Cute Hello Kitty Cake

hello kitty birthday cake 

Hello Kitty Birthday Party Ideas need some bright pink party supplies and that includes invitations! This is the perfect party theme for a little girl. Kitty is a popular cartoon character that little girls really enjoy. The color scheme for this party theme is pink and white. Your party can begin with lots of fun and unique party decorations. You can find Hello Kitty party supplies everywhere. Start off your decorating ideas with a party banner. Set your table with a theme decorated tablecloth and some paper plates, cups and napkins. You can find a Hello Kitty party pack filled with all the party supplies you need for to 8 party guests. There are even party invitations included. When you buy a pre made party pack you can save money on your party supplies because you are buying in bulk! Set your party table and put a party favor beside each plate. You can choose from several Hello Kitty items. There are sticker sheets, bubble necklaces, there is even a pez dispenser in this theme. Use them as a party game prize or a party thank you gift.

hello kitty cake pan

Party Cake Ideas, Get a Hello Kitty cake mold or cake topper. You can make your own birthday cake. It's not hard to do when you use cake decorating tools that make it easy. The cake topper is so easy, all you have to do is place it on top of your homemade frosted cake. Party Games for Little Girls, Little girls enjoy playing some games when they go to a party, so be sure to plan a few. Pin the Bow on Kitty is a take off on Pin the Tail on the Donkey. It's an old party game, but kids really enjoy it. Just get a picture of Kitty and make bows out of construction paper. Have your camera ready as the girls try to pin the bow! Musical chairs is another easy, but fun, kids party game. How about a pull string pinata? There is a pinata with Kitty on it. All you would have to do is buy some candy fillers and put them inside. Let each party guest pull a string and watch as one pulls the special string that opens the pinata and lets the candies spill out. This is another moment you will want to have your camera ready to take some Hello Kitty birthday pictures!

hello kitty cake ideas 

Kitty Party Favors, Everyone loves to get a party favor and the Hello Kitty party favor box is filled with lots of goodies. The box is hot pink with purple polka dots, and inside you will find a Kitty blowout, a Kitty sticker sheet, a Kitty ring, 4 butterfly hair clips, cell phone lip gloss plus heart sunglasses. Can you imagine the girl's faces when they open these fun filled boxes up? And picture how cute they all will look in those heart shaped sunglasses. They are going to be amazed at this assortment! Print out some free printable Hello Kitty coloring sheets. Coloring pages are easy to find online and all you need to add is a few crayons. This is a wonderful, and a cheap, party activity...the best part is little girls love to color. Since you are printing them, you can decide how many you want.

hello kitty fondant cake

Serve each guest a pretty pink and purple swirl lollipop. These girly pops can be found in packs of 16 and they cost about 6.00. This pretty pop will also make a great party thank you gift. They look pretty spectacular and they are bright and colorful, just like this party theme. When you use fun party ideas you don't have to worry. Make sure to include some fun games and a party activity and your kids party will sail along smoothly. Let your daughter help you decide on her theme and let her help with the preparations. It will make her feel so grown up and proud that she is able to help you. It will be a very special mom and daughter time for both of you to share.

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Gigante Beans: Big on Nutrition

I recently found out about a new bean called the gigante bean, or in other words, a large white bean.  Gigante beans are large, flat, cream colored bean that are popular in the Mediterranean.  Beans in general are a great source of vitamins and essential minerals and should be incorporated within your daily diet.  Beans are a nutritional powerhouse containing great amounts of protein, fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, antioxidants, and all beans are naturally low in fat.  Gigante beans are naturally sweet tasting and can be found in many Greek dishes.  There are a few ways to prepare gigante beans and those include soaking them in cold water overnight and then boiling them or simply serving them at room temperature within a vegetable salad.  If you don't want to prepare the beans yourself you can purchase gigante beans already prepared at the antipasto bar at Whole Foods market.  Gigante beans are a great side dish or great served within a Mediterranean style marinated salad along with plenty of other vegetables.

