Make These Artisan-Inspired Appetizers for Your Next Gathering

Roxy Taghavian
Jul 13, 2016

Our mission at Brit + Co is to inspire women to be creative, whether that means spending five minutes per day with a coloring book or turning an artisanal hobby into a business. With the maker movement in full swing, we’ve seen some incredible people fearlessly putting their craft out into the world and fulfilling their dreams by starting their own companies. Excited as we are to support these folks, we’ve teamed up with TRISCUIT to bring you another inspirational maker story.

Recently, TRISCUIT flash-funded over 50 artisanal food makers’ products on Indiegogo unannounced. Can you imagine!? How awesome is that? They selected artisanal food makers all over the country who start with simple ingredients and simple ideas and dream of making more. Earlier this month we posted our first maker collaboration with TRISCUIT featuring nut butter maker Megan Gibson of PB&Jams. If you haven’t already checked her out, be sure to head over to that article next for a seriously delicious Pad Thai-inspired TRISCUIT recipe. And now, since we’ve already got your mouth watering, let’s talk about today’s maker.

Emily Heizer Hall of Razzbourne Farms has mastered handmade goat cheese. We’ve found that TRISCUIT Crackers are the perfect base for gourmet ingredients, and goat cheese certainly makes that list. In addition to the cheese, we’re going to make an appetizer that includes the oh-so-popular sweet potato. First we’ll show you an elevated version of the recipe, complete with Razzbourne Farms goat cheese, and then we’ll dial it back and make a simplified adaptation with ingredients you can easily grab from your local grocery store… or maybe your pantry right now!

But first, let us introduce you to Emily.

What do you make?

MEET THE MAKER: EMILY HEIZER HALL OF RAZZBOURNE FARMS

“Goat cheese (chevre), with two aged cheese in the works.”

Tell us about your company.

“The goats are my go-to antidepressant. The micro dairy is actually the second business I have started, following my graphic design and consultation business, EmHeiz Designs and Consultation. Razzbourne is an original name we created as our son’s middle name and has become a bigger presence in the world, just like him. The potential Razzbourne Farms has is endless — our product speaks loudly for itself.”

What is the story of how you got to where you are today? What did you study in school? What was your first job? What other jobs and life experience led you to a career as a professional maker/chef?

“I received my bachelors in graphic design in 2014 and that has helped our businesses dramatically — marketing is a huge thing in business. I practically grew up at Rockbridge Vineyards with family friends and my best friend. We ran the register and stocked bottles of wine as teenagers. Rockbridge Vineyard was our first retail location and has done nothing but support this dream. Another first job was in a high-end restaurant in Lexington, Virginia. Southern Inn on Main Street was where I bussed tables and cleaned off plates for the dishwasher. Southern Inn now serves our cheese on beautifully prepared pear salads and steak courses. Endless experience in kitchens and restaurants has prepared me for the production of cheese. Most of the time I’m washing dishes or cleaning things and there are right and wrong ways to doing that. Bookkeeping is also a huge part of the business. Bookkeeping and money handling I learned working at a truckstop and gas station. Working for the goats is much better than working for ‘The Man.’”

What inspires you? Why do you love to create and make?


— TRISCUIT Crackers

SWEET POTATO + GOAT CHEESE + AGAVE, ARTISAN STYLE

— butter-roasted sweet potato

— Razzbourne Farms chevre goat cheese

— agave

Let’s get started.

Slice your sweet potato into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Add pads of butter and dust with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the sweet potatoes halfway through.

Once the sweet potatoes are cool to the touch, top your TRISCUIT Cracker with 2-3 pieces. Crumble Razzbourne Farms goat cheese on top, then drizzle with agave.

Sweet potato pie, meet your competition.

The salty flavor from the TRISCUIT Cracker plus the sweetness from the potato and agave plus the savory, creamy taste of the goat cheese is a huge win. That’s three tasty ingredients atop a TRISCUIT Cracker for a legit burst of flavor.


— TRISCUIT Crackers

SWEET POTATO + FETA CHEESE + HONEY, EVERYDAY STYLE

— 1 baked sweet potato

— feta

— honey

It’s go time.

Make a classic baked sweet potato by puncturing the skin of your sweet potato with a fork. Be sure to poke all sides. Next, wrap your sweet potato in tin foil and place it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes, or until you can easily stick a fork in it. Let the potato cool, then slice down the middle with a knife.

Scoop out a spoonful of cooked sweet potato and place it on your TRISCUIT Cracker. Add several bits of feta and a drop of honey.

Easy as that! The everyday version of our sweet potato TRISCUIT is a great fit for those who desire the flavor makeup of the artisanal TRISCUIT Cracker but don’t have the time to get the elevated ingredients. (Razzbourne Farms — magically beam some cheese to us, will you?)

TRISCUIT Crackers were made for this topping combo — it is DE-licious.

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


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The 15 Most Flattering Winter Dresses We Found On Amazon

Need a good winter outfit for all the upcoming holiday activities at the last minute? Look no further than these Amazon winter dresses. There are thousands of amazing styles, but these 15 frocks are particularly perfect for the season and are downright flattering. They'll arrive just in time for that dinner party you're planning or the New Year's excursion you just can't wait to go on!

