Oktoberfest, Fall Flavors, Steak Bomb and a Mom Fail | Fresh Fridays, September 23

Oh it is finally, really Fall! How I love this time of year, crispness in the air, the lighting is different, better — sharper even and the colors, just stunning!

Today I’ve got some fantastic Oktoberfest recipes for you, and two brand new recipes you will love, along with my mom fail and a few pics from a spontaneous getaway this week. Feel free to pop around using the convenient table of contents link below

Mom Fail

I bet you immediately went to the “mom fail” didn’t you! LOL! I would have too! Last weekend my husband and I went up to see our youngest at college, he had the sniffles and was feeling a bit down, so I brought him a little care package.

When I was walking with a girlfriend the next day, she said, “did you bring him a big bottle of your homemade Elderberry Syrup?” Um, no — no I did not.

We laughed as she said, “The Fresh Cooky mom fail” haha, yes, it really was! If you have never made your own, it’s so easy and economical too and it really does help boost your immune system!

Oktoberfest Recipes You Can Make Today

Contrary to what many of us in the states understand, Oktoberfest is not actually celebrated in October, but is celebrated officially in Munich from Saturday, September 17 and ends on Monday, October 3 (so I suppose it technically is celebrated in October 🙂 ).

So let’s get celebrating! I have an amazing German Goulash recipe but I just haven’t had a chance to get that post written yet, we have tested it and it’s scrumptious. Be on the lookout for that next week!

My Top Oktoberfest Recipes

1. Authentic German Pretzel Recipe (aka Laugenbrezel) just like the pretzels you would find in Munich!
2. Beer Cheese Dip | This dip doubles as a smashing game day dip, and you can make it over a campfire or fire pit as well as on your stovetop! Don’t forget some tasty Pretzel bites.
3. Beer Cheese Soup | You will love dipping a spoon into this creamy, cheesy, flavorful soup. With a surprising amount of veggies, you will even feel good about it!
4. Black Bread | Forgive the images in this post, I really need to re-shoot this, but the recipe is still divine, made even easier by starting it in your bread machine.
5. Beer Beef Stew | Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s stew, you will swoon as you sink your teeth into this flavorful stew, with fall apart tender beef chunks.
6. Traditional Oktoberfest Recipes | Check out this fun post with a little history behind Oktoberfest, plus even more fabulous recipes from my fellow bloggers.
7. Can you tell I like bread (carb lovers unite) – try this Easy 4 Ingredient Beer Bread or my Cheesy Beer Popover Muffins.

I told you last week when I featured this amazing Peach Cobbler Pound Cake (which has totally gone nuts!) that I had a few more peach recipes coming.

Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

As you might know, I’m always trying to find ways to make recipes a bit healthier, that’s my twist. But sometimes, it’s about balance and you just gotta use a cake mix and this is one of those recipes.

Only 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes of time and you will have this juicy, fresh peach dump cake (or use frozen peaches) ready to go in the oven.

Fall in the Rockies

Some dear friends gave us a huge gift of using their place in the high country for a few days this week, the perks of being empty nesters and working remotely! We’ve enjoyed a couple short hikes, but mostly enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and the aspen are turning their shimmering gold!

Isn’t it gorgeous!

Movies Worth Watching

Since we’ve tried to relax a bit more and it’s been raining a lot up here in Colorado’s high country, we’ve enjoyed watching a few movies, so I thought I’d share.

• Father Stu | Excellent! There is a lot of language, but this true story of an unlikely faith, freedom in forgiveness and devotion is so redemptive, encouraging and uplifting.
• Thirteen Lives | WOW! A true story of the rescue of the Thai soccer team that were stuck in a cave for 17 days, the first 9 days without food and water and no hope of rescue! God bless those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others.
• The Chosen | If you haven’t started watching this series on the lives of the disciples of Christ, it’s a must, must watch! We finally got caught up this week. You can watch it all for free on their app, which talks with your smart TV.
• Signed, Sealed and Delivered | I admit it, I’m a sucker for sappy, feel-good shows, if you liked “Touched by an Angel” then you are going to love these movies! There are many so make sure you watch them in order. About a group of quirky postal workers that work in the DLO (dead letter office) and sleuth their way to matching undelivered mail to their intended.

Trending this Week

Top 5 TFC recipes on the blog and on Pinterest, these are tried and true with many reviews!

1. Classic Shortbread Recipe
2. Homemade Chai Tea Latte
3. Honey Bran Muffins
4. Blueberry Pancake Bundt Cake
5. The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Weekly Inspiration

To have this beauty to behold either while walking in it or sitting by the windows and writing to you reminds me of this Psalm.

That’s about it! Thanks for sticking with me! If you have enjoyed a recipe from the blog, would you do me a HUGE favor and give it a 5 star rating and a comment? That really helps me in ways you cannot imagine!

P.S. Be sure to browse through last weeks Fresh Fridays for more great recipes!

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