Category: Recipes

Super Bowl Get Together Ideas

Super Bowl get together ideas give game-day excitement the home field advantage.

Football+Helmet+Giclee+Wall+Art+On+Canvas+by+Darren+Gygi+Print

“It’s ridiculous for a country
to get all worked up about a game—
except the Super Bowl, of course.
Now that’s important.”
—Andy Rooney

My tried-and-true Super Bowl get together ideas entertaining formula consists of three basic components:

Casual.

Comfortable.

Easy.

gumbo-bowl

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Regardless if your favorite team is in or is out on Sunday tradition dictates most of us will be joining in on the Super Bowl merriment from the comfort of home- the favorite party zone.

Bose Smart Speaker

Bose Smart Speaker 500 with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Voice Control Built-in 

Great retail prices at this usually slow time of year following the holidays make picking up an accent here and an accessory tops the Super Bowl get together ideas list.

Nebula Capsule Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector Portable

Nebula Capsule Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector Portable

Samsung - 2.1-Channel 300W Soundbar System with 6-1/2" Wireless Subwoofer - Black

Samsung 2.1 Ch Soundbar with 290W with Wireless Sub

Next best thing to experiencing the sounds of the Super Bowl live and in person is watching the game in enhanced audio quality.

Roku Streambar HD4KHDR Streaming Media Player & Premium Audio, All in One, and Voice Remote with TV controls

Roku Streambar | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Media Player & Premium Audio

Hosting game plans favor spending Super Bowl Sunday knee deep in the fun rather than in a stream of spilled food and drink.

Spot side tables give a good look, and give guests a spot to place drinks, eats, and devices.

Manila Cylinder Drum Accent Table - Project 62™

Manila Cylinder Drum Accent Table Gold – Project 62™

Tossing it back to the heyday of the folding TV tray table.

Folding TV Tray Table

Set up, serve, and store away.

Excellent call.

Defense Football Player

Bronze finish resin figurines can be used over and over again which makes it a super affordable Super Bowl decorative accent.

Bronze Quarterback

In this neck of the woods where mild winters allow magnolia trees, Ligustrum’s, and your basic garden variety greenery to maintain color and growth, cuttings and clippings are readily available for  centerpiece arrangements.

stem cuttings

Cuttings and clippings make a nice showing on their own, but really kick the look up a notch when mixed with a couple of fresh bouquets from the supermarket floral department.

glass cylinder vases

Another inexpensive decoration involves glass cylinder container(s) from the dollar store and a couple of packages of decorative accent gems in team colors.

It’s not about how much it cost, but the wow factor it creates.

whistles

Pick up a pack of coaches/referee whistles for this next idea.

Feed black and white ribbon through the whistle ring and tie around the handles of these black and white ceramic soup mugs in referee fashion.

super-bowl-soup-bowls

Serve on black melamine plates or plate charges in your team’s colors.

The-Best-Chili-Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe – Sugar Spun Run

No hot party food needs temperature interference hence the need for a slow cooker and buffet server.

Cooks 1.5 Quart Football Print Slow Cooker

Cooks 1.5 Quart Football Print Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker and Buffet Server in Copper

Slow Cooker and Buffet Server in Copper

Plastic tubs easily become individual popcorn-nuts-party mix-pretzels holders or fill with ice to create individual beverage tubs.

plastic-tub-with-handles

individual-beverage-tub

My family loves In-N-Out Burger.

In-N-Out-Burger-in-car

We go with the eating in the car option complete with lap mats and paper trays.

in-and-out-burger-order-car

What better time copy the eating in the car concept than a Super Bowl party.

25-Pack-Kraft-Paperboard-4-Corner-Pop-Up-Food-Tray-Carrier-Food-and-Drink-Stadium-Tray-Carrier-Theater-Snack-Carrier-Box (1)

Scrapbook paper is just the right size and design for lap mats, placemats and coasters.

scrapbook-paper

Football Field Scrapbook Paper – 12″ x 12″

Football Textured Scrapbook PaperFootball Textured Scrapbook Paper

footballs-scrapbook-paper

Footballs Scrapbook Paper – 12″ x 12″

Purchase items that easily fit with other occasions and themes.

Walbest Japanese-style Solid Wooden Walnut Plate

Walbest Japanese-style Solid Wooden Walnut Plate

NFL Kansas City Chiefs 4 in. Metallics Coasters (Set of 4)

NFL Kansas City Chiefs 4 in. Metallics Coasters (Set of 4)

Igloo 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Beverage Cooler, OrangeIgloo 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Beverage Cooler, Orange

Party Cups 12 oz Reusable Disposable Cups

Spike the Ball Tea

Ingredients

1 gallon iced tea

1 gallon lemonade

1 750mL bottle honey whiskey

ice

Directions

Combine the iced tea, lemonade, and whiskey in cooler and stir.  Add ice.

Please always drink responsibly.

Artificial Grass Table RunnerArtificial Grass Table Runner

An artificial grass table runner can be used on Super Bowl Sunday as well as  springtime gatherings, Easter eggstravaganzas, and bridal showers.

food-football-fun

From a drop by the supermarket spread made for good times and gathering friends to an instant pot-slow cooker feast, easy yet impressive dishes make a taste touchdown.

boiled-Louisiana-crawfish

Boiled crawfish, potatoes, and corn- Louisiana required Super Bowl seafood eating.

Throw in lemons, whole onions, and smoked sausage and laissez les bon temps rouler, cher!

rice scoopStuffed (or not) Pepper Dressing

1 lb. ground beef

1 bag frozen chopped onions

1 bag frozen chopped green peppers

1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon minced garlic

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon thyme

1 24 ounce can spaghetti sauce

1 cup cooked rice

6 bell peppers

8 ounce package shredded cheese of choice

bellpeppers

Cut the tops and stem off of each pepper.  Remove the core and seeds from inside each pepper.  Cook the bell peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes or until desired softness is reached.  Remove peppers from water and set aside.

rice-dressing

Place ground beef, onions and peppers in a large skillet.  Cook together over high heat until ground beef is browned. Pour or spoon off excess fat.  Reduce heat to medium.

Season mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to incorporate.  Stir in spaghetti sauce and Worcestershire sauce.  Add basil and garlic, stirring to incorporate.

garlic-basil

Reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer dressing for 10 minutes. Remove lid and spoon in cooked rice.  Sprinkle with thyme.  Stir rice into beef mixture to incorporate. Serves 6.

That’s it!

For Filled Peppers:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Generously stuff (fill) each pepper with the dressing.  Place stuffed peppers open side up in a baking dish.  Top each pepper with shredded cheese of your choice.  Bake covered for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese BallJalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball Recipe from Peas and Crayons

Clocking time in the kitchen preparing complicated snacks takes you away from the play-by-play action.

