https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news.atom thefoodforthoughtshow - A Lifestyle Blog 2024-08-27T07:00:02-07:00 thefoodforthoughtshow https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/snack-board 2023-09-07T07:00:03-07:00 2024-07-30T14:05:26-07:00 Snack Board 101: My Secret Tips for Building the Perfect Snack Board Caroline Flowers Who doesn’t love a good snack board! I can’t think of a better way to present snacks than on a board beautifully placed together. 

I especially love making snack boards for my kids to munch on throughout the day. It’s a great way to encourage healthy snacking for your family.

There are so many different types of snacking foods that can go well together, you just have to pick a theme. 

In today's post, I am sharing my secret to coming up with perfectly palatable snack board combinations and how to set these boards up to ensure that they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also delicious! 

snack board

What is a Snack Board?

From elegant to simple or even petite, a snack board is a versatile and aesthetically appealing way to serve a variety of your favorite snacks and appetizers.

It is honestly a perfect option for parties, gatherings, special events or even a chill night in with your family.

By arranging an assortment of delicious bites on a single board, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will awe & inspire. 

Snack board

    Arranging the Snack Board

    When it comes to arranging the snack board, this is the part where you either make it or break it, outside of getting together the right ingredients. 

    The most important thing I have found that helps me arrange a beautiful snack board is to take out all of my ingredients & have them out in front of me ready to pick & pull whatever I need. 

    This way I can rearrange ingredients if I don’t think the items are a good fit together. 

    When I pick & pull things from the fridge one at a time, I always forget something & the board just doesn’t look as full. Still tastes great, but if I’m planning on having guests over, I want to make sure everything is covered.  

    snack board

    How to arrange a snack board step by step

    • Start by preparing the fruits, snacks & cheeses. This way you can just set everything together & rearrange as needed. 
    • Pick your board, bowls & utensils 
    • Start with the larger items: Begin by placing the bowls on the board, then work the cheeses & crackers & other larger ingredients around 
    • Fill the gaps: Use smaller items like nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolates, olives, and pickles to fill in the empty spaces.
    • The finishing touch: You can garnish fresh herbs like basil, edible flowers or rosemary over the board for a lovely finishing touch. 

    snack board

    Simple breakfast fruit snack board 

    I love to make these super simple & easy fruit snack boards for my kids on Saturday mornings.

    It’s a good way to move through the fruit that’s in the house while also keeping the family full on healthy food choices. 

    snack board

    Simple afternoon healthy snack board for kids

    What does a snack board consist of?

    The secret to setting up the best snack board is to first start by picking a theme.

    The next thing you'll want to do is gather a diverse array of yummy ingredients and finger foods to fulfill that theme. 

    In terms of choosing the right ingredients, think of tasty combinations that go well together, like flavors, textures or even colors to make the board aesthetic and lovely. 

    For example, I love to make simple snack boards for our weekend breakfasts and fill them up with any of the fruits available in the house. The kids go crazy for these boards and it really does encourage them to eat healthy and fresh foods. 

    snack board

    What are some snack board ingredients?

    If we are considering the specific ingredients of a snack board, here is a list of the foods you will likely encounter or need to create a snack board. 

    • Assortment of cheeses 
    • Fresh fruits and dried fruits
    • Crackers, baguettes, and breadsticks
    • Nuts, olives and pickles 
    • Dips, jams, mustards and other spreads
    • Extras, such as edible flowers, and pretty garnishes 

    snack board

    Snack board food art 

    This probably isn’t what you were expecting to hear, but the truth is that when arranging snack boards, it’s like working art. Food art, that is.

    Sometimes you have to rearrange the ingredients, or cut the foods in different ways to achieve a desired result. 

    When setting up boards for events, it can take me over an hour to put it together in a way that I feel fit. Of course, when I am making snack boards for myself or to just go with a movie I don’t stress so much over the layout. But it’s still good practice to experiment and have fun making boards. 