Best Halloween Cake Ideas 2011

halloween cupcake and cake ideas

If you're celebrating Halloween with a party this year, chances are that you'll want to have a stunning cake to wow your guests. Here are three Halloween cake ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

halloween cake ideas using fondat

Haunted House: For those who are ambitious in the kitchen, a haunted house makes a perfect Halloween cake. Take one sheet cake and frost with black or brown frosting for the base of the cake. Then, with a second sheet cake, cut up pieces of cake to construct a "house" which is held together on top of the base with frosting (and wooden skewers, if necessary). Then frost the house and add windows, doors, scary pumpkins, and spooky bats. A graveyard beside the house with creepy ghosts and spindly trees is an added bonus.

simple halloween cake ideas 

Kid-Friendly: For kid-friendly fare, a spider web Halloween cake is great. Cover a plain round two-layer cake in black frosting. Then, pipe on white frosting in the shape of a spider web. In the center of the web, create a large spider, either with frosting or with non-edible decorations like a black pom-pom and pipe cleaners.

halloween birthday cake ideas

Scary: A scary Halloween cake is perfect for more grown-up gatherings. Body parts are a great idea: a cake in the shape of a severed hand, skull with oozing green filling, or bleeding heart can all be simple to make but have a huge effect on your guests. If you can't find a cake pan in the shape that you want, get creative and look at other cake pans that you might be able to use to achieve the shape you want. If all else fails, just make a sheet cake and cut it into the required shape. Your next Halloween cake can be as tame or as spooky as you like it. The important thing is to have fun with it and make it a truly unique part of your celebration. When the sugar highs wear off and the costumes have been tucked away into the closet, everyone will remember the effort you put into making your Halloween cake special.

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Tate's Bake Shop Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

In my last post, I shared that I received a copy of Kathleen King's cookbook "Tate's Bake Shop" and an assortment of their cookies-- and I promised I'd have a giveaway.  Three weeks ago, I received a package of their signature Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies.  My boys were more than happy to eat the majority of the cookies, since I'm trying to cut back on my dessert and sugar consumption.  However, I did eat one of each cookie. After all, I had a duty to try this cookie which has received quite a few awards.   First, let me talk about the chocolate chip cookies-- they are thin and crisp, buttery and, oh, so delicious!  They could become very addictive, and I can see why Tate's Bake Shop calls their chocolate chip cookies their "signature cookie".  I ate one two and had to fight the urge to eat the entire pack of 12 cookies.  The oatmeal raisin cookies--  I regret to say that they aren't my favorite.  I can't pinpoint what it was, but they have an unidentifiable background flavor that felt as though it was missing the "Wow Factor".  However, the White Chocolate Macadamia cookies were outstanding.

As for the cookbook--  I read all 150 pages of the recipes.  The categories include Muffins & Scones, Pound Cakes & Breads,  and Cookies & Bars.  There are Pies, Crisps and Cobblers recipes, Cakes and even a Healthy Category.  As you can see, I bookmarked several recipes that caught my fancy.  There aren't photographs for every recipe, but the photographs in the center of the book are visually tempting and well done.  I posted the recipe for the Double Berry Crunch Muffins, that were moist and really good.  So, I pondered what to make next.  My son was lamenting that the chocolate chip cookies were gone (which he ate most of, anyway).  That's when I decided to follow Ina Garten's introduction to the cookbook that says "start with the chocolate chip cookies".  So, that's what I did...

The ingredients are similar to the  traditional Toll House Cookie recipe... except that less flour is used, and water is added to the batter.  Okay, maybe that's what makes the batter thin enough to spread and create Tate's Bake Shop thin and crispy cookies?

I figured that since Tate's Bake Shop is in the Hamptoms, and because Ina Garten always says to use "good" ingredients, that's what I did.  I've been enjoying a year's worth of Eggland's Best eggs for several months (I won them with this recipe).  Singing Dog Vanilla is a product that I really like (giveaway coming up after the holidays). 

