tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8816028329421025642024-02-07T05:38:46.017-05:00PlaceTile DesignsThis blog is an extension of PlaceTile Designs products. Stylish Gifting, Elegant Entertaining is our tag line and it pretty much says it all. With this blog we hope to bring you fabulous ideas for entertaining 2 to 200 in your home or elsewhere. PlaceTile Designs products are about bringing people together to celebrate life's simple pleasures, good food, good wine, good friends, and great surroundings!
Best wishes!
Kristin Bowen
Owner and DesignerPlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-31802092199607917922012-03-21T11:36:00.002-04:002012-03-21T11:37:12.898-04:00Interchangable Motifs Now Available!<object id="flashObj" width="480" height="270" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><br /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><br /><param name="flashVars" value="@videoPlayer=1519323164001&playerID=1253036297001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAstMd5zk~,kxmVxHAME9AYdq4-8LrGvwOZTah7cmpW&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true&videoId=1519323164001&j_videoID=181&utm_source=vendors-place-tiles&utm_medium=n-a&utm_content=vp239_nomoregues_embed&utm_campaign=VPT00VD0001" /><br /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><br /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><br /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><br /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="@videoPlayer=1519323164001&playerID=1253036297001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAstMd5zk~,kxmVxHAME9AYdq4-8LrGvwOZTah7cmpW&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true&videoId=1519323164001&j_videoID=181&utm_source=vendors-place-tiles&utm_medium=n-a&utm_content=vp239_nomoregues_embed&utm_campaign=VPT00VD0001" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"><br /></embed><br /></object>Molly White Teaching Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215578128225518436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-6431982909800819212011-09-15T11:29:00.008-04:002011-09-15T11:55:00.492-04:00Dining Room Redo on a Budget<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyYD-tVsQH9wMhXu5jbkmrWibF88UO9JdFpWTdWDE3w0vIhxzbe2N_5E7St6qAvq3r4FyRxjGVKpYUGWSxrYtponyqlaLR_YqLEXiuikRhTzCFriq3C2KDe-hrg24bWq-NzE7EFtAmQC0/s1600/IMG_1000001455.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyYD-tVsQH9wMhXu5jbkmrWibF88UO9JdFpWTdWDE3w0vIhxzbe2N_5E7St6qAvq3r4FyRxjGVKpYUGWSxrYtponyqlaLR_YqLEXiuikRhTzCFriq3C2KDe-hrg24bWq-NzE7EFtAmQC0/s320/IMG_1000001455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652612739327778658" /></a><br />My husband and I were lucky enough to receive a lovely dining room set from his grandmother when we moved into our home several years ago. It's the only formal room in our home and while I love the furniture and having a place to show off my china, crystal and silver, we're not really formal people.<div><br /></div><div>This summer my mission was to "casualize" our dining room while allowing the furniture and our china, silver, and crystal to shine. And of course, I was on a tight budget!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness for <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Home Goods</a> and <a href="http://www.wholefoods.com/">Whole Foods</a>! I spent a grand total of $80 and reinvented my dining room table! I bought:</div><div><ul><li>a pink and white indoor/outdoor table runner</li><li>3 electric candles</li><li>a large hurricane style glass vase</li><li>green lentils and mung beans</li><li><a href="http://shop.placetile.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=96">Leaf PlaceTiles</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnmxnHHtoHW_Wes2hKoPIG4Vm7RUoqaCNr94Ig8xpHCZl2vfv2sM13Lthh2b0X2XBemQmzNu_7dlcZ_P7wnOdOJPahgVHblUGPXYOOtKfwzJAhtwZe4armcB5P1HfsSzAFky-O7Fz8ZuJ/s1600/IMG_1000001457.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnmxnHHtoHW_Wes2hKoPIG4Vm7RUoqaCNr94Ig8xpHCZl2vfv2sM13Lthh2b0X2XBemQmzNu_7dlcZ_P7wnOdOJPahgVHblUGPXYOOtKfwzJAhtwZe4armcB5P1HfsSzAFky-O7Fz8ZuJ/s200/IMG_1000001457.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652613176734024274" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHiErUKml5RfuYnCHzlw2gQ2sMZ9gmzU5hfnaaZMMuLuQE61ARi923wx9OEm-5mP2l2XaEnJd-0NM2KqJs0ppnx6clARKD4xhQRDXwpRekphNeu7VMuUKb5tj-XswJrib7XE83Aa5AOwh/s1600/IMG_1000001458.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHiErUKml5RfuYnCHzlw2gQ2sMZ9gmzU5hfnaaZMMuLuQE61ARi923wx9OEm-5mP2l2XaEnJd-0NM2KqJs0ppnx6clARKD4xhQRDXwpRekphNeu7VMuUKb5tj-XswJrib7XE83Aa5AOwh/s200/IMG_1000001458.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652613390686686290" /></a><br /></div><div>I filled the vase with the mung beans and lentils to add some green to the pink of the table runner. The leaf tiles add just the right touch, plus I can fill them with zinia from my garden, or any other flowers. I love using the natural elements of the beans and leaves to soften the look of my dining room. These items allowed me to bring out the pinks and greens in my china and set a much more casual tone for my dinner guests.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In celebration of the new dining room, I served a delicious <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/italian-seafood-stew">seafood stew</a> from Food and Wine. I've made it several times now and the beauty of the dish is that the time consuming part can be made a day ahead. Then when your guests come over, just heat it up and add the seafood. The dish is impressive and you don't have to spend half of your evening in the kitchen!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDWer1g8i2UqxLhBLu0K_cEayid0ONUQSSRVxFmUgT1_0PX54M8P7qNxpZXzpxif6HSaiNq-AdjtqehHobtFvCAoJ3CQceSHIhe0W_iN2zmbcFN7BcHGDOV-ALW4G-Z6Uxext8b5dcXbT/s1600/200909-r-ital-seafood-stew.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDWer1g8i2UqxLhBLu0K_cEayid0ONUQSSRVxFmUgT1_0PX54M8P7qNxpZXzpxif6HSaiNq-AdjtqehHobtFvCAoJ3CQceSHIhe0W_iN2zmbcFN7BcHGDOV-ALW4G-Z6Uxext8b5dcXbT/s200/200909-r-ital-seafood-stew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652613891497291186" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I served it with grilled sourdough bread and made strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream for dessert.</div>Molly White Teaching Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215578128225518436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-91372218706733033132011-07-27T09:50:00.000-04:002011-07-27T09:50:58.084-04:00Mantras Are Good<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5h37pevjYY68aj6OoDYmRwGf_i1aXUcQFmlHe0JAbmVBSrY-AAy2jUEfXOhJdMjbaIatUQ1-b-67gDVrDvm1eEwEfYg8pXu26X8YizRMVfAKSYMXlnjFunmh6G7zJ0JyK3dQyQnFrdTV/s1600/P1000850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5h37pevjYY68aj6OoDYmRwGf_i1aXUcQFmlHe0JAbmVBSrY-AAy2jUEfXOhJdMjbaIatUQ1-b-67gDVrDvm1eEwEfYg8pXu26X8YizRMVfAKSYMXlnjFunmh6G7zJ0JyK3dQyQnFrdTV/s320/P1000850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.28240467328578234" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think positive. Breathe. Write more. Move forward</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exercise. Grow.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These are a few examples of my mantras or motivational messages. I write these on my PlaceTile® place cards and my MessageTile® message boards. I strategically place them around my home or office to inspire me to focus or act. They help me get through my day, hectic or otherwise.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFfy8U1ojJRYh_vHjpqYyGMSH0Vfcm2urfzDFg6SUHMH70jLwK-EwNIPnQhpKR-yE8EROSZXh56E81dV7QuhuQ-NwtmMM3AAegn5PdZNmrNRBXVi2v0RsqB-cRqrIp4j7pabBkxmbU06M/s1600/P1000856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFfy8U1ojJRYh_vHjpqYyGMSH0Vfcm2urfzDFg6SUHMH70jLwK-EwNIPnQhpKR-yE8EROSZXh56E81dV7QuhuQ-NwtmMM3AAegn5PdZNmrNRBXVi2v0RsqB-cRqrIp4j7pabBkxmbU06M/s320/P1000856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people, including motivational speakers, leaders, fitness gurus, and clerics, believe writing down your goals, and concentrating on them, will manifest them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ljG_xNpo-Xx5jdlcCSmSwyW2_gKWR7QH0CG30p0_ZQuMmzJmwlfuo0Fj41KiUXIkGLNfL0B3yNoVYK3V-JSDw0Hm2sa9m53nlvFGMyaec1FSH_jQdmI-BqvY-8XQrmHN66ZyYuSLdkZY/s1600/P1000858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ljG_xNpo-Xx5jdlcCSmSwyW2_gKWR7QH0CG30p0_ZQuMmzJmwlfuo0Fj41KiUXIkGLNfL0B3yNoVYK3V-JSDw0Hm2sa9m53nlvFGMyaec1FSH_jQdmI-BqvY-8XQrmHN66ZyYuSLdkZY/s320/P1000858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the year 2000 when I first started my business, I received a Chinese fortune cookie message that really helped me focus on succeeding in business. I taped it to my computer and looked at it daily so I could remember to keep trying no matter how hard it got. The message was, “You will be unusually successful in business”. Fortunately, the fortune came true! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VkLkx-p-WrQILvOA3hz8Igq28qjxKdGNCIJnDKHX5StFPLk6LnssNxu688OjqFLLbXgCzedlqByzkSSnRMVPDZo_CaXMCh2sfM0fTZWe1_aLdf2nl9RGpbGvS3wN2Fq9XSRRTeswZ4hu/s1600/P1000852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VkLkx-p-WrQILvOA3hz8Igq28qjxKdGNCIJnDKHX5StFPLk6LnssNxu688OjqFLLbXgCzedlqByzkSSnRMVPDZo_CaXMCh2sfM0fTZWe1_aLdf2nl9RGpbGvS3wN2Fq9XSRRTeswZ4hu/s320/P1000852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I need different mantras at different times, some to help move me forward with work, and some to help me keep perspective. The good news is that the PlaceTiles and MessageTiles can be wiped off easily and I can replace my mantras whenever needed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what are some of your mantras?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday’s Goal: Write more. And here it is.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s Goal: Reflection is good.</span></div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-82431021608461238742010-10-06T09:43:00.000-04:002010-10-06T09:43:23.610-04:00Wine Tastings From The Cheif Wineaux*<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwuwYrOroXH3-iNyJzmCXo-Itka69AFZol0majEr1bNq8MjJ4BHsejSvOijQ13Ad9E8ZvHeVIIIiHsQQ5ELH3GSGL5sLs7p8VSwbOusYxwpiIOoeuswF0An8VGzZ2yERb7lpc9YfgRWLj/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="250" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucdmzKhgk1YgSD1iO6pi7BUnzUs1Q1zS1wR5QE19d5Edwjlfos2KFeQ4YN6GBE7lpFc40ZpXxNgWMqSQ1EiYzsGgFohwDC-y8BmxgGyrmK8cjv2jEdK2iNTfWImr31-RWPRVPgYVrf28s/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="214" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIkUSf3hyphenhyphen4oA2Y688FnypCC243rHpSynKvw8-tiOkk6QvkNwsNJaY4iH12OG0FhWTfrrTJ1CX19KhvUZO7_UIUC9yLrEAsls-nWU69hPZnWp_GHKUb60cV3yGin-m-0pWeDU8y6KrxrPX/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="250" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">With the kids back in school and vacations over we begin the ritual of settling into fall. With the leaves turning and the air chilly, what better time to get friends and family together for a wine tasting. It’s been my experience that if your theme is well chosen, even the non-wine drinkers, much to their surprise, often discover a palette for wine they didn’t know they had; it’s a real thrill! While there are literally countless tasting themes you can choose from and/or dream up, I have 4 favorites that have been successful for fall parties. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Red Wine Varietal Tasting</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">My favorite fall theme is one based on grape type or variatal. The common misperception is that all reds are heavy and full of tannins like a cabernet sauvignon; this is where the fun begins. With any wine tasting, the standard is to start tasting with the lightest and move to heaviest. I typically start with a </span></span><span lang="EN">Beaujolais</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">, followed by Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and/or Syrah, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon and include several white wines for those that just don’t drink red. I consider Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand are my favorite-crisp, with loads of tropical fruit) and Chardonnay my go tos. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Pink Ribbon Wine Tasting</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">October is National Breast Cancer month and an excellent time to host a pink only tasting! With pink tasting, I focus on show casing some of the amazing rose wines and Blanc de Noir (white from red) sparkling wines and champagnes on the market. When choosing the rose wines I typically choose wines from France as they have some of the best tasting a varied rose wines on the market.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Serious Tasting for Wineauxs</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">If you are like me, I have a bunch of friends that are big into wine. When catering to a wine enthusiast bunch, I pick a country of origin, say France or Italy, and line up a tasting based on different regions. For instance, a red from Bordeaux isn’t the same as a red from Burgundy. Bordeaux reds are made using predominantly cabernet grapes making them hearty (and delicious) while Burgundy red are typically made using pinot noir grape and are lighter. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Champagne Tasting</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Champagne tastings are my favorite to incorporate into Holiday events. With so many great champagnes and sparkling wines to choose from, the only challenge is narrowing down what to serve. I generally choose bubbly from different countries to really show case the differences in style. I start with a Cava (from Spain or Greece as a rule), move to an Italian Prosseco, followed by a Napa Sparkling wine and end with legendary champagne like Veuve Clicquot. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Once I have chosen my tasting theme, and my menu, it’s time to think logistics. I love my parties to be about mingling, so I set up two stations; a wine station in the breakfast room and a food station in the dining room. This keeps everyone moving about nicely rather that in the kitchen all night. In front of each wine, I use a Placetile to indicate the corresponding wine (<a href="http://shop.placetile.com/product.sc?productId=31">my favorite is the oh-so-elegant Fleur di Lis</a>). Likewise, I use Placetiles as buffet labels to label each food and suggest what wine/s each pairs well with. Cheese is always a big part of my spread, so the Placetile <a href="http://placetile.com/cheesetiles.html">cheesetiles</a> alleviate the guessing game and allow me to make pairing recommendations. The tiles work like a charm and I look like the hostess with the mostess! Lastly, I like to make a tasting notes sheet that lists the wine/champagne you are serving with space for your guests to make notes. I print four to a page and cut down to keep it small and manageable. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The most important part of any wine or champagne tasting party is to have fun and make the experience enjoyable for your guests. Armed with these tips I believe anyone can have a smashingly successful tasting party!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">What more info on hosting a fabulous wine tasting? Feel free to email Angela at <a href="mailto:angela@thewineauxshop.com">angela@thewineauxshop.com</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Angela W. Cox</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chief Executive Wineaux, Sommelier</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></b></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Wineaux Shop</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.thewineauxshop.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">www.TheWineauxShop.com</span></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">162 Main Street</span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Annapolis</span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">, MD 21401</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">410 990-1515</span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Visit us online for the newest and coolest wine related gifts & home decor!</span></span></span></b></strong><strong><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></b></strong></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><b><span style="color: #a50021; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span style="color: #a50021; font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Newly updated with over 30 must haves!</span></span></span></b></strong></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Stay in the Loop!!</span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Join Our Group on Wine 2.0! </span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.winetwo.net/group/thewineauxshop%C2%A0" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.winetwo.net/group/thewineauxshop ">http://www.winetwo.net/group/<wbr></wbr>thewineauxshop </a></span></span></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Find us on Facebook!</span></span></span></b></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wineaux-Shop/53966077980?v=wall&ref=ts" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/<wbr></wbr>The-Wineaux-Shop/53966077980?<wbr></wbr>v=wall&ref=ts</span></a></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>*This is a guest blog post from one of our favorite retailers. If you are one of our retailers and are interested in writing a guest blog please contact Molly White at </i></span><a href="mailto:MollyMarshallWhite@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>MollyMarshallWhite@gmail.com</i></span></a></span></span></span></div></div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-13967192045418298292010-08-11T13:33:00.000-04:002010-08-11T13:33:38.348-04:005 Blue Crabtastic Recipes<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Guest post by Molly White</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div>Growing up in Maryland means growing up eating blue crabs, steamed, fried, baked, broiled, deviled, and 5 trillion other ways. 30 years later I still have vivid memories of sitting at my father's side while he picked hot steamed crabs, just waiting for him to let me have a bite. And now as the mother of two small children, I'm the one picking the crabs while they sit by my side, anxiously awaiting the sweet, delicate meat to be plucked from the crab and given to them. Over the years I've been served a crab and a multitude of ways. Below are my top 5 favorite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8-aB_9IgC_KWiPy512PzvYe8cPvD_nt1ELIUbCgYyN78Mwa6yPeznoAZ_B3dnvnR68J7xjPsEX9aIY67uBtsPeG3EoB7tQw40pNjelLKaI-EwvvXNKuKyxqpH3AKChhLYp8Vea8AYuVb/s1600/34165_515308600815_54401470_30388222_6653104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8-aB_9IgC_KWiPy512PzvYe8cPvD_nt1ELIUbCgYyN78Mwa6yPeznoAZ_B3dnvnR68J7xjPsEX9aIY67uBtsPeG3EoB7tQw40pNjelLKaI-EwvvXNKuKyxqpH3AKChhLYp8Vea8AYuVb/s320/34165_515308600815_54401470_30388222_6653104_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tscottlynch?ref=ts">Tammi Scott-Lynch</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>STEAMED CRABS</b><br />
The steamed crab is the most casual and conversational way to eat a blue crab. Buy them already steamed by the dozen, or steam them up yourself. It's very simple and only requires 5 ingredients:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.oldbay.com/">Old Bay</a><br />
water<br />
beer<br />
vinegar<br />
<br />
Those last two ingredients are the secret to making the best steamed crabs in the world. Fill a big pot about 2 inches deep with water, add in a can or two of beer and about a quarter cup of vinegar, place the steam basket in the pot, cover and bring water to a boil. Layer the crabs and Old Bay in the pot and steam until the crabs are reddish orange, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from steamer and enjoy the sweet, delicious meat. Of course you'll have to pick them yourself :)<br />
For a more refined crab experience, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy blue crab meat. The following are my five favorite ways to enjoy this Mid Atlantic specialty.<br />
<br />
<b>CRAB CAKE</b><br />
<a href="http://oldbay.com/~/media/Images/Sites/OldBay/Product%20Pages/ProductImages/OLDBAYSeasoning.ashx" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img a="" border="0" height="200" src="http://oldbay.com/~/media/Images/Sites/OldBay/Product%20Pages/ProductImages/OLDBAYSeasoning.ashx" width="170" /></span></a><br />
We buy jumbo lump crabmeat from the grocery store or use leftover steamed crabs to enjoy this at home. And we use the simple recipe on the side of the <a href="http://oldbay.com/Recipes/Crab/Main-Course/OLD-BAY-Crab-Cakes.aspx">Old Bay container</a>.<br />
<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2 slices dried bread, crusts removed<br />
milk<br />
1 tablespoon mayonnaise<br />
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce <br />
1 tablespoon McCormick® Parsley Flakes<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Products/Old-Bay-Seasoning.aspx">OLD BAY® Seasoning</a><br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1 pound lump crabmeat<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, break bread into small pieces. Moisten with milk.<br />
<br />
Add mayo, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, baking powder, OLD BAY, salt, egg and crabmeat. Mix lightly and shape into patties. If time permits, refrigerate patties 30 minutes to help keep them together when cooking.<br />
<br />
Broil or fry until golden-brown on both sides.<br />
<br />
<b>CRAB FLUFF</b><br />
The deep fried goodness that is the crab fluff was not introduced to me until earlier this year. It is a Baltimore specialty and <a href="http://oceanprideseafood.com/">Ocean Pride Restaurant</a> in Timonium makes a particularly tasty one. It is a crab cake that is battered and then fried. While it may not be the healthiest of options, it is one of the most flavorful.<br />
<br />
1 cup self-rising flour<br />
1 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning<br />
1 tbsp. parsley flakes<br />
Milk<br />
<br />
CRAB CAKES:<br />
recipe on can OF Old Bay Crab Seasoning*<br />
<br />
Whip eggs with fork or spoon. Add flour, Old Bay and parsley. Add enough milk to make consistency of pancake batter, but not too thin; mix well.<br />
<br />
Dip crab cake into batter using 2 forks. Place dipped crab cake into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.<br />
*Make crab cakes as desired then dip into batter.<br />
<br />
<b>SOFT SHELL CRAB</b><br />
The soft shell crab is a unique delicacy in that you eat not only the meat but the entire crab save for it's eyes and lungs, which you have your fishmonger clean in advance. This can come as surprise to some people when ordered; I've witnessed a few shocked restaurant patrons try to figure out how to eat one.<br />
<br />
I like to use this recipe from <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=734466&package_id=733518">Cooking Light</a><br />
<br />
Here is a basic recipe for cooking soft-shell crabs. You can vary it by adding cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings to the flour.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfT1yZgB6-4Pm5cBJvEp94EeJcISOBCGykHxAHtOcldZIaHE9pBkaHfW0bBa1I_1vxs_6opeXHVQsgdystaLKmLJO81yuJInIVP-KOXzFqiYOaz3muyN9zke6f27QDofEgySC9ZBvF7li/s1600/DSC03422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfT1yZgB6-4Pm5cBJvEp94EeJcISOBCGykHxAHtOcldZIaHE9pBkaHfW0bBa1I_1vxs_6opeXHVQsgdystaLKmLJO81yuJInIVP-KOXzFqiYOaz3muyN9zke6f27QDofEgySC9ZBvF7li/s320/DSC03422.JPG" /></span></a><br />
4 servings (serving size: 1 crab)<br />
Ingredients<br />
4 (3 1/2-ounce) soft-shell crabs, cleaned<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />
1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon butter<br />
<br />
Preparation<br />
Sprinkle each crab with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge each crab in flour, turning to coat; shake off excess flour.<br />
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add crabs to pan, top sides down; cook 3 minutes. Turn crabs over; cook an additional 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
To serve I added a corn relish.<br />
2 tbspns olive oil<br />
2 ears of corn off of the cob<br />
1/4 cup fresh basil shredded<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<br />
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add corn and saute until tender, about 6 minutes, add basil salt and pepper to taster, drizzle over crabs.<br />
<br />
<b>CRAB SALAD</b><br />
This is a great light way to enjoy crabs and works wonderfully for a luncheon or other gathering.<br />
1lb jumbo lump crab<br />
1/4 cup mayo<br />
2 stalks of celery, diced<br />
dash of Old Bay<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3t5RcsZvHe4DTOJ66OHZavLUVJn9xntPOab0Oifxvb4Eq7EEv8MKxDBC977UwkQnOKdrY5V8bfGc1Lyv80uYiqeBEr_Fh9fGpQWxERNDzKW70q4k6buhzGIBe6eAU88pZ8pcGQSnYV16/s1600/CrabMessageTile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3t5RcsZvHe4DTOJ66OHZavLUVJn9xntPOab0Oifxvb4Eq7EEv8MKxDBC977UwkQnOKdrY5V8bfGc1Lyv80uYiqeBEr_Fh9fGpQWxERNDzKW70q4k6buhzGIBe6eAU88pZ8pcGQSnYV16/s320/CrabMessageTile.jpg" /></span></a><br />
Place crab meat in bowl and add celery, gently fold in the mayo so as not to break up lumps of crab meat, add old bay, salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside freshly sliced tomatoes, ears of corn or inside an avocado 1/2.<br />
<br />
