sharing...
I try to improve on my sharing everyday...but there are some days and some occasions when I am just not going to share...most importantly when it comes to sharing dessert...I am buying these spoons for my home- finally a relief from being a total ice cream hog!! Loving these Beach House Living!!
Reeses Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie
I'll admit it- I am obsessed with these double stuffed cookies. I haven't actually baked any yet because I seriously don't think that I would ever stop eating them...but this recipe I found today- I am going to give it a shot. We are going to Tahoe this weekend and think these cookies would be just the perfect thing after a day in the snow. Thank You With Style & Grace for posting these Reeses Peanut Butter Surprise cookies...yuummers.
I wonder if the "Surprise" in the recipe title really is trying to say- surprise you have gained 5 pounds!
I wonder if the "Surprise" in the recipe title really is trying to say- surprise you have gained 5 pounds!
Reeses Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
{Recipe from Picky Palate}
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- Reeses Peanut Butter cups
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets(s) with parchment paper and set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugars until well combined. Add eggs – one at a time and then vanilla, mix until well combined.
Mix together flour, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix in the chocolate chips. Take one scoop of cookie dough, place Reeses peanut butter cup on top and then take a second scoop of cookie dough and place on top of the Reeses. Press the cookie dough together, sealing the edges and then carefully mold into a ball.
Bake 9-13 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Enjoy!
Old New Again
I recently discovered the adorable blog We Met in a Bar- obsessed...and she likes Etsy just as much as me...didn't think that was possible.
Check out these great shop OldNew Again- putting these things on my wish list:
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| could be a bit cheesy- but I actually like these signs in kitchens |
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| mason jars...love it. |
Cookie Stuffed Cookies?!
Two cookies in one?? I am not sure what to think of these- sounds like a baking adventure, but also sounds like I would have to spend the rest of the week on the treadmill trying to work off one bite of this decadence. Although the recipe started as a cookie stuffed with an Oreo- they have also adapted the recipe to use Girl Scout Cookies...yumm!!
Click here for the recipe
Click here for the recipe
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| hello girl scout cookie. |
Rosemary White Bean Soup
I tend to crave a big heaping bowl of soup when it's wet and cold outside. Since I am trying be better about saving money and trying to become a better cook- really want to try out Ina's Rosemary White Bean Soup. Lisa at Celebrations at Home recently blogged about the recipe and she has got me inspired. It looks so yummy....and easy to make! Win, win. The only thing better is if Ina would come right to my apartment and make the soup for me!
¼ cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 large (6”) branch of fresh rosemary
2 quarts chicken stock
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
In a medium bowl, cover the beans with water by at least 1 inch and leave them in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and Rinse. In a large stockpot over low‐medium heat, sauté the onions with olive oil until the onions are translucent, about 12‐15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook over low heat for about 3 minutes. Add white beans, rosemary, chicken stock and bay leaf. Cover, bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 ‐ 40 minutes, until the beans are quite soft. Remove the rosemary branch and bay leaf. Using either a food processor or food mill, pulse until soup is pureed. Return the soup to the pot to reheat. Add salt + pepper to taste. Serve hot.
makes 6 servings.
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| Thank You Ina. |
1 pound dried white cannellini beans
4 cups sliced yellow onion¼ cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 large (6”) branch of fresh rosemary
2 quarts chicken stock
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
In a medium bowl, cover the beans with water by at least 1 inch and leave them in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and Rinse. In a large stockpot over low‐medium heat, sauté the onions with olive oil until the onions are translucent, about 12‐15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook over low heat for about 3 minutes. Add white beans, rosemary, chicken stock and bay leaf. Cover, bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 ‐ 40 minutes, until the beans are quite soft. Remove the rosemary branch and bay leaf. Using either a food processor or food mill, pulse until soup is pureed. Return the soup to the pot to reheat. Add salt + pepper to taste. Serve hot.
makes 6 servings.
Ice Cream & Cake
It's a horrendous day in San Francisco- pouring rain and the skies are dark. I've got to admit though that this weather is a bit soothing- perfect for staying in and baking. I am going to a friend's house this weekend and bringing dessert. I am going to attempt to make Ina's Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake as I've been eyeing the Tate's Cookies at my local grocery store.
The problem I have is serving up my dessert...I know how to do the presentation- but when it comes to cutting the cake, I am a total mess.
Sugar & Charm's post Unique Tips for Serving Cake & Ice Cream couldn't have come at a better time for me. I will report back next week with how the cake...and serving went at the party!
The problem I have is serving up my dessert...I know how to do the presentation- but when it comes to cutting the cake, I am a total mess.
Sugar & Charm's post Unique Tips for Serving Cake & Ice Cream couldn't have come at a better time for me. I will report back next week with how the cake...and serving went at the party!
