Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing our wonderful readers the

Happiest of Valentine's Days

When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew

                                               William Shakespeare

from the PennyWise Crew

Breakfast on Bourbon Street: Mardis Gras DIY's

While raucously celebrating Mardis Gras in New Orleans is still on my "someday" wish list (sigh), I thought for the time being I would give a nod to the city's most famous party with an easy project and a couple of quick southern inspired sweet treats. 

Admittedly this year's Fat Tuesday will probably find me catching up on Downton Abbey reruns rather than frantically catching beads or gleefully downing goblets of hurricanes, but I can at least enjoy a little festive Big Easy flare, with a quiet coffee at home.

Bourbon Street Lamp Post

A fun way to celebrate this iconic street.

You will Need

mini solar lamps
(I borrowed two from my yard)

planter with soil deep enough to support lamp firmly
or any tall faux floral arrangement with sturdy base

Bourbon St. printout

faux ivy flowers or greens

Mardis Gras accents:masks beads, crowns etc

 (available from Dollar or party stores)
******
   

from wherewhodatsshop

Simply print out street sign image and glue onto sturdy paper or card stock. Then cut out and attach to light with strong tape

Then firmly insert lamp base into planter and adorn with greens and accessories

A crown from Christmas decor, gold rim glass and beads add sparkle

The taller post was made from a grapevine prop I found among my dusty "treasures" and the solar light just happened to fit perfectly in the center tube holding the vines! (and to think it almost ended up at Goodwill)

Make sure the lights get some sun exposure during the day if they are to be displayed at night- I simply popped the top part off and set outside or in a sunny window

"Not Quite" Beignets

While the beignets of New Orleans are the stuff of legend, a quick recipe search had me looking for an alternative more within my skill set (rising yeast and deep frying make me skittish) To the rescue a beignet-like cake recipe from the talented and very funny 

domestic rebel.

Starting with a butter cake mix and simply making a few tweaks, these golden cakes with a hint of nutmeg and sprinkled with powdered sugar, while not technically beignets, are delightful with a morning coffee.

Orange Spiced Coffee

I recently learned of a famous coffee, orange and brandy flambe concoction called Cafe' Brulot, popular in New Orlean's finest old restaurants. While brandy and open flames might not be appropriate for breakfast, the orange flavor sounded wonderful.
For a cafe worthy drink, I made a simple orange syrup that can be added to give coffee a bright but subtle orange flavor, or added to tea or smoothies as well.

Orange Syrup 1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
peel of one orange (white pith removed)
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp orange extract 
         
Place sugars, water and orange peel in small saucepan. Heat over low-medium until dissolved and almost to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes. Add orange extract and let cool. Strain into a bottle and store in the fridge.

add to coffee to taste and top whipped cream dusted with cinnamon and orange rind if desired

Image graphics fairy circa 1907 sheet music

Laissez les Bon temps Rouler

Love Notes: Easy Valentine decor

While the instant gratification of a text or email has it's place for practical purposes, when it comes to expressions of love, the time honored classic Valentine still holds it's own in our increasingly "paperless" world. 
This most romantic of holidays is said to be named for a 3rd century priest, later St. Valentine, who secretly married young couples against the emperors wishes. Imprisoned for his actions, some say he fell in love with the jailers daughter, penning his last letter to her signed "your Valentine"
Others credit these expressions of love to the amorous notes of the imprisoned Duke d'Orleans to his adored wife in the 1400's, one still in existence today today with the words "my very gentle valentine"

Letter from Duke of Orleans to his wife 1415
History by Zim

Centuries later the 1800's saw increased printing technology and decreased postage costs, contributing to the Valentine sending frenzy still in evidence today. In fact sources estimate that in 2015, over 145 million Valentines were sent in the U.S. alone.

For some fascinating facts about the holiday visit the fun and informative 
 History of the Card

Valentine cards are lots of fun to send to others but they can also add a little whimsy and romance to your own home holiday decor. 
While dimensional cards and delightful paper creations have been around for ages, I thought I'd share my quick and easy version that can be made in a snap with printouts and supplies you most likely have on hand. 

  I chose vintage images for their over the top romantic sentiment, (after all it's only once a year) but any era or style Valentine will do.
   
Vintage Valentine Dioramas

I used

vintage Valentine images from 
the graphics fairy

card stock or sturdy paper

weather stripping 

(since I needed such a small amount, I just snipped a bit off a roll, 
still plenty of r the windows)

craft knife and scissors

craft glue

glitter, accents and craft odds and ends

sweet images from the Graphics fairy site

I started by making three identical copies of each image on sturdy paper or card stock, adjusting to desired size.

Cut out image, leaving large sections on either side to fold back as stand later

One image will serve as the background and support, one the mid ground and one the foreground

The background will remain intact, then simply choose elements you want cut away from mid ground and foreground copies, the foreground the smallest having the most cut away to reveal layers behind.

Once your happy with your design, add any glitter, trim or accents. It's easier at this step

 

Then discreetly adhere a small bit of weather stripping at various points, some glue and press carefully but firmly between layers

(you can easily double stripping up for more dimension)

Place on a mantel

or under a cloche with romantic accents

Fun Facts
 In the 1800's "vinegar" Valentines with sometimes funny but often snarky comments were sent, usually and unfairly to spinsters, but also to pretentious or unlikeable acquaintances. In the late 1800's, 25,000 of these were seen as "unfit" to deliver and rejected by the US postal service

In the Middle Ages, people believed birds found their mates on February 14th, thus the dove and feathered friends in general, became popular symbols the holiday

A single rose represents love at first sight
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Wishing Everyone the Happiest of Valentine's Days

Mimosa Parfaits: Happy New Year!

Though never one to turn down the festive excitement of a big New Year's Eve party, I find nowadays I prefer the quieter, less frenzied celebration of New Year's Day. With no harried anticipation of the midnight hour, a more casual brunch or lunch takes a leisurely pace, perfect for resting up before returning to the hurry and flurry of everyday life. Of course still being in holiday mode, celebratory sweets and indulgences are a menu must, even if on the lighter side, after all of the seasonal excess.

I thought I'd try a twist on the classic brunch Mimosa by incorporating it's flavors of orange and champagne in a simple parfait, garnished with the obligatory strawberry of course. An online search yielded dozens of wonderful champagne and mimosa jellied desserts and molds recipes, I improvised with this easy version set in champagne flutes. Serve with fruit or your favorite brunch or luncheon fare
   

Mimosa Parfaits

You'll Need

for the orange layer

orange jello

(yes its trendy again!)

orange juice

Prepare jello according to package instructions, substituting orange juice for the cold water

pour layer into champagne flute leaving room for next layer and chill

I made six flutes but had some leftover 
for the champagne layer

I followed this recipe from the delightful 
teaspoonofspice.com 
and simply omitted the pomegranate seeds

• 1 1/2 tbs unflavored gelatin
•  (about 1 1/2 packages)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 3/4 cup sparkling wine or champagne
• 
  
• In a medium glass bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. 
• Let soften for about 3 minutes
• Whisk in boiling water until gelatin is completely dissolved
• Whisk in sugar until dissolved. 
• Stir in champagne. 
• Reserve about 1/3 of a cup and chill in separate bowl.
• Pour the rest carefully over orange layer and pop in a sliced strawberry 
• Chill until firm (mine took about 40 minutes)

  

If desired, moisten the rims of the glasses and dip in sugar sprinkles. To add a bubbly foam on top, blend reserved champagne gelatin with hand mixer or whisk and spoon on top especially around inside edge of flutes where bubbles naturally form. 

Set on a tray and enjoy.

Don't worry they're spill proof!

