Tempting Hot Chocolates

Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo, Mochatini

Hi Friends,

No espresso machine? Mix up a batch of hot chocolate that's ready when guests arrive or just to warm up cold mornings with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Get the recipes here!

Creamy Hot Chocolate
Compliments of Gourmet Magazine

Tested with the Spanish chocolate Valor Chocolate a la Taza, this fast and easy recipe yielded a pretty cup of hot chocolate whose caressing texture lived up to its name.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup well-chilled heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 4 oz. fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
• 2 cups whole milk

Preparation:
Using an electric mixer and a bowl, beat the cream with the sugar until it holds stiff peaks. Chop chocolate and reserve two teaspoons. In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the remaining chocolate over moderate heat, stirring, until it comes to a simmer. Pour hot chocolate into two large mugs and top with whipped cream and reserved chocolate.

Serves 2

Moody's Hot Chocolate
Compliments of Kathy Cooney

Kathy Cooney, pastry chef at Moody's Bistro & Lounge in Truckee, California, created this unusually thick and intense version of hot chocolate. "It isn't served by the mugful, but more like an espresso with a spoonful of freshly whipped cream," she recommends. At the restaurant, she uses the Venezuelan chocolate El Rey Gran Saman. "It is slightly more acidic and flowery than some domestic chocolates," she says. "It is a dessert by itself or with a fresh churro," she says of the hot chocolate it yields. People who prefer a thinner cup of hot chocolate can thin it with more water and then reheat it.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted
• 1 Tbsp. almond liqueur

Preparation:
Bring milk and 1/2 cup of water to a simmer in a saucepan. Turn off the heat. Meanwhile, combine the cinnamon stick, sugar and 1/4 cup of water in heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Over medium-high heat, allow sugar to caramelize as you swirl the pan. As it reaches a deep amber color, remove from the heat and slowly whisk in milk-water mixture. Return to low heat and gently stir until it is smooth. Whisk in melted chocolate. Heat until the edges start to bubble. Remove from the heat. Take out the cinnamon stick. Add the almond liqueur. Whip hot chocolate with immersion blender for a minute. Serve immediately.

Serves 6

New Mexican Hot Chocolate
Cinnamon and nutmeg spice up the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4 cups reduced-fat milk (2 percent)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preparation:
Combine first six ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk and vanilla extract, stirring constantly with a whisk. Heat to 180 degrees or until tiny bubbles form around the edge, stirring with a whisk (do not boil).

Serves 8

Keep warm...

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Happy New Year!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Champagne-Glazed Fruit Tarts

Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo, Mochatini

Hi Friends,

Use leftover champagne or sparkling wine from New Year's Eve festivities to create a glaze for these mascarpone-filled fruit tarts.

Champagne-Glazed Fruit Tart Recipe

Makes six individually-sized tarts

Ingredients

• 6 mini tart shells
• 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
• 1/2 cup apricot jam
• 1 lbs fresh strawberries, blueberries or other mixed fruit, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine apricot jam with one cup of champagne or sparkling wine over medium heat. Boil until reduced by half, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

Stir together fruit and granulated sugar in a bowl and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Strain in a sieve set over a small saucepan, reserving fruit.

Meanwhile, whisk together mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until stiff.

To assemble the tarts, distribute mascarpone cheese mixture evenly among tart shells, then top with fruit. Drizzle champagne-apricot glaze over the top of each tart. Serve immediately, or make the tarts a day before your party and refrigerate until serving.

Bon Appétit...

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Happy New Year!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Free Printable New Year’s Eve Decorations

Courtesy of Liz Gray and Kim Stoegbauer, The TomKat Studio
Photography by ten22 studio

Hi Friends,

Every New Year’s Eve party needs a bit of glitz, don’t you think? Luckily, we have an exclusive collection of printable party decor and easy paper crafts from The TomKat Studio; the sparkle is provided, you bring the bubbly!

Tissue Paper Tassel Garland
Tassel garlands are a huge party trend. It's easy to make your own with some tissue paper or sparkling mylar, scissors and string. A few tassels in sparkling mylar add a festive touch to your handmade tassel garland. Sheets of mylar are available at most craft stores. This tutorial shows you how to make a larger version big enough to dress the front of a buffet table or stretch across a wall, but you can easily scale down the project. For a version small enough to add flair to your dining chairs, use 1/8 sheet of tissue paper per tassel.



Materials Needed:

• 1/2 sheet of 20" x 20" or 20" x 24" tissue paper or mylar per
• scissors
• ribbon or cord

Cut Fringe
Fold a piece of tissue paper in half and in half the other way. Cut strips towards the fold to create fringe, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the fold line. Once all strips are cut, unfold the tissue and cut in half so you have 2 sheets with fringe (to make 2 tassels).



Twist Tassels
Unfold tissue paper. Begin rolling tightly down the middle crease. Continue rolling, fold in half and then twist to create a loop for hanging.



Create More Tassels and Finish Garland
Repeat to create additional tassels in various colors. Hang from thin cord or ribbon.



Printable Party Flags
Attach these printable party flags to monochromatic tubes of white candies (such as Sixlets) and hand out as guests depart. Or, attach to drinking straws, lollipops or cake pops.

Click HERE to download Printable Party Flags



Custom Printable Invitations
Get guests in the festive mood by sending out this custom-designed printable invitation. Add your party details and embellish the bow design with glitter before sending to guests.



