Meghan Y., Author at Cake 'n Knife

A Perfect Day in Curaçao Travel Guide

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 11, 2017 // 3 Comments

Whether you are island hopping on a cruise or planning a trip to this amazing little island, a Perfect Day in Curaçao Travel Guide is just what you need to make the most of your time in Curaçao! With this guide in your back pocket, you’ll be able to check out the best sites and enjoy the best food, beer and cocktails the island has to offer. It’s the ideal all-inclusive day of delicious adventure, complete with toes in the sand overlooking a beautiful ocean view.

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!

While I loved the entire cruise I took in October on the Carnival Vista, if I had to pick one favorite island, it would have to be Curaçao. The blue waters, the bars on the beach, and the amazing Dutch influence make this island a truly unique experience. It’s honestly the one island I am dying to return to for a relaxing island vacation.

That’s all due to the fact that the island is heavily influence by the Dutch still (it’s technically still a part of the Netherlands!), so it’s a delightful mix of Europe and island culture. You’ll actually find a LOT of folks from the Netherlands on the island vacationing and even a ton of folks who are working on the island for a time to get a break from the Netherlands.

[Read more…]

Gingerbread Bourbon Punch

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 7, 2017 // 37 Comments

Gingerbread Bourbon Punch is the festive, spiced large batch cocktail of the season! With gingerbread spices, ginger beer and ginger brandy, this drink is like a Moscow Mule on steroids. You might never go back to the plain ok’ classic recipe again…

Gingerbread Bourbon Punch | cakenknife.com #bigbatchcocktail #cocktail #moscowmule #bourbon

about this gingerbread bourbon punch

‘Tis the season to break out the copper mugs!!

Ok I know they can be used year round but I particularly love breaking them out in the winter months. The rich copper tones enveloping a chilled, gingery drink just scream holiday, no matter how you like to serve up your mules.

With the holidays coming up SO fast, I wanted to take the idea of a traditional mule and make it a giant punch for everyone to enjoy.

Note: this may or may not have been inspired by an old Good Eats episode (ahhhh I can’t wait for that show to come back!!!) about punch.

Anywho, this Gingerbread Bourbon Punch is basically a Moscow mule on steroids… and here’s why:

It’s made with bourbon instead of vodka, which I think adds a lovely richness to the cocktail and makes it a little more spirit-forward.
The ginger doesn’t just come from ginger beer… I also included some ginger brandy and ginger bitters to give the punch more depth and body.
The cinnamon sticks and apple only enhance the spicy ginger, while also bringing in fruity, warming spice notes throughout that totally remind me of gingerbread for some reason (hence the name… yes I used “hence”, deal with it lol).

When you serve it all up in a giant copper punch bowl with copper mugs, it’s impossible not to feel that festive joy in your heart and all over your taste buds.

You can even make this punch ahead of time! Just leave out the ginger beer and add it (make sure it’s chilled!) right when you are ready to serve.

Garnish each glass with an apple wheel and cinnamon stick, and voila! A party punch to rule them all…

ingredients

bourbon – bourbon is the obvious choice for this punch, and you can go with a nice mid-price range option like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve.

apple juice – use 100% apple juice for this recipe. You could also use apple cider if you prefer, but it will make the punch a bit sweeter.

lemon juice – fresh lemon juice is always best!

brandy – I picked up a ginger brandy for this recipe to really hammer home the ginger flavor. I highly recommend using it, but you can also use regular brandy if you prefer.

ginger beer – did you know that ginger beer isn’t actually beer? It’s a bubbly non-alcoholic beverage with a big kick of ginger. I like brands that are spicier with a lot of ginger like fever-tree ginger beer. However, if you prefer less spice, there are other brands out there that you can defer to like bundaberg ginger beer.

bitters – ginger bitters gives a lot of flavor to this punch!

fruit – you will need one lemon and two apples (any kind! I used Gala) for this recipe.

cinnamon – a handful of cinnamon sticks really gives you that spice flavor that you are familiar with in gingerbread cookies!

this recipe’s must-haves

As you can see, I used a copper punch bowl for this recipe! You only need to make the punch in the punch bowl so you don’t need a lot of tools to make it happen.

Serve it up in copper mugs like you would a Moscow Mule!

here’s how to make gingerbread bourbon punch

stir together

In a large punch bowl, stir together bourbon, apple juice, lemon juice, ginger brandy, and ginger bitters until combined.

