Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Gaither Kitchen: Vanilla and Cherry Muffins



I am seriously starting to surprise myself with all of the time I am spending in the kitchen these days!
We were fortunate enough to buy a home that had mature landscaping which includes a gorgeous cherry tree!  This year the tree has been incredible!  We've had neighbors pick cherries who then treated us with the most AMAZING cherry pie.  Our family members have stopped by to pick as well.  Here are a few picture from my precious Daddy (aka Pappy) and Fiona picking this past Monday.
 

g

Are they not the cutest?!

Ok- Now for these Yummy Muffins!

Ingredients


3/4 cup finely chopped cherries
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees


In a large mixing bowl, mix together your dry ingredients -  flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt 

 
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract



Next, pour wet ingredients into the dry – then add your butter and cherries.
Using a spatula to stir the ingredients together until just combined – try not to over mix as this will help to keep your muffins fluffy



Evenly scoop the muffin batter into the prepared pans, filling 3/4  of the way up
I used baking cups, but if you do no have any just make sure to grease the pan before pouring the mix in. 



Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until cooked through
Set aside to cool for about 5 minutes  
 

And...tada! 
Time to enjoy your Vanilla & Cherry Muffins



dc signature

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Gaither Kitchen: Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie

I will never claim to be a baker or an amazing cook of any sort.  So, when I make something and get rave reviews and have the husband asking for seconds, I try to make sure and take the time to post for all of you other non Betty Crocker's out there.

Last Friday, Sweet Mama (aka GiGi) and I took Miss Fiona strawberry picking for the very first time.
I knew immediately I wanted to surprise Scott with a Strawberry and Rhubarb pie.  I have heard him say so many times how he loves when his Mom makes this pie and it's always been one of his favorites.




We actually got the rhubarb from the strawberry farm.  I didn't realize that green rhubarb can tend to be less tart and more fibrous, but the sweet owner shared her tips for correcting this.  You simply pretend your rhubarb is like string cheese and peel the outside edges off prior to dicing it up for your pie.  It added maybe an extra 5 minutes at most to this recipe and was super simple to do.

Now for the recipe!

Ingredients
 2 pie crusts (I made life easy and used store bought)
2 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped into ½ inch pieces
3-4 cups strawberries, sliced
½ teaspoon orange zest
1 ¾ cups sugar
¾ cup flour
3 tablespoons butter
 ***
Start things off by preheating your oven to 425°
 

Next you will want to prepare your rhubarb and strawberries.
Slice your strawberries in half and chop rhubarb in approximately 1/2 inch pieces. 
Then gently toss the two together and spread half of the them on your bottom pie crust.


Next in a separate bowl mix together your 1 3/4 cups of sugar, 3/4 cup of flour, and  
1/2 Teaspoon of orange zest. 


Toss approximately 1/2 of this mixture over the bottom layer of strawberries and rhubarb.


 Then add another layer of strawberries and rhubarb and cover with the remaining sugar, flour, and orange zest mixture.  I didn't quite use the entire amount so just kind of eyeball it to when you feel everything is covered well.

Next slice your 3 tablespoons of butter and spread over the top of your pie filling.


 Place the top pie crust on and seal together with a fork.


You will want to add 3-6 slits along the top center of your pie so the steam can be released.
I also sprinkle sugar over the top of my pie crust.

The edges of pies tend to brown up first.  So, I typically use foil to cover the edges and then during the last 10 minutes of baking remove the foil from the edges.

You can also purchase a pie shield if this seems easier. 
  
Next, let her bake for around 40-50 minutes on 425° 

Once the juices start to bubble and crust turns brown she is ready to go!


After removing from the oven I placed on a cooling rack for a little over an hour.
 I also highly recommend serving with vanilla ice cream or whip cream! :) 

And there you have it! A SUPER easy and DELICIOUS  Strawberry and Rhubarb pie!

