Meghan Y., Author at Cake 'n Knife

Cranberry Pistachio Avocado Biscotti

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 11, 2018 // 1 Comment

Cranberry Pistachio Avocado Biscotti are a lighter take on a holiday cookie everyone will cherish. Pops of cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and sweet white chocolate make for a flavor combination that pairs perfectly with coffee.

It’s the holiday season, and it’s time to get to baking ALL THE THINGS.

If you are anything like me, your oven is getting a serious workout right now. Almost every day I am baking up sweet treats for the Man to take to the office, for me to give to friends, or simply to be stored in airtight containers and nibbled on as I sip eggnog under the Christmas tree. [Read more…]

Stuffed Baked Apples With Dates & Granola

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 7, 2018 // 19 Comments

Stuffed Baked Apples With Dates & Granola are like a warm hug. The soft and tart apples are filled with warming spices, dates, granola, and a touch of dark rum, making for a crunchy and chewy delight of a dessert. They are perfect for bringing your loved ones into the kitchen to create special memories this season!

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission.

Fair warning, I might be getting a little sappy in this post, but bear with me.

One of the things I love most about my husband is how passionate he is about Cake ‘n Knife. He is always curious to know what I’m working on. He constantly wants to watch and help me cook/bake. He’s told me several times that he loves seeing me bring recipes to life right here on the blog.

He is so supportive, so when he suggested that he sponsor one of the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways, I jumped at the chance. [Read more…]

The Best Homemade Eggnog

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 6, 2018 // 7 Comments

The Best Homemade Eggnog will spread cheer from ear to ear this holiday season! The simple, straightforward recipe is flavorful, rich, and boozy, making it ideal for Christmas gatherings of all sizes. You won’t want to miss out on sipping a mugful underneath the Christmas tree.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission.

When it comes to the holidays, there’s only one drink that I will forever and always cherish….

Eggnog.

The rich and creamy beverage is one that I grew up on, starting from as early as I can remember (the non-alcoholic version back then, of course).

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Sparkling Holiday Brunch Punch

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 4, 2018 // 7 Comments

Sparkling Holiday Brunch Punch is the ideal combination of bubbly celebration in a glass that you should be serving at your next holiday gathering. Made with Korbel® Brut, this easy-to-make big-batch recipe can easily serve a crowd. It’s tangy, it’s fruity, and it’s brimming with bubbles to tickle your taste buds.

This post has been sponsored by Korbel® California Champagne. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When it comes to the holidays, one of my favorite ways to gather friends together to celebrate is with brunch.

With all the evening parties that roll around this time of year, it’s refreshing to gather together during the daytime with friends and family. That’s why this year, instead of your typical cocktail party, you should host a holiday-themed brunch party with Korbel® Brut.

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Spiced Tropical Holiday Champagne Punch

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 30, 2018 // 28 Comments

When it’s giggle juice o’clock, it’s time to bring out the Spiced Tropical Holiday Champagne Punch! Made with tropical juices, a homemade spiced simple syrup, and fresh cranberries, it’s a fruity and tart twist on the seasonal flavors you know and love. Trust me when I say, you won’t be able to stop sipping on it.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

My kind of giggle juice is forever and always champagne. No matter what mood I am in, when anything with that bubbly goodness hits my lips, it’s like a cloud lifts and the lightness transports me to the place in my mind where nothing can get me down.

For me, the holiday season is the ideal time of year to bring out the champagne.

Champagne is always brought out for festivities and celebrations. Since the holiday season is all about celebrations, you have an excuse to bust out the champagne at every single even this season without shame.

[Read more…]

Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 29, 2018 // 25 Comments

Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs are the only way to eat sweet potatoes. Featuring the most amazing Chook chicken salt (yea, you read that right), these potatoes are sweet, tangy, herbaceous, and full of umami flavor. Not to mention it’s SUPER easy to throw together!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Savory Spice Shop! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

I have been on a bit of a potato kick lately, both sweet and russet.