Each one of these recipes is full of flavor and highlights what makes the crab such a tasty treat; they are sweet and rich and tender. So perfectly delicate that nothing can compare. Try serving up a few of these at one gathering and see which your guests prefer. Of course, use your <a href="http://shop.placetile.com/product.sc?productId=107&categoryId=4">crab MessageTile</a> to tell your guests what's on the menu ;)PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-66441922321750224542010-07-13T16:33:00.000-04:002010-07-13T16:33:32.746-04:00Garden Luncheon<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> I love to entertain, but that was the farthest thing from my mind one June morning as I stepped into my North Carolina garden nestled in the Smoky Mountains. I was enthusiastically greeted by the magnificent perfume of lavender, roses, and thyme. My daylilies had just started blooming, peonies, heavy-headed, nodded hello, a few iris were still showing off, and a variety of perennials dotted the garden with glorious color. But it was my roses and herbs that awakened all of my senses that morning, and I knew I had to share their beauty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">With my garden as my inspiration, I planned an impromptu luncheon for a few of my closest girlfriends. I chose an herb themed menu that I was sure all would enjoy. Setting the table was easy. Since we would be dining al fresco, I chose an elegant neutral palette of ivory and white, letting my garden steal the show. I chose a crisp cotton lace tablecloth adorned with lime green napkins tied with a pretty ribbon and tucked in a fragrant sprig of lavender. My Beaded </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">PlaceTiles®</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> with a bud-vase were perfect for holding a tiny bouquet of lavender, thyme, cilantro, and roses that I would bundle into a tussie mussie or nosegay for a memorable favor, and the large beaded <a href="http://bit.ly/cJnJqC">MessageTile</a> was perfect for listing the luncheon menu. I looked to my garden for an ambrosia of flowers to fill a teapot for a simple centerpiece. Using heirloom china and silver gave the table a wonderful genteel charm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The intimate lunch lasted well into the afternoon with lively conversation and much laughter. As we said our goodbyes the ladies thanked me for a delightful time spent smelling, sipping, and savoring the yield from my garden. As I turned to walk back inside, my lavender proudly stood at attention as if to say, “You’re Welcome”.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4ns1syZFQQkmaePOGpxDp7SQjBi448R4O1OfF5dAfheRBbasDF0CFHNlukvfjGL8M3BSig_QVd-eEaOejYzzmCcx2x4Ywqsuc45nCq71HYxDD4SEzPiDei5JuDTgECVXjm0aCdvH7bsa/s1600/P1000235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4ns1syZFQQkmaePOGpxDp7SQjBi448R4O1OfF5dAfheRBbasDF0CFHNlukvfjGL8M3BSig_QVd-eEaOejYzzmCcx2x4Ywqsuc45nCq71HYxDD4SEzPiDei5JuDTgECVXjm0aCdvH7bsa/s400/P1000235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Minted Tea</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">4 cups boiling water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">4 regular tea bags</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 ½ cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 1 6 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¾ cup chopped fresh mint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">11 1/2 cups water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover. Allow to steep for 12 minutes Discard bags. Combine sugar, orange juice, and lemonade in a saucepan; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add mint. Let stand 15 minutes. Strain mint from fruit mixture; discard mint. Add tea and 11 1/2 cups water to fruit mixture. May be served hot or cold. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVevekPhAoiY-7AldwRTgrjp3n__0QLHifCXPksrCKV6O0aIdxcobFD8vSfN3A0A1DaKg7ktd6R4qM3J4PhH3h7RsSe3cWgCjbj4qjXWEr_l8BhkeyoGRcfF9TFpXDf3S7fbh13Nxq9zL/s1600/Gail+Bell+Blog+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVevekPhAoiY-7AldwRTgrjp3n__0QLHifCXPksrCKV6O0aIdxcobFD8vSfN3A0A1DaKg7ktd6R4qM3J4PhH3h7RsSe3cWgCjbj4qjXWEr_l8BhkeyoGRcfF9TFpXDf3S7fbh13Nxq9zL/s640/Gail+Bell+Blog+Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Chicken Salad with Lemon Tarragon</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup chopped pecans</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 3/4 cup mayonnaise</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 3 cups chopped cooked chicken</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 2 celery stalks, finely chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1/2 small sweet onion, finely chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 2 cups seedless red grapes, cut in half (optional)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Garnish: halved lemon slices</span><br />
<ul type="DISC"></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool pecans on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cooled. Whisk together mayonnaise and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in pecans, chicken, celery, and onion just until blended. Stir in grape halves, if desired. Garnish, if desired.</span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Southern Living</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, JUNE 2007 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shrimp and Pasta Salad</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> </b>12 ounces uncooked small pasta shells</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 lb. peeled cooked shrimp</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 green onions, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">chopped</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fresh basil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 ½ tsp. dried crushed red pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 T. grated lemon rind</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Fresh Citrus Salad Dressing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Prepare pasta according to package directions. Toss pasta with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 2 days.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fresh Citrus Salad Dressing: Whisk together 1/2 cup light olive oil, 3 Tbsp. Greek seasoning, 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise.</span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Southern Living</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, MARCH 2007 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Baby Greens with Raspberry Vinaigrette</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 pound baby greens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 peach, skin removed and sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> ½ cup chopped pecans toasted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. thyme leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Raspberry Vinaigrette</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently. Pour Raspberry Vinaigrette over greens mixture just before serving; toss gently.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Raspberry Vinaigrette</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">½ cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¼ cup raspberry vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">½ tsp. grated orange rind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¼ tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1/8 tsp. pepper</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA89MomT5DDf5fsQxxQKt3pspW97d3J4iRdYOf8m5topI32Y6YiZCZNooawxjmi8lmh0jnCT8UAPDF2NMg1vu0L339IaL9BK8BYGrxHrPVsB0PBwaydA8HfdRbUxpnhViZ0E7Yi1LB4L1/s1600/Gail+Bell+blog+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA89MomT5DDf5fsQxxQKt3pspW97d3J4iRdYOf8m5topI32Y6YiZCZNooawxjmi8lmh0jnCT8UAPDF2NMg1vu0L339IaL9BK8BYGrxHrPVsB0PBwaydA8HfdRbUxpnhViZ0E7Yi1LB4L1/s640/Gail+Bell+blog+photo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Country Scones with Lemon Thyme</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. freshly grated lemon peel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 tsp. chopped lemon thyme leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2 ½ cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">½ tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">½ cup unsalted butter, chilled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¼ cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2/3 cup milk</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and mix well. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Stir in the sugar, lemon peel, and lemon thyme. Add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Shape into a ball. Knead the dough 10 to 12 times on a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 portions. Knead each half lightly into a ball. Roll into a 6-inch circle. Cut each circle into 6-8 wedges. Arrange the wedges slightly apart for crisp sides or touching fro soft sides on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 12minutes or until medium brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Serve with your choice of jams.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Strawberries with Balsamic and Basil</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2 lb. strawberries (about 4 cups) cleaned and halved</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2 tsp. balsamic vinegar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">8-10 medium fresh basil leaves</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">In a large bowl toss berries with sugar and vinegar. Let sit at room temperature until strawberries have released their juices, about 30 minutes. Just before serving, stack the basil leaves on a cutting board and toll them vertically into a loose cigar shape. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice across the roll to make a chiffonade of basil. Serve in individual pretty serving dishes.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>Lemon Basil Snaps</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">½ tsp. baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¼ tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1/3 cup chopped pistachio nuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¾ cup butter or margarine, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">¾ cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. grated lemon rind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 T. fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1/3 cup chopped fresh lemon basil or sweet basil</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">In a bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, mixing until combined. Add the lemon rind, lemon juice, and basil leaves. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and nuts in a small bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, beating until blended. Cover and chill 1 hour. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.</span>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-62032828797553497042010-06-29T11:57:00.000-04:002010-06-29T11:57:46.382-04:00PRETTY WITH A PURPOSE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLurIww0liqzHg2Pn5pzKgTjQinbHOoXGgnvhProbBIaUpfvr1jZnIN_Ww7Lc4tmshakUQbaxYK79ieNLXba0N1J0Pf20JJAetYyDvq-2_q0uHLGaqZP_RXXUMHtAp4s2ME6y0Ob4zi6ly/s1600/Unc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLurIww0liqzHg2Pn5pzKgTjQinbHOoXGgnvhProbBIaUpfvr1jZnIN_Ww7Lc4tmshakUQbaxYK79ieNLXba0N1J0Pf20JJAetYyDvq-2_q0uHLGaqZP_RXXUMHtAp4s2ME6y0Ob4zi6ly/s320/Unc1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In celebration of our favorite Shakesperian quotes capturing the spirit of a recent table design competition at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore, I asked my team how we could create an entire table using as many recyclable, reusable and “green” items and still make it inspiring and beautiful. It’s a totally over-the-top table – and as event designers we love the opportunity to get over-the-top creative -- but even just one smart idea could bring an eco-friendly element to a wedding or private dinner party. Pretty with a purpose, as I like to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBGReZXklM3ura2Ko1Ue13tast4GJv3ipMLKwZpX3Yapxp04DdJy5OuQJXdye7nkQK9DIDRiUM5DS1JRB0PABKzfPFgrI2wXoC4oV1TLX_Wrxu6XSTcR7_hAZBGb5qLHmr7imf2V0cfgf/s1600/Unc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBGReZXklM3ura2Ko1Ue13tast4GJv3ipMLKwZpX3Yapxp04DdJy5OuQJXdye7nkQK9DIDRiUM5DS1JRB0PABKzfPFgrI2wXoC4oV1TLX_Wrxu6XSTcR7_hAZBGb5qLHmr7imf2V0cfgf/s320/Unc2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The team’s top pick? <a href="http://www.placetile.com/">PlaceTile Designs'</a> reusable menu cards and place cards. We handwrote quotes from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to inspire the dinner guests while they dined amongst the canopied bowers (a salvaged umbrella frame) and banks of violets (reused from a massive floral arrangement for a previous event) mentioned throughout the play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-awQHtmnf1pMlwbfykcKJWSuprFglovi-T7oT_I9M-MsFqAq46SENfOiPJKRUcxxvyht5B_VxmuWp6rrIzey6SPTfw2XAhyphenhyphenNkluenS6483IrFAno2iY4wC7Vot0VerlcbT8D-s4hNcvJ/s1600/Unc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-awQHtmnf1pMlwbfykcKJWSuprFglovi-T7oT_I9M-MsFqAq46SENfOiPJKRUcxxvyht5B_VxmuWp6rrIzey6SPTfw2XAhyphenhyphenNkluenS6483IrFAno2iY4wC7Vot0VerlcbT8D-s4hNcvJ/s320/Unc5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I wanted the table to look “designed” but special and intimate at the same time so the guests who sat down could really feel like they were part of the experience. Displaying the quotes on Place Tile’s menu tiles not only tied the drama of the play together with the drama of the table, but they generated lively conversation amongst the diners.<br />
<br />
I would love to use these for a wedding and would choose sentiments that meant something special to the bride and groom or possibly an array of quotes about love, marriage, friendship and a rich future full of happiness. I want the guests who raise their glasses to toast the newlyweds to feel inspired, joyful and part of the wedding celebration.<br />
<br />
What better way to inspire guests than with a thought-provoking, romantic quote? What better catalyst to inspire eco-responsibility than chic, reusable elements that can generate ongoing inspiration for years to come? I love the combination of beauty, versatility, drama and impact that these smart menu cards allow. Again, pretty with a purpose.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
Jennifer Grove<br />
President<br />
<a href="http://www.skyblue-events.com/">Sky Blue Events</a><br />
-------<br />
<br />
Jennifer Grove, President of Sky Blue Events, is a highly regarded wedding and event planner known for her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail as well as her classic uptown personal style and lifestyle expertise.<br />
<br />