Easy is the game plan, so let’s take a look at easy recipes.

Totally-Bamboo-Football-Shaped-Bamboo-Serving-and-Cutting-Board

Totally Bamboo Football Shaped Bamboo Serving and Cutting Board

Oversized Carved Wood Tray - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

Oversized Carved Wood Tray – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

goodness & grace Round Distressed Wood Paddle Board

 goodness & grace Round Distressed Wood Paddle Board

Charcuterie boards go into the Super Bowl snack hall of fame.

fall-cheese-board

Variety is the spice of life and the rule of the cheese charcuterie board.  Work with what is available, on sale, and in season.

Here’s the items that make the tray:

One sharp, one mild, one soft, and one blue cheese.

point-reyes-farmstead-cheese-company-original-blue_1_1

Next, I select a trio of in season fresh fruits such as grapes, dates, berries, and apples.  Dried apricots and dried cranberries round out the category.

Good olives and pepperoncini complement well, too.

pecan-halves-shelled

Creole-spices

Creole pecans and mixed nuts bring the kick and the crunch.

Place pecans on a baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over pecans, hit them with a generous sprinkling of Creole seasoning, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.  Let cool and serve.

fig-date-chutney

Dates, figs, honey and hot pepper bacon are my jam.

goodbees-honey

Private Selection® Hot Pepper Bacon Spread

An assortment of crackers and breads of your preference.

Pick up a bag of crostini in the bakery department at Walmart, a box or two of the house brand of entertainment cracker selection (good crackers!), and complete the pass me some of those picture with the crowd pleasing trifecta- pretzels, corn, and tortilla chips.

Prosciutto, salami, and thin sliced smoked turkey enter the field as power proteins.

super-bowl-charcuterie-board

Dip is the official unofficial food of the Super Bowl soiree.

Four quarters, four dip recipes.

slow-cooker-chilis-queso-3

Copycat Chili’s Queso (Slow Cooker Version) from Creme de la Crumb is a Super Bowl appetizer tour de force.

This baby is easy, slow cooker easy, and a crowd pleaser.

Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip

easy cheesy hot pizza dip

 Photography by Joe Lingeman – Food Styling by Amelia Rampe

Football and pizza is a natural pairing, and this Easy, Cheesy Hot Pizza dip recipe from The Kitchn is exactly that.

Easy, Cheesy Hot Pizza Dip

Super Bread Bowl Dip

A football shaped bread bowl full of dip.

Need I say more?

Click on the link for the how to make instructions and Kale-Artichoke Dip recipe.

Baked Kale Artichoke Dip Recipe from Delish

Don’t be a host/hostess hero, you football animal you.

Pop the top on a few cans of fan favorites Fritos bean dip and jars of salsa and go forth and Super Bowl.

bean-dip-salsa

Plastic Football Tray

Did someone say wings?

Cooking/frying food in an air fryer is a healthy compromise without any compromise at all.

Food cooks with less fat, faster than traditional methods, is not limited to frying (grills, roasts, bakes), and the best feature- no oil!

delish-air-fryer-fried-chicken

Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

king-cake-colors

Carnival season is in full swing with all the fun included and the calories consumed from King Cake parties a conversation for another day.

King-Cake-2022 (1)

Standard fare such as grilled or pan fried hamburgers is simple goodness widely received as a Super Bowl party must have.

hamburger-patties-ready-to-grill

hot-spicy-sauces

Pickapeppa Bloody Mary

Ingredients

1 cup Clamato juice

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1½ teaspoons Pickapeppa Sauce

3 drops Worcestershire Sauce

½ tablespoon ground celery seed

2 ounces vodka, optional

Directions

Fill glass half way with ice.  If adding vodka, pour 2 ounces into the glass. Add Clamato juice, lemon juice, Pickapeppa sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and celery seed. Stir well to mix.

Optional spice: kick it up a notch with a generous splash of hot sauce

bloody-mary-fixings

Garnish with spicy beans, celery stalk, or spicy okra.

Baked jalapeño cheese fries

Baked Jalapeño Cheese Fries – Simply Delicious

oven-fries-onion-rings

Here again is the easy way to go with sides.

Crank up the oven, follow the package directions, mix up dipping sauces in sweet and savory flavors, add to individual ramekins (COVID safety practices and general double dipping penalties), and serve.

ramekins

Good old fried chicken from the deli department of your local grocery store qualifies as a can’t go wrong choice of game day offerings.

fried-chicken

Games People Play

tic-tac-toe-bar-games-Lark-Photos

floor-checkers

dart-board-games

Bring your quarters, folks and take a guess.

football-coin-bank

Pick a word or phrase you know will be on repeat throughout the game – think word of the day, salty or sweet. Each time the word or phrase is said by party goers and Super Bowl swearers in goes a quarter into the bank.

Before the game begins attendees take a guess at how much money will be in the bank at the end of the evening. Best guess takes home the bank, the cash, and the win.

wrapped-candy-in-jar

Leftover wrapped candy from the holidays?

Count out the candy pieces, do the same with plastic football beads you can find at hobby stores, throw it all together in a big jar, and let guests guess how many is in the jar for a prize.

football-beads (1)

trophy-plastic

Show a classic football flick on the big screen TV post game entertainment.

football-movies

Options rule the field and Super Bowl get together ideas.

If the jar idea fails to score, load up a football pinata for an outdoor activity.

football-pinata

Whatever works for you works best for your Super Bowl get together.

That’s the winning point of these Super Bowl get together ideas.

Darleen-signature-love

 

Homey Seasonal Decor Finds

Homey seasonal decor finds in rich hues and flavorful tastes frame this picture perfect season.

fall-2021-inspiration

Excitement surrounding the first day of fall compares to Christmas day in my book.

I’m selecting songs for a fall into autumn playlist, and the big blue gumbo pot is ready for the c’est si bon celebration of the season and its cornucopia of seasonings.

pecan-pies-fall-Keith-Robinson-Flower-Magazine-photo-David-Hillegas

Y’all know my affinity for taking a photo and replicating it with in the style finds.

Well let me just say how taken I am with this bountifully beautiful display created by event designer Keith Robinson as featured in Flower Magazine.

Wood Cake Stand - Hearth & Hand

I can’t locate a recipe for pecan pie from Mr. Robinson, but I use the  Homemade Pecan Pie recipe from Karo Syrup, so classic it is.

Homemade Pecan Pie

Ingredients

1 cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1-½ cups (6 ounces) pecans

1 (9-inch) unbaked OR frozen deep-dish pie crust

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon.  Stir in pecans.  Pour filling into pie crust.

Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes (see tips for doneness, below).  Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving.

Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.