 Enjoy!


dc signature

Monday, May 21, 2018

Acts of Kindness - Challenge #6

Happy Monday beautiful people!

Your newest challenge requires you to dig into your pockets, BUT don't let that frighten you.
I will be completely honest, there are so many times in the past I felt the need to donate to a cause or charity and then decided not to because I felt that I couldn't donate a large sum.  However, over the last year or so my heart has lead me to donate in several instances and you know what, I no longer worry about the dollar amount.  I give what I can, I sacrifice a trip or two to Starbucks and I feel amazing after donating and I know my contribution no matter the amount still helps and is appreciated.


So, whether it's $10 or $100 JUST DO IT!
I promise it will make a difference!

Wishing you all an amazing week. 
Ps...check back tomorrow as I will be sharing the most amazing (and simple)
recipe for Strawberry and Rhubarb pie.  I made it over the weekend and it was a total success!


dc signature

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is May 13th! 
So for all of you last minute shoppers...I have you covered this year!

I have pulled together a Gift Guide to hopefully make shopping easier on all of you and to get those wheels turning on how you will celebrate your Mother's on their special day!

 As a mom a shorts set of pj's for the warmer months ahead would totally make my day!
Comfy Cool and Casual for the win!

I love the idea of giving a plant!
It's something our Mom's can watch grow and always remember they received on Mother's Day!  
This Magnolia Tree would be PERFECT!


DONE! Delicious and HOW CUTE?!
This is one chic and totally perfect box of chocolates for Mom!



Winc Wine Subscription! When I think of my girlfriends who are moms and myself I know that EVERY single one of us would love to have wine delivered to our doorstep each and every month!



Last, and probably my personal favorite.  The "Mama" ring! Oh be still my heart!
It's so rare you see "Mama" on anything.  My "Mama" is nothing short of down right amazing!  The day I brought Fiona into this world and was able to be called "Mama" my heart exploded with an insane amount of love. Precious and Perfect!


Wishing all the beautiful Mother's and "Mama's" ;) out there a wonderful and unforgettable
Mother's Day!

 dc signature

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The Must Have Bags for Spring and Summer!

I have to be honest.  I have been crushing on SO many bags this season, however I have
YET to buy one!  So, I've decided before this week ends...I'm making a decision and picking up a couple new bags for spring and summer!

Here are my top picks!




This blush crossbody is at the top of my list for spring! 
It comes in four colors at the low price of $34! 






I'm pretty sure it's safe to say we have all drooled over the Cult Gaia bamboo bag, but the Vince Camuto version I am loving for two reasons!  1. The shape 2. The price


I'm such a MOM! I see this bag and squeal because it's gorgeous and only $17, but I'm most excited about the fact I could toss diapers/wipes, goldfish, and other Miss Fi must haves in this cutie!

How fun is this bag?! It makes me immediately want to plan a trip and buy a flowy sundress!
I did just renew my passport.  Aruba, St. Lucia...I hear you calling me!

Again...the practical mom in me is all about the convenience of this Herschel Supply Co. backpack!
How perfect would this be for the beach, zoo, or um...Target runs?!  


Which bag(s) do you think I should pick?
Any recommendation on spring and summer bags?  Send them this way!

dc signature

Monday, April 30, 2018

Acts of Kindness - Challenge #5

Slacker alert!   
You guys! I am so sorry I went MIA on the blog last week! I even missed TWO workouts!  EEK!
Well I am back this week with a new challenge and wrapping up a couple other new posts for this week.
Reminder, if you are ever looking for more Delightfully Chic stop by our Instagram account as I am constantly updating!  




I am currently scheduling some time with my best girlfriends to catch up however, this meet up is bitter sweet.  One of my dear girlfriends is moving to California in June!!
 East Coast meets the West Coast!

So from now until the big day...we will soak up all the "Britt Britt" we can get!

