Thursday, January 21, 2010

romance is not dead

everyone says that valentine's day is a hallmark holiday, its overrated, blah, blah, and blah; but i tend to disagree. i dont need roses and chocolates, but i think that there is something to be said for appreciating the special person in your life and putting a smile on their face. And that includes your parents, siblings and anyone else that you are close to! here is a whole bunch of inspirations from different websites for your special someone.

romantic bedroom ideas
handmade card ideas
martha craft and homemade gifts


STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE:




Serves 6

FOR THE SHORTCAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup cold heavy cream
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash


FOR THE STRAWBERRIES
2 pints fresh strawberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
Sweetened whipped cream

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sift the flour, two tablespoons sugar, the baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Blend in the butter on low speed and mix until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer still on low, add to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended.
3. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface. Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough ½-inch thick. You should see lumps of butter in the dough. Cut 16 biscuits with a two-inch plain round cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the insides are fully baked. Cool.
5. To serve, toss the strawberries with the granulated sugar and Grand Marnier. Place the berries in martini glasses, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and serve with two small shortcakes on the side.


"If you have the time to marinate the strawberries for a half hour, they'll make a sauce that's delicious."
"This dough is quite wet. Use lots of flour when you roll it out so the biscuits don't stick."

signature line

L.L. Bean will launch their Signature line in March, which i am uber excited for clothing reasons. they have prelaunched 2 bags that i think are perfect for farmers market shopping and make you stand out above the rest in your waspy way.