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Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle

By Christina Thomas 2 Comments

Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle recipe and easy hacks to take boxed cake mix to the next level

Make This Tasty Trifle Recipe With Easy Hacks to Take Your Holiday Desserts To The Next Level!

Dig into dreamy layers of cubed buttery cake, fresh berries, vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped cream with this easy Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle garnished with sugared berries. A wonderful twist on decadent blueberry layer cake, that’s perfect for the holidays or to celebrate any day!

This post is sponsored by T.G. Lee® and Dairy Farmers of America. All opinions are my own. As always, I only promote products and experiences I love to inspire you to celebrate life and #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time.

Jump to Recipe
Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle recipe and easy hacks to take boxed cake mix to the next level

We know the holidays will look a bit different this year. Gatherings will certainly be smaller. But they don’t have to be any less delicious! There’s still so much to celebrate and nothing says celebration better than a beautiful dessert. This Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle is guaranteed to make spirits bright!

And it’s so easy to make. Especially if, like me, you’re not a baker and prefer to go for easy entertaining. With this recipe you don’t have to worry about perfectly decorating a layer cake. In fact, it’s ok to be a bit messy. It’s as easy as layering cake, fresh berries, vanilla pudding and whipped cream.

I’m also sharing some tried and true hacks to amp up the flavor of boxed cake mix, instant pudding and whipped cream. Plus, an epic garnish that will elevate any holiday dessert.

If you’re short on time, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and assemble the night before. Then garnish shortly before serving.

This recipe works great in a large trifle bowl or glass bowl. Or make individual trifles in mason jars. These cute jars also make delicious gifts you can drop off to friends and family to brighten their day.

Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle recipe individual dessert gifts

Support Local This Holiday Season.

From the foods I serve at home, to the restaurants I visit and the gifts I give, I strive to support our local community every chance I get. It’s especially important now more than ever to support the community artisans, growers and farmers that make Central Florida special.

This is why I’m excited to be working with one of the dairy farmers that supplies farm-fresh milk to T.G. Lee®, the same brand you can find on our shelves here in Orlando, to create this holiday favorite recipe.

T.G. Lee® Dairy is Florida’s Hometown Dairy.

Most Orlandoans are used to seeing the T.G. Lee® Dairy  plant as you drive in East Orlando. It has been a landmark of the Orlando community since 1934. And now they even have a gorgeous 200 ft wide mural with the famous black and white Holstein Florida milk cows to honor Florida dairy farmers. You can’t miss it!

Fun Fact: Did you know T.G. Lee® was started by Thomas Gilbert Lee in 1925 with 20 acres, the family cow and a cosigned banknote from his father? He and his wife milked the cows themselves in a shack on North Bumby Avenue, near the present-day Orlando factory. Today T.G. Lee is one of the top milk processing plants in Florida. 

Look for T.G. Lee® products in stores around Orlando.

Travel Inspiration: The Milk District, Orlando

You know my recipes always come with a little travel inspiration. This Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle is no different. Except you won’t have to travel far!

T.G. Lee® is the cornerstone of “The Milk District” – one of the most fun and diverse neighborhoods in Orlando. You’ll find a plethora of small businesses, local mom and pop restaurants, hip breweries and bars. Dig into everything from tasty sandwiches, to tacos and famous Food Network worthy pies. It’s one of the “Must Visit” places I recommend to all Orlando visitors. As locals, we get to enjoy it any time we want!

T.G. Lee Dairy mural in Orlando, FL
Photo: Orlando Sentinel

Do You Know Where Your Milk Comes From? Get To Know Family Farmers Like Alliance Dairies

Seeing the expansive T.G. Lee Dairy plant where milk is processed, I always wonder where the milk actually comes from. So, I was thrilled to get to know the story of Jan Henderson. She’s a third generation family farmer at one of the dairy farms that supplies milk to T.G. Lee® Alliance Dairies in Trenton, Florida, about 2 hours north of Orlando.

Alliance Dairies is a partnership of generational family dairy farmers that now includes Jan Henderson and was the first Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permitted dairy in North Florida. Today, it’s the largest free-stall dairy in one location within the state, employing more than 120 people while still maintaining their farm family culture. In fact, they’ve been recognized for their sustainability practices including their wastewater management and recycling in order to produce “nature’s most perfect food” – Milk. Their mission as a farm family is to produce high-quality milk. They’re dedicated to the safety, care, and betterment of their people, cows, land, and community.

Holiday Memories are Made of Milk!

Milks, creams and eggnogs are the centerpiece of so many delicious holiday memories, and I love knowing that the T.G. Lee milk I find at area grocers comes from family farms. Many like Jan, who’ve been running their family business for generations.

Today, I’m making my take on the Henderson family’s favorite holiday recipe – a five-layer blueberry stack cake. You’ll find this on their table at nearly every family gathering. Knowing that the T.G. Lee milk I used in my recipe might have come from the Henderson Family themselves makes it even more special!

Original Five Layer Blueberry Stack Cake Recipe

Here’s the recipe provided by Jan Henderson of Alliance Dairies which inspired my Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle.

