I’ll have a second St. Patty’s Day roundup devoted to the cocktail, but this homemade Irish Creme from the blog, the Hungry Mouse, needed it’s own post, I think, given the clever combo of recipe, photography, and cool idea. Find the recipe and step-by-steps (with accompanying photographs!) here.
… Read More ...St. Patty’s Day Roundup
We have a bit o’ time before St. Patrick’s Day, so I may have some more round ups, but as it IS March, green is on my mind. First, celebrations.com is always a good go-to for party ideas. Visit their site here for St. Patrick’s party themes, kid friendly parties, beer gear, facts and a history of the day. They … Read More ...
It’s an Orange, It’s a Candle
What an oh so clever use for an orange! The creative mom from “Mom in Madison” gives us the easy step-by-steps and accompanying photographs for making your own orange peel candles. And, I’ll say it again (apolgies for sounding like a broken record to those who regularly read my column), once again, this blogger demonstrates the importance … Read More ...
Celebrate Mardi Gras
February 24 (Tuesday, of course) is Mardi Gras. Get tips for celebrating with food from these sites:
The Food Network gives recipes for this colorful King cake (shown above) as well as tons more Fat Tuesday fare (like Cajun friend okra and Po’ Boys). Also find a recipe and instructions for a King cake at Andrea’s Recipes. The post … Read More ...
Plan Your New Years Party
Visit Hostess {with the Mostess} for party inspirations. Their New Years parties are up and running. Their themes provide decor, menu, drinks and tabletop ideas. (The image is from their “Candlelight Countdown” party).
Find tons of New Years Party ideas from celebrations.com. They have a long list of parties from which to choose: traditional Chinese, posh, chic … Read More ...
There’s Still Time! Last Minute Food Gifts
Check out these quick recipes (with my own packaging suggestions) from Real Simple Magazine‘s site for last minute Christmas gifts. Recipes include these sugarplums, rosemary-olive oil bread (would be nice packaged in a nice bread pan, wrapped in cello, and with the recipe attached), nutted popcorn (wrapped in a popcorn container and with a gift certificate to a movie … Read More ...
BitterSweet, Part One
These Christmas trees made from chocolate cake, mint frosting and sprinkles are just too cute. BitterSweet tells us how to make them from cone shaped paper cups (not waxed). And now, check out my next post, BitterSweet Part Two. I had to devote two entries to this blog so you wouldn’t miss out on all the great things offered.
… Read More ...Hanukkah Party Goodies
Make this cute dreidel box to fill with nuts, candy and other goods from Martha. She includes a free downloadable template. And give away these “glittered” sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts…in keeping with the tradition of eating fried foods for Hanukkah). Recipe and packaging how-tos on Martha as well.
… Read More ...Make Your Own Marzipan
I’ve worked with marzipan before, molded it, shaped it, even painted it. But I’m almost ashamed to admit I’ve never made it. After reading how the self-proclaimed holiday grinch of Velvet Lava Cafe commited to the task, I’m REALLY ashamed I’ve not made it. Even with the admitted difficulties of working with marzipan, the photos on this site are so … Read More ...
Chanukah O’ Chanukah (desserts and more)
Find all kinds of inspiration for Chanukah from BetterRecipes.com. They have ideas for food, entertaining, decorating, games, songs, and gifts and a bit on the traditions and history of Chanukah. Follow links to Better Homes and Gardens for this dreidel cake.
Or to the cookies you see above. And for Sufganyot, seen here.
… Read More ...Homemade Cocoa Mix (as Promised)
Making some homemade marshmallows for gifts or for yourself? These recipes and packaging tips for hot cocoa mix are the perfect complement. First, find mini cocoa gifts from the blog of Cathy Filian, as seen on Creative Juice on HGTV and DIY. Next, learn to make these hot chocolate cones from the crafty blog, “about a girl.”
And … Read More ...
Marshmallows! (Coming Soon…the Cocoa)
It’s definitely turning to winter here in DC, even if there isn’t any snow on the ground. (Sigh. I wish it would snow.) What’s better this time of year than a steaming mug of hot chocolate? A steaming mug of hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. Here are three blogs with three different recipes.
First, pictured above, “The Homesteading Housewife… Read More ...
Fun Christmas Snowman Treats You Can Make In Your Kitchen
Better Homes and Gardens has a set of 9 super cute snowman-inspired sweets so you can honor Frosty, including the egg nog bowl pictured, cupcakes, ice cream in white chocolate cups, milk glass with donut hole heads (also pictured), Sno-balls and mints.
To answer the comment below about the failed link, no! you didn’t do anything wrong! Because this is … Read More ...
Make Rugelach
Rugelach, a traditional Jewish crescent-shaped pastry, hails from Eastern Europe (Americans added the cream cheese to the recipe). My limited research found several Yiddish interpretations for rugelach, including “little twists” and “royal” and I won’t claim to know the answer. Here are a few recipes to make your own. First, find chocolate cherry rugelach from Family Fun (pictured above). Find … Read More ...
Red and White Inspiration
How ridiculously cute is this curly-cue candy cane? The blogger at SugarEd Lagniappe did a great decorating job on this cookie (find the cutter at Country Kitchen Sweetart).
Find more red and white inspiration at SugarEd, like these white chocolate-dipped marshmallows covered in peppermint crunch and peppermint powder (also at Country Kitchen Sweetart).
… Read More ...