Star's Favorite Sweets: Smore Pops

Summer is right around the corner which has me craving smores!  The combination of gooey marshmallows, creamy chocolate and crunchy graham crackers is just perfect and the ultimate American classic!  I happen to think everything is better on a stick so I thought I'd give smore pops a try.  I must admit they were quite delicious, super simple to make and really pretty!  These smore pops are less messy than camp fire smores and can me made ahead of time which makes them the perfect party treat.

To make these pops, I simply stuck lollypop sticks into marshmallows, dipped them in melted chocolate and rolled the bottoms in crushed graham crackers.  Thats it!  These would be perfect to serve at a Memorial Day BBQ, bridal shower or birthday party.  You could even wrap them up in little cellophane bags, the the with a pretty ribbon and use them as favors.

To make the little flags, I wrapped a bit of washi decorative tape around the tip of the lollypop sticks before I inserted them into the marshmallows.  Washi tape comes in every color an pattern you could imagine so its really easy to customize this treat to your event.  I happen to love the blue and white, especially for this time of year.  Enjoy!!

XOXO,
Star

Featured Wedding: Jessica + David at Saint Sophia's Cathedral & Vibiana

Jessica and David tied the knot on October 20, 2012 in a stunning ceremony at Saint Sophia Cathedral followed by a beyond beautiful reception at one of our favorite venues, Vibiana. 

It was a gorgeous autumn day – cool, crisp and a bit cloudy.  The Bride, dressed in a Lazaro gown and Christian Louboutin heals could not have been more stunning.  Her Hugo Boss clad Groom looked so handsome (and smelled amazing, trust me on this one J).  In the morning as they got ready they exchanged vows via messenger.  This sweet and intimate gesture seemed to bring a sense of calm to both of them.

Jessica and David are a very traditional couple who decided to forgo the popular “first look” and waited until Jessica walked down the isle to see each other for the first time.  Time seemed to stand still when David first saw his Bride standing at the end of the ilse with her father.  The opulence and splendor of SaintSophia’s was the perfect setting for their traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony.

After the ceremony the Bride and Groom escaped to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles before heading to Vibiana for photos.  This photo session was a great opportunity for Jessica and David to spend some time together, just the two of them, basking in the joy of their matrimony.  Rebecca with Docuvitae captured the most beautiful shots of this happy couple – don’t they just ooze happiness?!

Vibiana was adorned with whimsical décor including stunning florals by Shawna Yamamto Event Design, vintage furniture, gold accents and amazing lighting.

In lieu of a Sweetheart Table, the Happy Couple enjoyed their own intimate lounge area just under the Vibiana alter.  It was georgeous, luxurious and cozy all at the same time!

Guests sipped Champagne as they dined on culinary delights prepared by Jay’s Catering.  The savory dishes were matched by the delicious dessert bar and wedding cake also prepared by Jay’s.

The evening was lively and filled with love, laughter and dancing!  A surprise performance by Jilliana’s SahlalaDancers really got the party going.  Guests danced into the early morning hours and finished off the amazing night by doing The Macarena!

We feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing day.  Cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter Mr. & Mrs. Gobrial!  

All photos courtesy of Docuvitae

Accommodations:  Millennium Biltmore
Belly Dancers: Jillina and the Sahlala Dancers       
Bar: The Cocktail Concierge     
Catering: Jay’s Catering
Church (ceremony):  St. Sophia’s Cathedral           
DJ:  DJ Nara
Event Design & Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Bride Hair: Shirin Salon
Bride Makeup: Monique Powers                 
Lighting and Sound: Amber Event Production
Photographer: Docuvitae
Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals & Archive Event Rentals
Venue (reception):  Vibiana     
Videographer: Wind Production 

Star's Favorite Sweets: Scrumptious Shortbread Cookies

It has finally started to feel like fall in So Cal and this weather puts me in the baking mood.  There are tons of new cookie recipes I am dying to try but I haven't had the chance to run to the store to buy the various ingredients.  So, on this crisp fall morning I decided to bake one of my most favorite old faithful cookies, shortbread.  I always have all of the ingredients for these cookies so they are the perfect treat to whip up when the urge strikes.  A friend of mine gave me this recipe a few years ago and it is so good, I've tossed all of my other shortbread recipes.  It is beyond simple (only four ingredients!!) and I bet you have all of them on hand on any given day.

