Peaches & Cream Inspiration Board

Recently we have had some hints of spring weather (and some snow) in the northeast. Peach and cream conjure up images of spring flowers and the kind of weather we are all yearning for. This beautiful color palette is both romantic and timeless.   

Sources:
Row 1: bridal party, peach bouquet
Row 2: clutch, Chanel shoes, Karmann Ghia
Row 3: dessert table, cake   

Healthier Baking

Everyone loves a little sweet treat. I am not one who believes in cutting out all desserts just because you are watching your waistline. Cravings can be sheer torture and can quickly derail your efforts to maintain a healthy routine. In my opinion, nothing compares to homemade desserts. An advantage of making your own dessert is that you know all of the ingredients that you are consuming and there are no chemicals (artificial preservatives). A few substitutions can be made to your homemade desserts to make them lighter/healthier.

Oils:

Try using canola oil as a healthier oil. Applesauce can be used to replace oil in breads and cookies (it also replaces part of the sweetener due to its natural fructose).

Sugars:      

Granulated sugar and brown sugar are better for you than fake sugars. Instead of trying to substitute sugar, rather try to cut back on the amount of sugar called for in a recipe. Molasses, corn syrup, agave syrup and honey can also be used as sweeteners. Just be aware that each can add a different taste/texture to your recipe.

Milks:

Substitute whole milk with skim or 1% milk. Substitute heavy cream with light whipping cream. You can also use the same amount of plain fat free yogurt in place of buttermilk.

Eggs:

Egg substitutes can be an option, or you may want to try only using egg whites.

Peanut Butter:

Soy butter or sesame butter are healthier and more nutritious than peanut butter.    

Healthy additions to your dessert: flaxseed, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, wheat bran, oats nuts, dried fruit

Try out one of these lighter desserts: 

Sources & Recipes: 

1. Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti

2. Carrot Cake with Toasted Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

3. Low-Fat Banana Bread

4. Double-Crusted Apple Pie

5. Chocolate-Cherry Heart Smart Cookies

6. Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Cake

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!! Here are some festive green flowers from me to you to celebrate this joyous occasion.

source: flowers

I am looking forward to going to the St. Patty's parade in NYC today. Do you have any fun plans for today? If so, please share! In the meantime, take a look at these creative cake creations in honor of today:

Source: Shamrock Cake

Beautiful rainbow cake with a hidden shamrock inside!

Sources:
Green Red Velvet Cake Balls
Beer Mug Cupcakes

Source: St. Patrick's Day Cake

Love the wonderful shades of green inside this cake!

Authentic Irish Desserts

The following dessert recipes will bring you back to your Irish roots. These recipes are based on traditional Irish desserts. Although not well known, many typical Irish dessert ingredients include either: fresh or dried fruit (especially apples), lemon curd, whiskey, or sweet potato. Enjoy your culinary trip to Ireland! 

Sources & Recipes (horizontally from top left to bottom right): 

1. Three-Layer Berry & Brown Sugar Pavlova

2. Bittersweet Chocolate Irish Whiskey Cake

3. Lemon Curd Layer Cake

4. Irish Apple Cake

5. Chocolate Guinness Cake

6. Chocolate Whiskey Bundt Cake

Sources & Recipes (from left to right):

1. Country Rhubarb Cake

2. Bakewell Tart

3. Sweet Potato Pie

Sources & Recipes (from left to right):

1. Mrs. O'Callaghan's Soda Bread

2. Irish Ginger Snaps

3. Irish Scones

Green Cocktails

It's most fun to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a local Irish pub. However, while most are enjoying their beer (or green beer), I have never been much of a beer lover. Take a look at 6 exciting green cocktails that you can try with or without the alcohol. You are sure to find one that suits your tastes.

 

Sources & Recipes: 

1. Greentini

2. Kiwi Masquerade

3. The Clover 

4. Green Champagne 

5. Midori Lagoon

6. Green Dublin Apple Cocktail 

Free Starbucks Samples

This week Starbucks is celebrating their 40th Anniversary. If you visit on March 10-12 between 2 and 5 p.m. you will get a free Starbucks Petites when you order any handcrafted beverage (while supplies last). Petites are their new line of mini desserts (cake pops, mini cupcakes, whoopie pies, etc.) that are each under 200 calories. I look forward to sampling a petite soon. Let me know if you get to try one and what you think. 

St. Patrick's Day Free Printables

Having a St. Patty's Day party? Check out these free printables to help add that extra pizazz to your party.

This set of party printables includes: cupcake toppers, straw flags, water bottle labels, and tags. Get these printables HERE.

Here are some cute tags that can be used for cupcake toppers, or decorating gifts:

For these tags, you will need a 2 inch scallop circle punch. 
Download this set of printables HERE.

Here are some more cute cupcake toppers to choose from:

Check out the "lucky" cupcake toppers HERE and the rainbow toppers HERE.

Here's the last set:

Love the tag on the rock candy, cute idea! Download these printables HERE.

Happy Partying!

Going Green for St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is soon approaching (March 17th). This past weekend already saw a number of festivals and parades for those early celebrants. After this long winter, we all need something to celebrate... and who doesn't feel a little Irish on St. Patty's Day? How do you plan to express your Irish side? These green desserts will surely help you show off your love of the holiday.

Sources & Recipes:
1. Shamrock Milkshake Cupcakes
2. Kiwi Lime Pie
3. Clover Cookies
4. Green Pinwheels
5. Coconut Pistachio Pie
6. St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

If you decide to make cupcakes, take a look at these decorating ideas for some inspiration:

Sources & How-To:
1. Leprechaun Hat Cupcake Wrappers
2. Shamrock Cupcake