Valentine’s Day Inspiration Part 2: Let’s Just Stay In

Those of you that read my last post , “Valentine’s Day Inspiration: Sequins and Sweets” know that it was all about that amazing burgundy sequin dress from http://like2b.uy/shoppinkblush and going out on the town. I also included a whole lot of recipes for some very sweet treats. I wrote about how my dad took me to the Biltmore Hotel in Providence, RI for the photo shoot because we really wanted a special place for such an amazing dress.

That day I also brought  along one of my favorite finds from thredup.com. I find a lot of the cocktail dresses I collect there and love to style them in different ways. I wear them everywhere, even to teach kindergarten,which I know many of you know.

I kept this Express brand dress more on the casual side with tights, casual boots, and a fun cap which I also happened to find at thredup.com. I found the choker recently at target.com.

It’s not surprising, I’m sure, since I wear dressed down cocktail dresses to teach kindergarten, that I would share this outfit and now suggest a stay at home Valentine’s Evening.

So here I go.

Get dressed up and plan a special dinner for two. These recipes are all black- tie worthy but do not require lots of time in the actual kitchen. They all include  a whole bunch of shortcuts, an excellent variety of healthy ingredients and still taste like they were made from scratch.

Black – Tie Worthy Dinner for Two

Start with:

Roasted Portobello Crostini

http://www.food.com/recipe/roasted-portabella-crostini-302072

Next serve:

Angel Hair with Spicy Clam Sauce

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/linguine-with-red-clam-sauce/a87840ed-7185-46fa-9199-42778bf72e18

Main Course:

Blue Cheese-Crusted Filet Mignon

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/72267/blue-cheese-crusted-filet-mignon-with-port-wine-sauce/

Roasted Potatoes of Provence

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/provencal_new_potatoes/

Grilled Vegetables with Saffron Rice

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/grilled-vegetables-with-saffron-rice-recipe

Desserts and Drinks

Bow-Tie Cookies

http://m.foodideasrecipes.com/stores/bow-tie-macarons-1394088740,9723.html/598

Chocolate Valentine’s Day Pear Dessert

 

Cocktail Suggestions

27 Simple and Sexy Cocktails for Valentine’s Day

The Cloud Nine

Left to right/ top to bottom:

Ms.Monroe,Valley of the Flowers, French Kiss, Peppermint Truffletini

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I hope you enjoyed this quick little Valentine’s Day Part 2 post and hope you found it worthwhile.

I would love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment and drop a link if you have something to share. I respond to everyone in a timely fashion.

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxo

Ps.

Plan a Winter Buffet With Style: Sophisticated and Time Saving Entertaining Inspiration

My enthusiasm for dining and entertaining well can be rather extreme yet my time is often limited. This party is designed to keep the jitters down and celebration up. The time-saving strategies provide a relaxed, foolproof plan of action. From drinks to dessert, you will see how this can be an easy, but special way to entertain friends on a quiet winter Sunday. It could be a great idea for Super Bowl Sunday or even a mid-winter, February-March leisurely weekend. 

Before I start with the actual plan and recipes that will save time, let’s take a look at this gorgeous timepiece I received from JORD Wood Watches. It’s from the Cora Series and the lively Rose is such a perfect accent to the wild and natural grain of Zebrawood. Jord has an amazing selection of wood watches. You can win one of your own by entering my giveaway here https://www.woodwatches.com/g/mommyteacherfashionista on Sunday, January 29,2017. The giveaway will only be open for 24 hours and will begin the moment I post a special video on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mommyteacherfashionista/  Even if you don’t win, you will actually still win! Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to JORD and all my followers may use my special code : mommytohtbtv for 15% off! 

They really do have an amazing collection. Go ahead and check out their vast variety https://www.woodwatches.com/. I’m sure you will agree that they have an option for every occasion and outfit. 

I loved how my Cora Watch coordinated with my Lizzie Dress https://dizzy-lizzie.com/ from thredup.com. 

My hat is from target.com, the scarf was a gift, and the boots are https://www.google.com/search?q=inc%20international%20concepts which I recently found on sale at http://www.macys.com. 

Let’s get back to the party. Invite guests to arrive in staggered hours, especially if your place is small. Invite some at one, others at three, and at 5:00. Obviously if you are doing this for Super Bowl Sunday, you can’t stagger times, but it’s a great idea for entertaining on a quiet non- event day. Plan to have a selection of stews. One variety is fine if you are having less than 50 people but this collection of recipes is perfect for that amount. Have pots of the stews simmering on the stove. The breads, which you can make the day before, can be piled in baskets. Scatter bowls of mixed nuts and platters of of sliced apples and cheese throughout your apartment or house. Select a friend to play bartender- it will take the heat off you. Suggest that friends eat whatever they want in whatever order they want. For example, the apples and cheddar cheese make a good dessert or an appetizer. If some have already eaten, just Chocolate Walnut Pie will fit the bill for them. Have all the food accessible. Use plastic or paper dishes and plan for recycle stations that are easy to get to but still out of the way- in a niche in the kitchen or in a corner is a good idea. 

Beer Beef Stew 

You will need:

8 lbs. lean stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper 

About 2 c. flour 

About 2/3 c. vegetable oil

8 medium onions 

7 13 3/4- oz cans beef broth 

1 1/3 c. dry red wine 

1 1/2 6 oz. cans tomato paste 

Bouquet garni: 3 bay leaves, 12 sprigs parsley and 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves 

2 lbs. new potatoes, peeled and quartered 

2 10 oz pkgs. frozen peas 

2 lbs. baby carrots, trimmed and peeled 

Pat beef dry with paper towels, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Set aside. In a large sauce-pan over medium high heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil. When very hot, add just enough beef to cover bottom of pan without crowding. Brown beef well on all sides; remove to colander to drain while you drain remaining beef, adding more oil as needed. To oil remaining in pot, add onions and cook over low heat 15 minutes or until soft. Return beef. Add broth, wine, tomato paste and bouquet garni. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally, adding more liquid if necessary. Skim and discard fat. Add potatoes, peas, and carrots and simmer 25-30 minutes or until tender. Makes about 4 gallons.

