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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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April 2, 2015

Carrot Cake Biscotti & Giveaway!

I love baking. Honestly I WAY prefer it to cooking. This might have something to do with the fact that anything I bake is received by my family with joy and gratitude as opposed to the meals I cook each night which, frankly, are always a bit like a shot in the dark. Sometimes they hit their target and sometimes they are so far off from the target you would think that I was purposely trying to torture them.

Carrot-Cake-Biscotti recipe from atthepicketfence.com

But as much as I love baking, there are some things I’ve never felt quite brave enough to attempt. And yet, it seems like the things I’m so afraid to try often are some of my most favorite desserts. It was only last year when I worked up the confidence to finally make crème brûlée.

So when Libby’s asked me to create a Spring recipe using one of their awesome (seriously folks these are the most fresh canned foods you’ve ever seen! No joke!) canned vegetables I decided it was time to overcome one of my biggest baking fears….biscotti.

It’s silly, I know, but those little slices of crunchy goodness have always seemed intimidating and complicated to me. But I decided that enough was enough!

carrot cake biscotti with white chocolate atthepicketfence.com

I wanted to capture the flavors of carrot cake which is always a dessert that comes to my mind when I think of Spring and Easter.

And can I just tell you with all of the humility and grace and self-deprecation in the world that

I ROCKED BISCOTTI!! 😉

carrot cake biscotti with raisins atthepicketfence.com

And now, you can rock biscotti too!! I promise you that if I can do it so can you!

Print
Carrot Cake Biscotti

Carrot Cake Biscotti

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 cup pureed canned Libby's carrots (drain first)
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • white chocolate

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liner
  • In a bowl, beat together the egg, sugar and baking powder with a whisk until it begins to fold back onto itself when you lift up the whisk.
  • Add the carrot puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt and vanilla and whisk all ingredients together.
  • Sprinkle the flour on top and then fold it in with a spatula.
  • Add the raisins and stir together.
  • Shape the dough into a flat log about 3 inches wide and 8 inches long. Moisten fingertips with water if dough becomes too sticky.
  • Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 300. Slice into 1/2 inch slices, put them back on the baking sheet and bake for another 30 minutes flipping them over halfway through.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before drizzling with melted white chocolate.
3.1
https://www.atthepicketfence.com/carrot-cake-biscotti-giveaway/
This recipe is copyrighted by At The Picket Fence

And because I’m so confident that you are going to want to overcome your own baking fears AND because of the generosity of the wonderful folks at Libby’s, we’re giving away an awesome prize package!

One lucky winner will receive this awesome Nutri Ninja Pro™ PLUS a fabulous assortment of Libby’s products.

That’s a prize value of over $100!

 

 

libby's prize package

 

So hurry up and enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*I received compensation in exchange for this recipe creation but all opinions expressed are 100% my own*

114 Comments Filed Under: Desserts, Easter, Recipes, Spring Tagged With: desserts, Easter, Easter recipes, recipes, spring, spring recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Charla says

    April 2, 2015 at 3:00 AM

    How wonderful that would be with my coffee this morning! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  2. Hope Williams says

    April 2, 2015 at 3:36 AM

    Biscotti is a super simple, easy sweet for your mornings. Now that you have a basic guide line, some ingredients are interchangeable. Such as nuts, berries, and your liquids and dry goods. The possibilities are endless! As are the flavors. This looks like a yummy recipe. I should mention that I am a classically trained chef. So, if you need help converting just ask and I will be glad to help.
    Don’t be intimidated by any recipe, read it through first, then go for it.
    Have a blessed day, Hope

    Reply
  3. Lisa Brown says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:17 AM

    I like strawberries and whipped cream during the summer

    Reply
  4. Jill Nelson says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:27 AM

    I’ve only made triple chocolate biscotti for Christmas gifts. This sounds so much more like something I would like!!

    Reply
  5. Michele Chabot says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is any type of cake or cookies!

    Reply
  6. Katy | Her Cup of Joy says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:56 AM

    This is such a unique biscotti combination. It looks delicious!

    Reply
  7. Robin C. says

    April 2, 2015 at 5:08 AM

    Love me some Libby’s canned pumpkin and I love the prize package.

