Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 27-Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Sweet potato cake that tastes like a cinnamon roll!  My sister, friend and co-mom, Joyce Cunningham, is truly the Pthirty1 woman.  She sent me this recipe that I MUST share with you.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Posted To GFCAV Presents Food Recipe Central

Cake
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
11/2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsps vanilla
1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 TBLS flour
1 TBLS cinnamon

Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
5 TBLS milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans ( my addition)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan
.
In a large bowl combine flour,sugar,salt, and baking powder and nutmeg.  Stir with a fork to combine. 

In another large bowl beat sweet potatoes and milk until smooth.  Add beaten eggs, and vanilla, beat until combined. 

Slowly add flour to sweet potato mixture, mixing until just incorporated.  Slowly stir the melted butter into the batter until well combined. 

Pour batter into prepared pan. 

Make topping.

Topping directions:
Mix all the topping ingredients together until well combined.  Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife.  Bake cake for 30- 35 minutes.   After cake is baked, cool slightly while making the glaze.

Glaze directions:
Combine glaze ingredients mix until smooth.  Glaze cake while still warm.


~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 21-Holiday CHEER!

Egg nog is a festive holiday beverage that I've been enjoying my whole life.  Once I became "of age" my "Aunt Annie" from the Bronx taught me how to make it from scratch.  There are multiple ways to enjoy egg nog; here are a few of my favorite recipes, hope your family and friends enjoy these as much as mine does.

Homemade Eggnog
 6 whole eggs and 4 yolks
 1 1/2 cups sugar
 Pinch of salt
 3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
 2 cups milk
 1 tablespoon vanilla
 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
 3 ounces Whiskey

Whisk eggs and yolks, sugar and salt in a 4-quart sauce pan on low heat.
While continuing to stir, add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Then add milk slowly.

Stir continually to prevent eggs from curdling. Continue cooking until mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).

Let the custard cool, and add 2 cups of heavy cream followed by vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and whiskey.

Yields about 10 servings

Eggnog Bourbon Balls
I've made Bourbon Balls before and they are ALWAYS a hit.  Although the original recipe doesn’t incorporate any actual liquid eggnog, cut the amount of bourbon in half (to 1/8 cup) and substitute 1/8 cup of eggnog instead. ENJOY!

1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (grind in food processor)
1 cup powdered confectioners sugar
1 cup ground pecans
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (such as Karo)
10 ounces eggnog-flavored candy melts such as Wilton Eggnog Candy Melts
Ground nutmeg

In a medium bowl, add ground wafer cookies, powdered sugar, pecans and cocoa powder, and stir to combine.

Add the bourbon, eggnog (if desired) and corn syrup, and stir until the mixture comes together and is well-incorporated.

Using a small hinged scoop or a teaspoon, make balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture, and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Using a double-boiler, add the eggnog candy melts to the top pan and melt slowly. Stir the candy melts just to combine. Drop one chilled bourbon ball in the candy and, using a fork, flip it over to coat. Tap the fork on the side of the double boiler to remove excess candy and place bourbon ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle the wet candy with a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Repeat with the remaining bourbon balls.
Refrigerate or eat immediately.

Eggnog Custard Pie
A custard pie is any type of uncooked custard mixture added to an uncooked or partially cooked crust and baked together.  I really like custard pie but I've never made it with egg nog.  I sure hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Pie Crust
1 Egg Beaten

1/2 cup sugar    
2 1/2 cups eggnog
4 eggs                        
Freshly grated nutmeg 

Heat oven to 425°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch pie pan as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Do not prick crust. Bake at 425°F. for 7 to 9 minutes or until light golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In large bowl, combine sugar, eggnog and eggs; blend well. Pour into partially baked crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 40 minutes or until almost set. (Center of filling will be soft.) Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool 2 hours or until completely cooled. Store in refrigerator.


Enjoy Your Holiday!
~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 13 - Sweet Treats

Considering have a sweet/candy table at your wedding or special event? Being the "sweetie" (like a foodie) that I am, I think that every good party needs a dessert table.  Whether  you're 5 years old or 50, let's fact it, it's always a crowd pleader.

According to my partner SheRhonda Martin, there are some important elements that must be considered when one is thinking of having a sweet table.  After budget she would immediately like to discuss COLOR!  She loves bringing color palettes that are unexpected having two main colors for a punch of color and a neutral accent color.  If the table is pattern heavy (stripes or polka dots, etc) be sure to include a lot of white with your platters and linen to avoid the look of clutter.

Typically on our sweet tables there is a focal point.  If you're serving cake as part of your dessert table use risers to lift at least one element higher.  Having various heights will allow the eyes to capture the full essence of your table.

In addition to having a focal point we believe there are levels to this! Creating various heights can be established using flowers, or tall and low containers.  This again will help make the dessert table more visually interesting for your guests. When thinking about placements, your low items should be in the front of the table while the taller jars better positioned towards the back.

Sweet tables are fun - contact us for more details
(photo credits:  Simply Perfect Peace Events, Oh So Sweet By Brandy)

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Sweet Potato Cheesecake!"

