DIY Valentine's Favors

I love giving cute little edible gifts to all of my close friends for Valentine's Day.  This year I decided to step it up a notch not only with the gift contents, but also the wrapping.  Off I went in search of fresh wrapping supplies and inspiration for the actual gift contents.  

How did I fare?  Well it was certainly a very "fruitful" trip to say the least.  There are so many cute treats and ideas in stores at the moment.  And yes, I had some serious shopping success (probably more shopping success than I actually needed…but theres always next year, right?).

For the Wrapping: 

• Red Glitter Takeout Boxes- I actually found these at Pier1 on clearance from Christmas (Christmas Red vs. Valentine's Red = Same Thing!).  Since they no longer have these in stock, I was able to find a bunch of similar options to share with you all from OrientalTrading.com.
• Clear Cellophane Wrapping Paper- This is a wrapping "must-have" for me.  I use cellophane when wrapping any of my perishable gifts as well as many traditional gifts.  It's pretty, protective and displays my gifts beautifully.  Best places to find cellophane wrapping include: Michaels.com, Target, Amazon.com and World Market.  I also am a fan of using the clear cellophane treat bags for baked goods.  
• Ribbon-  I am a HUGE believer in saving nice ribbon that I receive on gifts.  My heart breaks a little each time I see to see perfectly good ribbon that could most definitely be used again, get thrown in the trash.  However, collecting ribbon doesn't guarantee that you will have the right colors available to you when you are say, wrapping Valentine's Day treat bags.  I went to World Market for the Pink Grosgrain Ribbon.  Purple and white grosgrain ribbons can be found on amazon.com or at Michaels. 
• Gift Tags- I used different types of tags for these little gifts.  On the takeout boxes I found these adorable chalkboard sticker hearts at Target.  Target has a second Chalkboard Sticker Heart with a red backing (also very cute!).  For the champagne bottle tags and other cookie bag tags, they were actually Home Goods finds, so I don't have a link to the exact tags.  However, I was able to find very similar tags to share with you from Target and Amazon. The best part about these tags is that they provided the perfect canvas for sticker decorating.  If you aren't up for buying tags that can only be used once a year, buy more neutral tags that you can adorn with festive stickers. (**Note- Metallic Sharpies and Chalkboard Pens are my recommendations for best writing utensils on these tags)

Valentine's Day Treat Ideas:

• Chocolates Wrapped in Metallic Foil- Valentine's Day is all about the chocolate.  These little hearts not only look great in a gift bag, they are delicious and the price point is what I'm talking about (I paid about $3 for 2 bags at Walgreens (or equivalent drug store).  You can also find these chocolates on Orientaltrading.com, Target and most Grocery Stores. 
• Popcorn- Love Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.  It comes in so many flavors and doesn't go stale immediately after opening (perfect for parsing out into small wrapped goodie bags).  
• Pressed Cookies-  I love my OXO Cookie Press.  Not only can I use this press year round (not just for Christmas anymore!), but it also comes with a mini recipe book (I made the chocolate and classic butter cookies for Valentines Day) AND each batch yields 50+ homemade cookies!  What's not to love about a homemade gift (especially when its cookies)?
• Mini Champagne Bottles (for ages 21+)-  This is the priciest part of my post, but a fun addition (so what the heck, why not!).  World Market sells an assortment of mini champagne bottles (in stores only).  I am also a fan of the Sofia Mini Champagnes and Pommery POP Rose Champagne Miniature.

I must say that I did feel somewhat like a Valentine's Day Goody Bag Factory while coming up with all of these different options.  It was fun, delicious and I definitely perfected my cellophane wrapping technique in the process (another great skill for my resume).  In all honesty, I really think that a homemade gift (even if the contents are store bought, adds a special touch.  Whenever someone makes that extra effort (even if its just adding stickers to a gift tag), it doesn't typically go unnoticed and gift recipients really do appreciate the additional thought associated with something homemade (at least thats how I feel, but I hope you do too!).  Happy Valentine's Day!    

