QUESTIONS ANSWERED...

Today I thought I would answer a couple of recent questions I've been asked.

The first asked what SUDSOL was from my post yesterday.  SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing On Line) is an online community of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators dedicated to providing creative and professional information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They are there to support all demonstrators regardless of location, regardless of the support you are getting elsewhere 24/7.  Members have access to an extensive samples gallery, video tutorials, templates, patterns, business articles, forms and more.  They also enjoy the camaraderie from the most talented and supportive group of paper-crafters anywhere!

I am a fairly new member of SUDSOL, but I love it!  It is a fabulous resource for Stampin' Up! demonstrators to use when looking for ideas and inspiration as they plan for their upcoming classes or workshops.  There is a modest fee to join, but this group will boost your confidence and business ability like no other!  Plus, there are many ways to earn FREE membership after becoming a paid member.  If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and not already of member of SUDSOL, please check it out here and take advantage of the FREE two-week trial.  I would appreciate it if you use me – Marie Shaughnessy – as your referral.

The next item was a request for the recipe for the Valentine's Day dessert I made my husband.  It is from Rachael Ray.  I used Grand Marnier for Michael's berries and Disarnno Amaretto for mine and then we shared each.  I am sure that they would also be delicious with Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur.

Chocolate River over Drunken Berries

by Rachael Ray

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 nip orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate pieces - reserve a few shavings
• 1/2 cup cream
• Pinch salt
• Whipped cream, homemade or store bought
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

Directions:
Soak berries in liqueur for 20 minutes.
Melt chocolate with cream and salt over low heat until smooth and combined.
Remove berries to 2 dessert bowls with slotted spoon. Drown drunken berries in chocolate river, top with mounds of whipped cream and garnish with orange zest and chocolate shavings.  2 servings

This is my own simple recipe for whipped cream that I have used for years:

Whipped Cream

by Marie Shaughnessy

Ingredients:

• 1 C (8 oz.) whipping cream
• 2 TBS sugar (can be powdered if desired)

Directions:

1. Put a metal mixing bowl and metal whisk into the freezer or refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
2. Put the sugar in the mixing bowl.  Add the whipping cream.  If desired, add 1 teaspoon of extract to flavor cream to specific desserts.  Ex: almond, vanilla, etc.
3. Whisk on high speed until the cream reaches stiff peaks.