I recently discovered “Make and Takes” and of course feel compelled to share the love. Without even specifying any particular entry, this is just an all-around-great-blog. I labelled this “part one,” because I’m sure I’ll share many more all-around-great-blogs in the future. The blog, written by a stay at home mom with a teaching degree in early childhood … Read More ...
Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings (done for you)
If you haven’t the slightest clue how to perfectly pair wine and cheese, check out the clever site, Cheese Cupid, part of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Choose any red wine, white wine, beer or even the harder stuff and they’ll match it with the just right cheese. Makes me want to throw a wine and cheese party and … Read More ...
Cities Made from Unusual Things
Cities made from Jell-O, eggs, cookingware…. Seems unwise from an engineering standpoint (I mean, the Bay Bridge made of Jell-O? Might be better in a city not at risk for earthquakes), but ever so fun to look at. I marvel at the tedium and time invested by these amazing artists. Liz Hickock’s Jell-O San Francisco is just beautiful (the Bay … Read More ...
Cupcake Flower Arrangement
While not actually edible, how could I resist posting on this super cute cupcake flower arrangement from inspired ideas? I’ve posted on this blog (and magazine and shop and all around gorgeous site) before, and I keep going back for more ideas. I’m notoriously horrid with flowers and plants. They wilt when I walk by. But I think I … Read More ...
Eco-Friendly Paint Recipes
Esprit Cabane, a French web magazine translated into English, is the “magazine of crafty & green living ideas.” And that it is. They provide environmentally friendly tips, how-tos and ideas on all aspects of domestic life. Find recipes to make your own paint from eggs here and answers to your questions on homemade paint here (make sure to click … Read More ...
Wishing You Good Fortune…With Cupcakes
What better way to start the new year with some good luck cupcakes? Top the red frosting (symbolizing fire, to scare away evil spirits) with these Chinese markings for good luck. Instructions courtesy of FamilyCorner.com, a site loaded with great info beyond parenting. This site is also a great resource for home keeping, crafts and recipes. I find family … 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 ...
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. 
… 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 ...