Yesterday, I gave all my coworkers little treat bags full of homemade peppermint bark. They’re very special to me so what better way to thank them for always being so amazing than with layers of peppermint-infused chocolate?? Nothing is better, I tell you, nothing.
I tied off the bags with baker’s twine and added these DIY gift tags. Aren’t they the most precious things? I’ve been using these tags for EVERYTHING this holiday season. I even affixed one to Kyle’s hot chocolate the other night just to tell him that it was “homemade with love” so he better appreciate it.
Back to the peppermint bark! It’s super easy to make and so much more special when it’s homemade. PS don’t let anyone tell you that making it yourself is cheaper than buying a box of it at William’s Sonoma. Chocolate chips are expensive, yo! But making it at home is more fun and thoughtful. I promise.
Peppermint Bark
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
1 bag of white chocolate chips (again used Ghirardelli)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract, divided
About 25 candy canes, crushed into pieces
A little canola oil (if needed)
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds at 50% power. Make sure you stir the chocolate after every interval until it’s fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract. Pour the chocolate onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet (it will not fill the entire sheet FYI) and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the chocolate. Refrigerate and let it harden for about 10-20 minutes. Melt the white chocolate in the same fashion. You may need to add a bit of canola oil because white chocolate seems to be a thicker consistency. Stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate directly over the semi-sweet chocolate and spread even. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes and refrigerate until completely hardened. To serve, break into small pieces.
Add an adorable tag and give it to all your favorite people.
Now that we’re fully into December (WHAT?!), it’s getting quite chilly in these parts. All I want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket and a giant cup of tea. I think I will do that all weekend long, what about you?? Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:
- I’m printing out these DIY gift tags immediately, if not sooner.
- This perfect gray tee, please come into my life.
- I’ve had Kate’s holiday mixtape on repeat.
- The best chocolate mousse you’ve ever had in your life? Count me in.
- Last night, we went to the West Elm party at their new Beverly Blvd location. Beyond the fact that the store looks absolutely gorgeous, the party was super fun and they served mini donuts. Any party with donuts is amazing in my book. Best part? Emily Henderson was there and I almost died. Love. That. Girl.
Happy weekend!!
Image via Scout’s Honor Co.
This right here is my teeny tiny Christmas tree, photographed two ways. I think the first way is my favorite. Love the bokeh effect. But seriously, how small is that tree?? It’s too adorable, I can’t take it! Anyway, this week was literally the fastest week in recorded history. So much stuff happening in my little life. Also, I realized I’m really out of shape. My office building had a fire drill on Tuesday and we had to walk down 18 flights of stairs…my legs are still sore. COOL. On a completely unrelated topic, here are a few things I’m loving this week:
PS – I finally made my Instagrams public! You can follow me on Instagram at thestyleeater (sorry I have no idea how to link to it). When I signed up many moons ago, I didn’t realize it was a social platform. And then when I did realize, it was too late, I was already the loser with no followers. So I started to embrace the fact that I had zero followers. Then Kyle convinced me that every Instagram account is public and I’m the only loser with a private account. No longer! I’m cool now. Happy weekend!
I eat oatmeal almost everyday…but from a small packet that you mix with hot water. Don’t get me wrong, I love instant oatmeal, but real, homemade, do-it-yourself oatmeal is kind of a lot better.
For one, it makes your whole house smell like cinnamon goodness.
And two, it’s just plain delicious.
And hot from the oven.
And a little crunchy on top.
With a slight tartness from the cranberries.
And a sweetness from the apples.
Oh, I like it a lot.
My friend, Heather, and I made this particular oatmeal for our friends over the holiday weekend. Since there were absolutely no leftovers, I’m guessing my friends liked it too. I think I will add this oatmeal into my brunch rotation. Anyone want to come over for brunch this weekend? My giant dining table can fit a lot of peeps around it. Just kidding, don’t come over. But maybe one day. But not this weekend, I’m going to Ikea.
You can find the recipe here, adapted from Heidi Swanson’s recipe in Super Natural Every Day (one of my absolute FAVORITE cookbooks, by the way).
This week has been a sparse blogging week for me. If I have a really crazy Monday (and boy did I have a real cray cray Monday!), then I’m totally screwed for the rest of the week. But that’s okay because you were probs tired of all that regular posting. And that regular pinning/tweeting. And all that Janelle time. I feel ya, you needed a break! But hey, I’m back now and here are a few things I found this week that I’d like to do/make/replicate/own:
PS – guess what next week is?? My FAVORITE holiday!!