High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and increase butter to 3 tablespoons.  Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

-Karo Syrup

pink-rust-orange-mums (1)

Chrysanthemums (mums) are plentiful at fall, relatively inexpensive, and the color array spectacular.

Stone-like Grey Large Decorative Vase

Stone-like Grey Large Decorative Vases

Stone and earthenware decorative vases and planters become focal point accents for housing seasonal flowers, branches, and stems.

Rustic Vase Brown

No fuss-no muss simplicity at its serveware best is achieved with new or vintage stoneware bowl(s).

Pure fall, pure vintage beauty.

chocolatey brown antique farmhouse, stoneware mixing bowl

Antique RED WING Yellow Ware Bowl
Chocolatey Brown Stoneware Mixing Bowl

Serving boards made from natural materials serve well as versatile, uncomplicated choices for showcasing the foods and flavors of fall.

Brown Wood Look Plate

Wood Style Plate from Hobby Lobby

As I’ve stated before, never confuse simple with cutting corners or skimping on the details.

tondo-12-round-platter

Tondo Wooden Plates

Cozy is easily achieved when the emphasis is placed on inviting- the main ingredient in the recipe for putting together a fall fête for a party of two or intimate gathering for friends and family.

Teak Root Wedge Reclaimed Wood Serving Board

Teak Root Wedge Reclaimed Wood Serving Board

When casual elegance meets tone on tone layering meets inviting ambiance, a stellar result is achieved.

pumpkin-wood-serving-platter

Amber Glow Pumpkin Wood Serving Platter

Pumpkins quickly come to mind when considering autumn-fall theme accessories for home and table, but have you noticed the popularity of the mushroom?

Handmade Wood Mushrooms Tabletop Decor Collection

Handmade Wood Mushrooms Tabletop Decor Collection

Homey seasonal decor finds in a neutral colors fit right in with the natural state of the season’s beauty.

Seagrass Woven Pumpkin

Seagrass Woven Pumpkins

Crisp notes in the late afternoon air, tole serving trays, cake domes, and fall themed loaf pans stirs up all the fall feels, finds, and flavors.

tole-tray-cake-cover

Apple nut cake is set for the cake stand come Wednesday, but first, whipped maple pie.

whipped-maple-pie

Maple is among the taste of fall favorites, and is the featured flavor in this super easy to make dessert.

maple-syrup-flavoring-vanilla

Whipped Maple Pie

Ingredients

1 deep dish pie crust

1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) vanilla instant pudding

1½ cup cold milk

½ cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp. maple flavoring

1  container (8 oz.) thawed whipped topping

nutmeg for dusting

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Remove frozen pie crust from package and allow to thaw for 20  minutes.

Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides of the pie crust with to help reduce shrinkage and bubbling.  To ensure the crust bakes off properly, place an empty pie pan the same size inside the crust.

Place pie crust on baking sheet and bake on lower oven rack for 12-15 minutes, allowing to cool once removed from oven.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding and milk until firm.  Add maple syrup and maple flavoring; mix well.  Fold in whipped topping; mix until incorporated.

whipped-pudding

Spoon mixture into cooled pie crust. Dust top of pie with nutmeg and top with nuts.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Drizzle maple syrup over pie just before serving.

stoneware-pie-dish-set

Stoneware Pie Dish, Set of 3

Pie today, parfaits tomorrow with this recipe.

Bee & Willow™ Goblet in Gold

Bee & Willow™ Goblets

Grab a jar, tumbler, or goblet and working in layers begin with crushed cookies (vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, graham crackers- all delicious choices).

Next, add a generous tablespoon of the maple pudding mixture.

Repeat with another layer of crushed cookies and complete the dish with a final addition of the maple pudding mixture.

Top with a dollop of whipped topping, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and walnuts or fresh Louisiana pecans.

The delicious proof is in the pudding.

empty-mixing-bowl

Gorgeously anticipating fall’s color rich-seasonally tasty arrival on this blog post writing afternoon makes for perfect blog post writing conditions.

fall-is-my-favorite-color-blog

That and streaming The French Chef with Julia Child featuring three French favorites:

Tarte aux Pommes Classique
Tarte des Demoiselles
Tarte Tartin starring apples, cinnamon, and butter- the fall baking trinity.

red-fall-apples (2)

Julia Child is a classic, her personality endearing, and her recipes favorites in the Places In The Home test kitchen.

Between the show, recipes, and hint of crisp in the air I’m inspired to add her Tarte aux Pommes to my must make for fall recipe file.

Tarte aux Pommes

Ingredients

10-inch partially cooked pastry shell

4 pounds cooking apples

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/3  cup apricot jam/preserves

1/3  cup Calvados, rum or cognac (or 1 tablespoon vanilla)

2/3  cup granulated sugar for topping

3 tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 375F. Quarter, core, and peel the apples. Cut enough to make 3 cups into 1/8-inch lengthwise slices and toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice and sugar.  Reserve them for the top of the tart.

Cut the rest of the apples into rough slices.  You should have about 8 cups. Place in a pan and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Beat in apricot jam, Calvados, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.  Raise heat and boil, stirring, until applesauce is thick enough to hold in a mass in the spoon.

Spread the applesauce in the pastry shell.  Cover with a neat, closely overlapping layer of sliced apples arranged in concentric circles.

Bake in upper third of preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples have browned lightly and are tender.  Slide the tart onto a serving dish and paint over it with a light coating of apricot glaze. Serve warm or cold with whipping cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Apricot Glaze

½ cup apricot preserves, forced through a sieve

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Stir the strained apricot preserves and sugar over moderately high heat until thick enough to coat the spoon with a light film, and the last drops are sticky as they fall from the spoon (225-228 degrees on a candy thermometer).  Do not boil past this point or the glaze will become brittle as it cools.

Apply the glaze while it is still warm. Unused glaze will keep indefinitely in a screw-top jar.

-Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Volume I

Stoneware Pumpkin Serving Dish - Threshold™

Stoneware Pumpkin Serving Dish – Threshold™

Delicious year round, but these flavors shine at the fall table.

fall-jellies-jams-preserves

Sunday night dinners here at the Places In The Home ponderosa tend to be the breakfast for dinner type.

Biscuits.

Pancakes.

Eggs with fried apples.

round ceramic baking dish grill dinner plates

Found and placed on my fall finds list for suppers such as these is a set of Bruntmor Set Of 4 Matte Glaze Ceramic Food Serving Plates With Skillet Look.

coffee-tea-flavors-fall

Coffee drinking and tea sippin’ season and seasoned warm beverages complement and spice fall’s crisp days into brisk cozy evenings.

