How awesome is this Super Bowl food idea! It’s dessert and a centerpiece for your superbowl party! This Football Cocoa Crispy Rice Treat is simple to make and delicious!

Make 2 recipes to fill the Football Pan:

1 (10 oz.) bag regular marshmallows (not mini)
6 cups cocoa crispy rice cereal (an 11oz. box)
3 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
White fondant
Football pan (available online at Wilton or in Michaels Arts & Craft Stores)

Spray inside of football pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add marshmallows and butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. Melt marshmallows in microwave for about 45 second to 1 minutes (watch carefully so they don’t begin to brown). Stir in cocoa powder until combined.

Add cocoa crisy rice cereal to marshmallow mixture and stir using a buttered spoon until incorporated. Rub your hands with margarine and continue to mix cereal and marshmallows. Using your hands pack marshmallow mixture into football pan. Make another batch of crispy rice treat cereal and marshmallows and pack into football pan until full. Allow to set for at least an hour in a cool place.

Unmold Football Cocoa Crispy Rice Treat on to a serving platter and cut rolled out white fondant into strips to decorate the football creating the laces and bands around the points.

More Super Bowl Recipes & Football Party Ideas

Football Cocoa Crispy Rice Treat

Chili Recipe in Football Bread

Football Hot Dog

Super Bowl Cupcakes

Football Corset Cupcake

Pizza Delivery Cupcake

Cheerleader Pom Pom Cupcake

Hamburger Cupcake

Trophy Cupcake

Team Color Cupcake

Here’s another easy idea for a super bowl party or football game night. Slather a hot dog with chili and create football laces using strips of Provolone cheese or mozzerlla string cheese. What I like most about this idea is that most of the adults will go for the full-on football chili hot dog and the kids will just eat the pain hot dogs (less work for mom!). For a great homemade chili idea, check out the award-winning recipe on my Chili Recipe in Football Bread post. 

More Super Bowl Recipes & Football Party Ideas

Football Cocoa Crispy Rice Treat

Chili Recipe in Football Bread

Football Hot Dog

Super Bowl Cupcakes

Football Corset Cupcake

Pizza Delivery Cupcake

Cheerleader Pom Pom Cupcake

Hamburger Cupcake

Trophy Cupcake

Team Color Cupcake

I’m a big fan of good ol’ fashioned competition with a fresh take, especially if it’s hot and spicy. So, I took an award-winning chili recipe from www.ChiliCookOffWinner.com, with their approval of course, and put that zesty goodness into football-shaped bread as a Super Bowl snack. Actually, this delicious chili recipe could be used as a chip dip or served as is invidiually in the football bread bowl.

2011 Terlingua International Chili Championship
Sponsored by Mexene Chili Powder & Louisiana Hot Sauce
Recipe by Winner Larry Walton 

 1st Mixture
1 TBS Mild Bills Onion Granules
1 TBS Mild Bills Garlic Granules
1 TBS Beef Granules
1 TBS Chicken Granules
1 TBS Mild Bills San Antonio Original Chili Power
1 TBS Mexene Chili Power
1/8 tsp Salt
2 Dashes Louisiana Hot Sauce

2nd Mixture
1 tsp Garlic Granules
1 TBS Cumin Mild Bills
1 Package Sazon Goya
1 TBS Cowtown Light Chili Power Mild Bills
1 TBS Mexene Chili Power
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 Dashes Louisiana Hot Sauce

Brown 2 lbs of Chili Grind drain off grease add 1 can beef broth, ½ can chicken broth, and add 1 ½ cans of tomato sauce. Bring up to a boil and then reduce heat to a slow simmer for 40 min. Add 1st Dump and simmer for 40 min. then add 2nd Dump cook on low heat for 25 min. Taste you may have to add salt and if it’s too hot, add 1/8 tsp brown sugar if needed.

Hope this works for you Good Luck

More Super Bowl Recipes & Football Party Ideas

Football Cocoa Crispy Rice Treat

Chili Recipe in Football Bread

Football Hot Dog

Super Bowl Cupcakes

Football Corset Cupcake

Pizza Delivery Cupcake

Cheerleader Pom Pom Cupcake

Hamburger Cupcake

Trophy Cupcake

Team Color Cupcake

This New Year Party with a Chinese Modern Theme is one of the prettiest parties I think I have ever hosted and it’s all thanks to my sponsors Walmart and Sam’s Club. A couple of days ago, I shared some of my product picks and inspiration items from both Sam’s Club and Walmart in the blog post at this link and below are pictures from the actual party. I think you’ll be amazed at the design possibilities that both of these stores offer and the easy menu options from frozen appetizers to prepared desserts to high quality affordable wine all of which added to this gorgeous and memorable event!