Print
5 Layer Blueberry Stack Cake
Course: Dessert
Keyword: berries, Cake, Holiday Dessert
Author: Jan Henderson of Alliance Dairies
Ingredients
Butter Cake:
  • 1 butter recipe cake mix
  • 1 ⁄2 cup butter softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup T.G. Lee milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting:
  • 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 sticks of butter softened
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Fruit Layer:
  • 2 21 oz cans blueberry pie filling
Instructions
  1. Combine cake mix with remaining ingredients in larger mixer bowl and beat until thoroughly mixed and batter is smooth.
  2. Pour by 2/3 cupsful into 5 separate 8” round cake pans.
  3. Bake each layer at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in
  4. center of cake comes out clean.
  5. Cream together sugar, cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  6. Spread thin layer of frosting over bottom cake layer, then top with a thin layer of
  7. blueberry pie filling.
  8. Repeat until all layers are used.
  9. When all layers put together, frost top and sides of cake with frosting and pour
  10. remaining blueberry pie filling on top of cake
  11. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving; store cake in refrigerator.

Short on Time? Not a Baker? This Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe is for You!

I’m always short on time, especially during the holiday season, and I like to keep entertaining as easy as possible. If you have the time and love baking and decorating gorgeous cakes from scratch, then go for it, but don’t feel guilty if you can’t. This recipe works for all of us! And all the ingredients can be easily found in your favorite grocery store.

Here’s the secret: I’m using boxed cake mix and instant pudding as shortcuts. But of course, I’ve found a few tricks to elevate the flavors and make it my own. So I’m sharing some tried and true hacks to take boxed cake mix, instant pudding and whipped cream to the next level. Guaranteed to make your cakes rich and flavorful. Plus, a beautiful garnish perfect for holiday desserts.

Easy Hacks to Take Boxed Cake Mix To The Next Level

Let’s Talk About The Tasty Layers in This Holiday Trifle!

The Cake Layer:

As a time-saver, I’m using boxed cake mix like in Jan’s recipe. It’s a great shortcut. I chose a butter cake for extra butteriness. Vanilla or lemon cake would work as well.

Pro-tip: always substitute the water in the cake mix recipe with milk. It just plain tastes better! Milk adds richness to practically any recipe. And lots more nutrients.

Instead of making a 5 layer cake, I decided to go with a trifle. Why? It’s a lot more forgiving when it comes to decorating. Plus, I don’t have that many cake pans to bake 5 different cakes for the layers.

I baked the cake in (3) 8” pans so they would bake faster. You can also use a 9×13 baking dish. Bake per box instructions. 

Make sure to cool the cake completely before cutting into 1 ½ inch bite size cubes.

Traditional trifles include a drizzle of cream sherry to soften the cake. You can also use any liqueur of your choice, but this is optional.

Easy Hacks to Take Boxed Cake Mix To The Nextl Level

Easy Hacks To Take Boxed Cake Mix To The Next Level

Using boxed cake mix is nothing to be ashamed of. Not all of us can be Martha Stewart. But here are some easy tricks to take cake mix to the next level and give your cakes a homemade taste.

  1. Use milk instead of water. I prefer to use 2% or whole milk.
  2. Add an extra egg to what the box requires. It adds even more richness. 
  3. If the box calls for oil, use butter instead, and double the amount.
  4. Add flavoring extract. Vanilla extract is my favorite. You can also use lemon or almond depending on your flavor preference. 1 or 2 teaspoons of extract depending on how subtle you want the flavor to be.
  5. Add lemon zest. Zest half a lemon and add it to the batter. It brightens things right up!
  6. Add vanilla pudding mix. For this recipe since I’m using vanilla pudding as one of the layers, I didn’t add it to the cake batter. Normally I would add one small pouch of vanilla pudding mix into the batter.
T.G. Lee Milk takes boxed cake mix to the next level in this Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe

The Vanilla Pudding or Custard Layer:

A traditional English trifle dating back to the 1500s includes a layer of custard. I’m using boxed vanilla pudding mix as a shortcut. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract for a richer flavor and use T.G. Lee 2% milk. Chill in the refrigerator before assembling the trifle.

T.G. Lee Milk takes instant vanilla pudding mix and boxed cake mix to the next level in this Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe

The Whipped Cream Layer:

Make Your Own Whipped Cream!

Sure, you can buy whipped cream. But it tastes so much better when it’s homemade! And it’s so easy to make. After you do it once, you’ll be convinced. All you need is heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

For this holiday trifle recipe, I’m making “stabilized whipped cream” for a bit more consistency to work within the layers of fruit and cake. I also don’t want it to “melt”.

To make stabilized whipped cream, add cream cheese. Or if you want to be super fancy, add mascarpone cheese. It has a more pronounced flavor but just as delicious. I used mascarpone whipped cream to accompany grilled peaches and cherries.

Stabilized whipped cream is thick enough to be used as frosting, piped with a piping bag or simply dolloped on pies and cakes. It won’t melt like regular whipped cream so you can set your dessert on the table without fear of it falling apart.

