Fast Times + Rock n' Roll: holiday

Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Mexican Christmas

This will complete the Rodriguez / Farinella / O'Connell / Streuter Christmas festivities just perfectly...

Cranberry Margarita

1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, divided

1/2 cup sugar, divided

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed

3/4 cup fresh lime juice

3/4 cup tequila

1/2 cup Cointreau

3 cups coarsely crushed ice

Pour 1/4 cup cranberry juice into a shallow bowl. Pour 3 Tbsp. sugar onto a plate. Dip rims of 4 to 6 widemouthed glasses into juice, then sugar. Set glasses aside.

Reserve 12 cranberries. In a blender, mix the remaining cranberries, cranberry juice, and sugar, the lime juice, tequila, Cointreau and ice until smooth & slushy. If necessary, blend in 2 batches, then mix together. Divide among glasses and garnish with reserved berries, skewered 3 at-at-time, on toothpicks. Serves 4 to 6.

* images & recipe via ( my recipes, & we heart it, & this is yingying )

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving Treat

I think this is what I will be making to bring to my Aunt's Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday and my Dad's on Friday. Such a delicious treat, with the perfect sweet and salty mix. 

(Recipe +photo via: Delish.com via O, The Oprah Magazine)

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup(s) sugar
1 can(s) evaporated milk
3/4 cup(s) heavy cream
3/4 cup(s) light corn syrup
2 tablespoon(s) butter
1/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon(s) coarse sea salt
Oil or cooking spray

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring sugar, evaporated milk, and heavy cream to a boil over medium heat. Add corn syrup and continue cooking until mixture reaches 230 degrees F.
Add butter and vanilla; continue cooking, stirring constantly, until caramel reaches 240 degrees F. Remove from heat, stir in salt, and carefully pour into a lightly oiled 9" x 13" baking dish (parchment paper in the bottom of the pan is helpful).
Let cool at least 1 hour. Invert onto a cutting board covered with waxed or parchment paper and cut into 1-inch pieces with a sharp, lightly oiled knife. Caramels can be wrapped in waxed or parchment paper or cellophane. (To serve candy-store style, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and secure the ends with a simple twist.) Store airtight at cool room temperature (around 65 degrees F) or in the refrigerator; will keep up to 3 weeks.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Holiday Gift Ideas

I always struggle to find the perfect gift for family members. I am now 24 and I can no longer get away with not getting everyone a gift! Grandma needs a gift, aunt needs a gift, uncle needs a gift. The list is endless!

Also, these people are adults. They have everything! I think the best gift is something that is personal, yet practical, and is a great addition to the home and is useful around the house.

Here is what I've been looking for! Longaberger baskets are the PERFECT gift for any friend or family member for this holiday. Also, a GREAT gift to bring over to the boyfriend's family for that first Thanksgiving dinner you have with them! Such a more mature, chic gift to give rather than just a standard bottle of wine!


( photo via: Longaberger.com)

This Holiday season, Longaberger offers the 2010 Christmas Collection™ Falling Snow Basket Set

which is SO adorable. This can be used for serving on your beautiful holiday table, or used to carry those yummy sweet potatoes you slaved over all day!

Pairing with the Falling Snow Basket is the Falling Snow Bowl.

( photo via: Longaberger.com)

How cute is this?!?! You can't mess up cooking when you're using this festive bowl!

I am going to be SET with gifts. Omg. These. Coasters. Are. So. Adore. I would want to use them all season!


( photo via: Longaberger.com)

The set of Peppermint Twist Coasters would be the perfect gift for your boss' wife, or for your friend who is hosting the crazy Christmas Sweater Party. And umm hello those mugs?!!