DIY Chocolate Easter Bowl

I was beside my self when Debbie of Wants and Wishes submitted this Easter Chocolate Bowl tutorial!  I knew right away that you fabulous readers would enjoy this.  Not only does it make for an adorable display, but the fact that it's also edible makes me giddy!  Here are directions from Debbie:

You will need:

•  mini balloons
• dipping chocolate
• shortening
• wax or parchment paper
• peeps! chicks or bunnies (I love these)
• candy eggs (I used speckled jelly beans & chocolate filled egg

1. Melt your chocolate using the microwave, or double boiler, according to package directions.
2. While your chocolate is melting blow up mini balloons and coat the bottom half of the balloons with shortening. (this will help the chocolate not stick to the balloon).  Use a cookie sheet or plate with parchment/wax paper placed on top.
3. Roll the bottom half of the balloon in the chocolate, while holding on at the top half of the balloon. I wanted the chocolate bowl to have a little rough feel to it, since it is suppose to be a basket. No two will be alike and this makes it easier as it not suppose to be perfect. You might have to apply more than one coat. If a small area is a little transparent or you need to smooth a spot out, take the back of a spoon with a little chocolate on it and swirl in the direction of the chocolate
4. With the balloon in your left hand. Place a small circle of chocolate on the plate/cookie sheet with your right hand. Place the balloon on top of the chocolate disk. Place in the freezer to set faster.

When the chocolate is set, pop the balloon with a pin and take out the balloon remains.  Fill with jelly beans, chocolate eggs and other candy. Top with a bunny or chick peep.  You can package them in boxes, cellophane bags or on top of individual platters at each place setting.

Thanks again to Debbie for sharing this great project.  You can find some cute Easter printables to go along with this in her Etsy shop.

  If you have a DIY tutorial you'd like to share, please send me an email with your idea.  Good photos are essential.  Cheers!

Homemade Marshmallows {And S'mores}

by contributor Lisa Thiele

Whether it’s sandwiched between chocolate and graham crackers, dunked in a cup of hot cocoa or simply eaten directly from the bag, you can’t go wrong with the classic marshmallow. For some reason or another I never thought to make them from scratch, maybe because I had assumed they’d be difficult or that I’d mess them up somehow. Aside from them being completely addicting delicious, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Makes about 96 1-inch cubed marshmallows (recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

about 1 cup confectioners’ sugar!
3 1/2 envelopes (2 Tbsp plus 2 1/2 tsp) unflavored gelatin!
1 cup cold water, divided!
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup!
½ cup hot water (115 degrees F)
1/4 tsp salt!
2 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla (+ I added 2 tsp almond extract)
Directions
Oil bottom and sides of a 13- by 9- by 2-inch rectangular metal baking pan and dust bottom and sides with some confectioners' sugar.
In bowl of a standing electric mixer sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand to soften.
In a saucepan cook sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to moderate and boil mixture, without stirring, until a candy or digital thermometer registers 240°F, about 12 minutes. Pour sugar mixture over gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin is dissolved.
With standing electric mixer beat mixture on high speed until white, thick, and nearly tripled in volume, about 6-8 minutes. In a large bowl, using beaters, beat egg whites until they just hold stiff peaks. Beat egg whites and vanilla (+ almond if you chose) into sugar mixture until just combined. Pour mixture into baking pan and sift 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar evenly over top. Chill marshmallow, uncovered, until firm, at least 3 hours, and up to 1 day.
Run a thin knife around edges of pan and invert pan onto a large cutting board.
Lifting up 1 corner of inverted pan, with fingers loosen marshmallow and let drop onto cutting board. With a large knife trim edges of marshmallow and cut marshmallow into roughly 1-inch cubes. Or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Sift remaining confectioners' sugar into a large bowl and add marshmallows in batches, tossing to evenly coat. Marshmallows keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 week.

With Valentines Day being just a month {and a day} away, I figured the dessert table would be overcrowded with cookies and cupcakes and decided to go for powdered marshmallows, on a stick. Everything’s more fun when it’s on a stick and plus who doesn’t like a fluffy, bite‐sized sugary treat? Exactly. But before you consider these homemade marshmallows, I must warn you. You may think twice before reaching for that bag of store bought marshmallows.

