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.

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Try the Drink…

The Sparkling Jewel

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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

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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!

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Try this Simple Dessert…

Louise’s Baked Apples

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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

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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…

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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

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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!

→ More Happiest Hour Episodes

Ep. 05 - Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life with Mary Helen Yarbrough

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