If you like small tasty treats that combine cake and chocolate…you must try Lollibakes!  Lollibake are the creation of Diana Sproveri.  They take cupcakes to the next level of deliciousness.  These amazing bite sized cake treats are served on a lollipop stick, covered with chocolate and sprinkled with ‘flair’.

“I love making Lollibakes,” says Lollibakes dessert baker Diana Sproveri. “They’re like creating little works of art. I have so much fun coming up with new flavors and being creative.”

Since each item is hand made, prices and available flavors vary…Lollibakes can be found at select gourmet markets in Los Angeles and also ordered at www.dianasproveri.com.  Lollibakes make a great gift or serve them at your next soiree.

Who doesn’t love an ice pop on a hot day?  Here are a few suggestions for making fresh, unique, fun and delicious frozen snacks all of your guests will enjoy.

Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Popsicle

Makes five 2-and-1/4-oz. popsicles

1 cup honeydew juice (approximately a whole melon weighing 1lb)
1/3 cup cucumber juice (approximately half a cucumber weighing 5oz.)
½ cup tequila (or omit)
1 tablespoon triple sec
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon mint simple syrup
3 large mint sprigs

Instructions:  Place the honeydew and cucumber in a food processor or a blender and process until everything is pureed. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice and mint syrup and process for another 20-30 seconds to blend well. Pour mixture into popsicles molds or similar sized glasses.  Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles

Makes 12 2.5 oz Popsicles

8oz. watermelon juice (2 ½ cups chopped watermelon)
2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz. simple mint syrup (recipe follows)
8 oz. light rum (or omit)
14 oz. club soda

Instructions:  Place chopped watermelon in a food processor or blender and process until watermelon is juiced (will be slightly pulpy).  Combine watermelon juice, lime juice, mint syrup and rum in a shaker and shake well. Fill popsicle molds or similar sized glasses, 3/4 of the way up with mixture. Fill remaining popsicle mold with club soda and stir to combine.  Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight. To release popsicles run hot water on the outside of popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Mint Syrup (for both of the above recipes)
(You will have more syrup than you need. Save for other cocktail uses)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cups sugar
1 cup mint leaves, loosely packed

Instructions:  Place sugar and water in a pot over heat until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature and place mint leaves in mixture and muddle. Allow mint leaves to steep for 20 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. (Depending on the fine-ness of the sieve tiny pieces may remain).

Or for an even simpler recipe, try an Arnold Palmer Pop.  Iced tea, lemonade, little soda water and freeze with a stick.

Environmentally friendly events are almost as simple to plan and execute as their not so eco-conscious counterparts.  By choosing locally grown, seasonal, organic, recycled and reusable items, a party’s carbon footprint can be greatly reduced.  One’s imagination and desire to “go green” ultimately determines just how ecologically friendly the event will be.

Here are some tips for making your next soiree a little more green…

• Send electronic invitations, use sites like PaperlessPost.com or Evite.com.  If printed invites are a must, consider printing on recycled paper and try using vegetable inks.
• Select a venue that already adheres to recycling food, bottles, glass, plastic, refuse, etc.
• Work with vendors that already practice and support going green.

  

• Consider using reusable dishware, utensils, napkins, tablecloths, etc.  It may cost more to buy or rent these items but it will save in the long run.
• Reduce the amount of food waste at the end of an event.  Compost waste when available.
• Decorate your party with home grown flowers, organic fruits, garden herbs and plantable trees or shrubs.
• Use eco-friendly candles made from soybean or beeswax to create ambiance.