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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.8.4 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:19:12 GMT--><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><title>Blog</title><subtitle>Blog</subtitle><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/</id><link rel="alternate" type="application/xhtml+xml" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/"/><link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/atom.xml"/><updated>2009-12-04T05:48:44Z</updated><generator uri="http://www.squarespace.com/" version="Squarespace Site Server v5.8.4 (http://www.squarespace.com/)">Squarespace</generator><entry><title>Holiday Cocktail Recipes: Pralines &amp; Cream Martini</title><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="Pralines and Cream martini"/><category term="drink recipes"/><category term="holiday cocktail recipes"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/12/3/holiday-cocktail-recipes-pralines-cream-martini.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/12/3/holiday-cocktail-recipes-pralines-cream-martini.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-12-04T04:11:15Z</published><updated>2009-12-04T04:11:15Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><strong>IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON---- BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY AND THE COCKTAIL SHAKER!</strong></p>
<p>While I've been off running around, getting ready to shoot our own TV pilot, the holidays have sneaked up on me and&nbsp;I'm simply just not ready!!&nbsp;If your holidays are already&nbsp;crazy, or you've got a house full of guests heading your way, stay tuned for our favorite holiday cocktail recipes, easy appetizers, and&nbsp;tips for making your holidays ho-ho-happy!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 154px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/New%20Image.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1259905265204" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 154px;">Pralines &amp; Cream Martini</span></span>I've just discovered Praline Pecan Liqueur and it's delish!! This drink&nbsp;reminds me of New Orleans. It's a twist on the classic Kaluha and Cream. Pralines are a French Quarter tradition-- dating back to the 18th century and their taste is uniquely linked to New Orleans. Try this&nbsp;during the holidays as you warm up beside a cozy fire!</p>
<p><strong>PRALINES &amp; CREAM MARTINI</strong></p>
<p>Fill a martini glass with ice to chill. Add a cup of ice to a cocktail shaker. Combine:</p>
<p>2 ounces&nbsp;Praline Pecan Liqueur</p>
<p>2 ounces cream</p>
<p>Shake until chilled. Remove ice from glass, pour and garnish with a cherry.</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Rockin' the USA: Guy Fieri on the Road</title><category term="GFood Network Star Guy Fieri"/><category term="Guy Fieri"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/22/rockin-the-usa-guy-fieri-on-the-road.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/22/rockin-the-usa-guy-fieri-on-the-road.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-11-22T19:56:42Z</published><updated>2009-11-22T19:56:42Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 550px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/IMG_2420.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1258921700851" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 550px;">The Guy Fieri tour bus stops in Nashville tonight/ATL Monday</span></span>Coming to a city near you! Our favorite <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com" target="_blank">Food Network</a> <a href="http://www.guyfieri.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Guy</strong></em> </a>and his gang have hit the road---taking their rock 'n roll&nbsp;cooking show all across America and we're getting in on the fun!Guy's numero uno, our buddy <a href="http://guyfieri-kleetus.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kleetus</a>, sent us this shot of their awesome tour bus from their recent stop in Philly. Guy and the gang are ready to party in <strong>Nashville tonight</strong> and hitting&nbsp;<strong>Atlanta</strong> on Monday, November 23! All of you great Southern chefs,&nbsp;cooks, and those who just like to party should head out to see his show. Maybe we'll see you there! I've seen Guy live before and he really knows how to have a good time. I hear he's got an amazing&nbsp;master flair bartender / mixologist from Australia on as the opening act so maybe we'll pick up some new cocktail recipes and some new moves to show you! Check out the <a href="http://www.guyfieri.com/tourdates.html" target="_blank">tour schedule</a> for the <a href="http://www.guyfieri.com/tourdates.html" target="_blank">Guy Fieri Road Show</a> and get your tickets before they sell out!</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Thanksgiving How-To: The Complete Thanksgiving 911</title><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="Thanksgiving how-to"/><category term="Thanksgiving questions"/><category term="Thanksgiving recipes"/><category term="easy Thanksgiving table decorations"/><category term="holiday entertaining ideas"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/19/thanksgiving-how-to-the-complete-thanksgiving-911.