Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 18, 2021April 13, 2021 Diva di Cucina

Mother’s Day is THREE weeks away! Do you have a gift for your momma yet? If not, I am here to help!

You may recall me posting back in October that I was going to launching my very own “kitchen boutique” on Etsy. I am happy to report that it is doing so much better than I could have anticipated! I am absolutely loving getting to combine my passion for cooking and design into a little side hustle that brings me so much joy!

I recently have been working on some ideas with moms specifically in mind and thought I would share here with you! All orders ship out within 1–2 days so you still have some time to get your order in.

Mugs
These mugs are my favorite mugs ever and there are three different designs to pick from. They are massive and hold 16 ounces of mom’s favorite hot beverage, or wine if that’s her style. I love how classy these all look with their matte exterior, high gloss white imprint and then a high gloss interior. The artwork is silkscreened on and cured using a heat process making them dishwasher and microwave safe. In other words… Best. Mug. Ever!

You can see all my available mugs here.

Oven Mitts
My husband certainly knows his way around the kitchen and can grill up some mean meals but both my boys know, momma kids “Queen of the Kitchen”. These adorable oven mitts are available in both red and black. These oven mitts are fit for any queen who enjoys cooking with style and grace. This handy home essential is the perfect addition to bring a little pizazz to any “queendom”. The oven mitt is all black with a bright white design screenprinted on. These are quilted and padded and made of high-quality 100% cotton and has a convenient loop for hanging as well as a pocket. Add a box of muffin mix and a wooden spoon for a perfect gift. It can be washed and reused and most importantly will protect your hands when handling hot pots.

You can purchase this black oven mitt here or the red one here.

Words of Affirmation Magnet Set
We can all use more positivity and self love in our lives. This magnet set confirms, supports, and uplifts your mom in the best way possible. Having these on display will remind her that she is important, powerful, strong, enough, brave, beautiful, wise, and worthy.

These are available in both blush pink or black. Each set comes in a small sheer drawstring bag all ready for gifting!

You can purchase this pink magnet set here or the black set here.

Flour Sack Towel
We all know moms can sometimes obsess with being people pleasers. It’s just in our DNA. But, sometimes I think mom’s need a reminder that we can’t make everyone happy. These hilarious towels are a good reminder for mom that only tacos have that kind of power.

This 100% cotton towel is made from an incredibly absorbent flour sack and the artwork is silkscreened on. It’s heavy duty, machine washable, and lint free. These towels maintain an excellent quality even after multiple washes!

I now have 9 different fun designs to pick from in my shop if this one isn’t mom’s cup of tea.

You can purchase these towels here.

Wine Glass
Last but not least, if anyone knows me, a wine glass is always a welcome gift and these are my favorite ever! Stemless wear is all the rage and provides the ideal handhold to look, swirl, smell and taste wine of all kinds. It is the perfect glass for parties, wine tastings, or just lounging around with its wide base and smooth rim. The text is silkscreened on in a black ink making it durable and high quality.

You can purchase these wine glasses here.

Brunch, Sweet Treats

Recipe—Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes

July 13, 2018June 26, 2018 Diva di Cucina

Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes

You know what is great about breakfast? It is the one meal during the day where it is acceptable to eat a dish that can be classified as dessert as the main dish. You can’t do that for lunch or dinner. While I typically prefer savory items when it comes to breakfast, I can not pass up a well done danish or doughnut. And if you recall from my Cherry Cheesecake Bars or Sweet Cherry Chip Dip, cherries and cream cheese are like totally my jam.

We were hosting Mother’s Day at our house this year and since I was going to be in the kitchen cooking for all the amazing women in my life, I decided I was going to make all of my favorite things, these danishes being one of them. Now don’t go tell anyone, but these are so quick and easy to make. You can whip these up in less than 30 minutes and look at how beautiful they are!

Note: I have a weak spot for cherry danishes but you can mix things up and use your favorite type of pie filling.

INGREDIENTS
1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp Sugar
21 oz can cherry pie filling
1 egg
1 tbsp water

STEPS

Preheat oven to 400º.
On a lightly floured cutting board, unfold the puff pastry sheets.
Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares so you have 18 total.
With a butter knife, gently score a 1/2 inch border around the edge of each piece of puff pastry
Using a fork, poke each pastry square 3–4 times in the middle.
Combine the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until well combined.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square and spread it evenly, ensuring it stays within the border.
In the middle of each square, place a large spoonful of the pie filling.
Transfer the squares to a parchment paper lined baking sheet as you finish each one up.
Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl.
Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the pastries from the baking sheet and allow to cool.

Uncategorized

Brunch Ideas for Mother’s Day

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 Diva di Cucina

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! While going out to brunch is great, I personally think an elegant brunch with my family at home is the best way to spend the day. This time of year we have such fabulous weather in California so sprucing up a table on the patio with some nice linens and flowers can be just as nice as going out to eat. If you are planning on cooking brunch for Mother’s Day for your mom, or perhaps even your wife (hint, hint spouses) here are some of my favorite recipes that any mom would be sure to enjoy. Happy Mother’s day to all the moms out there!

Looking for more brunch ideas or perhaps you are thinking of cooking a nice dinner instead? Check out my recipe box. There are lots of great ideas listed by category there!

Brunch, Side Dishes

Recipe—Asparagus Ham Rolls

June 6, 2014January 26, 2018 Diva di Cucina

This was a side dish I recently made for Sunday brunch. It was easy, delicious, and made for a great presentation. Ham and asparagus has always been a classic combination and when you have the nice mild bite of Dijon mustard along with a creamy cheese sauce it’s suddenly even a little more fabulous. Be sure to bookmark this recipe if you are like me and always looking for brunch ideas. It is sure to be a great addition to any menu. Perhaps a Father’s Day brunch item?

Note: I prepared the asparagus rolls the night before and refrigerated them ahead of time. Then the morning of I just had to put together the sauce and bake it. One less thing to be dealing with in the morning.

INGREDIENTS
24 asparagus spears
8 slices deli ham
dijon mustard
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 c milk
salt and pepper
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
3 green onions, thinly sliced
paprika

STEPS

Preheat oven to 350.
Trim off approximately 1″ from the cut ends of the asparagus.
Steam the asparagus for approximately 3 minutes or until crisp tender.
Season the asparagus with salt and pepper.
Spread a tad of the Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of ham.
Place 3 spears of asparagus on each slice of ham and roll up. As you finish each one place them seam side down in a greased baking dish.
Once you have prepared all the rolls get started on the sauce by melting the butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
Mix in flour until well combined.
Slowly whisk in milk, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Cook for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Stir in the cheese and green onions until cheese melts.
Pour the sauce over the asparagus rolls and sprinkle with a dash of paprika.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and serve.