{Party} Favorite grilled chiken recipe

31 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Outdoor living, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Herb Chili Chicken

I was excited to read that Alison of The Polohouse had selected “favorite recipes” as her topic for her monthly Favorites on the First theme. This recipe originated from my good friend Carla via Bon Appetit, I think. It’s been used for years and never disappoints. One isty, little detail, you really must marinate this overnight for it to give you the incredible flavor. Don’t let the fresh jalapenos scare those of you who don’t care for spicy food, you won’t even know they’re in the marinade. The chicken grills up with an unbelievable flavor and I serve it with rice, black bean, red pepper recipe that really tastes great with it. {If you want the recipe for that, just ask} This is summer grilling at its best. Enjoy!

Tablesettings for outdoor dining follow the recipe…

Green Chili and Herb-Stuffed Chicken

image via

2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

1/4 cup fresh parsley

8 jalapeno chilies, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced

4 teaspoons salt (I use less salt)

12 half chicken breasts, boneless

2/3 cup dry vermouth

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

2 tablespoons minced garlic

Marinade for the chicken:

Mix 1/3 cup lemon juice, parsley, chilies, rosemary, thyme, garlic and 2 teaspoons salt in medium bowl. Place all ingredients in the baking dish, place chicken breasts in marinade and turn once half way through marinating time. Arrange chicken in single layer in large baking pan. Sprinkle with vermouth, remaining 1/3 cup of lemon juice, lemon peel, remaining 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper to taste. Turn chicken to coat. Chill overnight, turning once.

Grill chicken over medium coals until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes

source unknown

blackberry farm

cote de texas

haus design

source unknown

This is our patio dining set up (below) shown with the “killer chairs”…we now have wicker chairs that are comfortable and you don’t have to worry about them collapsing on you!

karen’s patio

my french country home

Do you have a favorite recipe for summer grilling? Are you getting tired of the heat yet. I’m sticking to my “new attitude” about summer, but just barely. It’s too early to discuss fall, right?

I’m visiting Alison at The Polohouse for her Favorites on the First…this months topic, favorite recipes. Yummy.

{GHP} I’ve got the blues

26 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home, Paint Color

≈ 10 Comments

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the color blue

As I’ve mentioned once or twice (or incessantly), I gravitate towards the color blue. Not just in accessories for the home but in other formats as well, such as…

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and…

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and…

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So I have the summer blues and thought I’d share some of what I’ve found while visiting, and admiring some of the many talented bloggers out there…oh, and I was visiting blogs around the world in hopes of becoming inspired for a topic for a post of my own. {Is it just me or has summer given you the felling you’d rather be reading on the porch, with a glass of something and not a care in the world than doing anything remotely tied to thinking?}

Back to the topic at hand. I have embarked on the blue and white thing, all in moderation. {I know, I’m a little late to this party} But it seems that I see all manner of wonderful blue and sometimes blue and white items of interest, along with some pretty great rooms.

I love the bold blue on this house (below) but I’m certain our Homeowner Association wouldn’t allow it. I also really like the detailing around the windows.

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The blue shutter caught my eye, but there isn’t much I don’t absolutely love about this house/hotel entrance(?)

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I like the overall neutral feel to this room, just the blue pillows to give it the touch of blue and white.

photo by Adam Butler

Such a clean (for now, see the doggies?) look, plenty of fresh white with hints of blue. So pretty.

Better Homes and Gardens

I’m always drawn to blue and white plates in a grouping…

Ginger Barber Designs

~ or ~

in an antique store.

Scott Meacham Wood and more…

SMW

Its the subtle use of blue and most appeals to me.

Love French Bulldogs – tumblr

I love the ceiling in this image, as well as the Shaw farm sink. The blue, white and hint of green in the curtains really make the room alive with interest, don’t you think?

Tiffany Eastman Design

Last but not least, signs and other random containers in blue and white can catch my attention…

Does blue and white figure into your home? Do you have a favorite color?

{Party} Menu for a birthday dinner

24 Tuesday Jul 2012

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

≈ 13 Comments

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Birthday dinner menu

I posted the table details for a birthday dinner I hosted in May HERE.

I thought I’d give you the recipes to go with this post. They are pretty simple and the potato dish is a make-ahead recipe, always my favorite when I entertain.

