A Cozy December 1st Tradition

A few years ago I started a little tradition that has become one of my favorite parts of the holidays. On December 1st, I leave a cozy Christmas gift basket on the porches of my neighbors and friends. It’s filled with simple, cozy things to help them settle into the season, from a homemade simmer pot jar to a mug for hot cocoa.

This cozy gift basket is the very first project in my Old-Fashioned Christmas Craft Club. It’s an easy DIY Christmas gift, it doesn’t cost a lot to put together, and it makes people feel so loved right at the start of December. Below I’m sharing everything I put inside, how to make the simmer pot, and free printable gift tags so you can make your own.

Shop the Cozy Gift Basket

You can find links to everything in my cozy gift basket here:

SHOP THE BASKET ON LTK

What’s Inside the Cozy Christmas Gift Basket

A Homemade Simmer Pot Jar

The star of the basket is a glass jar filled with stovetop potpourri ingredients. It makes the whole house smell like Christmas. (The full simmer pot recipe is below.)

A Holiday Mug for Cocoa or Coffee

A sweet holly mug is the perfect excuse to slow down with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee or tea on a chilly December morning.

A Little Bottle Brush Tree

A tiny bottle brush tree adds instant vintage Christmas charm to a windowsill, kitchen counter or bookshelf.

A Glass Ornament Filled with Chocolates

I filled a clear glass ornament with Lindor truffles. It’s a treat now and an ornament to hang on the tree every year after.

Cozy Twinkle Lights

A strand of battery-operated fairy lights can be tucked into garland, wrapped around the bottle brush tree or put in a jar for a soft, cozy glow.

A Pretty Holiday Dish Towel

At the bottom of the basket is a holly-embroidered dish towel. It’s an easy way to bring a little Christmas into the kitchen all season long.

How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot Jar

What’s in the Simmer Pot

A Christmas simmer pot (also called stovetop potpourri) is one of the easiest and coziest homemade gifts you can give. I layer everything in a glass jar with a bamboo lid and tie it with red velvet ribbon and a printable tag. Here’s what goes inside:

• Dried orange slices
• Dried lemon slices
• Dried cranberries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Whole cloves
• Bay leaves

As it warms, the oranges and lemons bring a bright, sweet citrus scent. The cinnamon, star anise and cloves add that warm, spicy smell of holiday baking. The cranberries add a little tartness, and the bay leaves give it a soft, fresh, almost evergreen note. Together they make your home smell like an old-fashioned Christmas.

How to Use the Simmer Pot

1. Pour the contents of the jar into a small saucepan.
2. Cover with about 3 to 4 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a low simmer.
4. Add more water every 30 minutes or so to keep the pot from running dry.

You can also put everything in a small slow cooker on low with the lid off. When you’re done for the day, let it cool, then keep it in the fridge and reuse it for another day or two. Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stove.

[Optional photo: simmer pot on the stove]

Free Printable Simmer Pot Gift Tags

Download the Free Printable Tags

To make your cozy gift baskets extra special, I made free printable Stove Top Potpourri tags. They include the simmer pot directions, so your neighbors and friends know exactly how to use them. Just print them on cardstock, cut them out and tie them to the jar with ribbon or twine.

How to Put Together a Cozy Gift Basket

Assemble the Basket

Start with a small kraft box or basket and fill the bottom with red crinkle paper shred. Lay the dish towel in first, then tuck in the simmer pot jar and the mug. Add the bottle brush tree, chocolate ornament and twinkle lights on top. Finish with a little sprig of greenery and red berries for that old-fashioned Christmas look.

Deliver It on December 1st

I love dropping these cozy Christmas gift baskets on porches on December 1st, because it gives everyone something cozy to enjoy for the whole month. It’s a simple neighbor gift idea, but it’s such a sweet way to start the holiday season together.

Who are you going to make a cozy gift basket for this year? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO,

The post Holiday Tradition: Cozy Gift Boxes appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Get ready for fall parties and tailgating with the perfect slightly spicy cheese ball! This is the perfect appetizer for all of those fall parties and game day get-togethers.

Fall Food Ideas

Today I am joining some friends who are sharing the YUMMIEST fall foods! To be honest, this is a fall baking hop, but as I was planning my calendar for some reason I was thinking that it was a fall food hop and I was excited to share my cheeseball. Luckily my friends are so sweet and overlooked the fact that my cheeseball isn’t a baking recipe and let me still join in! You will love all of these yummy fall ideas!

Why I Love Making Cheese Balls

I love a cheese ball. Why? Well first of all it’s SUPER simple to make. I can even say that a cheese ball is a fool-proof recipe. Yes! Cheese balls always turn out and they are so fast to make. Plus you only need a few ingredients to make a cheese ball. And you can make cheese ahead of time so it’s really the easiest recipe to bring to a party! Scroll down to the bottom and I will share my other cheese ball recipes!

