Loving this lightly salted and slightly sweet snack mix.

We made some for gifting on our Phantom Pumpkin night and I'm packaging some up to send in to Ella's teachers for Halloween on Thursday.

You'll want to include the Maple Infused Walnuts I shared yesterday. Here's the link -> CLICK

The candy corn is what really makes this a "fall themed" snack so feel free to change up the candy to match whatever season you might be celebrating. Or how about adding those candy corn flavored M+M's. That sounds yummy too.

This can be for Halloween or part of your pre-Thanksgiving feast.

Create a large bowl, (or in this case, a pie plate), or fill small jars or clear cellophane bags to share with friends and family. Recipe is at the bottom.

walnuts, candy corn, Chex mix, cinnamon, pretzels, snacks

Yield: 6

Author: Pen + Paper Flowers - Jessica Lyn Kirkland

Fall Snack Mix

prep time: 10 Mcook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 10 M

Delicious snack mix to satisfy even the pickiest snacker. A little bit of sweet and a little bit of salty.

ingredients:

• 1 large egg white
• 3 cups cinnamon rice chex
• 1 + 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 + 1/2 cups maple infused walnuts - this recipe

instructions:

How to cook Fall Snack Mix

1. Preheat oven to 250º
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Whisk egg white in large bowl until frothy.
4. Fold in cereal and pretzels, coating evenly.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet, spread to create single layer.
6. Bake 1 hour, being sure to stir every 20 minutes. (twice)
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
8. Add candy corn and maple infused walnuts. Toss.
9. Store in air-tight container.

NOTES:

Ideas: -> midday snack at work. -> after-school snack. -> package in jars or cellophane bags to share with friends and family.

Calories
380.07

Fat (grams)
7.45

Sat. Fat (grams)
1.05

Carbs (grams)
89.78

Fiber (grams)
33.95

Net carbs
55.83

Sugar (grams)
31.70

Protein (grams)
5.57

Sodium (milligrams)
109.98

Cholesterol (grams)
31.00

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2019/10/Fall-Snack-Mix.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @pnpflowers on instagram and hashtag it #pnpflowersrecipe

Created using The Recipes Generator

I love when snack ideas are festive AND delicious. This one meets both criteria.
Sure hope you'll try it my sweet friends!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

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KEEPING IT REAL

I've made this 3 different times in the last 2 weeks. 

Haven't been able to snack on any of it.

Only 10 more days until my 44 day challenge is over. Pressure is on. 

DIY | Pretty Fall Leaves Wreath

The Fall wreath I created two years ago popped up in my photos over the weekend and upon seeing it and remembering how much I loved it, I was inspired to create another one this year. 

I especially loved the simplicity of it and that's the vibe I'm trying to create on my front porch this year - with hopes of setting the stage for calm + cozy during a month that historically tends to be associated with chaos for our family. (three birthdays, Thanksgiving and prepping for Christmas makes for a crazy November). 

We, (Ella, myself, and a friend of hers), collected beautiful leaves together over the weekend and then yesterday I grabbed my glue gun and created this beauty.

The leaves were gorgeous on their own and I could've left the wreath alone. However, I  really wanted to add a softer element to it and remembered I had some leftover dried florals I had picked up at Fresh Market earlier this month.  I added the plumes and love how it turned out.

It's simple.

It's natural.

It's beautiful.

And it does a fantastic job representing fall in all of its splendor.

I sure hope you'll try this fun, easy, pretty fall wreath.

It took me longer to collect the leaves than it did to put it all together.

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration. 

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

MATERIAL NEEDED:

1 - grapevine wreath - here's one similar to mine 

     but don't shy away from local craft stores - take advantage of their 40 + 50% off coupons.

1 - glue gun w/glue sticks - similar to mine...simple + tiny

Armful of Fall leaves - quantity really depends on the size of the your leaves + wreath

Dried Fall Florals - I used something like this reed grass

Ribbon, Twine, fishing line, or a wreath hanger - for hanging. I used THIS. 

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat up your glue gun.

Lay your grapevine wreath on a flat surface.

Place larger leaves on wreath to determine placement before gluing. 

Start hot gluing the leaves to the wreath.

Use smaller leaves to fill in any gaps - securing with glue.

Cut the reed grass stems until you've got maybe 1-2 inches of the stem to work with.

Tuck dried florals into the wreath, stem side first, along the outside and inside of wreath.

Use grapevines to continue tucking dried plumes into the wreath to your liking.

No need for gluing if they are tucked well in the grapevines - and will allow you to reuse them.

Use ribbon, twine, fishing line or a wreath hanger to display.

