December Project: What's Cooking

There is a lot to love about this time of year- parties, presents, White Christmas showing all weekend long on AMC. There is however, one thing the fat kid in me looks forward to more than anything else... COOKIES. More specifically, holiday cookies! 

This year, I decided to take my holiday baking up a notch and make holiday cookies for all my friends and relations, both in LA and Singapore.  Phew! 

Leading up to the big event, I a) tested potential recipes, 2) ate A LOT of cookies, all in the name of research and subsequently) OD on sweets. At the end of the process, I settled upon these 4 treats to delight the kids-- Smokey Bacon Ginger Cookies, Hungarian Apricot Bars, Cranberry Coins, and Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies. 

Back off Santa, those ain't for you! (clockwise) Baking, baking!; Cranberry Coins; Cookies in their boxes; Smokey Bacon Ginger Cookies. 

Personally, I loved the Smokey Bacon Ginger Cookies the best! The savory aspect of the bacon lends itself well to the sweet ginger cookie and made for a more elevated "foodie" type offering. Meanwhile, Mama T's favorite were the Hungarian Apricot bars, she went so far as to hoard a batch for herself. 

Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed bake, bake, baking and hope my yums helped to spread some holiday cheer to those I hold dear. 

Here is the recipe for the Smokey Bacon Ginger Cookies. Happy Holidays! 

Smokey Bacon Ginger Cookies
Ingredients 
8 oz. thick0cut smoked bacon (about 6 slices) cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger 
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp plus 2 tsp unsalted butter, softened 
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup sorghum syrup ( I used unsulfured molasses instead) 
1/2 cup raw sugar, like turbinado 
Sea salt for sprinkling 

Directions 
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until crisp, about 14 minutes. Pour off the fat and reserve (you should have about 1/2 cups plus 2 tbsp fat and 3/4 cup bacon); transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Let bacon and reserved fat cool. 

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk to combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. 

3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and both sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high until fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in reserved bacon fat. Add egg and mix until blended, scrapping down sides of bowl if necessary. Add sorghum syrup and mix until blended. Reduce speed to low and add in flour mixture. Mix until blended. Mix in reserved bacon. 

4. Shape dough into 1 inch-balls. Roll balls in raw sugar to coat. Space 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets or jelly roll pans. Flatten balls using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. 

5. Bake sheets, rotating halfway through, until edges are set and tops are cracked but centers are still soft, about 8 minutes. Let cookies cool completely on wire racks. Cookies can be store in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days. 

Makes 5 dozen cookies. 

Holiday Entertaining

Sometimes I think my life goal is to be a hostess with the mostess. I like to imagine myself Gwyneth Paltrow and day dream about throwing soirees like its 1999. Then in the very next second I realize a) I'm not Gwen, b) I don't have infinite funds and c) I don't have enough friends to host! Just kidding... kinda, sorta!

That said, I have thrown a dinner gathering or two in my lifetime. Most recently, I had my two lovely co-workers over for a mini-dinner party and a Christmas movie-- Meet Me in St. Louis. It was a deelightful night filled with good laughs, great food and holiday cheer!

Since dinner parties and social gatherings, whether on a Gwyneth-scale or little-ole-me scale can prove to be rather stressful, here are my prep tips to keep that entertaining cray to a minimum.

Two weeks before: 
1) Plan early: The professional event planner in me knows that advanced planning is key. So especially during the holiday season, when calendars fill up quickly (that sounds so grown up to say!), nail down your date and invitees early!

Paperless Post

2) Menu: If you're anything like me, trying out a new recipe when guests come over is a big no no (The RISK!!! Ahhh). So turn your kitchen into a test kitchen two weeks before and start exploring menu ideas.

Three days before:
3) Plan your tableware and decor: If your're using linens, make sure they are cleaned and pressed. Unless you are throwing a 90's-catering theme party, skip the dated napkin swans and go rustic by rolling up your napkins and tying them together with a piece of ribbon or twine. Decide which flatware, silverware and glasses you are going to use... that is if you fancy and have more than one option for the occasion. Plan out your centerpiece and tablescape.