Menu

Appetizer ~ brought by Linda

Salad ~ brought by Carla

Balsamic, herb-crusted Pork Tenderloin

{my food photography makes food look scary} I found this recipe originally on Providence Ltd. Design but then found it on Dainty Chef’s site. Click HERE for the recipe details.

Image and recipe via Dainty Chef

Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Yield: Serves 6.
Ingredients:

4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pork tenderloins (about 1¼ pounds each)
2 tablespoons canola oil (if preparing in oven)

What you’ll do:

Stir together garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub the paste all over pork. If you like or have the time, marinate overnight. (it’s definitely worth marinating the pork overnight).

Grill preparation:
Sear the tenderloins on all sides, then grill for about 20-30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees. Try to let it rest before slicing.

Balsamic reduction sauce* I used a recipe that was fairly time consuming and then was told that Trader Joe’s has balsamic reduction sauce in a bottle. I’ve given you the link to the recipe if you want to try it. I couldn’t get it to reduce effectively.

Ricotta Mashed Potatoes (served in ramekins)

Ingredients

2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
1/2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions* I prepared the potatoes mid=day and left them covered in foil until I was ready to warm them in the oven for dinner. I removed the foil and cooked at 350 for 20 minutes and then turned on the broiler and cooked until the edges browned a bit.

Heat oven to broiler setting. Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place potatoes and 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and continue to cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes more. Drain and return all but 1 cup of potatoes to the pot.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Stir in the ricotta, milk, butter, remaining salt, and pepper to blend. Add the reserved potatoes and mash just until combined. Spoon 1/2 cup potatoes into 10 six-ounce ramekins and set on a bakingpan. Place under broiler until browned. Serve hot.

Roasted green beans – I used Barefoot Contessa directions for roasted green beans.

Birthday cake ~ Wendy

Bon Appetit! Let me know what you think…the recipes are easy and tasty, I think you’ll enjoy.

{Home} Starting over

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, House and Home

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starting over

Do you ever wonder how your home might look if you were able or forced (God forbid) to start over? Would you use the same color scheme? Select the same style of furniture?

Maybe I’d want a two-story home with shutters, like the San Marino, Father of the Bride house (Nancy Myers)

When attending wedding showers I’ve seen some of the items registered for and thought, ohhh, those are pretty colors for a kitchen, I like these pots and pans, what a great pattern for everyday dishes.

To that end, here’s some fantasy rooms and details that I’ve admired and thought would be lovely in a “second” home.

I imagine I’d still want a cottage…

Home Bunch

I think a fountain to greet visitors as they enter might be a nice touch…

Splendid Sass

Beams would be a definite bonus…

Bunny Williams

Bunny Williams likes beams too…

Barn doors would be wonderful…not sure where these would go but I’ve seen them on several fabulous houses and I love the way they look.This kitchen pretty much has it all, beams, a great chandelier, a fabulous stove, lamps on the built-in buffet.

A double farm sink…makes my heart beat faster.

Jane Moore (above)

A tub I could soak in with a sweet chandelier overhead.

…and maybe a bathroom large enough to have a leather chair and side table…not sure I’d use it but it sure looks pretty in the bathroom, doesn’t it?

Luxe and Lillies

A welcoming room to rest my head.

The Painted Hive

I’d definitely want an indoor laundry room, as opposed to one housed in the garage—may be a California thing.

Home Bunch

While I’m dreaming why not throw in a greenhouse?

Providence Ltd. Design

…and I’d drive this car…not really, I’m not a convertible kind of girl, but boy is it pretty!

…and I would most certainly have a Border Terrier…don’t tell Madison, she’s got some Border Terrier in her and I don’t want her to feel insecure.

Madison on laundry day (do you think she heard me?)

Okay, now you know my fantasy house, what would yours include. Honest, this is just for fun. I’m very content with my home and I love my life…but its fun to pretend sometimes.

{Home} Cupboard arrangements

17 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 10 Comments

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cupboards, hutch

I’ve confessed my addiction to dishes HERE and HERE. I’ve completed the course for conquering my addiction and feel certain I’m cured [CODE = no more room anywhere for anymore dishes], but existing collections require storage, storage is sometimes an open display space which requires some creative arranging. Phew!

So, I thought I’d show you some inspiring images of pretty cupboards I’ve found around blog land, just in case you struggle with the same affliction.

I have cupboards that will accommodate more of my dishes behind cupboard doors than I have shelves that require creative display but I am always watching for ideas I can ~~steal~~ borrow.

