Meghan Y., Author at Cake 'n Knife

Individual Ginger Acorn Squash Soup Bowls

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 17, 2017 // 4 Comments

Individual Ginger Acorn Squash Soup Bowls are full of bright ginger flavor paired with smooth, creamy acorn squash and savory sage. It’s an easy soup to make for an holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving! Served up in individual acorn squashes, these adorable soups are a real stunner for all your guests.

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. Thank you for supporting Cake ‘n Knife!

I’m always a sucker for a creamy squash soup.

As a person who isn’t a real “soup person”, that’s saying a lot.

For some reason, despite the weather being pretty mild here in Denver this week, I’ve needed soup to comfort my soul this week.

Is anyone else finding this November to kinda be a “blaahhhhhhhhh” month? I feel like I can’t quite win this month and I am REALLY ready to be into December, where I can take solace in the never-ending joy of Christmastime.

While I usually go the grilled cheese and tomato soup route (which is exactly what I ate for dinner last night), with Thanksgiving coming up in less than a week (AHHHH) I am alllll about those squash soups that are perfect before digging into some serious bird and potatoes situation. [Read more…]

Eggnog Cold Brew Coffee Cocktail

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 16, 2017 // Leave a Comment

If you love traditional eggnog this time of year, you are going to flip over this Eggnog Cold Brew Coffee Cocktail! Made with the oh-so convenient KitchenAid® Cold Brew Coffee Maker, this boozy spiced cocktail will give you just the right jolt to keep the party going all holiday season long.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by KitchenAid®. While I was compensated, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

I am one of those people who looooooooves eggnog.

To me, eggnog is the epitome of holiday drinking (it’s been a tradition in my family ever since I can remember!). The rich creamy flavor with a heaping helping of bourbon is just the cup of joy I need in life.

Of course, being the cold brew coffee-obsessed individual I am… I wanted to add eggnog into the mix.

All I can say is… It’s the best idea. Like. Ever.

[Read more…]

Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin + A Le Creuset Giveaway!

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 14, 2017 // 65 Comments

Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin is a fun twist on the classic side dish, perfectly portioned for everyone at your holiday dinner table. The individual side dishes hold creamy, cheesy, herbaceous potato gratin, layered up in mini cocottes that will really wow all of your guests!

Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin | cakenknife.com #potatoes #sidedish #hoildays #thanksgiving

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Le Creuset. While I was compensated, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Let’s talk Thanksgiving things.

Every year when I think about a Thanksgiving menu, I always like to think about new and simple ways to update those old recipes that my whole family loves.

It’s tough when you are someone who loves to cook something different all the time, especially when your family loves the classic recipes every year.

So while I would love to have a global inspired Thanksgiving, so often the demand for the familiar Thanksgiving dishes outweighs my crazy menu ideas.

Which of course I am totally fine with, because who doesn’t love a bit of tradition in their lives?

That’s why I end up making up new takes on familiar flavors for the holidays!

My inspiration for my potato side dish this year came from one place… Le Creuset!

These little individually portioned potato gratins are creamy, cheesy and filled with fresh herb flavors. The potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and you’ll be hard pressed to have any leftovers, that’s for sure.

Not to mention, they are even easier to make than a giant batch of potato gratin, and everyone gets a taste of that perfectly golden cheese on top!

Can we take a second and honestly talk about how adorable these Le Creuset Mini Cocottes are?!

Not only are they the perfect size for any individually portioned side dishes or desserts.

PLUS the colors are absolutely STUNNING on the holiday table. Personally, I am in love with the Marseille flavor, but the Cerise and all the other colors are absolutely brilliant.

They bring so much life to the table at any time of year!

Plus these little cocottes are dishwasher AND microwave safe (as well as oven safe, obviously), making them my little lifesavers when it comes to hosting dinner parties. With the quality of Le Creuset’s cookware, these are the kind of dishes you want to stock in your cabinets for years and years to come!

Le Creuset wants you to have a pop of color in adorably sized dishes this holiday season too.

ALSO, just a little tip from me to you… Keep your eye on my blog in December. I’ve got HUGE things coming up for y-o-u this holiday season!

This Recipe’s Must Haves

Le Creuset Stoneware Petite Round Casserole Gift Set is the perfect gift for friends and family (and yourself!)!
Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Sauce Pan is my most reliable pan and I looooovvvve this blue color!
Le Creuset Revolution Silicone Spatula Spoon

Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin

These cute little potato gratins are an even easier version of your favorite potato side dish, with fresh herbs and extra cheeeeeeese!