I know you are probably thinking, "Shortbread?  Boring!" and I would have agreed with you until I tried this recipe.  It is honestly, simply perfect!  I've toyed with the idea of dipping these cookies in chocolate, but I've always opted against it... not because I don't think it would be delicious, but because I think they are absolutely perfect just the way they are!

This recipe is for a small batch and only makes about eight cookies (depending how how you cut them), but you can easily double the recipe if you need cookies for a larger crowd.  I always bring these cookies to the annual holiday cookie exchange my friends and I do and I've also made them for various other events.  They are perfect for showers and parties because they can be made a few days in advance and are pretty hardy and easily transported.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 stick of cold butter cut into cubes
3 tablespoons cornstarch
extra sugar and/or edible glitter to sprinkle over the top after the shortbread has baked

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined.  The dough will look and feel powdery and not doughy at all.  Pour the dough into a pie pan (or small square pan if you prefer square cookies) and press it until it is compact and flat.

In an oven that has been preheated to 325 degrees, bake the shortbread for 25-30 minutes or until it has just started to brown a bit.  I prefer my shortbread soft so I watch for the browned edges then quickly remove the pan from the oven.  As soon as the shortbread is out of the oven sprinkle it with sugar.  I also love to sprinkle my shortbread with clear edible glitter which I purchased from my local cake shop.

The shortbread is delicious with just plain sugar, but who doesn't love a little bling on their cookie?!  And believe me, offering your guests a glittery piece of shortbread will wow them and have them asking "is that glitter on the cookies?!"  So pretty and unexpected, especially during the holidays!  I am sorry that it is difficult to see the glitter on the cookies in these photos.

Once the shortbread has cooled for a few minutes cut into it like you would a pie and you'll have adorable little triangular cookies.  Note - you must cut into these while they are still warm.  If you cut into them when they have cooled they will crack and break apart.

These cookies pair perfectly with English style tea which is how I enjoyed mine on this blustery morning.  Such a delicious pairing and the perfect fall treat!

Happy baking!

-Star

Star's Favorite Things: Halloween Fun!

Happy Halloween!  We celebrated Halloween this past weekend by hosting a casual get together in our home.  It featured yummy festive and fall inspired treats and lots of DIY decor.  Below are a few photos of some of the fun elements.  All photos were taken by the talented Christine Collins of Collins Clan Photography! 

I made a ghost out of cheesecloth and fabric stiffener. This was an easy craft and extremely inexpensive! Thank you Pinterest and the Everyday is a Crafting Day blog for the idea! 

A few years ago I purchased a couple cases of mason jars from my local grocery store and use them all the time!  They make great vases, candle holders and of course, beverage glasses!  I tie ribbon, tulle or raffia around the top in various colors depending on the occasion, and I end up with a decor element that appears to be tailor made for the event at hand.  As you know, I love paper straws (as you can see from my previous post) and utilized black and orange ones for the beverages which were served in mason jars tied with black tulle.  This was super quick, inexpensive and so much more fun than plastic cups! 

A friend of ours brought over the adorable carved pumpkin.  Love the simple yet creative little face on it!
 

Lots of delicious snacks and goodies were served... below are some of my favorites! I've been making the chocolate dipped apricots for a while now and they are super easy. Simply dip dried apricots in melted chocolate until they are halfway covered, lay on parchment paper and top with a whole almond before the chocolate dries. Simple and delicious and very Halloweenie!

We served carrots and ranch in little shot glasses which made for perfect little portions.

The marshmallow people were hand dipped in food coloring then in chocolate and finished off with little chocolate eyes. This was so fun, I know I'll be making them again in the future and I'll definitely share the DIY tutorial with you. Stay tuned!

Cheetos were served in little paper cones and I glued googalie eyes to them to add a little fun!

Because in my opinion, you can't have a party without cake, chocolate cupcakes were served alongside delicious caramel apples slices (which I happen to think are the perfect Halloween treat)!

This is our our little man's first Halloween and we've had so much fun introducing him to all that this holiday has to offer! We even stuck him in a pumpkin for a quick photo. He wasn't too sure what to do so he just started gnawing on the side!   

Happy Halloween from the Sterling Team!

XOXO,

Star

Star's Inspirations: Ombre Love!