Homey Seasonal Decor FindsMason Cash | In The Forest Batter Bowl
Polyresin Pine Cone Table Decor     
Antique BM&T Covered Vegetable 1896  
Metallic Silver Scroll Charger Plate
Nordic Ware Leaf-Lettes Cakelet Pan, 2.5 Cup

fall-home

Homey seasonal decor finds frame this picture perfect season and welcome the best of the season to home and hearth.

This is how we welcome fall home.

love signature

Gridiron Gatherings Tailgating Ideas and Recipes

Excitement drives this gridiron gatherings tailgating ideas and recipes post down the field of football season is here dreams.

Pregame good times celebrated at home or on location to roast, toast, grill and gab before the game is almost as exciting as the game itself.

field-goal-posts

The return of high school, college and NFL football is not without a bit of mask-proof of vaccination controversy this year, but at least the return of high school, college, and NFL football with fans welcomed to attend under stadium and state guidelines with safety in mind is happening.

food-football-fun

The football nation is gearing up for Friday night lights-Saturday gridiron gatherings-NFL Sunday soirees at stadiums and at home (yes, Virginia, there is an at-home option).

catching-football

It is said that football is a religion, and the South the mother church of the football faithful.

Evidence of this is seen on any home game Saturday at Tiger Stadium.

football-game-LSU-Alabama

Now, we all know football means fall and fall as a theme opens up the field to easy and affordable statement making food, beverage, and decorating choices to build upon.

sunset-Vicksburg-Mississippi

Lighting sets a festive mood, especially at a late afternoon or evening tailgating event.

Better-Homes-Gardens-clear-glass-bulbs-brown-wire-string-lights-for-outdoors

Outdoor candle lanterns paired with LED votives and pillars advance the tailgating area into chic dinner party territory, and why not!

Willstar 3 Pack Candle Lights Flameless Wax LED Pillar Candles Flickering Remote Control Lights

You’re not locked into a particular theme other than casual yet elegant football tailgating finery.

You’ve got people to see, dishes to taste, and socializing to do.

Hit the remote and forget about it.

LED-taper-candles

Shop flea markets and online swap shop sites for a new to you light fixture ready to become a lighting focal point to add to your tailgating area.

black-iron-candle-hanging-chandelier

Give the fixture a good cleaning and perhaps a quick coat of spray paint, remove all the existing wiring, retrofit with LED pillar candles (easy peasy), and adorn with natural elements, string lights, mesh fabric in team colors, or a fall festive garland.

6ft. Pumpkin, Pinecone & Leaf Garland by Ashland®

6ft. Pumpkin, Pinecone & Leaf Garland by Ashland®

Planning these ultimate pregame meet, greet and eat get togethers is part of the game day experience- a social event that counts as a prime style occasion for decoristas to seize the design and decorating opportunity to show your personal style.

game-day-outfit-choices

ladies-tiger-print-shoes

Tailgaters are known for bringing their A-game to the game day tailgating tablescape.

Grove-tailgating-centerpiece

The Grove at Ole Miss – Au Courant Floral Creation

Decoristas know how to style and set space and table by taking advantage of the season’s offerings.

Late summer sees sunflowers, lush greenery, magnolia leaves, and seasonal fruits and vegetables ripe for the decorating picking.

corn-cobs-red-ribbons

Go Huskers!

Corn husk wreath around the cake stand, candles, or a platter of corn tamales- how cute!

corn husk wreath

Build on the for the fall of it all theme by decorating with fall festive pine cones, pumpkins, vines, branches, gourds and flowers.

natural-elements-for-decorating

I can’t think of a better tailgating table runner foundation than this synthetic grass table runner.

Juvale Synthetic Grass Table Runner

Juvale Synthetic Grass Table Runner

orange-white-plaid-table-cloth

Go Vols!

Seasonal flowers, natural or spray painted branches, magnolia leaves or seasonal stems paired with vintage or in the style of vintage trophy or champagne bucket vases make impressive centerpiece presentations.

silver-grand-trophy-cup

Fresh and festive flower bargains afford me the opportunity to load up on blooms of beauty.

fresh-yellow-roses-blue-hydrangeas

Pick up a sunflower bouquets at your local grocery store.

Pop in eucalyptus stems in fall or team colors paired with gathered cotton team print fabric- fabulous!

sunflowers-5-stems

silver-grand-trophy-cup-with-sunflowers

purple-gold-tulle-fabric

Pack a plastic urn with magnolia leaves

Plastic urns are lightweight and easy to haul around game to game, and magnolia leaves a wonderfully inexpensive-natural-beautiful choice of centerpiece accent.

magnolia-leaves-in-urn

Mums and pumpkins, the unofficial official season and flower of fall and football, remind me of homecoming court corsages and crisp fall game day afternoons and evenings.

Cut out a pumpkin, add mums in team or seasonal colors, and voilà; fall is on the table.

Paired together as focal point centerpieces, mums and pumpkins naturally create the look of the season.

mums-in-Cinderella-pumpkin

An easy DIY pumpkin centerpiece project is a couple bags of moss and an application of spray adhesive away from becoming a dazzling seasonal stunner.

pumpkin-with-moss-BHG-photo-Ed-Gohlich

Better Homes & Gardens

The DIY project from Better Homes & Gardens adds succulents cuttings to the moss, and although lovely, I prefer the natural simple elegance achieved with just the moss.

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum Moss

Faux pumpkins easily become decorative darlings when painted in team colors and paired with a vintage style football.

purple-gold-pumpkins

Krylon-gold-spray-paint

Bargain bins, dollar, thrift, and big box stores and end of season clearance sales can be tailgating tabletop treasure troves.

Give the attic or storage closet a once over for football themed oldies but goodies to put to decorating use.

LSU-college-bucket

Leaktite 5 Gallon LSU College Bucket

Home Depot can’t seem to keep these 5 gal. LSU college buckets in stock at this time of year.

They transport well and qualify as a…

Centerpiece vase.

Trash can.

Pack, cart and store carryall.

Ultimate gift bag for the sports fan.

chargers-for-tailgating

Faux Wood Charger

I lean towards selecting tablewares and serving pieces made from natural materials or with the look of for their durability and focal point factor.

-and-

You get a whole lotta bang for your buck as we are entering into the fall and holiday season where natural pieces and neutral colors complement and reign entertaining supreme.

Footed Teak Serving Board

Footed Teak Serving Board

Autumn Wooden Pumpkin Platter

Bowl 6oz 4pk Set - Cherry Wood

wheat-copper-serving-utensils

Wheat Copper Pastry Server and Serving Spoon

Picnic Time Kickoff Serving Tray

Picnic Time® Kickoff Cutting Board & Serving Tray

There’s a time and a place for paper and plastic, and tailgating is the time for paper plates, napkins, and plastic drinkware.

game-day-plates-napkins-cups

Stacking draws the eye and frees up valuable tabletop space.

wood-cake-stands-beaded

Brown or white paper lunch bags filled with snacks like popcorn, crackers, chips, and pretzels mixes and placed in baskets or on trays conquers the issue of a more visually appetizing way to present snacks and goodies in individual servings.

tailgating-serving-pieces

Now let’s look at a few more tailgating ideas and recipes.

