Apple Cider Bellini
A bonus episode of Happiest Hour calls for a bonus cocktail! My guest on this episode, Kaci Bolls, brought in her friend’ss recipe for a Apple Cider Bellini. Let me tell ya, if this doesn’t taste like fall, I don’t know what does.
Make yourself this delicious libation and then come enjoy your conversation! The link is below to listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!
A bonus episode of Happiest Hour calls for a bonus cocktail! My guest on this episode, Kaci Bolls, brought in her friend’s recipe for an Apple Cider Bellini. Let me tell ya, if this doesn’t taste like fall, I don’t know what does.
Make yourself this delicious libation and then come enjoy our conversation! The link is below to listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try this Dessert…
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts
Kaci’s Apple Cider Bellini reminded me of one of my favorite Happiest Hour recipes. It’s a really yummy fall staple from Episode 2. I thought I’d share it with you here!
Catch the episode!
Bonus Episode: Dare to Be Me with Kaci Bolls
A Delicious Hummus Hack
If you read about how I came up with the idea to launch my podcast, Happiest Hour, then you know I’ve been influenced by my favorite online influencer, Landyn Hutchinson (better known as Living with Landyn).
Last year sometime, Landyn shared a recipe for hummus she tried at a restaurant on the west coast. It just elevates the regular ol’ hummus dip from a package by mixing in some fresh herbs, cheese and a little kick (to taste).
I’ve adapted this idea into my own favorite hummus dip. I consider it a hack, since you use store bought hummus and just give it a little extra pizzaz. Give it a try, then whip up some frozen watermelon margaritas from Ep. 10 of the podcast (recipe below), and join my conversation with hit songwriter, Kirsti Manna!
If you read about how I came up with the idea to launch my podcast, Happiest Hour, then you know I’ve been influenced by my favorite online influencer, Landyn Hutchinson (better known as Living with Landyn).
Last year sometime, Landyn shared a recipe for hummus she tried at a restaurant on the west coast. It just elevates the regular ol’ hummus dip from a package by mixing in some fresh herbs, cheese and a little kick (to taste).
I’ve adapted this idea into my own favorite hummus dip. I consider it a hack, since you use store bought hummus and just give it a little extra pizzaz. Give it a try, then whip up some frozen watermelon margaritas from Ep. 10 of the podcast (recipe below), and join my conversation with hit songwriter, Kirsti Manna!
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try the Cocktail…
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
My guest in Ep. 10, Kirsti Manna, brought in the most amazing frozen watermelon margarita recipe to pair with her episode. Try it here!
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Ep. 10 - Staying Inspired with Kirsti Manna
Becky Knowles' Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar Sandwich (from Jay Knowles)
My guest on Ep. 09 of Happiest Hour, Jay Knowles, said to me: “How ‘bout I make the peanut butter and brown sugar sandwiches the way I remember incorrectly that my mom used to make.” That’s Jay’s sense of humor for ya! Eye ball this nostalgic after-school snack and enjoy the sweet and sticky memories. Read on for Jay’s recipe!
My guest on Ep. 09 of Happiest Hour, Jay Knowles, said to me: “How ‘bout I make the peanut butter and brown sugar sandwiches the way I remember incorrectly that my mom used to make.” That’s Jay’s sense of humor for ya!
Eye ball this nostalgic after-school snack and enjoy the sweet and sticky memories. Read on for Jay’s recipe!
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try the Drink…
Clever Coffee
My guest in Ep. 09, Jay Knowles, teaches us the secret to making the best cup of coffee… ever. Click here for the recipe!
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Ep. 09 - The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles
Clever Coffee Recipe
My guest on Ep. 9 of Happiest Hour podcast, Jay Knowles, asked if he could bring in a recipe and make black coffee in the very specific way he does. This recipe is more about the gadgets and tools needed to make an exceptional cup of coffee. Start with a high quality coffee bean and read on to learn how to make the best cup of coffee… ever.
My guest on Ep. 9 of Happiest Hour podcast, Jay Knowles, asked if he could bring in a recipe and make black coffee in the very specific way he does. This recipe is more about the gadgets and tools needed to make an exceptional cup of coffee.
Start with a high quality coffee bean (Jay and I are partial to Nashville’s local Frothy Monkey). Then, read on to learn how to make the best cup of coffee… ever.
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try this Nostalgic Snack…
Becky Knowles’ Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar Sandwich
We paired this super simple dessert dip with the French Toast Latte on Ep. 8. I made this for friends over Christmas break and it was a huge hit. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake. Viola! No campfire needed! Get the recipe here.
