Hors' douerves

My mom makes these stuffed mushrooms that I love. I remember getting my wisdom teeth out and my mom made these for Bunko night. I was so desperate for them and I was not allowed to eat solid foods. It's pretty much been a permanent craving ever since.

Stuffed Mushrooms

2 slices of bread crumbled

1/4 c. chopped parsley

Garlic salt to taste

1/2 c. oil

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

mushrooms stems - chop in 1/3 or them

Mix everything above in a blender and put inside 30-40 medium mushrooms.

1/4 c. of oil

1/4 c. sweet vermouth

Dribble above ingredients over top.

Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The Secret Language of Flowers

I'm going to go the Los Angeles Flower mart tomorrow morning and I found this fun web page on their site:

http://www.laflowerdistrict.com/flower,floriography.asp

Who knew the "Spider flower" means . . . elope with me? I'm looking forward to the market. Hopefully I can take some pictures.

Wonka Party

I started investigating some ideas for a Chocolate Factory online. I found all sorts of information.

Decorations



Candy lights, candy cane fabric, chocolate soaps and lotions in bathroom, bubble machine for "Fizzy Lifting Room," giant candy made of Styrofoam balls, discs and cellophane, candy in Wonka top hat, lollipops hanging from ribbon, lick able wallpaper (melt jolly ranchers on contact paper or paper with fruit design and candy dots), red carpet, balloons with candy in them, "contract" to sign at entrance, wreath of candy, chocolate bowls (melt chocolate into foil cupcake holder), chocolate milk, glue life savers together for garland, candy house from a refrigerator box, golden eggs, make candy from poster board and construction paper (glitter glue for sugar look), friends dressed as oompa loompas, red plastic wind spinners (that looked like the candy twists in the movie), chocolate river from pudding on plastic wrap (I'm not sure how I feel about that), dangle gum drops from fishing line, large lollipops stuck in a pot with foam and colored paper shred to cover foam, glue real gumballs all over a branch and stick it in a very brightly colored pot with Easter grass.

Food


Chocolate fondue. "Violet" cake of girl blown up like a balloon. Chocolate room cake with gummy bears, candy rocks, lollipops, chocolate pudding for river. Mini oompa loompa food.




Invitation

Golden ticket with chocolate bar.


Music


Wonka soundtrack, candy songs.


Games

Most of the games I found were for kids, but I found a couple I would enjoy.

LIFESAVER RELAY - The two teams had to race each other by passing a lifesaver from one player to the next but they could only use the crazy straws that were in their mouths.

CHOCOLATE RIVER DRINK RELAY - Two teams had to get down on their bellies with their crazy straws. Each team was given a bowl of chocolate milk with a plastic boat floating in it. Everybody had to drink from the bowl at the same time. The first team to sink their boat was the winner.

CHOCOLATE KISSES - Placed several unwrapped Hershey's Kisses on a plate, topped it with tons of Cool-Whip, sprinkles and a cherry. Each person had to find and eat their kisses without using their hands.

If/when I throw this party I would have the decorations try to recreate the chocolate room as much as possible and put a bubble machine in the bathroom . I would make as much chocolate desserts as possible and do chocolate fondue. I think the like able wallpaper would be fun as well. I would definitely have a couple friends in costume. Well, I better start saving for my purchase of massive amounts of chocolate.

Black and White Ball

I recently learned Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel was based off the Ascot scene from My Fair Lady. I like the idea of entertaining with a theme based off something that inspires you whether it be a film, painting, song, etc. I would love to throw a party based off the Chocolate Room in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This scene and movie provided endless hours of amusement for my sisters and me growing up. Or who wouldn't be thrilled to attend a James Bond party?

Link to Katherine Graham, the guest of honor, describing the party . . .
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_past_20010722_f.jhtml

Occasion

I recently decided to start a blog on all things related to parties . . . because a blog about me would just be too dull. I'm hoping to share recipes, theme party ideas, invitation options, etc. I'm open to party ideas or suggestions.

For our All Red Valentine's Day party I made red velvet cupcakes. Cupcakes have always been one of my favorite desserts and are, as of late, all the rage in Los Angeles. It was my first time making red velvet cupcakes so I researched a bunch of recipes. I ended up using Emeril's Red Velvet cake recipe and Paula Deen's cream cheese frosting recipe. I did not use the recommended 2 ounces of red food coloring, which would be 8 small containers. I used around 3 containers and the cake tunred out red, but not as deep as other red velvet cakes. I was pleased with how they turned out.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_36690,00.html?rsrc=search

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_36754,00.html?rsrc=search

For the cake:

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 ounces red food coloring

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans. In a medium bowl or on a piece of waxed paper, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk. Beat in food coloring and vinegar, then add vanilla. Spread the batter evenly in the pans.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn out onto a rack to cool.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened

2 sticks butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

I have included a picture from the party that happened to be a "panty raid"/gift exchange with girlfriends to celebrate Valentine's.