VALENTINE’S DAY: Last Minute Cupcake Ideas

A tiny heart turns a simple cupcake into a Valentine celebration. Photo courtesy BellaBaker.com.   Just one little candy heart turns seemingly plain cupcakes into a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. The flower design was added inspiration, but we actually prefer the minimalist approach—heart only—for its elegant simplicity. Head to the bakery and buy some cupcakes.…
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TIP OF THE DAY: A Soup Bar For Parties Or The Weeknight Dinner Table

How can you make soup the most fun dish of the week? Set up a “soup bar.” It’s similar to a baked potato bar, where bowls of garnishes are laid out so that everyone can customize his or her own soup. The garnishes are what you already have in the kitchen, and a soup bar…
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TIP OF THE DAY: A Slow Cooker For Entertaining

Beef stew stays warm to the last spoonful in Cuisinart’s Multicooker. Photo courtesy Sur La Table.   If you’re old enough to remember the original Crock Pot, you know how far slow cookers have come in functionality and aesthetic appeal. Today’s gleaming slow cookers can go from kitchen counter to dining table. And they do…
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TIP OF THE DAY: New Year’s Eve Dessert

If you need a special dessert for New Year’s Eve, consider making this “cupcake clock.” It works as a standalone dessert for a smaller group, or as a centerpiece for a larger dessert table. The clever concept is from Lauryn Cohen, a.k.a the blogger Bella Baker, known for her creative treats. For this recipe, Lauryn…
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