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What’s old is new again!

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I recently had the honor of baking for a baby’s first birthday, and the theme was “Winnie the Pooh”.  A timeless theme (if you ask this Disney loving gal) for boys and girls alike, and for their parents as well. Mama sent a few  ideas , and I got to work figuring out how to make those ideas become a reality. 

I was also baking  a smash cake, and of course went with Pooh’s “hunny” pot. 

                                           

Off I went to “think think think” (as Pooh Bear would say) about the larger sheet cake design. 

You all know by now how much I love Disney, so Disney themed desserts are never an issue, as I have quite the collection of all things character shaped for cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.   As I looked through my stash, I came across a pan I hadn’t used in 19 years , and quickly sent the birthday mama a picture and asked if she liked the idea:  

It was my Wilton Pooh Cake pan from days gone by! She loved the idea, so I was off to collect the supplies. I didn’t stop at that pan though, and sorted through at least ten different Wilton pans that I know I can resurrect in the future.  Who here wouldn’t love to go back in time?

Waves of emotions flooded over me as I remembered baking that same Pooh cake three different times over the years for my kids first birthdays.  The “Barney the Dinosaur” cake pan for second and third birthdays, and the “PowerPuff Girls” pan for a special 5th birthday party, many years ago….

Those kids are in their 20’s now, but still love Disney, cartoons, and reminiscing over tv shows they watched as kids.  

They also love cake, lol!  I’m sure many of you reading this have kids that had similar party themes back in the day  (or maybe YOU were that kid)! 

I realized I could bring back those nostalgic times simply by baking a cake in an ages old pan , and decorate that cake using the tried and true Wilton method, bringing childhood characters to life.

Look what I discovered in my cupboards! 

  • Race car
  • Barbie
  • Seashell
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Thomas the Tank Engine
  • Jack O Lantern
  • Christmas tree 
  • Open Book (I used as a bible, and again as a volume of Shakespeare) 
  • Graduation cap
  • Bow Tie 

I’ll be adding these cake pan ideas to my menu starting today .  I’ll post prices and pictures as I can – but for now you get the idea. I’m going back to simpler times and sharing the love of all things old, as they can be new again.  

Have a great week, foodie friends! 

 

Gina 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Julia!

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You  should all know by now my love of Julia Child.  Last year at this time I celebrated with my “partner in wine” Ann Marie Railing.

We shared a fun, lighthearted FB live, and shared a quiche and wine pairing that Julia would approve of!  I wish we had saved the video… but that was in our newbie days of not really understanding the ins and outs of technology, Iphone video and how to do a FB live.  

Good news- we have learned a lot over the last year, and are excited to release our second professionally done video, thanks to Prince William.TV!

HUGE shoutout to our sponsors. They make all of this foodie magic happen for us. Their support is much appreciated!

Please support them- Julia would want you to shop local, support local : ) 

Manassas Olive Oil Company 

The Selfish Mama

Anna Tjoumas , Pampered Chef

Kelly Haneklau

A Dog’s Day Out Haymarket 

Watch here on our You Tube Channel!  Make sure to subscribe while you are there. 

Let us know what you think of the latest video! You can email us at

sipsandswirls@gmail.com. 

Cheers! 

Gina 

 

 

 

 

In the Kitchen this week!

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Happy Easter Monday , foodie friends!

I hope you had a blessed Easter! I know for us all it was a very different way of celebrating, and that’s ok. We have to take one day at a time in the “new normal” we are all living in. Take care of each other and reach out virtually to check in with loved ones near and far! And don’t forget to do something fun in YOUR kitchen!

Not sure if you caught me on FB Live last week (Friday to be exact) as a guest of PWC Moms. I demonstrated a few quick and easy ways to decorate Easter cupcakes. But really, these cuties can be considered spring themed as well. Watch here !

Farmers Market Menu:

The City of Manassas Farmers Market will be open this Saturday for pre-order, pre pay orders only. On the menu in the Kitchen this week:

Artisan brownie trays, baked with olive oils from Manassas Olive Oil Company .
Trays are 8×8, will serve 1-12 or more depending on how you cut them!  Each tray is $20 plus tax.  You can ask for traditional chocolate, blood orange, or chipotle cinnamon. 

Spring themed sugar cookie mixes, and make your own brownie mixes. $6.50 each.