Monday, April 16, 2018

Acts of Kindness - Challenge #4


Well hello Monday!
This weeks Random Act of Kindness is one that I truly enjoy doing.
It's also one that drives me BONKERS!

This week we are trying to get a handle on those rouge shopping carts!
You know the ones I'm talking about...The ones that for whatever reason someone has left sitting out in a parking lot. WHY do people do this?  I'm sure there is a good reason right? Please tell me there is!  Or maybe it was the wind that took them on a ride.

Either way...let's grab those carts and push them back inside where they belong as we walk into a store.  Or if you see someone who's just unloaded their basket ask them if you can take their cart for them and return. 





This past weekend while at Target I noticed a mom with a child that was wheelchair bound.
It's one of those moments you just want to say a quiet prayer for them and to thank God for your blessings. As I was walking to my car (hands full with bags and Miss Fi) I saw this mom again loading up her son's wheelchair in their van and I immediately knew I wanted to help.  So I simply said-  "Ma'am, I will gladly take this cart off your hands and return for you to save you a trip".
Her smile and surprise at the helping hand warmed my heart and I hope it did hers too.

It's simple y'all...I promise our little bit of kindness WILL make a difference. 


dc signature

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

My April Wish List



You know how there are those items that you want and then those that you need...
 
Well... I NEED every single one of these and I don't believe for a second any of these are a "want"!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
 
 
 
 
 
April Wish List
 
First up - this Malibu Skye Straw Bucket Bag is giving me life and um...yeah it's $68

Kendra Scott just launched her candle collection and I have yet to smell however, it's KS and we know we are all going to immediately love every scent!

American Eagle is a store that I haven't shopped in like YEARS, but I have to give it to them! Lately I am finding super adorable clothes at AE and recently some crazy amazing sandals at awesome prices. I've never been a huge fan of pink, but lately I seem to be gravitating to the softer tones like these perfect for spring and summer sandals.  
 
Let's be real...Fixer Upper might have come to an end, but Jo Jo is here to stay.  I am so excited to get my hands on her new cookbook!  

Ok! Let's talk the Opal House Collection!! It screams Anthropologie, but is crazy affordable and I need pretty much the whole collection! HA! I will most likely do a completely separate post on OH to show yall all the amazing items, but let's start with two items that I would love to add in our downstairs bathroom! The teal blue soap dispenser - this color is everything! The palm leaf canvas prints are pretty much what I'm counting on to pull this space together! 
They are sold as a set for only $74!! 

Last, if you have followed me for any length of time you know that I developed melasama during pregnancy.  This pretty much meant that my carefree days of soaking up sun rays were over.  I've always used spf on my face, but now I also toss on a hat! This Madewell straw hat is just what I need for our beach trips this year! 

So I have to know...Have you shopped the Opal House Collection?
What did you purchase? What did you love?
 
 



dc signature

Monday, April 9, 2018

Acts of Kindness - Challenge #3

 Happy Monday!

 This weeks challenge I absolutely love. 


First, I want to say be genuine in your compliment and truly mean it.  
There is something good in ALL of us we just have to find it in each other. 

So, whether it's the cashier at the grocery store, the person changing your oil, or even your boss...
Look for it, find it, and then tell them... I love your smile, your hair is beautiful, you always make me feel special...whatever it is...TELL THEM!



Did you complete challenge #2 last week??
How did it make you feel?
dc signature

Monday, April 2, 2018

Acts of Kindness - Challenge #2

Happy Monday! 
I hope you all had a beautiful Easter weekend.
My Sweet Mama,  Miss Fi, and I are on our way to the beach for a quick little girls trip.
The challenge for this week is something I always seem to fail at however, when I receive an unexpected note in the mail from a girlfriend for no reason at all, it completely makes my day.
 I want to do the same for my friends and family in return.
 So...Here's your (and my) challenge for the week!


Did you complete challenge #1 last week??
How did it make you feel?

dc signature
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...