Easy Pie Recipes for Every Craving

When cooler weather hits we start craving more decadent and cozy treats. No matter what you are craving, Wind & Willow’s vault of recipes has the perfect dessert for you. Today we are talking about the quintessential dessert: pie. Apple, pumpkin, and everything in between. We are listing our favorite pies to get cozy season started!

When you want the most gooey apple pie:

Caramel Apple Pie

Use Wind & Willow Caramel Apple Cider Mix to create this Caramel Apple pie. No need to measure every spice in your cabinet, simply lightly saute peeled and cored apple slices in butter, sprinkle with flour and the Cider Mix, and use it to fill a pre-made (unbaked) pie crust. After cooking at 350 for 25 minutes, the resulting pie is caramel filled and difficult to stop eating!

When you just want a bite…

Caramel Apple Tart

For individually portioned apple pies that don’t require the oven or peeling apples, try the Caramel Apple Tart recipe. Combine the Caramel Apple Cheeseball Mix with flour, water, salt, and chopped apples and simmer on the stove for 20 minutes. Fill small tart cups with the filling. Whipped topping and caramel sauce are optional garnishes for this recipes, but they truly send the tarts over the edge to perfection!

When you want apple pie, but creamier…

Caramel Apple Cream Pie

For this creamy take on classic apple pie, heat apple pie filling on the stove, add cream cheese and the Caramel Apple Cheeseball Mix, and pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust. This recipe could not be simpler, or more delicious!

When you want to feel like a fancy French chef…

Creme Brulee Pie

Wind & Willow Creme Brulee Cheeseball & Dessert Mix makes it easy to impress guests! You will just need the mix, a pie crust, cornstarch, butter, and heavy cream to make this masterpiece. Check out the full directions here.

When you are craving pumpkin…

Pumpkin Spice Custard Pie

Caught with a pumpkin craving, but don’t have pumpkin on hand? No worries! Wind & Willow Pumpkin Pie Cheeseball & Dessert Mix has you covered. This recipe is our twist on classic pumpkin pie.

When you want something decadent…

Turtle Cheesecake

This decadent recipe is on the back of the Turtle Cheesecake package! It is our classic quick cheesecake, but it is truly the garnishes that make it shine! Prepare the Turtle Cheesecake Mix using the package quick cheesecake directions, but opt for a chocolate graham crust. Garnish the pie with chocolate and caramel sauces, along with the included pecan topping, for the most decadent quick cheesecake!

When you want something savory…

Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Quiche

For all the people without much of a sweet tooth, this one is for you! Pies truly come in all forms, and quiche is our favorite savory option. Use Cheesy Bacon Dip Mix to add a punch of flavor in this easy recipe.

Pies, Pies, Pies…

…And that isn’t even all the pies! If you are still craving something different check out these recipes: Quick Pumpkin Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Pie, Cherry Cherry Cheesecake, Elegant Fruit Tarts, Mini Dessert Tarts, No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pie, Classic Quick Cheesecake, and Key Lime Cheesecake Tart. If we start counting pizza “pie” recipes then the options are truly endless!

We can’t wait to hear what your favorite pie is! Tag us @windandwillow foods on Instagram and Facebook to tell us which pie you are planning to make. All tagged photos have the chance to be featured on our page. We especially love seeing the new recipes you come up with. So get creative and show us your work! Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Pinterest for even more delicious content!

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Cozy up to Gourmet Hot Cocoa

Wind & Willow Hot Cocoa Mixes have great clean ingredient labels, rich luxurious flavors, and eye catching packaging. Each box contains a resealable pouch which makes 4 servings of Hot Cocoa (use 2 Tablespoons of the mix for a single serving). Combine with milk (or plant milk alternative) and microwave or heat on the stove top.

Each of the six flavors are unique and so delicious! The four traditional chocolate flavors include Original, Raspberry, Salted Caramel, and Cafe Mocha. For a seasonal twist, try one of the white chocolate flavors. Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate tastes like fall in a cup, while White Chocolate Peppermint would clearly be Santa’s favorite drink!

