Countdown To Thanksgiving: Delicious Desserts

Here we are at the last Friday before Thanksgiving. A week from now it will be all over, but let's not think about that. I have to admit that I ordered pies this year - first time ever. But if I was cooking at home, I would choose a few of the following recipes. They are all showstoppers!

Cranberry Tart

Simply gorgeous! What a creative way to get cranberry sauce on the table. The crust must be fabulous as it is made with hazelnut, all purpose and almond flours. Worth the sifting!

The Seaside Baker

Maple Pumpkin Gingersnap Trifle

I know first hand that this is a crowd pleaser. I have made it, and it is delicious. The word "crowd" is key here.  It can serve an army. Oh it is so good!

How Sweet Eats

Baked Apples With Caramel Sauce

These are lovingly called "Apple Bombs" because they are exploding with fall flavors. They look like pretty presents. Lovely!

A Spicy Perspective

No-Churn Caramel Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Recipe

Now that I have been making my own ice cream for a year or two, I would never serve a guest store bought. I often make cinnamon caramel ice cream, but without the rolls. This recipe will play well with pumpkin, apple and pecan pie. And you don't need an ice cream maker.

Pastry Chef Online

Ina Garten's Applesauce Cake With Bourbon Raisins

Gotta love Ina for her appreciation of the power of booze in recipes. Soaking raisins in bourbon, and then adding more in the frosting really kicks this old fashion cake up a notch

Williams Sonoma

Bourbon Brulee Pumpkin Pie

Nothing bores me more than a regular pumpkin pie. This recipe is anything BUT regular. Loving the look of the brulee topping!

How Sweet Eats

Gluten-Free Cranberry Coconut Trifle

Another terrific trifle.  In this case, from scratch brown butter sponge cake (gluten free) replaces traditional lady fingers.  It's big on looks but light on calories.

Eating Well

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ms. Shop This makes a pumpkin cheesecake to die for. This dish also looks delicious. The Salted Caramel swirls on the topping, makes it special!

Broma Bakery

Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting

This five star recipe looks like what my Mom made. Carrot cake really is seasonless. My only issue with the recipe is that it calls for "low fat" cream cheese for the frosting. Please! If you are having cake, go full fat.

Taste Of Home

Pumpkin Pecan Ice Cream Pie with Salted Bourbon Caramel
Two classic Thanksgiving desserts in one. This is my kind of pie ~ no pastry dough, just graham crust which is so easy. Just Yum!

If The Spoon Fits

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Cakes

Gluten & Refined Sugar Free
Any time you can offer your guests a gluten free dish on such a heavy gluten day, like Thanksgiving, do it. These little cakes are special. They are made with browned butter, which adds an extra depth of flavor. Maple syrup and coconut sugar sweeten 

the deal. 

The Kitchen McKabe

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow Meringue

On paper, this is my fave of the edit. OMG to that marshmallow meringue! A real showstopper.

What's Gabby Cooking

Gooey Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Custard Cake

Oh wait. Now this may be my favorite recipe. It isn't pretty but it sure does look good! Best yet, it only takes 18 minutes to bake.

Half Baked Harvest

Bacon-Latticed Apple Pie

If you believe that everything with bacon on it is better, this recipe is for you. I bet that the smoky bacon mingling with the seasoned apples, and the bourbon infused crust, is just a real slice of heaven.

Epicurious

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Salted Maple Frosting

I always have room for a cookie, especially a soft one. Put these on your kitchen counter Thanksgiving Day, and watch them walk away.

Broma Bakery

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~ And ~

Countdown To Thanksgiving: Talking Turkey

Luxury Seasonal Scents For The Home

 

As the cold weather is about to settle in, it's time to create a cozy comforting corner in your home. A crackling fire, a good book, a cocktail or coffee along with a really good candle, sounds good, doesn't it? Treat yourself or someone on your gift list. These are some of the very nicest candles money can buy. Get into a merry mood!

Absolute Candles

"The new Absolute Collection, which harnesses the power of highly concentrated fragrance oils known as absolutes to create an exquisitely aromatic experience that is uniquely true to nature." And can we talk about the hand blown candle holders? With natural fragrance like orange blossom, lavender flower, clary sage and more, you can't go wrong.

Lafco New York

Ginori Black Stone Scented Tealight Candles

Very unique and something I would love! These tealights do not smell like black stones, thank goodness. Instead they draw their influence from a crackling fireplace. They are formulated with Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Patchouli and musk for a slightly spicy aroma. I love the packaging, too.

A wonderful splurge.

Net-a-Porter

Illume Candles North Sky

A new candle this season. It's a noble fragrance that sparkles with notes of citrus, festive fir, and fresh berries. A little birch and ebony woods grounds the scent. Delightful, and a chic container.

Bloomingdale's

Moroccan Forest Candles

Handmade in Marrakech, these candles evoke a walk in the woods. I love the hammered brass jar. It is so global chic! I would most certainly use these in my home.

Jason Home

Lladro 1001 Lights

This candle gets my vote for the most unique. A sure winning gift for the lladro collector! Other colors available, but the scent remains the same ~ "Night Approaches." It features very special ingredients such as blackcurrant, lotus flower, and other ingredients that represent the magic of the night and the full moon.

