Pamela Smerker Designs

Puffed Oven Pancake {Tasty Treats Thursday}

2012-02-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I shared a photo of my Puffed Oven Pancake last fall and had so many requests for the recipe that I thought I would share it here on the blog. These cream puff like pancakes are great for anytime of the day. I have always made them for dinner, but they would be great for breakfast or even as a dessert. I end up making at least 4 of these pancakes now that the boys are bigger and eating so much more as teenagers. Even though these are super easy to make, they do take time in the oven so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if you have to make multiples like I do.

Here is what you will need:
An oven proof skillet or well seasoned stoneware (I use my Pampered Chef round or square baker stone)

I start my sauce before anything else, because peeling the apples takes the longest and you need time for your apples to cook and soften.

Chunky Apple Sauce

3-4 large Gala Apples

1 C apple juice

2 tbls cornstarch

2 tbls water

cinnamon and sugar

Peel, core and slice apples into approximately 1/4 inch slices. I use my Pampered Chef "apple peeler /corer/slicer" to do the trick, quick and easy! Place peeled apples in a pot then cover with apple juice. Simmer on medium heat until apples become tender stirring occasionally. Add cinnamon and sugar to taste then mix together cornstarch and water and add to apples. Heat until apple mixture is bubbly and thickened, then turn to low heat stirring occasionally. This make enough for 3-4 pancakes.

Pancake Ingredients:
2 tbls butter
3 eggs
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 C milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix eggs with flour until blended, then add your milk and mix until smooth. Place 2 tbls in skillet and place in oven until melted. Once butter is melted pour your pancake mixture into skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Pull out pancake with it is golden brown on peaks. Unfortunately my pancake never stays all tall and fluffy, it always falls flat! *NOTE* do not double recipe, it works best if you start out with new ingredients each time you make a new pancake. You have plenty of time to do this while waiting for pancakes to bake in the oven.

Cut a nice wedge for each plate and top with Chunky Apple Sauce and lightly dust top with powdered sugar. Serve warm!

Happy Tasty Treats Thursday!!
Hugs,
Pam

Toot Your Horn Tuesday {Bellenza}

2012-02-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

photos courtesy of Bellenza 2012

I have a very special holiday "Toot Your Horn" feature today from Bellenza! Beautiful Valentine themed dessert and drinks table inspiration.

Here is what Bellenza shared with us :

If you’re surprising a dear bride-friend with a Valentine’s-themed bridal shower with a chic and modern slant, what decorating tips and tricks might you use for the desserts and drinks display?

Our first “must” would be location! Find a spot at the venue where the display is sure to be noticed, and position your table there.

Then, our second “must” would be lighting! You could opt for dramatic side illumination, as in our example, an overhead chandelier or spotlight, or even glowing candles. Anything to showcase your display.

Then, the rest depends on the styling details. Here, we kept our color focus throughout—a chic red and white motif from the sweet treats to the floral accents, even to the pink champagne!
But don’t forget, guests have to be just as delighted with how your desserts taste as how pretty they look. So, while you may select goodies for their color, shape, and decorations, think of those with delectable flavors as well.

A big thank you to Lissa from Bellenza for sharing such beautiful photos and information with us. Bellenza, "toot your horn"! Be sure to hop on over to Bellenza for even more tips and tricks on how to wow your guests HERE.

If you would like to share a party related event, favor, or recipe with us so that we can feature you on our "Toot Your Horn" segment, feel free to email us here with your information and photos.

Hugs,
Pam

Faux Linen Valentine Tags

2012-02-08T06:37:00.001-07:00

Can you believe we are coming up on the middle of February already? Seems like we just celebrated Christmas and New Years. I still haven't quite decided what I will be giving my DH and kids for Valentine's Day, not that we go all out, but I thought it would be fun to do a little something sweet. Maybe a fun wrapped up dessert at the end of a special Valentine dinner???

I printed this tag out on Vanilla card stock and added some ribbon seam binding to the top.

These faux linen tags were inspired by my family, our son T has a sweet spot for Owls, C IS "Mr. Mustache", Aly is "my little love" and the love birds, well that would be for my honey (cause I really wanted to draw some birds LOL). I am going to use each one of these 4.75" x 3" tags to decorate a little something for each of my Valentines, now to figure out what do get them.

Being in a festive Valentine mood, I'm so happy to share these printable tags with you today. Hop on over to Scribd HERE and download this page to use as you like (for personal non commercial use please). I would love to hear how you will or would use these...maybe a fun banner, the sky is the limit!