The beautiful, cozy packaging makes these mixes perfect for gifting. We can already imagine all of the cocoa, coffee, and holiday themed baskets.

hot chocolate gift basket

And they would make the sweetest stocking stuffer for everyone in your family!

Stocking stuffer, hot chocolate, hot cocoa, new years, boxing day

With everyday flavors like Chocolate Raspberry and Cafe Mocha, you won’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy a decadent cup of hot chocolate. These cocoas make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up all year round!

chocolate covered raspberry hot cocoa chocolate rustic steamy

Which flavor will you try first? We keep our pantry stocked with one of each at all times. After all, you never know which flavor will suit your mood!

pumpkin spiced white hot chocolate fall autumn cozy aesthetic

Don’t forget to shop all of our Fall Favorites like Apple Cider, Roasted Pecans, Soup, and Seasonal Cheeseball Mixes.

Follow us @windandwillowfoods on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for all of the latest updates on new releases, recipes, and more!

How to Pack Exciting Lunches for Kids

There is certainly no wrong way to pack a lunch for your family, but if you are in a rut, we have some great tips to get you and your kids excited about lunch again! From using Wind & Willow products to boost flavor to making lunches visually interesting, this advice is sure to engage your kiddos and have them bringing an empty lunch box home.

The easiest way to make meals more interesting for your kids is by simply arranging the same foods in a new way. In the picture below, you can see that we could have simply packed toast with a side of fruit and cheese. Instead, try spreading a Sweet Wind & Willow Cheeseball on the toast and arranging the fruit into little animal faces. Just like that this lunch instantly becomes adorable! Check out our full Critter Toast recipe here.

Another easy way to get the kids more excited about their fruits and veggies at lunch is to cut them out into little shapes with mini cookie cutters. They are inexpensive to buy online and make a big impact. Pair star shaped cucumbers with Wind & Willow Ranch Dip or flower shaped red peppers with Fresh Picked Spinach Dip.

One of the quickest ways to add a personal touch to your child’s lunch is by adding a hand written note. It doesn’t have to be long or profound, just a little mid-day reminder that you are thinking of them. It is sure to put a smile on their face.

Our favorite way to add interest to a standard lunch is by bumping up the flavor! Simply prepare and spread your favorite Savory Wind & Willow Cheeseball onto a tortilla and roll it up. Cut it into 1″ cross sections for pinwheels with lots of flavor. You can use the same cheeseball as a sandwich spread the next day, or even try adding it inside a grilled cheese for a twist on a classic (served with Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup of course). Make an easy chicken salad by adding a prepared Savory Dip Mix to diced rotisserie chicken.

It’s hard to think about putting together a healthy yet exciting lunch for your kids on those hectic mornings before school. If you can take a few minutes on Sunday to cut out veggies for the week, prepare a Wind & Willow Cheeseball or Dip, and portion out fresh fruit for each day it can make throwing together lunches throughout the week quick and easy.

It can also be helpful to write down a game plan for the week. Even if you don’t stick to it perfectly, it’s much better to have something to go off of than nothing at all. Trying to think of a meal while getting the kids ready for school is next to impossible! Simply make a list of 5 main dishes and ensure you have everything on hand. Then add quick sides like fresh fruit or vegetables with a sweet or savory dip.

Lastly, the right containers can make portioning lunches easy, and often makes them look more fun to kids. Bento box style containers have several compartments to keep foods separate. If you have a single compartment container, use cupcake liners (reusable silicone liners work the best) to separate different items. This will keep each item fresher and will let kids mix and match flavors with every bite.

There is no wrong way to pack a lunch, but if you and your family are ready to change things up, Wind & Willow products are a great way to start mixing up the flavors you are used to. We hope these tips make it easier for you to create extra special lunches that get your kids excited for their mid-day meal.

We can’t wait to hear how you and your little foodies are using Wind & Willow to create new and exciting weekday lunches! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @windandwillowfoods for a chance to be featured.