Sky Blue Events offers comprehensive planning services for producing delightful dinner parties and exceptional weddings as well as exquisite galas and smart corporate affairs. We invite you to learn more on the Sky Blue Events <a href="http://www.skyblue-events.com/">web site</a> or <a href="http://blog.skyblue-events.com/">blog</a> and to <a href="mailto:hello@skyblue-events.com">contact them</a> for your next special event.<br />
<div><br />
</div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-26546571036750580172010-06-14T11:48:00.000-04:002010-06-14T11:48:57.203-04:00Popcorn. Butter. Dried Rosemary. Pinot Noir<div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, gentle readers, that is the combination of food and wine showcased on one of Andrea Immer’s Simply Wine show on The Fine Living network. I never would have thought that this could work. But think about the herbal qualities of a Pinot. When reading reviews about Pinots, you always see “clean herbal notes”, “herbal flavors”, and “alluring herbal nuance”. Well, Andrea pairs these “alluring herbal nuances” with nothing more complicated than an herb laced popcorn. And does it work well. Here is her take on the popcorn (</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">She served</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the popcorn with a Sokol Blosser Pinot</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">:</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0pt;"><span style="color: #31435c; font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Herbed Popcorn</span></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/pairings_with_andrea/episode/0,2498,FINE_23436_47646,00.html"><span style="color: #245564; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pairings with Andrea : Episode FLPWA-213L</span></span></a></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yield: 6 Servings </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients: </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">6 cups air popped corn </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 stick melted butter </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">3 tablespoon chopped rosemary </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">salt </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Preparation: </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt 5pt 36pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.</span></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pop popcorn. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt 5pt 36pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.</span></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drizzle with melted butter and toss with rosemary and salt to taste.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">IN REGARDS TO PARTY PLANNING HERE IS A GOOD TIME SAVING TIP: What I like to do is place my appetizers around the “mingle area” so that my guests can try different “bites” as they talk to new or old friends. I also want them to know what they’re eating. I love to use a PlaceTile Designs message boards or MessageTile so I can give guests a brief description of the appetizers. It sure saves me from a lot of explaining and I can continue to work on the main course and the rest of the party. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Created by Guest Blogger</span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda Caminiti</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">4044081347</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out my blog at</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.satisfyingmycuriousity.blogspot.com/">www.satisfyingmycuriousity.blogspot.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvu_XAhiPfp7-ZjhTK9g34yCm4d9VWCa4BncSFvDUu3Mv-1gfNIupIz70FcnqX1zG-pof4HFtBb522Qml9mjsJBksY606jx_1KrKJ3qRdvwiUgba-ZGeqXVsE2Qv8ohjIgFjwweyl_8G8/s1600/P1000231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvu_XAhiPfp7-ZjhTK9g34yCm4d9VWCa4BncSFvDUu3Mv-1gfNIupIz70FcnqX1zG-pof4HFtBb522Qml9mjsJBksY606jx_1KrKJ3qRdvwiUgba-ZGeqXVsE2Qv8ohjIgFjwweyl_8G8/s640/P1000231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin: 5pt 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;">PlaceTile Designs is now offering single letter initials on their MessageTiles and Bottle Stoppers in either gold or silver. For a price quote, email or call them at </span></span><a href="mailto:info@placetile.com"><span style="color: #473624; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">info@placetile.com</span></u></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: medium;"> or 678-467-4776.</span></span></div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-39969785936903399752010-05-25T14:11:00.002-04:002010-05-25T14:17:37.608-04:00A Wedding With Wine Would Be FineA Wedding & Wine sounds like a fabulous idea! After serving Mint Julep’s or Side Cars at cocktail hour before heading into the reception, many guests would enjoy a nice glass of vino… especially with their dinner. But, what wine should you serve? what pairs well with your food? and what wine is within your budget??? Don’t panic. I have many suggestions for all of the above.<br />
<br />
Below you will see many wines at very reasonable prices and a few with higher price tags. All are good crowd pleasers.<br />
<br />
<b>BARGAIN GREATS!! (wines for less than $12)</b><br />
WHITE…<br />
<br />
$8.00, 2008 Concannon Sauvignon Blanc, $8.00, from Central Coast, CA—very refreshing with tastes of fresh-cut grass, jalapeno, lemon-lime with a peppery finish. A great with chicken and fish.<br />
<br />
$8.00, 2008 Delatour Chardonnay Cuvee Premier, France—this is a gold medal winner! This south of France hottie has got a lot of fruit.<br />
<br />
$12.99, 2008 DeLoach Chardonnay Heritage, CA--- with flavors of pear and apricot, you will enjoy its smooth, hint of vanilla notes and flavorful palate.<br />
<br />
RED…<br />
$9.99, 2008 Carmenet Pinot Noir Reserve, CA—nice fruit flavor with hints of spice and vanilla.<br />
<div><br />
$10.99, 2006 Monte Antico Sagiovese-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana, Italy—a big, bright blend with flavors of plum and dried cherry. This received 90 points by Wine Spectator.<br />
<br />
$10.99, 2007 L de Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma)—medium bodied blend with tastes of herb, tobacco, and cassis aromas. You may even taste a touch of coffee as well as soft fruit. A nice wine for a spectacular price!<br />
<br />
<b>STEPPING IT UP AT BIT!! ($40 or less)</b><br />
WHITE…<br />
<br />
$20, 2005 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Researve—a delicate fruit-forward wine with tastes of fig and green apple followed by a smooth, buttery finish.<br />
<br />
$30, 2006 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec, Loire Valley, France—your palate will dance with notes of pear and spice with this beautifully balanced wine.<br />
<br />
RED…<br />
$15, 2007 Terra d’Oro Amador County Zinfandel, ripe and luscious, but best without food which is unusual.<br />
<br />
$18, 2007 Cameron Hughes Lot 110 Carneros Pinot Noir, you may have to search for this one, but well worth it. This is a delicious fruit-forward Pinot. A lot of Cameron Hughes’s wine gets high marks at a decent price.</div><div><br />
$35, 2006 Ehret "bella's Blend" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—this is mellow and soft with a long finish. Tastes of berry.<br />
<br />
<b>A TOAST??? WHAT ABOUT PROSECCO OR CHAMPAGNE?</b>$10.99- 15.99, Italy, Any good prosecco will do as a nice toasting wine or as an opener.<br />
<br />
$25.99, Piper-Heidsieck Extra Dry NV, France<br />
<br />
<b>WINE &FOOD PAIRINGS CHEATSHEET</b>Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris~ Light white fish with a citrusy sauce or a salty appetizer<br />
<br />
Chardonnay~ Lobster or something rich with butter or a grilled lamb<br />
<br />
Pinot Noir~ Roast duckling, or flavorful game</div><div><br />
Zinfandel~ spicy foods with a touch of sweet like BBQ or spicy Latin-American dishes<br />
<br />
Cabernet Sauvignon~ Red meat<br />
<br />
Sources: <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/monthly/articles/2010_04">Food & Wine</a> (April 2010) and <a href="http://www.drinksmag.com/home.html">Drinks</a> (Spring 2010) Magazines.<br />
<br />
Also <a href="http://www.snooth.com/">www.snooth.com</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7p9kjKn2pNnEFwUMgmAf5FjmFlNqoy8PnjnWgg-0CLZytp6bM5LQw0X3xkJgcLxR4K1nO8T3fF9pP92hrDagbYd6052yNxYSxK7rxYwftIVoq9MO3DeETtjrnuzneJN-QAtNOnvF1jLa/s1600/bottle+stoppers+low+res%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7p9kjKn2pNnEFwUMgmAf5FjmFlNqoy8PnjnWgg-0CLZytp6bM5LQw0X3xkJgcLxR4K1nO8T3fF9pP92hrDagbYd6052yNxYSxK7rxYwftIVoq9MO3DeETtjrnuzneJN-QAtNOnvF1jLa/s400/bottle+stoppers+low+res%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Featuring this month, our <a href="http://placetile.com/bottlestoppers.html">ceramic-topped bottle stopper</a>, which works as a place card and party favor in one! Lay it on its side to work as a place card (use a Sharpie to write the name of your guest—removes with Windex). Then the guest can take it home and use it to stop their wines, oils, vinegars, or label foods. It is a fun and interesting way to solve two issues.</div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-91696797435055938422010-04-29T10:39:00.001-04:002010-04-29T10:41:42.232-04:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFSVj30vguHKJmHwxXjHIjvRbcA6oeTcPEFT_dN2NyFKllrTpNeZ4D0V1Gapjhbd9oJXi_RZMhZz_DtH2cWR291eTERe35675AQTE2uE6peGX0fQRHPPZnkxfpUeGmQKuW4mqWNHfPfUL/s1600/P1000180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFSVj30vguHKJmHwxXjHIjvRbcA6oeTcPEFT_dN2NyFKllrTpNeZ4D0V1Gapjhbd9oJXi_RZMhZz_DtH2cWR291eTERe35675AQTE2uE6peGX0fQRHPPZnkxfpUeGmQKuW4mqWNHfPfUL/s320/P1000180.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
Regina Namlick of Take Me Home, one of our fine retailers says this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2ORFwJV7NY6dSzNXjtRFivFBGzwcyG0joqzbPtd6cZyPx4Lq2DT8CyRrcI2ywKFnO_syHyGBFDoaxTwZ9zlu68KP-Aej7iOiNz_8ts7sNO8MWyUcnRXoQkAj_P9QUzlPzNQoOmMqOZpq/s1600/Take+Me+Home+shop+4.20.10+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2ORFwJV7NY6dSzNXjtRFivFBGzwcyG0joqzbPtd6cZyPx4Lq2DT8CyRrcI2ywKFnO_syHyGBFDoaxTwZ9zlu68KP-Aej7iOiNz_8ts7sNO8MWyUcnRXoQkAj_P9QUzlPzNQoOmMqOZpq/s400/Take+Me+Home+shop+4.20.10+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A mothers treasure is her family. Celebrate your mother on her special day with a <a href="http://www.placetile.com/messagetiles.html">MessageTile</a> 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!!!<br />
<br />
Take Me Home<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=take+me+home+st+michaels+md&fb=1&gl=us&hq=take+me+home&hnear=st+michaels+md&hl=en&view=map&cid=4551941506546910276&iwloc=A&ved=0CBcQpQY&sa=X&ei=_pjZS9eiF5_4ygSJjbm5Dg">216 C South Talbot St.</a><br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=take+me+home+st+michaels+md&fb=1&gl=us&hq=take+me+home&hnear=st+michaels+md&hl=en&view=map&cid=4551941506546910276&iwloc=A&ved=0CBcQpQY&sa=X&ei=_pjZS9eiF5_4ygSJjbm5Dg"> St. Michaels, MD 21663</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And Natalie Hammer Noblitt, wrote about Many Types of Mothers<br />
<br />
While there are 80 million mothers in the United States, I would count<br />
that number as much higher. I saw this number reported on a recent<br />
list of Mother’s Day facts by online magazine Gift & Home Interactive<br />
(<a href="http://www.giftandhomeinteractive.com/">www.giftandhomeinteractive.com</a>). The story also said the number of<br />
women who have actually given birth has dropped from 90% to 80% since<br />
1976. It seems to me that while the percentage of traditional mothers<br />
may have dropped for a variety of reasons, our culture has embraced<br />
Mother’s Day to include even more women. That is a great thing! Two<br />
years ago I became a mom, and I started rethinking what it means to be<br />
one. I have expanded my gift-giving list for Mother’s Day. I am lucky<br />
to have a fantastic mother, sister and mother-in-law who I always send<br />
a note and gift. But now I include women in my life who do not have<br />
children or stepchildren. These women are special to me and I wanted a<br />
way to honor them for dispensing love and friendship like a good<br />
mother would. Mothers are a special breed for sure, but I like the<br />
idea of making this holiday an inclusive celebration of all women who<br />
are caretakers. Who are the special women in your life? Will you take<br />
time to honor them this year with a simple note or gesture? I hope so.<br />
<br />
Natalie Hammer Noblitt<br />
Freelance Writer, Marketing & PR<br />
Just Your Type Media<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=140+S.+Calumet+Ave.Aurora,+IL+60506&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=140+S+Calumet+Ave,+Aurora,+IL+60506&gl=us&ei=_pnZS-LFBoH68AadnZ1V&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQ8gEwAA">140 S. Calumet Ave.<br />
Aurora, IL 60506</a><br />
