Recipe Round Up: 5 Delicious Fall Desserts We Love

1. Pear & Cranberry Mini Pies Recipe

We all love mini desserts! No doubt about that. It is even better if the desserts are pear and cranberry mini pies! The use of fresh cranberries and apples with the citrus punch from orange juice has made these biteable-sized pies an absolute yum. The dessert is perfect for a family get-together and kids will simply flock by and ask for more of this little happiness.

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2. Carrot-Cranberry Cake Recipe

A bite of a carrot-cranberry cake and a sip on a cup of warm coffee is the absolute delicacy that you can ask for on a cool fall evening. The goodness of pineapples, carrots, and cranberries has been enhanced with the nuttiness of chopped pecans and a strong flavor of ginger brandy. The cake already tastes much better than carrot cakes made of raisins and coconut and the cream cheese frosting has made it just outstanding.

3. Raspberry Coconut Bars Recipe

What’s the best thing about these raspberry coconut bars? A single dessert contains a mix of different delicious ingredients. The raspberry preserve and coconut flakes add taste and texture to the bars. The dessert is very sweet and goes very well with tea and coffee. The raspberry preserve can be substituted with any preserve, leaving you with the opportunity to experiment continuously.

4. Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

We have a twist on traditional cinnamon rolls by adding pumpkin puree to the batter. A fall dessert list seems imperfect without a sweet dish made of pumpkin. Pumpkins are an inseparable part of the fall season and using them making a dessert is a delicious way to enjoy this seasonal gift. You can have these rolls for any occasion – for brunch or with afternoon tea. It will feel heaven when you will take bites of the warm rolls glazed with vanilla-flavored powdered sugar.

5. Pear and Almond Tart Recipe

This exquisite pear and almond tart is perfect for any festive occasion or with a gorgeous Sunday meal. The tart is made with ripe pears and sliced almonds mixed with flour, eggs, phyllo dough, and sugar. The sweet fragrance has come from nutmeg, vanilla, and melted butter.

Each item of this recipe roundup list will be perfect for any crisp autumn night or mildly warm noon. All of them provide just the right flavors that one expects from a fall dessert. Just serve them warm with tea or a meal and enjoy!

What’s your favorite fall desserts to serve this time of year?

Top 10 Back to School Essentials for College Dorms

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See a list of the Top 5 College Dorm Rooms Essentials here –> Top 5 Dorm Room Essentials

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1.) Bedding

Comforters, sheets, and pillows are essential for college dorms. Ensure you find out the size of the beds from the college or university before you buy bedding. (My son’s dorm has extra long twin beds, and that was essential when shopping for a sheet set!). They are often called ‘Twin Extra Long”. We love these extra long bed skirts to hide all of your stuff under your dorm bed.

Image via: Etsy – Dorm Room Bed Skirts

2.) Bath Linen

Bath towels – Washcloths, hand towels, and bath sized towels are crucial in dormitories and they can never use enough. (Considering they probably will do laundry once a month). Ensure you buy quality towels that are absorbent and can withstand the abuse of a college student. Trust me they will be used for more than just drying off from the shower.

3.) Shower Tote for College Dorms

Whether the dorms have communal showers or individual showers connected to the rooms, having all of your shower tote essentials in a tote or caddy is essential. Opt for a mesh one or a material that can dry easily to prevent getting mildewed and gross from moisture.

4.) Over the door mirror for your College Room

Full length mirrors are often forgotten but are essential to see your ENTIRE body. (Many college students seem to think all you need to see is your face!) Whether you opt for a full-length mirror that can hang on the back of a closet door, or you buy a framed variety that can hang like a picture, a mirror is often forgotten but will be used by everyone on your dorm room floor.

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5.) College Dorms Alarm Clock

Waking up in the morning, or even at night will prove to be essential in college. Ensure you have a good alarm clock that plugs into the wall and not run solely on batteries is brought to college. Don’t depend on just your cell phone or your roommate to wake you. Alarm clocks with multiple alarms can prove to be helpful, so you don’t have to reset your alarm for each new time. See ways to personalize your dorm room here.

6.) Hanging Clothes Organizer

Make the best use of your small closet with a vertical hanging organizer for your shoes, sweaters and foldable clothes. The hanging clothes organizer will keep all your belongings orderly and will help you cram more into your closet than you first imagined. Need more ideas to get your dorm room organized for cheap?

7.) College Dorms Laundry Bag

Laundry is one of the most dreaded chores to do at college (at home too!) Make the chore easier with a good laundry bag – multiple ones is a good idea. Ensure they have sturdy handles and rolling varieties may prove to be handy if your laundromat is within your dormitory.

Image via: Etsy – Hen House Originals – Dorm Essentials Laundry Bag

8.) Coffee Maker

Coffee, Tea, and water may prove to be the best drinks to consume at college (we won’t mention the alcoholic beverages). A coffee maker that doubles as a tea maker could become a college student best friend, late at night or early in the morning. Opt for a variety that has an alarm or even a travel sidecup like the Hamilton Beach coffee maker.

9.) Portable Laptop Desk Holder

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College students spend a lot of time in the bed… not just sleeping, but studying, eating and everything else. A laptop desk for writing, resting a laptop, or just having a flat surface other than your desk can prove to be essential. Creating a productive study area can be hard. This desk will help make life easier. These can be found at most houseware stores in the back-to-school area.

10.) College Dorms Floor and Table Lamps

One of the most underrated essentials for a dorm room is table and floor lamps. Whether you are trying to study, or need an extra light near your bed or sitting area, the overhead fluorescent fixture in the room will not be sufficient, and it will wake up your roommate! Opt for a few lamps that are versatile and don’t require strangely sized bulbs!

For more college dorm ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Dorm Room Decor: The Do’s and Donts for College

Do’s – to remember when decorating your college dorm

Dorm Room Essentials:

Dorm rooms are limited for space since students share rooms. Leave your extra clothes and accessories at home or go for them at a later date. For example, you can leave your winter clothes at home and get them during thanksgiving break as you drop off the warm-weather clothes.

Bring along a cute dorm room laundry bag too!

Image via: Etsy – Hen House Originals – Dorm Essentials Laundry Bag

Get Dorm Room Decor Ideas from our Burlap and Succulents Store:

Our Burlap and Succulents Zazzle store can give you ideas for bedding, pillows, blankets and throw blankets to make your dorm room look awesome!

Dorm Bedding – Choose fun patterns!

Buy bedding that will endure 4-5 years of college. You can get a synthetic down comforter which is perfect for all seasons and add style with a colorful duvet cover. Even when pulled up, a comforter makes a room look cleaner. Buy a machine-washable cover with a beautiful print that hides stains.

Dorm Room Decor Don’ts – Try not to do in your college dorm

Buy Small Accessories Immediately After Settling In

Don’t buy unnecessary accessories as soon as you move into your dorm room. While it can be tempting to buy cool items you may find that you don’t need some items after a while. Additionally, things go on sale sometime after school starts so it is advisable to buy then.

Dorm Wall Decor: Don’t Be Afraid of Color

There are many ways you can add color to your dorm room. You can use accent pillows, poufs, decals, or art. Even if bright colors aren’t your thing, try to choose accessories with happy tones that will brighten up your day when you’re missing your family or suffering from winter blues.

There are many things to consider as you go off to college and dorm room décor may be the last thing on your mind. However, it can make a big difference in your overall enjoyment of college life. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, it is only fair that you make it a small haven. Follow the above decorating dos and don’ts and you’ll be sure to create a gorgeous room that impresses everyone who sees it. In fact, it will quickly become your pride and joy.

Can you share with us your dorm room decorating tips dos and don’ts?

How to Get Your College Dorm Room Organized

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Dorm room ideas: Double hanging racks

Closet space in dorm rooms is quite small and you really cannot install anything into this area. But, you can effectively double the space in your tiny closet with an hanging organizer. Simply, hook it onto the rack, and add a whole new row to store clothes. Also, be smart and put the unused space to work by hooking and over the door shoe rack. 

Organize your desk

A cluttered desk is uninviting and will constantly distract you from your work. So, invest in a filing cabinet to keep your important documents, papers, and receipts arranged.  Recycle old assignments, term and exam papers that are no longer required. Also, limiting the number of desk accessories you bring with you to college is a sensible way to maintain order. Finally, manage your book clutter by organizing them alphabetically or by color-coding them. For instance, put a blue label or covering on the books you use on Mondays, “Monday Blues.”