Show your football in the fall spirit with this in the spirit of fall spirit.

Delish shows us this easy recipe and serving presentation idea for Apple Pie Vodka.

Mainstays 23-Ounce Football Cooler Glasses, Set of 6

Mainstays 23-Ounce Football Cooler Glasses, Set of 6

Fellow tailgaters invited to join in the pregame ritual of gathering together over food and drink love to bring something to the tailgating table.

When our Callin’ Baton Rouge tailgating friends ask what can they bring my stock answer is fried chicken.

fried-chicken

Pick up a basket, box or bucket of this tailgating food favorite and bring the delicious and the easy to the table.

Lemony Spinach-Artichoke Dip Recipe

Pack up individual boxes for guests and serve along with individual dippin’ fixin’s such as crostini, chips, and/or crackers.

takeout-boxes

Lemony Spinach-Artichoke Dip Recipe

Ingredients

1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 (8-oz.) container sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 envelope dry vegetable soup mix

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed

Assorted corn or tortilla chips

Directions

Stir together first 7 ingredients in a large bowl.

Drain thawed spinach well, pressing between paper towels; stir into artichoke mixture. Cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 2 days.

Serve with assorted corn or tortilla chips.

-Southern Living

Kevin Belton's Cookin' Louisiana

Kevin Belton’s Cookin’ Louisiana

Kevin Belton cooks Louisiana, and the parishes of The Pelican State love the taste of home.

fall-cookbooks-2022

Louisiana cooking hits the flavor button with its unique blends and mixes of spices, sauces, and syrups.

Bacon Popcorn Drizzled with Creole-Spiced Butter

Garden & Gun – Photo by Eugenia Uhl

Kevin Belton’s recipe for Bacon Popcorn Drizzled with Creole-Spiced Butter  is a marriage of unexpected flavor combinations resulting in a c’est si bon taste treat.

cast-iron-skillet-black

Creole-spices

Back to the individual serving appetizers school of thought…

After studying the staged image of the popcorn, loving the rustic, rusty, and fabulous decorative tin piece, it dawned on me how easy it would be to replicate the look with a new PVC ceiling tile.

Consider it a tailgating table investment piece, although the price per tile is under $20.

decorative-PVC-tin-inspired-ceiling-tile

Milan 2 ft. x 2 ft. Glue Up PVC Ceiling Tile in Graphite Gold

Still love this option, too.

Caramel Peanut Popcorn Snack Mix

Southern Living – Photo by Greg Dupree

Rustic Hammered Copper Cauldron

Unique sets an impressive table.

Stromboli-recipe

Stromboli is a pizza inspired full meal appetizer of epic eats proportions, and this recipe for Stromboli from Julie’s Eats & Treats will score with the crowd.

LSU Gumbo.

LSU-Gumbo-yearbooks

LSU Gumbo Yearbook

LSU Game Day Gumbo.

tailgating-gumbo-recipe

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Great-northern-bean-and-chicken-soup-recipe-1

white-bean-chicken-soup-recipe (1)

Great Northern Bean and Chicken Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon minced garlic

2 cans Great Northern beans

1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 32 ounce box chicken broth

1 chicken bouillon cube

2 cups water

Directions

Melt the butter in Dutch oven (or just toss the butter in with the veggies like I do).  Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery and chopped onion.  Sauté until onions become translucent.

Add shredded chicken, beans, bay leaf, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the flavor goodness together.  Add water, bouillon cube and chicken broth bringing to a boil.

Once a good bubbling boil is reached, reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer for 45-60 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf and serve with crackers or cheesy corn cornbread.

white-bean-chicken-soup-recipe (2)

Baskets come in as handy dandy serving and displaying option crackers, breads, and cookies.

Large Willow Basket by Ashland®

Large Willow Basket by Ashland®

fairytale-pumpkins-trio

Sausage-Pumpkin-Soup

fairytale-pumpkins-trio

Sausage Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

1 pound bulk pork sausage

1/3 cup chopped onion

2 cans (14-½ ounces each) chicken broth

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin

½ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

Directions

In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker.

Add the broth, pumpkin, syrup, pie spice, garlic powder and nutmeg.  Cover and cook on low until flavors are blended, 3-4 hours.  Stir in milk; heat through.

Serve with croutons, crackers 0r cornbread.

-Taste of Home

Philly-Cheesesteak-Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen is gameday perfection.

spices-seasonings-sauces

What’s a tailgate without a good hamburger?

hamburger-patties-ready-to-grill

The seasoning trick begins with plenty of salt and pepper.

peeled-onion

Cook the hamburger patties low and slow, throw in a handful or two of thinly sliced onions, perhaps some mushrooms, and go full-on flavor from there.

sauteed-mushrooms-in-butter

 

private-selection-hot-pepper-bacon-jam

Have any of you tried a spoonful of Private Selection Hot Pepper Bacon Jam atop your hamburger patty?

Oh.

My.

Goodness.

Your taste buds will thank you.

Spiced Apple Hobo Pack-Blaine-Moats

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Blaine Moats

Apples and cinnamon and brown sugar, oh my!

The taste of fall and flavor suited to tailgating found in this recipe for Spiced Apple Hobo Packs.

foil-apple-pack-ingredients (1)

Inquiring Chef’s recipe for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars is fourth quarter (dessert) on the board delicious.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This recipe for Moist Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze from Butternut Baker includes pumpkin, maple glaze made with real maple syrup, and a crunchy streusel so rich and so delicious it will become your new fall taste treat obsession.

Moist Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

From pan to pack tote to platter, cookies, sweet breads, cakes, and brownies travel well and satisfy the sweet tooth of big kids who tailgate.

Community-coffee-flavors

Dessert and coffee go together like football and tailgating.

tiger coffee mug

Make mine a cup of Community Coffee- a Louisiana tailgating tradition.

LSU-Golden-Band

Distinctive and delicious tailgating ideas and recipes sets the pregame party in motion to score an entertaining touchdown.

Darleen-signature-love

Fetching Friday: Mother’s Day Recipes Inspiration

Today’s most fetching Friday offers Mother’s Day recipes inspiration.

Mother's Day Recipes InspirationBe it breakfast in bed, dining table set to impress, or a picnic spread enjoyed in springtime splendor, a deliciously edible and visually stunning Mother’s Day meal stands as a time-honored gathering held in celebration of Mom.