Peasant Fish Stew

You will need:

2 lbs bacon 

8 medium onions 

14 garlic cloves 

8 medium sweet green peppers 

8 medium sweet red peppers 

8 8oz bottles clam juice 

6 13 3/4 oz. cans chicken broth 

4 c. dry white wine 

Generous pinch saffron threads 

1 qt. (4 cups) heavy cream

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen fish such as cod or haddock 

4 lbs. medium fresh or frozen shrimp 

4 lbs. fresh or frozen scallops 

In large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat cook bacon until golden but not browned. Drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside. Pour off all but 1/3 cup bacon drippings from skillet and reserve remaining drippings for later use. In skillet with 1/3 cup bacon drippings over medium heat cook onions uncovered about 10 minutes or until soft and golden. Add garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute   over low heat until garlic just releases its fragrance. Remove onions and garlic to a large kettle. Add 1/4 cup of reserved bacon drippings to skillet. Add peppers and cook over low heat about 5 minutes or until tender. Add bacon, peppers, clam juice, chicken broth, wine, saffron and cream to kettle and bring to a boil. Add fish, shrimp, and scallops and simmer about 5 minutes or until just cooked through. Taste for seasoning. To keep warm, keep soup just below a summer as it sits on the stove so seafood will not become tough or overcooked. Makes about 5 gallons. 

Cheddar-Beer Biscuits 

You will need:

2 1/3 c. buttermilk baking mix

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

2/3 cup flat beer 

Flour 

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine baking mix and 1/2 cup cheese. Stir in beer until soft dough forms. Beat vigorously 30 seconds. Turn out onto floured board. Roll to 1/2 – inch thick. Cut with 3- inch cutter dusted with flour. Transfer to ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 1 dozen biscuits. For best results do not double recipe. To make enough for open-house party make biscuits three times. 

Focaccia 

You will need:

6 -6 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 

2 T. sugar 

4 tsp. salt 

2 pkgs. active dry yeast 

2 c. water 

3/4 cup olive oil 

2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. dry rubbed sage 

2 garlic cloves 

With mixer on low speed combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In saucepan over low heat, heat water and 1/4 cup oil until very warm. With mixer on low speed, add liquid to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and beat on high speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Punch dough down. Divide in half. Spread each half into a jelly roll pan. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cover; let rise 30 minutes. Make lots of indentations on dough with thumb. Sprinkle each pan of dough with 1/4 cup olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, sage, and garlic. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2 loaves.

Prosciutto Bread 

You will need:

2 T. sugar

4 tsp. salt

2 pkgs. active dry yeast 

6 cups flour 

2 c. water 

1/4 cup olive oil 

1 1/2 c.chopped prosciutto or ham 

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil 

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 

Olive oil 

In large bowl with mixer on low speed, combine sugar, salt, yeast, and 3 cups flour; mix well. In saucepan over low heat, heat water and oil until warm. With mixer at medium-low speed, gradually add liquid to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and beat on high speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Knead in prosciutto, basil, and oregano. Divide dough in half. Roll each piece into a 15 inch-long loaf. Transfer to baking sheet. Make diagonal slits along top of loaf. Cover; let rise 30 minutes. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with olive oil. Makes 2 loaves.

Chocolate Walnut Pie

You will need:

3 squares semisweet-baking chocolate 

2 T. butter or margarine 

4 large eggs 

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. light corn syrup 

3 T. Kahlua 

2 c. walnuts 

1 9 inch unbaked pie crust

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In top of double boiler over hot water, melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. In a medium bowl with fork, beat eggs with sugar and corn syrup until light and fluffy. Blend in chocolate. Stir in nuts and Kahlua. Pour into pie shell and bake about 40 minutes or until center is set. A toothpick will not come out clean when inserted in center. Pie will firm up as it cools. Let stand at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving. Can be made 3 to 4 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For a party of 50, make 5 pies.

Whether you entertain a lot or a little, you want to do it well. Hopefully these suggestions and recipes will inspire you to put together a delicious, elegant get together in a minimum of time. 

And speaking of time, don’t forget to be on the lookout for my video on Sunday, which is when you can enter the 24 hour giveaway. Everyone that enters will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and 1 person will win a watch. I’m excited for everyone that enters! 

Thank you so much for your time and attention. It is truly appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxo

Eco-Friendly Fashion with Aventura and Amazing Game Day Party Appetizers

It is a typical January night in Rhode Island. It’s 28 degrees and the Patriots are taking on the Chiefs tonight in the NFL Playoffs. For those of you who do not know, the Patriots ( or Tom Brady & Co. ) are a BIG DEAL around here. My principal and assistant principal at the school I am currently teaching kindergarten in encouraged us all to wear Patriot logo gear yesterday. 

Today, I need to be extra warm but also have extra sparkle ( cheering for Tom) so I am opting for this ‘Clara’ dress from Aventura which is easily found here: http://instagram.com/aventuraclothing Aventura uses organic and sustainable fibers to make fashionable clothing with with low environmental impact. All the eco-friendly dresses from Aventura are ultra soft and flattering, made with organic materials and easily snazzed up for festive occasions.  This dress could be very casual if left unadorned and worn with casual boots, however that’s not my style, even for watching football. 

