Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Nesting.......



in spring with the help of Heather Bullard 's boutique
where
I purchased these vintage porcelain appetizer plates.
My only regret is not having a few more to add to my collection.
Who knows, maybe Heather will discover a lovely set in her flea market ventures.





You'll find the most exquisite treasures at her boutique.
I will warn you...if you find something that strikes your fancy, act fast because items get snatched up quickly.





When you stroll over for a visit,
you can get the latest scoop on her new magazine
Flea Market Style
This magazine is a" must have" for your coffee tables.




I adore my vintage plates!
The delicate details of their raised divider.



If you look closely... these precious ball handles are reminiscent of my favorite snack,
sugar snap peas and every bit as sweet.





To my surprise these were the perfect size to serve as luncheon plates.




Potato medallion, strip steak, sauteed mushroom asparagus with a Parmesan cheese trumpet filled with a Boursin aioli.




Filo nests with lemon curd creme, fresh berries and candied lemon peel.

You can find the creme and strawberries recipe here...
let's-get-cookin
Napoleons.
I added 3-4 tablespoons (to taste) of lemon curd to the recipe.






I can serve my main courses and desserts at the same time without any worries
of savory mixing with sweet.




Italian ravioli salad.

cheese ravioli or tortellini
Genoa Salami
Julienne carrot
green onion
Italian seasoned julienne sundried tomato
Italian cheese (grated)
Good Seasons Italian (all natural) Salad Dressing

( one packet prepared)

Romaine hearts




Dark chocolate mousse topped with mandarin orange marmalade.

You can find the chocolate mousse recipe here...
sweet and petite
Pot Du Creme

I combined semi chocolate with the milk chocolate chips.

Gently blend mandarin orange segments with orange marmalade.



Filo nests

Cut one single sheet of filo in half.
This is where neatness doesn't count, lay the pastry loose and crinkled in a (non stick) muffin tin
(preferably the larger cups).
The more wrinkles the better the effect.
Bake at 325 just until a pale golden brown, approx.. 5 mins.



Cut single strips of filo.
Spread a wrinkled layer on cookie sheet.
Spritz pastry strips with a coat of spray cooking oil.
Bake the same as the nests.





Scatter a few of the loose strips into your nest and fill.
I freeze both the mousse and creme.
When frozen it actually takes on a gelato consistency.
Plating it while it's frozen keeps it chilled throughout dinner.

Both nests and fillings can be prepared well in advance.




I've received many request for suggestions on your upcoming special occasions Mother's Day, weddings and showers. That is why I choose this particular theme, because these nests can be applied to each of these events.



Pearls Of Wisdom

This idea came to me while I was playing in my jewelry box and came across a strand of pink pearls.
As mother's we're always giving advice to our children.
Suggestions that may have been given to us by our own mothers.
Our hope is... those "pearls of wisdom' we gift our posterity will be handed down through the line to future generations.





In advance...have each guest send you their pearls of wisdom, especially those that include humor.
Print or write them on (decorative) paper.
**Don't forget to include the tittle
"Pearls Of Wisdom" on each note**





Tint and Roll small balls of fondant to form pearls.

After they've partially dried and are firm to the touch, drill a hole with a toothpick through each pearl .
(I'm not patient... I put the pearls in the oven at 200 degrees for about 3-4 mins).

Set aside to cool.
Brush with Lustre pearl dust.

String the pearls with a narrow ribbon, bakers twine, or crochet thread.
Gather both ends and tie a knot.
Tie the rolled note onto a larger decorative bow.
Gently place your pearls of wisdom. on your dessert.



As your guest are seated and ready to enjoy their desserts, have them read some or all of the notes aloud .
Gather the pearls of wisdom together and place them in a keepsake box as a gift for your guest of honor.









I've also had several inquires about the Glad Press'n Seal.
To clarify...it's a plastic wrap not a sealing machine.
I know the name can send a mix message.
I purchase the large rolls from Costco, but you can find it in any store on the same shelf as the (Saran) cling wrap and tin foil.





51 comments:

Lori said...

what a delicious post...i love those little fondant pearl bracelets, that is such a cute idea...and they are so pretty too...thanks for sharing!!!

Justine said...

Sara, you constantly surprise me with your talent in both the kitchen and with crafting. You have so much creativity!

The dishes you prepared look like they came out of a Michelin star restaurant!!!!

I'm coming to your house for dinner tonight!

Justine :o )

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sarah, I want to come to YOUR house and eat! Are those goodies cute (and I know delicious) or what! So darling in your new white vintage plates, too! You are so clever!!!

And the pearls are the perfect finishing touch. You always amaze me with your talents.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Amber said...

Can I come for lunch??? :)

Debbie said...

Sara.... I would love spending a day with you while your creating. Lately I have felt drained when it comes to cooking but looking at what your are doing gets me wanting to try. :)

*hugs*
Debbie

Kristina P. said...

Those are perfect! As is the food.

Anonymous said...

I am sooooo hungry after looking at those pictures!

