First Timer Guide: South African Safari

Pictures and videos are worth a thousand words, and if you follow me on any social media, you saw exactly that when we were on safari in South Africa. If you can imagine though - as absolutely amazing as every picture and video was that I took - they just don’t do justice what we saw. I’m not quite the crier, and I cried when we left. I have thought about safari every day since we arrived home - literally every day. I have gone through my pictures and looked at my videos more times than I can count (side note: I never look at pics again after I take them unless it’s for a blog or social media post... I seriously don’t know why I take so many). And finally, and maybe most important to mention, I’ve had actual dreams on the regular about this trip since we returned home. All the cool places Tres and I have been lucky to go to, and I have never come home and dreamt about them. Lions, Zebras, Hyenas - they’re dancing around in my head as I slumber. If that doesn’t sum up an unforgettable experience, I don’t know what does.

So let’s talk about it. I will start with a fun story about how bad I have wanted to go on this trip - you may skip to the FAQs if this is not of interest to you, I won’t blame you if you do. But here goes... My entire life I have been obsessed with animals (babies as I call them). I wanted to be a veterinarian growing up but me and science never got along very well in school so I got over that dream. When I met Tres and we talked about where all we hoped to travel in life, all he heard from me was, “If I ever get to go on an African Safari, I don’t ever have to go anywhere else the rest of my life.” So one lovely year in May - 2011 to be exact, and the year after our wedding - we decided to go to the Kentucky Derby. Anyone remember this Derby? It was a good one - a year of the underdog. Well, we were there and before the big race, we placed our bets. Of course, I knew nothing about any of the horses and before I went to place my bet, I didn’t even know any of the horses names. But then I saw “Animal Kingdom” and couldn’t place my bet fast enough. Tres and everyone standing around me laughed when I told them I was betting on this horse. I’ll never forget how many people told me this horse had a negative zero chance of winning. So I said to Tres, “If Animal Kingdom wins, you have to take me on an African Safari.” I’m not a big gambler so I bet a whole $20. Guess what that $20 became? About $1,000. Because my African Safari dream horse won the race!

So years pass, we plan lots and lots of trips but the safari didn’t happen until 2018. It took 7 years and we finally went on my dream vacation. As you can see, I had high expectations. No question, it lived up to all of them. First are a few highlights from the trip that I absolutely loved then you can read the FAQs below to really dig into what the experience is all about - especially if you’re planning one of your own!

Highlights

The ease of planning thanks to the travel company we used - Rhino Africa. Our friends who have been on safari a couple of times recommended these guys and they were dream planners. We even waited until the last minute (a month out) and Rhino Africa got us right on track. We didn’t have to think about a thing, we just showed up in South Africa and it was all done.

The surprisingly quick (17 hour) flight over. We have been on a lot of long international flights but this one... I worked myself up about this one. Seriously, what do you do on a plane for that long? The Delta flight we took from Atlanta to Jo’burg is the 2nd longest flight in the world. But it was actually the easiest international flight we have ever taken. Movies, eat, sleep, sleep some more, and you’re there! I’m always cranky when we go to Europe because I never get enough sleep. There’s PLENTY of time to sleep on a 17 hour flight. When I woke up and Tres said, “we land in 30 minutes,” I thought he was lying so bad I had to look at my flight duration screen. I was refreshed and fabulous when we arrived!

The most amazing lodge - Savanna Private Game Reserve. I cannot recommend Savanna Lodge enough. The beauty of it, the relaxation, the serenity, the fancy “tent” rooms with private plunge pool and outdoor shower with animals in view, the food, the service, the game rides, the staff, the daily laundry service, the nightly turndown service - literally everything! More below and in the FAQs on how fabulous this resort is and why I think you should choose it on your own trip.

The food experiences. Tres and I are not big “all-inclusivers.” As a matter of fact, on any other trip we don’t do them at all - as I’m sure y’all already know, we would rather restaurant hop. But on safari, you don’t really have a choice (you’re in the middle of the bush with the only food being at the resorts) so you want to make sure you choose a lodge with great food. At Savanna, dinner every night is a surprise. You never know what cool experience you’re going to get, but you can always count on twinkly lights, warm and cozy fires, entertainment, beautifully set tables, delicious wine and champagne that flows throughout the night, and fantastic food - from the small bites at social hour to the set courses at the table. More detail about each night in the FAQs below. Aside from the animals, this was my favorite part. Tip: do the restaurant hopping in Cape Town - it’s a food dream. I’ll have a blog post on Cape Town soon.

The game rides. Another part of the “all-inclusive” experience, this is another one you want your lodge to do well. No, actually this is THE ONE THING you want your lodge to do well; after all, you go on safari to see animals so you want the staff to make this an absolute priority. This is Savanna’s priority. According to our travel planner at Rhino Africa, every lodge does things a little differently, and she could not say enough positives about how much of a focus Savanna makes their games rides, so we knew we were in good hands. We had days when we would even stay out a little later to make sure there wasn’t anything we missed. There was no rushing back for lunch/dinner or any type of strict schedule - it was all about seeing the animals. Tres’ biggest concern going on a safari was always, “what if we go all the way there and we could have seen more at a zoo.” The guys at Savannah make sure you see it all - it’s unbelievably cool how much you see, y’all! I can’t put into words how neat it is seeing these animals in their natural environment. And they’re so close - oh my! There were moments when they were so close I could almost touch them. But please, as excited as you may get - don’t do it! You’ll think about it.. You will. That’s how close they are. Just don’t - yikes!

The friends we made. We got incredibly lucky and met some of the coolest people. For 3 days (or however long you stay) you’re doing everything together with your guides and lodge neighbors. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner you sit down together to eat and have drinks so you get to know the other people there pretty well. We absolutely loved our entire game ride group - all around our age so we had a lot in common. One couple was on their honeymoon from Charleston so we had the south in common with them. The other couple was from Jo’burg so they gave us a lot of restaurant recs for Cape Town and explained to us some of the traditional South African dishes and foods. And our guide, Kevin was simply the best - full of great knowledge and information about the animals and lots of fun to chat with at dinner. I even met a wonderful fellow “woman in business” entrepreneur from London I have kept in touch with since we left. She’s the CEO of Samaya Ayurvedic an amazing skincare company in London, and we are planning a giveaway collaboration soon, so stay tuned!