I added a sequin vest and boots, both found at thredup.com, a faux pearl statement necklace from http://dalexandercollections.tictail.com/product/pearl-statement-necklace and bracelets from http://www.alexandani.com/. 

My belt was from a cocktail dress in my closet and I picked up the white blouse at Express over 3 years ago. 

I live by this quote and admire others who share a bit about themselves through their clothing and accessories. I don’t wear sports motto apparel but I will cheer on my favorite team with a special ensemble (sequins and ‘Cheers’ bracelet set) and of course, special treats. 

Caribbean Chicken Wings

You will need:

1/2 cup pineapple juice 

1/2 cup ketchup 

1/4 cup packed brown sugar 

1/4 cup teriyaki marinade and sauce (from 10 oz. bottle ) 

1/4 cup honey 

2 cloves garlic 

2 pounds chicken wing drummettes

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In 1 quart saucepan, heat all ingredients except chicken to boiling, stirring occasionally. Place chicken in pan, pour sauce over chicken. 

3. Bake uncovered about 1 hour, turning chicken 2 or 3 times, until chicken is clear when thickest part is cut to bone.

4. Spray inside of  3 1/2 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place chicken in slow cooker. Cover; keep warm on Low heat setting. 

Roast Beef Bruschetta 

You will need: 

1 loaf (1 lb) French baguette bread, cut into thirty 1/4-inch slices 

2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil 

1/2 cup chive-and-onion cream cheese spread ( from 8-oz container)

1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef 

1/4 teaspoon coarsley ground pepper 

4 plum (Roma) tomatoes, thinly sliced 

8 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush both sides of bread slices with oil. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 5 minutes or until crisp. Cool 5 minutes. 

2. Spread cream cheese over each each slice. Top with beef; sprinkle with pepper. Top with tomato slice and green onions. 

Italian Nachos 

You will need:

28 slices baguette French bread 

Olive oil cooking spray 

1/2 pound bulk hot Italian sausage 

2/3 cup Alfredo pasta sauce 

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 

1 large tomato 

1 can (2.25 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained 

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

Chopped fresh parsley 

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line large cookie sheet with foil. On cookie sheet, arrange bread slices with sides touching. Spray tops of bread slices lightly with cooking spray. Bake 6-8 minutes or until light golden brown.

2. Meanwhile, in 10 inch skillet, cook sausage over medium high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking into small pieces, until no longer pink; drain. Stir in Alfredo sauce and Italian seasoning.

3. Spoon sausage mixture evenly over bread slices. Sprinkle evenly with tomato, olives and cheese. Bake about 6 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot. 

Hot Buttered Rum

You will need need:

Hot Buttered Rum Batter

1 cup butter, softened 

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 

1 cup whipping ( heavy) cream 

2 cups powdered sugar 

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

For each serving:

2 tablespoons rum 

1/2 cup boiling water 

Ground nutmeg 

White chocolate curls, if desired 

1. In medium bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in whipping cream and powdered sugar alternately on low speed until smooth. Stir in nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Use immediately or freeze up to 3 months. 

2. For each serving, place rum and 2 tablespoons Hot Buttered Rum Batter in mug. Stir in boiling water. Sprinkle with nutmeg and white chocolate curls.

Hot Spiced Wine

You will need:

1 cup packed brown sugar 

2 1/2 cups orange juice 

1 cup water 

Peel of 2 oranges 

6 whole cloves 

3 whole allspice 

1 four-inch stick cinnamon 

1 bottle dry red wine or nonalcoholic red wine 

Orange slices, if desired 

Additional whole cloves, if desired 

1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat all ingredients except wine, orange juice and additional cloves to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes.

2. Remove orange juice and spices. Stir in wine. Heat just until hot ( do not boil). Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish each serving with orange slice studded with additional whole cloves.

Cosmo Slush 

You will need:

6 oz frozen ( thawed ) limeade concentrate 

3 tablespoons powdered sugar 

2 cups citrus flavored vodka or orange juice 

1 cup orange flavored liqueur or orange juice 

4 cups 100% cranberry juice blend 

1. In blender, place limeade concentrate and powdered sugar. Cover; blend on high speed until well mixed.

2. In 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish, stir limeade mixture and cranberry juice until well mixed.

3.Cover; freeze at least 8 hours until slushy. Stir before serving. 

Whether the Patriots win or lose, I will always support my favorite local team and I will always do my best to make game day special. I was thinking of purchasing this set I saw https://www.aliexpress.com/popular/patriots-bracelets.html for the Super Bowl.

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today. As always, I appreciate your time and attention and hope you found this post worthwhile. 

I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on Eco-Friendly Fashion ?  Do you have any kind of Game Day traditions? What types of foods do you find work well when entertaining a crowd of people for a casual event? And lastly, do you prefer sequins or team- logo attire for cheering on your favorite team? 

Yours truly, 

Jennifer 

Xoxo

Ps. One last thought …

Sequins Are Always A Good Idea…and So Are Hors D’oeuvres and Rum Punch

A cocktail party in which the hors d’oeuvres become the meal is a great way to offer a nibble of everything on the menu, and it is a very easy way to entertain. You don’t need a huge dining room table, matching set of dishes or room to seat all of your guests to pull off this festive cocktail dinner party. Foods that easliy go from hand to mouth without worry about spilling on a silk dress or pale rug are best. Also, appetizers that don’t require silverware and can be hand-held in a napkin make it easier to juggle drinks. Design your appetizers as you would a dinner party-in courses. Serve a first course of cold appetizers, ready when guests arrive. Garlic shrimp, the blue cheese dip and chorizo on bread all taste best cold or at room temperature. The second course is the hot appetizers. Complete the meal with light, sweet nibbles for dessert. Count on about twelve to sixteen appetizer servings per person for a substantial appetizer dinner. Make your invitations specific. Tell your guests you plan to serve a meal of appetizers. This way guests will arrive on time and won’t make dinner plans for later. 

