It's hard to believe it's "that" time of year already!!! We LOVE this time of year at Bellisimo & are excited about the new designs. Visit our website often, as Holiday designs are added daily!
http://thegivingbasket.com/christmas.html
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Aaaaaaaand we're off!
It's hard to believe it's "that" time of year already!!! We LOVE this time of year at Bellisimo & are excited about the new designs. Visit our website often, as Holiday designs are added daily!
http://thegivingbasket.com/christmas.html
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Best Gift Basket Ever
Did you know that Gift Baskets can make you a rock star? Or that they are packed with the power of healing? Perhaps you weren't aware that the perfect gift basket has the ability to congratulate, apologize & even amaze? Who couldn't forgive after receiving a decadent basket of chocolate & confections, or feel better after surgery while filling their tummy with a basket of apple streusel muffins & a steaming cup of vanilla chai tea? The new parent's will be even more over-joyed while alternately munching on dk chocolate tea cookies, fresh Vermont cheddar & crisp peppercorn water crackers.
So if you didn't already know this, or even if you did we're glad you reminded you & can't wait to help you Say it Spectacular with a Gift Basket!
So if you didn't already know this, or even if you did we're glad you reminded you & can't wait to help you Say it Spectacular with a Gift Basket!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Re-Feather Your Nest
Today Bellisimo is in Mendham at Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating for the Grand Opening of R Nest a specialty accessory boutique. Our dear friend Susan Hayes ahs created a wildly successful decorating company called Re-Feather Your Nest & has been wowing her clientle with spectacular ways to make their house feel like a home. Susan's newest venture is "R Nest" located within the Re-Feather design studio as a way to showcase the newest in decorating trends. This space is SPECTACULAR!!!!
It's been a blast here today seeing the looks on everyone's faces as the enter the showhouse. Tranquil shades of turquoises and taupes, with natural accessories envelope you the second you walk in. Stop in today at 2A Hilltop Ave in Mendham to enter to win a $200 gift basket compliments of Susan & Moi!
It's been a blast here today seeing the looks on everyone's faces as the enter the showhouse. Tranquil shades of turquoises and taupes, with natural accessories envelope you the second you walk in. Stop in today at 2A Hilltop Ave in Mendham to enter to win a $200 gift basket compliments of Susan & Moi!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wasn't it just Mother's Day??
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Happy MOther's Day!
How sweet is this!
A fab choice for M-O-M this pretty box arrives with a sampler of Mrs. Fields 18 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 12 Brownie Bites and 2 frosted daisy cookies.
CALL NOW! 1-800-3-GIVING to place your order. Mention our blog and you will receive our preferred customer price of $35.
A fab choice for M-O-M this pretty box arrives with a sampler of Mrs. Fields 18 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 12 Brownie Bites and 2 frosted daisy cookies.
CALL NOW! 1-800-3-GIVING to place your order. Mention our blog and you will receive our preferred customer price of $35.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tastefully Yours
How cute is this favor? So cute that customers are sucking them up by the dozens and not just for party favors! They're perfect for those times when they need a little something!
"Smile, and say cheese!" The photographer at your special event will say that, but your guests will actually do that when you thank them with our bamboo-tiful "Tastefully Yours" Cheese Board favor. Heart-shaped and handsomely gift-boxed, the cheese board and bamboo spreader are truly a take-home treasure. Features and facts:
Stunning heart-shaped, bamboo cheese board with carved bamboo spreader accented with a tiny heart on the handle
Cheese board measures approximately 4 1/2" hi x 5" w x 5/16" d
Gift presentation includes subtly striped, sage green box with clear display cover, a brown belly band accented with an ivory ribbon and, at the center, a coordinated applique that describes the product
Gift box measures 5" h x 5 1/4" w x 1" d
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/Heart-Cutting-Board.html
"Smile, and say cheese!" The photographer at your special event will say that, but your guests will actually do that when you thank them with our bamboo-tiful "Tastefully Yours" Cheese Board favor. Heart-shaped and handsomely gift-boxed, the cheese board and bamboo spreader are truly a take-home treasure. Features and facts:
Stunning heart-shaped, bamboo cheese board with carved bamboo spreader accented with a tiny heart on the handle
Cheese board measures approximately 4 1/2" hi x 5" w x 5/16" d
Gift presentation includes subtly striped, sage green box with clear display cover, a brown belly band accented with an ivory ribbon and, at the center, a coordinated applique that describes the product
Gift box measures 5" h x 5 1/4" w x 1" d
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/Heart-Cutting-Board.html
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Irish Soda Bread - Italian Style
While our Irish friends are already looking forward to St Patrick's Day, those of us who's name's end in a vowel will celebrate the Feast of St Joseph on March 19th.
