.  You can find it HERE 

 

 

 

My mom will make a Noodle Kugle or an Italian Pastitera as well.  We always have our colored eggs out too in case someone is hankering for a hard boiled egg ;)

Bunny Breads

Every year, since I was little, we also make Bunny Breads.  My mom found the original recipe in The Boston Globe and cut it out :)  You can also find it in my post HERE

 

Then we always do some kind of a beef roast or ham.  This year, we are going back to an old favorite

 

 Beef Roast with Worcestershire Butter Sauce

Find it HERE

 

 and I will make a roasted broccoli to accompany this while my Father In Law makes his amazing scalloped potatoes!

 

 

Birds Nest Cookies

 

Another recipe my Mom cut out from a magazine - it was a Jif Peanut Butter Ad.  You can still find the recipe on their website HERE

 

 

 

 Love sharing our traditions with you.  Hope you give one of these recipes a try!  Very excited for Easter Weekend :)