Gingerbread House 22.12.2015

Gingerbread House
You can’t celebrate the holidays without a gingerbread house! Follow our easy tutorial to make your very own Christmas decoration that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
  • Butter, ¾ c
  • Packed light brown sugar, 7/8 c
  • Lemon zest, 1 t
  • Lemon juice, 1 ½ T
  • Molasses, ½ c
  • Eggs, 2
  • All-purpose flour, 4 c
  • Baking powder, 2 t
  • Ground ginger, 1 T
  • Ground allspice, 2 t
  • Egg whites, 6
  • Confectioner’s sugar (sifted), 4 (16 oz.) packs
Instructions
  1. Using a piece of cardboard, cut out a side wall measuring 4 ½ by 8 inches. You’ll also need an end wall (4 ½ by 5 inches,) a triangle (4 ½ by 3 by 3 inches,) and a roof (4 ½ by 9 inches.) Use tape to attach the end wall to the triangle gable, lining up the long side of the triangle to the 4 ½ -inch side of the end wall.
  2. Place the butter and sugar into a bowl; mix until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, juice, and molasses. Slowly mix in the whole eggs; then sift in the flour, baking powder, and spices. Mix until completely combined. Wrap the dough in saran wrap; refrigerate one hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 F. Remove the dough from fridge; place on a floured countertop and portion out 6 rolls of dough; 2 of them slightly larger. Roll the 4 smaller pieces to match the size of the side wall, end wall, and triangle gables. Use a knife to cut out 2 of each shape. Roll the 2 bigger pieces and cut out two rectangles for the roof. Place all the dough pieces on a greased or lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake the dough for 10 minutes; remove and let the dough cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer the dough to a wire rack. Let the dough sit out overnight so it hardens.
  5. Whisk 2 egg whites in a bowl; adding 5 cups of confectioner’s sugar a little at a time. Continue beating the icing mixture until it forms stiff peaks. Spread a 9-inch line of icing on the cardboard base and stick on one of the side walls. Add icing to the base and side of an end wall; attach it to the side wall. Repeat for the other walls to form the sides of the gingerbread house. Let stand for at least 2 hours before adding the roof. To attach the roof, line the tops of the walls with icing and press the roof into place. Let the house sit overnight to harden.
  6. Now stir together the decorating icing. Whisk 4 egg whites and remaining confectioner’s sugar to form stiff peaks. You can use the icing as an adhesive for other candies and it make snow on the gingerbread house. Sift sugar over house to create a dusting of snow.

Read more →

4 Christmas Party Games 21.12.2015

Christmas party games@photo

We’ve all been to those dull and boring Christmas parties. You know, the ones where everyone is just standing around or hovering near the food. Well, infuse some fun and excitement into your next holiday shindig! Even if your guests don’t yet know each other, an ice-breaker with a competitive edge will bring your Christmas party up a few notches. Who knows? New friendships might even be formed! Check out our recommendations for some great Christmas party games.
Читать дальше “4 Christmas Party Games” »

Read more →

Maternity Shopping Bag 18.12.2015

maternity hospital bag@photo

You’re in the final stretch and soon your baby will be born! It’s time to gather together all the essentials you’ll need during your hospital stay. Even if you’re not planning a hospital birth, you may need to go in unexpectedly, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency bag packed and ready to go. For those thrifty mothers-to-be, ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.
Читать дальше “Maternity Shopping Bag” »

Read more →

Stick-to-Your-Bones Turkey Vegetable Soup 17.12.2015

turkey soup recipe@photo

The wintertime is the perfect season for turkey vegetable soup. It is a lot easier than you may think, because most of the ingredients you need are already on your grocery list! By utilizing the entire bird carcass, you can add simple ingredients such as rice, veggies, and herbs to make a delightful meal. Here is a homemade turkey soup recipe that will have your friends and family begging for more!
Читать дальше “Stick-to-Your-Bones Turkey Vegetable Soup” »

Read more →

Glamorously Impress and Dress for Christmas 16.12.2015

dress for Christmas@photo

Are you fretting about what you’ll wear for your Christmas celebrations? Maybe you have a dress, but it’s just ho-hum. Well, don’t worry! We have six stellar tips that will help you impress and dress for Christmas. And believe it or not, it doesn’t take loads of effort and money to really elevate a holiday look. With a few additions to your shopping list, you can find the accessories you need to make your look shine bright. Be sure you don’t go too crazy though; one or two of these tips will be enough to bring glam to your outfit.

Now, without further ado, here are some ways to really make a statement as you dress for Christmas and New Year’s!
Читать дальше “Glamorously Impress and Dress for Christmas” »

Read more →

Banana Bread 15.12.2015

Banana Bread
Serves: 4
Who doesn’t love warm, freshly-baked banana bread? Fill your kitchen with this comforting aroma and watch the smiles on your friends’ and family’s faces when they bite into this classic treat.
Ingredients
  • Whole-wheat pastry flour, 1 ½ c
  • Ripe bananas, 3
  • Cacao nibs, 2 T
  • Dark chocolate chips, 2 T
  • Pecans, 1 c
  • Salt, ¼ t
  • Baking soda, 1 ½ t
  • Olive oil, 3 T
  • Honey, ½ c
  • Vanilla extract, 1 t
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Combine bananas, olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
  3. Fold in the cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, and nuts.
  4. Combine the whole-wheat pastry flour, salt, and baking soda; add to the other ingredients.
  5. Coat a loaf pan with butter or oil and pour the bread batter in.
  6. Bake for about 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, stick a fork into the loaf vertically. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
  7. Remove from oven, let cool before slicing.

@photo

Read more →