Catering your special affair.....Welcome baby Blackwell!!!!

We love teaching cooking and crafting classes as well as hosting birthday parties, but do you know we have also begun catering special events?  We recently hosted a men's breakfast which went really well and we thank them for the opportunity.
    This past Sunday, Cook n Craft Academy hosted a baby shower for Maggie Blackwell and her family and friends. She's expecting a baby girl and we're thrilled for her and her husband.  Maggie comes from a truly wonderful family and we know she is going to be one terrific mommy!
     Her menu consisted of Fettucine Alfredo, Grilled Lime Terriyaki Chicken Tenders, Carmelized Onion Mushroom Puffs, an assortment of cheeses, crudite, quiche, garden salad and an assortment of homemade pastries and desserts.  We were honored to participate in her special day this way.  Wishing the Blackwells a happy and healthy pregnancy...Best of Luck and God Bless you and your bundle of joy on the way!!!!

If you would like more information on Cook n Craft Academy catering your next event, contact Christina at Christina@cookncrafts.com or call 865 394 8796

Behind the scenes at WLVT-TV

So we've been on cloud 9 since we were invited to do a segment to promote Cook n Craft Academy.  Producer Tony Budnick (who is so very nice and quite talented) produced our segment.  Initially, it was planned for us to do the segment with anchor Mark Packer but as news always is "a changing", Mark wasn't there that day and Brittany Tarwater stood in.

We arrived at the studio around 3 pm for our 4:50 pm appearance.  Now I know that's a bit early...and we were told that if we got there at 330 that would be plenty of time, but I wanted to make sure I got there with extra time.  I needed to assemble my "faux" hamburger cupcakes and lay out the whole segment.

WLVT-TV is a beautiful facility and it was very easy to find.  From the receptionist to the intern to the production assistant all the way to the producer and anchors --all were professional, kind and very warm and helpful. The minute I stepped into the studio, I felt a warmth and family feeling.  A true genuine respect for one another.

The studio in person is a lot smaller than it appears on television, but I expected that.  I worked in tv for over 25 years and the one thing I probably heard every single day was "the studio is so much smaller in person".  Those tv cameras can work their magic and make everything look better and bigger.  Kudos for the director for that!!!

The newscast started at 4 pm.  Amanda Hara co anchored with Brittany Tarwater and the two of them off camera appeared to be best buddies.  They were friendly and truly loved what they were doing.
Our segment was towards the end of the program so I cold sit back a little and just enjoy the show.

Before our appearance there were some exotic pets that stepped in the study...a very big snake, some baby foxes, a 6 foot iquana (my son would have loved this one)!!!

We also learned about a great program the Police Department in Oak Ridge has incorporating HS Students.

Friends and family asked if I was nervous about my segment.  I will tell you that I worked in television for over 25 years.  I even had my own show on the Food Network.  I was Rosie O'Donnell's Chub Club Buddy and did various segments with her.  Back in the day I even appeared with Matt Lauer on local Channel 9 in Secaucus NJ. The truth of the matter is that no matter how many times I've appeared on TV I still get a nervous energy.  So I say lots of prayers before I go on and ask God to give me the courage and wisdom to do and say the right thing.   Watch the clip and hopefully you'll think I did ok!!!!

And one of the best parts is when it was all over they asked me to come back!  I'm starting to think which great ideas I can share next!!!!  The directions to our activites are listed below!

Faux Tie Dye –Air Brushed Tee Shirt

Supplies:

Permanent ink markers (such as sharpies)

Tee-shirt

Cardboard

Isopropyl Alcohol

Dropper

Instructions:

Draw designs/patterns on your shirt with markers.  Dots in patterns usually work best.  When you are completely finished with your design place 2-3 drops of alcohol onto your design and watch it spread out.

When completely dry, heat set shirt by ironing on low heat or placing shirt in dryer.