Thinking about what to wear ? Nowadays, anything goes when entertaining at home, but I think sequins and lots of sparkle are always a good idea. 

I found both of these Express brand dresses at http://www.thredup.com. The tassel bracelets are part of a stack available at http://www.candycourtboutique.com. I also found this Express Design Studio vest at thredUP. It’s easy to build a wardrobe with lots of variety when shopping at thredUP because the prices are 70% off retail all the time. 

This dress is called “The Julia” and I was fortunate to receive it from Kayrana Nuzzolese. She runs her own LuLaRoe Clothing business and there is a giveaway going on now for her Facebook group. Join at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoekayrana and visit her boutique at http://www.lularoe.com. 

Now that we got some fashion inspiration out of the way, here are some great easy recipes to pull off your own cocktail dinner buffet. 

Garlic Shrimp

You will need:

1 1/2 pounds medium fresh shrimp, or 3/4 lbs. cleaned frozen 

1/4 cup olive oil 

2 T butter 

4 garlic cloves, sliced 

2 T minced onion 

1/4 tsp. Hot red pepper flakes 

3 T fresh lemon juice 

1/4 tsp. salt

2 T fresh parsley

Peel shrimp, leaving tails on, and devein. In larger skillet over low heat, heat oil and butter. Add garlic and onion and cook 3 minutes without browning garlic. Add shrimp and pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium and cook, tossing constantly 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and begin to curl. Transfer shrimp and sauce to bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and parsley; toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate shrimp for at least 2 hours before serving to blend flavors. Makes 45-50. 

Blue Cheese Dip 

You will need:

2 T olive oil

2 tsp. red wine vinegar 

1 large garlic clove 

2 tsp. grated onion 

1/4 lb. crumbled blue cheese 

1 cup sour cream 

Fresh fennel and Belgian endive for dipping 

In a small bowl combine oil, vinegar, garlic, and onion; mix well. Add cheese and beat until almost smooth. Stir in sour cream. Serve with fennel and endive for dipping. Makes 1 1/2 cups. 

Beef Kabobs

You will need:

2 to 2 1/2 lbs. London broil

1/2 c. Olive oil 

3 T. Vinegar

3 T honey

2 1/2 tsp. Ground cumin

1 tsp. Paprika 

1/4 cup minced scallions 

1/2 tsp. Salt 

Slice meat into 1/4 inch thick strips, place in large bowl. Combine oil and remaining ingredients. Pour over meat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 3 hours, tossing occasionally. Skewer meat by placing on onto long bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for 20 minutes. Heat broiler. Place skewers on broiler pan. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, basting with marinade. Serve hot. Makes about 40. To reheat: Place on baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, or microwave for 1 minute. 

Spicy Chicken Wings 

You will need:

20 chicken wings

Vegetable oil for frying 

3 T fresh lime juice

3 T dry sherry 

1 T fresh chopped parsley 

1 tsp. grated onion 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 

1/8 tsp. salt

Cut chicken wings at joints. Cut off and discard wing tips. Pour 1/2 inch oil into a large skillet; heat over medium high heat until almost smoking, about 375 degrees on deep fat thermometer. Add as many chicken wings as will fit in the skillet without crowding. Fry until golden, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Keep chicken warm in oven while frying remaining wings. When all wings are cooked, transfer to serving platter. Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Drizzle over warm wings. Makes 40 pieces. To reheat:microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or heat in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. 

Tuna Empanadas 

You will need:

2 T olive oil

1 small onion, chopped 

1/2 sweet green pepper, chopped 

1 -6 1/2 oz. can oil-packed tuna

1- 8 oz. can tomato sauce 

1 T chopped fresh parsley 

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 

1 hard cooked egg, chopped 

Dough:

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. shortening

5-6 T cold water 

In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and green pepper. Sauté 5 minutes and add tomato sauce, parsley, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer , uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped egg. Set aside. In medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle in water and mix with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface roll each half out about 1/8 of an inch thick. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut 20 circles. Repeat with remaining dough. Spoon one teaspoon of tuna filling onto each dough circle. Using your finger, dab water around the edges of pastry. Fold over and press edges together with a fork. Pour 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 375 degrees. Fry a few at a time, until golden brown. To reheat : 350 degrees in oven or 1 minute on HIGH in microwave. 

Chorizo On Bread 

Slice , brush with olive oil and assemble. Season as desired. 

Ginger Shortbreads 

You will need:

1 cup flour 

1/2 cup butter 

1/3 cup brown sugar 

1/4 cup candied ginger 

2 tablespoons cornstarch 

Pinch salt 

4 ounces semisweet  chocolate 

1 tablespoon shortening 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, brown sugar, ginger, cornstarch, and salt in food processor. Whirl about 25 seconds. Press mixture into 8 inch square baking pan. Bake for 26 minutes. Melt chocolate and shortening in small bowl. Dip cookies diagonally into chocolate and lay on wax paper. Refrigerate until firm. 

Mini Fruit Pizzas

Use prepared cookie dough, such as Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough,to make this extra easy. Roll 3/4 inch balls and bake in mini muffin pans at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. When they are cool, spread with cream cheese or cool whip and your choice of fruit. 

Rum Punch

You will need:

3 c. unsweetened pineapple juice 

2 c. fresh orange juice 

Juice of 4 limes 

1 cup dark rum 

1-1 1/2 c. grenadine 

Combine juices, rum, and grenadine and serve. For a layered effect, mix all ingredients except grenadine and pour into glasses, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons grenadine to each glass. The grenadine will sink to the bottom of the glass; juices will float on top. Makes 8 servings.

