April Friendship Gift: Party Popcorn
You will need
• 2 bags Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn (I recommend Pop Secret for the biggest kernels)
• 1 lb. bag of white chocolate wafers (candy melts)I bought mine at Sarah\’s in Michigan – if you have a local cake/candy decorating I am sure you can find these there. Or Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics sells Wilton Candy Melts that will work the same.
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup confetti sprinkles
• Wax Paper
Directions:
1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave and place in a large bowl, be sure that you have removed all un-popped kernels(you don\’t want anyone breaking their teeth).
2. Melt your white chocolate wafers in a double boiler or the microwave on defrost(it burns very quickly so be sure to watch it and stir often)
3. Pour your melted chocolate over your popcorn and stir to combine.
4. Add in the confetti sprinkles, stir to combine.
5. Spread out on wax paper and allow to dry for a couple hours. Break apart so you have separated the kernels.
Washington DC\’s Georgetown Cupcake vs. Sprinkles Cupcake
On my recent trip to Washington DC, I made sure to visit Georgetown and check out the two most popular cupcake bakeries; Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles.
Georgetown Cupcake was founded by sisters Katherine and Sophie, who also have a series on TLC called DC Cupcakes. I waited in line for about a half hour before being able to get cupcakes – the cupcakes are $2.75 each.
• The buttercream tasted like cream cheese
• The cupcake was very crumbly and dry
• The \”signature swirl\” looked more like a blob.
I don\’t know if I was at Georgetown Cupcake on an off day or what, but I really do not understand the hype.
Sprinkles was founded by Candace Nelson, who is now also a judge on Food Networks hit series Cupcake Wars. The cupcakes are $3.75 each, and I was able to walk right in and purchase cupcakes.
• The presentation is very chic and aesthetically pleasing.
• You couldn\’t eat the retro dot on the cupcake – which I didn\’t understand since Candace always complains on the show if there is something non-edible.
• The buttercream was delicious
• The cupcakes were extremely moist
Nail Polish: Zoya Shelby
Five Things
I have only been in Washington, DC for 24 hours, but I am enjoying everything the city has to offer. From the national monuments, shopping (most notably at Paper Source, Vineyard Vines and Zara), to the national zoo and the handful of cherry blossom trees still in bloom. Here is a glimpse of what I am seen thus far.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Salted butter; softened
1/4 cup Shortening
1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons Jif creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup Light brown sugar;packed
1/2 cup sugar + more for sprinkling on the cookies
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
Directions
Mix all ingredients together. Form into 1\” balls press with a fork to create a checkered pattern and sprinkle on sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 6-8 minutes, or until edges are golden.
How to: Make Fresh Flowers Last
As you may know fresh flowers are a necessity in my house. Years ago my mum came up with a brilliant way of prolonging the life of fresh flowers; not only is it affordable, but simple. The secret: add equal parts of water and 7UP into your vase… that\’s it! I have had roses last beyond two weeks, tulips never fall over and last longer than normal.
Fashion meets Food 