Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Baby Ethan's Shower

Baby Ethan could be here any day now, and though his sweet mommy is only working with us a few hours a week, we couldn't let the occasion go by without throwing even the tiniest of showers for her. A couple of coworkers and I put together a little celebratory moment to help prepare Britni and Blake for their upcoming arrival. The menu was simple- cake and punch- and since the nursery design incorporates a giraffe, I had to use orange as one of the colors. Paired with gray chevron, we were set for a lovely gathering at the end of our work day.
 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Happy Independence Day

I clearly love a holiday, any reason at all actually to celebrate something makes me super happy, so July 4th is not excluded. I think we have celebrated the nations' birthday in several fun ways over the years- from picnics at Callaway Gardens, family pool parties and bbqs, watching fireworks in jeeps, etc. This year we were fortunate to be with some pretty stellar people at the beach. I made a couple of festive treats, found glow in the dark patriotic tattoos for the sweet children who we were with, and even found some crazy red and blue sparkle straws to spruce up our cocktails. There is little more American than the seashore (one of the many things that comes to mind when I think of an all American Celebration) so we took advantage of the proximity to oysters and enjoyed a few dozen  with mimosas for a late lunch after our boat ride. The company was excellent, the funk band was almost as awesome as Parker's Band (my all time favorite local band), and the salty air made even the rain seem pleasant. Cheesy or not, we are blessed to be Americans and that is reason enough to celebrate! Hope you were able to spend the holiday with people you loved, eating something fantastic, and enjoying music, fireworks, or whatever form of summer entertainment you enjoy!

My Father's Caramel Cake

My entire life I have been served some very good food. Of course, I am biased in thinking that my family goes beyond the norm to create delicious meals, but for any of you who have had the pleasure, I do think you will agree. There is little comparison, however, in the fantastic desserts that have been served from the Stanfield, Price and Harris kitchens. The list is almost never ending for how many items I have enjoyed and  though my grandmothers are both in Heaven, I still delight in the treats they served me growing up. In the middle of June, I was stoked to find time for a quick beach trip to  to spend some time with some friends who I think of as family and meet my brother's girlfriend for the first time. Since this blog includes those times we celebrate, I thought it only appropriate that I write about this trip and celebrate my family's cooking heritage by showing off the slice of perfection that we enjoyed around the patio table over looking the beach. Hannah was delightful and cooked some of her own family recipes- which couldn't have been more darling, but also delicious! One of the items was called Luscious Berries with Custard Sauce ( need I say more).
My father turned his hint of jealousy of not being able to join us to good use and made us biscuits and cinnamon rolls for our breakfast and sent one of his fantastic caramel cakes, as seen below:
 
I have often eaten his layered caramel cake, but until now, I don't remember ever eating his cream cheese pound cake with caramel icing. It is not for the faint of heart- but at the first bite, you will NEVER forget how delicious the taste is! I love that my parents learned to appreciate cooking from their mothers/grandmothers and I am equally thankful that they instilled the love for food in my brother and me. Here's to many more good meals around a table with loved ones!