Concetta's Cafe

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Small Space Wonder

GiGi

Gabriella Grace Young

the tiniest member of our family.

She has the tiniest space in our home!
Her little room is actually our transformed
walk-in master bedroom closest.
~*~
In the past I dedicated a post to this
small space ~ wondrous place --- here!
~*~
There are many things to consider when
creating a room from a closet for a princess:
something beautiful to behold...
a room that reflects her personality...
a showcase to display her treasures...
a place she adores and loves to be...

Gabriella has a variety of collections and her
room is a representation of things she loves!

Octopi!
Gabriella is our little octopus.
She was born on 08.08.08
and weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz.
so naturally collects the 8-legged sea creatures!
This is just a smattering of her vast collection!

Hippopotomi
She collects hippos!
~*~
The top left picture is her most treasured of all hippos.
Ghana & Baby Hippo - she named them herself.
They go everywhere she goes accompanied by pink blanket.
***
Actually this is her sister's beloved collection-
Gabriella has adopted many of Arianah's hippos.
Her sister is very gracious - but Arianah is the true
and original collector of the hippopotamus!

a little tea-inspired collection...
This beautiful bunny teapot was a present from
her great-grandmother - my Nanny.

Gabriella loves to drink tea - mostly
iced peach tea and sips from Mommy's cup!

Her favorite color is purple and she
also loves butterflies!

Daddy took the rail off her crib -
now she sleeps in a big girl bed!

Gabriella's Princess Palace

I am linking to the following sites:

Tea Cup Tuesday-Martha

Tea Cup Tuesday-Teri

Tea Time Tuesday-Sandi

Teapot & Tea Things Tuesdays-Paperbutterfly

Silken Purse - Teapot & Tea Things

-Wanda

Simple Homemaking Tuesday

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Vegetarian Pantry Soup

This hearty soup came about as I was in my kitchen contemplating what I would make for supper with very little ingredients on hand. We have not gone grocery shopping yet and there was not going to be an opportunity to add to items I already had in my home today. I had to think about making something delicious and satisfying to feed my family - and it had to be somewhat quick to accommodate every one's schedules. Ta~Da....this is the soup I served tonight and it was well loved and devoured!
~*~

I served it with my favorite go-to rice dish and buttered crescent rolls topped with poppy and sesame seeds. A crisp, green salad would make an excellent accompaniment - alas, I did have any salad fixings!

I hope you enjoy!

Vegetarian Pantry Soup & Savory Baked Rice

Saute in 2 T olive oil:
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
3 diced carrots
*
Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
*
Add 1 diced sweet potato - saute for 5-6 minutes.
*
Add the following spices to taste: 1-1/2 t each ~
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Adobo Seasoning
Basil
Oregano
*
Add rinsed beans ~
2 cans black beans
2 cans red kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
*
Pour in 1/2 c Sherry - simmer for 5 minutes.
*
Add 6 cups chicken broth.
*
Bring to a gentle boil.
*
Reduce to simmer for 45 minutes.
*
Serve ladled over rice.

~*~
For the rice:

In an oven proof cast iron pan or dutch oven:
Saute 1 diced onion and 3 T olive oil.
Add kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
Saute until soft and beginning to brown.
Add 1-1/2 c rice and 3 cups chicken broth.
Add 1 T butter and 1 t each of spices ~
onion powder
garlic powder
basil
parsley
oregano
Place lid on pot and bake @ 350 for 45 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am linking to the following food parties:

Food on Fridays

Monday, March 7, 2011

Butterfly Garden Party

Butterfly Garden Birthday Party

Princess Gabriella Grace Young
The Royal Butterfly

Handmade Party Favors

little butterfly bags filled with assorted

candy, bubbles and a bookmark.

Butterfly Wands

...the royal scepters

...garden adornments

BUTTERFLY CUPS

...the royal china

the royal feast begins with:

~*~

Fresh Fruit & Creamy Hawaiian Dip

Cinnamon Sugar Butterfly Crisps

...the sweet life

Coconut Dream Cupcakes
***
(use this cake recipe to make as cupcakes)

***
Mix together 1 box white cake mix.
Add 1 t coconut extract to batter.
Bake as directed in a 9 x 13" pan.
***
Cool cake and poke holes all over the
top with a wooden skewer.
***
Top cake with a thin layer of coconut.
***
Mix together 1 can cream of coconut
and 1 can sweetened condensed milk.
Pour over entire cake.
***
Top with homemade whipped cream.
Cover with coconut.
Refrigerate over night!

Hawaiian Fruit Dip
~*~
Mix together the following
until well blended, creamy and smooth!
~*~
1 c milk
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c coconut
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla pudding
1 can crushed pineapple w/ the juice
~*~
Serve with sumptuous fruit bites!

Cinnamon Sugar Butterfly Crisps
~*~
Cut pie dough using a butterfly cookie cutter.
Pierce border outline with fork.
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
Bake @ 350 until lightly golden.