The Partybluprints Blog

WE MOVED!

2009-06-15T21:44:00.009-04:00

Please come visit us at our new home: Partybluprints Blog

We hope you find it easier to navigate through the new blog and the almost 400 posts from 3 years ( still transferring them but we're working on it!).

Soup For Summer - Focus on guests not the grill!

2009-06-15T02:48:00.009-04:00

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup makes a great lunch or light dinner served with salad and grossini when entertaining summertime guests. A perk with soup is that it can be made ahead of time so your focus is on friends and family and not on the stove - great for entertaining. In addition, Red Bell Peppers not only taste great, they are great for you. They packed a more powerful punch then citrus when it comes to being a good source of Vitamin C and are also a good source of beta carotene. So you are serving your guests a healthy and fresh meal.

This recipe comes from Kathy Ireland's website, which is an excellent resource for home entertaining. I tweeted with Kathy regarding the recipe and she agreed a dollop of ricotta cheese would be a perfect addition to this summer soup. She told me the recipe is the creation of Chef André Carthen, who provides cooking, entertaining and culture solutions for Kathy Ireland Home and acafe. After a tweet or two with Chef André, I discovered his original recipe called for a Feta Cheese topping. I always stick with a chef's recommendation, but if you are feeling more Italian than Greek, Chef André okay'd the substitution.

Thanks Kathy and Chef André Carthen, big smiles on this soup! For more great recipes visit Kathy Ireland Home and acafe .

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Soup
Serves 6-8

Ingredients

4 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tbsp. tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
2 tsp. dried cilantro
Salt and ground black pepper
Cilantro leaves to garnish

Directions:

In a large saucepan, cook peppers and onion gently in the oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the garlic, dried cilantro and tomato paste. Add in half the stock, then bring to a boil. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Puree the mixture in a food processor or blender. Return to the pan, then add the rest of the stock. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the soup back to a boil, and then serve at once with cilantro leaves placed on top of each serving.

Watermelon Sangria - Friday's Featured Cocktail

2009-06-12T04:33:00.000-04:00

Food & Wine Cocktails

I am digging this recipe out of the archives of Food & Wine Cocktails and dusting it off. It deserves a fresh look and now is the perfect time of year to mix up this cocktail. Watermelons are available domestically May through October, with May - August being peak season. They are grown in 44 of the 50 United States so you should be able to get this produce locally - that means a fresher melon and a better tasting cocktail!

Watermelon Sangria
Food & Wine 2007
Servings: 6 to 8 drinks

Ingredients

2 pounds seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed, plus 1/2 pound watermelon cut into balls with a melon baller and skewered on picks
1 bottle dry white wine
6 ounces vodka
4 ounces Cointreau or other triple sec
4 ounces Citrus Syrup
Ice

Directions

In a blender, puree the watermelon cubes. Pour through a fine strainer into a pitcher. Add the white wine, vodka, Cointreau and Citrus Syrup. Stir and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir again, then pour the sangria into ice-filled white wine glasses and garnish with the skewered watermelon balls.

For more great summer cocktail recipes check out F&W

Cowboy Caviar

2009-06-11T08:56:00.008-04:00

When I think of "Cowboy Cooking", I think of Chuck Wagons and hungry cowboys huddled over the campfire starving after a long day of driving cattle. This recipe is a bit more refined, yet it does incorporate the same ingredients (corn, beans and onions) used on the Chuck Wagons in the 1800's. Cowboy Caviar doesn't require a campfire, in fact it doesn't require an oven, stove or grill either! Not only is this southwestern style recipe quick and simple, it follows the Partybluprints' rule of simple and special. Serve alone in a bowl with tortilla chips for dipping or over a green salad (add thin strips of steak or chicken or try shrimp). Your guests will love it and they will love spending the day with you since you can prepare this dish entirely ahead of time.

Ingredients

15 1/2 ounce(s) (can) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
11 ounce(s) (can) corn kernels, drained
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
3 green onions, minced
1 large (or 2 small) avocado , diced
1 cup(s) chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup(s) prepared salsa
3/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) pepper

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Gently toss to combine. Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serve over greens as a salad, or with chips for dipping.

All credit to : Jean Scobie of McKinleyville, Calif., the top prize in the Quick & Simple No-Cook Summer Recipes contest.

Wine Pairing for Surf & Turf

2009-06-10T06:40:00.010-04:00

Summer usually means at least one great Surf and Turf BBQ or maybe you treat yourself to this special meal while on vacation. Either way, picking the right wine to compliment your meal is important. We went to our resident wine expert to find out which wine works best with land and sea! Here is what he said . . .

“Comments from Kirk” – Kirk Sprenger is a wine expert and proprietor of Chappaqua Wine & Spirits in Chappaqua, NY. Kirk provides his expert opinion and advice on our wine selections, pairings and rules.

The following are Kirk’s comments for a Surf & Turf pairing:

White wine with fish, red wine with meat. Always obey the rules, when possible. However, sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Periodically we are faced with little obstacles such as Surf & Turf. Herein lays the dilemma. There happens to be a simple resolution though. The answer is Pinot Noir. Oily fish and tannic reds have a tendency to clash, yet Pinot Noir usually contains lower tannins and can unite very favorably. For this type of dish, I would certainly recommend Irony from Monterey which has an abundance of cherry rich fruit and a very delicate texture. For those who are looking for a bit more depth and body with the same lushness of fruit, seek out Domaine Chandon from Carneros. Irony ranges in price from $14-17/Domaine Chandon ranges in price from $28-32 (current market prices)

Pesto Tortellini - Terrific for Summer Entertaining

2009-06-09T01:06:00.000-04:00

This dish is one of my all time favorites for quick and easy summer entertaining. This time of year means fresh garden basil is plentiful and cherry tomatoes are ripe and in season at the markets. You can make this delicious meal in 30 minutes. That means you can feed a hungry crowd a home cooked meal and still spend the day at the pool or on the beach! If you are so inclined, grill up some steak or chicken to accompany the tortellini, but with fresh bread and a nice wine it's perfect alone. A nice crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with the pesto.

Ingredients:

2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 small garlic clove, crushed with garlic press
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, each cut in half or into quarters if large

Directions:

1. In sauce pot, prepare tortellini in boiling water as label directs. Drain tortellini, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return tortellini to saucepot.

2. In blender, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and reserved pasta cooking water and blend until mixture is smooth, stopping blender occasionally and scraping down sides with rubber spatula.

3. Add basil mixture and tomatoes to tortellini; toss until evenly mixed.

4. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and pine nuts

Preparation Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
Serves 6

recipe adapted from http://www.barlowsrecipes.com

Sangria - Friday's Featured Cocktail

2009-06-04T21:49:00.006-04:00

Sangria is the perfect summer party punch. Make up a batch and enjoy with friends at any of your summer celebrations. Sangria is great with barbecued food, especially those that are spicy! Be adventurous and add in fruits that you like, try apple (make sure it has no wax), strawberries, peaches, etc... Here is a great recipe to get you started.

Recipe
makes 6 cups

Ingredients

1 orange, in wheels sliced thin
1 lemon, in wheels sliced thin
2 tablespoons fine granulated sugar
1 bottle chilled dry red wine
1/2 cup cognac
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 cup chilled seltzer or club soda
1/2 cup Blueberries
Ice cubes

Directions

Our red wine into a pitcher. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and orange wheels in to the red wine and then add the lemon and orange. Add sugar, cognac, Grand Marnier, and orange juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve add ice cubes, blueberries and stir in seltzer.

Who's Your Daddy? Father's Day Gift Ideas

2009-06-03T01:29:00.001-04:00

Father's Day is around the corner and Dad's these days really deserve a day of celebration and adulation. Every Dad has his own personality and finding the perfect gift for him can be challenging. Gifts.com has come up with a great way to organize their menu of amazing gifts. This year you can search the site by Dad personality and find gifts that match his special lifestyle.

Categories include gifts that would appeal to The Guy's Guy, The Geek, The Devoted Dad, The Achiever, The Adventurer, Field and Stream Dad, Metro Man, The Thinker, The Hipster and Country Clubber. I checked out the results for each Dad type and you should be able to find the perfect gift in your price range.

Gifts.com really is an easy way to find great gifts. Now that the site has filtered it's search function in even more detail for Father's Day it's a great option for finding the perfect gift at a great price too!

To shop Gifts.com Go>

Blueberry Crumble for Blueberry Season

2009-06-02T01:01:00.003-04:00

Image from http://www.findyourcraving.com

It's blueberry season and time to take advantage of the this great tasting, good for you, super food. Blueberries are on most food guru's top ten list and are usually the only food on the list you can use to make a delicious dessert - unless salmon or broccoli pie floats your boat. This dessert is one of my favorites and the recipe is great. It uses fresh blueberries, prep time is 30 minutes or less and doesn't take hours of baking. It meets my criteria of simple yet special. I hope you enjoy it!

Blueberry Crumble (recipe from whole foods)

Ingredients

6 cups blueberries
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2/3 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 1/2 tablespoons butter

Method

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse fruit and drain thoroughly. Put berries in a mixing bowl and add lemon juice and one tablespoon flour. Combine, and pour into a 10' pie plate. In a food processor, pulse together the remaining ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs ( or mix with your hands but it will take a bit longer) . Cover the berries with the topping and bake for thirty minutes until the top has browned and the fruit is bubbling. Serves 6. For a special touch, add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

It's Blueberry season so here are some tips:

Best used raw in fresh fruit desserts, salads, and smoothies.
Best cooked in cobblers, crisps, jams, muffins and pies.
Excellent source of vitamin C.
Good source of fiber.
Berries should be firm, plump, and fully colored.
Store at room temperature or refrigerate in a single layer.
Use within a day or two.
Wash when ready to use.

Make a Splash with Jones Soda Favors

2009-06-01T01:12:00.003-04:00

Make a splash with a favor that will be remembered long after the soda has been sipped!

Celebrate your special day with personalized soda from Jones Soda that both you and your guests will cherish. Simply choose from a selection of premium Jones Soda flavors, upload your photo or image onto the label, write a message for the back of the bottle, and in a few short weeks your personalized bottles will arrive ready to be enjoyed. I think these personalized beverages are great for graduations, weddings, birthdays, retirement parties and anniversaries. The bottles dress up and decorate party tables too and give you more bang for your buck! I love them for celebrating a milestone for a loved-one, they really make a statement.

Friday's Featured Cocktail - Blueberry Smash

2009-05-29T07:24:00.008-04:00

This cocktail is perfect for Blueberry Season. Elizabeth and I love cocktails made with fresh fruit and the combo of citrus, blueberry and mint is sheer bliss! Cheers to a wonderful weekend.
Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. citrus rum
fresh mint leaves
fresh blueberries
crushed ice

Garnish: blueberries

Muddle mint and blueberries, then add citrus rum and shake. Pour over crushed ice in a cocktail glass and garnish with blueberries. (Cocktail created by: 15 Ria at the Washington Terrace Hotel)

Key West Staycation Party

2009-05-26T11:56:00.012-04:00

If economic woes have you grounded this summer, host a Key West Staycation Party! Key West is the perfect location for a staycation "Come as You Are" Cocktail BBQ. Surprise your friends and family with a tropical twist on the typical barbeque. Treat them to the specialties of Key West where nothing is too important or pressing, except enjoying a cocktail (or two), kicking back, expressing yourself and experiencing the sunset. The free-wheeling attitude, tropical cocktails, Floribbean cuisine and Key West music are the perfect solution to the staycation blues. Encourage your guests to be creative and show their personality - live by the Key West motto, "come as you are." Turn the key to paradise and enjoy! Here are a few ideas to get you started. . .

THE LOOK

Orchids, Birds of Paradise, shells, bamboo disposable plates and forks, and lots of fruit especially limes are great for creating the look of an island get-away in your own backyard. Purple Orchids and limes look great together and create a real tropical atmosphere. Use them to create arrangements, garnish platters and decorate the dinning table. Tiki torches and candles are a must for when the sun goes down. They are the perfect mood enhancer.

THE FOOD

The Original Margarita
As Jimmy Buffett proclaims, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” Set up a cocktail port in the inlet of your island party to make it easy and convenient for your guests to enjoy the endless cocktail hour. Serve Fresh Margaritas!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. 100% blue agave plata Tequila
3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1-1/4 oz. Cointreau

Preparation:
Shake together all ingredients with fresh ice cubes in a cocktail shaker until well chilled, about a count of ten. Take one of the lime rinds and run it around the outside edge of a cocktail glass (Be careful to avoid the inside of the glass, or you’ll have salt in your drink.) Dip the edge of the glass into Kosher salt (iodized table salt just won’t work) so that half of the outside edge of the glass is coated. Strain the drink into the glass. You can also mix up a pitcher and serve in a rock glass with ice. This is much easier for a large crowd.

Conch Ceviche – Our Recipe for Key West Ambrosia
Conch is King in the Conch Republic that is Key West. Instead of an uninspiring salad, serve your guests Conch Ceviche, conch marinated in fresh key lime and lemon juice and loaded with lots of fresh produce and herbs. Serve it up in a shell and your guests will know they are eating in paradise. If you can not find Conch at your local seafood market, it is available year round through Fresh Choice Seafood. Serve the ceviche with some fresh Cuban bread if it is available in your area, if you you can order online at CubanFoodMarket.com

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Conch
8 Key Limes (regular limes are fine if you can’t purchase Key Lime)
4 Lemons
1 Tbl. White Vinegar
2 Garlic cloves
2 Bell Peppers (red and orange)
2 Jalapeno Peppers (if you choose a Serrano pepper, you’ll only need 1)
1 Bunch Scallions
8 On the Vine Tomatoes (if you use another tomato make sure it’s a juicy one)
½ cup finely chopped Cilantro
2 Mangoes
Olive Oil
Fresh Cracked White Pepper
Sea Salt

Preparation:

Partially thaw frozen conch and cut into small pieces (it’s easier to cut when slightly frozen), then finish thawing. When fully thawed, blanch the cut conch (boil for 1 minute, remove and plunge into bowl of ice water). This step is an optional precaution when serving seafood. In most island recipes for ceviche the raw seafood is cooked in the bath of citrus juice.