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/19/thanksgiving-how-to-the-complete-thanksgiving-911.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-11-19T16:00:50Z</published><updated>2009-11-19T16:00:50Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 400px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/IMG_2159.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1258649904241" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 400px;">From our Thanksgiving table photo shoot with Vietri &amp; Bromberg's for Birmingham Home &amp; Garden Magazine</span></span>OK, I am crazy busy these days--- like most people. Video shoots, photo shoots, recipe development, party planning sessions, meetings, meetings about the meetings, etc, etc! And I don't have to carpool or take a dog to the vet, go to the soccer game, and all of those other things most women I know have on their schedule every day. WOW. How <span style="text-decoration: underline;">do</span>you have time to do it all? Well, I started looking for a resource to help some readers who've asked me for help for their Thanksgiving get-togethers. Instead of piecing the information together, my friends at <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> have come up with a complete how-to guide to Thanksgiving. You can find answers to your most asked questions: everything from problems with lumpy gravy to <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1848222_1859001_1798175,00.html" target="_blank">thawing your bird</a>, dry dressing and lots more. If you can't find the answer to your Thanksgiving dilemma here-- <a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/martie-knows-parties-contact-f/" target="_blank">shoot me an email</a> and we'll help you!</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1859001,00.html" target="_blank">Go to MyRecipes.com Thanksgiving 911 slideshow</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>More Thanksgiving resources:</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1848222_1859001_1798203,00.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Recipes &amp; Tips</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.butterball.com/" target="_blank">Turkey Hotline</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1677778,00.html" target="_blank">Favorite Holiday Casserole Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/2003/hotline_holiday.htm" target="_blank">USDA Food Safety Hotline</a></strong></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Holiday Food: Butternut Squash Soup</title><category term="BUtternut Squash Soup"/><category term="Coombs Family Farms"/><category term="Maple recipes"/><category term="Soup"/><category term="Thanksgiving recipes"/><category term="holiday entertaining ideas"/><category term="holiday food"/><category term="holiday recipes Thanksgiving"/><category term="maple syrup recipes"/><category term="recipes"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/12/holiday-food-butternut-squash-soup.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/12/holiday-food-butternut-squash-soup.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-11-12T16:00:00Z</published><updated>2009-11-12T16:00:00Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>I love Butternut Squash soup and found this great recipe from <a href="http://www.coombsfamilyfarms.com/" target="_blank">Coombs Family Farms</a>&nbsp;that I am&nbsp;planning&nbsp;to make for Thanksgiving. <span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 175px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/picture/wp5-s.jpg?pictureId=1634016&amp;asGalleryImage=true&amp;__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1227504292410" alt="" /></span></span>You can serve it as an easy starter--- no matter if you're planning a buffet or a seated dinner. For a buffet,use a slow cooker, crock pot, or other warming device to keep the soup hot so guests can serve themselves as you complete last minute items. Use a caterer's trick and serve your soup in espresso cups to make it easy for guests to manage. You know how hard it is to juggle food, beverages, etc., while you're standing. A cup makes it easier. Have a basket of toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with a little garlic on hand for dunking. If you're serving a seated dinner, this makes a fantastic first course. It's totally delish and a perfect way to warm up your guests before dinner. Drizzle a little olive oil on top as garnish.Here's the recipe:&nbsp;</p>
<p class="text"><strong>Roasted Butternut Squash Soup<br />1 </strong>(2 to 2 1/4 lb) butternut squash, halved and seeded<br />2 T olive oil<br />1 medium onion, chopped<br />2 T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley<br />5 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />1/4 cup Coombs Family Farms 100% pure organic maple syrup<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp pepper<br />4 T heavy cream</p>