Check out our back to school binders and school supplies at our Burlap and Succulents shop!

dope ? | ? @nicolejanoff

A photo posted by dormify (@dormify) on Sep 12, 2015 at 6:58am PDT

Organized dorm ideas: Make your bed

When you live in a small area, the slightest visual disorder can make a huge impact on the appearance of your room. So, get into the habit of making your bed daily, even if it means only folding your quilt and arranging pillows. Try getting bed-in-a-bag sets that include sheets, comforter, matching pillowcases and more for a easier time making your bed.

Dorm Room Bedding Ideas

Don’t forget bedding and bed skirts for your dorm room bed! We love these dorm room dust ruffles that fit Twin XL beds and cover up all of your storage under your bed. Etsy Shop Dorm Room Bedding Ideas has patterns, colors, and different styles to choose from.

Image via: Etsy – Dorm Bedding Ideas – Dorm Room Bed Skirts

Get your Dorm Room Organized with Laundry bins

Don’t just throw your dirty clothes on the floor or drape it over the chair. Buy a lightweight, portable laundry basket or bag and toss it under your bed. Not only will it help you keep your dorm room uncluttered, it will make your laundry day much easier. Laundry bags are also a creative option. We like these laundry bags from Etsy Shop – Hen House Originals.

Image via: Etsy – Laundry Bag Ideas – Hen House Originals

Keeping your dorm space clean and tidy will make dorm life much more enjoyable for you and people around. So, follow these tips and get to work!

For more organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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Freshman College Dorm Room Essentials Checklists

College Dorm Room Essentials

As space is at premium at college dorm rooms, resist the urge to carry all your favorite clothes. Few pairs of bottoms, twice the number of tops, a jacket or a sweatshirt and few pairs of shoes should be enough. In order to carry weather appropriate clothes, it’s wise to find out the average climate for each season and pack accordingly. You will also have limited desk and counter space, so make sure to limit items like picture frames and anything else that requires a place to sit. Most likely you will be going back home during the holidays or your parents will pay you a visit, so you will have an opportunity to exchange items for the changing season.

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Comfort items

Comfort items make you feel like at home. While it’s advised to carry such items, you must limit them to the ones you use most often. Share the responsibility with your roommate of bringing stuff like television, fridge, dvd player, stereo and more. Before packing any item, think twice if you really need it. For instance, if you can set an alarm on your mobile, perhaps you don’t need an alarm clock.

College Checklist items:

Bedding

Mattress Pad – Twin XL for College Dorm Rooms

Laundry Bag

Shower Caddy

Desk lamp

Flash drive

Headphones can be a great help when studying and writing papers.

Moreover, if possible try getting a look at your dorm room or call the college authorities to find how big the room is and what all comes with it.

Ultimate College Checklist

When preparing for a life’s new journey, it’s highly possible to forget stuff like medications, first aid box, and important documents and papers. If you are planning to take your car along, do remember to carry your driving license, car insurance, and auto registration.

While you should try to create a comfortable living space, unnecessary items will only clutter your room and will eventually lead to a stressful environment. So, instead of trying to replicate your room at home, pack light and smart.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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Recipe Round Up: Our Best Fall Drinks 

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1) Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Now we have to begin the list with the ever popular Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  This drink recipe has warmed us up with its warm milk, lively espresso and rich sweet pumpkin taste with cinnamon flavors.  It definitely brings “Autumn in a Cup,” to another level.  The pumpkin spiced latte is great to make but even better to taste.  Take a look here to find out how to make this beautiful drink:  Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe.

2) Pumpkin Martini Recipe

How about a Fall cocktail for a twist?  Pumpkin is such a Fall favorite that it is no surprise that one would add it their Fall drinks like their coffee or even some other beverages, like Martinis for instance. Which introduces the Pumpkin Martini recipe.  This drink, with its succulent flavors of spices, will leave your mouth a fulfilling taste and sensation.   Here’s how to create this recipe:  Pumpkin Martini Recipe.

