thanksgiving Archives - Simply Happenstance

Apple Pie Breakfast Bowl

October 21, 2015

Apple Pie Breakfast Bowl //

Hello, friends… we hope you’re all enjoying the fall season! Nicole and I have been staying busy with our little ones. We love having spare time to share our favorite recipes here on Simply! We also are super fortunate to be contributors over at the fabulous, Simple As That Blog! We recently shared an irresistible recipe for an APPLE PIE BREAKFAST BOWL. This dish is a new favorite… and we hope it becomes one of yours, too!

The base of this bowl is a rich, creamy vanilla chia seed pudding. Greek yogurt, almond milk, pure maple syrup, a touch of vanilla, and loads of healthy chia seeds create the thick, slightly-sweet mixture. Sliced crisp apples, crunchy granola, dried cranberries, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkling of brown sugar top the pudding, making it the tastiest fall breakfast that your whole family will love! Take a peek over at Simple As That to get the recipe details! Enjoy, friends! {xo}

Find our berry version of this breakfast dish ==> HERE!

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

November 24, 2014

:: 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.

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…]

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

November 11, 2014

:: 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…]

DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration

October 14, 2014

DIY Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration //

Hello, friends! About two weeks ago, I posted a photo of the pumpkin succulent arrangement my crafty mom brought over to me. It was such a hit on my personal Instagram and Facebook page, that I decided a tutorial was necessary. My sweet mama came over with the supplies, and I photographed her in action!

There are so many things I LOVE about this project! The first, obviously being, that I was able to create this with my mom! I also love that it’s super simple, completely gorgeous, and is a “green” project {not wasting or harming the plants in order to create this lovely harvest piece}.

{This arrangement would make the most perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving, or a great centerpiece for a fall gathering, in which you’re entertaining. It would also be a thoughtful, handmade gift for family, friends, teachers, or coworkers.}

Unlike many of the pumpkin succulent pieces you may have seen floating around the web or Pinterest… there is no need to actually cut into the pumpkin. {Unbelievable, right?} The steps are easy, and explained below in a tutorial with pictures. I’ve also included helpful tips {from my mom!} for keeping your harvest decoration looking great, and ideas for planting the top of Mr. Pumpkin when he starts to expire. [Read more…]

In Everything Give Thanks

November 27, 2013

They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, so instead of writing out a list of all the blessings in my life that I am so grateful for…. I thought I’d share our life in photos from the past two months. We’ve been fortunate to have had lots of family time lately… hiking, meandering around the lake, visiting a pumpkin patch, sipping hot cocoa at our favorite coffee shop, homeschooling, skipping rocks, collecting treasures, experiencing the leaves changing, and even playing in our first snowfall of the season! {As usual, I had a tough time narrowing down the photos… yikes!} My heart is truly full…

[Read more…]

Pumpkin Dessert Squares

November 26, 2013

:: Pumpkin Dessert Squares ::

This week is the kick-off to all of our dessert consumption from now until New Year’s Eve. Well, for me it usually goes beyond that, but I try! I have said it once, twice, three times “I LIKE PUMPKIN!” Too much, but lucky for me it coordinates well with this upcoming holiday. These Pumpkin Dessert Squares remind me of the homey smell of my Grandma Joan’s kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. She always had a pot of mulling spices heated in a mini crock pot. The joyous aroma of nutmeg blended with pecans and pumpkin brings me back to my childhood. Thankfully, I came across this recipe right after I got married and it has been a family favorite ever since. What makes these Pumpkin Dessert Squares so special is the main ingredient called Muirhead’s Pecan Pumpkin Putter. It can be found at Williams Sonoma.

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