For The Menu: Lollipop-Pies

As I mentioned earlier today, I am preparing a few items for one of my events. One of these items is supposed to be apricot puff pastry twists but after reading this post from Luxirare on lollipop-pies I am torn. What an amazing idea, very similar to cake balls. Maybe I will have to make both!

For The Menu: Apricot Puff Pastry Twists

Posts have been very light lately, which is a result of an influx of new events and clients and preparing for the launch of the company website. It is quite an exciting time right now!

One of the events I am working on is a surprise 60th birthday party. Though the event is being catered, I am preparing a few items. One of which will be apricot puff pastry twists that I found via Robin Miller on the Food Network. This is such an easy and versatile recipe that will impress all your guests!

Ingredients

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

1/4 cup apricot preserves

2 cups vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle, about 12 by 15 inches.

Spread preserves over the dough, to within 1/2-inch of the edges.

Fold dough in half lengthwise.

Gently roll again to seal edges.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut dough crosswise into 1/2-inch thick strips.

Take each strip by the ends and tie into a knot.

Arrange knots on a large baking sheet and press down the ends.

Bake 6 to 10 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown.

Scoop frozen yogurt or ice cream into dessert bowls and lay twists over top.

Wedding Monogram: 2

Wedding monogram for Eva and Alexander

Do you love this monogram? Well, it can be yours! If you are interested in this monogram, or if you would like a custom creation for your wedding or special event, please contact design@laurendaversa.com.

Signature Drink Club: Vodka Press

All of a sudden it hit me today when I was reading Yum Sugar that I have missed three months worth of signature drinks. I will try to make up for that, but you can't just pick any drink to be a member of the Signature Drink Club. What would be worse than mixing a cocktail to find out it's crap? This will not be the case with July's signature drink, the vodka press. It's neither too sweet or too strong but rather meets in the middle to form the prefect refreshing mix. In a vodka press, vodka is diluted with both a club soda or tonic and Sprite.

Vodka Press
by way of Extra Tasty

Ingredients
1.5 ounces vodka
1 part club soda or tonic
1 part Sprite or other lemon lime soda
lime garnish, optional

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka, soda/tonic, and sprite and garnish with a lime.

Photo courtesy of Yum Sugar

DIY: Outdoor Cabana

Do you have two days, $300 bucks and a friend? Then why not build your own cabana for your dinner party this weekend! Sunset posted a fantastic DIY project on how to build an outdoor cabana. They supply you with the checklist of the necessary tools and materials and you can transform your outdoor space into an instant retreat.

New Website

We've been super busy working on our new website!!! Check back soon...

TOTW: What To Ask Your Wedding Videographer

Your wedding movie is certainly one movie you’re bound to watch over and over again―get it right and you’ll love every single viewing. Check out this basic checklist of questions to ask your potential videographer from Real Simple.

Edit 1 Media made the following suggestions for the bride and groom that will make for a better wedding video:

1. Ban gum. No one looks good chomping on gum, use breath mints instead. Make sure the wedding party knows this too.

2. Look at each other during your vows, not at the officiant. That can be hard to remember when you are a ball of nerves, but remember who you are marrying!

3. Don’t touch that mic! The wireless microphone placed on the groom is usually not recording until the ceremony begins. Also, any good videographer will NOT put in anything inappropriate (such as a nervous bathroom break!) in your wedding video! Once that microphone is on, just leave it alone or you run the risk of not having your vows recorded.

4. If your budget allows it, consider some professional lighting during your reception. A gobo light with your monogram or some colored uplights on the walls can make a world of difference both in the ambiance of the room and in your video.

Wedding Invitation: 1

It's been forever. Lately, my days and nights have been filled with invitation and monogram design for my 2010 weddings. Above is one invite design for Ashely and Smith's modern, South Beach wedding. More to come soon...enjoy!

Do you love this invitation? Well, it can be yours! If you are interested in this invitation, or if you would like a custom creation for your wedding or special event, please contact design@laurendaversa.com.