New Years Eve Recipe Tradition

Wondering what you should serve to your guests at this year’s New Year’s soiree? We have you covered! Treat your guests to some sweet and savory Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs and watch them fall absolutely in love! This is a recipe that we have been making for years. The best part is this delectable appetizer is quick and easy to make, so you can get on with your festivities faster than you planned! This dish takes around 30 minutes of active time and altogether around 60 minutes to complete.  (These are great for making ahead of time and freezing for later use!)

Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs:

Ingredients:

Before you begin cooking up your decadent Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs, you have to prepare your ingredients. Below is a concise list of all the fixins you’ll need to make this delicious appetizer. You can use a food processor to help you grate and finely chop the various ingredients!

·       1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs – white sandwich bread is preferred

·       1/3 cup water

·       A medium carrot – make sure it’s grated!

·       A medium onion – chop it finely

·       2T  Avocado or extra virgin olive oil 

·       2 lb of ground dark meat turkey 

·       1/2  cup of dried California apricots – make sure they are finely chopped!

·       1/2  cup of chopped, flat-leaf parsley 

·       3 tablespoons of apricot preserves – these preserves should be divided

·       1 ½ tablespoon of soy sauce – this should also be divided

·       1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce 

·       2 large eggs – lightly beaten

·       1  1/4  teaspoon of salt

·       2 more teaspoons of water 

 

How to Make Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs:

After gathering all of your ingredients, make sure to follow these quick and easy steps to finish making your Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs! 

1.      Preheat the oven to 350° – make sure the rack is in the middle!

2.     Soak the breadcrumbs in water in a large bowl

3.     Cook the carrot and onion – 

a.     Cook them in oil in a large, heavy skillet on medium heat

b.     Stir ingredients occasionally until they are softened

c.     This step should take about 10 minutes overall

4.     Squeeze out any excess water from the bread and crumble 

5.     In a large bowl – 

a.    Add breadcrumbs, turkey, dried apricots, parsley, 1 tablespoon apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and ¼ teaspoon salt

b.    Mix ingredients with your hands until just combined

c.    Form mixture into small meatballs and pop them on a baking dish (a glass dish actually   works best here despite our photos)!

6.   Stir together water, remaining 2 tablespoons preserves, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce and brush over surface of meatballs.

a.    Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 165°F, around 30-35 minutes.

7.     Let those puppies stand for 10 minutes before serving to your hungry guests!

 

Pro Tips:

1.     Use a food processor to help with your finely chopped ingredients.

2.     Make extra sauce for later – There’s a chance you might want these as leftovers. If that’s the case, freeze them and make sure to brush the remaining sauce over the treats before reheating! 

 

 

After making your Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs, you’ll need a classy and functional way to present your masterpiece! What better way to share your delicious appetizers with your guests than on one of Boatman Geller’s Ardon Charcoal Personalized Melamine Platters? 

These adorable platters are customizable -- from all of the accent colors to the font.  
 
Another great accessory to include at your New Year’s Eve party this year are personalized cocktail napkins! We recommend a napkin that is just as classy as it is festive.  Try the Wreath Letterpress Napkins by Chatsworth!

 

 

Fall Recipe Guide

Is it just us or are you itching for a change, too?  Fall will officially be here in a few weeks and we couldn’t be more excited.  Time to bring out the pumpkin decorations, burn an apple pie candle, and to get cooking all of our favorite fall recipes.  From slow cooker creations to oven baked treats, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to share with our readers at More Than Paper. Whether you are socially distanced and spending time with your family, or you are gathering with just a few people to watch a football game, here are some ideas to ensure you are tasting the season of fall.  These recipes work well for busy parents on the go and when you have a little more time to enjoy, too!  Bring on fall.

Slow Cooker Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Is there anything better than a creamy soup to warm you from the inside? This one that we found on Half Baked Harvest is made in the slow cooker and has butter-roasted mushrooms to pack in extra flavor.

Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/slow-cooker-creamy-wild-rice-soup-with-butter-roasted-mushrooms/

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Not to overdo the soup recipes in our roundup but would it be the fall without pumpkin? And chili? Why not combine them? This recipe found a way to do that and is very creative! Give this one a shot: 

Source: https://themodernproper.com/turkey-pumpkin-chili

Apple Cider Cookies

Sometimes you need to hit the easy button and why shouldn’t you? When you need something quick, try this recipe from Betty Crocker that uses their pre-made sugar cookie mix and several ingredients to spice things up (literally).  You can go the extra mile if it suits you and use your regular sugar cookie recipe if you want 100% homemade. We will never tell either way.  