Add 2 cups of ice.

add bubbles

Top off with ginger beer. Stir until combined.

Garnish with lemon slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks. Serve in copper mugs filled with ice and garnish as desired.

tips for success

make it ahead. This is a great punch to make ahead of time. Simply follow step one, then chill the mixture until you are ready to serve. Then add ice and ginger beer.

use whole spices. Be sure to use whole cinnamon sticks and not ground cinnamon. Ground cinnamon will cloud up the drink and can’t easily be strained out.

More tasty ginger cocktails to try: Jameson & Ginger | Ginger Martini with Drunken Cranberries | Whiskey Apple Ginger Fizz | Sparkling Ginger Mint Julep

can I make this ahead of time?

Yes you can! All you need is to combine everything in Step 1, then chill until you are ready to serve it. When ready to serve, add to a punch bowl with ice and top with ginger beer. Serve!

can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?

Technically yes. You can swap bourbon for rye whiskey, but I believe bourbon goes together with the flavors in this punch really well. The rye whiskey will change the overall flavor of the punch, so I just like to call that out!

Finally, if you make this gingerbread bourbon punch 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!

12 Days of Jolly Giveaways on Cake 'n Knife! | cakenknife.com #christmas #giveaway #sponsored

Be sure to check out the recipes I’ve already shared for the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways!

Day One – Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Day Two – Gingerbread Challah Bread

Day Three – Mini Beef Wellingtons

Day Four – Bourbon Gingerbread Punch

Gingerbread Bourbon Punch

Bourbon Gingerbread Punch is the festive large batch cocktail of the season! With gingerbread spices and brandy, this drink is a Moscow Mule on steroids.

4.2 from 6 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

equipment

ingredients

2 1/4 cups bourbon
1 cup 100% apple juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup ginger brandy
5 dashes ginger bitters
7 cups ginger beer
1 lemon sliced
2 apples sliced
5 cinnamon sticks
Ice

instructions

In a large punch bowl, combine bourbon, apple juice, lemon juice, ginger brandy, and ginger bitters. Stir to combine well.
Add 2 cups of ice.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with lemon slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
Serve in copper mugs filled with ice.

Mini Beef Wellingtons

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 5, 2017 // 45 Comments

Mini Beef Wellingtons are how I like to class up a cocktail party, especially during the holiday season! These savory two-bite treats are decadent, flavorful and wayyyy too addictive. They will be a HIT at your next party (or the best dinner to hoard to yourself… don’t worry, I won’t judge ya).

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

Beef Wellingtons have been on my mind lately.

They’ve literally been in my dreams. I don’t know what is with my mind lately, but I’m having some REALLY realistic dreams and a lot of them are involving Hell’s Kitchen. Occasionally I’m a guest dining there, other times I’m leading the girls’ kitchen in a white sous chef coat, and other times I’m fighting for my life on the line cooking beef wellington after beef wellington after beef wellington…

Now for as much as I dream about this dish, I have never made it before! [Read more…]

Gingerbread Challah Bread

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON December 1, 2017 // 52 Comments

Gingerbread Challah Bread is my favorite mashup of holiday flavors, all in one beautifully swirled loaf of bread. The classic spices in gingerbread cookies are what make up the heavenly swirl and the fluffy homemade challah will melt in your mouth. ‘Tis the season for baking and indulgence!

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

This challah is by far one of the best I’ve ever made, or eaten.

I know that’s a pretty big and bold statement to open with, but dangggggggg is this bread amazing.

It’s light and fluffy, it’s buttery, and it’s filled with those classic spices that you find in gingerbread, giving it that unique swirl and a flavor that you have to taste to believe. [Read more…]

Cheesy Pulled Pork BBQ Bread Dip

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 30, 2017 // 1 Comment

Cheesy Pulled Pork BBQ Bread Dip is just the extreme tailgating fix you and your crew need for any game you are watching this season!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce. The contributor was compensated for recipe development. All opinions are her own.

Featuring Stubb’s famous Original Sauce with all of its incredible flavor, this meaty BBQ dip is the real deal. Made to look like a football, it’s impossible not to get in the tailgating mood!

You all know that I love any excuse to tailgate. Whether my favorite team is playing (despite their terrible losing streak right now) or I’m rooting for the Man’s favorite team, tailgating is in my blood.