Place cut and blanched conch in large glass bowl (don’t use metal – it could give off a metallic taste) and set aside.

Squeeze the juice from 8 key limes and 4 lemons into a small bowl, remove any seeds, add 1 Tbl. white vinegar and 2 minced garlic cloves, whisk together and pour over cut conch. Cover and refrigerate while cutting produce.

Wash red and orange peppers, finely chop and place in second bowl.

Mince Jalapeno pepper (you can substitute a Serrano pepper instead for more heat if you have a spicy crowd coming) and add to peppers. (If you wear contacts, use rubber gloves when preparing hot peppers, the oil from the peppers stays on the skin and can be transferred to your contacts.)

Wash tomatoes, dice and place in third bowl.

Finely slice scallions and add to tomatoes.

Dice mango and add to tomatoes.

Drizzle olive oil over pepper and tomato mixtures, sprinkle sea salt and fresh cracked white pepper, add chopped fresh cilantro and gently mix both.

Let both mixtures sit on counter for ½ hour to marinate.

Add pepper mixture to marinated key lime conch and return to refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Let tomato mixture sit on counter to marinate.

Just before serving conch ceviche, mix in tomato mixture and let sit on counter for 15 mins.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Sunset Skewers – The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Evening
Once the sun has set and your guests have enjoyed their cocktails and cocktail tasting menu, offer them a refreshing bit of paradise with our Sunset Skewers. As an indulgence, we’ve added a Green Flash Dip to commemorate the elusive Green Flash that has been spotted by a few at a Key West sunset. This unusual sighting apparently can occur as the top of the sun dips below a low, clearly defined horizon, i.e., a large body of water, creating a bright green flash for a split second, appearing where sea meets sky.

Ingredients:

Wooden Skewers
1 Pineapple
2 Cantaloupes
5 Kiwi
2 – 1 lb. containers Strawberries
2 Containers Blackberries
1 Box Pistachio Pudding Instant Pudding Mix
1 Small tub frozen Cool Whip
Splash of Amaretto (optional)

Preparation:

Wash outside of pineapple and cantaloupes, cut into bite size pieces and set aside.
Peel and slice (not too thin) kiwi.
Wash blackberries (you can use red grapes also) and strawberries in a colander and let dry.
Using bamboo skewers, skewer the fruit in the following order to represent the Key West Sunset at Mallory Square: (starting with) blackberry or red grape (reddish/purple), strawberry (red), cantaloupe (orange), pineapple (yellow) and last, kiwi (green).
Arrange kebabs on a platter in an arc to simulate the sky at sunset.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Defrost frozen cool whip.
Prepare pistachio pudding according to directions and fold into cool whip.
Add a splash of Amaretto (optional).
Cover and refrigerate.

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is a local and national favorite. The tart flavor of the key lime, the sweet creaminess of the pie and the crunchy graham cracker crust satisfy many cravings in one bite. You can’t have a Key West party without Key Lime Pie! You can order Key Lime Pie from the Key Lime Pie Company in Key West Florida, they are hand made and shipped to your door!
You can’t have a Key West party without Key Lime Pie!

THE MUSIC

We have selected some great tunes for to get guests in the mood. See our private music mix on iTunes: Partybluprints Private Key West Mix

THE FAVOR

Margaritaville FINS UP Bracelet

The Fins Up bracelet program began in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. Initial proceeds of over $100,000 were sent to the Red Cross to assist in their efforts not only in New Orleans, but along the entire Gulf Coast.

Since that time, the proceeds of this bracelet has been used to benefit a variety of causes throughout the Florida Keys such as: Reef Relief, Monroe County Association for Retarded Citizens, Heron House, Exotic Bird Rescue, the Dolphin Research Center, Domestic Abuse Shelter, among others.

For the full Eparty Plan (electronic party plan) go to Partybluprints.com

Cakebox Cookies - Not just pretty on the outside!

2009-05-26T02:32:00.002-04:00

Once in a while you find a cookie that looks as good as it tastes. Cakebox cookies seems to have met this challenge ! The mission of Cakebox Cookies is to make the best tasting, prettiest cookie you've ever had. They specialize in cookie favors, which are individually wrapped and tied with ribbon, perfect for weddings, baby showers, birthdays and other events. The cookies are soft and thick with a hint of lemon in the icing. They are made thick enough to hold their shape, yet still delicate enough to melt in your mouth.

For those on a tight budget and who isn't these days, Cakebox Cookies are a simple and special party solution. Because these cookies are so pretty and colorful display them on a cake dish in the center of a table and they can double as a centerpiece and dessert or as a centerpiece and a take home favor!

To learn more visit Cakebox Cookies at their esty shop GO>

Dress Up Your Cupcake!

2009-05-26T01:38:00.000-04:00

Yummy Lollipop Cupcake Toppers - The TomKat Studio

Here is the perfect way to dress up cupcakes for parties. You can personalize them with a name, number or image. I love them for birthday parties. It's so much easier for kids to grab a cupcake then stand around while the cake is being cut. Cupcake toppers are also available for baby and wedding showers. Use the link above to see all available designs.

The Batch is Back!

2009-05-25T04:42:00.001-04:00

Just in time for your summer parties!

The people have spoken. After launching a one-week, limited edition flavor to recognize Sir Elton John’s first trip to Vermont and to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), Ben & Jerry’s has heard enough. Fans of Elton John’s music and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream literally sent hundreds of supportive e-mails and many more phone calls to Ben & Jerry’s Vermont headquarters calling for the return of the popular flavor.

“It’s been one of the most amazing things,” said Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield. “We’ve seen fans who’ve been excited before about a flavor and cool partnerships, but this has been something else.”

Undoubtedly, John’s decades of music making, multiple Grammy’s, an Academy Award, a Tony Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, and even knighthood from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has brought some considerable clout to the partnership.

“There was only one way we could honor Sir Elton in true Ben & Jerry’s fashion,” said Greenfield. The company produced a custom flavor consisting of ‘an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks.’ And the name -- Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road— is a play on one of Elton John’s most popular song titles.

"I am so grateful to Ben & Jerry’s for their commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and for extending the Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road ice cream flavor to a national audience," says Sir Elton John. "A portion of the proceeds generated from this project will help support the life-saving work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).”

The ice cream company, known as a global leader in social responsibility, has been flattered to work with Sir Elton and his Foundation. The partnership will focus on enhancing awareness of EJAF’s work, including cross promotion and a membership drive for EJAF. The Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road flavor will be available in a limited-batch on shelves of leading retailers from mid-May through summer 2009. The flavor is currently available in Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops nationwide, trumpeting another pun of one of Elton John’s famous songs, claiming “The Batch Is Back!”

The Batch Is Back! Ben & Jerry's teams with Elton John for a limited, national offering of Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road: "an outrageous symphony" of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle, and white chocolate chunks.

Memorial Day 101

2009-05-23T17:09:00.011-04:00

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Weekend

Scroll down for ideas and inspiriations on rocking the red, white and blue!

Simple and Special Salsa for the Holiday Weekend

2009-05-21T06:27:00.018-04:00

Turn simple chips and salsa special for the Holiday Weekend.

Mango Salsa & Red, White and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Mango Salsa – if you have access to fresh produce, this salsa is a refreshing way to enjoy produce from your local farmers! Recipe Serves 10-12

Ingredients:

8 plum tomatoes, diced
2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 jalapenos, finely minced
4 tsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh lime juice (3-4 limes)
salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:
Combine ingredients in glass or plastic bowl (do not use a metal bowl as it can taint the taste). Note: adjust amount of cilantro to your taste – it’s a very strong flavor and a little goes a long way. Gently stir, cover and allow salsa to “marinate” at room temperature for several hours. Serve with Red, White and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

Enjoy!

Activities for your Memorial Day Celebration!

2009-05-20T12:59:00.002-04:00

Welcome Activity: Have guests pick the name of a Historic American out of a hat. While enjoying a beverage, all guests will mingle asking the other guests yes/no questions to identify their person. When you serve dessert, have guests write down the name of their American next to their name.

Ongoing Activity: Cover the kids’ tables (or activity table) with white butcher paper. Create kids’ centerpieces using galvanized buckets filled with crayons, markers and stickers. Put out other fun craft supplies along with red, white and blue construction paper. Ask everyone, even the adults to write a letter or make a card for a soldier. The following day pack up the letters and cards in a large envelope and send overseas. Here are some tips on how to send: Go> http://www.penpalsforsoldiers.org

Also check out: http://www.joeonthemove.com/

Post Dinner/Dessert Activity: Chances are, the kids will be finished with dinner and dessert long before the adults. When the kids start getting restless or need to release some “sugar” energy from dessert, organize a parade. Play some patriotic music, give the kids pinwheels, flags and some instruments (drums, kazoos, and bells) and send them marching. Who doesn’t love a parade! Sparklers are also great fun when it gets dark – but be safe!

Beer Cooler Cocktail - Perfect for the Holiday Weekend!

2009-05-20T11:19:00.000-04:00

Years ago, it was commonplace to find people sipping lemonade and shooting the breeze on their front porch or in the yard on a summer day. Our version of a nice tall cold one is more than lemonade, we’re all about kicking back with friends and family and sharing some good times while cooling off with a cocktail. We appreciate that for many it’s not a summer celebration without beer (summer patriotic holidays account for the highest sale of beer), but we wanted to incorporate the spirit of sharing a nice cold old fashioned lemonade - so we married the two for the perfect picnic “cooler”.

This twist on an old fashioned drink is a great way to cool off guests and get them in the mood to kick back and shoot the breeze.

FYI: For those interested in a non-alcoholic beverage, add some seltzer instead of tequila and beer.

Beer Cocktail Cooler (Makes 1 Cocktail)

Ingredients:

1 ½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. simple syrup (you can substitute agave nectar, try ½- ¾ tsp.)
1 oz. tequila
5 oz. American brewed beer

Preparation:

Make simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat on medium heat until sugar dissolves. Cool, pour into container and refrigerate. (*Note, if you substitute agave nectar for simple syrup, skip previous steps and start here.)

Juice lemons and limes. Add ice, citrus juices, simple syrup (agave nectar) and tequila to cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour into beer mug or cooler glass filled with ice. Add beer and stir.

Serve with lemon wheel and straw.

Optional: Prepare citrus concentrate ahead of party by combining citrus juices and simple syrup (agave nectar). When ready to serve, pour over ice, add tequila, beer and straw; stir and serve.

ABC's of Outdoor Entertaining

2009-05-20T09:15:00.004-04:00

Make your party easy as A, B, C!

• Keep Your Guests Comfortable & Clean:

A. Banish the bugs – 1 hour before guests arrive, light bug bomb and citronella candles.
Set out individual bug spray wipes and/or spray for guests' convenient use.

B. It’s a picnic, so while you’re “roughing” it, offer your guests the opportunity to “wash
up” with wipes and/or hand sanitizer – a must have at a picnic!

C. Give your guests a place to kick back: Provide plenty of clean and comfortable seating
(chairs, blankets, benches, etc.) For the kids: arrange 1 or 2 blankets strictly for
eating (when they’re done or if they spill, simply fold them up and wash them later.
Reserve one blanket for the kids to play and relax after eating.

• Keep Waste to a Minimum:

A. Mark your beverages. Use ClinQ™s , these clever peel off stickers adhere your to drink
(whether it’s a glass, bottle, disposable cup or plastic bottle). Each has a different symbol so you can identify your drink from the rest. This avoids waste as guests inevitably forget where they set their drink – all they have to do is remember their symbol.

B. Put out a recycling bin for empties.

C. Use renewable dinnerware or acrylic dishware and cloth napkins (for fun, you can purchase flag bandanas and use them as napkins).

• Keep it Cool & Wet:

A. Ice, Ice and more Ice: There’s nothing worse than lukewarm or hot beverages on a hot day. Make sure you have more than enough ice to continually replenish the supply. General rule of thumb is 2 lbs. of ice per person.

B. Hydrate your guests: Have plenty of non alcoholic beverages on hand - make sure to consider all your guests: adults, children, elderly.

C. If your yard offers no shade, create some with a few umbrellas. You can also purchase a fan or two that mists while it cools – now that’s cool!

• Keep it Healthy

A. Use Vinegarette, not Mayonnaise to dress salads - mayo can spoil quickly when temperatures are soaring.

B. Don’t set up your buffet table in the direct sunlight; use either natural shade or an umbrella as a buffer. Don’t leave food out on buffet table longer than necessary - follow safety guidelines.

C. For those sun lovers who forgot to put lotion on at home, put out some spray suntan lotion for easy and convenient protection from the sun.

• Keep it American:

A. Fly the American Flag: If you don’t have an American flag (or yours needs to be replaced), have one delivered to your front door, http://www.americanflags.com/americanflags.html.

B. If you’re replacing your flag, here’s an alternative to burning your old flag, recycle it. Learn how at http://www.americanflagdisposal.com/.

C. Pay tribute to a local soldier’s family: Leave a basket of flowers or treats tied with a yellow ribbon on a soldier’s family’s front step to let them know you appreciate their sacrifice. If you don’t know of a family, tie a yellow ribbon around your tree in honor of all the men and women serving our country. Send your guests home with precut yellow ribbons so they can spread the support!

FREE Eguide - Download a 19 Page Patriotic Party Plan

2009-05-20T08:17:00.002-04:00

Proudly share your patriotic spirit this summer with our FREE 19 Page Eguide. There are three opportunities to rock the red, white and blue this summer:

Memorial Day,
Fourth of July and
Labor Day.