(630) 566-9828<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:natalienoblitt@gmail.com">natalienoblitt@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/justyourtypemedia">www.facebook.com/justyourtypemedia</a><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/justurtypemedia">www.twitter.com/justurtypemedia</a><br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/profiles/112270815527290764453">www.google.com/profiles/112270815527290764453</a>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-36381647364805919802010-04-15T12:48:00.002-04:002010-04-15T12:51:08.551-04:00PlaceTile Designs Derby Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9xuOxI3HbOOMPhwoFtR_0Q6_JQ1Mc3lbJQcOG8T9u6Fiq9kGHmmhB6upAq2c5aBbY9Eqy0ftY9GILzoeKVqdtfnhrf2UG5HQfvY8ir_4Nbk744pSeL3Ot9NMiw09aoIS9o7Wpe9sAjHO/s1600/horsemtbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9xuOxI3HbOOMPhwoFtR_0Q6_JQ1Mc3lbJQcOG8T9u6Fiq9kGHmmhB6upAq2c5aBbY9Eqy0ftY9GILzoeKVqdtfnhrf2UG5HQfvY8ir_4Nbk744pSeL3Ot9NMiw09aoIS9o7Wpe9sAjHO/s320/horsemtbg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/"> the Grand National, Hunt Cup</a>, and<a href="http://www.vagoldcup.com/"> Gold Cup</a> to the world famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing">Triple Crown</a>, 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 <a href="http://www.kentuckyderby.com/">Kentucky Derby</a> Menu! Set up your tail gate in style with our <a href="http://www.placetile.com/messagetiles.html">Horse MessageTile</a> and <a href="http://www.placetile.com/placetiles.html">PlaceTile</a><br />
<div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Mint Juleps </b><br />
(8 servings)<br />
<br />
2 c. Granulated Sugar<br />
2 c. Water<br />
1/2 c. tightly packed mint leaves, chopped<br />
32 oz Kentucky Bourbon <br />
8 ea. Mint sprigs (garnish)<br />
<br />
Procedure: <br />
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. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Benedictine Finger Sandwiches </b><br />
(10-12 servings)<br />
<br />
8oz Philly Cream Cheese, room temp<br />
1 tbsp Mayonnaise<br />
3 tbsp Cucumber, grated and drained by squeezing juice out with towel<br />
1 tbsp green onions, chopped<br />
1 tsp tabasco<br />
1 drop green food coloring<br />
1/4 loaf white bread (preferably fresh baked)<br />
<br />
Procedure:<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kentucky Burgoo</b> <br />
(serves 10-12)<br />
<br />
1 3-4 lb. Chicken, quartered<br />
1 1/2 lbs. Small Cubed Beef Chuck<br />
5 tbsp Vegetable oil <br />
3 c. Chicken Stock<br />
2 c. Beef Stock <br />
2 c. Water<br />
1 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper<br />
1/2 tbsp Cayenne Pepper<br />
24 oz Tomato Puree<br />
12ea small Fingerling or white Potatoes (whole)<br />
2 c. Onion, Diced<br />
4 c. Green Cabbage, finely Shredded <br />
45 oz. canned diced tomatoes<br />
5 ea. white corn, off the cobb<br />
1 lb carrots, sliced into coins<br />
1 c. fresh okra, sliced into coins<br />
1 c. fresh Lima beans<br />
2 green peppers, small dice<br />
1/3 c. Worcestershire Sauce<br />
Salt To Taste<br />
<br />
Procedure:<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Pie</b> <br />
(serves 10)<br />
<br />
1/2 c. All Purpose Flour <br />
1 c. Granulate Sugar<br />
2 eggs, beaten<br />
1/2 c. Melted Butter<br />
2 tbsp Bourbon<br />
1 c. Walnuts, Chopped<br />
1 1/4 c. semi sweet Chocolate Chips <br />
1 tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
1 pinch Salt<br />
1 ready-made Pie Crust<br />
<br />
<br />
Procedure:<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Recipes courtesy of Chef Christopher Paternotte<br />
<br />
</div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-19645669613782660322010-03-27T13:49:00.002-04:002010-03-27T13:50:44.607-04:00Easter Basket to Easter Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">While I was acting as the Easter Bunny and doing the shopping for my kids Easter baskets at Target, it struck me, that I could re-use ALL of the "junk" I was buying to set the table for our Easter brunch. Suddenly, the "junk" became a treasure and buying all the Easter themed goodies didn't seem such a short lived waste. For under $75 I got 2 baskets full of goodies and EVERYTHING I would need to set my table. Here's what it will look like next Sunday morning:</span></span><br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_CJ34CY0bzVX0_PwujP1JdAJBVdAcWCXaGb_yoTW-vK_AzSvBBuO47CLaYlhlGM7zaT4HebTGOAp3a_Xft1EJdP3AIfUdoiPq3qo7MzkOaE6tbURF0FMXUtNi7KpZVik7K1vG-LuS0Fn/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_CJ34CY0bzVX0_PwujP1JdAJBVdAcWCXaGb_yoTW-vK_AzSvBBuO47CLaYlhlGM7zaT4HebTGOAp3a_Xft1EJdP3AIfUdoiPq3qo7MzkOaE6tbURF0FMXUtNi7KpZVik7K1vG-LuS0Fn/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the purchases I made at Target, I used my<a href="http://www.placetile.com/onsale.html"> Easter egg PlaceTiles</a> and my <a href="http://www.placetile.com/placetiles.html">beaded round PlaceTiles</a>, my china and silver, and some daffodils that were growing in my neighborhood. I filled the basket with the bags from target and covered those with Easter basket grass. Then I filled it in with plastic eggs and easter candy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the remainder of the Easter grass as a placemat for the China, to nest under my PlaceTiles, and to decorate my egg and jelly bean displays at the corners of each table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeEQcpzr4vDEFxlANxON933t1DhNB6vugMnSt9TdjZuXcagXi6-dmTodfio-gIJYf27rSpa8ntPS39hHxcsFwDcvCoJ4GVu65loht8P8tEJbzCXq2PJwRVvVCGk6iOBpfOLplZn9tkxfW/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeEQcpzr4vDEFxlANxON933t1DhNB6vugMnSt9TdjZuXcagXi6-dmTodfio-gIJYf27rSpa8ntPS39hHxcsFwDcvCoJ4GVu65loht8P8tEJbzCXq2PJwRVvVCGk6iOBpfOLplZn9tkxfW/s200/DSC_0022.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The vase PlaceTiles were filled with daffodils, and I set up the candy and toys around the basket in the center of the table. I also used the chocolate bunnies as additional decor at opposite corners of the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAxn-AvT_poDCCHPQ2z_scrkGg9vPsAzG-RaLoGCIT0n0UnXdzWXIeDf4coGAvxmAtNCnpM12-OV940PF6bfqKLuvG99bowQK12gn8ZZwv9z-T5LhMpJjdQ87JzNN10QVc39Kt1_XXaxu/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAxn-AvT_poDCCHPQ2z_scrkGg9vPsAzG-RaLoGCIT0n0UnXdzWXIeDf4coGAvxmAtNCnpM12-OV940PF6bfqKLuvG99bowQK12gn8ZZwv9z-T5LhMpJjdQ87JzNN10QVc39Kt1_XXaxu/s200/DSC_0034.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I set it all up, took the pictures and tore it all down in under an hour, which is good news since I won't be able to set the real Easter brunch table until after my kids find their Easter baskets that morning. The added bonus of using their Easter loot, is that hopefully my guests will help eat the candy because, Lord knows my kids don't need any more suger in their diet!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a guest post by Molly White, an avid fan of PlaceTile Designs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-52452141991661315652010-03-22T14:33:00.001-04:002010-03-22T14:35:40.528-04:00Passover Celebration<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmClRe131KIIOW16bOoTs6n6dF8IQNgcglwh-_94paGmCBpYcBYqE476h1D2gToBVmKOHxywMd0L-umB1E9lCMB24Xwbsn6J5lmE0j5K867jP60F1J-6xSEkV6EYhRS4aQNx0E3AWEVvG/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-03-22+at+2.25.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmClRe131KIIOW16bOoTs6n6dF8IQNgcglwh-_94paGmCBpYcBYqE476h1D2gToBVmKOHxywMd0L-umB1E9lCMB24Xwbsn6J5lmE0j5K867jP60F1J-6xSEkV6EYhRS4aQNx0E3AWEVvG/s200/Screen+shot+2010-03-22+at+2.25.15+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">each family has it's own traditions for the Seder meal at Passover; Aunt Betty's 3 layer kugel, Cousin Lisa's special matzo ball soup stuffed with chicken fat fried onions, Mom's mandel breit, the list goes on. This year why not start a new tradition and try some of the fabulous recipes we found across the 'net. Each link has a full menu of ideas to chose from and we even found an online Kosher wine shop! To set the perfect table, use our <a href="http://www.placetile.com/vineyard.html">PlaceTile Designs Vineyard Collection</a>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.koshercooking.com/recipes/passover/">KosherCooking.com</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Holidays-and-Events/Passover/Main.aspx">AllRecipes.com</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community/food/recipes&id=7343374">ABC News</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipesmenus/holidays/passover/recipes">Gourmet and Bon Appetit</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/passover/index.html">The Food Network</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/multicultural-seder-00400000001770/">Cooking Light</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/pavlovas-recipes-00400000067010/">Cooking Light Pavlovas</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/passover-reformed">Food and Wine</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://onlinekosherwine.com/">Kosher Wine Online</a></div></span></span></span>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-52631980690795455812010-03-04T13:50:00.001-05:002010-03-04T13:55:05.587-05:00Tuna AvaTar-Tar, The Blind Sliders, and District 9 Layer Dip; Eat Up The Oscars!The Oscars are one of our 3 favorite TV events of the year. There's the Super Bowl, (we admit, it's the commercials we love even more than the game), the 24 hours of A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out), and the Oscars. From the fashions that the stars wear to the movies themselves, the Oscars are a tv spectacle to behold. Plus we love placing bets on how long the show will run.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Hosting a party to celebrate the Oscars makes watching them even more fun. This year with the help of Chef Paternotte, we came up with a fantastically fun way to make the most out of the nominees for Best Picture at an Oscar party....we let the movies inspire our menu! </div><div><br />
</div><div>From The Hurt Lockertini to the Tuna AvaTar-Tar, each drink and dish will remind you of the movies in the running for the 2010 Academy Award for Best Picture! You can write the names of the dishes and drinks on an assortment of our <a href="http://www.placetile.com/placetiles.html">PlaceTiles</a> for the finishing touch. Enjoy our menu and see if you can think of any on your own!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>An Evening with Oscar</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Hurt Lockertini</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jameson and Baileys chilled, shaken and poured up and finished with Guinness</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Juliatini</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stoli Orange, Cointreau and cranberry, shaken and served up then splashed with champagne and garnished with candied orange peel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTV7tVwSKDZ3MTYfg6SV3CEUxMUypgo52zAvaN60ojcqO7i-rxbwBno2bvc4I9jMOHaBybAmD_h7EMP1qpbePmt5Mh0NCFsZrOfwh2huXJFNQhqsmtNktWS_xlLIC1OEuDbatBCnfdFex/s1600-h/district+9+fleur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTV7tVwSKDZ3MTYfg6SV3CEUxMUypgo52zAvaN60ojcqO7i-rxbwBno2bvc4I9jMOHaBybAmD_h7EMP1qpbePmt5Mh0NCFsZrOfwh2huXJFNQhqsmtNktWS_xlLIC1OEuDbatBCnfdFex/s320/district+9+fleur.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">smashed black beans, ground beef, roasted tomato, guacamole, red peppers, creme fraiche, cheddar cheese, green onions and crushed blue tortilla chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogoHPR__4MaeTemPk1IJsVyW1Sa-TVaFiwe83cO_nAnYyntjqkWs3KNZ_LEihNoNYGze8BO9tvIutvkWmoJD-A5oqpsB1thlKU9rY6Gak-hcQdwrV7zH_Eqxmvf3aJSsu0UTfmvRvLKA-/s1600-h/blind+slider+dot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogoHPR__4MaeTemPk1IJsVyW1Sa-TVaFiwe83cO_nAnYyntjqkWs3KNZ_LEihNoNYGze8BO9tvIutvkWmoJD-A5oqpsB1thlKU9rY6Gak-hcQdwrV7zH_Eqxmvf3aJSsu0UTfmvRvLKA-/s320/blind+slider+dot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
pulled pork shoulder, sesame slaw and jalapeno creme fraiche on tiny potato roll ground beef, balsamic onions, grafton cheddar and avocado on tiny potato roll roasted chicken, apple, and walnut salad with roquefort blue cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF8alEhYLtvSxUSdjCk7-jCG3B6dSzRvSXX1cBg64FQhr7Mdj2cKWH8H1CfXfloxVIEQppy20Aq6UGUHq-lhFbHITWyWlMaK_vOU4shFwt-dhyZAYqxIsiH_Tpk1BpYHe0iMfBpx5Duku/s1600-h/tar+tar+plat+check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF8alEhYLtvSxUSdjCk7-jCG3B6dSzRvSXX1cBg64FQhr7Mdj2cKWH8H1CfXfloxVIEQppy20Aq6UGUHq-lhFbHITWyWlMaK_vOU4shFwt-dhyZAYqxIsiH_Tpk1BpYHe0iMfBpx5Duku/s320/tar+tar+plat+check.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">tuna tartare, spicy sweet soy sauce, green onions, on wonton chips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<b>Recipes & Procedures</b><br />
(all recipes serve 10 people, drinks are per serving)<br />
<br />
<b>The Hurt Lockertini:</b><br />
2 oz Jameson<br />
1 oz baileys irish cream<br />
3 oz guinness<br />
<br />
In a shaker pour jameson and baileys over ice shaking vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass and top off with Guinness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Juliatini</b><br />
2oz Stoli Orange<br />
1 oz cointreau (Gran Marnier works well too)<br />
1 oz cranberry juice<br />
2oz champagne<br />
<br />
In a shaker with ice, pour Stoli, Cointreau, and cranberry together and shake for 10 seconds. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass, and top off with your favorite champagne.<br />
<br />
For the candied orange peel, slice peel off an orange and cut into three inch strips. Boil the strips three times in new water each time. Remove from the water the last time and put in a small saute pan with 6 tbsps sugar and one tbsp water. On medium heat stir together, coating the orange peels and allowing the sugar to melt. do not let any color develop, you want to leave the liquid clear. Be careful not to touch peels with your bare hands, it can be harmful. Remove from the pot and immediately toss in a bowl of 1 cup of sugar to coat the peels. Allow to cool in the sugar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>District 9 Layer Dip:</b><br />
