Sauteed Apples – ANYTIME Yummyness

I absolutely LOVE this dish.  I have served them for Holiday dinners and I have made them on Football Sunday!   These even make the best EVER applesauce!  YUMMY!  These are best when served warm.  INCREDIBLE over ice cream!  AWESOME over pancakes!

What You Need:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 large tart apples – peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch…less if you want a little more syrup.  The photo is made with 2 teaspoons.
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How To:

1. Select you apple type.  I like Granny Smith or Fuji apples.  But you pick what you like!
2. Core, peel, and slice the apples.  If you want a “softer” apple, slice thin.  If you want a firm but not hard apple, then slice thicker.
3. Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan.
4. Add the apples.
5. Cook until the apples are just about tender which is 6 to 7 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
6. Dissolve the cornstarch in water.
7. Add the water and cornstarch to the apples.
8.  Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.             
9. Boil for 2 minutes, or longer for more tender apples, stirring occasionally.
10. They are done when you get the tenderness of the apples to your liking.

If you want applesauce, just mash away!  Keep all the juices!  The mashed apples will absorb all of it!  Lasts for days and days in fridge!

Table Decorating: Get Started with the Basics

Tips and Tricks to Table Decorating: “Table Decorating 101” mini class.  If you like to host parties or dinners, I recommend that you start to build a basic collection of:

• Dinnerware= White
• Table clothes = White then add black
• Nice set of silverware
• Folding 6ft table – as a food serving area.

You do not have to use white….but if you need to “purchase” new dishes, then I suggest white.

       

WHY WHITE DINNERWARE?

White is a very popular color right now, so availability and pricing is in your favor.  White allows you to  add to your dinnerware collection with almost any brand.  I have bowls, plates, serving plates, etc., from a variety of stores and they ALL look great together.  Only if you turn them over to read the bottom will you know they were not all bought as a set.  So, when you are at Marshals or Pier One, or any other store and you see any dinnerware that you may need or want, get it!  I have built a great collection of serving dishes this way and the cost was minimal.  Also, each year my party guests have increased in numbers.  I am now hosting 14 people instead of the 12 that I had last year for a sit-down dinner.  Because I went with white dinnerware two years ago, I only have to buy two more dinner plate settings, and not an entire set for 14!  HUGE COST SAVINGS!  EVERYTHING MATCHES And I LOVE my white dishes for their versatility and simplistic beauty!  However, this is just a suggestion!

Why White and Black Tablecloths?  

White goes with EVERYTHING, and you can use it for ANY occasion.  I use my white tablecloths at least 4 times a year, if not more.  White on white is stunning! Once you get comfortable playing with table accessories and color combinations, you will be glad that you selected white….no limitations!  And you can get fancy printed table runners to add more fun without the two clashing.

Black is another basic color that goes with almost anything.  I have used my black tablecloths at least 4 times this year, too! The only reason I would recommend white tablecloths as your first investment is that is goes with dark colors, too.  Brown on black is not as favorable as brown on white.  You can argue that white stains easier; hence why I suggest white and black for your basic starting collection.  I can only use my Holiday print tablecloth one time, which is fine, but I can do so much more with colors and decorations by staying with solid colors as the base.

OVERLAYS!  This is where you will LOVE table decorating, and they are not expensive if you shop around.  You can go  with a very expensive and decorative tablerunner from Pier 1 on your white tablecloth…..fabulous.  Or use organza…satin…pintuck overlays and runners.  (I will be talking more about these soon…)

Each year I try to add to my tablecloth collection.  Two years ago I started with my basic white in several sizes as I always have a food serving table, and I want all of my tablecloths to match.  Last year I invested in black.  This year for our Holiday parties, I am going to splurge a little more on table covers by getting gold crinkle taffeta tablecloth and red organza overlays.

One of my favorite websites this time of year is www.tabeclothsfactory.com.  They have an amazing selection of colors and fabrics for almost any size/shape of table.  For example, My gold crinkle taffeta  60 x 120  rectangle table cover is $13.00!  My 60” red organza overlays are $3.10 each!!  And my red crinkle taffeta table runner is $2.39!  SERIOUSLY!!!   If you shop on this site, you could have a minimal investment of about $20 to do one table!

Another great place to shop is Bed, Bath & Beyond.  They have round placemats in a variety of colors for about $2.00 each!  With a white or black tablecloth, you can have a lot of different theme colors by just changing place mats.  Use paper napkins from Walmart or any party store to match or accent the placemats, and your table/tables will pop with color!

If your table is small or you are squeezing in a lot of people, I recommend chargers.  They will add color to your table just as a place mat does….and I only use placemats for color!  I just bought red chargers at Michael’s for $2.50 each!  (Again, gearing up for my Holiday parties!)

Let’s get this Thanksgiving Table Decorated!

For Thanksgiving, I am using my black tablecloth from tableclothsfactory and my orange placemats from Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Two years ago, I got a great deal on ceramic plates when Linens & Things went out of business.  I am going to use my brown and orange plates this year, but I used my white plates last year with these same decorations, and it was just as stunning!

I am adding more color with an orange organza runner from tableclothfactory.  $1.65 each!  My centerpiece is the fall glow stick that I made, (previous blog).  I like organza for the table runners and overlays as they pick up the candle lights with added sparkle.

And the final touch is the adorable pumpkin candle holders I recently made and also blogged about.  I have my candles lit before guests arrive.  You can place a little doily under the pumpkins, too.  Once it is dinner time, guests simply move their pumpkin to the center of the table, at they add to the beautiful centerpiece.  You can also place them in the center instead of on the plates.

Why I like my table arrangement:  

• The glow stick centerpiece is low so it won’t block anyone’s view of other guests.
• If you don’t have access to an outlet, then make the centerpiece without lights…the candles will give you enough mood lighting.
• The pumpkin candle holders are very colorful and still not too high to get in the way of seeing other guests.  I am NOT a fan of high center pieces for that reason.
• You still have room for serving dishes if you choose to user our eating area as your serving area, too.

You are the MASTER OF YOUR PARTY!  Do it your way and have fun!!!

Grilled Potato Skins and Potato Boats

Okay football fans, here is one for your next tailgate or house party.  These potato boats are simply fabulous, and you can  have so much fun making them!  There is NO END to how creative you can get with these delicious creations.

These aren’t just for football parties!  I serve these during almost every party!  They are simple and yummy.  Easy for guests to pick up and eat.  You can prepare these ahead of time and just  heat them up on a grill or in the oven if you need to take a great dish to a tailgate or party.

Three ways to bake the potatoes:  Times will vary for each method as the size and amount of potatoes will dictate when they are done.  I typically check them after 45 minutes…squish the center while wearing an oven mitt.  They need to be very soft.

1. True tailgaters will grill them.  Takes about an hour on indirect heat.  It can be done as I have done it!
2. Conventional oven 400 degrees.
3. Roaster oven – my personal favorite!  I LOVE cooking with my roster oven.  No party queen/king should be without a roaster oven.  I use mine all the time for a lot of things!

• Once the potatoes are finished, cut them in half – length wise.  I like to do this right away because the center of the potatoes are hot and will melt the butter and cheese that I put in the mixture.  If you wait until they cool, I have found that they don’t mash as easy.  USE AN OVEN MIT or a dish rag to hold the hot potato.
• Take a spoon and gently scoop out the potato’s center.  You decide how much of the center you want out.  If you like a crunchy potato skin, try to get as close to the skin without putting a hole in it.  Leave a little more of the potato if you want a heartier skin.
• Place your desired amount of butter in a pot.
• Scoop the potatoes into the pot.
• Add desired amount of milk, sour cream, and cheese for mashed potatoes.  I say “desired amount” because everyone likes a different consistency.  But don’t make them too runny.  If you don’t like cheese or sour cream in your mashed potatoes….leave them out!  You are the RULER of your kitchen!
• Mash the potatoes and then stir until all is blended.
• Add spices to flavor.  I use garlic salt, garlic powder, and a splash of black pepper.  Again, this is your gig….spice them up like you like them!

          

GRILL PART ONE:

• Take the potatoes and place them on the grill.
• I use tinfoil, but you can place them directly on the racks.
• Try to keep the grill’s temperature around 400.
• I usually cook mine 10 – 15 minutes then turn over for an additional 10 – 15 minutes.
• You want to get the skins a little firm.  I like mine crunchy.  If you don’t like crunchy skins, don’t cook them too long during this stage.  You’re the boss.  Just remember that these skins will be going back on the grill or in the oven when you stuff them next.
• If you are making these for a house party or Thanksgiving, then you can cook them in the oven at 400 for the same amount of time.  I have made them both ways…grill and oven.
• Once they are browned, take off grill or out of oven and prepare for second stage!
• You now have “potato skins!”  You can melt some cheese in them and call it good, or prepare for the boats…

  These are the skins on the grill.  They have not been grilled yet.

STUFF THE POTATOES

1. Layer One is cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend or cheese of your choice.  I like cheese, so I put enough to completely cover the bottom of the skin.
2. PIEROGI BOAT OPTION:  Saute onions in butter.  Once cooked, add the onions as a second layer.
3. CHILI BOAT OPTION:  Add chili as the second layer.
4. MEXICAN BOAT OPTION:  Put some salsa  as the second layer.
5. Create your own second layer…bacon…chives…green onions…BE CREATIVE
6. If you are having a big party…go for the gusto…do all options!
7. When I took these photos, I did not add a second layer.  I made a few potato skins and the rest regular potato boats, so you will not see any pics of the second layer.
8. NOW – Pile on the mashed potato mixture.  Don’t be shy!  Stuff them high. Stuff the mashed potatoes right on top of your second layer, if you have one.   If you run out of mashed potatoes, then make a few skins…like I did.  If you added a second layer, you may have extra mashed potatoes.  That’s always a good thing in my house!
9. For an added touch, I put additional cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.  YUMMY.  I gently push the cheese into the mashed potatoes so the cheese doesn’t roll off.
10. NOW, if you need to take these boats to a party or tailgate, you can stop here and refrigerate them until it is time to go.  You can do the last step at the tailgate.  Or you can keep going and take the fully cooked boats.

  These are the skins once they have been browned and then stuffed.  I did not add the cheese on top yet.

BACK TO THE GRILL OR OVEN!  The timing for this last stage will vary…depending on how many boats you have and how much stuff you stuffed them with.  This batch cooked on the grill for an additional 15 minutes.  They were great.  I could have cooked them a little longer for a more crunchy skin, but the cheese on top was getting brown so I removed them.  Just keep an eye on them.

  The boats back on the grill for their last cooking time.

Once they have browned to your liking, you are all finished!!!  Enjoy!  Don’t forget that these are an awesome selection for any party!

Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders

These pumpkin candle holders will make your Thanksgiving table stunning!  Your family and guests will be thrilled when they see your table! (I will be posting
“Setting the Thanksgiving Table” soon…)

This is the second year that I am using these adorable pumpkin candle holders.

The skill level might be a little more difficult for some as you will need to drill a hole in the center of the mini pumpkin.  Once that is done, anyone can make this awesome table accent.

 Getting Started:

• Mini Pumpkins = as many as you will have place settings.
• Taper candles = I used shorter candles this time, but last year
  I used the full size as I needed the candles to burn longer.
• Glue gun and glue sticks.
• Bright fall colored ribbon.
• Fall floral leaves = I bought a bundle of them at Michael’s
• Sparkle pics…I got these orange and green sparkle pics in the Christmas
  isle at Michael’s.  You can use all green or even a gold would be fine.

Drilling the Pumpkins:

• I drill my pumpkins outside so I don’t have a huge mess in the house.
• Measure the drill bit to the base of the candle so you will have the perfect size hole.
• Snip off the stem in the center of the pumpkin for easier drilling.
• Be sure not to drill all the way through.  You only need to break through to the middle.

 

• Once you have drilled all of your pumpkins, take a butter knife and clean out the centers.  If you leave all the seeds and stuff inside, your pumpkins will get real mushy within  few days.

Decorating the pumpkins:                                                          

• Take a candle and insert it into the drilled hole.
• Hot glue around the base to keep it air tight.
• Take pieces of your florals and snip the leaves off at the base.
• Hot glue the leaves behind one side of the pumpkin.
• Hot glue your “bling” floral pics on top of the leaves, still staying behind the candle.
• Tie a ribbon around the base of the candle.

  

  

    

Prepare for next year:         

The best part of these candle decorations is you can recycle for next year.

After your party, simply pull the leaves off the pumpkin, untie the bow,

and store for next year’s party!  That’s exactly what I did!

 Store decorations for next year!

Coming soon…setting your table with these adorable pumpkin candle holders…..

Sweet Treat of an Idea

Candy Bar Arrangements  

Making and having a candy bar arrangement is so much fun.  They are so adorable that you may not want to “dig in”!  Party guests will admire your Candy Art, and you will have fun making it.  No matter what size candy arrangement you make, they are also a great gift for a birthday, house party hostess gift, get well gift, etc.

This is also a fun way that you can enjoy looking at the candy for your Trick-or-Treaters!  Enjoy the arrangement in your entry way or living room.  You can dismantle it right before the little goblins arrive.

I have made candy arrangements with the regular size candy bars, and now this one with the mini size bars.  The mini size is a little easier to have the candy bars stay glued to the skews.  Using regular size candy bars will give you a much larger arrangement.

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your choice of product!  If you need a gift for a health nut/non-candy bar eater, use granola bars/cereal bars snacks instead.

What you need:

candy bars (or healthy snack bars)
wooden skew sticks
vase or flower-pot
tissue paper
floral foam
glue gun
glue sticks
ribbon
Optional:  fall or Halloween floral picks or little balloon sticks for topper.

                                                           

Preparation:  Get your items ready to make the arrangement

Hot glue the floral foam to the base of the vase

Cut/snap the wooden skew sticks in half.  If you cut different lengths of skew sticks, you can easily add center height to the arrangement.

Hot glue one skew to each candy bar.  The top of the skew should be about ¾ to the top of the bar.  You do not want the skew to stick over the top.

Tie a ribbon around the skews at the base of each bar, or you can tie the ribbon around the bar and stick.

                                                                     

 Start Arranging:  Now we have some fun!

Start at the base with the shorter skews.  Work your way all the way around.

Start the next level of candy skews.  Continue until you have reached the top of the floral foam.

If you can see the floral foam at the bottom of the arrangement, add some more tissue or add some floral picks to cover it up.  Stuff colored tissue paper or shredded paper between the edges of the vase/pot and the floral foam.  Leave enough extending from the top of the vase/pot for a finishing touch of color.  Add balloon sticks or other floral sticks at the top to finish the arrangement.

  

All done!  You are ready to display your candy arrangement or give it as a wonderful gift!

Stay tuned for pumpkin table favors………..