S'more Cupcakes

I got the idea for this creation from a recipe on foodnetwork.com for S'more Brownies.  The brownie recipe is beyond delicious, but for entertaining purposes, I needed to come up with a variation that could be made into individualized servings (easier to pass around and less fuss overall with serving the dessert).  Cupcakes seemed like a natural fit.  With a few modifications, I developed a recipe that was both easy and delicious.  These cupcakes have been a hit with all of my dinner party guests and I hope you find the same enjoyment from this recipe as well!

For the Crust

Ingredients

• 1 Box Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1 1/2 Sticks Salted Butter (Melted)
• 4 TBS Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit and place oven racks on bottom  third section of oven
2. Combine Crumbs, Sugar and Salt in a bowl with a fork
3. Once dry ingredients are combined, add melted butter and continue to combine until mixture resembles wet sand
4. Use a cookie scoop (or similar to achieve uniformity) and add one scoop to each muffin cup that has been lined with a  cupcake paper
5. Press mixture down to create a packed crust (I like to use a 1/4 cup measuring cup with a flat bottom because it fits the space perfectly and I don't have to get my hands dirty)
6. Bake in oven for about 20minutes

For the Cake

Ingredients

• Option A- From Scratch, I use Ina Garten's Recipe for Beatty's Chocolate Cake (Cake Recipe Only)
• Option B- Quick and Easy Box Mix.  Just get a high quality chocolate cake mix and make the batter as instructed.  When I use a boxed cake mix for this recipe, I like to use Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Ingredient Rich Cake Mix.  

Instructions

1. Make chocolate cake batter
2. When crust is finished baking, remove from oven, move oven rack back to mid-level and increase baking temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit
3. Fill each graham cracker crust cupcake cup with batter and then bake in oven for approximately 21-25minutes.  Test cakes with toothpick for doneness.  When toothpick comes out clean the cakes are done.  **Note- Start with less time and then add extra cooking minutes as needed. You can always bake for additional time but you can "unbake" something that has been over baked.    

For the Marshmallow Frosting

Ingredients

• 7.5oz Jar of Marshmallow Creme (I like to use Fluff)
• 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (Melted)
• 1lb Confectioners Sugar
• 1 1/2 tsps Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. With a mixer (hand or stand) combine all ingredients until smooth (*Note-If frosting appears too thick add 1-2 tablespoon(s) of milk or water until consistency is smooth).
2. Once cupcakes have cooled completely, frost somewhat generously

Garnishing your Cupcakes

1. Stand Jet-Puffed Marshmallows on an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet, and place under broiler until tops are golden brown (**NOTE- Watch these marshmallows closely!  It only takes about a minute or two for the tops to become golden brown, but they can burn in a matter of seconds if left unattended)
2. Place a roasted marshmallow on top of each cupcake
3. Sprinkle some of remaining graham cracker crumb mixture on top of each cupcake

Recipe Makes Approx. 18 Cupcakes

Cocktail Party Preparedness - Food & Beverage

Have you ever run into a scenario where at some point during the day you might be talking with your friends about dinner plans for the evening and the opportunity for you to host an impromptu cocktail party arises?  Well, I have run into this scenario all too often.  

I hate the feeling of not being prepared (regardless of what the situation may be).  A pop quiz in school always made me sick to my stomach and that deer in headlights look that typically results from a stressful surprise has never been flattering on me.  

Wouldn't it be great to be able to say to your friends at a moments notice, "Why don't you come over to my place for a quick drink before we head out to dinner."  You're confident with offering up an impromptu cocktail party at your house, because you know you have all of the necessary supplies to entertain.  This is actually very attainable and in all honesty, it doesn't take a lot to adequately equip your home for simple cocktail entertaining.  

Over the years I have learned a great deal from hosting my various cocktail parties (both planned and impromptu).  This post breaks down what I consider to be the cocktail party pantry essentials.  A list of the cocktail party food and beverages to have on hand, so that the next time you offer to host an impromptu cocktail party at home it will be naturally effortless.     