Elisa+Sham

Picture and pitcher perfect for this special day, colorful vintage pitchers packed full of fresh flowers and cuttings strike a commanding pose.

peonies-in-blue-vase-Kritsada-Panichgul

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Kritsada Panichgul

For your Mother’s Day recipes inspiration consideration, I’m featuring traditional favorites from my traditional favorites, Better Homes & Gardens and Southern Living Magazine.

Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1¼ cups heavy whipping cream, divided

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons strawberry jam

¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch-thick slices

Sugared Fruit (see recipe below)

Maple syrup

Directions

Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with baking spray with flour.

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, ¼ cup cream, and granulated sugar with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.  Stir in jam; set aside.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together remaining 1 cup cream, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Dip bread slices in cream mixture. Spread one side of each bread slice with approximately 2 teaspoons cream cheese mixture.

Place bread slices upright, side by side, in prepared dish.  Pour any remaining egg mixture over bread slices.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Remove casserole from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until center is set and bread is golden brown, about 30 minutes more.

Spoon sugared fruit over casserole before serving. Serve with maple syrup.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Sugared Fruit

Ingredients

1½ cups quartered strawberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup blackberries

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons bourbon

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, sugar, and bourbon.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

-Victoria Magazine

tarragon-chicken-salad-Jennifer-Davick

Southern Living Magazine – Jennifer Davick

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Ingredients

3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)

½ cup chopped celery (from 2 stalks)

1/3 cup dried cranberries

2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ cup mayonnaise

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

Directions

Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated. Garnish with additional chives, if desired.  Serve immediately or, for best results, chill, covered, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.

-Southern Living Magazine

hibiscus-punch-photo-Melanie-Acevedo

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Royal Heritage Bone China Cup and Saucer - Pink Rose

Royal Heritage Bone China Cup and Saucer – Pink Rose

Hibiscus Punch

Ingredients

¼ cup sugar

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

6 whole cloves

4 hibiscus tea bags

1 ½ cups orange juice

1 ½ cups grapefruit juice

Ice cubes

2 limes, thinly sliced

Directions

In a small pot combine ¼ cup sugar, 2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, 6 whole cloves, and 2 cups water.

Bring to boiling over high; cook and stir 1 minute or until sugar dissolves.

Add 4 hibiscus tea bags. Let cool to room temperature.

Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher.

Stir in 1½ cups each orange and grapefruit juices.

Chill up to 24 hours. Serve with lime slices.  Serves 8.

-Better Homes & Gardens

lemon-verbena-ice-cream-pie-photo-Dana-Gallagher

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Dana Gallagher

Lemon Verbena Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients

Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

1 cup milk

½ cup fresh lemon verbena leaves or 4 teaspoons lemon zest

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¾ cup sugar

3 egg yolks

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

Ginger Shortbread Crust

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Herbs and edible flowers, such as lemon verbena, phlox, and/or roses

Directions

For Lemon Verbena Ice Cream:

In a medium saucepan heat milk and verbena or zest just to a simmer over high.  Remove from heat; let steep about 30 minutes.  Stir in salt.

In a medium bowl whisk together sugar and egg yolks until thick and pale. Return milk to a simmer.  Gradually whisk 1/2 cup milk mixture into egg mixture.  Continue whisking until smooth.  Slowly add egg mixture to saucepan, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir over medium-low until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and just starting to bubble.  Stir in cream. Press through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard solids.  Stir in vanilla.

Set mixture in an ice bath to chill, stirring occasionally.  Transfer to a 2-qt. ice cream freezer.  Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

For Ginger Shortbread Crust:

Grease a 9-inch pie plate. Preheat oven to 350°F.  In a large bowl beat butter with a mixer on medium 30 seconds.  Add flour, sugar, candied ginger, ground ginger, and salt.  Beat until a soft dough forms.

Press dough evenly into prepared pie plate.  Line with a double thickness of greased foil.  Fill to top with pie weights.  Bake 25 minutes.

Remove foil. Bake 10 to 12 minutes more or until dark golden brown. Let cool completely.  Freeze at least 1 hour.

Spread ice cream into crust.  Freeze at least 4 hours or until ice cream is firm.  Let stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Top with herbs and edible flowers.  Makes 10 servings.

-Better Homes & Gardens

confetti-cakes-photoo-Antonis-Achilleos-food-styling-Torie-Cox-prop-styling-Kay-E-Clarke (1)

Southern Living Magazine – Photo by Antonis Achilleos
Food Styling by Torie Cox – Prop Styling by Kay E. Clarke 

As easy as they are pretty, this recipe for Mini Confetti Cakes is Mother’s Day perfect.

Mini Confetti Cakes

Ingredients

1 (15 1⁄4-oz.) pkg. vanilla cake mix

3 tablespoons pink candy sprinkles

Homemade Whipped Cream (recipe below)

Edible flowers (such as violas, tuberous begonias, English daisies, and pansies)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare cake batter according to package directions, stirring pink candy sprinkles into batter. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch baking pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 28 to 33 minutes.

Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Invert cake onto rack; cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Prepare the sweetened whipped cream.

Cut out 15 mini cakes from cooled cake using a 2 1⁄2-inch round cutter.  Slice each mini cake in half horizontally, making 2 layers per mini cake.

Using a small offset spatula, spread sweetened whipped cream on half of layers, and top with remaining layers.

Cover tops and sides of cakes with whipped cream.  Press edible flowers directly onto cakes.

Homemade Whipped Topping

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons unsifted powdered sugar

Directions

Beat cream and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until foamy.  Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form.

-Southern Living Magazine

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, mother-in-laws, like a mother to me, sister moms, and best friends we celebrate and appreciate.

I hope these Mother’s Day recipes inspiration gift you with ideas for preparing a delicious treat to complement your Mother’s Day celebration.

signature-pink

Let the Summer Patio Good Times Begin

Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals let the summer patio good times.

Toledo-Bend-pier

Getting patio, deck, porch or pier summer ready kicks the salute to summer party in gear.

Mainstays Owen Park 28 inch Round Wood Burning Fire Pit

Ventless Smokeless Glass & Black Metal Column Tabletop Fire Pit

Ventless Smokeless Glass & Black Metal Column Tabletop Fire Pit

Washing away winter’s remnants always puts a fresh and clean spin on things, and makes way for the patio party part of the process most of us really look forward to- the decorating details.

Outdoor decor items enhance the look of the season and emphasize chic summer style.

Battery Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Floor Lamp

Battery Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Floor Lamp- Lowes

This seagrass pendant lamp shade from IKEA is super summer chic, and the price is so summer sweet.

TORARED Pendant lamp shade, seagrass, 14 "

TORARED Pendant lamp shade, seagrass, 14 “

Patio, deck, porch or pier becomes the perfect summer canvas for the art of decorating.

