Meghan Y., Author at Cake 'n Knife

Double Decker BLAT with Spicy Candied Bacon

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 18, 2017 // 1 Comment

Double Decker BLAT with Spicy Candied Bacon is just the lunch to make any lunch infinitely more special. The homemade spicy candied bacon and added crunch of golden fried bread elevate this sandwich way beyond the normal BLAT experience. You’ll never find a better sandwich to serve up at lunchtime!

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!

The simplest of sandwiches is the BLT.

Bacon. Lettuce. Tomato. Slap that between a couple slices of toasted bread and some mayonnaise and you have a delicious sandwich to nom on.

There are a few amazing BLTs I’ve had in my life, and I’ve incorporated all the best parts of those sandwiches into this epic double decker pile of goodness you see right here.

Most recently I had this KILLER BLT in a beer hall in Arvada. It had thick cut bacon they made in house. It had a creamy homemade mayonnaise. The best part of it though, was the middle layer of bread. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 15, 2017 // 2 Comments

Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is an elegant meal that every fall dinner should feature. The rich pumpkin ricotta filling plays off the silky brown butter sage sauce, all with fresh homemade pasta! Don’t let the homemade pasta intimidate you – it really is easier than you think to create.

Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce | cakenknife.com #pasta #ravioli #homemade #recipe

So homemade pasta is back, and it is here to stay.

It’s been a while since I pulled out the homemade pasta for you all, hasn’t it? The last recipe was Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies, and that just feels like decades ago.

I suppose it was just decades of recipes ago… 😉

[Read more…]

Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 14, 2017 // 14 Comments

A Bourbon Pumpkin Smash on a cozy fall evening is just what this season calls for. With a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup, this rich bourbon cocktail is full of flavor and just a little bit bubbly! It’s ideal for a cocktail hour at home, whether it’s a large gathering or just you on the couch with a blanket and a good book.

about this bourbon pumpkin smash

Now THIS is the kind of pumpkin spice that I get excited about.

You’ve heard me mention that my love of pumpkin spice isn’t off-the-charts OMG I HAVE TO HAVE A PSL RIGHT NOW levels. However, as seen with my Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls, I can let out a little girlish squeal when pumpkin spice is done right.

This cocktail strikes exactly that chord for me. The combination of pumpkin spice and bourbon is seriously the bomb diggity. I really don’t have any other way to describe it.

It’s the pumpkin spice simple syrup that is the real hero of the cocktail. Just LOOK at that color….

If that doesn’t make you think of festive fall things, I don’t know what will!

You will want to start making giant batches of this simple syrup, not only for this cocktail, but also for anything else you can use simple syrup in. Want to make a pumpkin spice cappuccino at home? A latte perhaps? You could give a whole new twist to rich, homemade hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

pumpkin spice cocktail with bourbon image in glasses

Why not make EVERYTHING pumpkin right? I told you I got your back, pumpkin lovers. Even if I’m not on the PSL train, I got your back. 😉

The rich and festive flavors of pumpkin spice in the simple syrup make the syrup a great sweetener that isn’t too sweet to overpower the bourbon. Instead, it’s the perfect complement to the bourbon.

The cinnamon, allspice and ginger in pumpkin pie spice are natural allies for bourbon, and the richness of the pumpkin puree brings out a savory and slightly bitter note that you can really taste in the cocktail.

It’s just the right cocktail to drink while in your favorite flannel, oversized shirt and leggings, sitting by a window, watching the leaves gently fall to the ground. I mean, the bourbon pumpkin combo really is the best for this time of year, after all.

In reality, that is probably not what you’ll be doing when you drink this cocktail. In all likelihood you’ll be enjoying a drink at the end of a long day at work, or serving up the cocktail for a group of friends catching up around the dinner table.

But I like to imagine that movie moment in my head.

everyday seasonal: fall

With seasonal fall recipes, a comprehensive produce guide, and more, this is the cookbook to help you celebrate the season.

get your copy

pumpkin spice simple syrup in carafe picture

ingredients

pumpkin spice simple syrup – the versatile recipe that you’ll want to use all fall long! You can use it to spice up cocktails, or simply as a sweetener for your morning coffee. I have the recipe included in the card below, but you can also visit the post linked here for more info!

bourbon – bourbon is the obvious choice for this cocktail (it is a bourbon smash after all!), and you can go with a nice mid-price range option like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve.

lemon juice – I always recommend fresh lemon juice because store-bought tends to taste a lot more sour, in my opinion at least.

soda water – This gives a little bubbly kiss to the cocktail, which I truly love! You can also use plain water if you don’t keep soda water on hand.

sugar – to make the simple syrup, you will need granulated sugar and for the rimming mix, you will need brown sugar. I recommend using light brown sugar, but you can also use dark brown sugar if that’s what you have handy.

spices – cinnamon, allspice and ginger are natural allies for bourbon, making these spices ideal for the rimming sugar.

this recipe’s must haves

A Boston shaker is a great standard shaker to have on hand, especially if you don’t have one yet. And if you don’t, you really need to just get this now to make your life easier. Just sayin.

