Gone Phishin'

This weekend is Phish weekend in our neck of the woods. My husband preps for the shows by listening to Phish 24/7 (which is pretty much the normal anyway...) and spending a ridiculous amount of time at the beverage center picking out what beers he wants to bring with him. I, on the other hand, prepare as I prepare for most life events...by baking! In years past I have made sugar cookies or cakes iced with the Phish logo. Last year, I made cookie bars topped with milk chocolate that I piped into the Phish logo. This year I decided to get really creative...

My idea was to create a dessert for each night that was a take on a Phish song. I challenged my husband to come up with the song choices for me. He came up with Bathtub Gin (which will be the inspiration for Sunday night's dessert) and Reba (tomorrow). Tonight was my idea.

As our 4 year old is coming with us tonight, I decided to make a very kid friendly treat - cake pops! Although as adorable as a traditional pop, these are a whole new level of cake pop.The inside is a maple cake crushed together with maple buttercream frosting and chopped up bacon. They are coated with a darker chocolate and topped with caramelized bacon sprinkles. 

What song could these possible be a take on you ask?! Why, Meatstick of course! Because it's meat, it's on a stick, and how could these crazy pops not "shock your brain"?!

Friday Five: Themed Parties

I LOVE to plan and throw parties. I've always (since I was a little kid) enjoyed the idea of mixing color schemes and creating fun and crafty centerpieces, favors, and decorations, but the birth of my children in combination with blogs and sites dedicated to party planning have really driven me over the edge when it comes to thinking up some crazy ideas. Today I'm sharing five parties I want to throw someday...

Harry Potter: This party WILL happen someday

1. The food: The menu will consist of many HP favs including pumpkin pasties, butterbeer, bacon sandwiches, onion soup, trifle, etc.
2. The dress code: Robes encouraged, but Muggle attire is allowed
3. The entertainment: House sorting, potion making, wizard chess, and maybe even a game of quidditch!

Arrested Development: Look at Banner!

1. The food: DIY frozen bananas, candy beans, hot ham water, and plenty of hard liquor
2. The dress code: Best George Michael shirt wins a prize!
3. The entertainment: A magic show Illusions, therapy sessions from the world's only analrapist, Blue Man Group performance

Old School Mario Bros: Because it's awesome, that's why

1. The food: Mushroom EVERYTHING
2. The dress code: Mustaches and coveralls for all!
3. The entertainment: Smashin' blocks and a rousing game of escape the bob-omb

College Rewind: All the good stuff without the studying

1. The food: Assorted takeout from places with questionable quality, but fast delivery
2. The dress code: Collegiate apparel - show your school spirit!
3. The entertainment: Beirut and flip cup tournaments - get ready for the flavor explosion that is Busch Light

The Phish Experience: The music and food without the drugs

1. The food: Veggie burritos, grilled cheese, micro brews, and goo balls - all 1 for $3 and 2 for $5
2. The dress code: Band tees
3. The entertainment: Glowstick wars and tunes that are "totally better than post-hiatus, but nothing compared to that run of shows I saw back in '94 when I was on tour sleeping in my car and selling lot shirts"