Cream the butter and sugars...

 Add the vanilla and water until just combined. Add the eggs and mix lightly...

Stir in the flour mixture-- TIP:  I actually caught Kathleen King on an episode of The Barefoot Contessa. She showed Ina how pulsing the stand mixer is an easy way to add flour, without overworking the dough.  (Overworked dough = gluten = tough cookies).

 DOUGH REVIEW: I belong to the "I love to eat cookie dough" club.  OMG... this is the kind of dough you want to hide in a closet and eat in giant spoonful sizes.  I didn't, but let's say that I licked the beater clean.  The oven is preheated to 350F...

Fold in the chocolate chips and scoop onto a baking sheet using either parchment paper or a Silpat mat.  Bake for 12 minutes (mine took 15)...

...turning halfway through the baking so they bake evenly...

 

These do resemble the authentic Tate's Bake Shop Cookies, don't you think?

 After cooling them on a wire rack, I took a bite.

VERDICT:  The flavor is spot on good!  Are these the same as the cookies that Tate's Bake Shop sent me? Unfortunately, NO.  They just aren't that crispy thin cookie that I found surprisingly delicious (I'm a chewy kinda girl...or so I thought).   I had read this in some of the reviews about this cookbook that reviewers suspected that Kathleen King deliberately left something out of the recipe she shares.  I don't think that's the case-- I think it has to do with the commercial ovens she uses to product the thousands of cookies she ships all over the country each week!  I don't have a convection oven, but I know someone who does-- I'm going to ask her if we can experiment and see.   BOTTOM LINE:  Still, this is an excellent chocolate chip cookie. My son liked the Tate's Bake Shop crunchiness the best. My husband, on the other hand, loved my home baked version the best.  As for me... I'm so proud of my will power in that I ate only one cookies (and 1/2 the next day).

Tate's Bake Shop has offered to let me choose one person to receive the same three-cookie assortment that was sent to me....

Plus, your own copy of the Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook. 

**THE GIVEAWAY ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED**All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me what your favorite cookie is.  For an extra entry, please "LIKE" Tate's Bake Shop on Facebook.  You can also order any of these cookies online-- and trust me, I will be doing the same.  These would make a great last minute gift for someone special, and the prices are not outrageous, considering how good the cookies are. Just use coupon code "cookie" online at their website, and you'll receive a 15% discount (good through December 31st).   I will randomly choose the lucky winner on Thursday, December 23rd at 7pm.  I will post the winner either that evening or on the morning of December 24th. 

Good Luck!

Best John Deere Cake 2011

john deere wedding cake toppers 

Boys are fascinated with all things farm orientated like trucks, tractors and farm animals. For your young son's next birthday party, presenting all of his friends with John Deere party favors when they leave the party, will ensure they all remember this super cool party long after the cake has been eaten. The given out of party favors has been a tradition at birthday parties for quite some time, although no one is really sure how or when the tradition began. However you can now see the giving of party favors at other significant events now too like baby showers, weddings and Christmas parties.

john deere cake ideas

The idea of a party favor is to thank your guests for attending your celebration. It is also a token that they can take home with them, so they will always be reminded in a nice way of the fun that they had at your celebration. Long after the party is over, the party favors go on being used and appreciated. When it comes to children's birthday parties though, kids birthday party favors do not need to be expensive or elaborate gifts. For example the John Deere party favor box includes a whole range of wonderful items that kids will love including a John Deere notepad and crayon set, a gorgeous plush animal, a sticker sheet, a blowout, a cute as corn squirter and the reusable tractor themed favor box.

picture of john deere tractor cake 

John Deere merchandise has been around for generations and has been loved by young boys over the years, as all boys have some sort of affinity with tractors and farm animals! The company has a distinctive green and yellow branding that is recognised around the world and will be instantly appreciated by the young guests at your child's birthday party. Since John Deere has a distinct color scheme, decorating for the party won't be hard at all. Simply decorate your party room with all things green and yellow. There are many John Deere party supplies available to help you n your decorating choices, like wall decals, mylar balloons, themed tableware and much more.