Shop the best Amazon winter dresses below!

Ynhonra Babydoll Puff Sleeve Dress

This adorable baby doll dress would look stunning with some tall black boots and a hair bow!

Yozazzy Vintage Velvet Dress

Velvet is oh-so cozy for the season. Layer it up with some matching tights and a statement jacket!

Mybfyabo Square Neck Front Bow Midi Dress

This get-up is super sweet, thanks to the bows running down the front.

Anrabess Oversized Sweater Dress

We adore sweater dresses over here. This one will keep you warm through it all!

Newshows Bodycon Sweater Dress

This body-hugging sweater dress will flatter your figure like no other. The button-up design and collar add a nice sophisticated feel!

Floerns Leopard Backless Mesh Mini Dress

This is the ultimate party dress. Get ready to snap all the Instagram pics at this season's New Year's function.

Prettygarden Off-Shoulder Sweater Dress

The off-the-shoulder shape on this maxi dress gives it such a sultry vibe, which will pair wonderfully with a statement necklace and some elegant ballet flats or slingback heels.

Kaximil Square Neck Ruffle Hem Mini Dress

This dress emphasizes your waistline to make you look snatched as ever. Plus, it comes in so many different colors to suit your personal style!

Reoria Long Sleeve Soft Lounge Long Dress

Skims dress dupe, anyone? This extremely soft long dress shapes you up quite nicely for any occasion.

Prettygarden Lantern Sleeve Short Dress

The tied waistline on this pretty pick will help pull in your waist and supply a flattering hourglass shape! Wear it with some brown boots and a denim jacket for a low-key winter 'fit.

Zesica Puff Sleeve Tie Front Dress

Bows, bows, and bows! This tie-front dress is truly everything. We'd rock it with some black tights and heels for a Christmas party.

Zesica Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

The drop waist design on this maxi will help elongate your figure and make you feel uber-confident for your next winter get-together.

Owin Ribbed Knit Mini Dress

The scrunchy ties on the sides of this marvelous mini infuse it with a flirty feel. We're absolutely snagging this style for our New Year's plans!

Prettygarden Casual Midi Dress

You're gonna feel like a total princess in this pick, thanks to the larger-than-life puff sleeves. Accessorize with a sparkly headband and some ballet flats, and boom – your Christmas outfit is sorted.

R.Vivimos Vintage Velvet Dress

Velvet is just the material for winter since it's so cozy. This pick comes in a ton of colors so you can find the perfect hue for your closet.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal style finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

audio booksdigital ready programentrepreneursmindsetonline businesspodcastunexpected challengesverizon sponsorshipwomen in businesssocial mediaworkmoneymarketingcareersponsoredentrepreneur

Too Precious! Taylor Swift Surprises Children’s Hospital On Her Birthday Eve

It may be Taylor Swift's birthday today, but she did so much sweet celebrating at the Children's Mercy Kansas City Hospital yesterday! The ever-iconic pop star popped in to surprise some of the patients, signing Eras Tour books, petting dogs, and much more! Here's everything you need to know about how she rang in the eve her 35th year!

See Taylor Swift's adorable visit at the Children's Hospital!

www.tiktok.com

Thx @Taylor Swift for making his day!!!! 🥺🥰

On December 12, 2024, Taylor Swift made her way to Children's Mercy Kansas City Hospital and totally surprised the adorable patients! They did everything from sing together, sign her newly-released Eras Tour Book, and share their favorite songs and stories together. When one child even said, "I like Travis now," Taylor had an adorably cheeky reply.

She said, "Yes, me too. That's an absolute yes on that one."

In every single video and photo, you can see the kids beaming from ear-to-ear with joy.

www.tiktok.com

Okay im definitely a swifty nowww💗💗💗#taylorswift #fyp #fy #fypシ #vi #traviskelce @Taylor Swift

She even made a TikTok dancing to her hit, "Bad Blood" with two teens in a hospital room. The video starts out with the kids dancing to the song, with them parting for Taylor to do her big reveal — by sliding open the hospital room curtain and strutting forward. The trio then dance and lip sync together, clearly having quite a good time.

Taylor even found the time to pose with the hospital therapy dog, Queen Jelly. And as for Jelly? She seemed unphased by the star in her midst... but that's probably because she's royalty, herself. 😉

While I'm sure Taylor's set to have a huge celebration for her special day tonight, I love that she closed out her 34th trip around the sun in such a sweet, thoughtful way. Here's to making more silly TikToks, more kids smile, and helping those in need — it's what Taylor Swift would do!

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12 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Being A Radio City Rockette (From Real Rockettes!)

We might just be getting into the holiday spirit, but for the Radio City Rockettes, it's been Christmastime since September! In addition to a very enlightening game of This or That, twins Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan gave Brit + Co an inside look at what it's like to be a Rockette — and what they do the rest of the year. Consider this the perfect trivia for your Christmas dinner after you've mastered that Rockette red lip ;).

Here are 12 surprising things about being a Radio City Rockette.

