COCKTAIL PARTY: RED WINE SANGRIA

I can't wait to kick off Memorial Day Weekend! It means summer is officially here!  Hopefully the weather will be nice, and friends/family on hand will be plentiful because I've got a recipe for Sangria that you will want to sip on all weekend :) My step mother in law has made the most amazing Sangria the last few times we have been to visit, and I can't seem to get it out of my head. Its so refreshing and delicious...

To make 2 pitchers, Add 2 bottles Red table wine [preferable rioja or cabernet] and sliced fruits [orange, lime, green apple, peach, grapes if you want ] together. Let refridgerate for 1 -3 hours. When chilled and ready to serve, and mix in one bottle of ginger ale [or 1/2 bottle ginger ale per 1 bottle red wine] Add ice, and serve!

I (still) Love Macarons

So, I know that I already posted about this a couple of weeks ago, but I just had to share, because what could possibly be better than a non-french friendly approach to making macarons at home. This book by Hisako Ogita is a step-by-step with pictures and offers recipes for an array of different flavors. I picked mine up at Urban Outfitters.

A Wonderful Little Treat

If only I could look this glamourous cooking for the holidays. Such a beautiful dress...

and... in your beautiful party gown, you may consider making these, they are sure to be a crowd favorite, and a welcome departure from the holiday norms of generally unfulfilling finger food. Not to mention, these turkey sliders are so scrumptious and far healthier than hamburgers.

enjoy these gorgonzola turkey sliders

Soft and Lovely...

Ok, I know, Anthropologie is maybe over blogged about, but I couldn't resist sharing these beauties for this christmas season. The palette is so soft and lovely, pieces you will keep long after your holiday parties are over.

The rosettes are simply gorgeous

 

This cuff or bracelet would be the cherry on top of the sundae for that outfit you have been trying to complete with accessories. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the scattered baubbles on the sparkly bracelet, they are perfectly misplaced!

This sweater looks like it would go with just about anything. Here is Florida, it is a essential piece to own, (especially this year since it has been 90 and humid since may) you can pull it out on those chilly nights when a jacket is just too heavy.

I think I could cozy up on the couch all day with this blanket

Sweet and simple, a little touch of glamour to stir your hot cocoa with.

Fabulous Find

Next week I promise I will be back to posting everyday, this week is so hectic with a job that I am trying to complete with only this week!

Bakerella is an awesome blog if you haven't seen it before, and her cake pops have become all the rage, I have even featured them on luxe + lillies. Yesterday I found these "brownie pop" molds at Michaels, but, they may as well be cake pop molds. They are perfect and will save lots of time and energy!

images via bakerella and wilton

Hot Chocolate, Please!

I promise to you that I'm not going to make a habit of scanning things in, however, these I couldn't resist sharing. Getting ready for our trip up to Minnesota yesterday, I was thinking of all the things I love about the cold weather and the holiday season. Possibly one that has been longest with me, since my childhood, is my love for a great hot chocolate...

These look SO delectable, and I plan to try each one! Unfortunately the recipes were not online, but, you can pick up the latest issue of Food Network Magazine (which is an exceptional issue), and get all these recipes for yourself!

What is one of your favorite things about the holiday season?

Recipe of the Week

As last week was lacking a scrumptious recipe, this week I must share these two totally delectable recipes (what kind of person would I be to withhold this goodness!?)

chocolate layer cake recipe

chocolate chip cupcake recipe

yummy!

Sips of St. Germain

It is a little late now for weekend wishes, but, I hope yours was lovely...

I first fell in love with this at one of my favorite spots.  The taste was so refreshing, perfectly sweet without being overwhelming, but more importantly unlike any other drink I had sipped before. After studying the contents of this "white linen" as they call it on the drink menu, I went on a search for Elderflower Liquor. I found this little gem of a liquor and always have it for when guests come over. Not to mention, the bottle is pretty and looks good on my bar tray.  If it were acceptable to have champagne for breakfast every morning with a touch of elderflower liquor in it, I would. Once you have done your taste buds a favor and purchased some of this, try these recipes below!

more information here

Recipe of the Week

For those of you who haven't checked out Bakerella, you must, it will change your baking life. These Cake Pops are so adorable, tasty, and SO easy to make. I made some for halloween last week with white chocolate frosting and orange and purple sprinkles. Find the recipe on Bakerella's website. Happy Baking!

Recipe of the Week

Going along with the fall theme of today, this is quite possibly the most yummy cake ever. Barefoot Contessa has outdone herself. This recipe is so easy, and a sure hit. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Roulade Recipe