Hope you enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to have your own cocktail dinner buffet , or even just add a little sparkle to your style. 

Thank you so much for talking the time to check this out. Your time and attention is always greatly appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo 

Keeping Cool: Summer Dresses and Candy Shop Milkshakes

Even if you never wear dresses during the rest of the year, come summertime there’s nothing better. The easy coolness of a summer dress is irresistible. Nothing to mix and match. No rules as to how long or short it can be. Look for lightweight fabrics that drape well and breathe. Color? Summer is full of it- take your pick. Pattern? Stripes, dots, flowers- anything goes as long as it’s relaxed, loose, and pretty. 

How about this fun ice-cream printed dress from http://www.bonnechancecollections.com ? My always stylish friend, Rachel, of http://www.myfashionfingerprint.com sent it to me for my birthday and I love wearing it. 

I found the colorful tassle necklace at http://www.walmart.com and the sandals are White Mountain Brand which I found at http://www.marshalls.com. 

This Calvin Klein maxi-dress was both easy to wear and pack when I recently traveled to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I found it at http://www.thredup.com for 70% off the retail price. The sandals are White Mountain Brand from http://www.marshalls.com and the hat is from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com.


This is a tunic I wore back it February with jeans and a fur vest, over leggings, and even tucked into a skirt. I think it works well as a bathing suit cover up. It’s great if you are going to be at a pool or beach but also want to look nice as you are running errands around town. 

The tunic is from http://www.tweetumsfashionboutique.com and the sandals are Guess brand from http://www.macys.com. 

I wore it over this suit from http://www.delias.com. The hat is from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. 

July 17,2016 is National Ice Cream Day ! 

Why not keep yourself and friends and family cool by hosting an ice-cream social? 

You can provide the ice-cream and blender and have guests bring their favorite toppings. 

Serve milkshakes that will make everyone smile! 

Here are two great Candy Shop Milkshakes ( Banana Split and Coconut Crispy ) that are easy to make and so delicious ! 

Banana Split Milkshake 

You will need :

5 maraschino cherries, divided 

1 cup vanilla ice cream 

1/2 cup milk 

1 banana, frozen and sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices, divided

1/4 cup colored sprinkles,divided 

1/4 cup salted peanuts 

Steps:

1. Remove the stems from 4 cherries. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, half the banana slices, 2 cherries, and 1/8 cup sprinkles. With the blender on medium low speed, blend mixture until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. 

2. Pour half the ice-cream mixture into a tall glass; top with 2 more cherries, half the remaining banana slices and sprinkles and 1/8 cup peanuts.

3. Pour remaining ice-cream mixture into a glass. Garnish with remaining banana slices, sprinkle with peanuts; top with remaining cherry. Serve immediately.

Coconut Crispy Milkshake 

You will need:

1 chocolate-coconut candy bar

1 cup vanilla ice-cream

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup crisp cereal 

1/2 cup chocolate syrup 

Steps:

1.Using a sharp knife, finely chop the candy bar. 

2. In a blender, combine half the chopped candy bar, ice cream, milk, 1/4 cup cereal, and 1/4 cup chocolate syrup. With the blender on medium low speed, blend mixture until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. 

3. Pour half the ice-cream mixture into a tall glass; sprinkle with half the remaining candy and cereal. Pour the remaining mixture into the glass and garnish with remaining candy and cereal. Serve immediately. 

Here are some fun glasses I found at http://www.polyvore.com. 

Add a colorful, fruity garnish to your frosty creations. Thread fresh fruit slices on a skewer and lay it across the top of each ice-cream treat. 

Another idea is to pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust, sprinkle with extra toppings, and then freeze. 

I love to use the mixture to make Popsicles this time of year. You can simply use Dixie cups and Popsicle sticks like this : 

However , there are so many fun Popsicle molds available now. I found these at http://www.target.com.

Hope you enjoyed this post ! Thank you so much for taking the time to check it out. I really appreciate your time and attention. 

Remember – 

And also: 

Happy National Ice Cream Day ! 

May it be both sweet and stylish for you ! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo

A Classic Approach To Fun Fashion and Easy Entertaining

If fashion once dictated style (“Here’s the look you’ll wear this season”) , now the opposite is true. Style is our own look, the image we present to the world, and is as personal as a signature.

 When shopping, I look for good quality classic pieces that can serve as a eutral fashion canvas with tons of potential. I also look for unique, colorful shoes and accessories at affordable prices so I will always have a variety of options when putting an outfit together. 

I added fun , leopard pumps and a polka dot bag from http://www.target.com to basic gingham pants and a simple white blouse from http://www.express.com. The necklace is part of the Luluavenue collection from http://www.stylebyalana.com.

This is a classic summer floral dress by Jessica Simpson which I found at http://www.thredup.com , Dingo brand boots, and fun jewelry from http://www.target.com.

I paired a classic Max Studio dress from http://www.nordstromrack.com with gold glitter pumps and a bright red bag from http://www.target.com. I added a leopard ribbon to an ordinary straw hat just for fun.

I wore this dress with tights when it was colder outside. The necklaces are both from http://www.stylebyalana.com. Bracelets are from http://www.alexandani.com.

It’s easy to entertain family or friends when you take the same fun, classic approach to your menu as you do to your wardrobe. 

The following recipes involve classic foods made a bit more interesting and certainly a lot more tasty. 