1. Rehearsing for the Christmas season is a full-time job.

MSG Entertainment

Once the holidays roll around, the Radio City Rockette shows might last 90 minutes, but prepping for the season is a full work week. "The rehearsal season itself is six weeks long, six hours a day, six days a week," Courtney says. "So it is a long process and I feel like the rehearsals itself are like a bonding experience for us."

2. The Radio City Rockettes get some serious bonding time.

MSG Entertainment

"You spend a lot of time with the girls around you and within Radio City, our dressing rooms too," Courteney says of the Rockette rehearsal schedule. "I feel like that's the time when you really get to form those bonds with your sisters and really create magic that can be seen on stage too."

"Yeah, once we move into Radio City, this becomes your family, truly," Caitlin adds. "We spend every day, day in day out together, we spend the holidays together. So you naturally just become very close with everyone."

Each Rockette dresses up her getting-ready station.

MSG Entertainment

"Everybody dresses up their station to make it feel very homey," Caitlin says. "I like lots of like decor and festive lights, candles, all that fun stuff."

The women love to have treats in their dressing rooms!

MSG Entertainment

I'm literally snacking on a chocolate bar as I type this, and I'm not the only one who likes to have sweets on-hand! "I love Christmas cookies," Caitlin says. "We will do something with our dressing room and bring in treats every day. I feel like someone's bringing in something new."

The Radio City Rockettes perform up to 200 shows at Christmas.

MSG Entertainment

"The Rockettes perform up to 200 shows in a season, and the way that each show feels so special and individual, it's just amazing how you never know who's out in the audience seeing the show for the first time," Courtney says. "And the way the ladies in the line put their best foot forward every single time is so inspiring and made me want to give even more."

"It just really amazes me how dedicated and how hard working all the Rockettes are," Caitlin agrees. "And I think we always knew that, but then once you're in it, you have a whole new level of respect for how hard all these women work."

And each Rockette can perform in up to 4 shows a day!

MSG Entertainment

"I think sometimes people don't realize we can do up to four shows in the day, which is unreal and amazing," Caitlin says. "That might be a surprise to people when they're coming to a show. They might think we just have that one that day, but we actually might have two, three, or four in the day, which is pretty amazing."

But the Rockettes also find time to goof off.

MSG Entertainment

The Rockettes might be known for their precision, but Courtney promises their smiles are real! "We are having so much fun," Courtney says. "It's really just an amazing feeling to be on stage and we find times to laugh and joke around, but really obviously give our all to our craft. And I think people don't realize like we are really having an amazing time on and off stage."

The Radio City Rockettes really support one another.

MSG Entertainment

As you can imagine, a career as a Rockette comes with its challenges, but the ladies on the line always support each other. "I was really proud last year was our first season together and just to complete one full season is such an accomplishment," Courtney says. "I feel like we're ready to take it on again and know like we absolutely can do it. And with the support of everyone around us too, you know, you're going to get through the entire holiday season and you're gonna come out even stronger."

The Radio City Rockettes can work a bunch of jobs during the summer.

MSG Entertainment

The Rockettes have a busy schedule during Christmas — but that doesn't mean they kick up their feet the rest of the year! "Every person on the line has a very diverse background and they go to different job opportunities throughout the year," Courtney says. "People are pulled in different directions when the holiday season is over. The Rockettes do work year-round [with] different opportunities."

"We're always looking to continue to dance and work on our precision," she continues. "The summer though, our favorite thing is to go to the beach. We're from New Jersey and the Jersey shore is like our home. So if we're not dancing, you can definitely find us relaxing on the sand."

The best thing about performing New York City can also be the most challenging.

MSG Entertainment

You know how, when people talk about New York, they say, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere?" That's because it's hard to live here y'all!

"This is just the city that never sleeps," Caitlin says. "There are people everywhere. It's always alive. There's just something magical about New York and I love that. And I think that could come with the biggest challenge as well: the city that never sleeps. You feel like you're going, going, going at all times. But that's pretty exciting to do at our age, living out our dreams. I feel like that will never get old."

"I feel like we have no complaints here!" Courtney adds.

Even as a Radio City Rockette, the work is never done.

MSG Entertainment

"I feel like there's always room for improvement," Courtney says. "Even today, as we're living at our dream, we're continuously working on our technique and our precision and going back to our foundation, I think the work is never done and you can continue to dream and accomplish some of those really major goals."

"Yeah, the work is never done is I think is kind of our motto," Caitlin adds. "Just keep, keep pushing, keep driving and just keep dreaming. And never give up."

The Rockettes are like one big family.

MSG Entertainment

Just like so many of our favorite TV show and movie casts, the Rockettes love to bond! "The Rockettes truly feel like a sisterhood and we are so lucky that we are real sisters on the line together," Caitlin says, adding that to dance "with your sister is everything we always hoped for."

And those connections make a magical experience like New York at Christmas even more magical. "[To] be welcomed with open arms has been such a dream come true for us," Courtney says. "We just love the holiday season and to celebrate it at Radio City, I feel like I can't imagine anything better."

Read 35 Magical Photos Of Christmas In New York To Inspire Wanderlust for even more holiday cheer!

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