Monday, June 1, 2009

Something, Brown, Blue and Thrifty, Too!

Hosted by Susan, Sally & Rhoda

For today's triple post (yes, I said triple, I'm being brave today...), I decided to share with you a great way to concoct a mouthwatering ROOTBEER FLOAT! I know what you're all thinking, "Anyone can make a rootbeer float, what kind of a cop-out Met Monday post is this?" I assure you the following will make a believer out of you. (And if not, it's still a yummy float!) LOL

Ok... First, you have to gather your arsenal- A bottle of good Rootbeer (I love A&W). Those glass bottled ones are great also. Then, you can't have a successful float without a great rich vanilla ice cream! Go for either Dreyer's, Blue Bell or Breyers' French Vanilla. Better yet, Haagen-Dasz! Wow! Now, don't forget the value of a great scoop!

No picture of this critical segment as I was also the float maker- Scoop out two to three rounded scoops into each glass. Slowly pour in your rootbeer to slow down the foaming action and so you can actually have some rootbeer in the glass. :-P

Pouring in on the sides is one great way or letting the rootbeer bottle settle down for 30 seconds before pouring works, too... (Bet you didn't know patience would come in so handy, huh?)

You can't have a float without a great glass to put it in! (Rhoda, this is where the thrifty comes in) I found these mini beer pilsners from Fry's last September (at the wine and beer section) at a low, low price of 25 cents each!!! That's 87.5% off the original price of $2 each. Since our children is famous for "traveling" with their desserts, this was a great compromise! They're made by Libbey.

Then, there's the napkin stash, straws and spoons. And of course, whipped cream to top it all off! If you don't have a cherry available, try any berry, the tang is a welcome taste before all that cold sweetness!

A tray comes in handy, too, in holding all of your float needs, plus when pouring, it catches spills! How cool is that? When done, this is what you get! A perfect marriage of rootbeer and vanilla ice cream headed off with a delectable creamy goodness to welcome in Summer time! Yes!
Susan, thanks for letting me play in today's Met Monday using Rootbeer and Ice Cream. I had fun!

Sally, you're probably thinking, "Is that blue straw your Blue Monday entry, you could have done better!" And I would agree that's why I present to you, my new blue and white ceramic Chinese dinner platter!

This is my very first set of authentic Chinese ceramic. I bought it at our local Asian store. It was made in China and the manufacturer is a Chinese company under the logo, K&K. It's restaurant grade so it's pretty dense. I purchased six and at $4 each, it's a steal! I don't normally find dinner platters in Asian dinnerware anymore, but what makes this more of a treasure for me is that the last Chinese restaurant I ate at in the Philippines before I came here to the USA used these same sized platter to bring our steamed buns and siomais, two staples for any Dim Sum fare!

The design on it is a carp, or koi, and as the symbols state, it is a symbol of LUCK in the Chinese culture and in Feng Shui so it is a double treat for me. I can't wait to use it on a tablescape soon enough! With some Dim Sum goodies perhaps? Christine, Lorna, Li, what do you think of that idea?

Here's a closer look...

How do you like it? A big thanks to our three lovely hosts and to all of you who stopped by. I love all of your comments and wish that I can find time again soon to visit all the participants in each meme. One time I did, but it took about 3 hours of the day and the laundry didn't get done. Oooppps...

Before I forget, I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate your great comments and your warm friendships through our blogs. I'm normally a shy person so this blog has been a true release for me and you all have just been so wonderful! Thanks so very much!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is so excited to use them) What is your heritage? Most of us know to cook our cultural foods and others that we find delicious and quick, but what about our tables? Let's focus on what makes us special. Without using flags or pictures, create a table that reflects who you are. Not your personality, but rather your culture. A red, white and blue table is great for USA natives while Americana shades or burgundy cream and midnight blue brings in the country side of Americans. No matter how you do it, finish off the table with a great parallel menu and stories that remind you of who you are...

42 comments:

  1. Okay, Chandy, I'm officially in love with that gorgeous blue and white piece! I would have to sit and stare at it all day long. :-)


    Happy Blue Monday,

    Sheila :-)

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  2. * I don't know WHY, but I am soooo "in" to fish lately!!! And I've always wanted a koi pond (right, with a HUNTING DAWG? In the DESERT no less??? I don't THINK so!!!)~~~ This platter is just beauuuutiful!!!!!!

    Best, Linda *

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  3. Your blue platter is a treasure. It's quite beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful day.

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  4. Wow, that is a beautiful design on the platter!

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  5. The blue and white is gorgeous!

    We love rootbeer floats. Yours looks scrumptious!

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  6. Hi Chandy! I love your platter! And your floats look yummy! My sister and I were not fans of root beer, so we made Coke floats. Hmmm...haven't had one in years! Nice triple post!...Debbie

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  7. Chandy, I am not a Root Beer Float drinker, but they sure did look good, I might have just a little taste while I gaze at the beautiful blue and white plates.

    Happy Triple Monday!

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  8. I love your fish plate!! The soda's look so tempting too! Cute!

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  9. What a great way to transform an empty beer mug!Wow...looks amazing!

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  10. Chandy, I REALLY like that platter! What pretty blues in it and the fish, which is supposed to be lucky. How fun to serve food in it and yes, dimsum will look perfect on it....Christine

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  11. Fun post. And even though it's early in the morning I am now craving a root beer float...I LOVE them.

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  12. Oh, yum, I love a root beer float. Very pretty platter. BTW-- the funky straws are great!!