    With each board I have made I have learned what my preference is and tips and techniques that have led me to make all sorts of improvements over time. 

    snack board

    Snack Board Theme Ideas:

    • Wine tasting snack board
    • Mediterranean snack board 
    • Dessert Snack board
    • Pick a color snack board 
    • Fruit snack board
    • Crudité snack board
    • Brunch board 
    • Birthday Board
    • Holiday snack board
    • Simple snack board for one
    • Elegant snack board
    • Dinner party snack board

    This is the fun part as the list can just go on and on till your heart's content

    snack board

    Christmas snack board with a red, white and green theme 

    snack board

    Sunday Brunch board for the family 

    Ingredients:

    • Mini pancakes
    • Croissants
    • Strawberries 
    • Blueberries
    • Veggie patties 
    • Hard-boiled  eggs from the neighbors local hens 
    • Blueberries 
    • Raspberries 
    • Syrup
    • Jam

     

    • You can really get as creative as you like. Once you get used to making these boards, you'll suddenly get hit with a flood of ideas for making all types of boards. 
      Snack board

      Birthday Party Treats Snack Board

      Ingredients as listed: 

      • Mini cakes
      • Cookies
      • Oreos 
      • Daisy Cakes 
      • Strawberry mini cakes
      • Chocolates
      • Star shortbread cookies
      Snack board

      Party snack board for party

      Ingredients as listed:

      • Fresh fruit
      • Olives
      • Cheese 
      • Nuts 
      • Crakers 
      • Pickled  hodgepodge 
      Snack board

      Elegant minimalist snack board for wine tasting 

      Ingredients:

      • Blue cheese
      • Brie 
      • Honey-comb
      • Peach jam
      • Dried peach 
      • Olive pattay 
      • Nuts
      Snack board

      Wine pairing snack board

      Ingredients:

      • Wine crackers 
      • Pickles
      • figs
      • Grapes
      • Kalamata olives
      • 3 Types of cheese 
      • Oranges 
      • Almond crackers
      • Strawberries 
      • Blueberries 
      Snack board

      Afternoon kids snack board 

      Ingredients:

      • Almond flour crackers
      • Cheese 
      • Pretzels 
      • Blueberries 
      • Star Shaped Dragon Fruit
      • Hummus 
      • Tofurkey 
      • Organic cheese crackers 
      Snack board
      Snack board

      Final Touches and Serving

      Before serving the snack board, make sure to add some final touches:

      • Crackers and Bread: Place the crackers and sliced bread around the board, ensuring they are easily accessible.
      • Serving Utensils: Provide small tongs or spoons for guests to serve themselves without touching the food directly.
      • Labeling: If there are any specific dietary considerations or unique ingredients, consider labeling them to assist guests. I usually only do this for larger parties where I wont be able to talk to everyone individually about the food being served 
      snack board

      Small gathering snack board

      snack board

      Rustic snack board for one

      snack board

      Birthday party snack board 

      snack board

      Valentine’s day snack board 

      I have a lot of fun putting together snack boards for my friends, family, special occasions and events. It's a fun way to just snack and sometimes instead of a dinner we will just make a snack board to munch on. It's also a great way to express yourself creatively through food. 

      Check Out These Related Posts Next

      1. EASY CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES RECIPE USING A MICROWAVE

      2. The Best Taylor Swifty Dress For Your Next Night Out
      3. How To Host A Fall Harvest Dinner Party
      4. 9 Cute Ways To Wear A Headband
      5. 8 Trending Spring Styles To Try This Season
      6. 10 Best Dresses You'll Want To Be Wearing This Summer
      7. Summer Style Inspo We Are Loving This Season
      8. 18 Coconut Girl Inspired Summer Outfits
      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/easy-chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe-microwave 2023-08-31T07:00:11-07:00 2023-08-31T07:00:11-07:00 Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe Using A Microwave Caroline Flowers If you love strawberries and chocolate, then chocolate covered strawberries are a match made in heaven. This elegant and simple treat is perfect for serving at your next event! 

      I made these chocolate covered strawberries for my daughter’s second birthday party. You can check out the strawberry themed birthday party HERE

      This easy chocolate covered strawberries recipe using a Microwave only took me about 30 minutes to make and was a total hit! 

      There's just something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and rich, velvety chocolate.

      It's a fresh treat that is so satisfying And the best part? You can make these delectable treats in just a few minutes using your microwave!

      easy chocolate covered strawberries recipe microwave

      What you'll need:

      - Fresh strawberries

      - High-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars

      - Microwave-safe bowl

      - Microwave

      -Coconut oil 

      - Parchment paper or wax paper

      easy chocolate covered strawberries recipe microwave

      1. Prepare your strawberries

      Since strawberries are the main ingredient, you will want to make sure that they are nice and fresh.

      Start by washing your strawberries and patting them dry with a paper towel.

      Make sure the strawberries are totally dry before moving on to the next step. This will help the chocolate adhere better to the strawberries.

      easy chocolate covered strawberries recipe microwave

      2.  Melt the chocolate

      Break the chocolate bars into small pieces or use chocolate chips for convenience.

      Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's completely melted and smooth.

      Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.

      If the chocolate is too stiff, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil to help loosen the chocolate. 

      easy chocolate covered strawberries recipe microwave

      3. Dip the strawberries

      Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling it around to ensure it's fully coated.

      Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the strawberry on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate.

      You can also use a toothpick to hold the strawberry if you prefer. This can help keep the strawberry leaves looking good. 

      Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe  Microwave

      4. Let the chocolate set

      Place the tray of chocolate covered strawberries in the refrigerator for around 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is nice and set. 

      Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe Microwave

      5. Enjoy!

      Once the chocolate has set, your easy chocolate covered strawberries are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat for yourself or impress your guests with this simple yet elegant dessert. 

      You dont even have to wait for a special occasion to whip these treats up. They are so easy and fast to make. I love making these for the kids on the weekends for movie nights, picnics, brunch, girls day and whenever I get the craving. 

      You could also get pretty creative with these treats and try different variations by adding toppings like white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles on top. The possibilities are endless!

      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/orange-zest-ricotta-crostini-bites 2022-09-18T07:00:00-07:00 2022-09-18T07:00:00-07:00 ORANGE ZEST RICOTTA CROSTINI BITES Caroline Tikhonoff

      ORANGE ZEST RICOTTA CROSTINI BITES

      Crostini bites are so versatile & delicious! These yummy small bites can easily complement your dinner dishes! They don’t take long to make & they are fun to serve as starters to a meal or even at your next party! 

      I love serving these Orange Zest Ricotta Crostini Bites as appetizers in the fall season. They make great party snack & look festive too.

      My husband and I originally lived in Napa, California. You might have heard of this famous wine growing region and travel destination. 

      Napa is kind of like it’s own little world & entertaining is definitely high in the culture list. One of the events we would attend at various wineries each year would be the harvest party’s. 

      Usually around August and September the grapes would become ready for harvest and the entire city would celebrate! 

      A lot of wineries would hold special events, dinners, tastings, blessing of the grape ceremonies and more. Our friends would host dinner party’s and basically everyone would drink wine and snack on appetizers. Sometimes the harvest parties would go so in depth as to serve a four course meal, while others were more of a laid back wine and appetizer set up. Either way they were so fun and brilliant to attend. 

      I actually love harvest parties so much and prefer it to the thanksgiving holiday. If hubby and I will be throwing a dinner party in the fall months, it will likely be a harvest dinner party. 

      These little crostinis are always a dinner party hit and make a beautiful little presentation!  The pop of flavors between sweet and savory will surely have your guests reaching for more!

      I love the colors of this dish! It’s a perfect starter to serve for your autumn party’s, but it tastes great anytime of year! 

      This dish just takes a few minutes to prepare and can be served immediately.

      HOW TO MAKE ORANGE ZEST RICOTTA CROSTINI BITES

      INGREDIENTS

      • Baguette 
      • Fresh Oranges
      • Ricotta
      • Honey  

      DIRECTIONS 

      1. Cut baguette into slices
      2. Pre-heat oven to 375
      3. Bake baguette for about 10 mins
      4. Once baguette is toasted, put a generous amount of cheese on each bite
      5. Clean a fresh orange and grate orange peel over crostinis 
      6. Top off with a drizzle of honey 

       

      Orange Zest Ricotta Crostini Bites

       

      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/20-deliciously-healthy-holiday-desserts 2022-09-11T07:00:01-07:00 2022-09-11T07:00:01-07:00 20 DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY HOLIDAY DESSERTS Caroline Tikhonoff

      20 DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY HOLIDAY DESSERTS

      The holidays are just around the corner and there's just something so satisfying and cozy about holiday treats! Decorating cookies with the kids, sipping on hot chocolate and smelling that yummy hot holiday pie baking in the oven is just part of all that holiday spirit and cheer. It's what makes the holidays feel so festive and fun! 