How to make a Frozen Margarita Cheesecake

This fun dessert will be the life of the party! Just a shot full of your favorite tequila will kick up our quick cheesecake recipe to a whole new level. Follow these easy instructions to create this fun dessert that your friends will request over and over again!

First, gather your ingredients. There aren’t many! A Wind & Willow Key Lime Pie Cheeseball & Dessert Mix, 8 oz cream cheese, 1.5 ounces tequila (equivalent of one shot or 3 Tbs), and 8 oz whipped topping. Salt and lime are optional, but they give the dessert the full cocktail treatment.

If you want a salted rim (would also work with sugar), put about a half cup of course salt on a small plate-something with a ridge works best to keep everything in. Use a fresh lime wedge to rim the glass. Dip the rim of each glass into the salt. Set the finished glasses aside.

Next, prepare the cheesecake filling. Combine Key Lime Pie Mix (reserve topping for later) and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Slowly add in tequila until well combined. Fold in whipped topping. Fill margarita glasses (or a pre-made graham cracker crust) with the mixture. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

When the cheesecakes are ready to serve, sprinkle the top with the graham cracker topping packet and garnish with lime if desired.

This recipe will fill four standard margarita glasses. For smaller individual portion sizes, fill large shot glasses with the cheesecake mixture or fill a prepared graham cracker crust and cut into slices when ready to serve.

The Best Recipes for your Next Camp Out

Unplug and enjoy the great outdoors with Wind & Willow this summer! These easy gourmet recipes grantee that you won’t be sacrificing taste or convenience when you head out to your campsite.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

Combine Savory Cheeseball Mix of your choice and its topping packet with an 8oz package of cream cheese. Fill cored, halved jalapenos with the mixture. Place two filled halves together and wrap with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Carefully place the prepped jalapenos in an airtight container and bring to your campsite in a chilled cooler. Cook in a Dutch oven over a camp fire or in a cast iron skillet.

Soup Mixes Camping Style

Each Wind & Willow Soup Mix is simply prepared by adding water. This makes them super simple to prepare at your campsite over a fire in a cast iron pot. One of our favorite ways to stretch a Tortilla con Queso soup for a crowed is to add a can of drained black beans and a can of drained corn! Another option is to place the contents of a One Cup Soup Mix into a mug and then pour boiling water over them.

Chipotle Burgers

If you want to spice up your grilling this summer, combine 2 Lb of ground beef with Chipotle Cheddar Dip Mix. Tip: We love to prep our seasoned burgers into patties at home and store in an airtight container, keeping each patty separate between pieces of wax paper. Cook in a cast iron skillet right over the fire!

Roasted Corn

Simply combine Roasted Red Pepper Dip Mix with oil and brush it on to ears of corn while they roast on a grill or over a camp fire. They are packed with flavor and beautiful charred color. Everyone in the family will be asking for these each summer!

Everything Tastes Better on an Open Flame

There is something about being outdoors, watching a fire burn, and spending time with family that makes these recipes taste just that much better. Wind & Willow makes eating gourmet meals easy no matter where you are!

Be sure to take plenty of pictures when you cook outdoors with Wind & Willow this summer, and tag @windandwillowfoods on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to have your image shared!

How to Create a Vibrant Summer Grazing Board

Spontaneous gatherings with friends and family are a staple of the summer season. We love grilling out, picnics, pool parties, and just about any other excuse is enough to get us outdoors and with our favorite people. What we don’t love;  planning what to make, what to bring, or having to make an extra store run! The solution is simple; a grazing board! It is like a charcuterie board but without all the fuss. There are just a few steps to creating the perfect spread.

#1 Keep the essentials on hand: If you have your favorite Wind & Willow Dip Mixes on hand along with mayo and sour cream (or replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter snack) a vibrant grazing board can be your go to all summer long!

#2 Take inventory of your fridge: Check out what you already have on hand. If you keep your fridge stocked with produce and a box of chips or crackers in your pantry, you likely won’t need an extra trip to the store to whip up this impromptu snack.

#3 Create your board: Place dishes of your favorite Wind & Willow dips on your board first. Then, add small stacks of produce, chips, crackers, and any other small bites you might want to include.

