Pretty New!

Welcome to my revamped blog, 'A Pretty Penny', where I will still post about food and recipes, but will include other fun things as well! I love sharing creative ideas, and needed to broaden the spectrum a bit! Thank you all for the wonderful comments I have received, I am so excited to share more of life's pretty things with you :)

Hanukkah Inspiration

Hanukkah is the perfect time to throw a party or just have a few friends over. Dreidel games can provide fun entertainment, and having the menorah candles glowing creates a warm and bright atmosphere. And who doesn't love jelly doughnuts, chocolates, and other hanukkah sweets (dreidel cookies anyone?). Here are a few party ideas that I just love!

A gorgeous dessert table. I especially like the use of light blue and gold, and love that the jelly doughnuts are iced in blue.

How cute is this cupcake menorah? A great project if you are crafty in the kitchen. Includes Twix bars, peanut m&ms, and light blue frosting that is easy to make with a little food coloring.

You don't always have to stick with the traditional blue and white for a Hanukkah dinner. Use light purples and violets, or even some sparkly to accent your table.

I love the idea of drediel place cards, and they are simple to make using card-stock. Dont hesitate to get colorful!

These cookies are a great way to teach kids to count the 8 nights. And they get a sweet reward out of it! Also make a nice party favor.

A winter themed Hanukkah table where guests can get some hot chocolate and all of the necessary toppings. I especially like the little blue buckets.

Happy Hanukkah!

xx,

Penelope Anne

It's Latke Time!

Chanukah is not Chanukah without delicious, savory potato latkes. Here is a great, easy recipe (thanks Ilene) for some very tasty latkes!!

Peel the potatoes and onion

Chop the potatoes and onion

Blend the potatoes, onion, and one egg in a blender or food processor. You should get a mushy consistency.

Add flour and mix

Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into oil. Flatten to make extra crispy!

Enjoy with applesauce and sour cream, or any other favorite topping!

Ingredients:
2-3 potatoes
1 quarter onion
1 egg
3 tbsp. flour
salt
pepper
About 6 tbsp. oil

Happy Holidays!

xx,

Penelope Anne

"EatFest" 2011

I just spent thanksgiving weekend in New York with Ben's family, and was able to take part in a unique family tradition. A few years ago on, Ben and his brothers toured NYC looking for all the most delicious food spots. They dubbed this adventure "EatFest" and have carried on the tradition ever since. This year Ben's sister, Molly,  and I were able to join, and let's just say we had a very "full" day. Did I mention this was a watered down version of previous EatFests?

Here is the breakdown of our little foodie adventure:

Carnegie Deli- 854 7th Avenue

We began by eating breakfast at this famous New York Deli. I have never seen such big pastrami sandwiches in my life!! We ordered bagels and pastrami egg omelettes.

Grey's Papaya-402 Sixth Avenue at 8th Street 

This is a famous hot dog restaurant that actual sells delicious smoothies (where the name papaya came from). I was a little underwhelmed by the hot dog, but still glad I tried it!

Pommes Frites-123 2nd Ave.

This was my favorite stop! This tiny restaurants specializes in Belgium french fries. The fries come in little cardboard cones, and the tables have little holes in them to hold the cones. You can choose from over 25 tasty sauces for your fries too!!

Momofuku Milk Bar-15 w 56th st.

Momofuku means 'lucky peach' and is also the name of the many restaurants owned by famous chef David Chang. Momofuku Milk Bar is his dessert hub. It ended up being more like a cafe, and we were able to pick up corn flake chocolate chip cookies, among many others. Yum!

xx,

Penelope Anne

Sugar Cookie Fun

I have a new obsession with sugar cookies, which seem to be a staple for the winter holidays. It began with decorating halloween cookies, and then turned into Colorado Buffs cookies for a weekend tailgate at the UCLA vs. Colorado football game (Ben LOVES his Buffs). In the interest of time, I used store-bought sugar cookie mix, but you can use a home-made recipe if you have more time. My favorite part is the icing, which is really a trial and error process even if you do have a recipe. You just need to keep adding more or less of an ingredient to get the consistency you want! I ordered the cookie cutter online from the CU Store:

Ralphie (CU Mascot) Cookie Cutter

Here are a few pictures of the cookie icing process:

I used yellow food coloring, adding more drops to get the right golden/yellow color

Starting to look more like Ralphie!

I need to work on my icing letter skills! At least they tasted good!

You can use iced cookies for any get-together or as favors or gifts. Some brides-to-be use them as bridesmaid's gifts. I just love this idea :)

Icing Recipe:

1 cup confectioner's sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Food coloring

xx,

Penelope Anne

Sweet Potato Souffle

I have yet to try this recipe, but sweet potato souffle is always something I  wanted to try make for thanksgiving. I love the concept of the marshmallow topping, and who doesn't love sweet potatoes? This recipe only calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, while others call for a whole cup! 

Ingredients:
2 pounds sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup evaporated low-fat milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Miniature marshmallows


Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients, except marshmallows in mixing bowl. Mix well. 
2. Pour into greased 2 quart casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden. 
3. Remove from oven, top with miniature marshmallows and return to oven for 10 to 15 minutes. 

xx,
Penelope Anne

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

I can't believe it is already the end of November! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and inspiration is all around for delicious recipes, dinner ideas, and ways to make your home warm, cozy, and fall-themed. I found this great piece on HGTV.com about inspiration for your Thanksgiving table. You can pull different elements from each picture to create your perfect table. Here are a few of my favorites...

Plum is one of my favorite colors, and is a nice change from the traditional oranges and reds.

This is a more modern table. I particularly like the black and white damask plates, and vases are gorgeous!

I think candles are an easy way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The orange color really pops on this table. 

This is a little more simple. Mini pumpkins make a great centerpiece, and you can find them at your local grocery store!

Check out this page to browse the rest of the pictures: Thanksgiving Table Settings

xx,

Penelope Anne