Every year for the holiday I like to find something different to introduce to the family.  Last year we busted out some caramel cheesecake bites and this year we're going to attempt sweet potato ones.  Since I can remember, my family has always had sweet potato's for Thanksgiving in the form of pies and a soufflé.  When my grandmother from Georgia passed away she handed to sweet potato baton to my younger sister who generally cooks very traditional meals. 

These little golden nuggets of fantastic-ness can't be described any other way.  The sweet potato flavor balances the sharp cream cheese flavors nicely and the hint of cinnamon gives a warmth that is perfect for cold weather. After a big holiday meal, it is always good to have something sweet, but I don't want a huge piece after I've already stuffed myself into silliness  on dinner. These bites are great because people can have as much or as little as they want. Also, no slicing. You could make them in normal sized cupcake tins instead of mini muffin tins - just add more time in the oven. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups ginger snaps
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 eggs

Directions

• In food processor combine crushed wafers and butter.
• Press 1 tsp. of the mixture firmly into very well greased mini muffin tins and chill for 1 hour.
• Cover each sweet potato with foil and roast in the oven at 350 for an hour, until the inside is very tender.
• Puree cooked sweet potatoes in the food processor until smooth.
• Whip cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon together until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs just until combined.
• Stir in pureed sweet potatoes and sour cream.
• Scoop smooth, cream cheese mixture into the mini muffin cups. They won't really rise or fall so you can just fill the cups to the top.
•  Bake the cheesecakes in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until cheesecake is just set.
• Cool in pan on wire rack and allow to cool completely in the fridge (20-30 minutes) until you try to remove them from the muffin pan.

Keep covered in plastic wrap in the fridge until you are ready to serve them!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: "RumChata Cupcakes"

½	cup butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
1½	cups sugar
2	cups flour
2	tsp baking powder
½	teaspoon salt
1	cup RumChata
1	tsp vanilla extract
1	tsp cinnamon
4	egg whites
	RumChata Cream Cheese Frosting
12	ounces of cream cheese (1½ packages, at room temperature)
½	cup of butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
½	tsp of vanilla
5	tbsp of RumChata
1	package of confectioners’ sugar (2 lb. bag)

 

Cupcake Directions

•Preheat oven to 350*
•Combine sugar & butter and beat until fluffy
•Mix together flour, baking powder, salt & cinnamon, set aside
•Mix the RumChata & vanilla together, set aside
•Alternating, add in the flour mixture and RumChata mixture in to the butter and sugar. Start and end with the flour mixture.
•In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form (this will be easiest in an electric mixer)
•Fold egg whites in to the batter – do not do this in an electric mixer, use a spatula
•Fill cupcake liners
•Bake for 20 minutes

Frosting Directions
•Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth
•Add vanilla •Slowly add confectioners’ sugar
•Mix in RumChata (use more or less based on the thickness of the frosting.)
•Frost the cupcakes

 Yummy!!!!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: "Mint ChocoChata Martini"

Planning a party or event and looking for some variety?  A dessert cocktail can be quite tempting if it's made with the right balance.  RumChata, that I wrote about during October is excellent in a variety of cocktails and won the 2013 About.com Readers' Choice Awards for Best Liqueur.

This stunning green cocktail is quite simple, made of RumChata, your favorite chocolate vodka, and green creme de menthe. By using a vodka for the chocolate flavoring it breaks up the creaminess that is often too overbearing in many similar chocolate-mint-cream drinks you will find.

Ingredients

2 parts RumChata Cream Liqueur

1 part chocolate vodka

1/2 part green creme de menthe 

 

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

As simple as 1.2.3..... enjoy!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: Re-Introducing JELLY SHOTS!!

Many of my readers are familiar with serving alcohol during their events.  However, if you're looking for a fresh and chic method to serve alcohol at your wedding reception or event, then allow me to re-introduce you to the wonderful world of Jelly Shots.

A classic cocktail translated in gelatin form, Jelly Shots are a grown-up version of the Jell-O Shot (sans Dixie cups, of course!). The basics of a Jelly Shot include: a flavor true to the cocktail inspiration and a free-spirited jiggly form that makes them a delight to your taste buds. Below are a few examples from the pros over at the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.


The Bramble (Lemon, gin, flavored gelatin, blackberry liqueur)



 Cosmopolitan (Cranberry juice, Orange flavored vodka, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, Roses Lime) 

Ocean Margarita (Agave tequila, Blue Curacao, Roses Lime)

 Rainbow Jelly Shooters (flavored gelatin dessert, rum or vodka)

Cosmopolitan, Blackberry (Vodka, white cranberry juice, blackberry brandy, lime, Cointreau)

 " Live & Love'
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: "Bling Factor - Vintage Wedding Cake"

I'm a fan of all things YUMMY and FANTASTIC. Put them together and you have YUMTASTIC!  This gorgeous Vintage Wedding Bling Cake speaks volumes. 

"Live and Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.