As I wrote in the initial post about this party, this Amaryllis design red pillow that I spotted at Walmart inspired the color palette for my party. I placed these pillows on gold Chinese modern couches complete with a couple of Chow side tables in front of them. (I rented the couches, tables, and a few other items from Omega Cinema Props.)

But, the item that really tied the theme together were these Hometrend’s brand red and black square plates and bowls that I used for the flower arrangements. The bowls were around $3 and the plates were about $4, and they also come in a set with mugs. I also bought the red and white roses from Walmart! Love the one-stop shopping!  

Oak Leaf is an award-winning wine available only at Walmart for under $3 a bottle (under $2 in California). In fact, the customers in front of me and behind me in the check-out line were buying a bunch of Oak Leaf Wine for their parties too! I decided to go with the Chardonnay and the Merlot, but there are 8 varietals to choose from giving you many pairing options for your menu at a great price. 

My favorite section at Walmart is the “do it yourself” area, and I bought some stunning black and ivory colored floral fabric for about $6.99 a yard that I used as an accent panel down the front of the buffet (pictured above) and as an overlay on the bar height event tables that I purchased for $29.88 each at Sam’s Club. In this photo you can also see the red bowl on the square plate in this white rose and bamboo flower arrangement I put together. These event tables were great space-savers and the under $30 price is incredible. Guests really liked the “club” feel of these tables and hung out around them most of the night; even moreso than the comfy couch lounge area.

Sam’s Club made my life super easy when it came to the food at my party. I whipped up a couple of items like the orange shrimp in the magenta cabbage, which I picked up from Walmart’s fresh produce department, displayed under the Buddha on the buffet. But, I purchased frozen appetizers including Daily Chef Mini Crab Cakes and Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jack Cheese which was a huge hit. The appetizers were kept warm in the new chafing dish that I also bought from Sam’s Club.

Finally, the centerpiece on the dessert table was a Chinese foot bridge studded with fortune cookies meant to be symbolic of good fortune leading into the New Year. My guests loved this idea and I surrounded the bridge display with delicious prepared desserts from Sam’s Club such as red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and the show-stopper sweet, Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake, which I topped with some fortune cookies!

And here’s a better view of the New Year Fortune Cookie Chinese Bridge that wished my guests the best of luck and happiness in the New Year!

Whether you are decorating for a party or your home, check out both Walmart and Sam’s Club for unique high-end products at amazing low prices.

I am beyond excited about my upcoming New Year Party with a Chinese Modern theme! I’ve partnered Walmart and Sam’s Club for this new year event and after browsing through both stores during the party planning stage, I’ve discovered some amazing products with incredibly low prices that are going to give this themed Chinese New Year party a unique personality and ambience that my guests will remember forever! Best of all, this versatile theme can be used for your 2011 New Years Eve events or a Chinese New Year party on January 23, 2012.   

Check out the actual party photos of my Chinese Modern New Year Party inspired by these products: Click Here!

Walmart’s home decor department has gorgeous red and black throw pillows with an amaryllis design for around $12.88 (pictured above) that I plan on using to accent rented Chinese Modern couches. I’ve been a big fan of the Walmart’s “do-it-yourself” section for years, especially their fabric and craft department, so I’ll be able to embellish upon the red and black Chinese motif with my own personal handmade touch.   

This fabulous brand, Hometrends, has red and black square plates, bowls, and platters that I’ll use decoratively in an arrangement with fresh red or white roses, also available at Walmart along with a variety of beautiful florals near the fresh produce and grocery department. The produce department at the Walmart Supercenter I visited had lush red pomegranates that will surely make their way on to the food table and the selection of vegetables will be great for a crudite’, such as my Christmas Tree Shaped Crudite, or maybe a stir fry.

 But, a real standout that you may have seen me talk about in my holiday party segment on TV’s Fox and Friends is Oak Leaf wine available only at Walmart for under $3.00 a bottle (and under $2 a bottle in California)! Oak Leaf offers 8 varietals and my favorites are the Merlot and the Chardonnay. This is an award-winning wine, perfect for a party with great taste at a great price. You’ll find the wine near the grocery department, which is super convenient as I’ll be able to get a lot of my food and party supplies in one place.

Sam’s Club is the absolute place to go to take your home party to a pro level. The prepared desserts and frozen appetizers are the best I’ve seen. Seriously.

First of all, I have two words for you: Cheesecake Factory! The selection of Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes will make your mouth water. I think I’m going to get the red velvet cheesecake as the color is perfect for my Chinese theme and I know the taste is going to be out of this world.  

Another must-have that will make my prep super simple are the Daily Chef brand food items, specifically their frozen appetizers. Being a cookbook author and a chef, I always spend way too much time in the kitchen before and during my parties.