 

Bottles of bubbly get adorned with finery (strips of fur craft trim and costume jewelry) after an idea from Pier One

Last years DIY party hat adds a festive touch while a bird marks the passing hour. Long ice tea spoons are perfect for tall glasses

a silver ball atop a vintage clock gives a tiny nod to Times Square

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It's fun to give a nod to some of the unique New Year's traditions from around the world in your decor and tablescape with fun props/conversation starters.

Some Fun Facts:
In the US we have been watching the famous ball drop in Times Square since 1907
In Columbia carrying your luggage around on December 31st ensures a year of travel and adventure

Brazilians offer white flowers to the sea goddess on Mew Years to help their wishes come true

In the Philippines eating round shaped fruit like oranges promises good fortune
(I had both leftover from my Nutcracker post)

And of course champagne, feasts and smooching are thought to bring happiness and plenty in the coming year in the US and many countries around the globe

Wishing everyone health and happiness, love and laughter in the New Year!

Season's Greetings

Many Thanks to our delightful Readers 

for your kind support and comments.

Here's to another year of creative crafting, kitchen capers and celebrating life's little moments.

Merry Christmas *Happy Holidays*

Joyeux Noel* God Jul* 

Feliz Navidad

*Happy New Year*

Wishing everyone all the Joys of the Season 

and 

Peace, Health and Happiness in the coming year!

Visions of Sugar Plums: Nutcracker Sweets

 Without a doubt candies and confections play a sweet and starring role in the celebration of the Christmas season. Ironically one of the most oft mentioned holiday treats is the rather mysterious, but delightfully named sugar plum. 

     Generations of children have read of little ones drifting off to sleep dreaming of the confections in the classic Night before Christmas poem or perhaps seen the magical Sugar Plum Fairy dance across the stage in the famous Nutcracker ballet, but, many, myself included, hadn't a clue as to what exactly a sugar plum was.

images from the Graphics Fairy

      While some quick research revealed some conflicting ideas, the overall consensus was that these treats, which did not contain plums, were based on the sugar coated seeds and exotic spices called confits popular in Europe in the 1600's. Painstakingly made with layers of sugar syrup, they were a luxury for the wealthy and royals until later advances in production made them more readily and inexpensively available. 
      Fast forward to today and you can find a myriad of recipes for this centuries old treat, most including a combination of dried fruits such as dates and apricots, nuts, honey, sugar and assorted spices.

     I decided to whip up an easier, if not completely historically accurate version, and spruce them up with some colorful chocolate and a little sparkle.

I used

1 1/4 cup assorted mixed dried fruits
I bought  a package of mixed fruits including
dried apricots, golden raisins, peaches apples and cranberries
 but any of your  favorites will do

1 1/4 cup almonds

4 tbs honey

spices: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, dash nutmeg

chocolate melts, pink, white or lavender

assorted sprinkles

if desired "toast" almonds in a dry skillet for a minute or two to bring out flavor, stirring constantly
Give fruit and nuts a quick whirl in a food processor until finely minced. 

In bowl stir in honey and spices. 

Roll into balls and set on a tray lined with wax paper, chill until firm- you may need to moisten hands often to prevent sticking

Although healthier than many holiday treats, they sadly don't rank among the prettiest. 

To the rescue, a light coat of chocolate melts and some sprinkle magic. Simply melt chocolate according to instructions and spoon over sugar plums. Garnish with sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar and let cool completely

 I added some wintery Nutcracker themed decor and DIY party favors.

A mini nutcracker and royal mouse hold court under a glass dome.

Sugar Plum Fairy Wands 

I used:

A set of wands craft kit 

snowflake ornaments 
(both from dollar store)

assorted scrapbook paper

ribbon, trim, odds and ends
printable

I simply spray painted some fun foam wands

Images from the Graphics Fairy (Love her!)

cut and glued some images

 and had fun decorating

With the table set it's time to relax with a cup of tea. Sugar plums make an elegant snack after the watching the ballet

(even if it's just at home on TV)

Wishing all our readers 

a Magical Holiday Season