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Garden, Home & Party

~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Garden, Home & Party

Monthly Archives: May 2012

{Home} TV over the mantle

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Trends

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

television

Not too long ago I posted some images of pretty rooms, no specific theme or particular area of the home, just some “Calorie free, eye candy”

This room designed by Daniel Brisset prompted me to look more closely and see if this trend is taking fireplace/television placement by storm.

Canadian House and Home, Daniel Brisset design

This doggie is requesting the Animal Planet channel, please.

Photo by Stephanie Wohlner, House BeautifulI brought up the question, what do we think about mounting a flat screen television over the fireplace?

So here’s some images I’ve found, I’d love to hear your thoughts on mounting a television over the fireplace.

This Veranda “Paris in Pebble Beach” feature showed us how an antique door from Burgundy, France could be installed to hide the television when not in use.  I really like the room and the fireplace! {Photo :: Roger Davies} Sorry the image is small.

Veranda Magazine

Then there’s this…if one TV is good, four must be better!  [Note to self, do NOT let Hubby see this image]

House Beautiful, photo, Nick Johnson

I’m not completely sure how I feel about it.  It seems practical in certain rooms and certainly convenient…if you’re watching something boring you can divert your eyes to the fireplace.  If the fireplace is lit that works for me, I love watching a crackling, well laid fire; if the fireplace isn’t lit, not so much.

I guess the traditionalist in me loves a painting or mirror over the fireplace, and plenty of pretty accessories on the mantle.

Canadian House & Home, photo, Angus McRitchie

Country Living, photo, Keith Scott Morton

Country Living, photo, Michael LuppinoStill, if this is the best alternative for a family room due to floor plan, I think I’d do it…

Country Living, photo, Steven Randazzo

Architectural Digest, Toad Hall

Let me know what you think…do you like the idea of a television over your mantle?  Even if you don’t have a fireplace, share your thoughts with me, I love to hear from you.

I’m over at Sherry’s Open House ~ No Minimalist Here, if you’re looking for me.

and

Favorite on the First with Alison at The Polohouse

{Garden} Breakfast outdoors

29 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Gardens, Outdoor living, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

cinnamon roll cake

I know I’m not alone in wanting to enjoy every possible minute outdoors before it gets too hot.  So I plan to make an extra effort to announce to Hubby in advance that we’re going to be enjoying breakfast on the patio.  {He responds so much better to change with advance notice}

To go along with dining outdoors, which always feel special, I’m sharing a recipe I found on a relatively new (to me) blog site.  Pine Cones and Acorns is written by Elizabeth and she recently posted a recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cake.  It is just what the title implies…the yummy goodness of a rich, buttery cinnamon roll in an easy, make-ahead, cake.  That with a cup of steaming hot coffee and a bit of half and half and I’m in heaven.

Note:  For original recipe visit the link above or below.  I halved the recipe since I knew I was baking for 2 and I didn’t want to be forced to eat all of it and thereby gain 5 lbs.  As a result, I cooked it in a loaf pan and baked it the night before.  I glazed it the morning I served it. It was delicious!

Pine Cones and Acorns

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Recipe adapted from Pine Cones and Acorns

Ingredients:

1 1/2  cups flour

1/8 tps salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tb. butter, melted

2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened

1/2  cup brown sugar

1 T flour

1 1/2 Tb cinnamon

nuts (optional)

Glaze: 

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1-2 Tb milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions for cake: With an electric mixer or stand-up mixer, mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Once combined well, slowly stir in 2 T melted butter. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan pan.

Directions for cinnamon mixture that goes in cake before baked:  In a large bowl, mix the 1 stick of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nuts (optional) until well combined. Drop evenly over cake batter by the tablespoon and use a knife to marble/swirl through the cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.

Directions for Glaze:  Place powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Serve warm or (if you prepare it the night before) at room temperature.

But wait, there’s more, with this recipe I’m including some lovely outdoor dining tablescapes, compliments of hours of on-line searching by moi!

I realize that the images are showing tables with multiple place settings but I trust  you can gather some inspiration and set your table for however many folks you are serving.

