It's official....I catered my first gig of cupcakes and a specially made cake..!
My best friend's husband retired as Chief Of Police after 32 years of being on the Force.  The Mayor wanted a surprise party given in the Chief's honor.  I was asked to bake the cake for display and cupcakes as the dessert for the party.  Fortunately, I was asked several months ago, as it gave me plenty of time to prepare and brain storm with Kathy, (BFF) what her wishes were in flavors and design of the cake. 

It also gave me a reason to create some Cupcake Stands I had been creating in my brain for quite some time.  Hubs started to make stand tops from nice clean wood he has from a lumber yard.  But, a few weeks ago as we were driving past a local Custom Kitchen Business we saw two piles of counter top cut-outs with a "FREE" sign on them.  Hubs immediately made a U-Turn and went back to check out the Free Stuff!  We hit the Mother Load...!!  In the pile were two round cut outs from double sinks, several different square pieces in different sizes and one with an edge on the one end which I knew would work great to slightly elevate the Cake I was making for Display.....
 I was so excited...!  Hubs picked out several pieces and loaded them in the car and off we went...I was happy as a Lark!! OMG!

The next day I went on line to the Dollar Tree site and found 4'' Candle Sticks.  I Ordered a case of 12.  My son picked up some Epoxy Glue (best glue...ever!) for me when he went to the Local Hardware Store for work supplies.
 I explained to Hubs what I had in mind as to what I wanted each stand to look like in height and design and he went to work.....

I picked up some plastic like ribbon at the craft store and decorative pins for around the outside edge.  After Hubs had the stands to my liking, I attached the ribbon around the outside of each stand with the pins. I was elated...!! 

The next thing was to gather all my ingredients for the baking and get organized as to which batter I was making first and the decorating.  I made a Chocolate Cake for Display along with Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes.  Decorating was the most time consuming.  Kathy wanted Peanut Butter Icing on the Cake, hence my chocolate PB cake is the Retiring Chief's Favorite..!  So I knew I had to make the PB first or last due to the Nut Allergy of some people.  I chose to make the PB last and use the leftovers to decorated some cupcakes.  (I honestly do not know who all these people are that have an allergy to PB, the PB cupcakes were the first gone at the party :) )
All in all, the baking and decorating went very well since I had to make 80 cupcakes and the cake. 
I meet Kathy the day of the party at the place of Venue to set up the desserts and decorate. After the set up, Hubs and I then rushed off to Party # 1...my former SIL's Wedding Reception.  Our Son of course was invited to the Parties but his schedule only allowed him to attend the Retirement Party.  So he went on a head to be at the party and capture pictures of the man being honored when first arrived.  I'm told he was totally surprised....he thought he was attending a Surprise 25th Anniversary Party for me and Hubs.  What he didn't know was our anniversary is in October and it will be 26 years.

When Hubs and I arrived, the place was still very full of people and I was told at one point it was "Packed"...it was great seeing some acquaintances I haven't seen for a while.  After the party, we cleaned up our supplies and then headed over to the bar for some more celebrating with a few friends.  O and the interesting stories that were told from fellow colleagues, (A Chief Of Police and Officers).  

The day/evening was very memorable, sharing the new beginning with a Bride and Groom and helping to celebrate the final chapter with a retiring Chief Of Police.

Now for the pictures...!  First I'll show you the pictures I was able to get at the reception.  Please forgive the poor clarity.  My Son took my "good" Cannon to the Retirement Party, I was left with my Pocket Digital.  

The Bride LOVES to dance..!

Feeding of the cake...they were way too nice!!!

 The man with the BIG Head was looking at me in every picture I took in that direction, I tried to crop him out but his head is just too darn BIG...ugh

Bride and Mother Of The Bride

Bride giving Mother a Icing Kiss...

Hubs and Me with Bride and Groom

 Now for some pictures of the Retirement Party...First a few Pictures of my goodies before I delivered them.

Vanilla with Vanilla Bean Icing

Vanilla with Chocolate Fudge Icing

Chocolate with Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Fudge Icing

Chocolate with PB and Chocolate Fudge Icing

Dessert Table

Display Cake I designed...