Two days before: 
4) Finalize your menu & shop: Stop experimenting and go by them ingredients. Grocery lists organized by dishes are the way to go here. Even better, when you get home from the store, organize your ingredients by dishes or by courses. For example, the ingredients for your appetizer salad all go in the same shelf in the fridge etc.

5) Stock the bar: Read Tips #4 and #5 here for my thoughts on this.  

6) Clean up! Scrub the living daylights out of your sink, tub, toilet and floors.

Day before: 
7) Plan your cooking timeline: Knowing what order things are to be chopped, cooked, or popped into the oven will make your life much easier.

8) Make ahead: If there is anything you can make ahead of time, do it now.

9) Set your table: Lay out your tablecloth, napkins, glasses etc.

Happy hosting!

Holiday Cheer: DIY Holiday Cider

If you don't know by now that I ADORE the Holidays, then you don't know me at all (cue music "If you don't know me by now, you will never never know meeee"). 

How can one not love the magic that's in the air as it starts to look a lot like Christmas. It's the happiest season of all! With those holiday meetings and gay, happy greetings when friends come to calllll.... 

Alright, enough of this karaoke session! 

Anyway, this year, I'm really trying to turn it up a notch on my DIY holiday projects (more on this to come) so I thought I would share this little Holiday Cider DIY I found, courtesy of Rue Magazine. 

And in case you need a little help on the cider recipe, here's my favorite!

Ingredients

6 cups apple cider

1/3 cup maple syrup, Grade B 

2 Cinnamon Sticks

6 whole cloves

6 whole all spice berries

1 orange peel, cut into strips

1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steal saucepan. 

2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, all spice berries, orange peel and lemon peel into a washed cheesecloth  and tie with kitchen string. (I usually start with 8 strips of orange and lemon peel each) Drop spice packet in to cider mix. 

3. Place the cider over moderate heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the cider is very hot but not boiling. 

4. Remove the cider from the heat and discard the spice package. Ladle into glasses and add a fresh cinnamon stick for garnish. 

Makes 6 servings. 

Holiday Gift Guide: For Around the Home

I'm not saying that things make a home, but you don't hear me complaining about such gorgeous things.

1. Happy Chic Set of 2 Pop Canisters from Jonathan Adler, 2. Chinoiserie Green Teacup from Mydeco, 3. Oval Ikat Lampshade from Etsy, 4. Elf Candleholder from Cb2, 5. Cast Iron Apple Pot from terrain, 6. Sparrow Clips from MoMA. 

7. High Tea Baking Cups from Confectionery House, 8. Fine Dining Placemats from Anthropologie, 

9. Selenite Brass Box from Kelly Wearstler, 10. Midas Glassware Collection from Design Within Reach, 

11. Queue Vase from Z Gallarie, 12. Nixon Throw from Jonathan Adler.

13. Kelly Wearstler's Grodian Weave Cushion from Plum Cushion, 14. Tapestry Collection Plate from French Bull, 15. Guppy Barware from Z Gallerie, 16. Sticky Teaspoons from Anthropologie, 17. Lacey Tray from Chiasso, 18. Cheese Knives from Decor Craft.

19. MOR Cosmetics Soap Opera Gift Set, 20. Agate Pedra Coasters from MoMA, 21. Ikat Bowls from Anthropologie, 22. 3 Mini Candles Diptyque from Space NK, 23. Five Nesting Ranunculus Rose Bowls from Etsy. 

Holiday Cheer: Snowmen Bars

Hello folks. How goes it?

I've landed safety in Singapore and have spent the last few days suffering from a serious case of jet lag, but have also been busying myself with Christmas prep.

Today Mama T and I finally put up the Christmas decorations and after I type this quick post, we're off to get the groceries for Christmas dinner.

I do hope your holiday prep has been going well, that the turkey has been bought and stuffed, that the gifts are sitting merrily under the tree, and most importantly that the mood in your home is festive and happy.

In the meantime, if you are in need of a quick and easy handmade gift, here is my sweet treat for you!

Simply rewrap store-bought chocolate bars to make these cheerful little confections!

