Simple and festive additions to your carbs and coffee that will have you feeling like you'd be right at home in the North Pole.
'Tis the season for warm mugs and holly jolly bakes, afterall!
Around November 1st I seem to subconsciously channel my inner Mrs. Claus. I do try to rein it in to an acceptable level of "Christmas Cheer" until after Thanksgiving is over, and then, well... all bets are off.
Disclaimer: if I had to describe my Christmas style... I'd say it's certainly more on the artisanal side. Don't get me wrong, I love some glitz and glam when it comes to the holidays, but "festive" doesn't necessarily mean "fancy" in my book.
Which means that a lot of these very merry additions are quite affordable!
First up on the list of Quick & Easy "Very Merry Additions"...
#1. Don't skimp on the homemade whipped cream, AND don't be afraid to get creative with it!
Your List of Essential Ingredients
1c Heavy Whipping Cream
1tsp Vanilla Extract (and/or anything from the Optional List)
2Tbs Sugar (I use granulated, but you can use powdered sugar if you prefer)
Festive Add-In Optionals
Peppermint Extract (add 1-2 drops at a time)
Itty Bitty Marshmallows (to your heart's content)
1-2tsp Chocolate or Caramel Syrup
1-2tsp Butterscotch Schnapps (or a favorite alternative holiday liqueur for a holly jolly good time)
sub the sugar for maple syrup, and add holiday spices, such as: pumpkin spice, cinnamon, clove, ginger, etc.
Like I said, it's easy. Simply mix together your chosen ingredients--using the whisk attachment and a stand or hand-held mixer--until stiff peaks form. Easily customize the level of sweetness to your personal liking by either adding or reducing sugar/sweetener.
To get the most out of your whipped cream, add it to: your fam's hot cocoa nights, ice cream, coffee or espresso, Christmas pies and desserts, or enjoy all on its own... it's that good.
#2. Shimmer & sparkle galore. Now's the time, people.
Holiday Party Pro Tip: whether you're hosting a Christmas Brunch, or an evening soirée, add some edible sparkle dust to your ice cube trays, or festive molds, with your choice of liquid. And, freeze. That's it, all done!
(Note: there are tons of sparkle and dazzle dusts available online, and even in the cake decorating section at Walmart--making it extra easy to match whatever your Christmas aesthetic is!)
Shimmery Wintery Wonderland Ice Cube Ideas
Juice of Choice (cranberry or pomegranate are personal faves for that festive color)
Coffee or Espresso, brewed & cooled
Or, water is fine, too, of course
Find a fun mold or ice cube tray, here's some good options:
Add a very *small* amount of the shimmer dust/powder to your liquid, a little goes a long way
Add your shimmer cubes to whatever you and your guests are drinking this holiday, and don't be surprised by the smiles that ensue.
#3. Puff Pastry - the most underrated of all the pastries.
Now... of course, I make my own sourdough puff pastry. But absolutely no one is expecting you to make yours. And honestly, what is not to love about store-bought puff pastry? A dough that packs a flaky punch, and allows for any filling your heart desires--sweet, or savory!
Flaky, Festive & Fun Suggestions
Option 1:
Get out your Christmas Cookie Cutters! (this one's for the kiddos)
Roll out the puff pastry until slightly thinner than it is straight out of the package
Use cookie cutters to create fun holiday shapes and place on a baking sheet
Brush with egg wash and top with your favorite Christmas sprinkles and/or coarse sugar!
Bake according to package instructions
Optional: Frost the bottom side of pastry shape & sandwich with a matching shape
(Ingredient list: store-bought puff pastry, store-bought frosting, sprinkles, & egg for egg wash)
Option 2:
Roll out the puff pastry until slightly thinner than it is straight out of the package
Spread a quick & easy filling of choice across sheet of pastry
Think: cinnamon sugar & toasted pecans, pesto & parmesan, dried cranberries & brie, nutella & chopped hazelnuts...
Roll tightly from the widest end of the pastry in order to create a cinnamon roll type spiral & log
Cut log evenly -- I suggest 1-2in. pieces
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper & bake according to package instructions
Enjoy!
Lastly...
If you give any of these very merry, quick & easy, holly & jolly tips a try, let me know! I hope they bring you and your loved ones as much joy as they bring to me and mine.
And, in case you need some gift ideas for the coffee lover in your life... here are some links to some kitchen essentials to elevate their coffee game.
My personal favorite Espresso Machine... and the more "affordable" option: the Breville Infuser Espresso Machine. (I know the initial reaction is probably, "affordable?!" But just for reference... we have had ours for almost four years now and it still works good as new.)
Note: this particular Breville version does not have an attached coffee grinder. However, there are several great options out there that not only get you the perfect espresso grind size, but allow you to grind the perfect size for any brew method: drip, pour over, French Press, you name it.
Here is my current Coffee Grinder choice.
For an "all the bells and whistles" espresso machine, check out the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine (both Breville Machines are currently on sale!).
For a far more affordable gift option for a true coffee lover -- the Clever Coffee Dripper. Honestly, I cannot think of a brew method that offers a cup of coffee that is quite as smooth and bold as the Clever. And, it's only about $36.
And, finally, the trusty Chemex. Tried and true... and it can make up to 8c of coffee at a time--without the grittiness of your Mr. Coffee.