Eid Mubarak

I would like to congratulate all Muslims and wish them a happy Eid

An upside-down cheesecake!

What can be more soothing than a big piece of cheesecake? just imagine the smooth taste of soft and creamy cheese, the yummy crust and your favourite topping of strawberries, cherries or chocolate... addictive!

Cheesecake Show offers mouth-watering cheesecakes in different sizes, shapes and flavours. I liked the idea of the upside-down cheesecake, saving best for last!

Send a cheesecake to that special person and i'm sure you'll be thrilled by the appreciation you'll get :)

Check out Cheesecake Show facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=cheese+cake+show&init=quick#/group.php?gid=130701316914

Vertical space solutions for your kitchen

Utensils are easy to find and never out of reach when hung on "S" hooks from a rod above the cooktop. No need to buy an expensive storage system -- a simple towel rack, tension rod, or dowel can be mounted near the food-prep area.
Keep sharp utensils stored in a stainless-steel box mounted on the side of a counter or island, and they'll always be easy to find. Consider putting the box inside an upper cabinet door if your household includes small children.
Built into a tall, wide stainless-steel backsplash, a roomy shelf and a row of utensil hooks provide on-location storage that doesn't block ventilation.
If you don't have a spot for a wall- or ceiling-mount pot rack, recast one or two base cabinets flanking the range. This narrow compartment is just wide enough for favorite pots and pans, which hang from "S" hooks that fit a track on the pullout rack. Cookie sheets and fold-away roasting and cooling racks are also naturals to store in a narrow space.

For more space-savvy ways to store your cooking equipment, check http://www.bhg.com/

Protect your baby from germs!

Shopping carts are filled with germs and your little jet-setters have no time to be sick!

Protect your little star's bum from that yucky shopping cart with this stylish cart cover. It's 100% reversible and machine washable, comfortable and clean. Padded for ultimate comfort with safety belt, 2 toy loops and pockets to keep toys from endlessly dropping to the ground. Fits high chairs, shopping carts, double shopping carts and park swings.

This is a must-have item for all mothers! You can find it at www.oleanaboutique.com

Zucchini Fries

The Sauce:

In the bowl of a blender, combine 3 oz feta cheese (about 1/2 cup), 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic.Puree the mixture until smooth.

While the motor is running, slowly add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 roasted red bell pepper. Puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce into a small bowl, cover, and chill.

The zucchini fries:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut 3 medium zucchini lengthwise into 2-inch-long and 1/4-inch-thick pieces. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If I hadn't run out of panko breadcrumbs, I would have used them rather than regular ones. Their crunch is unmatched in the breadcrumb world!
In another medium bowl, spoon 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs.
Working with several zucchini pieces at a time, dredge the zucchini in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the zucchini in the egg mixture and then place the pieces in the bread crumbs, covering completely.



Place a rack on a baking sheet and place the breaded zucchini pieces on the rack. Spray with some olive oil. This will help give a little extra crisp on the fries. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and breading is browned and crisp.

Serve the fries with the dipping sauce.

Recipe from: http://www.foodbuzz.com/

A checklist for all occasions!

When planning a party or gathering, there are many things to think about and the process can be really stressful.

This is a checklist that will help you get more organized..

One Month Before:

• Choose the type of party you want to throw
• Set the date
• Prepare your guest list
• Mail or e-mail invitations or call guests to invite them

Two Weeks Before:

• Plan the menu and organize recipes
• Plan a cooking schedule; determine what can be made ahead, what can be frozen and what are you buying already prepared
• Read through your recipes and write a shopping list
• Try out any new recipe you want to troubleshoot
• Arrange to borrow, rent or buy serving pieces and other items that you might need such as platters, glasses, flatware or table linens
• Plan the layout of the room
• Plan music, if appropriate
• Plan lighting
• Buy or make a centerpiece or other decorations
• Hire servers if needed
• If you're throwing a simple gathering or if friends have offered to bring something, let them know what to make

One Days Before:

• Call or email guests who have not yet RSVP'd to see if they plan to attend, and follow up with guests who have offered to bring a dish
• Wash serving pieces, plates, flatware and glasses
• If using napkins or tablecloths, iron them
• Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost overnight
• Purchase groceries

Hours Before:

• Place flower arrangements, candles or other decorations
• Place the pretty guest soaps and hand towels
• Finish preparing food

Make your garden glow

Usually for gardens, low voltage lights and candles are used to create a beautiful ambiance. If appropriately placed, lighting would definitely make your backyard or garden glowing and hospitable.

I really liked these ideas from http://www.sunset.com/ and they're really easy to create!

Hang Fire

Create romantic lighting for an outdoor dinner party by suspending votives at varying heights from low-hanging branches.

Use clear fishing line and be sure to keep candles a safe distance from the leaves.

Summer Lights
In his backyard ramada in Scottsdale, Arizona, artist Jeff Zischke houses candles in antique carriage lamps and ordinary mason jars; he supplements their glow with low-voltage lamps."There’s still no substitute for candlelight," he says. "That flickering glow just draws people in like moths."

Buy a showstopper