OH and ONE MORE FREEBIE! Hop on over to PS Make It Your Own, I have another mini tag set for you as well... Click HERE to grab them!

Hope you enjoy!!
Hugs,
Pam

Toot Your Horn Tuesday {Valentine Treats}

2012-02-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to have a day where, you the readers send in a "piece of your party". Email me a photo of a party favor you handed out or a special decoration you made, even a special dish you served, then together we can "Toot Your Horn" here on the blog and share your great idea!

While I was sitting here trying to figure out how to kick off this segment, my fabulous cohort over at PSMIYO, Dawn Rumin shared these photos with me. I was thrilled and knew these boxes were the perfect inspiration to start the "Toot Your Horn" series. Dawn used one of my kraft matchbox and our free PSMIYO "Made With Love"printable collection which you can get by checking out Taste Magazine's first issue on digital shelves now! *Note items sent in to be featured don't have to be Pamela Smerker Designs product.

Here is what Dawn had to say about her little favor box:

"I took one of the long strips that can be used for straws or flags and wrapped it around the box. The "LOVE" sentiment was punched out with a postage stamp punch and I put it on one of the bunting pieces that I cut down since the color was a perfect match!"

Love it Dawn and thanks so much for sharing, go ahead and "Toot Your Horn"!!

Do you have a little something that you would like to share? Feel free to send me an email with photos HERE, I would love to celebrate your creation and help you "Toot Your Horn"!!

Have a fantastic Tuesday!!
Hugs,
Pam

Classroom Valentine Favors

2012-02-06T10:56:00.001-07:00

The snow is finally melting, all 30 inches of it! It started snowing last Thursday night and didn't stop until Saturday afternoon. Thank goodness I got a new gas tank and filled it up for our snowblower before the storm hit or we would have been digging our way out for days! Here is a photo of one of our neighbors who as you can see has a great sense of humor!

Having a snowed in weekend does have it's benefits though...we got some Valentine projects done!

These are the Valentine's my daughter will take in for her class this year. We made our own crayons for each classmate and they fit perfect inside my Mini Gable boxes, which Aly insisted must be decorated with the Chevron pattern and a custom tag. How can I argue with that! She also wants to give these to her teachers, but I may have to add a little something more then just a crayon for them!

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!! See you tomorrow!!
Hugs,
Pam

Snow Day!

2012-02-03T12:56:00.001-07:00

I guess Punxsutawney Phil was right, 6 more weeks of winter. We are in the midst of a blizzrd! Check out this snow drift on our roof.

No school today, which means little or no work for me with the whole family being home. A good excuse to curl up and watch a movie!

Have a wonderful weekend, so you on Monday!
Pam

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

According to Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog we will be having 6 more weeks of winter. Well if those next 6 weeks are as mild as the rest of our winter here have been, then so be it. I think I saw some tulips sprouting in my backyard and that can't be good!! geesh!!

Image via the Washington Post

Just for fun I started a Pinterest board for Groundhog Day. I was really surprised that there weren't too many images to be found. Stop by and check it out what I have collected so far.

Add caption

I have also created a free printable set for the occasion that you can find over on my "other blog" PS MIYO.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Hugs,

Pam

Bananas About You

2012-02-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have 4 large ripe bananas? Make banana bread of course! My husband has been asking me to make banana bread for a while, so I thought this would be a sweet little treat for him with his coffee in the morning.

Here is my recipe:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid type mixer add:
1 C flour
2/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
Mix well then add
1 C mashed ripe bananas
1/3 C shortening
2 eggs
2 Tbls 2% milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients until blended well then add
3/4 C flour
Mix again until blended well.

I used a mini loaf pan that I got from William Sonoma (seriously in love with this pan BTW) which I sprayed with a little cooking spray (Pam) then added a sheet of parchment that I cut to fit up the long sides of each section. Fill each mini pan approximately 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to test with a toothpick, if it pulls out clean get them out. I let these cool for a bit then stick them all in a large ziploc bag so they don't dry out.

If you use a regular sized loaf pan, grease add parchment if you like (not necessary though) and fill pan with batter. Bake for 50-55 minutes and check.

To go along with this recipe I created some little tags that you can attach for your special someone, maybe for Valentine's day??? Download your tags HERE!!

Make sure you stop by PS MIYO today as well, I have created a couple of free printable sheets for Groundhog's Day that will be posted around noon!