Thanks so much for the sweet comments on my hair tutorial! I heart you. Here are three things I’m particularly smitten with in this very moment:
// This wintery gray outfit on the cutest darn little Dutch girl I’ve ever seen! Oh and can I have some of those autumn leaves? Aaaand the Isabel Marants?
// This mid-century modern living room found in the pages of Dwell. I guess I’m not the only one who loves it – I see a comment from my lover boy, Kyle, on that link! We like what we like.
// This roasted carrot and avocado salad with lemon and orange dressing. That Jamie Oliver is one talented chef. Plus, I will eat anything that has carrots in it. And avocados. And lemon. And orange. I guess it’s a match made in heaven.
[Photos: 1 / 2 / 3]
Ohh hiii freezing cold weather! I can’t remember the last time it’s been this chilly in LA. Luckily I was cooped up inside for most of the weekend, catching up on TV shows, knitting, drinking hot apple cider (from Trader Joe’s), and laughing at my own jokes (do you do that too?).
We did venture out of the house a few times – on Saturday night, we went out on the town (how unlike us!) and on Sunday, we went to see the musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring 2 of my cousins!! I was so proud and they were amazing in it.
Here are a few other bits and pieces from the weekend:
[homemade chocolate croissants from Trader Joe's]
[lots and lots of reading and knitting]
[brought out the chunky knits]
[deciding where to hang these bus scrolls]
[rainy Sunday and a gorgeous rainbow...no this is not farmland, just the 405 freeway]
[string lights at my apartment complex]
Sometimes I like to be real classy and drink champagne and eat fig tarts. Those are my fancy days. Other times, I want RICE KRISPIE TREATS and I don’t care who knows it! I am a rice krispie treat fiend and I love anything that contains heavy contents of marshmallow. Which is why Peeps and I are best friends fo’ life. But hey!! I attempted to be a little healthy by getting the gluten free Rice Krispies, as opposed to the regular old ones. That made me feel better about eating half of them in one sitting. Here’s how I made those pretty things:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (I chose the gluten free ones)
- dash of salt
- dash of vanilla
- as much peanut butter as your heart desires
- bag of chocolate chips (your decision if you want them semi-sweet, milk choc, dark choc, etc)
To make the rice krispie treats, melt the butter in a large sauce pan. Once melted, add the marshmallows until they are completely melted and blended together smoothly. Stir in a dash of salt and a dash of vanilla extract. Mix in the rice krispies until well blended with the marshmallows. Transfer mixture to a greased 13×9 dish and let cool. Spread peanut butter over cooled rice krispie treats. Melt chocolate in a double boiler over low heat. Make sure the water from the double boiler is only simmering. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted. Pour over the peanut butter layer. Allow to cool completely before digging in. I know this is the hardest part but trust me, it’s 10x better when the chocolate is completely hardened!!
So these cupcakes aren’t as fancy as these ones, but I made them for my Halloween festivities tonight! They’re simple white cake cupcakes with chocolate frosting, topped with half of a Milano cookie, and a little “RIP” written with edible sparkle gel. Tombstone cupcakes! Kind of adorable.
If you’re in my hood tonight, stop by for a cupcake. Otherwise, have a fun and festive day!
Hope you guys had a lovely week, yes? I’ve been overloading on sweets all week! Cupcakes, candies, cookies, mini pumpkin pies – people keep sending us treats to the office so I can’t help but eat it. Nonetheless, I’m still debating on whether I should make caramel apples or apple pie this weekend (my vote’s for caramel apples). If not Halloween weekend, then when can we overindulge in yummy things???? Anyway, here are a few other things I loved this week:
- These spooky cupcakes (pictured) were sent to us at the office from the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills the other day. Not only were they amazingly decorated, but they also tasted exceptionally good. One of the best cupcakes I’ve ever had!
- MUST HAVE these ankle boots. They’re business in the front, party in the back. Not a fan of the price tag though.
- These sweet potato tacos from Sarah Yates look so yummy – can’t wait to try out the recipe. YUM!!
- I just recently signed up for Spotify (I know, I’m so behind the times) and it’s probably the best invention ever. Sign up if you haven’t already.
- What are your costumes for Halloween? I have something up my sleeve that I’m excited for. Alright, alright, I’m just going to come out and say it: I’m going to be Katniss from Hunger Games. All I need is a bow & arrow. Anyone have one I can borrow??
Have a FUN and safe Halloween weekend!