john deere tractor birthday cake

When it comes to giving out party favors, it is up to the party host to decide whether to give them out during the party or at the end of the party. When given out at the end of the party though, you can be sure that when your young guests are in the car on the way home, they will be eagerly emptying the contents of their favor boxes to see what wonderful goodies will be included. Long after the party is over, you can be sure that the kids will remember the party and their goodies included in the John Deere party favor box. Getting a pre filled party favor box is a wonderful way to save time when it comes to planning and fulfilling all of the tasks required to complete a successful birthday party. However if you would like to customise your child's party favors, an empty John Deere favor box is also available. Whether you want to add a home made gift, bake some cookies, or add sweets to box, this option is available. There are also lots of John Deere individual party favor items available to purchase that you can add to the boxes as you see fit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Serrana_Milligan

The Whole Soy Bean Fact and Fiction

Raw Tofu and Soy Beans

Soy has always been viewed and categorized as one of the healthiest foods you can eat.  Asian countries have been eating soy beans for centuries and they live some of the longest lives in the world.  The fact is that soy is a great source of protein, essential vitamins and minerals and it is completely fat-free.  The amount of protein alone in soy is 5 times that of vegetables, but the main problem with soy is the way it's processed.  In East Asia where soy originated and has been grown and eaten for years is consumed in it's natural state.  The main problem is the United States sells 90% genetically modified soy (GMO) and the overly processed soy products include soy protein isolates, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), and textured vegetable protein (TVP).

So why should people avoid GMO soy products?  The main reason is that soy contains isoflavones, specifically genistein and daidzein and these substances have similar reactions to estrogen within the body, and with too much estrogen the body is prone to cancers, mood swings and emotionally unstable states, additional fats on the waistline, thighs, and hips (Casanova, Santell).  Soy may be connected with Alzheimer’s Disease and in studies in Japan and Hawai, men who consumed tofu at least twice weekly had more cognitive impairment than those who rarely or never ate tofu. (White, Markesbery).  Soy is also a mineral-deficient food, and contains phytin, which depletes essential minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium out of the body before they can be absorbed.  This can potentially place soy in the category of a powerful cancer promoter of the breast, prostate, lung and colon (Yu).

Tofurky Products

A lot of people assume that soy is the main food source in Asian countries, but they actually use soy as a condiment rather than a main meal.  Japan and China on average has about 10 grams, which is two teaspoons, of soy per day.  The problem that Americans, especially vegans have is you're not suppose to replace a whole meal (meat products, etc.) with GMO soy products.  Asian countries also consume fermented soy, and like I mentioned earlier 90% of soy products sold in the United States is genetically modified soy.  Soy has been labeled as one of the essential health foods in the world but with so many soy products being overly processed, more risks are proposed rather than potential health benefits.  The best advice in order to get the most nutrients from soy is having fermented soy products or soy beans in their natural state (also known as edamame). 

Resources:

Casanova, M. et al. “Developmental effects of dietary phytoestrogens in Sprague.” Toxicol Sci, Oct. 1999, 51 (2): 236-244.

Santell, L, et al. “Dietary genistein exerts estrogenic effects upon uterus, mammary gland and the hypothalamic/pituitary axis in rats.” J Nutr, Feb. 1997, 127(2) 263-269.

White, L R., Petrorich, H, Ross, G W, and Masaki, K H. “Association of mid-life consumption of tofu with late life cognitive impairment and dimentia: the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.” Fifth International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, #487, 27 July 1996, Osaka, Japan.

White, LR, Petrovitch, H, Ross, G w, Masaki, K H, Hardman, J, Nelson. J, Davis. D, and Markesbery, W. “Brain again and midlife tofu consumption.” J Am Coll Nutr, April 2000, 19(2): 242-2555.

