*This post contains affiliate links. When you shop any of these items I receive a portion of your purchase. Thank you for supporting House on the Hill!
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I'm going to speak for my fellow peeps....we truly love receiving gifts such as these! 
I've put together a collection of items that any home cook or foodie would love to receive! I personally have most of these items & can't stop using them!! OR I have stocked up on them for this holiday's giving season.

Look for the product links below the image. This guide is meant to serve as inspiration for the coming season. Most items on the list are from Amazon, with a variety of handmade items + more commercial items within the list. As always, I like to shop a majority of my gifts online then hit up my local shops for the extra special add-ons! Obviously, local items are not easily linked for you to shop. :) Shopping with variety in mind helps everyone!

A few places I like to look for local gifts:
- Gourmet food shops: specialty food (spices, oils, mixes) or drink items
- Wine stores: wine accessories, serving pieces, gourmet food items
- Gift boutiques: tea towels, utensils, reusable items, kitchen décor
- Local book stores: cookbooks, notepads, stationary (to write down recipes!)
- Restaurants: (local) gift cards to add in a gift basket or paired with another item
​- Farmers markets: yummy treats, handmade goods, local items

*If you have trouble with any links or find an item is out of stock please contact me through Instagram @jenkinshouseonthehill or email me at Jenkinshouseonthehill@gmail.com. I would be happy to fix an issues or find another option for you!

Beautiful Boards | Eat Better, Feel Better | Half Baked Harvest | The Full Plate

My go-to shareable appetizer is almost always some sort of dip. I mean who doesn't enjoy a plethora of dip options at a gathering?! For years I have always brought THIS (lightened up) buffalo dip to any social gathering. As amazing as it is, I feel like there's a new dip in town.
One worth a spot at your next taco night, football party, or potluck. When experimenting with one of Trader Joe's new seasoning blends (Everything but the Elote Seasoning) I came up with this Street Corn Dip. *Info below about where to find/how to make this seasoning.

The perfect balance of creamy & stringy cheese....
Tangy lime flavor yet rich...
​Added flavor & texture from fresh spinach & garlic...
Ideal for dipping chips, veggie sticks, or taquitos (!!)...

You can make this delish dip in under 15 minutes to quickly satisfy that snack tooth...that's a thing right? :)

Scroll down for recipe! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@jenkinshouseonthehill) or send me a message if you try this dip. I love seeing you all recreate my recipes! <3

- Info on Everything but the Elote Seasoning that I use from Trader Joes HERE.

- Check your local grocery store spice aisle! They may have a similar version.

- Homemade version HERE.
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- Similar versions can be found on Amazon

*This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you shop using one of my links. Thank you for supporting HOTH!

When the weather starts getting cooler we tend to spend more time at home. Less running around in general. For me that means....more time to cook & experiment with food! On the weekends, I like to try out new recipes that I wouldn't have time to make during the week. A dish I recently ate at a restaurant & this blog post had me thinking about a new savory appetizer.

Crostini with ricotta, tomato jam & crispy prosciutto. 

It's seemingly "fancy" but the process is very simple. I used store-bought crostini to save time ( Scharr GF Italian Crostini) but you could easily make your own by crisping up some bread. The tomato jam for the crostini bites takes time to cook down. But the ingredients come together very quickly & it requires little intervention. The prosciutto can be crisped up in just a few minutes in the oven. After that, it's time to layer!

​​Make this for some friends or your partner & watch for that "impressive" look!

How perfect are these appetizer plates for this savory bite?? I'm picturing many desserts, snacks & appetizers served on these classic white plates. These affordable plates have a timeless look that won't go out of style. Plus they're low maintenance: chip & scratch resistant, dishwasher - microwave - oven - freezer safe.

Shop my appetizer plates by clicking the image below!
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I've been known to eat a caprese salad in winter or devour a bowl of tortilla soup in mid summer. With that being said, I do like to experiment with some seasonal flavors from time to time! I know most (normal) people love to eat with the seasons so I want to honor that!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that feature basic fall ingredients. No shopping for crazy, hard to find items. Scroll for some quick & easy recipes that you can incorporate into your fall routine. Enjoy!

We made these delightful salted caramel pancakes last weekend on a whim & were so delighted! They were a fun twist on our classic pancake breakfast.

Super simple...
- Mix up King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake Mix according to the box. You could use any mix you like!
- Using 1/4 cup of the batter make individual pancakes. We love to make extra for the next day! Spray the pan with coconut oil when making the pancakes. This give them a yummy flavor & is a better oil to cook with.
- Onto each pancake spread a bit (or a lot!) of salted caramel sauce. I used a small jar I picked up at a gift shop. There are plenty of options at any grocery store or gourmet food shops!
- Top the stack with lots of cinnamon & chopped up gala apples.

