SALTED DARK CHOCOLATE PUDDING (REFINED SUGAR-FREE)

Lately I have been doing a ton of cooking and baking. Every night I seem to be testing out some new version of my favorite recipes to suit my (kinda, almost) mostly sugar and grain-free diet. Sis coined this as "Paleo Adjacent" and I think that's a perfect description. Turns out, Sis and I like our Paleo Adjacent desserts more than their earlier, traditional incarnations. This Dark Chocolate Pudding is taken from the most INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS recipe from The New York Times. I've substituted the sugar for maple syrup but I do love it with real milk and cream. I've included a non-dairy version that is really delicious too. The original recipe also called for corn starch which I replaced with arrowroot powder and optional grass fed gelatin. The texture is thick and smooth. Make this for your Valentine and I'm sure you'll get lots of X's & O's. 

SALTED DARK CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Serves 8

1 large egg, plus 2 yolks

6 oz extra dark chocolate 70-85% (or darker if you prefer), roughly chopped

2 tablespoons butter (use ghee for a dairy-free version)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups whole milk (use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy free version)

1/2 cup heavy cream (use coconut cream for a dairy-free version)

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

1 tablespoon grass fed gelatin (optional)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnishing

whipped cream for serving (whip up the leftover heavy cream from above with a dash of vanilla and a splash of maple syrup)

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg and yolks. Set aside.

Place chocolate, butter and vanilla in a food processor or blender (I use my VitaMix) but do not turn on.

In a medium pot, whisk together milk, cream, maple syrup, cocoa, arrowroot, gelatin and salt until smooth. Bring to a full boil, whisking, and let bubble for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let it burn. It will start to thicken. When it does, remove from heat. 

Pour a little of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent them from curdling. Do this a few times and then pour the eggs into the pot with the remaining mixture. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture just returns to a bare simmer (one bubble is plenty). Immediately pour into the food processor or blender. Run the machine until the pudding is very smooth (the hot mixture will melt the chocolate).

Pour into individual bowls or one large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refridgerate until firm and cold. At least 4 hours for individual servings or 8+ for a large bowl. One chilled and ready for serving, remove from fridge. Sprinkle with medium-sized sea salt granules. Top with fresh whipped cream. I also love this with fresh berries.

 I hope you love it as much as we do! xoxox!

Seersucker Napkin: Hedley & Bennett

Wooden Tray: West Elm

Wooden Bowls: Target

BOHO CHIC BACHELORETTE PARTY

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

One of our very favorite events EVER EVER EVER, in the history of Twink + Sis, was this boho chic bachelorette party, for my lovely friend Veronica. We were beside ourselves to have the soirée featured on Martha Stewart Weddings a few months back. I'm so excited to share even more photos and details here on T+S!

All images by Alissa Noelle Photography.

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

We had the party at the bride-to-be's house because her backyard is gorgeous and I have actually always wanted to do an event there. I am in love with her drought-resistant landscaping and fruit and vegetable gardens. It was the perfect backdrop for a ladies' night to celebrate her upcoming wedding. The idea was to have the bride's closest girlfriends for an evening of drinks, desserts and games -- an elevated bachelorette party.

Veronica's favorite color is purple, so we used that as the jumping off point for the color palette. We also had gems as a running theme throughout -- the piñata, cookies, hexagonal platters -- a nod to her diamond engagement ring.

I had this idea to create really unexpected floral arrangements that were not only visible from all sides, but also "spilling out," making for a super dreamy, romantic scene. Iris & Daughter did an incredible job bringing that vision to life -- absolutely blew it out of the park! It really looked like a fairytale! The acrylic boxes did triple duty by creating height and also providing a shelf for drinking glasses and party decor.

We wanted to party to have luxe layers of boho, as well as modern. We mixed gold and copper which added a glamorous touch. Our custom rope and tassels installation framed the single diamond-shaped piñata, and was draped throughout the dessert table.    

The bride-to-be wore a fresh flower crown while relaxing in her peacock "throne." We served several desserts and Veronica's favorite drinks -- rosé and prosecco. 

Whisk and Whittle made beautiful and delicious treats, including a marbled berry cake, topped with brightly-colored bohemian flowers, mini blackberry donuts and chocolate hazelnut tarts. We added in some gem cookies by Holly Fox to keep the diamond theme rolling.

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

A small, intimate party is such a treat. You can create so many lovely details when you don't have to feed and seat 100 people. We braided tassels from natural cotton twine for each person's goblet as an added touch.

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

The bride is Italian and her wedding was in Italy so we paid homage to that with this custom sign by A Dapper Line that read "un brindisi all bella Veronica" ("A toast to the beautiful Veronica"). 

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

We love some good games to get the party going. Our favorites are Scattergories, tailored to the theme of the event, and everyone's favorite -- THE QUIZ. (To learn more about our favorite bachelorette and baby/bridal shower games CLICK HERE).

