Let's Ketchup!

I love ketchup! Sometimes I will make fish sticks (no, I'm not 12!) or order french fries just so that I have something to eat with my ketchup. It would probably look a little weird eating ketchup with a spoon but I have considered it. Ketchup is considered a humble condiment that doesn't have any place on a dinner party table. Although I disagree, if you are too embarrassed to invite traditional ketchup to the party, there are some great gourmet alternatives. Bring on the ketchup!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Tasty Beverage: Honest CocoaNova

It's tea, it's coffee, it's chocolate....it's Honest CocoaNova! The temperature finally reached the tolerable level this morning so I decided to take my baby for a little walk. I stopped by the local corner market to grab some water for the walk back and something caught my attention in the beverage case.  A short little bottle with the word "cocoa" on it. Now, if you know me, I have a natural attraction to anything that has to do with chocolate. This drink looked too good to be true. A chilled, tea like beverage made from brewing cocoa beans. Yes please! It was delicious! It almost tasted like an iced coffee but with a richer more chocolately flavor. There are only 50 calories a bottle and it has the some of the same health benefits of dark chocolate so don't feel guilty about indulging. They also have two other flavors that sound equally delicious...cherry, and mint. I've heard the mint one tastes like york peppermint patties. Mmmmm. I will definitely be on the hunt for that one!

Next time I buy a bottle, I might even try mixing it with a little cream and some rum. Sounds like a tasty combo for a refreshing cocktail!  

Photo via Honest Tea

The Soup is Getting Cold!

You normally don't want someone at your party to say their soup is cold but that's not the case with these delicious chilled soups! There are a ton of refreshing and simple recipes for soups that are served chilled. Perfect for switching it up during the summer. From sweet to savory, there is certainly an option out there for you. The best part...you don't have to worry about your dinner going cold or standing over a hot stove all day! A little less stress for your party is always the best. Here are a few of the recipes that caught my attention.

1.Roasted and Chilled Corn soup via the dog's breakfast

2. Mango Crab Gazpacho via 6bittersweets

3. Quick Raw Corn Chowder via Natural Noshing

4. Melon Soup Shots via The Winter Guest

5. Chilled Peach Soup with Almonds via Soup Chick

6. Chilled Potato Soup via Food Republic

7. Chilled Red Pepper and Yogurt Soup via Six Course Dinner  

8. Chilled Avocado Soup via TastyTrix

All photos via FoodGawker.com

Dress My Dishes: Sunny Side Up!

Start your morning on the bright side with this sunshiney breakfast edition of dress my dishes!

rooster glass/plates/utensils/tumblers/runner/napkin rings/napkins

Entertaining Tip of the Week

Happy Weekending!

DIY Time: Painted Napkins

image via Sugar and Charm

Here is a simple DIY from the lovely and talented Eden over at Sugar and Charm. With just a few simple tools you can create custom, monogrammed napkins for your next party! The possibilities are endless with this technique. You can find any number of stencils at the art store that you can use to jazz up your napkins or even your placemats and tablecloth. Use a little spray adhesive to adhere the stencil to the fabric. This will ensure you get a nice clean line. Have fun!

Supplies

Linen cocktail napkins, washable fabric paint (so you can throw them in the washing machine), paint brush, stencil 

Directions

1. Either create your own stencil or buy one from the store

2. Tape the stencil to the cocktail napkin so it will stay in place as you paint

3. Using the fabric paint and paint brush... paint the inside of the stencil. 

4. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then remove the paper. Touch up the lines that might have leaked through. Let the paint dry completely before using.

 

Thank you Eden for this tutorial! Please check out Eden's blog Sugar and Charm. It's full of wonderful inspiration!

Essential Cooking Tools

Yes, these scary looking drawers and cabinets belong to me. I know what you're thinking...are we really taking advice from this messy lady??! Trust me when I tell you, these drawers haunt me at night but as much as I try to keep them organized, there is just too much stuff. I probably only use 10% of the tools that I actually own but I feel compelled to keep every one of them on the off chance I might need it someday. But, if you are ready to cut back to the absolute essentials here are the recommended tools every cook should have according to Food Network Magazine.

graphic designed by kate. all photos via Sur la Table