Don’t you love the little rock on each napkin to hold them if there’s a strong breeze?  I also like the small galvanized cup holding a plant.  You can get creative and informal outdoors, I say the more rustic the better.

I’ve always liked the idea of using throws when dining outdoors.  I’ve even seen them priced so reasonably online.

How lucky are these people (below).  I would love to have a body of water in my backyard to dine by.  A stream, a lake, a pond…any of those would rock my world.

I really need to update my photo portfolio of my own patio table.  This is the table we still use, but these are the “killer chairs” and now we have Kooboo wicker chairs.

Here’s the new chairs.  Very comfy and relaxing.

Party ResourcesA fireplace would be nice on a chilly morning, don’t you agree?

{via}

Do you have an outdoor dining space? 

I’m visiting Fishtail Cottage for her garden party.

{Garden} Appreciating nature, my fine feathered friends

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens, Misc

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Nature, nests

We’re off to Austin to do our first solo gig as babysitters for our sweet granddaughter.  I’ve put a few posts in the queue and I’ll be back mid-week next week.  Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

xo, Karen

As we head towards a long weekend, hopefully for everyone, I thought you might have time to enjoy nature…it can be as simple as appreciating the sunset each evening, admiring the lake you may be skiing on, being thankful for the beach or the fabulous scents of pine while hiking or taking a relaxing walk in the forest, or you can observe with wonder the work of our fine feathered friends…

While reading the Sunday paper a couple of weeks ago an news article caught my eye due in part to the beautiful watercolor drawings associated with the feature.  The piece, titled “A family’s strong nesting instinct” by Liesl Bradner, told of a family living in Ohio in the mid-1800’s and of their appreciation and love of the “natural world”.  Genevieve “Gennie” Jones would ride with her country doctor father to visit patients and her father would discuss nature.  This father-daughter practice ultimately resulted in the making of a book titled “America’s Other Audubon”.  The fascinating story can be found HERE.

America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

…and all of the plates from the book can be viewed HERE.

Smithsonian Library, America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

I realize it may seem as though I’m overly focused on birds lately, but I must admit, I do love watching them during these warmer months.  They enrich the garden with their singing and chirping and hopefully they are devouring some of the insects that eat too freely of my flowers. 🙂

Smithsonian, America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

I found a nest in our Cecile Brunner rose last fall…the birds had nested when the rose was filled with blossoms and leaves.  I left it in hopes it would provide materials for another bird family.

{Note:  Please ignore the saw fly holes in the leaves, I’m working on the problem}

We have lots of hummingbirds in our garden, they especially love the Mexican sage and lavender.  We often think they arrive on cue, it almost seems they are asking us to keep it down, they are dining.

{via}

I have posted about the wren family* that lived in a decorative bird house in our garden, raised a family, sent them to flight school and returned a couple of months later to raise their second set of twins.

{via}

Meanwhile, my roses are now finished with their first bloom cycle.  Here are a few of the examples of the best of the lot during the initial spring bloom.

French Lace~ Hybrid Tea Rose

Iceberg Rose ~ considered by some to be “common” but they sure bloom a ton almost all year in Southern California.

This was a no-name rose I picked up at Lowe’s but the yellow is so pretty and the petals so plentiful, I really like it.

This (below) setting must be high rent for birds, so lush and green and peaceful.

bird house in a garden{via}

behind the blue gate birdhouse{via}

I guess there might be birds that would truly appreciate this little house in the dead of winter!  Brrrr!

birds in Norway in winter{via}

I enjoy seeing the use of nature’s best as decorative accessory in a home.  If you can’t find nests in and around your yard, {and please make sure the owner is finished with the next before taking possession!} there are hobby shops that sell some realistic imitations.

{via}

{via}

And, while I’m on the topic of appreciating nature, while in Austin last month the in-laws took me to a restaurant in San Marcos, just outside of Austin, where this 100+ year old oak tree greets all who visit.  Majestic!