Pick one to party like a patriot. Pay tribute to America, gather your friends and family for an old fashioned day of fun. The Partybluprints Americana Patriotic Picnic Eguide is the perfect way to get the red, white and blue flowing through everyone's veins and straight to their hearts. It includes menu, recipes, cocktail, activities, favors, music, step-by-step instructions, shopping list and more!

In the pursuit of happiness, we offer easy DIY tips and convenient links to BUY the party products you need. Since we believe that all men and women are created equal, no one should be stuck in the kitchen this summer - ease your workload and get some help (compliments of Partybluprints.com), prepare everything ahead of time and enjoy the party with your guests!

Get Started Now - You can download and save on your Party Planning!
Download FREE Partybluprints Eparty Plan>

It's "Dove" Love!

2009-05-16T09:52:00.008-04:00

Who doesn't love Tiramisu and this one takes the cake by not being one. Served in a Martini glass, this Tiramisu recipes goes glam and makes a great presentation for parties. It's a simple yet special dessert!

Ingredients

2 DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD) Chef Series Dark Chocolate bars - chopped small,
1 cup heavy cream,
½ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese,
½ cup strong black coffee or espresso,
2 ounces (shots) coffee-flavored liqueur,
1 package lady fingers (approximately 10),
1 additional DCD Dark Chef Series Bar for shaving,
DCD Aztec Dusting Powder (optional),
sliced strawberries or whole raspberries for garnish

Preparation
1. Place chopped chocolate into a medium bowl.
2. In a small pan, heat heavy cream over medium heat and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Immediately pour hot cream over the chocolate; let the mixture sit for 1 minute. Whisk chocolate and cream together until smooth, and then whisk in the mascarpone. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
4. Remove mixture from the refrigerator and whip until fluffy and slightly stiffened (be careful not to overwhip).
5. Combine the espresso and liqueur, and pour mixture into a small, shallow dish.
6. Drop one ladyfinger into the mixture and quickly flip it over and remove. Line a martini glass with 5 soaked lady fingers, letting the cakes overlap a bit at the stem. Press the cakes slightly to fit the lines of the glass.
7. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers.
8. Spoon the chocolate mascarpone mixture into the glasses.
9. Using the dessert decorator, shave Chef Series Dark Chocolate over each glass, or sprinkle with the Aztec Dusting Powder.
10. Garnish with berries, and serve.

To find more great recipes go to Dove Chocolate Discoveries

Partybluprints asks the Countess

2009-05-15T12:05:00.025-04:00

We recently asked Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (Bravo TV's Real Housewives of New York) her Do's and Don'ts for being a Party Guest? Please see her answer below. Thanks to the Countess for sharing with us and featuring our blog and question and her Bravo TV page! Do's and Don'ts From The Countess

Bring gift hostess
Offer to help
Help the hostess keeping conversation alive and engaging
Make a toast to your hostess
Tell good jokes

Don't

Bring food as a gift that might not complement what she has organized
Drink too much
Monopolize the conversation
Stack plates at the table to be helpful
Tell racist jokes

Here are our own Partybluprints Rules when it's your turn to be the guest.

The most important thing you can do as a guest to show your gratitude is to be fully present at a party and take time to enjoy and appreciate the gifts your host(ess) has bestowed on you.

Make note of her/his special touches and send a personal note of thanks after the party. You can also express your gratitude to your host or hostess by selecting a special token of appreciation.

Send flowers the day before the party. In the midst of preparations, it is a treat to receive a beautiful arrangement that says, "we're excited and grateful to be with you tomorrow".

Or call ahead to say thank you in advance and that you'll bring dessert. Better yet, have dessert sent directly to the host so they can plate it in advance of the guests' arrival - it's one less thing to deal with when planning a party.

For more visit Class with the Countess

Friday's Featured Cocktail - English Breakfast

2009-05-15T08:02:00.009-04:00

"Gin is In" as Bulldog Gin ushers in ‘The Summer of Love '09’ with a series of specially commissioned aphrodisiac cocktails created by leading US mixologist Somer Perez. The partnership has resulted in a series of eight aptly titled cocktails with inspiration taken from Bulldog’s unique blend of twelve exotic botanicals, including the natural aphrodisiac Dragon Eye.

Below is my favorite as it is delicious and contains super fruits like acai and blueberry!

English Breakfast

Ingredients:

4 Orange Slices (rind removed)
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
6 Blueberries
1/2 oz. Lime Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Acai Juice
1 1/2 oz. Bulldog Gin

Directions:

In a mixing glass, muddle the orange slices, blueberries, and simple syrup.
Add all other ingredients.
Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a spiralled orange peel.

For more recipes >

Strawberry Season Dessert Idea!

2009-05-13T14:11:00.028-04:00

Strawberry Season is here! If you have not had the opportunity to shop your local farmer's market recently, make the effort, as strawberries (and blueberries) will be available now through the summer months! Take advantage of the season and use strawberries for entertaining. Here is a delicious dessert idea that is easy - you don't even need to turn on your oven. Top this No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and you will go from simple to special. It makes a great treat for Memorial Day, Father's Day, Graduation Parties and your summer birthday celebrations.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Makes 8 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerate: 3 hours

Ingredients

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons McCormick® Imitation Strawberry Extract
1 tub (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 prepared vanilla crumb crust (6 ounces)

Directions
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon into crust.

2. Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. Garnish with lots of fresh strawberries.

Check out the McCormick website for more wonderful recipes.

The Adult Sippy Cup - SIPATINIZ !

2009-05-12T03:26:00.013-04:00

Are SIPATINIZ™ the next big thing? The Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource, recently thought so and announced SIPATINIZ™ as “The Next Big Thing” winner –. “The Next Big Thing” is a national search for the best new products.

Whether you think so or not, I will tell you this unique product idea begins with worry-free entertainment in mind and the glass can be used for nearly every drink imaginable. A big plus, the spill-proof design still allows for a garnish which is a necessity for party cocktails.

Sipping from a Martini glass, while enjoying food and conversation at a cocktail party takes concentration and that takes away from enjoyment. Any product that puts more fun in a party, makes a fan out of me! I may reserve my "Next Big Thing" title for a robotic server that can clean up after all my parties, but I will say SIPATINIZ™ is a product idea whose time has come!

SIPATINIZ™ are individually hand blown glasses, a unique form of art and are $ 74.99 for a set of 4.

Graduation Ideas! Candy Cup Caps

2009-05-10T20:12:00.005-04:00

Bakerella should finish top of the class for this great graduation party treat! It's simple, special and I haven't seen it yet! For instructions on how to create you own "Candy Cup Caps" visit the Bakerella Blog and while you're there check out the archives for cute, clever and creative ideas for any celebration!

2009-05-10T08:28:00.000-04:00

Friday's Featured Cocktail - Sgropino

2009-05-08T01:37:00.000-04:00

The Sgropini is a perfect way to cheer Mom this Mother's Day!

Mama Mia this Italian cocktail is delizioso! It's tart, creamy and makes the perfect aperitif or dessert. Either way you decide to go, if you want to show Mom you love her, make her one for Mother's Day. If you are the Mom and you want one, send this link to the person in charge of your Mother's Day celebration. It's a simple request, you deserve it and you'll love it!

Sgropino

One scoop lemon sorbet
One scoop vanilla gelato
An ounce of Limoncello
2 ounces Prosecco

Mix ingredients in a blender until creamy. Serve in champagne flute.
Recipe from Del Posto

Who's Your Mommy?

2009-05-07T06:14:00.009-04:00

Moms have their own personality and finding the perfect gift for her can be challenging. Gifts.com has come up with a great way to organize their menu of amazing gifts. This year you can search the site by Mom personality and find gifts that match her special lifestyle.

Categories include gifts that would appeal to Super Mom, Hipster Mom, Domestic Diva, the Frugalista, the Achiever, Trendanista, Natural Woman, the Urban Sophisticate, the Thinker, Adventurer and Country Clubber. I checked out the results for each Mom type and you should be able to find the perfect gift in your price range.

In addition, you can celebrate your Star Mom by selecting a celebrity Mom like Michele Obama (there are 6 to choose from), then peruse gifts that would appeal her star qualities. This is just another fun way to search.

Gifts.com really is an easy way to find great gifts. Now that the site has filtered it's search function in even more detail for Mother's Day it's a great option for finding the perfect gift at a great price too!

To shop Gifts.com Go>

Tissue Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

2009-05-06T01:00:00.008-04:00

image from http://velvetstrawberries.typepad.com/

Making Tissue Paper Flowers is a fun activity for the kids. This Mother's Day, engage your little ones or even big ones by making a bouquet or centerpiece for Mother's Day. It is important for kids to feel like they have participated and have a gift for Mom. Buy tissue paper and pipe cleaners and make your own or try these from Martha Stewart below (recommended for older kids and fun for adults too!) The results are beautiful and they last a lot longer than real flowers!

Paper Flower Bouquet by Martha Stewart available at WalMart

Peony crepe paper bouquet
Grosgrain ribbon handle
Gem-tipped wire inserts
Flower petals can be gently stretched to create a fuller bouquet
Can be carried, tossed or displayed on the bridal table

Tissue Paper Flowers Kit by Martha Stewart available at WalMart

Create lifelike tissue paper flowers using this kit. Use as centerpieces, bridal bouquets, favor box toppers or fancy napkin rings.

Create lifelike tissue paper flowers with this kit
Use as centerpieces, bridal bouquets, favor box toppers or fancy napkin ring
Easy-to-follow instructions

For the little ones here are some instructions from: Kids National Geographic

YOU WILL NEED

Tissue paper
Pipe cleaner
Optional: Scissors

HERE'S HOW:

1. Place four to six pieces of tissue paper on a hard surface.

2. Fold all of the pieces together like an accordion.

3. Tie the center of the folded paper with a pipe cleaner.

4. Gently pull each piece of paper towards the top center of the flower, separating each sheet of paper from the others and forming the petals of the flower.

5. Repeat steps one through four to create more flowers.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-05-05T01:01:00.004-04:00

Here is a great recipe from Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice . This one is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, plus it's on Elizabeth's list of "got to make soon" dinners! Visit the Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice Blog for more wonderful recipes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
(adapted from Foods and Flavors of San Antonio by
Gloria Chadwick, page 62)

Ingredients:

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons Canola oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
4 cups chicken broth
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, including juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 6" corn tortillas
1 cup shredded sharp white or yellow cheddar
lime slices, avocado, and sour cream for serving

Directions:

Season your chicken breast with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lime juice. Grill until cooked through. Set aside to cool.

In a deep, large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan saute your onion in Canola oil until soft and translucent low-medium heat. Add garlic, cumin, and chile powder, saute for 3 or 4 more minutes.

Shred chicken breast using your hands or two forks. Add to pan with broth, tomatoes, cilantro, and oregano.

Dice four of the tortillas and add them to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

While the soup is simmering cut your remaining six tortillas in half and then into 1/2" wide strips. Place them on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with baking spray and spray and lightly spray the tops of them. Bake on 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.

Serve soups with the cheddar, tortilla strips, lime slices, avocado and sour cream.

The Green Goddess of Vegetables

2009-05-04T15:22:00.002-04:00

Asparagus Season is Here! We wait all year for the glorious arrival of asparagus season. If you're intimidated by this green goddess of a vegetable, don't be. Here's a no fail method to quickly and easily prepare the most mouth watering delectable asparagus you've ever had and it only takes 15 minutes, start to fork!

How to Roast Asparagus:

Upon purchasing your asparagus, place the bunch stem down in a glass/container of water and refrigerate, you can leave it refrigerated for 3-4 days.
When ready to prepare, wash thoroughly and dry.
Asparagus have a built in mechanism to determine what part of the stalk is waste. Hold the asparagus stalk by the end of the stem and place the other hand mid-way on the stem. Simply snap the stem and discard the lower portion.
Once you've completed this quick process with all asparagus, place on cutting board and cut into bite size pieces.
Place asparagus in gallon ziploc bag, add 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Close bag and shake thoroughly coating asparagus. Set to the side for up to 1 hour.
Place top rack close to top of oven and preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Empty contents of ziploc onto 13" x 9" baking sheet and roast in oven for 8-10 minutes (don't overcook).
Serve as an appetizer, vegetable side or main course atop a grain or pasta. I've mixed it into brown rice and risotto - delicious! The first 2 times I cooked this up, I ate it like candy while preparing the rest of dinner (whoops!)

*Note: I picked up some green beans and sugar snap peas the other day and roasted them along with my asparagus and then tossed in some sliced almonds. Alone or mixed up, enjoy fresh asparagus while it's here.

FREE Mother's Day Eguide!!!

2009-05-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

Although it's "technically" not your husband's responsibility to make your day on Mother's Day, because you're not his mother...this duty falls to him as the children need an adult to lead the charge. As many of you may or may not agree, some Dads are not natural born mind readers or "sensitive" as to what a mother needs or wants on her special day. I believe all fathers are truly in awe of the woman who gave birth to his child(ren) and whose dedication and love of mothering is endless. Although he feels this, sometimes the expression falls short and the last minute reservations at the local diner or box of doughnuts for breakfast falls short of the tribute a mother deserves.

In the best interest of your husband and yourself, don't place this huge responsibility on his shoulders. Set him up for success and save yourself from disappointment. There's nothing wrong with sharing with your man some direction on how you would like to be treated like a Queen on Mother's Day, and, yes, he may need a detailed plan. Of course, if you plan it yourself, that takes a bit of pleasure out of the day.

Download Plan>

So on this Mother's Day, Partybluprints.com is giving all Mothers a gift, a game plan to pass on to Dad - all he needs to do is follow the step-by-step guide for a day fit for a Queen. He'll feel great about treating you to a day you truly deserve and as the Queen Bee, you'll feel honored. So all you have to do is slip this plan to your man with a not so subtle message that this is what you want for Mother's Day. Spell it out ladies - men will readily admit that not only aren't they mind readers, but subtlely is lost on them - just tell them what you want, we're here to help you. Simply download our FREE Eguide and give it to good old Dad. Trust us, what man doesn't appreciate executing a plan.