Cocktail spoons so you can always have a spoon to stir any cocktail!

You need to have your saucepan handy – this one especially because I LOVE the copper…

rimming a glass with cinnamon sugar picture

here’s how to make a bourbon pumpkin smash

make simple syrup

Add pumpkin puree, water, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once smooth and bubbling, remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Strain the syrup, pushing through as much liquid as you can. Syrup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

make rimming mixture

Combine ingredients for the rimming mixture in a small bowl, stirring until combined. Dump on a shallow plate.

Rub the edge of a rocks glass(es) with lemon wedge to wet it, then roll in the rimming sugar. Set rimmed glass(es) aside.

make cocktail

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add pumpkin spice syrup, bourbon, and lemon juice for the cocktail. Shake well.

strain and finish

Fill the rimmed glass(es) with ice and strain cocktail mixture.

Top off with soda water, stir and garnish before serving.

tips for success

use the right pumpkin puree. If you are buying pumpkin puree, make sure that you buy the puree and not the pumpkin pie filling in a can! You can also learn how to make pumpkin puree yourself for all your cocktails, pies, and other recipes this fall.

make it in bulk. Hosting a gathering? To make these in bulk, I recommend making the cocktail in batches of 4 at a time (this will fit most cocktail shakers!). You’ll need 4 oz pumpkin spice simple syrup, 8 oz bourbon (1 cup), 1 oz lemon juice, and 16 oz soda water (2 cups) total for 4 cocktails.

More tasty pumpkin beverage recipes: Pumpkin Pie Martini | Homemade Pumpkin Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream | Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned | Pumpkin Pie Mimosa

Side image of pumpkin bourbon smash cocktail in glasses

how long can I store the pumpkin spice syrup?

Once cooled, the pumpkin spice simple syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a bourbon pumpkin smash

I love this cocktail because the balance of pumpkin pie flavor with a little sour and a little sweet is just right for all your favorite fall savory dishes!

Hosting a party? If this is your star cocktail, I suggest keeping the pumpkin theme going with chorizo pumpkin chipotle queso! You could also go with a classic cacio e pepe wings situation for a savory pairing that doesn’t have pumpkin. For an elevated seasonal centerpiece, this fall charcuterie board highlights the seasonal flavors of autumn!

For dinner, if you want to pair with savory pumpkin flavors, this spicy black bean chicken pumpkin enchilada bake is a fun layered tray of goodness. Another classic savory fall meal is roasted chicken with white wine and fresh herbs!

Finally, if you make this bourbon pumpkin smash, 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 live 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

Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

When you combine pumpkin spice simple syrup, bourbon and a splash of lemon juice, you have a pumpkin cocktail that makes any fall gathering truly memorable!

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

instructions

To make the simple syrup, add pumpkin puree, water, sugar and pumpkin pie spice to a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once the syrup is boiling and smooth, remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Strain the pumpkin mixture into an airtight container. Let cool completely before making the cocktail. Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
In a small bowl, stir together ingredients for the cinnamon rimming sugar.
Rub the edge of a rocks glass with a lemon wedge.
Pour the rimming sugar into a shallow dish. Rim the rocks glass with sugar. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add pumpkin spice syrup, bourbon and lemon juice for the cocktail. Shake well.
Fill rimmed rocks glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
Top with soda water. Give the cocktail one final stir and serve.

Category: Booze

Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 12, 2017 // 11 Comments

Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are gooey, chewy and packed with fall pumpkin flavor! Even though these cookies are incredibly indulgent, they are so easy to make. Celebrate the arrival of harvest season (and satisfy that sweet tooth at the same time!) – pumpkin style!

The smell of pumpkin will fill your house every time you bake these. It’s just like walking into a house that has been baking pumpkin pies all day.

In other words, it’s pure magic!

