Sara's Sweet Surprise

or bag. I'm always searching for inspiration to add a new flair to my cookie or candy gift packaging. I'd like to share a few ideas with you that I've used. Maybe they'll  come in handy for a-l-l those confections you've (so tirelessly) baked for your family and friends. TINS Little Drummer Boy Drum ♫ Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum ♫ These sugared cookies with the pretzel/marshmallow drum sticks are so cute in their tin drum case. These tins are readily available at most stores. The silver cording crisscross and ribbon creates the drum effect perfectly. You can purchase Pecan Sandie's.....roll coat the edges with white chocolate and sanding sugar. Chocolate Truffles Here's a sweet vintage inspired tin with a little silk seam binding. An antique brooch would be a nice finishing touch. Snowman This Frosty character tin would be a festive way to house your Snowball Cookies. Snowball Cookie Recipe 1 cup butter (2 sticks) soften...

For some in denial reason I thought my youngest sons departure to college would be a breeze. I had planned to utilize the so called great wisdom I'd  acquired after barely surviving his brothers send off to college years prior. Like a Hoover I was sucked into this fantasy just like the self induced amnesia I've embraced after the last (college) departure. Unfortunately the bucket of ice cold reality splashed upon my face in a... cold , wet , wave (forming unquenchable tears). As you could tell since I've been MIA... it wasn't the "breeze" I'd thought it would be. Those suspicious noises you may have heard in the far off distance that were chalked up to wild animal noises were... just the echos of little old me wailing . Time and several visits from my college student have helped the healing process. I'm happy to report my creative mojo has slowly made it's way back. During my absence I've continued to check in with you f...

not only is it a cool, crisp, refreshing, taste treat it's packed with phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, and has a good hit of potassium, plus some B6 and thiamine. Also a good source of Phosphorus, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium and it's great for a calorie, sodium free diet. Many summer favorites can be created with watermelon: salsa, smoothies, sorbet and salad, to name just a few. Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds. Watermelon Sorbet Watermelon Cup The perfect vessel for your appetizer. Baby Shower Carriage These lil' watermelons are simply made by hollowed out limes, watermelon Jello and mini Nestle chocolate morsels for the seeds. Melon Boats Prepare Jello, add diced fruit, pour into small seedless watermelon or cantaloupe halves. Refrigerate until set. Slice and serve. Watermelon Slice Cookies Watermelon Pops Watermelon Bombe made.... mini! Don't you just love these old fashioned fuchsia and white barber pole straws!! If there'...

(well, as much as it can be in the Pacific Northwest) SUMMER has landed primarily on the weekends, but we'll take any sunshine that's willing to make the trek from Florida, cause face it Justine at... . Stupid Is As Sister Does has it all. She's has expressed how her (cute) face is melting in the Florida sun , so I think she'd be more than happy to share. While most were running their air conditioners this month, we had been running our heaters! The fountain is filled and the water is flowing. B-R-E-W-I-N-G There are many on line recipes for making candied citrus slices or peels. Butter Yum has the most beautifully illustrated detailed instructions. I pour granulated sugar over the candied peels it keeps them crisp and it leaves a sparkly coating. You'll find yourself frequently reaching for these candied gems. For topping your ice cream, cupcakes, drinks or for a treat to nibble on. Candied Slices of... Orange, lemon and lime. The simple syrup that...