Earth Day Giveaway Winners!

2009-05-04T06:38:00.018-04:00

Today we are announcing the Winners of the Earth Day Giveaway! We asked readers to leave a Green Tip as a comment. All entries had to be "clean", positive and posted in the spirit of the Partybluprints.com Earth Day Giveaway. We were looking for practical ways to make changes in our everyday life that positively affect our Earth, our families and the way we live. We got great tips and it was really hard to pick only three winners.

MadMad59 gave us lots of tips but these two were really great. The first is easy to do! It's not only green, it helps keep us healthy and makes our homes look good too! We loved it . The second is something we should all do - it's a "Green No-Brainer" that most people probably don't put into practice.

Tips from madmad59 :

Superhero Plants Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don't have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

Lighten Up When incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with longer-lasting, low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out.

Cheers to Melissa from Multi-Tasing Mama, we loved her tip because it is something we do almost everyday and it can be put into practice easily with no extra cost. Her tip can also be expanded on. Always cover your pans with lids when cooking - Keeping the lid on your pans when cooking saves energy allowing you to turn the plate or gas ring down. Keeps your bills down too.

Tips from Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama

We are focusing on "greening" our family this year ad decreasing our consumerism. One tip I incorporated right away (because it saved me time and is green) is to boil water in a tea kettle and then transfer to a pot (when making spaghetti, etc). The water boils faster thus using less energy (and the whole watchpot never boils thing is avoided :-)

We chose this tip because not only are plastic water bottles bad for the environment they can be bad for you! Here is the lastest John Hopkins Health News Report I could find on the subject. If you find a more recent release from a reliable source please let us know.

Tip from melissa chapman

Get rid of your plastic water bottle addiction!! Get a PUR water filter-RECYCLE EVERYTHING...your local grocery store may take any plastic wraps, packaging and recycle them-- I do it- you would not believe how many things are wrapped in plastic!

Friday's Featured Cocktail: Mango-tini

2009-05-01T02:39:00.002-04:00

Photo by Mark A. Vargas

Mangos are the perfect base for a Spring Cocktail. Whether you're celebrating May Day on Friday or Cinco de Mayo this weekend, try mixing up one of these. I bet you'll agree it tastes great and puts thoughts of summer in your head. A bonus with this recipe is that you can make more than one at a time, so invite some friends to share.

Mango Martini Recipe

Ingredients

Ice
7 ounces vodka
1- ounce vermouth
1/2 cup mango puree

Directions

To a martini pitcher add ice, vodka, vermouth, mango puree - stir.
Strain into martini glasses.

Foot Note: Mango puree can be hard to find depending on where you live: Here is a delicious online option.

Order online

Mango for Mexican Holidays

2009-04-30T04:46:00.000-04:00

When most people think of Mexican Holidays they think of Cinco De Mayo. However, my friends from Mexico tell me that Cinco de Mayo is more popular here in the States than in Mexico and has turned into a "cervaza drinking holiday" due to promotions by US beer and liquor companies.

They also tell me that May 1st, is a much more widely celebrated holiday in Mexico than May 5th. It is Día del Trabajo or Mexico's Labour Day which commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886.

Here is a great idea for enjoying an authentic Mexican treat over the next few days whether it's Cinco De Mayo or Día del Trabajo.

Mango Skewers
This is a twist on an authentic Mexican treat you will see sold in the streets in Mexico. In Mexico, street vendors cut Mangoes into beautiful flowers and put them on a sticks - I found this cumbersome especially if you don't use the right variety of Mango. But give it a try I found a picture above to give a good visual. Just as delicious and much simpler is to cut wedges and skewer them on a stick like a kabob. Make up a bunch and put them out with fresh lime juice, chili powder and course salt. Try the Mango sprinkled with these condiments - the combination of sweet, salty and spicy is truly a Mexican delight!

May Day Surprise!

2009-04-29T10:53:00.005-04:00

Image Credits: SkipToMyLou.org MeeganBlue.com

For centuries, May Day, May 1st, has been celebrated by many cultures around the world through many different traditions. You may have heard of a Maypole, well, its' big day was May Day. People would gather on May Day and dance around the Maypole, which was decorated with long ribbons.

Since I'm not about to erect a Maypole to celebrate May Day, I chose another beautiful and equally festive tradition to honor the day which celebrates the beauty and excitement of spring. Our tradition is to make May Day Baskets/Tussie Mussies that can be hung on a door knob. The idea is to create a sweet bouquet of spring flowers, place them in a basket or decorated paper cone (Tussie Mussie), and leave them for a neighbor to say "Happy Spring". Tradition requires good ole fashioned "ringing and running" so your beautiful gesture is anonymous. Maybe the recipient will be inspired to pass it on. Regardless, you will undoubtedly brighten someone's day. Make sure to tie a tag on the basket wishing the recipient "Happy May Day"!

If you don't have any small baskets, it's fun to make paper cones, decorate and fill with a few flowers and ta-da, you have yourself a modern day Tussie Mussie. You can use scrapbook paper, wallpaper, or card stock to construct your paper cone. Then decorate it with ribbons, bling, pom poms, whatever fun decorations you have in stock. One essential component before filling the cone with flowers is to punch 2 holes on either side at the mouth of the cone. Use these holes to tie the ends of your ribbon, providing a means to hang your May Day Tussie Mussie on the doorknob. Make a "Happy May Day" tag and tie it on the basket/cone, but don't sign it, remember this gift is anonymous! Have fun.

Do The Derby At Home

2009-04-28T01:04:00.000-04:00

And they're off! Together these words start what has come to be known as the most exciting two minutes in sports. Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 will mark the 135th "run for the roses". The Kentucky Derby is the perfect time to gather family and friends for some fun. Host a party but keep it simple by inviting guests over to enjoy the race and a cocktail, 2 hours is perfect. Make it special by serving Mint Juleps, the mandatory Derby cocktail and some traditional Derby snacks. Encourage your guests to don a hat, it will add to the fun and festivity. Check out our tips below and this one is a no-brainer for an exciting and enjoyable afternoon!

When to Watch:
Coverage of the race begins on Saturday, May 2, 2009 on NBC Television at 5 PM ET with post time approx. 6:04 PM. ET.

The race itself will be part of a three-hour show from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. EST Saturday, May 2 airing on the NBC network, but Derby segments can be seen on the Today show. The show will air live from Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, and on Derby Day. Also, the network’s Access Hollywood show will air Kentucky Derby-related segments in the week leading up to the race.

The NBC-owned Bravo network checks in with promos for the race featuring personalities from its Real Housewives and Top Chef shows all week as well. In addition, CNBC will air its documentary "Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing" Thursday, April 30 at 9 p.m. EST with a repeat at 1 a.m. and additional airings Saturday, May 2--Monday, May 4. Bravo will televise the Kentucky Oaks from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. EST.

Cocktail:

Early Times Mint Julep
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Derby Snack:

Benedictine Sandwich

2 pkg. cream cheese (3 oz. size)
Grated pulp of 1 med. peeled cucumber
1 sm. grated onion
1/4 tsp. salt
Mayonnaise
2-3 drops green food coloring
Dash of Tabasco
1 loaf Pepperidge Farm thin white bread

Mash the cheese with a fork. Work into them the cucumber pulp, first extracting the juice by placing the pulp in a napkin and squeezing it fairly dry.

Add the onion, Tabasco, salt and enough mayonnaise to make a smooth filling, easily spread. Last of all, add the green food coloring - just enough to give a faint green tinge, for too much will look unappetizing.

Cut the crusts off bread and cut each slice into fourths. Spread with Benedictine Spread. Yield: 50 servings.

Recipe Credit: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1744,149173-237203,00.html

Derby Dessert:

Order up a Derby Pie to be delivered to your party. A True Kentucky favorite. Derby-Pie® has been a southern tradition for more than 40 years and is made from a secret family recipe. Learn more>

Flowers:

The Kentucky Derby is also known as the "run for the roses", therefore roses will make a perfect choice for a small arrangement for your party. If you buy a dozen you can make up a few small arrangements. Use a silver cup or vase if you have it.

Invitations:
Create your own online invitaiton: Go

Music:
Official Derby Party Playlist CD

Cherries From Heaven!

2009-04-27T09:06:00.025-04:00

The blooming of Cherry Trees has come to symbolize spring in many parts of the country and there are festivals in Japan, California, Brooklyn and Georgia to name a few. One of the most famous celebrations is in Washington, DC. The Cherry Tree was a gift from Japan in 1912 and has since come to signal Washington’s rite of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms. Thousands of city residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world come to witness the spectacle, hoping that the trees will be at the peak of bloom for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

In Washington, DC the blooms usually appear around the 1st few days of April, here in the NY area we see them now! They are so beautiful and delicate only lasting 4 - 10 days if you are lucky. Rain, wind or high temperatures like we are experience now shorten the bloom period considerably. That is why I just had to take a few snips from my Cherry Trees to bring inside. I want to enjoy their beauty as much as I can as it's a fleeting moment.

If you are lucky enough to have a tree or live by one that you can enjoy, please do. If you can, take a few small ends of branches to enjoy inside. It's a guilty pleasure!

I grew up with a Cherry Tree on my front lawn so its bloom has always symbolized spring to me. Every Easter, my father would take a picture of my sisters and I in our MaryJanes and bonnets in front of the tree. I think of all those happy times when I look at one in bloom. Here is one of the trees in my backyard now. They are in full bloom and are spectacular - the picture doesn't do it justice. On the ground below are hundreds of pale pink petals, reminding me that in a few days they will all be gone.

I put together this bouquet to enjoy inside as well. I chose a tea pot as a fitting reminder that all Cherry Trees come from Japan. I will think of my Dad when I look at it and enjoy my Cherries from Heaven!

Friday's Featured Cocktail: Samba Juice

2009-04-24T07:47:00.013-04:00

Although acai isn’t sold in the United States because it quickly spoils, it is served and sipped at SUSHISAMBA, one of the hottest restaurants in New York City, Miami, Chicago, Tel Aviv, and Las Vegas. SUSHISAMBA is known for their unique menu that draws on the cuisines of Brazil, Peru, and Japan for inspiration. Its most popular cocktail is the Latin-influenced Samba Juice, a cocktail made with fresh acai puree. It claims to be great for you on many levels! If you don't live near one of the citys that hosts a SUSHISAMBA, try to mix one up for yourself. Here is the recipe ... Let us know how you make out!

Samba Juice Recipe

Ingredients
1 oz Raspberry rum
1/2 oz Watermelon rum
1 oz Açaí puree
½ oz Passion fruit puree
½ oz Crème de bananes
1 oz Guava juice
1 Sliced star fruit

Directions
Combine all the ingredients, then shake. Pour drink into a wine glass and garnish with sliced star fruit.

A Gift from Mother Earth during Earth Week

2009-04-23T07:33:00.013-04:00

It's amazing how nature is blossoming in technicolor during Earth Week in the Northeast. Everywhere you go, you are greeted by billowy pillows of white, pink and yellow blossoms bursting from the trees. Overnight buds have burst into breathtaking color.

After a few days of rain, everything is greener, the grass, buds, bushes and trees. Petals dot the landscape, I am saddened knowing this beauty is fleeting, but just as it will leave, nature will bring other gifts.

There is something so exciting and fresh about this time of year. Although I've experienced "the springing of spring" every year of my life, I still can't get over how awesome it is. Out of nowhere, tiny buds unfurl leaves and blossoms, plants of all colors and sizes poke their head out of the ground - new growth, fresh and pure.

During Earth Week, I have taken time to stop and really observe nature and all its' wonders, the reward is great. Everyday there are changes to observe and marvel over. So if you live in the Northeast, take a walk around your yard or neighborhood and really look at the beauty that is outside your door - it's fleeting, so don't miss it! After all, this is one of the many benefits of living in the NE - the payoff after a long cold winter and rainy spring, it truly is a gift.

Take a few minutes and share with us what nature's up to in your corner of the world. Once you really appreciate this gift, you may find yourself more committed to making the time and effort to give Mother Earth more TLC. For more inspiration, enjoy the posts and comments below.

Elizabeth

Partybluprints.com EARTH DAY GIVEAWAY

2009-04-23T04:28:00.001-04:00

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Description of Prizes:

	FIRST PRIZE gold dipped it's a wonderful world necklace with earth charm - 18 inch : Do... $58.00 - dogeared.com
	SECOND PRIZE wish big glass soy candle- fire it up! : Dogeared Jewels and Gifts $42.00 - dogeared.com
	THIRD PRIZE listen to your mother reusable tote bag : Dogeared Jewels and Gifts $27.00 - dogeared.com

Partybluprints.com is rallying the troops this Earth Day and asking you to join us! Honor our Earth this week (Earth Day is April 22nd) by sharing your best Eco-Friendly Tip and your tip will be entered in our Partybluprints.com Earth Day Giveaway. Our hope is that you reap the benefits of our collective experiences and find at least one tip you're inspired to make a part of your lifestyle.

We're excited for our 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners - their prizes are a joy to use every day and serve as a reminder to treat our Earth to some well deserved TLC. Check back throughout the next 7 days and be inspired by others' comments as we all do our part to love and respect our Earth.

To enter The Partybluprints.com Earth Day Giveaway:

1. Post a comment on this blog post giving your best Eco-Friendly Tip for making your life a little "greener" starting today through April 26th. Include some type of contact information with your tip.

2. All entries must be "clean", positive and posted in the spirit of The Partybluprints.com Earth Day Giveaway. We're looking for practical ways to make changes in our everyday life that positively affect our Earth, our families and the way we live.

