I am a huge fan of the slow cooker. It is such a convenient way to put a meal on the table when your schedule is extra busy. It is not easy to find good slow cooker recipes, though. I have found the ones on Williams-Sonoma’s website to be particularly yummy. I wonder how these Spring recipes are from Better Homes & Gardens … the pulled pork sliders look delicious and I think I will need to try them!
Slow cook sliders via Better Homes and Gardens
Whether you are hosting guests for a Valentine’s Day get together or just want to show that special someone you care, this project is for you! These pomegranate filled ice cubes are easy to make and will instantly make any drink you serve that much more special.
Pomegranate Heart Ice Cubes
You can find a step-by-step process on how to make these ice cubs here, but essentially you just put three pomegranate seeds in a heart shaped ice tray. Freeze and then serve in your drink of choice!
I think I found my new favorite Fall dessert! These pumpkin whoopie pies from Epicurious are amazing. I followed the recipe to a tee. The only modification I would suggest is not candying the pecans (the whoopies are sweet enough on their own) and press the pecans into the cream rather than rolling them on the sides.
Yum!
One of my favorite culinary treats in summer is watermelon. Refreshing and bright, watermelon is often a great picnic or BBQ food or a sweet dessert at the end of a simple meal. But watermelon also shines as a star in summer salads. The three below look delicious!
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint from Food & Wine
Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze from Bon Appetit
Watermelon Salad with Mint and Crispy Prosciutto via Real Simple
This Watermelon Bombe from Martha Stewart is not only adorable, but it looks so refreshing as well — perfect for combatting the summer heat. It also looks a lot like an amazing dessert by The Inn at Little Washington’s Patrick O’Connell. My husband made it for me for my birthday one time. Dee-lish!
Watermelon Bombe via Martha Stewart
Watermelon Fantasy; recipe by Patrick O'Connell
Cathal Armstrong's menu via Epicurious
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area is Restaurant Eve. I particularly love going for lunch and every time I do I leave so satisfied. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.
Behind all great restaurants are great chefs and Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve is no exception. That’s why when I found this Irish feast on Epicurious designed by him specifically for St Patrick’s Day I couldn’t resist sharing it. Doesn’t it look delicious?!
How does one say “Bon Appetit” in Irish?!
One of my favorite days of the year is just around the corner: the Super Bowl! This year is even more exciting as my New England Patriots are playing! As you prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, here are some fun Super Bowl party decoration ideas, including a variety of printables from Hostess With the Mostess.
Go Pats!
football garland via Better Homes and Gardens
football brownies via Better Homes and Gardens
Super Bowl printables via Hostess with the Mostess
Football field runner and coasters via Martha Stewart
from Food & Wine magazine Feb 2012
I was just talking with some friends the other day who shared that the new dessert buzz is all about layer cakes. Upon opening my February 2012 issue of Food & Wine, I’d have to agree. The magazine has an informative spread on DIY layer cakes, offering recipes for cakes, fillings, and frostings. Use your creativity and create a layer cake that is totally unique by mixing and matching the flavors.
I highly recommend picking up the issue but here are a just few of the recipes you can access online.
Filling: Dark Chocolate Mousse Filling, White Chocolate Mousse Filling
Frosting: Rich Chocolate Buttercream, Hazelnut Buttercream
Cake: Brown Butter Layer Cake, Double Chocolate Layer Cake
Ring in 2012 with style using these creative New Year’s entertainment ideas! Serve drinks with a fun tinsel stirrer to add some sparkle and shine to your party.
Tinsel Drink Stirrer by Martha Stewart
For dessert, try making these fun ball drop cupcakes or arranging a cheescake bar buffet with an assortment of sauces and toppings.
Ball Drop Cupcakes
Cheesecake Bar Buffet by Southern Living
These free retro printables from Ellinee can enhance your festive party decor.
Retro New Year's Printables by Ellinee
Retro New Year's Printables Template
For easy noisemakers, fill clear ornaments with colorful foods such as popcorn, jelly beans, or pink peppercorns. Noisemakers can be placed in a bowl or vase to serve as a centerpiece until the countdown to the stroke of midnight begins.
Ornament Noisemakers by Rachel Ray
One of my favorite dishes at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. The canned kind is good (I love how it comes out as one giant cylinder on the plate!) but homemade is even better. Here is my favorite cranberry sauce recipe, courtesy of Food & Wine magazine. It is easy and delicious.
One 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
1 large Fuji apple, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.