Once I get all the potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s like a massive reminder of a food that I love and don’t make enough.

This especially applies to sweet potatoes.

We really only highlight them for Thanksgiving, but they are a root vegetable that we can enjoy all winter long to warm up with.

[Read more…]

Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 27, 2018 // 28 Comments

A Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is just the festive and bright baked treat your Christmas morning needs. Whether you are hosting a gathering or curling up in your PJs with your loved ones under the tree, this loaf cake is ideal for dessert (and the leftovers can be eaten for breakfast the next day!).

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by CreateAholics! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

I am officially in holiday mode and it is the best thing ever.

This is the time of year where, as many of you know, I go holiday crazy. I drink egg nog while admiring my tree, I watch every holiday movie out there, I use any excuse to see Christmas lights and Christmas music is always in the air.

I can always find a reason to smile this time of year. Lord knows I need one this year with all the changes to Kya’s health.

[Read more…]

Last Minute Thanksgiving Recipes

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 21, 2018 // Leave a Comment

These Last Minute Thanksgiving Recipes are for anyone who is needing a little inspiration the day before turkey day! Whether you are attending Thanksgiving and want to bring an appetizer, or you are hosting and need some cocktail inspiration, check out the round up below.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, I tend to be a bit of a planner.

Ok I am a crazy planner, but despite my crazy planning, I tend to forget something. This year, it was forgetting the fact that I needed to plan for a cocktail to go with the appetizers that I know guests are bringing along with them. OOPS.

Thankfully it popped into my brain this morning and I will be popping out to the store momentarily to grab what I need at the very last minute.

[Read more…]

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 20, 2018 // Leave a Comment

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are just the sweet treat to snuggle up with this holiday season. Soft and chewy cookies reveal a gooey center of marshmallow, tasting just like a warm mug of hot cocoa. These are ideal to nibble on by the fire as you wait to share a plate with Santa.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by USA PAN. As always, all opinions are my own.

‘Tis the season for all the holiday cookies and this year, these little gems are totally topping the list.

I don’t know about you, but right now I am obsessed with the chocolate and peppermint combination.

[Read more…]

Leftover Thanksgiving Enchiladas

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 19, 2018 // Leave a Comment

Leftover Thanksgiving Enchiladas take your leftover turkey to a whole new level of flavor. The unique combination of turkey, sweet potato, black beans, and cranberries makes for a savory and tangy filling for the spicy dish. It’s the best way to keep Thanksgiving going throughout the weekend!

I’m back at it again with the Thanksgiving leftovers recipes!

As you all know, I love getting down on some Thanksgiving leftovers. For some reason, on the actual turkey day, I don’t eat as much as most people. After a day of cooking and grazing as I cook, I somehow end up not as hungry as I want to be when the big dinner rolls around.

I don’t end up gorging myself on the meal and instead, I spend Black Friday eating to my heart’s content as I set up the Christmas tree, per my usual tradition. [Read more…]

Smoked Beer Brined Turkey

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 15, 2018 // 9 Comments

Smoked Beer Brined Turkey is hands down the best way to cook your bird for Thanksgiving. This is my super secret most flavorful brine recipe that gives you the juiciest bird EVER. You smoke it low and slow, getting that perfect crispy skin on the outside. Literally the best turkey I’ve ever made.

about this smoked beer brined turkey

If you need to know how to cook a turkey, this is the way to do it. Every time.

I swear you will get perfect results. The meat is nice and moist (I still hate that word, but I have to use it here…. that’s how good this bird is), the skin is crispy and brown, and the whole things gets a subtle infusion of smoky flavor.

Like, mind-glowingly good. Turkey isn’t my favorite part of the Thanksgiving spread – I’m more of a sides and dessert gal myself – but this beer brined turkey has made me actually want to eat turkey multiple times.

Smoking is not a quick process, BUT if you have a smoker it’s just about checking on it occasionally. You don’t have to even baste it.

It does take time to make so just make sure that you have your meat thermometer ready and that you are starting with plenty of time.

When I did a test run of this beer brined turkey before Thanksgiving I was sure glad I did. It took longer than I initially guesstimated, which would have been a DISASTER on turkey day, lol.

Times might vary because I made this while the snow was falling outside, so it might take you less time depending on where you are and the weather. Just keep an eye on the temperature of the bird and trust that first and foremost.

No dry birds on turkey day, I beg you!

If you don’t have a smoker, I’m including notes in the recipe card below to cook it in your oven (something I’ve done with this brined bird many times). It will still come out delicious, moist and flavorful.

I just love that sticking the bird in my Traeger means I have my entire oven free as we count down the hours before dinner time.

ingredients

turkey. Aim for a 12 to 16lb turkey, which will serve between 6 and 10 people. If you have a turkey that is larger than this, you will need to increase the brine accordingly!

water. I just use tap water for the brine. There’s no need to use filtered water unless you absolutely have to in the area you are living.

salt. I separate salt out here because you will need a lot of it! One and a half cups of kosher salt to be exact.

spices. This beer brine gets a lot of its flavor from spices! You will need whole allspice berries (I order mine via Amazon if I can’t find them at my local supermarket), whole cloves, and bay leaves.

herbs. For the fresh herbs, you’ll need thyme, rosemary, and sage. I always recommend using fresh to get the most flavor into the brine. However you can always use dried if you have to.

onion. I like the flavor of a sweet yellow onion with this brine, but you can also use a white onion for this recipe.

beer. Use a brown ale for the brine if you can! I usually turn to Newcastle, but any brand is good. You can also use a lager or even Guinness if you like a bolder flavor to your beer brine.

ice. Be sure to have a couple cups of ice ready to cool down the brine!

oil. Use your favorite olive oil, whether that’s pure olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil.

this recipe’s must-haves

I use this a roasting pan with a rack directly on my grill and it held up BEAUTIFULLY. Plus it is dishwasher safe. BOOM.

If you don’t have a smoker but want to treat yourself, I HIGHLY recommend this Traeger grill. I used Traeger signature pellets, but you could also use Apple or Pecan for a fun flavor twist!

For the perfect carving knife, I used this butcher knife. Holy CRAP it’s amazing. So smooth. So perfect. It’s my new fave knife.

here’s how to make a smoked beer brined turkey

make brine

Bring all the brining ingredients to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat. Pour in beer and ice. Allow the brine to cool completely to room temperature before adding the turkey.

brine turkey

Rinse your turkey off with water after removing it from the packaging. Remove the bag of innards and discard or save to use to make the base of gravy.

Place the turkey in whatever container you plan to brine it in, whether that be a food-grade bucket, a brining bag, or a giant stock pot. Add the brine to the pot and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator.

Brine for 16 to 18 hours. Rotate the turkey every 6 to 8 hours if your turkey isn’t completely covered in the brine.

smoke turkey

Remove the turkey from the brine. Truss the legs with baker’s twine and tuck the wing tips back around the bird so they don’t stick out. Rub the bird with olive oil and season with a small amount of black pepper.

Place the bird in a roasting pan with a rack (or you can place it directly on the grate). Smoke at 225˚F until the internal temperature is 100˚F to 110˚F. It took about 2 1/2 hours on a very cold day for it to cook a 13+lb bird. It’ll take between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the size of your turkey.

Increase temperature of the smoker to 350˚F. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast registers 160˚F. Remove from the grill and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving. The turkey will come up to 165˚F in this time.

can I roast this in the oven?

If you don’t have a smoker, you can definitely roast this turkey in the oven! I have the instructions for this method noted at the bottom of the recipe card below.

does beer tenderize turkey?

It sure does! Not only does beer tenderize the turkey, make it the perfect mouthwatering juicy bird you love on Thanksgiving… It also provides a delicious subtle flavor to the white meat.

how long should I brine my turkey?

Brine your turkey for at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours. This is the sweet spot that I’ve found to make it the most delicious. I do not recommend brining the turkey for longer than 18 hours because there is a possibility of over-brining your turkey. Over-brining will result in a turkey that is too salty!

If you have leftovers but aren’t sure what to do with them, I’ve got the best Thanksgiving leftovers ideas for you!

what to serve with smoked turkey

Well obviously, all of the classic side dishes will be perfect with this turkey!

Start the evening with a proper Thanksgiving-themed cocktail like this sparkling Thanksgiving cocktail, bourbon apple cider cocktail or a cranberry ginger bourbon fizz. If you need a big batch cocktail, this pumpkin rum punch is super flavorful and festive!

Classic side dishes like sausage stuffing or sage and onion stuffing are always a must. Don’t forget the creamy instant pot mashed potatoes! For a unique take on sweet potatoes, cheesy hasselback sweet potatoes are a tasty combo of sweet potatoes, herbs, butter and cheese. Want something crispy on the plate? Try these easy smashed fingerling potatoes or French parmentier potatoes. Alternatively try this creamy and rich sweet potato souffle!

Any of these last minute Thanksgiving recipes are fantastic, plus they can be made in a hurry!

Finally, if you make this smoked beer brined turkey recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Smoked Beer Brined Turkey

The juiciest, most flavorful turkey you will ever eat. Period.

5 from 70 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 18 15

Cook Time: 6 30

Total Time: 1 45

equipment

ingredients

One 12-16 lb turkey thawed
10 cups of water
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1/4 cup whole allspice berries
1 Tbsp whole cloves
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs thyme
4 sprigs rosemary
2 sprigs sage
1 large yellow onion peeled and quartered
5 1/2 cups 44 fl oz brown ale (I used Newcastle Brown Ale)
2 cup ice
1/4 cup olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper

instructions

In a large pot, stir together 10 cups water, salt, allspice, cloves, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage, and onion. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. Pour in beer and ice.
Allow the brine liquid to cool completely to room temperature.
Rinse your turkey and remove the bag of innards that are tucked inside. Place the turkey into whatever you plan to brine it in. I used a giant stock pot that fits a 13-lb turkey, but you can also use a food-grade safe bucket or oven bags.
Pour the brine over the turkey and cover. Place in the refrigerator.
Brine your turkey for 16 to 18 hours, rotating every 6 to 8 hours if your turkey is not completely covered in the brine.
Remove from fridge and remove the turkey from the brine. Truss the legs and tuck the wing tips back around the bird. Rub the bird all over with olive oil. Season with a small amount of black pepper.
Set your smoker to smoke at 225 degrees F and preheat with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. Place the pan directly on the grill grate or directly in your smoker, depending on the model you are using. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 100 to 110 degrees F. This took me about 2 1/2 hours for a 13+lb bird. It should take between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the turkey.
Increase temperature to 350 degrees F. This will take another 1 1/2 to 3 hours, depending on turkey size. Continue to cook until a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
Remove the roasting pan from the grill and let rest 15 minutes until the turkey is 165 degrees F before carving.

notes

If you are cooking the turkey in the oven, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Truss turkey as mentioned above and rub with olive oil all over (about 1/4 cup). Place turkey on the roasting rack in the roasting pan. Cook until turkey reaches about 160 degrees F, about 3 to 4 hours. Again, allow to rest to get to temperature before carving.

Cuisine: Holiday

Category: Poultry

Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecakes For An Afternoon Holiday Break With Starbucks

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 13, 2018 // 9 Comments

Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecakes are ideal for an afternoon holiday sweet break with Starbucks. Taking note from a European tradition of afternoon coffee and cake, this is the little “treat yourself” moment you need to brighten up your week.

Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecakes For A Sweet Afternoon Break With Starbucks

This post has been sponsored by Starbucks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you need one thing this holiday season, it’s Starbucks^® Holiday Cookie Straws and Starbucks^® Holiday Blend… and a coffee/cake afternoon break. I found these delicious holiday products at my local Kroger store (which is King Soopers for you Colorado peeps!). Check out the below to find the best place for you to pick up Starbucks Holiday Cookie Straws and Starbucks Holiday Blend!

