Fancy Gourmet Dessert Cakes

One sense that can have an overwhelming effect on our mood is the sense of smell. Warm folks up to the holidays with some simple tricks and get the most out of the time together.

Dried flowers and half a Cinnamon stick wrapped up in mesh cloth and tied with a thin ribbon make an instant potpourri. Cinnamon or flower scented oil is a convenient way to keep the scent strong. You can even hang a couple of sachets from the Christmas tree.

Pine cones are perfect for creating pleasant scents. Gently baste a pine cone with pine oil and it will retain the seasonal fragrance for some time.

Before adding the Christmas lights, spray the tree with the cologne of your choice (men’s cologne works best). You can usually catch the scent for a good while when standing next to it.

If you do not like conventional air fresheners, just spray a strong but stylish smelling perfume mist generously onto cotton balls and place them discreetly in different corners of the house. Places they can be hidden are; corners of window sills, under furniture, behind mirrors or pictures, under a chair or couch and so on. You can use scented oils in place of perfume if you prefer. You’ll be amazed at how quickly food and stale odors disappear and the house doesn’t have that “Supermarket Air Freshener Scent”.

To wind it all up, have wonderful smelling and tasting food. The smell of fine coffee is always a winner and don’t forget the aroma of a thick piece of chocolate cake!

Written by Delightful Biteful

BELEIVE! We all need to hang on to our beliefs and emphatically reinforce them at least once a year, so let’s do it with joy and fervor. If you really want to feel the spirit of the holidays, I have a few simple suggestions that may help.

There is an opportunity that many folks have but do not take advantage of. Late on a snowy night when all is quiet and a special twinkling light comes up off the soft, icy blanket, put on your goulashes and step outside for a moment of beauty and peace.

Many times during the holidays, we are harried and rushed to decorate and organize and keep everyone happy. Try to remember that decorations are more than superficial. They are symbols for the significance of the holiday. Stop and take a good look. A holiday Menorah or Christmas tree lights are especially useful for this.

A classic drink to help enjoy these moments is Eggnog. I have a quick refresher course for anyone who hasn’t made some in awhile.Add one egg for every cup of whole milk (1 serving).Normally 1 teaspoon of sugar is preferred per serving but sweeten to taste. A pinch of salt and/or 3 tablespoons of whisky per serving are optional. Blend it until frothy and top with nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Another simple classic is the hot toddy made with a cup of hot brewed tea, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of brandy and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

And so, after all is said and done, it is the little joys and special moments that make a life well lived.

Written by Delightful Biteful   

I was breaking out the decorations, and planning the “what, where, and when” of everything. After thinking about some of my favorite Christmas customs, I wanted to touch on a little bit of history starting with those beautiful Poinsettia plants.  The plant originated in Mexico where the sap was believed to control fevers and the leaves were used to make red dye. The plant was eventually inducted into the homes of millions of Americans for the holiday season. As a child, Poinsettia plants always filled our home at holiday time. They made a perfect decoration with their festive colors of red and green. (Try not to let the cat eat it because it can cause a tummy ache.)  

Then there is Mistletoe; the tradition started in Europe where it was believed that the plant could protect against illness and promote peace and love. Eventually it was adopted by Christians for celebration purposes. It is a lot of fun, especially when catching someone off guard with plant and camera in hand. Yes, I have had my obnoxious moments. 

As for that beautiful Christmas tree, it all began in

Germany and many believe it was originally used for pagan worship. Others say that the custom began with the Lutherans but I think it was a little bit of several situations that evolved into the tree tradition. One favorite story is that St. Boniface chopped down a pagan oak tree and discovered a fir tree hiding behind it. Believing that it was a sign, he used it to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

However it all happened, it is apparant that our traditions have been brought about by many caring people and that it is a “Wonderful Life” really. Folks who are so inclined to celebrate but are without family or friends should celebrate for themselves and remember that the joy of the holiday is in the hope for peace among us all and not just for those in a particular circle.

Written by Delightful Biteful 

Give something to someone that will enhance the moment. Have you ever sliced up an apple and covered it with melted caramel? How about a dollop of sour cream on a sliced banana with some sugar sprinkled on top? Maybe a sliced pear with honey drizzled across it? Cool weather or not, fresh fruits can be located just about anywhere. These kinds of snacks are perfect for late nights during the Holiday season. That quiet time when the snow is coming down and the world seems calm. These snacks are also an alternative to packing on solid fat and calories when there is no chance of working them off before bed.

