All About the Table Magazine-Valentine Special Issue

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Contents

All About the Table Vol 1 Issue 4

Special Feature- Valentine January-February 2023

Cover Image Photo/Style- Liz Bushong

Pink Velvet Heart Roulade p.26

Features:

Valentine Sweetness Board

Sweet Note Soiree

Cupid Cupcakes

Box of Chocolates

Valentine Table-scape

Mix & Match Beloved Blush Table-scape

Pink Velvet Heart Cake Roulade

IN EVERY ISSUE

Editor's Note

Favors & Finishing Touches-Serve in Style

Recipe Index & Resources

Table Talk-Devotional

Contributors:

Connie Clyburn-Table Talk

Visit www.lizbushong.com./shop or contact info@lizbushong.com

Original Recipe by Liz Bushong

Simply start ... start Simple EDITORS NOTE

While putting together this special Valentine issue, choosing which party themes with all the scapes and recipes became a challenge. I had several ideas but there was something missing. There needed to be just one more idea with a "wow" factor. It was the cover cake, Pink Velvet Heart Roulade. Now my heart was satisfied. (see more "wow" factor ideas on page 20)

Entertaining is just like most things, the more you do it the more comfortable you become hosting and creating. Just like doctors and attorneys have “practices”, we “practice” the art of entertaining which is also the art of hospitality pouring heartfelt love into the lives of others. That’s really why we do it. My motto is simply start...and start simple. Begin the “practice” of creative hospitality.

Valentines Day is the perfect holiday to begin "Your Practice." The theme is set, determine the color scheme, table setting & centerpiece, menu and the "wow" factor, Practicing the gift of hospitality has many benefits, mainly sharing the gift of love, the giving of yourself. Not to worry if you're not sure where to begin, there are a lot of tips and ideas in this issue created with you in mind.

Hope you find this Valentine special issue helpful as well as inspiring for I am sharing my heartfelt love to you. Celebrate every day, it doesn’t have to be complicated, simply start…start simple.

Liz Bushong Editor/Publisher

Table Talk

by Connie Clyburn

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:7

Growing up in a large family meant that I had plenty of role models to look up to I probably spent more time with my mom ’ s sisters since they were always at our house helping with gardening and canning the bounty, or we were at their houses doing the same thing there. They demonstrated many great skills, from keeping a clean, organized household to loading their tables with some of the best meals I have yet to see surpassed. (And I’m no spring chicken!)

Of all my aunts, one stood out to me for a specific reason. I think it’s because she was a little more outgoing and never met anyone who didn’t soon become her friend. She literally never met a stranger. She practiced giving in a big way -- giving money and food to anyone she met who looked like they needed a helping hand. She welcomed them into her world, at her table, if only for the brief few minutes it took to talk to them

This aunt also, over the years, invited many into her home for temporary shelter and always set an extra place at her table for them. That’s the quality that struck home with me above her other admirable traits. It caused me to want to share my table with others – at my physical table and welcome them beside me at God’s table.

As Jesus welcomed me to His table, so should I scoot over and make room for those He brings into my life and into His family In this time in history, it’s important for me to recognize my part in welcoming new members into God’s family. I can do that by being available to help make them feel comfortable alongside those of us who are “old hats” in our journeys. Sometimes, I think new converts can feel like they don’t have as much to offer as someone who’s been a Christian for a while That’s just not true, though God sees their potential and I want to make it my aim to see them through our Father’s eyes.

As we seek to see through God’s eyes more and more, we will see them through the lens of His love. Love welcomes all to the table, no matter their story. We were welcomed by love, and it is that same love we can share with others. Let’s make a place at the table as willing participants in God’s plan for these last days to grow His family greater than ever before.

Pray with me: Dear Lord,

Thank you for welcoming me to your table. You brought me in without judgement, but through your great love for me. Help me to make a place beside me at your table and demonstrate your love to all you bring into my life, my community, and my church. In Jesus Name.

Table Talk: Come to The Table

Free Gift For You!

Peace and Promise (Tap on Book to Download)

Connie is a freelance writer, author and blogger who hails from Tennessee. She has a soft spot for Appalachia and has been known to climb a mountainside to get a story. Connect with her on Face book @Connie Clyburn and on Instagram

@wisdom from the doublewide or via her website: http://www.doublewidewisdom.com

Sweets Include: Little Debbie Heart Snack Cakes, Pink Marshmallows, Strawberry Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Jam, Red Hot Gummy Hearts, Dark Chocolate Truffles, Caramel Candies,Chocolate Heart Picks,Hazelnut Cookie Sticks, Valentine M & M's and Fresh Strawberries. YUM!

