Tag: Martha Stewart

Christmas Preparations Phase 2

CarrieLeave a comment

Well it’s official!  The house is completed decorated except for the tree in the living room.  The reason for this is that I am having a tree trimming party on Tuesday for friends as promised.  See if some of these pictures inspire you to start your own decorating extravaganza!

These are vintage figures from my grandmother. They are cute and festive!


I laid fabric down on the table as a runner. It accents the pieces set on the table. Filling a bowl with ornaments is a quick and easy way to create a festive centerpiece!

I have a collection of these vintage elves from my grandmother. They were featured in Martha’s magazine last year.

I just bought this 3 ft. table topper tree this year. It’s decorated with Christopher Radko ornaments from Kmart that I found this year as well. They were on sale for $7.99 for a set of 6. What a steal!

Turkey Day is Done, Christmas has Begun!

CarrieLeave a comment

This year I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home with my parents. Every year I go out to the local bar and see everyone come home with their significant others. While I wish that some day I find someone to share the holidays with, I am quite content with sharing the holiday season with friends and family. I gathered with friends on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday which made the holiday very festive. Since Turkey Day is over, it’s time to focus on Christmas.

I have quite a few Christmas parties scheduled in December. I need to decide if I want to create my own Christmas party as well. In the past, I have had a Tree Trimming Party and it was a success. If you’re looking for a party idea, that’s a great one because it gives your guests something to do and it gets your tree trimmed quickly.

I have already started the Christmas Extravaganza here at my house. I decorated the second floor today. Martha would be proud. The tree ornaments are from her line at Macy’s from a few years back.

This week I can tackle the main floor. On Wednesday, I am going into Philly to go to Macy’s (the old Wanamaker building) for some Christmas shopping and of course the light show. By the end of the week, I need to start writing Christmas cards and planning the holiday baking schedule. There is so much to do and exactly one month til Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas be with you all in the coming days.

Spring Cleaning

SadieLeave a comment

As I’ve mentioned before, when I want to bake with the ingredients I already have in my pantry, it usually ends up as shortbread.  I’m heading out of town for summer which means it would be nice use up some ingredients in the cupboard before I leave.  Among these ingredients: a stick of butter, unsweetened cocoa, instant coffee, and powdered sugar.  All leftover from past baking adventures.  What does that equal, you ask?  You guessed it:

Mocha Shortbread

From Martha (who else)

Yields about 8 cookie slices from cake pan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plus 3 Tbs AP flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter room temp
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting garnish)

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar together then add flour mixture a little at a time.
  4. Mixture will be crumbly.  Make sure you mix it until it’s relatively uniform and all of the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  5. Press dough into the bottom of a round cake pan (8 or 9 inches).  No need to prepare the pan, cookies with this much butter don’t stick.
  6. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Allow to cool and slice like a pizza.
    Oops, I broke a couple. I guess I’ll just have to eat the rejects…

    These aren’t super sweet, I would say they’re more of a grown up cookie.  They would be great with some summer berries and a dollop of whipped cream, or paired with some after dinner coffee or tea.  I would even consider using this recipe as a cookie crust for a mousse/cheesecake/pudding type of cake.

    PS- I recently added this song to my workout playlist.  I am obsessed.