 As you can see, someone touched the cake..

Design I made for the top of Cake

Dessert Table

 The SURPRISE..!

Receiving Accommodation from Councilman Craig Lutz

Retired Chief and Mrs. 

 

 

What a beautiful couple!

Both parties were fun and successful..!

Whew...I'm pooped :)

Sigh.....I can not  wrap my brain around the fact Summer is coming to a close.... :(

I had a very eventful Summer spending time with Friends and Family that I just want this warm weather to go on forever...!

 

We have some Fun activities and Events scheduled for the Fall.  So, We'll try and get the most in before the Winter sets in. 

This last official Summer Weekend will be spent attending my Former Sister In Law's Wedding Reception. We have maintained a friendship since her and my brother divorced.  I was honored when we received an invitation to her Reception.  The rest of the Weekend will be relaxing by the pool and cooking as little as I can get away with :)

Whatever your plans this weekend,

Make the Most of It and Have a fun and safe Holiday Weekend......

Lovs n Hugs,

K

 

A Birthday and High Tea

This year for our birthdays, my Bestie and I had a Birthday Lunch at a quaint little place called "The Tea Affair" in my hometown of Lititz, PA.  I have heard great reviews from those who have lunched at The Tea Affair, to which I had been wanting to experience myself.  Knowing hubs would not think having small finger sandwiches and tea for lunch an adequate lunch, I proposed the idea of having our birthday lunch there to Bestie and she jumped at the idea!!  I made reservations for the two of us a week ago, luckily grabbing the last open spot for High Tea at 11:15 the day before my bday.  Bestie and I always celebrate our bdays together since our 'special' days are one day of each other.

We started out at The Tea Affair with High Tea.  We couldn't believe all the delicious food!!  It just kept coming out..

 This was the start of our lunch.  We chose the Energizing Lemon with Spearmint Tea for our lunch.  It was a very light and refreshing tea...very good choice!  Homemade Scones with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Jelly were served first with our pot of tea.   The scones were so darn good, Kath and I each ordered a dozen with a jar of Lemon Curd to take home with us!

Next up was a savory quiche and salad topped with  Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  After the scones and quiche with salad, my tummy was full.  But, we had more to come!

Just look at that tier of food!  On the bottom are finger sandwiches.  Four different sandwiches for both of us. The long red speckled ones in the middle are a chicken salad, next to the left is a BLT, middle one is a cucumber and to the right is a homemade coleslaw sandwich.  ALL were absolutely delicious..!

Did you notice the top tier???!!!!  Up there my friends are the sweets!  O, yes!  And this part did not disappoint..!  I think we each had 7.....please don't ask me what the names and what each was, because I honestly don't remember.  I can tell you, I ate three and brought the rest of them home :)

I was totally stuffed, thinking this was the last of the yummmy lunch.  But, to our surprise...we had one more course of four different Sorbet's.  Since we were unable to package up the Sorbet and take it home, we did manage to force the last course of Sorbet.  Sooo good!  Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the Sorbet.  I think my eyes were floating into my head by this time with all the food I consumed.

After our lunch we headed to the Nail Salon.  Kath had a pedicure and I treated myself to a nice manicure of French Gel Nails with a pretty flower on each hand. 

Here we are having a nice glass of Wine after our Pampering of New Nails.  We possibly could not forgo celebrating with some Wine ;)

And a piece of Chocolate Cake!  I know, how could we be hungry after all that food from lunch.  Well, I'll tell ya, I'm never too full for some Chocolate and it was several hours after our lunch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US...!!

I copied a few pictures from the website of "The Tea Affair"

Here is the Link to 

The Tea Affair

Today, my bday is filled with many bday wishes and a meal of grilled steak and shrimp, a baked potato and fresh corn on the cob prepared by my two favorite men! 

Have a wonderful day my dear friends and thanks for sharing my birthday with me..!

Hugs, 

K

Lazy Hazy Days Of Summer.....