San Marcos, Texas

How’s nature in your region?  Do you have birds or other creatures visiting your yard this time of year?  I love hearing from you!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day, take a minute to be thankful we live in a nation that has been kept safe thanks to those that fight and sometime fall  for our freedom.

*By the way, if you click the link to my story about the wren family we housed in our birdhouse, please note that this was my earliest days of blogging and I wasn’t sure how to put an image into the post, so one post has the image of the wren house and one post has the story. 🙂 Oh how far we’ve come.

I’m joining the Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage, have a look.

{Party} Chicken fajitas recipe and dining al fresco

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

chicken fajitas

Happy Tuesday!

Since the warm weather has been visiting on and off, each warm day reminds me how enjoyable easy summer living can be.  I love eating outdoors and when the meal is simple, that adds to the enjoyment.

unknown

I have included (below) a standby recipe in our house.  This is so simple and yet so tasty and while it’s not health food, it is definitely pretty low in fat grams (not that I worry about those pesky things). 🙂

unknown

If you add a couple of courses to the fajitas, it makes for a fun, summer meal for guests.  The possibilities are endless.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

As the warm weather visits with more frequency I thought I’d include some delightful table settings, al fresco.  Enjoy!

Beef-and-Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions Recipe

6.

Chicken Fajitas ~ Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (a store bought roasted chicken may be substituted)
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, skinned, halved and sliced thin
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
  • Fajita sized flower tortillas (corn tortillas may be substituted*), warmed just before serving in microwave
  • salsa, guacamole, chips are good accompaniment items.

Instructions:

Rub chicken breasts with 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a baking dish in 375° for 20-30 minutes, or until done (do not overcook).  Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

While chicken is roasting heat large skillet with remaining 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil.  Add onion and pepper slices and spices, cook over medium heat until soft, about 10-15 minutes.  Shred chicken (or if using store bought roasted chicken remove skin, bones and shred) and add chicken and broth from baking (if oven baked at home) to pan with onion and peppers.  Cook until hot, about 5 minutes over medium high heat.  Serve on warmed tortillas with salsa, and any toppings preferred.  We sometimes top with salsa, shredded cheddar or a fresh avocado slice.

Notes

*Corn tortillas tend to tear but they are a little healthier for you.

I sometimes serve with Spanish rice and/or some Bush’s Grillin’ Black Bean Fiesta beans.

This recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd.

Images:  1-3 Party Resources; 4 Providence Ltd. Design; 5 Vignette Design;
6 My Recipes

{GHP} Cottage love

17 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Collections & Accessories, Travel

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Carmel by the Sea, cottage, Fairytale Cottages

♥What I love about the blogosphere is that there is something for everyone, literally.  If you are so inclined you can find blog sites that cater to the mansion owner {or the dreamer who dreams of one day living in one}, the industrious do-it-yourself artists, those who live on a ranch or farm, city dwellers and last but not least, cottage lovers.  Trust me, I’ve only hit a few of the themes, but you get what I’m saying, right?
There is room (no pun intended) in my heart for admiration of a little of each of the above, but when push comes to shove, I prefer the cottage and the smaller rooms that generally accompany that.

Haus Design

Home Bunch

5th & State

I’m sure that a psychologist might say I need the security of close environs.  I’m not sure there is anything to that other than a subconscious draw to cozy and quaint.  I appreciate good design whether it’s been achieved in a spacious room or home, or a small one, but when I stumble upon a smaller home, layered with antiques, comfortable and inviting furnishings, I swoon.

A rose growing over the front door only works to seal the deal…

{The image above was taken by the talented Trish of Trouvais.  This lovely cottage is in Montecito, California}

Laguna Beach ~ photo by Linda Yvonne, flickr

Hubby and I were both born and raised on the west coast, Southern California to be exact, and early in our marriage we discovered the charming town of Carmel.  It has been a favorite weekend getaway since before we had our children.  It remains top on our list of destinations, in fact it has always been a bit of a dream to live there one day.  The Fairytale Cottages are amazing and I enjoy taking pictures each visit.

