Saturday, November 28, 2009

Edible Gifts!

Looking for the best in edible gifts this holiday season? Then look no further than the Etsy Edible Arts Team! We have quite a variety of decadent treats for your holiday party, your loved ones and even mans best friend! Check out some of the delicious treats that are offered by Team EEAT.




Want to see more wonderful treats? Them please come join us for our annual winter bake sale this Friday December 4th!

When: 8:00pm EST
Where: The Etsy Virtual Labs: http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Guaranteed to be fun! There will be trivia, prizes and some AWESOME sales in your favorite Edible shops! There is truly something for everyone on your shopping list. So why battle the malls this holiday season? When you can shop from the comfort of your own home!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!


All of us here at Team EEAT want to wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving!! We hope its a beautiful day spent with great food, good times and cherished memories.


Remember to join us on December 4th for our Annual Holiday Bake Sale!!

Where: Etsy Virtual Labs

When: December 4th @ 8:00pm EST

We look forward to seeing you all there for great food, fun, discounts and prizes too!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Where's the Gravy?!

It's that time of year again. Time to spend hours at the grocery store in search of the perfect ingredients for "the meal". You know which one I am talking about. "The meal" that you slave over for hours only to have the family descend upon it and gobble it up in mere minutes!

For some people cooking a turkey strikes terror deep in to their souls. Maybe this is why Butterball is flooded every year with millions of phone calls all the way up to the actual "turkey day" with questions surrounding this dreaded bird.

"How do I defrost a turkey?"

"How long do I cook the turkey?"

"Is the turkey safe to eat after the cat decided to help itself to a turkey meal?" (OK maybe Butterball can't help with that last one..... but then again who knows!)

It seems like only yesterday I was one of these folks suffering from Turkey Phobia. With the help of dear friend Tammy and good sense of humor I made it through and so can you!

I had been living in Dallas for about three months. Money was tight and my work schedule was even tighter. There was just no way I was going to make it home for Christmas. I had a dear friend Tammy from my home town that lived about an hour away with her two kids. She and her kids were not able to go home for Christmas either so we decided to spend it together in my little Dallas apartment.

Days before I was busy preparing for the event. I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love the decorating, the music, the food. I especially LOVE to Entertain!!! Most of you who know me are saying (with lots of sarcasm) "Big surprise there! " I had the menu planned out to the most minute detail. I purchased all of the ingredients for my feast, and baked my pies. So that Christmas morning I arose early to start preparing "the guest of honor"... Mr Tom.

I had of course thawed Mr Tom according to the wonderful instructions received from the Butterball hot line and was busily preparing him for his trip to the oven. I peeled of the plastic suit and peered into the recesses of his body cavity for the tiny packet that would contain the "giblets" for the Turkey Gravy. You see I had never cooked a turkey before but I had baked several chickens and knew that this is where they placed the packet. I thought it was strange that the turkey did not contain the tiny packet. I remember thinking to myself: "Hmmm, maybe this bird didn't come with them. Oh well who needs gravy anyway?" You see even then I wouldn't dare get gravy from a jar. So no giblets meant no gravy!

This minor setback did not bother me at all. I proceeded to give Mr. Tom his herbal rub down and threw him into the oven. No worries! Now I had time to watch a few Christmas movies and make my Christmas phone calls to family while Mr Tom sat in his herbal sauna. The house was beginning to smell wonderful... except for this slight plastic scent that I could not seem to locate.

It was time to begin preparing the rest of our feast; cornbread stuffing (or dressing as we call in here in the south), green beans, buttered carrots, and of course cranberry sauce. Everything was perfect! I set the table with my china, crystal glasses, and candles in their silver candle sticks. Even my time was impeccable. Everything was ready to go to the table as my dinner guests arrived. I still could not locate that slight plastic smell! "Oh well the smell of everything else will hide it" I thought to myself.

We sat down to enjoy the huge feast that I had prepared. Tammy (who is my dear friend because she always says exactly what is on her mind) says without a beat "Where's the gravy?" "Funny thing, this bird didn't have any giblets so I didn't make any gravy." I said.

"No giblets?! Did you look in the neck?"

Mystery of the slight plastic smell was solved! How was I to know that they put giblets in the NECK of the turkey and NOT the cavity? Boy was I embarrassed! The turkey still tasted wonderful, and we all enjoyed our Christmas together. Of course being the dear friend that she is, Tammy has NEVER let me forget that first turkey. Every year I get a phone call or an email with some joke or picture about preparing a turkey. *smiles*

I hope my treasured memory of this "first turkey" has brought brought a smile to your face and inspired you to "tackle the turkey!"