1 Can Black Beans<br />
1 large onion<br />
1/2 bunch cilantro<br />
1 beer (negro modelo preferred)<br />
1 lb ground Beef<br />
3 tbsp chili powder<br />
1 tbsp cayenne pepper<br />
2 tbsp cumin<br />
5 vine ripe tomatoes<br />
3 avocados<br />
2 limes<br />
4 red peppers<br />
2 cups creme fraiche (or sour cream)<br />
1 bunch green onions<br />
2 cups blue corn chips, crushed<br />
8 oz grafton cheddar (4 month old)<br />
<br />
Procedure:<br />
Dice onion and saute half of it until tender and slightly translucent. Briefly drain then add the can of black beans to the onions. Chop the 1/2 bunch of cilantro and sprinkle two tablespoons into the beans and onions. Add the beer and simmer beans for 10 minutes and when most liquid is absorbed, mash the beans into a mash potato consistency. Spread evenly on the bottom of a 9x9 (pyrex) dish as the first layer.<br />
<br />
Saute ground beef in olive oil with the other half of the onion. Add the chili powder, cayenne pepper and cumin and saute for 3-5 minutes. Stir and make sure that seasonings are evenly distributed. remove from the pan and spread evenly over the bean layer.<br />
<br />
Cut tomatoes (see red peppers below) into quarters, place them on a foil covered cookie sheet, toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in a 450 degree oven for 1 hour. Remove and layer on top of beef in the pan.<br />
<br />
Peel and remove pits from the avocado. Smash up with the juice from 2 limes, salt and pepper. spread on top of tomato layer.<br />
<br />
Roast peppers in the same oven as the tomatoes (450 degrees). Place whole peppers tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper on a foil covered sheet tray and roast until the skin is blackened and blistered. Remove and allow to cool. Peel and deseed the peppers. Lay the large pieces of roasted pepper on top of the avocado layer.<br />
<br />
Spread two cups of creme fraiche or sour cream on pepper layer.<br />
<br />
Slice all green onions into tiny coins and sprinkle on top of cream fraiche/sour cream.<br />
<br />
Crush the blue corn chips into small pieces.and spread evenly over the last layer. Shred the cheddar cheese and sprinkle on top of tortilla chips. Place whole dish in a 450 degree oven and bake until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Blind Sliders:</b><br />
<b><i>Pork Sliders:</i></b><br />
15 Mini Potato Rolls (parker house rolls are great as well)<br />
2 lbs. pork shoulder, cut into 3 large pieces<br />
2 onions, quartered<br />
1 head garlic, sliced in half crosswise in husk<br />
2 inches ginger, cut in half (if washed well, no need to peel)<br />
1 stalk of celery, chopped (no leaves)<br />
2 cups sake<br />
4 cups vegetable stock or water<br />
<br />
For the Slaw:<br />
2 cups napa cabbage, shredded<br />
4 green onions<br />
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped<br />
4 oz sesame seeds, toasted<br />
2 tbsp sesame oil<br />
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar<br />
2 oz sweet soy sauce (ABC sweet soy)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the sauce:<br />
1 cup creme fraiche or sour cream<br />
2 jalapenos, roasted and deseeded<br />
1 lime, juiced<br />
<br />
In a large and deep oven proof skillet, brown the salt and peppered pork shoulder on all sides in 5 tbsp of vegetable oil over a medium high flame. Remove from the pan, keeping the fat in the pan, add in the onion, garlic and stalk of celery. Saute for 3-4 minutes over medium high heat and reintroduce the pork. Immediately add the sake and stock (or water). Cover and place in a 375 degree oven for 2 1/2 - 3 hours, depending on the oven because baking ovens, opposed to convection, may take longer. To check doneness you should be able to pull apart with a fork. When finished, remove the meat and vegetables, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve and return to a small sauce pan and reduce the liquid to 3 cups, the sauce should be thickened enough to gently coat the spoon. Let the liquid rest so the fat rises to the top, then skim off with a spoon or In the meantime, shred the pork using you hands or if its still too hot, forks work well. Remove the sauce from the heat and toss together with the pork. Season with some extra salt and pepper if needed.<br />
<br />
For the Slaw: Thinly slice or julianne the cabbage, slice the green onions into thin rounds, and chop the cilantro. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry saute pan, tossing frequently until golden brown and set aside. Mix together the vinegar, oil, sesames and soy pouring over the cabbage, green onions and cilantro. Let marinate for a hour in the refrigerator, over night will be fine as well if you want to prepare ahead of time.<br />
<br />
For the sauce: In a food processor combine the creme fraiche, roasted jalapeno (roast whole for 10 minutes in a 450 degree oven, then deseed) and lime juice. Pulse until the the mixture is smooth, do not over mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
To assemble the sliders, place the warm pork on a bun, and top with the cole slaw.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Beef Sliders</i></b><br />
10 Mini potato rolls or parker house rolls<br />
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)<br />
1 1/2 large sweet onions, julianned<br />
4 oz balsamic vinegar<br />
1/2 lb Grafton Cheddar, sliced<br />
2 avocados<br />
<br />
Form the ground beef into 3 ounce patties, making sure not to over work the meat. In a large saute pan on medium high heat add 3 ounces of butter and the julianned onions. The onions should be mounded up in the pan. Let the bottom layer brown before stirring or flipping the onions. continue to toss the onions every few minutes making sure not to burn them. The bottom of the pan should begin to brown, the deeper brown the better. Once the onions are browned and very soft, and volume is reduced by half, add the balsamic to deglaze the pan. Toss throughly making sure to glaze the onions well with the balsamic and set aside. <br />
<br />
Remove the avocado from the skin by slicing lengthwise cutting down to the pit. Spin the top side off while holding the bottom in you hand. To remove pit, stick the blade of a chefs knife into the pit as if to chop it. The blade will stick into the pit, twist and it pops right out. With a spoon, scoop the flesh from the skin and cut into small slices.<br />
<br />
Grill the burgers on a very hot grill for 2 minutes on each side for a medium burger. as soon as you flip the burger, add the cheese. Stack the onions and avocado on top and place on the buns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Chicken Salad Slider:</i></b><br />
10 mini potato buns or parker house rolls<br />
1 whole chicken, roasted <br />
2 lemons<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
4 tbsp thyme, chopped<br />
4 tbsp parsley, chopped<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
1/2 cup mayonnaise<br />
1/2 onion, small dice<br />
1 cup walnuts, chopped<br />
1 granny smith apple, sliced into thin wedges<br />
5 oz Roquefort Cheese<br />
<br />
Buying a rotisserie chicken is perfectly acceptable, however it is always more fun to roast yourself, and it tastes better! To roast the chicken preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
Using the oil, half of the chopped herbs, salt and pepper generously rub the chicken inside and out. Halve one lemon and stick it inside the cavity. place chicken in an oven proof pan and roast for 2 hours. The Skin should be dark and crispy and the meat falling off the bone.<br />
<br />
Remove chicken and peel off the skin and finely chop about half of it (use the crispy parts). Pull all the meat off the bone, being sure to get the meat from the back, there is a lot of meat there. Place both into a bowl, add the small dice of onion, rest of the herbs, mayonnaise, the juice of the other lemon and walnuts. Mix together and taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
To assemble, spoon the chicken salad on the buns, top with two slices of the apple, and a small slice of the roquefort cheese.<br />
<br />
**You can skewer all of the sliders with cocktail picks to hold together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>AvaTar-Tar</b><br />
1/12 lbs raw sushi grade yellow fin tuna<br />
2 oz siracha sauce (asian hot sauce, clear bottle with green top)<br />
3 oz ABC sweet sot sauce<br />
2 oz sesame oil<br />
3 green onions, thinly sliced into little coins<br />
3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds<br />
1 package of wonton wrappers<br />
<br />
Finely dice the tuna removing any silver skin if prevalent (white material holding the layers of muscle together). Mix the other ingredients together and toss with the tuna. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
In a small pot, heat about 1 to 2 cups of vegetable oil. heat over medium heat and drop in the wonton wrappers one at a time. Remove with a slotted spoon when they stop bubbling. Drain on paper towels and season with salt while still hot.<br />
<br />
To serve, spoon the tuna onto the wontons, to make more bite sized pieces, break the wontons up.<br />
<br />
<br />
**Note:<br />
For the correct soy sauce (Kecap Manis ABC Sweet Soy, medium) and Sriracha Sauce (Huy Fong Foods) goto an Asian Foods market near you, you can find it online at <a href="http://www.efooddepot.com/">efooddepot.com</a></div><div><br />
<br />
</div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-33149554638925298302010-02-23T18:16:00.000-05:002010-02-23T18:16:58.017-05:00Pet LoveIf you're anything like all of us, you heart your pets. Some people we know (who shall remain nameless) post more pics of their pets on facebook than they do of their children. While other people we know, consider their pet to be their child. It's hard not to love those wet noses and adoring eyes, we swear they even smile!<br />
<br />
The only downer to loving your pet that much is that many places aren't pet friendly. Not all of us can work in places where you can bring your pet to work. And finding pet friendly hotels while on vacation is like finding a needle in a haystack...in other words: GOOD LUCK!!! At the end of the day, you simply can't take your pet everywhere you go. Lucky for us pet lovers, some enterprising person years ago invented the job of pet sitter. A good pet sitter is as valuable a commodity as gold if you ask us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And like children, our pets come with a laundry list of needs, wants and vital info. Fido likes wet food not dry food, and he must be walked before bedtime. Fluffy needs her litter box emptied daily & Nemo needs his tank cleaned once a week. This is important info that should be readily visible to the petsitter and PlaceTile Designs has the perfect solution.....behold the <a href="http://www.placetile.com/onsale.html"> PetSitter MessageTile</a>, an erasable ceramic tile, that's just the right size to scrawl all of your pet's info. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCWxgPLtm0FMgadPKHAN0fKrtaVL4G8YEQ1aKPeQfE5WvUdyXFoxDdjX3iO5gUzI-FgRRj4tXzC0EyHfdTkAmUIOMYBbIRL0QJ7TIlLQ5fe-w-1EwqY8lOAijAAsmtHgPppt8EAV-ONRl/s1600-h/petbig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCWxgPLtm0FMgadPKHAN0fKrtaVL4G8YEQ1aKPeQfE5WvUdyXFoxDdjX3iO5gUzI-FgRRj4tXzC0EyHfdTkAmUIOMYBbIRL0QJ7TIlLQ5fe-w-1EwqY8lOAijAAsmtHgPppt8EAV-ONRl/s320/petbig.jpg" /></a></div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-55193589192905151522010-02-12T13:47:00.000-05:002010-02-12T13:47:19.678-05:00No Reservations Needed, Valentine's Day Dinner for Two at Home<div style="font-family: inherit;">Booking a reservation for 2 at your favorite romantic restaurant on Valentine's Day is sometimes more challenging than scaling Mt. Everest. Suddenly the booth in the corner that you can always get at the last minute, is booked all night and if you are lucky enough to get a table, you'll end up sharing your romantic dinner with a restaurant FULL of other couples, which isn't so romantic.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of going out, stay home, and make a romantic, gourmet meal for two. Set up a little bistro table by the fireplace and enjoy the company of your special someone. Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, so you can spend the day preparing the meal and then once you're finished you can let the dishes wait until the morning!</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfp-4iortPpsgpTdYPGmbd39ZRk7J2laWHF_LcZvaSCYgl9AnKeckfQXmsTF96JonmDkDnOw2ucThb-HagCXG6WbmzvimwbeJNrSRfy7zNWADDbFdHfOLidA747x17kE5EmlVcIQWrcqa/s1600-h/BeadedVaseMessageTile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfp-4iortPpsgpTdYPGmbd39ZRk7J2laWHF_LcZvaSCYgl9AnKeckfQXmsTF96JonmDkDnOw2ucThb-HagCXG6WbmzvimwbeJNrSRfy7zNWADDbFdHfOLidA747x17kE5EmlVcIQWrcqa/s320/BeadedVaseMessageTile.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">To top off the special evening, pick up a <a href="http://www.placetile.com/timeless.html#">PlaceTile Designs beaded vase</a> , fill it with fresh flowers, and write a love letter to your sweetheart, right on the vase!</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Chef Paternotte has created a Valentine's Day dinner menu that is sure to knock the socks off your special someone. Trust us, if you take the time to make this mouth watering meal, your sweetheart will truly be yours forever!