Stabilized whipped cream recipe

Here’s a few tricks to keep in mind when making stabilized whipped cream:

  1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. Remove the foil wrapper and pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds if it’s too cold.
  2. Use chilled heavy whipping cream.
  3. Chill your mixing bowl and whisk or set your mixing bowl on top of a bowl full of ice while using a hand mixer. This is especially important with our hot weather in Florida.
  4. Add flavors. I love vanilla but you can also do lemon, almond, chocolate, or spices.
  5. To make it keto friendly, use monk fruit instead of powdered sugar.
  6. You can make it 2-3 days ahead and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
  7. When frosting a cake or using in a trifle, make sure the cake has completely cooled, before adding the whipped cream.
Stabilized whipped cream recipe

The Fruit Layer:

For the fruit layers in this Berries and Cream holiday trifle, use any berries you like. Fresh are best but frozen work too. This recipe is so versatile. You can also use other fruits such as peaches or cherries.

A traditional English trifle calls for a fruit jam to be spread over the cake. I’m skipping that step and using dollops of blueberry compote instead. I had some frozen blueberries from Southern Hill Farms in Clermont and simply cooked them down with sugar, lemon zest and fresh grated ginger.

Blueberry Compote in Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle recipe

What Berries Should You Use in a Trifle?

I love the combo of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. Winter is the season for fresh Florida strawberries from Plant City so don’t miss out on buying local. If you can’t find fresh berries, use frozen fruit and mix into the compote.

Fresh Berries in Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle

The Garnish Top Layer:

An Epic Garnish To Elevate Any Holiday Dessert!

Sugared Berries are the answer. Go bougie with the garnish to give your trifle the elegant holiday look. Sugared fruit is a simple and beautiful way to decorate cakes, tarts and dessert tables.

The sugared berries should not be refrigerated because the sugar will melt off, so wait to apply until ready to serve.

You can also garnish with mounds of whipped cream and fresh berries if you want to skip this step.

Sugared Berries are an epic garnish for holiday desserts and Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle

How To Layer a Trifle?

The trifle is all about the layers! We’re going to layer cake, fruit compote, fresh berries, vanilla pudding and whipped cream. Try to get even layers and repeat for as many layers as your dish will fit. There’s no hard fast rule as to which layer goes first. 

Use a trifle bowl, glass bowl, individual mason jars or wide mouth glasses to showcase the layers.

With a trifle you don’t need to be too precise in assembling, but you should try to avoid smearing the sides of the bowl. The trick is to fill the center and spread around to the sides.

Finish with a layer of whipped cream. Cover and chill for a few hours in the refrigerator to set the layers. Although if you’re short on time, you can easily dig in as is. If you’re making overnight, stop at this step. Garnish before serving.

Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe

Berries & Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe

Print
Berries & Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Refrigerate
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
 

Dig into dreamy layers of cubed buttery cake, fresh berries, vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped cream with this easy Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle garnished with sugared berries. A wonderful twist on decadent blueberry layer cake, that’s perfect for the holidays or to celebrate any day! Plus, follow easy hacks to take boxed cake mix, instant pudding and whipped cream to the next level.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Keyword: berries, Cake, Milk, Trifle
Author: Christina Thomas
Ingredients
Cake
  • 1 box butter or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup T.G. Lee whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ lemon
Vanilla Pudding
  • 1 5.1 oz vanilla flavored instant pudding (large box)
  • 3 cups T.G. Lee milk chilled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stabilized Whipped Cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Compote
  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Zest from half lemon
  • ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
Berries
  • 1 lbs. strawberries
  • 12 oz blackberries
  • 12 oz blueberries
Sugared Berries Garnish
  • 2 cups fresh berries blueberries, strawberries and blackberries
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/4 cup granulated fine sugar
  • Fresh mint
Instructions
  1. Prepare each component in the order below:
Cake:
  1. Preheat oven to 325F. Grease sides and bottom of pan with butter and lightly flour. I’m using (3) 8-inch pans to keep my cake short in height. You can also use a 13×9-inch.
  2. Combine cake mix and all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat until thoroughly mixed and batter is smooth.
  3. Bake as per time indicated on box for the size pans you’re using. I used 3 pans and baked for 20 minutes.
  4. Do the toothpick check and insert into the center of the cake. When it comes out clean, it’s done.
  5. Let the cake cool completely before cutting into bite sized cubes.
Vanilla Pudding:
  1. While the cake is baking, mix instant pudding, milk and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl and whisk for 2 minutes.
  2. Set aside for 5 minutes, cover and refrigerate.
Stabilized Whipped Cream:
  1. In a mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely blended, about 1 minute. It’s very important that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, forming stiff peaks. Set aside.
  2. In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream and vanilla on high speed until soft peaks form. About 1 minute.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of the heavy cream into the cream cheese and sugar mixture and mix until well incorporated. Then add the cream cheese mixture to the heavy whipping cream mixture and beat on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Blueberry Compote:
  1. Combine blueberries with sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest and fresh ground ginger in a small saucepan. Cook on medium low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Set aside to cool completely. Can be refrigerated until ready to use.
Berries & Sugared Berries:
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry all berries with a paper towel.
  2. Separate 2 cups assorted berries for sugared berries garnish. Set other berries aside to use in trifle layers.
  3. Slice strawberries lengthwise and set aside
  4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk egg white until it’s not stringy
  5. Lightly paint berries for garnish with egg white
  6. Place sugar on a plate and roll the berries in the sugar, giving it a light shake to roll.
  7. Gently place berries onto a tray lined with parchment paper to dry. The sugar will get nice and crunchy.
  8. Time Shortcut: turn oven on to warm, then turn it off, place the tray of sugared berries inside and leave the door ajar. Your berries will be ready in 15 mins
Assemble Trifle:
  1. Arrange 1/2 of the cake cubes around the bottom of the trifle bowl.
  2. Spoon dollops of blueberry compote over cake.
  3. Arrange 1/2 of berries in an even layer. Alternate berries along the sides of trifle bowl.
  4. Add 1/2 vanilla pudding, spread evenly. Placing most of it along the center of the bowl so that your berries show along the sides.
  5. Add ⅓ stabilized whipped cream, spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Repeat layers of cake, berries, vanilla pudding and whipped cream.
  7. Top the last layer of whipped cream with an additional dollop in the center. Then top with sugared berries and fresh mint sprigs.
  8. Trifle can be assembled the night before up to the whipped cream layer. Wait to add the garnish layer until before serving.
Recipe Notes