​& devour.

. . . . just in case you need a little encouragement

You might be one of these three people:
1. It's a busy season. You've got _______ after work/school often. You won't be home in time to make dinner. It's either take out or have something already made at home.
2. Your family is picky.... but if a recipe contains pasta & ranch you know you can sell it. 
3. You love BLTs & can't think of anything better than a pasta salad version.

If you happen to be one of these people then I've got the perfect recipe for you!

>> All ingredients can be prepped ahead of time & thrown together in a few minutes.

>> The homemade dressing is super easy to make & uses Greek yogurt as the base.

>> The end result can be modified to fit the needs of your eaters. For the kids I leave out the spinach or add just a little.

>> No need to make a side dish! Just grab a bowl

I made my family eat this two nights last week while I perfected the recipe. They loved every minute of it!! No complaints here.

The summer flavors of juicy ripe fruit & fresh garden vegetables always find their way into my cooking during the warmer months. I find joy in creating different ways to incorporate an ingredient. So, when I got my hands on the first peaches of summer I knew it had to be salsa. Nothing says patio weather like chips & salsa!

THIS ISN'T YOUR TYPICAL SWEET STORE-BOUGHT SALSA.
Imagine the perfect balance between sweet & savory. This peach salsa will keep you coming back all summer long! Super easy to whip up for a fresh snack or to top your favorite protein. If you're sharing with friends (how nice of you!) just add a bag of chips & you're ready to relax.

I personally can't wait to make this again. I see a juicy piece of grilled salmon with this salsa drizzled all over it in my future! Or maybe some chili lime chicken skewers. . . 

What could be better than a combination of the two most iconic childhood favorites?!
Pizza.
Mac & Cheese.

This is the recipe you didn't think you needed! I have lightened up (& added some extras) to these surprising handheld bites. The addition of Greek yogurt & butternut squash give a boost of nutrition, while achieving a creamy texture. 

The Pizza Mac Bites combine all of the classic flavors that we love to create the perfect cheesy, crunchy, saucy bite. Find the recipe below!

*This recipe is made with gluten free ingredients. Simply substitute your preferred alternative if you're not gluten free.

Lemon
Feta
Olives
Peppers
Oregano
Red onion
Olive oil

Ingredients that speak to me! I have recently played around with these flavors in lots of different dishes. The light & bright flavors that emerge from these ingredients scream summer to me!! I never walk away from a meal like this with that heavy feeling in my stomach. My taste buds are always singing though. :)

Below are two of my recent creations that I think you'll love! High protein meals that can easily be paired with a fresh salad or your favorite vegetable side.

Grain free & low carb!

Both can be made in about 30 minutes & appeal to all sorts of taste buds. 

For our family this is a usual trap we fall into. Always trying to improve!! I have worked REALLY hard the last few weeks to not just give into what's easy to grab on the way home. We still get to-go food & eat out but it's more thoughtful when we do. Planning is key!

When I have a pantry & freezer stocked with "meal helpers" it's much easier to whip up a quick meal! These are meals that I can feel good about serving over & over. A meal helper is anything that is already prepped, chopped, seasoned or partly cooked. For more tips on Meal Helpers CLICK HERE.

Below are a few of the recent meals I've made in under 30 minutes. A few things are clear while I am writing this blog post: I use a lot of broccoli, rice & Tex-Mex flavors :) :)

- Boil pasta, rinse & toss with gourmet butter (like truffle or garlic, optional)
- Meanwhile sauté broccoli, shallot & mushrooms in avocado oil. Add a pinch of salt. After 8-10 minutes add in 1/2-3/4 jar of marinara sauce to vegetables.
- Add in cooked pasta. Top with parmesan.

I like to use this pre-seasoned salmon from Aldi, similar can be found at other grocery stores. It saves me some time prepping it!
- Cook salmon 425 degrees (convection or air fryer) for 12ish minutes.
- Meanwhile heat up pre-cooked rice in a pan with 1/4 teas. minced garlic & basil paste (or dried), 1 cup frozen broccoli, & 1/4 cup broth or water. Combine in pan for about 5 minutes. Add fresh lemon juice before serving.

In the morning I prep the sweet potatoes by washing, poking holes in the skin, drizzling with oil & sprinkling with salt. Then wrap in foil. Add to the slow cooker for 8 hours on low with 1/3 cup of water at the bottom.

Once cooked, you can layer on any toppings that you like! Get creative!

