Urban Comfort

Not Your Usual Nogs

Last week we had Tales of the Toddy here in New Orleans, a smaller counterpart to the much-anticipated Tales of the Cocktail that occurs in the summer.

The challenge this year was to create a nog using bourbon instead of the usual spirits. The winning cocktail, a tiki-inspired nog, was created by a friend of ours, and he graciously gave me the recipe to share. I also thought the two nogs that tied for second place sounded good (though I've not tried them), so I've included them as well.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah!

 

BLUE HAWAIIAN NOG
by Chris Hannah, French 75 at Arnaud's Restaurant 
(makes 12 servings) 

12 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup sugar
12 ounces bourbon (Buffalo Trace was used)
1 1/4 cups pineapple-banana cream (see below)
17 drops blue food coloring (I used 12 of McCormick Neon Blue to get the color shown in the photo)
3 Tablespoons freshly ground nutmeg

In a blender, combine the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, bourbon, pineapple-banana cream, food coloring, and 4 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg. Blend well.

Before serving, add the mixture (in batches) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain over two ice-filled old-fashioned glasses. Garnish with pineapple slices and the rest of the ground nutmeg. (Chris prefers that you add a plastic palm tree as well.)

Pineapple-Banana Cream:

1 medium pineapple
1 1/2 large bananas
1 1/2 cups half-and-half

Puree together in a food processor or blender.

 

Pumpkin Trace
by Ian Julian, Vitascope Bar in the Hyatt Regency

1 1/2 ounce Buffalo Trace Bourbon
3/4 ounce Pumpkin Spice Syrup (available in some liquor and coffee shops, also online)
1/4 ounce DiSaronno Amaretto
2 1/2 ounces good quality eggnog 

Build all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake, and strain into a glass with no ice and top with roasted pumpkin seed as a garnish.

 

Nog I Yam
by Steven Yamada, Victory Bar

1/2 ounce Benchmark Bourbon
3 ounces Sweet Potato Eggnog
1 ounces Spiced Marshmallow Fluff

Sweet Potato Puree: Peel a sweet potato and slice into medium thick pieces.  Place on baking sheet and cover with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 cup of Dark Brown Sugar.  Gently toss and then bake at 350 F for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.  Add all chunks of sweet potato and any juice into a food processor and thoroughly puree.

Sweet Potato Eggnog: Combine 3 whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk in medium saucepan and beat thoroughly with whisk.  Set burner to lowest setting and, while stirring, add 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup Sweet Potato Puree.  Continue to stir for about 20 minutes or until mixture reaches 160 F.  Bottle and refrigerate overnight.

Spiced Marshmallow Fluff: Beat 3 egg whites, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon salt for about 10 minutes or until thick.  Turn mixer speed to low and slowly add 2 cups confectioner's sugar.  Then add 1 tablespoon of Cardamom/Ginger Simple Syrup.

Nog I Yam: Combine Sweet Potato Eggnog and Bourbon.  Top with Marshmallow Fluff.  Lightly scorch fluff with a small torch.

Serve straight up.

Let It Snow

It definitely won't be a white Christmas for me. If I'm lucky, we'll get down to the upper 40s by Christmas Day. But I find myself dreaming of snowflakes, which for me means I'm ready for a moment of calm. 

So in the midst of hustle and bustle, I bring you a few snow-oriented projects. Projects that are detail-heavy, low-tech, rhythmic and soothing in their process, beautiful in their outcome. Should you find yourself needing a moment of quiet, you can remove yourself from the fray and just let it snow.

 

The instructions for these are in Dutch, but it's easy enough to translate. The post includes templates for all of the designs shown (via Hoppin' Up).

 

I was immediately smitten when I saw this origami snowflake the first time. Watch the video by Dennis Walker to learn how to recreate it step-by-step (via Handmade)

 

 

String snowflakes require a little patience, but their daintiness makes them worth it. I'd love to have cascades of these in my window. (via Free Craft Unlimited)

 

For those who can crochet, these beautiful snowflakes are an heirloom worthy craft. See the post for a garland idea as well. (via Martha Stewart Living)

 

 

A grown-up version of painting rocks, easy to accomplish with a fine-tipped metallic paint pen (via Inspiration for Home).

 

 

Finally, for those who are happiest in the kitchen, you can make Royal Icing snowflakes that can later be used to embellish layer cakes and cupcakes - beautiful for a New Years Eve celebration (via Martha Stewart Living)

Evergreen Imprinted Clay Dishes

Ever since I made my first batch of decorative dishes this past spring, I've been itching to get the clay out again. Inspired by the greenery of the season, I found a good reason to do so. 

I used the same basic techniques that I used the first time, though I tried a new trick that specifically helped with evergreen branches, as they're bushier than regular leaves. When I rolled out the clay and placed the evergreen branch on top, I put a piece of clear acrylic sheeting over the branch and rolled on top of that. It helped flatten out the branch, giving me a more detailed impression and keeping the branch from shifting while I rolled over it. But it doesn't have to be a piece of acrylic - something like a placemat would likely work just as well. 

I also tried a different glazing technique this time. I wanted to keep my dishes in shades of white, but I wanted to define the evergreen images. I mixed a small amount of putty and gray paint with a larger amount of glazing medium and brushed it over the dish with a small foam brush, allowing it to collect in the indentations. Then I immediately wiped the glaze off with a wet paper towel, removing all of it from the smooth surfaces of the clay. When it dried, the evergreen impression was colored and the rest of the dish stayed natural. At that point, you can either sponge on a light layer of white or ivory acrylic paint (using a damp natural sponge) over the entire dish, softening the image a bit, or just finish the entire piece with a satin varnish or gloss medium. 

