Wild Valentines

Jungle Animal Valentines are a hit with kids! 

If you're looking for a fun and unique Valentines, we've got just the idea for you! Simple, affordable and adorable, these "wild" Valentines are a fun little project for kids of any age to assemble. 

Download and print the free tags and have fun creating unique Valentines with your kids!

These cute and inexpensive Jungle Animals come in a package of 12.

Download these FREE Tags to use with the animals. They work best when printed on thick, heavy duty paper or cardstock, but if you don't have any, plain printer paper is just fine. 

Wild About You Tags

Wild Animal Tags

Wild Animal Tags 2

 

Let kids try the different options with the variations of tags and animals.

For this option, use a small bag or clear celophane. Fold the tag in half and staple or glue to the top of the bag.

For this option, tape or glue the animal of your choice to the tag.  



Add candy if you like, (although we don't think it's necessary)

Have a WILD Valentine's Day! 

 

 

Tailgating: Bacon Recipes

It's football season. And is there anything better than football? One could argue that Bacon is right up there. 

Put the two together and you're sure to score a touchdown! Afterall who can resist the smoky, salty goodness of BACON?

When you're planning your next tailgating party or making snacks for the big game, get a little 'crazy' and try some of these bacon recipes.

Hot Bacon & Swiss Dip

Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Bacon Cheeseburger Roll

Maple PB & Chocolate Bacon Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

 

 

Don't forget the party goods! Serve your delectable morsels on Football tableware for an all-out football experience!  

 

Do you have a favorite BACON recipe? We'd love to hear about it!

How To Make Homemade Marshmallows

Last summer my sister got married at dusk in a beautiful backyard wedding. It was perfect in every way. There were twinkling lights hanging from all the trees, there was a pretty arbor covered with flowers, and there were s'mores. 

Who doesn't love a s'more? Toasted oohey gooey deliciousness. Melty chocolate. Crispy graham. In my opinion it doesn't get much better than that.

So after the vows were said we all gathered round a bonfire and toasted homemade marshmallows. Then sandwiched them between two crispy graham crackers adorned with a chocolatey candybar.

People are still talking about the marshmallows. Homemade marshmallows are a glorious replacement to their store-bought counterpart. They are light and fluffy, soft and almost silky. They melt gooeyer and they taste like a little piece of heaven. Did I mention they're really easy to make?

So for today, in honor of National Toasted Marshmallow Day. I thought I'd share the recipe for these fluffy little clouds. Make them for your next gathering and you will win the adoration of all!

Two pieces of equipment are required to make this process effortless; a stand mixer and a candy thermometer.

Homemade Marshmallows

3 packages unflavored gelatin

1 cup ice cold water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

Nonstick spray

 

Directions

Empty gelatin packets into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Stir to combine.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Stir well then place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for a few minutes allowing the sugar to melt, (not more than 4 minutes). Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Whip the mixture until it becomes thick and white. It will still be slightly warm. It will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pan as follows.

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add some of the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. This part can get sticky. Use a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Sprinkle a generous amount of the sugar and cornstarch mixture over the top, and pat down to smooth it out. (once you sprinkle the sugar on, it will be easy to touch and no longer sticky) Reserve the rest of the sugar mix for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

 

What is your favorite way to enjoy marshmallows?

 

 

 

Tissue Art - From Ordinary to Extraordinary!

Tissue fans are beautiful, inexpensive decorations that can add bursts of color to any dècor. Customers love them because they are affordable and festive. But what happens when you take them to the next level and create something amazing?

Here are a few ideas to get you started. These creations were sent in by our customers. We think they are pretty amazing!

Decorate a porch or outdoor space

This look was created with tissue fans half opened, and attached across the top of the porch. Fully open fans were hung on the railings of the porch. They could also be dangled from the porch overhang. 

 

Celebrate Birthdays

Letters cut from tagboard or construction paper turn ordinary tissue fans into a giant birthday banner!

Create A Display  

This customer owns a shoe store and used tissue fans and tissue butterflies to create a display.

How woud you decorate with these colorful fans?

