Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mother's Day


We asked two women that we work closely with and who's opinions we value, to share with us some ideas they have for Mother's Day.  We wanted them to tell us who they honor and how they honor them.  And after reading both, our own gift lists got a little longer ;)  After all ,where would we be without the women who's shoulders we lean on and who's smiles brighten our days?


Regina Namlick of Take Me Home, one of our fine retailers says this:

A mothers treasure is her family. Celebrate your mother on her special day with a MessageTile from PlaceTile Designs- a great mom must have!!! Perfect for a "to do" list, reminders, menus, daily chores or just a sweet sentiment....your mom will love it!!!

Take Me Home
216 C South Talbot St.
St. Michaels, MD 21663 



And Natalie Hammer Noblitt, wrote about Many Types of Mothers

While there are 80 million mothers in the United States, I would count
that number as much higher. I saw this number reported on a recent
list of Mother’s Day facts by online magazine Gift & Home Interactive
(www.giftandhomeinteractive.com). The story also said the number of
women who have actually given birth has dropped from 90% to 80% since
1976. It seems to me that while the percentage of traditional mothers
may have dropped for a variety of reasons, our culture has embraced
Mother’s Day to include even more women. That is a great thing! Two
years ago I became a mom, and I started rethinking what it means to be
one. I have expanded my gift-giving list for Mother’s Day. I am lucky
to have a fantastic mother, sister and mother-in-law who I always send
a note and gift. But now I include women in my life who do not have
children or stepchildren. These women are special to me and I wanted a
way to honor them for dispensing love and friendship like a good
mother would. Mothers are a special breed for sure, but I like the
idea of making this holiday an inclusive celebration of all women who
are caretakers. Who are the special women in your life? Will you take
time to honor them this year with a simple note or gesture? I hope so.

Natalie Hammer Noblitt
Freelance Writer, Marketing & PR
Just Your Type Media
140 S. Calumet Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506

(630) 566-9828

natalienoblitt@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/justyourtypemedia
www.twitter.com/justurtypemedia
www.google.com/profiles/112270815527290764453

Thursday, April 15, 2010

PlaceTile Designs Derby Dinner


The trees are in bloom, the sun is shining (for the most part), and the horse races are upon us!  From steeplechases on the East Coast like the Grand National, Hunt Cup, and Gold Cup to the world famous Triple Crown, the horses are the unofficial welcoming of Spring.  It's our very favorite time of year and in honor of it, we're bringing you a traditional Kentucky Derby Menu!  Set up your tail gate in style with our Horse MessageTile and PlaceTile




Mint Juleps
(8 servings)

2 c. Granulated Sugar
2 c. Water
1/2 c. tightly packed mint leaves, chopped
32 oz Kentucky Bourbon
8 ea. Mint sprigs (garnish)

Procedure:
In a small pot, combine sugar, mint leaves and water. Bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Make sure all sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool and strain through a fine sieve. Freeze your favorite cocktail glasses or silver goblets and add crushed ice to fill. Pour 4 oz bourbon and 1/4 cup of simple syrup over ice and garnish each with a sprig of mint. For a nice touch, serve on silver trays with a cocktail stirrer.


Benedictine Finger Sandwiches
(10-12 servings)

8oz Philly Cream Cheese, room temp
1 tbsp Mayonnaise
3 tbsp Cucumber, grated and drained by squeezing juice out with towel
1 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tsp tabasco
1 drop green food coloring
1/4 loaf white bread (preferably fresh baked)

Procedure:
In a food processor combine all the ingredients. Be sure to reserve the cucumber juice in case mixture is too stiff so you can drizzle back in as needed. Continually scrape down the bowl to assure all ingredients are harmonious. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Slice crust off of bread and spread the mixture over bread. Top the sandwich with another slice and cut into desired shapes.


Kentucky Burgoo
(serves 10-12)

1 3-4 lb. Chicken, quartered
1 1/2 lbs. Small Cubed Beef Chuck
5 tbsp Vegetable oil
3 c. Chicken Stock
2 c. Beef Stock
2 c. Water
1 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/2 tbsp Cayenne Pepper
24 oz Tomato Puree
12ea small Fingerling or white Potatoes (whole)
2 c. Onion, Diced
4 c. Green Cabbage, finely Shredded
45 oz. canned diced tomatoes
5 ea. white corn, off the cobb
1 lb carrots, sliced into coins
1 c. fresh okra, sliced into coins
1 c. fresh Lima beans
2 green peppers, small dice
1/3 c. Worcestershire Sauce
Salt To Taste

Procedure:
In a large soup pot, add in veg oil. When almost smoking, add in the chicken and beef pieces. Sprinkle in black pepper and cayanne. Turn heat to medium and brown on all sides being careful not to burn. Add in stocks and water. Gently simmer for 45 minutes, turn heat off and remove the chicken. Pull the meat off the bone and dice. Return chicken and the rest of the ingredients to the broth. Cook on a low simmer for 2 1/2 hours, stirring often making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Traditionally this soup, dating back to the Civil War, was thick enough to stand a spoon in. If a more fluid consistency is desired, then simply add water during cooking process. Finish with salt as needed.


Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Pie
(serves 10)

1/2 c. All Purpose Flour
1 c. Granulate Sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. Melted Butter
2 tbsp Bourbon
1 c. Walnuts, Chopped
1 1/4 c. semi sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 pinch Salt
1 ready-made Pie Crust


Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized mixing bowl combine flour, sugar and mix well. Add in the beaten eggs and butter stirring until combined. Add in bourbon, walnuts, vanilla, chocolate chips and salt. Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for 40 minutes or until the pie does not giggle when shaken. Let cool and slice into desired sized wedges.

Recipes courtesy of Chef Christopher Paternotte

Search This Blog