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Posts tagged ‘ultimatemama’

UltimateMama has great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for teen girls. Some trendy treats include:

– FACETORY Be Bright Be You Illuminating Foil Sheet Mask with Vitamin C – Moisturizing, Revitalizing, and Illuminating Face Mask

Show Me Your Mumu Apres Ski Sweater in pink

Elmer Chocolate heart box

 

 

 

UltimateMama always likes to bring a little something when stopping by a friend’s home.  These hostess gifts are usually quite unexpected but definitely greatly appreciated.  Recently, UltimateMama found chocolate boxes from MarieBelle New York really bring smiles no matter what time of year! Her favorite are the 4 piece chocolate ganache blue box sets which feature beautiful designs on hand-made chocolate.

UltimateMama found the perfect, easy way to decorate cupcakes this Halloween. Wilton’s Halloween cupcake decorating kit includes 24 liners, ghost picks and plenty of black bat sprinkles. These quick and easy cupcake treats are perfect for kids of all ages!

UltimateMama and her children always bring flowers to thank generous hostesses and hosts for their hospitality and kindness.  No matter the season, UltimateMama selects (or picks) the perfect flowers and arranges them into a unique container for a sophisticated presentation. Sometimes the vase may be crystal or glass, but many times painted water pitchers or rustic metal buckets add an extra splash of sunshine to someone’s day. Amber Waves farm in Amagansett, New York has some lovely ideas for floral arrangements in clever containers that will make the recipient smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UltimateMama took her girls to the L.E.A.F. Flower Festival in NYC’s meatpacking district in early June. It was a wonderful time to be surrounded by gorgeous colors as summer was beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best of all, the girls were inspired to create their own floral arrangements using assorted varieties in beautiful old vases. All creative arrangements were admired and adored!

 

UltimateMama’s children will actually roll out of bed if they smell baked oatmeal for breakfast.  It is an easy recipe that can be made all year long!

To do:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Grease a 9 x 13 pan

Mix:

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup 2% milk

1/3 cup olive oil

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Add:

3 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 – 2 cups of fruit or nuts that you like (we like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and walnuts and usually save a little to put on top)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes (check at the 15-20 minute mark and rotate)

Enjoy!

UltimateMama recently learned about a 3 color piping bag kit that will turn any ordinary cupcake into an extraordinary delight. The Wilton color swirl decorating kit is easy to use with fantastic results. Pick any 3 colors of frosting and you will have gorgeous cupcakes that look professional!

UltimateMama has an easy, comfort food style recipe that all will enjoy for dinner tonight. Best of all it takes less than 20 minutes to make!

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

4-6 ounces thinly diced prosciutto

4 gloves garlic

1 1/4 cups frozen organic peas (thaw before use)

Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (or more for taste)

1 pound Mafalde pasta

1/2-3/4 cup pasta water

To do:

Cook the pasta as directed. Keep 1/2-3/4 cup of pasta water for “sauce”.

In a big skillet heat the olive oil and add the diced prosciutto until crisp. Remove and place on a place (draining the oil).

Chop the garlic finely, add to the olive oil in the skillet, and cook for a few minutes.

Add the peas to the skillet as well as the crushed red pepper flakes.

Add the pasta to the skillet, using tongs.

Add 1 cup of the cheese to the pasta in the skillet then 1/3 cup of the pasta water and mix to form a sauce.

Finish adding the remainder of the cheese as well as the pasta water until desired consistency and creaminess is achieved.

Place in a large pasta bowl or platter.

Top with crisped prosciutto and a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for color.

Enjoy!

 

UltimateMama’s kids enjoy whipping up fresh tomato mozzarella bites in a flash.  These quick, easy to make appetizers are beautiful on any dining table.

What you need:

1 pound container of Campari tomatoes

Small container of pearl or cherry size fresh mozzarella balls

4 clean, washed basil leaves

Drizzle (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil

To assemble:

Cut the tomatoes in half.

Use a melon baller to scoop out the inside of tomatoes and discard.

Place a mozzarella ball inside of each tomato “shell”.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Garnish with basil (or you can thinly slice the basil leaves and place in each one).

Enjoy!

UltimateMama and her kids love making and serving these super easy prosciutto and salami wrapped mozzarella sticks.  Guests can pick them up with no mess, plus they can be made in advance of your gathering.

To make:

8 ounces of whole milk Mozzarella cheese (chunk or “brick” loaf style so it can be easily cut)

4 ounces of sliced prosciutto

4 ounces of sliced salami

Prepare mozzarella cheese by cutting into 4 inch long, 1/2 inch thick pieces

Roll either the prosciutto or salami around the cheese

Repeat until all ingredients are done

Serve and enjoy! (adding pitted olives and stuffed grape leaves is a nice bonus for friends)