The Beauty and Mystery of the Box

People have always been fascinated with boxes - any kind really. We sell different styles of boxes in our stores. Boxes pair beauty with function. You can hide things, keep things, present things, accept things, and create mystery - all with a simple box. Think of all the boxes under the Christmas tree and the excited anticipation they cause! Any way you slice it, folks love boxes! 

On the What's InSTORE Friday segment this week, I show recycled soda bottles that are repurposed as a container and also as a closed box. Made in South Africa, the workers cut the bottle, decoupage it with cocktail napkins that have nature inspired designs, and then add a gem. Here's how it works: The way it is cut makes a beautiful container as is, but if you fold down the cuts in an overlapping fashion, presto! A beautiful box to hold your treasures or special gifts for a friend. They are wonderfully colored and are so practical. Opened, they can hold water for a fresh flower bouquet, hold pencils on your desk, be a holder for battery votives, hold a small potted plant and more. Use your imagination; there's so many options! Take a look at our Boxes section under Collections to see these recycled beauties.

Today on the WIF segment, I also show you how to make a scrumptious baked Brie with our Raspberry Jalapeno Jam from Raven's Nest in Fort Mill, SC.  I think we should all try to use local items to support the hard work these food artisans commit to and this Brie is elevated to another level by using their spicy Raspberry Jalapeno Jam. Try it out for your next gathering! It makes a great display. Speaking of displays, try to use different and interesting containers other than the usual white platter. Here I've used my cast iron griddle to hold the Brie and another cast iron skillet to hold the crostini. Enjoy! 

Brie with Sugared Raspberries

• 8 oz. wheel Brie
• ¼ cup Raspberry Jalapeno Jam
• 8 oz. fresh raspberries
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ -¾ cup of granulated or sanding sugar, for coating raspberries

1. Make a simple syrup: In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, combine water and sugar.
2. Heat in microwave until water is boiling. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
3. Wash and dry raspberries. Pour ½ to ¾ cup of sugar into a shallow bowl. Gently toss raspberries in the simple syrup. Then roll raspberries in the sugar and shake them gently to remove excess sugar. Remove raspberries to a plate and let them dry for about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Place Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Score the top rind of the Brie wheel and top with jam.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes - until cheese is softened but not melting out of the rind. Rind can be eaten.