Our friends honor St Patrick & we honor St Joseph.
Our friends will wear green and we will don red.
Our friends will drink green beer while we will enjoy wine.
Our friends love their Irish Soda Bread which is the equivilent to our St Joseph Zeppole! Try this recipe & celebrate St Joseph with us!
Sfinge di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Cream Puffs)
Sfinge:
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 TBSP sugar
Grated rind of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
1 cup sifted flour
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 TBSP Cognac or vanilla
Zeppole Recipe for St. Joseph's Day
Ingredients:
Pastry cream
2 cups milk, divided
1 tbsp lemon zest
1-2 cinnamon sticks
3 tbsp cornstarch
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Powdered Sugar for dusting
24 cherries (optional)
Preheat oven at 400 F.
Place the water, salt and butter in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and dump the flour in all at once, whisking it all in &
Cook, stirring constantly, until the dough starts to pull easily from the sides of the pan and forms a ball, about 3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir until lukewarm, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring in each one completely before adding the next egg.Stir in the vanilla. Cool completely.
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the dough into a pastry bag with a 1-inch star tip and pipe 2-inch rings onto the trays.
Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes, then at 375 F for 15-20 minutes until evenly browned. Cool.
Pastry Cream
In a small sauce pan bring 1 3/4 cup milk with the sticks and lemon zest to a boil.
Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup milk with the 3 tbsp cornstarch.
Mix well and set aside.
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
Return mixture to sauce pan and whisk in the milk cornstarch mixture. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
Remove from heat, pour in a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent from forming a skin.
Chill before using.
Assemble the zeppole:
Slice the choux pastry in half and fill the bottom half with the pastry cream. Replace top half and sprinkle with icing sugar.
Top with cherry if desired.
Refrigerate.
Our friends honor St Patrick & we honor St Joseph.
Our friends will wear green and we will don red.
Our friends will drink green beer while we will enjoy wine.
Our friends love their Irish Soda Bread which is the equivilent to our St Joseph Zeppole! Try this recipe & celebrate St Joseph with us!
Sfinge di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Cream Puffs)
Sfinge:
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 TBSP sugar
Grated rind of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
1 cup sifted flour
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 TBSP Cognac or vanilla
Zeppole Recipe for St. Joseph's Day
Ingredients:
Pastry cream
2 cups milk, divided
1 tbsp lemon zest
1-2 cinnamon sticks
3 tbsp cornstarch
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Powdered Sugar for dusting
24 cherries (optional)
Preheat oven at 400 F.
Place the water, salt and butter in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and dump the flour in all at once, whisking it all in &
Cook, stirring constantly, until the dough starts to pull easily from the sides of the pan and forms a ball, about 3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir until lukewarm, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring in each one completely before adding the next egg.Stir in the vanilla. Cool completely.
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the dough into a pastry bag with a 1-inch star tip and pipe 2-inch rings onto the trays.
Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes, then at 375 F for 15-20 minutes until evenly browned. Cool.
Pastry Cream
In a small sauce pan bring 1 3/4 cup milk with the sticks and lemon zest to a boil.
Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup milk with the 3 tbsp cornstarch.
Mix well and set aside.
Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
Return mixture to sauce pan and whisk in the milk cornstarch mixture. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
Remove from heat, pour in a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent from forming a skin.
Chill before using.
Assemble the zeppole:
Slice the choux pastry in half and fill the bottom half with the pastry cream. Replace top half and sprinkle with icing sugar.
Top with cherry if desired.
Refrigerate.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Birthday to You!
Wishing someone a happy birthday is a piece of cake with this festive gift box filled with bakery fresh delights: 36 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies, 18 Brownie Bites and two hand-frosted cookies. Under $45it's the perfect birthday treat!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Thinking of You
We LOVE what we do every day. Creating beautiful, memorable gift baskets & helping our customers to choose the "perfect" item to send their happy thoughts is creative and just plain fun.
There are, however, those occasions that aren't happy, nevertheless, they need to be acknowledged. Sadly, sending sympathetic thoughts are something that is requested on a daily basis here at The Giving Basket and we do it more tastefully than anyone.