    Reply
  8. Diva Kreszl says

    April 2, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    Those biscotti look amazing, definitely a recipe I will try!!!

    Reply
  9. Debra Beeuwsaert says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    I am going to try this biscotti recipe. Also the giveaway is great.

    Reply
  10. Karen J says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:14 AM

    Love biscotti too but my all time favorite spring dessert is old fashioned strawberry shortcake. So good and brings back great memories every time.

    Reply
  11. Annette says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    My favorite Spring dessert is Lemon Blueberry Cake.

    Reply
  12. Jean from Georgia says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    What a great recipe. Can’t wait to try it. My favorite recipe changes with the seasons and with holidays. For my Easter meal and my daughter’s birthday the favorite recipe will be my Coconut cake made from scratch and with fresh coconut. Cannot wait to start that this weekend.

    Reply
  13. Stacy Ewart says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Im going to make these and bring Sat am when to treat the ladies when we decorate the church for Easter ! This will be perfect ..Thank you

    Reply
  14. jan says

    April 2, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    strawberry shortcake is my favorite!

    Reply
  15. Sally Croft says

    April 2, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    Looks delish, I love biscotti. Never have tried to make them, butI now I just might give it a try. Happy Easter to you and your family
    .PS: Thank to Libby for their great products.

    Reply
  16. Leslie S. says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    I love all things lemon, so I tend to go with a lemon bar for springtime. I found a recipe online recently for a Mon Bake Lemon Bar with a crust made from cashews and dates that is wonderful. 🙂

    Reply
  17. nancy says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Carrot cake is my favorite spring dessert…with lots and lots of cream cheese frosting!!

    Reply
  18. NancyP. says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    This Biscotti recipe sounds perfect for my next get-together! I’m using Libby’s pumpkin for a pie today. Thank you for a great Libby’s contest.

    Reply
  19. Chris Ann says

    April 2, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    Spring time dessert favorite – is a tie between Lemon blueberry cake and sour cream cherry pie. I love the baked goods I make using Libby’s canned pumpkin! Thank you and have a wonderful Easter !

    Reply
  20. SandyRees says

    April 2, 2015 at 9:42 AM

    Strawberry shortcake and homemade vanilla ice cream is my springtime favorite dessert.

    Reply
  21. HS says

    April 2, 2015 at 9:42 AM

    I love carrot cupcakes.

    Reply
  22. john h says

    April 2, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    my favorite spring dessert is strawberry shortcake

    Reply
  23. Melanie says

    April 2, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    I love carrot cake and will definitely try this!

    Reply
  24. Denise M says

    April 2, 2015 at 11:03 AM

    My fave is chocolate covered strawberries, both dark and milk chocolate and with a drizzle of white chocolate or rolled in nuts

    Reply
  25. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    April 2, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    You DID rock the biscotti – wow! Looks amazing! I love Libby’s cream style and whole kernel corn. Yum! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  26. Amanda Sakovitz says

    April 2, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    I love strawberry shortcake

    Reply
  27. Kaye Killgore says

    April 2, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    Strawberry shortcake, strawberry cream pie

    Reply
  28. rachel says

    April 2, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    Coconut Cake! Perfect for Easter as well 🙂

    Reply
  29. Christy Spurlock says

    April 2, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    I love any and all fresh fruits…..especially LEMON!!!

    Reply
  30. nicole dziedzic says

    April 2, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    My favorite spring dessert would have to be Lemon Cake for sure, it is so moist and delicious.

    Reply
  31. maureen says

    April 2, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    I would have to say lemon squares though I make them all year long it is just that they are so fresh and remind me of spring.

    Reply
  32. Peggy Deaux. says

    April 2, 2015 at 3:09 PM

    Carrot cake whoppl pies are at the top of my list of desserts. However, I’m thinking carrot cake biscotti might take over. I don’t think I’ll feel so guilty eating them.

    Reply
  33. MARTHA says

    April 2, 2015 at 3:22 PM

    AAAAAAWWWW !!!!! Strawberry Short Cake ..l….

    Reply
  34. Jan says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    Can’t go wrong with Libby’s

    Reply
  35. Laura says

    April 2, 2015 at 4:18 PM

    Lemon Meringue Pie!