This time I added:
Butter
Shredded cheese
Refried black beans
Chopped cooked broccoli (or cauli rice)
Pre-made guacamole 
Ranch dressing (or sour cream)
Diced red onion & bell pepper
Taco seasoning

This stuffed sweet potato is a stand-alone meal that will leave you full & satisfied! 

- Brown 1lb of ground turkey. 
- Add 1 package of Spanish rice, 1/2 cup chicken stock & 1/2 can petite diced tomatoes. Cover & cook for 7-10 minutes on low.
- Add 1/2 cup of cheese & cover for two more minutes. 
- Top with green onions & serve with your favorite roasted vegetable.

If you've never been to Bentonville, Arkansas you should seriously consider! Bentonville is a beautiful, fun & trendy place to visit. The people here will treat you like their own family, seriously they're SO nice! With endless options for things to see & do around this small town you won't grow bored easily! Plus, their restaurant selection is top notch. I have personally visited all of these local spots with my husband. We love trying new places so we can share our experience with others. I hope that one of these places finds a special place in your foodie aspirations or simply a new stop to add to your next road trip!

*A few of these restaurants we visited prior to going gluten free. I cannot personally vouch for their ability to accommodate allergy restrictions. I have included their websites for your own reference. I have also noted the places that were allergen friendly.

1. Onyx Coffee Lab - Not your average coffee joint. . . MAJOR vibes here! An Instagram worthy aesthetic. You'll think you've been transported to a big city café. They have a selection of yummy baked goods & small bites to grab while you’re there. Be sure to try the Iced Chai with oat milk or a hot mocha!    ( Website )
2. The Preachers Son - An ideal spot for a special date night. Their carefully crafted menu features seasonal offerings & fun flavor combinations. This restaurant oozes charm with it’s unique architectural features! The windows during sunset will take your breath away! Menu is allergen friendly.    ( Website )
3. Table at the Station - On the edge of a park you’ll find this family friendly spot. Lots of room to sit outdoors & marvel at the trendy houses lining the street. Or dine inside the quaint classic home turned restaurant. They are best known for their fried chicken but their burgers can’t be missed! The staff here is super friendly & was helpful in navigating their menu with diet restrictions. : )   ( Website )
4. Oven & Tap - Grab your friends & devour a wood fired pizza! A communal atmosphere wafts through this modern pizzeria, with its large brick oven, long tables & spacious outdoor patio. Our waiter suggested the Roasted Broccolini appetizer which was a delightful surprise! Paired with pizza . . . what else do you need?!    ( Website )
5. Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. - Breakfast is calling & it’s asking for bagels. This homemade bagel stop has ALL the toppings you could want. Try the classic Meat, Egg & Cheese bagel (GF bagels & dairy free cream cheese available) with a warm cup of coffee. High quality ingredients make this a must visit. They have Boar's Head meat! Take your creation out on the sidewalk & take in the foot traffic as you nibble. Kids welcome!  ( Website )
6. Eleven at Crystal Bridges - While you are visiting the beautiful Crystal Bridges museum be sure to stop by Eleven. The restaurant is the airy & window filled space located in the main area of the museum. Head to the coffee bar or grab a bite to eat while you stare out at the sparkling water & stunning modern architecture. Ultra casual with a come as you go atmosphere.   ( Website )
7. The Hive at 21c Hotel - The perfect place to munch on a salty snack & a fun cocktail! Their fries & dipping sauce are superb! Bring a date or a friend to hang out in this chic restaurant. Be sure to wonder through the hotel museum if you get a chance, which includes many modern art installments.    ( Website )
8. Markham & Fitz - This place takes chocolate seriously with ethical sourcing & organic ingredients. Think of anything sweet (& chocolate) they have it! The pistachio truffles & chocolate mousse are to die for. If you can’t wait they ship most of their items to your house!  Most of their menu items are gluten free.    ( Website )
9. Blu Fish House - Just a stones throw from downtown Bentonville this cozy cabin-like spot has a wide selection of fresh catch. From lobster rolls to sushi rolls you name it (any seafood) they have it! Super relaxed place to hang inside or out. The area directly around this restaurant has exploded with new businesses. This fish house was once in the midst of an industrial area a few years back. I still remember our adventure trying to locate it! There is much to explore nearby now so be sure to walk around after you eat.   ( Website )
10. Tavola Trattoria - A classic Italian restaurant that smells of parmesan & garlic.... YUM! Bring the family or celebrate date night in this cheerful atmosphere. Located in downtown Bentonville, it's in the midst of many great shops & other walkable sights. The food is classic Italian with some modern additions, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Make a reservation if you can.    ( Website )