10 Lords-a-Leaping - A Holiday Collaboration

My mother has always had a stack of Christmas books that she only rescues from the depths of the closet once a year.

Each of us children have always had our favorite, and my mother would rotate through each beautifully-illustrated volume throughout the cozy evenings of December.  Those were some of the best evenings of the whole year. 

One of my favorite books was a richly colored picture book - each of its twelve pages containing but one line from a classic tune. 

"The 12 Days of Christmas" - it was an illustrated interpretation of one of my very favorite carols. 

Those sweet memories all returned when Cost Plus World Market approached me with the whimsical notion of creating a 10 Lords-a-Leaping-inspired recipe.

I invited two of my sweet young lady friends over to share with them my treasured book, and to make use of some of their endless energy as we assembled these miniature Lord Baltimore cakes. 

Bing Crosby serenaded whilst we baked and whipped and frosted.  

You can find the full recipe for these tiny cakes on the World Market Blog - along with eleven other deliciously inspired Christmas baking recipes!

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie

This post was sponsored by Cost Plus World Market . They have been my faithful and trusted source for all things festive - from Christmas entertaining essentials, to whimsical bakeware, World Market has you covered! This post was a joy to put together and I am delighted to share it with you! It is a great privilege to work with a brand that I love so much! All opinions here are my own, as always. Thank you for reading and allowing me to continue doing what I love!

Don't forget to enter Cost Plus World Market's Great Holiday Baking Sweepstakes" for a chance to win a trip for two to London, with pastry classes, a guided food tour, a $1,000 World Market gift card, and more! Enter every day, now through December 31st!

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Grilled Garlic Pizza with Flank Steak and Bursts Cherry Tomatoes [ Me + Cost Plus World Market ]

Grilling fever took hold in the beginning on April and I knew exactly what I wanted to make - pizza. 

Pizza is such a fantastic Summer food because you can pile on whatever fresh vegetables and cheese you have on hand.  And, if you are doing it on the grill it only takes a couple minutes, so it's totally doable on a weeknight.  If you are in a huge hurry you can even buy pre-made pizza crust to speed up the process.  It's almost Summer, so shortcuts are okay here and there.

I have learned that the trick to great pizza at home is the pizza stone. I especially liked World Market's model because it comes with a very handy stand for serving. No more burnt fingers.

Who am I kidding? I'll still find a way to burn myself.

I love throwing a bunch of bright greens atop my pizzas, especially in the summertime. You can find the full recipe for the pizza, along with more pictures on World Market's blog!

I hope you're grilling all the corn and drinking all the pretty drinks this Memorial Day!  

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie

This post was sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. Sponsorships not only bring exciting opportunities to work with brands I genuinely love, they help me keep this site going! But as always, all opinions are my own.

The Art of Buffet-ing

On these grey, January days I long to have people in my home.  Though we are not far removed from the season of constant entertaining, company makes my home feel cozy and cheerful.  However, simplicity is key when it comes to hosting in the midst of new, ambitious regimens and hectic work weeks.  These are the times when we welcome the classic, unforgotten concept of the buffet.  No refilling glasses, plating courses, or elaborate tablescapes, just good food and great friends.  

World Market asked me to share some of my favorite tips for hosting a simple, yet elegant buffet and they are up on their blog this week!

I had so much fun putting this post together and I am really excited to share it with you all! In addition to my tips for planning a stress-free dinner party, I've designed five different recipes for your inspiration. I could eat the Mushroom and Thyme Crostini all day long.

Happy hosting! 

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie

This post was sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. As always, all opinions are my own.