Category Archives: Holidays

{Spicy} Lemon Ginger Tea Snowballs

When I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, these Lemon Ginger Snowballs are my go-to cookie. The addition of fresh and ground ginger as well as green tea leaves adds an unexpected spice to these pretty treats.

Lemon Ginger Tea Snowballs
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

1/2 C shortening
1 TBSP grated fresh ginger
1 TBSP vanilla
1 bag of green tea (I used lemongrass green tea)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 C packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
granulated sugar

In a large mixing bowl with a mixer on medium speed, beat shortening, ginger, vanilla, tea and lemon peel until fluffy. (The tea bag should be cut open and you should pour the tea leaves into the bowl dry). Add brown sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat in eggs. Slowly beat in flour.

Preheat oven to 350. Shape dough into 1/2 to 1 inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 9-10 minutes or until lightly brown. Cook for 2 minutes and transfer to wire cooling rack.

This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Sugar Glaze

To create a sugar glaze, combine 1 1/2 C powdered sugar and 5-6 tablespoons of water until it reaches drizzling consistency. Dip the cookies in glaze. Then coat with chopped coconut, sanding sugar, sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar.

Another yummy thing to try to make these more snowball round would be to spread some cream cheese frosting and stick two cookies together. I didn’t try that this time, but I think I might next time!

Happy Cookie Week!

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{Classic} Gingerbread Crinkles

And now for the bonus round! Besides a full-blown cookie week here at HAP, we’re guest blogging today over at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board’s Butter is Best blog.

Head on over to Butter is Best to check out our Gingerbread Crinkles – plus three easy gift packaging ideas!
soft molasses gingerbread cookies
christmas cookie gift ideas

Disclaimer: HAP was compensated by WMMB to share our recipe and packaging ideas as a guest blog.

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Holiday Cookie Week!: Almond M&M Cookies

Nothing makes it feel like the holidays like cookies and when it comes to my holiday treat plate, there’s one cookie that I can’t live without:  my mom’s Almond M&M Cookies.  In fact, these cookies were such a staple in my house growing up that I can’t recall a family event where they didn’t make an appearance!  Tender and cakey, the almond flavor is a subtle improvement on the classic M&M cookie making it easy to see why they usually become a crowd favorite.
almond M&M cookies
Almond M&M Cookies
1 1/3 C butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp pure almond extract
3 3/4 C flour
1 pkg M&Ms

Preheat oven to 375. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in almond extract. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually beat in dry mixture one cup at a time until all flour is mixed in. Use a spatula to fold in 2/3 of the M&Ms into the batter.

Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform balls of dough and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Push 3-4 of your reserved M&Ms on top of each dough ball (the secret to making them pretty!).  Bake for 9-10 minutes.

NOTE:  These cookies also freeze well!  You can easily make them several weeks in advance.  Store them in tupperware and be sure that they cool completely before you freeze them.

M&M cookies for santa
You could also turn them into simple gifts for friends or hostesses. Start by lining small kraft paper boxes with decorative paper scraps trimming the paper to fit the width of the box. Place cookies inside and fold excess paper over the top of the cookies. Tie box with bakers twine.
holiday gift wrap ideas
Check back later today to see the bonus recipe that we did for our friends at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board!

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Holiday Gift Guide: For the Haute Hostess

It wouldn’t be an HAP gift guide without something for the haute hostess. Afterall, ’tis the season of parties! Thanks for joining us and don’t forget to come back next week for plenty of holiday cookie ideas.

Anne’s Picks

My top pick are these adorable monogrammed candles from Anthropologie.  Everyone loves a beautiful candle and the personalization is a nice touch.  Willing to spend a little more?  Spell out a holiday word such as JOY or HO HO HO.


1. Cupcake Kit ($12), 2. Cheese markers ($9.95), 3. Your Mother was Right ($13.99), 4. Snow globe ($25), 5. Monogram votive ($10)

Katie’s Picks

I’d give the nod to The Spice House gift boxes. Once you start with high quality spices you’ll never go back and neither will your favorite hostess. The Spice House has sets for anyone from the grill aficionado to the baking queen.  If you’re in the Milwaukee-Chicago areas you can pop over to the storefront and mix-and-match a box of your personal faves.  For $1-2 they’ll even wrap up your box and pack it with extra freebies like cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and bay leaves.


1. Spice gift box ($20-50), 2. Felt Merry Coasters ($28), 3. Linnea’s Light’s Fir Candle ($29), 4. Entertaining Platters ($29), 5. Nifty napkins ($32)

Stef’s Picks

My friends, if you have not been over to Terrain.com, go now. This website is filled with adorable and affordable gifts perfect for the Haute Hostess. It doesn’t get much cuter than this chalkboard jam pot. Fill it with a little homemade jam and write a Christmas wish for your holiday hostess with the mostest.