    Reply
  36. Thomas Murphy says

    April 2, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    I love Strawberry shortcake in the spring.

    Reply
  37. Heather Hayes Panjon says

    April 2, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    Carrot Cake Is My Favorite With Cream Cheese Icing.

    Reply
  38. Margot C says

    April 2, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    WE like Strawberries & Cream; when the season comes we can’t stop!

    Reply
  39. Karen says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    I love strawberry shortcake for a spring dessert – so refreshing
    Thanks,
    Karen

    Reply
  40. Kayte CookWatts says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    I like blood orange slices dipped in a little melted dark chocolate.

    Reply
  41. Angelica Dimeo says

    April 2, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    strawberry shortcake

    Reply
  42. Barbara Ann says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:17 PM

    I never thought of using carrots and that Libbys have puree carrots to make sweets with. While biscotti is great to eat, making them scares me too. But I will try. I’m wanting to try scones and am thinking these carrots could be adapted for scones too. Thanks for braving it for all of us to try. Happy dipping!
    Barbara Ann

    Reply
  43. Linda Szymoniak says

    April 2, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    Fresh fruit is my favorite dessert any time of year

    Reply
  44. TAMARA says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:10 AM

    I LOVE STRAWBERRIES DIPPED IN SOUR CREAM THEN DIP IN BROWN SUGAR. POP IT IN YOUR MOUTH ENJOY THEN REPEAT.

    Reply
  45. Amy Pratt says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    I love raspberries and heavy cream.

    Reply
  46. Adrienne gordon says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:43 AM

    I like key lime pie

    Reply
  47. Alison says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:04 AM

    I love a good strawberry pie with graham cracker crust!

    Reply
  48. Heather B says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is strawberry shortcake trifle.

    Reply
  49. Sherry says

    April 3, 2015 at 9:44 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is Angel Food cake, cut in half, add fruit, frost with whipped cream and add fruit to the top. Yummy!

    Reply
  50. Devra Shear says

    April 3, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    This receipe sounds GREAT! I’ve used Libby’s pumpkin for years, but have never tried their carrots. Great idea to keep them in the pantry if baking inspiration hits in the middle of the night. Carrot cake has always been my family’s favorite, so I can’t wait to try this biscotti. Thanks for a great blog….. I enjoy it with morning coffee!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  51. McKim says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    I like pineapple upside down cake.

    Reply
  52. nickie says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    I like strawberry shortcake

    Reply
  53. Richard Hicks says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    My favorite spring desert is coconut crème pie

    Reply
  54. Tracy Davis says

    April 3, 2015 at 12:24 PM

    Carrot cake is my fave!!

    Reply
  55. Elizabeth says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    One of my favorites is a Lemon Yogurt Loaf Cake with a powdered sugar lemon juice glaze.

    Reply
  56. Alan Saxon says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:50 PM

    My favorite is Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake.

    Reply
  57. Debbi Wellenstein says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    My favorite spring dessert is a yellow cake with pineapple filling and whipped cream frosting.

    Reply
  58. Kathleen says

    April 3, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    My favorite is strawberry pie.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  59. Mary Calabrese says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:05 PM

    cherry cheesecake is awesome.

    Reply
  60. Carla S says

    April 4, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is key lime pie.

    Reply
  61. Brittney House says

    April 4, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    I love homemade cheesecakes.

    Reply
  62. PC says

    April 4, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    I like lemon spongecake with cream cheese icing sprinkled with raspberries for spring

    Reply
  63. Cristiana Myers says

    April 4, 2015 at 9:29 AM

    Favorite dessert is cheesecake with fresh strawberries on it!

    Reply
  64. denise low says

    April 4, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    We like strawberry short cake. This is our favorite. Thank you for the entry

    Reply
  65. Mary says

    April 4, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    Great recipe, bet the carrot purée’ would work well for carrot cake/bars too!

    Reply
  66. shaunie says

    April 4, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    My favorite spring dessert is carrot cake

    Reply
  67. martha says

    April 4, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    Springtime is sour cream pound cake (made with almond extract) with strawberries and whipped cream. Carrot cake is Christmas. I love biscotti, time to try making my own.

    Reply
  68. cyndee robinson says

    April 4, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    Love ambrosia salad.