Wowzers....has it ever been H O T !!!

Yesterday we arose early and headed to the Beach for the day..!

It was a scorcher of a day with the beach packed with lots of people and their umbrellas.  

After several hours relaxing under the shade of our umbrella and the nice ocean breeze, we headed farther west along the coast to our favorite place to eat, Sneaky Pete's. 

The restaurant is in the shape of a gazebo with high wooden booths and a bar that sits out on the Bay Waters.  The music played is always fun summer time tunes, such as Jimmy Buffet Songs.  You walk down a short pier, where at the end you will find Sneaky Pete's.

The Seafood is wonderful and the most popular item for us on the menu is the,

All You Can Eat Blue Crabs!

Here is a picture of hubs and I at Pete's

 Sneaky Pete's is nothing fancy, but very relaxing and you feel the nice cool breeze all around you from the Bay.

After our tasty Seafood Meal, we headed to the Boardwalk for a while before heading home.

It was a very nice day of Beach Relaxation and Good Food!

Stay cool and hydrated my friends...!

I hope your all having a fun and eventful Summer :)

Much love and hugs,

K

Welcome to my kitchen...

I made this simple sign to go above my French Doors in my kitchen that lead out onto my deck.  I was hoping to be able to just prop it up on the  wood door frame like I have many other pieces above door frames. But, hubs says it has to be secured with at least one screw....apparently the frame is not flat on top like my other door frames.  It seems when ever we have friends and family over, especially during the summer months by the pool....the kitchen is where a few of us eventually end up.

I also purchased some new curtains for my sun room, doing a little rearranging in that area.  Since hubs has taken an early retirement...we have really been enjoying do things we never seemed to have time for.  Life is so short, and it's very sad to know that over half the men hubs worked with have passed.  So when he decided to take an early retirement, I was totally in favor of it.  We both worked hard and planned for this day....we did have some bumps in the road over the years, but we managed to over come and forge forward.  I know so many who had the chance to take an early retirement and worked to their full retirement age, only to become ill and not enjoy their retirement.  Like I mentioned, life is so short and the years really do catch up to you fast. 

We have so much planned for this summer.....July is almost totally full with all those fun summer activities.
I hope your having a fun weekend and your summer brings you many fond memories....

Loves n Hugs
K

Happy Father's Day's To All You Awesome Dads..!

This picture was taken of me with my Daddy at my Aunt Sally and Uncle Jim's Wedding (my daddy's youngest sister)

I was about 3 Years Old in this picture and I remember the day:)

This picture was taken at my Grandparents Farm House.  I'm (right) with my cousin Patty and Aunt Sally before the Wedding.

Isn't Aunt Sally a beautiful bride...!!

 

 I hope your having a fun weekend and have the chance to honor in celebration or remembrance your father if he was a special man! 

 

What's Cooking

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Bake

 Saute cubed skinless chicken breast and 1/2 TBSP (more to taste) minced garlic in olive oil. You can also add whatever seasonings you like at this time. Saute for 10 mins or so, add 2 TBSP of flour and stir. Add one cup of water or chicken broth (I used water) place frozen or fresh broccoli and butter on top and let the steam start to cook the broccoli and melt the butter.

Chicken, Minced Garlic, Flour and Salt n Pepper Sauteing in Olive Oil

Add Water or Broth, place Broccoli and Butter on Top and Steam

 Mix 2 Cups of cream (any of your choice) with 2 cups of Sour Cream in large measuring cup. Add 2 Cups of Shredded cheese (any kind of your choice) and mix well together. 

Pour Cream and Cheese mixture over the top of chicken and broccoli. You can add more cheese or bread crumbs on top. (I did not)

*If your using an oven safe skillet as I did (Cast Iron) you can place the skillet into the oven at 350 for approx 30 mins or until top is brown and bubbly.

NOTE: If your not using an oven safe skillet, you must transfer the chicken and broccoli to an oven safe casserole dish before adding the cream and cheese mixture.

 You can add Sun Dried Tomatoes, Summer Squash or any Vegetable you want to change it up a bit.