 

 

 

A Royal Tea Party

With the Royal Wedding fast approaching there's a lot of Buzz about english traditions. Why not celebrate like the Royals. Who doesn't love the fanciful fun; dressing up in pretty hats and tiaras, drinking tea and dining on cookies & crumpets.

Who to invite?

If you have children, this is a great play date! Invite your childs closest friends and their moms or dads for a fancy english tea party.

No kids? No problem! Girls of all ages would love to celebrate like the brits do! Invite your girlfriends, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family.

 How To Decorate

The table is the center of the party, so make it pretty!

Lace Tablecover

Castle Centerpiece

Pretty Plates & Napkins

Flower Pots

Gossamer

What To Wear

Fancy Hats

Feather Boas

Tiaras

Princess Costume or Fancy Dresses

 

 

What To Serve

Tea of course!

Serve a variety of teas for sampling. Hot & Cold. Herbal, fruity, flavored. Set out honey & sugar cubes with fun stir sticks.

Food, you'll need some nosh with your tea!

Serve a variety of small bites. Below are a few recipes for simple & traditional tea party bites. Bet creative and throw in some of your favorites. Even PB&J cut in fancy shapes will be extra special.

Cucumber Sandwiches

Crumpets

Lemon Curd & English Muffins

Chocolate Chip Scones

Simple Shortbread

 

Most importantly have fun. Oh and don't forget to drink your tea with a pinkie in the air.

Are you planning a royal celebration? We'd love to hear about it!

 

Make Your Own Scratch-Off Valentines!

Here's another make-it-yourself Valentine idea your kids will love. They can make their own Scratch-off Valentines! How cool is that?

Instructions for making Scratch-off Valentines:

Materials:

• tagboard, cardstock or heart cutouts (4” heart cutouts)
• clear contact or laminate paper (sticky on one side)
• permanent marker or paint pen
• metallic acrylic paint (from any craft store)
• liquid dish soap

 

1. Choose a simple heart shape for your valentine like these 4” heart cutouts. Or cut out your own shapes and designs using tag board or card stock.
2. Write your message with a permanent marker on the shape of choice. Of course any message you create will work, and making each one personal would be really cool. But if you are stumped here are some generic ideas:
   • Your Friendship is worth a million bucks!
   • You’re a lotto fun!
   • You’re priceless!
   • You're a winner in my book!
3. Cover your cutout or shape with clear laminate or contact paper and trim to fit. This will create a surface condusive to scratching-off. (*note - if you use a cutout shape such as these 4” heart cutouts the surface is already smooth and shiny and you will not need to add the contact paper, just write your message on the heart.)
4. Mix together 2 tablespoons of metallic acrylic paint (available at any craft store) and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Any color metallic acrylic paint will work, but silver will give the most traditional scratch-off appearance.
5. Paint the mixture over your message and allow to dry. After the first coat is completely dry, paint a second coat, and allow to dry. Use your judgement and paint as many coats as it needs to cover the message completely. Usually 2-3 is sufficient. Dry completely

And....Voila!  Your very own homemade Scratch-off Valentines!

 

If you make these we'd love to hear how they turned out! What messages did you put under the scratch-off?

 

How To Make Shovel Valentines

This year get your kids around the table and make these cute valentines for their friends, classmates or neighbors. They're fun to make, super cute and a nice change from the standard valentines.

You will need:
   • Small red, pink or white plastic shovels.
   • Candy hearts, or your favorite valentine treats
   • Red, pink or clear cellophane,
     cut into 10” squares.
   • Red or pink ribbon.
   • Paint marker or permanent marker                         (in contrasting color to the shovel)
   • Heart Stickers (optional)

Step 1:
With your marker, write “I Dig You!” on each shovel, as pictured. If desired, decorate with Red Heart Stickers.

Step 2:
Cut cellophane into a 10" square. Wrap a small amount of Valentine's candy with the cut cellophane. Tie candy bag with ribbon to base of plastic shovel.

Variations:
Who says only pink and red are appropriate for Valentine’s Day? Get creative with different colored shovels, cellophane and ribbon. Instead of chocolate hearts, use jelly beans, gummy bears or small candies. If your child’s school only allows wrapped treats to be handed out, substitute wrapped candies or bubble gum. 