FAQs

How to plan:

As I discussed above, we used Rhino Africa and could not have been happier. The experience starts with a brief questionnaire on the safari experience of your dreams then the agent contacts you with options. Janine, our travel planner, focused on our priorities, exactly what we wanted to get out of the safari experience. She also focused on the travel we would be doing to Cape Town following the safari - she booked everything from the flights to the car rides when we landed. Everything was smooth sailing, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to figure those flights and the transportation out myself. They will also focus on your price point, giving you the option that best fits what you’re looking for. We almost went with another resort, but Janine immediately contacted me when there was a cancellation at Savanna. We had to change our dates around a bit, but she ensured us Savanna was the way to go. Moral of the story: we booked too late and got extremely lucky with that cancellation. Book earlier than we did :)

Where to stay:

Sabi Sands is the way to go! At least that’s what we heard from family and friends who had been on safari, so we chose a lodge in the Sabi Sands. As for the lodge - Savanna. It was amazing. Read in my highlights above. Like I said, where you stay pretty much IS the experience you’re going to have on safari so you want a good lodge!

How long to go:

We were worried 3 days wasn’t going to be enough time, but it’s plenty. Each day, there are 2 game rides - one in the AM and one in the PM. 3 days = 6 game rides. Would I stay longer? Yes, of course! But we felt like we saw everything we wanted to see in 3 days. Every single ride truly is a completely different experience - you literally never know what’s going to happen. I can see how it could become an addictive hobby if you live in South Africa. The Jo’burg friends we met told us they have been on too many to count - I am so jealous!

What to expect/What you will see:

It’s impossible to know how each ride is going to go - They’re all so unique! We were so lucky that the first ride we took, lions had just taken down a warthog and were feasting. We all but saw the kill - that would have been super cool (or I would have cried)! But just imagine, we get to the lodge, get settled in, jump on the open-air Land Rover, and in minutes we are looking at a pride of lions eating away at a warthog. The next day, Kevin informed us they would be thirsty soon after their kill the day before, and sure enough, we found water near the kill, and here came the same pride of lions to drink. It was “baby season,” so saw a lot of babies with their mamas - baby cubs, baby zebras, baby elephants, a baby rhino, a baby giraffe... so extremely adorable! A leopard walked so close to our car his tail rubbed the sides. I had a hyena look me dead in the eyes one day and started walking towards our car and it got SO CLOSE it was scary. I thought he was after us, but they literally care less about you - it’s amazing.  Elephants were everywhere!!! I think we saw elephants every day, and how close we got to them to watch them eat was so phenomenal. Their trunks and the way they break down food is so neat. The final day, we tracked down a mama lion who had left her cubs to hunt. She was very protective of the kill she’d made - guarding it from vultures that were doing everything in their power to take scraps. A couple of the vultures got bravely close and she came running out of the grass towards them. That was SO intimidating to see the look in that creature’s eyes when she means business - one of the cooler things I’ve seen in life. A lot of this and more is in my Instagram stories - you can actually watch it @andreas_cooktales.

Day to day on safari:

Each day is early-rising but the schedule is at a relaxing pace so you get as much rest as you need. Here’s what our day looked like:

• 4:30am- Wake-up call

• 5:00am- Coffee/Tea, Muffins/Cookies

• 5:30am - MorningGame Ride with a coffee/Amarulo stop in the bush

• 9:30/10:00 - Return to lodge

• 10:00- Freshen up, Breakfast

• Hang out and chat at breakfast for awhile, go back to room to nap or hang out by the pool, freshen up for lunch/afternoon ride

• 3:00 - Lunch

• 4:00 - AfternoonGame Ride with a fun cocktail hour stop in the bush

• 8:00- Return to lodge, turn down service complete with bubble bath ran and port wine waiting, shower or bath, change for dinner

• 9:00- Surprise Dinner

The food and drink:

It’s going to depend on where you stay, so I can only speak to Savanna’s food and drink, and it was fabulous. Your room is stocked with snacks, beer, wine, and all kinds of drink choices. When you arrive to the dining area for each meal, you’re immediately greeted by your very own butler. Dan was ours, and we just loved him! The breakfast every morning was so fresh with a huge cold selection. Anything you wanted hot was made to order + there was a new, daily breakfast special each day - everything from specialty French toast and pancakes to an omelet, sandwich, or wrap “of-the-day.” I had scrambled eggs with avocado every single day. They literally had some of the best scrambled eggs I have ever had, so I kept ordering them. The lunches were one of my favorite parts of the trip. I love cold salads and they had a variety each day: quinoa fruit salads, veggie and grains salads, bean salads, olive and tomato salads. They also had specials of the day like pastas, meats, quiches - the works!! We had a glass of wine or two at lunch and an espresso shot before the afternoon ride.

Dinner was the most fun, as it was always a surprise. Night 1was lantern and campfire lit with the most beautiful set tables. We were immediately approached for drink orders and wild boar sausage and bruschetta were passed around while we walked around chatting with everyone. The seated dinner consisted of salad/soup, delicious outdoor roasted chicken, traditional South African meats, and sides. We were entertained by a local choir group as we ate. They danced around the campfire and sang traditional African music. My favorite part was when they sang me happy early birthday, clapping, and dancing all around my seat. It was all so traditional and fun - such a warm welcome to South Africa! Night 2 was my absolute favorite. I kept telling Tres, I can’t believe we are here. I love this place so much. We went straight from our game ride to the most beautiful scene right outside our resort: An old train car that had been converted to a dining room. Outside we were welcomed by Dan with champagne and delicious bites. There were candle-lit pathways, lanterns hanging from tree branches, a warm fire. We socialized outside before we went in the train’s dining room for a fantastic 4-course dinner.Night 3 was back at the resort, but in a different dining area than the first night. Every thing twinkled, the wine flowed, and the food was 3 courses of perfection. There was even a masseuse on site - very unique!

What to pack:

I would describe the attire for safari “personal preference.” It’s kind of whatever you want it to be, and everyone we met wore something completely different. We saw people in everything from workout clothes, to jeans and t-shirts, to traditional safari vests/hats, to shorts and flip flops, to maxi dresses and sandals. I say, pack whatever you’re most comfortable in! But two things are a must: 1) a jacket, 2) sunscreen and/or a hat. Tres and I went for comfort. We wore workout clothes the first day - LuLu lemon shorts, tee, jacket, and Nike tennis shoes for me. The other days, I wore more traditional khaki or comfy dress shorts with a tee or collared button down, a vest, and a hat. Pack a jacket no matter what!!! The mornings and evenings are fairly cool. We went in their summer season and the forecast was right at about 90 degrees, but most of the time it didn’t even feel like it. Sunscreen - yes!!! Cover your face. What I did not do was pack a ton of clothes. Our resort had daily laundry service, so you can re-wear clothes + you leave for your next destination with clean clothes - ahhh, fabulous!

How to get there from the US:

I’m sure it depends on where you live but if you’re on the east side of the country, the direct Delta flight from Atlanta to Jo’burg (16 - 17 hours) can’t be beat! I’ve heard of people flying over to Europe (on 8+ hour flights) then all the way down to South Africa (12 - 13 more hours) - that just makes me tired thinking about it. But look at your best options... it’s going to depend on where you live.

What you may want to tie into the trip:

Cape Town is an absolute must. I’ll have a guide for the food scene posted soon. I’ve also heard from multiple people Victoria Falls is fantastic if you have the time. I want to go back and explore all of Kruger Park too... we heard you can just rent a car and drive through. I can’t imagine how neat that must be!

*** Please email (andreascooktales@gmail.com) or Instagram me (@andreas_cooktales) with any questions you have that I may have missed. This is a big, important trip to plan, and I know as a first-timer I had a million questions. I hope I answered most of them but happy to help you directly if I didn’t.

*** Really cool videos are all posted on my Instagram Stories if you want to see some of the action we experienced! @andreas_cooktales

Southern Bilinis with Smoked Trout & Maple Creme Fraiche

I made these for Valentine’s Day but quickly decided they’re perfect for any small gathering, cocktail hour, brunch, or just to snack on. I put a southern twist on original bilinis by making these with cornmeal and buttermilk. The maple creme fraiche makes them pancake-like, and the smoked trout atop brings together that perfect happiness of sweet and savory. They’re a breeze to make and can be stored in the fridge until ready to assemble. 

3/4 cup self-rising flour

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup buttermilk, plus more for thinning

1 egg

1/3 cup creme fraiche

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

Smoked Trout filets - torn into pieces  

Microgreens - for garnish

In a medium bowl, add the flour, cornmeal and salt and whisk together. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk and egg. Whisk all ingredients together until completely combined. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter - if it’s too thick, thin it out with more buttermilk. 

Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat the bottom of the pan with butter. When butter starts slightly smoking, use a mini scoop - aka a cookie scoop - (If you don’t have one a tablespoon will work) to make mini pancakes on the skillet. When the batter starts bubbling at the top, about 1 to 2 minutes, flip the bilinis and cook for another minute.

Let bilinis cool. Mix together the creme fraiche, maple syrup, and lemon zest. Smear each bilini with a heavy dollop of creme fraiche, top with a piece of smoked trout and microgreens.

** Tip: Refrigerate any leftover bilinis. Heat in the microwave for breakfast and top with maple syrup or jelly.

A Food Guide To Paris: Jazz Age Style

The Only Way To Do Paris  

I think I’ve put off writing this blog post because I wanted it to be perfect and make perfect sense, but my brain has been fried since this trip. Not because it was a big party (well maybe? - haha) but because this holiday was prior to the finalization and completion of the cookbook. Since then, I haven’t done much in-depth writing.  But here goes… My Paris Guide. The one and only way I have always wanted to do Paris.

If you have read the novel The Paris Wife or Zelda or any Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, or other Jazz Age artist biographies, you are probably seasoned in knowledge on the Jazz Age of Paris in the 1920s. If you haven’t, just think The Great Gatsby – but real life and in Paris. Seriously though, look it up and read about it. It will amaze you. No one enjoyed life or parties as much as these people. During their time in Paris, these artists literally stomped around the streets of Paris like they owned it – eating and drinking, and eating and drinking, and eating and drinking some more. If you Google “Hemingway and friends in Paris,” there are more images than you’d think – all of them lingering around food and drink on a bistro patio or at a grand dinner table. You can also do this with Jim Morrison and see the same but in the name of morality we will stick to the Jazz Age - ha! I do recommend a Doors soundtrack for the trip – more on that later.

I have read Hemingway and Fitzgerald biographies and books for as long as I can remember, so the “Jazz Age Paris” with a fun group of friends is always the Paris I have dreamed of experiencing. Everyone who knows me well knows one thing, I love lingering over food and drink and have no problem eating the same meal for hours on end. This is not just a Jazz Age thing, it’s a Paris thing – and it’s my favorite thing about the city. Don’t expect quick meals when you go there. And if you try rushing through meals, I think you’re missing the point. I tell people about Paris: 80% of why you go to Paris, should be for the food, coffee, champagne, and wine – the rest is beautiful and worth seeing, but the focus of this city should be your dining experiences.

Of course, I DO think the first time you go to Paris you should partake in all the touristy things, but I highly recommend setting aside at least a day or two for “living like a Parisian.” That’s what this guide is about – it’s a non-touristy guide of how to do Paris with friends, low and slow with a lot of partying in between. I was with a really unruly group of friends this last go-round, but Tres and I have done Paris by ourselves in a similar way, so this guide can be used no matter who you’re traveling with – as long as your focus is food and drink.

Spend an afternoon and night in Montparnasse

If someone said to me, I have 24 hours in Paris, what should I do? This would be it coming from me. The first time Tres and I went to Paris – just the two of us – I researched all the places Hemingway and Fitzgerald frequented and created a little “Jazz Age Bar Hop” excursion. The crossroads area of Montparnasse is where you want to be for that. There are 4 great Jazz Age bars on each corner of the crossroads and the others are just an easy stroll away. Plan on a drink and sharing one traditional Parisian food item at each stop. Our favorites are: Le Select, Le Dome, Café de la Rotonde, and Closerie Des Lilas. Not Jazz Age related, but also in that area is a beer bar we are obsessed with called Le Falstaff. The first time we went here, there was a band playing everything from Oasis to Nirvana so we immediately fell in love with it. It’s now on the list to stop at every time we ever go to Paris in life. The scene is late night, live music, fun people, great beers – it’s a party in there!

Linger outside of cafes with a view – particularly when it’s raining

“Paris is most beautiful in the rain.” If you have seen Midnight in Paris, you have heard this before. If you haven’t, that movie is everything and you should go watch it right now – or at least before your trip to Paris! I do think I am the girl version of Owen Wilson’s character in the movie – a nostalgist completely dissatisfied with the present, obsessed with Paris, and loves the rain. Really though, whether you like rain or not, seeing Paris in the rain is a dream. Seeing it in the rain while eating a delicious lunch, bottles of wine coming one after the other, with Notre-Dame as your scenery is actual Heaven. We experienced this at Le Petit Chatelet. I can’t put into words this experience. We got there as it opened, so our group of 8 was able to all sit together outside. Notre-Dame is literally right in your face at this place, so we enjoyed our view for the entire 3-hour lunch we savored as we talked and cry-laughed over multiple bottles of wine. When the rain started coming down at the end of the lunch, we all literally gasped and couldn’t stop talking about how lucky we were that this experience – the meal, the view, the rain, all of it – was happening to us at that moment. Go here!!! Go early so you can get a table outside with the view. And cross your fingers that the escargot and cream in puff pastry is still on the menu. I absolutely died eating that. When you’re done with lunch, hop next door to Shakespeare and Company – probably the most famous bookstore in the world that was a gathering place for writers in the 1920’s and was featured in Hemingway’s novel A Moveable Feast. Fun fact: both these highlighted destinations are featured in Midnight in Paris. 

* Pics don’t do it justice but the video on my Instagram stories does!  @andreas_cooktales

Have a cozy dinner with live jazz music

Maybe my favorite meal of the last trip to Paris, Porte-Pot is known for their great food and extra cozy atmosphere. It’s not easy to find, but worth the random streets and alleyways you go down to get there. I genuinely thought our rainy outdoor 3-hour lunch couldn’t be beat, but this dinner tied it – maybe beat it because the food was just exquisite and the live jazz made me feel like Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald were at the table next to us. I don’t know if they have live jazz every night but cross your fingers that they do – it made the experience extra special. We cut up and laughed over the fabulous food for hours, ordering more and more off the chalkboard as each dish came out, and you guessed it – we drank more wine! Locals sat at the bar alone as if this was the spot they came for dinner every night, and a couple of them even had their own bottle of wine, drinking the whole thing in its entirety. I remember walking out of there thinking, I may never have a moment like this again in my life. This was a dinner to top all dinners.

Same here... not such good pics, but the video on my Instastory shows how fabulous it was! @andreas_cooktales  

Stay in an AirBNB in a local neighborhood

Nothing will make you feel like you live in Paris more than staying in an apartment in Paris. Plus, with a group of friends, it’s just too fun for words. Each night, we did a little bar hop around our neighborhood (all locals), came back to the apartment, opened up a bottle of wine and listened to The Doors. Tres made a Doors playlist and it was the late-night background noise in our AirBNB. I remember us all having the exact conversation, “there’s nothing more Paris than a late-night listening to The Doors and thinking about what Jim Morrison used to do here.” It just felt oh so Paris – authentic and celebratory. 

Have the Eiffel Tower punch you in the stomach the first time you see it

This structure will no doubt take your breath away when you lay eyes on it the first time, but our friend who lived in Paris for a short time showed us a view that literally made us all gasp. I didn’t gasp the first time I saw it, but this time it literally punched me and I lost my breath. We all complained as he dragged us onto the underground, insisting we get off at this certain stop to see it. We all complained – until we got there. I don’t think I have ever actually lost my breath before rounding a corner in a city. His way was completely out of the way, but completely worth it. I couldn’t remember what underground stop we got off of, so I texted him and got the scoop for y’all! Take the underground and get off on Trocadero – that’s the name of the street. Once you get off, ask someone what direction to walk in to get to the Eiffel Tower. You will round that corner and feel like you’ve been punched in the gut – in a really good way! I never want to see the Eiffel Tower any other way again. Another tip: you’ll want to see it in both the day and the night to get the full experience. I prefer walking around it in the day time, slowly taking it all in. At night, I like to find outdoor seats at a café with a view to watch the light show with a glass of bubbly.

Walk around Notre Dame late-night

There’s not much to elaborate on here, just do it and you’ll be amazed. Such a detailed, beautiful design, it’s so serene at night and easier to appreciate when there’s no one else around. During the day, the entire area surrounding Notre Dame is a complete circus with swarms of people. Walking around the city late at night, you “feel” Paris more, and this is one of the most beautiful structures to see lit up in the evening. 

Eat a fabulous Parisian lunch with locals before going to The Louvre

I don’t know about y’all, but I can’t enjoy anything on holiday without eating a fabulous meal first. The Louvre is gigantic and you can definitely spend an entire day (or even 2) there – depending on how deep your love of art may be. My love of food is greater, so I have always had a grand lunch planned before we even think about walking in there. My two favorite places near The Lourve: Le Comptior – where our group of rowdies started drinking wine at 10am and camped out a good 2 hours before hitting up the museum. The food here is authentically French and delicious. And Le Fumoir – a cozy place with a beautiful cocktail bar and amazing food. The Louvre has a fabulous little café connected to the outside of it – when you’re done art gawking, have a glass of wine on the patio.

Walk the Champs-Elysees

I recommend leaving the Louvre and taking the straight shot down the Champs-Elysees through the parks and all the way to the shopping district until you get to the Arche de Triomphe. You’ll see so much of the city this way and you can always stop for a coffee or bite along the way. Once you’ve seen the most beautiful, famous Arche de Triomphe, stop at Laduree for a sweet bite, a fancy coffee drink, and a glass of champs. Probably the most touristy thing I would ever mention doing in Paris, but it’s a staple, it’s so froufrou Paris, and it’s pretty worth it.

Stomp up and down a street lined with cafes and bars

I recommend throughout your trip, being on the lookout for a really hip street with lots of cool eating and drinking joints and saving it for your last night in Paris to take complete advantage of all the amazing food before you leave. You never know where a night like this will take you. I’ll tell my story - your story will be different, but if you’re open minded and find multiple stops, you’ll have the best night in Paris. We had an early morning flight home (after having about 3-4 hours of sleep a night) so we found a couple of lively streets near our AirBNB apartment and just decided to have bites of food and drinks at each. At the first stop, we ordered off a chalkboard with zero English, so that was an adventure, but we also discovered one of the best wines ever – if you see Brouilly on any wine list, order it! There may be several options, just tell the server you want their best Brouilly on the list. I’ve shared a picture of the one we couldn’t get enough of. Our second stop was Au Port Salut, and because they were about to close, they just gave us the entire upstairs room to ourselves where we ate, drank, and danced to the fun music they had playing. The funny videos can be found on my Instagram stories. Finally, we decided we should really get home and go to bed, but nevertheless, we saw another really fun hole in the wall bar. When we walked in, there was fake snow everywhere – on the bar, on the ground, on the tables – and everyone was dressed in medieval gear. It was a Game of Thrones party!!! Our night could not have taken a worse turn to get ZERO sleep before having to get up at 5am for a flight but we charged on and had an absolute ball with the locals. It was so worth it.