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  13. Hi Chandy !
    Yes, a triple MeMe can be done ! Love all your finds and I love rootbeer ! Really digging that platter - ohh and ahh !
    Hugs ~ Kammy

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  14. We call a root beer float a brown cow. I have one every summer. I could honestly have them all the time but only allow myself one to keep my shorts buttoned:) There is a place in Jersey where I would go with the kids the day before school started for one at the end of the summer. It was our traditional end of summer treat and so delicious! Of course now I will be craving one all day long:) I guess I could make it with diet root beer:)
    Joyce

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  15. I was planning a rootbeer theme for a tablescape this week! We did a trial run last night out on our patio. I'll try to have it posted at Tablescape Thursday this week--look for it there!

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  16. Beautiful platter. The root beer float has me thinking of a different float known in the Detroit area, a Boston Cooler. Instead of root beer, it used Vernor's ginger ale. Vernor's is different from regular ginger ale, I wouldn't recommend trying a float with the regular version.

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  17. Oooh I love the platter Chandy! and I am very happy to have you as a friend! Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

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  18. Beautiful platter!! And the rootbeer floats...I'm off to make one now! :)
    Toni

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  19. You can't beat a good rootbeer float! I agree, you have to start with good root beer (A&W for sure), and good ice cream I think is the most important! Oh, and beautiful platter!

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  20. Thank you, ladies! Good morning!

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  21. What a great post. I love floats of all kinds. A&W Rootbeer is especially good. These look delish. Joyce can still button her shorts, but I will just buy some with elastic in the top! The fish plates are knockouts. What a great find as usual Chandy!

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  22. Hello Chandy...

    Just read the sweet note that you left for me in my little frenchy studio/office...thank you so much for coming by and for your sweet comments!!! I love when you come by for a visit, my friend!!!

    Ohhh my...Girl, now you've gone and done it!!! It's only 10:30am at my place and I'm sooooo craving a big ol' rootbeer float!!! Hehe!!! Your's looked divine!!! Oh yes, I love A&W rootbeer, that's what I use!!! What awesome mugs...and for a quarter? You certainly can't beat that!!! I love, love, love your new platters...they're so pretty!!! You got a great deal on those too...you are the "Bargain Queen of all dishes", my friend!!!

    Have a marvelous Monday!
    Chari

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  23. Hi Chandy, wow, it all looks great. Happy Blue Monday.

    Barb

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  24. Root beer float... now there is a summer flavor! Thanks for sharing!
    Have a Happy Week!
    ~Really Rainey~

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  25. wow triple post....your good

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  26. Chandy, you're so funny! Thanks for telling me where the thrifty part came in on those rootbeer floats. You got me on the floats, now I want one! :) Pretty blue platter, thank you for playing this week.

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  28. Your blue is SO pretty, but oh my goodness, that root beer float looks oh so cool and refreshing and yummy*! _Ashley ~

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  29. Hi Dear Chandy! Oh, I want a root beer float too! My tiny mouth is watering. Oh, how very wonderful to have found the lovely Chinese platter and the memories it holds for you! It's beautiful and I can't wait to see it on your next tablescape!
    bE a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  30. Chandy,
    My brain gets such wonderful ideas from your brain, wow! I suddenly have a craving for root beer floats and I already have the perfect mugs. Your Chinese platter is truly beautiful and has such fine detail. I am so impressed with your tablescape creativity; you do such a wonderful job gathering these special items. It is always so fun so view your posts.
    Cathy

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  31. Ladies, I love finding all of you here! So cool!

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  32. My aren't you the smart one to do 3 posts! The root beer float looks delicious! I could eat/drink it right now. I love the blue platter. You find such great items. I love your tablescapes.

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  33. Thanks, Gina! Glad you're able to come by today. ;-)

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  34. Oh my those rootbeer & ice cream floats look so tasty. I'll be right over! Stop by and visit and if you like what you see, don't forget to click the "follow" button so that we can inspire each other more often!

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  35. Chandy, those plates are so pretty, and I laughed at your directions for a rootbeer float! You are just so cute. laurie

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  36. Okay, I'm craving a Rootbeer float - just the perfect kind that you are describing. We actually have an A & W drive-in about a mile up the road, however they don't use real ice cream in their floats anymore. They cop out and use ICE MILK - ewwww! ~ Robyn

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  37. Laurie, Rita and Robyn; I love my floats so it's my way or the highway. LOL. I know about the substitution of frozen yogurt or ice milk. But that's just not right... ;-)

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  38. The platter is gorgeous! And I will take one of those floats!Happy Summer, my friend!

    Leigh
    Tales from Bloggeritaville
    www.lbratina.blogspot.com

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  39. What a wonderful treasure you have found! The blue platter is beautiful, and you have a wonderful memory, when you see it! Love the root beer float presentation!

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  40. Chandy,

    Oh, now I was drooling over those root beer floats so I quickly scrolled down and was very happy to see those pretty blue & white dishes. I have a real weakness for them and want to get some china place settings with British country scenes in blue & white ! Wish me luck on my quest LOL !

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  41. Lady Katherine, sometimes that memory is what helps you find the treasure. ;-)

    Lynn, I know you can find them. I know you can! ;-)

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HELLO AND WELCOME to this blog dedicated to my obsession of tablescapes, and ONLY TABLESCAPES!
That means that whatever I post will be redirected to tablescapes or you will see tablescapes or the dishes and glassware that I used AND wish to use.
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