NOTES + TIPS

1. Face your leaves up, down, and sideways to create more character and dimension.

2. Be sure to allow some of the leaves to lay on the inner and outer sides of the wreath to add more

   interest. 

3. Stand your wreath up (or better yet, hang it on something), after you've got most of the leaves glued on. This will provide you with a better view of what it will look like when it's actually hanging and will help with placement of the remaining leaves. 

4. When gathering leaves, don't shy away from the "imperfect" ones. The rips, holes, curls and discoloration adds to the authenticity of your fall wreath.

5. I used raw muslin to hang my wreath by using three flat tacks to secure it at the very top of my door. Tacks cannot be seen and door still closes. Yay!

6. Although it may have been easier to start with the dried fall florals since they are the largest element of the wreath, starting with the leaves allowed me to fill in where necessary and avoid getting hot glue on the dried florals I'm hoping to reuse. 

• • • • •

KEEPING IT REAL

I was super busy with a Harry Potter Classroom transformation last week. (you can see it in my Instagram stories "HP Reveal" saved in my Insta highlights). 

So...I didn't get my Ranch Dressing or Taco Mix Recipes posted yet. Those are coming - and then so is the Chicken Ranch Tacos recipe! Although I'm seriously tempted to skip all of them and get straight to the pies! #pieismyfavorite

RECIPE | Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Whole30 approved)

Hello delicious, clean-eating, easiest pot roast recipe on the planet.

Yep! Looking for a super easy, healthy, comfort meal that will more than likely end up on your weekly dinner plan?

I'm sharing my family's favorite today and hope you'll try it!

I've made the recipe over and over in my favorite slow cooker and have perfected the seasoning and scaled down the prep and ended up with this fantastic, family-friendly and even whole30 approved slow cooker pot roast!

No browning the meat.

No peeling carrots or potatoes.

And no store-bought beef stock or broth.

Just pure, deliciousness using only 3 ingredients, (aside from spices), and soooo easy to prepare.

Enjoy the images and then grab the recipe at the bottom of the post!!

I sure hope you'll try this!
And as always, if you do, please come back and share your results with me!

Enjoy!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

• • • • •

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Whole30 approved)

Yield: 6-8

Author: Pen + Paper Flowers - Jessica Lyn Kirkland

prep time: 10 Mcook time: total time: 10 M

Hello delicious, clean-eating, easiest pot roast recipe on the planet. Looking for a super easy, healthy, comfort meal that will more than likely end up on your weekly dinner plan? Only 3 main ingredients, aside from spices, and hardly any prep work!

ingredients:

Ingredients

• 4 red potatoes, unpeeled, cut in half and quartered
• 3 cups carrots, unpeeled, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces (see notes)
• 2 cups water
• 1 - 3lb boneless pot roast (see notes)
• 2 TBSP fine sea salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 + 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• 2 cups water

instructions:

How to cook Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Whole30 approved)

Instructions

1. Place carrots and potatoes in 6 qt. slow cooker.
2. Mix all spices in small bowl.
3. Sprinkle spice mix on all sides of the pot roast,  being sure to rub in the spices as you go.
4. Place pot roast on top of carrots and potatoes.
5. Slowly pour 2 cups water over vegetables and meat...being sure not to completely rinse the spices off of the pot roast.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. Shred meat in crock pot or remove meat and slice it for serving. (see notes)

NOTES:

My favorite non-leeching slow cooker for even healthier eating: https://amzn.to/2IoZJUt Pot Roast - use your choice of chuck, top blade, brisket, round, - I've even used pork shoulder. Depending on which meat you choose, you can shred it when it's done cooking or slice it for serving. (as shown in recipe image) Carrots - I use the long carrots as they tend to be sweeter. You can of course use the pre-cut mini carrots for convenience.

Calories
392.84

Fat (grams)
12.39

Sat. Fat (grams)
4.55

Carbs (grams)
46.92

Fiber (grams)
6.11

Net carbs
40.81

Sugar (grams)
5.87

Protein (grams)
21.99

Sodium (milligrams)
2647.09

Cholesterol (grams)
54.31

Please note: These nutritional values are based on information contained in a large database. They may or may not be accurate reflections of the ingredients listed here.

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2019/10/Easy-Slow-Cooker-Pot-Roast-Whole-30-Approved.html

slow cooker, pot roast, whole30, easy weeknight meal, family friendly, fast, easy, healthy, clean eating

Created using The Recipes Generator

KEEPING IT REAL
I am leaving to head out of town but just HAD to post this recipe for everyone who's been waiting on it! The next recipe coming soon - voted for on my Instagram feed - is Easy Chicken Ranch Tacos! Stay tuned!