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Ep. 09- The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles
S'mores Dip
No campfire needed! This quick S’mores Dip recipe could not be easier. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake!
Over Christmas break, my family met dear friends in Breckenridge for a joint family ski vacation. I made this dessert dip after dinner one night at the house and it was a HUGE hit! I mean, if a snow ski trip doesn’t make you think “S’mores,” I don’t know what will.
The best part, you don’t need a campfire to get your chocolate and marshmallow fix. This quick dessert recipe could not be easier. Just pour a few ingredients into a skillet, bake and you’re done!
I originally found a recipe similar to this on Pinterest years ago, but I’ve tweaked it slightly for a gooey, delicious treat every time.
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try the Drink…
Iced French Toast Latte
My guest in Ep. 08, Risa Binder, brought over this yummy French Toast Latte. It’s dairy free (although you can make it with any milk you’d like), and can be served cold or hot. We made an iced version and it was so delicious! The spicy cinnamon and creamy oat milk mixed with slightest sweetness from honey. Yes please. Get yourself this decadent drink here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 08 - Living with Purpose with Risa Binder
Homemade Matcha Latte
When I asked my guest, Victoria Banks, to choose a recipe to pair with Episode 07, she suggested a homemade matcha latte.
Even though matcha has been a buzzy trend in the food world for a while now, I’ll be honest, I just never jumped on the train. No reason in particular. I just never ordered it or knew much about the green powder.
So, I was pleasantly surprised when Victoria made this warm, cozy, frothy deliciousness for us to enjoy while we chatted about all things music, mom life and overcoming perfectionism in Episode 07.
Whip you up this nourishes mug of tea and check out my conversation with Grammy nominated hit songwriter, Victoria Banks. The recipe card is below, and a link to Victoria’s episode is available if you keep scrolling down!
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Try the Side Dish…
Sharon’s Classic Pimento Cheese
This classic recipe is a fan submission from Sharon. I love a good pimento cheese and I thought it would pair nicely with a hot cup of matcha latte while we wait out these cooler months. Get the pimento cheese recipe here!
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Ep. 07 - From Guts to the GRAMMYs with Victoria Banks
Louise's Baked Apples
This is a super simple, comforting dessert that my grandma used to make for me when I was little. We spent a lot of time together. Both of my parents worked, so she often picked me up from school and I loved spending the night on the weekends.
The weekend sleep overs is when this dessert would make an appearance. My grandma had a McIntosh apple with her every where she went. I’m not exaggerating. That woman loved McIntosh apples! She had them in her car, on her desk at the store (my family’s small business). at home.
I have such fond memories of her placing several McIntoshes in a casserole dish, baking the apples, then pouring cream over them before we dug in.
I hope this recipe might transport you back in time to a wonderful memory. The warm spices and sweet raisins make this the perfect way to cap off the night.
Try the Drink…
The Sparkling Jewel
My guest in Ep. 06, Cyndi Thomson brought over this yummy grapefruit-forward cocktail. This sparkling glass of goodness is the perfect thing to end your night, make a party or enjoy on the back patio. Get the recipe here!
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Ep. 06 - When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson
The Sparkling Jewel Cocktail
When I asked Cyndi Thomson if she had a drink recipe she’d want to pair with Episode 6 of Happiest Hour, this was literally the email response I received:
“My new fave drink is so yummy! A little (sometimes a lot) grapefruit vodka, a little Italian grapefrut soda (Trader Joe’s) and fresh lime juice on ice. Sometimes I add a little lime Lacroix!”
I mean, why complicate a good thing? Eyeball these delicious ingredients and enjoy a simple yet satisfying craft cocktail!
But, just in case you’re more of a rule follower (me 🙋🏻♀️), I added some measurement guidelines in the recipe card below.
Don’t forget to scroll down to get the easy dessert recipe we also paired with this recipe.
Cheers!
Try this Simple Dessert…
Louise’s Baked Apples
This week, I’m sharing a fond memory from my childhood; a dessert my grandma used to make me when I’d sleep over. Her baked apples covered with cream was one of my favorite dishes. Get the recipe here!
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Ep. 06 - When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger - with Cyndi Thomson
French 75 Cocktail
For Episode 5 of Happiest Hour, my guest, Mary Helen Yarbrough brought in two delicious recipes. They pair great together, so after you make the cocktail, make sure you scroll down to grab the side dish.