I love the shingles that are made to look like thatching…

Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Linda Yvonne

Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Andreas Graemiger, flickr

Raindrop Cottage, Carmel ~ Linda Yvonne, flickr

For more detailed information about the Fairytale Cottages built by Hugh Comstock visit HERE

“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give.”

~ Thomas Jefferson

What are your thoughts on this?  No right or wrong answer, just a preference!

Join me at No Minimalist Here open house party…she features a lovely home in New Orleans!

{Home} No calorie eye candy

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Misc

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

pretty rooms

I’ve gone off the reservation lately with my overabundance of posts on the joy of being outdoors, communing with nature.  I’ve even covered gates, picnics, bird baths and exterior front doors!

I think it’s time I came indoors and shared some of the pretty rooms I’ve encountered in my perusing of the world wide blog land ♥♥♥

This entry is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in awhile.  The doggies only add to its beauty as far as I’m concerned.  I think the small doggie closest to the door is a Border Terrier (a cousin to my little terror terrier mix).

Providence Ltd.

Look at the detailing on the interior around the door, isn’t it beautiful.  I love a Dutch door for a front door (we’re lucky enough to have one).

Unknown

The sconces, the antique mirror, books and decorative accessories, what’s not to love?  Old world finishes are a favorite and this image has great examples of that.

Kay O'Toole, Cote de TexasKay O’Toole ~ Cote de Texas

I really like this room, the wood paneling gives the room a comfortable “country” vibe, while the palladian-style windows over the french doors and the carved piece above the TV gives the room a history and elegance.  I’m not sure how I feel about a TV over the fireplace.  We’ll have to have an open panel discussion sometime.

Daniel Brisset

Daniel Brisset

Kitchens in general always get my attention,  but this one is striking with the charcoal walls and cream cabinetry.  I love the lamps on the island.

Unknown

A bathroom fit for a princess.

Phoebe Howard

There’s always something fresh and inviting about a mostly white room…

Little Emma English Home

This is a study/office I could get comfortable in.

Ship and Anchor, tumblrShip and Anchor ~ tumblr

And the pretty room below belongs to Son #2 and his lovely fiance.  They have purchased their first home!

K & S Dining RoomI hope this has been entertaining for my dear readers who share my passion for wonderful decorating…I have been a little distracted with spring and the great outdoors but will return to focusing on inviting rooms.

{GHP} Happy Mother’s Day

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Decorating, Family, Flowers, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Mother's Day

Parenting is not a duty. It is a privilege and an opportunity; A journey of self-discovery. -Becca Glouzstein

Charles Faudree ~ French Country Living

Oh for the clothing of earlier mom’s!

I lost my mom nearly two years ago to the day.  I really never thought about what life would be without her, I miss her.

Since we’re going to celebrate MOTHERS this coming Sunday I thought I would share images that seem to reflect a feminine side to life as it pertains to home life and decor.  As a mom, I feel blessed to have two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law, with another lovely lady to join our family this December!

Donna Talley

Donna Talley

Mary McDonald

The Paper Mulberry

Ralph Lauren Home

So, if you’re lucky enough to have a mom, especially one that lives nearby, be sure to treat her to a relaxing day filled with thoughtful deeds and loving gestures.

Happy Mother’s Day!

You can find me at Sherry’s Open House, No Minimalist Here

{Garden} Spring planting and the knot garden

08 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, Maintenance, Outdoor living

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

Knot garden

I’ve been busy in the garden this past month.  The season makes it easy to want to be working the soil and planting new annual flowers you’ve missed seeing during the fall and winter months.

We have a relatively smallish backyard in our home of 30 years.  About 10 years ago I happened to be on a home tour of several homes in Newport Beach, California.  One of the homes we visited on the tour backed to Newport Bay and the tiny, postage sized yard had a knot garden.  I wasted no time, I cleared an area of my yard and planted almost 200 Japanese boxwood’s (believe it or not, I planted each and every one myself; I was younger and more energetic 10 years ago!).  🙂

Inspiration for knot/formal garden dreamers…

I had purchased a sundial from Smith & Hawkins a few years before (boy, do I miss that retail store) and that became the center for my garden.  I selected roses (Romantica Roses:  Guy de Maupassant and Eden; Hybrid Teas:  St. Patrick’s and Pearl) for the center of each boxwood corner and have been happy with it each time I visit the yard.  Each year I work on the outer edges of my formal space.  Our neighbor has a wonderful, old Alder tree and the roots invade my yard so it’s a bit of a challenge to keep plants happy in this root ridden area.  I did plant a Sally Holmes rose that puts on a great show each spring, but even Iceberg planted along the edges seem to struggle a bit.