<p class="text"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/picture/roasted_butternut_squash_soup1.jpg?pictureId=1606681&amp;asGalleryImage=true&amp;__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1227504318638" alt="" /></span></span>Preheat oven to 425 F. Brush insides and outsides of squash halves with 1 T of oil and place, cut sides up, on cookie sheet or in roasting pan. Bake for one hour or until squash is tender. Remove from oven and cool.</p>
<p class="text">Heat remaining 1 T of oil in large pot. Cook onion until softened.Scoop out squash from peel and add to onion, stirring.Add parsley.Stir in chicken broth and simmer, about 20 minutes. Add syrup, salt and pepper.Just before serving, stir in cream. <strong>Martie Tip: I like my soup really smooth so I used an immersion blender before I added the cream. This is a great recipe for your next party!</strong></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Party Cheap and Chic: Celebrate with Cupcakes!</title><category term="Cupcakes!"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="National Vanilla Cupcake Day"/><category term="affordable ways to feed a crowd"/><category term="cupcake fun"/><category term="cupcake party"/><category term="cupcake recipes for a party"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/10/party-cheap-and-chic-celebrate-with-cupcakes.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/11/10/party-cheap-and-chic-celebrate-with-cupcakes.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-11-10T17:11:21Z</published><updated>2009-11-10T17:11:21Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 175px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/iStock_000004312948XSmall1.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1257877497267" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 175px;">Celebrate any day with cupcakes!</span></span>Who knew the vanilla cupcake had a special day? Today happens to be <strong>National Vanilla Cupcake Day</strong>and it reminds me how much we take the cupcake for granted. Don't you feel happy when you get a cupcake? What about when someone surprises you with a cupcake? Maybe a co-worker or friend leaves a little bundle of joy, (the confectionary kind) on your desk&nbsp;just to say "thanks for a job well done",&nbsp;"thinking of you" or even "things will get better"? Isn't that just the best??</p>
<p>Cupcakes&nbsp;make every party better and they are an inexpensive option to&nbsp;a whole cake. You can now find cupcakes in any variety--- not just any flavor. Mini cupcakes or babycakes are the current rage and there are shops dedicated to only cupcakes popping up all across the country! I've been a fan of the <a href="http://www.cupcakecafe-nyc.com/" target="_blank">Cupcake Cafe in Manhattan</a> for many years; their designs are as beautiful as the flavors.</p>
<p>Here are some places to get awesome cupcake recipes:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com" target="_blank"><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 175px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/white-cupcake-sl-1589401-l.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1257877520921" alt="" /></span></span>MyRecipes.com</a> has the very best recipes for cupcakes (and holiday cookies, too) and you can save your choices in their menu maker! Easy reference for your party planning! Some of my favorite recipes include these:</p>
<p><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1589401" target="_blank">Basic White Cupcakes</a>:&nbsp;A great basic you can add almost any topping or flavor&nbsp;to! A perfect palette for a kid's cupcake party.</p>
<p><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1536709" target="_blank">Banana Cupcakes with Amaretto Buttercream</a>: Not for the kiddos! The banana blends so beautifully with the Amaretto-- which is an almond flavored&nbsp;liqueur. Delish!!</p>
<p>Another recipe perfect for fall parties and holiday entertaining is this one for <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=682764" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting</a>. Try them for the day after Thanksgiving with those holiday leftovers! The flavor says Thanksgiving in a delicious new way!</p>
<p>One more, perfect for holiday entertaining! These <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1860110" target="_blank">Double Ginger Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze</a> remind me of the gingerbread with lemon curd my mother always made for us around the holidays. Try them-- even the non-sweet eaters will love these.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/our-best-cupcakes" target="_blank"><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 175px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/msbaking_handbook_maple_walnut_xl.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1257877549212" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 175px;">Martha Stewart's Maple-Walnut Cupcake</span></span>Martha Stewart's Best Cupcakes</a>&nbsp;Martha is a cupcake expert and has a huge collection of recipes and photos-- including video how-to's on her site. One of my favorites is this Maple-Walnut Cupcake;&nbsp;perfect for fall and totally yummy. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/maple-walnut-cupcakes?backto=true&amp;backtourl=/photogallery/our-best-cupcakes#slide_7" target="_blank">Here's a link to the recipe</a>. Try it for a fall fling party, or bonfire. Serve with a warm cup of apple cider--- your guests will rave!</p>