[Read more…]

Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 11, 2018 // 12 Comments

Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets are the ideal holiday appetizer, elevating baked brie to a whole new level. With Wright® Brand Bacon, honey, and thyme, you get sweet, savory, and herbaceous all in one bite. It’s a fun way to make a traditional appetizer into something hand-held, plus they can be frozen and baked later!

This post has been sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The holidays are in full swing and I am so freaking excited. That means spending extra time with family, cooking until my feet are sore, indulging in all the treats, and so much more are right around the corner.

To get everything you need for this recipe, shop Tyson products now at Kroger!

There are so many opportunities to gather together this time of year, and that means you have multiple times to make memories that will last for years to come while gathered around the dinner table. That’s why these cute little Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets are the ideal appetizer to serve up for your next gathering.

[Read more…]

Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 6, 2018 // 1 Comment

Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing is a fun southwestern twist to one of the classic Thanksgiving side dishes. The bold flavor of the green chiles comes through in every moist mouthful that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission.

Thanksgiving is a big, big, biiiiiiiiig deal in my world. My grandmother used to spends hours making a giant feast for all of our extended family – all 20+ of us.

I remember being in the kitchen, helping as much as I could, with uncles, aunts, cousins, and family friends laughing and sharing stories.

[Read more…]

Apple Pie Old Fashioned Cocktail

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 1, 2018 // 8 Comments

An Apple Pie Old Fashioned Cocktail encompasses all those fruity apple pie filling flavors in a glass. Made with homemade apple pie infused whiskey, this cocktail is the epitome of fall and made with only two ingredients. Bring it out for Thanksgiving or your next cocktail hour after work!

I am currently looking out the window at some cloudy skies with my little space heater blasting, a pup curled up at my desk chair, and lots of layers. All I can think about is how happy I am that it is finally cool outside!

Thankfully I am lucky enough to not have a long commute to work – it’s only from my bedroom to my home office, after all 😉 I think that is why I appreciate the cooler weather so much more. Now, I don’t actually have to be IN it, but I get to reap the benefits of snuggling up and feeling all cozy all day long.

Should I stop bragging before you start throwing tomatoes or something at me?

ANYWAYS, one of the rewards on a chilly day is when I officially reach cocktail hour. Once I’ve done my workout, gotten cleaned up, finished the dishes and started on dinner, it’s time for a proper cocktail.

Ok, so you all know that I made this INSANE Apple Pie Infused Whiskey last week, and now I am going to show you how to use it!

I love the apple pie infused whiskey because it truly comes through in the cocktail, and it makes it easy to create. Heck, you only need two ingredients for this drink.

If that’s not the epitome of simple, I don’t know what is.

It’s hard to believe that this flavorful drink only takes two ingredients to make. Of course, a lot of that flavor is because of the apple pie infused whiskey that you absolutely HAVE to make this fall.

The flavors of apple pie come through in the cinnamon, clove, and apple-y notes that flow through the infused whiskey. Along with a dash of the bitters flavor, you get a slightly sweet, spirit-forward cocktail. Trust me when I say that you won’t want to stop sipping on. Instead of needing to add in simple syrup, there’s a small amount of sweetener in the infused whiskey. That along with the natural sweetness of the apples gives you just enough to cut through the strength of the alcohol.

Now my mouth is watering yet again…

Is it cocktail hour yet?

Come on end of the day…. COME. ON.

This Recipe’s Must-Haves

The glasses you see in the photos here were an old set I got from Williams Sonoma, but I am totally digging these double old fashioned glasses! They are next on my list to add to our bar collection. Really any rocks glass will work!

If you don’t have the classic bar spoons to stir up your cocktails, you should invest in a simple cocktail stirring spoons set.

To make the best ice spheres, I use ice sphere molds. Super affordable and durable!

Finally, if you make this apple pie old fashioned cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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