These would be great for last-minute Christmas gifts, though you'll need to use oven bake clay instead of air-dry since we really are at the last minute. And while you're at it, you can make evergreen ornament gift tags. My tutorial for those is at Momster.

 

Resources:  (All materials were found at Michaels)

DAS air-dry clay; Sculpey clay mat and acrylic roller; Martha Stewart Crafts paint (Putty and Gray Wolf); Folk Art acrylic paint in Warm White; Martha Stewart Crafts Glaze medium; Martha Stewart Crafts High Gloss medium or Ceramcoat Satin Varnish 

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Before my son was born, I used to make fancy oversized sugar cookies that I piped and flooded and flocked. It was fun and labor-intensive and gratifying, not to mention delicious. But I'm more realistic now and I simply don't have the time or inclination to do that anymore.

My son, however, is a full-fledged cookie addict and there's nothing he loves more than rolling out the dough, cutting the shapes, and decorating with sprinkles. In fact, the kind of decorating I remember my grandmother doing over the holidays. We went back to that this year, and unlike their more elaborate counterparts, we were able to make dozens in an evening. We gifted them to classmates and friends, and filled our cookie jar as well.

Sugar Cookies:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened slightly
2 cups granulated white sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

1. In a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; gradually add to the batter, mixing on low speed.

3. Wrap dough and chill, at least one hour.

4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit. Roll the dough out on a well-floured board (1/4-inch for crispier cookies, 1/2-inch for shortbread like cookies); cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before baking.

5. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes. Let sit on pans for a minute or two, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Frosting:  Mix confectioners' sugar with whole milk and fresh lemon juice, to a consistency that's thin enough to brush onto the tops of the cookies, but won't run off. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of cookies with the frosting, immediately add sprinkles, then set aside to dry for about 30 minutes before packaging.

 

For a simple packaging idea, visit me on Momster today.

 

Easy Button Rings

You can find me on Momster today, with a tutorial for easy button rings.

Eggnog Custard

I've been craving eggnog, but not in liquid form. Instead, I wanted something like a custard or panna cotta. I settled on panna cotta, figuring it would be less labor-intensive than the eggnog custard I usually make. 

I found this recipe on Cooking San Francisco. It was a quick and easy preparation (I didn't bother with the accompaniments they listed on their site) and ready to eat after four hours of refrigeration.

However, I have to take issue with it being defined as a panna cotta. In fact, the creamy texture of it feels much closer to a custard (I suspect it's the addition of the Greek yogurt). But while I quibble with the definition, I was very happy with the outcome.  I love custard. I'm just too lazy to cook it on occasion. This recipe is the bridge between my desire and my laziness.

 

Eggnog Custard (or Panna Cotta)

2 teaspoons gelatin powder 
2 tablespoons cold water
2 1/2 cups good quality eggnog
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cognac, brandy or bourbon (optional)
1 cup thick Greek yogurt, plain

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let sit for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the eggnog and sugar together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. When the sugar has dissolved and the eggnog is hot but not bubbling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the nutmeg, vanilla and liquor, if using.

2. Add the dissolving gelatin while the eggnog mixture is still warm and whisk together to ensure that gelatin has completely dissolved.

3. Set the eggnog aside until it has cooled to lukewarm (you can transfer the mixture to a heat-proof 8 cup liquid measure, which helps the liquid cool down faster and makes it easier to pour into serving cups).

4. Add the yogurt to cooled eggnog mixture and whisk to blend completely. Pour liquid into 6 ounce martini or wine glasses, ramekins, tea cups or other decorative dessert cup.

5. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until firm. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerator Time: 4 hours

Serves 6

 

**See the original recipe here.

 

Festive Fonts

You can find me over at Momster today, with downloads for free fonts.

Velocity Art and Design

I both love and loathe shopping. Love the hunt and the thrill of discovery, hate the crowds and other petty annoyances. So other than haunting a few local boutiques, I'm all about the online shopping experience.

One of my favorite online shopping sites is Velocity Art and Design. If you haven't visited, you're in for a real treat! There's a huge selection of beautifully designed merchandise and if you're obsessed with the Roost product line, like I am, it's practically one-stop shopping on their site. Just in time for Christmas...or perhaps a little post-holiday shopping therapy.

 

Corner Store Collection 

 

Alabaster Frames

Pasteur Vases and Frameless Mirrors (shown in background)

 

Teak Display Domes

Winter Nature Display

I sat down to craft this weekend, thinking I'd make a few ornaments for my tree. Instead, I took a left turn somewhere and ended up making this tabletop display (I love when that happens!).

Perfect timing, too. I've been obsessed with these glass bubble balls from CB2, but I hadn't quite settled on how or where to use them. Stark and modern isn't the right note for my house (though I'm crazy about the ways I've seen them used), but I definitely wanted them somewhere. For me, mixing glass with elements of nature is exactly right for my personal style and my home. (One note - I did cheat a bit. CB2 only carries two sizes, so I bought some 2-inch size balls from another source. See my resources.)

To find out how I made the elements for my display and to see other ideas for arranging, see my post at Momster today. 

Now, about those ornaments...

 

Resources:  You can get my stand at Mothology or a less expensive, but similar, style stand at Save-On-Crafts. 4 and 6-inch bubble balls from CB2, 2-inch bubble balls from Candlelight Solutions.

Easy Etched Glasses

One of my more popular posts has been my tutorial for lacy etched glasses. But I recognize how expensive that craft can get if you're having to purchase the different punches and vinyl, along with the Armour Etch. It's also subject to occasional leakage, making it suitable only for glasses that you're willing to part with if they don't turn out perfectly.

But I tried a different method recently and was very happy with it. You can check out my how-to on Momster today.