Source: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/apple-cider-cookies/242ada72-70c0-46bd-a3da-df1110882d16

Weeknight Fall Pasta

For nights that you want something home cooked and something seasonal but you’re busy, we found this interesting dish that we can’t wait to try.  Taking advantage of kale and squash, this pasta dish promises to be healthy and delicious. 

Source: https://food52.com/recipes/77856-fall-weeknight-pasta

Chicken Pot Pie with Leeks and Thyme

For those nights that you have much more time to cook – say a Saturday afternoon, perhaps – we found this recipe on Food & Wine magazine’s website for a classic pot pie that’s “turned up” as Ina Garten would say.  The flavor combinations for leeks and thyme are delicious and this is the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and makes you want to curl up on the sofa.

 Source: https://www.foodandwine.com/comfort-food/fall-dinner-ideas?slide=1f33f337-2a43-4b8d-8047-3d68629baae4#1f33f337-2a43-4b8d-8047-3d68629baae4 

Of course, we think that every mealtime creation is more special, more festive, and looks better when presented on your own personalizedplatters and plates.  They’ve been a popular sale item in August & September. Be sure to check out our selection of tumblers, plates, bowls, and glassware and shop with us at More Than Paper.

See more platters for Fall here! 

There’s something about pasta, pumpkins, and soups that scream fall, don’t they?  All of these dishes seem like good comfort food and we could all use that right now. So, what are you waiting for? We think you don’t have to wait until the official start of Fall next week to try them.

Share with us your favorite Fall recipes and your traditions for the season on our Facebook page! 

Fast, Fall Dinner Entertaining Ideas

This is a wonderful season for casual dinner parties. The weather is cooler, it's not dark too early, and you haven't yet flung yourself into holiday madness.  It's a great time of year to plan a dinner party with friends and entertain in your home.  Today at More Than Paper we're bringing you an easy early autumn dinner that doesn't require a lot of work in the kitchen! 

For your easy autumn dinner with friends, we suggest you go Italian.  The secret to Italian cooking is simple preparation and the best seasonal ingredients. You'll find almost everything you need at an Italian deli, farmers market, or grocery, and you can do almost everything in advance. It's very simple, but the food is so good, no one will think it's simple. 

Put the following items together early in the day. Refrigerate and warm to room temp about a half-hour before serving. That way you'll be relaxed when guests arrive! 

• Pre-meal nibbles: Italian cheese with rustic crackers and pitted olives.  Try aged provolone and gorgonzola dolce (it's soft, not sweet).  

Photo/Recipe found at 100 Layer Cake-let by Flourish Events

• Appetizer: Wrap proscuitto around fresh figs. Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar just before serving.  Add fresh rosemary or other herbs for garnish.

Wrapped Figs from Pop Sugar

• Entree & sides: Roast chicken. Prep early in day. Stuff cleaned bird with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and rosemary and thyme. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate til half-hour before roasting at 450 degrees for 1-1.5 hrs. until juices run clear. Reduce juices to sauce and keep everything wrapped in foil and warm until serving. 

Roasted Chicken from Aida Mollenkamp

• Pearl (or Israeli) couscous. (Easy alternative to risotto). Chop an onion and saute in pot with olive oil and couscous til onion is soft. Follow directions on package for proportions, and use chicken broth instead of water. Add thyme. Simmer until done. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Do ahead and heat up just before dinner  *For even less time, heat up some white cannellini beans with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add a little lemon.  These can be served room temp.

Couscous Salad by Foodie Crush

• Simple green salad with shallot vinaigrette. (Minced shallots, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and bit of dijon mustard.) Dress just before serving.

• Serve it all with good, crusty Italian bread.

• Dessert: Lemon pound cake (store-bought) or gelato. To serve, top with sliced plums, pears, or raspberries that you mixed with a little sugar and brandy or rum ahead of time and kept at room temp. Add a dollop of creme fraiche or mascarpone cheese.  Maybe some limoncella or annisette to go along with this! 

Lemon Pound Cake from Life Made Simple

This meal goes with everything from Proscecco and Pinot Grigio to Pinot Noir and Montepulciano. It also goes great with Italian Beer like Peroni.  Don't forget to chill some San Pellegrino water! 

Use colorful platters, plates, placemats, and napkins. Presentation is everything! More Than Paper has a huge selection of autumn entertaining accessories from which to choose. Here's a peek at some our favorites!

Of course, if you get invited to a fall inspired dinner party and don't have to do all the work -- don't forget to send a thank you! 

Let us know your thoughts for our Fall inspired, autumn entertaining dinner with friends. Happy entertaining and Fall from More Than Paper!