So what is YOUR special memory of your first turkey? I would LOVE to hear about it!

Have a SWEET week!

Denise

*This story has been posted with permission from LittleSnowflakes*

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Thanksgiving Day Breakfast

Thanksgiving is fast approaching! If you are hosting this years party you are probably busy putting the finishing touches on your menu, décor and place settings. All of this on top of your normal daily routine. It can be hectic and even more so if you skip breakfast! So why not whip up tasty pancakes!! These are not just any ordinary pancakes. In honor of the season these are pumpkin spice pancakes. Last year we (hubby and I) enjoyed Thanksgiving at my sister-in-laws home. We had some extra pumpkin puree and decided to whip up some of these delicious pancakes. So this recipe has been tested! Everyone gave these two thumbs wayyy up. So don’t be stressed, hungry and grumpy on Thanksgiving by waiting till the dinner is ready to chow down. Have breakfast first!!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions:

1.) In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

2.) Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.


What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? What are you most thankful for? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

Let us know in the comments below or create a post of your own and place your link in the comments section. We could all use more tips to get through the holidays!

Posted by Vanessa (Team EEAT Admin & Official Graphic Designer)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Do you hear the bells jingling and is Jack Frost Nipping at your heels??


I hear it, feel it but don't want to belive it! It's that time already! Time for sleigh bells, a cup of hot coco by the fire and your family gathered round!

Since Santa will be coming down the chiminey soon it's time for you to get him som Tastey snacks! I mean after all you don't want him to leave your kids huge lumps of coals do you??

No time you say to make Mr. Jolly something for that special nite?? No need to worry, Team Eeat is here to rescue you!!

We are having our Winter Virtual Bake Sale!!! Just in time to get Santa some very pretty cookies, a cup of coco and maybe some fudge!

Come join Team Eeat for all of the Festivities!!!! There will be Trivia, prizes and some AWESOME sales in your favorite Edible shops! There is something for everyone in your family from fresh salsa to treats for the furry members of your family!

When: Friday, 12/04/09 8pm Est
Where: Etsy Virtual Labs
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Home Made Ricotta, its easier than you think!

Well who doesn't like cheese? I love the stuff, put it on a bumper and I would eat it bumper and all!! One of my favorite cheeses is Ricotta! Why you ask, well because it is a very versatile cheese it can be used in savory or sweet applications. I also like the texture some where between cottage cheese and cream cheese. Be it in a Lasagna or stuffed into a Ravioli I love me some Ricotta in my home made marinara........mmmmmm....

So in honor of my favorite cheese I found instructions on how to make it your self at home!! Yes I said YOU can make your own Ricotta!! Alright lets' get to the good stuff and give you the skinny on how to wow your friends with your own homemade Ricotta!!
What you will need:

8 cups of whole milk

1 tsp salt

3 tbs fresh lemon juice



Makes: 1.5 cups



Execution:

1. Line a medium colander with for layers of cheesecloth. Set the cheesecloth-lined colander in the sink. You can purchase cheesecloth at your local grocery store, I bought some at Fry's.

2. Bring the whole milk and salt to a simmer in a large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat.

3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer the milk mixture gently until curds form, usually one to two minutes.

4. Using a slotted spoon or mesh skimmer, transfer the curds to the prepared colander. Let them drain for only a minute.

5. Transfer the ricotta to a medium bowl. It can be served right away, or covered and chilled for up to two days.



Really 5 steps to have my own home made ricotta? That is just awesome! Ok so now you have all this ricotta lyin around your house.....what to do ....what to do......oh I know have a dinner party and WOW your guest with your mad Ricotta making skills!!! Try this recipe out and have your friends do a double take and beg to be invited to your house for dinner again!!!

Oh this little gem is from one of my most favorite mags, Bon Appetit!!





Appetizer: Figs and Onion Bruschetta (umm helllo cheese and bread.....)



Makes: 8

Ingredients:

Figs:

.5 cup dried black Mission figs, stemmed, halved (I have seen fresh figs at Costco, dried I would think my local AJ's would have them or Whole Foods)

1 cup boiling water

3/4 C dry red wine

2 tbs sugar

1 small bay leaf

1/8 tsp coarse kosher salt (you can buy this at Frys or Penzeys)

1 tsp red wine vinegar



Onion:



1.5 tsp butter

1.5 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium red onion, halved through core, cut lengthwise into .5" strips (take a whole onion, cut in half where the root knob thing is, once you have cut it in half take one half and with the root end pointing to the left start slicing slowly and care fully)

2 tbs red wine vinegar

.5 tsp sugar

pinch of coarse kosher salt


Ricotta:

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese (YES THE ONE THAT YOU MADE, this is where the double take comes in from your friends!!)

