Archives for April 25, 2014

“Not only is hosting a tea a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s also a way to educate your friends and family on English tradition,” said Beth Nielsen, Chief Culinary Officer of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “In the U.S., we’ve always thought the British had ‘high tea’, but really it is a misnomer. Americans thought ‘high tea’ meant high society, but we misunderstood.”

According to Ellen Easton, author of the book Afternoon Tea ~Tips, Terms and Traditions and a tea consultant to luxury New York City hotels The Plaza and Waldorf-Astoria, it is never correct to use the term ‘high tea’ when referring to the genre of afternoon tea popularized during the Victorian era. “Low tea, better known as afternoon tea, became customary amongst the leisured class in 1840, in ladies’ sitting rooms during the low time of day between 3 and 5 p.m.,” said Easton. “Around 1900, at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, laborers had what is actually ‘high tea’ at the high time of day before sunset between 5 and 7 p.m. in pubs on raised tables or at home before returning to work the second factory shift. With this in mind, a ‘low’ afternoon tea is perfect for Mother’s Day, as the tradition was originally created to foster friendships.”

You can share this tidbit and other Downton Abbey-inspired fun facts at a special tea for mom and the other special ladies in your life while serving finger-foods such as scones, tea sandwiches and petit fours. Indulging in a bit of British tradition within your own home is extra special when you add Nielsen-Massey Vanillas to your menu:

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to a pot of black tea along with cream or milk for the perfect vanilla-flavored centerpiece to your afternoon.
• While Devonshire or clotted cream is a traditional accompaniment to scones, if you prefer a lighter whipped cream, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste to the cream, along with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, before whipping for a sweet, full flavor.
• For a lighter dish, pair a teaspoon of fruity and floral Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract with fruit salad for an additional depth of flavor.

Tie your Mother’s Day menu together with the Vanilla Sugar-Crusted Scones recipe below!

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans and Pure Vanilla Extract make these scones a classic favorite that Mom is sure to love.

I received samples of the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean and the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract and I am really looking forward to making the scones for Mother’s Day! I also love the idea of adding the Pure Vanilla Extract to the Tea! I actually did try that with a dab of milk and it was delicious!

Vanilla Sugar-Crusted Scones

(Yield 1 to 1 ½ dozen)

1 Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 oz. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 egg
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract (or Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
1 cup (or less) whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a bowl; discard the bean. Combine the flour, baking powder, 1/3 cup sugar and the salt in a food processor container and process for 10 seconds.

Add equal amounts of the butter in three stages to the dry ingredients and process for 6 to 8 seconds per addition; the dough should have a slightly coarse texture. Place the dough in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg, vanilla extract, 3/4 cup of the cream and the vanilla seeds. Stir with a fork 10-14 times awhile turning the bowl. Knead five or six times; the dough should hold together. Add enough of the remaining cream to reach the desired consistency if the dough does not hold together or seems dry.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar on a work surface. Turn the dough onto the sugar work surface and knead gently so the dough holds together. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Divide the dough into two discs 1 inch thick and 6 inch to 8 inch in diameter. Cut into wedges. Place the scones on the prepared pans. Brush with the butter. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

A Marcy Goldman BetterBaking.Com Original Recipe for Nielsen-Massey.

Note: To experiment with a different flavor profile, try our Mexican or Gourmet Vanilla Beans. To replace the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans, simply use the same amount of the Mexican or Gourmet Vanilla Beans.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas also offers a full line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are All-Natural, Allergen-Free, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.www.nielsenmassey.com

Self Disclosure: I received Free products to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are truthful.

It’s fiesta time! Celebrate with our neighbors South of the border, and throw a party for the number one Mexican-American holiday, Cinco de Mayo! Interestingly enough, it’s actually a much bigger and more popular holiday stateside, so let’s show the world how it’s done!

Cinco de Mayo party supplies on Birthday Express are muy caliente — your guests will stand up and shout “¡Arriba!” and you’ll be the host with the most festive fiesta around.

Keep on reading for a full list of Cinco de Mayo party tips to make it a day to remember. ¡Olé!

Now, while it is still technically Spring until mid-June, if you’re anything like us, you’re already craving that first splash of summer! Serve up some frozen margaritas for the grown-ups or slushies for the kids in plastic margarita glasses. Rim with sugar and add lime slices to complete the look.

To add some more fiesta flair to your refreshments table, dress up your drinks with our fiesta serape drink cozies! One size fits most bottles – just slip on and sip! Adding some fun fake moustaches adds to the humor, and your guests will definitely get a kick out of them.

To brighten up your party scene, try some festive paper fan decorations or our giant fiesta decorating kit. With three 24-foot banners, you’ll have enough party to go around for sure! You can even enhance the look further with handmade paper decorations of your own – this can make a great party activity for kids, too!

Simple white cupcakes with colored wrappers make a great accent, and a sombrero centerpiece ties the table together nicely. Red hot tissue paper chili peppers are another way to go, too, and piñatas are a necessity!

Try the rainbow donkey piñata for a classic style that screams Cinco de Mayo! Don’t forget to add a themed buster kit and piñata filler… after all, piñatas aren’t just for decoration! Add some maracas as a fun finishing touch to your party theme.

So, how are you going to celebrate Cinco? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share your thoughts! Be sure to check them out on Pinterest for even more party ideas and inspiration!

http://www.birthdayexpress.com/partyideas/themes/cinco-de-mayo-party/

Self Disclosure: Thank you Birthday Express for sharing these ideas with us! No products were received to facilitate this feature.