3. Small or large, all efforts make a difference and serve as inspiration to our children, friends and family. One change Elizabeth's family is making is saying goodbye to cases of bottled water and using reusable, 100% recyclable water bottles. This includes lunchboxes, sports, etc. - it's an investment (time, effort and money), but the payoff, waste reduction, is significant!

4. Our favorite three tips will be the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Partybluprints.com Earth Day Giveaway. Winners will be posted in our May 4th blog post.

5. All entries will be posted on Partybluprints.com and RecycleHangerBags.com. Your entry/comment gives us permission to repost your tip.

For inspiration and ideas on "being green" and "saving green" see below posts and get those "green" creative juices flowing! Cheers to Mother Earth.

Happy Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T07:22:00.006-04:00

Enjoy your day and our beautiful planet. Show Mother Earth some love today and see our Earth Day Giveaway below! Leave a tip and enter to win a great prize . Plus scroll down for tips on green entertaining, deals and discounts and our cool green product picks . . .

Earth Day Special

2009-04-20T21:28:00.005-04:00

Tees For Change made our "Give Green - Save Green" Holiday Hot List and we still love them for spring! Enter EARTHDAY in the coupon field and receive 20% off your entire order through April 26th.

View Tees >

A rainbow for you!

2009-04-20T09:13:00.005-04:00

In honor o Earth Week I wanted to share this beautiful rainbow with you. Saw it and snapped it last night after a big storm. Happy almost Earth Day.

Dawn

Sunday Only - "Green" Savings Promos

2009-04-17T09:54:00.006-04:00

Kick off Earth Week by making a few small changes while enjoying some real "green" savings. (For more ideas, check out our Earth Day Giveaway!)

1. If you're interesting in trying our #2 tip (see 4/16/09 post), Home Depot is advertising a special for today, 4/19/09, only - BOGO Free Assorted 4" & 5" Bonnie Veggie and Herb Peat Pots (Tomato, Oregano and Basil Varieties).

2. Home Depot is also giving away 1 million FREE Ecosmart CFL Bulbs (they'll recycle your old CFL bulbs, so bring them along and simply drop them in the marked recycling receptable).
Although these 2 offers don't specify exclusion of any locations, if you're making the trip just for these offers, call ahead to make sure your Home Depot store is running these promotions and hasn't run out of supply. Home Depot 4/19/09 offer.

3. Target is celebrating the 1st day of Earth Week by giving away 1 million reusable bags with a purchase today, 4/19/09. Again, although this offer doesn't specify exclusion of any locations, if you're making the trip just for these offers, call ahead to make sure your Target store is running this promotion and hasn't run out of bags. Target 4/19/09 offer.

Happy Earth Week!

Top 5 "Respect our Earth Entertaining Tips".

2009-04-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

In honor of Earth Day...

Partybluprints.com's Top 5 "Respect our Earth Entertaining Tips".

1. Bring the party and your people into your home and condense your carbon footprints. Forego gassing up the plane, train or automobile and create a festive environment in your home. If you want to go the distance, host a destination party and invite friends who live within walking distance. For inspiration, check out Partybluprints.com Eparty Plans (they take you to: Key West, Little Italy, Venice, English Tea Garden, Northern California Wine Country, swanky NYC club, shopping boutique).

2. Grow your own herb garden. Plant herbs, such as basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary, cilantro and you'll be ready at a moment's notice to spice up any cocktail, dish or dessert. Fresh herbs have the power to transform simple meat, fish, pasta, produce, (whatever you have on hand) into a fabulously fresh dish. Become a liquovore (this Partybluprints' term brings the locavore into the world of cocktail mixing!) by mixing your own or local fresh herbs and citrus/produce with a clean spirit (don't use infused spirits). Start simple with a fresh mojito or mint julep. Whatever you do, keep it simple and let the freshness and goodness speak for itself.

3. Use fresh produce or flowering plants as your centerpiece(s). A day or two after your party, use the fresh produce. Plant the flowering plants in your garden/container garden or send home with your guests to plant in their garden as a remembrance of "good times". (As featured in our "Sip 'n See Enchanted Tea Party" and "Easy as Pie Pizza Barbeque" Eparty Plans).

4. Purchase inexpensive glass or melamine plates that you can reuse party after party, instead of buying paper plates from the local party store or supermarket. You'll recoup your initial investment (I bought mine for $0.99/plate a few years ago) after a few parties and you'll avoid dumping a boatload of paper plates into the garbage. If you're worried about clean up, don't be. Scrape the plates, stack them and worry about them later if you can't fit them in your dishwasher. If you want a happy medium especially for the summer, consider Bambu renewable plates. (As featured in "Keys to Paradise" Eparty Plan.)

5. Go green with electronic invitations and electronic party plans (Eparty Plans). Avoid wasting fuel, time and energy "foraging" for your party materials and supplies. Our Eparty Plans provide a comprehensive plan with step by step instructions, including a consolidated shopping list for 1 shopping trip.

Elizabeth

Earth Day Cookies

2009-04-16T07:44:00.025-04:00

Image and Recipe from FamilyCorner.com

A great way to celebrate Earth Day and bring its importance to your family's attention is to bake up some delicious cookies together! While baking, talk with your kids about the importance of recycling and conservation. It will be some "sweet" time spent together! If you work, sport schedules and school may make it impossible to take time for this activity, so instead visit OrganicBouquet.com and order some special "Love the Planet" cookies, see below.

Make Your Own and visit FamilyCorner.com for more great ideas!

Ingredients

1 1/2 C. white sugar
1 1/2 C. brown sugar
3/4 C. butter, softened but not melted
3/4 C. butter flavored shortening
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
3 C. flour
4 1/2 C. regular (not quick cooking!) oatmeal
1 1/2 C. white chocolate chips (optional)
can add nuts if desired

Royal Icing

4 egg whites
4 C. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. clear vanilla extract

Directions

Beat egg whites in clean, large bowl with mixer at high speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar and clear vanilla extract. Beat at high speed until thickened. If you desire a thicker icing, slowly add more confectioner's sugar until you reached your desired consistency.

For "Earth" cookies you will need: blue paste food coloring, green paste food coloring 3 Ziploc baggies or icing bags

Divide the icing into: 1/2 to color blue, 1/4 to color green and 1/4 white. Fill in green for land, blue for water and use the white to outline the land.

Let the cookies dry completely before stacking in containers.

No Time....
Order "Love the Planet" Cookies from OrganicBouquet.com

A Simple Tribute to Earth Day

2009-04-15T15:15:00.002-04:00

Beautify your table this Earth Day in 3 easy steps.

1. Pick a few blooms from nature (if your yard hasn't blossomed yet, visit the local market/supermarket for a few inexpensive blooms). We used green button mums.

2. Take a small container from your cabinet and fill it with pebbles/small rocks from your yard or some river rock.

3. Arrange a few flowers/blossoms in your vase. Remember simplicity and nature's beauty is a winning combination.

For additional impact, use severals containers and arrange in a row.

Planetary Punch

2009-04-15T09:54:00.005-04:00

PLANETARY PUNCH

Planetary Punch was created by 360 Vodka for Earth Day. It's not only a special way to pay tribute to the Earth, it's a great cocktail that can be enjoyed for any reason in any season. Try your best to go with fresh peach puree, you'll find it makes all the difference in the cocktail's taste.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 oz 360 Vodka
3/4 oz melon liqueur
1/2 oz peach puree or daiquiri mix
1 oz orange juice
1 oz pineapple juice
maraschino cherry for garnish

Preparation:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Drop a cherry into the glass for a garnish.

Cheers to Mother Earth!

2009-04-15T06:56:00.017-04:00

These "Protect Our Earth" glasses, made from reclaimed wine bottles, make a great gift and are the perfect way to toast Mother Earth this Earth Day!

"Protect Our Earth" glasses are made by recycling glass from the bottom halves of Bordeaux wine bottles, preventing them from reaching the landfill. For a multilingual appeal the glasses carry the phrase “Protect Our Earth” in four different languages – English, Spanish, Afrikaans and French. Perfect for gifting this Christmas, a set of four glasses cost $45 and can be purchased from the UnCommonGoods store.

The glasses are part of a series of Four : Protect our Air, Protect our Water and Protect our Wildlife.

Click to View Products . . .

Show your a fan of the Earth with Green Laces.

2009-04-14T02:21:00.016-04:00

The “green movement” needs a uniting symbol. A pink ribbon for breast cancer, a yellow bracelet for cancer research, and now GreenLaces for the environment. GreenLaces not only serves as an emblem, but also acts as a means for funding environmental initiatives.

For a $5 donation on the GreenLaces.org website you can sport green laces made from recycled plastic as a symbol of your commitment to the Earth. These make great party favors and are perfect for decorating birthday gifts!

To Purchase Green laces Go>

"Easy To Make and Bake" Raspberry Bars

2009-04-13T05:17:00.015-04:00

I love this recipe from Land-O-Lakes. It meets the Partybluprints' criteria of simple yet special! These Raspberry Bars use only a few ingredients, only take a few minutes of prep time, yet they tastes like Grandma was in the kitchen all day. They make a perfect Spring luncheon desert, picnic treat, or snack with afternoon tea.They are also easy enough for the kids (with Dad's supervision) to make for Mother's Day!

Preparation time: 15 min

Baking time: 40 min

Yield: 25 bars

2 1/4		cups all-purpose flour
1		cup sugar
1		cup chopped pecans * Be mindful of nut allergies*
1		cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
1		LAND O LAKES™ All-Natural Farm-Fresh Egg

3/4

cup raspberry preserves*

barefoot contessa makes a delicious raspberry preserve. It's available at StonewallKitchen.com and in some supermarkets.

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all crumb mixture ingredients in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture; set aside.

Press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of greased 8-inch square baking pan. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge. Crumble reserved crumb mixture over preserves.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely; cut into bars.

*Substitute 3/4 cup your favorite flavor preserves.

Recipe Tip
If using a dark or nonstick baking pan, reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.

Recipe Tip
Cover and store in pan up to 5 days or freeze up to 1 month.

Recipe Credit Land-O-Lakes website, visit for more ideas!

FRIDAY'S Featured Cocktail - Pineapple Ginger Cocktail

2009-04-10T04:58:00.002-04:00

Recipe by Ian Knauer
Photography by Romulo Yanes

Here is a cocktail for a Pre-Easter meal that feels like spring and will complement your Easter Meal. "Ham and Pineapple" are the perfect pair, yet most Pineapple Cocktails tend to be too tropical for the Easter Holiday. I found this recipe at Gourmet.com. I love the use of fresh ingredients and ginger - it moves this recipe from a traditional cocktail to a culinary cocktail. In addition, the recipe can easily go "mocktail" if you substitute club soda for the rum. Either way it is delicious and will be a wonderful way to welcome your guests to an Easter Meal at your home.

Pineapple-Ginger Cocktail
Makes4 drinks
Active time:5 min
Start to finish:5 min

Gourmet.com - October 2008

1/2 pineapple (about 1 lb), peeled
1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
About 6 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
Ice
1/2 cup rum

Garnish: pineapple wedges

Cut pineapple into cubes and purée in blender with ginger, water, vanilla, bitters, and a pinch of salt. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on and then discarding solids.
Fill 4 (6- to 8-oz) glasses with ice, then add 2 Tbsp rum to each glass. Stir in pineapple mixture.

The Perfect Easter Favor

2009-04-09T04:39:00.011-04:00

Remember and celebrate what Easter is all about and gift your guests a symbolic favor. The Sand Dollar is ideal! Print this poem on pretty paper and attach it to the sand dollar with a delicate ribbon.

You can find Sand dollars in most craft stores. If not, print the poem on pretty paper from this link (sand dollar poem) it contains a picture of a sand dollar with the poem. Here is another link you can use to print out Sand dollar coloring pages for the kids: ColoringPage. Invite the children at your Easter celebration to create colorful Sand dollar art!

The Sand dollar
Here's a pretty little legend
That I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell

If you examine closely,
You'll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth one
Made by a Roman's Spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,
Its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds
And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia
Etched on the other side
Reminds us of His birthday
Our Happy Christmastide.

Now break the centre open
And here you will release
The five white doves awaiting
To spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me
To help us spread his Gospel
Through all eternity.

Anonymous

Naturally Dyed Eggs

2009-04-09T02:10:00.007-04:00

Faux Chocolate Eggs

This year I tried naturally dying my Easter Eggs with the skins of red onions, hoping to get purple eggs. Instead they came out looking like Chocolate. I actually liked the way they look and how natural they appeared. My kids had to do a double take to see if they were real eggs or ones made from chocolate.

Start by peeling the skins from Red Onions . . .

Add to a generous amount of water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar . . .

Bring the skins to a boil and add the eggs . . .

Once the eggs turn chocolate brown, take them out to dry and add them to your Easter display.

Easter Buffet

2009-04-08T13:46:00.008-04:00

This goes out to my sister Donna's friend Dina from Cedar Grove, NJ. Like many families, Dina hosts a crowd for the Holidays. Sit down dinners are not possible, but creating a pretty tablescape still is - you just need to alter the plan.

The pictue above illustrates a great idea for decorating your buffet table. All you need is a pretty pitcher, some pussy willow branches or twigs from your yard and a few colorful hanging egg ornaments (you can string your own too). You can add greens and a daffodil or two if you have them. Make up a few pitchers and place them anywhere you have set out your buffet. It won't cost a lot and it will make the table feel festive. The branches give necessary height to your buffet and the eggs will add a punch of color! Plus remember all that gorgeous food, let it be the star!

Easter Table from Good Housekeeping

2009-04-08T08:16:00.009-04:00

From the Good Housekeeping Website

I love this Easter table idea from Good Housekeeping, it's simple and special! Plus this one is fun to do with the kids and is inexpensive. Have fun creating different versions for each place setting and personalize each if your are assigning seats at your table.

Directions:

A patterned paper plate creates a fresh-as-spring table setting. For the basket, flip a 7-inch square plate over; cut out a 1 1/2-inch square from each corner. Fold up the sides of the plate as shown; with hole punch, create two adjacent holes at corners. Thread in 3 inches of ribbon and knot.

Fill with paper grass and a chocolate rabbit.

Then craft a disposable placemat from inexpensive wrapping paper: To do: Trace a standard 12" x 16" mat onto the back of your paper (opt for heavier stock papers for best results); cut out placemat.

To create a trim, snip out a strip of solid colored paper roughly an inch wide and as tall as your placemat (12 inches). Affix with double-sided tape under the strip.

For more Easter Paper Crafts visit GoodHousekeeping.com

Glazes To Amaze!

2009-04-07T04:07:00.008-04:00

Glazing A Ham can definitely turn it from simple to special. For starters, a glaze is any combination of ingredients that is brushed or slathered on the meat to enhance its flavor. If you google Ham glazes you will get 256,000 results, so here is the short list. My rule for a good glaze is no more then 5 ingredients. I like to keep it simple and let the flavors in the glaze come through to enhance the Ham not overpower it. I also prefer to glaze the ham during the entire cooking time (like basting a turkey) rather than glazing at high heat the last 20-30 minutes. Hope you enjoy!

If you have one of your own glaze recipes that rocks, please share it here. I would love to try it.

Honey and Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

2/3 cup Brown Sugar
3 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Prepared Mustard

Orange Glaze

1 cup Orange Juice
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Honey
2 tsp Soy Sauce

Baked Ham Maple Glaze

1 tbsp Mustard
2/3 cup Real Maple Syrup

Brown Sugar Glaze

1½ cups Brown Sugar
1½ tsp Dry Mustard Powder
3/4 tsp Ground Cloves

Marmalade Glaze

1/4 cup Orange Marmalade
1/2 tsp Dry Mustard
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Flour
Pineapple Juice (enough to create a thick paste)

Pineapple Glaze

1½ tsp Dry Mustard
1½ cups Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Crushed Pineapple, well drained

Chinese Glaze Recipe by Sophia Young

1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1 tsp finely grated ginger

Ginger Glaze

1 tsp Dry Ginger
1 tsp Dry Mustard
1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
Canned Pear or Peach Syrup (to make thick paste)
1 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions (For All Recipes)

First of all, you need to make a slit in the rind of the ham.
Trim the rind and fat at the same time, leaving 1/4 inch layer of fat on ham.
Make diagonal cuts along the surface of the ham, on the fat layer, making sure not to penetrate the meat.
Now, make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, forming diamond shapes in the fat layer.
Take a bowl and put all the ingredients in it (this works for all the above mentioned recipes)
Mix the ingredients well and brush over the ham.
As the ham cooks, occasionally brush it with the extra glaze .

Passover Pasta Primavera

2009-04-07T03:18:00.001-04:00

Gourmet | April 2008 by Melissa Roberts

Here is something you don't normally see for Passover. This would make a great first course served on small plates if Mazto Ball Soup didn't make it into your menu this year!

yield: Makes 4 (main course) servings

active time: 45 min

total time: 55 min

Pasta made with matzo cake meal is extremely light in texture and is no fuss to prepare when it's rolled and cut by hand into thin strips. The vegetables, in shades of green, provide a range of spring color

For fresh pasta

1 cup matzo cake meal
2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Potato starch for dusting

For vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced, leaving tips whole
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
6 scallions, thinly sliced, keeping white and pale green parts separate from greens
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus some for serving
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Preparation

Make pasta:
Stir together matzo meal and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Make a well in center and add eggs and yolk, then lightly beat eggs with a fork. Add water and oil and stir until dough just comes together. Knead dough 5 or 6 times. Form into a 5-inch square and put on a work surface dusted with potato starch, then dust dough with potato starch. Let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, dust a large baking pan with some potato starch. Quarter dough. Roll out each piece on a surface dusted with potato starch until as thin as possible (1/16 inch thick) and about 10 by 8 inches, dusting rolling pin and surface of dough as needed. (If dough tears, patch it.) Using a pizza wheel or sharp knife, cut into long 1/2-inch-wide strips and transfer to pan in 1 layer along with any broken pieces of dough.

Cook in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander.

Sautée vegetables while pasta cooks:
Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sautée asparagus, zucchini, peas (if using), white and pale green parts of scallions, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Finish pasta:
Add 1/2 cup reserved cooking water to vegetables and cook, shaking skillet occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in pasta and scallion greens until just coated with sauce. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and zest. Stir in more reserved water if desired. Serve with additional parmesan.

Tie Dye Eggs

2009-04-06T11:41:00.007-04:00

Now here is a great idea for dying original and beautiful Easter Eggs and quite literally, it's tie dyed. It comes from OurBestBites.com and is a keeper! Use the link to go to the site for more pictures and instructions on how to create these amazing eggs. It's not as hard as it looks, as long as you are willing to part with a few old ties.

Use this link for printable instructions > Tie Dyed Eggs

Spring Salad for your Easter Dinner

2009-04-06T04:20:00.008-04:00

This salad recipe from Whole Foods is the perfect compliment to an Easter ham. Spring is when baby spinach is in season so chances are good you can buy it fresh locally. I recommend replacing almonds for pine nuts, but it's really a matter of taste. For those that do not like goat cheese, riccota salata is a great alternative and crumbles in a similar fashion. Spinach greens stand up to dressing well and do not get soggy as quickly as other more delicate greens. When serving a crowd and trying to manage getting a holiday dinner out on the table hot, this is a real plus because you can do it a bit ahead of time!

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Serves 4

Baby spinach dressed in a light raspberry vinaigrette and tossed with fresh strawberries, almonds and creamy goat cheese. What could be more delightful and this easy?

Ingredients

1/2 shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
6 ounces baby spinach
5 strawberries, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Method

Combine the shallots and vinegar in a small bowl. Slowly add the oil to the mixture while continuously whisking. Set dressing aside.

Put spinach, strawberries, almonds and goat cheese into a large bowl and gently toss to combine. Add dressing to taste and toss once more. Serve immediately.

* I would offer fresh cracked pepper and salt for guests to season to their liking.

This recipe and many others are available on the Whole Foods Site>

Share a Secret on Sunday...

2009-04-05T04:16:00.001-04:00

The Best Spa Scented Candle Ever!

Aromatherapy

6.3 oz Scented Candle

Stress Relief - Tranquil Mint

I'm in Love! I just can't get enough of the Tranquil Mint Aromatherapy Candle from Bath & Body Works. If you love the smell of a spa, this candle captures it to perfection. I have been burning it in my bedroom for days. It makes me feel like this is my bedroom...

No Kidding...

The Tranquil Mint candle is part of the company's aromatherapy line and contains peppermint to refresh and combat mental fatigue as well as rosemary which clears the mind to improve focus. The candle burns approximately 45 hours and is now on sale 2 for $20 or $10.50 each.

This makes a great hostess gift and it's great for the home or office. Hope you enjoy!

Now share your secret!

Easter Treats from LOL !

2009-04-04T07:55:00.007-04:00

Here is Lots Of Love from Land-O-Lakes. These recipes range from cute and clever to traditional and tasty and all of them are relatively easy and work on a tight budget. My favorite are the hot crossed buns and the kids go crazy for the Easter Egg Cookies. The Land-O-Lakes website is full of great recipes and is updated frequently. It's a great resource for holiday and everyday cooking, enjoy!

JELLY BEAN NESTS
Preparation time: 30 min Chilling time: 2 hrs
Yield: 12 nests

Ingredients

2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/4
cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1
(6-ounce) package (4 cups) chow mein noodles
Jelly beans

Directions

Combine marshmallows and butter in 2-quart saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted (6 to 8 minutes). Stir in noodles until very well coated.
Press mixture on bottom and up sides of each buttered 12-cup muffin pan cup with buttered fingers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.
Remove from cups; fill with jelly beans.

EASTER SURPRISE COOKIES
These tender butter cookies have a hidden candy surprise inside.
Preparation time: 1 hrs 15 min Baking time: 15 min
Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Cookie Ingredients:

2/3 cup sugar
1 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
48 jelly beans

Glaze Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
5 to 6 teaspoons milk
1 1/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Food color, if desired

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all cookie ingredients except flour and jelly beans in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in flour until well mixed.
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 jelly bean in center of each ball making sure candy is covered with dough. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine powdered sugar and enough milk for desired glazing consistency in small bowl; stir until smooth. Tint coconut with food color, if desired. Dip tops of cookies in glaze; sprinkle with coconut.
Recipe Tip: To tint coconut, divide coconut evenly among desired number of small bowls. Add 1 to 2 drops of one food color to each bowl. Mix with fork until color is evenly distributed.

HOT CROSS BUN SURPRISES
Traditional Easter rolls made easy, but special, by hiding a pocketful of filling inside each. Decorate simply with a cross on top.
Preparation time: 40 min Rising time: 45 min Baking time: 25 min Cooling time: 30 min
Yield: 16 buns

Buns Ingredients:

1/3 cup dried currants
3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
3 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted

Frosting Ingredients:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
2 to 3 teaspoons milk

Directions

Combine currants, brown sugar, 3 tablespoons softened butter, orange peel and allspice in small bowl; mix well.
Separate thawed dough into 16 pieces. Press 1 teaspoon currant mixture into center of each piece drawing dough around it to form a ball. Dip ball into melted butter. Place into ungreased 8-inch square baking pan, seam-side down. Drizzle with melted butter. Let rise in warm place until double in size (about 45 minutes).
Heat oven to 350œF. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Combine all frosting ingredients in small bowl; mix well. Place buns on serving platter. Place frosting in resealable plastic food bag. Cut very small tip from one corner. Decorate top of each bun with cross.

SPRINGTIME BUTTER COOKIES
These easy cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for a special occasion.
Preparation time: 45 min Baking time: 7 min Standing time: 6 hrs
Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Glaze Ingredients:

5 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Food color, if desired
Decorator sugars, if desired

Directions

Combine 1 cup butter, sugar and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (2 hours).
Heat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 2 to 2 1/2-inch assorted cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.
Combine powdered sugar, water, 2 tablespoons butter and corn syrup in small bowl. Beat at medium speed until powdered sugar is moistened. Continue beating, gradually adding additional water if necessary, until desired glazing consistency. Tint with food color, if desired.
Glaze cooled cookies. Place onto cooling rack over waxed paper. Decorate with additional glaze, decorator sugars and candies as desired. Let stand until hardened (6 hours or overnight).

FRIDAY'S Featured Cocktail - The Caipirinha

2009-04-03T14:46:00.015-04:00

For More Pictures and Recipes Go To ClassicalCocktails.com.
Photo by: Marco Alves

This cocktail is HOT just like the Brazilian beaches that it's sipped on. When made with this recipe from Dalio Calado, it's also incredible!

Caipirinha
Created by Dalio Calado, Mixologist

Ingredients:

1 Whole Lime (select a nice juicy one)
1 Tbl. Sugar (substitute Splenda for a low calorie version)
2 oz. Cachaca da Rosa*
.5oz. Plain Seltzer Water
Crushed Ice**

Preparation
Cut off the lime "edges". Cut a lime wheel from one end and reserve for garnish. Cut lime into quarters. In a shaker, muddle lime and sugar. Add crushed ice and Cachaca, shake well. Add Seltzer and pour into a rocks glass, garnish with lime wheel and serve.

Dalio's Notes:

*Cachaca da Roca is one of my favorite Cachacas currently on the American market not only because you can feel the "essence" of this spirit, but also because it is extremely affordable. Cachaca is extremely cheap in Brazil.

**I like to use crushed ice because it "breaks" the Cachaca better and makes it more pleasant to most drinkers, but it is acceptable to serve over the more commonly used ice cubes.

Cinnabon For Easter Brunch

2009-04-02T19:13:00.009-04:00

Cinnabon Clone

Cinnabons are one of those treats that you start enjoying before you even taste them. The smell of a cinnabon in the oven wafts through your home and out your door. I have had kids in the neighborhood mysteriously show up when I am baking them. Then hot and gooey with ample icing dripping down the sides and then down your fingers you indulge. Ahh it's a treat for anyone from 2 to 92.

In our house cinnabons are a tradition on Christmas and Easter morning and are served in place of a birthday cake for my eldest son. This recipe comes from AllRecipes.com and it's a winner. Hats off to Pink Penguin Star for posting this one.

If you want to make breakfast a little more special serve them up and make sure to add them to your Easter Brunch!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup margarine, melted
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

2. After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4. Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

All Credit to:

The Pink Penguin Star

SATC Girl's Night In Sweepstakes

2009-04-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

PLUS...

8 Fun & Fabulous
Cues For
Hosting A
Girls' Night In
"Sex And The City" Style!> GO

Tips for a Game Day Party

2009-04-02T05:29:00.000-04:00

Great Food for the Game:
The idea, of course, is to watch and eat at the same time, so serve food you can eat without a fork and knife. Food that is reminiscent of stadium food, this is not a sit down dinner party! Topping the list of fan favorites are chicken wings (buy boneless so it’s easy to eat), Nachos, and sliders, and fries. Stick to the basics for dessert too with brownies and cookies. Cupcakes are great too and you can easily decorate them to look like a basketball or with your team’s colors.

Sliders

Score big and feed a crowd with this recipe for Sliders that are easy and delicious. Prepare ahead of time and you’ll be ready cook up some hot and juicy sliders mid game.

Ingredients (30 Sliders):

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 Lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
3 Pkgs. Dinner Rolls (12 Rolls/Pkg.)

