2019: Christmas Card Reveal

Posted on December 27, 2019 by

Leave a Comment

Growing up I was taught to always send thank you cards out when you receive a gift, and always send Christmas cards to friends and family. Ever since Jack came into my life I have made an effort to put his cute little face on my Christmas cards, and this year\’s cards might be my favorite ones yet. I placed a Scottish plaid bowtie around Jack\’s neck and we headed to the train. The pictures were so much more than I could have ever hoped for. The snow was lightly falling and the wind was lightly blowing giving Jack a look that was reminiscent of Fabio himself. Choo choo peek at the pictures from our Christmas card photo shoot.

Coming to Detroit: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Posted on December 19, 2019 by

Leave a Comment

Detroiters, get excited! JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is coming to the Detroit Opera House for a six night engagement from February 4-9, 2020 and tickets will go fast! This is one show that I have been dying to see. Following critically acclaimed, sold-out engagements in the UK, the reimagined 50th Anniversary tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is expected to be everything we have hoped for and more.

Tickets for the 2017 Olivier awarding-winning production from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre start at $34 and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at broadwayindetroit.com or ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-982-2787. Tickets may also be purchased at the Detroit Opera House and Fisher Theatre box offices.

Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the North American tour of this iconic musical will be helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee, Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, and music supervision by Tom Deering.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. Now, almost 10 years after the last major tour in the US, this award-winning Regent’s Park production will play over 50 markets throughout North America.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production will open for a limited engagement on West End, this summer at the Barbican.

The North American tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by Stephen Gabriel and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

For additional information about this production, please visit ustour.JesusChristSuperstar.com.

Facebook & Instagram: @JesusChristSuperstar | Twitter: @JCSTheMusical

Performance times for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR appearing February 4 – 9, 2020 at the Detroit Opera House, located at 1526 Broadway St., in Detroit are:

Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Special open captioned and audio described performance on Friday, February 7 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR start at $34 (includes facility fee) and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at broadwayindetroit.com or ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. Tickets may also be purchased at the Detroit Opera House and Fisher Theatre box offices. A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (12 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the open captioned and audio described performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.

How To: Make a Simple Cheese Board

Posted on December 18, 2019 by

Leave a Comment

Holiday entertaining season is in full swing, and there’s nothing better than serving up the perfect charcuterie and cheese board for your guests to enjoy. Cheese boards are great because they don’t require any cooking or baking and you can make them in advance.

Did you know… Kroger has quite the selection of wines and cheeses like Murray’s? With a wide selection of cheeses, you can easily get creative with your own board this holiday season. Recently, I attended an event hosted by Kroger on how to create the perfect cheese board as well as what wines pair with what cheeses. Baltimore, one of Kroger’s wine stewards told us about different types of red and white wines, including the regions that they typically come from. As many of you know, I do not drink at all. However, I thought Baltimore offered some great knowledge that I wanted to share with you.

“Legs” in a wine glass
The “legs” in a wine glass are the tears that stream down the side of the wine glass after it has been swirled. The way that the legs fall typically has to do with the level of alcohol in the wine. The thicker and slower the legs fall the higher the alcohol level is.

Wine and cheese pairings
While certain cheeses and wines pair nicely together, there are actually no strict rules when it comes to wine pairings. Baltimore insists that the best rule of thumb is to drink what you like. If you want something sweeter go for Rieslings and Moscatos. If you like something on the dry side try a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Cheese Monger Tips & Tricks

  • Murray’s recommends a serving size of one ounce per cheese, per person. 
  • Leave the cheese out at room temperature one hour prior to serving.
  • When in doubt think: Something Old. Something New. Something Stinky. Something Blue. 

Cheese Pairing Principles
Complimentary: aged gouda paired with fig spread
Contract: blue cheese paired with honey
Terroir: Manchego paired with a Spanish Roja

How to assemble a cheese board

  • Make sure to color block
  • Think “mild to wild”
  • Make it inviting
  • Get creative
  • Put suggested pairings next to each other
  • Put jams, jellies, and spreads in small jars and replenish as needed

What to include on a cheese board?

  • A variety of cheeses
  • Nuts
  • Crackers
  • Grapes
  • Grape Tomatoes
  • Jams, jellies or spreads
  • Pretzels
  • Assorted fruit
  • And more

Pro Tip: Tightly wrap leftover cheese in wax paper or foil and throw them in the vegetable drawer to ensure freshness.

Get creative this holiday season and spread some cheesy holiday cheer!

Best Gift for the Holidays: Grand Rapids Popcorn

Posted on December 16, 2019 by

Leave a Comment

Creating a Christmas wish-list? Wondering what to get the hostess with the mostess or the foodie friend? If you’re looking for something unique, try some popcorn from Grand Rapids Popcorn Company.

Whether they are a friend, family member, colleague or neighbor, everyone loves popcorn, which is why Grand Rapids Popcorn Company provides the best gifts for the holidays. We all know that it can be difficult to come up with thoughtful gift ideas, so let some delicious Midwest Mix, Butter Toffee Caramel with Pecans and more speak or you this holiday season so you can hand out the best gift.

Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Makes the Best Holiday Gifts
Grand Rapids Popcorn Company has the perfect gift for everyone on your list. There’s the Camping Kit for your camping-loving friend, the Classic Crowd Pleaser that is filled with a little something for everyone in the family, Made in Michigan for the mitten state friends in or outside of the state, and we can’t forget the Spice Lovers Box for the people in your life that likes it hot. That is only four different holiday gifts you can buy! Grand Rapids Popcorn company has even more on its website throughout the year including specialty boxes during the holiday season. No matter who you are shopping for Grand Rapids Popcorn has the perfect gift for your friends or family members. 
Head over to GRPopcorn.com to start shopping.

Entertain to Win: 5 Tips for your Next Holiday Party

Posted on December 11, 2019 by

Leave a Comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – why spend it stressed out? With only a couple weeks until Christmas arrives it’s time to enter full planning mode. Recently my amazing friends at Kroger invited me to explore some ways to take the stress out of the holiday season with their Eatertaining Made Simple campaign. Today I am sharing five tips that will make your next holiday party a breeze.

Fill your table with local products

I am all about supporting Made in Michigan companies. From chips and jams to meats, honey and more Kroger is filled with all the Michigan made products that you can think of. You can easily discover new local favorites, just look for the “Made in Michigan” tags on Kroger sleeves. Honestly, every time I am at Kroger I am surprised by how many new “Made in Michigan” products that I discover. A made in Michigan favorites you will see this holiday season at my home are: Sander’s Bumpy Cake, McClure’s Pickles, Cason Infused Sparkling Beverage and Pop Daddy Popcorn just to name a few. 

Semi-Homemade
This holiday season be more present with the ones you love and head to Kroger for pre-made vegetable trays, deli trays, cheese boards, cake, cookies and more. All of the pre-made options are set up into a nice presentation and ready for you to share with your guests. These pre-made options are not only delicious but eliminate the number of dishes that you’ll have to do and allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.

DIY Cheeseboard

You can’t sign onto Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook without seeing a cheese board or charcuterie board. They’re all the rage this year, and let’s face it who doesn’t want to snack on a fabulous cheeseboard? Whether it’s your first time making a cheeseboard or you’re hundredth Kroger can help you find the perfect pairings. In select Kroger stores, you will find a Murray’s Cheese display, here you will find a large variety of cheeses that are perfect for any cheeseboard. Remember there is no right or wrong way to make your own cheese board, make it how you want – pair cheese with herbs, jams, nuts, and crackers. If you’re still undecided Murray’s has a few cheeseboards that are already prepared for you!

Signature Cocktail (or Mocktail in my case)

Typically my parties are BYOB, because I don’t drink at all. However, I do like to have a signature drink at any party I throw – think punches and Shirley Temples. This year I will be adding a little sparkle to my holiday party and will be serving up mocktails in my DIY mocktail bar.  What will you find at this mocktail bar? My favorite sparkling beverage over ice with a squeeze of the guest\’s favorite fruit (lime, lemon or orange).

Dessert
Who doesn’t love dessert? Personally, I am a big fan. If you’re not the best baker, no problem! Kroger has plenty of pre-made delicious dessert options, from cheesecake and brownies to cupcakes and cookies you’re sure to find something your guests will love. I absolutely love baking and always try to make a dessert that goes with my party’s theme. This year I am hosting a candy cane themed party and decided to make chocolate candy cane sandwich cookies with ingredients that I found at my local Kroger store.

Chocolate Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies
Chocolate Cookie Ingredients
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cacao powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup nondairy milk (or you can use regular)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Peppermint Frosting Ingredients
2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons vegan butter, softened to room temperature (you can also use regular butter)
3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 candy canes, crushed
Directions
1. Sift flour, cacao powder, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add in the sugar and whip for one minute – until combined and fluffy.
4. Add vanilla and gradually add the milk – while continuing to whip the mixture.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
6. Mix well using a wooden spoon or spatula.
7. Once combined form the dough into a ball.
8. Split the dough into two equal portions.
9. Place each portion into a piece of parchment paper.
10. Roll it out with your hands between the parchment paper until a log is formed. The log should be about two inches wide.
11. Try to flatten the ends – so you have a cylinder shape.
12. Wrap the two logs, and tightly secure the ends closed.
13. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
14. Once you remove the logs from the refrigerator, unwrap them.
15. Using a sharp knife, cut rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick.
16. Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
17. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
18. Bake 5-7 minutes.
19. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
20. For the peppermint frosting, combine the butter and confectioners sugar in a large mixing bowl.
21. Mix with a stand or hand mixer.
22. While mixing, add in the warm water and peppermint oil.
23. Beat until frosting consistency.
24. Pour the smashed candy canes into a bowl.
25. To assemble the sandwich cookies, spread some frosting onto the bottom of a cookie with a small icing spatula.
26. Place another cookie on top and lightly press so there is some frosting coming out of the sides.
27. Sprinkle crushed candy canes all along the sides of the sandwich – or you can roll the sides into the candy canes.
28. Repeat.
29. Allow the cookies to dry before layering them in a container.
30. These cookies freeze great and make the perfect addition to holiday parties and potlucks.
Archives
Categories