</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><meta charset="utf-8" id="webkit-interchange-charset"></meta><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">First Course: Oyster Stew</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">You will need: a 3 quart sauce pan</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 Shallots</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 Leek</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 Cloves Garlic</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1/2 Head Fennel, Chopped </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1/4 cup Pernod (French Licorice Flavored Liqueur)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 1/2 Cups Fish Stock (or Water)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 Cup heavy Cream</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 3 Sprigs Italian Parsley</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 8-10 Freshly Shucked Oysters</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• Juice from oysters</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 Tsp Chives</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Procedure:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Soup: Peel Shallots, trim all dark green from leek and rinse very well, trim stalks off of fennel (reserve a couple small choice fennel tops for garnish), and peel garlic. Chop all vegetables into a small dice and saute in butter. Keep heat on low and do not brown. Once tender add Pernod, parsley (whole) and fish stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Return to heat and add strained oyster juice. Remove parsley sprigs and using a hand blender (if none available, use Cuisenart) blend soup until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and return to pot. Minutes before serving add oysters and lightly simmer, when edges of oyster curl, they are ready, do not over cook the oysters.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">To Serve: Spoon soup into hot bowls with desired amount (4-5) of oysters, and garnish with chopped chives and a fennel top. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Second Course: Rack of Lamb</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">You will need: either a Kitchen Aid or Beaters, Sharp Knife, Grill</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 Four bone cuts from rack of Lamb</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Marinade:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 Cups White Wine</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 4 tbsp dijon mustard</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1/2 cup Olive oil</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 sprig fresh rosemary</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 sprig fresh oregano</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 tsp black pepper</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 tsp kosher salt</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">The sides:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 4 LargeYukon Gold Potatoes</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 2 cups Heavy cream</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 4 tbsp unsalted butter</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 1 ounce White Truffle Oil</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• 8 spears Asparagus</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">• Olive Oil</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Procedure:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">With a sharp knife, split your lamb into 4 two bone racks or double chops.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Day before Marinade: In a food processor, combine the wine, mustard, rosemary, oregano, salt and pepper. Blend until combined. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This should create an emulsification, or harmonious mixture. Place lamb in a container that barely fits the size of the lamb and pour the marinade over. Let rest in refrigerator over night in the marinade.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Potatoes: Peel and leave whole and place in a pot with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender. Drain water and allow potatoes to steam off for a few minutes (do not let them get cold). If you have a Kitchen Aid with a whisk attachment this is the best, but beaters will work just fine. Place potatoes in bowl and beat to break them up. Meanwhile heat the cream and butter together, do not boil. As the potatoes are mixing, add the cream and butter and whip for a minute. Drizzle in truffle oil. DO NOT over mix or they will be wallpaper paste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep warm until ready to serve.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Lamb: Remove form marinade and lightly shake off. Place on a hot grill and sear each side for 2 minuted each for a medium rare. There will be some flame up so keep an eye on the lamb while grilling.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Asparagus: Trim bottom 2 inches and discard, toss top portions in the olive oil and grill for about 5 minutes.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Serve two double chops per a person, resting them over truffle mash. Prop asparagus against chops and enjoy!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Third Course Dessert: Chocolate Ganache Tart</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">You will need: a Cuisenart mixer, 12” tart pan (removable bottom preferred), foil, 2 quart heavy bottom pot</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Crust:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 1/4 sticks Unsalted Butter (room temp)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">3/4 cup Powdered Sugar</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/3 cup Finley ground Almonds</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">pinch of salt</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 tsp Vanilla extract</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 XL egg (lightly beaten)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 3/4 cups flour</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Filling:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 1/4 heavy cream</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">12oz Bittersweet Chocolate (chopped)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/4 cup dark rum</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Caramel Sauce:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 cups sugar</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup water</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 tablespoon lemon juice</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">4 tbsp Unsalted butter (small pieces)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 heavy cream</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/3 cup rum</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup heavy cream, whipped, for garnish</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Procedure:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Crust: place butter and sugar in a Cuisenart with the metal blade and beat until fluffy (5 min). Add in almonds, salt , vanilla and egg and pulse a few times. Add in flour and mix until a ball forms. Do not over mix dough, scrape down bowl and make sure all ingredients are incorporated. Remove and pat into a disc, dust with flour and wrap with plastic and refrigerate for an hour (overnight is fine too). Dust table with flour and roll out into 15” circle to cover a 12” tart pan. Gently pat into the pan and prick surface with a fork. Spray the foil with pam or oil and place the wet side down on the dough, pressing into the corners firmly. Refrigerate for 30 min.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Preheat oven to 350. Place dough in oven for 15 min covered with foil, remove and bake for 10 more. Let cool before adding the filling.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Filling: Bring the cream to a boil with the rum, place chocolate in a bowl and pour hot cream mixture over. Gently whisk together until smooth and homogenous. Let cool slightly to where ganache thickly coats a spoon. Evenly pour into tart shell and let stand.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Caramel Sauce: Put sugar and water and lemon together in heavy bottom sauce pot. bring to a rapid boil and make sure all sugar is dissolved. Let boil without stirring for 12-15 minutes, or until a nice amber color. Pull off the heat and stir in butter piece by piece, add cream and rum and mix throughly. set aside to cool.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Whip Heavy cream to stiff peaks (so it stands up on a spoon when held vertically).</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">To Serve: Cut a slice of the chilled tart, top with whipped cream, and drizzle the caramel sauce over both. Dive in!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></div><br />
PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-60723735180304424812010-01-31T09:55:00.006-05:002010-01-31T10:01:20.286-05:00Great Grapes Wine Tasting PartyDrinking wine is one of life's simple pleasures. A good glass of wine at the end of the day can relieve stress, bring out the flavors in a home-cooked meal, and bring together friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1B1B5lLw0r5Lzz87BoJUrEprUy2LIbIIejm3p9djRT4N0bLhRweEJHkDVELbd8pxVqbAmptO44Df0TexB4iP9ubotCXjA2lJGxlCdfnCB_QHIbX4i9hwFKr4POfLWW_cov7tCbynW9fR/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1B1B5lLw0r5Lzz87BoJUrEprUy2LIbIIejm3p9djRT4N0bLhRweEJHkDVELbd8pxVqbAmptO44Df0TexB4iP9ubotCXjA2lJGxlCdfnCB_QHIbX4i9hwFKr4POfLWW_cov7tCbynW9fR/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>There are so many varieties of wine available today. From the most educated wine enthusiast to novices like myself, most drinkers of wine will profess to prefer one variety over another. Putting these preferences to the test can make for an enjoyable evening with friends. Invite a small group over for a wine tasting exercise to put everyone's palette through a blind tasting. <br />
<br />
Start by selecting 3 varieties of wine, like Malbec, Shiraz and Merlot. Cover the labels of each with paper; we used a cut up brown paper bag. Using <a href="http://www.placetile.com/vineyard.html">PlaceTile WineTags</a> (you'll need 3 for each guest) write the name of each variety on a tag so that every guest has one tag for each variety. Let guests sip and sample each wine to try and figure out which variety they are tasting. Then have them place the varietal WineTag on the bottle they think it matches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAQPQCdv9uuF-bJk-dIWKW69E5s6csYDGaAtZ5aCHE7XxGbua5C0svVCqQFh6-ulVQpn1oL7_wnvWfOelyWdl-FRi5W0kAX9CsxMPRjGaXhFDmTNy-Eb8aVXf9WeGuI_EIiYGk_fZsw5R/s1600-h/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAQPQCdv9uuF-bJk-dIWKW69E5s6csYDGaAtZ5aCHE7XxGbua5C0svVCqQFh6-ulVQpn1oL7_wnvWfOelyWdl-FRi5W0kAX9CsxMPRjGaXhFDmTNy-Eb8aVXf9WeGuI_EIiYGk_fZsw5R/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once everyone has voted, you can unveil the bottles and see who got it right & who got it wrong. You can even spice up the competition by giving a bottle of wine to the person who got the most correct. It makes for a fun evening and really gets the conversation going. You can add some wine knowledge to evening by printing out information about each wine and grape that you have selected. <a href="http://www.cellarnotes.net/key_grape_varieties.html">Cellar Notes</a> is a great site for inforation about wines.PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881602832942102564.post-8306260668448205272010-01-12T13:04:00.005-05:002010-01-13T11:45:56.478-05:00Healthy Year, Healthy You<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gBBJfrNZxhkOHeyR2N0Hl6fsLkw9jZE-nKHXWYR9u-kOrQow6rwJCVjs406ilm3T7m4oVbAUGK43elR1JyCgWo_Sovx01H4CK75rjTU6HKT6DdF750RkWVDNzk7sT-0KK_I1rS4gmbuj/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gBBJfrNZxhkOHeyR2N0Hl6fsLkw9jZE-nKHXWYR9u-kOrQow6rwJCVjs406ilm3T7m4oVbAUGK43elR1JyCgWo_Sovx01H4CK75rjTU6HKT6DdF750RkWVDNzk7sT-0KK_I1rS4gmbuj/s320/photo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Welcome to PlaceTile Designs Blog. It's our New Year's resolution to blog at least twice a month for the year. Our focus is on food and entertaining since that's what we love and that is what PlaceTile Designs is all about. We hope you enjoy the blog!<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Keeping the new years resolution to eat food that is better for you, can be challenging. Especially when you're juggling all the other balls that life has thrown at you. One way to make it easier is to plan ahead and remind yourself what's for dinner each night of the week. Seeing your weekly menu written down on <a href="http://www.placetile.com/menutiles.html">PlaceTile Designs MessageTiles</a> will help to remind you to stick to the plan and it can give you something to look forward to each day. The MessageTile can be displayed in your kitchen and reused each week. <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To help kickstart your weekly menu's we have provided 5 delicious meals and a grocery list for the week. To simplify your life, many of the ingredients are used more than once in the week; turn the roast chicken and barley salad into chicken and barley soup and the bison burger into tacos. Bison is a great low fat, high flavor alternative to cow's meat and can be found at most grocers. For more information on bison, <a href="http://www.cibolafarms.com/retail_bison.php"> click here</a>. These recipes are courtesy of Chef Christopher Paternotte, a graduate of The French Culinary Institute, who has been Exuctive chef of Kali's Court, Vin, and most recently Taverna Corvino in Baltimore. More great weekly menus can be found at <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/everydaycooking/weeklydinnerplanners">Epicurious</a> and <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1827586,00.html"> MyRecipes.com</a> among others.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>MENU</b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Each recipe serves 2</span><br />
