Deb Shafer is bringing a savory slice of holiday cheer to our recipe series. Her Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese will keep you toasty warm this holiday season, so you can weather whatever comes your way.

"We really don’t have any special holiday traditions. We didn’t live close to our families, so it was always just the four of us. When our girls were very young, I started a tradition for Christmas Eve. Instead of making a huge meal, I started making parmesan-crusted grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Every year, we would eat that and then watch 'It’s a Wonderful Life'. My girls now do the same with their families."

 Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

âť– Your favorite kind of bread

âť– Butter

âť– Garlic salt

…

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As a cookie connoisseur, it says a lot when Deb Shafer calls out her Chocolate Cappuccino Cookies as a favorite.

“One of my friends and I get together a week or so before Christmas and bake hundreds of cookies. We give them out to family and friends each year.”

Read below for the full recipe, and be sure to let us know if you give them a try!

Chocolate Cappuccino Cookies

Ingredients:

âť– 2 cups butter, softened

âť– 4 cups packed light brown sugar

âť– 4 eggs

âť–  5½ cups of all-purpose flour

âť– 1 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

âť– ¼ cups instant coffee granules or crystals

âť– 1 teaspoon baking powder

âť– 1 teaspoon baking soda

âť–  1 teaspoon salt

âť– 1 bag (10oz) cinnamon-flavored baking chips

Directions: 

âť– Heat oven to 350…

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Get ready for a mouthwatering recipe! Today, Chad Larsen shares a recipe his wife makes during the holiday season. Be sure to read to the end - he included a bonus recipe that pairs perfectly with the chipotle smashed sweet potatoes. 

“My wife makes this for Thanksgiving, and sometimes Christmas too. She knows I love sweet potatoes as a holiday favorite. She didn’t like the sweetness of the version with marshmallows on top that my mother made. So, this was her ‘compromise’ version. I have come to love the sweetness of the potato with the spiciness of the chipotle. A delicious combination.”

Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes (Recipe from barefoot contessa)

Ingredients:

âť– 4 pounds sweet potatoes (6 potatoes)

âť– 1 cup whole milk

âť– 1 cup heavy…

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This holiday season, we wanted to share some of our favorite recipes to enjoy this time of year. From chocolate cappuccino cookies to pumpkin lentil soup, we hope you find a recipe that delights!

And to give our readers the best of both worlds, we’re including something savory and something sweet (and from Barry Berg – something soup). Keep an eye out for some new recipes each week now through the end of the year.

To kick off this series, Chad Larsen shares not only his favorite holiday treat, Holly Cookies, but some precious family photos as well.

"My mom used to participate in cookie exchanges around the holiday time. I always remember these for their bright color and very sugary goodness. I’m not sure how many this recipe makes, but I found it…

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Typically, fall and spring are the two most active real estate markets with plenty of inventory to choose from and motivated buyers ready to make offers. That’s why people like to time their sale and move during these seasons. However, what happens when your plans don’t line up with that schedule? Is it ever “too late” in the season to buy or sell?

That’s the question Chad Larsen and Barry Berg explore in the latest episode of Setting the Standard - Conversations with Chad and Barry from the Berg Larsen Group. Read some of the key takeaways from the episode below, and listen to the full conversation on our YouTube or Vimeo channel.

Timing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

There is no universally perfect moment to make your move. That’s because the “right”…

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Even for a Realtor who guides hundreds of clients through the process, moving hits differently when it’s your own boxes, memories, and walls. Chad Larsen and his wife experienced that first hand. 

We sat down with Chad after his recent move to talk about the process – preparing your home to sell, packing your things, and transitioning into a new space. Whether you’re moving across town or across the hall, the experience is often humbling (even for a Realtor). 

And in case you missed it, check out our last blog with Chad that talked about all of his moves in The Carlyle building and what it means to find the “right” fit. 

Taking Inventory

When the right opportunity presents itself, seize it. That’s what Chad and his wife did when they learned…

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While Chad Larsen helps his clients buy and sell their homes every day, it had been some time since he’d been on the other side of his own advice. His recent moving experience provided a fresh reminder of the effort and excitement that fuels a move (and the delightful sigh of relief when it’s all over).

We recently sat down with Chad to talk about his own journey – three moves within the same building – and how each transition reflects a new stage in life for him and his wife. 

This conversation centers around finding the “right” fit, but keep an eye out for our next blog where Chad shares the nitty gritty details of preparing your home to sell and making your move a successful one. 

And if you’re curious about the nuances and considerations that…

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The house is spotless, the lights are on, and every pillow is fluffed just so. Or maybe you’re the one pulling up to the curb, wondering if this could be the one.

Either way, the showing is where possibility becomes real. What happens in those few minutes can change everything.

In this nine-minute episode of Setting the Standard, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg share what truly makes a showing successful – for both sides of the deal. The summary below gives you a taste, but their conversation delivers the nuance, humor, and insider perspective that only decades in Twin Cities real estate can bring.

Sellers: Stay Flexible

Once your home hits the market, buyers will want to see it – often with short notice. Keeping your space show-ready helps make…

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Buying a home often has little to do with luck. 

Instead, it usually centers around thoughtful preparation, curious exploration, and expert guidance.

Become the Best Buyer You Can Be

Becoming a “ready buyer” doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a thoughtful, multi-step process.

Whether you’re relocating across the country or right-sizing nearby, taking early, intentional steps can make all the difference once you begin your search. 

Each step contributes to a sense of clarity and confidence – a rhythm that helps you move through the process with ease.

Mind Over Matter

Contrary to what some people may think, readiness isn’t just about being emotionally or financially prepared. It's also about understanding the pace of the market, your…

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If you’re considering selling your home, chances are you’ve already started thinking about things like timing and value. And while timing and pricing are key, there’s another key factor that often gets overlooked - preparation. 

How well you prepare your home can make all the difference while setting the stage for a successful sale.

Preparation is Priceless

When it comes to getting your home market-ready, there’s often more to do than you think - but it’s also not as overwhelming as it may seem. 

From decluttering and depersonalizing to thoughtful updates and staging, the process is about making calculated changes that will help buyers envision their future in the space with ease. Even small edits can have a significant impact on not only how…

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