Ions ago when Dave and I had commercial and residential real estate dealings in Central Florida, we liked to stay at a particular hotel in the International Drive area of Orlando.

Palapa 7.5 ft. Aluminum Patio Umbrella in Whiskey Brown

Palapa 7.5 ft. Aluminum Patio Umbrella in Whiskey Brown

We mixed business with pleasure sitting poolside several afternoons, sipping cool beverages and soaking up the island vibe complete with tiki terrific motif.

Beachcomber Ceramic Tiki Mugs - 16 oz - Set of 4

Relaxing, summer stylish, and memorable- an excellent theme to work with.

Parasol Picks with Large Hibiscus Print Flowers

Parasol Picks with Large Hibiscus Print Flowers

Fresh mint ice cubes add a zip of cool summer minty freshness to your favorite beverages.

Easy to make, delicious to taste, and talk about pretty in a pitcher or glass or both.

fresh mint ice cubes

Place gently rinsed fresh mint leaves into each individual square of the ice cube tray.

Fill  squares with water.

Pop tray into freezer until cubes are solid.

Enjoy these summer minty fresh ice cubes in your beverage of choice.

Summer Patio Good Times Cookout Recipes

Favorite Barbecued Chicken
Click on the link for full recipe

I’ve carted this handwritten recipe on many a camping trip for the express purpose of satisfying the request of our camping crew.

baked-beans-recipe

Discovered on an episode of Paula’s Home Cooking, the recipe for Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans rates a Fourth of July recipe must.

Oven baking is not always camping convenient, but you know what is? A 7 qt. slow cooker.

Click on the link for full recipe – Grilled Corn 4 Ways

Bloomin’ Grilled Apples
Click on the link for full recipe

Decorate.

Cook.

Plan.

Patio.

Summertime is the season of living easy and summer patio good times.

Darleen-signature-love

Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas

With the closings, limitations, concerns, and interruptions in the normal Mother’s Day celebration ideas and retail shopping routine, Mother’s Day will be somewhat different this year, and that’s not a bad thing.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Curbside pick-up is a helpful, healthier, and convenient option (don’t spread the germs, but spread the tip love to our hero clerks) for these Mother’s Day celebration ideas gifts and ingredients.

Mother's Day celebration ideas

Going out to eat at a restaurant is out for this year, so we’re considering hosting a picnic complete with social distancing etiquette.

brown-vintiquewise-insulated-food-carriers

Better Homes & Gardens Hannalore Quilt1

Warmer afternoons and sunny May days invite a picnic to the list of Mother’s Day celebration ideas.

Besides, a picnic spread gives me the perfect gift idea.

quilt-roses

Better Homes & Gardens Hannalore Quilt

One can never have enough romantic floral quilts in soft tones and shades of pink and green reminiscent of an English garden.

Better Homes & Gardens Hannalore Quilt from Walmart is picnic perfect for a Mother’s Day spread and a lovely from me to you picnic parting gift.

pink-white-gingham-napkins

DII Pink & White Reversible Gingham Check Napkin Set, 4 Pieces

Spring into summer makes a delightful theme for entertaining offering an array of color and pattern choices.

lenox-butterfly-meadow-accent-plates (1)

Lenox® Butterfly Meadow® Set of 4 Accent Plates

hibiscus flower

Inspired by the hibiscus plant my brother recently gifted me, I’ll be serving  hibiscus peach tea with fresh lemon slices and fresh mint.

Pure Leaf Peach Hibiscus Herbal Tea

fresh-mint-lemons

If you’re looking for an impressive taste of spring dish for a Mother’s Day brunch, lunch, snack or supper, Strawberry Watermelon Chicken Salad served with a light homemade basil dressing from Sandy aka Reluctant Entertainer is a standout dish.

Click HERE to get her divine recipe.

Agnes Pie Dish By Anthropologie

Bacon and Cheddar Grits Quiche is the best of Southern light fare, or at least our idea of it.

Bacon and Cheddar Grits Quiche

Ingredients

6 thick bacon slices

2 ¼ cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

½ cup uncooked stone-ground grits

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

6 large eggs

2 ½ cups half-and-half

1 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon; drain and crumble.  Transfer 2 tsp. bacon drippings to a saucepan.

Bring drippings, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in grits, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper; cook, whisking constantly, 15 minutes or until very thick. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup cheese; let stand 10 minutes.  Stir in 1 egg; spread in a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until set and browned. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups cheese over warm grits, spreading to edges.  Let stand 15 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 325°.  Combine half-and-half, cream, onions, and remaining 5 eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper.  Pour over grits; sprinkle with crumbled bacon.  Place pan on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until lightly browned and just set. Let stand 20 minutes.  Run a sharp knife around edges of quiche; remove sides of pan.

-Southern Living

Mother's-Day-gardenia-bouquet

Dave the Builder presented me with a bouquet of garden gardenias picked on his late evening walk around the grounds of Places In The Home (the backyard).

His Mother’s Day celebration ideas gesture is a gift to the senses.

Vintage pitchers and crystal rose bowls full of fresh cut gardenias make a pretty sight, and the intoxicating scent floats throughout the entire house.

Majestic Gifts Inc. Hand Cut and Mouth Blown Crystal Rose Bowl

I am so pleased with the look created with this arrangement of peonies from the Kroger floral department (included in our pick-up grocery order) paired with a variety of fresh cuttings that I’m adding it to my Mother’s Day celebration ideas portfolio.

The cost is minimal, the effort simple, and the finished result a visual gift to the eye.

I’m excited to try this Rose and Lemon Layer Cake recipe from Victoria Magazine made with lemon curd, lemon zest, and rose water.

With the help of a pastry bag fitted with a large fluted tip, oodles of delicate rose frosting rosettes complete this dessert stunner.

rose and lemon cake

Creative Mother’s Day celebration ideas show love and gratefulness in ways beyond retail.

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Sharing the Christmas Cheer

Time is short on this Friday before Christmas, but there’s always time for sharing the Christmas cheer.

vintage-style-gift-bagsChristmas on sale emails get my attention at this time of year.

I sourced, shopped, and scored these Simplicity vintage gift bags at Joann Fabrics and Crafts, and they are so super vintage style cute.

Christmas-potpourri

Apples, lemons, cinnamon sticks, whole coves, and bay leaves brought to boil and set to simmer fills the house with the scents of Christmas.

poinsettiaBrothers bearing gifts of poinsettia in winter white and Christmas red kick off the week before Christmas gift exchange.

porcelain-Christmas-tree

This year’s Christmas decorating is less extravagance and more emphasis on special touches rooted in memories, provenance, and simple I love that beauty.

angel-wings

oranges-cloves

Oranges and cloves remind me of my great grandmother’s house at the holidays.

cloves-oranges-cedarHer uncomplicated approach to Christmas decorating translated into a unique style all her own and adorned in understated grace.

bottle-brush-Christmas-trees

I conducted a Christmas tasting trial run while the kids were home.