Such Great Heights
Elevate your party's style by displaying desserts on cake plates staggered in height. A fancy layer cake trimmed with pink and gold fondant ruffles is the perfect match for this party theme.



Edible Gold Embellishments
Pink cake pops sprinkled with edible gold glitter and embellished with gold bows tie in beautifully.



DIY Drink Embellishments
Dress up your serving vessels with tiny ribbon bows or DIY swizzle sticks made from straws and tissue paper.



Little Bites, Big Flavor
A New Year's Eve party typically means a late night, so be sure to offer a variety of appetizers and snacks to keep your guests in a festive mood. Bite-sized appetizers skewered on party picks are easy for guests to eat with a cocktail in hand. Write down the appetizer offerings on our printable menu cards to let guests know what they're eating.

Click HERE to download the Printable Menu Template



Easy-to-Make Appetizers
Simple, fresh watermelon-and-feta bites flavored with red wine vinegar and mint pair perfectly with bubbly champagne. Here's the recipe!


Feta, Mint and Watermelon Bites Recipe
Recipe Compliments of Joanna Meyer, Baked by Joanna

Makes about 24 pieces

Ingredients

• 2 pounds seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4-cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1 sprig mint, finely chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 24 decorative skewers (optional)

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and onion rings; season with salt and pepper to taste and marinate for one hour in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.

To assemble, place a watermelon cube on a plate, top with 2 marinated onion rings and sprinkle with feta and mint.

To create a more elegant look, twist the onion around a skewer in the shape of an eight. Tip: Add an extra twist or two if it is a larger ring) Poke the skewer into the watermelon; sprinkle feta and mint on top.

Cook's Note: The watermelon weight is after the rind has been removed.

Festive Favors
After midnight, send guests home with a mini favor bag packed with treats they can enjoy on New Year's Day. Label each bag with a printable "Thank You" tag.

Click HERE to download the Printable Favor Tags



Your family and friends will be impressed with this sophisticated Sparkling New Year's Eve Party and your HOSTING skills...

Happy New Year from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Merry Christmas!

From Our Door To Yours...

Hi Friends,

The Holiday Season gives us the perfect opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Hi Friends,

One of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems ever, commonly referred to as "Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century.

Though its author is disputed, with the poem being attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston Jr. over the years, it was definitely first published on Dec. 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York.

It is also referred to as "A Visit From St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." and goes like this...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the lustre of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Hope you enjoyed the poem and will share it with family and friends...

Merry Christmas from your friends at Interior Design.

Merry Christmas!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Host a Holiday Movie Night

Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Merry Christmas Friends,

This year, gather your friends and family for a fun holiday movie night party. DIYers you’ll want to start crafting the budget-friendly decorations for this bash right away. For movie buffs, nothing beats watching holiday favorites amidst friends and the comforts of home. A festive and glam private screening with cinema-style snacks is sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Paper Serving Cones
Bright paper serving cones are simple to make, affordable and eliminate the need for flatware. Fill with popcorn, nuts or candy and place around your buffet.



Popcorn, Upgraded
One plus of a movie night at home? Better popcorn! Swap the artificial butter for fun new flavors, like peanut butter caramel and bacon-cheddar.



Mix Up a Signature Drink
For the adults at your gathering, a signature cocktail is a must. This one was inspired by the Dr. Suess classic The Grinch and includes champagne, ginger ale, bitters and mint.



Pick Your Own Candy
Fun printed bags are the perfect vessel for guests’ favorite movie theater-style candies. Set out a buffet of options and let them pick and choose.



DIY Light-Up Centerpiece
Skip the traditional centerpiece and make DIY lighted letters with a cheery saying the highlight of the table.



Movie Night Bingo
Keep guests engaged with a holiday movie bingo. Decide when to start, what movies will be playing during, the rules, and prizes before the party. When guests have their beverages and snacks and are ready to play, hand them handmade holiday movie themed bingo cards, designate a judge and begin playing! Regular bingo rules apply: The first guest to cross off items straight across or diagonally wins a prize (or just glory!).



Add Cozy Pillows and Throws
Original Holiday-Movie-Night-Blankets let guests cozy up during movie time. Place baskets or throws around the room, and deck out the sofa with comfy throw pillows. Need extra seating? Large floor pillows give some guests soft front-row seats.



Enjoy your Festive Holiday Movie Night Party...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Merry Christmas!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

DIY Photo Place Cards

Courtesy of Lisa and Sarah Cox, A Spoonful of Sugar

Merry Christmas Friends,

Use photos of your guests on place cards for dinner party fun.

Materials Needed:

• black and white photo copies or printouts of each person’s photo using photo paper
• white cardstock
• 1 1/2 inch hole punch or scissors
• red and turquoise tags (find a free template online by searching "free SVG tags")
• scrapbooking paper
• decorative small brads
• glue

Print Out Photos
Find a funny picture of each of your guests. Childhood photos are great, but any goofy piture will do. Scan all the photos and then cropped the faces so that the images were approximately 1 3/4 inches square. Convert all the images to black and white, and print them out on a sheet of photo paper.



Create Tags
Using a 1 1/2 inch circle punch, cut out all the faces. Mount them on white card stock cut into 1 3/4 inches. Finally, glue them on red and aqua tags.



Finish the Cards
Glue a rectangle of scrap patterned scrap booking paper to a folded piece of white card stock. Then, attach the red and aqua tags using small decorative brads on either side of the photo.



Happy crafting...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Merry Christmas!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne