Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend Recipe!

For those of you attending or hosting Memorial Day BBQs and get-togethers this weekend, here is a fun recipe I found on the lovely The Baker Chick's blog: Mint Julep Cupcakes! Even though the Derby has passed, a mint julep in the summer is always a personal favorite and I'm excited to try this recipe!

PHOTO UPDATE:
The recipe was a success!
    
 



Mint Julep Cupcakes
makes 2 dozen cupcakes
ingredients:
cupcakes
:
1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pure mint extract

4 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1 cup of bourbon (or whiskey) (plus extra for tops of the cakes.)

frosting:
2 sticks of butter (softened)
4-6 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 tsp mint extract
1 tablespoon bourbon
1/4 cup of milk or cream

Mint leaves for garnishing

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350ยบ F, line 24 cupcake tins with liners and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine salt, baking powder, and 1 3/4 cups of the flour.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just combined. Add the milk and bourbon to the batter, and then the remaining flour (1 cup). Don't over-mix!

Divide batter equally amongst the 24 tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cool.

Once cool, prick the tops of each cake with a fork and brush tops with bourbon.)

For Frosting:
Whip the butter until creamy and pale. Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until thick and paste-like. (You may not need all 6 cups.)
Add the extract and bourbon and then the milk- 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting is thick and creamy. Add additional powdered sugar or milk if the frosting is too wet or dry.

Swirl or pipe frosting onto cupcakes and garnish with a mint leaf or straw. (Optional.)









Thursday, May 24, 2012

Amy Atlas Book Tour!

Event, baking, and crafting stylist extraordinaire Amy Atlas has begun her book tour for her inspirational new book, Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It. She'll be stopping at the Houston Highland Village Williams-Sonoma on June 22nd! Get your free tickets while they're still availablehttp://amyatlasws.eventbrite.com/



Monday, May 21, 2012

Southern Charm!

 Nobody knows how to throw a girly girl party like Houston Tidbits! Along with Neiman Marcus and Hpnotiq, Tidbits hosted a darling book signing last Thursday for Tinsley Mortimer's new book Southern Charm. Attendees were greeted by a delicious, lavender candy bar and matching cocktail bar, along with complimentary copies of the novel and Miss Tinsley herself. I can definitely say it was a pleasure to meet her. She is incredibly warm and personalized every copy! If you're not already signed up to receive the latest and greatest events and news from Tidbits to your inbox, I think the pics below should seal the deal. What are you waiting for?

Invite:


To-die-for macaron display:


More of the candy bar:


Adorable cocktail bar:
              
      
       
The lady of the hour, Tinsley Mortimer:

*Last photo courtesy of Houston Tidbits*






Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mad for Mad Women!

Thanks to my awesome job, I had the opportunity to attend an AAF-H luncheon and book signing featuring Jane Maas, former Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather and author of the new book Mad Women. At 80 years old, Jane is incredibly witty and spry. She spoke candidly about what it was like to work in advertising during the Mad Men era, specifically from a female standpoint, and offered sage advice to all the women in advertising. She also reported on the accuracy of Mad Men. Apparently, Matthew Weiner gets it right most of the time except for the office drinking. 3 martini lunches were de rigueur but pouring a stiff one at 10am from the comfort of your office bar cart, not so much. As a devoted fan of the show and newly minted advertising professional, it was a wonderful experience!


Event poster:

Book cover:

Jane's sweet dedication in my book:


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

My Heart Belongs to Martha!

I absolutely love Martha Stewart and frequently use her recipes, entertaining tips, and craft ideas. I'm also an avid reader of Martha Stewart Living magazine and have several of her books. This past November, I was able to cross one off the bucket list and finally had the opportunity to meet her! Thank you to the Theta Charity Antiques Show for hosting her at George R. Brown for a lecture and book signing of Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations. The only downside was attendees were not able to take pictures with her, so I leave you with some blurry, unprofessional iPhone shots. Trust me, this will not be the last time I refer to Martha.




Monday, May 14, 2012

Pleased to Meet You!

I recently started a new job in social media and, after being inspired by so many amazing home and entertaining blogs, decided to take the blogging plunge. Join me as I create a digital scrapbook of fun events, entertaining ideas, recipes, and anything else that tickles my fancy.

Finally, I'd like to thank StarSunflower Studio for the beautiful background and the great tutorials!