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Mar 20, 2008

Posted by Carrie Grosvenor

While there may still be snow on the ground where you live, and more in the forecast, Spring has officialy arrived! Even if we can't get outdoors to have a picnic or a barbecue, it's still nice to be able to look forward to the better weather ahead.

Spring cleaning is a major event for some of us. Of course it's not necessarily something we enjoy, but it's great to air out the house and wipe away the winter blahs. Extend your spring cleaning to your pantry, and get rid of anything that's been lingering around a little too long. Things like baking supplies, items for decorating or garnishing baked goods and appetizers, leftovers from winter parties, and even candy can end up sitting in the cupboards or the fridge a little longer than their best-before date. Check expiry dates on everything, and if you can't find one, use your best judgement.

Remember the old saying, "When in doubt, throw it out!" If you're not sure about the freshness of any food item, toss it and replace it.

Happy Spring!




Feb 21, 2008

Posted by Carrie Grosvenor

If you're looking for an interesting way to decorate cakes, cupcakes, dessert trays, or even ice cream desserts or cookie pizzas, here's something fun, sweet, and colorful. All you need are some ju jubes candy (plain or the ones coated in fine sugar), a rolling pin, and small cookie cutters.

Take one of the candies and place it between two small sheets of waxed paper, or in a plastic sandwich bag or zippered bag. Use the rolling pin to roll it out flat, to whatever thickness you desire. Then, using the minature cookie cutters, cut shapes out of the flattened candies. You can do these several candies at a time as well.

Fruit leather or other fruit-flavored snacks that come in thin strips can be substituted for the ju jubes, and these will be even easier to prepare! If you want to get really fancy, you can cut out basic shapes and then decorate those with contrasting colors of rolled out candy.

When you have all of your shapes cut out, use them to decorate baked goods or to adorn a fruit or dessert tray. Use your imagination to come up with new and fun ways to use them!




Feb 10, 2008

Posted by Carrie Grosvenor

Want to make a romantic statement this Valentine's Day? Do it with food! Preparing a homemade feast for your partner doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some ideas for some terrific Valentine's Day treats, made, of course, with lots of love.

Chocolate

Sure, you can have Valentine's Day without chocolate ... but why would you? Chocolate is a classic way to say, "I love you." Try these delicious and fun recipes:

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Let Them Eat Cake!

If you want to bake something special for your sweetie, your kids, or a party, try this Easy Valentine's Day Cake. It really is simple to make a heart-shaped cake without a specialty cake pan!

Appetizers and Finger Food

Want to make the evening extra-romantic? Make up some of these appetizers and feed them to your sweetheart!

Shrimp Cocktail Bites

Garlic Baked Oysters

Cranberry Baked Brie

Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese

Shrimp Toasts

All you need to add is a good bottle of wine or champagne, some candles, and romantic music. Happy Valentine's Day!




Jan 13, 2008

Posted by Carrie Grosvenor

Maybe you've resolved to lose weight this year, or perhaps you just enjoy eating healthy food. No matter what your reasons are for looking toward more nutritional fare, it's easy to slim down your party food menu without sacrificing taste or fun!

Here are some simple ways to boost nutrition and cut calories in all kinds of party food:

  • Use fat-free or low-fat mayo, sour cream, cream cheese and yogurt in dip recipes
  • Serve lots of fresh veggies and low-fat, whole grain crisp breads or crackers for dipping
  • Try serving Deviled Eggs, Spiced Almonds, or Crab and Mango Salad for a protein punch
  • Serve a bowl of clear soup or hot broth as the first course for a sit-down meal. Most soups are filling and nutritious, and you can make them party-pretty with a scattering of fresh parsley or other herbs on top
  • Take chunks of fresh seasonal fruit and thread them on skewers for a fun hand-held appetizer, dessert, or kids' party treat
  • Seafood is delicious and healthy! Try Tequila Lime Shrimp, or Easy Shrimp Cocktail Bites
  • Have some fun with Cucumber Appetizers

Bon appetit!