Tools and Materials:
Chocolate Bars
Ivory paper
Glue stick
Orange paper
Pen
Ribbon or yarn

How to:
1. Wrap bar in white paper, taping seams.
2. Using your marker or pen, draw eyes and mouth.
3. Glue small triangle of orange paper for nose.
4. For scarf, wrap ribbon or yarn around the bar twice; knot, and trim to desired length.

Happy almost Christmas!

Holiday Gift Guide: Rocker Chic

For the rebel in all of us.

1. Starry Eye Liquid Liner from Too Faced, 2. Adrien Shiny Chelsea Boots from TopShop, 3. Super Skinny Printed Stretch Jean from Tory Burch, 4.Club Master Wayfarer Sunglasses from Ray-Ban, 5. Rhinestone Triple Finger Rings from Urban Outfitters.

6. Hand Painted Silk Skull Scarf from Etsy, 7. Tab Sleeve Plaid Shirt from Mall-LA, 8. Spiked Bib Necklace from Madewell, 9. Leather Cut Away Fingerless Flat Stud Gloves from ASOS, 10. Studded Denim Vest from Nasty Gal. 

11. Small Enamel Skull Bracelet from Alexander McQueen, 12. MIA Marion Shoes, 13. Leather Biker from TopShop, 14.Shashi Single Strand Gold Nugget Bracelet, 15. Tokdidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow, 16. Leopard Tail Blouse from Nasty Gal, 17. Moto Acid Wash Denim Hotpants from TopShop, 18. Double Row Mixed Metal Crosses Necklace from TopShop.

Holiday Gift Guide: Ladylike Classic

Because classics never go out of style!

1. Parker Loose Long Sleeve from ShopBop, 2. Ted Baker Bobble Kisslock Leather Clutch, 3. Rhinestone Elastic Bracelet from Forever 21, 4. Houndstooth Jacquard Woven Jacket from American Apparel.

5. Faux Fur Jacket by Love from Topshop, 6. Charles by Charles David Black Pumps, 7. Hand Held Zip Around Patent Bag from ASOS, 8. Alphabet Rings from Catbird.

9. Crushed Roses Mini Skirt from Banana Republic, 10. Into the Midst Set from Anthropologie, 11. Hyacinth Nico Cluster Studs from Rachel Leigh, 12. Movie Heart Trim Lace Pumps from TopShop.

13. Bruce II Pleated Trouser from La Garçonne, 14. Ice Cluster Bib Necklace from Madewell, 15. Max Mara Atelier "Eleonor" Coat from MazMara, 16. YSL Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15, 17. Plaid Mini from Old Navy.

18. Dream Alexie Sweater from Jcrew, 19. Unique Pink Quarts Silver Earrings from Antique Style Collection, 20. Leather Belt from Zara, 21. Gold Frame Clasp Piped Handbag from TopShop, 22. Twirl Bow Cuff from Kate Spade.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bohemian

For the girl that has a little bohemian chic in her.

1. Winter Kate Jasmine Winter Cardy in Purple, 2. Feather Trim Floppy Hat from TopShop, 3. Peacock Feather Pendent by Forever 21, 4. Lincoln Park After Dark From OPI, 5.Sadie Faux Fur Coat by Nasty Gal.

6. Turquoise Cuff Bracelet, 7. Sequined Fringed Leather Bag from TopShop, 8. Jeffery Campbell Wedge, 9. The Bohemian Dress from Planet Blue.

10. Brixton Gain Fedora from Revolve Clothing, 11. Floral Batwing Sleeve Kimono from TopShop, 12. Type Z Panema Shoes, 13. Abstract Stone Ring from TopShop.

14. Peacock Feather Earrings from Ron Herman, 15. Victorie Long Dress from Winter Kate, 16. Gold Aviator Sunglasses from ASOS, 17. Green Quartz Cabachon Necklace from Robindira Unsworth,
18. Printed Wellington Boots from Missoni, 19. Silver Seraphina Headband from Eugenia Kim.

Holiday Cheer: Holiday Party Hosting Tips

When I was younger, my life's ambition was to not work a day in my life. I wanted to just sit home and eat bon bons all day. Yes, I am for real.

Once I got older, I thought about becoming an ambassador, just so I could throw sophisticated soirees all the time. (Because somewhere in my little mind, that's all an ambassador did. Foreign relations be dammed.) Now that I am actually a working gal, and seriously doubt that a career in foreign affairs in anywhere in my future, I settle for throwing the occasional miniature dinner party.

