The Bourbon & Bacon Baking Challenge

Last weekend we were invited to a Bourbon & Bacon party. It was a Bourbon tasting event complete with score cards as well as Bourbon fun facts and trivia. Most guests brought a bottle of Bourbon to include in the tasting so there was quite a variety. If Bourbon wasn't your thing there was also a non alcoholic tropical punch that was cool and refreshing. Guests could also bring appetizers and/or desserts to share and that was my favorite part. I had never cooked with Bourbon so I was excited to give it a try. 

First up, crockpot meatballs.

These spicy meatballs were quick and easy to make.

I also made Bacon & Tomato quinoa cups. 

These mini appetizers would be good to have on hand for a quick snack anytime.

The Bourbon Bacon Jam was really good and easy to make.

I served it with a variety of crackers however it would be good on toasted baguette bread too. 

Last but not least...Dessert!

Mini Cheesecake topped with bacon.

Yes, surprisingly it was delicious too.

A fun summer evening with family and friends and lots of really delicious, creative food made with bacon!

Happy Monday!

Backyard Bees & Butterflies

Our backyard seems to be full of bees and butterflies this summer. 

I am by no means an expert on butterflies however I did do a little research and I am guessing these might be California Tortoiseshell butterflies but don't take my word on it. 

Whatever type they are they sure do love this light fixture on our patio.

Then there are the bees. They are particularly fond of our lavender and basil and are buzzing on and around the flowers every day from sun up to sun down.

In fact, they are so focussed on their work they don't even notice us. 

They don't even mind having their picture taken.

I hope the ladybugs will be back soon and join the fun!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

DIY Backyard Fire Pit: seating area progress

The Fire Pit seating area is coming along. 

Only a few small boards left to complete the corner,

a couple boards on the ends and

some custom finishing strips.

The lights are wired and working.

I think it should be pretty much finished by this weekend except for the custom tabletop to go over the fire pit when not in use.

Once it is finished I will be sure to take a few more pictures to share. 

Happy Monday!

Watermelon Turtle

This little guy is so cute and was so much fun to make that I couldn't resist sharing him one more time. I actually posted a couple of pictures of him earlier in the week when I shared the Luau Birthday Party ~ {party on wheels } which you can see here. 

Once we got home from the party I thought I would put him in the refrigerator and save him until the next day. Then, when I had a little more time, I could touch him up a bit and take all the photos I wanted with good lighting and maybe a plain background for more contrast.

Unfortunately I did not share my plans with the family and he was put in the yard debris bin when we got home. So sad. I guess that just means I will need to make another one soon!

Happy Saturday!!

Happy 4th of July!

What to make for two 4th of July potluck celebrations??

Cupcakes of course!!

Three dozen seemed like a good amount for the festivities.

My go ~ to chocolate cupcake recipe was quick and easy.

Topped off with sprinkles and a flag.

We are ready to celebrate!

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

Luau Birthday Party ~ { party on wheels }

I tried something new.

A party planned and prepared at home and then delivered to another venue. I thought this would be a great idea for our Dad's Birthday.

Everyone agreed on the idea so I proceeded with the plan and decided on a Hawaiian Luau theme. I gathered decorations, made a menu and a timeline. My sisters were a big help with cooking, transporting supplies, set up and clean up.

I told my youngest sister I was going to make floral centerpieces with my fresh pineapple shells in case she might like to make one too. She did and hers was beautiful!! We both used fresh flowers from our gardens.

We started our party with Polynesian Pupus {aka: appetizers}.

Maui Meatballs, Hawaiian Ceviche, "fish & chips", Mango Salsa and tortilla chips and for drinks; Hawaiian POG and Mai Tai Mocktails.

Here is our Menu:

Here is a look at our Island Entrees.

I couldn't resist making this cute Watermelon Turtle to hold our fresh fruit salad.

We also took a walk out to the pond to feed Koi. 

Then it was time for the Aloha Desserts.

You can never have too many desserts...right?

I made these yummy copycat Macadamia Shortbread Cookies, dipped them in white chocolate and hand stamped ALOHA on the top. As luck would have it, I actually had an original tin of the Honolulu Cookie Co. cookies from Hawaii and my copycat cookies fit inside perfectly. I did not have a mini pineapple cookie cutter so I used my big one which turned out to be just the right size.   So fun!!

Ok, I may have gone a little overboard on the desserts so I did not finish the Big Kahuna Birthday Cake I started which was going to be so cute. All I need to do is frost it which I may do anyway,

just because.

Aloha!