1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for drizzling

1 tsp heavy whipping cream

pinch coarse kosher salt

8 1-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread (about 4.5x2 inches) (Cibatta is that big square bread)

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbs chopped fresh oregano


Execution:


Figs:


  • Place figs in small bowl. Pour 1c boiling water over; let soak 45 minutes
  • Drain figs; place in a small saucepan.
  • Add wine and next 3 ingredients from above; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  • Reduce heat to medium once sugar has dissolved (you will know sugar is dissolved when you don't feel that graininess when stirring)
  • Simmer until figs are tender and liquid is syrupy, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Add vinegar and cook 1 minute longer. Remove pan from heat and cool.

Onions:

  • Melt butter with oil in medium skillet over medium high heat. Add onion; saute until beginning to soften and brown stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low; add vinegar and sugar, then sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Stir until vinegar has almost evaporated about 1 minute.

Ricotta:

  • Whisk ricotta, 1 tbs oil, and cream in a medium bowl until fluffy.
  • Season with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Preheat broiler
  • Drizzle Cibatta with some olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt & pepper.
  • Broil bread on both sides until toasted (ok don't walk away from the bread in the broiler it will brown VERY quickly...this means DON'T answer the phone, answer your kids questions, let the dog out etc...because your bread will burn!!!)
  • Transfer to serving plate
Assembly:

Spread 2 tbs ricotta mixture on each bread slice.

Spoon glazed figs with some syrup over, top with onion mixture.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano

Drizzle with oil and serve immediately (as for the oil, I would go to your local AJ's or Whole Foods and pick up some Meyer Lemon flavored olive oil, I think a little hint of citrus would help bring out the flavor in the Ricotta!!)

Hehhehe your friends are going to love you!! To keep that ricotta theme going you could always make some homemade lasagna. No time you say, well then that is when you visit my little shop, A Thyme To Bee Comforted. What do you know I have lasagna in there, yes yes I know you didn't make it....don't worry I won't tell!! Your friends won't know either just plate it and throw out the packaging evidence!!


Well I hope that you try your hand at making your own Ricotta and try the recipe above!! If you do, come and post and let us know how it all went!! Well here ends another tip and tricks segment, I hope that you enjoyed! Be safe! Be Happy!!
**Hugs
Angelica







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Friday, November 6, 2009

Team Eeat Silent Auction!! T Minu- 2 days

The count down to the Team Eeat Silent Auction has began!!  There have been so many awesome donations!  We would like to thank each and everyone of you that have donated!  You have made this auction possible!  All of us espiring culinary artist are very grateful for your support in our on going quest to acheive our individual goals in the culianry field.

The Auction Info:

Starts: Midnight EST, Sunday Nov. 8th
Ends: Midnight EST, Saturday Nov. 14th
Auction Link:  http://www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=TeamEeat&pwd=teameeat
Auction ID:  TeamEeat
Auction Password:  teameeat

Whats up for auction:


  Bears Banners & Graphics

                                                   











         AS2DESIGNS



         AS2DESIGNS
                                     

                  Sea Sprite Soaps


   

              Sea Sprite Soaps



              Private Donor


             Private Donor



               Pets Jubilee







                                                 
       

   
We are adding more donations as the come in!  So check back to see if anything else has been added!!  Tell your friends, family!  Tweet it, FB or blog it!!  We want a large turn out!  We hope to see you there!!

Many Thanks!
Team Eeat






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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Our Next Awesome Donation is from TCaponePhoto's



Our next donation is from Tracey Capone Photography!!  Tracey is donating the winners  choice of two 8 x 10 photos that have an estimated value of $70!! I visited Tracey's shop and she has several LOVELY photos from landscapes to animals!  The photos are all bright and very pretty!  So get your bidding paddle ready!!  I am sure you will find some thing beautiful in Tracey's shop to add a splash of uniqueness to your home!  Lets get to know a little about the photographer!



Tell us a little about yourself!


I am a self-taught photographer, originally from Philadelphia, PA, now located in Nashville, TN by way of Chicago, IL where I lived for 10 years. (Favorite city of all time!) I'm single, with no kids (unless you count my two cats... ) and a million and one different interests. I sell fine art photography as well as do portraiture. Aside from my first love of photography, my second love is travel, which ties quite nicely to the photography as I usually end up with 400 to 500 beautiful photos to work with after each trip. In addition, I'm also a very accomplished home chef (and former caterer), an avid reader and love anything pertaining to music.


