Tasting Parties

How fun would it be to host your very own proper tasting and pairing party? I've always loved the idea, but I know that it can be a bit overwhelming for those of us who aren't exactly connoisseurs. Fortunately, Gilt Taste has made it easy for those of us wanting to learn varietals of cheeses, wines, meats and sweets- how to pair them- and do it all in the company of friends. The kits can even come in arorable boxes aptly named "Date Picnic", "Urban Picnic" and "Office Escape"... cute!

Girls Night : Movies and Milkshakes

It's been a while since I've posted about Girls Night here on More Design Please! This week we're combining two of my favorite things- movies and milkshakes! Each of us will bring an ingredient to create our own custom recipes. I've been researching milkshakes for the big night and have narrowed it down to the two i'm posting here today. As far as the movie goes- we'll decide on that tonight- take a look at our choices for the evening (not a bad line up!)

1. Amelie, 2. Yellow Submarine,

3. Pumpkin, 4. Zombieland,

5. Harold and Maude, 6. Food Inc.,

7. Fantastic Mr. Fox, 8. Chocolat

Recipe from A Cozy Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops vanilla ice cream (or non-fat frozen yogurt) 

• 1 tablespoon milk (or non-fat milk)

• I large dollop of plain yogurt (greek yogurt can be a healthy option)

• 5 Kraft Jumbo Jef-Puffed marshmallows

• Whipped cream

Toast marshamllows under a broiler, or, if you’re frisky, over a flame until they just start to blacken evenly (the trick is to make sure it’s evenly toasted and dark, but not turned to charcoal). Put the milk, yogurt, and then ice cream in the blender. Blend carefully, just until you get a “donut”—when you see the shake holding to the sides of the blender with a hollow core. Add three of the toasted marshmallows to the blender, and whirl it just until they’re all broken up and distributed evenly. Be careful not to overblend it, making it too melty. Pour shake into a glass, top with a dollop of whipped cream, break the last two marshmallows on top, and serve with an extra-wide straw.

Found on Evan's Kichen Ramblings

Ingredients:

• 200g Greek yogurt

• 1.5 tbsp non-fat milk

• 150g fresh blueberries

• 1 tbsp agave nectar or honey for extra sweetness

• 1 tbsp granola for texture

Blend everything till smooth. Garnish with marshmellows and blueberries. Enjoy!