String Art

Supplies:

Various Acrylic Paint Colors

Small paint bowl

Popsicle stick

Bakers twine (or similar string)—3 or 4 pieces approx. 14 inches

2 Canvas boards

Instructions:

Place one piece of string inside small paint bowl.  Squirt acrylic paint over string.  Use popsicle stick to make sure the string is covered with paint.  Drop the paint over the canvas in a circular motion (or whichever design you prefer). Leave about ½ inch of string hanging over the edge of the canvas. Take the remaining pieces of string and do the same thing, adding different colors or sticking with one or two main colors.  Then take the second canvas and place it on top of the first canvas.  Press down.  Pull on the strings out between the canvases.  And then turn over the top canvas to reveal your artwork.  If you like, you can repeat until you reach your desired piece of art.

Hamburger Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Box mix yellow cupcakes

Box mix chocolate cupcakes

5 tablespoons sugar

Sesame seeds

Tub vanilla icing

Red food color/gel

½ cup shredded coconut

Green food color/gel

Directions:

Make box mix cupcakes as directed on box.  Set aside to cool.

Make a simple syrup by mixing the sugar and 5 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil til sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

Mix vanilla icing with red food coloring to achieve your “ketchup” look.

Take shredded coconut and mix it inside a small bowl with green food gel to achieve your “lettuce” .

Assemble burger:

Using a pastry brush, brush simple syrup onto yellow cupcakes.  Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Cut the cupcake tops with the seeds off.  This will be used as the top of your “bun”.

Cut the middle part of your chocolate cupcake and use it as your “burger:.

Use the bottom of your yellow cupcake as the bottom of your bun.

Add “ketchup” icing and coconut “lettuce” to your burger.

Enjoy!

Big News!!!!

Well we're really excited to share and confirm that we will be on WLVT-TV http://www.wvlt.tv/  this Wednesday at 4:50 pm promoting Cook n Craft Academy in Loudon.   The handsome Mark Packer will be leading our segment on FUN THINGS TO DO WITH THE KIDS THIS SUMMER!!!   We will be sharing some really fun ideas and hope you'll tune in!!!

WLVT's Mark Packer

Happy Birthday McKenna!!! You Rock!

 We hosted a truly fun birthday party over the weekend.....it was McKenna's special unicorn birthday party.  McKenna and her guests got to make really awesome unicorn headbands.  Wow their creativity and talent was wonderful to see.  They each made a special headband that was as unique as they are!  Then it was on to making a beautiful unicorn charm bracelet.  Again, the creativity was astounding!  The bracelets they made were absolutely beautiful.  Then it was onto more fun as we decorated special cupcakes.  I see some bakers in our future!!!!  At the end of the day it was all about making some special memories that McKenna will cherish.  Wishing you McKenna a very happy 7th birthday!  We hope this year you continue to make some of the most wonderful memories--here's to a year of love, laughter, joy and tons and tons of smiles!!!!

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS PLANNED FOR COOK N CRAFT ACADEMY'S GRAND OPENING?

We are so excited...tommorrow is the big day and we can hardly wait.  Remember how excited you were before your very first day of school....hmmmm well maybe not.  Remember how excited you were the day before your birthday?  Well that's how we're feeling.  We're planning a big party and hope you can join us.   We have so much to do we're hoping we can get it all done...but also know...we can only do the best we can....and after that...it's in God's Hands!

My uncle Andrew who now lives in Florida was so kind to send us some beautiful banners and flags that say Grand Opening.  Quick note about my Uncle Andrew...he's really an amazing and interesting guy.  He was going to be a professional ball player until he hurt his arm.  He was in the Giants farm system,,,and how cool would that have been to have your uncle play in the big leagues?  Well even though he got hurt...he's still really cool.  When the baseball injury sidelined him he went into business and owned a Carvel Shop in the Bronx with his brother--My uncle Charlie.  It was at that Carvel ice cream store that my dad (their other brother) was working and met my mom!  (and of course the rest is history).....Anyway, Uncle Andrew went into the sign business later and that's how we will have our amazing signs....Super excited.