I feel such a sense of calm when fall rolls around. I bust out the pumpkin and apple scented candles, big blankets, comfy sweaters, boots and mulled wine as soon as I can.

It’s all I can do to try to stay out of sweats all day on a regular basis, so I seriously love when fall rolls around because leggings and sweaters are acceptable attire in AND out of the house. [Read more…]

Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

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

When you need a hit of sweet and salty in the same bite, Olive Oil Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies are here to satisfy your craving! The Bertolli® olive oil in these cookies makes them extra soft, chewy and buttery without using any butter. The surprise gooey caramel center is the bomb diggity extra touch your homegating celebrations NEED.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bertolli® and Kroger Game Day Greats! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Let’s talk olive oil, friends.

Obviously you know what olive oil is. As a youngling I knew it was that stuff my mom tossed veggies in before roasting them. You know, the normal stuff.

It wasn’t until I spent time in Rome that I learned what EVOO could really do. That’s where it hit me that this oil was so much more than a mere cooking ingredient.

The sumptuous flavor of extra virgin olive oil can elevate a multitude of recipes, specifically these insane brownie cookies. [Read more…]

Slow Cooker Garlic Rosemary Pot Roast with Red Wine Sauce

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 8, 2017 // 2 Comments

Slow Cooker Garlic Rosemary Pot Roast with Red Wine Sauce is a comforting meal you will keep turning to again and again, throughout the fall and winter seasons. Chuck roast is slow cooked with onion, garlic, rosemary and spices until it is fall-apart-in-your-mouth tender. Top it all off with a rich red wine sauce and you have a comforting meal that’s easy to make, and even easier to devour.

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!

Did you grow up with pot roast?

I was not one of those kids that did. I think my grandma made it from time to time, but honestly I couldn’t name a specific time I ate it as a child.

Since it was just my mom and me, we never opted for those giant “feed the entire family in one pot” meals because we would never finish it. [Read more…]

An Evening in New Historic Arvada

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 7, 2017 // Leave a Comment

The quaint main street running down the center Olde Town Arvada sneaks you right out of the modern Denver jungle and into a unique corner of the city. Though the historic buildings have been maintained, the bars and restaurants hiding within are anything but old school. Head out for An Evening in New Historic Arvada to indulge in a variety of beer, booze, and food to get your taste buds tingling!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arvada Tavern and Kline’s Beer Hall! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

It’s funny how few people who are local to Denver venture out to Olde Town Arvada. It took me about 15 years to work my way northwest to this adorably quaint section of the city (shameful, I know). Olde Town Arvada is one of those places that has kept with it’s historic roots in the look and feel of it’s Main Street Americana roots, without becoming dated and forgotten.

Instead there is a lively food, cocktail and beer scene that is humming all along the main road, stemming off into side streets. As you walk around Olde Town Arvada, you’ll be enchanted by the brick buildings, the variety of shops and restaurants, and the overall feeling of being taken away from the city without venturing too far from home. [Read more…]

Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 5, 2017 // 9 Comments

Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls are the explosion of fall flavors your autumn-loving heart desires. The combination of the pumpkin spice and chai spice makes this a bold made-from-scratch breakfast or brunch dish to make throughout fall and straight on into winter. It’s just the right thing to wake up to alongside your favorite cup of coffee!

Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls | cakenknife.com #pumpkinspice #chaispice #fall #breakfast

Even though Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer, it seemed like summer ended effective September 1st this year because of one thing…

Pumpkin spice latte season is here.

Not ready for PSL season? Make strawberry rolls instead to keep that summer feeling alive!

I can already hear some of you screaming with joy right now.

Lord knows I have friends running around Denver right now, grabbing as many PSLs as they can carry, obsessing over the pumpkin spice deliciousness.

[Read more…]

Absolut Elyx Wild Berry Vesper

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON September 1, 2017 // Leave a Comment

An elegant Absolut Elyx Wild Berry Vesper is the fruity sipper your cocktail hour needs this week. The trio of tart and sweet berries pair beautifully with smooth, silky Absolut Elyx vodka; making this cocktail an elevated version of the classic Vesper cocktail. You and your friends will be feeling fancy and bright with every sip!

Absolut Elyx Wild Berry Vesper | cakenknife.com #sponsored #cocktail #happyhour

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 long weekend is almost here and I can practically taste the relaxation and joy…

By relaxation and joy, I obviously mean this smooth and fruity cocktail.

It’s hard to believe that the big move into our new house is tomorrow. The journey to this point has been long and full of wayyyyyy too much painting, but I am feeling the weight of a never-ending to-do list start to lessen slightly.

