Bridesmaids Gifts

Swoozie's is one of my favorite specialty stores.  They always have cute festive items for any celebratory occasion.  One day I was in the store and happened to sneak a peek at these adorable custom scarves a customer ordered as gifts for her 'maids.  Perfect to wear on the day of and any time after the wedding.

Personal Photo

Blueberry Skillet Cake

This tasty breakfast is for the blueberry lover.  Straight from the kitchen of Paula Deen, you know it is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Streusel Topping:

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Coffee Cake:

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 (12-ounce) tube buttermilk biscuits

1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen and thawed

Directions

For the streusel topping: Combine the almonds, sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until large crumbs form.

For the coffee cake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a 9-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until melted. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer in the skillet. Scatter the blueberries over the biscuits, and then distribute the streusel topping over the berries. Bake until the biscuits are golden and a tester inserted in the center of a biscuit comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and serve from the skillet.

DIY Gift

This DIY stole my heart, perfect for the jewelry lover in your life!

My sister sent me a photo of these adorable earrings she received as a gift on Valentine's Day.  A very crafty friend of hers made these earrings from buttons and even crafted the cardstock backing with a super cute saying. 

This gift would be perfect as a bridesmaids gift and an easy to make with your girls, take a peek at the directions here.

Personal Photo

Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip was first featured on Chelsea Lately, E!'s late night talk show.  Being a lover a spinach artichoke dip I was thrilled to view this segment which featured an easy recipe that anyone could make.  Find this and a few other delicious recipes on the Chelsea Lately's website.

From Chelsea Lately

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cooked, chopped spinach
1 cup artichokes, chopped
6 oz cream cheese, warm
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
pinch of red pepper flakes
pinch of garlic powder
1/3 cup grated romano cheese
salt and pepper

In a mixing bowl add all the ingredients to the warm cream cheese and mix well. Season for taste. It should be nice and creamy and not too salty.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Wishing you lots of love, laughter and special memories today as we share a beautiful engagment photo from Alexa's Photography.  View her website and her blog to see more of her awesome work.

Strawberry-Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Who doesn't love the sweetness of fresh fruit, especially strawberries with their breakfast!  This yummy recipe comes from Paula Deen's show, Paula's Best Dishes on the Food Network.  Her son's made this brunch specialty for their mother to show their appreciation for her.  I thought it would be a great recipe to share today since there will be quite a few people showing their appreciation for their significant other's on Valentines Day.  Enjoy!

From Paula's Best Dishes

Ingredients

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

8 ounces cream cheese

12 slices white bread

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Butter, for cooking

Maple syrup, for serving

Strawberry Syrup, for serving, recipe follows

Confectioners' sugar, for serving

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and granulated sugar. Spread the cream cheese on half of the bread slices and top with strawberries. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices and press around the edges to seal.

Melt butter on a griddle over medium-low heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup, Strawberry Syrup, or confectioners' sugar.

Strawberry Syrup:

3 cups sliced strawberries

1 cup granulated sugar

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened and reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 in volume, 15 to 18 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.

Cook's Note: If a thinner syrup is desired, strain the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container and let cool.

CELEBRITY: Tamara Mowry & Adam Housley

Tamara Mowry, actress, and Adam Housley, Fox News correspondent, were married in May 2011.  The bride stunned during the ceremony in a wedding gown by Carolina Herrera.  The couple opted for a rustic wine country feel that was evident from their engagement pictures throughout the wedding day.  The pastel color pallet of soft pinks and whites is perfect to kick of this month's posts as we prepare to celebrate Valentine's Day.

From Jose Villa

From And We Present

From Bridal Guide

Cast Iron Steaks and Bacon Wrapped Potato Skins

These recipe's would be simply delicious for a Superbowl party!  Sure to satisfy hungry men and easy enough to make in large quantities as a party host.  Take a look at Rachael Ray make them here.

From Rachael Ray Show