Jalapeno-Flavored Cheese Ball

As my kids have grown, some of our favorite memories have been made in the kitchen. I love traditions and many of or traditions include food. We always make my grandma’s pierogis and jalapeno poppers on New Years Eve. So I thought it would be fun to take that holiday tradition and create a jalapeno popper cheese ball! And it was so easy to turn the round shape into a pumpkin shape for fall. This jalapeno popper cheese ball has all of the spicy and creamy flavors of jalapeno poppers with the ease of a cheese ball.

How to Make a Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

I wanted to make the cheese ball with ridges on the sides like a real pumpkin. What I ended up doing was once I combined the ingredients and formed a ball, I wrapped the ball in plastic wrap. THen I took four big rubber bands and wrapped the bands around the ball, having them intersect on the top and the bottom. Then I popped the whole thing in the fridge overnight so the cheeseball could set and the flavors could combine. The next day, I took the cheese ball out of the fridge, cut the elastics with scissors, unwrapped the cheese ball and rolled it in a layer of crushed cheese puffs! I added a faux pumpkin stem and I had the cutest, tastiest pumpkin-shaped cheese ball!

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe

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Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball. Celebrate fall with the perfect cheese ball appetizer that combines spicy jalapeno, creamy cheese filling and rolled in a layer of crushed cheese puffs.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese ball, cheeseball, appetizer, holiday recipe, party recipe, easy appetizer, game day food, jalapeno popper casserole, jalapeno popper cheese ball, no bake appetizer, party food

Prep Time 12 hours hours

Servings 16

Ingredients

• 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened.
• 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese I used a mexican blend
• 1 t. garlic powder
• 1 t. onion powder
• 2 cups crushed cheese puffs

Instructions

• Mix cream cheese, jalapenos, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder until combined.
• Use hands to roll into a round ball.
• Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap.
• Add four rubber bands to the cheeseball and have the rubber bands intersect at the top and bottom of the ball, mimicking a pumpkin.
• Place cheese ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• Take cheeseball out of the fridge. Roll the cheese ball in crushed cheese puffs until the whole ball is orange.
• Place cheese ball on serving platter, add a faux pumpkin stem. Enjoy!

Blogger’s Best Fall Recipes

1. How to Make Pretty Fall Cookies | My 100 Year Old Home
2. Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding | Modern Glam
3. Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze | Paint Me Pink
4. Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball | Tatertots and Jello
5. Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe (Mini Pastries) | Happy Happy Nester
6. Classic French Apple Tart | Sincerely, Marie
7. A Roundup of My Favorite Fall Treats | Pasha is Home
8. How to Easily Make the Best Air Fryer Breakfast Pop Tarts Now | The Design Twins
9. Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Maison de Cinq
10. Gorgonzola & Pear Pizza | My Sweet Savannah
11. Hearty Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | Twelve on Main
12. Pumpkin Molasses Cookies | Finding Lovely

More Fall Appetizers

Here are a few cheese balls and other easy fall appetizer ideas!

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe – perfect for the holidays! Soft and flavorful on the inside and crunchy and nutty on the outside. We took grandma’s classic cheese ball recipe and added a crunchy and zesty twist!

15-Minute Snowman Cheese Ball

15-Minute Snowman White Cheese Ball Recipe. Mozzarella, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce and spices rolled in shaved Parmesan cheese. Divide the cheese ball into two parts and make it into a delightful snowman that will be the hit of any holiday or Winter party!

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Ball Recipe. Make this sweet cream cheese ball that tastes just like pumpkin pie. Pair it with sliced apples or cookies and you have the perfect fall dessert or party food!

Have a Yummy Day!

xoxo

The post Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

The Witches Movie

You guys! have you heard about The Witches movie? It’s based on the popular book by Ronald Dahl. The book was one of my kids’ favorites when they were growing up. So when I heard there was a movie version coming out and it stars two of my favorite actors – Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer – I knew I wanted to do something special to celebrate!

DIY Mice Pumpkins

In The Witches book, there are witches EVERYWHERE, disguised as everyday people. And witches especially hate children. They want to turn all children into MICE. So I thought carving pumpkins and having mice coming out of the holes would be perfect to do as a craft with my kids!

How to Make DIY Mice Pumpkins

I have a video sharing how to make these easy mice pumpkins, including the supplies. DIY Mice Pumpkins.

How to Make Mice Pumpkins Video.

The Witches Printable

Another reason I love Ronald Dahl’s The Witches book is the quote that the grandmothers says to her grandson when he is turned into a mouse — It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you! So I made a simple printable you can hang up! I love that you can use it all year round too, not just at Halloween!

Download the Free The Witches Printable

Just right-click on the link below to print out the free printable. You can print it at home in a small size or send it to a printer like Costco to be printed in a large size! The one I show below was printed p 20×30 inch paper.

Free Ronald Dahl Witches Printable

Watch The Witches Movie

The Witches movie is streaming now on HBO Max. We watched it over the weekend and LOVED it! We threw a Witches party with bat donuts, a pumpkin charcuterie board, popcorn cookies that we decorated!