Ombre is everywhere in fashion and beauty from hair color, to clothing to nails.  The ombre look has also become quite popular as a design element at weddings and events.  Ombre is a great way to tie your event colors together and is so easy to accomplish.  Florals and wedding cakes are great ways to use the ombre effect, but it can also be incorporated into other decor elements such as lighting, dessert bars, dresses and stationary.  The possibilities are endless which is what I love so much about this look!  It can be sprinkled in or used through your event.  It can be subtle understated or bold and intense depending on your design preferences.  

At one of our recent weddings, the bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses and the maid of honor wore a blue ombre dress which set her apart from the other girls.  The dress was truly stunning and it made me realize that I need more ombre in my life!  Check out these beautiful ombre designs.

This candy display is unique and so beautiful!

Photo courtesy of Young Married Chic

This ombre floral arrangement makes carnations look incredibly chic!

Photo courtesy of Ruffled

Ombre sugar hearts decorating a basic white cake?!  Love!  For a tutorial on how to make these sugar hearts, check out my previous post.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Chicks

Little cakes with bare sides show off the ombre layers.  The rosette frosting is the perfect topper.

Photo courtesy of Glorious Treats

I recently came across this in Lucky Magazine and thought it was stunning!  It would be be beautiful and unexpected on the fashion forward Bride or playful and fun on your Bridesmaids!

Photo courtesy of Moda Operandi

I don't even know where to start with this... I love everything about it!  What a great way to achieve an understated ombre look!

Photo courtesy of Loverly

Ombre escort cards tie pink, sherbet, yellow and cream together so nicely.

Photo courtesy of Once Wed

So classic and chic!

 Photo courtesy of Erin Ever After

Love the ombre bottles in the background.  Such a beautiful and unexpected design element!

 Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop Liddabits

This reminds me of a sunset... or cotton candy...  either way, it is so pretty!

 Photo courtesy of Revel

How pretty is the bouquet made of fabric flowers?!

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop Autumn and Grace

This centerpiece is beautiful beyond words.  I love how it looks placed on a pink table cloth with the ombre favor boxes!

Photo courtesy of Vintage Rose Garden

This photo illustrates how lighting can truly transform your look.  This ombre lighting oozes romance!

Photo courtesy of A Good Affair

 

Another stunning ombre wedding cake.

 Photo courtesy of Cake Coquuette

And who can forget this dress?!  Trend setter Gwen Stefani boldly wore an ombre wedding dress at her  2002 wedding to Gavin Rossdale.  Stunning!

Photo courtesy of Fashion Munster

Sneak Peek: One of our recent brides utilized rose petals to create an ombre isle runner.  My apologies for the amateur cell phone photo; professional photos to come:)

Xoxo,

Star

Star's Favorite Sweets: Peanut Butter Cup Bars

I feel as though I am letting you in on the best kept secret recipe ever, but I must admit, it is all over Pinterest (how did I ever live without Pinterest, I don't know).  And for good reason!  These Peanut Butter Cup Bars are devine and taste just like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!  I modified the recipe a bit, using a basic ganache rather than the chocolate/peanut butter topping listed on Bakerlady.  I did this because I happened to have heavy cream in the fridge and I LOVE ganache... I figured it would make the most perfect topping for these bars.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed licking the bowl more than I did while making this recipe :)  Oh. My. Goodness.  These are amazing!

Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients:

1 c. butter melted

2 sleeves/packages graham crackers 

2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. peanut butter

Peanut Butter Bar Directions:

Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground to the consistency of sand (you may want to start with one package, pulse them, then add the other so they all fit). 

Add the melted butter, peanut butter and powdered sugar to the food processor.

Blend together.  Scrape down the sides with a spatula if necessary (tell yourself it is necessary so you have a reason to lick it after you scrape the sides :)

Pour the peanut butter mixture into a 9 x 13 pan and flatten with an off-set spatula.  Prepare chocolate ganache topping.

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. chocolate chopped in to small pieces (or chocolate chips)

1 c. heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache Directions:

Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.  Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, carefully watching it so that it doesn't boil over.  Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chopped chocolate.  Tap the bowl on the counter to settle the chocolate into the cream, then let it sit for 1 minute.  Using a rubber spatula, slowly stir in a circular motion.  Stir until the chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes.  Spread the ganache over the peanut butter layer.  Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.  I think these are best served a bit cold with a glass of milk!

*Recipe adapted from Bakerlady

Chocolate and peanut butter... it doesn't get much better than that.  Run, don't walk to the store to buy the ingredients for these amazing Peanut Butter Cup Bars!

Enjoy!!

-Star