      The holidays can also be a little difficult to stay healthy and keep up with your health goals. So I have put together a list of 20 delightfully delicious and healthy treats that you will love serving at your next holiday party! These treats are healthier options, using better ingredients and can be made vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, refined sugar free, dairy free and all natural. I hope you enjoy the holidays & some guilt free treats this season! 

       

       

      healthy holiday dessert

      1. Vegan Apple Crumble

      This vegan apple crumble is bursting with all wonderful fall favors you love and no refined sugar. Serve it with vegan custard or ice cream for the perfect holiday dessert.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      2. Mexican Christmas Salad 

      Mexican Christmas Salad (or Ensalada Navideña) is made of apples and other fruits dressed in a yummy and creamy sauce. It makes for an easy and healthy holiday dessert.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      3. Pear Muffins 

      These pear muffins are light, moist and delicious. With wholemeal flour and not to much sugar they are a healthyish treat the whole family will love.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      4. Four Ingredient Fruit Cake 

      This easy Four Ingredient Fruit Cake is vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free and simple to prepare. The delicious spices make it an ideal holiday dessert!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      5. Carrot Cake Cookies

      For those who love carrot cake but want to skip the task of icing and layering, these carrot cake cookies will be a welcome delight! They're simple treats that avoid the extra labor while delivering festive flavors.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      6. Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

      This holiday, learn how to make this creamy sweet potato casserole for a sweet family treat! Featuring a silky smooth puree, chopped pecans, and a toasted marshmallow top, it's the perfect dessert to ignite your taste buds.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      7. Sugar Free Cheesecake Bars

      Creamy sugar free cheesecake bars! Enjoy this this gluten-free, low carb delicious dessert just as it is or add maple pecan topping!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      8. Upside-down Persimmon Cake

      Upside-down Persimmon Cake is moist, fluffy, and has a marvelously soft, spiced crumb! And the caramelized fruit juices running rivers through the batter give it so much flavor.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      9. Easy Pumpkin Bread

      Easy Pumpkin Bread – a tender, moist bread with pumpkin pie spice accenting the flavors and cinnamon sugar crowning it with a hint of crunch!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      10. Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

      This delicious, decadent yet wholesome dessert is high in protein because of peanut butter and homemade vegan protein powder. A fabulous, fudgy bite-sized treat

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      11. Greek Christmas Honey Cookies

      Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas honey cookies that are mildly spiced and dipped in a thick honey syrup. These classic Greek cookies will fill your house with a warm aroma of spices!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      12. Dairy + Egg Free Chocolate Cake 

      This simple moist chocolate cake recipe is absolutely scrumptious with a rich chocolate flavor! It’s eggless, dairy-free, and a breeze to make in 1 bowl. No mixer or fancy ingredients are required.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      13. Healthy Christmas Cookies 

      Deliciously oaty Healthy Christmas Cookies dipped in white chocolate with candy cane and gold sprinkles are the perfect way to start out the festive season. Kids will love decorating their own to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Oat cookies packed with winter spices are a must make this Christmas.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      14. Vegan Almond Flour Cookies

      Easy vegan almond flour cookies with only 3 ingredients! This gluten free shortbread is healthy, oil free, crispy and buttery. They are also keto and grain free!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      15. Gingerbread Cookies 

      These mouth-watering gingerbread cookies have crispy edges and chewy middles. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and made with nutrient-rich ingredients.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      16. Gingerbread Loaf Cake

      This gingerbread loaf cake is made with chickpea flour but you’d never guess from the taste! It’s sweet, moist, flavorful, and delicious!

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      17. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark.

      If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you will love this delicious combination of Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark. This delightful marriage of flavors is low carb, sugar free, and keto.

      Recipe HERE

      healthy holiday dessert

      18. Ginger and Walnut Cake 

      This delicious ginger and walnut cake is gluten free, low carb and high in protein! A holiday cake that you can enjoy and not worry about counting slices!