<p><strong>My personal fav and go-to icing recipe??&nbsp;The <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184" target="_blank">traditional chocolate icing recipe</a>you get on the Hershey Cocoa box. Awesome! Try it with the Basic White Cupcake recipe above. This will take you back to your childhood in one bite!</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>HAPPY NATIONAL VANILLA CUPCAKE DAY!</strong></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>First Halloween Pictures!</title><category term="Halloween costumes"/><category term="Halloween party ideas"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="affordable ideas for entertaining"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/29/first-halloween-pictures.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/29/first-halloween-pictures.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-10-29T16:18:58Z</published><updated>2009-10-29T16:18:58Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 450px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/Charlie-the-Lion.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256835361621" alt="" /></span></span>We've already started getting pictures of your Halloween costumes and couldn't resist posting this one of the cutest little lion in the jungle, Charlie!</p>
<p>This fearless lion costume was ordered online at <a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/home.jsp?siteId=117" target="_blank">OneStepAhead.com</a>, but Pottery Barn Kids, Target, Old Navy, and other retailers do have their own version of the friendly lion in case you don't have time to order.</p>
<p><strong>More Martie&nbsp;Party Ideas:</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/19/easy-halloween-party-ideas-carve-your-own-pumpkin-people.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin People</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2008/10/3/favorite-fall-cocktail-caramel-apple-martini.html" target="_blank">Caramel Apple Martini</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-party-ideas-spooky-snack-menu.html" target="_blank">Spooky Snack Menu</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-costume-ideas-for-adults-alton-brown-paula-deen-bi.html" target="_blank">Costume Ideas</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/package/0,31029,1926273,00.html?hall09-160x600" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com All Halloween site!</a></strong></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Last Minute Halloween Ideas: My Halloween Costume plus more Recipes and Decorating!</title><category term="Halloween"/><category term="Halloween ideas"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="even more Halloween party ideas"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/29/last-minute-halloween-ideas-my-halloween-costume-plus-more-r.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/29/last-minute-halloween-ideas-my-halloween-costume-plus-more-r.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-10-29T04:31:35Z</published><updated>2009-10-29T04:31:35Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Halloween is days away and the emails are still pouring in asking me for party ideas---- and every magazine under the sun is also sending me&nbsp;email ideas for fright night fun. Here&nbsp;is the best of Halloween----&nbsp;all in one place:&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1110242&amp;adsqs=raid:1671116" target="_blank"><img style="width: 120px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/caramel-apples-su-1110242-l.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256793360146" alt="" /></a></span></span>From <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> and Sunset Magazine, these cute <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1110242&amp;adsqs=raid:1671116" target="_blank">Chocolate Caramel Apples with Sprinkles</a> are on my party table this year! Use&nbsp;tart Granny Smith or Fuji apples; mix and match for best results.&nbsp;<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1110242&amp;adsqs=raid:1671116" target="_blank">Get the recipe</a>.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/halloween-pumpkins-00400000054772/page15.html?iid=newsletter|20091006&amp;PromKey=XET" target="_blank"><strong><img style="width: 120px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/pumpkin-cooler-l.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256793377551" alt="" /></strong></a></span></span><strong>A new use for all of those pumpkins you got at the farmers' market or pumpkin patch! A Great </strong><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/halloween-pumpkins-00400000054772/page15.html?iid=newsletter|20091006&amp;PromKey=XET" target="_blank"><strong>Pumpkin Beverage Cooler</strong></a><strong>!&nbsp;Love it! From the creative folks at <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/" target="_blank">Southern Living</a>---- and while I've not tried this one, I've never, ever had a bad result from anything I've tried from&nbsp;any of their magazines. </strong><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/halloween-pumpkins-00400000054772/page15.html?iid=newsletter|20091006&amp;PromKey=XET" target="_blank"><strong>Get the how-to now!