Saturday, April 17, 2010

Make Confetti, and Not the Kind You Throw!

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Confetti are ribbons filled with Jordan almonds that are typically given at Italian weddings.  These pretty gifts have been adopted by brides of all nationalities.  You can either make your own confetti or buy them ready made.  It's possible to make your own for under $1.25, premade confetti start at $3.50 with some of the more complex designs costing $7.50.
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If you are making your own be sure to read the descriptions carefully since different roles of ribbon make different numbers of confetti. 

Below are some ready made confetti for the bride who lacks the patience or doesn't want to make the favors herself. 


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Below is a centerpiece made from multiple confetti.  It would be a great decoration for your placecard table.



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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What Could Be More Italian than...

(Photo and Information courtesy of http://www.cybercucina.com/)

"According to the Amaretti di Saronno legend, almost three centuries ago, the Cardinal of Milan unexpectedly visited the town of Saronno in Italy. To honor him, two young lovers, Giuseppe and Osolina, quickly baked up a mixture of sugar, apricot kernels and egg whites, creating crisp, airy cookies with an unusual bittersweet flavor which they wrapped in pairs to symbolize their love.


The Cardinal was delighted and blessed the young couple, who married and lived happily ever after. Since 1718 this ancient and secret recipe has been preserved by the Lazzaroni family. Unwrap a legend and begin your own happy ending.

Each box contains 15 pairs (each cookie is paired with another and then wrapped in colorful paper) of Amaretti di Saronno cookies (7.5 oz. net wt.).  Order enough to offer a pair of cookies to each guest and box and tie with a bow.  Add a copy of the legend on the tag.  Everyone loves these quintessential Italian cookies.