Hello Holiday season, FINALLY! Is it just me or has this year been the longest year of our lives?! 2020 threw us all the curveball of a lifetime, and while we all handled it in our own ways, I think one thing we can all agree on is that we need some holiday cheer. This year has been, well, tough to say the least but also extremely long.  To help get that going a little earlier this season, we have rounded up some of our favorite holiday decor options to brighten up your home this Christmas!

Holiday shopping may look a little different this year but that doesn't mean your gift giving has to! I have rounded up some of my most favorite gift ideas for all the different types of people in your life. From your entertainer mother in law, to your lounger of a best friend, this gift guide has got you covered! 

PIE TIME!! The very best part of Thanksgiving dinner. With so many delicious options it's hard to pick a favorite holiday favorite, but I promise you no other flavor comes close to a homemade apple pie and I want you to try my recipe for yourself! Impress your family this holiday with hand made crust, sweet apple filling, and stunning top crust designs!  

Kara’s Homemade Apple Pie Recipe  
​

• 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored and cut into slices (I like to mix red and green Granny Smith and Honeycrsip) 
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch 
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cold butter cut into 1/2 inch  pieces 
• 1 egg white, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (this is your egg-wash)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

​Directions:

• In a large pot stir together apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt nutmeg and cornstarch. 
• Set apple mixture over medium heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender but not mushy - about 15 minutes. Uncover and look until the liquid has thickened 5-7 minutes more. Remove from heat, stir In lemon juice and let cool for 30 minutes. 
• Heat oven to 400 degrees
• Transfer filling to your lines pie dish, scatter butter pieces on top and gently start your  top design.

Top Design Ideas: 

• cut various sizes of pie crust strips and create a basketweave design
• braid smaller strips of dough to weave with flat pieces of dough
• cut out shapes with pie cutters 
• have fun and get creative here!

 

• Once you complete your top design, brush the entire top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar
• Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (the filling will sometimes bubble over). Bake for 1 hour and cover the edges with aluminum foil if they become too dark before your 1 hour cook time. 
• Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let cool for at least an 1-2 hours before serving. You can make this 1-2 days in advance. 
• Ps. don't forget to try my homemade pie crust recipe below for the yummiest results!

Weather you're making a basic pie or creating intricate crust art, every great pie begins with great tools!
Click the item to shop my personal favorite baking tools that I can't live without in the kitchen.