Gorgeous Cranberry Cocktails: The Perfect Holiday Drink

Cranberries are a classic holiday ingredient, and for good reason. They're tart, sweet, and festive, and they make for delicious cocktails. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy by the fire or a boozy punch to serve at your holiday party, there's a cranberry cocktail out there for you. Here are a few of our favorite cranberry cocktail recipes:

Cranberry Gin Fizz by Cup of Zest

Chai Cranberry Bourbon Smash by Burrata and Bubbles

Cranberry Christmas Punch by Curry Trail

Smoked Orange and Cranberry Cocktails by Stef’s Eats and Sweets

Cranberry Orange Margaritas by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Gin Cocktail by Baking Ginger

Christmas Morning Mimosas by Persnickety Plates

Poinsettia Mimosa by Limoncello Kitchen

Woo Woo Cocktail by Mom Foodie

Pineapple Cranberry Mezcal Margaritas by Gastronom

Apple Cranberry Mules by Made with Happy

Cranberry Hard Ginger Ale by Easy Party Cocktails

Cranberry Old Fashioned by Three Olives Branch

Cranberry Tequila Spritzers by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Cranberry Mojito Punch by Sugar + Soul

These are just a few of the many delicious cranberry cocktail recipes out there. So next time you're looking for a festive drink to enjoy, reach for some cranberries and get mixing!

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect cranberry cocktail:

• Use fresh cranberries whenever possible. They'll add a brighter flavor and color to your drink.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Cranberry juice pairs well with a variety of spirits, so have fun and try different combinations.
• Garnish your cocktails with fresh cranberries, citrus slices, or herbs for a festive touch.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to make delicious cranberry cocktails that everyone will love.

Find more favorite cocktail recipes here:

Sour Apple Margaritas

Haunting Halloween Cocktails

A Guide to Thai Food – What you Need to Know

 Of the many cuisines around the world, Thai must be up there with the best; strong tastes are evident, with spicy, sweet and sour dishes that you won’t forget in a hurry. There are good reasons why you will find Thai restaurants in every western city and in this short article, we describe some of the better-known Thai dishes that you should explore.

Thai curry

There are so many Thai curries, it would be impossible to list them all, here are some of the favourites:

Masaman curry – Made with coconut cream, masaman can be made with chicken, pork, beef or shrimp and has a very distinct flavour. One of the few Thai dishes that includes potatoes, with peanuts also being a favourite ingredient.

Penang curry – Penang is another coconut cream curry, made with chicken, pork or beef, this is traditionally a southern dish that is normally very spicy. A firm favourite with foreigners, this most unusual taste is something everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Green curry – Made with coconut cream, chicken, pork or beef, this green dish can be very spicy, with a selection of vegetables.

Spicy soup

Tom Yam is a very spicy soup that can be made with chicken, pork, beef or seafood, which is perhaps the most popular. Squeeze half a lemon for a sour taste and the dish is consumed with Thai Jasmine rice and is delicious. If you are looking for Tom Yam recipes, Google has you covered, indeed the number one search engine can tell you all about the history of Thai cuisine, while there are many fruits that you can try while holidaying in the Land of Smiles. If you visit the street markets in tourist areas, don’t be surprised to see sex toys and vibrators for sale (which are technically illegal), so we don’t recommend making a purchase. There are online adult stores in Australia, which is a discreet way to stock up with sex toys.

Pad Thai

A very famous Thai dish that is made with noodles, with meat or seafood and egg added. Fried in a wok, pad Thai is like a national dish that is prepared nationwide and is not generally spicy. 

Spicy salad

Papaya salad is one of the Thai national dishes and it is extremely spicy, with small crabs and dried shrimp added. Som tam is the Thai name for this dish, while in the northeast (Isan), there is a spicy salad called ‘larb’, which can be made with pork, chicken or beef.

Noodles

If you love noodles, you will adore Thailand, where noodle stalls are on every corner, made with chicken, beef or pork, there are also beansprouts and when you sit down to eat, the full list of condiments is on the table.

Other Thai delights include BBQ chicken on a stick, eaten with sticky rice, pork satay with a delicious sauce and fried rice, which is very popular, especially with foreigners who do not like spicy food. 

If you are planning a holiday in the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, get ready for a unique culinary experience; there are so many Thai fruits that we couldn’t possibly name them all and Thai desserts are awesome.

Homemade Holiday Candies

 The holidays are near and that means it is time to start thinking about gifts to buy and treats to make. This year why not save a little money and give a gift from the heart with these homemade holiday candy recipes? These are decadent, delicious and easy to recreate at home in your own kitchen. Make a few varieties and package them in a pretty container for a great gift.

This collection has something wonderful for everyone! From cheesecake balls that are dreamy to simple dipped marshmallows that always delight and even a candy for the coffee lovers. 

While you are here you can't forget to visit some of my favorite bark recipes.

Everyone loves this celebration bark.  Fruity Pebbles bark is a perfect no bake candy option for cereal lovers.

Cheesecake Balls by Rich and Delish

These cheesecake balls are so creamy and dreamy! You are sure to love this recipe for homemade candy.

Dark Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows by Saporito Kitchen

This recipe is simple and delicious! Let the kids help with this one.

Homemade Snickers by The Short Order Cook

This homemade snickers bar recipe is perfect to make and freeze for later. Make these ahead of time for a homemade gift from the heart.