It’s probably because any food associated with tailgating is the bomb dot COM. [Read more…]

Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 28, 2017 // 41 Comments

Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu is a bowl of comforting, warm and hearty pasta that sets just the right tone for the holiday season. With the weather getting chilly outside, there’s nothing like a rich and meaty meal to bring everyone around the dinner table. Plus it’s oh-so easy to make with your handy dandy slow cooker or electric pressure cooker!

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

This time of year, I just want to eat all of the beef and carb things.

Curling up with a big ol’ bowl of something warm and comforting is basically my life, as I snuggle up on the couch watching the Christmas tree sparkle and the dogs fight over their toys.

With a little Christmas music in the background, it’s impossible to resist this little scene of festive joy! [Read more…]

Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 27, 2017 // 4 Comments

Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes are a boozy chocolate and peanut butter treat that are perfect for handing out to friends and family this holiday season. The crispy rice cereal in these balls gives them a fun texture and the bourbon pairs oh-so well with the goodness that is chocolate and peanut butter. They are SO simple to make; you won’t find an easier Christmas cookie to make!

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!

Thanksgiving is wrapped up, and while you may still be working through all those leftovers… The holiday baking season has begun!

I have some amazing treats coming your way this month (not only for the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways) and these cookies are kicking it all off.

Now I know these are technically no-bake, but that doesn’t make them any less delicious and PERFECT for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season! [Read more…]

Vegan Spicy Avocado Dark Chocolate Truffles

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 26, 2017 // 1 Comment

Vegan Spicy Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles are an indulgent treat that is deceptively healthy! The avocado brings an added creamy element to the decadent dessert with a little spicy twist no one can resist. Whether you are giving this as a hostess gift or serving them up as an after-dinner treat, they will disappear before you know it.

The holiday season is upon us and for me that means one thing…

It’s time to indulge in ALL the things I’ve been avoiding all summer long!

One particular tradition I so look forward to this time of year is digging into truffles. It was always the tradition after big holiday meals to open up one of those two layered boxes of chocolates, trying to get my hands on the caramel-filled ones before the rest of the family swooped in to steal them.

We still keep up this tradition in my family… and it doesn’t mean good things for my waistline. All those truffles and chocolates are tasty to eat, but by the time the New Year rolls around, pants get a little tighter than I want them to… [Read more…]

Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 24, 2017 // 2 Comments

With a Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich in hand, you are ready to master the art of devouring Thanksgiving leftovers. This sandwich has everything from crispy turkey to cranberry sauce, stuffing to mashed potatoes. PLUS it’s all topped off with a cajun gravy aioli thats simply irresistible.

Thanksgiving leftovers are my LIFE. There’s just so many things you can do with them, but primarily, I like to keep the Thanksgiving flavor combination going as long as possible. Preferably throughout the weekend, in new and innovative ways of course.

I’ve told you this time and time again. I’m honestly surprised you aren’t sick of it yet…

Even if you are, pleeeeease don’t tell me, ok? I wanna live in my happy leftovers world!

This is my favorite new take on the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich and holy CRAP have I hit it big with this one, friends. [Read more…]

Whole Wheat Asiago Sweet Potato Galette

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 21, 2017 // 2 Comments

A Whole Wheat Asiago Sweet Potato Galette is an abundance of rich and hearty flavors that make an ideal side dish or appetizer for any holiday meal. The sharp asiago with sultry sweet potato make a festive filling wrapped up in a sage whole wheat crust. It’s a delightfully gorgeous and EASY recipe to make for family and friends!

Disclosure: I received free product and compensation from Bob’s Red Mill as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Are you a fan of sweet potatoes?

I oh-so am, so this time of year is my absolutely favorite because I get to indulge in them even more often that usual!

As much as I used to love sweet potatoes with those toasted marshmallows on top when I was a kid, my tastes have changed so I love any excuse to elevate the humble sweet potato to something truly extraordinary. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Pie Mimosa

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON November 20, 2017 // 11 Comments

A Pumpkin Pie Mimosa is just the right way to start your Thanksgiving, or any brunch during the fall season! Fabulous glasses of pumpkin spice juice and champagne make this a simple cocktail that brings bubbly cheer to any occasion. Topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice sugar, you’ll feel like you’re sipping on pumpkin pie (the classy way).

Pumpkin Pie Mimosa | cakenknife.com #cocktail #pumpkinpie #thanksgiving #recipe #champagne

about this pumpkin pie mimosa

I have a secret to tell you… I don’t like pumpkin pie. GASP.