Check out the movie and let me know what you think! Tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello!

xoxo

The post DIY The Witches Mice Pumpkins and Free Printable appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

A T-Shirt Quilt is the perfect gift or project to make for a teen or tween

My mom made one for my older daughter and it is one of her most treasured possessions!

Gather those shirts and turn them into a special gift!

How to make a T-Shirt Quilt

Gather the t-shirts

Head to a Thrift Store to get more shirts

Find the smallest shirt

Make a Template

Cut your shirts

Lay your shirts out to measure the size

How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt

Sashing

Fabric and Batting

Add Interfacing

Lay the T-shirts out

Sew the t-shirts together

Sew the back of the quilt

Add batting and back of quilt

Add binding

Quilt the top

Add a personal touch

Make a T-Shirt quilt for someone special in YOUR life!

These JCrew pants are BRAND NEW and have never been worn. $2.50!!

I love these wide-legged linen pants. Perfect for Summer date night! This outfit cost $10 total!

Pin This Idea to Find Later!

And tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello if you make a t-shirt quilt. I would love to share yours!

More Graduation Ideas:

Make a Graduation Money Necklace! 

Graduation Donut Backdrop and Dessert Bar 

Have a HAPPY day!

xoxo

The post How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping

Looking Forward to Thanksgiving: Pie Night Tradition

Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I get so excited about the traditions that make this season so special. One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is our “Pie Night.” My kids look forward to it every year!! And it is a really awesome tradition to start, especially if you have teens or adult kids.

The BEST Fall Pie Recipes

I am sharing this Pie Night Apple Pie recipe today and I am joining some friends who are also sharing their favorite Fall Pie recipes, perfect for Pie Night, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post and HOP over and PIN these amazing pie recipes!!

What is “Pie Night”?

The night before Thanksgiving, friends and family gather at our house for a fun-filled evening of pie-making. We always kick off the night with pizza (another type of “pie”!), and then we all dive into creating a variety of delicious pies to enjoy the next day. I keep my pantry stocked with pie-making essentials—fillings, pre-made pie crusts, and all the ingredients for those who prefer homemade crusts. Everyone lets me know in advance what pies they’d like to make, so we’re fully prepared for the night.

Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite pies to make—Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering because it’s big enough to feed a crowd, and the flavor is simply irresistible. Let’s get started!

Why Apple Slab Pie Is Perfect for a Crowd

A slab pie is essentially a larger, flatter version of a regular pie, making it the ideal dessert to serve at a big Thanksgiving feast or any fall party. It offers the same comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but in a size that’s perfect for serving lots of people. Plus, the streusel topping adds a delicious, buttery crunch that elevates the whole dessert. You can also serve it with a sweet glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Apple Slab Pie Ingredients

For this apple slab pie, you can either make your own pie crust or use store-bought crusts for convenience. I personally like to have both options available, especially on Pie Night when things can get busy!

Crust:

• 5 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade; here’s a link to my favorite homemade pie crust recipe – Martha Stewart has a great Homemade Pie Crust Recipe)

Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

Apple Filling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp Apple Pie Spice (or substitute with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 lbs peeled, cored, and thinly sliced crisp apples (I like to use a mix of varieties for a richer flavor)

Egg Wash

• 1 egg

Streusel Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp whipping cream or half and half

Our favorite way to ear this pie is warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream – yummmmmmmmm!

Preparing the Pie Crust

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating, get your pie crusts ready. If you’re using store-bought crusts, remove them from the packaging and lightly dust your work surface with flour. Stack the crusts on top of each other and roll them out into a 17 by 12-inch rectangle. This will fit perfectly into a 15 by 10 by 1-inch sheet pan.

Fold the crust in half, and then fold it in half again to make it easier to transfer to your pan. Unfold it carefully and press the crust into the pan, making sure to fit it along the edges. You can fold the edges under and decorate as you like—using a fork to crimp the edges is a simple yet elegant option. Once your crust is in place, pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling and topping.

Making the Streusel Topping

Now let’s move on to that cinnamon streusel topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, quick oats, flour, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Once it’s well combined, place the topping in the refrigerator to keep it cold while you work on the filling.

Preparing the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a little zing to the flavor. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, Apple Pie Spice (or your cinnamon-nutmeg substitute), and salt. Pour this sugar mixture over the apples and toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Arranging Store-Bought Pie Crusts on the Baking Sheet

For this apple slab pie, I used four store-bought pie crusts to cover the large sheet pan. To do this, lay each crust on top of the baking sheet so that the edges overhang the sides by about 2 inches. The pie crusts will overlap each other, and that’s perfectly fine! Once you have the crusts arranged and covering the entire pan, use kitchen scissors to trim off any excess crust. Then, use a fork to press down on the overlapping edges to fuse the crusts together, forming one large pie crust that fits the shape of the pan.

