Giveaway: Plates & Napkins (and so much more!)
March 11th, 2010 by Carrie Sellman | 79 Comments

We’ve got another great giveaway for you today!  This time we’re helping you get ready for your next big bash.  Whether it be Easter, a birthday party, a bridal shower or baby shower, you’ll be all set with the perfect party supplies.

Thanks to the generous people over at PlatesAndNapkins.com, TWO lucky Half Baked readers will win a $50 gift certificate to spend as they please!  Yes, that’s right.  There are two chances to win this time.  Double bonus!  The only hard part will be deciding what fabulous items you’ll spend your loot on!
Plates & Napkins Giveway

Plates & Napkins Giveaway

Plates & Napkins Giveaway

There are so many wonderful options, what ever will you choose?!?  I’m really loving the new cupcake kits!  Adorable cupcake toppers with coordinating cupcake wrappers.  Everything you need to add some pizazz to your delicious homemade cupcakes.

Now, here’s how to enter:

Leave a comment below telling us which items at PlatesAndNapkins.com you’ve got your eye on.  Earn an extra entry by doing any of the following.  Please leave a separate comment for each of your entries.  Maximum of 4 entries per person.

  • Post about this giveaway on your blog – include a link to this post
  • Share this giveaway on Facebook – include a link to this post
  • Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter – include a link to this post
  • Sign up to follow Half Baked on Facebook
  • Sign up to follow Half Baked on Twitter
  • Sign up to follow Half Baked via RSS

Giveaway ends Thursday, March 18th at midnight CST.   A winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, March 19th .  The winner must claim their prize before Wednesday, March 24th or a new winner will be selected.  You must be 18 years old to enter.   Maximum of 4 entries per person.

Special thanks to PlatesAndNapkins.com for such a fun giveaway!  Good luck everyone!

March 11th, 2010 | 79 Comments
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Casual Easter Brunch: The Menu
March 10th, 2010 by Carrie Sellman | 1 Comment

If you don’t have big family plans for Easter but you still want to celebrate, why not have a casual brunch at home.   You can still take care of the little details that will make your holiday special.  Over the next few days, we’ll provide a delicious menu, an inexpensive but festive holiday tablescape, topped off with a sparkling cocktail.  Let’s get started with a brunch menu that is sure to please.
Easter Brunch

1. Mini Frittatas with Ham and Parmesan. This is a great way to incorporate the traditional Easter ham without having ham leftovers for days.
Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis, via Food Network

2. Bacon!! Who doesn’t love bacon? But I’m not fond of standing over a hot skillet, getting splattered with bacon grease. That’s why I just love this method of cooking it in the oven. No muss, no fuss. I give credit to Ina Garten for enlightening me on a better way to cook bacon! I like to use Center Cut Bacon (the thick cut). And I skip the step where she adds the maple syrup…
Recipe by Ina Garten, via Food Network

3. Roasted Asparagus. Add a little bit of freshly grated Parmesan after taking it out of the oven. This is so good. Even if you don’t normally like asparagus, you should give this a try.
Recipe by Ina Garten, via Food Network

4. Croissants or Sticky Buns. If you feel like you’ve got enough cooking to do with items 1 through 3, then just purchase some croissants to serve with butter and jelly. If you feel like tackling another item, go for these Sticky Buns. They are so decadent!
Recipe by Ina Garten, via Food Network

Now, I realize that everything listed needs to cook in the oven and not all of us have the luxury of a double oven (myself included). The nice thing is that 3 of the 4 dishes cook at 400 degrees. So personally, I would cook the sticky buns first followed by the bacon and asparagus (at the same time) and then the frittatas. I’d put the asparagus back in the oven during the last two minutes that the frittatas cook, just to slightly rewarm.

More Easter Brunch to come! From cocktails to the table decor… you’ll be all set!

March 10th, 2010 | 1 Comment
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Fab Find: Cupcake Liner Garland
March 8th, 2010 by Carrie Sellman | 2 Comments

I was instantly a fan when I spotted these adorable garlands made of cupcake liners on 100 Layer Cake, a fabulous blog full of gorgeous wedding inspiration.  Really, I love just about anything related to cakes or cupcakes.  And this is such a clever use of cupcake wrappers… I want to throw a party just so I have an excuse to make these!
Cupcake Liner Garland

I love how they incorporated various printed fabrics to add some nice textural elements.  You can learn how to make your very own garland  here on 100 Layer Cake.  While you’re there, be sure to check out their other great DIY wedding tips.
March 8th, 2010 | 2 Comments
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Inspiration Board: St. Patrick’s Day
March 5th, 2010 by Carrie Sellman | 2 Comments

Growing up with a red-headed Irish grandmother, we knew that green was required on March 17th!  With St. Patrick’s Day less than two weeks away, I thought we’d take a look at some delightfully green sweets and treats.  From shamrocks to cupcakes and tutus, these charming ideas will help make your St. Paddy’s Day special.
St. Patrick's Day Inspiration

{clockwise, starting at top left:}

However you choose to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day – make sure you stay pinch proof and wear some green.  Or indulge in a Mint Cookie Cupcake and wash it down with some Irish Wiskey.  Erin Go Bragh!

March 5th, 2010 | 2 Comments
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