[Read more…]

Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 31, 2017 // 5 Comments

For an easy tailgating appetizer that packs in the flavor, reach for some Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños. The smoky bacon wrapped around goat cheese stuffed spicy peppers is an explosion of savory, indulgent heat to help you cheer on your home team! Throw them on the grill or bake them up at home – either way, you’ve got your next tailgating party covered.

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

It’s almost September!!

For most people this is the start of a pumpkin obsession, but for me, September signifies a more important milestone… The start of tailgating season is almost HERE!

To celebrate just how close tailgating season is, and to give you a little something to whip up over Labor Day weekend (all in the name of tailgating preparation, right?), I decided to whip up an appetizer that never EVER gets old. [Read more…]

Hot Chicken with Homemade Quick Pickles

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 29, 2017 // 5 Comments

Love setting your mouth on fire? Turn up the heat with crispy Hot Chicken with Homemade Quick Pickles! The juicy chicken is fried to perfection and brushed with a spicy oil that will bring any spicy food lover to their knees. Pair that with cool, crunchy quick pickles, and you’ve got a meal no one will forget!

Hot Chicken with Homemade Quick Pickles | cakenknife.com #dinner #southern #nashville #friedchicken

I have been DYING to share this recipe with you all ever since I made it…

Getting ahead in my schedule of cooking to ensure I had time to pack and move this week has been somewhat of a pain, because I can’t immediately share all the deliciousness that’s been coming out of my kitchen.

This chicken is the highlight of my life right now.

Before I dive into the recipe itself, have you ever heard of or indulged in hot chicken?

[Read more…]

Elvis Cocktail

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 24, 2017 // 4 Comments

If you aren’t putting beer in your cocktails, you aren’t living life to its fullest. Change that now with a delightfully refreshing Elvis Cocktail! This end-of-summer cocktail is rich in hoppy and citrusy notes, with a splash of sweetness to satiate your thirst as we make it through these final hot days before fall sets in.

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 feel like I am melting on the face of the sun…

It’s HOT here in Denver.

More accurately it’s HOT in my office on the second floor where the air conditioning doesn’t really reach and I end each day feeling like I’m going to melt into my chair if I lean back too far into it.

Other things that don’t help is running over to a hot house to paint endless things…

[Read more…]

Denver Food + Wine Festival 2017 (plus a GIVEAWAY!)

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 23, 2017 // 10 Comments

My favorite week is coming back to Denver in early September… That’s right, it’s time for the Denver Food + Wine Festival! Want more details (and a chance to win tickets to the Grand Tasting)? Read on, my friends!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Denver Food + Wine Festival! As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the partners that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Guess what time of year it is….?

No I’m not talking about PSL season. I’m not talking about tailgating season. Today, I’m talking about Denver Food + Wine Festival week!

As you all know, this particular week is my hands-down favorite time of year in Denver for all things food and wine. The Denver Food + Wine Festival is fast approaching (September 5th through 10th) and it’s going to be another week filled with killer foodie events. If you are an uber foodie here in Denver, this is one of those weeks that literally feels like Christmas every single day. [Read more…]

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Bites with Mango Slaw

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 22, 2017 // Leave a Comment

Currently OBSESSED with bright, crispy and spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Bites with Mango Slaw! It’s the best bang bang shrimp fix at home, and in bite-sized form. Bust out this recipe for your next party and watch them disappear in a snap!

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!

Bang bang shrimp has a near and dear place in my heart.

It’s one of those foods that I remember eating for the first time and going “OH HOLY CRAP I NEED TO EAT THESE EVERY DAY!”

It was a bit of a tradition in my life to hit up Bonefish Grill for their $5 bang bang shrimp Wednesday happy hours back when I first started a “real job” and was working my way through graduate school.

Back when school and work was all-consuming, it was a welcome break to head to happy hour with a friend or co-worker to have a ~~couple~~ few glasses of white wine and a giant plate of bang bang shrimp. [Read more…]

Spicy Tuna Poke and Avocado Wonton Cups

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

Spicy Tuna Poke Wonton Cups are how I take myself back to Hawaii through food. Each bite of the spicy, fresh, delicious fish in crispy golden wonton cups is an explosion of complex flavors that only take a few minutes to pull together. If you can’t fly to Hawaii, then take yourself there on a wave of these island flavors!

If you have been watching any food trends around the world, you know that poke is soooooo in right now.