This smelled Frickin Fantastic while baking in the oven...!  The Taste?  Even more Frickin Fantastic! 

Sweet Smells Of Spring....

Today after doing errands that had been put down on the bottom of the priority list, I made a stop by Aunt Margie's home to see her Lilac Bushes in bloom.  Last Spring for her birthday, her request was to have a long row of Dwarf Lilac Bushes planted along the boarder of the lawn in front of her home, where she could look out her kitchen window and see them when they were in full bloom.  The first bush was gifted to her from my Son for her Birthday and then followed in a perfect straight line of 12 more.  When the bushes were planted last year, they were nothing more than a few long straggly thin branches.  The blooming Lilac bushes one year later are more than doubled in size and abundantly full of blooming flowers.  Unfortunately, Aunt Margie did not have a chance to see the Lilac's bloom before she passed.  But, I do believe she is smiling with much approval from above and that her hand has touched them.  

I snipped a few bunches before leaving, one from my Son's he had gifted and some from another to bring a little of Aunt Margie home with me.  The sweet smell of these Lilac's is absolutely amazing!  I'm hoping they last for a while, because I really like having Aunt Margie around :)

Mother's Day 2013

 Mother's Day Lunch with my favorite son.....

Personalized Glasses

I found these awesome glasses with one word inscriptions on them, describing how Fabulous us Ladies are!
I took a black glass permanent marker and wrote individual names on the base of the glass.  The marker worked great!  I suggest you get a marker that needs to be cured in the oven to ensure the markings are permanent and will not rub of. 

I traced the bottom of the base and drew a line in the middle.  I then downloaded to my computer and opened in a photo site.  I use Pain.net for most of my work.  I found the font I wanted to use and made templates for each name.  After each template was created I printed them and cut out.  I taped the template on the bottom of each glass and traced the name.  Let the ink dry for at least 8 hours before curing in the oven.  You cure for 45 mins in a cold oven, do not pre heat. Set oven at 375.  Open oven door and turn off oven, let glasses cool down in oven before removing.....

Templates taped to bottom of glass

Completion of tracing.

I gifted these glasses to my cousins at our most recent gathering...I also had cloth bags made for each glass and purchased round cardboard containers which the glasses fit perfect in for storage and easy carry.  I will post pictures of the entire package on another post.  I still have some to gift and did not want to show the final package and spoil the surprise...

My cousins with their personal glasses...they LOVED them!

Strawberry Napoleans

Strawberry Napoleans

I made this very easy and quick dessert for my monthly gathering with my gal pal cousins...

Recipe

One Package of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry (Frozen)

One large package of Instant Vanilla Pudding

One Cup of Cold Milk

One cup of Whipping Cream

Fresh Strawberries

Chocolate Morsels or One Block of your favorite (I used Semi-Sweet)

Directions

Thaw one of the two puff pastries per directions on box.  Thaw both if you want to double the recipe.

Bake according to directions on box.

While pastry is baking and cooling, mix the Vanilla Pudding with the one cup of milk and set aside or place in refrigerator if your not planning to prepare immediately. Whip one cup of Heavy Cream (I mixed two cups at one time for extra for the topping and separated after it was whipped)  Take one cup of whipping cream and fold into the Vanilla Pudding. 

I then finished preparing the remainder of the Whipping Cream for the Topping by adding some Pure Vanilla.  You can also add a little sugar to taste. (I did not add sugar)

Cut each of the three pastries into thirds.  Slice each piece in half and add a heaping Tablespoon of the Vanilla Cream on top, place other half of pastry on top of Vanilla Cream. 

Top with your fresh Whipping Cream or your favorite choice of whipped topping.  Add Fresh strawberries on top of cream.

Melt your chocolate in a micro wave prof small dish and drizzle on top of Pastry..

(You can add a very small amount of a solid shortening to the chocolate if the consistency is too thick, I did not) if you add a shortening, make sure you mix the shortening well into the chocolate.

Refrigerate  until serving..