      Recipe HERE

      Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! These simple cranberry brie appetizers are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!

      19. Cranberry Brie Bites

      Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! These simple cranberry brie appetizers are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!

      Recipe HERE

      20. Dark Chocolate Salted Espresso Nut Clusters 

      These dark chocolate salted espresso nut clusters are super easy to make, and I bet you have all of the ingredients already in your pantry. Plus, research shows that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be a great addition to your diet and has many health benefits. Chocolate + Coffee + Nuts are the perfect holiday treat!

      Recipe HERE

       

      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/pomegranate-arugula-salad 2022-08-07T07:00:00-07:00 2022-08-27T10:07:52-07:00 POMEGRANATE ARUGULA SALAD Caroline Tikhonoff

      POMEGRANATE ARUGULA SALAD

      I love a fresh and simple salad to complement my meals any day of the week! What I especially love about this Arugula and pomegranate salad is how crisp and festive this salad is! 

      It's a perfect salad to serve during the holidays because the colors are so elegant together! The fresh bright green arugula against the bright red pomegranate seeds make it a totally festive dish!

      You can easily make this salad vegan by skipping the cheese. The dressing is homemade & it's such a quick and easy mix it will take no time to throw this beauty together! 

      It's a fantastic and simple dish that you can throw together any time of the week. If you like to store or prep your salad for the next day, you can keep the dressing on the side until you are ready to eat. 

      For this salad, I like to eye the amount of dressing I am using on it. If I am making a personal salad, I will just use a small amount of olive oil and probably half a lemon, but if I am making a large salad for several people I will use more ingredients. 

      When pouring the dressing on the salad, I like to say that less is more. Try a bite and see if the salad needs more dressing before pouring the entire dressing onto the salad. 

      If you accidentally add too much dressing to the salad, you can always add more arugula to thin out the dressing.

      HOW TO MAKE POMEGRANATE ARUGULA SALAD

      INGREDIENTS 

      • Fresh Arugula 
      • Fresh Pomegranate seeds
      • Parmesan (skip to make vegan)
      • Lemons
      • Pink Himalayan salt 
      • Olive oil

      DIRECTIONS

      1. In a large salad bowl, combine Arugula, Pomegranate and cheese (optional)
      2. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, pink salt and freshly squeezed lemons. Mix until salt dissolves. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on top for a finishing touch
      3. Combine salad dressing with salad
      Pomegranate Arugula Salad
      forever dolled up blog
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      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/10-insanely-festive-halloween-drink-recipes 2021-10-03T00:00:00-07:00 2021-10-08T13:34:45-07:00 14 Insanely Delicious Halloween Drink Recipes Caroline Tikhonoff Are you planning on having a party or small get together this halloween? Maybe you are taking the kids out trick-or-treating or just enjoying a nice night in with a movie.

      No matter which way you decide to celebrate this year, we have compiled some unique and festive halloween cocktails & mocktails to spice up your evening! 

       There's a halloween drink for everyone! Cocktails, mocktails, vegan and gluten free recipes! 

      These fun halloween drinks will definitely get you in the spirit! Whether you are looking for something magical, spooky or simply cozy, we have a fun recipe for you to try!

      14 Fun Halloween Drinks To Mix 

       

      #1. CANDY CORN MARTINI

      The prettiest & sweetest Halloween martini. For a whipped cream vodka treat this candy corn lookalike cocktail is the best way to celebrate.

      Recipe HERE

      #2. PUMPKIN SPICE COQUITO

      Pumpkin spice coquito is the ultimate cocktail to enjoy once the leaves start changing colors.

      Recipe HERE

       

      #3. CROCKPOT PUMPKIN SPICE HOT CHOCOLATE

      Warm up with a glass of crockpot pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Set the crockpot to warm when you have guests over to keep the drink hot throughout your party

      Recipe HERE

       

      #4. Halloween Witch’s Brew Punch

      Recipe HERE

       

      #5. 4-Ingredient Orange Julius Cocktail (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

      These orange Julius cocktails are a perfect festive orange beverage for your Halloween parties!