Honestly, I don’t know why it hasn’t been “in” for a long time now. There is so much variety in poke, from the types of fish to the sauces to the toppings that you can choose to go with it.

When I went to Hawaii for my 30^th birthday (which seems like forever ago, even though it hasn’t even been a year yet), we went to this place on Kauai called Fish Express for some seriously life-changing poke. [Read more…]

48 Hour Foodie Guide to Prague

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 18, 2017 // 1 Comment

When I think about the top five cities to hit in Europe, Prague always makes the list. The old-meets-new enchantment of the city is breathtaking and the food and cocktail scene is insane. I spent days experiencing the city and was able to narrow it down to the top things to eat, drink and see (not to mention where to stay!) in my 48 Hour Foodie Guide to Prague. Even if you have more than 48 hours to experience the cities, this round up is the best of the best to incorporate into your itinerary!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by AnonymouS Shrink’s Office, Eska, and Miss Sophie’s Charles Bridge Hotel! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

If I had to name my top five cities in the world that I recommend visiting (and would go back to time and time again), it would be Prague. To be honest, Prague wasn’t always on my bucket list. It was one of those cities that looked intriguing, but I didn’t know enough about it to know I wanted to visit.

Prague is a city that is going through a revitalization and all foodies, cocktail snobs, beer lovers and adventure seekers need to take note. From turning unused old cellar spaces and turning them into funky hip bars and restaurants to an actual beer SPA, the city is taking it to the next level.

The Man and I spent the majority of our time in Prague to soak up the history, and we ended up experiencing so many new and unique things as a crazy bonus. I was actually pretty awestruck by the city and all the things that are happening in it. I’ve been to Europe several times and have experienced the old/new combination in many cities, but Prague is different. It has the combination of old and new, but it seems to be embracing the new on a whole new level without losing any of the history. [Read more…]

Rustic Pluot Lemon Galette

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 17, 2017 // 6 Comments

When a the lovechild of a plum and an apricot exists, you take advantage of it. A Rustic Pluot Lemon Galette has the best of fruity, tangy and sweet worlds in a deliciously flaky pie crust! It’s an easy dessert to pull together on any weeknight or for your upcoming end-of-summer parties. In other words, THIS is what you should be indulging in this week.

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!

If you don’t know what a pluot is, I demand that you run out to the store and track them down immediately.

These little fruits are the lovechild of a plum and an apricot, and they are AMAZING.

Pluots (aka dinosaur eggs – they look like dinosaur eggs, don’t they?) are a fantastic combination of sweet, tart and tangy with a refreshing burst of juice the moment you bite into them. [Read more…]

Peach Pancakes with Whipped Mint Butter

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 15, 2017 // 6 Comments

Make your summer brunch BOMB with stunning Peach Pancakes with Whipped Mint Butter and Bourbon Maple Syrup. The caramelization on these peaches is gonna blow your minds, friends. For REAL. Even if you have vegan or paleo friends coming over, you can make this dish both by simply omitting the butter and maple syrup!

Protein Peach Pancakes with Whipped Mint Butter and Bourbon Maple Syrup | cakenknife.com #breakfast #brunch #vegan #glutenfree #paleo

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

LOOK HOW PRETTY THESE PEACHES ARE!

I mean really, just look at them.

The color, the caramelization, the glimmer…. it’s intoxicating and immediately makes me drool.

I wish I could say I have a stack of them next to me right now as I type this post up!

Instead, I already selfishly hoarded them ALL to myself, with extra heaping helpings of whipped mint butter and bourbon maple syrup.

[Read more…]

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Sliders

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 11, 2017 // 2 Comments

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Sliders are the spicy, juicy mini sandwiches of your dreams!. The tender pulled chicken cooked in hatch green chile salsa topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños and fried onions is a heat explosion that no one will be able to resist. With tailgating season just around the corner, game days at home never looked so darn good.

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!

Fall is coming and I couldn’t be more excited.

As much as I love the last lazy crazy days of summer, fall is the season that speaks to my soul.

Part of it is my love for autumn leaves, part of it is my love for all squash things, and part of it is my love for TAILGATING SEASON.

Yes, all caps are necessary when talking about tailgating season in August. Because it’s sooooo close. SO. close.
[Read more…]

Nacho Spicy Bloody Mary

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

Nacho Spicy Bloody Mary is the spicy, sultry combination of heat, vodka, and NACHOS. Yes, with this glass of heavenly rich Bloody Mary, you get your very own individual serving of nachos right on top. Perfect for brunch, tailgating, and happy hour, you’re about to experience a whole new level of Bloody Mary deliciousness!

