fridays with oscar | espresso martini and raspberry oat bars
happy friday, gang! you know what that means, yes, oscar is making his weekly appearance. and we have a yummy dessert to share. plus, a favorite cocktail of mine an espresso martini. what better way to kick off the weekend?!
per the usual, my ootd is uncomplicated and casual and perfect for the weekend. i’ve had the privilege to partner with The Irish Store on Instagram Stories but i couldn’t resist featuring this gorgeous sweater on the blog. the good news is The Irish Store ships worldwide. but i have linked comparable sweaters if you would like an alternative. it’s good to note that this sweater is made from the finest yarns to produce easy to wear merino wool sweaters. the sweater also comes in army green.
pants | sweater (similar here, here, and here) | similar shirt here, here, and here | similar shoes here and here
it’s no lie i’ve got a sweet tooth, although i shelve it for the better part of the year. but hey, it’s the holiday season: so I’ll indulge from time to time. in that spirit, i’m featuring a dessert today. on the menu: raspberry oat bars. super simple to make. freeze to keep. and serve when the (grand)kiddos come over. you’re gonna love them.
Raspberry Oat Bars
- 1 roll Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies
- 1/3 cup all purpose-flower
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
- 1/3 cup white vanilla baking chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable or canola oil
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Heat oven to 350F. Spray 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix cookie dough, flower and oats until crumbly and well combined. Press half the mixture into bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes.
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Spread preserves over base. Top with remaining cookie dough mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool completely, about two hours.
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In small microwaveable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips 30 seconds, stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second increments until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in the oil until well combined. Drizzle over top of bars. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.
pants | sweater (similar here, here, and here) | similar shirt here, here, and here | similar shoes here and here
espresso martini
like i said, i’m big into martinis lately. we’ve got a twist on that idea for you: a baileys espresso martini. as you can guess, it goes well with any dessert. i mean, seriously: how can you go wrong with coffee and baileys? such a classic pairing.
Espresso Martini
- 2 ounces espresso
- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Creme
- 1/4 cup vodka
all right, gang, that’s a wrap! as always, from everyone here at style at a certain age, we wish you a wonderful weekend. before we go, i’d like to touch on how the holidays can be a stressful time of year. and, boy, oh boy, we’ve already had a chaotic year. those of us who have lost loved ones also experience grief and loneliness. i hope you’re managing stress during the holidays and finding time to spend with friends and family. because it truly is a blessed time of year.
Hello dear Beth,
Always a treat to see you and Oscar! love the recipes and OOTD!
Christmas and New Years blessings to you!
Sharon
You are lovely inside and out, Beth. Sweet (no pun intended!) post today. Love the sweater and those shoes!! The close up of you and Oscar is simply wonderful. Two sweet (there’s that word again…so fitting!) faces sending love out to us. Hope you, Oscar, and all of your family feel the love we readers send right back at you~
Great cookie recipe. It had me right when I saw the Pillsbury cookie dough mix. How easy is this! Going right out and buying those ingredients.
Beautiful sweater! I love the classic look of the shirt underneath. There’s just something about plaid at Christmas. I will try these cookies for sure. They are quick and easy and few ingredients. What did we do before Baileys? I use it in something every Christmas. This year I will use it in my brownies. The new Mocha Slide flavor. Make a blaze for top too.
I love Aran/Irish sweaters and the one you have on is beautiful. I’ve purchased sweaters both in Ireland and here in the US. Wearing them is like having a giant hug
Oh, I forgot about those espresso martinis – I made up a big batch last year, and we all loved them. I’ve got to check my stash of liquors right now!
Hi Beth,
Love your Fridays with Oscar! But are you sure the recipe for the Espresso Martini calls for 1/4 cup of vodka along with the 2 oz of Baileys per serving?
That’s a mighty strong drink !
Just checking..
Happy Holidays !! V
I really hope you mean “flour” and not “flower”!
Hi Beth!
I love this post! Your outfit is adorable and your home so warm and cozy! I want to thank you for your closing words to all of those dealing with the loss of a loved one. I lost my mom this year. She was truly my best buddy! I am 57 and she was 80 when she passed. We were two peas in a pod. My BFF forever. How lonely my life is without her. She was beautiful inside and out. This year has been the hardest year of my life. I, however, found comfort in your words. For that, I am so grateful!
Happy Friday!
Your faithful follower,
Lesa Milders
Mmmm, hand knitted 💝. You might be interested in the tale of the Terrible knitters of Dent – terrible meaning excellent. My UK sister and her daughter’s mum, knitted over 300 teddy bears one year for a fund raiser. Her derail is amazing. We have an Irish Store here, so will have to go and fondle their goods 😉.
The good thing about those raspberry bars is that the fibre from the Oates and berries pretty much negates the calories. 🎁. Stay warm and safe, Beth 🥂
Love your outfits, recipes, and of course Oscar. Wondering if you have had your colours done and if so what colour ‘season’ you are.
May I ask, what brand and shade are you wearing in the pictures, So very pretty on you. Thanks
I made the expresso martini but found expresso was too strong for my taste. next time i will just substitute coffee instead
Just made your Raspberry Oat Bars for my birthday. They are fabulous! And so easy to make. We love them. Do you recommend refrigerating them after, or storing in a sealed container room temperature? Can’t wait to make another batch.