For an extra touch, you can lightly brush a little water under the edges where the crusts overlap, helping to bind them more securely. Just be careful not to overwork the dough—handle it as little as possible. Overworking the pie crust can cause it to lose its flakiness, and we all want that light, buttery texture in our pie! Once your crust is assembled and trimmed, use your fingers to fold the overhanging edges into a pretty scalloped design, adding a touch of elegance to the pie.

Assembling the Pie

Take the chilled crust out of the refrigerator and pour the apple filling over it, spreading it out into an even layer. Press the apples down gently to make sure they’re snug in the pan. Next, grab your streusel topping from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.

Adding Decorative Elements to Your Slab Pie

One of the fun parts about making a slab pie is getting creative with the decorations! I like to use an extra pie crust just for embellishments. For my Pie Night slab pie, I used letter-shaped cookie cutters to spell out “PIE NIGHT” across the top, giving it a personalized touch. I also hand-cut small leaves from the dough and arranged them around the letters for an extra fall-inspired element. You can use cookie cutters, a knife, or even stencils to create shapes like leaves, pumpkins, or other festive designs. It’s a fun way to make your pie even more special, and it adds a beautiful finishing touch when the pie is baked and golden brown! So get creative and make your pie a centerpiece for the dessert table!

Making and Applying an Egg Wash

Before popping your slab apple pie into the oven, one final step ensures that your crust comes out golden and beautifully browned: applying an egg wash. To make the egg wash, whisk together one large egg with about 1 tablespoon of water until it’s smooth. Once mixed, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the exposed edges of your pie crust with the egg wash. This simple step helps the crust bake up with a rich, golden-brown color and gives it a slight sheen. Be careful not to overdo it—you just want a light, even layer. Once your crust is brushed and ready, your pie is good to go into the oven!

Baking the Slab Apple Pie

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 33 to 38 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—tent the pie with foil during the last 10 minutes if it starts to brown too much. The pie is done when the apples are tender (you can check by piercing them with a toothpick). Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool until it’s warm.

Optional Glaze or Serve with Ice Cream

If you want to add a little extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and whipping cream or halp-and-half in a small bowl to make a glaze. You can adjust the thickness by adding more half and half, a teaspoon at a time. Once the glaze is smooth, transfer it to a resealable sandwich bag, snip a small corner off the bag, and drizzle the glaze over the warm pie.

If you prefer, you can skip the glaze and serve the pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!

Printable Slab Apple Pie with Streusel Topping Recipe

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Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping

Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping. A crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a buttery crust, tender spiced apples and a crunchy oat streusel perfect for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword apple pies, apple streusel pie, slab apple pie, slab pie, Thanksgiving pie, Thanskgiving Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 32 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Pie Crust

• 5 pie crusts homemade or store bought

Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced

Apple Filling

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 5 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Apple Pie Seasoning (you can also use 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 4 lbs. peeled, cored and sliced apples. I like to use a variety for richer flavor.

Streusel Glaze

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. whipping cream or half-and-half

Egg Wash

• 1 egg (and water(

Instructions

• Let’s start by preheating your oven to 425°F
• Get crusts ready.
• Arrange crusts on baking sheet and crimp crusts.
• Make Streusel Topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, quick oats, flour, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Once it’s well combined, place the topping in the refrigerator to keep it cold while you work on the filling.
• Prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a little zing to the flavor. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, Apple Pie Spice (or your cinnamon-nutmeg substitute), and salt. Pour this sugar mixture over the apples and toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
• Arrange the pie crusts on the baking sheet. For this apple slab pie, I used four store-bought pie crusts to cover the large sheet pan. To do this, lay each crust on top of the baking sheet so that the edges overhang the sides by about 2 inches. The pie crusts will overlap each other, and that’s perfectly fine! Once you have the crusts arranged and covering the entire pan, use kitchen scissors to trim off any excess crust. Then, use a fork to press down on the overlapping edges to fuse the crusts together, forming one large pie crust that fits the shape of the pan.
• Assemble the pie. Take the chilled crust out of the refrigerator and pour the apple filling over it, spreading it out into an even layer. Press the apples down gently to make sure they’re snug in the pan. Next, grab your streusel topping from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
• Add decorative elements like words, leaves or anything else.
• Add 1 egg and 1 Tablespoon of water and whisk together. Brush the egg wash on any exposed pie crust and embellishments.
• Bake the pie at 425-degrees or 33-35 minutes. Use tent foil the last 10 minutes or so to ensure the crust doesn't get too brown.
• Make glaze. If you want to add glaze, whisk 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons whipping cream or half-and-half.
• Serve warm and with a scoop of ice cream!

Choosing the Right Apples for Your Slab Apple Pie

One of the things I love most about making apple pie is experimenting with different varieties of apples. Each variety brings its own unique flavor and texture, which can really elevate your pie. For this slab apple pie, I recommend using a combination of apples to create a more complex flavor profile. For example, Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, which helps balance out the sweetness of the streusel and filling, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are sweeter and add a juicy, crisp texture. Mixing these varieties gives the pie a delightful balance of sweet and tart.