Cora said...

Beautiful ideas....thank you for sharing this. Love the pearls!!

Chatty Crone said...

Your pictures takes my breathe away. I wish I could come eat at your house! I don't know which looked better.

You have the most wonderful ideas too - where do you get them?

You are one talented lady.

Delicious!

Sara - have a wonderful mother's day.

♥sandie

dee dee said...

Sara,
Thank you for your sweet visit and kind words. I have enjoyed my visit to your site as well, and will become a follower!
I would love to join you in your kitchen, I'm sure I could learn so many fabulous recipes! Your card project from your post below is one I'll have to try soon, I've never tried that technique before.
Your photos are beautiful!
Dee Dee

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love these plates.

The food looks wonderful.

MrsJenB said...

I cannot get over how beautiful all of the food is in your pictures! Exquisite, really!

Thanks for sharing all of that delicious beauty @ Foodie Friday!

Wendy said...

Those pearl bracelets are adorable. I might have to give this a try. The girls would love this!!
I love those luncheon plates, yes those handle do remind me of cute little sweet peas. Wouldn't it be awesome if Heather found more to match. Your recipes had my mouth watering! Yum...ravioli and salad in the same dish.
I really enjoyed reading your post this evening! Hope you have a beautiful Mother's Day :)
Wendy

The Vintage Kitten said...

Im sure when I leave your blog I have gained 2lb on my hips. Your food ALWAYS looks delicious X

Michelle said...

Sara! I've missed you and so sorry I haven't stopped by for a visit. Been so busy around my place lately too. Those dishes are just adorable!! Oh and your food....you get me every time. My stomach growls everytime I see your wonderful creations. :) I've heard of the pearl idea (but not the fondant pearls..how cute!). Hope you had a nice visit with your company. Hope you're enjoying your weekend. :)

xoxo

Michelle

Chatty Crone said...

Sara, Happy Mother's Day. sandie

Tara said...

This is NOT very nice to do to a girl when she has the late night munchies! Your delicious food looks so yummy, especially on your fabulous new plates! Dangerous indeed!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

A beautiful post full of do-able ideas! I love Filo cups. I make them in mini muffin tins. So I will have to try the bigger tins! And the idea of shredding ribbons of filo is so pretty.
All served up on those milky vintage plates.
Fabulous!
Yvonne

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

How great that the food fit so nicely on your new dishes, Sara! That bit with the potato, strip of steak and asparagus looks soooo good!

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello my Honey,
Now I'm hungry for all the beautiful looking things you cooked up.Those pearls of wisdom are to fine and a wonderful idea.Good thinking.The dishes are divine.I love them.I hope you can find more.
You sound like you are in good spirits...I'm so glad.
I had to slow down my blogging a bit...I will still post about once or twice a month,but I'm still here and will answer my sweet friends like you anytime to come calling. I'll make a doll or one of my other craftsever so offten.Right now I'm painting my Xmas stocking wall hangs. I love doing that.
Thank you so much as always for your sweet comments.You always brighten up my day.
May God bless you Hon,
XXOO Marie Antionette

Maria said...

Hi Sara!
You are amazing! I love your ideas and your food is a work of art!
The pearls of wisdom is such a beautiful theme... I can think of so many occasions...
graduations
sweet 16's
80th birthday... wise quotes by the guest of honor ...
any age really!
How wonderful!
I could even use this idea at school {only not with fondant ;o)
Thank you so much!
~Maria
ps. thank you also for your sweet visit!

Lisa said...

Wow, You are such a talented lady! I've read your posts thru March & my jaw is laying on my keyboard. I've learned a lot in my visit. You answered a question I had about stamping on food. I'm teaching a class in June & wanted to put a treat on everyones place. I was thinking of frosted sugar cookies with a stamp of a cowboy boot on them. You have shown me how! Thanks!! I'll be back often. Lisa
PS Thanks for your kind comment on my blog today.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

First, thank you for visiting, and I never thought of printing off fabric samples, great idea! the embroidery does copy nice. Ok, first that steak dish looks fabulous! And the beads are darling! You could use them for so many things! My mind is whirling, baby or wedding showers, girls lunches, Oh thank you this is wonderful!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I'm blonde I got so excited, you already said showers, Ok got to go read the rest of your blog!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

The food looks scrumtious....and on those charming plates, what a presentation!
LOVE this post!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara! Oh, this is a beautiful post! I love those vintage appetizer plates. I've never seen any like that before. And the food you put in them...yummilicious!
The little pearl bracelets are just the most precious things.
Sounds like you did have a full house! :) Glad you made everyone feel so welcome. They're coming back! :)
Oh, thank you for mentioning little Carter. She is growing so fast and we don't get to see her often at all being she lives so far away. But we do have the internet and digital photos! Praise God for that!
Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Rosie said...

Oh my, these little nests are crazy cute, and oh so decadent! I am definitely going to try these {maybe even tomorrow} I'm soo excited to try this...thanks so much!