RECIPE | Mediterranean Tortellini Salad - BEST EVER!!

I've been putting my newly organized spice jars and pantry door shelving system to work by getting back to consistently cooking and creating some family favorites on the regular for my people. They love when that happens. *wink*

If you've been looking for the perfect tortellini pasta salad recipe, you can stop now.
I've got you covered.

This one is full of flavor, savory and really packs a punch when it comes to hitting all of the marks for a dish that is satisfying yet slightly sophisticated.

This recipe is hands-down my absolute favorite and has been for the last...oh...7 years or so.

If you've been around the blog awhile...it may look familiar...
which it should because I posted the recipe back in 2012.

BUT...since that post, I've made a few tweaks to it that I think make it absolute perfection.
And trust me when I say, this dish is so delicious it'll quickly become your favorite go-to recipe
when you are looking to impress your guests or feed a crowd.

So...sit back...enjoy a few pics of this delicious pasta salad and then add it to your "must try" list!!
Everyone I've ever made it for LOVES it and always asks for the recipe.

I'm so happy to share this delicious recipe with you...and hope you'll try it!

Just promise me you won't show up with it at the next potluck if you know I'll be in attendance because I will more than likely show up with this pasta too! But then again, that would mean more pasta for everyone so I guess that's actually a really good thing! Ha!!

Enjoy my friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

• • • • •

The BEST Mediterranean Tortellini Salad EVER!

Yield: 6-8

Author: Pen + Paper Flowers - Jessica Lyn Kirkland

prep time: 20 Mcook time: 9 Mtotal time: 29 M

Absolutely the best tortellini pasta salad you will ever make. Double the recipe to feed a crowd. (be sure to keep some for yourself before you bring it to your next potluck because trust me, there won't be any left).

ingredients:

• 1 - 20oz. pkg three cheese tortellini, fresh
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup light tasting olive oil
• 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 + 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. oregano, dried
• 1/4 tsp. thyme, dried
• 1/4 tsp. basil, dried
• 1-3 garlic cloves, minced (depending on your taste)
• 1 - 13oz. jar marinated baby artichokes, drained and quartered
• 3/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated

instructions:

How to cook The BEST Mediterranean Tortellini Salad EVER!

1. Cook pasta following package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. Allow pasta to sit in colander to drain until recipe calls for it to be added.
4. Whisk mayo and next 9 ingredients together in small bowl until well blended. Set dressing aside.
5. Add artichokes, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes and olives to an oversized bowl.
6. Pour 3/4 of dressing over the top and mix with large wooden spoon until evenly distributed. Add pasta to mixture. Top with parmesan. Toss to blend. 
7. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. 
8. Serve cold with freshly grated parmesan as a garnish.  

NOTES:

Can be made 1 day ahead if stored in airtight container and refrigerated. Double this recipe to feed a crowd. It'll go fast.

Calories
423.81

Fat (grams)
30.65

Sat. Fat (grams)
6.50

Carbs (grams)
29.25

Fiber (grams)
3.99

Net carbs
25.26

Sugar (grams)
1.82

Protein (grams)
9.87

Sodium (milligrams)
572.32

Cholesterol (grams)
31.89

Please note: These nutritional values are based on information contained in a large database. They may or may not be accurate reflections of the ingredients listed here.

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2019/09/The-Best-Mediterranean-Tortellini-Salad-Recipe.html

Tortellini Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Marinated Baby Artichoke Hearts, Tortellini, Three Cheese Tortellini, Pasta

Salad, Pasta, Potluck

Mediterranean

Created using The Recipes Generator

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I took a vote on my Instagram feed about which recipe I should post first out of two very different but delicious recipe options I shared. The two options were this pasta salad or a pot roast recipe.
The pasta dish won - but only by two votes. You know what that means, right?
Pot Roast recipe coming next week. Yay!!

GIFT IDEA | Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Wrappers

A few weeks ago I took a poll in my Instagram stories asking for feedback on some custom Valentine's Day candy bar labels for Lindt's footlong candy bar I recently came across.

I loved the feedback I received...there were so many fun responses.
I ended up combining similar answers and the majority of responses that came through to create 11 different FREE WRAPPERS/LABELS for you to print and use as gifts + treats for Valentine's Day!

The selections include candy bar wrappers for teachers, principals, besties, coaches, friends, and more.

I found these GIANT FOOT-LONG Lindt Bars in my local grocery store for $5.99 - just happened to pass by them one day!! 

They really make a statement and the custom labels help to make them extra special + personalized to gift to the people you love!