These can also be packaged and given as a gift. All you need is a few cellophane bags(Michaels), stickers (Paper Source) and a container or box of some sort to hold it all together (Container Store). Voila!

 

I wish I could tell you I was that talented and intentionally formed that heart in the middle of the toasted marshmallow, but I was just as curious as you are right now.

Let me just say that the nuttiness from the almond extract was divine! When the

marshmallow melted into the chocolate, both the s’mores and the cocoa, the hint of almond had me going back for thirds seconds.

A few ideas to consider ‐ pink/red food coloring, mint extract instead of almond or cut out various shapes using cookie cutters.

How do you like your marshmallow?

Post created & photographed by With Style & Grace

DIY Gift Box & Candy Recipe

I like DIY projects that are easy, and don't involve too many tools or time.  This adorable gift box fits the bill nicely using one half of a flat gift box, some card stock, scissors and tape (bone folder optional).  Here are the steps:

1. To create the sleeve, wrap an 8-by-14-inch strip of card stock around your gift box to determine folds. Place it horizontally on a work surface. Using a bone folder press folds to create a sharp crease.
2. Wrap the sleeve around the base of a gift box, overlapping the ends. Secure with double-sided tape. Reserve box lid for another gift box (so each set will give you 2 boxes).
3. Using your printer, print these clip-art labels, or create your own, onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch heavyweight paper. Cut out strips to wrap around each box.
4. Remove base from sleeve, and cut a piece of decorative tissue paper to fit inside base. Place pecan clusters nested in paper candy cups inside base. Slide on sleeve. Wrap a label around the sleeve and base, as shown, securing to sleeve with double-sided tape.

Now to fill the box you can choose any small candy, but these Rolo Pretzel Candies are always a hit:

Simply place an unwrapped Rolo candy on top of a mini pretzel and heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until soft (not melted).  Immediately place a pecan half on top of the candy and press down.  Yum!

DIY Gift Box Source:  Martha Stewart

Candy photo: Twig & Thistle

Paper Crafts

I recently came across this fab feature in Utterly Engaged online magazine.  There are some fun and easy paper crafts from Sweet Paul, that you can easily add to any food or favors display.

Flower rosettes made from cupcake liners and pretty paper are used to add interest to bunting, favor boxes, and table decor.  I also love how the paper cone is made to fold over to create a little pouch.  You can add these small touches to any celebration!

"Tea Bag" Cookies {With Free Printable}

Here is a great idea from Kim at Frost Me blog, for shortbread "tea bag" cookies.  These are so clever and cute for any tea party treat or take home favors.   Simply cut out the shapes from your favorite shortbread recipe, poke a hole through the dough with a wooden skewer, and bake.  Dip in melted chocolate and tie on the tag with bakers twine.  Accent the Party has made it easy to create hang tags by offering the free printable tags below. 

EZ DIY Projects {Favors & Menus}

It's time for some DIY projects perfect for your next dinner party, shower, or luncheon.

A classy way to display your menu:  These menu "cards" are actually printed on fabric!  With a few simple supplies and light colored fabric, you can add a stunning detail to your place settings.  

What I really love about this idea is once you master the steps, you can apply them to so many different uses - print on fabric bunting, napkins, table runners or place mats, etc.  Find the complete tutorial here at 100 Layer Cake.

Pretty candy poppers: Doesn't everyone have empty tissue paper rolls lying around?  If not, start saving them so you can put together this project by Posh Paperie for Style Me Pretty.  This tutorial shows you how to wrap & roll pretty paper tubes just right for holding candy for an elegant favor for guests.  You could also write each guests name on the tag and use as place cards. 

Words of wisdom:  Are you a board game junkie, or just love inspirational words?  Then this sweet project is perfect for you.  Word magnets presented in a cute tin box make a lovely favor.  Tailor your word selection to the event - 'love' for a bridal shower, 'baby' for a baby shower, or more generic terms like 'hope' or 'wish' for other events.  Find this easy how-to on Project Wedding.   

Time to wrap it up: Finally, what could be easier than wrapping existing candies in color coordinated paper?  You've seen me do it here with Duet Truffles, and below Creative Hostess shows you a little step-by-step.  I really love her use of the neutral craft paper for wrapping.