Not sure about Anita's roots {but I think she said she grew up in that area...pop over to :
http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/
and chat with her... she is amazing, and we have developed a wonderful friendship. I'm sure she would love to meet you!
smile on Rosie

Becky said...

WOW-what a beautiful inspiring post :) Love your little divided plates...beautiful. But let's talk about that divine looking food...gourmet goodness...

you should have your own HGTV/food network show!

xoxo
Ms Cupcake (Becky)

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Great plates, and the food looks absolutely delicious!

Cute pearl bracelets! You always have such neat "surprises" on your blog!

Katherine

bj said...

You are such a talented lady...
Your food photos are magazine worthy and your recipes sound so delicious!!
Besides all that...you are as sweet as the name of your precious blog.
xo bj

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a glorious post. Your camera work is faultless. You asked about a recipe for Pineapple pepper jelly.
This one will probably work for you. It sounds delicious.

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Pineapple-Pepper-Jelly-133862

I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love the divided plates, but the food looks wonderful!! You are so talented in your artistic food - love the pearls. What time is dinner/lunch ?? :D
Thanks for stopping by.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Sara....thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet words...you are, indeed, a SWEET surprise. :-)

Now, about the sewing...I will say I know how to use a sewing machine, but HOLY MOLY....I CANNOT cook. It just isn't pretty around here and your little delights look like they were made for a magazine shoot! WOW.....oh how I wish I could cook like that. It would be a dream! For me AND for my Hubbs...

Huggies and Lovies,
Spencer

Tristan Robin said...

That luncheon looks like a sumptuous afternoon repast in a Paris café! The lemon curd creme bird nests look delicious!

I also have every intention of trying out your napkin stationery technique - very clever!

I'm so glad that you visited me and left bread crumbs for me to find my way here!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Have you any idea how talented you are? I loved reading this AGAIN. I came by to visit, but I never tire of reading even posts I've read before.

Hope you are well, my friend...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Melissa Miller said...

Hooray for you Sara! What a wonderful idea to cut up the fresh veggies and place them in a bowl for the week. You have inspired me now! I'm trying this one for sure.
Thank you very much for the sweet visit and for following along as well. I really appreciate it my friend! You know that you are always welcome anytime. I love to hear from you.

The white plates are beautiful and a perfect size. The food looks oh my goodness so down right yummy.
Yum-O! You are so amazing and creative.

Blessings to you. ~Melissa :)

PS Thanks for the nice compliment on my new blog design as well!

Melissa Miller said...

Sara I will definitely look for that product. It sounds wonderful!
I'm glad you shared it with me.

Thank you! ~Melissa :)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Sara, what a beautiful post. Your dishes are so pretty, but with your presentation of food, I don't think it would matter what kind of dishes you use - your food would look beautiful on anything. Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas and recipes. laurie

~Tonja~ said...

Hi Sara...Nice to meet you and thanks for coming by my place and leaving your sweet comment...adding you to my blog roll and following for sure...your blog is so sweet...love your new vintage plates and all those goodies look so yummy...
Have a Blessed day...
Sweet Blessings
Tonja

Jennifer Juniper said...

What cute plates and the perfect menu to fit them! Love the pink pearls :)

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Sara!
So very nice to meet you and to discover your lovely blog!

Those plates are just wonderful, doesn't Heather have the most marvelous style? She's the nicest gal too, I met her a couple of months ago.

Have a wonderful week!
Anne

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Those are great dishes!! mmm ... and everything looks delish!

wendy said...

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Where do you come up with your beautiful ideas. Your posts are gorgeous.
that food ----------YIKES, how does one ever make stuff like that. One like ME anyway.

I love those plates
AND --I Love Flea Market Magazine!!!!!

Rebecca Nelson said...

I soooo loved your visit Sweet Sara! Your two notes to me went straight to my heart and I so loved having you stop by!

Now girly...you are one talented lady! I am overwhelmed by just the first several posts. You do it all up right and I can't wait to read more about you and what you love....

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your heart and passions with mine...

xoRebecca

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I don't know which is prettier... the dish of the dishes! BOTH! Love the filo in the cupcake tin... great idea to serve something that you want to look fancy. Thanks for the direction on that!

Hugs,Sherry

Rettabug said...

Sara, these little Filo nests are just darling & make such a wonderful presentation for whatever you put in them. Thanks for the recipes & instructions!!!
♥ your vintage plates, too ♥

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

I have an idea :) I'll make your picture wall and you make me lunch
Hope your weekend is wonderful
XO
Kristin

Unknown said...

Ummm you just made my stomach growl...LOL!

Sandy xox

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Ooh Sara,
That filo (or is it phyllo?) dough looks delicious and I love your plates from Heather's boutique, they're darling!

Wanted to thank you for checking in on me and your very, very kind words. They were taken very much to heart. Thank YOU.
xo~Tracie

w said...

i love the plates. i love the food.

dang. i love this blog.

sanjeet said...

i love those little fondant pearl bracelets, that is such a cute idea
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