Preparation:

The sliders can either be cooked on an outdoor or indoor grill/griddle pan. Place the ground beef in a large bowl and mix in onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt – combine well with your hands. Divide ground beef evenly. Fill two 13” x 9” baking pans/dishes with 2 lbs. each of ground beef. Cover meat completely with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using one 13” x 9” pan, place it over the other pan and push down meat until it covers the surface of the bottom pan. The goal is to evenly distribute the meat throughout the pan. Do the same to the other pan of meat. Cover well and refrigerate. Cut the meat into 15 even squares (tip: cut into a 5 x 3 grid), this yields 30 sliders. Cook sliders for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they are hot, juicy and sizzling. Serve up in buns and allow guests to top with their own selections.

Decorate:

Decorate your viewing room for the fans. If you all cheer on the same team, decorate with the team colors and hang pennants, flags and posters. Encourage guests to show their spirit and to dress in their team colors and apparel. If you have a mixed crowd, decorate with a general basketball theme so there is no home court advantage. Hang hoops and let guest toss around foam basketballs.

Don’t Forget:

Seating is key. Rearrange a room for the day. Bring in chairs and a table for the food. Obviously, the most important thing is that everyone has a good view of the game.

Invite the guests to arrive 30 minutes before game time. This allows everyone to catch up before the game starts.

If you are paying for the game on pay per view, make sure your account is set up and working properly.

Always have a designated driver.

DIY Playdough From "Cooking Dad"!

2009-04-02T04:02:00.006-04:00

We are so excited to have a guest post from Nico at the "What's Cooking Dad" Blog. Visit Nico's Blog for lots more...

Written by Cooking Dad

Visit Nico's Blog for lots more . . .

Today I have a little different recipe. This recipe is not going to make you something you can eat, but since it uses regular cooking ingredients and is made in the kitchen, I guess it can be posted on this site.

I’m not going to lie about it, yesterday I badly needed some play dough. Never mind why, sometimes a grown man can have a dire need for play dough! Being Sunday and all, I couldn’t just go to the store and buy any of the stuff, so I decided I’d make some myself. The recipe is really simple and it uses ingredients you probably already have. This play dough is great for kids, as it is totally non-toxic.

Ingredients
2 cups of flour
2 cups of warm water
1 cup of salt
2 tbsp of oil

Mix all the ingredients in a pan on low heat and keep stirring until the dough doesn’t feel sticky anymore. You are looking for the consistency of mashed potatoes, make sure you cook it long enough or it will be sticky.

With the basic, off-white, play dough done, you can now take little portions of it and knead in some food coloring.

That’s all there is to it! Now, the only thing missing is the authentic Play-Doh smell. I never really liked the smell, but I know a lot of people love it. If you want to make your home made play dough smell like Play-Doh, there is a solution for you: just mix in some Play-Doh fragrance!

I’m not sure your play dough will be non-toxic after adding it though. The thing I find most disturbing about this product is this: the fragrance is not supposed to be used in your home made play dough.

The directions read: Gently spray on pulse points of neck, wrists, and décolleté.

April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T04:22:00.003-04:00

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the
other 364 days of the year.
- Mark Twain

The first day of April is celebrated all over the western world as a day where it is okay to be lighthearted and silly. Spring is in the air and spirits are lightening like the days.

To celebrate this April Fool's Day go ahead and play a prank - put tape over your office mate's mouse, short sheet beds of family members or change the time on the clocks. These are definitely old favorites and it's amazing how well they work after so many years.

After you have had some fun teasing others - make sure to have some fun yourself today! Laugh and be foolish for a change - it is amazing how good it can feel.

Here is a great idea for the kids From Disney FamilyFun.com

Do your kids balk when it comes to eating their peas and carrots? With this meal, they're in for a sweet surprise.

Watch a step-by-step video demonstration of this prank.

Recipe Ingredients:

	Peanut butter log candy
	Peas-and-carrots candy mix
	Vanilla ice cream
	Caramel or butterscotch topping

1. On each dinner plate, arrange four or five peanut butter logs (to look like chicken nuggets) and a small handful of the candy mix (for vegetables).

2. Right before serving, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt to each plate for "mashed potatoes." Top with gravy -- a spoonful of caramel sauce or butterscotch topping.

Visit FamilyFun.com For More Great April Fools' Food Pranks

Make it Melamine For Spring!

2009-03-30T05:08:00.002-04:00

If you are looking to dress up your table for spring but don't have a lot to spend, Melamine is the perfect choice. It comes in some of the most colorful and pretty patterns available in dishware and has other great perks too. It is affordable, more eco-friendly than paper and is great for kids and entertaining outdoors.

Since melamine is hot right now, there is a lot to choose from in stores and on the net, but shop wisely as prices vary greatly. We love these two options from Target and Frenchbull. The tableware from Target.com above is budget friendly and will bring a blast of colorful, spring flowers to your table.

Stripes Party Pack Tumbler Set of 12 : $24.99 - target.com

Flower Melamine Dinnerware Set of 12 : $19.99 - target.com

Set of 4 Assorted Spring Gerbera Daisies - 22" : $7.99 - target.com

Frenchbull.com offers a pretty selection of patterns that coordinate with napkins, table runners and serving pieces. You don't need to buy the whole collection just a napkin or plate and some pretty glasses. Who wouldn't get spring fever when they sat down to a table set with these!

Ring Flatware Set $28.00 - frenchbull.com

Glitter Goblet Set $28.00 - frenchbull.com

Pink Paisley Napkin $12.00 - frenchbull.com

Mosaic Plate 11" $11.00 - frenchbull.com

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

When is Earth Hour?
Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm, local time.

What is Earth Hour?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007,[1] and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.

Who Can Participate?

Anybody can participate and join together with millions of people across the globe celebrating Earth Hour.

How Can You Participate?

Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Here are 10 different ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:

· Attend a local Earth Hour event or organize your own by throwing an Earth Hour street party with your neighbors.

· Gather family & friends for a night picnic in your local park and look at the stars

· Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight

· Organize a treasure hunt in the dark

· Take the dog for a night walk

· Have a candle-lit bath

· Sit in the dark and share stories

· Organise a family night playing board games

· Share a romantic night in with your loved one

· Upload your ‘on the night’ photos and videos to flickr and YouTube respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour flickr group and the global YouTube Group.

Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, is encouraging people to participate in whatever way they choose and to think beyond the hour.

“There are no hard and fast rules surrounding participation in Earth Hour. We only ask that you flick that switch and have fun doing whatever you choose to do during that time.

Make Earth Hour work for you. Families with young children should feel free to turn their lights off earlier than 8:30pm and for those having too much fun in the dark during the hour, don’t feel you have to limit yourself to one hour and switch back on at 9:30pm.”

To find out more about Earth Hour, visit the official website www.earthhour.org, sign up and join millions of people in more than 1,400 cities and towns in 80 countries throughout the world by turning off your lights for one hour at 8:30pm on Saturday 28 March.

Thanks to Donna for getting me on board with this one! Love you.

Guest Post by Lilly Lynn Events

2009-03-25T02:15:00.000-04:00

Please enjoy this guest post from Kim Hunke of Lilly Lynn Events and the Lilly Lynn Wedding Blog. Below Kim shares her expert tips and time line for planning a Bridal Shower. We appreciate this great advice and hope you will visit her blog to learn more on all things wedding related.

To Do List For Planning a Bridal Shower

3+ Months Before

Talk to the bride. Does she want all women or co-ed? Afternoon tea or Saturday night soiree? Does she want the shower to center around a particular theme style, or color? Does she want to gather at a Chinese restaurant, a quaint tea salon, her grandmother's house, a spa, your apartment? Does she want to serve cocktails? While most of the shower details and decisions will be up to you, make sure you plan according to her input.

Set the date -- shoot for a month or two before the wedding. (If certain maids and important family and friends can't convene until a few days before, hold off until then).

If the shower will take place at a tea salon, private dining room, restaurant, or nightclub, make the reservations.

Create the guest list. (Knot Note: Anyone you invite must also be invited to the wedding).

2 Months Before

Send out casual "save the date" email and/or call important guests such as the bride's best friend from high school, her favorite cousin, the groom's mother, etc. to see if there are any scheduling conflicts.
As a courtesy, call any guests who will have to travel some distance to attend -- they'll appreciate the advance notice.
Confer with the bridesmaids to establish a budget.
Purchase invitations or materials to make them.
Hold a brainstorming session to finalize decisions about table linens, menu, decorations, favors, music, and activities.
Order special menu items through the bakery/caterer and linens, coffee urns, and other equipment from a rental company, if necessary.
Compile addresses for the guest list.
Make a detailed to-do list and assign tasks.

1 Month Before

Assemble and address invitations. (Include information about the couple's registries. And, if it's a theme party, make sure to provide proper gift-giving instructions.)
Mail invitations.
Shop for decorations, paper goods, and other party props.
Purchase favors.
If guests have offered to bring desserts and other treats, call to confirm what they plan to bring -- adjust your recipe plans accordingly.

2+ Weeks Before

Place flower order.
Buy your shower gift for the bride.
Figure out what you're going to wear to the shower. Why not treat yourself to a slick new outfit or dress (you're the hostess, after all)?
Make a shopping list for the food and drinks. Buy any hard-to-find ingredients.
Purchase spirits, if you're having cocktails.
Pick up any baskets, CDs, cake stands, punch bowls, tea services, stereo equipment, or serving platters that friends or neighbors have offered to lend.

1 Week Before

Confirm reservations.
Confirm orders and delivery times.
Confirm RSVPs.
Assemble and/or gift-wrap favors.
Buy groceries.
Create a mental floor plan to facilitate decorating and setting up.
Prepare shower games and activities.

1 Day Before

Prepare any menu items that can be made in advance (or just do prep work).
Receive and set up equipment, assemble decorations and favors, set table(s).
Touch base with the bridesmaids -- confirm who's bringing what and ask them to arrive early to help.
Run last-minute errands.

Kim Hunke In her words. . .
I am a wedding freak who is addicted to any show, movie, or magazine that is based on weddings! I love all event planning especially baby showers, birthdays and weddings.

Kim Hunke has a great eye for design and loves sharing what's hot. Plus - she knows weddings! Visit her blog at http://lillylynnevents.blogspot.com/.

McCormick's Meals For Under $3 A Person.

2009-03-24T06:26:00.008-04:00

Ginger-Pepper-Steak
Under $2.25 per serving.
Transport your taste buds to the Orient with this quick-cooking steak and bell peppers in a flavorful ginger sauce.

Makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

ingredients

1 package McCormick® Brown Gravy Mix or 1 package McCormick® 30% Less Sodium Brown Gravy Mix
3/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ginger, Ground
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
1 medium green or red bell pepper (or 1/2 of each), cut into thin strips

directions

1. Mix Gravy Mix, water, soy sauce and ginger in small bowl until well blended.

2. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add steak; cook and stir 2 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir in gravy mixture, onion and bell pepper.

3. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 6 to 8 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice, if desired.

If you like this recipe the McCormick Website has 13 other recipes.

Put your Salad on a Spring Diet!

2009-03-23T09:14:00.013-04:00

Photo by: James Baigrie - Good Housekeping

Salads are not always the best choice when you are watching your weight and in fact many times have more calories than a sandwich or even burger! We love this recipe from Good Housekeeping - the citrus makes it a fresh spring salad. Plus it's not just healthy, it's delicious, making it a guilt free lunch to serve to the ladies or a special addition to your Easter Menu.

Citrus-Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Recalling the down-home taste of classic ambrosia (minus all the diet-derailing mayo), this refreshing first course is only 110 calories and has a deliciously tart dressing you whip up using lime and other juices.
For more healthy salad recipes Go to> GoodHousekeeping.com

Salads to beware of:

Chicken Caesar salad
Chef's salad
Cobb salad
Spinach Salad

Ways to keep your salad healthy:

Don't add cheese, meat and nuts to your salad or select just one. You can get protein from these items but they are also high in fat.

Dress your salad at the table by dipping or drizzling the dressing on with a fork. This will save hundreds of calories. Two tablespoons is the recommended serving size.

If you are adding chicken to your salad, the recommended serving is 3 ounces.

Mix your greens. Try romaine, spring mix, arugula, radicchio or spinach.

Replace meat and cheese with beans and whole grains like quinoa and couscous on your salads.

Try adding fruits and vegetables for texture.

Skip the bread or rolls with your salads.

Beware of salads served in restaurants, they can be surprisingly high in calories!

Friday's Featured Cocktail

2009-03-20T06:46:00.029-04:00

In my opinion, the French 75 is the Queen of all cocktails. It has an initial sweet sensation and a very smooth cognac finish. It's refreshing, sophisticated and very special since cognac and champagne are truly treats for most who imbibe.

The French 75 is always a huge hit with female guests and is perfect for special occasions like Easter or Mother's Day brunches. The cocktail was originally made with Gin not Cognac, but I like the Cognac version much better. In your travels you will come across several versions like The French 100 which was named the Fairmont Hotels' Centennial Cocktail, the French 75 (my friends and I lovingly call it "The Plucky") at the top rated Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster, NJ, and the French 75 on the menu at Manhattan's meatpacking district favorite, Pastis to name a few.

Although this cocktail is really quite special, you can easily make it, to enjoy it at home or serve to your guests at parties. You will need to play with the ratio of lemon juice/tartness to sugar/sweetness so that it suites your taste.

Official Recipe
French 75 with Cognac

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz cognac
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
6 oz Champagne

Directions:
Combine cognac, sugar and lemon juice in shaker. Add ice and shake till chilled. Pour into champagne flute. Pour champagne over cognac concoction. Garnish with lemon curl. To make a lemon curl, use a carrot peeler to peel one 2” long peel from the outside skin of one washed lemon. Twist peel and place on top of champagne glass.

Cheers!

Great Depression Cooking by Clara

2009-03-19T06:43:00.011-04:00

This is just fantastic! Great Depression Cooking is a series of 7 YouTube Videos.
Clara Cannucciari is a 91 year old cook and great grandmother, she recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares meals from the era. Learn how to make simple yet delicious dishes while listening to stories from the Depression. This is basic cooking at its best and boy is it great whether you are on a budget or not. I pray when I am 91, I am still cooking and trying to dole out good advice.