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-9

Special Sentiment...

You're the syrup on my pancakes, you ' re the sugar in my tea, you ' re the icing on my cupcakes, you ' re the sweets in life for me, you ' re the chocolate on my ice cream, you ' re the sweet grapes in my wine,

You're everything I love in life, and will you be my Valentine?

One day a year we celebrate Valentines day. Whether it is an evening of romance or an afternoon with friends here is an idea for a "Note"worthy themed soiree. The event begins with sassy desserts & dainty sandwiches. A palate of pink and red as well as the sweets were reflective of the color scheme. Making a statement above the buffet features a note card envelope backdrop even the Cherry pie pastries are shaped like a small envelope. Cute mini dessert boards at place settings greeted guests; while a delicate scented centerpiece of red roses filled the air. Just a note...with a sense of style and attention to detail you can make your party a sweet soiree.

Poem by Dr. Don Stotz

Note-able Desserts

lizbushong.com

lizbushong.com

Several 4 x 5.5" envelopes line a large mirror above a dining buffet for staging the themed "love note" event including

Cherry Pastries

Cherry Pastry Envelope ...the Original Recipe created by Liz Bushong with over 2 Million + views. As seen in Town & Country, Country Living, Women's Day magazines, Delish.com, Food blogs and television daytime shows.

Bite size

Strawberry Heart Linzer Cookies

the original recipe... lizbushong.com

Cherry Envelope Pastry

1 package refrigerated pie crust

1 can cherry pie filling

1/2 cup sparkling sugar

1/4 cup whipping cream

1- 4 x 5 1/2 inch paper envelope

1 mini heart shaped cookie cutter

Instructions:

Unroll pastry on floured surface. Open 4 x 5 1/2 inch envelope and use as a pattern.Reduce the pattern to make a smaller envelope if desired. Trace pattern onto parchment paper. This is your pattern. Cut pastry into 4 envelopes and 4 small heart shaped cut outs. Fill pastry with cherry pie filling, but not on the back flap. Following the folds of the paper envelop, fold the cutout pastry, leaving the upper flap open. Place heart cut-out on folded edges of pastry envelope. Place pastry on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with whipping cream then sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake pastry at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Do not remove from baking sheet until completely cool.

Yield: 4 pastries

Strawberry Linzer Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup confectioners sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup strawberry jam

sparkling coarse sugar

Instructions:

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In large mixing bowl beat butter, sugar and confectioners sugar until light and creamy. Add yolk, extract and cream, add flour, salt to mixture Beat to combine Shape dough into a round disc, wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour Roll out chilled dough to 1/4" thick. Use a 1-3/4" scalloped edge round cutter, cut out 24 cookies Place cookies on baking sheet. With mini heart cookie cutter, cut out hearts from 12 rounds, place on second baking sheet. Bake at 350-12-15 minutes Sandwich cooled cookies with strawberry jam, sprinkle with sugar.

Yield: 12 sandwich cookies

Cupid Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1-18.25 ounce package white cake mix

1-3 oz instant vanilla pudding mix

3- egg whites

1-1/3 cup water

1/3- cup vegetable oil

1- teaspoon vanilla or extract of choice

1Vanilla Buttercream frostingpurchased

1 pound white fondant- tested

Fondarific*

¼ cup confectioner’s sugar for rolling fondant

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Pink food coloring color paste or gel

Cupid heart-shaped cookie mold*

2- inch round cookie cutter

Cupcake wrappers*

Instructions:

Instructions Continued:

2.IIn large mixing bowl, add cake mix, pudding mix, egg whites, water, oil, and flavoring

3.Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, be sure to scrape down sides and bottom of mixing bowl.Pour batter into cupcake liners filling ½ full.

4.Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool

To Frost and Decorate: Lightly frost cakes butter cream frosting. Knead fondant until soft and pliable, add pink food coloring, knead until blended On confectioner sugar coated surface, roll out fondant ¼ inch thick. Gently brush cookie mold with confectioner’s sugar, press cookie mold onto fondant using straight up and down motion. Cut a 2- inch circle around the cupid heart imprint Repeat for all cupcakes Place rounds on top of cupcakes. Yield: 24 cupcakes

1.Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pan with liners. Set aside. All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue -15

Create the Look

Share your heart for Valentines Day with shaped dinnerware, envelope folded napkins, and a pretty centerpiece in fresh delicate pink magenta tipped roses, light green lilies and alstroemeria florals.