This year, my best friend and I have every intention of hosting a holiday dinner party and we've been dreaming up sample menus. We're excited to say the least, but more on that another time.

For now, here are some gorgeous pictures and holiday tips to help get the creative juices following for your own holiday party.

Tip #1: When it comes to selecting candles for your tablescape, chose votive candles instead of tapers to give your table a more casual yet intimate feel. Added bonus: The dim light also casts an attractive glow and makes everyone look great.

Tip #2: Keep center pieces and candles low so that everyone can actually make eye contact across the table.

Tip #3: Greet all guest with a cocktail, champagne or prosecco as soon as they walk through the door. It's a great way to get into the spirit.

Tip #4: Instead of stocking your entire bar for your party, why not offer a single holiday-themed house cocktail. Supplement with wine, beer and sparkling water. Added bonus: By streamlining your bar, you not only save time but also money! 

Tip#5: If you must have a fully stocked bar. Here are my tips on what you should save and splurge on. 

• Vodka: Save. Because vodka is suppose to be a tasteless alcohol, the lower priced ones don't have that horrible flavor that other cheap liquors might have. 
• Whisk(e)ys and Scotch: Splurge. This one is a no brainer since these spirits are usually drunk straight up or on the rocks.
• Gin: Save. A low end gin will most probably take the bloom out of your martini but if you are looking for something to mix with other alcohols, you can afford to avoid the top-shelf. Just make sure you aren't going so cheap that you have an artificially juniper flavored one (check the label).
• Bourbon: Splurge. Cheaper Bourbons tend to give you the burn without the flavor. 
• Rum: Splurge. Taking the cheapskate route will likely give you a rum that taste more like an Island backalley than a sugarcanned vacation.
• Tequila: To be honest, no one is going to go near this stuff during the holiday season, so save and don't even get any! 
• Club Soda or Tonic Water: Splurge. It may seem instinctive to save on the mixers but store brands can go flat quickly and often have an aftertaste to them.
• Juices: Splurge- fresh squeezed is always best because you don't want that corn syrupy taste. 

Tip#6: Make a whimsical sign for your bar like "Santa's Favorites". Guests will know where to find their drinks and will get a kick out of your creativity.

Tip #7: When Decking the Halls, don't be afraid to venture outside the traditional red and green Christmas colors. I'm loving the purple and magenta hues.

Tip #8: Consider the first thing guest see when entering your home. A bold, creative wreath sets the festive tone for what's to come.

Tip #9: Scatter plenty of bowls of snacks, like nuts, olives or even a cup full of candy canes, through out the house.

 

Tip #10:  Hang candy canes, scatter silver and gold tinsel on a table, or stick ornaments in a vase of bowl for decoration. 

Tip #11: Keep the music upbeat and holiday specific. Make sure to have your music playing way before guest are due to arrive, so that an early straggler does not show up to an awkwardly quiet house. 

Tip #12: You'll have more fun at your party if you let go of the idea that a party has to be perfect. Parties are about fun, not perfection. So lighten up and enjoy yourself!

All Images Courtesy of Loony.

Holiday Gift Guide: Preppy

Because you always pop your collar.

 1. Bright Argyle Socks from GAP, 2. Satin Bow Headband from Forever 21, 3. Essie Nail Polish in Chubby Cheeks, 4. Kate Spade Umbrella, 5. Mardi Gras Glass Studs from Kate Spade, 6. Boutonniere Blazer from Jcrew.

7. Stacy Shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, 8. The Quality Mending Co. Duffel Bag from Madewell, 9. Kacy Fringed Loafers from TopShop, 10. Small Idiom Bangle from Kate Spade, 11. Lilybeth Bow Front Bag from Forever 21.

12. Horizontal Stripped Scarf from Meg Cohen, 13. Bow On Pearl Bracelet from TopShop, 14. Stretch Piqué Polo from Lacoste, 15. Coral Me Crazy Thermal Mug from Lily Pulitzer, 16. Leather Flats with Metal Trim from Sam Edelman, 17. Be Dazzled Elizabeth Cardigan from Kate Spade.