</strong></a></p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1875466&amp;adsqs=raid:1931220" target="_blank"><img style="width: 120px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/skeleton-cupcakes-ay-1875466-x.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256794401944" alt="" /></a></span></span>Who doesn't love cupcakes--- and these spooky <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1875466&amp;adsqs=raid:1931220" target="_blank">Skeleton Cupcakes</a> from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> will be the hit of the party. Stack them on a tiered stand for&nbsp;a whole graveyard of scary faces!</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/package/0,31029,1926273,00.html?hall09-160x600" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> has an entire <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/package/0,31029,1926273,00.html?hall09-160x600" target="_blank">Halloween microsite</a> with more how-to videos,&nbsp;pictures, Halloween party recipes, and party menu suggestions than you will find anywhere! Check it out for last minute party help. <span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining/article/0,2498,FINE_22197_5945939_06,00.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 120px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/Halloween-Cocktail-Slideshow-Black-Devil-Martini-5_w609.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256795411836" alt="" /></a></span></span></strong></p>
<p>Do you need some <a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining/article/0,2498,FINE_22197_5945939_01,00.html" target="_blank">Creepy Cocktails</a> for your party? <a href="http://www.fineliving.com/" target="_blank">Fine Living</a> has 12 of them complete with photos and recipes. Witches Brew, Blood Sucker Cocktail, Liquid Ghost, Zombie, and this one shown, the <a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining/article/0,2498,FINE_22197_5945939_06,00.html" target="_blank">Black Devil Martini</a> made with dark rum.</p>
<p><strong>Personally, I prefer my own </strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2008/10/3/favorite-fall-cocktail-caramel-apple-martini.html" target="_blank"><strong>Caramel Apple Martini</strong></a><strong> recipe. Made with butterscotch schnapps, this grown-up version of the fall favorite is always a&nbsp;hit. If you're serving for a party, go ahead and make up a large batch and then all you have to do is&nbsp;pour over ice and serve. </strong></p>
<p>OK, you're officially on your own. I'm flying off on my broom---- the parties start tomorrow night! I'm going as&nbsp;an ICE (Department of Immigration) Agent with a warrant for David Beckham. What are you going as this Halloween?</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Halloween Costume Ideas for Adults: Alton Brown, Paula Deen, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kim from Real Housewives</title><category term="Alton Brown costume idea"/><category term="Halloween costume ideas"/><category term="Halloween costume ideas for adults"/><category term="Halloween costumes"/><category term="Halloween party ideas"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="Paula Deen costume"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-costume-ideas-for-adults-alton-brown-paula-deen-bi.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-costume-ideas-for-adults-alton-brown-paula-deen-bi.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-10-26T18:07:40Z</published><updated>2009-10-26T18:07:40Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>I had a ton of email this weekend asking&nbsp;for ideas for&nbsp;Halloween costumes for the grown-ups! I HATE looking in stores for costumes-- you get the sexy&nbsp;or evil witch option and that is it.&nbsp;Here are some&nbsp;fun options I've come up with for Halloween this year:</p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 206px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/bio-alton-brown_al.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256588308394" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 206px;">Alton Brown Photo: Food Network</span></span>Food Network Stars:</strong>Since I am a foodie, I obviously thought it would be very fun to dress up as some of the popular stars on Food Network:</p>
<p><strong>Sandra Lee</strong> is easy. Get a blonde wig, an apron, a box of brownie mix, and a cocktail glass and you're all set for a Semi-Homemade Halloween.</p>
<p><strong>Paula Deen</strong>- do I really need to tell you how to pull of Paula, <em>ya'll?</em>Perfect for a couple, Paula and her hairy husband, Michael (pronounced MY-kul) would be hilarious.</p>
<p><strong>Guy Fieri-</strong>Get some&nbsp;fake bling, some hair gel, blonde hair paint, and a black and red bowling shirt and you've got our favorite Food Network guy down pat. Be sure to get the Guy lingo-- "<em>Duuude.&nbsp;If it's funky we'll find it. That's money</em>" and some other classic Guy-isms.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.altonbrown.com/" target="_blank">Alton Brown</a></strong>-&nbsp;Spike your hair a little, get some geeky glasses, a plaid button front, short sleeve&nbsp;shirt, and a turkey baster and you've got the Good Eats star's signature look. <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/alton-brown/bio/index.html" target="_blank">Read his bio</a> to get the character down! Love him!</p>