Rosh Hashanah Recipe Round Up

Part of what we love so much about the holidays are the traditions. Rosh Hashanah is fast approaching and we are busy in our household getting ready for the holiday and all of the traditions that come with it. Namely -- eating! There are so many delicious recipes prepared each year, ones that have been passed down for generations.

We've scoured the web and rounded up our favorite Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish Holiday recipes for our More Than Paper readers!  From Matzo Ball Soup, potato kugel, recipes that celebrate pomegranates, and apples and honey, there's something savory, sweet and delicious for everyone - even for those who don't celebrate Jewish holidays.  Check them out!

From top to bottom, left to right, find these recipes and ideas below! 

1) Matzo Ball Soup from Foodie Crush

2) Potato Kugel Gratin from Martha Stewart

3) Stuffed Cabbage from Saveur

4) Apple and honey cocktail from What Jew Wanna Eat 

5) Braided Challah from Dana Made It

6) Pomegranate Drink from My Recipes.com

7) Apple Cake from Smitten Kitchen

8) Honey Cake from Epicurious

9) Apple bowl with honey from Martha Stewart

In case you missed our original, handmade gefilte fish post, be sure to check this one out. It's complete with step-by-step instructions and photos that we love! 

If you haven't ordered your Jewish New Year cards, head on over to shop now at More Than Paper! 

Labor Day Entertaining and Recipes

Hang on to your hats, More Than Paper blog readers -- LABOR DAY weekend is almost here. We can hardly believe the summer 2014 is nearly history. What will you do this coming weekend to go out with a bang? If entertaining and spending time outdoors is on your list, we've rounded up a collection of patriotic and summer recipes that is right up your alley! 

Any great celebration starts with an invitation.  For your next Labor Day celebration we like these (and plenty more invitations found at More Than Paper.) 

We've hunted all over Pinterest and also the web to find some of the most creative and interesting recipes and entertaining ideas.  Please click on the image to view the original source (credits also given.) 

Taste and Tell Blog rounded up 35+ Labor Day worthy burgers. These taco burgers look divine!

Could you go wrong with these Siracha burgers by Electric Recipes? 

We also love the ideas of these pulled BBQ sandwiches, which would be easy to make ahead. (Giving you more time to spend with family and friends -- less time slaving away in the kitchen.)  Find the full recipe and beautiful photos at Ingredients, Inc.

This Strawberry Caprese salad by Nosh On It looks divine and screams "summer." 

A patriotic pie? Yes, please! This one comes to us from She Speaks. 

You may need some drink ideas, too.  With watermelon as ubiquitous as it is, we love a watermellon cocktail. Make this with or without alcohol.  Either way, this packs a punch and is full of flavor because it's sweet and has heat.  This was found here on Pinterest! 

We hope that these ideas have given you lots to think about for the upcoming weekend ahead. Happy almost Labor Day from More Than Paper! 

Egg Salad

When Easter rolls around, there can be an abundance of eggs in your household.  What's a person to do with all those eggs?  Make egg salad!  Here's a delicious curried egg salad recipe. We just love the way the curry adds an extra kick.  That extra flavor really elevates this lunch time favorite. 

To make 2 sandwiches, you will need:

• 4 hard boiled eggs
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. curry powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper 
• 1/4 tsp. paprika 
• 1/4 cup of good quality mayo 
• 100% whole wheat bread, toasted

To make this, peel the hard boiled eggs and mash with a knife and fork.  Stir in the mayo. Stir in the spices, salt and pepper.  Toast the bread and spoon the egg salad mixture onto it. Serve on a plate and enjoy! 

Will you try this recipe soon? We'd love to know! 

St. Patrick's Day Recipes

We used to think of Irish food about the same way we think of English food -- it's mostly boiled potatoes and other veggies with tasteless slabs of boiled meat.  (That's the rap on it, isn't it?)  But then a few years ago, we tasted the most mouth-watering corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day and the most delicious Irish Soda Bread.  Now we wish it was St. Patrick's Day every month so we could find an excuse to make this classic Irish meal. What makes it so yummy?  Tried and true secrets of the meal can be found here today! 

The big secret to making tender, mouth watering corned beef is really no secret. It's cooking it "low and slow" all day long in a crock pot.  You will need: 

• 1 Large onion, peeled and cut into pieces
• Corned beef brisket with spice packet (spice packet included when you buy the brisket)
• Water - enough to cover the entire brisket in the crockpot 

The directions are not earth shattering or complicated.  Just place the beef, contents of spice packet, and cover with water.  Turn the crock pot on LOW and cook all day -- between 8-10 hours.  The longer you cook it, the more it falls apart and melts in your mouth.  Look for a piece of brisket with a good bit of fat on it. (We didn't say it was healthy, just delicious!) 

