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Autumn Entertaining

October 6, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

When the air turns crisp, fallen leaves begin to crunch beneath my shoes and mother nature paints the landscape with inspired hues of rich, golden color, I know autumn has arrived.

Fall is my favorite season. It is the deep breath of contentment between the hurried, hot days of summer and the cold, gray days of winter.

I love to entertain in the fall when the food, decor and atmosphere all reflect the bounty of harvest. Tangy tart apples, creamy pumpkin and loads of fresh produce demand to be made into something warm and comforting.

Think about how you can incorporate autumn into your next entertaining venture. Bring the outdoors in with bouquets made of fall leaves and the last flowers of the season. You can also use pine cones and nuts for accents. Dress your table in nature-inspired colors of amber, gold, cranberry and green. Use all one color of china and serving pieces and create the feel of fall with your table coverings and centerpiece. Or mix and match pieces in fall colors such as brown, yellow, cream, green and red.

Or take the indoors outside when you entertain, soaking up the last warm rays of sunshine while the weather is still cooperative. Provide moveable heaters or build a bonfire. Set a very casual buffet table, again using the colors of fall, and have piles of blankets, extra sweaters and plenty of hot beverages available.

Focus your food on the flavors of fall. Whip up a pumpkin soup or pumpkin bread. Apple anything  – from apples with caramel dip to baked apples or apple cobbler – is sure to be appreciated this time of year. Think of having some friends over for a “comfort food” potluck. Have them each bring their favorite comfort food and pool your efforts for a fun and unique meal.

However you plan to entertain this fall, remember to keep it simple and keep your focus on connecting with those gathered in your home. 

What is your favorite comfort food? Please share your response here!

Posted in entertain, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas | Leave a Comment »

Easy Quiche

September 18, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

When I was in college living in a co-ed dorm and getting an education in things that had nothing to do with either my major or minor, a bunch of us girls got together and decided to have a nice party before we all left for the holidays. We all were supposed to contribute one thing to the meal and it needed to be “girlie” food.

I called Mom in  panic with no idea what I could make. She saved the day when she sent me this easy quiche recipe. It was a hit at the party, and every time I’ve made it over the years.

Wonderful for breakfast, brunch, luncheons or dinners, it is so good and simple to make!

Quiche
3 eggs

1 1/2 cups cream

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup shredded cheddar or colby-jack

1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham

1/2 tsp. onion flakes

Prepared pie crust in 9 inch pie pan. Beat the eggs, add in cream and salt.  Sprinkle cheese and bacon over pie crust. Pour egg mixture over the top and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite cooking memory from your college days? Share it here!

Posted in Easy Recipes, Fast Recipes | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Bring Clarity from Chaos

September 15, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

Before 21 beforeA few weeks ago Julie Anne Jones and Krista Green teamed up to offer a fabulous free telecourse called “Organizing 101.” The class highlighted how to bring clarity from chaos in your office space.

Krista talked about how clutter is a stagnation of energy that prevents it from flowing and how our home office space should bring us positive energy.  I was so inspired by the call, I knew it was time to finally give my office the makeover it so desperately needed.after 3

Check out the before and after photos! I’m loving my “new” office space. It is peaceful and beautiful and a fun place for me to be.after 1

That got me thinking, so many people avoid entertaining because there is an area or room in their home that is a catch-all for clutter. Because of the chaos, they put off entertaining, waiting for the “perfect” time.

Here is the newsflash… there is no “perfect” time to entertain. So clean up the clutter, bring some new energy to your home and start inviting people over.  Remember that people are much more interested in spending time with you than noticing the things that are less than perfect in your home. If there is a certain area that is holding you back, fix it. Don’t squander the gift of time wishing your kitchen was painted, your living room redecorated or your office space decluttered. Declutter, paint, move some furniture around and start enjoying life!

If you want to get inspired to bring some clarity to your own space, Krista and Julie Anne are teaming up for a six-week “Chaos to Clarity” class that begins this Thursday, Sept. 17. For details, go to Julie Anne’s website here.

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Delicious Carrot Cake

September 11, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

We just celebrated Hubby’s birthday and every year he requests the same dessert – carrot cake. It is moist and delicious, especially when topped with cream cheese frosting.

This recipe for carrot cake comes from my grandmother. You could always count on finding some delicious baked goodie at Grandma’s house, especially when she baked carrot cake. It is easy to put together and makes the whole house smell yummy while it bakes.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake

Elsie’s Carrot Cake

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

4 eggs

2 tsps. baking soda

4 cups grated carrots

1 tsp. salt

1 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tsp. cinnamon

Cream together eggs, sugar and oil. Mix in remaining ingredients and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until edges begin to pull away from the pan. Top with Cream Cheese Frosting. Garnish with halved walnuts.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 box powdered sugar

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Enjoy!

Carrot Cake - Yum!

Have a favorite recipe from your grandmother? Share it here!

Posted in Easy Recipes, entertain | Tagged , | 10 Comments »

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