However, it’s important to remember that different apple varieties bake at different rates. Some, like Granny Smith, take longer to soften, while others, like Golden Delicious, become tender more quickly. To ensure all the apples bake evenly, you’ll want to slice the slower-cooking varieties a little thinner than the faster-cooking ones. This way, you won’t end up with some apples still firm while others are mushy. This small adjustment makes a big difference and ensures that every bite of your pie has perfectly tender apples!

Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pie has cooled slightly, slice it into squares and serve it warm. The combination of tender apples, buttery crust, and crunchy streusel makes this slab apple pie an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for Pie Night or your Thanksgiving dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Blogger’s Best Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Amazing Spiced Peach Pie with Sourdough Pie Crust | Twelve on Main

This is the perfect peach pie just in time for Thanksgiving. With a sweet peach filling and a buttery sourdough pie crust it is the perfect combination of flavors your family will love

Brown Sugar Maple Pie | My Sweet Savannah

Brown Sugar Maple Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a luscious filling made with brown sugar and pure maple syrup, nestled in a buttery pie crust. With its sweet, caramel-like flavor and hint of vanilla, this pie is a perfect blend of cozy fall spices and classic comfort, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Copycat) | Happy Happy Nester

Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe copycat is a must-try if you love that rich, creamy, perfectly spiced slice of pie from Costco. This homemade version brings all the fall flavors you crave, with the bonus of making it right in your kitchen. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a pie that tastes like the original!

Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping | Tatertots and Jello

Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping. A crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a buttery crust, tender spiced apples and a crunchy oat streusel perfect for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings.

Pumpkin Pie with a Biscoff Cookie Crust & Toasted Marshmallow | Most Lovely Things

A traditional pumpkin pie, but with a Biscoff cookie crust with toasted marshmallow on top.

Apple Pie with Flaky Sourdough Pie Crust | My 100 Year Old Home

This Apple Pie recipe combines the tangy richness of sourdough with the classic apple pie … a flaky sourdough pie crust with layers of buttery goodness and a tender, flavorful apple filling.

The post Apple Slab Pie with Streusel Topping appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Spring Brunch Tulip Toast

Hi, friends! Can you believe that Spring is just DAYS away?? I can’t wait for warmer weather, working in my yard and garden, long walks in our historic neighborhood and spring parties and brunches!! Today I am sharing a sweet and easy recipe that will be a highlight on your spring brunch table OR so easy to make to brighten up your morning anytime!

Easy Brunch Recipe

Tulip toast is an idea that you can whip up in MINUTES! I found this idea through MacKenzie Biehl while looking at ideas on Pinterest. All you need is a toaster. Gather the ingredients and make some for Easter brunch or for any spring weekend! Your kids are going to love making these pretty tulips out of cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients to Make Tulip Toast

• small french bread loaf
• Cherry tomatoes – red and orange.
• Cream cheese spread – I used whipped chive cream cheese spread.
• Chives.
• Oregano leaves or basil for flower leaves.

How to Make Tulip Toast

It’s so easy to make tulip toast. Here’s how to do it!

Print

Spring Brunch Tulip Toast

Spring Brunch Tulip Toast. Tulip toast will look beautiful on your Spring brunch table and it's so easy to make!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword brunch recipe, brunch toast, easy brunch, easy brunch recipe, kids recipe, spring brunch

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bakery bread
• 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
• 10 long chives
• 24 pieces herb leaves – used Oregano but you can also use Basil.
• 13-14 cherry tomatoes

Instructions

• Slice 6 slices of bread (you can make more or less, depending on how many people you are making these for)
• Toast the bread.
• Once cooled, spread whipped cream cheese on toasted slices.
• Add chives on top of the cream cheese. These will be the stems of the tulips. I put 2-3 stems on each piece of toast.

Make Tulip Heads

• Take each cherry tomato, make slices at the top of the round side of the tomato. Make one slice going horizontal across the top. Then make anther slice going horizontally,. You can also make three or four slices, having all of the slices intersect at the middle.
• Scoop out the seeds inside of each tomato.
• Add a tulip head (tomato) at the top of each chive.

Add Leaves

• Place leaves connecting to the chives to look like tulip leaves.
• Enjoy!

• Cut french bread into slices.
• Toast bread.
• Spread cream cheese on toasted bread slices.
• Cut cherry tomatoes. Make a horizontal slice and a vertical slice. at the round end of the tomato.
• Scoop out the seeds.
• Lay the chives as stems and trim them to size with kitchen sheers.
• Put the red and green cherry tomatoes at the top of the chives.
• Add oregano or basil leaves to the tulip flowers.
• Enjoy!

Kids Will Love Making Tulip Toast

This is a fun idea that kids will love! Let them experiments and make their own beautiful tulip creations!

Spring Tulip Toast Video

I made a little Instagram reel sharing how to make this easy recipe! Hop over and check it out — How to Make Spring Tulip Toast! And let’s connect on Instagram – it’s a fun place where I share behind-the-scenes ideas and inspiration. I love communicating in real time there! Let’s connect!