Yu, H. “Role of the insulin-like growth factor family in cancer development and progression.” J Natl Cancer Inst, Sept. 20, 2000, 92(18)1472-1489.

Best Tinkerbell Cake

tinkerbell cake topper

Tinkerbell party ideas because every little girl loves Tink! Your little girl will be thrilled with Tinkerbell Party Ideas! Tink, the little Fairy from Peter Pan, has been a favorite party theme for little girls for decades. With the release of the her latest movie, this party theme is going to rocket right to the top of the most popular party theme list! You can come up with plenty of inexpensive and easy ideas for this theme. Do you know where she got her name? J.M. Barrie, who wrote the story of Peter Pan and called it Peter and Wendy, said she was a little fairy who fixed pots and pans...someone who does this is called a tinker. Make Your Own Invitations, Get some Tinkerbell stickers to make your own party invitations. Place the stickers on a piece of construction paper and fill in the party information. You will need: who the party is for, the party time and date, the address where the party is being held and an RSVP with a phone number. It's important to remember the RSVP so you will know exactly how many guests you will be having. It is a great help to know how much food to have and how many supplies you will need.

tinkerbell cake decorations

Party Supplies, Get some Tinkerbell Party Supplies from your online party supplier and decorate with fairy or Tinkerbell decorations. Balloons, a Pinata, theme party plates and napkins and perhaps a party centerpiece are more than enough to make your house look festive. It's fun to decorate and kids love to see bright colors and balloons when they arrive. You can also use pictures of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tiger Lily, Nana the dog, The Lost Boys or any of the fun characters from Peter Pan to decorate. Tinkerbell Party Favors, Buy a few packs of stickers or temporary tattoos with Tink on them as a party gift to give each one of your guests. You can find free printable coloring pages online and all you have to do is print them out! These coloring pages will work a party favor...just add a small box of crayons to a goodie bag and your favors are done. Free printable Tinkerbell coloring pages are a great way to keep the kids entertained and busy!

tinkerbell birthday cake

Never Never Land Game Ideas, Think up a couple of fun party games like Pin the Wand on The Fairy or Tink Says...it's a take off on Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Simon Says, that's always been a popular kids game! Take the old classic games that people have been playing at parties and give them a little twist...even if it's just to rename them. Musical chairs, Freeze Dance and Treasure Hunt are sure to keep kids enjoying themselves. If the kids are old enough, Twister is a fun party game to play. The Birthday Cake, Make a Tinkerbell Party Cake using a cake topper. Bake your cake, frost it and put the cake topper right on top. It will look great and it is so easy to do. You can also find cupcake rings to put on top of cupcakes if you want to use them. I think cupcakes are much easier than cake at a kids party. You can also find a cake pan with the shape of your party theme to bake your cake in. All your little guests will be thrilled to see their favorite Fairy on top of the cake! Put some Fairy dust on your cake too...it's really sparkling sugar, sometimes called sanding sugar. This cake decorating supply sparkles and comes in different colors to fit your birthday theme.

tinkerbell cake ideas

Free Printable Birthday Banner, A great party decoration to make yourself is a free printable birthday banner. You can find them online or you can cut letters out of construction paper tape or glue it onto a party streamer. Hang it up in the middle of the party room! What a special feeling the birthday girl or boy will have when they see that banner hanging up and know it's just for them! Fairies Can Fly! Put Tink's picture right on some helium filled latex balloons so Tink can fly around the party room, or use a balloon with her picture on it as a table centerpiece. It's so easy to add some extra fun to your party ideas with the help of balloons, and they are easy to use in so many different ways. Tie them to chairs, use them as a centerpiece, let them free float around the room with strings hanging from them or combine two or three of them into a grouping. See, Mom, it's easy to plan a kids party when you use Tinkerbell Party ideas! Remember, don't stress, just have some fun, after all, that's what a party is all about.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jillian_Gallo