For Whipped Cream:

  • Use block cream cheese, not the whipped kind. To soften, place the unwrapped package in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 10 seconds.
  • If you are in a hot climate like Florida, place your mixing bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain the heavy whipping cream chilled while mixing.

For Sugared Berries:

  • Do not store sugared berries in the refrigerator due to moisture. It’s best to make them the day you’re serving.

 

Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe

This Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle looks like it has a lot of steps but you’ll see how easy it is to prepare and assemble once you have each component. Especially since you can make it the night before. And it’s ok to be a little messy.

Quite frankly, this year, we’re lucky if we’re wearing our nice PJs for the holiday zoom party. This dessert will feel festive. And it will taste even better knowing there’s a taste of local using Orlando’s own T.G. Lee Milk.

Look for T.G. Lee products in stores around Orlando. Follow them on social media and learn more about T.G. Lee here. 

I hope you’re inspired to celebrate safely at home. #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time.

If you make this recipe, please share on social media and tag @goepicurista #GoEpicRecipes and #TGLeeHoliday. I would love to virtually clink glasses with you. 

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with T.G. Lee and Dairy Farmers of America. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share with you products and experiences I love to inspire you to get together with family and friends, celebrate life and go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time! To learn more about my guidelines, check out my disclosure policy. Cheers!

Check out this Berries and Cream Holiday Trifle Recipe!  Perfect for holiday parties & gifts. Plus don't miss these easy hacks to take your holiday desserts to the next level! #TGLeeHolidays. (Ad)
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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

Comments

  1. Alicia says

    12/03/2020 at 10:43 am

    Excellent recipe!! I want to try to make it during this holiday season

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      12/03/2020 at 11:50 am

      I Hope you’ll enjoy it! Happy Holidays!

      Reply

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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Here I am with one of my favorites - Reese's Nitro & Peanut Butter Explosion Donut. This is dessert for breakfast, lunch and dinner! ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out my full review on GoEpicurista.com, find out my favorites, my least favorites, and learn more about why you may want to add Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew to your list of places to dine at on your next Walt Disney World visit.⠀
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There’s so much to bring us down in the world right now. A sugar high is guaranteed to bring spirits up. Smiles guaranteed. 😃⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #DisneySprings #Everglazed #GoEpicDisney
“There is no cure for birth and death save to en “There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.” - George Santayana⠀
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Hello 2021! May we enjoy the interval more than ever this year. It's time for "The Cure".... 😉⠀
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Got any plans for the first day of the year? ⠀
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@raglanroadpub in @disneysprings is celebrating with their popular "Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch" today and their fantastic “The Cure” signature Bloody Mary. ⠀
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Dig into a phenomenal brunch menu of delicious offerings ranging from The Full Irish breakfast and Pancakes Diaspora to the OMG Burger and the pub’s famous Fish & Chips – a premium 10-ounce North Atlantic beer-battered cod filet.  Enjoy live Irish entertainment (starting at noon) while you sip “The Cure” or one of their epic Irish coffees. ⠀
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Space is limited so reservations are encouraged at 407/938-0300 or online. ⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for more details on the best Bloody Mary & Weekend Brunches in Orlando including Raglan Road Irish Pub. ⠀
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Slainte! Cheers to a better 2021! 🎉🥂 #GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in y "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle⠀
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In a year that will never be forgotten, there's still so much I'm grateful for. ⠀
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💫  Life. We made it this far! ⠀
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💕  Love. There will never be a day I'm not most grateful for my husband, my family and my dear friends. If you're reading this - I'm grateful for YOU!⠀
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🥂  Fun. Yes! Despite the challenges of this pandemic. We adapted. And we searched for joy in every turn. ⠀
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✨  We got creative in the kitchen⠀
✨  We enjoyed the outdoors & went for more walks than ever before⠀
✨  We used Zoom, What's App & social media to stay connected⠀
✨  We attempted to learn new skills in the early days (remember March?!) ⠀
✨  We watched a lot of TV! (Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Killing Eve, The Queen’s Gambit, Mandalorian & even Tiger King got us thru it!)⠀
✨  We heard the words “pivot” “unprecedented” & “hunker down” way too much. ⠀
✨ “We’re in this together” has a new meaning ⠀
✨  We were distanced yet became much more aware of the world around us ⠀
✨  We had our eyes opened to the harsh inequalities that exist and the importance of speaking out ⠀
✨  We appreciated quality experiences over quantity and became much more selective of where we went when we left the house⠀
✨  Staycations did wonders for our mental health. Thank you @wyndhamgrandorl and @waldorforlando for epic "getaways"! ⠀
✨  In the year of "Take Out" we were awed by epic "At Home Experiences" Thank you @newstandardwp & @tavernaopaorl (Read about them on GoEpicurista.com) ⠀
✨  We were inspired by the tenacity & creativity of small business owners, restaurateurs & food'preneurs who worked so hard to survive & thrive (so many to mention!)⠀
✨  We were encouraged for the future of our hospitality industry by new openings like Knife & Spoon @ritzcarltonorlando & revamps like Henry Moso's @kabooki_orlando 2.0 - The Most Epic Meals of 2020!⠀
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There were so many things on my “To Do List” that didn't get checked off. But for today, I'm choosing simply to be grateful for this moment. ⠀
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Wishing you loads of abundance & joy. Happy New Year 2021!⠀
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#MakeSomedayHappen
“No matter how hard the past, you can always beg “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” — Buddha (hosted)