A French 75 is such a classic cocktail. Mary Helen mixed us up a batch and gave me a few pointers along the way.
First of all, the says the secret to any great cocktail is lots of ice! So, she filled up the shaker with ice cubes before shaking the lemon juice, simple syrup and gin.
It hopefully goes without saying, but you want you shake those ingredients together first and pour them into the champagne flute. Then, top off the glass with champagne. Never shake the champagne — unless a bubble explosion is what you’re going for (insert sneaky grin here).
Another trick: peel a long singular strip of skin from the lemon. Express the lemon peel by holding it close to the rim of the champagne flute and twisting it with the skin down towards the glass. Then, you can twist it and put it on the rim or in the drink for added color and flavor.
Who knew gin and champagne went so well together? Make yourself a drink, then come join the conversation with Mary Helen and myself for Episode 5 of Happiest Hour! Scroll down for access to the episode.
Try This Quick & easy Side Dish…
Mary Helen is famous for this spicy and delicious shrimp dip. It’s the perfect side dish for any holiday or celebration! And best of all, it’s super quick and easy to make. It’s waiting for you here!
Mary Helen’s Shrimp Dip
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Ep. 05 - Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life with Mary Helen Yarbrough
Mary Helen's Shrimp Dip
This is a dish Mary Helen is known for in her family and friend group. And I am SO glad she chose to share it with us because, if you make this for your family, you’re going to be famous for it, too. If you like shellfish and spicy food, this super quick and easy side dish is out-of-this-world good!
A note on spicy: Mary Helen likes this dish with a kick. I’m glad about that because I absolutely love horseradish. So, here’s the thing: most prepared horseradish cream sauces won’t have a really good kick. To make this dish really shine, it’s important to use a high quality horseradish.
Mary Helen is a fan of Silver Spring Foods, which you can generally find at Publix, Kroger and possibly other grocery stores, or Atomic (find online).
Full transparency, my grocery store didn’t have these brands, so I did end up getting a prepared horseradish cream sauce by Boar’s Head, and even Mary Helen was impressed! We were surprised. It had a KICK!
This dish is versatile for holidays and celebrations all throughout the year. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a red plate for Christmas, silver platter for New Years, or choose your favorite dish for a birthday. The green onions and lemon peel bring beautiful color to the presentation. This shrimp dish is a crowd pleaser in both taste and looks.
Bonappetite!
Try the Drink…
French 75 Cocktail
My guest in Ep. 05, Mary Helen Yarbrough, brought over this classic cocktail recipe, which pairs beautifully with the shrimp dip you just made! She also shared a few insider secrets about how to make the best drinks. It’s all waiting for you here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 05 - Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life with Mary Helen Yarbrough
The Very Best Shepherd's Pie
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Try the Drink…
Home-made Spiced Chai
My guest in Ep. 04, Cindy Landham brought over this recipe for warm and cozy homemade spiced chai latte. This cup of magic will make you want to curl up under a blanket with a good book. Get the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 04 - Being Well is an Inside Job with Cindy Landham
Homemade Spiced Chai Latte
For Episode 4, my guest, Cindy Landham, brought over a recipe for homemade chai tea. The condensed milk in this recipe makes it so creamy and delicious! The aroma of cinnamon, cloves and other spices will make your house smell incredible while it simmers on the stove. Sipping this sweet mixture just make you feel cozy, calm and nourished.
So, curl up with a good book, cuddle under a blanket and try this recipe for yourself!
Try this One Pot Supper…
The Family Wash is a restaurant/music venue that has moved locations and taken on several iterations over the years here in Nashville. Their shepherd’s pie is famous in this city! I hacked the recipe at home and it tastes pretty dang similar. Here’s the recipe for a one pot dinner that will be a hit with your family and last you a few days in left overs. Enjoy!
The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie
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Ep. 04 - Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham
Cowboy Caviar
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Try the Drink…
Merry Margarita
My guest in Ep. 03, The Wildcards and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. This variation of a margarita is the perfect idea for the holidays and pairs well with the Cowboy Caviar dip! Grab the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards
Merry Margarita
Two words sum up The Wildcards: Good Vibes.
As their party anthems can attest, Ashley and Andrea know how to have a good time. When I asked them what drink they’d like to pair with their episode, I knew they’d have something great to share. They did not disappoint!
This variation on a margarita is subtle and super delicious. We used Elderflower Liquor (aka St. Germain) instead of orange flavor. The liquor elevates this cocktail making it perfect for the holidays!