At each place-setting, tiny envelope ceramic vases bloom with fresh picked tiny pink roses. Add two white tapered candles and your table is readyforgathering.

Set the Table

Get the look with heart shaped dinner & salad plates. Pair the plates with a lace edged charger all in white. Repeat the rosy pink theme with envelope folded napkin & vase with tiny roses. Mini strawberry cakes piped in roses and bright floral centerpiece balances the table and room.

See pg. 22, swap & mix it up

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue -20

The Centerpiece...

...Makes a Statement

As the name implies, the centerpiece is the central focus of the table. The centerpiece balances other elements on the table and is very important for style, elegance and ambiance. Even if you are going for semi-casual or easy backyard BBQ; a centerpiece in the middle of the table adds warmth and beauty to your home. It's........

"All about the Table " Centerpiece

Creating a centerpiece draws attention to the little details that makes a big impact in creating a lovely table setting. Whether the centerpiece is floral, seasonal pumpkins to evergreens; create something beautiful for your family and home. It will brighten everyone's day.

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-21

TABLESETTING BelovedBlush

Swap it Out...Mix and Match

Using the same setting is budget friendly, however how do you update the same ole white plates?

Swap out a plain plate for a rimmed one. Use salad plates for the season at hand. Keep the lacy charger as it grounds the place setting. Mix up the same napkin with a new fold then tuck in a tea glass. Update the centerpiece with fresh blush and pink florals, swap out the table linen for blush instead of white. Simply start...start simple entertaining.

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-22

Same placesetting with different look

Beloved blush and shades of pink soften the color scheme. The same soup tureen vase holds fresh florals creating a new refined look.

Blush and pink delicate roses, pink dianthus, dark pink Haus hypericum berries & willow branches grace the table beautifully.

Be Still My Heart!

Do you love Red Velvet Cake?

You will love this Pink Velvet Valentine Roulade. This cake roll aka roulade features tiny white hearts baked in a fuchsia sponge and brushed with strawberry jam. Fluffy Cream Cheese Whipped Cream fills the inside of this cute cake roll. The tiny hearts adorn the cake making this a decorated cake. No need to frost or decorate unless you want to. Made from scratch

roulade and filling will delight your special loves this Valentines Day.

Ingredients:

Heart Pattern Paste-(Joconde)

1 egg white, room temperature

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1– 1/2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

White food gel- 1-2 drops or as desired

1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla or creme

bouquet flavoring Cake Roulade-Sponge

4 eggs- room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons buttermilk

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons strawberry extract

1 –2 drops fuchsia food gel

1 cup all purpose flour OR 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cake flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Strawberry Jam

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Filling

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 teaspoons sugar

2 drops white food gel

1 teaspoon powdered gelatin

2 teaspoons warm water

1 cup heavy whipping cream-well chilled

1/4 cup confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon clear vanilla

Heart Pattern & Joconda Paste

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-27

Instructions:

Heart Pattern Paste

Bake it up Sassy!

Tip: Read entire instructions before beginning.

Print 2 copies of heart pattern, trim to fit and line up hearts in 10 x 15 x 1″ baking sheet. Determine the direction you want your hearts to run. If you roll the cake beginning at narrow end your hearts will be horizontal, if you roll the cake 15" lengthwise the hearts will be vertical on cake as photo. Position pattern in direction you select. Cover pattern with parchment paper extending parchment over the sides of the sheet pan. Make sure your parchment corners are squared in the pan, for your cake batter will bake in the shape of the parchment. Lightly brush parchment paper with vegetable oil avoiding the hearts before piping hearts. No puddles of oil, barely brush with oil.In small bowl, add egg white, sugar, flour, and softened butter, stir until smooth, add food gel, stir.Transfer to piping bag fitted with tip # 3 round tip. Pipe paste onto pattern parchment paper. Place baking sheet in freezer to harden at least 15-30 minutes Remove paper pattern from underneath the parchment before adding cake batter to sheet pan.

Cake Bakes 13 minutes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, beat eggs with hand mixer for 5 minutes.Do not skip 5 minutes.Important for lift in cake.

Lower speed to medium and add sugar gradually, add oil to the whipped eggs, Add buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla or creme bouquet and food coloring a little at time until desired color is achieved.

