Sunday, December 7, 2014

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.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 6 - Crack Pie!!

While searching on Pinterest, I found an interesting recipe for Momofuku's Crack Pie and thought I'd share it with my readers.  Enjoy!

Total time: 1 1/2 hours, plus cooling and chilling times
Servings: Makes 2 pies (6 to 8 servings each)
Note: Adapted from Momofuku. This pie calls for 2 (10-inch) pie tins. You can substitute 9-inch pie tins, but note that the pies will require additional baking time, about 5 minutes, due to the increased thickness of the filling.


First, let’s talk about the crust. It’s starts as a sheetpan-style giant oatmeal cookie slab that’s made from butter, brown and white sugar, an egg yolk, flour, and oats. The big cookie slab is spread about 1/4- inch thick onto a sheetpan, baked for 15 minutes, cooled, and then destroyed by crumbling up with a bit more brown sugar and more butter, and packed into a pie plate as the crust.

Cookie for crust
2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon (3 ounces) flour
Scant 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
Scant 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
1/3 cup (2 1/2 ounces) light brown sugar
3 tablespoons (1 1/4 ounces) sugar
1 egg
Scant 1 cup (3 1/2 ounces) rolled oats
1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Whisk the egg into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
5. With the mixer running, beat in the flour mixture, a little at a time, until fully combined. Stir in the oats until incorporated.
6. Spread the mixture onto a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking sheet and bake until golden brown and set, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to the touch on a rack. Crumble the cooled cookie to use in the crust.



Crust
Crumbled cookie for crust
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine the crumbled cookie, butter, brown sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse until evenly combined and blended (a little of the mixture clumped between your fingers should hold together). Divide the crust between 2 (10-inch) pie tins. Press the crust into each shell to form a thin, even layer along the bottom and sides of the tins. Set the prepared crusts aside while you prepare the filling.



Filling
1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) sugar
3/4 cup plus a scant 3 tablespoons (7 ounces) light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon (3/4 ounce) milk powder
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
3/4 cup plus a scant 2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 egg yolks
2 prepared crusts
Powdered sugar, garnish
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.



2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, salt and milk powder. Whisk in the melted butter, then whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla.
3. Gently whisk in the egg yolks, being careful not to add too much air.
4. Divide the filling evenly between the 2 prepared pie shells.
5. Bake the pies, one at a time, for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325 degrees and bake until the filling is slightly jiggly and golden brown (similar to a pecan pie), about 10 minutes. Remove the pies and cool on a rack.
6. Refrigerate the cooled pies until well chilled. The pies are meant to be served cold, and the filling will be gooey. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Each of 16 servings: 432 calories; 4 grams protein; 45 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 27 grams fat; 16 grams saturated fat; 187 mg. cholesterol; 36 grams sugar; 125 mg. sodium.

 

~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.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 5 - Do's and Don'ts of Attire!


As we're headed into the weekend you may be putting the final touches on your entire to a special event or even a wedding.  The phrase “I have nothing to wear” is common enough, but attending a wedding or special event makes people shout it from the rooftops. No matter your age group, dress codes are always a possibility. What are the rules of guest attire?  My motto is that if you're questioning it; then you probably shouldn't wear it. Here are my top do’s and don’ts when considering what to wear.

 1. DO consider dress code.
Is this celebration black tie, semi-formal, casual, or even a costume party? What the host/bride wants should always be considered before making any fashion decision.

2. DO consider location.
The attire you wear to a beach will (obviously) be much different than the outfit you rock at a 5 star hotel. Consult the dress code provided, please use common sense when it’s time to decide between flip flops and heels.

3. DON’T be afraid of color.
Being a lover of black I too struggle in this area. How can we add color to our wardrobe?  Throw on some colorful jewelry or fellas let your bowtie add some spice to your usual drab look.  When choosing color, be careful so that you aren't mistaken for a bridesmaid or groomsman!

4. DO check with the weatherman.
We're in Chicago so it can be all four seasons in one day.  Know the forecast before you leave the house. Be prepared for rain, snow, or whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at you. Ladies, the most important thing to consider is wind!

5. DO wear layers.
Layers are something I live by; AC can be a life saver, but it can also be a woman’s worst nightmare. Bring a cute, cropped jacket or cardigan no matter what. An outdoor party can quickly turn chilly as it reaches evening hours. Haute Hosiery, tights and leggings are layers to think about, too.

6. DO consider time of day.
This may seem obvious, but so many ladies forget that evenings here in Chicago can be a quite nippy! Layers are my go-to, but if the event is an evening affair, consider a long-sleeved cocktail look.

7. DON’T wear black.
Before you get upset, I need you to know that I disagree with this rule in the book of guest etiquette. Obviously someone with a lack of love for the Little Black Dress added it years ago without thinking of its flattering and fashionable traits. Being a lover of this fabulous figure flattering color I think wearing black is perfectly acceptable—when the venue calls for it. Try to keep a Little Black Dress in the closet for a backyard, beach, or brunch party. In the end, consider color, but never rule out black.

8. DON’T wear jeans and/or tennis shoes.
I know it's considered cute to put on a pair of Chucks but IMO this rule should be obvious. I’m going to make it very clear for everyone: Jeans are never allowed unless specifically told by the host/bride and groom that they’re having jean and t-shirt affair.  Otherwise, trade in your Levi’s for a dress/skirt or a pair of slacks.

9. DON’T “forget” to wear undergarments.
Ladies, please remember to wear underwear and a bra. Also, neither should ever make an appearance during the festivities. This goes for guys too—pull up your pants.


www.hautehosiery.com

10. DO cover yourself up.
We're in WINTER so unless you're wearing some Haute Hosiery try and stay away from too short or too low cut; consider the event and use your best judgment.


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.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 4 - Soulmates!


I was having a conversation with my niece and she asked the question, "Can you have more than one soul mate?"  My immediate answer was no because although I feel you can love more than one person, I believe that there is only ONE person that is indeed for you.

According to Wikipedia, A soulmate is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity. This may involve similarity, love, romance, friendship, intimacy, sexuality, sexual activity, spirituality, or compatibility and trust

Do soulmates exist? One would argue that Soulmates are believed to be our “love match”, the other twin of our soul. If you have episodes of yearning and longing, that’s because you haven’t met yet the special someone who can fill up your loneliness. If you have fears, he definitely has ways to subside them. He can put an end to your uncertainty; he spells happiness. Soulmates complement us rather than complete us.

So, the question is, how do you find your soulmate when you have no place to start and you have no hint at whom to look for?

Do you believe in soulmates?

~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.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 3- Bow ties!


In general, it seems that there are two types of neckties; bow ties, and straight ties. Throughout the years, bow ties have become increasingly popular, with men and women using this trendy neckwear as a tool for self-expression.  Simplistic is great but don't be afraid of color and textures...I absolutely love this look; be sure check out my Pinterest page for other ideas.


A glamourous, vintage wedding photographed beautifully by Christa Elyce Photography.
 
Man in Pink | Preppy Plaid Bow ties.

The Original With Snakeskin Bow Tie by Brackish Bow Ties
Found on allthingselegant.tumblr.com


Simply Perfect Peace Events
Tanyia Koonce Photography



How do you feel about bowties? I'd love to hear your feedback.
~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.

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