Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Brilliant we tell you, just Brilliant!! Leave it up to San Francisco natives and sisters to concoct this delectable idea, calling themselves The Ticket Kitchen. We've seen cupcakes on a stick, apples on a stick, and many more, but who would have ever thought the simple idea of chocolate on a stick could be so amazing. These little poppers come in a variety of flavors: French Dark Truffle, Belgian Milk, Salted Caramel, 3-Chili (which we're looking forward to trying!!), Vanilla Mint, and Venezuelan Bittersweet.

These are perfect for gift ideas or even party favors for bridal showers, baby showers, engagement parties, and even small scale weddings. The Ticket Kitchen provides you with downloadable labels to mark the occasion. They even offer a customizable spoon instead of a stick, which you can personalize with a little message that is revealed when the chocolate is all melted away.

**Images from Ticket Kitchen 

Dip one of these in some steamy milk and watch it melt away. And don't worry if the stick somehow ends up in your mouth before its through melting, the directions even encourage it! Now that is our kind of directions!

10 reasons to head to Target

I always get asked how I find the best things at such low prices. And while a lot of it is because I shop frequently and refuse to pay full price for just about anything, I also expand my sources and try and shop at unexpected places because if it's unexpected, they will most likely have it in stock and at some incredible prices! I see design as being a lifestyle, you somehow are always on the look out even when you don't know it.  Even if my Target run may only include buying tooth paste, I NEVER miss the opportunity to head on over to their home decor section and bask in it's beauty. Things always seem to make their way to the sale section too! But here is a little something I put together after browsing the Target website a bit. Goes to show that great design can be found anywhere, it's just your imagination and creativity to make it look fabulous that counts! 

1. Seagoing Medium Lamp

2. Gold Lamp Shade 

3. Dwell Studio English Garden Duvet 

4. Finial 

5. Mirrored Accent Table 

6. Chevron Pillow 

7. Flocked Damask Pillow 

8. Serving Tray

9. Mirror 

10. Decorative Jewelry Tree in Gold 

Malibu Wonders (part II)

Back in November Di and I had the privilege to be apart of this beautiful Malibu wedding. Diana designed a light color palette for the arrangements, which complimented the venue perfectly, as it overlooked the ocean. Heather was a doll to work with, as she was open to just about anything! Can all brides be like her? 

Thank you to the wonderful photographers of Nick Corona Photography for these gorgeous photos.  They did an incredible job and were such a great husband-wife duo to work with!  For more information about them and their latest work visit their Facebook and website.  For the entire post check out the blog here. 

Congratulations to such a beautiful couple. We were honored to play a role in your big day, and we look forward to seeing you both grow more and more in love with each other. 

Love,

B+D

Can you really call it a resolution?

I know we always make resolutions this time of year and half way through, we forget we ever made them.  However, I'd like not to look at this as a resolution, but rather a bit of an encouragement and a step toward some adventure and exploration. And no, I don't mean traveling (although I desperately need another European getaway). This type of adventure warms the soul, unites loved ones, and has the ability to bring you back to a special place where you were changed from then on out. I'm talking about FOOD! My "resolution" this 2012 is to step out and embrace the adventure one finds in the art of cooking. 

I stumbled upon this recipe when I was in desperate need of something to bring to a Christmas party.  Thank you Ina Garten for always coming to the rescue! This recipe could not be any easier. There is no dough, no pre-baking, no sticky messes.  The flavors are explosive and incredibly refreshing and I think it's the addition of the orange and lemon zest that really just add that pop. It is the perfect complement to the apples and pear. My recommendation is to taste test the fruit once everything in combined, because you may find that you really enjoy the orange flavor and want to add a tad more. Also, I've tried it with a variety of apples and pears.  I think anything works except for green apples. They are far too tart for this dish. As for pears, just make sure they are ripe or they will never soften, even if cooked. 

Photos courtesy of Andrea Chirita

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears)
• 2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples) 
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Peel, core, and cut the pears and apples into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch oval baking dish.

For the topping:

Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.

Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.


Original recipe courtesy of Ina Garten: Click Here 

Love,
B