Domestic Geeks

handmade exorcism

reading my RSS Feeds this morning, i stumbled across this post from Laughing Squid.  wow. this takes crocheting to a whole new level:

Crochet Amigurumi Exorcist Playset by Croshame.

one week until Turkey Day!

here are some fantastic ideas and helpful hints to prep for the big feast...

seriouseats.com posted this great advice:

Harold McGee's Top 10 Thanksgiving Tips

1. Get a thermometer
2. Check the temperature early and often.
3. Separate the light from the dark.
4. Brining is a trade-off.
5. Briners: Brine for at least two days.
6. Don't bother flavoring the brine.
7. Important question: are you a turkey or a stuffing person?
8. Use a scale!
9. On pie crusts
10. Use your apples wisely.

need a laugh to get through the holiday stress, check out Martha Stewart on the Stephen Colbert Report. get the turkey drunk!!!

i am a huge fan of Ina Garden and really enjoy her show on the Food Network: Barefoot Contessa. i got a kick out of her Thanksgiving Pot Luck episode that airs on November 15, so check it out.

<3 kt

Angry Birds cake is less angry and more delicious

Anya Richardson describes herself on her twitter as a mother and asipiring cake artist. Well I dont know about you but I think she is less asipiring and more awesome. Check out this amazing Angry Birds cake she made for her 8 year old son!

 

Pretty amazing isnt it?! If youre not familiar with Angry Birds, its a mobile game by Rovio that has taken the iPhone and Android world by storm with its addictive gameplay and adorable graphics.

Whats equally awesome is her epic Xbox cake

Whats crazy is that controller is a cake controller...I totally thought it was real! Someone get this girl a show on Food Network STAT!

 

Check out more of Anya's cake creations and genearl craftiness on her TwitPic stream!

 

[pic via LaughingSquid]

Thanksgiving is approaching...

Turkey Day is right around the corner...how prepared are you? here are a couple great ideas to jump start your planning!

Scene Stealing Thanksgiving Side Dishes

brought to you by Real Simple:

• Honeyed Carrots & Oranges
• Butternut Squash bread pudding
• Bourbon-Cranberry Compote
• Sweet Potatoes With Pecans and Parmesan
• Potato and Celery Root Mash
• Brie and Chive Biscuits
• Cauliflower Gratin
• Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries
• Greens With Apricots and Fennel
• Green Beans With Bacon Vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes
• Sautéed Escarole With Leeks

need a delicious individual dessert for each guest, try this fantastic idea: 

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Pops

Here's the basic ingredients:

• 2 unbaked 9-inch pie dough crusts
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 ounces) plain pumpkin (not spiced)
• 1 can (12 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

to find out the instructions, click here. if you are the type of person that always runs into problems during the holidays, like i do, then check this fabulous article out by Real Simple:

How to Fix 10 Common Thanksgiving Problems

A guide to get you over some of the holiday dinner’s most common hurdles.

here are a few:

• You Don’t Know How Big a Turkey to Buy
• The Turkey Is Still Frozen
• To Baste or Not to Baste?

check out the entire list here.

will continue to post fun and helpful Turkey Day related articles!!!

stay tuned,

<3 kt

my halloween menu

happy halloween! i whipped up some horrific but delicious treats to celebrate my favorite holiday:

of course, you should always start out with a festive drink.

witches brew (spiced rum & apple cider)

appetizers...

strawberry spider bites (Robusto gouda, spinach, strawberry, and a dash of raspberry dressing)

pigs smothered in a blanket (croissant rolled mini turkey sausages with mustard, dijon, & spicy ketchup dipping sauces

 

chum chili (chicken & veggie packed 4 bean chili)

and last but not least, for dessert...i was inspired by a new blog i am following, One Charming Party.

spooky owl cupcakes

hope you had a SPOOKTACULAR halloween!

<3 kt