Month: November 2013

Holiday grocery shopping at BJ’s Wholesale clubs

It’s that most wonderful time of the year again.  It’s the time of year when we prepare our homes to receive friends and family in the spirit of the season.    It’s the time of year when we heat up our ovens and start making those favorite dishes that will become favorites of those that taste them.  It’s also the time when we need to stock out pantries to be prepared for unexpected visitors.

BJ's logo

I was invited to BJ’s Wholesale Club a few days ago to get some a peek at some of their holiday products and get some tips on entertaining.

Bj’s does require you to purchase a membership to receive the benefits of their club, but their low prices and coupon policy more than makes up for that fee.

BJs invited a group of bloggers (myself included) to check out their holiday products.  They even baked us a cake!  We were given a lovely gift bag and gift card as a thank you for attending.  All opinions expressed are my own.
BJs invited a group of bloggers (myself included) to check out their holiday products. They even baked us a cake! We were given a lovely gift bag and gift card as a thank you for attending. All opinions expressed are my own.
It's a good idea to keep an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie on hand for when unexpected guests drop in.
It’s a good idea to keep an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie on hand for when unexpected guests drop in.
This multi pack of gift mugs filled with delicious, high quality chocolates makes gift giving easy.  Break up the set and give these filled mugs to a co worker, neighbor, teacher or cousin
This multi pack of gift mugs filled with delicious, high quality chocolates makes gift giving easy. Break up the set and give these filled mugs to a co worker, neighbor, teacher or cousin
Pick up a few gifts for the artist in your life
Pick up a few gifts for the artist in your life

One important difference between BJs and other membership clubs is that BJs sells many of it’s products in sizes more appropriate for families while other membership clubs have items packaged in large quantities for small businesses.  This is especially important when purchasing perishable items (like produce) that can spoil before you have a chance to use them.

A deviled egg plate might just be mandatory for southern entertaining
A deviled egg plate might just be mandatory for southern entertaining. You can even serve other little egg-less hors d’oeuvres in them
THIS is how I like to throw a party.  Small plates and portable food make it easy to eat and socialize
THIS is how I like to throw a party. Small plates and portable food make it easy to eat and socialize
These apothecary jars are a great way to display holiday sweets and can be taken apart to use as serving pieces
These apothecary jars are a great way to display holiday sweets and can be taken apart to use as serving pieces 

1 Comment

Baking cakes for the Holidays (or any days)

pumpkin spice latte cake, pumpkin cake, spice cake, latte, buttercream, cake, dessert
Pumpkin Spice Latte cake. This moist cake is made with roasted pumpkin puree and warm spices like cumin and cardamom. The frosting is coffee buttercream…don’t worry, it’s decaf

My oven is HOT!  I’ve been baking up a storm lately developing cake and pie recipes for my clients’ holiday tables.

Apple cake, apple upside down cake,
This apple upside down cake is a wonderful addition to your holiday table. Made with honey crisp apples and baked in butter and Georgia’s own Alaga cane syrup for a sweet glaze. This moist cake has shredded apples and cinnamon in the batter.
This brown sugar pound cake is moist, rich and not too sweet.  Perfect for an after dinner treat.
This brown sugar pound cake is moist, rich and not too sweet. Perfect for an after dinner treat.

Here’s a link to the Brown Sugar Pound Cake recipe  just in case you’re in the mood for a little baking.  If you’re in the Atlanta area you can order one of these delicious cakes from me.   Here’s the rest of the menu:

 

 

2 Comments

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

Mmmm, Wouldn’t this BROWN SUGAR POUND CAKE be GORGEOUS on your holiday table! The perfect Thanksgiving dessert or Christmas Dessert but really it’s great any time of year. This cake is incredibly moist, lightly sweet, has a hint of lemon and a whole lot of DELICIOUS! (more…)

1 Comment

GET DELICIOUS RECIPES DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX! SUBSCRIBE TO SWEETSAVANT.COM EMAIL NEWSLETTER

* indicates required