20May / 2013

How to Beat Butter Stains and Other Cooking Splats

You name it, I’ve had it spilled or splattered on me in the kitchen. I guess that makes me an expert on stain removal. Next time you think that your favorite shirt is ruined, try these stain-busting tips:

Butter Stains: Turn clothing inside out and dot the stain with a degreasing dishwashing soap. Next, take a soft, wet toothbrush and gently scrub the stain. (I keep a toothbrush under the kitchen sink for just such a purpose.) Turn the clothing right side out, add another bit of dishwashing liquid and scrub again. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow to air dry.

Shortening/Grease Splatters: Dot the stains with degreasing dishwashing soap and scrub with a soft, wet toothbrush. Next, fill a sink with warm water and more dishwashing liquid. Allow the clothing to soak in the water for 15-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry. If any stains remain, repeat.

Vanilla Stains: Treat a vanilla stain sooner rather than later! My favorite treatment for vanilla stains is an OxiClean solution. Wet the stain thoroughly with the solution and allow it to sit for about one minute before blotting the stain with a clean towel. Then, launder the clothing as usual.

Chocolate Stains: Rinse the stain with hot water first, then dab on dishwashing soap and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush in a motion that sweeps the stain up and out instead of grinding it in. Rinse with hot water and repeat if necessary.

Berry Stains: Place a clean white towel beneath the stain, then treat the area thoroughly with an OxiClean solution. Allow it to sit for one minute, then blot the stain with another clean towel. Repeat, if necessary, then launder the clothing as usual.

Tomato Stains: These are some of the toughest stains, so treat them sooner rather than later. Start by soaking the area with an OxiClean solution, allow it to sit for one minute, then blot it with a clean white towel. If stain persists, boil some water in a tea kettle. Stretch the clothing over a colander and secure it with a rubber band, trying to have the stained area in the middle. Once the water is boiling, pour it from about three feet above directly onto the stain. The force of the gravity is key, it helps to knock the stain out of the fibers!

HINT: Once stains go through a cycle in the dryer, they are usually set permanently. Try to hand-treat your stains before putting them through the wash.

{Image via diylife}

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17May / 2013

Edible Flowers + Recipe Ideas

Mrs. Fields Secrets Edible Flowers
Flowers dress up everything, so why not have them dress up your next dessert, salad, baked goods, ice cream, or punch? But wait, these edible flowers are not only beautiful as garnishes, they offer a unique flavors to enhance your food.

Need some inspiration? Here are some recipes to get you started:

Rose Petal Jam
Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Bee Balm Syrup
Strawberries with Chamomile Cream
Chive Blossom Vinegar
Lilac Sorbet

HINT: Soak flowers in cool water to rinse them of any pesticides, then dry on paper towels before using.

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16May / 2013

Mrs. Fields Trivia is here – Win free cookies!

Mrs. Fields Trivia – May 16th, 2013

Here’s your chance again to win another amazing gift of FREE cookies from Mrs. Fields.

Enter the contest by leaving a comment on our blog. If we pick you as our winner, we will contact you via the email you’ve provided.

We will draw 1 name from the correct answers given and that person will receive a FREE Mrs. Fields Springtime Bites Box ($35.00 value, with shipping). Answers will be accepted until midnight (May 16th, 2013). Limited to one win per month per entrant. Winner will be notified via email.

Prize Details:

This week we’ll be giving away one of our Mrs. Fields Spring Time Bites Box – item #10EC249, a $35.00 value, including shipping. It contains assortment of 18 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 12 Brownie Bites, and two hand-frosted daisy cookies. Perfection!

Question:

Name two boards that can be found on our Mrs. Fields Pinterest page.

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15May / 2013

Recipe: Banana Pudding

Mrs. Fields Secrets Banana Pudding
If you’ve ever ventured to New York City, you may have heard of Magnolia Bakery or seen the extensive line out their door. Many people line up for their famous cupcakes, but I walk straight to the back and ask for the real prize: the banana pudding. This stuff is absolutely incredible—light and fluffy but also rich and decadent. Every spoonful begs for another. Luckily, the recipe is available and not hard at all. The key, however, is to begin making it early enough that your pudding can age to perfection. I think 36-48 hours is ideal, but you could get away with 12-24 if you had to. Are you ready to go bananas for this?

Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
adapted slightly from The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook

16 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups ice cold water
Small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 box Nilla Wafers
4 ripe bananas, sliced

Directions
In the bowl of a mixer, mix sweetened condensed milk and water for about one minute. Add the pudding mix and beat for about two more minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

In a large bowl on medium speed, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the pudding mixture until fully combined and no streaks of pudding are visible.

Finally, in a large serving bowl, put a thin layer of pudding followed by a layer of wafers, bananas, and more pudding. Repeat the layering, ending with pudding on top, followed by some wafers for decoration. Ideally, you’ll have three layers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving, but the flavor really improves the longer it gets to age.

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13May / 2013

Clever Ideas for a Graduation Party

Whether you’ve got a graduate from preschool or a PhD, I’ve collected some party ideas to help give your grad a memorable tribute.

1. Hang a series of photos from the graduate’s life using simple string and tiny clothespins. It’s any easy way to decorate and everybody will love fawning over old photos on the timeline.

2. Copy yearbook pages and affix them to votive candle holders with Modge Podge. This is a simple craft that makes a great centerpiece or decoration.

3. Tie in school colors as well as all the graduate’s bright ideas with candy-filled light-bulbs.

4. What to do with all those boxes of school projects and art work? Create hanging folders to contain the highlights. Use them first as a decoration, then combine them into a scrapbook. Consider reading some creative writing from years ago to the party guests.

5. Transform soda bottles with tiny graduation caps. So easy and such a fun detail!

6. Have guests sign a cutout of the graduate’s initial or school initials, to create a keepsake from the party that can also be used as a decoration.

7. Gather photos to make a slideshow that can be sent to guests as part of an invitation, or as a follow-up from the party.

8. Personalized cookies make perfect party favors. Add your graduate’s photo or school logo to sweet Mrs. Fields cookies with edible icing to create a sweet memento for all the guests!

Have any other great ideas for a graduation party? Share them in the comments!

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10May / 2013

How To: Create a Perfect Mother’s Day Tray

Mother’s Day breakfast in bed is a tradition for a lot of families, but putting it together in a beautiful presentation can be a challenge. Here are some pointers for a perfect breakfast tray, a gift in itself. (Feel free to print this out and leave it conspicuously for your family.)

1. A personalized mug with her favorite morning beverage.
2. A colorful new tea towel lines the tray and also keeps items from slipping around.
3. A tiny gift box fits perfectly on the tray.
4. A small dish with a few pieces of chocolate is a must.
5. A petite vase or shallow jar with a handful of fresh flowers brightens everything.
6. A cloth napkin wraps around the silverware and makes everything feel formal.
7. Two plates with contrasting colors looks posh (and comes in handy if she decides to share her meal).
8. Mom’s favorite magazine fits under the plate for a delightful morning read.

Not sure what to make for your Mother’s Day breakfast? My Breakfast in Bed Menu is easy for Dad and kids to make. Plus, it’s delicious!

Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed Recipes

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09May / 2013

Mrs. Fields Trivia is here – Win free cookies!

Mrs. Fields Trivia – May 9th, 2013

Here’s your chance again to win another amazing gift of FREE cookies from Mrs. Fields.

Enter the contest by leaving a comment on our blog. If we pick you as our winner, we will contact you via the email you’ve provided.

We will draw 1 name from the correct answers given and that person will receive a FREE Mrs. Fields Springtime Bites Box ($35.00 value, with shipping). Answers will be accepted until midnight (May 9th, 2013). Limited to one win per month per entrant. Winner will be notified via email.

Prize Details:

Multiple Choice:

The Mrs. Fields Gifting Facility has estimated it will bake ______ big cookie cakes for Mother’s Day 2013.

A) 35,000

B) 42,000

C) 54,000

D) 60,000

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08May / 2013

Recipe: Lemon Brownies

I describe today’s recipe as a spring brownie—light, refreshing flavor with the same rich, dense texture of a regular brownie. These are not lemon bars, these are lemon brownies (you know, minus the brown). Whip up a batch for Mother’s Day this weekend and you won’t be sorry. These little squares of sunshine would be perfect as a light dessert, or even a sweet side for a Mother’s Day breakfast or brunch. They are delicious warm out of the oven and just as good days later at room temperature.