Bergdorf Goodman

Diptyque Feu de Bois 

 "For the festive season, the candle appears in a 600g format, in a pot of grey enamelled porcelain. As the flame flickers, smell the dense, smoky fragrance of logs slowly burning. And throughout the home: an air of enchantment."

Diptyque or Nordstrom

Nest New York Holiday

A classic set that features the quintessential fragrance of the season. The scent features pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and a hint of vanilla. I received the diffuser reeds last year. They last forever.

Nest New York

Jonathan Adler Hashish Candle

4o hours of burn time won't be quite enough of this tempting taboo scent. Consider it earthy but couture. Once the candle burns out, the porcelain container makes a perfect stash box. You know who to give this to, right?

Jonathan Adler

Farmhouse Pottery Vermont Candle

These candles are inspired by the Winter Solstice. Simple in design and true in fragrance.  Choose the scent, pine or fir.

Lulu & Georgia

Cire Trudon Gloria 

This new scent evokes carols and children's choirs. Any one of the candles warms the room with the scent of firewood, vetivre, cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus and more. They make an exquisite gift.

Saks Fifth Avenue.   Or  Neiman Marcus

Jo Malone

This is one of Jo Malone's festive favorites, Orange Bitters. Sweet and bitter orange combine on a base of rich sandalwood and amber to create a luscious scent. Her candles and scents are so fabulous, you'll swear that you have sprayed perfume in the air. 

Jo Malone London  or Bloomingdales's

Costa Brazil Jungle Candle
Love this. The candle promises to fill any space with the lush scents of the Amazon rainforest. The fragrance has also been blended with sacred Breu resin, which is often used in purifying rituals. The beautiful container is engraved with the words "Shine in Nature."

Net-A- Porter

Acqua Di Parma X Emilio Pucci

Select this candle for your most fashionable friend. It's a limited edition that will dress and scent the home with style.  The scent: "balsamic notes of pine oil and scents of birch and guaiac woods combined with spicy accents of clove and the pungent hint of raspberry." Sounds rich and as if it smells expensive.

Nordstrom

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The Perfect Present: For The Entertainer

Perfect Personalized Presents

This year,The Shop This Gift Guide is a big one with over 125 perfect presents. So over the next week or two, I will be breaking it down for you. Personalized presents are always a thoughtful gift. No one's initials are better than our own. This edit features leather cookbooks, lovely linens, darling diaper covers, the best man's duffle and more. Better hurry, these great gifts take time.

Celebration Ice Bucket

I own a few ice buckets, but none of them are monogrammed. These are elegant and will be well used over the years. Also available in silver.

Mark & Graham

Leather Bound Cookbooks

Perfect for the aspiring cook or the experienced chef. These leather bound books by Julia Child or The Joy Of Cooking become an heirloom when you add personalization!

Gigi New York

Personalized Diaper Cover

If you don't know what to get for people who are parents, get something for their child. "Ms. Shop This" wore these every day until out of diapers.  A lovely gift.

Etsy

Custom Phone Cases

Everyone you know has a phone, but most of them do not have one with their name, initials, or fave word on it. An especially cute gift for teens and tweens. Order now for Christmas delivery.

Bauble Bar

Personalized Leather File Folder

I have gifted this fabulous folder several times before. It will be used for their most important interviews and meetings. Very impressive.

Neiman Marcus

Sherpa Anywhere Chair

Sweet and cuddly too. Don't worry about the color, it's a slipcover and is washable. Their name can be added to make it truly a seat of their own.

Pottery Barn Kids

Kessler Medium Duffle

For his next road trip or boys night out. The blind embossed monogram is understated but fabulous.

Leatherology

Gucci Diana Tote

Defined by the bamboo handle, gold Gucci initials, and neon bands for a touch of color. Gucci will make this gift even more special with the recipients initials inside the bag. Other bag colors available

Gucci

Branding Iron & Carving Board

For the backyard barbecue chef. He'll have the best time branding his or her steaks and chops.

Williams Sonoma

Initial Barrettes

A little touch of something personal for less than $10. The gift of a good hair day is priceless.

Baublebar 

Chain Link Pendant Necklace

It's all about the links this season. Add a great toggle closure and their initial, and you have a perfect present for under $40.

Anthropologie

Personalized Makeup Bags

Here's the gift for every woman in your life. They are perfectly sized for handbags. Love the script. You'll love the price at under $15

Etsy

Monogrammed Linen Pillow Sham

One of the prettiest I have found. In fact the entire shop is lovely. No matter who you are gifting this, yourself or others, do it quickly. It will be custom made for you.

Lettrefina

Personalized Leather Passport Case

Oh the places they will go, and with style, thanks to you. This is a gift that will be used by both men and women. I don't have one, do you?

Graphic Image

Good Vibes Denim Jacket

Don't we just want good things for our littles? They will be the coolest kids on the block when they wear this personalized jacket. For sizes 

12 months - 12 years.

The Tot

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Trim The Tree: Ornaments & More