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt. Slowly add to liquid ingredients. Mix until well combined. Sprinkle a tea towel with powdered sugar and rub sugar into the towel with your hands, evenly over the towel. (You will also need another sheet pan for flipping cake.) Make sure you use a tea towel with out raised designs for a smooth cake exterior. Remove heart sheet pan from freezer, remove pattern, pour cake batter over hearts, spread evenly with off set spatula. Make sure your cake batter is evenly spread in the sheet pan. Be careful not to spread batter too deep as not to disturb your hearts. Bake in 350 degree oven for 13 minutes. Cake is done with it springs back when pressed with fingers.

When cake is done, loosen edges with a sharp knife, then turn out cake onto large wire cooling rack, remove parchment paper slowly not to disturb the hearts. With powdered sugar coated tea towel on the back side of another baking sheet, flip the cake over so hearts are underneath the cake, roll cake beginning on the 15″ side of cake into the tea towel creating a long log. Place seam side down on cooling rack, allow to cool completely. Note: You are not rolling the cake into a tight log with a curl in the middle of the cake roll. You will be creating more of a tube shape. Roll cake starting on the 15″ long side of cake as seen in photo. Use the tea towel to help roll. If you roll the cake on the 10″ side you will have too large of a tube inside.

Place the towel wrapped cake in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-28

Cake Sponge Roll

It's Long... but Worth it!

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Filling

In medium mixing bowl, add 4 ounces softened cream cheese, sugar and white food gel. Stir to blend.

In small custard cup, 2 teaspoons warm water and 1 teaspoon Knox unflavored gelatin, stir to dissolve. Gelatin will help stabilize filling. Add gelatin to cream cheese, and whip until smooth and creamy with whisk attachment.

In separate CHILLED mixing bowl, add heavy whipping cream, beat with whisk attachment until frothy and somewhat thick, add confectioners sugar, vanilla and whip until firm peaks develop. Add whipped cream to the cream cheese and whip just to combine. Set aside. Chill until ready to fill cake.

5. Assembly of Cake Roll

Carefully unroll cooled cake remove tea towel from inside the cake. allow the rolled end to curl slightly, do not try to straighten. Spread inside of cake with melted strawberry jam, allow to soak into the cake.

Carefully spoon cream cheese whipped cream filling inside the cake, going up the sides of the curled cake. Try to make the filling even thickness on the sides and bottom of cake. This will insure your filling will be centered inside the cake when slicing. Using your hands roll the cake to form a large cake into a tight roll. ReWrap in tea towel or pl Chill 60 minutes before garnishing and slicing.

4. Cake doesn’t need a garnish due to the pretty hear

See Step by Step Video Clips at lizbushong.com

4.

Recipe & Resource Index

Desserts

Valentine Sweetness Board-pg.9 linked-ingredients included here

Cherry Pie Pastry Envelope-pg.12 linked-recipe included here

Strawberry Linzer Cookies-pg 13 linked-recipe included here

Cupid Cupcakes- pg 14 linked-recipe included here

Mini Charcuterie Board-pg.15 linked, Valentine Butter Cookies

Box of Chocolates- pgs 16-17 linked to video DIY

Pink Velvet Heart Cake Roll-pg.26-29 linked, recipe included here

Red Velvet Biscotti-pg.25 Linked Heart Butter Cookies-pg.25 linked

Mini Cherry Creme Tortes-pg 24-linked

Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes-pg 24linked

Strawberry Hobnail Bundt-pg 24linked to lizbushong.com/valentine

Resources

Big Round Board SweetnessHobby Lobby

Tiny Heart pattern for Pink Velvet Cake Roll Linked to https://cleobuttera.com/

Cupid Cupcakes-Lacy cupcake wrapperAmazon, cupid mold-fancyflours com, satin ice fondant-amazon.

Heart Paper Cone-free pdf Flower Cone- Hearts lizbushong.com

Heart Dinner Plates-Amazon

Mini ceramic envelope container with pink roses, white chargers found at Hobby Lobby

Blush goblets-amazon

Blush table linen- dmokshahomes com ECO

Luxury Decor

Valentine Invitational-pg. 4 Free pdf download

Linked Pages for complete information and recipes @ www lizbushong com

Credits:

Photos: Liz Bushong

Contributing Article- Connie Clyburn

Table Talk Devotional

Recipe Development, Food Styling, Photography, Table-scapes, Florals and Creative Content/Comments by Liz Bushong, unless noted otherwise.

Get more Inspiration at Liz Bushong.com

All About the Table Magazine-2023- Valentine Special Issue-32