#4 Take a picture for your social because it is a masterpiece! This vibrant summer grazing board will be your go-to all summer long for every backyard BBQ, pool party, and beach bash. It is beautiful, tasty, and makes you look like the life of the party! When you post a picture of your beautiful creation, make sure to tag us @windandwillowfoods on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to have your image shared!

How to Create a Brunch Board

Creating a brunch board can take something simple, like bagels and cream cheese, and elevate it into something special.  Turn a few humble ingredients into the unexpected centerpiece of a gathering. We love giving our guests the opportunity to pick and choose their favorite bagel and toppings.  Each bite can be unique and creative. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a beautiful brunch board using ingredients you likely have on hand.

Choose your Spread

Start by preparing two or more of your favorite Wind & Willow Cheeseballs. On our board we used two sweet Cheeseballs, Carrot Cake and Lemon Blueberry, but you could also mix in a savory Cheeseball to give more options. Whether you choose sweet, savory, or a combination, starting with Wind & Willow is a must for creating the best gourmet spread!

Once your cheeseballs are prepared, place them on the board. This could be any food safe tray, cutting board, or even a sheet pan! Placing the cheeseballs in a bowl first is optional, but helps to contain them.

Add Some Color

Next, place fruit around the tray. Here, we chose berries, but depending on what cheeseballs you use, pair whatever fruit you like! If using savory cheeseballs, traditional savory toppings like tomatoes and red onions would be perfect in place of fruit.

Waffles, Bagels, and Toast… oh my!

Add waffles, toast, or bite sized pancakes to the board. Adding at least one option in addition to bagels ensures that everyone will have something they love. Plus, it makes the board look beautiful.

Finally, add a variety of mini bagels. The small size fits perfectly on the board and also means guests can try more than one flavor combination!

Serve this board as is or alongside savory fare and cocktails for a full brunch effect!

Brunch Made Easy

Using Wind & Willow Cheeseball Mixes takes a breakfast that could come across as pretty boring and turns it into a colorful centerpiece full of flavor! Gathering quality ingredients and being intentional about placement on your board makes all the difference in the world.  We love taking simple everyday moments, like breakfast with your family, and elevating it to a moment full of memories! 

We would love to see how you use Wind & Willow products to spruce up your brunch! We are on PinterestFacebook, and Instagram @windandwillowfoods. Tag us for a chance to be featured on our page.

NEW! Limited Time Spring Flavors

We have some fresh new ideas for 2021! New, limited time-only Spring Seasonal Cheeseball Mixes. No need to wait for warm weather to bring a little sunshine to your shelves. Seasonal flavors in bright, fun packaging evoke thoughts of sweet, simpler times. Faded denim blue and soft polka dots, fresh daisies and fresh new flavors! This year it’s all about fresh, fun, and bright. Are you in?

Lemon Blueberry

Lemon and Blueberry is a flavor match made in heaven. Sweet and tangy, this duo makes us think of picking blueberries and drinking lemonade. We cannot get enough!

Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake has it all: sweet carrots, crunchy nuts, cinnamon, spice, and that decadent cream cheese icing! Get all of the things you love without going to the trouble of baking a cake. Plus, it is much easier to spread on bagels!

Brighten Up Brunch

The best part about our mixes is that they give you an easy way to dress up everyday gatherings. You can easily create a spring bagel board that is sure to impress. Simply prepare the Lemon Blueberry and Carrot Cake Cheeseballs, place on an extra-large serving tray surrounded with toasted bagels, waffles, and fruit. Minimal effort with maximum brunch effect!

5 Ways to Dress up Baked Potato Soup

Best-selling Baked Potato Soup makes for the perfect, cozy weeknight dinner. Warm, hearty, and simple to make, this soup mix is perfect on its own! But, why not make a good thing better? Adding just a few ingredients that you likely already have on hand can stretch this soup just a little further – hello yummy leftovers for lunch – and change up this classic into something new and creative. Here are 5 ways to dress up your baked potato soup for a quick and easy dinner this week!