<p>Not on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Food Network</a> but also very, very funny for Halloween if you happen to be sporting a baby bump would be <strong>Padma from Top Chef</strong>! Work on your sexy accent and dress your hubby as her Top Chef co-host;&nbsp;the very bald, but&nbsp;super handsome&nbsp;<strong>Tom Colicchio</strong>.</p>
<p>Since we're now talking reality&nbsp;TV shows, how about "stars" from some of the other Bravo series? That crazy <strong>Kim from the</strong> <strong>Real Housewives of Atlanta</strong>would be just toooo easy. Too tight, way too low cut clothes, horrid blonde wig, lots of CZ's and Tardy for the Party on your iPod would make this reality tv bimbo costume super easy to create.&nbsp;Another easy to pull together costume,&nbsp;you could go as the&nbsp;obvious <strong>Kate Gosselin of Jon and Kate plus Eight</strong>. Blonde Kate wigs are available at every store, it seems. Now, you just need a future ex-husband and eight kids to complete the look.</p>
<p>Others on tv: <strong>The Apprentice's</strong> <strong>Donald Trump</strong>-- a&nbsp;suit, a purple shirt and tie and a bad blondish red comb-over and you've got the Donald down cold.</p>
<p><strong>Al Roker from the Today Show</strong> is also pretty easy to do. You just need to shine up your head a little, get the big glasses and a map of the US and you can tell everyone what's happening in their neck of the woods.</p>
<p><strong>Tyra Banks: </strong>Since she's put on a few pounds, this mogul and model is a lot less intimidating to try to pull off. A tight dress, a big wig with lots of highlights, and big bags of money would probably let everyone know you're the top earner on prime time TV.</p>
<p>One of my friends is going as <strong>Billy Ray Cyrus</strong>, complete with leather jacket, cowboy boots, soul patch,&nbsp;bad highlights, and a Hannah Montana lunchbox. Pretty funny.</p>
<p>I went as <strong>Sarah Palin</strong> last year. Once, I went as&nbsp;<strong>Puss 'n Boots,</strong>&nbsp;the cat from Shrek.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Big hat, boots, whip and complete with the Antonio Bandaras accent. This year, I think I am going as an <strong>Indiana Highway Patrol Motor Scout </strong>complete with boots and a ticket book or <strong>Martha Stewart</strong>.</p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 155px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/iStock_000003387084XSmall1.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256590419570" alt="" /></span></span>For more Halloween ideas:</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/20/halloween-party-help-fun-pumpkin-carving-ideas.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Carving Ideas</a>&nbsp;and </strong><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/19/easy-halloween-party-ideas-carve-your-own-pumpkin-people.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin People</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-party-ideas-spooky-snack-menu.html" target="_blank">Spooky Snacks</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/19/halloween-party-ideas-costumes-and-decorations.html" target="_blank">Decorations and Costumes for the Kids</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2008/10/3/favorite-fall-cocktail-caramel-apple-martini.html" target="_blank">Caramel Apple Martinis</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/martie-knows-parties-contact-f/">Tell us what you're going as this Halloween!</a></p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Halloween Party Ideas: Spooky Snack Menu</title><category term="Halloween menu ideas"/><category term="Halloween party ideas"/><category term="Halloween treats"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><category term="inexpensive party ideas"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-party-ideas-spooky-snack-menu.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/26/halloween-party-ideas-spooky-snack-menu.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-10-26T17:00:00Z</published><updated>2009-10-26T17:00:00Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Do you still need a menu for your Halloween party? We've sorted through tons of ideas to come up with some really clever suggestions for kids and adult parties.</p>
