Mother’s Day: The Royal Treatment

Planet Botkier May 11, 2012

She carried you for 9 months, nurtures you through life, and gives love with warmth and comfort. Whether she is an aunt, grandmother, stepmother, or nanny, with or without children, but has cared for a child like they are her own then she deserves to be celebrated and cared for. Mom is special and she, without a doubt, is the most important person in your life so treat her by making her day a relaxing one.

Photo credit: alittlemuse.com

Mommy Monica’s Pick:

Mother’s Day comes once a year so a special and unique gift will come a long way. Show your appreciation and love with a Botkier Mother’s Day bag. Mom will not only carry you in her heart but will walk with you in her hand with the VALENTINA Satchel in Natural Snake.


Breakfast in Bed:

Mom shouldn’t have to do make breakfast for anyone on this special day. She should be treated to a royal breakfast in bed. Dad and the kids, why don’t you show mommy that her cooking classes she gave you came in handy. Knowing what mom likes for breakfast is always the safe way to go, but if you want to be adventurous here are a few recipes so mom can enjoy wonderful breakfast in bed, or brunch if she feels like sleeping in.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict by Katherine Martinelli

Photo credit: Katherine Martinelli

14 ounces frozen puff pastry, defrosted

8 eggs

6 ounces smoked salmon

Hollandaise Sauce

Finely chopped parsley or chives

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Unroll the puff pastry (it should be about 1/4-inch thick). 4. Using a cookie cutter or large glass, cut out 8 (4-inch) circles. 5. If you don’t have room for all 8 circles at once, roll up the extra puff pastry scraps in a ball and roll out to 1/4-inch thick and cut out the remaining circles. 6. Transfer the pastry circles to the prepared baking sheet. 7. Put in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown. 8. Remove from the oven and set aside. 9. Meanwhile, poach the eggs. 10. Fill a small pot or shallow pan with 3 inches or so of water. 11. Heat over medium heat until just simmering (not boiling). 12. From just above the surface, crack an egg into the water (you can cook multiple at a time depending on the size of your pot or pan). 13. Poach for about 3 minutes, or until the eggs are set. 14. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. 15. Repeat with the remaining eggs. 16. Put two puff pastry disks on each of four plates. 17. Top with smoked salmon, then one poached egg per disk. 18. Drizzle hollandaise sauce over and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

Beer Waffles With Bacon And Tomatoes from Seriouseats


For the Waffles

1 3/4 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, separated

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (6 ounces), melted

1 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup porter ale

Cooking spray

Waffle iron

For the Sauce and Assembly

16 strips thick-cut bacon

12 scallions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup porter ale

2 large egg yolks

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper

16 thick slices tomato from 4 large, ripe tomatoes

1. For the Waffles: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place a baking sheet on lower-middle rack. Heat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. 2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, melted butter, buttermilk, and ale. 3. In clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until firm, but not dry, peaks form. 4. Whisk beer mixture into flour mixture until incorporated. With rubber spatula, fold in egg whites. 5. Lightly coat waffle iron with cooking spray. Cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions, until crisp and golden. With tongs, carefully transfer to baking sheet in oven and repeat procedure until you run out of batter.

6. For the Sauce: Cook bacon in 2 to 3 batches in large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Reserve 2 tablespoons fat, and discard any additional rendered fat accumulated between batches. With slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon paper towel-lined plate. Alternatively, line dinner plate with 2 layers paper towels. Arrange 4 bacon slices on top, then cover with 2 more layers paper towels. Microwave 4 to 6 minutes until crisp. Repeat with remaining bacon and fresh paper towels. 7. Cook scallions over medium heat in rendered bacon fat (if you microwaved the bacon, cook the scallions in 2 tablespoons butter) until softened, about 3 minutes. Reserve. 8. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire, dry mustard, and cayenne and cook 30 seconds. In a slow, steady stream add cream and ale, whisking constantly and vigorously to avoid lumps. Whisk in egg yolks. Add cheese, cook, and stir until completely melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 9. For the Assembly: Transfer waffles on tray to cooling rack and increase oven heat to broil. Break each bacon strip in half. Top each waffle with 4 pieces bacon and 2 slices tomato, then sprinkle with the cooked scallions. Spoon about 1/4 cup sauce over each and broil on top rack until bubbling and brown at the edges.

