Archive for November, 2010

Posted on November 19, 2010 - by Brie

My Favorite Cookie Cutters

In honor of the fact that Oprah is having her ‘Favorite Things’ episode today I figured that I would round up something a little smaller – some of my favorite cookie cutters – for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Obviously at least one of the above does not require actual baking and while I really do love to mix, roll out, cut, bake and decorate there are times that I only want to decorate. So skipping steps is just fine in my book!

clockwise from top left: pre-baked gingerbread tree kit $10; copper elf cookie cutter $9.75; owl cookie cutter $16.50; bear in stocking cookie cutter $35; star wars cookie cutters (set of 4) $20; squirrel cookie cutter $13; christmas roll and cut cookie cutter $8

I also found these lovely cookie baking pans…so you can mix, bake and decorate without the hassle of having to grab the rolling pins and cookie cutters! I really love these and honestly tend to prefer them when baking since so many times sugar cookies can spread so easily on just a sheet pan.

left to right: christmas cookie pan $12; snowflake cookie pan $13

Finally, in case you just can’t find a cookie cutter to your specific liking…or you just have a fabulous idea for a cookie cutter you can have your own copper cookie cutter made from Copper Cutters!

Cheers to holiday baking!

Posted on November 16, 2010 - by Brie

PUMPKIN BUTTER DESSERT SQUARES

I have made these dessert squares for Thanksgiving for the past I-don’t-know-how-many-years and they are absolutely delicious (and super easy). I usually don’t even like pumpkin that much…but these are amazing! I use the Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter and usually run out at the last minute and grab some from Williams-Sonoma or if you have time you can order it from the Muirhead website. Enjoy!

Pecan Pumpkin Butter Dessert Squares

1 Package yellow cake mix; set aside one cup
1/2 C Melted Butter
3 Large Eggs
1 Jar Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter
2 T Milk
1 T Flour
2 T Sugar
1/4 C Softened Butter
1 t Cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Divide the yellow cake mix, placing all but one cup in a mixing bowl. Stir the melted butter and one egg into the cake mix. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13” pan. Mix the jar of Pecan Pumpkin Butter with two eggs and milk. Pour this result over the cake mix. Stire the reserved cup of cake mix with the flour, sugar, softened butter and cinnamon. Mix together until crumbly. Sprinkle over top of the pumpkin layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Serves approx 24.

Finally, if you are looking for a great hostess gift for an autumn treat you can even give the ingredients or the actual dessert squares in this lovely baker from Crate & Barrel.

Posted on November 10, 2010 - by Brie

perfect postcards

So I am sure everyone else probably knows about this site but I just found it and these fabulous postcards. The Felt & Wire Shop is a curated marketplace of designer papergoods. They have note cards, stationery, posters, invitations, etc from lots of different vendors…It’s like Etsy – except only for papergoods. It is my new heaven!

I am particularly in love with the postcards pictured above… BIG, GRAPHIC, SIMPLE & FUN. Everything a postcard should be just to let someone know you are thinking about them. So since I will be ordering some of these…who wants a postcard?

Posted on November 3, 2010 - by Brie

Glowing Planters

These planters from Rotoluxe are so cool. Not only are they made out of 100% recycled plastics – like water bottles and milk jugs – but they glow and are oh so exciting. You can order them in lots of sizes, shapes and colors – in case a custom pantone color  is more of what you are looking for. Plus how fun would it be to have these lighting up your backyard for a party – I understand we are in the middle of fall, however, it is currently really hot in orange county so I thinking of pools. Also, a backyard party is not the only option…

Another Option One – Thanksgiving is coming and having a few in a cluster by your front door accompanied by pumpkins and scarecrows would definitely be inviting to your guests as they arrive for dinner.

Another Option Two – These would probably be really cool in red and white with pine trees in them lining your driveway for a Christmas party. Just thinking of that makes me want to have a really long driveway and lots of Christmas parties.

At any rate – amazing planters…They are going on my Christmas Wish List.