More Easter Brunch Recipes

Here are a few easter brunch recipes for inspiration!

Easy Paper Bunny Bags

Simple Easter Bunny Treat Bags. Celebrate Spring and Easter with the simple bunny bags you can create in minutes!

Easy Easter Dinner Ideas

How to host the perfect Easter dinner without the stress. Throw a gorgeous and delicious dinner and save time in the kitchen so you can spend it with your loved ones!

20 Easter Recipes

Spring is the perfect time to get baking! Here are 20 amazing Spring recipes that are so festive to make for Spring and Easter.

Easter Morning Casserole Recipe

One of my favorite traditions at Easter is a yummy brunch with my family. Here’s my favorite Easter brunch casserole. Fluffy eggs are surrounded by hash browns and spring vegetables. It’s so good!

Bunny Cheese Ball

Everyone loves a cheese ball. Make a bunny shaped cheese ball to celebrate easter or spring.

What are YOU most excited about for Spring?

Share with me in the comments!

xoxo

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I love decorating our home with inexpensive ideas that make a big impact. One of my favorite projects to bring the spirit of Christmas into any space is DIY paper bag snowflakes. They are easy to make, customizable, and absolutely stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these snowflakes are a perfect addition to your holiday decor.

Festive Paper Gingerbread Snowflakes Anywhere

You can make these snowflakes to decorate almost any space in your home. Hang them over your dining table, above your mantel, or in your entryway. I hung mine over our front door, adding a whimsical touch. Just be sure to keep them dry if displayed outdoors on a covered porch.

A Craft I Love

I’ve been making paper bag snowflakes for years, and this time, I added a gingerbread-inspired twist. The charming details made them extra festive, and I love how they turned out!

Snowflake Designs

Here are the snowflakes before I hung them up!

Gingerbread Snowflake Supplies

Gather these simple supplies to make your snowflakes:

• Large paper bags
• Glue sticks or hot glue
• Scissors
• Clear fishing line
• A white paint pen

Choose a Snowflake Design

Start by deciding on your snowflake’s look. Add gingerbread-style details, like dots and squiggles, with your paint pen.

Prep the Paper Bags

Cut 12 paper bags using your design. Stack them neatly and take one bag from the stack.

Glue the Bags

Apply glue across the bottom and center of the first bag. Lay the next bag on top, aligning the edges. Repeat for all 12 bags.

Assemble the Snowflake

Pull the first bag up and glue it to the twelfth bag to form a circle.

Add a Hole for Hanging

Punch a hole at the top of the snowflake for hanging. Reinforce with tape to prevent tearing.

Finishing Touches

Once assembled, add extra details with your paint pen to personalize your snowflake.

Display and Enjoy

Hang your snowflakes using clear fishing line. They look beautiful above tables, mantels, and doorways!

Share Your Creations

I’d love to see your snowflakes! Tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello so I can admire your work.

Try this simple, budget-friendly craft to add festive magic to your home this Christmas!

More Gingerbread Ideas:

• DIY Gingerbread Village Centerpiece
• DIY Disco Ball Wreath
• Turn Galvanized Houses into Gingerbread Houses
• DIY Gingerbread House Ornaments
• DIY Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments
• Gingerbread Gift Bags
• Gingerbread Man Salt Dough Ornaments
• Anthropologie-Inspired Bottle Brush Tree Centerpiece
• How to Tie the Perfect Velvet Bows
• DIY Scandinavian Snowflake Ornaments

Have a Festive Day!

xoxo

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You’ve Been Spooked Halloween Neighbor Gift Idea

Have you ever been BOOed? It’s a fun little tradition that spreads Halloween cheer. Here are some fun printables to spread a little spooky spirit in your neighborhood!

Easy Halloween Neighbor Gifts

There’s a printable for the gift basket, a printable tag for the door and a printable instruction sheet. Just pick out a bucket or basket and fill it up with some Halloween items. Some ideas to put in the baskets are little flashlights, a garland, plates, cupcake liners — as well as candy too!

Print off You’ve Been Spooked Printables

Next, you’ll simply print a copy of the instructions, a gift basket tag and a door tag for two of your neighbors — or more if you want to get the “spooking” started faster! Include the door tag and instructions in the gift basket.

Make a Halloween Candy Charcuterie Board

To create the snack mix —

*Combine SkinnyPop popcorn in a large bowl.

*Add candy from the HERSHEY’S Shapes Variety Bag (I love the shapes in the variety pack and they have my favorite candies — peanut butter pumpkins and peppermint patty pumpkins — all I did was unwrap them and added googly eyes).

*Then add candy from HERSHEY’S Cat and Variety Bag.

*Mix everything together and drizzle white chocolate over the top.

*Divide popcorn mixture into smaller bowls, add one bowl to each tray.

*Then layer larger HERSHEY’S Halloween Full Size Variety Pack in each tray, along with smaller candies from the Cat and Monster variety bags.

*Put one of the instruction sheets inside and wrap the whole charcuterie board in cellophane.

