Marzipan

Feeling the love!

| mollyeleen

Yesterday was Family baby shower day! My Aunt Anita and my Mom gave me a wonderful shower, the only thing that would have made it better is if Hubby didn’t have to work.  Since you are on this roller coaster ride with me, I thought I would share all the “Martha” goodness with you, pictures speak more than words, so here we go!

tableCollageFirst off, let me say how cute everything was.  Martha eat your heart out!  Speaking of eating, the food was delicious!

foodCollageFresh fruit in ice cream cones (how stinkin’ cute is that?), Veggies with dip and of course a cocktail umbrella (since there are no cocktails for me), Cucumber & Egg Salad sandwiches, Cheese & Crackers, and pink lemon aid with raspberries…yummy!  Plus a celebration is not complete without a Princess Torte! Holly Happy Baby Bump- seeing this cake makes me so happy, and for those who don’t know, I do not have a sweet tooth, unless there is a Princess Torte around.

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So many of my family and friends where there to help celebrate Sneaky B, I was seriously feeling the love!

familyCollageSaturday afternoon was a lovely day. I was feeling the love of you all. There are not enough words to say thank you to those of you who made it and of course a major thank you to my Aunt Anita & My Mom for all that you have done! You are both amazing and I love you both!

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How cute is this favor!?

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Traditions: Marzipan & a theme

| mollyeleen

Every year, for our Jul Celebration, we have a theme.  Yes, we, my mom and I are known as “Martha-want-to-be’s” by some.  I will accept that title! I see nothing wrong with Martha.  Yes she occasionally goes way over board, does some crazy stuff and leaves an ingredient or steps out of her recipes, but I still like her.  Okay back to the themes…

Every year we like to set the tables to a theme.  We have had snowmen, penguins, 1950’s, angels, Vikings, candy canes, candy, gingerbread houses, the sea, hearts, woodland (aka moss, branches, little red capped mushrooms & elf’s) it goes on and on.  We make marzipan candy’s in a shape to go along with the theme.  This year, it’s A B C’s.

We make our own marzipan (your thinking “of couse you do Martha”) because it’s so easy, cheaper and the end product is far yummier.  The recipe is below that we use, although this is a guide line, it really comes down to taste testing and adjusting.

Marzipan:

  • a half a pound of blanched almonds
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • maybe a splash of water

Toss the almonds in the food processor and whirl until almonds are finely ground, they will start to naturally form a dough, add powdered sugar while continuing to whirl.  If needed add a splash of water to help create a dough the consistance of play-dough. Form into what ever shape you want.  One super yummy thing to do with the left overs is to form into log shape (2″ x “6-ish) and dip in dark chocolate. To serve, slice into 1/4 pieces. 🙂

Marzipan after being chilled
Marzipan after being chilled
Stamped out letter "blocks" (Cookie cutters are from
Stamped out letter “blocks” (Cookie cutters are from Cost Plus World Market, Fred Letterpress Cookie Set)
Chillin in Chocolate
Chillin in Chocolate
The final table setting
The final table setting with a wonky napkin (notice the three drink glasses… I will share that tomorrow)
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The Elder Table, this year we had only 34 people, so only 3 tables.

Everyone loved the theme this year, it was simple, cute and sparkly… Tomorrow I will share the craziness of our Jul Celebration, I know you can’t wait.