Have a drink at Bar Hemingway

To finish off this rec list, there must be another ode to Hemingway. This cozy, lavish bar in the Ritz Hotel is so worth a stop. The drinks are luxurious, the atmosphere is snug, and it’s great for people watching. I can’t recommend this enough.

One more VERY important rec: Champagne Country

The driving distance from Paris to Champagne Country is way too close to not tie into your trip (1 hour and 30 minutes). So rent a car, enjoy the scenic drive, and spend a couple of days champagne tasting. There’s literally nowhere in the world that makes champagne, so you’ll never be able to do this anywhere else. It was the highlight of my first trip to Paris. Tip: You’ll want to stay in Epernay or Reims but do champagne houses in both towns. Reservations are a must – it’s not a wine hop like Napa – so plan ahead.

5 Retro Recipes for Your Tacky Sweater Party

Every tacky sweater party needs a couple of old school snacks to pair with the retro theme. These 5 fun apps/drinks are throwback with a typical Cooktales modern twist. If you're hosting the party, make them all. If you're attending the party, bring one to share. Some may seem a bit silly, but I would never have you eat something that doesn't taste fabulous - it's seriously against my nature and these party snacks are the real deal! 

Chorizo Smoked Gouda Sausage Balls  

Shrimp Cocktail with Green Goddess Dressing  

Hot Buttered Rum  

Oyster Cracker Bites  

Cherry Herb Jello Mold  

Boozy Cherry Herb Jello Mold

It's hard to believe these jelly molds were all the rage some years ago, but here I am attempting to bring them back - ha! While this particular mold is fruity, booze-filled, and yummy, I really just see this recipe as something fun to have at your tacky sweater party. Or better yet, bring it as a hostess gift! It'll go right along with your silly outfit. 

6 ounces cherry gelatin mix 

1 cup boiling water  

1 cup whipped cream or vanilla vodka  

1 cup pitted, sliced cherries - fresh or frozen 

1 tablespoon minced mint leaves  

Rosemary sprigs - for garnish 

Stir gelatin into boiling water until dissolved. Add the vodka, cherries, mint, and mix together. Pour into a greased bundt pan or circle mold. Chill several hours - overnight to be safe.

Before serving, dip the bottom of the mold in warm water to loosen. Place a plate or cake stand over the top of the mold and slowly turn over. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Cut into slices to serve. 

Hot Buttered Rum

If you've read my cookbook, you know the story of how my cooking career started with my family's heirloom cookbook. These recipes were passed down all the way back to the 1800's and have inspired me from the day I received the book. One of my favorite cocktails from the book that I make throughout the holiday season is my grandmother's recipe for Hot Buttered Rum. If you wanted to give this a modern twist, you could also do it with Bourbon or any Barrel-Aged spirit (I do find the classic spiced rum to be the best though).  This is such a fun DIY for guests at your party. Or you could even bring the "hot butter" in a glass jar with a bottle of booze as a hostess gift to the next gathering you attend. 

1/2 pound softened butter

1/2 pound light brown sugar

1/2 pound confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  

1 pint vanilla ice cream

Dark spiced rum, bourbon, or any barrel-aged spirit - for serving 

Cinnamon sticks - for serving  (optional)

Whipped cream - for serving (optional) 

Beat together the butter, brown sugar, confectioners sugar, and cinnamon until light and fluffy. Fold in the ice cream and freeze until firm. 

Serve in mugs or heat-proof glasses with 3 tablespoons of the frozen "hot butter" and 1 shot (or to taste) of booze per cup. Top with hot water and add a cinnamon stick and whipped cream if desired. 

Shrimp Cocktail with Green Goddess Dressing

Retro, fun, and cutely presented, shrimp cocktail is a holiday party favorite that's oh so quick and easy to prepare! This particular recipe uses green goddess dressing instead of cocktail sauce to modernize and dress the classic appetizer up a bit. Here, I give my green goddess dressing recipe, but you can also cut a corner with a good quality store-bought as well (I love Organic Girl Herb Goddess). Present them in clear, miniature cups to give everyone their own little dip bowl and make socializing easier! 

 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise

1/2 cup parsley leaves

1/2 cup roughly chopped basil leaves

2 tablespoons tarragon

2 tablespoons chives

1 small garlic clove - peeled and chopped

2 teaspoons anchovy paste

1 large lemon - juiced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper  

 1 pound large, cooked salad shrimp 

2 to 3 lemons - cut into small wedges 

Make the dressing by adding the yogurt, mayo, herbs, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and a heavy dash of salt and pepper to a food processor. Pulse together until smooth. Add about one tablespoon of dressing to each mini cup.

Cut slits in the bottom of the shrimp and hook 2 to 3 onto each mini cup. Cut slits in each lemon wedge and add one to each cup. Arrange on a platter and serve. 

Sausage Kale Soup with Sage Chestnut Pesto

For those cozy nights in, this soup is hearty without all the heavy stuff. The fall flavors are a soup party in your mouth. And the leftovers are even better the next day. The pesto is herby and creamy and perfect for the season - make an extra batch for pasta or crostini! 

Pesto: 

1 1/2 cups stemmed, well-chopped Lucinato or Tuscan Kale

1/2 cup sage leaves

7 peeled, cooked chestnuts (you can find these during the season in the fridge section or canned)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper

3 tablespoons good-quality extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion chopped

1 1/2 cups sliced rainbow or regular carrots

Kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper

3 fully-cooked, spicy chicken sausage links - crumbled or chopped

1 tablespoon dried thyme 

1 teaspoon lemon pepper

7 cups chicken stock

1 (2 inch) Parmesan rind

1/4 pound Pipe pasta or similar

Make the pesto. Combine the kale, sage leaves,  chestnuts, vinegar, about 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Refrigerate or set aside until ready to use.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and a heavy dash of salt and pepper and sauté until soft. Add the sausage, thyme, and lemon pepper and sauté another minute. Pour in the chicken stock and add the Parmesan rind and pasta. Bring to a boil then summer until pasta is cooked but al dente. Mix in the pesto, taste for seasoning, and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Chorizo Smoked Gouda Sausage Balls

Sausage balls ARE Christmas to me. Such an old school recipe that never actually gets old - I simply insist they're at every gathering! I wanted to amp them up a bit last year though, giving them the Cooktales twist, and this recipe was the big winner! Chorizo and Smoked Gouda... seriously y'all, just think about that for a second. Heaven. 

1 pound chorizo - room temperature 

1 pound Jimmy Dean hot sausage  - room temperature 

5 cups shredded Smoked Gouda - room temperature 

4 cups biscuit baking mix 

* This recipe makes an extra large batch, but balls can be cooked and frozen for a later use. For a frozen batch, just reheat for 8 to 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the room temperature chorizo, hot sausage, cheese, and baking mix until thoroughly combined. Using a miniature ice cream scoop (or a spoon) form sausage balls - they should be about 2 tablespoons in size. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden in color. Serve warm or at room temperature.

11 Napa Worthy Trader Joe's Wines under $15

If you know anything about me and Tres, you know we love our Napa wines. We are serious Napa Valley regulars and have tasted our share of wines from the well-known wine travel destination. Now, I wouldn't call us "experts." We love wine with food and have been to multiple wine regions all over the world, so we have learned a bit about it over the years. But experts? We know what we like, we know how to pair it with food, and we typically like the good stuff. That's about it. 

Of all the wine regions we have visited Napa is our favorite, but wines from there tend to be quite pricy. I happen to think (aside from what a lot of people think are "Disney World For Adults" popularity destination prices) most of the wines are worth it. Of course, that can't be said about all the expensive ones - we've had extremely pricy pours that I couldn't POUR OUT quick enough - but the ones that are good are REAL good and worth every dime. 

Last time I was in Napa with my mom we met up with some well-traveled, wine savvy friends. When one of them started passionately talking about how delicious some of the Trader Joe's $4 wines are, I couldn't help but count down the days until the Memphis location opened so I could try them. Since the opening, I've taken it upon myself to find lower-priced wines somewhat comparable to the more expensive wines we love. When you share a bottle a night more often than not, this becomes very necessary. What I discovered downright shocked me. Some of these wines aren't only lower-priced but they're CHEAP - and they're GOOD!

I have now replaced my regular $25-30 a night bottles with $4-10 bottles - no joke. Here's my list with short descriptions. I hope you find it helpful and load up next time you visit Trader Joe's! Remember though, everyone has a different taste for different wines so feel free to venture out and find your own favorites. This list will give you a good starting point! 

$9.99

I had to include at least one fizzy on this list, and this one is solid. A product of France, it has that authentic champagne taste without the heavy authentic champagne price tag. 

$9.99

Since our trip to the south of France last year, I have been extra particular about white wine. As in, I rarely find crisp whites I like anymore unless they come from that region. I have no idea what region this wine comes from, but it is from France and it's my new favorite cheap white. It's so very similar to the crisp, clean whites I fell in love with in Nice, Cannes, and Provence. 

$12.99

I'm a chardonnay gal through and through, particularly in the fall and winter. There's nothing like a creamy, buttery chard cozied up fireside. But the cheap stuff doesn't cut it when it comes to this type of wine. As much as I love chardonnay, "wedding chardonnay" (as I call it) makes me cringe - if you've ever had a cheap, bad chard you know what I'm talking about. For awhile, I was so addicted to Rombauer Chardonnay but got tired of paying for it, so I started going to wine stores asking for lower priced copycats. Let me tell you, they're not easy to find. Most good chardonnay has a higher price tag. This Trader Joe's version comes from the Carneros region (where many delicious Napa Chardonnays are made) and it tastes like it - for a shocking $12.99! 

$7.99

Tres prefers sauvignon blanc when it comes to whites, and this one is Tres-approved. Citrusy, refreshing, bright and crisp - it would pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving turkey, chicken, or white fish. 

$3.99

My choice for a white table wine, a sangria, or a big party you want to buy decent wine for but don't want to pay too much. It's light and goes down easy. Not a to-die-for wine, but will do the job when you need something lower priced.  

$9.99

Fruit forward, smooth, a bit of berry and cream - this is my current top TJ's pick. It reminds me so much of some of my favorite easy-drinking, yet full body reds from Napa. It's also from Paso Robles, another California region of wine we tend to favor. When in doubt, I tend to choose wines from Paso - they rarely disappoint for the price. This one is so very good!!! 

$9.99

Another Paso pick, I've purchased this bottle almost every time I've made a TJ's trip. I just keep coming back to it because it's that good. It's deep, bold and oaky, but with some of that jam flavor I love in some of my favorite good cabs. 

$6.99

I love a good blend, and this one is the perfect example of a nice quality one for less money. Earthy, a bit peppery, with hints of deep fall fruit - this is a great wine for colder seasons. Use a wine aerator or let breathe for a bit before enjoying for the complete experience with this one. 

 $6.99

Light, easy to drink - your typical good pinot. Would be fabulous with deer meat and duck cooler months, great with light meats in warmer months. Don't be scared to chill this one in the fridge slightly during hot summer days. 

$3.99

This is my pick for red table wine or when you need red in abundance for large parties and entertaining, but truth be told this may be my #2 pick behind the Liberte - mainly because the price doesn't match how good the wine actually is. I have been opening bottles of this night after night on repeat, and I think it gets better every time I drink it. No, it's not the best red you'll ever drink but for the price, it'll become your favorite weeknight red to just plow through. 

$5.99

Newest find to the list. I randomly picked this bottle, put it in the wine fridge, forgot about it, and when we found it and started drinking it, Tres said, “Is this one of our good bottles?” I couldn’t answer him because I couldn’t remember where it came from. I finally came to the conclusion it wasn’t a travel bottle but then I started thinking maybe a friend brought it over. When I was at a TGs last week, I saw it for a whopping $5.99 and was thrilled! Now I can buy this wine to drink every night!!! I thought it was a $20+ bottle but it’s ceratinly not! Yay! 

5 Easy, Healthier Dishes for Your Holiday Table

Healthy and easy doesn't always mean "not as good." These 5 dishes are quick, easy, and beyond loaded with flavor. And they're not SO healthy that they're not Thanksgiving worthy. They also make fabulous dishes for easy weekday meals. 

Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Cauliflower Mash

Roasted Maple Creamed Corn 

 Smoky Autumn Salad

 Truffled Turkey Breast with Truffle Gravy 

 Sweet and Spicy Roasted Squash

Roasted Maple Creamed Corn

Can Thanksgiving be healthy without having to give up your favorites? It can definitely be HEALTHIER! This roasted cream corn is a great example, and it only takes about 5 minutes to make. Maple replaces sugar, lower fat products replace the cream and butter. The best part, it tastes as good as the full-fat version! 

2 tbsp reduced fat Irish butter - softened

1 lb bag frozen roasted corn - thawed (Trader Joes has a fabulous one)

2 tbsps maple syrup

1/2 cup light cream, plus more for thinning 

1/2 tsp kosher salt - to taste

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp flour

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Parsely - optional

In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium low heat. Add the corn, maple syrup, cream, salt, and pepper and stir together. Bring to a slight boil for one minute and lower the heat. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tablespoon of butter with the flour until it becomes a thick paste and add to the corn. Cook for about 2 minutes until thick. If it gets too thick, add a little more cream until desired consistency. Transfer to a bowl. Top with Parmesan and parsley.  

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Squash

Thanksgiving is upon us, and I can't think of anything more suitable than squash to serve with your turkey and ham for the big day! It's the perfect side dish without being uber-Thanksgiving traditional. Plus, it's a little healthy and you'd never know it! 

1 large butternut squash 

2 medium acorn squash 

Olive oil

Kosher salt 

Pepper 

3 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon 

Pinch red pepper flake, to taste 

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Peel the butternut squash. Cut off the rough ends then cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into two shorter halves then cut into 1 inch sticks and moons. Cut the ends off the acorn squash then cut in half lengthwise and scoop the seeds out with a spoon. Slice into 1 inch moons - keep the skin on these! 

Place all the squash on a large sheet pan lined with foil. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the squash then sprinkle with plenty of salt and pepper. Drizzle the maple syrup and sprinkle the cinnamon and red pepper flake. Toss together with your hands until all squash is covered in the oil and spices.

Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the squash is slightly soft and caramelized. 

Brown Butter and Crispy Sage Cauliflower Mash

Thanksgiving is typically a day where calories don't count, but it never hurts to have a few healthier dishes at your table. I'll be honest, when I eat this cauliflower mash, I don't even miss mashed potatoes. The brown butter and sage give it such a warm fall flavor, and the (fat free) cream cheese gives it such a fluffy, creamy texture. I love this cozy side dish - it'll be at my table all season. 

1/2 stick butter

1 tablespoon chopped sage + 7 whole leaves 

1 head cauliflower florets  

1 garlic clove - chopped 

4 ounces fat free cream cheese  

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper  

Heat butter in a sauté pan over medium heat and don't move. Let the butter melt. When it starts to brown around the edges, add the chopped and whole leaf sage. Remove the whole leaves with a slotted spoon to a folded paper towel as soon as they get crispy - about 30 seconds. As soon as the butter is brown and nutty, turn off the heat. This butter can be used immediately or stored in your fridge for several weeks. 

Steam the cauliflower in a steam basket on your stovetop until very soft. Transfer to a higher speed blender with the garlic, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and 3/4 of the sage butter. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and add more salt if needed. When ready to serve, transfer to a bowl and top with the remaining brown butter and whole sage leaves. 

Smoky Autumn Salad

Weekly dinner table or Thanksgiving side, this salad is everything I love about fall and NEEDS to be on your table asap. Smoked Gouda, sweet potato, and smoked almonds... need I say more?! So many unique flavors going on here from sweet and salty to creamy and smoky -  complete with a hint of that cinnamon holiday flavor we all love so much. I can't put into words enough how great this is - I've had few salads I like more - I guess that sums it up? 

 Dressing:

3 tablespoons maple syrup

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper

Salad:

1 large sweet potato – peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

4 cups spinach

4 cups arugula

1 cup smoked almonds – roughly chopped

1 cup smoked gouda – shredded

In a glass jar or plastic container with a lid, add the maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon, cinnamon, and a dash of salt and pepper. Shake together until combined.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet covered in foil, toss together the sweet potato cubes with the olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, kosher salt, and pepper. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden and tender. Set aside to cool.

In a salad bowl, mix together the spinach and arugula. Top with the cooked sweet potatoes, smoked almonds, and smoked gouda. Pour the dressing over the top and toss together.

Monster Meat Head

If you're going for the scariest meat board ​out there, this is it! I love this board particularly because it's little work for a huge impression. So easy and your guests will love it! Feel free to play around with the charcuterie used - it doesn't have to be exactly like mine. Be creative! 

​​What You'll Need: 

​A plastic or styrofoam skull head 

A dark or wooden board ​

12 to 16 ounces of prosciutto or similar meat

Pepperoni (as much as you need to fit on your board, feed your guests)

Salami (as much as you need to fit in your board, feed your guests) ​

Turkey, Ham, or both (​as much as you need to fit in your board, feed your guests)

Kalamata Olives ​

Banana Peppers ​

Petits Poivrons or cherry tomatoes 

Anything else you like with your meat

Place skull in the center of the board. Drape prosciutto over the skull head (make sure the head is clean before you begin). You may have to tear and stick meat together as you go. Assemble the rest of the meats with the accompanies however you please. Serve. 

How To Have a Halloween (or Fall) Picnic

A picnic can be as simple or extra as you want it to be. When I host picnics for friends or put together a picnic for me and Tres, I think of it as if I'm deciding where to go to dinner - quick, fast, casual, easy OR fancy, frou frou, elegant, and Instagram worthy. Both are fine by me, but a planned, picnic to a lovely setting with a beautiful spread will be relished much longer - my idea of a fabulous afternoon! 

So why a Halloween picnic? Because it's the most beautiful time of year consisting of sweater weather, gorgeous colors, and few bugs! Most people just prefer to be outside this time of year, and it won't be long before the temps drop too low to even think of a picnic. Halloween is simply one of the most fun holidays to celebrate so find a spooky, cozy backdrop and set your perfect picnic of lovely food, a few books, and wine! 

What To Eat: 

To me, a picnic is all about fancy meats and cheeses. Check out some of my Halloween meat and cheese boards for inspiration:  

- Witching Fruit Board

- Darling Pumpkin Board

- Spooky Sausage Board

Also a beautiful baguette from the bakery and any spreads (Fig, Apple Butter, Pumpkin Jelly) to go on it works as the perfect centerpiece of any picnic.  