Hope for a better new year. Hope is all we can hang on to. That and a glass of champagne! 😉🥂

As I reflect back on this difficult year, there's still so much to be grateful for. I'm mostly grateful for the friendships that have sustained me and the continued partnerships with my favorite local businesses that have inspired me to keep GoEpicurista going. And, while we didn't travel or dine out much in 2020, we did manage to enjoy a few fabulous staycations and epic meals in Orlando that truly made our spirits bright. More than ever I appreciate now, it's about "Quality vs. Quantity."

Our dinners at Bull & Bear at @waldorforlando and La Luce at @bonnetcreek were epic! I'm still dreaming of that beef carpaccio and the pasta explosion and the perfectly cooked filet and.... all the perfectly paired wines. 

If you haven't dined at Bull & Bear and La Luce or if its been a while, add them to your list and make it a point to GO! 2021 needs all the goodness you can bring! 

Make any day a celebration. Seriously, life is too short. #MakeSomedayHappen

🎉 If you don't have plans for New Year's Eve, La Luce and Bull & Bear are serving fabulous multi course menus to help you say “Hello 2021” in style! 

👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for a full list of all the festive ways to celebrate in Orlando on 12/31.

#GoEpicOrlando #WAOFoodie #HBCFoodie #WaldorfOrlando #HiltonBonnetCreek
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is yo “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. — Micheal Altshuler⠀
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Everyone’s asking “Are you ready for 2021?” And as much as I want to say YES and put this crazy year in the rear view mirror, I also have a long "To Do List" to get done before the year is over. 😩  Where does the time go? Am I the only one who feels like the days are just flying by? ⠀
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Speaking of blink and you miss it moments, I couldn’t believe when I heard @seitobp is celebrating their 20th Anniversary! It's one of my favorite sushi spots in town and I'm sad to say it's been a while since my last visit. This lobster claw sushi is a throwback of a most epic dinner there! ⠀
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If you haven't been to Seito in Baldwin Park, now's the time to visit or re-visit. They're celebrating with over $2K in giveaways! (Follow on social for details!) Plus featuring a fantastic special multi-course menu of old favorites and new flavors this week. ⠀
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Congratulations to Jason and Sue Chin, the talented "pilots" of the Good Salt Restaurant Group. They've filled Orlando's culinary scene with loads of flavor with Seito, @theospreyorlando and @reyesmezcaleria with a 4th restaurant @themonroeorlando coming to give more to look forward to in 2021! ⠀
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Cheers to local restaurants doing good! 🥂⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SeitoBaldwinPark
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to c “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” — Alfred Lord Tennyson (hosted)⠀
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It’s the last Monday of 2020! 🎉 How about ushering 2021 with a little sweetness and lots of hope? These gorgeous @sweetbyholly mini cupcakes are the perfect treat for your NYE party safe at home. ⠀
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The New Year’s Eve 6 Pack is only $6, available for pick up on 12/30 & 12/31⠀
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👉🏼 Quantities are limited so it’s best to Pre-Order,  online or by phone.⠀
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Good Riddance 2020! Cheers to a happier and sweeter 2021! 🥂🧁⠀
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How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve? Please stay safe & celebrate responsibly so we can all enjoy a happier 2021. 😷 ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #NewYearsEve
"I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup "I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer." 🎶 —Johnny Marks and Burl Ives⠀
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What festive cocktail will be in your cup of cheer this New Year’s Eve? ⠀
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I loved this gorgeous sangria at Capa in @fsorlando 🍹 The bartenders at the posh resort’s restaurants are some of the best in town, and a great place to welcome 2021, whether you’re craving a Spanish feast at  Capa with a fab Gin Tonic or sangria, Ravello’s Italian cuisine with a Lavender Sgroppino Prosecco cocktail or Cranberry Old Fashioned (recipes below!), Plancha’s mojitos, PB&G indulgent Chocolate Peppermint Martini, or The Lobby Bar’s “Be Gone 2020” - You know there’s plenty of cheer! ⠀
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👉🏼 SAVE THIS POST! ⠀
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👍🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my fun festive and safe ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orlando including Four Seasons Resort!⠀
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Here’s 2 fun cocktail recipes for a delightful Four Seasons Orlando experience at home.⠀
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🥃 Cranberry Old Fashioned⠀
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1 oz “Cranberry Simple”: fresh cranberries, water, and sugar. Simmer one cup of cranberries with sugar (about ¼ cup or to preferred sweetness) and 2 cups of water in a pan on medium heat, and then reduce to low heat. Once cranberries are tender, strain out the cranberries, and the remainder serves as the cranberry simple syrup.⠀
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1 oz Bourbon⠀
3 Drops Cranberry Bitters⠀
1 Dash Angostura⠀
1 Lemon Wedge⠀
Sprig of thyme⠀
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Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over an ice sphere. Squeeze in and add the lemon wedge. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. Enjoy!⠀
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🍾 Lavender Sgroppino⠀
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3 oz Lemon Sorbet⠀
2 oz Prosecco⠀
.5 oz Lavender Infused Vodka⠀
Sprig of rosemary⠀
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Scoop the lemon sorbet into a Champagne flute, and then add the vodka. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with rosemary. ⠀