Mommy Day to Do:

It would be a crime to say that there is nothing to do in NYC for Mother’s Day. You may not want to say that out loud. It’s not that there is nothing to do rather what you should choose from those everlasting lists. The Botkier team has a list that can help you with the break down. If you’re looking for a special and unique way to celebrate your Mama, check out our top 5 ideas for Mother’s Day 2012 in NYC. Every mother has a different personality so choose what suit her best. Remember it’s her day but also your day to show appreciation with your gestures of love.

Glamourfied on the Rooftop: Kick-start Mother’s Day Weekend with high fashion at the premier Empire Hotel. Mom can mingle with the A-list crowd of industry elites. Fashion Show will feature celebrity designers showcasing new collections.

Date: May 11th, doors open @ 9pm. Fashion Show at 11pm. 
After Party to 4am

Location: The Empire Hotel Rooftop

Price: free admission!

Age Suitability: 21 and up

For complimentary entry-say HERBERT FOX at door

More info: Email: esverildellc@gmail.com / urbangypsynyc@gmail.com

Mother’s Day Flower Workshop and Tea: The Peninsula Hotel is hosting a floral arrangement workshop partnered with Flowers of the World on Saturday, May 12, from 2 to 5PM. Spend some bonding time with Mom over flowers and linger over the Peninsula’s afternoon tea and champagne.

Location: 700 Fifth Avenue 
New York, NY 10019

Cost: $165
*Includes Workshop and Afternoon Tea*

Mother’s Day Cruise Aboard World Yacht: World Yacht is setting sail on Mother’s Day cruises for the whole family. Choose from a brunch cruise (boarding 11:30AM) with a special buffet (tickets start at $50) or a dinner cruise (boarding at 6PM) with a four-course dinner and dancing (tickets start at $70).

Departure: Pier 81 (West 41st Street and the Hudson River)

Mother’s Day Unbelievable Cupcake Decorating at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: On Mother’s Day, Ripley’s Times Square is offering free admission for moms and cupcake decorating at this the one-of-a-kind attraction. Ripley’s Times Square has partnered with Sonii Cakes and Catering to create the ultimate cupcake decorating workshop for Mother’s Day. Design unbelievable creations with over-sized cupcakes, colorful frosting and unusual toppings, from chocolate covered insects to Pop Rocks.

Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm

Price: Free admission for mothers. All moms must be accompanied by at least one paid full-price child admission. Cupcake decorating included in price.

Sushi Samba: They will be offering a selection of tasty Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian inspired dishes in addition to their regular à la carte dishes. Specials include Housemade Quinoa Waffles, Lobster Eggs Benedict and Snow Crab Frittata. There will be live music from a Bossa Nova band which moms can enjoy as they sip on their Mother’s Day cocktail made of freshly muddled orange, triple sec, orange juice and fresh guava.

Date: May 13th from 11:00 am to 4 pm

Location: Sushi Samba, 87 7th Avenue South at Barrow

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY #BOTKIERMAMAS!

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Botkier Spring Sample Sale

Planet Botkier April 26, 2012

BOTKIER SPRING SAMPLE SALE

225 FIFTH AVENUE (Between 26th and 27th Street)

50- 70% OFF ALL HANDBAGS!

Shop Botkier exclusive styles & one-of-a-kind samples

May 1st- 6th
Tuesday- Friday: 11AM- 8PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10AM- 4PM

ALSO DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR MOTHER’S DAY RAFFLE!
Botkier will be raffling 1 bag a day at the Sample Sale.

One winner will be chosen at the end of each day. Come in & raffle away!

