Weekend Reads {11.15.13}

What a week it has been here! I'm not referring to the trials and tribulations of everyday life either. This week started off in the high 70s with lows in the upper 50s. Now, a mere 4 days later, I'm sitting here with my fireplace on wondering how quickly I can get to some place much warmer than here. Granted it's still in the 60s, this Florida girl is not coping well with the sudden presence of colder weather. But it's not just me who has been suffering. With the arctic front that moved through most of the eastern United States this week, many of you have been feeling the instant winter too. If you are anything like me, you've got plans this weekend to engage in anything that might be warming. From making homemade soup to sitting by a fire, every thing you might associate with heat is on my list. Since it seems to be all that's on my brain, I've gathered up my favorite stay warm reads to share with you today. Hopefully these will inspire tropical thoughts as I begin the countdown to spring….

Have a warm weekend!

1. Spiked & Spiced Hot Apple Cider from La Petite Fashionista

2. Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup with Cheddar Chive Biscuits from Eat Live Run

3. Snowed-In with West Elm from Camille Styles

4. 50 Fun Winter Activities from Real Simple

5. DIY Suede Fringed Throw from Martha Stewart

The Happiest Hour {Spiked Apple Cider}

There are few things that make me happier in the fall than a glass full of warm bourbon spiked apple cider on a cool day. Combine that with a trip to the pumpkin patch and I may actually be in fall decorated Heaven. The combination of spices with the sweetness of the cider and the burn of the bourbon is quite perfect. My college roommate always made the most delicious cider when we were in school. We would drink by the gallon and everyone we knew was asking for a glass. But now that she has moved away, I have had to concoct my own equally delicious libation. After sifting through numerous recipes, I think I have finally found the winner. To make it even better, it made my whole house smell of autumn goodness the entire day. Although I prefer to enjoy mine with a shot of bourbon, you don't need one to enjoy it. It is just as delicious when served virgin as it was spiked. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Gallon Apple Cider
3 Cinnamon Sticks
10 Whole Cloves
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
Bourbon to Taste

:: Directions ::
1. Bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the brown sugar stirring to dissolve completely.
3. Reduce to a simmer and add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and lemon juice. Cover and simmer for a minimum of an hour and a half. For a more intense flavor, simmer longer.
4. Add Bourbon and serve immediately.

Light the Night

Bonfires are one of my favorite parts of fall. I remember cool nights spent huddled around the flame with friends when I lived in Tennessee. We would chat about life's happenings, project our futures and cook on open flame. Those are some of my fondest memories from the years I spent there and now that I'm hundreds of miles away in what seems like a completely different weather world, I sometimes wish I could just light a big fire in the back yard with ease. As the night time temperatures drop here, that is looking like it might become a bit more of a reality. And even though I live in the Sunshine State now, I still know how to poke the fire. Here are my essentials for creating the perfect bonfire evening with friends!

1. Marshmallow Roaster from Terrain

2. Log Wood Stools from Fryer Finds

3. Gourmet Marshmallows from Plush Puffs

4. Spiked Hot Apple Cider from Munchin with Munchkin

5. A Cozy Blanket from West Elm

The Happiest Hour {Hot Apple Cider}

Besides the s'mores cupcakes I showed you yesterday, I think hot apple cider may be one of my favorite fall treats. It is definitely my favorite fall cocktail. When served hot with a splash of bourbon or rum, it's sure to warm you up on a cool evening. While you can simply buy a gallon of cider from the store, I prefer to spice mine up. Here's my recipe for the perfect cup of hot apple cider!

:: Ingredients ::
1 Gallon Apple Cider
1 Orange, sliced
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Whole Cloves
1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
4 tablespoons Brown Sugar

:: Directions ::
1. Combine ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Over medium high heat stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve with a splash of bourbon or rum.

Happy Weekend!