*Add the “You’ve Been Booed” sign to the front!

Spread Spooky Cheer in Your Neighborhood

Next, spread some spooky cheer in your neighborhood by putting the You’ve Been Booed tray in front of the door, hang the “We’ve Been Booed” tag on the doorknob — ring the doorbell and run!! You will love seeing this gift idea spread from house to house this Halloween season! Thanks @Hersheys for helping us spread spooky fun in our new neighborhood!

(Note the instructions below near each printable, too!)

The instructions (below) ask each neighbor to spread the spookiness to two neighbors, in turn.

And here are the You’ve Been Spooked Printables!

“You’ve Been Spooked” Instruction Card

To download the file, just right click this link or the image below and choose “save as.” This looked best printed on cardstock! Each sheet has two instruction sheets on it. Cut each sheet in half along the gray line.

“You’ve Been Spooked” Gift Basket Label Card

To download the file, just right click this link or the image below and choose “save as.” This looked best printed on cardstock!

“You’ve Been Spooked” Door Hanger

To download the file, just right click this link or the image below and choose “save as.” This looked best printed on cardstock! Notice that each sheet has one door hanger on it, so you’ll need to print two of these pages for every one of the other printables. Once you’ve cut out each door hanger, punch a hole near the top and thread a ribbon through, leaving plenty of room for the card to hang on the door.

More Halloween Ideas

Happy Owl’Oween Free Printable Sign

Happy Owl-Oween Free Printable Sign. Celebrate Halloween and Owls with this creative Owl-Themed mantel and free printable sign!

Easy Halloween Ghost Porch

 Create tomato cage ghost luminaries, floating ghost luminaries and a ghost doormat for spooky fun!

13 Savory Halloween Recipes! 

Delight your family with these spooky savory foods that are perfect for Halloween month!

Have a Creative Day! 

xxo

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Summer Shorts Refashion from Thrifted Mens Jeans

Summer Shorts Refashion from Thrifted Mens Jeans. If you have followed me for a while you might know that I was OBSESSED with refashions a few years ago. I even started a separate blog about refashions – RefashionFiles.com. I LOVED finding things and making them unique. I was also very into ruffles at the time LOL! I still love a good refashion though. And my kids LOVE to buy clothes at thrift stores. So the other day we went thrift store shopping because they wanted to create summer shorts. And I think they turned out so cute! The great thing about refashioning is that you can make the project perfect for YOU. So if your daughter wants short shorts for summer, she can make those. But if you want longer shorts for you, you can make yours the length that works for YOU. Here is our little Summer Short Refashion idea! (the picture below is our inspiration photo)

Summer Shorts Refashion from Thrifted Mens Jeans

We found our jeans for $8 at the thrift store. But if you already have jeans, use the ones you have and this refashion idea is FREE!! To get the look above, use jeans that are baggy. My daughter wears a women’s size 26 jean and she bought MENS jeans that are a 31. So that is about 5 sizes bigger than the jeans she wears. You don’t want these jean shorts to be tight because then they will be VERY small. So grab your husband’s, brother’s or boyfriend’s old jeans for this project. Baggy = cute.

TIP – If you are making a Bermuda length short, then buy or use jeans that are your correct size. You want the legs to be tighter and a tighter silhouette will look better for longer shorts. 

1. Try on the jeans and measure how long you want the shorts to be. Also – mark about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than you think you want them to be. It’s better to make them too long to start than to cut them too short and have to start over!

2. Cut cut the first leg. You want to cut so the sides of the shorts are a little higher than the crotch.

3. Fold the cut leg over to the uncut leg and follow the same cut line so that both sides of the shorts are the same.

4. Try them on and see how the length looks. Remember – when you wash them they will fray and roll a little so they will be a little shorter after you wash them.

5. If the length is good, now you can distress the middle of the shorts if you like that look. If the length isn’t quite right, trim the length.

Summer Shorts Refashion from Thrifted Mens Jeans

6. To make frayed lines in the shorts, mark lines with a pen and then cut those areas and they will fray when you wash the shorts. To get the look of the image at the top, don’t cut the middle of the shorts. It depends on what you like whether you want to make cuts in the middle of the shorts or not.

7. Wash the shorts and LOVE your new shorts!!

(image above — A Thoughtful Place)

Also you can make them a little longer and wear them longer or roll them like this too for a cute look!

TIP – if you want to contain your fraying and you want an even edge, sew a straight line about 1/2 inch up from your cut length on the bottom of your shorts — this will keep your shorts from fraying too much and will keep the edge of the shorts even. 

Here’s what Bermuda shorts would look like:

(image – Pandora Sykes Instagram)

Tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello and show me YOUR refashions! I love seeing what YOU are making!!

Happy refashioning!!

Summer Shorts Refashion from Thrifted Mens Jeans

Here are a couple of other refashions too:

5 Minute T-Shirt Neck Refashion 

10-Minute Fourth of July Shirts

Kids Ruffled Shirts Refashion 

Tassel Bedskirt Refashion 

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DIY Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden – A Magical Spring Craft. Create a whimsical stacked terra cotta fairy garden with clay doors, moss, and magical miniatures to add charm to your spring porch!