Hugs,
Pam

February Photo Challenge

2012-01-31T06:29:00.004-07:00

I have been watching a few online friends as they have captured photos each day of this month on Instagram. Instagram is a free iPhone app that lets you share photos with other Instagram followers/friends as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Really this app is more for fun than anything else, just another way to share yourself with the world. If you have this fun app let me know and feel free to follow me @pamelasmerkerdesigns

While on Pinterst (again!) I noticed that my friend Jen of Blush Printables pinned a photo of the day challenge, created by Pinterest user @fatmumslim. I am SO on this and Instagram is how I will capture each day!! To me it sounds fun and easy and a great way to record some of the little things in my life for a month. Are you up for the challenge? I can't wait to start tomorrow and see what photos my friends will take each day!

Have a super Tuesday friends!
Hugs,
Pam

Valentine Love {free printable}

2012-01-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

Hop, skip or jump over to PS MIYO, I have a couple of Valentine inspired printables for FREE today!! Here is a sneak peek...

Have a fabulous Monday!!
Hugs,
Pam

Match Boxes

2012-01-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

I will be busy today cutting a large order of match boxes, which are being used as wedding favors. I already have ideas floating around in my head of things I would love to do in the future with these sweet little boxes. SO what does a girl do when she wants even MORE inspiration and ideas...well she turns to Pinterest of course. Here are a few fun and unique finds I gathered while searching for match boxes.

Found on The Coloured Buttons

Seriously, how sweet is this!! I know my daughter would love to make this and what a fun idea for a sleepover craft!! Click on the photo for instructions on how Coloured Buttons made this dollhouse box.

Found on Kommunicated

Sweet, simple and absolutely adorable! Wrapped in pretty paper, some bakers twine and a cute little tag. The perfect classroom treat!! Click on the photo to see the rest of Kommunicated designs and ideas.

Pamela Smeker Designs match boxes

How would you decorate your match box? What would you put inside?

Have a great weekend friends!

hugs,

Pam

What I would love for Valentine's Day...

2012-01-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

I don't typically get a lot of pink and red items for Valentine's day, usually some pretty flowers. My husband and I were married on February 11th, so Valentine's day gets mashed in with our wedding anniversary. In some ways this is good, since hotels, restaurants and spas have Valentine specials that we like to take advantage of. Then of course there are the hotels, restaurants and spas that have Valentine specials, that EVERYONE else is taking advantage of, so we have to really think ahead and plan so we can get a reservation somewhere. In the end both Valentine's day and our anniversary being mashed together is fine with me, they are both meant to celebrate the one you love.

Back to the pink and red, with me being a Pinterest addict I thought it would be fun to put together a small gallery of Valentine (no anniversary stuff) inspired items I found that I think would be fun to have for the holiday or really anytime of year.

Anything with a "P.S" is perfect for me *wink*. I simply adore this pillow and think it would be a great addition to my bed with a bunch of other fun decorative pillows.

Found on Etsy made by Joshua by Oak

HELLO cupcake, this raspberry and lemon cupcake sounds and looks so refreshing, especially in the cold winter months.

Found on BHG

This is so my style, jeans, a t-shirt, cardigan and cute little flats. LOVE!

Found on Polyvore

I am a sucker for letterpress and the bigger the better. I really do think I need this artwork!

Found on Etsy made by Roll & Tumble Press

How about this sweet handbag, pretty darn cute with those lollipop flowers.

Found on Etsy made by Eight Seasons

Loving this little cupcake pedestal, so stinking cute!

Found on Amazon by Rosanna

Talk about refreshing, these strawberry champaign beverages are just my style, bubbly and oh so fruity!

Found on Simply Creative Insanity

While we are at it, I will take one of these too...

Found on AutoModifieDesign

What's on your wish list this Valentine's Day???

Hugs,

Pam

A real party challenge and more!

2012-01-25T09:52:00.001-07:00

Hop on over to PS Make it your own to see what "The Sundry Soiree Challenge" is all about!! The contest starts today and is similar to the Food Network show "Chopped". There are mystery items that you must incorporate into your Soiree theme, which has also been announced!! I would love to play along in this challenge, but I am one of the judges *insert big cheesy grin* along with Lisa from Fancy That, Ann from Inkberry, Courtney from Pizzazzerie and Dawn from PS MIYO.

WAIT THERE IS MORE!!!
There is also a giveaway going on over at PS MIYO, for digital scrapbooking software (doesn't have to be used for scrapbooking either, can be used for card making or other fun digital items). OH and one more thing...a FREE Valentine Subway Art printable by Blush Printables! Seriously you need to check it out!

Brag Party {DIY Inspiration}

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to be apart of My Grafico's Brag Party group. Every week an image is shared with this group to use for free, so that you can share/brag what you designed with this image.
This past week we were given the cherry image from this adorable clipart set created by dreAmLoft called "Cherry Love".

Here is what I made using one of my DIY kraft mini gable boxes.

I created a tag, added the cherry image and a sentiment that will work great for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter. I used a clear craft lacquer on the hearts to make them look really juicy! Using a eyelet border punch I created a fun border along the white edge of a piece of green gingham paper I printed out. This piece was then wrapped around my box and the tag was attached on the front. A piece of white taffeta ribbon adorns the handle. Not quite sure what I will put in this box, maybe some wrapped chocolates or a gift card, maybe both!

Be sure to check out the Brag Party group on My Grafico and see what fun things you can create with their free image each week.

Thanks for stopping in!
Hugs,
Pam

Gift Card Holder {DIY Ideas}

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since I am sporting a fresh new look on the blog I thought I would share a fresh new product from my shop. Gift cards have become one of the most popular gifts for birthdays, holidays and thank you's. What better way to dress up a gift card, then with a gift card holder.

gift card holder shown in kraft card stock

My DIY gift card holder kits come in quantities of 6, 8 or 12 and come in your choice of either kraft or white card stock. These decorate your own kits make it easy for you to design each card the way you like and for any occasion.

I have a very special friend who has a birthday coming up, so I set to work with some scraps of pink Chevron paper, a "Happy Birthday" digital image I created and printed out, then colored and a few embellishments.

Here is the back side of the card...

and the front!

Stick a gift card in the inside, there are 4 corner cut outs to hold your standard plastic gift card into place and voila!! An easy personalized gift!

gift card holder shown in white card stock

Stop in my shop and check out my new DIY kits, lots of fun to decorate for any occasion.

OH and don't forget to hop on over to PS Make It Your Own or as we like to call it for short "PS MIYO". Dawn has a great scrabooking product to show you and along with a change to win a fabulous prize!!!

Hugs,
Pam

A New Home

2012-01-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Dawn and I are going to let you in on a little secret, ok it's not really a secret... we are shouting this news out loud!!

"PS Make It Your Own" has a NEW home!!!

www.PSMIYO.com

We weren't exactly sure if we were going to make the move or stay here at PamelaSmerkerDesigns.com. However with the response we have had in just our first week both Dawn and I decided that PS MIYO ("PS Make it your own" for short) really needed it's own home. You can find all of this week's posts already moved in to our new home, so you won't miss a thing. WE ARE SO EXCITED!! Jump on over to www.PSMIYO.com and follow us (there are lots of different ways to do so). We have a contest starting on Monday, a beautiful free printable on Tuesday, Wednesday kicks off The Sundry Soiree Challenge, Thursday and Friday we will have a recipe and more home decor ideas!! Really you won't want to miss it!!

As for Pamela Smerker Designs (the blog), I am working with a very talented designer to give PSD a fresh new look. It is true...there are just some things I just can't keep the same for too long and my blog's design is one of them. Just like you redecorate your house every now and then, I need to redecorate my blog...it keeps me motivated. SO for the next month or so please excuse the dust while Pamela Smerker Designs (the blog) is cleaning up and remodeling. Thanks!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Hugs as always,

Pam

Squash Goulash {Foods}

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.psmiyo.com/2012/01/squash-goulash-food.html

This post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com

Click the link under the photo to hop on over and read my post plus grab the recipe to this dish.

~Pam

Floating Shelves {Home Decor}

2012-01-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

This PS Make it your own blog post has moved over to it's NEW home. Come visit www.psmiyo.com to read all about it.

The Sundry Soiree Challenge {contest}

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to be challenged? Lisa Komer owner of Fancy That and the girls at PS Make It Your Own are prepared to do just that...challenge YOU!!

The Sundry Soiree Challenge is a twist on the traditional designers challenge. Every 6 weeks we will announce a theme and 5 mystery components found in most homes. YOUR challenge is to design a soiree using at least 3 of the mystery items out of our 5 listed. You will have 2 weeks to put your creativity to the test and submit photos of your design! OH and we realize not everyone has the ability to take professional quality photos, just send your best!