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #6. Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail

      These minty coconut green tea mocktails are a great family-friendly beverage to serve at Halloween parties

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #7. HOCUS POCUS POTION FLOAT (A FUN HALLOWEEN ICE CREAM FLOAT!)

      This Hocus Pocus Potion Float is a fun and festive Halloween ice cream float, it’s the perfect party drink!

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #8.The World’s Creamiest, Most Delicious Hot Chocolate (in a Slow Cooker!)

      When you have to trick-or-treat in the cold, nothing's better than coming home and warming up with this deliciously creamy crockpot hot chocolate! Make it before you go, then let the slow cooker keep it nice and hot while you're gone!

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #9. Dark & Spooky: Halloween Cocktail with Edible Fake Blood 

      Set the tone for Halloween with the Dark & Spooky—a festive take on a classic Dark & Stormy with an edible fake blood rim.

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #10. Black Magic Halloween Sangria

      This Black Magic Halloween Sangria Recipe is a fun and SPOOKY Halloween cocktail made with red wine, vodka, raspberry liqueur, apple cider, and fresh fruit topped with bubbly soda. Serve this delicious and easily customizable sangria recipe at your next grown-up Halloween party!

      Recipe HERE

      halloween drinks

      #11. RED DEATH COCKTAIL FOR HALLOWEEN

      From the master of macabre, this Red Death Layered Martini is a sweet and sinister cocktail. Serve up a little bit of mystery at your Halloween party.

      Recipe HERE

       

      halloween drinks

      #12. Halloween jungle juice

      This Halloween jungle juice is a refreshing cocktail of fruit juices with liquor and a dash of sugar to round off the flavors.

      Recipe HERE

      halloween drinks

      #13. Bug Punch Halloween Mocktail Drink

      Recipe HERE

      halloween drinks

      #14. Harry Potter pumpkin juice 

      This Harry Potter pumpkin juice is a delicious elixir of pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, vanilla, ACV, and brown sugar to create a magnificently balanced drink of sweet and bitter flavors.

      Recipe HERE

       

      Check Out These Related Posts Next

          1. How To Make Unicorn Hot Chocolate 
          2. How To Make Dragon Smoothie Bowl
          3. Colorful Creative Coffee Art

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      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/creative-coffee-art 2020-09-09T14:30:00-07:00 2020-09-09T14:30:45-07:00 Creative Coffee Art Joshua Tikhonoff

      It wasn’t long ago when I stumbled across an Instagram photo of a colorful cup of coffee art on Instagram & tagged was a coffee shop in San Fransisco called HomeSF.

      This coffee shop isn’t just your ordinary shop serving ordinary cups of joe. They definitely have your well-known coffee menu available but they also have a creative menu for those looking for something a little extra special. You can check out their Instagram account Here to see all the cuteness they create.

      I ordered the creative Birthday cake coffee with soy which actually tasted like vanilla cake! I got mine with a couple of espressos shots & a creative teddy bear hot chocolate for Kaiden. If your a coffee lover definitely check out this sweet little shop in the city! It was so yummy! I can't wait to go back! 

       

      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-the-dragon-smoothie-bowl 2020-09-04T20:37:00-07:00 2020-09-04T20:37:27-07:00 How To Make The Dragon Smoothie Bowl Joshua Tikhonoff  

      This Antioxidant rich bowl is so good for the soul. Such a good recipe to get your day going.

      This bowl is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly. 

      Ingredients

      • 1 banana
      • ½ Dragon fruit
      • ½ Cup blueberries
      • ½ Cup raspberries
      • ½ Cup strawberries 
      • ½ Cup coconut or almond milk yogurt 
      • 1 Tbsp. Pure cranberry juice  
      • 1 tbsp. Agave nectar
      • ½ Tbsp. wheat germ (Do not add for gluten-free recipe) 
      • ½ Tbsp. wheat bran (Do not add for gluten-free recipe) 
      • 1 Tbsp. flax seed
      • ¼ cup chia seed
      • 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

       

       

      Directions

      • Start by spreading a thin layer (1/2 cup) of coconut yogurt at the bottom of your bowl.
      • Sprinkle your wheat germ, wheat bran, and flaxseed on your coconut yogurt.
      • Cut your banana into thin slices.
      • Cut your dragon fruit in half.  Peel the fruit and chop into rectangular sections.
      • Carefully organize your fruit and seeds in harmony.
      • On your berries, splash a tbsp. of pure cranberry juice on top.
      • At the very end, melt your Agave nectar and drizzle it over your bowl.
      • Enjoy!