Nacho Spicy Bloody Mary | cakenknife..com #cocktail #nachos #jalapeno

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!

So, I pretty much made you the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever made with your own individual snack right on top to accompany it.

I’ll wait for you to pick your jaws up off of the floor…

When I was in Prague, I went to this AMAZING cocktail bar called AnonymouS Shrink’s Office (which I’ll spill more about once I post all the details of Prague!) and they served up one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever tasted, in one of the most unique bars in the city.

[Read more…]

Southwestern Guacamole Burger

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 8, 2017 // 4 Comments

When I want a great burger, I want three things – smoke, spice, and cheese. A Southwestern Guacamole Burger has all these things PLUS my favorite food of all time; guacamole. This burger packs a heaping helping of flavor in every juicy bite, making it a burger to beat all burgers this summer.

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’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love guacamole.

I would run away with it. I would live in a house made of it (ok, that wouldn’t really work, but you get the idea).

All in all, I am a guac-aholic.

Putting guacamole on eve-ry-thang has become a habit of mine this summer. Something about the cooling and creamy avocado, the bite of the jalapeno and red onion, and the delicious cilantro (I seriously don’t understand anyone who is a cilantro hater….) come together to provide a refreshing flavor that I just can’t get enough of. [Read more…]

Blackberry Peach Shortcake Stacks with Mint Whipped Cream

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 4, 2017 // 5 Comments

Late summer dinners call for a fruity, refreshing, and not-too-sweet finish. Blackberry Peach Shortcake Stacks with Mint Whipped Cream strike the right chord at the end of any meal! With macerated peaches and blueberries, these balanced shortcake stacks have just enough sweetness to make you feel indulgent without weighing you down.

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!

Sooooooo be honest with me… Are you getting sick of ALL the peach things lately?

Because I am so NOT.

At the end of the summer, I always get a craving for all the fruit that’s in season. From peaches to berries, pluots (more to come on these magical beauties later this month) to mangos, I’m munching on fruit for days and daysssss.

That’s why I feel like these shortcake stacks are the dessert that embodies all of my late summertime feelings.

[Read more…]

Lavender Rosé Royale Cocktail

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 3, 2017 // 6 Comments

A sophisticated cocktail hour doesn’t mean you have to toil away over a complicated cocktail recipe! A Lavender Rosé Royale Cocktail will stun anyone and everyone, even your most critical cocktail snob friends. The sweet, subtle lavender notes with crisp rosé and tart grapefruit juice make for a complex cocktail that is simple to make. Topped off with champagne, it’s ideal for any of life’s everyday celebrations!

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!

So, I got a little fancy up in here with my weekly cocktail recipe…

Sometimes you just need a fancy cocktail to make the week a little more exciting, you know?

Today is a special celebration because it’s the Man’s birthday!

And I made a totally girly drink… [Read more…]

Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON August 1, 2017 // Leave a Comment

Why go out for buffalo chicken wings and pizza when you can have both in one? Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing is the blockbuster mash up of two of your favorite snack foods in one. With fried buffalo chicken bites with homemade buffalo sauce and a creamy flavorful blue cheese avocado dressing, this pizza is perfect for a pizza night in or upcoming gathering.

It wasn’t until I was about 20 years old that I actually chowed down on some chicken wings.

I’ll pause for your gasps of shock and awe.

Chicken wings were never really my jam as a kid and even at age 20 I was hesitant to dive into a messy pile of chicken. At the urging of my friends, I finally tried one. [Read more…]

I suppose it was just decades of recipes ago… 😉

about this bourbon pumpkin smash

Why not make EVERYTHING pumpkin right? I told you I got your back, pumpkin lovers. Even if I’m not on the PSL train, I got your back. 😉

everyday seasonal: fall

ingredients

this recipe’s must haves

here’s how to make a bourbon pumpkin smash

make simple syrup

make rimming mixture

make cocktail

strain and finish

tips for success

how long can I store the pumpkin spice syrup?

what to serve with a bourbon pumpkin smash

everyday seasonal cookbook

Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

instructions

I can already hear some of you screaming with joy right now.

browse

never miss a recipe

- FREE E-COURSE -

start cooking <img width="198" height="110" src="https://www.cakenknife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/seasonally_outlined.svg"> in just 5 days!

start cooking
in just 5 days!