Marinated Mushroom-Topped Burgers

You will need:

1 lb lean ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning 

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 

1/4 cup purchased balsamic vinaigrette 

4 Kaiser rolls, split 

4 slices Swiss cheese 

Steps:

1. Heat grill. In medium bowl, combine ground beef and 1 teaspoon of the lemon pepper seasoning; mix well. Shape mixture into 4 patties.

2. In medium bowl, combine mushrooms, remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning and vinaigrette; toss to coat. Set aside.

3. When ready to grill, place patties on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 11 to 13 minutes or until patties are thoroughly cooked, turning once. 

4. To toast buns, place cut sides down on grill during last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time. Place 1 slice of cheese on each patty; cook an additional minute or until cheese is melted. 

5. Place patties on bottom halves of buns. Top each with mushroom mixture and top half of bun. 

Rosemary Corn

All you will need is 12 ears of sweet corn, 1 stick butter , melted , and 2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, chopped. 

On each ear of corn, pull the husk back without completely removing it. Remove silk and rinse corn and husks thoroughly under cool water. Combine butter and rosemary, blending well. Using a basting brush, coat each ear of corn with butter mixture; pull the husks back over the ear of corn. Place corn on grill over medium heat and grill approximately 20 minutes. Turn ears frequently for even grilling.

Spicy Sea Scallops 

You will need:

2 T. lime juice 

1 T canola oil 

1 garlic clove, crushed 

1/2 t. ground cumin

1/8 t. Cayenne pepper

1 lb. sea scallops 

2 cups cherry tomatoes 

Steps:

Prepare marinade by combining lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin and pepper together in medium sized bowl. Whisk thoroughly. Alternately place scallops and tomatoes on metal skewers and brush on marinade. Place skewers on a platter, cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Grill scallops 5 to 7 minutes, basting with marinade. 

Who can resist the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house? Whatever recipe you choose, you are sure to please guests with these chocolate-filled delights. 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1/3 cup cocoa 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 cup butter 

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 eggs 

2 cups chocolate chips or use 1 cup chocolate and 1 other flavor that you prefer 

1 cup chopped nuts ( optional )

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. 

Best Brownies 

You will need:

1/2 cup melted butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 eggs 

1/2 cup flour 

1/3 cup cocoa 

1/4 teaspoon baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/2 nuts 

Creamy brownie frosting ( recipe follows)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 inch square baking pan. Stir butter, sugar, and vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread into pan.

2. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool. Frost with Creamy Brownie Frosting. Add small candies if desired. I like to add different small candies depending on the seasonal or holiday decor. 

Creamy Brownie Frosting 

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons cocoa 

1 tablespoon  honey 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

1 cup powdered sugar 

1-2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

1. Beat butter, honey, and vanilla.

2. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency. 

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Shortcake

You will need:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla 

1 1/2 cups flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

1 cup chocolate chips 

2 cups sour cream 

2 eggs

2 cups frozen non dairy whipped topping 

Fresh strawberries 

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Beat 1/2 cup sugar and butter. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add flour and baking powder, beating until smooth; stir in 1/2 cup chips. Press mixture into bottom of pan.

3. Stir sour cream, remaining sugar, 2 eggs, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl; stir in remaining 1/2 cup small chocolate chips. Pour over mixture in pan. 

4. Bake 50-55 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack; remove side of pan. Spread whipped topping over top. Cover;refrigerate. Just before serving, arrange strawberry halves on top of cake; garnish as desired. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. 

I appreciate being able to share this fun, classic approach to fashion and simple entertaining. I hope you found it worthwhile. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Picnics…Fashion and Food Inspiration From A New England Mom

The “perfect” picnic spot, the people and the food make a picnic both memorable and fun. You can easily gather your friends and family together for a special occasion, or just escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. 

Many of you know I’m not exactly an “outdoorsy” kind of person. However, it’s hard not to be inspired to get out and enjoy the scenery and fresh air when you live so close to such beauty. 

This is a spot we found on our way to pick strawberries at a berry patch in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It’s called Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. I’m wearing a Boden dress from http://www.thredUP.com and accessories from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. 

It was quite a long trail for the kids and I was glad I prepared this snack mix to keep everyone happy. 

I’ve used the original Chex Party Mix recipe for years and try to keep it interesting by substituting different cereals, dried fruits , and candy. 

It’s super easy: 

In a large microwaveable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels, bagel chips ( whatever you prefer to snack on) . In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings of your choice. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. 

Microwave uncovered on high 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool and put in individual cups or small bags to take along next time you plan a little adventure. 

We did find some great strawberries that day at Sweet Berry Farms. 

I used them with some store bought pound cake to make these awesome Strawberry Shortcake sandwiches. 

They are a quick and easy handheld version of a classic Strawberry Shortcake. No spoon necessary! All you have to do is slice 2 cups of strawberries, mix with sugar, and set aside. Beat 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Build the sandwiches by putting a layer of whipped cream on one side of the cake, followed by a layer of strawberries. Top with the remaining cake slice and serve immediately. 

I put together some healthier treats when we explored some scenic spots and great places to shop in Westerly, Rhode Island. 

Pita Pocket bread is a no-brainer when it comes to picnic food. I like to fill them with berries, spinach, balsamic vinegar, and goat cheese.

Chickpeas and tomatoes are also a great savory combination to use to fill up your picnic sandwich pocket.

Here are some of the places we stopped at and some of the things we did in Westerly.  I wore a dress I found just the other day at http://www.francescas.com , shoes from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com, and my hat is from http://www.llbean.com.

 This is Wilcox Park. 

I did a little shopping at Watch Hill. 

This is Ninigret Park and a new friend  I met that day.

Dee’s Creamery was perfect at the end of that long day. When I pack up a picnic lunch , I often plan on enjoying  dessert at an ice cream parlor or stopping at Del’s Lemonade. Or both. 