Much love to Clara, Enjoy!

Thanks to Poshmama.com for posting it first.

Easter Gift Idea!

2009-03-18T02:20:00.004-04:00

Easter is around the corner and if you need a hostess gift or just want to spread some cheer this spring we found a great little gift for under $10. These precious little egglings look and feel like a real egg, but are really a little garden ready to grow!

Cultivation is easy — seeds are already sown into eggling’s fortified peat mixture, just crack it’s top (by tapping on it with a spoon), water and place in bright spot. Plants grow for up to five months in the eggling, after which it can be planted directly in soil.

The Eggling is made of white porous ceramic (2.125" height x 1.875" diameter) and comes with a terra cotta tray and seed pack of either herbs or flowers. We love the Strawberry for Spring, but the egglings also come in a several other flower and herb varieties.

Egglings are available on a few websites like windowbox.com and ochelly.com

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T04:51:00.004-04:00

Green Velvet Saint Patrick's Day Cupcakes

2009-03-16T09:53:00.013-04:00

Sprinkles is offering two limited edition, St. Patrick's Day-themed cupcakes this year.

The green velvet cupcake is a dyed green version of Sprinkles' Southern-style chocolate cake topped with cream cheese frosting. The Bailey's Irish chocolate cupcake features Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with cream cheese frosting dosed with Bailey's and topped with a fondant shamrock. $3.25 each; available Friday to St. Patrick's Day. To find a Sprinkles location near you Go>

Since most of us don't live near a Sprinkles, we need to mix up our own batch. Take the cue from the pros and instead of green icing, go for the green cake. It's festive and very unexpected! Duncan Hines has a wonderful Red Velvet Cake mix, I have used this several times for cupcakes - just add green food color. Top with cream cheese frosting and add some Bailey's Irish Cream if you like.

Bailey's Cream Cheese Frosting
(recipe for one cake 8x8, equivalent of 12 cupcakes )

Ingredients:

4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons of Bailey’s Irish cream

Directions:
1. Mix everything.

Irish Beef Stew

2009-03-14T20:00:00.010-04:00

In addition, to the great recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage below, I thought I would add a wonderful recipe for Irish Beef Stew. This dish is always a crowd please and is kid friendly too. Try it this Tuesday for a healthy, hearty and festive meal for Saint Patrick's Day.

This recipe and the pictures come from the BlogChef.net. The BlogChef.net is beautifully presented blog full of great recipes that are easy to follow and delicious to eat. Make sure to surf through the archives, as it has some of the best recipes for Chinese Cuisine I have ever seen.

Irish Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons flour
1lb beef stew meat or diced beef
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
6 garlic cloves (minced)
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 (12 ounce) bottle Irish stout beer
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
¼ cup fresh parsley (minced)

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: In a large pot heat oil. Coat beef cubes with flour and fry in oil until browned on all sides. Remove meat from the pot and set aside. Add mushrooms and onions to the pan. Cook onions until tender.

Step 2: Add the beef back to the pot. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, beef broth and beer. Add potatoes and carrots. Cover and simmer on low for 1 hour.

Step 3: In a measuring cup mix together 1 table spoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour into the stew and stir. Simmer until the sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

(Makes 6 Servings)

Corned Beef & Cabbage

2009-03-11T06:56:00.012-04:00

If it wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day in your house without Corned Beef & Cabbage, here's an authentic recipe from Darina Allen's the Festive Food of Ireland. Just have to be honest and say our research reveals that Corned Beef and Cabbage is not a traditional Saint Patrick's Day meal in Ireland.

Corned Beef & Cabbage
Recipe from
Irish Culture and Customs Website

Ingredients:

4-pound corned beef brisket - 'silverside' if you can get it; many butchers are familiar with the term and can prepare your cut of brisket in this special way. But, do allow them several days to prepare it properly.

3 large carrots, cut into large chunks

6 to 8 small onions, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon powdered English mustard

1 large spring of fresh thyme and several parsley stalks tied together

1 cabbage

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Put the corned beef into a large pot with the carrots, onions, mustard powder and herbs.

Cover with cold water; bring to a boil and then lower heat and simmer for 1 hour. From time to time, skim fat from top as it rises.

Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut into quarters, Add to the pot. * Cook for another one to two hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Serve the corned beef cut into slices and surrounded by the vegetables.

Serve with a generous amount of boiled potatoes, fresh rye bread and quality, grainy mustard.

Welcome Guests with The Clutter Diet !

2009-03-10T21:09:00.025-04:00

"I can't have guests over, my home is a mess!" - We hear it over and over; it's one of the top reasons people don't entertain. If this is you read on. If you want to put out the welcome mat and have friends and family into your home but just don't know how to deal with the clutter that is causing you to be a party pooper, we have the answer for you. . .

Lorie Marrero and The Clutter Diet!

Lorie Marrero is the founder of The Clutter Diet website and author of its namesake book. Lorie is a Certified Professional Organizer and her program is unique in the way it treats and tackles the problem of clutter. Lorie views her program much like a diet, just like unwanted pounds, you need to shed your clutter before you can truly get organized. The Clutter Diet walks you through this process with step by step tips and tools for how to clear, create and maintain space that works for you. She insures your success by keeping a staff of Professional Organizers that are available to you through her website. They are on call to help motivate and answer any questions you may have. There really is nothing like this on the market !

This month you have two special opportunities to see Lorie in action! The April issue of Good Housekeeping features Lorie Marrero in a 7-page article entitled, "I Went On A Clutter Diet!". In addition, you can see her help me with the Partybluprints Home Office and my garage in one-hour TV special called "Change for Good." You can check www.budurl.com/ghtvspecial for a still-growing updated list of cities, stations, and air times--it's starting to air now through April all across the country. The special is hosted by lifestyle favorite and expert Rebecca Kolls .

Working with Lorie was a great experience and lots of fun. She showed me how to separate clutter into piles so that I could effectively organize and purge it. It was freeing and made a huge difference in the room, wait till you see! Then she walked me through organizing my space so it works for me and I can maintain it going forward.

To purchase The Clutter Diet in paperback or via the Kindle> GO

You can also follow Lorie's tips daily on Twitter for my Daily #ClutterTweetTip: www.twitter.com/clutterdiet and be sure to visit her site, ClutterDiet.com

See what Lorie thought of Partybluprints.com on her ClutterDiet Blog .

Best Green Wines

2009-03-10T11:07:00.006-04:00

Written for Partybluprints.com By: Kirk Sprenger
Kirk Sprenger is a wine expert and proprietor of Chappaqua Wine & Spirits in Chappaqua, NY. Kirk provides his expert opinion and advice on our wine selections, and, in many cases, advises us on wine selections, pairings, and rules.

Best "Green" Wines

With today's blitz of "think green", it is only fitting that the wine industry would follow suit. Though organic wines have been around for decades, they are certainly gaining more recognition. The grape growers have long sought ways of limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides in their farming techniques. In addition to organic farming, many vineyards are incorporating the technique of sustainable farming. This, simply put, is a code of practices by which the entire eco-system is kept in balance and preserved. This includes the effect on soil composites, water supplies and surrounding environments.

Some of our favorites at The Chappaqua Wine & Spirit Company include Penny Farthing Chardonnay. This white has delicate flavors of pear and green apple and a crisp finish without the buttery edge found in many of today's California Chards. It also happens to be farmed sustainably. For a more weighty white we recommend Bonterra Chardonnay which shows beautiful bright fruit and gentle underlying accents of oak.

Of course, for the red wine lover our choices are just as alluring. Penny Farthing's Syrah is a rich and satisfying Rhone style with plenty of berry notes and integrated highlights of vanilla and exotic spices.

One producer, Lolonis Vineyards of Mendocino, California took organic farming to a different level by releasing hoards of ladybugs on their vines. These natural predators aid in keeping away aphides without the use of chemicals that might harm the ecology. This has been a practice of theirs for the last fifty years. They produce a Cabernet Sauvignon which is rich and vibrant in fruit with a velvety texture.

Remember to enjoy these eco friendly organic wines as you would any other. "Go Green".

The Food Health Chart - Heal What Ails You by Eating!

2009-03-08T18:09:00.012-04:00

You know fruits and vegetables are good for you, but do you know which ones do what. Here is a great chart I received from my Aunt. You are what you eat so check out this chart and eat your way to better health.

Apples	Protects your heart	prevents constipation	Blocks diarrhea	Improves lung capacity	Cushions joints
Apricots	Combats cancer	Controls blood pressure	Saves your eyesight	Shields against Alzheimer's	Slows aging process
Artichokes	Aids digestion	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Guards against liver disease
Avocados	Battles diabetes	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin
Bananas	Protects your heart	Quiets a cough	Strengthens bones	Controls blood pressure	Blocks diarrhea
Beans	Prevents constipation	Helps hemorrhoids	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Stabilizes blood sugar
Beets	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones	Protects your heart	Aids weight loss
Blueberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Boosts memory	Prevents constipation
Broccoli	Strengthens bones	Saves eyesight	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure
Cabbage	Combats cancer	Prevents constipation	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Helps hemorrhoids
Cantaloupe	Saves eyesight	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Supports immune system
Carrots	Saves eyesight	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Promotes weight loss
Cauliflower	Protects against Prostate Cancer	Combats Breast Cancer	Strengthens bones	Banishes bruises	Guards against heart disease
Cherries	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Ends insomnia	Slows aging process	Shields against Alzheimer's
Chestnuts	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
Chili peppers	Aids digestion	Soothes sore throat	Clears sinuses	Combats Cancer	Boosts immune system
Figs	Promotes weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
Fish	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Supports immune system
Flax	Aids digestion	Battles diabetes	Protects your heart	Improves mental health	Boosts immune system
Garlic	Lowers cholesterol	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	kills bacteria	Fights fungus
Grapefruit	Protects against heart attacks	Promotes Weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol
Grapes	saves eyesight	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Enhances blood flow	Protects your heart
Green tea	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Helps stops strokes	Promotes Weight loss	Kills bacteria
Honey	Heals wounds	Aids digestion	Guards against ulcers	Increases energy	Fights allergies
Lemons	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
Limes	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
Mangoes	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Regulates thyroid	aids digestion	Shields against Alzheimer's
Mushrooms	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Kills bacteria	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
Oats	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	prevents constipation	Smoothes skin
Olive oil	Protects your heart	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Smoothes skin
Onions	Reduce risk of heart attack	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Lowers cholesterol	Fights fungus
Oranges	Supports immune systems	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Straightens respiration
Peaches	prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes	aids digestion	Helps hemorrhoids
Peanuts	Protects against heart disease	Promotes Weight loss	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Aggravates Diverticulitis
Pineapple	Strengthens bones	Relieves colds	Aids digestion	Dissolves warts	Blocks diarrhea
Prunes	Slows aging process	prevents constipation	boosts memory	Lowers cholesterol	Protects against heart disease
Rice	Protects your heart	Battles diabetes	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes
Strawberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	boosts memory	Calms stress
Sweet potatoes	Saves your eyesight	Lifts mood	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
Tomatoes	Protects prostate	Combats cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart
Walnuts	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	boosts memory	Lifts mood	Protects against heart disease
Water	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Conquers kidney stones	Smoothes skin
Watermelon	Protects prostate	Promotes Weight loss	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure
Wheat germ	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
Wheat bran	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
Yogurt	Guards against ulcers	Strengthens bones	Lowers cholesterol	Supports immune systems	Aids digestion

From the

The 7 Don't After Meals

Don't smoke-Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

Don't eat fruits immediately -Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1 hr before meal.

Don't drink tea -Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

Don't loosen your belt -Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted &blocked.

Don't bathe -Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

Don't walk about -People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

Don't sleep immediately -The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

A Whole Lot of Marlarkey!

2009-03-06T23:02:00.002-05:00

Recently, Partybluprints had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Malarkey. Brian may be best known for his success in Season 3 of Bravo TV's Top Chef, but to folks in San Diego his star shines brightest as Executive Chef of The Oceanaire Seafood Room.

After watching Brian serve up some really great food on an episode of The Real Housewives of OC, another Bravo TV series, we asked Brian to give us the "real" scoop on how to make great food without breaking the bank.

Brian happily shared his real style of entertaining and loads of tips and secrets for doing it with less money and less stress! We will be posting the entire interview soon, but couldn't wait to share Brian's recipe for Peasant Pie and Green Mashed Potatoes.

It's the perfect alternative to Corned Beef and Cabbage and will make a very memorable Saint Patrick's Day meal, Malarkey Style! Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed Brian!
To see what Brian's up to, visit his site and blog at BrianMalarkey.com

Peasant’s Pie with Green Mashed Potatoes
Created By: Brian Malarkey

Prep Time: two and a half hours
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 yellow onion, diced
3/4 lb butter
5 shiitake mushrooms, diced
3 green onions, diced and chopped
1 spicy pheasant sausage, diced
2 bacon, diced
1 cup chicken stock
1/2T thyme
3 russet potatoes, diced and peeled
1 parsnip, diced and peeled
1 cup cream
5 ramps, blanched
2T extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Roast chicken at 350 degrees until done. Let cool; pull meat from bone. Rough chop.

Render yellow onions down in 1/4 pound butter until soft.

Saute mushrooms with green onion, sausage and bacon. Stir in chicken and slow cook with 1/4 pound butter and chicken stock. Finish with thyme.

Place potatoes and parsnip in salted cold water. Bring to a high simmer and cook until just soft.

Heat 1/4 pound butter and cream together.

Rice the potatoes and parsnips; whip in cream-butter mixture. In a blender, puree ramps with extra virgin olive oil. Fold in ramps; season with salt and pepper.

Place chicken mixture on bottom of a small bowl; top with creamy potatoes. Bake in 350 degree oven for 5 minutes. Top with yellow onion sauce.