Creative Drink Bottles {DIY}

I couldn't resist sharing this unique little project I found on My Creative Cafe.  You can dress up small plastic bottles of juice, gatorade, or even water, for birthday parties or favors.

Simply layer scrapbooking paper (or felt or fabric) flowers, and glue on to the top of the drink.  Embellish with buttons, a tag, and ribbon.  Ta Da!  You've just created the cutest drink ever!

Creative Favor Packaging

I've recently been working on some centerpieces and favor ideas for a small wedding, and realized I had all these sensational ideas for favor packaging, on file!  These are all thanks to Martha, and would work for so many occasions.  The embelishments and details added to these boxes, bags, and wraps, is so creative and fun.  Furthermore, they (almost) all include my personal favorite - edible treats!

Hope this will inspire your next favor presentation!

Ice Cream Cones And Cotton Candy

Two icons of childhood are making quite the presence these days.  Ice cream cones are being used to hold all sorts of treats, combining form with function in the tastiest way!  Fill the cone with candies for favors, such as m&m's, jelly beans, or gummies; serve a fruit parfait inside during a brunch or drinks on the patio; serve classic cupcakes or rice crispy balls inside for a birthday indulgence the kids will love!

Cotton candy, the mainstay of carnivals and fairs, is now a popular choice for dessert tables at any type of party.  Presented in paper cones (or ice cream cones!) they can be easily and stylishly transported...but that's not all.  They can also serve as a fun drink garnish!  A great way to add whimsy to an adult function!  There are so many colors available, you can match up almost any color scheme.  

Delight your guests at your next celebration with a new twist on a couple of old ideas.  Serve ice cream cones and cotton candy!

Photo:

m&m's cone (unknown), berry filled cones, cupcake cone, meringue cookie cones,

rice crispy cone 1, rice crispy cone 2

cotton candy cone 1, cotton candy cone 2

red drink, martini, cotton candy float (Martha Stewart), tea cup

cotton candy cup & cotton candy stick (Martha Stewart)

White Chocolate Popcorn Treats

I found this delicious treat on Be different...Act normal. A great addition to your next 'sweets table', take-home goodie bag, or even just serve at a party. The instructions can be found on Make and Takes. This is easy to make using air-popped popcorn (I use this microwave popper I found at Target-needs no oil), chocolate bark, and some m&m's. I think it might be fun to add some small pretzels or almonds as well. Yummmmmm.

Valentine Packaging

No matter what Valentine gift you give, whether it is a simple card, lovely trinket, or sweet candy treat, here are some cute and crafty ways to present them. All the materials used are easily available and affordable like pretty paper, scrapbook embelishments, glass votive candle holder, paper bags, ribbon, etc. As usual, you can use these ideas for any occasion by changing the shapes and colors used. Click on each link below to see just how easy these are to put together!

Links:

red gift boxes; cup sacks; votive gift holders; bags

truffle cups; brown bag with candy hearts; 'dot candy' hearts; variety of candy wrappers

Valentine Treats

Looking for some cute ideas for presenting Valentine treats? All You has some good ones. Here is another example of the match box treats (see another here); Or wrap up some lollipop flowers and stick them into a flower pot; Finally, you can decorate a plain white favor bag and tuck in some heart-shaped cookies. You can make the cookies extra fun by dipping the edges into frosting, and then coating with sprinkles. You can even do this with store bought cookies if you like!

Be My Valentine!

Just a few more weeks until Valentine's Day! I found these adorable ideas that are so easy to do. I loooooove the project above using matchboxes, small treats, and pretty paper & ribbon. I found it on Inchmark, where you can get all the information. These are so great becouse 1) they look CUTE! 2)they are easy to do, & affordable 3)you can customize them for ANY occasion. Did I happen to mention that I looooooove this project?!

I found this next trio of ideas here. There were several Valentine ideas but these were my favorites. Flowers surrounded by red candies (insert smaller vase of flowers into larger vase & fill the space between with candies); Cupcake wrapper filled with candies (some wrappers don't have a bottom so you may have to insert a cupcake liner to hold the candies); and glass vases filled with candies and a photo of your true love. So easy to pull off!