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Cheers!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #FSConnectsAtHome #FSOrlando
"The party's on, the feeling's here that only come "The party's on, the feeling's here that only comes this time of year." —Paul McCartney⠀
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We're all anxiously looking forward for 2020 to end and a more hopeful 2021 to arrive.  Aren't we? How will you celebrate on New Year's Eve this year? ⠀
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I'm happy as long as I have a glass of bubbles in my hand. I plan to order takeout and welcome the new year in my PJs at home. The 2020 way! LOL! 🥂⠀
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👉🏼 Check out GoEpicurista.com for my extensive list of options for festive ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando - whether you're looking for a multi-course dinner prepared by a talented chef, a theme party, to be entertained at an outdoor concert, or like me, to order a holiday feast to go. ⠀
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One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando, @reelfishcoastal is bringing back their 1.5 lb Maine lobster special for only $39 in addition to their fantastic full menu including the best selection of fresh oysters in town to ring in the new year! Best part is you can order it all to go! ⠀
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Of course, if you choose to dine in, they’re following all safety protocols. ⠀
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Enjoy "GET REEL" Happy Hour from 4-7p, Bottomless Champagne for only $20.21 starting at 4pm, Live DJ from 7:30pm until late and complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes 12midnight! Make reservations as space is limited. Call (407) 543-3474 or visit: ReelFishCoastal.com ⠀
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Cheers to 2021! We can't wait! ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ReelFishCoastal #NewYearsEve
“Will you please tell Santa that instead of pres “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” – Kevin, Home Alone ⠀
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Merry Christmas Everyone🎄 Kevin may have wanted a cheese pizza but he wanted his family more. I know the feeling. Today I got both!⠀
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There’s no better present than spending time with family, even if that means having a pizza party on Zoom. ⠀
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So many of us are missing our families this year and so we’ve gotten creative. We may have even started a new Xmas tradition. ⠀
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From Portland, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Dominican Republic to Chicago. We all gathered on Zoom, made pizza, played trivia games, did a scavenger hunt and had an amazing time! ⠀
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For our pizzas, I used @bredinbk ready made crust and topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto, roasted garlic, arugula and my favorite, local Orlando made, family owned Dicuru @freshmozzarellausa. Vladimir and his nephew Jorge are the nicest guys and their Burrata and mozzarella is by far the best in town! ⠀
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👉🏼 Look for Dicuru in your grocery store or order direct from them. I love supporting family owned and run small businesses like them. ⠀
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The holidays are all about family. I’m grateful to be able to spend it with mine even if it’s virtually. While some are no longer with us, their memories will always remain in our hearts. ⠀
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Scroll to see my family Xmas pizza party. The best present was the last video. 💕 😊 🍕🎄⠀
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Merry Christmas! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DicuruMozzarella #ChristmasonZoom
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” - Arthur Ashe⠀
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Thank you for following my @GoEpicurista journey. I’m so grateful for each one of you who reads, comments and shares my posts. You inspire me! Together we #MakeSomedayHappen 💕 ⠀
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It’s Christmas Eve and I have some yummy cupcakes for YOU! ⠀
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But this isn’t your traditional #GIVEAWAY...⠀
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@sweetbyholly was so kind to give me gift certificates for their fab mini cupcakes and I would love to pay it forward and give them to YOU or anyone who needs a little cheer this time of year.⠀
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The holidays can be tough, this year more than ever. If you or someone you know needs some sweetness in their life, please leave a comment below. 😊⠀
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Maybe you know a front line health care worker, first responder, teacher or delivery driver, restaurant staff or anyone who’s had a really tough year. Tag them in the comments and let them know you care. ⠀
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I know these are just cupcakes. They won’t change the world. But I guarantee they will bring a smile to their face. Sometimes that can make a world of difference. 😄⠀
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This is not your typical GIVEAWAY. ⠀
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I’m not asking you to FOLLOW @GoEpicurista or @sweetbyholly or LIKE this post to win - although it would be nice 😊⠀
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👉🏼 Simply leave a comment & TAG the person you want to bring a little cheer to. ⠀
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👉🏼 Tag as many people as you want by leaving separate comments. ⠀
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👉🏼 The winner does have to live in Orlando area to pick up their cupcakes.⠀
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👍🏼 4 winners will be selected at random on 12/25 and each will receive (1) six pack of awesome mini cupcakes from Sweet By Holly. ⠀
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Winners will be notified by DM. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram. ⠀
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🧁 If you’re interested in bringing some cheer to your loved ones this season, pick up a HollyDay Dozen TODAY! Scroll to see how pretty!⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #merrychristmaseveryone🎄