DIY Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden

Spring is the perfect time to add some enchantment to your outdoor decor, and this DIY Fairy Garden made from terra cotta pots is the perfect way to do it. This whimsical stacked design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also a fun project to make with your children.

Thanks to Hobby Lobby’s Spring Department, I was able to find everything I needed to create this fairy tale-inspired display—adorable figurines, natural moss, decorative lights, and so much more.

Whether you’re decorating your porch, patio, or backyard, this fairy garden adds a magical touch that will delight kids and adults alike. Let me show you how easy it is to make your own!

Supplies You’ll Need

All of the materials for this project can be found at Hobby Lobby, especially in their Spring Department, which is full of fairy garden elements this season.

• 4 terra cotta pots in varying sizes
• 3 terra cotta pot saucers (bases)
• 1 moss-covered birdhouse (used as the “roof” for the top fairy house)
• Green moss
• Gorilla glue (or a strong, fast-drying adhesive)
• Sculpey clay (or any oven-bake polymer clay)
• Rolling pin and craft knife
• Acrylic paints for doors and windows
• Small ladder, mini birds, faux mushrooms
• Fairy lights and light-up greenery garland
• Decorative tape (optional, for holding pieces while drying)

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Start by laying out the terra cotta pots in descending size order to create a tower. I used four sizes of pots, each flipped upside down, with three terra cotta saucers between them to give the structure added visual interest. The moss-covered birdhouse serves as the whimsical roof of the fairy tower.

Position your components without gluing at first. This gives you time to adjust spacing, check balance, and visualize where you’ll add doors, windows, and decorative accessories.

Step 2: Assemble and Glue

Once satisfied with the layout, begin adhering the pots and saucers together. I used Gorilla Glue, which sets quickly and provides a strong bond. Apply the glue generously to the contact points between each pot and saucer. Stack each level carefully, pressing down for a secure fit. Let the entire tower dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Sculpt Windows and Doors

While your glue dries, it’s time to create the doors and windows. Roll out your Sculpey clay using a rolling pin to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife to cut out whimsical shapes—arched doors, circular windows, even tiny shutters if you like!

Tip: Dip your fingers in water to smooth the clay edges and give your shapes a polished look.

Step 4: Bake the Clay

Place your clay shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 1 hour, or until hardened. Alternatively, let them air-dry overnight. Once set, your pieces will be lightweight, durable, and ready for paint.

Step 5: Paint and Customize

Paint your doors and windows using acrylic paints to match the warm tones of your terra cotta pots. I used a muted brown for doors and an earthy charcoal black to fill in window panes for contrast. Use a small detailing brush to define features like window grids or door handles.

Let the paint dry completely before attaching the clay pieces to your fairy tower.

Step 6: Glue on Windows and Doors

Using Gorilla Glue again, attach each door and window to the corresponding pot level. I used strips of painter’s tape to hold them securely in place as the glue dried. Give it at least 30 minutes before removing the tape.

These hand-sculpted elements are what truly bring the structure to life—giving it a handcrafted charm that kids will love.

Step 7: Add Moss and Detail Work

Now for the fun part—adding character! Use adhesive to glue green moss around the edges of the pot saucers. This softens the transition between levels and gives it an earthy, overgrown feel. You can also glue moss around the birdhouse roof and base for continuity. Use a small paintbrush to paint the insides of the windows black to give them dimension.

Then, begin embellishing with miniatures: perch tiny birds on windowsills, tuck faux mushrooms along the base, and position a ladder climbing up one of the pots. Hobby Lobby’s selection of fairy accessories makes it easy to customize your garden with magical touches.

Step 8: Move to Final Location

Once your fairy tower is fully assembled and dried, carefully move it to its final destination. This piece is ideal for a covered porch, garden entryway, or patio nook—anywhere that could use a little springtime magic.

Step 9: Add Fairy Lights and Finishing Touches

For that final sparkle, wrap a strand of fairy lights or a light-up greenery garland around the base and up the tower. Secure with floral wire or small adhesive clips. As daylight fades, your fairy tower will begin to glow—just like a tiny enchanted village.

A Hit With the Neighborhood Kids

Our neighborhood children absolutely adore this project. They’ve already been spotted peeking in the “windows” and dreaming up stories about the fairies who might live inside. This DIY is more than just decor—it’s an invitation to imagination.

Get Everything You Need at Hobby Lobby

If you’re inspired to make your own fairy garden, head to Hobby Lobby! Their Spring Department is brimming with whimsical fairy garden items, from moss and miniatures to paints and pots. Don’t forget to check their social media channels for updates on sales and more crafting inspiration.

Creating a fairy garden is such a sweet way to celebrate the season and engage with your kids in a hands-on, creative way. I hope this tutorial inspires you to add some magic to your home this spring!

xoxo

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