Now that it is 4th of July Weekend , there are lots of parades, parties, and picnics. I often keep things simple with grilled chicken sandwiches , hamburgers, hotdogs, and watermelon . 

However , I do keep my wardrobe festive. 

The pants were a recent purchase at http://www.express.com. All other clothing and accessories are from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com, except the bracelet. It is from @connectionsbymaya on Instagram and Facebook. 

This top and hat are  from BCF and jeans and wedges are from Target. 

This dress is called the “Love You Always” dress and from http://www.adornapparel.us. 

This dress is from http://www.marshalls.com and shoes are Madden Girl, from http://www.thredup.com. I found my flag scarf at http://www.target.com. 

As I said , I’ve always kept the 4th of July food simple , but I do make fun desserts, such as these “Grill” brownies. 

All you have to do is prepare a brownie recipe or mix in a cupcake pan and decorate with candy.

 I used a caramel cream candy and red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices to make the kebabs.  The pork chop is made from a caramel cream candy, which I stretched out , and used a toothpick to apply black food coloring on. The hot dogs are made with hot tamale candies and black food coloring. 

This drink is simple and festive enough for the 4th or any day you would like to make special. 

Watermelon Blueberry Cooler

Puree 6 ounces watermelon, 1 ounce blueberry vodka, and juice of one lemon wedge in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth. If sugaring the rim, pour a small amount of blue decorating sugar onto a plate. Run lemon wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip rim in sugar. Pour cocktail into glass. 

It’s easy to decorate at this time of year simply without spending too much money or time by simply arranging flowers that are red, white, and blue.

You can bring them to a picnic in a plastic pitcher. Also, if you  don’t have a huge picnic basket , a wheelbarrow is a fun idea for carrying food , toys , and any special activities you choose to have with you. 

Most of all, be creative, keep it simple, and enjoy the moments. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I always appreciate your time and attention and hope you found this post worthwhile. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Savouring the Last Days of School:Effortless Fashion and Food

I’ve always loved the unique selection and impeccable quality of the Boden brand and was thrilled to find this Boden dress (new with tags)for 70% off at http://www.thredup.com. 

The hat is from http://www.llbean.com , earrings are on sale now at http://www.kohls.com , and bag is available at http://www.yoins.com. The phone case has recently been reduced in price at http://www.neimanmarcus.com. 

My necklace and bracelets were all recent purchases at http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. 

The jacket is Lauren Ralph Lauren from http://www.macys.com.

The shoes I’m wearing here, out on the playground, are Madden Girl, purchased years ago at http://www.cohoes.com. 

These similar styles are available at http://www.zappos.com, http://www.oasis-stores.com, and shoemall.com . 

It’s been an amazing year in my classroom with a group of very spirited, inquisitive little friends. I love how my students are easily engaged and eager to participate in all our learning activities. 

These last week few weeks have been extra busy for my students. They are  preparing for  kindergarten graduation and getting ready to become full -fledged first graders. 

After a busy morning working on proper sentence formation, we did take a little bit of extra time to play outside and appreciate the beautiful weather. 

We also took a few minutes to visit the gymnasium to check out the new equipment our principal , Mrs.LeMar, just purchased. 

Isn’t this the coolest thing you’ve ever seen? I might get one for my own backyard. Kidding. 

Meanwhile, back in the classroom… 

We all got back to work ( I promise, Mrs.LeMar 😉and Mr.Piccirelli 😉 ). 

By the end of the day – 

True Story. 

Perfect time for a very simple, but very flavorful dinner: 

Peppered Beef in Parsley Crust

Ingredients: 

2 T. peppercorns

4 T.butter, softened 

1 cup parsley, chopped 

2 lb. tenderloin roast 

To do: 

Grind peppercorns until coarse in texture and spread evenly on a large platter. In a small mixing bowl, blend butter and parsley well. Spread butter mixture over roast, covering all sides evenly. Place roast on platter and roll in cracked peppercorns until roast is coated. Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour. Serve thinly sliced with creamy horseradish on the side. 

Melon Salad with Honey Dressing 

Ingredients:

1 cantaloupe melon

1 honeydew melon

3 T. lime juice 

2 T. balsamic vinegar 

3 T. honey 

2 cups lettuce 

2 cups arugula 

To do:

Slice melons in half, peel and cut into chunks. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, vinegar, and honey together, blending well. Pour over melon and toss. Place torn lettuce on salad plates. Using a slotted spoon, remove melon from bowl and place on lettuce, drizzle dressing over top. 

Need a special drink to complete your meal? 

Watermelon Martini 

You will need:

1/4 cup sugar

 1/4 cup salt

6 oz. fresh watermelon juice 

2 and 1/2 oz. vodka 

2 and 1/2 oz. limoncello 

1 oz. fresh lime juice 

Ice 

Watermelon slices for garnish 

Chill 2-3 glasses in freezer 10 minutes before making. Mix sugar and salt and spread on flat bread plate. Dampen rim of glass with water or lime juice and dip into salt mixture. Combine watermelon juice, vodka, liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake 6-8 times. Strain and pour the mixture into prepared glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges. 

Thank you !

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my day.

I always appreciate your time and attention. It means so much to me that you take the time to check out these posts. 

I truly hope you found this worthwhile, and all feedback is appreciated. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Loving That Lemon: Fashion and Cuisine

Today the sun is shining bright where I live, which is the little town of Johnston, Rhode Island. I think it’s the perfect day for a bright little dress and fun accessories. 

As soon as I put it on, my son said “Let’s make lemonade!” and that’s what inspired this post. 