“OK, what about the gift situation then? Because “OK, what about the gift situation then? Because everything on my list requires pre-order." — David Rose, #SchittsCreek⠀
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Looking for last minute local gift ideas for the #OrlandoFoodie in your life? ⠀
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Treat your friends and family to something they can look forward to using! You know they’ll love their favorite dish or cocktail at their favorite restaurant, like this festive “Christmas in Singapour” at @eathawkers. ⠀
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Restaurant gift cards always come in handy. And they help support our local restaurants, which need it more than ever. Plus they’re great for those of us who are last minute shoppers. 🙈⠀
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Many restaurants like Hawkers are offering bonuses! ⠀
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#Hawkerdays gift card promotion is going on now through 12/31. The more you spend, the more you receive! You get $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card purchased, and no one has to know if you keep the bonus! 😉 ⠀
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Have you finished your Xmas shopping?⠀
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Happy Holidays! 🎄 ⠀
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#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #HolidayGifts #SaveRestaurants
“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather a “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” —Deborah Whipp⠀
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This year has certainly made us cherish the memories of great times spent with loved ones sharing yummy food, laughing and living life. They are such fleeting moments, gone too soon. ⠀
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I'll tell you what else goes fast, and that's these gorgeous @dgdoughnuts 💕 ⠀
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I didn't know they were named the best donut in the State of Florida on Yelp but I can see why! ⠀
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They're so creative, made in small batch, hand rolled, hand cut and hand decorated daily with inventive flavors that change weekly. They sell out quickly so if there's a flavor you want, be sure to get there early or order ahead. Definitely a Must Eat!⠀
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These are "Fancy Pants" Donuts! ⠀
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And if you want a boozy treat to celebrate the season, check out the ones with a pipette shot! ⠀
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The "Coquito" filled with sweet coconut custard, topped with a pipette of @bacardi  limited edition Coquito cream rum and Jack Daniels Caramel Winter Apple filled with spiced apple filling topped with dulce de leche rosettes and a pipette of of @jackdaniels Winter Jack Tennessee Whiskey are sure to make a fun celebration! ⠀
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#SupportLocal #EatLocal this holiday season! Forget the calories. Indulge! It's 2020 after all! ⠀
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Thank you @bebefehr for sharing! #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #dgdoughnuts
"The best time for ice cream is always." — Unkno "The best time for ice cream is always." — Unknown⠀
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Just because it’s the #wintersolstice doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream! Do you like frozen treats even if it’s cold outside? I do! 🍦 Especially when it’s a festive cone like this one at @peterbrookewp in Winter Park. ⠀
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If you’re looking for some delicious gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to support our local small businesses. ⠀
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Peterbrooke has some amazing chocolate treats for everyone on your list and while you’re there you might as well treat yourself to some gelato too! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SupportLocal #SupportSmallBusinesses
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singi “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” - Buddy The Elf (hosted)⠀
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Here’s my recipe for Christmas Cheer:⠀
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✅ Creative Holiday Cocktails⠀
✅ Yummy Asian Street Food⠀
✅ Fun Playlist to Jam, Dance & Sing!⠀
✅ Outdoor Patio for Comfortable Social Distancing⠀
✅ A great friend & business partner to share it with! ⠀
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Lisa @tastecooksip and I had a festive & productive work meeting at @eathawkers Mills location. Our first (masked) face to face meeting since the pandemic began in March! ⠀
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Thank goodness for Zoom but nothing beats face to face meetings to spark the creative juices! We have tons of fun stuff coming up for @figdigitalmedia including new ways to help our local small businesses get social media to work for them. ⠀
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We were totally jamming to the fun 90s playlist in their new outdoor patio. Maybe the new holiday cocktails had something to do with our festive mood? 😉⠀
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The OG Hawkers location now has a full bar and that’s reason to celebrate!⠀
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Check out these Holiday Cocktails, available until 12/31 at all locations:⠀
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🔥 “Get Toasted” - a rich mix of Coconut rum, house-made Vietnamese coffee liqueur, & Bailey's Irish cream. We played mixologist and added some Vietnamese Iced Coffee to it because, coffee!!! I love anything garnished with toasted marshmallows and a Pirouline cookie!! ⠀
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🎅 “Santa's Nightcap” with Spiced rum, house-made five-spice simple, amaretto, evaporated milk, and coconut was coconutty. The gingersnap cookies & crushed cookie rim, would make Santa 😊⠀
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🎄 We loved “Christmas in Singapour” made of @hendricksgin, house-made rosemary simple, cranberry, pomegranate & lime juice. It came in a holiday ornament atop chilled cranberries and fresh rosemary for a stunning presentation. ⠀