While we can't change the recipients situation, we can assist you in acknowledging the situation with style and grace and truly letting your friends and co-workers know your thoughts are with them
There are, however, those occasions that aren't happy, nevertheless, they need to be acknowledged. Sadly, sending sympathetic thoughts are something that is requested on a daily basis here at The Giving Basket and we do it more tastefully than anyone.
While we can't change the recipients situation, we can assist you in acknowledging the situation with style and grace and truly letting your friends and co-workers know your thoughts are with them
Monday, January 31, 2011
Butterfly Soiree
One of our newest & quickly becoming a popular fav! Nothing says special more than a gift personalized especially for the recipient, and at less than $50 this is a keepsake to remember forever. Our super-cute, super-soft blankets are perfecto!
http://www.thegivingbasket.com/babyblankets.html#null
http://www.thegivingbasket.com/babyblankets.html#null
Monday, January 10, 2011
Let the "Fin" Begin!
Okay seriously, how darn cute is this?!?! We've launched our 2011 baby gift line so pop over to our websites to check them out. Many items can be personalized and are under $35! Our Baby 2011 line is filled with the sweetest, most adorable gifts for all the baby's in your life.
http://www.thegivingbasket.com/newbaby.html
http://www.thegivingbasket.com/newbaby.html
Monday, November 15, 2010
Fab Favors for a memorable Holiday Party
You simply must check out these amazing favors. Most from only $2.00 each, isn't that crazy! They make unique stocking stuffers also.
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/category/winter-favors.html
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Italian Love Knots
I swear the Holidays come faster every year don't they! I am sharing my super delicious, super secret recipe for one of my fav Christmas Cookies. While they're not only for the Holiday season, for some reason once I make them it sure feels like Christmas!Enjoy!
For the Cookies:
3 cups good quality all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or orange juice)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (or Orange zest)
For the Icing:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
4-5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (don't substitute imitation)
Colored sprinkles
To make the cookies:
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
In a second bowl, cream butter & sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the lemon or orange juice and zest.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating well to combine.
Wrap the dough in wax paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease 2 baking sheets.
Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface and break off 2" pieces of dough then
roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.
Tie into a knot like a tight pretzel.
Place 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool only slightly. You will be dipping the cookies into the icing while still slightly warm.
For the icing:
In a bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar & milk until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dip the top of each cookie into the icing.
Top cookies with colored sprinkles.
Store in an airtight container for about 1 week
For the Cookies:
3 cups good quality all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or orange juice)
2 tablespoons lemon zest (or Orange zest)
For the Icing:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
4-5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (don't substitute imitation)
Colored sprinkles
To make the cookies:
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
In a second bowl, cream butter & sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the lemon or orange juice and zest.
Gradually add the flour mixture, beating well to combine.
Wrap the dough in wax paper and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease 2 baking sheets.
Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface and break off 2" pieces of dough then
roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.
Tie into a knot like a tight pretzel.
Place 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool only slightly. You will be dipping the cookies into the icing while still slightly warm.
For the icing:
In a bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar & milk until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dip the top of each cookie into the icing.
Top cookies with colored sprinkles.
Store in an airtight container for about 1 week
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Are you barking up the wrong tree?
You won't be with this delectable gourmet chocolate bark!
Bark is super easy to make at home! Here's a quick recipe for a combo bark;
Simply place semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate medium microwaveable bowls & microwave until completely melted, following directions on package.
Spread melted chocolate on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crumble in toppings of your choice; crushed Oreos, marshmallow, pretzel pieces or whatever strikes your fancy & sprinkle topping(s)over melted chocolate.
Cut through chocolate mixtures several times with knife for marble effect.
Refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces & store in airtight container in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Bark is super easy to make at home! Here's a quick recipe for a combo bark;
Simply place semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate medium microwaveable bowls & microwave until completely melted, following directions on package.
Spread melted chocolate on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crumble in toppings of your choice; crushed Oreos, marshmallow, pretzel pieces or whatever strikes your fancy & sprinkle topping(s)over melted chocolate.
Cut through chocolate mixtures several times with knife for marble effect.
Refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces & store in airtight container in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Chocolate Covered Pretzel MANIA
Need we say more..........
