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Archive for the ‘Referrals’ Category

Meal Planning with Betty C

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, Referrals, tagged , , on January 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

As you know from yesterday’s post, this week I’m sharing tidbits of trivia from a wonderful Betty Crocker cookbook I inherited from my Grandma.

One of the sections of the book I loved was on meal planning. It offers meal planning tips for just about every event you could think of. I was especially fond of the “Once in a Lifetime Parties” section on this page.

How many of us skip that whole step of meal planning, except for special occasions? Look at the hands out there! I do not stand alone!

Oh, I can plan meals when I want to. The problem is too often I don’t. I might plan the main dish and then throw together whatever I can find at the last minute. How much more flavorful and meaningful would mealtime be if I spent some time planning the meals? I’m guessing a whole bunch.

When I do take time to plan the meals, things come together so nicely, flavors compliment each other and all is right in the world.

If you are looking for some inspiration to get you started, check out cookbooks you may already own. A lot of good cookbooks will have a section on meal planning. Or go online.

Betty Crocker’s website has a wealth of great information. If you go here, you’ll find ideas for double-duty dinners! Check it out!

Happy Cooking and Happy Entertaining!

She is is planning her next meal!

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Sweet Shop USA for Sweet Lovers

Posted in Referrals, tagged , , on January 12, 2011| Leave a Comment »

There is a particular brand of chocolate that Hubby purchases for me on very special occasions. When he presents the box of candy, I generally melt in a puddle and refer to him as “hero” or “King Cavedweller” for the remainder of the day. Yeah, the chocolates are that good.

The company is Sweet Shop USA.

You can purchase these divine creations on their website at sweetshopusa.com or pick them up at one of their nationwide retailers. You’ll find the sweet treats in stores like Dillards, Hallmark Flowers, Neiman Marcus. My favorite local florist carries these.

In fact, she often has a display case set up so you can purchase individual truffles if your heart desires. My heart often desires so I resist the temptation.

The truffles are so good, you can literally cut them in half and enjoy part now and the rest later (like after you’ve walked three miles to burn off the first half).

If you ever have the opportunity to try their candy, especially the truffles, jump right up and savor true chocolate bliss.

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Tom Browning

Posted in Christmas, Referrals, tagged , , , on December 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »

I first became acquainted with Tom Browning’s art about 14 years ago. Hubby and I were on vacation and ran across some of his art in a shop we were browsing through. I was hooked. His artwork is beautiful, lovely, real.

One of my favorite things that he paints is Santa. Not just any Santa, but a Santa that looks like the real deal. His Santa paintings put me in mind of  Haddon Sundblom’s Santa artwork done for the Coca-Cola Company (and I love his images, too).

I think Santa holding the roses is my favorite of all time. You wonder if he has brought those for Mrs. Claus or just what exactly the jolly old elf is up to. I’m a sucker for romance, even with Santa!

Browning was born in the small town of Ontario, OR, which happens to be in the neighborhood of where I grew up. He began painting professionally in 1972.  Although he started out with western and wildlife subject matter, Browning has completed many wonderful  paintings with a variety of  subjects and mediums.

For more details about Browning or to check out his artwork, go to his website at tombrowning.com

Happy Holiday Entertaining,

The Art Admirer

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Chef Richard Blais

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Referrals, tagged , , , on December 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Today’s home cooks have access to a world of rare ingredients and more than ever before, they are able to turn out perfectly-cooked, high-quality meals. But even the best home chefs can get overwhelmed during the holidays!

Chef and restaurateur Richard Blais, a fan favorite from Bravo’s “Top Chef: Chicago,” shares some great holiday cooking tips with us today! What a special treat!

Watch him share the tips in this fun video.

Chef Blais can be found online here.

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