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🫖 The “Hotty Toddy Christmas” is perfect for the cool weather we’re having with Bulleit rye whiskey, Masala chai black tea & saké⠀
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We dined on our Hawkers favorites: Roti, Edamame with chili, Shrimp Papaya Salad & Crispy Tofu Bites. ⠀
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The outdoor patio with twinkling lights and a fun @mills50district inspired mural is perfect for safe dining.⠀
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Cheers to being able to safely enjoy the holidays!⠀
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#GOepicOrlando
“When the going gets tough, the tough make cooki “When the going gets tough, the tough make cookies.” - Erma Bombeck⠀
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It’s been a tough year to say the least so I skipped the baking and got these cookies at @ritzcarltonorlando instead! ⠀
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I absolutely loved their crinkle cookies and the cranberry chocolate bark, and who could resist a gingerbread man? ⠀
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They were some of the treats found along our festive lakeside walk at the beautiful resort. We paired with a glass of bubbles, Coquito and Hot Chocolate. Perfect! ⠀
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Is baking cookies part of your holiday traditions? What’s your favorite cookie? ⠀
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How are you celebrating the holidays this year? ⠀
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👉🏼 I published an update to my “Top Orlando Hotels for Christmas Dining” on GoEpicurista.com and the Grande Lakes Resort comprised of Ritz Carlton and @jwmorlando is one my must visit favorites this holiday season! ⠀
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Several resorts are offering to go options this year for those who wish to dine lavishly at home but skip all the work. Check out the Knife & Spoon To Go feast for 4-6. It’s impressive! ⠀
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Happy Holidays! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #RCmemories #LoveOrlando #christmascookiesfordays
"Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned f "Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas." — Clark Griswold, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation⠀
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What’s your favorite holiday activity tradition?⠀
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I’ve been on a Xmas movie binge and never realized there were so many holiday movies out there! Scroll Netflix, Prime, and let’s not forget ALL the Hallmark Channel lineup and there’s every predictable holiday love story. It’s hilarious! I think I’ll stick to comedies like Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and Elf and The Holiday & Love Actually for rom-coms. Of course I always watch White Christmas. It’s a classic! What are your favorites? ⠀
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Speaking of favorite holiday traditions, let’s talk about chocolate treats! ⠀
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One of my favorite local chocolate shops @peterbrookewp has everything you can dream of covered in chocolate. Popcorn, pretzels and Oreo cookies are my go to’s. They make great gifts for the chocolate lovers in your life. (Hint Hint 😉)⠀
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And if you’re looking for a fun activity the whole family will enjoy, pre-order a Chocolate House Decorating Kit. It comes with everything you need to make the most adorable - and delicious - chocolate house! ⠀
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Check out their IG and website for details. They offer curbside pickup, delivery and shipping too! ⠀
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Make the holidays as delicious as can be this year! God knows we all deserve it! ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #PeterbrookeWP #nationalchocolatecoveredanythingday
"We elves try to stick to the four main food group "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.” — Buddy the Elf (hosted)⠀
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I’ve been on a sugar high lately! Tis The Season, Right? But no complaints here! ⠀
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I got to check out the @sweetbyholly Christmas Collection of Mini Cupcakes and all I can say is “Sweet Golly Miss Holly”, Hollis Wilder, 3x @foodnetwork Cupcake Wars Champion, really outdid herself this year. ⠀
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Her and her team created the most gorgeous and scrumptious flavors. The cupcakes are super moist and fluffy, made with high quality ingredients like Valrhona chocolate and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and there’s always a little surprise filling inside! ⠀
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#ShopLocal this season. The Hollyday Dozen is $25 and makes a perfect gift for your family and friends with a sweet tooth. ⠀
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2020 Hollyday Collection Flavors:⠀
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🧁 Birthday Cake⠀
🧁 Dirt (weird name, great flavor!) ⠀
🧁 Chocolate Mousse⠀
🧁 Peppermint Red Velvet ⠀
🧁 Hot Cocoa ⠀
🧁 Ginger Bread⠀
🧁 Banana Pudding ⠀
🧁 Cinna Bun⠀
🧁 White Raspberry⠀
🧁 Salted Caramel ⠀
🧁 White Chocolate Mocha⠀
🧁 Sugar Cookie ⠀
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👉🏼 Order online at at sweetByHolly.com. Available for pick up or delivery through 12/24. Closed Xmas Day.⠀
👉🏼 Check out their Instagram giveaways and sign up for their Sweet Club for 2 free cupcakes! ⠀
🍦 Kids get a FREE ice cream all month! CHILLINPEACE premium Italian imported ice cream in 8 delicious flavors with fun toppings and drizzles.⠀
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We all need a little sweetness in our lives, especially this year!⠀
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Today is #NationalCupcakeDay 🎉 Did you know one of the first recipes for a cupcake can be traced back to 1796!? ⠀
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Are you a cupcake fan? What flavor would you choose first? ⠀
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#GOepicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #SweetByHolly #HolidayTreats #MiniCupcakes
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