Tea Cup Favors

Is there a tea party in your future? Here's the perfect favor for your guests (or hostess gift) from Martha Stewart. You can find old tea cups at flea markets, antique stores, yard sales, or ebay. The candle making supplies are found at any craft store. Part of what makes this gift so unique is the addition of the match boxes that have been wrapped in coordinating paper, ribbon, and sticker label. Place the cup & matchbox wrapped up in tulle and tied with a ribbon, at each place setting. Just perfect for showers, mother's day luncheon, or birthday.

What To Serve New Years Eve

I think New Years Eve calls for something different, something a little more special, something interactive even! How about setting up different serving 'stations' or 'bars'? We already know Champagne is a must-have. Why not kick it up a notch by setting up a Champagne Bar. You can't read this blog without knowing my love for the champagne bar! All you need to do is set out some small containers of various juices like pomegranite, cranberry, peach, oj....you get the picture. A few new recipes to try: the Tropical Tinsel-adding pineapple juice; the Berry Mango-adding mango juice. My no-fail recipe: fill the bottom of a champagne flute with an inch or 2 of the juice, then fill with champagne (sparkling wine). Some people like to add a sugar cube, but personally I've never found it neccessary. You can experiment with different juices or combinations of juices as well. Important to Remember: Use dry (Brut) champagne when mixing with juices.

Two more fun, interactive food stations to incorporate are cheese fondue, and a mashed potato martini bar. First of all, who doesn't love cheese or mashed potatoes?? It's comfort food! Cheese fondue is actually very easy to make and you can keep it warm with various pots on the market. And there is an old 'rule' about whomever drops their dipper in the pot has to kiss the person next to them...perfect for NYE! Perfect dippers are chunks of bread, slice apple, veggie sticks, and more bread chunks.

Remember a few years back mashed potato bars were all the rage? I think it's high time we bring them back! Serving mashed potatoes in a martini glass is just so fun! Your guests will think you are brilliant for thinking of it! Just whip up a larg batch of mashed potatoes (I am NOT opposed to using pre-made from the grocery store), and set out toppers of shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, butter, chives, even gravy or sauteed mushrooms. Keep the potatoes warm in a crock pot on low, or chafing dish. Presentation is everything so serve your toppers in martini glasses, small glass square vases from the dollar store, or other coordinating dishes.

Hot cocoa may not be a traditional NYE drink, but it IS a cute 'bar' idea, and if you are having children, then this makes perfect sense. I love the presentation above and look how cute the glasses are with the marshmallows and candy sticks. Add-ins you'll want to have set out are grated chocolate, whipped cream, mini marshmallows, candy sticks, maybe even some Kahlua, Godiva liqueur, or Irish Cream for the adults.

Send your guests home with a New Years fortune (or prediction). There are several options for this. Set out a plate of fortune cookies for people to pick up at the party, or pre-bag a single cookie as a take-home favor, or create your own paper fortune cookies using paper to match your party decor. If you're serving real cookies, you can buy them pre dipped & drizzled, or you can buy them plain and decorate them yourself. Below is an excellent tutorial from Once Wed for the paper cookies.

I hope you will incorporate some of these ideas for your New Years party or any party in 2010!

Clever DIY Treat Cans {Freecycle!}

Every so often I see a clever idea that just blows me away, and I wonder what creative genious came up with that!! Today's post is dedicated to such. Found via Room Remix, this amazingly cute treat holder is (1)Adorable, (2)Freecycled, and (3)Easy! Head over to Not So Idle Hands blog to see the tutorial on how to make these fabulous pop-top-cans-turned-treat-holders.

File this away for Christmas gifts, Hostess gifts, Birthday & Shower favors...

Classy Paper Crafts For Your Thanksgiving Table

Paper crafts have come a loooong way since cut-out hand turkeys! Any of these projects above would look fantastic on your Thanksgiving Table. From place cards, to menus, to favor boxes, pretty paper crafts add a special touch.

Click on any of the links below to learn more about each one:
bowl & place card, paper pumpkin place card, napkin wrap place card
menu card, leaf embelished favor boxes, wrapped favor boxes