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Signature Spring Soiree

Planet Botkier April 12, 2012

What better way to start the weekend than by hosting a spring soiree filled with tasteful appetizers, your night’s cocktail creation and of course friends?! With these easy to make bite size eats your friends will wish for a once a week soiree. So, choose your favorite drink and add a twist to make it your own. The Botkier team has created a menu featuring our signature ‘Botkier Kiwi on the Rocks’ What will you have as your signature piece?

Why not serve a Botkier Kiwi on the rocks! Start the night off  with a much deserved Happy hour cocktail. Cheers!


Ingredients:

2 cups kiwi, peeled and diced

1 cup pineapple, peeled and diced

12 mint leaves

2 tablespoons sugar

3 limes, juiced

2 cups vodka

2 cups tonic water or sparkling water (coconut flavor)

Ice cubes

Garnish: thinly sliced pineapple and kiwi

Directions:

1. Line six glasses up and fill each with 1/3 cup of diced kiwis, 1/6 pineapple, 2 mint leaves, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ lime juice.

2. Gently muddle together the contents of each glass until fully combined.

3. Fill each glass with ice cubes and top off with 1/3 cup vodka and 1/3 cup tonic water.

4. Stir, finish each glass with garnish and serve.

You can’t go wrong with these mac and cheese bites made by Cupcakes and Cashmere!

Don’t feel stuffed, feel satisfied!


Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon butter

1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, olive oil and salt; set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for about 8 minutes, it should still be a little firm. Remove from heat, drain and return to the pan; stir in the butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and stir the remaining cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese and the breadcrumb mixture over the tops.

4. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is browned. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan in order for them to take shape.

Saving the best for last! It’s a zesty and sweet DESSERT! Spring apple pie egg rolls by Spoonforkbacon are perfect for this seasons temperatures.



Ingredients:

Apple pie filling:

2 green apples peeled and diced

1 lemon, juiced

3 1/2 tablespoons instant tapioca pearls
(for thickness)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

16 egg roll wrappers
(sweetened)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place filling ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together until well combined. Allow mixture to sit for about 10 minutes.

3. Lay 1 egg roll wrapper onto a clean surface and brush edge with a 1 inch perimeter of egg wash.

4. Spread 3 tablespoons of the filling across one side of the prepared egg roll wrapper.

5. Fold the sides over and brush with egg wash. Carefully roll filling tightly in the wrapper and press gently to seal.

6. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and coat with a thin layer of cooking spray. Repeat until all the filling and wrappers have been used.

7. Bake egg rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately.

ENJOY!

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Botkier x Pinterest Spring Fling Contest

Planet Botkier April 05, 2012


CHECK OUT BOTKIER SPRING FLING INSPIRATION BOARD ON PINTEREST

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Swimwear Sneak Peek

Planet Botkier March 30, 2012

It’s never too early to dive in… Getting ready for summer means more than just hitting the gym again after a long hiatus. Picking your swimsuit style is something that helps your summer and body take shape. Designers are inclined to think about past icons to create sultry new swimwear trends today. Here are some of our faves!

Laces and Straps: Thin lacy straps have evolved to thick edgy straps which can we worn out with a maxi skirt and lots of accessories!

High on Vintage: A high waist bottom with vintage print takes it back to a time when Marilyn Monroe defined sex appeal. Exaggerated gives a twist and fresh modern take.


Shuffle Ruffles: Ruffles have come a long way. Super feminine but now bold in neon colors.

Peek-a-boo Crochet: Started in the 30’s glamour era and adapted in the 1970’s hippie chic era the intricate detailing of peek-a-boo crochet is as detailed as it gets. Beautiful!

Animal Prints: Leopard is always chic. We never get sick of this print! Whether it’s on a bag or shoe or bathing suit. (Growl) with hand gesture, super sexy.

Times have changed along with trends so leave the past behind and dive into Summer 2012. Even if it seems a little early!

(Lisa Blue Collection, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Mara Hoffman)

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