Sunday, November 10, 2019

Hot Chocolate on a Winter Porch

Winter has arrived much earlier to Wisconsin, but the snow shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying the beauty of the quiet woods.  Even though it may have snowed and the temperatures are getting much colder while we are in the midst of the Fall season, it is still time to enjoy a fun gathering and a cup of hot chocolate on the front porch.






Since I have a love for plaid and mixing patterns, I sewed a black bench pad for the front porch bench and accented it with grey and red plaid pillows and a matching table topper.  In addition, I added yet another plaid pattern with the cranberry red plaid pillows and solid red pillows to really make the porch pop with color.




In addition to plenty of bold and comfy pillows and a deer skin rug to add softness, there is rich and creamy hot chocolate to make the time on the front porch warmer and cozier.




And who can resist a slice of warm cinnamon apple pancake baked in a cast iron skillet.  Dusted in powdered sugar, it has the perfect sweetness and is ideal for serving in mini cast iron skillets along with a cup of hot chocolate poured into a "sweater wrapped" mason jar with a peppermint-striped curly straw.










Below is the recipe for this yummy breakfast pancake: 

Apple Buttermilk Pancake in a Skillet

2 eggs
2 T brown sugar
1/2 C buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cardamom
3 T butter
1 medium Jonagold apple, peeled and sliced
Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat over to 450 degrees F.  Combine in the blender eggs, brown sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom until blended and smooth.  Melt butter a a large cast iron skillet and add apple slices.  Cook a few minutes until the apples begin to become soft.  Disperse apples evenly at the bottom of the skillet.  Add batter and tilt so the batter is even throughout the bottom of the pan.  Place in the oven and bake for about 15 or 20 minutes until golden brown.  Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with apple slices and whipped cream topping (if desired) before serving. 









A black and red plaid bow adorn this outdoor wreath along with a red Nordic themed metal bell.




I just had to add a gingerbread accent to the porch.  This adorable gingerbread boy dressed in gingham is a sweet faux cookie which speaks volumes.  Even though it is small, it is an important detail.































I guess it truly is a hot chocolate kind of day on the winter porch.




Stay warm.  
Winter has begun.

19 comments:

  1. Oh my!I would love to be in your cozy and stunning porch!How inspiring!

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  2. That is so lovely and inviting! I just knew this had to be your porch when I saw it linked up at the party.

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  3. Such a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy life! You could open a B&B!

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  4. Your porch is so warm and welcoming! I'm ready to try your apple pancake too!

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  5. So delightful Marsha, what a cozy spot! I love your faux gingerbread man!
    Jenna

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  6. Absolutely beautiful front porch. I'll be right over for some hot chocolate.

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  7. Wow you do the best presentations! Who wouldn’t love tone out on your porch enjoying a hot drink! That apple buttermilk pancake sounds delicious!

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  8. Your porch is so cozy looking and ready to sit and take in the view with a cup of hot chocolate! I love your little gingerbread "cookie".

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  9. What a gorgeous porch! I could spend the whole day there.

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  10. Winter arrived early for us too, in Central NY. Your porch looks so cozy and that pancake looks delish!!

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  11. I need to try that pancake! Your porch looks lovely in red!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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  12. This is such a beautiful post! So many cute and cozy Christmas ideas! I would like to invite you to share each week with us over at Thursday Favorite Things. The party is live every Thursday t 9:00 a.m. EST-Sunday at Midnight. https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/fall-ing-into-the-holidays-at-thursday-favorite-things/

    Looking forward to seeing more of your holiday decor and beautiful shots of your landscape!

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  13. This article is lovely. So comfy, cozy. Your porch is beautiful. I love the way you mixed colors and patterns and yet it all comes together seamlessly. And all of the little details make it simply breathtaking. Thank you for sharing with #omhgww.

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  14. Love it!! Although I don't like winter or cold weather, your scene looks so inviting!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 6. Shared. I'd like to invite you to also link up at my Short Story Link Party. It is a creative writing exercise for fun and without a lot of editing. Just start typing and see what you come up with! Remember, no story is too short! See the party on my site for the current prompt, closes on the 22nd.

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  15. Beautiful and so inviting! I love your gingerbread man! Thanks for sharing with us at The Blogger's Pit Stop!

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  16. This is all so magical and beautiful. I can't stop looking at the pictures! I've feautred this post today at Thursday Favorite Things. Thanks for sharing!

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  17. Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 7.

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