My first King Cake

I absolutely LOVE King Cake!  For you Northeners  that have no clue what I am talking about.  King Cakes are part of Mardi Gras tradition and in New Orleans and surrounding areas.  Read more on the history on wiki here.  They typically are sold for just a couple of months during Mardi Gras season.  For a King Cake lover like myself that is not a good thing!  They are around $8 at the store!  OUCH!  I would try to squeeze in eating many King Cakes while I could get them in years past... I will shamelessly admit that on an occassion or two I would pretty much eat the whole thing myself, because I didn't like sharing, I mean the kids didn't want any... yeah that's it!

Mardi Gras King Cake

Inspired when I saw this recipe on Southern Plate yesterday... Well today I kept thinking about making one.  In Christy's Recipe she used frozen bread dough.  I pretty much make as much homemade as I can though so I made my dough in my bread machine which was easy peasy!  Now if you don't have a bread machine you can also make your dough by hand (first proofing your yeast, first 3 ingredients)  If you have any questions let me know!  For my dough recipe I altered my Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Here is the run down:

Dough Recipe: (or use frozen bread dough, thawed of course)

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm warm
• 2 TBS sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour (I used bread flour but all-purpose flour would work ok too)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 TBS Vegetable Oil

Filling Recipe:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 TBS lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar 

Glaze Recipe:

• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbs milk (add just enough to get to a pourable consistancy)
• 1 tsp vanilla  

I did my bread in the bread machine on the dough cycle.  (If you are kneading by hand work the dough to a good consistency and set in a warm draft free spot for the first rise) allow an hour or so for this

Then, turn dough to a lightly floured surface.  gently work it into a large... long rectangle shape.  (this will be your ring so get it good and long... mine was probably around 18-20" x 6" or so.  Ok... read on in the captions of the photos.  Sometimes seeing a picture is easier!

Beautiful dough :)

Use colored sugar.  You can make your own very easily by adding several drops into some sugar... Do this in a jar and shake vigorously.  I had green and yellow but needed purple.... I don't think I will ever buy colored sugar again!

This is our purple.  eh... not the best but will do! We used Blue and Red.  Next time I will try green and red and see how that goes

I shaped into a long rectangle and just patted the dough out with my fingers

Mix filling cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice

Slap on the cream cheese in the center  (or other filling)  I added blueberries to 1/2 that were partially frozen per eldest child's request :)  Then gently fold thetop of the dough to the center and the bottom over that.  making sure to seal the filling in

All rolled up!  Transfer to cookie sheer or baking stone carefully.  Cover with damp cloth in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour until doubled

Here it is all doubled up and ready to bake!  Bake on 350 F about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown

Golden brown!  I transfered mine to a glass plate to cool.

Once cooled you can hide a little plastic baby somewhere inside.  Just push it thru the underside or side, somewhere inconspicuous!  Drizzle glaze on top and sprinkle with colored sugar! 
Traditional Mardi Gras colors are Gold, Green, and Purple. 

More menu Ideas

Free Friday Giveaway!

Post 1 comment for each that you do! Up for grabs this week is an awesome piggie set of SandraBees Bows! Do 1 (or all for more chances to win!)  1 entry each
1. You must be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
2. Like SandraBees Bows on Facebook
3. Follow on SandraBees on Twitter
4. Write one comment for each entry.
5. Leave a comment on the Giveaway on Facebook Here
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1. Make a blog post about my Giveaway on your blog (5 entries)
2. Copy and paste the picture and post it in the sidebar of your blog (5 entries)
3. Share the link of my Giveaway Blog Post on your Facebook page (5 entries)
4. Tweet my Giveaway (3 entries)
So overall you have 22 entries if you do all!  Winner will be announced this coming Monday!


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New SandraBees Bows Specials

I guess I am in a Valentine's mood! That and spring!!! Many great bows this week. With the popularity of the St Patty's Day 2 in 1 Bow Set.... I created a Valentine's Day Version. The bow set can be worn together or individually making this a really versatile bow set. Can even be worn by sisters for a coordinated look! For ordering details please visit SandraBees Bows on Facebook

I make all bows custom to order so if you need a different size, want to switch colors, or need a bow or headband to match an outfit it is no problem.  Just post a comment here, thru facebook or email me

Also FREE SHIPPING on ALL BOW SETS ordered thru SandraBees.com  That's right!  On top of already low prices and buy 5 get 1 free specials, take advantage of free shipping this week only (1-17 thru 1-24)

M2MG Sparkle SweetHeart

M2MG Polka Dot Princess

An Awesome Bow set, wear individually or clip together... Year round wear!

M2MG Poodle Glamour

M2MG Butterfly Blossoms

Jumbo Gothic Valentine

Fireplace Redo ~in Progress

Well, it has been 1 week since we began framing the wall for the fireplace!   After the framing, we built a platform where the hidden cabinet for components will ultimately go.  Put a few new outlets.  One will being right at the base of the mantel shelf... Yay for easier decorating!  The other is in the cabinet area for the components to plug into.  Next we (I mean hubbby :) connected the gasline from the wall to the firebox itself... And then we cut, placed and screwed the sheetrock into place... (mostly hubby... that stuff is HEAVY!)

