A "grand" Valentine's luncheon

At the very last minute, I decided to have the grands over for a Valentine's Luncheon.

It is not too late for you to plan one!  My inspiration was a children's book, Lilly's Chocolate Heart, by Kevin Henkes.

My grands love this little book and all year long we read the book together, right before they head home.  Then they each get a chocolate heart to gobble down at the end of the reading.

After the luncheon this year, they presented a dramatic play, while I read the book.  Their Mom's, Aunt and Papa were the audience. 

Let me present our "Love Lunch"

(obviously, I don't know how to attach a video, MissLayton and MissRaylyn were saying cheers!)

It all started with a couple cookie cutters and some cheese. 

Menu

Heart shaped all, PB&J sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, cucumbers, watermelon

Round turkey Pepperoni, too small to use the cookie cutter.  

Strawberries

Pink Lemonade (the grand babies felt so grown up, "in REAL glasses")

Velvet cake

 My book for the party inspiration. 

 Girls boxed chocolates and one for Mr. Hayes.

 "Velvet" cake for dessert.  MissLayton says (red) velvet cake is her Dad's favorite. 

 Yes, at MrHayes place setting you can find a finger monster. 

 More hearts, please!  Loved this little tiny garland.

 Pink Lemonade was served too, in those "real" Fostoria glasses. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Nutty as a fruitcake

My mother-in-law has been living with us off and on now for over three years.  We share this phase of our lives with my husband's brother in Georgia.  She has many adorable phrases that remind me of her.

If she gets a bit mixed up, her favorite saying is "Oh, I am just nutty as a fruitcake!"

So, in honor of Nicke, here is my recipe for "Nutty as a fruitcake fudge"

Thanks, for the basic recipe here .

Lynn, with Happier than a Pig in Mud!

Lynn, I am not sure why, but my fudge turned very soft, not firm.  

 My fruity ingredients were golden raisins, dried pineapple, dried mango, cranberries and apricots.  The nutty part was pecans. The raisins may have sipped on some orange liqueur while they were waiting to be mixed in with the white chocolate!

Fruitcake White Chocolate Microwave Fudge
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
12 oz white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
2 - 2 1/2 C chopped mix/match traditional fruitcake add ins:
-dried apricots
-dried cranberries-I, um, forgot I had these-bummer
-dried pineapple
-candied cherries
-raisins
-nuts of choice-I used toasted walnuts
2 Tblsp liquor of choice: dark rum, brandy, bourbon or orange liquor
1 tsp vanilla

1. Microwave raisins in liquor of choice for 20 seconds. I had dark rum. Stir and set aside as you chop the rest of the fruit and nuts.
2. Heat milk and white chocolate in microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir, zap in little spurts until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
3. Quickly stir in everything else.  
4. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with non-stick foil. Press down a bit and spread evenly.
5. Chill at least one hour (longer is better), cut into squares and enjoy.

The People that make a party worthwhile!

Did I mention I didn't have to lift a finger for this party.   Our three daughters hosted this party at my sister's home. 

 My SIL Sean still had his moving tables and chairs clothes on, but I think shortly after this picture he was in the pool!  

 Sweet cousins!

 The man of the hour (or 60 years!)

 My little sister with my little twins. 

 Friends, relatives from Texas and Louisiana!

 Now for a sneak peek at the amazing wedding weekend with my sweet niece. I will have the pictures from all that fun weekend ready soon. 

My niece is getting married

My youngest niece is getting married!  So, of course her Aunt's had a wedding shower in her honor. 

Brunch and Bubbly!!

 The hostesses gave her a Brunch Cookbook that everyone signed. 

Even the flower girls signed the book!  They were asked to be flower girls at the shower.  Hooray!!

We served quiche, shrimp and grits, sausage rolls and fruit salad.  And each hostess provided 24 mini desserts.

 The bubbly bar was set self serve.

 One her Aunt's hand pressed the tags on the favors.  So sweet and pretty.

 I let the grands prepare their own peanut butter and crackers.  They weren't big shrimp and grits fans.

Great Grammie would have put all four grands on her lap if she could have.  She settled for MissAllyAnn

So happy to celebrate love and family!

Tea Time!

My mother-in-law was here for her 92nd birthday.  How amazing to be 92 and still going strong.  I thought a high tea birthday celebration was the perfect way to enjoy her special day with family and girlfriends. 

 First up, the preparations.  The tea buffet service was great.  My sister immediately loved my electric tea pot.  She said it reminded her of every hotel in England that she had ever visited. She said every room had a miniature version of my electric tea pot.

Miniature roses were placed in my silver mint julep cups. 

 I finally found sugar cubes, thanks to my Tom Thumb grocery store.  So, we were able to say, one lump or two?

 My tea cup collection was center stage too!

 Note to self... to use my slotted powdered sugar spoon properly, the sugar needs to be sifted to a fine powder to flow properly when shaken over fruit or brownies.   Instead of pimento cheese stuffed celery, I used cream cheese, crumbled bacon and chopped cranberries to fill the celery slices. 

 My favorite munchie is below. Sliced apple topped with chicken salad.  I started by thinly slicing next to the side of the apple core, a full slice of apple. I could get about six slices per apple. I then swiped a lemon slice across both sides to keep the apple from turning brown.  I topped with my favorite chicken salad from Market Street.  

 The cucumber sandwiches were on sourdough bread slices from the deli (again Market Street).  We mixed cream cheese with a package of dry Italian salad dressing mix, smeared each slice with the cream cheese and added a sliced cucumbers. 

 Assorted desserts were pecan tassies, white chocolate coconut candy, brownies and layered pound cake with Nutella and raspberry cream cheese.

 I also had a tray of salami, olives and cheeses. 

 We had six littles attend the tea.  Ages 2-4.  I know, I was very brave to place their tea in glass creamers to pour themselves.  Also, the lower shelf of the tea trolly held glass cups.  All the children were wonderful.  Not one spill or break!  

 The Walker Scottie dog shortbread cookies were adorable and delicious.   But, I think the kid favorites were the fresh fruit and pretzel chip cups. 

I also had a fairy hunt for the littles too.  It was a smash hit with all of them. 

Party preparation tips

All the cream cheese mixtures were made the night before.  The cucumber sandwiches were made the morning of the party, covered and refrigerated till right before party time.  The celery sticks were made the night before and refrigerated.  All desserts were made days ahead of time, with the exception of the pound cake slices.  We did assemble the pound cake and put it back in the refrigerator overnight and did not slice until right before the party.  

Most of the recipes can be found on my Pinterest Board inspiration here:

Tea Please