Cocoa with a Toasty Twist!

Burrr... Wow, it is sooo chilly outside. The good news is this is a perfect time to gather together and cherish the warmth of family and friends. I'd like to offer a few toasty, cozy hot cocoa recipes and some creative flavor ideas (or "Twists") to add to the comfort, enjoy and even a "Toasty Twist" of the season.

Basic Hot Cocoa
4 c Milk
1/3 c Hot Water
1/4 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Preferably Dutch Cocoa)
2/3 c Sugar (or Splenda or Splenda Blend)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
Whipped Cream (optional)

Add a Toasty Twist!!

*Spiced Flavor Choices (Choose ONE of the following flavors)

Orange -2 tablespoons Orange Zest (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)
Mocha -10 to 20 Whole Coffee Beans (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)
Cinnamon - 2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks
Mint - 4 to 6 Fresh Whole Mint Leaves
Aztec -1 to 2 Whole Dried Chili Peppers (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)

Pour milk into a medium sauce pan over medium to low heat. Bring to a slight simmer. *Add one of your chosen "Spice or Flavor Twist" to the milk and allow to steep for 5-8 minutes or longer for stronger flavor(optional). Meanwhile, add hot water, cocoa and sugar, Splenda or Splenda blend to another sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil while whisking until ingredients are dissolved and smooth then reduce heat. *Remove (or scoop) flavor elements from the milk. Pour milk into cocoa mixture then add Vanilla, salt and stir to combine. Serve in a mug with a dollop of whipped cream (optional) at a comfortably hot temperature...

Enjoy!!!

Creative and Crafty

The countdown is well under way.... 5 days until Christmas and counting! Many are executing holiday plans, baking delightful goodies, displaying festive decorations, stringing twinkling lights and, of course, facing that final (or for some 1st) round of holiday shopping. I've never been one for braving congested parking lots and sworming crowds on Black Friday to hunt for the "best deals" but for the 1st year I could remember I did this year. Oh, don't get me wrong, I didn't hop out of bed at the crack of dawn to be the 1st in line but I journeyed out that afternoon to attempt to find one or two items.

If battling the cold and the store are unappealing and you want to give something exceptional to someone special consider creative crafts and original artwork. Visit a local gallery or professionally frame a special photo. It may not be to late to visit places like http://www.etsy.com/ for cool and creative gifts (although you'll have to check on overnight shipping options). I've personally made some original pieces like hand-sculptured clay flowers (Roses) and hand-painted stemware (Martini glasses). Not artistically inclined? Don't worry, there are other option just be creative... I'm not sure there's anyone who would turn away a fresh batch of homemade cookies and a gift card.

Happy Holidays!!!

Truffle Treats

I recently attended a holiday event at a local Chocolatier's shop (The Royal Chocolate in Virginia Beach, VA). It was a delightful evening designed for a little networking and a little chocolate tasting (I love mixing business with pleasure). I even had a chance to flex my culinary knowledge regarding the history of chocolate (Yes, I'm a not so closet Foodie). Perhaps it's my love of most (o.k. all) things chocolate or it's the holiday season's tendency to let us throw caution and calories to the wind but I'd like to share my personal recipe for simply sweet and semi-classic...

Chocolate Truffles

16 oz Semi-sweet or Bitter-sweet chopped into small pieces ( or chocolate chips)

1/3 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Pinch of salt

1/2 tablespoon Orange or Peppermint Extract (optional)

Cocoa Powder (for coating truffles)

In a small saucepan heat cream with a pinch of salt to a simmer (be careful not to burn or scald). I a large, wide bowl pour the chocolate pieces or chips. When the cream is almost at a boil pour over the chocolate. Allow to set for about 30 seconds to a minute and then whisk together allowing the heat from the cream to melt the chocolate. Add vanilla (and other optional extracts) to the mixture and combine. Once smooth place in the refrigerator to chill and set-up (at least an hour or so). Meanwhile, place Cocoa Powder in a wide, shallow container. Remove chilled chocolate mixture from the refrigerator, scoop with a tablespoon and roll into 1" balls. Roll the chocolate balls into cocoa to coat. You can serve on a platter or place a few in cellophane bags tied with a satin ribbon and give as gifts.... Enjoy!!