Here is the new wall!

Wow, I am amazed!

Here is where I takeover... Started mudding yesterday!  woo-hoo!  Now I was shooting to be done with this project by the end of January... But I am going to go ahead and say I think it will take a bit longer... we will see though.  The mudding, sanding etc may hold us up because it is a 24 hour dry time after mudding.  We hope to get some newpaint to match the existing this week and maybe start the mantel/woodwork soon. 

I still need to decide if I want to stain the wood or paint it white???  Maybe when some wood is in place that will help me decide.  I also still need to decide on some tile.  Originally I was going to do brick but it is going to be a very small 4" perimeter around the fireplace... I am thinking tile or maybe brick pavers?  Can I lay those myself... LOL

I am getting anxious to see the final result!  I ordered a new area rug that is supposed to arrive today!!!  I ordered it online (shopping with 3 kids is completely dreadful BTW!).  I am hoping the colors with brighten up the room and that the rug will "pop" from my dark floors, chocolate couch, darker curtains, etc.  My old couch was tan with ivory trim...  but we needed more seating and fell in love with this sectional... I do love it but as I get to looking around everything seemed dark! LOL  I think I will update some pillows for the spring in some lighter shades too.

Menu Plan Monday~

Here is what is on our menu this week

Monday - Grilled Chicken, rice and gravy, green beans, Homemade Yeast Rolls
Tuesday - Spaghetti, homemade French Bread
Wednesday - Church
Thursday - Tacos
Friday- Sausage, Mac n cheese, peas, homemade bread
Saturday - Shrimp Scamp,Homemade Garlic Yeast Roll
Sunday - Ribeye Steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob

If I am not in the mood for something I will switch up the day that I make it... point is, I have a plan and have the ingredients to make everything.  This saves me time, money, and stress! In a pinch I usually can always make grilled cheese and tomato soup or throw together a tuna fish casserole :-)

Do you meal plan?  If not I encourage you to do so... Really does take the stress of "what's for dinner?" out of my day!


For more Menu Planning Ideas:

Free Friday Giveaway!

Gorgeous Valentine Rosette Bow!

Do 1 (or all for more chances to win!)  1 entry each
1. You must be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
2. Like SandraBees Bows on Facebook
3. Follow on SandraBees on Twitter
4. Write a comment in the comment section of this blog post with a list of all your entries.
5. Leave a comment on the Giveaway on Facebook Here
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1. Make a blog post about my Giveaway (5 entries)
2. Copy and paste the picture and post it in the sidebar of your blog (5 entries)
3. Share the link of my Giveaway Blog Post on your Facebook page (5 entries)
4. Tweet my Giveaway (3 entries)
So overall you have 22 entries if you do all!  Winner will be announced this coming Monday!

Building the Fireplace!

Well, I am so very excited that we have officially started this project!  We had a gas line stubbed when we originally built our house with the intentions of one day adding a fireplace in the corner.  About a year ago we got rid of our armoire that used to sit in the corner where the wannabe fireplace was going to go.  DVD junk sat on 2 trunks for awhile :)

Determined to get this project going I researched a lot and finally went and bought a firebox last fall... The goal was to have it done by Christmas so I could hang my stockings.... Well that did not happen.  My husband had to have an unexpected surgery and so the whole thing was just put on hold.  Here are some pix so you can see the space.

This is how it's been for several months

All of the wiring goes thru the wall in the corner.  The hope is to build the fireplace with a hidden compartment to house the DVD player, etc.

Another View of the living room

the sectional stays of course... would love for the recliner to go...

more views

living room opens to breakfast area/bar/kitchen

Ready to remove this plastic wrap!

Yes, very ready!

TV wall... this will stay just as is

from the back of the room

TADA!!!  We have begun!

I will blog as we go along!  We are hoping to finish it within a few weeks....  I have been looking at fireplaces that I like for months!  I rarely saw a corner fireplace that I liked!  I am still undecided on whether I want the woodwork stained or painted white...  Ya'll share your ideas with me!!!  The front door is a gorgeous stain.  I am thinking to do a neutral mosaic tile around the fireplace and I am not set on a hearth or any tile on the floor.. I think I like it flush and simple.

As we began the project we are realizing we will "need" a new surround sound system.  Right now our has a big subwoofer that used to sit concealed in the corner.  However we can't have it sit there and then we questioned where we would put the speaker that mounts to the ceiling... I think we are going to upgrade to a wireless surround system to simplify everything and keep the clean look that we like.

Another thing to consider is the paint.  We built 6 years ago and are smack out of the paint that goes thru most of my house.  (the tan color).  I really don't want any other color, so I am hoping we can get it matched pretty close... If I have to end up repainting the living room walls... well so be it.  I just hope to get the color to match close enough so I don't have to repaint the kitchen & breakfast areas too... The walls all flow together so there really is no good stopping point to switch colors.