Lantern Makeover Tutorial

I was looking through various blogs today and came across this great little lantern makeover.  Not only does it look amazing but would cost very little and definately get your guests talking!  Its very eyecatching. 

I was thinking it might make for a great feature piece at a party or something special to make for a little one room over the holidays?

http://youhadmeatbonjourblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/lantern-makeover.html

Be sure to mention you saw the tutorial on Lifes little touches blog .

Have a creatively blessed day!

Low Allergen Easter Treat - a twist on an old favourite

My eldest daughter has a myriad of food allergies so when it comes to Easter treats our options are very limited.

Last year I gave up on searching throughout the city, and online for suitable options and took matters into my own hands.  I decided to play around with an idea I had  for low allergen chocolate crackle eggs.

They turned out so well I will definitely be making these again this week!


These are just too cute, and yummy, to keep to myself  ladies....so here is the recipe and how to make your own beautiful homemade Easter crackle eggs.....And with no cooking involved the kids will love assisting you on this holiday project

CHOCOLATE EASTER CRACKLES

(I have listed the low allergen ingredients I use, but of course the regular Chocolate crackles recipe will be just as delightful if you don't have allergies to worry about)

What you will need:

Equipment:

Chocolate Easter egg moulds
Saucepan
wooden spoon
measuring cups
bowl
cake rake

Ingredients:

4 cups Freedom Foods Gluten free Rice Bubbles
1 cup Gluten Free icing sugar
1 cup Organic, preservative free desiccated coconut
250g copha®*, chopped
3 tbsp cocoa

Topping:

Sweet Williams Gluten Free/Dairy Free Chocolate block
Gluten free/natural coloured sprinkles


Method:

In a large bowl, mix the rice bubbles, icing sugar, cocoa & coconut.

In a saucepan slowly melt the copha over a low heat.  Then allow to cool slightly.

Add melted copha to rice bubbles mixture, stirring until well combined.

Spoon mixture into chocolate Easter egg moulds and press in firmly

Refrigerate until firm
Once firmly set....

Slowly melt the chocolate block in a bowl over a pot of boiling water

Once melted remove crackles from fridge, turn out of moulds and rest gently on cake rake

Dip the smaller end of each each crackle egg into the melted chocolate and replace on cake rack...it may be a good idea to have some grease proof paper of a plate under the rack to catch any chocolate drips

Sprinkle chocolate coated end and get back into the fridge

Suggestions:

Remember Chocolate crackles do melt in hot weather so keep them refrigerated as long as possible before serving.

I tied different ribbons around the middle of each egg for a finishing touch.

I'd love to hear how you go if you make the eggs and see pics of your creations!!

Easter Celebrations

Easter is a very special time for our family. It is a time of reflection and thankfulness, a time to be humbled by love and reflect on our Faith.
The story of Jesus’ death, is one of hope and truth. And as we reflect on his death and resurrection we can be excited about the freedom his love has given us.

It can be so easy to get caught up in the consumerism of the occasion with so many beautifully wrapped and decorated Easter themed goodies around when you have children. A couple of years ago, I spent alot of time considering how I could ensure my children embraced the meaning of Easter while still being able to share in the magical delight of the Easter bunny and his gifts.

And from that grew what has become our Easter tradition of a Resurrection Sunday Breakfast Party. Easter is, like any occasion in our home, a time of fun in the kitchen, of styling pretty things and enjoying fun and laughter with family and friends.  This breakfast allows us to do all of that, to laugh, to grow and to honor God.

This though is a party with a difference.  While the table is adorned with pretty things and sweet treats...the meal itself is simple and humble, reminding us of the sacrifice that was made at the cross.  Our menu consists of foods which represent to us the act of Easter.  A plate of warm Hot Cross Buns are a reminder of His death, of His flesh broken on the Cross; while Gleaming White boiled eggs symbolise New Life clean and unblemished; and finally some yummy treats remind us that Our Heavenly Father is a God of joy and delights in us coming to him with the heart of a child. 

We have found this a simple and beautiful way to take some time on Easter Sunday morning to reflect on Gods love.

From our family to yours, we pray you too have a blessed and joyful Easter however you celebrate it.