1.Upside-Down Chicken Pot Pie

upside-down chicken pot pie in a bread bowl

Once you have brought your Wind & Willow Baked Potato Soup to a boil, add frozen vegetables, a can of diced potatoes, and 3 cups of cooked chicken. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes before serving it in a hollowed out bread bowl. This recipe has all the hearty goodness of chicken pot pie without the hassle of puff pastry or pie dough!

2. Soup Lorraine

soup lorraine

Bring a little freshness to your cozy soup with this recipe! After bringing your soup mix to a boil, add crispy bacon and spinach. Simmer for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish each bowl with shredded swiss cheese and more bacon!

3. Ham and Potato Soup

ham and potato soup

Once your soup mix is brought to a boil, add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and cooked ham. Bring the soup to a simmer for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Enjoy cuddled up on the couch next to a roaring fire.

4. Clam Chowder

New england lam chowder

Take your potato soup on a trip to New England with the addition of chopped clams, Worcestershire sauce, and chives. This recipe is so easy to make; simply prepare the soup, then stir in the fixings.

5. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Bistro style loaded baked potato soup

Turn your living room into a bistro with this loaded baked potato soup recipe! First, replace a bit of the water that the soup mix calls for with milk. Then, add a can of diced potatoes about 10 minutes into the simmer time. Lastly, add crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives to each individual serving.

Make a Weeknight Feel Special

There is something about Wind & Willow Baked Potato Soup Mix that is so hearty and satisfying on a cold day. When we have a little extra time, or have lots of mouths to feed, we like to throw in a few of these extra ingredients into the classic mix. Serving soup in an unexpected bowl is one of the easiest things you can do to make a weeknight dinner feel special. No need to buy anything new or even change up the ingredients in the recipe. Simply prepare the soup as directed on the package, then serve in a bread bowl, mug, or “the fancy bowls” for a wow factor with no extra effort!

We can’t wait to see your amazing creations. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @Windandwillowfoods for a chance to be featured on our account.

How to Create a Dessert Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards traditionally feature a spread of savory appetizers, but they also make the perfect format to display a dessert spread. From nuts to cookies and candies, we love to throw a little bit of everything on our dessert boards. Follow along as we show you some key steps to making a picture perfect dessert charcuterie board.

First, choose your board. There are so many options to choose from, and there is no need to go out and but something new! A cutting board, food safe tray, or even a sheet pan would work great for this. Next, we found it easiest to start with something in the center to ground your board, such as a bowl of Roasted Nuts or a Sweet Cheeseball. From there you can Start adding groupings of your other sweet treats. These super festive Almond Sugar Cookies or our Christmas Cookie recipe are the perfect thing to start with! Add a variety of cookies to add depth and texture to the board.

Cookies and Nuts on a Dessert Charcuterie board

For a seasonal dessert board, color is key! Add Holiday color and flavor to your charcuterie board with recipes like these White Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bites. Again, place each item in a few different places to bring balance to your board. Dessert Wontons and Gooey Bars would also make a fun addition!

White Chocolate Peppermint Brownies on a Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Board

Homemade or store-bought candy, like these white chocolate truffles, add a fun touch to a board. Candy canes, gum drops, or other seasonal sweets would work perfectly.

Candies on a holiday dessert charcuterie board

Use greens to fill in the gaps and add a contrasting color. Rosemary is perfect for a Holiday board, mimicking the look of a Christmas tree branch.

Rosemary on a holiday dessert charcuterie board

For a finishing touch add fresh cranberries, star anise, or try adding in a little bit more of everything to fill out the board.

cranberries and star anise on a holiday dessert charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are not only a beautiful way to display appetizers, but also desserts! Show off all of your festive cookies from a cookie swap, or try a few new recipes yourself. Use up extra candies, and make your dessert table into a fun display. As your guests graze on the board, add more in to keep it looking fresh.

We would love to see your dessert charcuterie boards that feature Wind & Willow products. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @windandwillowfoods for a chance to be featured on our page!