What To Drink:  

A seasonal wine that really speaks "fall" is what I go for on a picnic. A deep red that's still light enough for the day time or a buttery chardonnay to warm you on the inside. I'm also all about an Oktoberfest or Pumpkin brewsky, so you decide!  

What to Pack: 

• A beautiful neutral colored blanket to act as a backdrop for your food. Food shows up better on neutral colors.

• A pretty picnic basket. I got one years ago and use it constantly. Plus it's so pretty in photos. If you can't find a picnic basket Michaels and Hobby Lobby has loads of cute little baskets with handles.

• Books! I prefer any type of campfire tale stories - The Scariest Stories You've Ever Heard and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark are ideal!! Actually, they're life!!! If you didnt grow up reading these books, buy them for your children or future children!

• Platters or Cheese Boards and utensils for food

• Wine glasses - nothing beats the real thing. We always take glass wine glasses with us on picnics.

• Little hints of Halloween - a pumpkin, a skull, a skeleton dog - haha! It just brings it all to life.

Rufus?! Is that you?!

Where To Go: 

• Your favorite park

• Your backyard (no one said you have to leave home)

• A campground or the woods

• The drive in movie (new Halloween movie. anyone?)

• A cemetery (if you dare! Seriously though, some actually have picnic areas).

Witching Fruit Board

My pretties, THIS is the most witching cheese boards of all cheese boards: The Witching Fruit board.. #3 in the Top 5 Halloween Meat and Cheese Board Countdown (see the Darling Pumpkin Board and the Spooky Sausage Board)! It's complete with delicious creamy, light, crowd-pleasing cheeses and the most delightful fruit to pair. I can't even deal with how Halloween-glam this one is. How something can be stunningly elegant and disturbingly sinister at the same time, I don't know but this board does it!! I think the extra large antique-ish platter does it - I found it at Michael's! Have fun with this one - purple fruits, red fruits and all the best cheeses! 

​​Brie (bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes)

​Pomegranate​ seeds 

​Balsamic syrup ​

​​Aged white cheddar

Gouda​

​​Any other white cheese you love 

​Cranberry Goat Cheese ​

​​Purple grapes

​Figs ​

​Blueberries ​

​Plums ​

​Dates

​Fig or Grape jam ​

​​Brown rice crackers

​​Place the baked brie in the middle of the board. Cover in pomegranate seeds and drizzle with balsamic syrup. Arange the other cheeses, fruits, jam, and crackers around the baked brie. Serve. 

Spooky Sausage Board

Introducing #2 of 5 Halloween Meat and Cheese Boards to inspire you to entertain this month: the Spooky Sausage Board happens to be one of my favorites! I make this one for our Halloween party every year because it feeds a lot of people at a lower cost - we've had close to 100 people at our Halloween party before so this big board of meat comes in handy. It's also a lot of fun for friends to get a "flight" of different sausages to sample. Plus, it's the perfect centerpiece for an erie Halloween table. Make sure you get all the props: skull heads, skeleton arms, and plastic spiders - all also low cost at any dollar store! 

What You'll Need: 

6 to 8 different sausages - you can get as creative as you like with the selection - I like: 

• Kielbasa

• Andouille

• Cheddar Bratwurst

• Chicken Apple

• Chorizo

• Mild, Spicy, or Sweet Italian - or all

• Another chicken variation

2 to 3 sauces - I like:  

• Good Quality BBQ Sauce

• Whole Grain Mustard

• Dijonnaise or Honey Mustard

Sliced Pickles

Small Bowls for Sauces  

Extra large wooden board or several small boards placed together 

Sticker labels (I like chalkboard because they're black and go with my tablescape)  

Glitter Skulls  (Dollar store)

Plastic skeleton arms or hands (Dollar store)

Plastic spiders (Dollar Store) 

Toothpicks

Grill all sausages until fully cooked. Place each kind together on a separate plate - make sure you label each plate so you don't forget which sausages are which. When cooled, slice each sausage into pieces and set aside on the same plate. Spoon sauces into small bowls. Place pickles into another small bowl. Line the bowls down the middle of the board or your table. Arrange sausages on the board or boards, keeping like sausage together. Label each sausage. Decorate with skulls, skeleton arms, and spiders. Add container of toothpicks to the side or on the board. 

Darling Pumpkin Cheese Board

The first of Five Halloween Meat and Cheese Boards I have coming to you this month! I particularly love this one because it's so dainty and beautiful. It could also be stretched on to use for Thanksgiving if you don't have a reason to make it for Halloween. Or make it for both! For crying out loud, it's ALL PUMPKIN!!! 

Pumpkin Baked Brie:

• Brie cheese wheel

• Pumpkin Butter

• Ground cinnamon

Nutty Pumpkin Goat Cheese: 

• Goat Cheese log

• Candied or Praline walnuts or pecans

• Pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Seed Smoked Gouda:  

• Smoked Gouda chunk or wheel

• Toasted pepitas

• Pure maple syrup

Pumpkin Mascarpone: 

• 4 ounces Mascarpone cheese

• 2 heaping tablespoons pumpkin puree

• 2 tablespoons (or to taste) maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Other Accompanies: 

• Pumpkin trail mix (I got mine at Target)

• Pumpkin butter or jelly

• Candied ginger slices (nut and wellness aisle of the grocery store)

• Pitted dates

• Extra pepitas

• Extra candied/praline nuts

• Whole grain or Flax Seed crackers

• Cinnamon crackers (Blue Diamond Honey Nut Thins are to die for)

• Rosemary sprigs

• Mini pumpkins or gourds

Bake Brie for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees until soft but not oozing. Top with a heavy dollop of pumpkin butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Set aside. 

Place Goat cheese on a plate. In a food processor combine about 1/4 cup of the candied nuts with about 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice until it turns to a dusty crumble. Pour over the goat cheese and roll cheese in the nuts until completely covered. Set aside. 

Place Smoked Gouda in a plate, top with pumpkin seeds and drizzle with maple syrup. Set aside. 

In a bowl, stir together the Mascarpone, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Spoon into a small white, brown, or copper bowl and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. 

Put ingredients such as nuts, pepitas, and pumpkin butter in small bowls. Arrange cheeses and accompaniments on a marble, white, or copper platter - or a mixture of all - it's fun to stack and get creative. Add cheese knives and serve.