I'm taking things a step further and gifting the chocolate bars to all three of my girls along with one of these ADORABLE + super soft stuffed animals that are filled with organic french lavender.

Have you seen these?  These cuties are so snuggly and weigh about 2-3 pounds and can also be heated up in the microwave for some added warmth for cuddle time.

This sweet puppy is for Ella but Ema is getting this adorable Koala Bear and Clara's puppy is sold out but here is one that's similar. 


Friends...as a mama who has struggled with anxiety issues my entire life and having two daughters that struggle as well...these are SUCH a perfect gift. The lavender creates calm, the heaviness of the animal creates security and the softness gives comfort. 

I love them so much I want to get one for myself. *wink*

So, whether you decide to just stick with the chocolate bars...
or add in a plush stuffed animal...
I really hope you're inspired to try at least one of these options.

You could even save the stuffed animal idea for EASTER!!!

Here's all you need to make the Customized Candy Bars Labels...

SUPPLIES
1 - Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Candy Bar Wrapper
1 - sheet of 8.5x11" white card stock
1 - 10.6 oz. Lindt Chocolate Bar <--- this link is from Amazon but I found mine for $5.99 at Publix
Clear Tape to secure wrapper on back
Ribbon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Print Candy Bar Wrapper onto 8.5x11" white card stock.
2. Wrap around candy bar and secure with tape.
3. Crease edges for a nice finish.
4. Add a ribbon if you'd like to jazz it up a bit.

TIP: If you don't like the gold outer packaging unwrap it to find a plain silver foil wrapped candy bar inside.

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
There are soooo many different adorable plush stuffed animals to choose from I really don't know which one to pick for myself. Ha!! It took me forever to pick out the ones for the girls.

And honestly, Clara picked out a pink elephant at first and then traded it for the puppy because the elephant nose was a little awkward to snuggle with. (I didn't tell her what i was getting, I just gave her a few "stuffed animal" options to choose from and then when she realized what it was for she chose something she could really get cozied up to). *wink*

MAKE iT | Cinnamon Sugar

Sometimes all we need is the simplest of things to bring a little joy to our lives or even usher in feelings that take us back through time.

Today I'm sharing something that does both of those things for me.
We're talking about the perfect ratio of cinnamon + sugar today.

Yep. Seems simple enough.
Cinnamon + sugar...specifically cinnamon + sugar toast. 

It takes me back to my grandparent's kitchen.
It's morning and I can hear my grandparents talking...my grandmother looking out the bay window as my grandfather prepares her simple breakfast - usually coffee and a slice of pecan coffee cake or  maybe toast with orange marmalade.

I can clearly see them with their backs to me, watching the birds in the bird feeder together...discussing my grandfather's next scheme to prevent the squirrels from stealing the bird seed. (his last attempt of vaseline on the post didn't resolve the problem).

I can smell the cup of coffee sitting on the table in front of my grandmother and I can visualize the tiny details etched on the sides of the small, simple corelle coffee cup.  The smell of the perfectly golden toast my grandfather is eating fills the air - very thinly sliced bread from the bakery - butter only. If I'm still enough, I can even hear the specific sound the butter knife makes as my grandfather scrapes it across the perfectly browned toast.

As for my toast, my grandfather sprinkles cinnamon + sugar on top. And it's delightful.
He just eye-balls the amounts of cinnamon + sugar and it always seems to be the perfect ratio.
Wow! So many fond memories and small little details I thought I'd forgotten about.

I've treated my girls to the same cinnamon + sugar toast on occasion and of course, they too thought it was delightful. I often accidentally sprinkle on a little too much cinnamon which then means I have to add more sugar to achieve a more balanced ratio.

The other day, in preparation for my Hot Cocoa Bar this year, I was preparing a salt shaker filled with the perfect cinnamon + sugar combination for one of this year's hot cocoa flavors.

So...as simple as this little secret is...I thought you might appreciate me sharing it with you.

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 TBSP ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
Shake it up and it's ready.
Use a ziplock bag or salt shaker for shaking. Or just add it to a bowl and mix well.

Use this for toast, sprinkling snickerdoodle cookies or adding a little bit of extra to your hot cocoa!

That's it!
Easy.
Simple.
And that's my favorite.

PS - Love my copper + glass salt shaker? I found a set of two right here!

Here's to taking a few minutes today to think about something simple from your childhood that floods you with joy and memories you didn't know you had tucked away.

Love you friends!!
xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The Hot Cocoa bar isn't up yet. I made some alterations to the sign and actually moved the piece of furniture I was using into the guest bedroom. J's parents are here visiting from Illinois for the next 5 days so I'll get back to the cocoa bar soon!