 When I saw the Daily Chef Mini Crab Cakes and their Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, I actually felt relieved that I’d be able to give my guests delicious appetizers with little effort and a lot of elegance. (Did I mention that we are expecting 100+ people?)

I have been in the market for a couple of chafing dishes and Sam’s Club has a great selection both round and oblong that I’m looking forward to buying for my entertaining essentials. But, I am over the moon about these 32” round bar height event tables that are $29.88. Incredible! My plan is to put a couple of these tables in the bar off the main tented area and then pick up some sleek design portable heaters, also available at Sam’s Club to keep guests toasty and filled with the holiday spirit!

My fabulous husband, John Sparano, is a set decorator for the TV show, America’s Next Top Model, and the next big hit, Fashion Star, and his friends at Omega Cinema Props, the biggest Hollywood prop rental house in the world will be providing the couches and Chinese décor to bring this party over the top especially when combined with these stylish and sophisticated products from Walmart and Sam’s Club.

Click here to see the actual Chinese Modern New Year Party Photos!

Just a little holiday inspiration for your centerpieces, fireplace mantles, or a corner that could use a pinecone tree art installation.

ABC’s Eye on LA recently came to my home for a little holiday entertaining inspiration. I created a Penguin and Pinecones theme, which you can see photos of here along with instructions on how to make the Penguin Olives, and you’ll find the Mrs. Cubbison Stuffing recipe on their website.

Fox and Friends welcomed me into their TV studio for a Holiday Party segment where I shared a Chalet Chic tablescape with some great products from Walmart and Sam’s Club. Here’s a video clip of the segment and you’ll find some photos and recipes here!
 

I just signed up for this website, Improovme.com, which helps people improve themselves by planning and executing routines, goals, wishes, even a bucket list! It’s very cool with a schedule and daily email reminders. So, this is my go-to to help with my New Year’s Resolutions. Here’s a note from the guys that created the site, and btw, one of the guys is my bro, Bob Benedict!

About Improovme.com

Our story starts out simple in mid-2011. I was thinking over different ideas of products I wanted to build. Tom kept talking about all the non-pasteurized or local grown or high energy food he was eating. I realized that if I didn’t have a reminder to get me out of this chair, I would sit here all day. Tom liked the idea of reminders for all the crazy practices he followed. And then it hit us…

If you wanted to improov (misspelling fully intended) the way you were living, how would you do it? You’d search online for helpful information and then put what you liked into a plan that reminded you to do stuff and helped you keep track of your results. A couple months later, improovme.com was in beta!

Our goal is to create a a site to collect all those pearls of wisdom you learn over the years, from health tips to financial advice, from ideas to spice up your relationship to bucket list suggestions, in one place that allows you to share ideas with others and track your progress. There you have it.

I had a great time on Fox and Friends this morning sharing ideas for a Holiday Cocktail Party with a Chalet Chic theme. I know many of you are interested in the wine I talked about. It is called Oak Leaf available only at Walmart and yes, an under $3 dollar bottle of wine. I like the Chardonnay and the Merlot as stand-alone wines or in wine cocktails such as the recipes below. And for those who didn’t catch the party on TV, here’s a video clip of the segment!

Here I am behind the scenes at Fox & Friends getting ready for the segment!

Christmas Tree Crudite Recipe

Baked Alaska Cupcake Recipes

Pinot Grigio Limoncello Spritzer

3 oz. Oak Leaf Pinot Grigio Wine
3 oz. Sparkling Water
Splash lemon syrup
 
Lemon Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 whole lemon cut into slices

Prepare lemon syrup first: Stir together sugar, water, and lemon pieces in a medium saucepan, and cook over high heat until puree has dissolved and mixture just boils; about 3 to 5 minutes. Cool completely and refrigerate in a wide mouth jar or covered measuring cup until ready to serve. Remove lemon slices and transfer to a cruet. Lemon syrup can be made the day before it will be used.

Add Oak Leaf Pinot Grigio and sparkling water into a tall glass or large wine glass with ice. Finish it off with a splash of lemon syrup and enjoy!

Mulled Merlot Wine Cocktail with Spice Rim Bar

1 bottle Oak Leaf Merlot (750 ml)
Juice of 10 Navel oranges
1/2 cup sugar

Combine ingredients in a large pot and heat until warm. Keep wine on medium-low on the stove for guests to serve themselves with a ladle or transfer to a round chafing dish and place on the buffet.

Traditionally mulled wine is warmed with spices, but to give guests the choice of their favorite flavors, the spice blends are offered in small dishes on the side so guests can dip the moistened rim of their glass into the blend of their choice as listed below.

Spice Blends for Rim Bar

Gingerbread Rim
1 tablespoon ground ginger + 1 tablespoon each brown and granulated sugar

Cinnamon Toast Rim
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Holiday Nutmeg Rim
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Classic Mulled Wine Blend Rim
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar