Martha Stewart

Loving Lately

Easter Recipe Ideas

In spite of the snowfall this week, spring is here. Which means lighter desserts, such as pavlovas topped with berries and lemon curd, and berry sprinkled tarts are popping up all over my feed. Love.

I’ve assembled a few of my favorite ideas from Martha Stewart, and Southern Living, etc. I’m pretty sure some of these will appear on our dessert table this Sunday.

Recipe photo courtesy of Armando Rafael via MarthaStewart.com

Key lime pie is such a lovely transitional dessert for the season. The brightness of lime is a welcomed diversion from heavier winter flavors, and the light green is as indicative of spring as the buds on the trees. Martha Stewart has given us a No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake, an “airy, mousse-like treat” that boasts completion in 35 minutes… she’s got my attention.

Image courtesy of Camillestyles.com

And how about this beautiful Almond & Blackberry Cream Pavlova from CamilleStyles.com? Gorgeous! (Also, the featured image.) I’m ecstatic about all of the fresh fruit coming into season. And I’m always ready to welcome the light crunch followed by the dense chew of the sweet marshmallowy treat known as pavlova. Always. Bring it.

Southern Living Photographer Hector Sanchez;Food Stylist Torie Cox;Prop Stylist Caroline Cunnignham Banana Pudding

There is just something about Easter dessert that is etched in my mind with cream puddings and silk pies; much more than chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. I love banana pudding. Truly. It is comfort food in dessert form. So when I was reading 50+ Delightful Spring Desserts from Southern Living, it was natural to click on the Coconut-Banana Pudding Recipe feature from MyRecipes.com… Coconut and Banana? Definitely yes.

He is Risen!

Happy Easter everyone!

Featured Image courtesy of CamilleStyles.com

How To’s for Fall

Mind-blowing!

(Maybe not) But with step-by-step tutorials at our fingertips, we can be at the top of our game. Or, at least in the game. And I’m going to share a few of my current Fall “how to” faves with you.

The last time I was in France I got inspired and caught up in the moment, and purchased scarves… that I never wore again. Mostly, because I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But wait until you see me this fall! I’m going to drop 6 dress sizes, curl my hair, and look just like her… Well, I’m going to tie my scarf like her.

 

Now that we are cultured and polished, it’s only the course of nature- to throw a party! Harvest time begs for celebrations. Thankfully, Martha Stewart has it all planned out for us in her Wine Tasting Party 101. (Click on text to the left) Cheers!

Photograph by Bryan Gardner Courtesy of marthastewart.com

If scarves and parties aren’t your thing, not to fear! I have more interests too. Fall is an inspiring season for in-home projects. The weather is cooler and the fresh air wafting through the open windows is invigorating!

I think I have previously mentioned that we painted over a rather large mural in one of the rooms in our home. I’m not kidding. This is the mural (courtesy of zillow.com, because I don’t have a wide angle lens):

This is the drab and lifeless wall as it stands:

I would love to show you the after photo, right after I finish it; which is why I’m studying “How to Hang a Gallery Wall the Right Way”. Thank you for laying it out for us momtastic.com!

Of course, bakers everywhere are full of fresh-out-of-the-oven anticipation with autumn being just a few weeks away. So naturally, I am in chomping at the bit to start pie season! If you admire those beautiful lattice work pies, but don’t know how to weave crust perfection… look no further. Ali Martin of Gimme Some Oven has broken it down for us.

Last, but not least, for us here in the upper midwest the gardening season is coming to an end. However, we don’t want our bountiful herbs to go to waste. Hence- the preservation system that will get us through the long winter months. The Garden Glove gives great tips for drying herbs, as well as, sharing other great and innovative ideas! For example, freezing herbs in olive oil… Those flavorful cubes make great soup starters!

Well, I feel more prepared for Fall… I hope you do too!

Stay well everyone! (Because cold and flu season is right around the corner. Lol! Don’t worry, there are many websites full of “how to” home remedies.)