       

       

      ]]>
      https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-pastel-unicorn-easter-coffee-cup 2020-09-04T20:29:00-07:00 2020-09-04T20:38:53-07:00 How To Make Pastel Hot Cocoa Joshua Tikhonoff

       

      A fun & magical cup of hot cocoa or coffee is one of my favorite ways to wake up my kids or hubby on their birthdays! Its a really special way to get their special days started! You can decorate your cup of coffee or cocoa in any way you like! Here is my recipe for a magical unicorn cup of joy! 

      Ingredients

      • Coffee or hot chocolate as the base
      • Coconut milk
      • Coconut whipped cream (trader joes)
      • Sprinkles
      • Pink sugar
      • Marshmallows (gelatin-free) 
      • All-natural 100% cacao sipping powdered chocolate  
      • Optional cotton candy (for decoration)
      • You can use food coloring Blue & Red or for all-natural pink, you can use beet powder. For all-natural blue coloring, you can use blue-green algae   (Spirulina) 

         

        Pastel Unicorn Easter Coffee or hot chocolate cup in 6 easy steps

        1. Brew coffee or hot chocolate as usual. For best results, use freshly ground coffee and brew in a french press.
        2. Prepare all of your ingredients and have them ready to use while your coffee/hot chocolate is brewing. 
        3. Once coffee /hot chocolate is ready, pour it into a cup (Remember to leave space in the cup for treats on top)
        4. Froth your coconut milk with a milk frother. If you don't own a frother, place a small amount of coconut milk in a mason jar, close off the top and shake well (until it bubbles and froths) 
        5. Add the desired amount of chocolate powder, sugar, and frothed coconut milk to your cup. 
        6. In 2 separate bowls, fill up with coconut whipped cream. Add pink food coloring drops in one bowl, and blue in the other. Gently mix the coloring into the frothy whipped cream. 
        7. Place blue whipped cream on one side of your coffee cup, and the pink whipped cream on the opposite side. Using a utensil, mix the whipped cream in the center of the cup combining both colors here to make purple. Try to leave the opposite sides of the cup unmixed to create the swirly magical effect! 
        8. Add the whipped cream to your coffee gently with a spoon
        9. Time to decorate. Begin by dusting the top of the whipped cream with pink sugar and sprinkles. Top it off with marshmallows, cotton candy, and watch your coffee cup transform into a delightful energizing, and fun morning treat!
        10. Enjoy! 

         

         

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        https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/tea-and-pastel-macaroon-treats 2020-09-04T19:54:00-07:00 2020-09-15T14:31:38-07:00 Tea & Pastel Treats Aesthetic caroline tikhonoff

         

        There's really nothing quite like a cozy steeping cup of calming herbal tea before bed to warm up your soul. I've compiled a list of my favorite teas and treats that pair well together. Like wine, tea can really bring a dish to its fullest when paired correctly.

        Tea and macaroons are an absolute delight. With our family staying home nowadays, we have decided to get a bit more creative in the kitchen and whip up some fresh new and fun treats that the entire family can enjoy. Although times are a bit uncertain, it sure does bring new opportunities for families to come closer together.

        If you can prepare the tea from fresh rolled dried leaves than of tea bags, you'll really get to enjoy the highest quality of flavors here. Teabags are always a great and quick alternative, especially if you don't currently keep the proper equipment for brewing proper tea. 

         

        Some of my favorite tea and treat combinations you can try at home

        • Moroccan mint tea and lemon zest macaroons
        • Orange blossom tea and sticky raisin granola bars 
        • Royal English Breakfast tea and nutty walnut cake
        • Chamomile tea and vanilla baton wafers 
        • Jasmine tea and custard flan 
        • Lemongrass tea and Turkish delights 

         

        The best thing about coming home after a long cold day out is getting in your comfy loungewear and enjoying a steeping warm cup of tea and treats. Here are some of my favorite loungewear sets for cuddling around in at home while enjoying your brew. 

         

        SHOP COZY LOUNGEWEAR 

         

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        https://thefoodforthoughtshow.com/blogs/news/housewarming-party-hors-doeuvres 2020-04-02T15:08:00-07:00 2020-09-04T19:58:48-07:00 How To Throw A Housewarming Party caroline tikhonoff

         

        We threw a fun housewarming party when we settled down in our new home. We did a food wheel with various hors d'oeuvres, desserts and of course drinks! I had never thrown a housewarming before, let alone have gone to one. I had a lot of questions and was constantly researching to figure out the best way to host this kind of party! Turns out, its a lot easier than I expected, but I still had a lot of questions. After I successfully threw my own party, I decided to create this post to help others plan their housewarming easier than ever!  So, here's to your housewarming party and by the way, congratulations!  

        10 Easy & fun steps to hosting your successful housewarming

        1. Decide on how many guests you'll be inviting in total 
        2. Set a date 
        3. Send out invitations and collect RSVP'S
        4. Make a list of snacks and drinks you will serve for the number of attending guests. If you're getting a special cake, put in your order at least a couple of weeks in advance. 
        5. Clean everything spotless. You should start "party cleaning" for a few days in advance. Dust the blinds, get the laundry put away and bleach those bathrooms.
        6. The day before: Go shopping. Pick the hors d'oeuvres, drinks and decorations you plan to use. 
        7. The morning of the party: Decorate your new home and put away any toys or last-minute items laying around 
        8. 2 hours before: Set up the food stations. Get your snack boards and drink stations put together
        9. Take pictures before the guests arrive if you want the "picture perfect" set up to share later with everyone, then take pictures during the party too
        10. Welcome everyone to your new home and give them a tour of your new place! Most importantly, have fun! 

         

         

        What is a housewarming party? 

        A housewarming party is an informal celebration for new homeowners. You invite your friends and family over to check out your new house and celebrate your new chapter in the life of homeownership. However, you don't necessarily have to throw a housewarming for only purchasing a home. You can throw this kind of a party for moving into your first apartment or even when you move to a new city or state. 

         

        When should you throw a housewarming party? 

        This part is completely up to you. It takes time to move, unpack and organize everything into its new place. Sometimes you purchase new furniture for the home and have to wait several weeks before it arrives. The goal is essentially not to wait too long, because then most likely everyone has already seen your new home and the excitement of it can wear off, but you also don't need the stress of throwing a big party right after a big move. There's definitely a sweet spot to this and you just have to feel it out for yourself.

        A sweet spot for this can be around 3 months after the move. In the first month, you're going to most likely spend most of your free time moving things around, organizing and rearranging. In the second month, you'll be getting accustomed to your new home. Hopefully, you'll have some time to relax and have your new furniture delivered and set up. Then the third month, you're finally settled in and its time to throw a party. Just remember that it's completely up to you. You don't have to rush this party but hopefully, this will give you a good idea for when to plan.

        What should you wear? 

        Housewarming parties are usually casual but like any party, your guests will most likely want to dress up a little. A cute swing dress and shimmering earrings are a good look. You don't even have to wear shoes! You can ask your guests to remove their shoes at the door to help keep your home sanitary. You can request that everyone wear their favorite socks to the party on the invite! Check out our favorite casual party dresses HERE

        Tips

         

        1. You can throw two parties instead of one big one. If you have a huge family, a tun of friends or just want to keep things more intimate. Throw a party for your friends and a second one for your family. 
        2. Find out about food preferences, allergies, and special diets ahead of time. For instance, prepare virgin drinks alongside alcohol. 
        3. If you're hosting a lot of people at once, offer lots of snacks instead of a meal. If you hosting a small intimate party, throwing a nice housewarming dinner might be the better way to go. 
        4. Have something fun for the littles to do. If you have young attendees who will be stopping by, prepare a bit of entertainment for them too. You can set up a coloring station (washable markers) legos and a movie for them. 
        5. Plan an activity or two. Sure people can talk and snack all day long, but having a couple of party games planned in advance (for the adults) can help structure the party and can help include your guests and bring them together. 

         

        Happy Housewarming!

         

        Xx

         

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