4.7 from 6 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 40

Additional Time: 10

Total Time: 55

Servings: 4

ingredients

3 small russet potatoes peeled and cut into thin slices
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp freshly chopped thyme
1 tsp freshly chopped oregano
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 oz. white cheddar cheese shredded
3 oz. Gruyère cheese shredded
Freshly chopped parsley

instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set 4 mini cocottes on the baking sheet.
Divide potato slices evenly between the mini cocottes, layering them in a staggered circle so the slices lay flat.
Over medium high heat, add heavy cream, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Stir 3 oz white cheddar cheese and 2 oz gruyere cheese into the cream mixture, until melted. Slowly pour the mixture into the 4 cocottes, dividing evenly between them.
In a small bowl, stir remaining cheese together. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the cocottes, dividing evenly between them.
Add the baking sheet with the mini cocottes to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown on top.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

nutrition

Calories: 737kcal

Category: Side Dish

Cruise Ship Secrets for Millennials

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 10, 2017 // Leave a Comment

When you want to get the most out of your vacation at sea, look no further than my Cruise Ship Secrets for Millennials. Whether you have never been cruising before or are a seasoned pro, my tips and tricks to making the most out of your cruise on the Carnival Vista are going to open your eyes to so much more than simply lounging by the pool and going on excursions.

Cruise Ship Secrets for Millennials | cakenknife.com #cruisingcarnival #cruising #tipsandtricks #carnivalvista #sponsored

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Carnival. All opinions are my own, as usual. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

As a girl who had never been on a cruise before in her life, I was honestly a little unsure about going on my first cruise.

Now I knew I picked an amazing cruise line (Carnival), and I knew I would have fun, but as someone who plans their trips out with intensive itineraries, I wasn’t sure how a vacation at sea would go for me.

Especially considering we cruised immediately following the insane amount of hurricanes that thrashed Puerto Rico, St. Marteen, and so many more places.

Even with a changed itinerary the week before we set sail, I couldn’t have asked for more out of a vacation.

[Read more…]

Absolut Elyx Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 9, 2017 // Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season for holiday cocktails and an Absolut Elyx Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries is just the spicy, slightly sweet, and boozy drink you need to be whipping up. Garnished with cranberries soaked in brandy, this smooth cocktail brings festive cheer to any gathering!

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

The holidays are officially upon us…

Are you ready??

Because I am. Well sorta. Ok maybe. But not? I DON’T KNOW.

The holidays crept up on me FAST this year. While I thought I was totally ready, I am feeling like I am still stuck in the middle of October. [Read more…]

Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 7, 2017 // 2 Comments

Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a colorful, bright salad that is a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter what you are serving! With tons of different textures and flavors (and an easy citrus dressing that’s to die for), this savory, tart and nutty salad will win everyone over.

Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad | cakenknife.com #salad #thanksgiving #sidedish #healthy

I MADE A SALAD.

This is, like, a REALLY big deal people.

Because I don’t do salads. I am the anti-salad girl who will only eat one if I really feel like I’ve been particularly unhealthy for a period of time.

And when I do make a salad, I make it with bread like this avocado caprese panzanella salad and this avocado fennel salad.

Occasionally though, I remember that salads are actually a good idea and a good thing to make, because they don’t have to be a whole meal. Sometimes they are just the perfect side dish to serve up alongside an epic meal.

That’s exactly what this salad is!

It’s THE salad that you should be serving up next to your turkey on Thanksgiving Day this year.

Why, you ask?

Well, to start it’s a fun new way to serve up Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving. Instead of steaming and roasting them like you usually do, you don’t even have to cook these bad boys. So right there, you are saving a ton of time (not to mention you can totally make this the day before and just leave the dressing out of it until you are ready to serve!).

Next, this salad is an absolutely divine combination of a ton of different textures and flavors. From the tart dried cranberries to the savory, crispy bacon; from the crunchy shaved sprouts to the thinly sliced almonds for just a touch of nuttiness; it all comes together in a bowl of incredible flavors.

The best part is the citrusy dressing because it’s an easy dressing to make and it brings an added brightness to the salad!

All in all, it’s the perfect complement to a plate full of heavy turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.

You can even pair it with your favorite family meal like marry me chicken meatballs!

Anyone else ready for Thanksgiving already?!