Our Ribbon Cutting ceremony starts at 1 pm.   And to be honest with you I don't think I was ever at a Ribbon cutting ceremony so I don't really know what to expect...we'll learn together.  Once those festivities end...we're firing up the grill and we'll barbecue some hotdogs and hamburgers...so bring your appetite.

We've got lots of prizes....free classes, bags, craft kits, tee-shirts.  So much fun stuff that we figured we can start pulling tickets for prizes every 15 minutes.  So fill out your name and email so you can win a prize.  You do need to be present...but since it's every 15 minutes...no worries to be in a time crunch!!!

We're also hosting a Cake Walk...think musical chairs but no chairs...and the prize is CAKE.  If you're a winner you'll have your choice of an Olive oil lemon cake, Chocolate covered Strawberry cake, a chocolate kitkat candy cake, a pecan cinnamon cake, a giant chocolate chip cookie...and we may whip up a few more...imagine if you win...what a great item to celebrate your own Mother's Day festivities.

We are also planning crafts for the kids...we have 3 different crafts and they're perfect for you or a great last minute mother's day gift.

We also have some fun face painting for the kids....

Most of all we're looking forward to meeting all of you....saying hello to new and old friends!  Hope you can join us!!!   Remember it's tommorrow May 12th from 1 to 5 pm.  We'd love you to be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 pm...it would be our honor since you've all been so supportive to us! 

xoxox Thanks!

Christina

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA IS ALL THE RAGE....AND RIGHTLY SO!!!

A little less than a week ago we gathered together at Cook n Craft Academy to make a cauliflower crust pizza. Sisters came, mother daughters came, and mother and sons came. It was a wonderful night as we kicked off our LET'S MAKE DINNER SERIES.  The food and company were so amazing....By the end of the evening it felt like we were life long friends.  Hope you can join us for our next one...when we make a light dinner dish of chicken lettuce wraps, faux veggie rice (our good friend cauliflower again) and an asian cucumber salad.  Bring a friend and make some wonderful memories.

For those of you who couldn't join us...here's the recipe for the Cauliflower crust pizza.  Try it at home!

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (such as dried oregano, basil)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1 large egg 
• 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/4 cup favorite pizza sauce
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish as well as favorite toppiings

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor to a fine almost powdery mix.  (you should have about 2 1/2 cups).
Transfer the processed cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Microwave until soft, 4 to 6 minutes.You can also steam it, if you prefer in a steamer basket.
Transfer to a clean, dry flour sack towel and allow to cool.
When cool enough to handle, wrap the cauliflower in the towel and wring out as much moisture as possible, transferring to a second towel if necessary. In a large bowl, stir together the cauliflower, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, egg and 1 cup of the mozzarella until well combined. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and press into a 10-inch round. Bake until golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the crust from the oven and top with Sauce and remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 10 minutes more. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Mangia!!!!

THE GRANDEST UNICORN PARTY OF THEM ALL!!!!

   

When you book a party at Cook n Craft Academy, we do our best to make it the most memorable event ever!  After all you only turn that birthday year just once!  So when Gemma was turning a teenager for the very first time, she wanted a Unicorn Party.  At Cook n Craft, we like to customize our parties.  We have suggestions on our Birthday Party page, but know that we like to work with the birthday person to make their day special.  Gemma was turning 13 and making unicorn headbands was a bit on the younger side of her pals.  She likes to bake and she thought it would be fun if she and all her friends could each make a Unicorn Cake.  We thought so too....so your wish is our command.

     Each of Gemma's birthday pals got together for a fun afternoon of baking and decorating.

     Now all of that baking and decorating does work up an appetite, so what's the most appropriate food for a Unicorn Party?  How about our favorite Unicorn Mac n Cheese!
(Special shout out to my friend Melissa who gave me the idea to stick some bugles into the mac n cheese symbolizing our Unicorn horns---love it and thank you very much Melissa!!!)

     Wow how talented each of Gemma's guests are...we were so impressed!  They did an amazing job, don't you agree?

      If you or someone you love has a birthday coming up, we'd love to help make that day special for them!  For more information :