I’ve yet to second guess our decision to move to the Twin Cities. This place has become home fast, even as we live in a temporary apartment, with unpacked boxes lining the closets, 25 minutes away from our forever home (the one I’ve vowed to take my last breath in since we’re never moving again). The Be Crafty Workshop is one of those things that’s made the transition easy. It’s the prettiest craft workshop either side of the Mississippi, which runs right through this town. Amanda and Jessica make magic every time (remember the Holiday Bash?). And this time Leslye flew in to make magic too. Making the food for this event, and getting piggy back on their brilliant ideas, is a dream. On the menu: an Italian Soda Bar and Chalkboard Heart Cookies.
When Amanda said we should make Italian Sodas, I skirted away from the idea. I was touching my 30s without ever having sipped an Italian Soda. (I don’t get out enough.) After reading a reading A Cozy Kitchen’s take on Italian Sodas and coming clean to Amanda, I decided to trust the both of them and go with it.
I’m happy to report: I drank enough Italian Sodas to make up for 30 years of lost time. Wow, wow, wow (as I’ve also unknowingly taught Hal to say) that’s a killer soda, and I don’t even drink soda.
I wanted to keep the fruit syrups in the pink family for this Valentine-themed event, so we went with blood orange, rhubarb (saved and frozen from Amanda’s garden), and a combination of berries. I used A Cozy Kitchen’s 1:1:1 ratio of fruit, sugar, and water to make the syrups. The recipe is oh so simple and can be made up to a week in advance. It also scales easily. We made 1.5 gallons for the event. Thank goodness for these Ball Jars.
Based on the many varying recipes I came across, the anatomy of an Italian Soda is up for discussion. I like mine not-so-sweet, heavy on the ice and sparkling water, with a splash of cream (whipped or not). And I’ll take 3 of those. Honestly, I couldn’t concentrate on the crafts until I tried every combination of Italian Soda. I felt like a 6 year old again. (Rhubarb/Blood Orange was my favorite combo.) I’m certain that every party needs an Italian Soda Bar. For the recipe, see below. For all the pretty details on the Valentine’s Be Crafty Workshop, head this way. To make Chalk Heart Stamped cookies, head this way.
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So is it really bad that I’m ITALIAN and have never had an Italian soda?! I feel like this is some sort of sin. I think I have to make up for lots of lost time!
These are so cute! I’ve been following your blog for a bit and it looks like we swapped locations–I moved from the Twin Cities to CT a while ago. MSP will always be home–it’s amazing despite the cold, and a condition of my (now) fiance proposing was that he had to be willing to relocate back there at some point!
I love everything about this post!! So glad that you are happy in your new city. 🙂 Moving is SO hard. Our last move was our 4th cross country relocation and we are hoping this was the last for us too.
How fun! We are headed to the cities this weekend, such a great place!
So is it really bad that I’m ITALIAN and have never had an Italian soda?! I feel like this is some sort of sin. I think I have to make up for lots of lost time!
I am OBSESSED with those big balloons and have been waiting for a reason to decorate with them. Such an awesome set up!
Ugh. This is AMAZING!!!!
These are so cute! I’ve been following your blog for a bit and it looks like we swapped locations–I moved from the Twin Cities to CT a while ago. MSP will always be home–it’s amazing despite the cold, and a condition of my (now) fiance proposing was that he had to be willing to relocate back there at some point!
You had me at sparkling water+whipped cream. I don’t drink soda either but could see how easy it would be to somehow have had 4. They are so pretty!
This is such a cute and adorable idea!!
Such a fun idea!!! My girlfriends would love this and it would make for the perfect (and delicious) night in! Great idea. 🙂
Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
This is so lovely, Melissa! 🙂
This is positively gorgeous!!! xx
Yum! This sounds amazing!
this is SO pretty, i love it! i too haven’t really had an italian soda, at least not with whipped cream, but now i’m intrigued!
and how awesome is it that you feel in love with Minnesota so quickly!
xox
Everything about this post is just so gosh darn adorable! Glad to see you’re enjoying your new home 🙂
I love everything about this post!! So glad that you are happy in your new city. 🙂 Moving is SO hard. Our last move was our 4th cross country relocation and we are hoping this was the last for us too.