3) Hot Chocolate with Coconut

Have you ever thought about taking a classic and putting a spin on it?  Hot chocolate has always been a favorite for decades.  With the chilly atmosphere having a warm chocolate drink is definitely a great way to spend some of the time of your day.  But don’t just stop there add in a little coconut for a refreshing taste.  This recipe helps o have a soothing and rich taste for everyone to love.  Tips on how to make:  Hot Chocolate with Coconut Recipe.

4) Pumpkin Spiced Punch

Pumpkin is the flavor of the Fall and its been placed in coffee and martinis but what about punch?  The pumpkin spiced punch recipe is great for Halloween parties and just the Fall season in general.  Its fruity flavor and lovable taste will have the kids and adults begging for more.  Take a look at the recipe here:  Pumpkin Spiced Punch.

5) The Classic Apple Punch Recipe

Apple is another flavor that invites the Fall season in.  And the Apple Punch recipe is no different, with the soothing apple and other additional fruity flavors everyone will definitely make this one of the Fall favorites.  Not only would you be able to use this drink for parties but even as an after school treat for the kiddie widdies.  Learn to make this recipe here:  Classic Apple Punch Recipe

The Fall season can be an amazing time of the year.  The colors in nature begin to change, football season is back and its time to get ready for the holidays.  Having recipes really help to cement when certain seasons are in the midst.  Fall drink recipes are quick, simple and enjoyed by all.  So what are you waiting for Stagetecture readers go ahead and make these recipes and do you have any favorite recipes of Fall drinks then let us know.

For more fall drink ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make Our Best Easter Dinner Ideas

Easter Dinner Ideas: Cherry Glazed Baked Ham Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that is both great in taste and preparation, this cherry glazed baked ham recipe will get all the brownie points. It boasts of the perfect balance of spice and sweetness and the entire dish has multiple layers of flavors. Who would mind that when it’s time for a special occasion? Make it and see how no one can stop complementing on its deliciousness.

Image via: Midwest Living

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Easter dinner Idea: Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Souffle

There’s nothing like sitting at the Easter table and not being able to eat what you’d like because you need Gluten-Free dishes. This Sweet Potato Gluten-Free Casserole recipe is a favorite side to try this Easter holiday.

Image via: BHG

We also love these Sweet Potato Recipes from Stagetecture’s archives:

• Sweet potatoes with bacon recipe
• Sweet potatoes and onions pasta recipe

Easter Dinner: Italian Easter Pizza

Image via: Italian Food Forever

Looking for something traditional? How about this Italian Easter pizza recipe? Sometimes also referred as a quiche, or a pastry pie, it holds a solid ground in the time honored food traditions of Easter celebrations. Made with rich mix of four different cheeses, various types of meats, and eggs, this pizza recipe is absolutely incredible.

Casual Easter Food: Chicken Breasts Pierre

Image via: Babble

Sophisticated for a dinner party yet simple for a family meal, this chicken breast Pierre recipe takes only 40 minutes to prepare. All it requires is some readily available ingredients and some of which can even be substituted. Serve it with rice, salad, pasta, crusty bread, or whipped potatoes, and there is no way you can go wrong with this recipe. You will how each of the flavors stands of beautifully!

Budget Easter Dinner: Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe

Image via: Taste of Home

For those who have a big family or circle of friends to entertain, Easter dinner can get quite pricey. That’s why we bring to you this ham and potato casserole recipe whose key ingredients are available on cheap during this season. But inexpensive does not mean that it’s not tasty.

So, here is our round up of quick and easy recipes for your best Easter yet. But don’t just take our word for. Give them a try!

Which other Easter dinner recipes will you add to the menu this year? Share with us in the comments!

Here’s links to the past ‘Best Of’ Stagetecture years:

Best of 2015 – No 1 – Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Original post:

If you will be having overnight guests during the holiday season, you may want to consider this blueberry French toast recipe for breakfast. Perfect for any holiday brunch, it’s filled with fresh blueberries and topped with rich berry sauce. You can also choose to serve the blueberry sauce on the side. If strawberry is your preference, tweak the recipe to make it yours!

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Total time: Preparation 15 minutes + Cooking 1 hour 15 minutes

Yields 8 servings:

Ingredients:

12 slices day old bread, cut into 1 inch cubes

8 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 cup fresh blueberries

12 eggs, beaten

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 9*13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle with 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese and top it with remaining bread cubes.
2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and maple syrup. Pour over the bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F).
4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.
5. In a medium saucepan, mix the cornstarch, sugar, and water. Bring to boil. Stirring constantly, cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the blueberries burst. Stir in the butter and pour over the baked French toast.