What inspires you when you are making your products?
I know, as an artist, I'm probably supposed to come up with an artist statement ripe with eloquent words, a poem if you will but, basically, I shoot what I love. If something catches my eye, I take a photo of it and, if it ultimately appeals to others, fantastic. I draw inspiration from my travels, music, books, you name it, all have shaped my view of the world and what I ultimately frame out for a photo.

What is your favorite product that you have made so far and why?

My favorite photo is called, "The Guardian." It's of a wooden chair sitting outside an abandoned warehouse in Venice, Italy. I love the photo for a number of reasons. First, I took my mother to Italy, somewhere she had always wanted to go. So it was a wonderful experience to see her eyes light up at every amazing site we came across. This photo brings me back to that week we spent travelling from Rome, through Florence and on up in to Venice. The second reason I love this one is because the minute I saw the chair sitting in front of the warehouse, a story popped to mind of the owner of the warehouse, a Venetian glass blower, taking a break to sit in the chair and watch the passersby, walking along the canals. It was such a vivid image and I was so pleased with how the final shot turned out.



Any tips for Etsy newbies or those who are starting their online business?

Don't get down on yourself. Setting up an Etsy shop, or any online business, doesn't guarantee that you are going to immediately be flooded with sales. It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and patience. It will happen but wasting time with negativity will only serve to demotivate you. Someone once told me, "if you love what you do, it will never feel like a job." You got in to your craft, whatever it might be, for a reason, and, hopefully the primary reason was because you loved it; never let go of that. Oh and gerat customer service is key ;)


 All of use at Team Eeat would like to thank Tracey for her donation!!  So go on visit her shop and pick out what you would like to get if you win her prize in the auction!!

Many Thanks,
Team Eeat



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Monday, November 2, 2009

Our Next Awesome Donation is from Sea Sprite Soaps!




Our next donation is from Sea Sprite Soaps!!  She has donated her Soap Trios and a Luxury Lip Balm!!  Boy we are getting a little bit of everything for this auction from doggie treats to artwork!  Everyone will have a good selection to choose from when its auction time!  Well lets get to know Stephanie from Sea Sprite Soaps ( I LOVE her banner btw!).


Tell us a little about your self:

 It's been a lifelong pleasure for me to make beautiful and useful things for myself and for others with my own two hands. I'm married, the mother of two college students and live in Naples, Florida. Although my primary profession was clinical psychology for many years, I have never lost interest in handcrafts and living a creative life. I have interests in many arts and crafts and love them all. I've written 3 books about an image editor called PhotoImpact and maintain a tutorials site on the program. My husband and I have a small publishing business called East of the Sun Publishing. I make and sell 3D characters for a program called Poser, which are sold at Daz3D. I try to blog regularly at HeartCrafts. My Sea Sprite Soaps Shop and my Etsy store are a source of great satisfaction to me. I hope you will drop by and take a look around. :)



What inspires you to make your product?
I am inspired by living close to the sea, with pristine beaches, beautiful weather and many beautiful tropical plants and trees. Many of my soaps reflect a Caribbean sensibility that's consistent with my location. My mission is to make beautiful, fragrant, luxuriously lathering handmade soaps from only the best vegetable oils and butters.


What other things do you like to create?
 I don't make many homemade doggie treats, but occasionally have made some homemade dog cookies for our two Welsh Terriers, Taffy and Libby. They love anything with peanut butter!

What advice do you have for others that want to start an online business?

My best advice for new sellers online is to know your target customers and cater to them. Don't try to be a one-size-fits-all shop, do what you do best and love to do. Your passion for what you do will draw buyers. Don't cheapen your work by offering constant sales, discounts and free shipping. It's hard to resist that lure when you're just starting out and it's hard to be noticed. Do promote yourself in the forums, answering questions and being helpful if you can -- people will remember you. Remember that lots of buyers are also sellers, and they will see your posts.

If you blog, include information about yourself and your inspirations, so that readers aren't constantly bombarded with only posts aimed at selling things to them. Readers like to know who you are as a person too.

My last piece of advice is to not spread yourself too thin. If you twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blog, and have multiple shops in every venue available, flailing around trying to be noticed, you will have less time to make desirable products. Consider how much time and energy you have to devote to your business, and spend them wisely.


All of us at Team Eeat would like to thank Stephanie from Sea Sprite Soaps for her contribution to the Silent Auction!  Her soaps, balms and frosting look delish!  So give your skin  a treat and visit her shop!!

Many Thanks!
Team Eeat



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