We braided some of the leftover yarn from the rope installation to decorate the beautiful Compartés chocolate bars, that served as gifts for the game winners.

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

We made the seating area festive by added giant balloons with fresh greens and flowers. It made it feel girly and fun -- just like a bachelorette should be!

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

All of the guests participated in creating a beautiful woven wall hanging that was gifted to the bride at the end of the evening. Makers Mess (an art studio that comes to you!) provided an instructor and all of the materials needed to create the piece. We loved this because it was something that everyone could take part in (no matter their skill level) while still being able to chat and enjoy the party.

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

TWINK + SIS Boho Chic Bachelorette Party

I wish I could live in this party! Congratulations Veronica!

xoxo!! LL

CREDITS:

Concept & Design: Twink + Sis

Photography: Alissa Noelle Photography

Guest of Honor: Veronica Lombardo

Florals: Iris & Daughter

Desserts (Cake, Tarts & Donuts): Whisk & Whittle

Gem Cookies: Holly Fox

Furniture Rentals: Circa Vintage Rentals

Tabletop Rentals: Borrowed Blu

Signage: A Dapper Line

Craft + Instruction: Makers Mess

Balloons: Koyal Wholesale

Piñata: Prospect Goods via Bracket

Candles: Yummi Candles

Wicker Water Pitcher: Maison Midi

Hexagon Platters, Candle Holders, Vase: CB2

Moroccan Wedding Pillows & Old Fashioned Glasses: Anthropologie

Ice Bucket, Tongs & Berry Cups: Crate & Barrel

Game Prizes: Compartés

Game Stationary: Paper Source

Gold Game Pencils: Etsy

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES WITH SEEDLING

We found the cure for the winter blues -- making your own superhero cape! Our kids (Brixton, 3 and Mila, 4) fell in love with these Seedling cape kits. 

The kit came with everything our little designers needed: cape, glitter glue, foam stars and felt shapes. We just let these cute cousins go wild, doing they're own painting and gluing.

Post-decorating, they were ready to take flight! 

The world already feels like a better place with these two superheroes looking out for us. 

Happy January! XOXO

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH SIP & SEE

Our beautiful friend (and amazing photographer) Jenna Elliott, and her husband Andrew, adopted a baby boy, James. Her girlfriends chose Sunday brunch to host her Sip and See at Jenna’s favorite place — Arlington Garden in Pasadena, California.

We were inspired by Jenna’s only request for the theme — the book James and the Giant Peach (which her best friend’s grandfather wrote). In looking at the James and the Giant Peach artwork, three things stood out: peaches, birds and the ocean. So we used those as the guideposts for the Sip and See decor.

For peaches, we used giant balloons, with green crepe paper leaves (that we cut out free-hand), to give the effect of peaches floating overhead. Dessert carried the theme through with peach donuts and the incredible peach marzipan cake topper by Whisk and Whittle.

Gold birds nested atop the cake stand and candy dishes from Target and little white ceramic birds decorated the place settings. We also incorporated Sugarfina’s Apollo Kumquats to serve as “egg” candies.

For the ocean, we tore pieces of fabric in blue, green and white and then tied them to twine to create the fabric garland runner. West Elm has some incredible agate pieces so we used the coasters on the place settings and bookends to adorn the cake stand.

We also loved the idea of using spheres as a nod to the peach, and to the earth in general, so we incorporated wood and metal spheres throughout the length of the table.

Photography: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography | Event Design: Marlan Willardson & Laurén LaRocca of Twink + Sis | Floral Design: Marlan Willardson & Laurén LaRocca of Twink + Sis | Agate: West Elm | Baby Bug Pants: Mary Says Sew | Baby Peach Hat: Karen Fudge Baby Love | Bird Dessert Stand & Candy Dishes: Nate Berkus for Target | Cake & Donuts: Whisk and Whittle | Candy: Sugarfina | Ceramic Birds: Creative Co-op via Amazon | Food & Drinks: Hostesses: Jeanie Sigal, Clover Fiandaca, Erin Moore & Emily Hughes | Napkins: Meri Meri Toot Sweet | Park: Arlington Garden | Photography - Assistance: Sarina Cass of Red Anchor Photo | Plastic Wine Glasses: Cruvina | Round Wood Platters: West Elm | Spheres: West Elm | Vases: West Elm

 

HOLIDAY DRESSING WITH RAINEY'S CLOSET

I'm obsessed with mini style, Nellystella and Tutu Du Monde being two favorites. I've spent way too many nights "researching" dresses for Mila. And then when it came to holiday photos, I felt like she practically needed a new wardrobe. It's stressful enough so it felt like such a relief to have some of the best looks to borrow from Rainey's Closet. I narrowed it down to a couple outfits and wanted to share them with you here.

Wishing you and your little ones a beautiful Christmas! xoxo