So, pour you a glass of this yummy marg and join us for Ep. 03!
Cheers!
Try this Easy Side Dish…
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this Cowboy Caviar dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go! Here’s the recipe for the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode. Give it a try for yourself!
Cowboy
Caviar
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Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards
Bourbon Cowboy Twist Cocktail
When I asked my guest in Ep. 02, Jenny Gill, if she had a special drink she’d want to share with us, she shot me back a text super quick with an entire recipe. It turns out her husband, Josh, created his own bourbon cocktail that they sip at home and can’t get enough of. Now we get to enjoy it for ourselves! (Thanks for sharing your magic elixir with us, Josh!)
Jenny and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. I can attest: it is delicious. You bourbon lovers out there are gonna love this one.
So, dust off your rocks glass and get ready to embibe with us!
Cheers!
P.S. Did you know that every week when I launch a new episode of the Happiest Hour, I release an Instagram reel of my guests and me making our recipes? Check out Jenny and me mixing up the Bourbon Cowboy Twist here!
Try this Easy Dessert…
Trust me on this: you don’t need a lot of culinary skill to master these delicious donuts. If I can do it, YOU can do it. These were a big hit with my in-laws on Thanksgiving. They might just become our family’s new fall tradition! Here’s the recipe for the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode. Give them a try for yourself!
Vanilla Bourbon Apple Cider Donuts
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Ep. 02 - The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts
I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving this year and it was a HUGE hit! I was planning to try a different recipe for fried donuts, but lets be honest. Mama didn’t need the stress of burning down the kitchen with experimental donut frying while chasing after a toddler on Thanksgiving morning.
I’ll tell you what I was thankful for: this recipe for baked apple cider donuts! Frying is a big “no.” Baking I can do! My recipe is adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction. I tweaked a few ingredients and added my own twist. My in-laws loved them. I’ll make them again!
Make sure you reduce your apple cider on the stove to pack a punch of flavor in the donuts. Allow the cider to cool before using it in the recipe. I reduced mine the night before to get a head start.
You also want to make sure your donuts are cooled enough to handle before trudging them into the topping.
Other than those two quick notes, this recipe is really simple and easy to make. These donuts might just become a fall tradition in my house!
Try the Drink…
Bourbon Cowboy Twist
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Ep. 02 - The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill
Jeb's Super Creamy Hot Chocolate
Music, friendship and food are three of my favorite things. When I first hatched the plan for my new podcast, Happiest Hour, I knew I wanted to chat with my guests over a delicious beverage and share recipes. In Ep. 01, my guest is recording artist, reality TV star, and super pregnant, Whitney Duncan!
I turned to my supporters in our private Facebook group to find a few good recipes I could share. They had some great suggestions!
One idea came from Jeb in Virginia. It’s really more of a hack than a recipe, but it’s a darn good way make simple hot chocolate super creamy and kid-friendly so that the whole family can get involved! This was a perfect choice for Whitney, my mama-to-be podcast guest.
A hand frother or a blender will be your best friend for this hack. And don’t forget the marshmallows!
Try this Easy Side…
Classic Roasted Root Vegetables
Add beautiful color and delicious nutrition to your holiday table with this quick and easy side dish!
This nutritious and delicious side dish will be the perfect addition to your holiday table! Get the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode here.
Catch the Episode!
→ More Happiest Hour Episodes
Ep. 01 - The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
Classic Roasted Root Vegetables
This is the PERFECT side dish for your holiday table! And it’s easy as pie to make — except it’s more nutritious than pie. 😉 This rustic roasted veggie dish will add beautiful color to your plate.
Dan doesn’t even like cooked carrots, but he LOVES this dish. And can we take a moment to talk about fennel? I’ve been sleeping on fennel! One of Dan’s favorite recipes that I cook utilizes fennel seed, but I have never tried the real thing until recently. Now, I slice raw fennel into my salads, I use the fronds in homemade salad dressings, and I chop it into wedges for this beautiful dish. If you’re not familiar with fennel either, don’t let it intimidate you. Treat it just like an onion. Trim off the ends, peel back the top layer and you’re good to go.
Check out how easy and delicious getting your veggies in will be with this easy weekend side dish:
Try this Beverage…
Super Creamy Hot Chocolate
In Episode 01 of Happiest Hour, my guest, Whitney Duncan, and I tried this hack that will make your next cup of hot chocolate super creamy. Check out the drink recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode here.
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 01 - The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?
Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!