Drinks

• Red and White Wine- If its a quick cocktail party (like an hour or two), I usually buy enough for the wine drinkers to have at least 2 glasses.  If its full on dinner party that I am hosting, I budget a bottle per guest to be on the safe side (Is it really a bad thing to end up with left over wine? Um no, definitely not a bad thing at all!).  A final note- Keep a bottle of white in the fridge at all times.  That way you won't be caught off guard if a guest asks for a glass of white wine (unless you are serving spritzers, white wine + ice cubes = suboptimal). 
• Beer- My first piece of advice with beer buying for a party is this…know your audience.  If you have a bunch of beer drinkers coming over, head to Costco and pick up a 24pack of Glass Bottles.  If theres only going to be 1 or 2 light beer drinkers, you can stick with a 6-12pk.  If I am buying 12 beers, I will usually break it up into a 6pk of Regular beers and a 6pk of Light Beers.  
  • Brands- Again, unless you know your guest's beer preferences, its best to stick with a more well known brand that is mid-priced.
• Liquor - I typically keep a bottle of vodka on hand because I find it to be the most widely liked by my guests.  Again, a mid-priced vodka would be my recommendation.  
• Water -Have a carafe/pitcher of iced water available for your guests.  Cocktails and salty snacks tend to make people very thirsty, so having water available is never a bad idea.  In addition, I also like to keep both sparkling and tonic water on hand.  Whether sparkling water is needed hydrating or tonic water is needed as a mixer for a cocktail, they are certainly entertaining must haves for my parties.  

Food

2 Armadillo Spicy Cayenne Chick Peas, Rosemary Marcona Almonds and Roasted Almonds Lightly Salted

• Nuts- The cocktail party staple!  A mortal sin (in my opinion) is to host a gathering where you are only "watering" them.  Meaning, if you provide your guests with only beverages, it won't be a very long party.  Snacks not only take the hunger "edge" off but snacks also keep your guests from feeling buzzed or ever so slightly inebriated after a single cocktail.  Nuts are a great snack to serve at a cocktail party.  There are so many varieties, they taste delicious and they can be stored in your pantry for months at a time without spoiling.  
  • A few suggestions- Marcona Almonds (Love Trader Joe's Truffle and Rosemary Flavors), Virginia Peanuts, Mixed Nuts (Roasted and Salted), Sahale Crunchers Almond Snacks

• Nut Alternatives- Nut allergies…people have them, they exist and it's not in your best interest as a host/hostess to ignore those needs.  You want your guests to feel comfortable in your home, which includes having a snacking option that meets their dietary needs.   All suggested snacks that I have listed below are delicious! 
  • A few suggestions- 2 Armadillos Crunchy Chickpeas, Somersault Snack Co., Doctor in the Kitchen Seedsters, Half Pops (Partially Popped Natural Popcorn)

• Frozen Apps- Trader Joe's Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions, Edamame in the Shell, Flatbread Pizza (Love American Flatbread Cheese & Herb)
  • These are just some of my favorite frozen appetizers, but definitely go ahead and buy whatever you think that you and/or your guests would enjoy most.  

Entertaining Accessories

• Check out my post on Entertaining Essentials for Hosting a Cocktail Party to get a breakdown of my cocktail party accessory essentials.  

The goal of this post (like so many of my posts) is to let you know that even though you may be busy and not have a lot of time to plan, you can still easily host an impromptu cocktail party.  Hosting can really be nbd (no big deal).  Next time you are at the store for the weekly grocery shop, throw a few of these items in your cart.  Just like Rome not being built in a day, you can build your pantry over time.  Who knows, maybe the next time the opportunity presents itself you might surprise yourself and proactively volunteer to host an impromptu cocktail party.  

Morning Crunch Muffins

I learned of this recipe while on my honeymoon.  My husband and I took a cooking class, which I highly recommend doing with your significant other or even just a friend.  It was really nice to have an activity date night that wasn't just dinner and a movie (not that there is anything wrong with that) and we learned something to boot!  The class taught my husband a healthy and flavorful salmon recipe that he could easily cook.  As well, the class gave me great inspiration for recipes like these morning crunch muffins.   

