Sara's Sweet Surprise

Take a stroll over to our gracious hostess Designs by Gollum to visit the other foodie friends.

and petite New Years treats. Mini Chocolate Dipped Apples These appetizers are the perfect bite size indulgence. I chose a peppermint candy topping, but toffee bits, nuts, or (finely chopped) candied fruits are also a nice compliment to these little apples. I found they need to be made up the day of the party for optimum freshness. The mini apple form is cut out with a melon baller. I prefer to use Ever Fresh to preserve the apples, in place of lemon water. Whichever you use... give them a good pat dry before their dive into the chocolate bath. To attach the candy cane drill a hole three quarters of the way down with the cane tip. Dip the cane (end) into the chocolate, then back into the hole the chocolate will bind them together. I did a quick set in the freezer (I'm too impatient to wait for the apples to set in fridge). When the canes are set it's time for the second (or double) dip for the entire apple. Sprinkle the topping pieces of choice around the top or b...

I'm so happy to bring you today's featured artist. He resides in the Pacific Northwest and has been painting for well over 13 years. Many of his renditions grace my home. One of his newer vignettes have really touched the hearts of many including myself. Well....that could also be because he's my husband, Paul. Here is how he came to create this festive collection.... When no one’s around . . . The “When No One’s Around” series of prints is a whimsical view into the world of snowmen, snowwomen and snowfamilies when no one’s around to see. Each scene portrays those everyday life situations, human emotions, family values and even an occasional political statement presented humorously through snowmen characters. Children relate to the cartoon-like snowmen while adults may see the reflection of their own values, emotions and family members. The original artwork was created with an acrylic underpainting that glows through the overlayed pastel details on the surface. S...

It's finally happened! My camera has closed it's shutter for the last time. No need for tears... CAUSE I'M JUMPIN' FOR JOY! "Get your boots on Virginia, were goin' camera shopin'." Although my camera isn't as old as the one pictured here...it certainly felt like it at times, especially without a macro option (that word has become music to my ears). It's quite possible I've paid the equivalent of two new cameras with all the batteries purchased over the course of time. For any of you that have stock in Duracell batteries..."you're welcome." If I were to leave the selection of my new camera up to my family... I've no doubt this is what they'd pick out. "Holy macro " just think what I could capture in a single shot... Wow, that would be one hard flash dot to shake from your retinas. I'd be the envy of every paparazzi in Hollywood. Due to the demise of my camera... I wasn't able to bring you all my ...

It has been a whirl wind of events. I was truly surprised by the overwhelming response to my Giveaway. One sweet friend came as far as Italy !! . "DRUM ROLL PLEASE." Miss Chari from Happy To Design !! That was such a fun ride.... I decided to pick another winner!! Yes, two Jars two winners !! Miss Justine from Stupid Is As Sister Does you're my second winner!!! Ladies this Apothecary Spigot Jar will be on it's way to you... as soon as you contact me with your mailing info. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thank you again for participating. I really didn't want to leave anyone disappointed..... So, to show my appreciation and in the spirit of the Christmas season, I've decided to continue the giving by joining Romantic Home Monthly Giveaway. Part of my ventures (as you know ) was to my most favorite event. The Seattle Cash and Carry trade show. I can't begin to describe how wonderful this three day shopping extravaganza is! The plethora of eye candy to consume ...

Halloween is fast approaching.... So, I thought it was a good time to reopen my recipe vault to get an idea for conjuring up some treats. Witches Hat with a sweet surprise. I gathered an assortment of goodies to fill my Witches Hat. Candy: corn, skulls, bones, along with....caramel popcorn, M&M's and Reece's Pieces. I filled the sugar (ice cream) cone with sweets, then brushed the edge/rim of the cone with (melted) chocolate. The chocolate becomes the glue that binds your cookie to your cone. You can use any (round) cookie for the base. I used a (pre-made) dark chocolate and peanut butter cookies. To prevent candies from spilling out and the chocolate from dripping, I placed the cookie on top of the (chocolate) brushed cone. Gently turning it over... to paint a single coat of chocolate over the entire hat then set aside to dry . When it was dry, I adorned my Hat with candies and a sour gummy ribbon . To complete my little project, a Witches Broom...