creative cupcakes

Did someone say "cupcake"?  I hope so!  Are you looking for a fun alternative to the more traditional wedding cake?  Or are you entertaining a varied crowd with different tastes but want to provide a savory treat?  This cupcake idea is something that is growing in popularity, and is, in my opinion, a fabulous option.  Do you ever find that you are stuck eating some dry, over-iced slice of sheet cake to wrap up an otherwise-above-average meal?  Or have you ever gone light on dinner in anticipation of a tasty sweet, but been too embarrassed to grab two slices and instead accidentally overindulged in the vino?  Cupcakes are the perfect alternative to cake.  Not only can you provide an abundance of flavor options (marble, lemon, strawberry, chocolate, etc.), but you can get creative with the individual cupcake decoration as well. 

Divination Cupcakes

I think that this is one of the cuter ideas that I have ever seen.  These cupcakes answer yes or no questions.  Simply ask, select a cupcake, and open the sealed banner for a reply.  Not a believer?  Oh well, you can still enjoy the tasty confection (and come back for another if you so desire). 

As with cake, there are a multitude of options, but cupcakes allow you to mix it up a bit.  Do you have a favorite pistachio cake recipe from when you were young, but fear that it may not go over so well with all of your guests?  Offer the pistachio as one of the options but provide some others as well.  This way, bride, groom, guests and picky eaters are satisfied-and like I said, don't be afraid to try them all.

chow down

If you are anything like me, you like to eat.  Recently, I came across a specific local caterer whose name I just could not seem to get out of my head (killer branding if you ask me), and so decided to check out.  Chow Girls is a Minneapolis-based company started by two women who met in 2003 and bonded over their love of food and cooking.  7 years later they are operating one of the most popular, albeit, unique, catering companies in the Twin Cities.  Their menu is impressive-with items ranging from Corned Beef Pickle Dogs and Maytag Apricot Turnovers for starters to Miso-Maple Glazed Salmon and Pot Pies for entrees.  Holy Hannah!  My mouth waters every time I read the menu-I want to try everything-even those things that I Thought that I didn't like and others that sound intimidating, like "Hummus, Skordalia, & Tzatziki Platter".  Chow Girls advertises the ability to "cater to" groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000-which is amazing in and of itself.   Additionally, they provide different levels of service; from basic to above and beyond, these girls have thought of everything!
No matter the next event, Chow Girls will definitely be one of my recommendations-and if you are still undecided on your venue, they have a list of some one-of-a-kind locations that do not have catering restrictions and still more in which they are the preferred vendor.  "Feast" your eyes on this:

Chow Girls' Maytag Apricot Turnovers-YUM!

eat, DRINK and be merry

With the holidays come parties, and with parties come appetizers, entrees, desserts and my personal favorite: beverages.  No, not because there is an endless assortment of alcoholic options, but because here again, the choices are abounding and the creative opportunities plentiful.  Whether it be a tall glass of egg nog, garnished with Nutmeg or a soothing hot tottie in a festive mug, the winter holiday season affords ample occasion to showcase your individuality down to the last drop.  Additionally, stir sticks and garnishes can be embellished to dress up a drink that may seem otherwise ordinary.  The following is a list of our personal favorites (some of the names are fun too!).

Kir Royales: Creme de Cassis, champagne or other sparkling white wine, tangerine or orange zest to garnish.
Ginger Sparkler: Fresh ginger, sugar, dry, sparkling wine (we like Prosecco)
Eggnog Martini: I don't even care what is in it, I'll take two.
Mulled Wine: This one is a little more complicated, but won't take you long (45 minutes), for the complete recipe, click here: mulled wine.
Apple Ginger Sparklers: Ginger syrup, sparkling apple cider, cinnamon sticks, crystallized ginger.
Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas": A great option for the kiddies as this margarita is non-alcoholic.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Can be made with or without a cordial of your choosing.

Running short on time?
Mulled cider is a no stress, no mess alternative to these sometimes-complicated concoctions.  If you are running short on time, follow this recipe; your guests will never guess that you took less than 10 minutes to prep this warm and tasty treat.

Hot chocolate (Suisse Miss made with milk works fine), garnished with marshmallows is also a time-honored, last minute warmer-upper that is sure to please in a moment's notice.

And if I have my way, Starbucks will soon make peppermint mochas in the cantine size (still working on that one).