Enjoy

Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze

 I made these Lemon Muffins with fresh lemons I purchased at Market.

Recipe

 Muffins

1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix

1 cup of Sour Cream

3 eggs

1 Cup of Cold Water

1/4 Cup of Oil

Lemon Juice from two lemons

Rind from two lemons

Mix the eggs with the water and oil.  Gradually add the cake mix, mixing very gently.  Add the sour cream and lemon juice and rind, mix gently.  You do not want to over mix a muffin.....a few lumps may still be present in the mix.

Grease a muffin pan generously, bake at temp and time according to cake mix. *You can bake in paper cups if you so desire.  I have found the muffin sticks to paper, so I bake without the paper cups and place in jumbo papers to glaze and serve. 

Glaze

Lemon juice from one lemon

Rind from one lemon

Powdered Sugar

Place lemon juice and rind in small bowl, gently add powered sugar to make a glaze consistency.  With a spoon, drizzle over warm muffins.  Let muffins cool and glaze set before serving....unless your like me and can't wait.  They are delicious warm ;)

This picture is my Son (larger one) and my cousin's grandson.  They are about the same age in both pictures, but 24 years a part in age.  The smaller picture is a very recent picture.....it amazes me how DNA structural components and its replication is so strong in some families.  From the first time I saw my cousin's grandson, I said he looks so much like "our" side of the family.  Don't you agree!!?

It's been day two of taking my Spring Blossom Honey.  I'm not sure if it's in my head, but I feel like I had a vaccine to prevent illness.  Today I'm more stuffy and congested again.  Hoping this is a sign the Honey is working to build up an immunity to all this craziness of seasonal allergies....

Stay safe, my friends...!

Much love and hugs,

K

I'm desperate...!  This year has started off with one bad case of Allergies...!  So much so, I have found myself sneezing and coughing up crap from every upper respiratory orifice attached to this body...And, I have been living on cold, cough and antihistamines for the past two months.  Enough..!!  

Today I found some Local Raw Honey, in hopes I can calm and tame down all this unwanted activity of this nasty crap that has unwelcoming decided to take up residency within me. 

I have done much research and spoke with many who swear by eating *Local Raw Honey for allergies is successful.  

Iwilltryanything.....

I can't believe my son has turned 25 years old...that makes me even older :( 
I made him his favorite meal of Land and Sea. Grilled Steak, Marinated Grilled Chicken, Steamed Clams, Steamed Shrimp, Crab Stuffed Potatoes and Broccoli..I had to throw in a green for balance...

We had enough food for a banquet...

We rarely have meals together, with my son's busy work and school schedule we're lucky if we see each other for any extended period of time.  So, tonight was very nice having a tasty meal with him along with his God-Mother and a very good friend with her little man, Sam.  

Sam on Uncle Jere's "Apple"

Here is Sam on "Apple"....my son's rocking horse that is just as old has Jere...Yes, I'm one of those Mother's!  I saved all of Jere's favorites and his furniture!  Sam LOVED, Apple..!  And we thoroughly enjoyed watching Sam having a good time.....!

And what's a bday party without cake..?!  Red Velvet with fresh strawberries, homemade fudge and whipped cream..!  It was a great way to top off the feast we had to celebrate..!  Happy Birthday, Jere!  

My Gal Pal Cousins.....

My cousins and I have recently decided to meet once a month for some Ladies Time.....we're all within 3 years of each other in age.  Two cousins were missing from this gathering, hopefully next month we'll have a picture of all of us.  Last month I didn't make the gathering having been with Aunt Margie. 

As you can see, they like to unwind with a little brewsky....we have so much fun gabbing and laughing about life past and present.  There really isn't anything like your family, who were truly your first friends in life...!