We have five judges who will be looking for the most creative use of our mystery items. The winners of our first 6 rounds/challenges will then compete against each other in one final round for a fabulous prize package!

Here they are...your judges

Courtney Dial from Pizzazzerie

Ann Peplinksi from Inkberry

Lisa Komer from Fancy That

Dawn and Pam from PS Make It Your Own

Round 1 of the contest will begin Wednesday, January 25th 2012 when we will post the theme and what 5 five items are in our mystery box. Stay tuned and get ready to be challenged!!!

Valentine's Day Inspiration {Friends}

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Please Note his post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com

Click HERE to hop on over to read and be inspired by our friend Melissa of Truly Chic Inspirations.

~Pam

Cute as a button {celebrating}

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

This post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com
Click HERE to hop on over and read my post plus get your free printables.

~Pam

Welcome 2012!

2011-12-29T11:17:00.002-07:00

Wishing you and yours a fabulous New Year

from the girls at PS Make It Your Own!!

To help you ring in 2012, I have created a FREE New Years Eve printable collection just for you! Included in this NYE 2012 collection is an 8" x 10" sign, mini bunting pieces and party shapes. Hop on over to Scribd to download, print, cut and decorate!!

See you on January 16, 2012 when we come back from break with lots of new and fun inspiration!!

All the best,

Pamela

2011-12-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Change it good!

2011-12-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

As you may have noticed, things look a bit different around here. That is because changes needed to be made and I am happy with the way 2012 is going to start off! Give a warm welcome to

"PS Make It Your Own"

After much thought and trying to patch things up here and there this year I felt that I was cutting myself short. I wasn't doing all that I wanted, because of all the time needed for both Party Starters and PS Harvey. While I love selling my work, I love sharing ideas more! So together with my wonderful friend of many years, Dawn Rumin and I will be giving you all that our creative minds have to give. Just like me Dawn loves to be in the kitchen as well as get her craft on and has been called "Martha" more times then we can count! I know you will adore her as much as I do.

So what does this mean for Party Starters and PS Harvey? Party Starters will now only offer DIY kits, no more custom party boxes. All of our boxes will be available in either white or craft card stock so that you can decorate them anyway you like. Don't worry we will have lots of inspiring ways you can make these boxes "your own". As for PS Harvey, well it is being put on the back burner for now until I can fully decide which direction I want to go with my digital designs. Good news for you, there will be a lot more free printables available here on the blog!

We will officially start blogging about food, crafts, home decor and celebrating (don't worry there will still be a ton of party inspiration here) on January 16, 2012!! You can follow us now on Twitter and on Facebook and we hope that you do!

Thank you so much for your continued support, you are the reason why I stay motivated to keep changing and growing.

A very happy holidays to you and yours.

All the best,
Pamela

Pumpkin Donuts {Recipe}

2011-12-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend the kids asked for pumpkin pancakes AGAIN! (normally I make these only once a year, a Thanksgiving morning tradition of ours)

So, I gave in (wasn't that hard to give in since I love them as well) and while mixing up the batter thought, I really should see how this would work in my Bella donut maker. OH MY WORD!!!! Forget making pancakes....these are da' bomb!!

Typically with our pumpkin pancakes we top them with chocolate chips and whipped cream (the kids like to make smiley faces). While I thought of adding the chocolate chips to the tops of the donuts, the thought of chocolate ganache sounded irresistible. Add a dollop of whipped cream and hello...HEAVEN!!!

These would make an amazing dessert (we loved them for breakfast, but they are pretty sweet) and with this recipe you can make approximately 4.5 dozen mini donuts. YES, over 50 donuts and sadly enough the three kids and I ate ALL of them! They cook in 2 mins, and are a big softer and more moist then a regular cake donut, but seriously oh so good! Let me know if you try this and what you think.

Here is the recipe again for those of you who missed it.

Pumpkin Donuts

2 C Bisquick
2 Tbls brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1 can evaporated milk (12oz)
1/2 C cooked or canned pumpkin
2 Tbls vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients. Pour into machine, per manufacturers directions.

Chocolate Chip Ganache

1/2- 1 C semi sweet chocolate chips

1-3 Tbls whipping cream

Melt chocolate chips over double boiler or in microwave (in 30 sec intervals, so not to burn the chocolate). Stir in enough whipping cream until you get a smooth glossy consistency.

***Tomorrow's Post***

Check back in tomorrow, I have some news...major changes going on around here, yes AGAIN!!

Hugs,

Pam