Holiday Table Ideas: Sight, Smell and Spirit

Ah the holidays and you know what that means... home entertaining. Here's the 1st of a few creative Holiday table decorating (and later serving) ideas.

For those of you how enjoy decorative projects consider re-purposing old clear vases and glassware by painting them. Use speciality glass paint and create fun and festive table decor elements that can double as gifts or favors.

Another simple table decor idea that is sure to warm the heart are picture frames. We all have tons of old pictures tucked away in closets, drawers or trapped on our digital camera. This is the perfect time to display them. Gather together all of your childhood pictures, pictures from holidays past, or pictures of dear relative who are no longer with us -the more the better. Small photos such as 4" x 5" or even smaller are ideal for this. Next choose a selection of frames - this is the perfect time to use frames that don't match, that very is size, shapes and style. The key will be to have them in the same color scheme. I love using neutrals and metallic colors. Head to a discount story and grab those clearance aisle frames. Don't worry if they don't match - a quick trip to the hardware store, a can of spray paint (perhaps in white, silver or gold) and you have an eclectic and beautiful collection of frame. Just remember to follow spray paint instructions and work in a well ventilated place. Now, place your pictures in the frames and cluster them on the dinner table, place infront of each guest, or arrange them in a row, varying in height - this will not only create visual interest and rhythm but the illusion of a runner down the center of your table.

Not the artistic type... no problem. Try this simple decoration - a fantastic alternative to plain or expensive scented candles. Fill vases, small containers or event tumblers and wine glasses with ground coffee (this also works well with cranberries or even cloves and cinnamon sticks). Then nestle a tealight, votive, or small pillar candle in the center. It creates an elegance table element for any holiday dinner table and as the candle warms the coffee the scent of coffee will begin to waft through the air. By the end of the dinner guests will certainly be ready for coffee and dessert.

Feeling so Skirt!

I have to take a moment and share some thrilling news. Yes, I'm excited about the fun and delight of the holiday season but December has brought something else wonderful. If you are in the Hampton Roads area be sure to pick-up a free copy of "Skirt!" magazine. I'm currently being featured in its "The Muse" theme in the December 2009 issue.

What an honor! Find me, the write-up, and the picture (Left) by Eleise Theuer in the December issue of Skirt! Hampton Roads on stands now! Not in Hampton Roads area of Virginia... no problem, visit this link to check it out http://hamptonroads.skirt.com/shes_so_skirt/janel-keen-expresses-vividly

Don't forget to let me know what you think.

Contrasts Design

I'd like to share 3 Wedding/Event Art Illustrations I recently created and the completed table-scapes which feature 3 out of the 8 different Design Styles... enjoy!

Romantic Design...

Modern Design...

O.k., technically the designs below could be considered 2 design styles - Glamour & Eclectic Design...

What do you think? Want to learn more about the 8 Design Styles? Plase Contact me and let me know what you think... I'd love to hear from you!

I've gotta feeling...

Just as many of us, my heart goes out to the Solders and Families of those effected by the recent tragedies in Fort Hood and Florida. I'm not alone in thinking that with the approaching holidays this should be a time of hope, love, comfort, family, friendship and celebrations. Instead many are reflecting on life and loss. Sitting by bed sides, waiting for phone calls, reminiscing and asking "why"? Unfortunately, those answers are not easily found (at least not by a simple little weddings, events and design blog). I, like so so many others, are only able to send my prayers and support to those going through such times.

In a time of such sorrow I find it helpful to remember that these are the times where we as humans can be at our best, where we can show how strong, courageous, resilient, compassionate, optimistic, and yes, loving we can be. Fear, hatred and negativity can be infectious but the good news is so is hope, positivity, joy, strength and inspiration - pass it like cold. As the we grow closer to Thanksgiving I ask that we commit to connecting and sharing joy. Be a little kind, cherish each moment, laugh more, hug a little longer, say a kind word to someone who may need to hear it, sing for no reason (even if it's just to yourself), share enthusiasm, joy and good spirits. And oh yah, it you get a chance dance a little (even if it's just in the living room by yourself when no one is home).



For those of you who follow us (me) on Facebook or Twitter you've enjoyed sharing this I forwarded the link a couple of weeks ago. This video is fun, amazing and make me feel good...

Blessed wishes!