Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Budget Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers, Coworkers & Neighbors (Simple, Thoughtful & Meaningful) by morEwish

 


The holiday season is a time to spread kindness, appreciation, and warmth, even if you don’t celebrate the holidays yourself. If you’re looking for budget friendly holiday gift ideas for school teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or colleagues, this easy DIY gift idea is perfect.

I recently put together these holiday hot cocoa gift cups, and they are simple, affordable, and heartfelt, without being over the top.



What You’ll Need for This Holiday Gift Idea


Holiday-themed cups (I picked up these cute ones from Target)

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa packets

Ghirardelli Peppermint and Mint Chocolate Squares

(I also added candy canes for a festive touch)

Optional add-ons:

Gift cards

Homemade hot cocoa mix

Marshmallows or chocolate spoons

A small handwritten note or printed letter

💡 Side note: While browsing cups, I found the cutest Marshmallow Mug and honestly… I couldn’t resist 😃 I grabbed one just for myself because sometimes you deserve a little cozy treat too!




About the Letter: Thoughtful, Not Preachy

I want to emphasize something important about the letter included with these gifts:

✨ It is not meant to preach or convert.

✨ It is purely informational and respectful.

Since we are a Muslim family, we don’t celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, but we absolutely respect these occasions and love to wish everyone Happy Holidays.

For Neighbors

The note gently shares that Jesus (peace be upon him) and Mary (peace be upon her) hold a very special place in Islam. Islam teaches us to respect all prophets, and Muslims believe in Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). It’s shared simply as information to build understanding and connection, not to persuade.

For Teachers & Colleagues

The letter is more gratitude focused, expressing appreciation for their hard work, kindness, and support throughout the year without any religious messaging. A simple “thank you” can mean so much.



Instagram Reel:



Why This Gift Idea Works So Well

✔ Budget friendly and easy to assemble

✔ Perfect for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, and school staff

✔ Respectful of different faiths and traditions

✔ Customizable based on your comfort and budget

✔ Thoughtful without being excessive

You can scale this gift up by adding a gift card or keep it simple with cocoa and candy. Either way, it feels intentional and kind.


Final Thoughts

You don’t need to celebrate the holidays to spread joy during this season. These holiday cocoa gift cups are a beautiful way to show appreciation, kindness, and respect while staying true to your values.

Small gestures truly leave lasting impressions.


How can I forgot to show you my Marshmallow Mug 😍💖 


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Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Easy Breakfast Potatoes (Crispy, Oven Baked) recipe by morEwish


If you’re looking for a no fuss breakfast side that pairs beautifully with eggs these Easy Breakfast Potatoes are it. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with pantry staples, this recipe delivers diner style comfort right from your oven.

Similar to hashbrowns but chunkier and heartier, these potatoes are roasted at high heat, then finished under the broiler for that irresistible golden crust. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even as a quick dinner side.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal ingredients you already have

Hands off oven method (no constant stirring)

Crispy edges, fluffy centers

Easily scalable for a crowd

Naturally gluten free & vegetarian


Tips for Perfect Breakfast Potatoes

1. Use a silicone liner if you plan to broil. parchment paper may burn under high heat.

2. Salt right before baking. Letting salted potatoes sit can affect their texture.

3. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

4. Unpeeled works great, just scrub the potatoes well for a rustic finish.



Flavor Variations

Garlic Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and dried thyme or rosemary.

Smoky Spiced: Swap paprika for smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne.

Breakfast Skillet Style: Toss with sautéed onions and bell peppers after baking.

Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or parmesan right after broiling.


Instagram Reel:



Ingredients

2 lbs potatoes 

1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika, or to taste ( I used smoked paprika)

3 Tbsp oil (any high heat cooking oil)

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Notes:

Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy interior, while Russets deliver extra crispiness, choice is yours 

You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, just scrub them well.


How to Make Breakfast Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper.

2. Prep the potatoes: Rinse, peel (if desired), and dice into ½ inch cubes.

3. Season: Place potatoes in a large bowl and toss with 3 Tbsp oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper, then toss until evenly coated.