I found this Dolce Vita dress at http://www.thredUP.com last summer. I wanted it for September , for the first week of school. As a kindergarten teacher, I try to wear bright , fun clothes to liven up the days and keep my five year olds cheerful. 

Today I decided to pair it with a scarf from http://www.claires.com and Italian Shoemaker sandals , which I found at http://www.marshalls.com. 

I’ve been loving this Kate Spade bag and keychain all season.

And as a lot of you already know , I do love hats and always have one handy, especially this time of year . This one is from Steve Madden, found at http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com. The sunglasses are from http://www.lanecrawford.com. 

 I love the scented body sprays from http://www.victoriassecret.com and especially this one, with its refreshing clean scent. Too-faced is my absolute favorite brand for face products and this is a great lip balm from dermstore.com. 

Ok , we all know – 

and you CAN , if you want to. 

How about trying this ?

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

You need:

2 cups water 

1 cup honey

2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot 

2 cups club soda, chilled 

1 cup lemon juice

In a small saucepan , bring the water, honey, and ginger to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, discarding ginger. Cool. 

Transfer to a pitcher; stir in soda and lemon juice. Serve immediately over ice. 

Yield: 5 servings.

You don’t have to make lemonade just because you have lemons. Here are a few other easy ideas. 

Chicken Fingers with Lemon Sauce

You will need:

1 jar lemon curd 

1/4 cup chicken broth 

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup buttermilk 

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 

1 cup flour 

1/2 cup cornstarch 

1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into strips 

In a small saucepan, combine the lemon curd, broth, soy sauce and ginger. Cook and stir until combined and heat through; keep warm. In a shallow bowl, combine buttermilk mixture, then coat with flour mixture. 

In an electric skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry chicken, a few strips at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon sauce. 

Yield: 4 servings.

Tossed Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 

In a large bowl, combine 1 bunch of romaine, 1 medium head iceberg, 10 bacon strips , 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup almonds, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup salad croutons. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves , 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and gradually whisk in 2/3 cup of olive oil. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. 

Yield: 21 servings 

Lemonade Meringue Pie

You will need:

3 eggs , separated 

1 package (4-6 ounces) cook and serve vanilla pudding mix

1 1/4 cup milk

1 cup sour cream 

1/3 cup lemon concentrate 

1 teaspoon lemon juice 

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 

6 tablespoons sugar

1 pastry shell 

Place egg whites in a small mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile , in a large saucepan, combine the pudding mix, milk and sour cream until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat,cook and stir 2 minutes longer. 

Remove from heat. Gradually whisk 1 cup hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemonade concentrate; keep warm. 

Add lemon juice and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar , 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. 

Pour warm filling into pastry shell. Spread meringue over filling, sealing edges to pastry. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. 

Yield 6-8 servings.

Other options:

And remember :

However , I hope your day is more sweet than sour and hope you know how much I appreciate your time and attention while you are visiting my blog! 

Thanks so much !

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxoxo 

Sunshine and Sorbet: Entertaining In Style

Would you like a little bit of sunshine delivered to your doorstep?

 Are you looking for the perfect outfit to wear while entertaining friends this season?

 Would you like to make a super simple but really fabulous drink to serve guests? 

For the sunshine delivered right to your door , look no further than http://www.SEQCollection.com ! Enjoy free shipping when purchasing any one of the dresses, tops , bottoms , accessories, fitness, or fair trade items in their collection. I discovered the website when I saw many cute items on their IG feed @seqcollection . 

This dress is called the ‘Darcie’ and I paired it with a scarf from http://www.target.com. 

It is a gorgeous feminine mauve color featuring a ruffled bottom and 3/4 sleeves. It is unlined , non-sheer and lightweight. 

The shoes are Guess from http://www.macys.com , bracelets on my right hand are from http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com , and bangles on my left hand are from the champagne collection at http://www.alexandani.com. 

This LuluAvenue necklace is called Pebble Beach and can be purchased from http://www.stylebyalana.com . 

Go ahead and visit the Sunshine Equilibrium shop , http://www.SEQCollection.com and I’m sure you’ll find just the right pieces to create a perfect look of your own for entertaining or for attending any casual get together this summer. 

The mauve color of this dress reminded me of raspberry sorbet and that got me thinking about a really quick and easy recipe for Raspberry Sorbet Bellinis, so…

Here’s all you need: 

1. Pink Moscato

2. Raspberry sorbet

3. Fresh raspberries

Here’s all you do: 

1. Add a small scoop of raspberry sorbet to champagne flutes.

2. Top with Moscato and be careful because it bubbles up fast.

3. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Here’s another great drink ( even though there is no moscato or liquor of any kind involved ) :

Raspberry Lemonade Floats 

You will need:

1. 1 cup fresh lemon juice ( about 10 to 12 lemons, squeezed )

2. 1/2 cup honey 

3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 

4. 1/2 cup warm water 

5. 3 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda 

6. Raspberry sorbet

To do:

Combine lemon juice, honey, vanilla, and water in mixing bowl. Use whisk to blend ingredients. 

Pour lemon juice mixture into a large pitcher and add chilled sparkling water or club soda, whisking to combine. Set pitcher in freezer for 5 minutes to cool quickly. Don’t forget and leave it there!

While lemonade is chilling, use a melon baller to scoop 4 to 6 mini sorbet balls per serving. Place them inside each glass and pour sparkling lemonade on top. 

Garnish with fresh fruit and a straw !

And there you have the easy drink ( plus another ) to make and serve ! 

Hope you find yourself surrounded with sunshine this season even if – 



And always remember –

Thanks so much for checking out this post ! Hope you found it worthwhile because I always appreciate your time and attention. 

Yours truly,

Jennifer

Xoxoxo