<br />
<b>Grilled Salmon with Feta and Barley Salad</b><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 2, 8oz salmon fillets<br />
• 1 cup barley<br />
• 1Red bell pepper<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 sweet onion<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 cup French feta<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tbsp fresh oregano (chopped)<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 3oz. balsamic vinegar<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 6 oz olive oil (use the best you have)<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• sea salt<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Procedure:<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add barley and simmer until tender, about an hour (if planning to use barley within a couple days, boil off what you need, drain and reserve in refrigerator). Dice peppers, and onions into small dice. Sweat onion over low heat until translucent. Add in diced peppers, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. In the mean time rub salmon with a tablespoon of oil, salt and pepper. Make sure grill is clean and on high when placing salmon on. Always begin searing fish on opposite side of skin when skinless, when skin on always start with skin side first. Whichever you decide, skin on or off, begin by searing for 4 minutes while turning heat to medium. Flip salmon over leaving there for an additional 4-5 minutes. To check for doneness look for the white fat of salmon to bead up on outside of fillet. Remove salmon from grill. Add in barley, rosemary and oregano to the onion and pepper and mix together over heat. Remove from heat and toss in vinegar, olive oil and feta. Season with sea salt and serve warm underneath salmon.<br />
<br />
<b>Roasted Chicken and Edamame Succotash</b><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 whole Chicken (3-4 lbs)<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 cup minced fresh rosemary, oregano, parsley<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Sea Salt (or kosher), Black pepper<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• olive oil, lemon<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 cup edamame beans<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 cup corn off the cob<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 cup lima beans<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Procedure:<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Very thoroughly rub chicken with the minced herbs (reserve some for succotash), sea salt, olive oil and lemon inside and out, let stand for several hours, over night is optimal. Remove from refrigerator and let come up to room temperature prior to roasting, this will aid in more even and true cooking. Place in an oven proof baking dish, preferably one with sides. Roast chicken at 425 for an hour and a half (depending on size). In the mean time, remove the edamame from the shell, cut the corn off the cob and combine with the lima beans in a sauce pan with an ounce of olive oil and salt and pepper. Simmer for about five minutes on medium heat or until corn is tender and not starchy. Set aside. Use some of the juice from roasting the chicken and the reserved herbs to flavor the succotash. Pull desired meat off the bone and serve with the succotash. By sprinkling a little sea salt or kosher salt over food when plated, you will boost the flavor of the dish, but keep in mind to never over season your food!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bison Burger with Caramelized Onion, Feta, and Roasted Pepper and Olive Spread</b><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 2, 6 oz hand formed Bison patties<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 2 Whole wheat buns<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 4 oz olive oil<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 sweet onion<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Fench feta<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 roasted red pepper<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/4 cup black olives, seeded<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 3 cloves roasted garlic<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Large pinch of chopped oregano and parsley<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 cup roasted eggplant<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 oz Balsamic vinegar<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Procedure:<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> For the onions: halve and julienne onion into thin slices. In a small (6”) saute pan on low heat add a teaspoon of oil, and onion. Slowly cook onion stirring intermittently to allow caramelization to occur on pan and onion. If needed, deglaze (or clean bottom of pan) by adding a splash of water and color on onion will richen.<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> For the spread: halve a small eggplant and toss with the whole red pepper, an ounce olive oil, salt and pepper. Place pepper, and eggplant in the oven on 425 and roast until pepper skin is dark brown and blistered. Toss one head of un-peeled garlic with salt, an ounce of olive oil and pepper and wrap in tinfoil and roast along side the eggplant and pepper. The garlic will take longer, so anticipate for this time. When all is roasted, extract the 3-4 cloves of garlic (reserve the rest for another night), scrape the eggplant, and peel and deseed the pepper. Place the roasted ingredients, olives, and the herbs in a Cuisinart and blend. Add any additional olive oil as needed to create a harmonious spread, and finish with balsamic vinegar.<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> For the Burger patties: form two 6 oz patties by hand trying not to over work the meat. Let rest for 20 minutes at room temperature. Place on a clean grill on high. Wait 4 minutes and flip while turning heat to low. Wait 3 minutes and remove for a medium burger. After cooking let meat of this size rest for minimum of 2 minutes, other weights may vary. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chicken and Barley Soup with Rosemary Garlic Bread</b><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• roasted Chicken Carcass<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 sweet onion<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 2 small carrots<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 2 stalks of celery<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• thyme, parsley (reserve some for presentation) and bay leaf<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• one head of garlic<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 3 cups lima beans<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 3 cups cooked barley<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Rosemary (chopped)<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Olive oil<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Rustic Italian loaf<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Procedure: <br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Using reserved carcass of chicken with leftover pulled meat aside, place into oven at 500 for 15 minutes or until complete browning had occurred. Sweat chopped onion, peeled garlic, celery and carrot together in a soup pot. When onions are translucent, add in browned carcass , herbs, and 2 quarts (8 cups) of water to cover bones. Bring to a boil and keep at a low simmer for 2 hours. Strain through a fine sieve. Bring liquid to a boil, add lima beans, and barley. Lightly toast bread then slice and drizzle with oil and chopped rosemary. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish each bowl with warmed pulled chicken.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bison Tacos with Spicy Napa Cabbage Slaw</b><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 lb ground Bison<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tbsp Cayenne,<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tbsp Chili Powder<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tbsp cumin<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tsp Garlic powder,<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tsp onion powder<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 tsp sea salt<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 12, 6 inch Corn ( or wheat ) tortillas<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 3 cups Nappa Cabbage<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/4 Sweet onion<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 Jalapeno<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 red pepper<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/4 cup lite sour cream<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Juice of one -two limes depending on juciness<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1 Tbsp Siracha Sauce<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• Crumbled queso Blanco<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 27pt; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">• 1/2 an Avocado<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Procedure:<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Slice cabbage, red pepper, jalapeno (deseeded) and onion in a thin julienne, juice the lime(s), and set aside. Toss the vegetables, sour cream, Siracha sauce, lime juice and salt together. Let sit for up to 24 hours.<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Combine all spices and coat ground Bison. Heat a large saute pan with a splash of olive oil and add seasoned Bison to the hot pan. Stir often to keep meat ground and separate. Keep tortillas warm in foil in a low oven.<br />
</div><div class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Slice avocado and crumble Queso Blanco for use as toppings for the tacos. Keep some Siracha sauce on the side as well if more hot sauce is desired. Assemble tacos as preferred.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>GROCERY LIST</b><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 8oz salmon fillets<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 lb ground Bison<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 whole Chicken (3-4 lbs)<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5 cups barley<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 Red bell pepper<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">jar of roasted red bell pepper<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 eggplant<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3 large sweet onions<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">carrots<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">celery<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 lemon<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 limes<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2 bags of frozen edamame beans<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 box of frozen corn<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4 cups lima beans<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Avocado<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">a head Nappa Cabbage<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 Jalapeno<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/4 cup black olives, seeded<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 bunch of fresh rosemary<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 bunch of fresh oregano<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">fresh thyme<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">fresh parsley<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">bay leaf<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 head of garlic<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Cayenne,<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Chili Powder<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">cumin<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Garlic powder<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">onion powder<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">sea salt<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Black pepper<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">balsamic vinegar<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">olive oil (use the best you have)<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Siracha Sauce<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Whole wheat buns<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rustic Italian loaf<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">12, 6 inch Corn ( or wheat ) tortillas<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1/4 cup lite sour cream<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Crumbled queso Blanco<br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1 cup French feta<br />
</div></div></div></div></div><br />
<br />
Happy Dining and please be sure to visit us again soon to get more recipes and more entertaining ideas!<br />
</div></div></div></div></div>PlaceTile Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07911091174444364552noreply@blogger.com0