For a super-sized valentine or special gift, fill a Sand Bucket with snacks or treats and add the shovel. On the outside of the bucket write "You are buckets of fun" or "Sending you buckets of love"

 

Do you have a favorite Valentine favor you like to make with your kids? We'd love to hear about it!

Party Recipes: Bars

Nothing brings a smile to the faces of your guests like these delectable sweet endings.

Best Brownies

You can buy a box mix, or throw these together quickly with ingredients you already have.

If you don’t have frosting, just dust with powdered sugar.

 

2 Cups                      Sugar

1 Cup                        Oil, (Crisco Canola)

4                               Large Eggs

1 ½ Cups                   Flour

½ Cup + 2 Tbsp         Baking Cocoa

½ Cup                       Walnuts, chopped (Optional)

1 Container                Chocolate Frosting

 

In a large bowl mix all ingredients together with a mixer at medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into greased 13” x 9” pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes. Cool completely, then frost with the entire can of frosting. Makes 18 – 24 servings.

 

Peanut Butter Bars

Pleasing partiers for over 30 years – these tasty treats always satisfy

 

1/2 Cup          Butter, softened

1/2 Cup          Sugar

1/2 Cup          Brown Sugar

1/3 Cup          Creamy Peanut Butter (Peter Pan works best for cooking)

1                    Egg

1 Cup             Flour

1 Cup             Oatmeal

1/2 tsp            Baking Soda

1/2 tsp            Salt

1 Cup             Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Drizzle:

1/2 Cup          Powdered Sugar

1/4 Cup          Creamy Peanut Butter

2  Tbsp           Milk

 

In a medium bowl with mixer, cream butter, sugars, peanut butter, soda, salt, and vanilla. Blend in egg, flour and oatmeal. Spread evenly in a greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Wait about 5 minutes until the chips are soft, then spread evenly. Cool about one hour. In a small bowl, combine all drizzle ingredients with a spoon. Drizzle over bars and cool completely.  Makes 18 – 24 bars.

 

Lemon Bars

Refreshing and tangy – these old-time favorites are always a hit

 

1/2 Cup          Powdered Sugar

2 Cups           Flour

1 Cup             Butter, cold

4                   Eggs

2 Cups          Sugar

1 tsp             Baking Powder

1/4 tsp          Salt

2 tsp             Lemon Peel, grated

1/4 Cup         Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 Cup +      Powdered Sugar – for dusting

 

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and flour. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until crumbly (about the size of small peas). Press mixture evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 13” x 9” baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl using mixer beat together eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon peel, and lemon juice until fluffy. Pour over hot crust and bake 20 to 25 minutes longer, or until no imprint remains when touched lightly in the center. While hot, sift powdered sugar over the top. Cool in pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight before cutting. Cut chilled cookies into squares. Store bars in the refrigerator until serving time. Makes 48 (1-1/2-inch) cookies.

 

Seven Layer Bars

These mouthwatering bars are simple to make, but are truly a fancy treat.

 

1/2 Cup         Butter

1 Cup            Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 Cup            Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

1 Cup            Butterscotch Chips

1 Cup            Flaked Coconut

1 Cup            Pecan pieces

14 oz can      Sweetened Condensed Milk

 

Heat oven to 350°. Put a stick of butter in 9” x 13” pan and place in oven until melted. Remove from oven and evenly distribute each of the remaining ingredients in the order listed above. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cool. Makes 24 bars.

 

 

Party Recipes: Hot Appetizers

Hot Appetizers

Warm appetizers fill your space with delicious aromas and warm your party guest's heart and soul.

Party Meatballs

A party-pleasing standard, easy to simplify

2 lbs              Ground Beef

1 Cup             Bread crumbs or Cracker Crumbs

1/2 Cup          Onions, finely chopped

2                   Eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp           Fresh Parsley, chopped

1 1/2 tsp        Salt

1/4 tsp           Pepper

1 tsp              Worcestershire Sauce

12 oz bottle    Chili Sauce

10 oz jar         Grape Jelly

 

In a large bowl mix first eight ingredients together with a wooden spoon until well blended. Form into 1 1/2 inch balls. Spray a 10 or 12 –inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, stirring frequently until they’re browned and cooked through. Drain off grease. In a medium bowl, stir together the chili sauce and jelly until well blended. Pour over meatballs and stir over medium heat until sauce is bubbly. Serve warm with toothpicks. To keep warm during the party, place meatballs in a crock pot on low. Makes about 36 meatballs. To streamline this appetizer, just thaw a bag of frozen meatballs (Simek’s are the best) and heat through in the sauce.

