In the Northern Hemisphere, plums ripen in the summer months, typically between July and September. Yet, plum is such a popular flavor for the November and December holiday season, especially when you include warmer spices, like clove and cinnamon. What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than to make homemade Freezer Plum Jam, plain … Continue reading Spiced Plum Jam for the Freezer
Seasonal
Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is easily one of the most popular holiday sweet treats. It can be pricy to buy premade, but not to worry: it's super easy to make at home! This version is special, however. Sprinkles and candies turns this tasty peppermint bark into adorable Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark. Try making this with your kiddos, … Continue reading Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Easter Rice Cereal Treats
These aren't your mama's rice cereal treats! The base recipe is my favorite way to enhance the traditional rice cereal treat recipe, using brown butter, vanilla extract, and flaky salt. It makes your typical rice cereal treat KILLER! However, folding in my favorite Easter candy - Cadbury's Mini Eggs - takes these to the next … Continue reading Easter Rice Cereal Treats
Jewish Charoset
Confession: I'm not Jewish, and I've never celebrated a Passover in my life. But I'm fascinated by rich Jewish history and culture, so I'm learning more through their food. I'm so glad I am, too, because this apple and walnut chutney - called Charoset (ha-ROE-set) - is DELICIOUS! From what I have read, this recipe … Continue reading Jewish Charoset
Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are one of the most popular traditional Easter recipes. Some say they originated in Greece, some say they were an English invention. Whatever their origin, these buns, decorated with crosses, grace many Christian tables as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hot Cross Buns are delicately sweet; less of a dessert … Continue reading Hot Cross Buns
Mainstay Spring Home Décor Tour
It's the first day of spring in the US! What better way to celebrate than a tour of our spring home décor? My favorite part of spring is the sense of light and life. The daylight is increasing, illuminating the colors of the plants that are coming back to life. The cold grey of winter … Continue reading Mainstay Spring Home Décor Tour
Christmas Clean-Up Tips
Let's be honest: the holidays are exhausting! Once the preparations and festivities are over, it's a miracle we get through the piles of dirty dishes, let alone putting away all the décor. The temptation to mindlessly shove everything holiday-related into bins and out of your sight until next year is strong. And sometimes, life circumstances … Continue reading Christmas Clean-Up Tips
Our Favorite Christmas Movies
White Christmas I remember running down to the basement of my grandparent's house as a young child to watch White Christmas over and over and over again. By the time I was six, I knew every word, sung or spoken, even though I didn't understand what all of the punchlines meant. I knew it was … Continue reading Our Favorite Christmas Movies
Hot Cocoa Tiered Tray
We combined two current popular trends into one fantastic new idea: a hot cocoa bar built on a tiered tray! The options are only limited by the size of your tray and your imagination. To build a hot cocoa bar that will impress all your holiday guests, consider offering some of these tasty options: Your … Continue reading Hot Cocoa Tiered Tray
Mainstay Christmas Home Tour 2021
It's our favorite post of the year - our annual Christmas home tour - and we're so glad you're joining us! Dining Room I stick with traditional reds, greens, and silvers in the dining room, accented by lots of lighted garland and red berries. I love the twinkle of silvers and mercury glass, as well … Continue reading Mainstay Christmas Home Tour 2021
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 