Some people make the cabbage along with the beef, but we think that's a mistake.  To make the cabbage, you will need: 

• Large head of white cabbage -- chopped in chunks 
• 2 Vidalia onions or sweet onions 
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar 
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. pepper 
• Water to cover all the ingredients

Assemble all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.  The cabbage and onions turn very soft. Drain in a colander when you are done and serve under the corned beef.  Serve with spicy mustard. 

Last up, and unfortunately the most complicated, is the Irish Soda Bread.  We do have a good family recipe at home but were intrigued by this "pull apart" Irish Soda Bread from Martha Stewart this month.  Try it with us this St. Paddy's day and let us know what you think! Here's our family tip:  all Irish Soda bread, no matter how moist, needs butter.  The more butter the better.  Really, it's just an excuse to practically eat butter.  Follow the link here for the recipe! 

So there you have it!  A traditional Irish meal for St. Patrick's Day -- one of our favorites. Share your ideas and recipes with us here.  We'd love to hear what you are cooking up! 

Pumpkin Monkey Bread

The flavors of the season are abundant in our kitchen and the aroma is intoxicating!   We took a spin on the classic Monkey Bread recipe and added pumpkin.  What a seasonal treat loved by all.  From the kitchen of More Than Paper, here is our delicious Pumpkin Monkey Bread recipe.  If you are headed to brunch at a friend's house this season, monkey bread is a crowd pleasing dish to bring along. 

We love these recipe cards by Boatman Geller available at More Than Paper.com.  For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: 

Directions:

Step 1:  Heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a round pan with butter.  In a large plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice.

Step 2:  Cut crescent roll dough into quarters, or tear evenly into pieces.  Shake in the bag to coat evenly.

Step 3:  In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar.  Add a dash of vanilla extract, or about 1/4 tsp.  Pour liquid mixture over biscuit pieces in the bowl.

Step 4:  Bake for 18-20 minutes or until dough is completely cooked.  Flip upside down on a plate and serve warm.  Pull apart to enjoy!

If you are bringing this dish to brunch, consider writing out the recipe and stamping your "From the Kitchen of" personalized stamp on note cards and leaving for guests to bring home.  (You know they are going to be asking!)   More Than Paper has a variety of personalized kitchen stamps from which to choose for the avid cook. 













More Than Paper also has a huge selection of affordable monogrammed and personalized recipe cards if you'd prefer to go that route!  Happy baking from More Than Paper!   

Thanksgivukkah

If you had to ask, "what is Thanksgivukkah?" sit back for a moment and watch this funny (and informative!) video about this upcoming holiday...

Yes, this holiday is so rare, so special, that it won't happen again for another 70,000 years.  Really.  On November 28, 2013, the first day/second night of Hanukkah will fall on Thanksgiving.  This once in a lifetime event is something for everyone to get excited about! 

The internet is a buzz with ways to celebrate two holidays in one.  Will you have Maneschewitz-Brined turkey?  (Yes, please!) 

Photos by Macey J. Foronda, via Buzz Feed.  Download recipes here! 

Or how about sweet potato bourbon noodle kugel?  (Double yes, please!) 

Photos by Macey J. Foronda, via Buzz Feed.  Download recipes here! 

We think that nothing sounds better than the Challah-Apple Stuffing.  YUM! 

Photos by Macey J. Foronda, via Buzz Feed.  Download recipes here!

More Than Paper can't wait to celebrate this fun once in a lifetime holiday and we have some great products that you won't find many other places.  These personalized gift stickers would look adorable on an invitation to join your table for the holiday. 

Or choose these personalized Thanksgiving/Hanukkah gift stickers.  You can use them on treat bags for the kids, too. 

Get a jump start on your holiday cards with this adorable "double delicious" chalkboard photo card by Naavale.  They have a great selection of cards for Thanksgivukkah.  

We love this Driedels and Drumsticks design, too!

We also have great Thanksgiving entertaining items, like these personalized beverage napkins. 

Check out all of our great items for Thanksgiving to celebrate the most thankful time of the year, by visiting here!   So how will you be celebrating this once in a lifetime holiday, if at all?  Or how will you celebrate your Thanksgiving?  We'd love to know!  Share your plans by commenting below.  Don't forget to take a plate of your food and hastag #thanksgivukkah to join in with millions of others on this special day!