Cutting the cake: Use a long knife to cut a small circle in the middle of the cake. Cut the outside into wedges and the inside as you would normally.
Serving the ice cream: Place cupcake paper in a cupcake pan. Using an ice cream scooper, scoop one ball into each paper lining and transfer the tray into the freezer for a few hours. After you cut the cake, remove the scoops from each cup... you can serve in the paper or drop them onto the plate!
Sweet Lulu
I am always in the mood to bake, but with Valentine's Day around the corner...feeling the need to bake even more. Your friends will love whatever you bake up...how can anyone not love something filled with butter, sugar and chocolate? The key to the best baked gift is the presentation. Here's where Shop Sweet Lulu comes in...this shop has everything you need for packaging...party planning too.
These things are all on my wish list:
these straws just can't get any cuter.
Valentine's Day Pillows
I love Valentine's Day- always a good excuse to bake up sweet treats, tell them people in your life that you love them and surround yourself with pink! To get you all ready for Valentine's Day- wanted to share these pillows...so fun and would be just adorable V-Day gifts. Alexandra Ferguson sells these pillows on her etsy shop- these are some I want to buy for myself:
These pillows are getting me so excited to be in Paris!! Mom- you need to order some of these!
It's Friday...Keep Calm!
I couldn't be happier that it's almost the weekend. My dear friend Marjorie is in town from the east coast and we are heading to Inverness tomorrow. The weather in San Francisco has been gorgeous lately, can't wait to get out and enjoy it.
You all must think that I spend my days roaming thru Etsy...well, that's kinda true, but I just can't get enough- every time I log on, find something else that I love.
Happy Weekend!
You all must think that I spend my days roaming thru Etsy...well, that's kinda true, but I just can't get enough- every time I log on, find something else that I love.
Happy Weekend!
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| here's what my weekend will look like! |
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| here's what john's weekend will look like! Thank you Poster Pop! I see myself spending lots of money on your etsy site! |
Hostess with the Mostess
With this post and yesterday's thank you note entry- you must be thinking that I am all about good manners...it's on the New Years resolution list- but I've got a lot of work to do! I wish I traveled with style and grace- but it's a day by day challenge- I can only get better!
We are throwing a party next weekend and thankfully found this "hosting school" entry from Sugar and Charm...just love it...especially with the retro picture...boy have things changed!
Here are Sugar & Charm's tips for being a better hostess:
We are throwing a party next weekend and thankfully found this "hosting school" entry from Sugar and Charm...just love it...especially with the retro picture...boy have things changed!
Here are Sugar & Charm's tips for being a better hostess:
1. Look presentable and be ready to party when your guests arrive. Although it might be hard, try not to look like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It doesn't take that long to freshen up before your guests arrive.
2. Stand close to the entrance for the first half-hour so your guests will feel welcomed. Sometimes it's awkward to walk into a party and you don't see anyone you know!
3. Take their coats and offer them a drink within the first few minutes. People feel more comfortable and social when holding a drink in their hand... weird, I know.
4. If your guests happen to spill wine or food on your brand new rug, graciously accept the fact that it might be ruined. Clean it up and do not accept any offers from them, like buying a new rug! If you're opening your home to people assume things might brake or spill.
5. Walk each guest out, handing them their coat. Never ask them to leave... sometimes people will linger and you want to get to bed because you have something to do early in the morning. Unfortunately, it's rude to ask them to leave... so instead just stop serving drinks and food and eventually they will leave, haha!
How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note
There's nothing better than a hand written note. To be honest- I have zero plan of attack when writing a thank you note- I am sure Emily Post has a whole list of thank you note do's and don'ts...but move over Emily, taking my advice from the blog-o-sphere...Thank You A Typical A for these great ideas!
Although Typical A used the example of her wedding thank you note- this really can apply to any situation:
If you sit down with 100 sheets of blank full-size paper, of course you’re going to be overwhelmed by the task of filling it, so choose pretty stationery that’s appropriately sized. You don’t have to write War & Peace, a short but heartfelt note is perfect.
The first line is fairly obvious: say what you are thanking them for, for example, ‘Thank you for attending our wedding’. If they weren’t able to attend but sent a card or gift then say something like, ‘Thank you for thinking of us on the occasion of our marriage’.
Don’t just say thanks and nothing else, though. Say not just that you love it, but why, such as: ‘The beautiful vase fits in so well with our decor.’ Better yet, add something to describe what benefit it has to your new married life together. This works especially well for gift registries, cash and gift cards, where you are not so much thanking them for their thoughtfulness in choosing a gift, but for what the registered item means to you. For example, ‘Thanks to the power drill we purchased with your gift card, we’ll now be able to tackle the projects we want to do to make our house a home.’ or, ‘The honeymoon you contributed to was the perfect start to our marriage and we have created so many wonderful, lasting memories.’ See how that will make the recipient feel all warm and fuzzy rather than just a signature on a cheque?
