Sweater Weather

It's starting to get chilly outside! I find myself putting on my favorite sweaters and sipping hot drinks!  Obviously we all love our Holiday drinks at Starbucks. I wanted to share a few recipes you can do at home.  It's perfect for a party as well! My second flavor for Fall is Apple!  There's something about having apple that takes me back to being a kid. My family use to take trips to the apple orchard every fall.  It's a favorite pastime that you can enjoy right at home! Here's a unique version of apple cider for the vanilla bean lovers like me!

Warm Vanilla Cider

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 tablespoons packed dark-brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) bourbon, if desired
• Whipped cream
• Honeyed Walnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine apple cider, dark-brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and add bourbon if desired. Remove and discard solids. Divide among 6 mugs or heatproof glasses, and top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a few honeyed walnuts.

A Fun way to serve your hot drinks! Copper mugs are a new fashion statement! Found at www.williamsonoma.com

For all you chocoholics! Another fun project to try is making your own hot chocolate mixes! It's not just for the kids! Also makes a really sweet gift! Go grab an old mason jar and some ribbon!

Hot-chocolate mix is a wintertime staple. A homemade version is delicious and natural -- containing only cocoa, sugar, and salt -- and especially economical compared with store-bought mixes.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/4 cups cocoa
• 1 tablespoon table salt
• Whole milk for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt, and whisk to combine well. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

2. For individual servings, pour 1 cup whole milk into a microwave-safe mug, and microwave on high just until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, and stir to dissolve. For a larger batch of cocoa, warm the milk in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, taking care not to let the milk boil; as it warms, stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk.

I wanted to share a couple really cute styles for Fall! I'm loving the oversized turtleneck look from Free People! It's great when you find your go to sweater.  This one would be great with skinny pants or skirt! 

www.freepeople.com

FLANNEL EX-BOYFRIEND SHIRT IN ALBION PLAID

Check out madewell.com

Hope this puts you in the fall mood! Share your favorite ideas at #howtobedarling

xo, Sarah Darling

Salt of choice! Great for your hot drinks!!