4. Bake: Spread potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until fork tender.

5. Crisp: Quickly stir the potatoes, switch the oven to broil, and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes, until golden and crispy.

6. Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.


Storage & Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.


If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram so I can see your breakfast spread. 🍳🥔


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Sunday, December 7, 2025

☕ Hazelnut Frappe Creamy, Dreamy & So Easy to Make at Home recipe by morEwish

 


If you’re a coffee lover who enjoys cafe style drinks but doesn’t always want to run out for one, this Hazelnut Frappe is going to be your new favorite treat! It’s creamy, nutty, refreshing, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

This recipe was created on one of those days when I wanted something cold, comforting, and slightly indulgent and let me tell you, it turned out SO good that I had to share it with you all!



Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Frappe

No fancy equipment needed

Super quick & beginner friendly

Rich hazelnut flavor

Perfect for summer or cozy moods

Customizable with what you already have at home

You can dress it up like a cafe drink or keep it simple, either way, it’s delicious.


Step 1: Make the Coffee Ice Cubes

This is the secret to getting that thick, creamy frappe texture without watering it down.

You’ll need:
12 oz hot water
2 tablespoons hazelnut instant coffee mix

How to do it:

1. Mix the hot water and coffee as per the package instructions.

2. Pour it into ice cube molds.

3. Freeze until completely solid.

👉 Tip: Make a batch and keep these in your freezer all week for quick frappes anytime!



Step 2: Blend the Frappe

Now comes the fun, creamy part!

You’ll need:

1 cup milk (dairy or non dairy)

Frozen coffee cubes

2 tablespoons hazelnut coffee mix (for extra bold flavor)

Blend everything until smooth, thick, and frothy.


🍫 Step 3: Take It to the Next Level (Optional but Highly Recommended!)

This is where your frappe turns into a full cafe experience at home:

Decorate your serving glass with hazelnut chocolate spread

Sprinkle chopped nuts or hazelnut candies

Pour in your frappe

Drizzle with extra chocolate or hazelnut spread on top

Trust me… this step makes all the difference 💕


Instagram Reel:



No Hazelnut Coffee? No Problem! 

If you can’t find Maxwell hazelnut instant coffee, here are a few easy swaps:

Use regular instant coffee

Add 2–3 tablespoons hazelnut chocolate spread (like Nutella) while blending




💬 Let’s Chat!

Do you like your frappe:

  • Extra thick or light and icy?
  • More chocolatey or more coffee-forward?
  • With whipped cream on top or without?

Tell me in the comments, I love seeing how you recreate my recipes in your own kitchen!

I received this Maxwell House International Cafe Hazelnut  from influenster in exchange for my honest review

#complimentary #MaxwellHouse #MaxwellHouseCoffee


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Monday, September 15, 2025

Quick & Easy Alfredo Bake – A Perfect Weeknight Meal by morEwish


There are days when you just want dinner to be simple, comforting, and still a little wholesome. That’s when my Alfredo Bake comes to the rescue! It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and comes together with just a few pantry staples. Best part? It’s a hit with the whole family, especially when I use egg noodles instead of regular pasta.


Why I Love This Recipe

This Alfredo Bake checks all the boxes:

✅ Quick and easy for weeknights

✅ Family-friendly comfort food

✅ Balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs

✅ Cozy and satisfying without hours in the kitchen

It’s definitely become one of those “save this for busy nights” kind of meals in our home. 💛



Notes & Tips

I use Ragu Alfredo Sauce because according to my research it’s vegetarian friendly, and generally considered fine for a halal diet, but please do your own research and use what you feel comfortable with.

This recipe is super adaptable! Add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for variety.

Perfect for meal prep, leftovers heat up beautifully.


Blanch the broccoli 

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Add broccoli florets and cook for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.


Instagram Reel:




Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken – 1 lb, cooked with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (Shortcut: rotisserie chicken or leftovers work beautifully!)

Broccoli florets – about 1 cup, blanched

Egg noodles or pasta – 1 lb (16 oz), boiled (my family swears by egg noodles in this recipe!)

