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Party

Birthday Bar

January 23, 2014

When celebrating Kendall’s birthday this past weekend, we wanted to make a special space to truly honor her and act as a “party hub” for our group. I wanted to share some of our set-up ideas, as well as some 21st birthday gift suggestions (I’m always trying to figure out fun gift ideas)…

For the “birthday bar” area, we went with a pink theme and bought some cans of Sofia Blanc de Blanc for sipping, Kendall’s favorite pink sugar cookies (and a birthday cupcake) from Icing on the Cake, and Rose Macarons from Miette in the city. We had some waters on hand to help with some necessary rehydrating, and had other snacks and treats available for late night munching.

I made this banner using this sweet template from MarthaStewart.com and colored string.

My mom had M&Ms custom made with “Happy Birthday” and “Happy 21st” phrases on them… as well as HER FACE!!! I couldn’t get over how amazing they were!

We also framed one of our favorite pictures of the birthday girl to adorn our birthday set up! It was a nice little keepsake for her to take home at the end of the weekend.

We also framed the weeks itinerary (so everyone knew what was going on/when they needed to be ready). We also had to have some crowns available to properly kick off the birthday celebration! 🙂

For her birthday gift, I put together a little “drinking kit” with a fun little poem that explained the contents. Here are some fun things to include:

A beautiful tray to set up a bar area in her home from Home Goods
Some great martini glasses from Cost Plus World Market
A gorgeous decanter from TJ Maxx
Homemade pomegranate infused vodka (to put in the decanter)
YSL lip gloss (to wear downtown)
Taco Bell gift cards (a favorite late night stop for Cal Poly college students)
Bottle of water (to hydrate after a night of drinking)
Card games/drinking games
Cab money
Fun cocktail napkins for entertaining
A cute monogrammed clutch to carry for a night out

What are some other fun 21st birthday gift ideas?!

Tasty

Meyer Lemon Bars

December 18, 2013

The first day we toured our home we noticed there was a Meyer lemon tree in the back yard… I made a mental note that day to make lemon squares, and two years later, I still have yet to do so. With the recent turn in weather, my poor little tree is having a tough time, so I have been trying to pick as many lemons (that haven’t fallen victim to frost) and whip up some special treats – namely Meyer Lemon Bars!

Meyer Lemon Bars

via Dinnervine

Crust:

2 cups flour
1 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cinnamon
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

Filling:

7 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
7 tablespoons flour
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease & flour a 13×9 glass pan.
Make crust by combining dry ingredients, then cut in softened butter with your hands or a pastry cutter until well incorporated.
Press crust mixture into bottom of 13×9 pan (I used a bottom of a glass to make sure it was evenly pressed).
Bake crust for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Make filling by whisking all listed ingredients (the fresher the juice/zest the better!)
When crust is done, remove from oven and pour filling mixture over crust and bake for 25 more minutes or until filling has set.
Remove from oven, let cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Cover and transfer to fridge. Once chilled cut bars and serve.

These were quite the hit… and the perfect make ahead dessert!

Tasty

Homemade Snicker Bars

May 15, 2013

My mom’s most famous recipe is her homemade snicker bars. I haven’t bought a Snicker bar… well pretty much ever. And here is the reason why…

Josee’s Famous Snicker Bars

2 cups chocolate chips, divided use
3/4 cup peanut butter, divided use
1/2 cup butterscotch chips, divided use
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1-7 oz jar marshmallow creme
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup salted peanuts
1-14 oz package caramel squares
1/4 cup evaporated milk

Directions:

First Layer: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1/4 cup peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butterscotch chips in a saucepan over low heat. Spread mixture in 9×13″ pan.
Second Layer: Boil sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup peanut butter, marshmallow creme and vanilla. Mix in salted peanuts. Spread over 1st layer.
Third Layer: Melt caramels and evaporated milk together. Spread over second layer.
Fourth Layer: Melt 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of butterscotch chips in saucepan and spread over third layer.
Chill for 40 minutes then cut into squares (don’t let it get too hard, because it will crack when you try to cut squares).

Notes:

Put the pan in the fridge while making the next layer… It helps to spread the next layer more easily.
BUT don’t let the pan of candy sit out for long periods of time before returning it to the fridge… it will make it sweat and turn your chocolate to a powdery spotted finish.

snicker bars