Lemon Brownies
adapted from Rita’s Recipes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
juice of 1 lemon
zest of 1 lemon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, stir the flour, sugar and salt together. Add the softened butter and mix until you have a thick, combined dough (almost like a sugar cookie dough). In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, lemon juice, and zest together, then add to the flour mixture. Mix for several minutes on medium speed until batter becomes light and fluffy. Transfer batter to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding glaze. (Recipe below.)

Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Pour evenly over still-warm brownies, using a spatula to reach all four corners of the pan. Allow brownies to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving.

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06May / 2013

DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts

As the school year winds down to an end, it’s time to think about how to thank the teachers who have been working hard for your kids all year long. I’ve been gathering some fun DIY ideas to show your appreciation in a sweet way. Plus, they’re all simple enough to have the kids help out.

1. Candy Pencils - A sweet look alike that is so easy to put together.
2. Cookies Stacked in a Spaghetti Canister - I recommend my Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookies
3. School Supply Cake - A great way to display some much-needed supplies that teacher won’t have to buy next fall.
4. Reusable Drink Cups with Lemonade Mix - Every teacher could use some cute hydration.
5. Apple-shaped Gift Box - Made from plastic soda bottles, you could fill this box with any small treasure.
6. Poster Candy-Gram - I’m a sucker for a clever candy-gram, and this site gives you a perfect script to follow.
7. Apple-Shaped Cupcakes - Whether you give one or a dozen, these treats will bring a smile.
8. Chalkboard Paint Flower Pot - A fun plant that can brighten up the classroom now, and teacher’s home later.
9. Paper Bag Flower Box - Dress up a gift for the yard with this clever idea.

If DIY is not your thing, I’ve got some favorite gifts from Mrs. Fields that will thrill any teacher on your list.

Sunshine Satchel

Classic Mini Ribbon Box

Thank You Big Cookie Cake

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03May / 2013

The Lost Art of a Thank You

Thank You Big Cookie Cake

A sincere thank you is one of the most powerful ways to make someone feel valued, recognized, and appreciated. The irony is that sharing your thanks usually takes very little time, but has an enormous impact on others. And in my opinion, it’s something of a habit to be in. The more you offer thanks, the more you’ll be aware of feeling thankful. Most of us in our busy lives have a lot of good intentions to offer our thanks to others, but get sidetracked with all the little things that fill our days. Here are some tips to help you reclaim the lost art of a thank you:

Make it easier by having supplies on hand, like thank you cards and stamps. I always have a couple of packages of thank you cards, one in my desk and one in my purse. I can write one out as soon as I think of it. (HINT: I try to choose cards that are more gender-neutral so I can send them to anyone.)
One of my favorite places to pick up thank you cards is in the dollar section of craft stores. There is always a nice variety.
If you don’t have a card on hand, utilize technology and send a quick text while you’re thinking of it. Even if you plan to send a hand-written note later, type a quick text and say thank you now.
While I prefer an actual hand-written note, apps like ThankYouPro allow you to write and send a professional thank you note from your smartphone or tablet, either by email or regular mail (for a fee). Very convenient!
Having a hard time knowing what to write? Check out this smart advice to get you started.
Another great way to offer thanks is with a phone call. Thinking about the great party your friend threw last weekend? Pick up the phone and call to tell her. Mention some of the details you noticed. She’ll appreciate it, I promise.
If a service professional goes the extra mile for you, an email or phone call to his or her superior could make a big impact.
For birthday parties, showers, weddings, and other occasions that garner a lot of gifts, be sure to keep a good record. If you are the guest of honor, ask a trusted friend to take detailed notes so that nothing is forgotten. Don’t rely on your memory on such occasions; there’s too much going on!
Get your kids in the habit of thanking others. Coach them as they write their own notes to thank teachers, friends, or family. If they are writing several, help them come up with a template to keep from getting overwhelmed.
When a thank you gift is in order, when someone has really gone above and beyond, take time to think about what they might truly enjoy. Some of my favorite thank you gifts are movie tickets (easy to tuck into a card), fresh flowers, and, of course, a little box of cookies (my favorite).

One last thing—it’s never too late to send your thanks. There is no statute of limitations, so if you’re feeling embarrassed that you forgot to send a card thanking Grandma for the thoughtful Christmas gift five months ago, do something about it! Write a card now and you’ll both end up feeling great!

Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments section. Oh, and thanks!

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