1. Bird cage tea towel ($14), 2. Gold mosaic ice bucket ($20-30), 3. Antique glass ornaments ($5.95), 4. Le Creuset dutch oven ($129.95), 5. Chalkboard jam pot ($18), 6. Expensive Christmas wine ($25)

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Active Lifestyles

Nope, it’s not just you. The site is a little wonky looking today. Some recent upgrades to our blog platform left us in a bit of a pickle. We’re working on fixing it so thanks for your patience! In the mean time, check out our new gift guide for those energizer bunnies on your list!

Anne’s Picks: The Eco Enthusiast

Although some would argue that cleaning supplies are not a gift, I think these Meyers eco-friendly cleaning gift sets make a wonderful gift for you environmentally conscious friend.  The holiday scent makes them festive, the packaging make them adorable and the cleaning solutions make them good for mother earth.


1. Compost pail ($41.95), 2. Built lunch bag ($26.50), 3. Meyers cleaning gift set ($9.99), 4.Produce bags ($11), 5. Envirosax reusable bags ($34.95)

Katie’s Picks: The Outdoor Enthusiast

If UnderArmour were fashionably acceptable, I would wear it all the time. Really.  Their toasty and comfortable ColdGear line is a must for any runner, skiier, hunter or hiker on your list.


1. UnderArmour ColdGear tights ($50), 2. Trapper Hat ($39.50), 3.LED headlamp ($43.95), 4. SmartWool socks ($13), 5. River Rock Fire Bowl ($49), 6. Garden Hand Cream ($15)

Stef’s Picks: The Mom-on-the-Go

Help keep your favorite mom-on-the-go stay on time with this Fossil Berkeley Sport Watch. Durable and fashionable, your sporty lady can time their fastest mile and make sure they pick up the kiddos from pre-school on time. A good multi-tasker needs a good time piece.


1. Sport watch ($95), 2. SIGG water bottle ($22), 3. Mittens ($33), 4. Tempo jacket ($108), 5. Keurig coffee maker ($110), 6. Diaper bag ($70), 7. Nike Eclipse shoe ($65)

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Holiday Gift Guide: Kids & Pets

Anne’s Picks

My top pick for the little girl in your life is a pair of raspberry rose Converse.  My daughter has a pair and they have proven to be the most versatile shoes in her wardrobe.  They look great with everyday jeans and leggings but she also wears them with a skirt and tights to make her outfit a little more colorful.  If only I could pull off a pair.


1. Tulle skirt ($29.50), 2. Apple pie set ($19.99), 3. That’s Not My Princess ($9.99), 4. Converse ($25),  5. Say Please tea set ($18.99)

Katie’s Picks

I’m obsessed with sequins this holiday (who isn’t?!) so I love this sequin pet collar from Rogue Collars. I’ve already decked out my pooch, Lena, in the red one for Christmas.  Much to the dismay of the hubs, I’ll be buying different colors for later in the year!


1. Vintage Pet ID tag ($14.50), 2. Biscuit Jar ($28), 3. Nordic dog sweater ($10), 4. Sequin Pet Collar ($13), 5. Knit Catnip Mouse ($5.50)

Stef’s Picks

From babies to toddlers, any little man will look adorable in this Christmas tie onesie sold by WeChooseJoy on Etsy. I dressed Lincoln in a non-holiday version for his six month pictures and the cuteness never stopped. Pair it with some plaid pants or put a flannel over it and your little guy will have the ladies swooning.

**DISCOUNT SPECIAL FOR HAP READERS!** Our friends at WeChooseJoy are offering 10% off their products for Haute Apple Pie readers until the end of the week! Enter in discount code “STEF10” to receive 10% off!


1. Christmas tie onesie ($15), 2. Rhapsody play bed, 3. Rescue team outfit ($5-29), 4. Lil Zoomers Spinnin Sounds Speedway ($30), 5. Uno Flash ($30)

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Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys

Anne’s Picks

My top pick for the man in your life this year is a cotton cashmere full zip hoodie from JCrew.  This hoodie is perfect for your dad, your husband or your little brother.  It is casual enough for the weekends and nice enough to wear over a button down shirt for a Saturday night dinner.


1. Reversible scarf ($49.50), 2. Cotton Cashmere hoodie ($98), 3. Personalized grill tools ($79.95), 4. Twill Travel Bag ($168), 5. Watch ($115)

Katie’s Picks

If you’re looking to splurge, the ever-popular iPad is perfect for business travelers, foodies and avid readers.  But for a more budget-friendly gift, the All Clad Instant Thermometer should be in every dude’s stocking.  It may not seem too sexy but once he starts getting praise for his perfectly grilled meats, he’ll think it’s the best gift ever.

1. iPad ($499), 2. Corduroy Blazer ($198), 3. Funny Face Magnets ($8.99), 4. Leather Catch All ($29), 5. All Clad Instant Read Thermometer ($39.95), 6. The Pacific DVD set ($51)

Stef’s Picks

It is quite hard for me to pick my favorite of these gifts for men. Luckily, my husband already purchased himself his Christmas gift from me in September. While I do not condone cheering for the Cardinals, my hubby is a die hard fan and I love the vintage rugby hooded sweatshirt. Much more stylish than that free t-shirt he got at the game ten years ago. If you are not a Cardinals fan, like myself, they do make similar items for your man’s team.

If you are looking for just a little something, three words. Bacon Flavored Soda.


1. Plaid poplin shirt ($49.50), 2. UPro GPS ($199), 3. Sports rugby hoodie ($75), 4. Jones bacon soda ($9.99), 5. Golf ball wine stopper ($25), 6. Coal Frena beanie ($19.95), 7. Monogram branding iron ($56.95)

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Holiday Gift Guide: For the Ladies

It’s baaaaack! From dads to dogs to domestic divas, our annual holiday gift guide has our fave picks for everyone on your list plus plenty of haute ideas for yourself (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone).  Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Anne’s Picks

My top pic for the lady in your life this year is this versatile sequin tank from J Crew.  A staple for any girl’s wardrobe, this functional piece can be worn under a sweater to the office or with jeans and heals for a night out on the town.

1. Earth to Table cookbook ($34.99), 2. Feather necklace ($39.50), 3. Sequin tank ($69.50), 4. Fur trimmed booties ($29.95), 5. Spooled candles ($16-34)

Katie’s Picks

If there were ever a time to glam it up, it’s the holidays!  My fave item is this megawatt sparkle bracelet from Ann Taylor which is a go-to piece for any holiday party.  I’d even wear it to work partially tucked under a sweater sleeve because, well, why not!


1. Wristlet ($40.50), 2. Honeycomb Necklace ($65), 3. Faux Fur Trim Gloves ($42), 4. Snowcap Stretch Bracelet ($88), 5. Anthology Magazine Subscription ($38), 6. City Camo Scarf ($29.99)

Stef’s Picks

Anyone that knows me, and maybe a few that don’t, knows about my  obsession with shoes. Shoes aren’t your typical gift but giving a good pair of shoes says, “I know your shoe size and I care.” This year I’m drooling over the array of over-the-knee riding boots. Great for cold Wisconsin days, perfect over a pair of jeggings, comfortable enough to wear all day and stylish enough to wear all night. Treat your lady right and buy her some boots. You can thank me later.


1. The Help ($12), 2. Alpaca cardigan ($110), 3. Aspiring Atoms necklace ($29.95), 4. Bow slippers ($24.50), 5. Smashbox Eye Wish palette ($45), 6. Over the knee boot ($198)

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HAP is thankful for…

Wishing all of our readers, friends and family a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We are so blessed in our lives and are very grateful for the big and small things that bring a smile to our faces every day. This year, we at HAP are most thankful for:

spray paint. burlap. Twitter. slow cookers. Le Reve croissants. patient husbands. olive oil. farmer’s markets. butter. Google docs. flea markets. goat cheese. driftwood. immersion blenders. glitter. aprons. homemade pie crust. Etsy. Digital SLR cameras.

and last but definitely not least….YOU!

We are so grateful to our readers for following us, challenging us, encouraging us and allowing us to share a little piece of our hearts, minds and lives with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Turkey Pot Pie

After Thanksgiving, everyone is asking themselves the same question:  What in the world are we going to do with all of this turkey?

One of my favorite post-Thanksgiving dishes is a turkey pot pie.  It is the perfect way to use up leftovers.  This quick and easy recipe from pillsbury can be thrown together in less than 10 minutes and has a real homemade taste.

Turkey Pot Pie
2 cups diced cooked turkey breast
2 cups refrigerated cooked diced potatoes with onions (found in the refrigeration section)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 4.5 oz jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1 jar (12 oz) turkey gravy
1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1 refrigerated pie crust

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray pie plate with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix turkey, potatoes, frozen vegetables, mushrooms, sour cream, gravy and sage.  Pour mixture into casserole. Place pie crust on top and crimp the edges. Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and edges are bubbly.  Place foil around the edges if crust begins to brown too quickly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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