18. Ruffle Collar Wool-Blend Jacket from Old Navy, 19. Everest Overnight bag from Rag & Bone, 20. Taffeta Bow Headband from Forever 21, 21. Tristan Yacht Cardigan from Delia's, 22. The Archive Leather Boot from Madewell.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids

Because you love them to pieces!

1. Like a Rainbow Clatter from Land of Nod, 2. Dancing Alligator Pull Toy from Giggle, 3. P'kolino Triangle Pencils from Black Wago, 4. Blossom Red Shoes from Livie & Luca.

5. Mix it up Kids Toy Kitchen from Land of Nod, 6. Little Society Wolf Thermal Set, 7. Suede Tracks from Trumpette, 8. Flower Power Ballet Flats from JCrew, 9. Monkey Mittens from Uncommon Goods.

10. Pink Chicken Reese Bird Print Dress from Chi Chi Bean, 11. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor, 12. Owl & Friends Ball Trio from Skip Hop, 13. Petite Fleur Dress from JCrew, 14. 14 Piece Vegetable Set from Ikea, 15. Felted Princess Crown and Bracelets from Garnet Hill.

16. Paint your Own Large Wood Family from Etsy, 17. Broken-In Critter Chino from JCrew, 18. 3D Puzzle Globe from MoMA Store, 19. Tristan Knight from Nova Natural, 20. Domestic Diva Lemondrop Apron from Etsy, 21. Ladybug Backpack from Forest & Zoe.

Holiday Gift Guide: Cards and Wrap

Gorgeous cards for penning holiday sentiments and festive trinkets for adorning Christmas gifts. After all, presentation is half the battle.

1. Gift tags- Jolly Jingle Bells. $6 for 6 from seasonaldelights 2. Card:Gift-giving face off. $13.50 from afavorite 3. Holiday Stationary Set of 4. $11.95 for 4 from LBC Paper

4. Merry Christmas- Vintage Style Luxury Gift Tags. $9.25 from craftypagan 5. Wool Felted Acorn Ornament. $12 for 5 from angeldogdesigns  6. Under the Mistletoe- Round Gift Tags. $7.49 for 15 from momentinthesun 7. Bakers Twine red/white. $5 for 10 meters from ballee.

8. Joy to All Gnomes. $16 for pack of 6 from Egg Press. 9. Peppermint Stripe Lillipop. $22 for 14" Lollipop from In the Pink. 10. Gold Crown Ornament. $8 from Plum Party 11. Gleam Christmas Ribbon. Starting at $8.25 from Karaboo Ribbons.

 12. Oy Vey Cards. $16 for 8 from Fresh Frances 13. Merry Christmas Note Cards. $8.50 for set of 5 from Whimsywhimsical 14. Shabby Cottage Christmas Ribbon. $3 from Sewcutedesigns1 15. Christmas Cupcake Wrappers. $12 for set of 12 from SweetTalkDesigns.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sparkles

For the friend who you secretly suspect is a magpie.

1. Kate Spade Charm Sandal, 2. Juicy Couture Pavé Bow Ring, 3. Sequin Embellished Dress from ASOS, 4. Sparkle Earings by Dori Csengeri from Charm & Chain.

5. Alva Gloves from Anthropologie, 6. Nanette Necklace from Gema Reduex, 7. Sephora for O.P.I in (from left to right) Flurry Up, Only Gold For Me and Sparkle Me Silver.

8. Dune Lantique Allover Beaded Clutch from ASOS, 9.Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Sandals, 10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pinked & Perforated Patent Oxfords, 11. S Headband from Ban.do.

 12. Sequin Skirt from GAP, 13. Three Tiered Beaded Necklace from Forever 21, 14. Stack of 4 Rings from Forever 21, 15. Jeweled Foldover Clutch from Banana Republic.

16. Debbi Sequined Tweed Mini Bag from Marc Jacobs, 17. Butter Chuchu Peep Toe Pump, 18. Bolly Disco from Vanessa Arizaga, 19. Rhinestone Candles from Z Gallerie, 20. Sequin Animals from West Elm, 21. Lindsay Bracelet from Archive Jewelry.