Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine Recipe using Mulling Spices from Old Town Spice and Tea Merchants in Temecula.:: Mulled Wine ::

Did you happen to check out our post about our Lorimar Winery Sleepover? The local flavors and merchants of Temecula Valley inspired this recipe for Mulled Wine.  Sara and I really enjoyed the wineries, small shops, and old town feel of the town in which we have known for some time.  It was great to visit new places and discover small little treasures along the way.  This recipe was made with tasty wine from Lorimar Winery and sensational spices from Old Town Spice and Tea Merchant.  We hope you try this easy Mulled Wine Recipe during this holiday season.  Warm and cozy it will make you remember why you love the holidays. [Read more…]

Lorimar Winery Sleepover

Lorimar Winery in Temecula. Lorimar Sleepover:: Lorimar Winery Sleepover ::

A couple of weeks ago, Sara and I were invited with a small group of bloggers, to Lorimar Winery in Temecula.  The Lorimar Winery Sleepover was coordinated by the amazing Sharon from Cupcakes and Cutlery, along with Lauren from A Fabulous Fete.  The girls put together a lovely wine adventure in Temecula Valley with Lorimar Winery hosting the event {we got to stay on the grounds in their Coach House}, as well as Visit Temecula Valley whom showed us around Old Town Temecula.  Sara and I love Temecula and have a special place in our hearts for this small/big town, but we got to experience Temecula in a whole new way!  Our Lorimar Winery Sleepover, and all it’s grandeur, inspired us to make up a great Mulled Wine Recipe {keep posted}, using locally based ingredients.

Have you ever visited Temecula? If you haven’t, read on… it’s only a short drive away, right here in Southern California.

Vineyards in Temecula [Read more…]

Pear and Apple Butter

Easy Pear Apple Butter a great gift to eat and give for the holidays.:: Pear and Apple Butter ::

Let’s discuss the fact that it’s already December 2nd! How can that be!?! Not to worry this Pear and Apple Butter is perfect for the holidays as either an appetizer {poured over a block of low-fat cream cheese with crackers}, or my favorite way wrapped up as a gift.  REALLY it is a two-fer!  I made this Pear and Apple Butter as I was preparing for Thanksgiving.  I don’t know about you, but I am not a huge fan of pears.  I don’t care for them as a fruit that I would bite into.  I like them with nice melted Brie, but my dilemma was that I had 5 pears on the verge of going bad.  Instead of being wasteful yet again with the remainders of my produce box, I made this Pear and Apple Butter….which I do have to say, is dynamite! [Read more…]

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake // Simply Happenstance:: Pumpkin Ice Box Cake ::

I love traditional pumpkin pie… but I also really like variations of it to indulge in on Thanksgiving Day! Just like me.. my kids all adore foods made with pumpkin, so I decided to whip up this ice box version and try it out on them! {I seriously had a hard time photographing the cake… as they were attempting to dive right in!} 

Although the recipe may look daunting, with day before preparations, I promise you it isn’t hard! In fact, many of you probably prefer make-ahead recipes… am I right? If you are trying to spread out your cooking/baking… this may be the dessert for you! You can easily prepare this the day before and then piece it all together just prior to serving. 

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake Recipe at simplyhappenstance.com #pumpkin #dessert #iceboxcake

What I like most about this lightly sweetened pumpkin cake is that it isn’t heavy. After eating loads and loads of appetizers, the full Thanksgiving meal, and indulging in drinks… who wants a heavy dessert?! Not me! Something light, yet boasting with flavor, is what I crave! [Read more…]

Pumpkin Date Smoothie

Healthy Pumpkin Date Smoothie:: Pumpkin Date Smoothie ::

I have to admit, I have a smoothie addiction, and right now I am love Pumpkin Smoothies.  My favorite one is at a local juice bar.  It’s a seasonal smoothie, so I thought I needed to come up with my own Pumpkin Date Smoothie before I have to go COLD TURKEY, which wouldn’t be a good thing this time of the year {wink}.

Yummy and healthy Pumpkin Date Smoothie [Read more…]

Easy Mashed Potato Casserole

Make ahead Easy Mashed Potato Casserole for the Holidays.:: Easy Mashed Potato Casserole ::

It’s crazy to think that in just 8 short days we will be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, but don’t panic! This recipe for Easy Mashed Potato Casserole will allow you to plan ahead and stress less on the big day. [Read more…]

Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip

Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip:: Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip ::

I’m an appetizer and dessert girl. {In fact, I could almost do away with all other types of meals. Small bites of scrumptious food, paired with some fresh fruit or a salad, is sometimes all that I want!} Trader Joe’s makes a delicious spinach artichoke dip that they sell in their freezer aisle. My husby and I have been hooked on it for a while. We love dipping spicy soy + flaxseed chips or pita wedges into the creamy mixture! Since it’s a favorite light lunch for us, I thought I would try to make my own version of the dip… only healthier {that way I can eat more of it, right?!!}. 

Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip

The original recipe I found on the Food Network created by Ellie Krieger. I adapted a few items in the mixture with ingredients that I prefer {like Greek yogurt in place of sour cream}.  I love how it turned out and I hope that you do, too!  [Read more…]

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

No Bake Chocolate Almond Bars {simplyhappenstance.com}-44:: Chocolate Almond Oat Bars ::

{no-bake + gluten-free} 

Let’s talk about these chocolate bars! I’ve been trying to cut back on processed sugars over the past year {ok… several years!} It’s not always easy, since I’m the busy mama of four, have a crazy love of baking, and have a total sweet tooth! These days, I try to sweeten the treats I make using raw honey, when I can. I feel so great when I’m able to offer my kids a wholesome, homemade treat using fine, simple ingredients. These Chocolate Almond Oat Bars are just that. 

[Read more…]

Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream

Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream the perfect fall treat.:: Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream ::

We are celebrating today with a big scoop of Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream.  Today my baby boy is 8! I can hardly believe that my little guy has become such a big boy. We have planned a family trip for this big day, but first there is always room for ice cream.  Pumpkin Waffle Cone Ice Cream for breakfast sounds like a great way to start off our weekend celebration! [Read more…]

Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese

 

burrata grilled cheese 1:: Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese ::

The day after Halloween was the perfect fall day.  The first day of November greeted us with a little rain and some gloom, allowing us to recoup from our busy night of trick or treating. I decided after a long week of running around, it would be a fantastic day to make Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese.  Gooey and flavorful this adult grilled cheese pairs perfectly with a nice glass of wine or beer, a cozy fire, and a warm cup of soup.  Fall weather please stay so we can enjoy another round of these quick and easy Pesto and Burrata Grilled Cheese. [Read more…]