I KNOW. I used to like it. I used to look forward to it every Thanksgiving. But honestly, it’s not my ~~cup of tea~~ slice of pie (?). It’s just TOO much pumpkin and it tends to be too sweet.

Now I like my pumpkin spice. Not in the “OMG I’m going to line up outside Starbucks for the first PSL of the season!!” way, but in the “I love cinnamon, nutmeg and all the other flavors in pumpkin pie spice – sparingly”.

That is why I made this oh-so fabulous, fancy AF cocktail for the morning of Thanksgiving.

It’s my pumpkin pie fix without eating pumpkin pie!

This is such a simple, elegant cocktail to bust out on Thanksgiving morning, whether you are hosting your family all day or it’s just you and your boo, snuggling up for a late morning before the onslaught of family socializing.

It has a lovely burst of pumpkin in every sip, but the bubbly brut champagne makes it so the cocktail itself isn’t really sweet. Instead it’s bubbly, perfectly spiced and just fantastic.

The little dollop of whipped cream and the pumpkin spice rimming sugar provide just the touch of sweetness to balance out the crisp champagne and the rich pumpkin spice flavors.

You’ll find yourself definitely wanting to indulge in more than one! So feel free to double or triple the recipe below to meet your needs!

Heck, with all that family and booze in one room, you know that you’ll be needing one extra drink to make it through the day without going insane 😉

Pssssst, this is also a great one to bust out the day after Thanksgiving with leftovers!

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ingredients

pumpkin puree. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree! Do not use pumpkin pie filling for this recipe.

pumpkin pie spice. Pumpkin pie spice is made with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger typically. You can either purchase this at the store, or make your own!

sugar. I use granulated sugar for this recipe.

champagne. Pick the champagne you love to drink! I recommend a drier champagne like a brut so that the mixture isn’t too sweet.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make the pumpkin juice mixture, you will need your favorite saucepan to bring it all together. You’ll also need a fine mesh sieve to strain everything through.

I really love these champagne flutes, which are the flutes that you see used here!

I like to use a traditional rimmer set that you would usually use for margaritas for the rims. It makes it super easy to rim the champagne flutes with the cinnamon sugar mixture for the pumpkin pie mimosa.

here’s how to make a pumpkin pie mimosa

make pumpkin juice

Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until it’s cooked down a bit. The mixture should still be a puree – don’t cook it down too far so it becomes a paste!

strain

Remove mixture from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Discard remaining puree and cool the juice completely before using in the cocktail.

make rimming sugar

In a small bowl, stir together sugar and pumpkin pie spice for the rimming mixture.

Wet the rims of the champagne glasses and rim with the sugar mixture.

assemble

Add 1 1/2 oz of pumpkin juice to each champagne glass. Fill each glass with champagne!

Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick. I like to sprinkle a little extra rimming sugar on top of the whipped cream too!

tips for success

use 100% pumpkin. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, use 100% canned pumpkin puree (or homemade if you prefer!).

champagne, not prosecco. I recommend a brut champagne to balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin juice used in this cocktail. Using prosecco will make the drink way too sweet.

can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! I recommend making the pumpkin juice to prep this cocktail ahead of time. Store the pumpkin juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days! Be sure to shake the mixture well before using in the recipe as the spice can sink to the bottom as it sits. Assemble just before serving!

More tasty pumpkin cocktails to try: Pumpkin Bourbon Sidecar | Pumpkin Pie Martini | Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned | Pumpkin Bourbon Hot Chocolate

what to serve with pumpkin pie mimosas

When I serve pumpkin pie mimosas, I’m serving BRUNCH. So let’s talk about some of my favorite fall brunch recipes to whip out:

If you want to keep the pumpkin theme going with something sweet, try pumpkin coffee cake, pumpkin banana muffins, or pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

For a savory option, a hearty southwestern ham hash is a delicious and easy option for fall. Also, breakfast croissant sandwiches work ANYTIME of year!

Looking for another festive fall-themed brunch cocktail? Try an apple cider mimosa!

Finally, if you make these pumpkin pie mimosas, 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! 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!

everyday seasonal cookbook

With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.

download now

Pumpkin Pie Mimosa

Make this Thanksgiving more festive with a riff on pumpkin pie, for brunch! This fancy mimosa has just the right amount of sugar, spice and everything nice.

4.8 from 65 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10