Honey Lollipops by The Monday Box

Homemade honey lollipops are perfect for sucking or stirring tea with! These would be great sticking stuffers.

Saltine Toffee by Spend with Pennies

Toffee made with saltines is a perfect treat to make and share.

Strawberry Hard Candy by In the Kitch

These hard candies are perfect for holidays. They are so fruity and flavorful!

Disneyland Copycat Churro Toffee  by In Fine Taste

No need to plan a trip to Disney to get your churro toffee fix. This is a perfect at home dupe!

Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat by xoxo Bella

This homemade Italian candy would be so nice to share with your friends and neighbors this year.

Cookie Dough Truffles by Fantabulosity

These truffles are just the thing to serve to anyone who loves cookie dough flavor!

Rocky Road by Flavor the Moments

Homemade rocky road has never been easier than it is with this tasty recipe!

Peanut Butter Balls by Bitz n Giggles

If you love peanut butter flavor then you will want to make these delicious little treats this year!

Homemade Payday Bars by Sweet Peas Kitchen

This recipe is a perfect copycat for homemade, fresh payday candy bars!

Angel Candy by DIY and Fun

You are sure to love the layers of this candy! It is so tasty!

Turtles by The Cagle Diaries

Simple and delicious are always a good idea! This recipe for homemade turtles is sure to be a favorite!

Vegan Twix by Spabettie

If you are a fan of twix bars, you will want to make these for a sweet, homemade holiday candy to share.

Dalgona Coffee Candy by Corrie Cooks

Coffee fans would love to get a tub of these instant pot candies for the holidays!

Find more homemade candy recipes here

Cotton Candy Ice Cream Cones

Boozy Butter Creams

Rustic Recipes for Autumn

The weather is starting to cool down, and the leaves are changing color. It's the perfect time to start thinking about fall cooking. Rustic recipes are all about using simple, seasonal ingredients to create hearty, flavorful dishes. They're the perfect way to warm up on a cold day and celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest. I have gathered some of my favorites to share with you. From stews, to galettes, there is something on this list for everyone. Be sure to click thru the links to visit the recipes at their original source.

Photo Credit: Various Sources.

Fresh Tomato Galette by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Rustic Lamb Stew by Spend with Pennies

Mum’s Beef Stew by Kelly Neil

Rich and Rustic Mashed Potatoes by Sense and Edibility

Irish Vegetable Soup  by Cook at Home Mom

Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet by Bitz n Giggles

Italian Minestrone Soup by Cucciharella 

Creamy Stewed Potatoes  by Broke Bank Vegan

Authentic Coq Au Vin with Rooster by The Peasants Daughter

French Hunter Chicken by 24 Bite

Oxtail Ragu by The Pasta Project

Beef Roast by Sungrown Kitchen

Meat Pie by The Gunny Sack

Dutch Oven Pot Roast by The Healthy Epicurean

Cacio e Pepe by Centsless Meals

If you are planning to make some rustic family style food this fall here are some tips:

Here are some tips for making great rustic food: Use simple, fresh ingredients. Rustic food is all about using the best ingredients you can find. This means using fresh, seasonal produce, and high-quality meats and cheeses.

You can stock up on ingredients and save cash by checking out these BJ’s Wholesale Membership Deals. After grabbing your groceries at BJ's you will be ready to hop into the kitchen to start making the best rustic food.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Rustic food is all about letting your personality shine through. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Don't overcook your food. Rustic food should be cooked until it's just tender, but still has a bit of a bite to it. Overcooked food will be dry and bland.

Let your food rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Use rustic cooking methods. Rustic food is often cooked using traditional methods, such as roasting, grilling, and braising. These methods help to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Present your food simply. Rustic food doesn't need a lot of fussy presentation. A simple, rustic platter is all you need to showcase your delicious food.

Which of these recipes do you think your family would most enjoy? I want to make the Irish veggie soup asap.

While you are here you might also like to check out some of my favorite recipes.

3 Ingredient Fool Proof Biscuits

Butter Garlic Glazed Carrots

Book Review: My Unfurling by Lisa May Bennett

 I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

My Unfurling is a touching and honest memoir about one woman's journey to sobriety and self-discovery. In her book, Lisa May Bennett shares her struggles with binge drinking, anxiety, and self-doubt, and how she overcame them to find her true purpose in life.

Bennett's writing is engaging and relatable, and she doesn't shy away from the difficult aspects of her story. She openly discusses her childhood experiences, her complicated relationship with her mother, and the ways in which her drinking habit impacted her life and relationships.

What makes My Unfurling so special is Bennett's ability to find humor and hope even in the darkest of times. She shares her story with warmth, wit, and compassion, and her insights will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, self-worth, or finding their place in the world.

One of the things I appreciate most about Bennett's book is her honesty. She doesn't sugarcoat her struggles or pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she shares her story with authenticity and vulnerability, which makes it all the more relatable and inspiring.

Another thing I loved about My Unfurling is Bennett's message of hope. She shows that it is possible to overcome addiction and achieve your dreams, no matter how difficult your journey may be. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and community support.

If you are struggling with addiction, self-doubt, or finding your place in the world, I highly recommend reading My Unfurling. It is a powerful and inspiring memoir that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated to make a change in your life.

Overall rating: 5/5 stars

Recommended for: anyone who has ever struggled with addiction, self-worth, or finding their place in the world