Starting next week you can customize the cookie cutters in your kit!

Depending on availability of butter in the area, all-butter pound cakes (new larger size) could be on the menu. $7.50 each 

All Butter Pound Cake
NEW Larger Size !

ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY WEDNESDAY APRIL 15th, and payment received by the 16th. 

The market is open at 10am in the parking lot across from Baldwin Elementary.  Pick-up between 10am-10:30am or by special arrangement.  

Place your order at fromginaskitchen@gmail.com

Have a sweet week, foodie friends!

Gina

Julia’s Birthday Quiche (Bacon and Onion)

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If you caught our Facebook live this morning, you saw AnnMarie and I in full on “Julia Child” mode as we celebrated her birthday a few days early . The following recipe is my spin on the classic quiche that the Julia herself loved to eat! At the bottom you’ll see the wine pairing suggestions, as well as AnnMarie’s additions to the tasting notes.

Remember, make it your own! Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Premade pie crusts (par-baked) OR get your inner Julia on and make your own crust from a favorite recipe.
  • 1 pound thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • One onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (I added Herbes de Provence, too)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream

How to make it:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat, stirring, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain the bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Add the onions and thyme to the skillet, season with salt and white pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Stir in the bacon and cheese.
  2. Divide the bacon-and-onion filling between the pie shells. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the custard into the pie shells and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even baking until puffed and lightly browned. Transfer the quiches to a rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Cut the quiches into wedges and serve.

The quiches can be covered and refrigerated overnight, then reheated before serving. They pair well with Bordeaux style wines like Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. AnnMarie paired our quiche with a red Bordeaux, and it was fabulous! Cheers!

This Bacon -Onion quiche recipe is easily adaptable. Use your favorite meats, cheeses and veggies.

Original recipe found on www.foodandwine.com “Bacon and Leek Quiche”

Follow Gina on FB www.facebook.com/fromginaskitchen

Follow AnnMarie on FB www.facebook.com/AnnMarie’s VIP Wine Cellar

“Being Intentional Today”

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Happy Monday, foodie friends!

Today’s post is a little spotlight on a recent kitchen guest (I should say repeat guest) that shares my love of Jesus, friends, and desserts!

Sonia Santos is the visionary behind “Intentional Life Ministries”, a multi-generational /multi-cultural group of powerful women who meet monthly to celebrate womanhood in love and prayer. Borrowing from their Facebook bio, Intentional Life Ministries encourages “meaningful and encouraging relationships rooted in the word of God.” One of her focuses in the ministry centers around everyday life and overcoming the stigma of domestic responsibilities. My kind of group!

The ministry recently celebrated their 6 month anniversary with good friends, good food and fellowship. I have been baking for their brunches for the past three months, and Sonia is always gracious and asks me to join them. One day I will, but duty calls on weekends for this baker gal, and I have to let my desserts have all the fun.

If you are looking for the opportunity to unplug from the stresses of daily life and surround yourself with encouraging and uplifting women in a faith filled environment, I suggest you make your way to the next Intentional Life Ministries meeting on April 13th.

Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IntentionalLife Ministries, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/beingintentionaltoday

In the meantime, take a peek at their beautifully striking logo, on both cake and cookies!

Event: Kids Cupcake Decorating Demo

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March 19th @ 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM

Valentines themed rose cupcakes from our February 6th class! New designs in March!

(Ages 5-12) Get ready for cupcakes! In this class, students will learn to make butter cream frosting and how to apply it. We will also go over basic cupcake decorating tips such as filling a piping bag, preparing for special occasions, and using candy and other edible decorations.

Cost: $10/M; $15/R; $20/NR

Included in the All Access Passport.

Click here for more details.

Event: Tea Party with Party Princess DMV

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February 9th @ 3:00 PM

On February 9th at 3 PM, join Rapunzel and Cinderella as they treat your daughter to a magical tea party filled with sweets and self-love!

Rapunzel and Cinderella will lead singing, picture book time, photo opportunities, and a self-esteem building craft. Every child receives a souvenir tea party cup and takes home their craft!

This tea will feature all themed custom treats by From Gina’s Kitchen!

$40 for one child; $70 for two children. Parents must stay with their children at all times. $10 Parents’ Plate purchases a plate of treats just for the parent, and is optional!

Purchase Tickets Here!www.partyprincesssdmv.com/upcoming-events