I love holiday decorations, don't you? So, who says you have to stop with the tree? Fashion expert Yolanda has some great ideas for using accessories to decorate yourself for the season…
My worst nightmare--well, besides the one where I show up for work naked and not one of my QVC co-workers even notices or thinks to offer me so much as a Carole Hochman robe--is that someone I didn't include on my own holiday gift-shopping list will show up at my door with a present for me. But this year, I'm ready for them--and it didn't cost the shirt off my back, either Check out these inexpensive ideas for creating hostess gifts, teacher gifts…or gifts for that unexpected giver.
Is your holiday guest list getting a little too big for your entertaining budget? Never fear: it's Chef Paula to the rescue with yet another great tip for cutting down the cost of your holiday meals--without cutting down on taste!
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire are fine, but these recipes from Chef Paula really take the cake! Check out her great seasonal ideas. And, if you have a nutty holiday recipe of your own, be sure to share it here!
This holiday season, I'll be attending a lot of parties with the same people. The good news is that they're people I LOVE. The bad news is that I can't wear the same thing to every get-together… or so I thought until I heard Yolanda's advice. She's got a way to get four different looks out of the same dress. I'm sold! How about you?
When I think of fast food, I think of hitting the drive-thru for a burger and fries. But to Chef Paula, "fast food" has a whole different meaning… and I think I like hers a lot better
I don't know about you, but I've always thought of red and green as the traditional holiday colors. But, listening to Yolonda's tips has really opened my eyes to a lot of new holiday wardrobe possibilities. Maybe she'll open your eyes, too…
Is your holiday shopping budget cutting into your grocery budget? If so, Chef Paula has some great money-saving recipes. Who knew pizza dough was so easy--and inexpensive--to make? I'm going to try it… and finish my holiday shopping with what I save on delivery!
Gifts are great, but what really makes this time of year special for me are the annual traditions. For instance, a few gal-pals and I always forego the gift exchange and instead just treat ourselves to a real night out to just sit down and catch up--minus the kids, the significant others, and the preoccupation with work. If you’ve got a fave way to celebrate the season, I’d love to hear about it. Or, if you’re interested in building some new traditions, check out these ideas…
I’m trying not to panic, but I just looked at the calendar, and I really don’t know how I’m ever going to get everything done that I need to get done by the 25th--and I don’t even have kids! I can’t even imagine how working moms and dads do it all. But, I got a little insight from my friend, Heather… and if you’re a busy parent, you definitely want to check out her advice…
What’s better than a cupcake? An espresso cupcake! And Chef Paula’s directions are so easy, I think even I can follow them. Check out her recipe for espresso cupcakes--plus other holiday treats--below. I’ll let you know how mine turn out if you let me know how yours do And if you have a favorite recipe for holiday sweets, I’d love to hear it. After all, desserts are meant for sharing!
Cool baked goods completely before wrapping them in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer bags, vacuum-sealed plastic bags, or airtight containers.
Allow the icing on frosted cakes to harden in the refrigerator or freezer before wrapping and freezing them.
If freezing cakes and brownies, slice them first. That way, you can just defrost the number of pieces you intend to serve instead of the whole loaf.
Freeze biscuits without frosting or decorations. Decorate them after thawing. Place waxed paper between frosted or decorated biscuits to preserve decorations.
Excess air in containers of frozen baked goods can reduce quality. Use appropriately sized containers, and fill extra space around baked goods with crumpled greaseproof or baking paper.
Iced cakes can be frozen for one to two months, and unfrosted ones should be good for four to six months. Most biscuits and dessert bars should freeze well for up to six months.
Thaw biscuits and brownies on a wire rack to ensure proper air circulation.
Thaw unfrosted cakes covered, at room temperature, for three or more hours. Thaw iced cakes, loosely covered, for 12 or more hours in the refrigerator. Make sure to thaw perishable cakes, like cheesecake, in the fridge.
Many desserts can be stored in the fridge, covered, for three days without affecting quality. Other items (with the exception of dairy-based desserts like cheesecake) can be stored in airtight wrapping or containers on your kitchen counter--away from heat--for several days.
Most fruit pies, tarts, and crumbles can be frozen either before or after baking and keep for up to four months; uncooked pies, up to three months.
Note that custard, cream, chiffon, and meringue-topped pies do not freeze well.
Baked frozen pies, tarts, and crumbles can be reheated in a 160C oven for about 45 minutes or until completely thawed and warmed through. Uncooked fruit pies should be baked at 220C for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 190C and bake for 45 minutes more or until the fruit filling bubbles in the middle.
Obtain that just-out-of-the-oven-taste by microwaving cakes and brownies that have been in the freezer or fridge.
Although many desserts can be made in advance, frozen, and thawed without a problem, some do not turn out well. If you're concerned, do a trial run before trying to impress your guests!
Do you think it’s a coincidence that “dressing” rhymes with “stressing”? I think not. Figuring out what to wear to a holiday party can be tough. Luckily, Yolanda makes it easy--she has some great tips for using pieces I’ve already got in my closet! So, forget stressing… this year, “dressing” is going to rhyme with “impressing”
Sure, red and green are the traditional holiday colors. But this year, I’m really trying to put the emphasis on “green” and go eco-friendly. If you are, too, check out these super-easy decorating ideas…
To say I’m not a gifted cook is an understatement. The one and only time I ever tried to bake a potato, I almost burned my apartment down. See, I hadn’t ever used the oven before, so when I preheated it, I didn’t realize the instruction manual was still in there… until it burst into flames. But, you know, these recipes from Chef Paula are so simple, they make me want to give cooking another shot. First, though, I’ll just be sure to check the batteries in the smoke alarm
If you’d like to give Chef Paula’s anytime appetizer a try, here’s her recipe:
Sausage Balls with Apple and Raisins
1 lb mild bulk sausage (I prefer to use Paula Deen’s sausage)
2 cups buttermilk baking mix
1 egg
1-1/2 cups grated apple with the peel
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
In a medium mixing bowl combine uncooked sausage, baking mix, egg, grated apple, raisins, and pecans. Mix well.
Roll sausage mixture into 1 inch balls, and place on a rack in a shallow pan. Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browned. (15 minutes if you are going to freeze). Turn occasionally while baking.
Serve immediately, or freeze then thaw and reheat before serving.
The holidays are great, but they can be stressful, too. Last year, I went to yoga class to try to relax… but fighting the horrible holiday traffic to get home afterward just ended up making me even more stressed-out. So, this year, I’m taking a slightly different approach…
Check out these inexpensive ideas for creating hostess gifts, teacher gifts…or gifts for that unexpected giver.