Speaking of not sleeping, I have enjoyed a cup of warm milk with a piece of dark chocolate, stirred right in. It adds some nostalgia to the intoxicating dairy. I drift right back to the days of my youth and enjoy the moment while it lasts. Now for the few sacred days leading up to the Holiday’s Eve, I have a little ceremonial selection I indulge in. Maybe you will see something you like, but be warned, it is a “No holds barred” kind of eating bash.

Here is an example of the menu; in the morning I enjoy some eggs Benedict with a slice of toast and a half an orange. For lunch I like cheese and crackers (brie please) some sliced apple is a healthy accompaniment. For dinner (this is the important part), I select some black olives and pimento peppers and lay them across a couple of large Romaine lettuce leaves.  I add some marinated artichoke hearts and lay on thin slices of Italian salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone and mozzarella cheese.

If you want a nice Italian dressing, just pour about six tablespoons of vinegar into a cup, add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and rub a pinch of oregano between your hands while you sprinkle it into the mixture. For added taste, you can add some salt and pepper (one or two shakes),  and a little bit of grated Romano cheese. It tastes best when marinated overnight. 

I eat breadsticks instead of bread, why eat too much fat and calories? I will say that I do eat early (4:30 at the latest); I do not eat again for the rest of the day. If I get too hungry I will have two unsalted crackers or pretzels. I also dance all night. It works! I do not carry that much extra weight. It’s in the jeans and they fit pretty well afterwards.

It’s just a thought but hey, we only go around once. When I look at my family, I see people who break all of the rules of diet and exercise but enjoy life to the fullest come what may and they’ve lived quality lives for a really long time and have enjoyed shockingly good health. You just can’t tell.

This article written by Delightful Biteful

Well here we are again and it’s time to indulge in the gourmet madness we fight off all year. Don’t worry, the average American puts on at least 5lbs. during the holidays. You may as well let yourself go for awhile.

I myself like to slice fresh mushrooms and sauté them in butter with chopped garlic and fresh parsley. I also enjoy boiling baby carrots and coating them with butter and sprinkling on a little cinnamon. If you haven’t tried it, your missing something special. To relieve the guilt I steam a few asparagus heads and work on self-forgiveness.

As for the Turkey; Coating it with a warmed butter and oil mixture before placing it into the oven helps keep the moisture in and the meat tender. They say that filling the bird with stuffing can be dangerous (I still do it and cross my fingers.) A way to solve that potential problem is to use a toaster oven to bake the stuffing in. You can place it into the mini oven about 25 minutes before the bird is ready. It keeps the stuffing crispy on top.

Then there is dessert… A lovely piece of Black Velvet Cake with a cup of espresso coffee is the perfect combo. A lighter alternative is a slice of New York Cheesecake and a cup of Sumatra Coffee. Dessert for the whole gang should entail a variety of sweets. A Tart and a Cake such as; Carrot Cake is a win win combination.  Team them with a Chocolate Satin Cake and the gang’s all here! 

A little Beethoven and Bach make for some heavenly background music. It will also keep everyone calm while they wait for the food. The holiday specials are coming on T.V. so have the schedule ready in case your guests want to tune in to something fun. Loading the DVD player with classic movies is another idea to entertain the folks, just click click, and they’re on.

Written by Kim LaBarbera of Delightful Biteful 

For the holiday season remember to serve specials like Pecan and Cranberry Cheese Tart. They are traditional desserts for the Thanksgiving table. Have your portions already prepared for easy serving. Fresh brewed Columbian coffee is a wonderful companion for this beautiful after dinner salute.

Other wonderful thoughts that float around are gourmet Truffle Cakes which are flourless and Kosher Certified for a festive Chanukah  celebration. Included in the fun can be a lavish Chocolate Chambord Cake with just the right amount of raspberry liqueur.

Great gifts for the holiday season are chocolates and sweets such as; English Toffee, Chocolate Covered Shortbread Cookies and Truffle Bars. Suggestions for serving at get-togethers is a portion each on it’s own napkin to avoid stickiness on the hands.  Club soda is the perfect beverage to accompany sweets like these. They make great stocking stuffers. Send them to loved ones across town or across the country. Include a gift note and don’t forget to call.

Add a beautiful candle to illuminate the room. Aromatherapy can keep people calm and in the moment. It is a good way to get your guests to relax.

For all of the fun make sure to keep safe and aware and joyous and have plenty of dessert and coffee on hand.

Written by Kim LaBarbera of Delightful Biteful