    Reply
  69. steve weber says

    April 4, 2015 at 8:28 PM

    I make a delicious lemon curd dessert.

    Reply
  70. Tina voyles says

    April 5, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    Strawberry shortcake!

    Reply
  71. sara says

    April 5, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    I bet these would be great with pumpkin, too!

    Reply
  72. Ann Fantom says

    April 5, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    Carrot cake is my favorite Spring dessert.

    Reply
  73. Maria Morais Sarmento says

    April 6, 2015 at 8:28 AM

    I just love trifles!!! Strawberries, peaches…love it!

    Reply
  74. Holly E says

    April 6, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    I love Strawberry Cobbler.

    Reply
  75. bonnie sue says

    April 6, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    biscotti and carrot cake–how can it be wrong?

    Reply
  76. nadya kotik says

    April 6, 2015 at 6:35 PM

    I love strawberry cakes and rhubarb pies

    Reply
  77. carol clark says

    April 6, 2015 at 6:49 PM

    i like blueberry muffins in the spring its my fav..

    Reply
  78. Stephanie Galbraith says

    April 6, 2015 at 9:11 PM

    I love Cheesecake.

    Reply
  79. Priscilla S. says

    April 7, 2015 at 12:35 AM

    My favorite Spring dessert is a toss up between lemon bars and strawberry short cake.

    Reply
  80. Ashley C says

    April 7, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    I love strawberry white chocolate cheesecake bars!

    Reply
  81. Linda R says

    April 7, 2015 at 3:59 AM

    I love fresh fruit with real whipped cream on top. Easy and refreshing.

    Reply
  82. Jessica Tysen says

    April 7, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    I can’t wait to try the carrot cake biscotti. My favorite Spring dessert is Jersey Cheesecake topped with berries. My Aunt Nellie used to make these cheesecakes for her neighbor’s French restaurant when she lived in New Orleans. It’s light and yet, decadent. I’ve served this to friends and family over the years and always get rave reviews.
    Jessica

    Reply
  83. Jennifer Williams says

    April 7, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    I make a springtime dessert that involves layering pound cake, strawberries, strawberry jello and cool whip. The cake soaks up the jello and it’s amazing!

    Reply
  84. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    April 8, 2015 at 5:44 AM

    Yummy! I’ve never heard of carrot cake biscotti before! You are brilliant!

    Reply
  85. TidyMom says

    April 8, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    I have a mug of coffee just waiting for this!!

    Reply
  86. Maaike says

    April 8, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Lemon pound cake! Fresh strawberry pie! Vanilla cupcakes! Pear galette! I could go on….

    Reply
  87. Dezi A says

    April 8, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    Anything lemon!! Love trying all new lemon recipes.

    Reply
  88. Marie B says

    April 8, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    I love strawberry shortcake!! Mmmmmm!!

    Reply
  89. deana says

    April 8, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    My favorite spring dessert is strawberry rhubarb pie!

    Reply
  90. Kristie says

    April 9, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    I made biscotti (chocolate peppermint) for the first time at Christmas and it was super easy. I definitely have to try this one too. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
  91. Paula Michele Hafner says

    April 10, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    I like to make homemade strawberry pie with fresh strawberries.

    Reply
  92. Danielle says

    April 10, 2015 at 6:55 PM

    My favorite spring dessert peach cobbler

    Reply
  93. Evelyn Goettner says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I love lemon cheesecake bars. I love anything lemony.

    Reply
  94. Tim A says

    April 12, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is strawberry shortcake.

    Reply
  95. Denise S says

    April 12, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    I love every dessert all year long! Chocolate cake is my favorite.

    Reply
  96. Aaron says

    April 13, 2015 at 12:20 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is cheesecake =)

    Reply
  97. Deb C says

    April 13, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    One of my favorites is fresh raspberries on Lady Fingers wtih whipped cream.

    Reply
  98. brandy c says

    April 13, 2015 at 1:32 PM

    I like pink cherry cupcakes for Spring.

    Reply
  99. kymi a says

    April 13, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    Favorite Spring dessert is fresh baked mango bread and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So yummy!

    Reply
  100. Erica B. says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Anything with fresh fruit.

    Reply
  101. Monique Rizzo says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    For some reason I like Lemon flavors, so I love making a lemon pudding pound cake.

