Melissa

What I’ve Been Reading

Here’s what I read last month. If you’re looking for a good read, look no further… These are all books that deserve 5 stars. Enjoy… ~The Blind Contessa’s New Machine~ In the early 1800s, a young Italian contessa, Carolina Fantoni, realizes she is going blind shortly before she marries the town’s most sought-after bachelor. Her…

Repurposing Ideas

A couple easy, whimsical ideas for you… photographs by Melissa Placzek ~Teacup as Compote~ Transform old teacups into whimsical compotes! They’re ideal for serving little appetizers, dips and spreads. They’re also a fun way to present small dessert items like cookies, truffles and cupcakes to guests. So cute for a brunch, garden party or for…

Cucumber Sammy

photograph by Melissa Placzek ~Cucumber Sandwich~ This is made the same way as the radish sammy, except I add a little fresh basil or dill to the cream cheese and swap the radishes for cucumbers. When I worked at the tearoom I remember going out to the herb garden to gather the fresh basil leaves,…

Valentine’s Sneak Peek

Here is a little preview of what I’ve been up to… One of my favorite traditions…Decorating for Valentine’s Day! vintage rose tablecloth felt ABC chart remember making Valentine boxes in grade school? This one is decorated with some of my vintage valentines! a silk Chinese Take-out box…soon to be filled with fortune cookies fireplace mantle…fancy…

Crudite Plate with Oven Roasted Garlic Aioli

A healthy, delicious appetizer to serve at your next gathering. Just arrange your favorite vegetables on a pretty plate and serve with this flavorful garlic aioli! ~Oven Roasted Garlic Aioli~ 3-5 oven-roasted garlic cloves 2 large egg yolks 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh…

good earth winter bean salad

The Good Earth Restaurant is a Twin Cities restaurant known for their delicious vegetarian offerings. Years ago they gave away recipe cards with select menu items so their customers could try gourmet vegetarian cooking at home using an authentic Good Earth Recipe. Here’s my favorite salad to serve in the winter…aren’t you glad I saved…

Repurposing Idea ~ Marble Tile Coasters

This is an idea I came up with a few years ago after visiting a cute, touristy gift shop. I fell in love with these cool, distressed marble coasters that cost $50 for a set of 6. I was kind of bummed because I knew there was no way I would ever pay that much…

vanilla pudding orange & caramel rolls

  These are yummy, gooey, easy-to-make caramel rolls! Perfect with a cup of French press or tea! Happy Breakfast to you! 😉 ~ preheat oven to 375 degrees F. ~ 1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisins) 1/2 cup slivered almonds zest of 1 orange 2 loaves frozen bread (such as Rhode’s) 1 cup brown sugar 1/4…

My favorite Tea Infuser

Before I start talking about my favorite way to make a single serving of tea, without using a tea ball or tea ball infuser, I have to say that the very best way to make tea is in a glass, china or porcelain tea pot. This method has not been improved upon in the last…