Parisian Champagne Brunch

Yesterday, I saw the movie, Julie and Julia. For all you food lovers, its a must see. Julie and Julia, is the story of Julia Child's start in the cooking profession intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book. This movie was just the pick me up I needed to motivate me toward continuing my goals. Therefore today's post will be dedicated to the one and only Julia Child.

If you have a lot of out of town guest at your wedding staying in local hotels it would be nice to host brunch before they head home. A Parisian Champagne Brunch would be a spectacular idea for such an occasion. The menu can feature a selection of quiches, french toast, beignets, and salmon croquette's all serve buffet style. You can include an Eiffel tower center piece, tea roses or tulips, and buckets of champagne for the finishing touches. Here are some recipes and links for decor to make your Parisian Champagne Brunch a success.

Menu

Quiches

French Toast

Beignets

Salmon Croquette

Corsican Chestnut Beignets

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/corsican-chestnut-beignets-recipe2/index.html

French Toast

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/challah-french-toast-recipe/index.html

Quiches

Smoked Salmon Quiches with Potato Crust

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/smoked-salmon-quiche-with-crispy-potato-crust-recipe/index.html

Crawfish Quiche

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/crawfish-quiche-recipe2/index.html

Tomato, Olive, and Rosemary Quiche

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/tomato-olive-and-rosemary-crustless-quiche-recipe/index.html

Salmon Croqutte

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1949743

Decor

Effiel Tower Centerpiece

http://www.shindigz.com/party/Parisian-Elegance-Centerpiece.cfm

Homemade Tapas

Since starting my own business my life has been hectic. I have had to balance being a mom, entrepreneur, girlfriend, daughter, favorite cousin, best friend, and last but not least, blogger. My plate is always full. So Friday night I decided to take a break from my life and go out. I accompanied my cousin and friends to a tapas bar. I thought it was kind of cute that the bar featured items on the menu for the everyday person. So I got to thinking, tapas would be an excellent idea for a girl's night in or a small gathering of friends. Here is my seafood inspired take on tapas in the following recipes:

Shrimp and Bacon Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1 lb Shrimp

6 slices of bacon

finely chopped fresh flat parsley

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 baguette

Chop the bacon and shrimp into small pieces. Once you have finished, throw the bacon into a hot skillet. While bacon is rendering, minced garlic and add into the skillet. When your bacon is almost finished cooking, add shrimp. Pour 1 tbsp of olive oil and 3 tbsp of white wine vinegar into the mixture. Allow is mixture to continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink. When everything is finished add chopped parsley.

Preheat oven for 350. Slice baguette. Place the mixture in the skillet on top of baguette slices. Place them on pan and into the preheated oven. After 5 minutes or so remove from the oven. Enjoy.

Honey Sesame Shrimp

http://www.weheartfood.com/2009/07/catch-up-post-4-honey-sesame-shrimp.html

Mixed Seafood Salad

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1683576

Bellini

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/bellinis-recipe/index.html

Lemon Twist Enchanted Evening

My mother is the only follower of my blog as of now. I was extremely happy to know, she not only reads my postings, but looks forward to them as well. She called me the other night and said, "Girl, you should include a salmon panini recipe in your next post." I was so amused. So I am dedicating this posting to Ms. Carol Denise.

Dinner out on the patio, sipping limoncello martinis is perfect way to send a summer evening with family. I can imagine having drinks, eating a good meal, and sharing laughs with my mother, cousins, and aunts on my Tee Jenny's patio. We would light citronella candles and watch fireflies. If you are planning to have such an evening with family or friends here are a couple of cool and refreshing recipes:

Salmon Panini dressed in Lemon Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

16 oz salmon fillet (serves 4)

Baguette

Arugula

Sauce:

1/2 tsp. of finely shredded lemon peel

1 (8 oz.) carton plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup green onions

1/4 cup of fresh sipped dill

1 tbsp capers

In a small mixing bowl, stir lemon peel, yogurt, green onions, dill, and capers until smooth.

16 oz salmon fillet (makes 4 servings)

Brush olive oil on each side of the salmon fillet. Sprinkle with just a little salt. Grill or pan fry on both sides for 5 to 7 minutes until fish flakes with fork. Once fish is done, cut into 4 portions.

Place bread on grill until toasted on each side. When done, spread generous amounts of sauce to both slices of bread. Add salmon portions on baguette and top with arugula. Enjoy.

Fruit Salad with Limoncello

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fruit-salad-with-limoncello-recipe/index.html

Limoncello Martinis

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Limoncello-Martini-111361

Its Tea Time

A tea party theme for a little girl's birthday party would be absolutely charming. When I was a little girl I dreamed of always having a real tea party; I don't think mother ever knew. I imagined there would be sandwiches, cookies, and cakes. Here are a few tips and recipes that give your little girl's tea party a story book ending.