    Reply
  102. Angela Cisco says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    Strawberry shortcake

    Reply
  103. Carolyn Daley says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:38 AM

    My favorite spring dessert is homemade peanut butter pie.

    Reply
  104. Tina Reynolds says

    April 15, 2015 at 11:18 AM

    I love strawberry shortcake or cherry cheesecake

    Reply
  105. Ellie Wright says

    April 15, 2015 at 5:25 PM

    I love peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

    Reply
  106. Breanne says

    April 15, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    I like strawberry rhubarb pie.

    Reply
  107. Lisa V. says

    April 15, 2015 at 5:42 PM

    My favorite is peach cobbler.

    Reply
  108. Tara Braun says

    April 15, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    I love lemon bars.

    Reply
  109. Stephanie Larison says

    April 15, 2015 at 6:38 PM

    My favorite spring dessert is strawberry shortcake, yum.

    Reply
  110. Laurie Emerson says

    April 15, 2015 at 7:11 PM

    My favorite Spring dessert is my strawberry and rhubarb sauce that I serve warm over vanilla ice cream.

    Reply
  111. Peggy Rydzewski says

    April 15, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    Strawberry shortcake is our favorite.

    Reply
  112. Eugenia Hall says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:32 PM

    Lemon Curd Tartlets with fresh berries on them are lovely this time of year!

    Reply
  113. Eugenia Hall says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    Lemon Curd Tartlets with fresh berries on them are lovely this time of year. When it gets a bit later Strawberry Pie is lovely too.

    Reply
  114. Betty C says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:38 PM

    My favorite spring dessert is strawberries with anything and everything.

    Reply

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But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
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There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
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Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

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Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

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Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
Instagram post 17846094718750175 Temperatures are dropping here in the Willamette Valley and I got our hot cocoa station set up just in the nick of time! My kids LOVE this sweet (literally!) spot in our house and my daughter added her own personal touch with the little sign on the wreath. I’ll be happily restocking ingredients over and over throughout the season as my kids and their friends make a pit stop here. We’re definitely ready to cozy up!! Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? What are your must-haves for the perfect hot beverage? ☕️🎄
Instagram post 17880974047462626 It’s begun!! 🎄🎄 My best girl LOVES decorating the family room tree (we do a fresh tree in the living room after Thanksgiving) but she does NOT like me to take her picture while she’s doing it (see photo two). Ahhhh...preteens. 😂🤪 I’m just so grateful to have a buddy who is as obsessed with Christmas as I am and who still wants to be apart of it all with me!
Instagram post 17864348974529213 I'm struggling to find the right words on my book proposal for a book that I never thought I would dare to write. The words are in me, I just can't seem to get them onto the page. I'm so passionate about this message even though it is so different from anything I've ever done and might not be considered 'on brand'. And yet it's never been more clear to me that I'm supposed to keep moving forward. It's a message that might not be considered very 'popular' (this ain't a 'pull yourselves up by your bootstraps' kind of message about being a Christ-follower) but it's one that God has placed on my heart and in my very BEING and I have to get it out there.

But at every step of the way I find that the enemy of my soul tries to keep me silent and what should be so simple (writing two paragraphs giving an overview of the book or writing an outline) ends up being paralyzing. He whispers words into my ear that are lies tinged with just enough truth to tempt me to keep silent. “You're first book didn't sell well enough so why should any other publisher take a chance on you? They won't care that it wasn't really your fault." "You write a lot about home decorating so why would you have any authority to talk about scripture?” And that's how satan works...he is masterful in his deception, weaving our fears and insecurity into the lies so that we are much more likely to believe them. And if we believe them, we stop being obedient to the Lord and the callings He places on our lives.

But, I WILL NOT BE HINDERED. “Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in his strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary." - Charles Spurgeon
Instagram post 18114202198050565 Happy weekend friends!! This has been one of my favorite kind of days today. The boys went and had some guy time and my daughter and I got some sweet girl time and now we’re all cozied in together at home enjoying just ‘being’. I’m doing some baking and dreaming about this year’s Christmas mantel. This photo is from a few years ago but it’s still one of my all-time favorites!

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
Instagram post 18073546234147166 Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
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When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
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