Hands down, this cranberry fig cheese ball took top honors in the holiday appetizer category.

cheese ball

Cranberry Fig Cheese Ball

Ingredients

8 ounce block cream cheese softened

8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

½ cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup fig preserves

1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon Creole seasoning, optional

½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions

In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese to soften.  Add shredded mild cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, Worcestershire sauce, fig preserves and chopped parsley.  Mix all ingredients together to blend.

cheese-ball-ingredients

Form cheese mixture into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4 hours or even better, overnight allowing cheese ball to firm up.

cheese-ball-form

Once firm, unwrap cheese ball from plastic wrap.  Roll the cheese ball in Creole seasoning and chopped walnuts to cover.  Serve with snack crackers of choice.

Santa-figurine-on-table

Sharing the Christmas cheer is the best part of the holiday season.

I’m spending this weekend in the Places In The Home test kitchen churning out cakes and cookies for family, friends, and neighbors.

After all, it is the most wonderful and tasty time of the year, the present is in the process, and the gift is in the giving.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and love from me to you at this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

love your style

 

 

 

Sweet Treats No Tricks Halloween Goodies

Coming soon to a serving tray or cake plate near you is the sweet treats-no tricks Halloween goodies sure to tempt and delight.

jack-o-lantern-on-column-1

Flickr

I’ve selected several recipes, ideas, and suggestions for making the Halloween goodies baking process a delicious, easy, and wickedly fun endeavor.

Halloween goodies

Country Living Magazine

Presentation is key, and the vintage cutouts, bendables, honeycomb decorations, candies, and tin tray spell trick or treat.

Vintage Halloween Tissue Dancer Witch Hanging Decor

Vintage Halloween Tissue Dancers Hanging Decor

I loved our annual Halloween shopping trips to Kmart, TG&Y, and Gibsons for decorations.

Selections were limited compared to today’s offerings, but did the trick.

black melamine serving tray

A honeycomb decoration served as a centerpiece, a bendable scarecrow or warty witch a front door decoration, and two plastic jack-o’-lanterns lights to light the Halloween night and living room windows completed the look.

Vintage Halloween honeycomb cat

My mother showed a cake mix who was boss in the original Places In The Home test kitchen.

Duncan-Hines-dark-chocolate-cake-mix

Rae Dunn Large Mix Mixing BowlRae Dunn Large Mix Mixing Bowl

Her bag of tasty tricks included adding candy bar pieces, flavoring extracts, calorie rich whole milk, and food coloring combinations transformed a store bought cake mix into the taste of homemade.

There’s Halloween goodies magic in a bag of Milano cookies and white chocolate chips.

Milano milk chocolate cookies

Milano mummy cookies

M’mm M’mm mummy cookies are easy to make with a bag or two of Milano cookies, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or candy eyes.

Milano cookie ghosts

Start by placing 2 cups of white chocolate chips and ½ teaspoon shortening  in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 90 seconds.  Stir to incorporate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until chocolate is fully melted.

For extra smooth chocolate, add another ½ teaspoon of shortening to the melted chocolate; stirring well to mix.

*******************************************************
Test kitchen experiment with mint chocolate chips (not a favorite in the Places In The Home test kitchen) proves the times and ingredients accurate.
*******************************************************

mint-chocolate-chips

melted-chocolate-chips

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Place Milano cookies on cookie sheet.

Spoon melted chocolate over the top half of each Milano cookie and allow to set.

Reheat the remaining chocolate for 10 seconds to melt.  Carefully spoon melted chocolate into a resealable plastic bag.   Zip or seal the bag and snip off the bottom corner off the bag.

Drizzle chocolate over each cookie to create the bandage look.  Finish by adding candy eyes or sprinkles for the eyes to each cookie while chocolate is soft.

Refrigerate cookies to allow chocolate to set.

Halloween graveyard cake

Halloween Graveyard Cake from Country Living Magazine

Milano cookies make excellent tombstones.

Classic-Chocolate-Creamy-Home-Style-Frosting

Spoon canned frosting in your choice of color into a resealable plastic bag.

Seal or zip the bag and snip off the bottom corner off the bag.

Pipe RIP on top half of a Milano cookie, and that’s it.

halloween-cookie-recipes-black-cat-cookies

These Black Cat Cookies from Good Housekeeping immediately caught my eye.

Granted, there’s several steps included in this recipe, but the finished product makes it worthwhile.

Black Cat Cookies

Ingredients

Basic Sugar Cookies – recipe here

Black Cocoa Cookies – recipe here

Royal Icing – recipe here

Vodka or other clear alcohol (you might need to add a dram or two for the baker!)

Black and silver luster dust

Directions

Prepare cookie doughs as directed.  Use flour-coated circle cutters to cut out circles from sugar cookie dough, and use cocoa-coated cat cutters to cut out cats from black cocoa cookie dough.  Bake as directed and let cool completely.

Use royal icing to decorate sugar cookies and attach cat cookies on top.

Mix a small amount of clear alcohol with silver luster dust and use a paint brush to paint small brushstrokes on the royal icing of the sugar cookies. Repeat with black luster dust to paint bats.

Makes 1 dozen.

-Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

witch-cupcakes

These witch cupcakes are so ugly they’re darling.

I’m taking baking liberty here by suggesting you make the cupcakes using cake mix.  Where the cake mix calls for water, I use milk for a richer homemade taste.

How to make the witch hats:

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.  Use a serrated knife to carefully cut 3 in. from the point of the sugar cones.  Place the chocolate wafers on the rack.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave according to package directions. Spoon the melted chocolate over one cone at a time making sure to evenly cover each cone.

With a spatula, spread the chocolate to cover the wafer, adding more chocolate if necessary.

How to make the frosting:

Using an electric mixer, beat 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 ¼ cup butter (2½ sticks), 1 tsp vanilla and ¼ tsp salt in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Tint frosting green by mixing two drops of yellow food coloring with two drops of blue.

How to make the witches:

Spread a small amount of frosting onto each cupcake, top with a doughnut. Frost sides and top of the doughnut.

Place the jelly beans, cut-side down, into the frosting for eyes.

Cut each taffy into 4 pieces, shape each into a nose and place under the eyes.

Pipe the brown frosting ( two drops of red and two drops of green) onto the jelly beans for pupils and over the jelly beans for eyebrows.

Pipe a mouth with the red frosting.

Break the shredded wheat into strands and place on top of each doughnut.

-Woman’s Day

The homemade and the taste of homemade Halloween goodies trick is to treat the eye and the sweet tooth.

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