Ragu Alfredo Sauce – 2 jars (not sponsored, but I’d love to be! 🤍)

Chicken stock – 1 cup

Seasonings – 

  • ½ tsp black pepper, 
  • 1 tsp garlic powder, 
  • 1 tsp onion powder, 
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (1/2 cup for mixing and 1/2 cup for topping)

Parsley – fresh or dried, for garnish


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the chicken – Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dice or shred it once cooked.

2. Blanch the broccoli – Just a quick dip in boiling water to keep it crisp and green.

3. Boil your noodles – Egg noodles are my personal favorite, but pasta works just fine.

4. Mix the sauce – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, and seasonings until smooth.

5. Combine everything – Add cooked chicken, broccoli, noodles, and ½ cup Parmesan into the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is coated.

6. Bake it – Transfer into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan over the top and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

7. Finish & enjoy – Garnish with parsley, serve warm, and watch it disappear!




Freezing & Make-Ahead Option

One of the best things about this Alfredo Bake is how well it holds up for meal prep:

To freeze before baking: Assemble everything in the casserole dish (including the sauce, chicken, broccoli, noodles, and Parmesan mixed in). Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

To freeze after baking: Let the casserole cool completely. Portion into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Fridge option: If you just want to make it ahead, the unbaked casserole can sit in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.


✨ So next time you’re short on time but still want a dinner that feels like a warm hug, give this Alfredo Bake a try. I’d love to know how you and your family like it tag me on Instagram at morEwish Cuisine if you make it!


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Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Biscoff Mango Delight – A Creamy Summer Treat with a Crunchy Twist by morEwish Cuisine

 



There are desserts that take hours, and then there are desserts that win hearts in minutes — this Biscoff Mango Delight is definitely the latter. It’s cool, creamy, and bursting with sunshine mango flavor. And the best part? It comes together effortlessly without turning on the oven.

This recipe was born on one of those warm, breezy days when I was craving something sweet but light — and also had a few ripe mangoes staring at me from the kitchen counter. With Biscoff cookies in the pantry and Cool Whip in the fridge, inspiration struck. And oh, the result was magic.


✨ What Makes It Special?

This no-bake dessert layers the deep caramel flavor of Biscoff cookies with a whipped mango cream that’s light, luscious, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a little desi, a little trendy, and totally addictive.

Whether you’re preparing for a summer daawat, Eid celebration, or just a cozy weekend treat, this one’s bound to get compliments — and requests for the recipe!

Instagram Reel:



📝 Ingredients:

Biscoff cookies – enough to cover your tray in a single or double layer

Cool Whip (8 oz tub) – soft, fluffy, and perfect for folding

Mango purée – ½ cup (homemade or canned works fine)

Fresh mango chunks – ½ cup or more, for texture and freshness

Condensed milk – 2 tbsp (adjust to taste)


🍰 Directions:

1. Base layer – Start by arranging Biscoff cookies in a flat layer in your tray or dish. You can break some cookies to fit corners if needed.

2. Whip up the cream – In a mixing bowl, add Cool Whip, mango purée, fresh mango chunks, and condensed milk. Gently fold everything until combined. Don’t overmix — we want to keep it light and fluffy.

3. Spread & layer – Pour and spread this mango cream over the cookie base evenly. If you love more layers, repeat the process with more cookies and cream.

4. Top it off – Decorate with mango chunks, cookie crumbs, or a little swirl of mango purée.

5. Chill & serve – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend and the cookies soften slightly.



🌟 morEwish Tips:

Want it richer? Add a tablespoon of Biscoff spread into the mango cream mixture.

For a fusion twist, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder — it pairs beautifully with mango.

This dessert actually gets better the next day, so it’s great for prepping ahead of a party!


A Bite of Summer in Every Spoon

This dessert reminds me of warm laughter, family around the table, and that unmistakable joy of mango season. It’s simple, beautiful, and made for sharing.

If you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @morewishcuisine — I love seeing your creations!

Until next time, stay sweet and keep it easy!


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