The services for our Aunt Margie were very beautiful and very fitting for the kind and compassionate person and life she lived..!  My very dear friend Linda sang two songs during the service.  Amazing Grace from the rear of the church and How Great Thou Art....she did an amazing job, her voice is angelic but very powerful..!  The organist from Aunt Margie's church was blown away by her performance.  You could see him grinning from ear to ear as he too belted out the cords on the organ and piano as Linda sang....it was just simply amazing!!  Aunt Margie most certainly approved :)

This past week we did manage to meet up with my cousin Shane and his family for dinner while they were here in PA for a visit.  Shane moved to North Carolina after obtaining his teaching degree.  His parents, my aunt and uncle retired to Myrtle Beach over 10 years ago and the ironic part is both their son's are teachers for the same school district in NC, three hours from Myrtle Beach.  Shane married a lovely lady, Carolea who is Jamaican.  Carolea has a teenage daughter, T'ana who is just as sweet as her Mother.  Shane and Carolea have a two  year old son, Cameron.  Cameron has the most adorable personality.  I had such fun with him during our time together.  I had the pleasure of sitting directly across from Camron during our meal which was nothing short of eventful.  I'm so glad we had the time together and met Shane's wife and step-daughter, T'ana.  

 

T'ana, Carolea, Cameron and Shane

Brother Doug, Carolea, T'ana, Cameron, Cousins Shane and Patti, Nephew Corey, Me and Hubs...

   

 We had a great time telling stories from our youth and enjoying the time together.  Missing from the picture are my niece and her family and cousin Patti's daughter and family.  Both have little ones who were getting tired, so they ate and chatted a bit before excusing themselves to get the little ones home to their beds.  Cameron however was still going strong when Shane and his family left well over an hour later...he has so much energy, but his daddy keeps in step with him.  They are actually amusing to watch and tiring...lol 

Cameron eating his "Pizza Pizza"

Cameron being silly

Wyatt, Cousin Patti's little grandson

My neice's daughter, Aubre...

 Aubre was very tired and not having anything to do with pictures or being very social down at her end of the tables...

I hope your all enjoying your weekend and the beautiful Spring weather..!

Thanks for stopping by and until next time,

Be safe and Hugs..

K

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I feel I haven't been on my blogs for like....forever!  I'm slowly getting back into the swing of my somewhat 'normal' life after spending 6 weeks with our Aunt Margie.  Her last journey was a very peaceful and comfortable time.  I feel so very blessed to have been given the opportunity to care for her as she waited so patiently to see Jesus.  Her final moments were with my Son by her side holding her hand and talking with her....it was such a beautiful passing.  Although it will not make her absence easy in the days, months and years to come, it has been a great comfort to know she was very much loved and cared for by those who she so unselfishly showed her love, support and cared for during her life time.  This weekend we will honor her with a beautiful service celebrating her life and what she meant to so many of us.......

I hope you all had a very blessed Easter and received some chocolate bunnies..:) 
Spring is starting to show it's presence here in PA, and I am so looking forward to it...every time we fire up the grill for some hot dogs, I'll think of our Aunt Margie with a warm heart and smile.  Hot dogs were one of her favorite foods.....she loved a her grilled hot dogs!

I hope your days are getting warmer and the birds are signing their sweet melodies to you as we start a new season.  

Thanks for stopping by, I'll soon be back in full swing with some food pictures I'm sure and many stories of my adventures to come in the near future.

Love and Hugs....K

Hello Friends....just wanted to stop by and say Hi and that I have not for gotten you all!  I can't believe we're in the month of March..!  Did you all "march 4th" yesterday!?  Just a little inside joke in our home:)

I have been away for the past 11 days taking care of my Husband's Aunt who is terminally ill.  She came home from the University Of Pennsylvania Hospital with her wishes to be kept as comfortable as possible.  We have been taking care of her 24/7 since her arrival home.  I have thanked God every day I have the skills and knowledge to grant her wishes.  Between her daughter, my husband and myself, we are the primary care and comfort givers.  

Since there is no internet service at her home, the only access I have is my phone which I only use to check messages on different sites.  I had a few moments today when I came home to take care of a few things and thought I would quickly post a message letting you know my MIA . 

Please keep "Aunt Margie" in your thoughts and prayers...she is a beautiful woman who's heart is larger than life.  

Thanks.......K