There’s no way around it, this is always tricky. I know it’s tempting to say you like the life-size medieval unicorn statue just so that Grandma doesn’t get offended, but never lie. It will only come back to bite you when she decides since you loved it so much she will add to your unicorn figurine collection every birthday from now on. Simply thank them for thinking of you and honouring the special occasion with a gift.
There’s a good chance that many of your guests went above and beyond to celebrate your day with you, so be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their effort. Did they have to travel? Did they have to get the night off work during a busy time at their new job? Has she just had a baby and hasn’t slept or worn anything but stretchy pants in months? Don’t mention the pants, but you get the idea. Same goes for anyone who helped out in some way. I’m not a fan of wedding speeches where the couple thanks everyone down to their cousin for recommending the florist, but your thank you notes are an ideal opportunity to do this. Of course you’ll want to make special thanks to your parents, bridal party, MC, and ushers. But don’t forget your sister-in-law for helping you handmake your centrepieces, your uncle for picking out-of-town guests up from the airport and your friend for providing the bracelet for your ’something borrowed’.
So that the whole thing is not just thankyouthankyouthankyou, it’s nice to mention something about the day, such as ‘It was amazing being surrounded by all of our loved ones,’ ‘I’m so happy that the whole family was in one place for the first time in years,’ or‘The day was everything we imagined’.
You might like to leave it at that, or you can wrap it up in a few days depending on circumstances. For example, we had a number of guests who have since become engaged so we could finish off by saying ‘We can’t wait for your big day!,’ (only do this if you are absolutely sure you are invited!). If they were unable to attend, you can express your hope to see them soon.
Although Typical A used the example of her wedding thank you note- this really can apply to any situation:
Don’t overdo it
If you sit down with 100 sheets of blank full-size paper, of course you’re going to be overwhelmed by the task of filling it, so choose pretty stationery that’s appropriately sized. You don’t have to write War & Peace, a short but heartfelt note is perfect.
State your business
The first line is fairly obvious: say what you are thanking them for, for example, ‘Thank you for attending our wedding’. If they weren’t able to attend but sent a card or gift then say something like, ‘Thank you for thinking of us on the occasion of our marriage’.
Thank them for their gift
Don’t just say thanks and nothing else, though. Say not just that you love it, but why, such as: ‘The beautiful vase fits in so well with our decor.’ Better yet, add something to describe what benefit it has to your new married life together. This works especially well for gift registries, cash and gift cards, where you are not so much thanking them for their thoughtfulness in choosing a gift, but for what the registered item means to you. For example, ‘Thanks to the power drill we purchased with your gift card, we’ll now be able to tackle the projects we want to do to make our house a home.’ or, ‘The honeymoon you contributed to was the perfect start to our marriage and we have created so many wonderful, lasting memories.’ See how that will make the recipient feel all warm and fuzzy rather than just a signature on a cheque?
…even if you don’t like it
There’s no way around it, this is always tricky. I know it’s tempting to say you like the life-size medieval unicorn statue just so that Grandma doesn’t get offended, but never lie. It will only come back to bite you when she decides since you loved it so much she will add to your unicorn figurine collection every birthday from now on. Simply thank them for thinking of you and honouring the special occasion with a gift.
Acknowledge special circumstances
There’s a good chance that many of your guests went above and beyond to celebrate your day with you, so be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their effort. Did they have to travel? Did they have to get the night off work during a busy time at their new job? Has she just had a baby and hasn’t slept or worn anything but stretchy pants in months? Don’t mention the pants, but you get the idea. Same goes for anyone who helped out in some way. I’m not a fan of wedding speeches where the couple thanks everyone down to their cousin for recommending the florist, but your thank you notes are an ideal opportunity to do this. Of course you’ll want to make special thanks to your parents, bridal party, MC, and ushers. But don’t forget your sister-in-law for helping you handmake your centrepieces, your uncle for picking out-of-town guests up from the airport and your friend for providing the bracelet for your ’something borrowed’.
Talk about the day
So that the whole thing is not just thankyouthankyouthankyou, it’s nice to mention something about the day, such as ‘It was amazing being surrounded by all of our loved ones,’ ‘I’m so happy that the whole family was in one place for the first time in years,’ or‘The day was everything we imagined’.
Sign off
You might like to leave it at that, or you can wrap it up in a few days depending on circumstances. For example, we had a number of guests who have since become engaged so we could finish off by saying ‘We can’t wait for your big day!,’ (only do this if you are absolutely sure you are invited!). If they were unable to attend, you can express your hope to see them soon.
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