It’s tradition in many places to eat a dozen grapes on New Years Eve. A sweet grape for each (hopefully) sweet month. So I’ll use this beautiful photograph and idea as a way to really introduce you (if you’re not already a huge fan) to Noble Pig. What a lovely, funny, inspiring and yummy blog. If you love food … Read More ...
Brrr…. Arctic Cupcakes
I can’t believe I’ve not yet posted on Yummy Fun. Clare Crespo is a genius of fun food. Her must-see, wacky, fun website has links to her YummyFun Kooking Series DVDs, her books (“The Secret Life of Food” and “Hey There, Cupcake“) as well as some silly cartoon surprises. Visit her blog to learn how … 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 ...
Make Fried Wontons
Learn how to make these gorgeous deep fried wontons from Cooking Etcetera. And while you’re there, mill about this great blog awhile. You’ll find lots of gorgeous food photography and endless cookie inspiration. (I’m particularly impressed by the sweets in the gallery. I’m sure I’ll be revisiting this site.)… Read More ...
Easy Cake Decorating
Find these cute cakes on Rachel Ray’s site. So easy to decorate (with candy), these are definitely in the “wish I thought of that” category. She also provides ideas creating stripes, waves and swirls with utensils. 
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Visit the Food Network
For the first time ever, the Food Network in Manhattan is opening its studio and test kitchen doors to the general public. Tours are lined up through January 15, and info on how to purchase tickets can be found at New York Serious Eats or foodnetworkaddict.blogspot.com.… Read More ...
Buche de Noel
This traditional French “yule log” is made from genoise (sponge cake), baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled, frosted with chocolate buttercream to resemble, of course, a log, and may be decorated with sugar (“snow”) and meringues (“mushrooms”). One end is usually cut and the icing textured to really get the full log effect. Here are some links to buche … 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 ...
Cool Down this Christmas
I’m so immersed in a Christmas world that is synonymous with snow and winter, comments about the heat-filled days of all those celebrating in the Southern hemisphere inspired me to search for a site NOT consumed with having a frosty Christmas. Taste.com.au is filled with such Christmas recipes. Cool down with their ice cream desserts, panna cottas and semifreddos. 
Find … Read More ...
BitterSweet, Part Two
I am fascinated by the grander crafter world, particularly how different crafting passions overlap. Hence, an edible crafter talks about sewing, crochet and knitting. And so on to BitterSweet’s free patterns for knitting, crochet and sewing all kinds of great foodie items, like pizza, a toast purse, eggs, and a cupcake ornament. So clever. 
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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. 
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Celebrate Sangria Day
December 20th is National Sangria Day. At least in the U.S. Even if you’re elsewhere in the world, I think celebrating National Sangria Day as an excuse to make this yummy, fruity drink is perfectly OK. Find a recipe for white sangria (my favorite, and pictured above) at recipetips.com. rEZipes.com claims to have the “best sangria recipe online,” a … 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. 
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