<p>Let's start with the goodies:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1875211&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank"><img style="width: 150px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/bat-bites-ay-1875211-l.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256013968735" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Goat cheese Bat Bites from MyRecipes.com</span></span>These <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1875211&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank">Bat Bites</a> from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> are great for adult parties. Made of goat cheese (similar to my goat cheese truffles) these are so whimsical and pretty yummy, too.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1662948&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank"><img style="width: 150px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/monster-eyes-sl-1662948-x.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256014610117" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Monster Eyes Sausage Balls from MyRecipes.com</span></span>A new spin on an old classic, <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1662948&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank">sausage balls</a>with "monster eyeballs" made of olives are pretty creepy but taste delish.</p>
<p><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1842416&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank">Mummy Dogs</a>are hot dogs wrapped up like a mummy--- a twist on the old pigs in a blanket. (presentation is everything!) Check out the spider web condiments-- really cute. These are also from the great folks at <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com" target="_blank">MyRecipes.com</a> and you can watch a how-to video, too!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1534866&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank"><img style="width: 150px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/cheddar-finger-su-1534866-x.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256015208007" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Cheddar Cheese Witch's Fingers from MyRecipes.com</span></span>These completely creepy <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&amp;recipe_id=1534866&amp;adsqs=raid:1670668" target="_blank">Witch's Fingers</a> are made from cornmeal, cheddar cheese, and use almonds for the fingernails. They'd be great paired with chili or soup. <span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/dragons-breath-chili-recipe/index.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 150px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/GI0514-1_Dragons-Breath-Chili_s4x3_med.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256015814539" alt="" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 150px;">Guy Fieri's Dragon's Breath Chili</span></span></p>
<p>Try this awesome chili recipe from Guy Fieri--- appropriately named <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/dragons-breath-chili-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Dragon's Breath Chili</a>from his "Fuel the Fieri" episode of Guy's Big Bite.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1841880,00.html" target="_blank">See the full slideshow from MyRecipes.com for more ideas for your Halloween menu! </a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Ultimate Halloween Tool: An Ergo Chef Knife</title><category term="Ergo Chef knives"/><category term="Guy Fieri knives"/><category term="Martie Duncan"/><category term="Martie Knows Parties"/><id>http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/22/ultimate-halloween-tool-an-ergo-chef-knife.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/22/ultimate-halloween-tool-an-ergo-chef-knife.html"/><author><name>Martie Duncan</name></author><published>2009-10-22T04:03:25Z</published><updated>2009-10-22T04:03:25Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 325px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/iStock_000003387084XSmall1.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256187790823" alt="" /></span></span>I forgot to mention that all the cutting, slicing, carving, and hacking I did on all of my pumpkins and gourds this year was soooo much easier because I used my Ergo Chef knives! I met the guys from <a href="http://www.ergochef.com/index.asp" target="_blank">Ergo Chef</a> earlier this year with <a href="http://www.guyfieri.com/" target="_blank">Chef Guy Fieri</a> when we were presenting at the <a href="http://www.metrocooking.com/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Cooking &amp; Entertaining Show</a> in Atlanta. They are developing a series of <a href="http://www.ergochef.com/guyfieriknives/" target="_blank">custom knives</a> for the chef and I was lucky enough to get a set for myself.&nbsp;I&nbsp;thought the knives I had were good quality, but&nbsp;I didn't know what a huge difference there was between knives until I got these.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="http://www.ergochef.com/index.asp" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://martieknows.squarespace.com/storage/820chef20hollow20web.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1256186296824" alt="" /></a></span></span> I cannot cook without this&nbsp;8" chef's knife. These knives&nbsp;are great&nbsp;holiday gifts for all the cooks, chefs, and pumpkin carvers in your circle!</p>
<p><em>The&nbsp;FTC&nbsp;won't let me be or let me be me- so let me see</em>--- -It seems that now I have to tell you that Ergo Chef did not pay me or give me&nbsp;products for this endorsement. It is simply my&nbsp;opinion.&nbsp;Sorry for the Eminem reference.</p>]]></content></entry></feed>