Menu
Tea Sandwiches
Shortbread Rhubarb Sandwich Cookies
Flower Cupcakes
Sparkling Sweet Cherry Lemonade
For the grownups Sparkling Elderflower Punch

Decor

• Hang tissue paper pop poms
• Use flower or heart cookie cutters to cut out shapes in bread for tea sandwiches
• Serve menu on tea trays

Crafts for kids

• Make Animal puppets using craft items
• Make Paper crowns using brown paper bags, glitter, and craft items
• Decorate bags for kids to take their party favors home

Recipes

Shortbread Rhubarb Sandwich Cookies
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/shortbread-rhubarb-sandwich-cookies-recipe?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/spring-good-things#slide_4

Flower Cupcakes

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/prefect-flower-cupcakes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/birthday-cupcakes#slide_9

Sparkling Sweet Cherry Lemonade
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sparkling-sweet-cherry-lemonade-recipe/index.html

Sparkling Elderflower Punch

• 1 bottle of St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1 bottle of Hendrick's gin
• 11/2 cup of Rose's Sweeten Lime Juice
• 1 bottle club soda

Stir ingredients together in pitcher or punch bowl and chill.

Decor

DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms

http://www.casasugar.com/DIY-Tissue-Paper-Pom-Poms-3116890

Pomegranate Martini

Its out with the Cosmopolitan and in with the Pomegranate Martini. Whether you serve it at brunch or an evening get together with friends it is sure to be a hit.


Ingredients:
6 fluid oz (3/4 cup) chilled gin
(recommended: Bombay Sapphire gin)
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, juiced
1/4 cup Rose's grenadine-pomegranate syrup
Pomegranate seeds for garnish


Directions:
In medium pitcher or bowl, stir the gin, fruit juices, and pomegranate syrup together. Divide among 4 martini glasses. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Custom Wedding Invitations

Custom invitations are the perfect way to celebrate your special occasion. A set of customized invitations are clearly a distinguishable and more personalized method of sharing your occasion with guest.

You can order custom invitations from Ruthie Bea and other stationery shops
http://www.ruthiebea.com/
http://www.hellolucky.com/
http://www.bluesugarpress.com/

Paper Lanterns

Decorating with paper lanterns is the easiest way to transform your party from ordinary to ex-ordinary. There is just something captivating when walking into a room or yard filled with paper lanterns.

Tips for decorating with paper lanterns:

• Group masses of ball lanterns in bright color for maximum impact.
• Cluster paper lanterns in various tones of the same soft colors for an elegant and stylish look.
• Create intimate table setting by using low nested lanterns.
• Personalize your lanterns by using craft accents. Try embellishing lanterns with butterflies, dragonflies, paper flowers, and hearts.
  

Here are some links to papern lantern suppliers:

http://www.culturalintrigue.com/
http://www.lunabazaar.com/paper-lanterns.aspx
http://paperlanternstore.com/
http://shojidecor.com/

Pushcart Desserts

Beautifully presented desserts pushcart style will leave a lasting impression on guests. Here are 3 tasty desserts you can incorporate into your next party this summer!


Pomegranate and Mint Sorbet
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pomegranate-and-mint-sorbet-recipe/index.html

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mary-nolan/chocolate-cheesecake-cupcakes-with-ganache-frosting-recipe/index.html

Lemon Cheesecake Mini Tartlets
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lemon-cheesecake-mini-tartlets-recipe/index.html

Summer Style: Neutral Looks for Any Party

Here are 3 neutral looks I have put together based on this summer's fashion trends. If you are on a budget like me they are also very affordable.



All for One and One for All (left)
Monochromatic outfits are slimming and stylish.

• Women's Lightweight Wide Leg Khakis-$29.50
• Women's Cowl Neck Top-$19.50
• Women's Braided Slingback Sandals-$9.50

Ratio (middle)

Balance the print of a maxi dress with simple flat sandals and solid color cardigan.

• Women's Cross Front Cabana-$15.00
• Women's Crochet Trim Button Front Cardigan-$29.50
• Women's Faux Leather T-Strap Sandals-$19.50

Match Point (right)
Highlight solid dress with accessories like yellow t-strap sandals and necklace.

• Women's Jersey V-Neck-$24.50
• Women's Faux Leather T-Strap Sandals-$29.50
• Women's Clustered Bauble Necklace-$14.50

All fashions can be found at http://oldnavy.gap.com/