desserts

Party Gifts

10:10 AM

This blog is all about hosting chic and fabulous parties... but what if you are going to a party? You should bring a chic and fabulous gift, right? Here are a few suggestions on what to bring to your next soiree…

For the Housewarming party:

Under $50 and super cool, these beautifully designed shakers come in a package that is so nice you don't need to wrap it. So, if you find yourself double parked and running into his store on Greenwich Street you don't have to worry about trying to wrap it while you drive to the party (that would be dangerous!). The shakers also come in other fun designs like elephants, cats, fish, even poodles!

For the Dinner Party:

Numerical Stoneware Appetizer Plate Set of 4 - Assorted (7")
These Numerical Stoneware plates from Target are a hit, especially at $11.99! Pick up a dessert or make a chocolate cake from my previous blog posts (low fat or one bowl) to go with the plates. The great thing about dessert plates is that they can be fun and different AND very few people buy them for themselves. 

Holiday Party:

These glass tags from Etsy are a perfect gift to bring to a holiday party. How many times have you put your glass down and a few minutes later asked the question; "which one is mine?" Before you know it  your drinking someone else's glass only to find out they have mono and you are about to spend the next month in bed! It can all be prevented with a glass tag! This seller in particular can make customized tags as well…making a great housewarming gift too. 

coffee

Spiked Coffee Bar!

2:12 PM

Recently I had a Girls Night In with some fabulous ladies and made coffee drinks with Bailey's and Kahlua! (maybe a little ice cream and brownies made it in there too) It was so yummy that I thought it would be a great and easy thing to do at your next event.

Here are a few recipes courtesy of Coffee Detective:
Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee

1 1/2 shots Bailey's Irish Cream

1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped

Ground cinnamon

Pour hot coffee into a preheated glass. Add the Bailey's and mix well. Top with a mound of whipped cream and a few dashes of cinnamon if desired.

Serves 1

Mexican Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee

3/4 shot Kahlua

3/4 shot Tequila

Coffee Whipped Cream

Pour coffee over liqueurs & top with whipped cream. Garnish with a cherry.

Serves 1

Bavarian Coffee

1/2 oz peppermint schnapps

1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur

5 oz hot black coffee

1 1/2 oz whipped cream

1 tsp sugar

Add coffee and liquors to an Irish coffee cup and sweeten to taste. Gently float the cream on top, and sprinkle with grated chocolate.

Serves 1

Spanish Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee

1/2 oz Tia Maria

1/2 oz Rum

Whipped Cream

Add liqueur and coffee. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry.

Serves 1

Cafe Don Juan

3/4 oz dark rum

1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur

5 oz hot black coffee

1 1/2 oz whipped cream

1 tsp sugar

Rim an Irish coffee cup with lemon juice and sugar. Pour coffee and liquors into the cup and sweeten to taste. Float the cream on top, sprinkle with grated chocolate, and serve.

Serves 1

Amaretto Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee

1 1/2 shots Amaretto liqueur

1/4 cup lightly whipped cream

1/2 tspn toasted, sliced almonds

Pour hot coffee into a preheated brandy snifter and stir in the liqueur. Top with whipped cream and almonds, if desired.

Serves 1

Café Brulot

16 fl oz hot, strong coffee

1 cinnamon stick, roughly broken

4 sugar cubes

4 whole cloves

2 fl oz Cognac

Peel of 1/2 orange

2 tbsp Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur

Peel of 1/2 lemon

In saucepan, over low heat, combine cinnamon, cloves, orange and lemon peels and sugar. Stir in Cognac and liqueur. Using a long match, carefully ignite mixture. Immediately, but slowly, pour in coffee, stirring until flames subside. Pour into small punch cups and serve.

Serves 4

Chocolate-Hazelnut Coffee

10 oz brewed coffee

1 shot chocolate liqueur

1 shot hazelnut liqueur

Pour hot coffee in a preheated wine glass and stir in the two liqueurs. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Serves 1

Nose Warmer

1 cup of hot coffee

1/4 oz Tia Maria

1/4 oz Bailey's

1/4 oz Grand Marnier

1/4 oz Frangelica

1/4 oz dark crème de cacao

Add the liqueurs to the coffee, top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon

Serves 1





Libbey 13-1/2-Ounce Flare Glass Coffee Mugs, Box of 12, Clear
These glass coffee mugs are nice and inexpensive.

Glass Apothecary Jars filled with coffee beans will give a nice touch for decor.

Below is a fun coffee bar I made up...feel free to set this up for yourself!