 

Petite Quiche

Light and delightful – a traditional favorite

Crust:

1/2 Cup         Butter, softened

1 pkg (3 oz)   Cream Cheese, softened

1 Cup            Flour

1/4 tsp          Salt

Filling:

1 Cup (4 oz)  Swiss Cheese, finely shredded

1 Tbsp          Flour

2                  Eggs

3/4 Cup        Half and half

1/4 tsp         Salt

1/8 tsp         Pepper

4 slices        Bacon, fried and crumbled or 1/4 Cup Ham

1 tsp            Paprika

In small bowl using mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add flour and salt; blend until dough forms. Gather dough into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Divide dough into 24 balls and push into the bottom and sides of ungreased mini-muffin pans. In a small bowl using a whisk, blend the eggs, half and half, salt and pepper. In another small bowl toss the Swiss cheese with the flour. Evenly divide the cheese mixture into the 24 cups. Next distribute the bacon or ham evenly into the cups. Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over the cups, but no more than three-fourths full. Sprinkle gently with Paprika. Place pans on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm. These can be made ahead of time and frozen: reheat in oven for 15 minutes. Makes 24 quiches. To simplify this recipe, buy pre-made rolled out pastry dough. Cut in 2” circles and push into place in cups.

 

Spinach Delights

Make these and your friends will demand you serve them at EVERY party – they’re THAT good!

2 (10 ½ oz) pkg         Spinach, chopped, frozen

1                                  Onion, softball size (equates to about 4 cups)

2 Cups                       Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing (crumb type)

6                                  Eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 Cup                      Butter, melted

1/2 Cup                      Parmesan Cheese, grated

1 Tbsp                        Garlic Salt

1 Tbsp                        Accent

1 Tbsp                        Black Pepper

1/2 tsp                        Thyme

 

Unwrap spinach and place on a plate. Cook each package of spinach in a microwave for 6 minutes on high. Drain in a colander, then take handfuls and squeeze out excess water. Flake with a fork into a large bowl. Finely chop onion and toss with spinach. Using a wooden spoon, stir in melted butter. Add cheese and spices. Stir in eggs. Add stuffing and stir until evenly mixed. Form mixture into walnut-size balls and place close together on a greased jelly roll pan or baking sheet with edges. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 60 balls.

 

Stuffed Dates

Simple and AWESOME

20                    Whole Blanched Almonds

20                    Whole Pitted Dates (Medjool variety works best)

7 strips           Bacon, regular sliced

 

Cut bacon strips into thirds. Press a whole almond into each date (or half date if they’re huge). Wrap a piece of bacon around each date and secure with a toothpick. Line a shallow pan with edges with aluminum foil. Place dates on foil and bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm. Makes 20.

 

Party Recipes: Cold Appetizers

Party Recipes: Cold Appetizers

Sometimes the simplest food gets the rave reviews. These are all awesome because they can be prepared in advance and served anytime, and they taste great too!

Party Roll-ups

Prepare the night before, and relax and enjoy the raves at the party. Here are two flavor options, try these or experiment with your own fillings.

Ham                                                                                       

1 pkg             Large Flour Tortillas (8 per pkg)            

2 pkg (8 oz)   Cream Cheese, softened                       

1/3 Cup         Mayonnaise                                                

2 Tbsp           Green Onion, chopped                              

1/4 Cup          Black Olives, Chopped                             

6 oz               Ham, thinly sliced (deli or packaged)      

 

Crab

1 pkg              Large Flour Tortillas

2 pkgs (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened

1/3 Cup          Mayonnaise

2 Tbsp            Green Onion, chopped

1 Cup             Sharp Cheddar, finely shredded

1 can (5 oz)   Crab meat, drained & chopped

1/4 Cup          Red Pepper, chopped (optional)

Remove the tortillas from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. In a medium bowl, using a spatula, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, onions and olives. Spread evenly almost to edges on each of the tortillas. Distribute ham and lay it flat on top of spread. Starting at one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla. For crab roll-ups, omit black olives and ham, and add cheddar cheese and crab to the mixture and spread evenly. Wrap individual tortillas in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. To serve, cut into 3/4” slices. Makes about 64 slices.