You can see my neighbor’s alder tree.  She always asks if we want her to take it out since she knows of the roots that it sends out…I always say “NO”.  I’m a huge supporter of trees and plenty of them.  The red flowering tree is a bottle brush.  When the kids were little we called it the ‘bee tree’…when its in bloom like this all you have to do is walk nearby and you hear it buzz.  No, none of us have allergies to bees and no, we’ve never been stung by our bottle brush bees.

Karen't Garden April 2012

I call my garden a knot garden, but it really isn’t a knot garden, formal garden maybe, the boxwood’s would need to interlink to be a knot garden.

Karen's sundial, formal garden(Above) is a photo of part of our patio, the window is my kitchen bay window.

(Below) is a close up of the Sally Holmes climbing rose.

Sally HolmesSally has a ‘waverly sage’ salvia in front of her…it’s not in bloom yet but will be shortly.

Smith and Hawkins teak bench

I’ve trained the star jasmine on a wired geometric grid.  Sorry for the overexposed photograph.  Below is my hydrangea…I wanted to grow them all around the edges but alas, all but this one threw in the towel.

This sitting area was finished last year…the shade of the ficus trees make it the coolest spot in the yard during hot days.

Gotta run, my sundial says it time to get back to work.  Have a wonderful week.  Let me know what you are planting this year.

I’m visiting Centsational Girl’s Garden Party, let’s have a look!

and

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

and

the Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage

and

Favorite on the First with Alison at The Polo House

{Garden} Birds and their baths

03 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Gardening, Gardens, Outdoor living

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

gates

I’ve had birds on the brain lately. {I was going to try for a chuckle with the whole birds and brains wording, but decided against it 🙂}  It might be the season  [SPRING] that has created this interest but I think it’s more likely the fact that birds seem to be found in all areas of the décor arena, and this time of year, in most backyards.

This image from an old book would make a great picture for the wall.

tumblr ~ If I Forget Thee

There are so many great toile fabrics that feature birds.

Schumacher

Very cool pillow, I can’t remember where I found this image but I really liked the pillow and the stripes on the wall, nice foyer.

unknown

These would be a great way to keep the garden hose off your newly planted flowers.

Smith and Hawken

I like these little finch!

Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel

Today I want to offer images of some pretty bird baths.  We have a bird bath and I’m always thrilled when I look out my kitchen window and there are actually birds bathing in it!  Needless to say, my camera is always on the other side of the house when this occurs but I will try to keep it handy this spring and summer and attempt to catch one of our feathered friends in the act.  It’s quite entertaining and always makes me smile.

This is our birdbath at Easter.  The rusty little bird welcomes any and all bathers.

GHP

This birdbath is pretty with it’s faux tree-branch base and the setting doesn’t hurt…this is the talented Penelope Bianchi’s garden/grounds.

Penelope Bianchi Blog

I would love to have birds this colorful visit my birdbath.  We have had a very bright yellow bird visit.  I should learn the names of some of Southern California’s common birds.

Pinterest

My friend, Carla, has the same birdbath in a slightly different finish.  My birdbath was a gift from her…hey, I’m not above being a copy cat 😉

CJW

This birdbath is spectacular.  I don’t know where it is located but I’d imagine it on the grounds of an estate in England…a girl can dream, right?

unknown

Here’s a lovely example of a three tiered bird bath/fountain planted with succulents.

Providence Ltd. Design

This little guy appears to have stuck up a conversation with the bronzed guys.

Pinterest

I really like this terra cotta birdbath and the ‘pennywort’ (?) they’ve planted.