There's something extra wonderful about the sweet-n-salty taste of chocolate covered pretzels. We've been experimenting with different toppings and these were today's creations; milk choclate with butterscotch, cookies & cream crunch, dark chocolate coconut, double dipped milk & white and candy sprinkles.
I can't wait to create a holiday basket filled with these delights! Stay tuned!
There's something extra wonderful about the sweet-n-salty taste of chocolate covered pretzels. We've been experimenting with different toppings and these were today's creations; milk choclate with butterscotch, cookies & cream crunch, dark chocolate coconut, double dipped milk & white and candy sprinkles.
I can't wait to create a holiday basket filled with these delights! Stay tuned!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Bellisimo + Mrs Fields Cookies = The Perfect Gift!
Bellisimo is one of the chosen few to have been elected as an E-Commerce Partner with the fabulous Mrs Fields!
Compliments of Mrs Fields we are delighted to share one of their secret recipes!!!
Peanut Butter Candy Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
2 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 pounds peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt butter on low heat. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. Combine sugars and melted butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until a thick paste forms. Add peanut butter and mix well. In a small bowl, beat eggs and then stir in vanilla and milk. Add egg mixture to sugar mixture and mix for about 60 seconds, or until well combined. Slowly add in flour mixture, followed by the chocolate chips.
Pour peanut butter candy in a separate bowl. Scoop and form generous balls of dough with your hands (the dough will be soft), and then roll each one in the candy. Place candy-coated dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a baking rack and allow to cool before serving.
Enjoy!
Compliments of Mrs Fields we are delighted to share one of their secret recipes!!!
Peanut Butter Candy Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
2 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 pounds peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt butter on low heat. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. Combine sugars and melted butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until a thick paste forms. Add peanut butter and mix well. In a small bowl, beat eggs and then stir in vanilla and milk. Add egg mixture to sugar mixture and mix for about 60 seconds, or until well combined. Slowly add in flour mixture, followed by the chocolate chips.
Pour peanut butter candy in a separate bowl. Scoop and form generous balls of dough with your hands (the dough will be soft), and then roll each one in the candy. Place candy-coated dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a baking rack and allow to cool before serving.
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A FABulous gift idea at under $20-it's craaaazy!
Another winning baby gift idea!
www.bellisimo.theaspenshops.com
Standing tall in a safari-themed gift box, Jakka the Giraffe has all the plushness and playfulness you could ask for in a cuddle-soft baby gift! Intriguing textures and sounds, like the crinkle leaf, the satin trim and the rattle, will captivate the senses of a baby new to the world!
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/jakka-the-giraffe-little-expeditions-plush.html/categoryid=3c49cb3c-4b62-417f-8688-1fb704cde17f
www.bellisimo.theaspenshops.com
Standing tall in a safari-themed gift box, Jakka the Giraffe has all the plushness and playfulness you could ask for in a cuddle-soft baby gift! Intriguing textures and sounds, like the crinkle leaf, the satin trim and the rattle, will captivate the senses of a baby new to the world!
http://bellisimo.theaspenshops.com/product/jakka-the-giraffe-little-expeditions-plush.html/categoryid=3c49cb3c-4b62-417f-8688-1fb704cde17f
Monday, October 4, 2010
Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 15% of your purchase will be donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation
Raise awareness with a Giant Pink Ribbon Fortune Cookie- it's almost the size of a football and contains a 1-ft-long fortune with your personalized message inside. Each cookie is hand-dipped in Belgian White Chocolate and adorned with edible Pink Ribbon designs adn finished with Pink & White Non-Pariels. Beautifully wrapped in a gussetted cellophane bag and tied with a Pink Satin Ribbon, your cookie arrives Gift Boxed and topped with Pink Tissue Paper. Send one to a Breast Cancer Patient or Survivor as a unique & sweet way to show your support! $35
Call us at 908-879-4483 to place your order
Raise awareness with a Giant Pink Ribbon Fortune Cookie- it's almost the size of a football and contains a 1-ft-long fortune with your personalized message inside. Each cookie is hand-dipped in Belgian White Chocolate and adorned with edible Pink Ribbon designs adn finished with Pink & White Non-Pariels. Beautifully wrapped in a gussetted cellophane bag and tied with a Pink Satin Ribbon, your cookie arrives Gift Boxed and topped with Pink Tissue Paper. Send one to a Breast Cancer Patient or Survivor as a unique & sweet way to show your support! $35
Call us at 908-879-4483 to place your order
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