 

 

 

Salmon Cheesecake

Serve this elegant appetizer when the occasion requires an impressive presentation

 

1/2 Cup          Pumpernickel Bread, crumbled

4 pkgs                        Cream Cheese (8 oz), softened

1/2 Cup          Heavy Whipping Cream

1/8 tsp            Pepper

4                      Eggs, lightly beaten

8 oz                 Smoked Salmon, chopped

1/3 Cup          Green Onions, chopped

2 boxes          Onion Crackers or mini-pumpernickel slices

 

Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs into pan, coating bottom and sides; set aside. In a large mixing bowl with mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the cream and pepper. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in salmon and onions. Wrap a double thickness of heavy-duty foil around bottom of prepared pan. Pour salmon mixture into pan. Place in a large baking pan. Fill larger pan with hot water to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 - 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour (cheesecake may crack while cooling). Refrigerate overnight. Remove foil and sides of pan. Serve cheesecake with crackers. Makes 16 servings.

 

Shrimp Mousse

Perfect for extra-special occasions – exquisitely delicious

 

1 can              Cream of Shrimp Soup (Campbell’s)

½ C                 Water

2 envelopes  Unflavored Gelatin

¼ tsp   White Pepper

1 Cup             Creamy Cottage Cheese (4%)

1 Cup             Mayonnaise (not diet, not Miracle Whip)

1//2 Cup         Plain Yogurt

1 Tbsp            Lemon Juice

6 oz                 Shrimp (small salad size)

4                      Eggs, hard-boiled

2 Tbsp            Green Onion, chopped

1 box              Keebler Onion Crackers

 

Thaw shrimp, chop finely, set aside. Boil eggs until hardboiled, let cool. Peel eggs, finely chop and set aside. Chop green onions and set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine soup, cold water, gelatin and pepper. Let stand 10 minutes then stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. In a large bowl using a mixer on low speed, combine cottage cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice. Add gelatin mixture. Using a spoon, fold in shrimp, eggs, and onion. Turn mixture into a 6-cup mold that has been lightly covered in cooking spray. Chill until firm – about 6 hours. Unmold by dipping in hot water for 10 seconds. Serve with onion crackers. Makes 6 cups.

 

Vegetable Pizza

Add some healthy vegetables to your party with this delectable treat

 

2 cans (8 oz) Crescent Rolls or Crescent Recipe Creations seamless dough sheets

2 pkg (8 oz)   Cream Cheese, softened

2/3 Cup          Mayonnaise

1 pkg (1 oz)   Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (the powder type)

1 Cup                         Broccoli, chopped

1 Cup             Tomatoes, chopped

1 Cup             Green bell pepper, chopped

1 Cup             Cauliflower, chopped

1 Cup             Carrots, shredded

1 Cup             Green Onion (tops only), chopped

1 Cup             Sharp Cheddar Cheese, finely shredded

 

To make the crust, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out the crescent dough in a 9” x 13” pan, an 11” or 12” pizza pan, or a 15” x 10” pan (the size doesn’t matter). Seal perforations and pinch the edges to form the pizza crust. Bake for 11 – 13 minutes, until golden. Let it cool at least 15 minutes in pan before removing it to your serving tray. Cool completely. Next, in a small mixing bowl with a stiff spatula, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and dry ranch dressing. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Arrange broccoli, green bell pepper, cauliflower and shredded carrots over the cream cheese layer. Chill for one hour. Just before serving sprinkle with tomatoes then cheddar cheese. Feel free to omit any vegetables you don’t like or add ones you do – mushrooms, zucchini, etc. – like any pizza, everyone has their own tastes. Slice in squares. Makes 24 servings.