The ever-talented Jermaine at French Kissed shared her bird bath planted with succulents…so pretty.

French Kissed

This bird bath is surrounded by lush green and is planted with wonderful flowers.

Tutti Chic

Do you have a bird bath or bird feeder?  Do you like birds…I know some that are frightened by them, might be the Hitchcock link.  Happy Spring.  I hope you are enjoying the season no matter what your interests.  I’d love to hear from you.

I’m over at Sherry’s Open House, join me at No Minimalist Here

I will also visit French Country Cottage for her Feathered Nest Friday!

{Garden} Let’s go on a picnic

01 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Food, Party Planning, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Picnic

I’m not sure if it’s the spring fever that overtakes me every year when the weather warms, or the recent closing of my favorite site for resizing images, Picnik, but I’ve been thinking how enjoyable a picnic would be.

It really is one of life’s simple pleasures, doesn’t cost anything but time, and yet I’m certain it’s been years since hubby and I have packed up and made some destination our goal for a picnic.

Romantic Homes Magazine

You can prepare and pack a  picnic lunch or you can buy sandwiches and the trimmings already made for you, either way, there is something so relaxing about eating outdoors, communing with nature.

You can drive, bike or walk to the nearest suitable location, throw a blanket on the ground or on top of a park table and I guarantee the food will taste better than you remember the last time you had the very same meal.

Table setting by Roy Wood

I personally love the picnic table and benches for my picnic dining.  This setting is pretty spectacular…trees and quiet your only companion (besides you and hubby, of course!)

Pressed Picnic Sandwich, Martha Stewart Recipes

Don’t have a picnic basket, not to worry.  Visit HERE for a DIY project for making one!

Pressed Picnic Sandwich – Martha Stewart Recipes

Here’s a recipe for a pressed picnic sandwich by Martha Stewart.  I think it sounds delicious!  I’ll schedule my picnic, make it and let you know.

Ingredients

Serves 10

  • 3 medium red bell peppers
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons warm water
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 loaf rustic Italian bread, such as ciabatta
  • 1/2 cup prepared black-olive paste
  • 8 ounces fresh goat cheese
  • 8 ounces marinated artichoke hearts
  • 6 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 pound peppered salami, thinly sliced
  • 2 1/4 cups loosely packed mixed fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley

Directions

  1. Heat a grill or grill pan to hot; or heat broiler. Cook peppers until completely charred, turning frequently so all sides cook evenly, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Place peppers in a deep bowl, and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Set bowl aside until the skins loosen and the peppers are cool enough to handle. Using your hands, rub off the charred skin, rinsing your hands frequently under cold running water. Slice peppers in half, and remove the seeds and stems. Cut flesh into 1-inch-wide strips.
  2. Make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, combine mustard and vinegar. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Whisk in 2 tablespoons warm water. Whisk in salt and pepper to taste, and set the vinaigrette aside.
  3. Slice loaf of bread horizontally, and remove soft crumb; reserve crumb for another use. Spread olive paste on the bottom crust, and add the pepper strips. Crumble goat cheese on top of peppers. Arrange artichoke hearts over goat cheese. Drizzle half of the reserved vinaigrette on top. Arrange prosciutto and salami over artichoke hearts. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Scatter herbs over meats. Place the top crust on sandwich.
  4. Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap. Set a weight, such as a brick or large cast-iron skillet on top for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, slice sandwich into ten pieces.

And while we’re on Martha’s site…here are her recommendations for:

Picnic Essentials

Make sure to bring a blanket (look for one with a waterproof bottom) and other picnic essentials: plates, napkins, silverware, serving pieces, cups, lanterns or candles if it’s nighttime, condiments, a corkscrew, trash bags, paper towels, sunscreen, and bug spray.

I hope you’re having a wonderful spring and that a picnic is on your calendar.

I’m having fun at The Polohouse with the Favorite’s on the First, have a look!

Recent Posts: Garden, Home & Party

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A little this and that

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Project Design: Outdoor Living Spaces

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  • Homes that welcome the season
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