Cocoa Couples

This summer, I shared this photo shoot trend with you. I still plan to have one of these fun baking fests in some fabulous kitchen for family photos some day. Lately, I've noticed the "couples with food" trend has taken a decidedly winter-y turn. 

Green Wedding Shoes featured this inspirational Camilla Photography photo shoot of a couple stylishly sipping cocoa in a winter wood. The fur shrug and the can of pink peppermint cookies are just fabulous. What a great mix of luxe and everyday pleasures.

Emily Steffen, who photographed this and this design of mine, braved an eight degree Minnesota day to take these cocoa-centric pics with a happily engaged couple. This couple chose a more relaxed vibe for their shoot. It really looks as though they were just walking down this path, enjoying cocoa, and a few moments of fun before running inside to sit in front of a fire.

I've gotten used to the Minnesota climate over the years, but I have to admit, both of these couples have earned my respect for facing these conditions for their shoots.

Have you taken some fun baking or hot chocolate pics this winter?

couple 1 (Camilla Photography), couple 2 (Emily Steffen Photography)

Guest Desserts: Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Today's Guest Desserts feature comes from Sheila of Just Wright Candy Buffets. Sheila emailed me these great pictures of the dessert favors she made for her Christmas guests. She even shared the recipes for you to make them yourself. Here, Sheila tells us a little bit about the hot chocolate on-a-stick in her own words.

I'm hosting Christmas dinner for my family (11 guests) this year.  These favors (along with a box of soft peppermints) will serve as their take-home thank you treats.  They're also great to have on hand for guests who happen to drop in--you'll appear to be the perfect hostess.

My initial infatuation with hot chocolate on a stick came while researching sweet shoppes to visit while in London next month, and I discovered Melt Chocolates. I was particularly drawn to their packaging, simple, yet elegant.  This was several months ago and I had forgotten about them until I discovered a photo on Make & Takes shortly after replying to your post [on Facebook].  The light bulb went off!!  It never occurred to me to add a marshmallow to the chocolate blocks of fudge. This is truly the perfect indulgent treat to make any guest feel special.

I must say I'm extremely pleased with this lovely little treat and plan to make them throughout the winter.  Many are intimidated by the whole homemade marshmallow process, but it's really very easy and the fudge was even easier.

Want to make these treats yourself? Sheila used this marshmallow recipe and this fudge recipe to create her favors. Thank you for sharing your treats, Sheila! I'm sure they were a big hit.

SYDT in Mpls St. Paul Magazine!

Yesterday, I shared the cover of the current Mpls St. Paul Magazine with you. Today, I'm back with the feature. Editor Melissa Colgan's only requirement was that the table have a Fall theme. I chose to go with an unconventional color palette instead of the more expected red, orange, and yellow hues that are synonymous with Autumn. Thankfully, Melissa was on board with my concept. I hope you like it, too!

To further turn convention on its head, I made an all-white abstract leaf cake with a flowery brown topper. Custom bird cookies, these faux bois cupcake toppers, caramel chocolate apples, and pheasant feathers share the spotlight with whiskey-infused chocolate figs, white chocolate cocoa, and cinnamon truffles. I designed corduroy, burlap, and wool favor bags to bring some typical Fall fabrics to the design. I also chose chocolate brown velvet ribbon to add another cozy element.

Along with this full-page spread, the magazine also featured another page with some info about me and the firm.

I'm really thrilled to be featured in Mpls St. Paul Magazine, and I'd like to thank the awesome local bakers and artisans who helped bring my vision to life. Check out the article for more info about each vendor.

So tell me, do you prefer unconventional color palettes or traditional ones when you decorate for the seasons/holidays?

Is It That Time Already?: Valentine's Treats

I know it's insanely early, but I noticed Target has already put up their Valentine's decor and reminders. Rather than scratch my head about how premature this all is, I figured I'd embrace it.

I was just saying how much I love white chocolate cocoa, but these cutout marshmallows might be cute enough to make me revert back to the classic chocolate.

 

Conversation heart cookies are a wonderful substitute for the traditional, chalky candy hearts. But, I must say, nothing brings you back to third grade faster than a nostalgic candy heart.

Pre-made fudge styled with a heart-shaped cookie cutter make nice, and inexpensive, gifts for anyone. Given the right presentation (colored cupcake liners and coordinating tissue paper) these hearts would be an appreciated surprise in a little girl's lunch box or on a co-worker's desk.

Images (Martha Stewart)

White Chocolate Cocoa

I love a twist on a classic. Nothing says "winter" more than hot chocolate, but there is something decidedly chic (and wonderfully buttery) about white chocolate cocoa. You can easily make some from scratch, but if you're like me the most you're willing to do is substitute milk for water.

I also experiment with toppings. Crumbled peppermint went over well, and so did butterscotch chips. My favorite addition this winter has been Cookies n Creme Hershey's white chocolate nuggets. The little cookie bits float to the top, making a nice crunchy little nibble with each spoonful (not to mention a gooey white chocolate heap at the bottom of the mug).

What toppings are you adding to your cocoa this winter?

Image 1 (Life 123), Image 2 (The Good Mood Food Blog), Image 3 (Once Upon a Plate)