Creamy, gooey, and crunchy at the same time, this holiday brunch recipe will certainly have your guests talking. Leftover sauce, if any would be great on pancakes, waffles, or pound cake.  Give it a try!

For a stuffed french toast recipe on Stagetecture, click here.

See the entire year of Stagetecture’s Best Of for 2015 posts!

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Here’s links to the past ‘Best Of’ Stagetecture years:

Best of 2015 – No 2 – Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes

Original post

These days, Crock Pot Meals are becoming the most popular appliance of choice, and for a good reason. From side dishes to dinner to desserts, you can throw almost anything in the crock pot for scrumptious, slow simmered flavor. As the season of slow cooker meals is almost upon us, we point you our favorite recipes so that you can have your meal practically cook itself.

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Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Pulled Pork Sliders

Looking for some perfect addition to a relaxed menu? Try these delicious, mouthwatering pulled pork sliders. The intelligent slow cooker does all the work for you, so that when you come back home six to eight hours later, you will have juicy pork ready to be shredded and served in a sandwich with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Herb Chicken with Mushrooms

Flavorful spices and herbs, onion and mushrooms give this plain herb chicken recipe a rich flavor. Vegetables and cooking juice complete the meal. If you don’t wish to use the wine, you can use cooking sherry instead and omit the salt. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side dish like steamed green beans and you will have a satisfying meal.

Cranberry Pork

Cranberry pork tenderloin is a tasty, easy dinner any time of the year, but it’s especially a great choice during cooler weather. It’s healthy, simple, and just as good reheated the next day. A slow cooker really helps to bring out the best in pork loin, leaving it juicy and tender, and saving you hours in the kitchen.

Butternut Squash Soup

This one is one of our all time favorite soups. We love the recipe because you can throw everything in the crock pot and walk away. In about few hours you have a tasty soup all ready waiting for you. And of course, your home will smell just amazing while it’s cooking way. Simply open the cupboard and add what you desire. Freeze for another meal!

Slow cooker meals are such a time saver. Set and forget at the beginning of the day and come back home to a hot dinner. Let us know through comments what you think about our collection of recipes?

For more easy slow cooker recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Check back throughout the week to see the rest of Stagetecture’s Best Of for 2015 posts!

Here’s links to the past ‘Best Of’ Stagetecture years:

Best of 2015 – No 4 – Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Craving for a warming, autumn-inspired meal? Here is a classic meatloaf recipe that is just perfect for cooler weather evenings. Serve it with simple mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal it will give your usual chicken recipe a run for it’s money! The only secret to get it right is very finely chopped vegetables that will give it its due moisture and flavor. We point you the recipe.

Image via: Martha Stewart

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Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yields: 10 servings

Meatloaf Ingredients

1 coarsely chopped carrot

1 coarsely chopped rib celery

½ coarsely chopped onion

½ coarsely chopped red bell pepper

4 coarsely chopped mushrooms

3 chopped garlic cloves

2 ½ pounds ground chuck

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup plain bread crumbs

1 teaspoon olive oil

Glaze Ingredients

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Hot pepper sauce to taste

Procedure

Image via: Betty Crocker

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Place the carrot, onion, celery, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to puree. Put the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and cayenne pepper. Using a wooden spoon mix gently to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With gently mix bread crumbs until combined.
3. Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the meat of ball onto the dish. Now shape it into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
4. Bake in a preheated oven just until meatloaf is hot about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until brown sugar gets dissolved.
6. Remove meatloaf from oven. With back of the spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf. Then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
7. Return meatloaf back to oven and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and glaze has baked onto the loaf, approx 30-40 minutes. Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf which should read at least 70 degrees C. cooking time will depend on the thickness and shape off the meatloaf.

This classic meatloaf tastes so good that you might want to double the recipe so that everyone can enjoy second servings. However, still if there are any leftovers, simply chill and reheat. The slices also taste good in sandwiches as well.

Please share with us your best meatloaf recipe!

Check back throughout the week to see the rest of Stagetecture’s Best Of for 2015 posts!