Easter Brunch Ideas

Happy Good Friday! I have had a hectic last few weeks! For my birthday, we went to the Dominican Republic for some fun and sun and then I had my mom in town for the beautiful Spring DC weather and the Cherry Blossom Festival starting and now I can't believe Easter is this weekend!

Are you hosting an Easter brunch, having people over, or invited to a brunch? Here are some interesting ideas you could have or bring to someone's house!

French Toast Kabobs from Martha Stewart

Pancake Dippers (Bacon covered in pancake mix) from Lady Behind the Curtain

Donut Hole edible topiary from Kitchen Living with Coryanne

Mini Cadbury eggs Cheesecake Dip from A Pumpkin and a Princess

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole from The Food Charlatan

Carrot Cake Pancakes from Nosh & Nourish

Happy Friday!

Champagne and Truffle Pineapple

Happy New Year's! What better way to bring in the new year with a twist on champagne as a gift! I came across this cutest hostess gift idea from some German blogs!  A bottle of champagne covered in Ferroro Rocher chocolates (which you can get anywhere) to make it look like a pineapple. Since pineapples are the symbol of hospitality in the South, spruce up the next bottle you bring someone!

This has been one of my favorites where an actual pineapple top was glued on, large champagne bottle was covered in tissue and covered with lots of truffes (86 to be exact) from German blogger, Bitavin. This version send the truffles higher to the top. 

Here is the simplest version I found where you can glue yellow tissue paper squares on each candy then glue to the bottle. from from German site, Echtlustig

This version left the tissue paper that comes on the truffle and the sticker and uses silks for the stem. If traveling, wrap it in plastic for no truffle loss from Conny Simon

This version uses Werther's Originals instead from flyinghousewive blog

Here is another example with gold tissue on each piece and tissue leaves from  Mara-macabre

Here the stickers were kept on, and assorted textured paper used for the leaves from Paperblog

Here is a Youtube video where they used a beer bottle instead in case you need a little help!

Chocolate Covered Bacon

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day! I made my Valentine a few surprise sweet treats I found on Pinterest. Chocolate Covered Bacon and Oreo Truffle Balls! About a year ago we were at The Fresh Market and saw Vosges bacon chocolate bar which we bought (unfortunately it was $7 for a smaller bar). So that is what inspired me to find a recipe for chocolate covered bacon.  I have found so many great recipes on Pinterest I am glad I tried a few. It turned out good, and next time I would make the chocolate a little bit thinner.

I cooked some very thick cut bacon in the oven for around 25 minutes on 400 then patted dry. I wanted the bacon to be very firm and stiff. I then dipped in semi sweet chocolate and I drizzled some white chocolate over some and put sea salt on a few pieces as well. 

3 Ingredient Oreo Truffle Balls 

My husband surprised me this Twist n Sparkle a smaller version of the make your own sparkling water at home. I love LaCroix waters, Izze drinks, Hint sparkling water so I am excited now I can make my own flavor combos at home.

Edible Topiaries

Are you having a party a need an idea for a centerpiece? I came across some of these lovely edible topiaries and thought they would make a great centerpiece or decor. Whether you are using the delicate meringue or macaroons for a bridal/ baby shower, candy topiaries for kids party, tomatoes for Italian dinner party or veggie skewers for a cookout, these are sure to be a hit. These are so pretty, you may have a hard time keeping the nibblers away.