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 26-UNITY

Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity begins the Kwanzaa celebration and stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Another symbol that could be useful for Umoja reflections is the Nkonsonkonson – Chain Link – a symbol of unity and human relations; a reminder to contribute to the community; that in unity lies strength. It signifies the strong bonds between people of common blood relations that are difficult to break apart. The belief includes ancestors who are constantly protecting the living. It can also serve as a reminder to give a helping hand to strengthen the communities we live in, and encourages the veneration of the ancestors in order for them to keep in touch with the living. Baba Mxolisi T. Sowell

Candle Lighting: Today we light the BLACK candle or Umoja candle. The black candle symbolizes black people. So the lesson is this: We want to build up the capacity of unity in the family, our neighborhoods and among our people. To achieve this, we discuss ways which we will build, enhance, strengthen our family bonds and community ties.

What ways have you and your family practiced this principle?

~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 25-Merry Christmas!!

From all of us at Simply Perfect Peace Events and Designs by Shay
MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2014

Sharon Patrice {aka} "Boss Lady"

My Partner and her Partner -The Martin's {aka} "Creative Geniuses "

Deetta {aka} "The Balancer"

Amanda {aka} "The Visionary"

~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 24-Holiday Traditions

Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no exception. Every family has their own ideas that make this a special holiday and one thing is for sure, children are excited and full of anticipation.

I am not a fan of cold but I have to admit that nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on Christmas Eve to bring on the holiday spirit. In Chicago, it doesn't look like we're going to have a white Christmas but there are many things you can do to set the holiday mood.

Setting the Tone!
Music, candles, laughs, and love! Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles to help set the tone for a lovely and festive Christmas.  If you're lucky (or lack thereof) to have a scrooge in your family, perhaps this will help shower in some good cheer. What are some of the ways you set the tone for Christmas?

Prepare a Meal!
I'm not sure what a "traditional" Christmas Eve meal encompasses but I try and make it fun for the children. In the past, we've made pizza and pot pies along with some other kid friendly meals that have proven to also be tasty. Because of the big meal planned for the holiday, it's understandable that some families like to keep the meal light and serve soup and crackers. When all else fails, have the good ole sausage and cheese on hand for tasty snacks and appetizers.

Children and Traditions!
Besides a visit from Santa, stockings are hung by the fireplace or on the tree filled with goodies. Recently, a friend reminded me that our stockings were filled with pecans, tangerines, peppermints and other small items.  Today, we can agree that it is much different! 

In our family we have an array of "traditions" that have been passed on from generation to generation.  From sipping hot chocolate, watching movies, playing games and reading Christmas stories; to baking cookies and opening that one gift at midnight - Christmas as a child was the best time of the year.  As a parent, I have tried to do some of the same items with my children in the hopes that they'll pass them right on down to theirs. One of my favorite things has been opening a gift at midnight even though it's always pajamas! Although my children are teenagers and adults, I still get a kick out of getting up in the middle of the night and putting out those last few items. There is nothing like the joy of watching their faces on Christmas morning.

What are some things you do with your family?  How do you spend your Christmas Eve?


~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 23-RUMCHATA!

Every year I come up with a signature beverage for the holiday.  This year RUMCHATA wins and the combination I recently had is the one I'm going to try on my family this upcoming holiday.  If you enjoy RUMCHATA and aren't afraid to venture out; this one is for you too.

Mixing Fireball, Caramel, Vodka with the creamy RumChata liqueur is one drink you absolutely have to try. And when I say try, what I really mean is, go make this as soon as possible. The cinnamon in the Fireball Whisky perfectly compliments the caramel along with the vanilla in the RumChata to form a rich and flavorful RumBall cocktail. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite for the holidays or maybe the rest of your life ~ drink responsibly!


Carmeled RumBall
1.5 ounces Fireball Whisky
1.5 ounces of Vodka
1.5 ounces of Kissed Carmel Vodka
1.5 ounces RumChata

Directions: Fill a martini shaker with ice, then add the Fireball Whisky and RumChata. Shake and strain into a martini glass, or a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

~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 22 - Holiday Party Etiquette

Your company's holiday gathering is just around the corner -- time to let loose and party with your coworkers after a long year, right? Wrong!!!

No matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business. Here are a few tips to help you keep your job and your dignity..