These breakfast cakes are low sugar, high-protein, flavor packed and Paleo Diet-Friendly!  Added bonus, they are great for making ahead of time and freezing each cake individually wrapped (a perfect breakfast on the go).

Makes 12 Muffins

Ingredients

• 1c Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (toasted)
• 4 Tbs Toasted Flax Seeds
• 3 Tbs Raw Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
•  3 Tbs Sesame Seeds (not toasted)
• ¼ c Dried Unsweetened Dark Cherries
• ½ tsp Kosher Salt
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• ¼ c Sliced Raw Almonds 
• 4 Tbs Grape Seed Oil (or Safflower Oil)
• 4 Tbs Agave Syrup
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 4 Tbs Almond Meal/Almond Flour 
• 4 Tbs Garbanzo Bean Flour (or Hazelnut Flour)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Combine all ingredients
3. Grease muffin pan either Grape Seed Oil or Pam Cooking Spray
4. Distribute batter evenly in 12 muffin cups
5. Press batter into each cup so that it is packed tightly
6. Bake for 15 minutes
7. Let cool and wrap individually

Displaying Hand Soap in Your Bathroom

Pump Soap vs. Bar Soap

This sounds crazy to discuss Pump Soap vs. Bar Soap, but many people (myself included) have an opinion/preference regarding the form of hand soap displayed in their bathroom.  

Pump Soap

• Personally, I love pump soap for everyday hand washing.  I am a huge fan of the Mrs. Meyer's line of hand soaps. They smell delicious and I love that they are non-toxic.  I even think the packaging is pretty enough to display without transferring to a more formal pump soap dispenser.  It can add a fresh pop of coordinated color to a sea of monochromatic countertop accessories without having to permanently commit to that additional color.  Liquid Soap overall is a great option for everyday hand cleansing because it leaves little mess post-use and accomplishes the obvious (sanitizing your hands).   If you are interested in outfitting your bathroom sink with pump soap, here are a few suggestions for different liquid soaps and containers that I happen to love. 
  • Liquid Hand Soaps:Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil Liquid Hand Soap, Williams-Sonoma Fleur de Sel, Nest Fragrances Liquid Soap, Kiehl's Liquid Handsoap "Grapefruit,"  Method French Lavender Hand Wash

• Soap Pumps: The Container Store Deco Pump Soap Dispenser, Crate & Barrel Glass Soap Pump, Restoration Hardware Asbury Park Large Dispenser, Blomus Primo Soap Dispenser, Waterworks Silver Leaf Soap Dispenser.

Bar Soap

• When I am entertaining, I like to put out a proper soap dish with a nice quality bar of hand soap.  I love the traditional look of the soap bar and it makes my bathroom feel more home-like.  Reason being- when is the last time you saw a soap dish and bar soap out in a public bathroom? (probably never- because it wouldn't be sanitary).  The hand bar soap is always associated with a home (or hotel room).  It makes the space feel more personal and inviting (in my opinion), which is why I opt for the bar soap and soap dish when entertaining.
  • Soap Dishes: Crate & Barrel's Pure Oval Soap Dish, Crate & Barrel's Oval Glass Soap Dish, Target's Threshold Soap Dish in Silver Nickel,  Rejuvenation Shell Bisque Soap Dish, Kassatex Acacia Soap Dish

• Bar Soaps: Swedish Dream Soap, Mrs. Meyer's Daily Soap Bar, K. Hall Designs Milk Bar Soap, Fresh Waterlily Oval Soap, Jockey Club Bath Soap (Set of 3).

In the end, this debate really doesn't have a winner.  Actually, this debate really wasn't even a debate, but rather a look into the variety of options that exist in the world of hand soap and soap accessories.  Pick whatever soap works best for you and if you have the opportunity to try any of the items I have talked about in this post, you won't be disappointed!