CHARMING & GORGEOUS

Happy Easter.. Perhaps You Would Like To Try This At Home

The video entitled Chocolate Bunny, directed by Lerner & Sander is marvelously charming. While we love cute things and we certainly love chocolate, we cannot help but see the beauty and poetry in the slow eradication of our happy friend. The ripples in the hairdryer scene are simply stunning!

http://vimeo.com/13906163

 

 

 

CHARMING & GORGEOUS

Host Gifts… Sometimes It Is Best To Stick With The Classics

It seems like I have been focused on holiday treats this week, but I think it is fair to say that with Halloween a week away, the season has officially started.

Now… Let’s talk host gifts! I have been a fan of Harry and David Gourmet Gifts since I was young. And I must admit that when I think of the holiday season I do think of Harry & David. I secretly hope each year, that I will receive at least one surprise package of pears in the post; so I was delighted when I was invited to experience one of the first “Pop Up Orchards” they are rolling out this holiday season nationwide. First off, the “Pop Up Orchard” was adorably decorated… and upon walking in I was surprised to see that Harry & David have become, well,  kind of hip! They have new packaging that is sleek, tasteful and chic enough to bring to a glamorous friend’s house. They also have classic holiday items that are packaged more traditionally and are almost kitschy in their charm, which I find hugely appealing. Most importantly, everything tastes positively delicious; the Pears, the Dark Chocolate and Butterscotch Moose Munch… they even have wine now! While I am a fan of many of the latest food crazes, at heart I love the tried and true classics. Stop by an “Orchard” near you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albertine & Odette’s Roasted Harry & David Pears with Lemon Stilton, Walnuts and Honey

6 firm, ripe Harry and David Pears

4 ounces of Lemon Stilton

1 tablespoon of butter

1/2 cup walnut halves and pieces

Honey

Heat the oven to 375°F. Slice each pear in half, lengthwise, and remove the seeds and core with a spoon. Place in a 9×13 baking dish. Mash the stilton together with the butter. Drop a spoonful of the mixture into the hollow of each pear half. Sprinkle the walnuts over the top, and drizzle with honey.

Roast in the oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until tender. Place two pear halves in each bowl and drizzle with whipped cream (I suggest a rose infused whipped cream) or a petite scoop of ice cream (I recommend Mashti Malones Lavender Ice Cream)