• Plan an event that reflects well on the company. Choose an appropriate location, control the alcohol flow, and take your coworkers interests into consideration. 


• Be DIVERSE - A Christmas party may alienate some staff. A holiday party is more inclusive.

• Do everything in MODERATION! So eat, drink and be merry -- but take it easy. Alcohol plus you and your boss can equal the next day morning's "I can't believe I said that." If you choose to drink, do so minimally.  

• Dress appropriately for the occasion. You've worked hard to create a professional image, and revealing clothes can alter your coworkers' and manager's perception of you as a competent professional.

• Mix and mingle! At the very least, don't spend the entire evening with your regular office buddies -- get in the holiday spirit and mingle with people from other departments.

• Pay attention to the time you arrive and when you leave. Even if you don't really want to attend, avoid arriving 20 minutes before the end just to make an appearance. On the flip side, don't party into the wee hours either - neither are a good look!

• Be sure to thank those who coordinated the party. They likely put in a great deal of effort hoping you would have a good time. Not only is saying thank you the nice thing to do, but it also makes you stand out from the many employees who don't.  

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 20-Home for the Holidays!

While working on a design element for a holiday party I was reminded of why I love decorating my own home.  The group I was working with had a small budget and thankfully I was able to pull from some items I had in stock.  If you're wondering what to do for your home, or holiday gathering, here are a few ideas:


Hang a Wreath
This should minimally get you in the mood to decorate. If you're tired of the ordinary, welcome Christmas guests with three miniature wreaths instead of the traditional one wreath. Attached to a long piece of ribbon, the smaller wreaths are ideal for a glass-front door.  Nice right?!

Deck the halls!
If you have stairs drape garland up the handrail of a staircase, and anchor it with beautiful bows for a Christmas welcome in the foyer.  This is typically where I start with my home decorating because it's often times the simplest thing for me to accomplish.  Additionally, I love the look when I first walk into my home.

 

ORNAMENTS Aren't Just for the Tree!
I have an array of vases so I decided to take some of the ornaments I have organized in my garage to fill some of these vases to add some spice to my home.  For the event, Designs by Shay and Simply Perfect Peace Events, aded branches to a few for additional height and draped them with tinsel for an even more festive look.

Whatever you do, enjoy your home and enjoy this holiday season!
~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, Laugher, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 7-Cucumber Martini's!

With the holiday approaching you may be trying to think of new cocktails to serve your guests. One of the finest cocktails that I have ever come across is the cucumber martini, a cocktail which– correctly executed–can be a bracingly refreshing blast of intense cucumber flavor, highlighting what is perhaps an under-appreciated member of the melon family.

If you’re new to the world of specialty martinis… welcome!

INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz. vodka
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. cucumber juice
1/2 oz. lime juice

DIRECTIONS
There is one ingredient that pops up a lot, and that’s simple syrup.  Simple syrup is equal parts of sugar and water (I make my batches one cup of each at a time), heated in a saucepan on low heat, until the sugar dissolves.

Wash your cucumber well, and cut off a few slices to set aside for your garnish.  Then, peel what’s left and cut it into chunks (this will make it easier for your food processor to handle).

Puree it.  You want it as close to liquefied as possible.  You may find that adding a tablespoon or so of water makes this process go more smoothly.  Then, you’ll strain your puree to remove anything solid.

NOTE:  I managed to get a little over 4 oz. of juice from one large cucumber, after I reserved 4 slices for garnishing, which is enough for 4 drinks.

Fill your shaker with ice. Now, measure your ingredients in.  I always recommend a top-shelf vodka when you’re making martinis.  Effen even makes a Cucumber Vodka that would be perfect here, but I don't discriminate.

SHAKE ~ POUR ~ GARNISH ~ENJOY

~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.

Holiday Weddings - Rude? or Considerate?

This coming Monday, we not only have Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but also the Inauguration of President Obama.  Considered a holiday weekend, some offices are closed and that gives you an extra day to get away.  But somebody somewhere is getting married this weekend, which means you may be wedding-bound instead of DC or couch bum bound. 

My question is, do you think it's rude to plan a wedding on weekends that friends and family normally have vacation plans? One that might also trigger higher airfare or hotel costs?

Or do you think by having it on a weekend where they don't have to burn a vacation day is considerate? 

Etiquette says host an event where you choose any date and time, and that guests may decline. So if you choose a holiday weekend, you aren't rude. But you're risking a low turnout.

What are your thoughts on hosting a holiday weekend wedding or event?


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Five

Habari Gani (what's the news for today?)  NIA (Purpose)

To commit ourselves to the glorious duty of restoring our families, our neighborhoods, and our people to their historical greatness.  This principle presses upon our family and community members a commitment to make our families and neighborhoods function in a manner that affords children and adults the maximum conditions for success.

Family becomes the starting point for restoring our people to their traditional greatness.  The context of family fits into that of the neighborhood, and the context of the neighborhood into the larger context society and culture. What am I saying? Greatness of the nation begins at HOME.

What is your true purpose? What are you doing while here? Are you a giver or a taker? Are you a benefit to your community?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Four

Habari Gani (what's the news for today)?  UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics). 

On this day we build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.


We know about small business Saturday but small business owners need more than one day to be successful.  If you are thinking about starting your own business, do so now.  Be knowledgeable about your craft and fair in your practices.  In addition, be sure to provide exceptional customer service.  If you are a consumer, know that a man is worthy of his hire.  Stop expecting something for nothing - this is how we will profit together!

What are you doing to practice this principle?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Three

Habari Gani (What's the news for today)  Happy Ujima! Day Three of Kwanzaa focuses on collective work and responsibility. It involves taking a vested interest in the well-being of our families and communities - "I am my brother's keeper".  It is a requirement that we work together in ways that benefit everyone. With this concept, the problems of our brothers and sisters must be our own problems and we must solve them together.

How do I practice this principle?  My sister and I have a non for profit called DITO (daughters in the open) where the goal is to encourage women of all ages to walk through their door of opportunity.  We have "nieces" meetings where we mentor young ladies and they are able to share their concerns in a confidential and safe environment...
Another way I give back to my community is to share my experiences on college recruitment and help young men in any way possible see their potential of higher learning through athletics while expressing the importance of being a STUDENT and good citizen first.

I am really amazed how each of these concepts of Kwanzaa actually builds upon the founding principle of the first day: Unity. What are you doing to practice these principles?



Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day Two

Self-Determination/Kujichagulia - Today we focus on ways to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

When a person or group is self-determined that makes for a powerful force to be reckoned with. When we practice the principle of Kujichagulia other principles come into play. We accept responsibility for determining what happens in our community rather than waiting for someone to do it for us.

When we practice the principle of Kujichagulia we don't whine about our problems, we solve them! Kujichagulia allows people to experience a sense of freedom to make positive change as individuals and collectively.

I posted today on FB that if we allow foolishness and fuckery (a west indies term meaning nonsense) into our lives (and community) we should expect it. I'm sure we've all heard the statement "People only do what you allow"  Starting today, speak up and know who you are for your name is VICTORY!  Take responsbility for what enters your space and be determined to make a positive difference by creating and maintaining peace in your own lives and your community. "Simply Peace, 2012"
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Be determine to step out on faith and do something for yourself that you thought would be impossible. Live TODAY with no limits.  (Vennie Tolbert-Rodgers, Mother of twins and Owner of Se'Relasse DaySpa and Wellness Center)

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Kwanzaa: Day One

Unity/Umoja
To strive daily to engage in practices which build bonds of affection and attachment to our family members, our school teachers, and our neighbors.

Unity Day begins the Kwanzaa celebration. Each family/community celebrates Kwanzaa in a way that is most meaningful to them. Unity is the spiritual and social gravity which pulls the family together- husband and wife, parent and children, and family and neighbor. At its core, the principle unity is about attachment- attachment to each others and most importantly to the values which define us as family, as community and as a people. On Unity Day, the family celebrates its togetherness, the achievements of family members.

That being said:  What did you do to celebrate?  I had a good time with my family over the holiday.  Encouraged disconnections to be reconnected; took in my nephews basketball game with the family, fixed them brunch which led to a group nap and later enjoyed the McDipper (traditional holiday basketball tournament) with my sister.  For me celebrating my own family as well as the achievements of others is the true meaning of Unity.

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It is told that it take a village to raise a child. Let's take that same concept & apply it today.  Let's come together, lets be unified and become one. We need one another whether you realize it or not!!! (Vennie Tolbert-Rodgers, Mother of twins and Owner of Se'Relasse DaySpa and Wellness Center)






Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.