I used to visit a French restaurant, Pascal’s, that would have their dinner plates stacked in an antique hutch in the dining room. I loved the feel that I was dining in someone’s country farmhouse.

I just noticed that most of the hutch images I’ve collected have white dishes.

Savvy Southern Style

Martha Stewart

and my favorite…

Yeager Antique Cabinet

Do you keep dishes and glassware somewhere besides the kitchen cupboard?

{Home} Red to Taupe (gray)?

12 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, DIY (do it yourself), House and Home, Paint Color, Renovating

≈ 19 Comments

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Family room redo

Well, I’ve done it. I made the switch. After nearly 15 years of living with red, really burgundy, walls in our family room and kitchen I called our painter and had the walls painted. I’m not sure what triggered the need for change, is anyone ever really aware of these motivations, but it was time.

I can speculate that we were charging into summer when, once again, the room would feel a little warm, even though we rarely use our air conditioning due to the pleasure of mother nature’s natural air conditioning…a wonderful fog bank that creeps over the hills most evenings and cools us down, thank you Newport Beach, the red color gave off a psychological warmth (if there is such a thing). Great in the cooler months, not so much in summer.

I had written a post about my leaning towards a more neutral color palate for that space and I must say, even though it’s taken a few days to pull the room together, I’m happy with the change. And, maybe more importantly, Hubby likes it. He rarely has input in these matters, and is just as happy to go along with my incessant pondering of new design ideas for our home, but he likes the less cluttered look I’m striving for so all is well.

One of my motivations for the change can probably be attributed to these porcelain jars…Tina over at The Enchanted Home opened a store and sells some wonderful items. I found these (image below) and fell in blue and white porcelain love.

Somewhere down the line I will most probably reupholster the sofa in more of a neutral, non-patterned fabric but that will have to wait for now.

As with all home decor changes a proverbial can of worms is opened. We knew the over mantle needed a fresh coat of paint. So, we painted it. Now the brick surround needs paint but that is adjacent to the French door, which is painted the same color as the brick and the same color as the entertainment center, which was a bigger project than we were ready to tackle this weekend. So, painting those items will be on the list for later. I also have questions about the ceiling, which is tongue in grove wood, stained lightly with white. It looks like a limed pine but we’re now wondering if somewhere down the line we need to paint it white.

Any ideas? Would the white paint we’ve used on the over mantle be too much white?

Meanwhile, I am content with the changes. I can be patient for the final paint work that will need to take place, {hopefully}.

Happy Tuesday, my friends, hope your week is a happy one.

{GHP} Outdoor dining, summer of ’12

10 Tuesday Jul 2012

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

≈ 10 Comments

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outdoor dining

Random question: Before I begin my post about fabulous outdoor dining I have to ask an unrelated question…does anyone besides me find it weird to abbreviate the year. I mean when we were in the 1900s I was fine with writing ’97 or ’99 but ever since we’ve turned the corner on the century I just find it uncomfortable to type ’12 (2012). I think it’s because I think people will think I mean 1912. Do any of you find the abbreviated year a little odd?

On to the fun stuff. I know its summer for at least half of the globe. I’ve come across so many pretty outdoor dining spaces that I couldn’t resist. I’m also including a recipe that is super easy and grill-worthy so you can cook something simple (or better yet, have someone barbecue for you), set the table and relax over a summer meal alfresco.

Now this (below) is what I call alfresco with a breeze…wouldn’t it be lovely sitting by a lake enjoying a meal?

via Brabourne Farm

Italy or France…beautiful either way.

unknown

via Providence Ltd. Design

via Wendy Posard Design

Now this is my idea of a day at the beach!

via Brabourne Farm

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, wish we could grow lilacs in Southern California that looked like this.

Photo by Tara Whittaker

This is one of my favorite of this set of images…the yard looks like a dream forest. So pretty.

Bunny Williams

As Delores over at Vignette Design said, this furniture is probably unrealistic for outdoor dining unless you have someone that can move the furniture after the dinner.

via Vignette Design

An outdoor fireplace would be nice to dine by, right?

unknown

via Providence Ltd. Design

Even big city living can provide one with a wonderful setting for dining under the shade of an umbrella.

John Saladino

An old looking lantern hung from a tree creates a welcoming setting.

unknown

This setting is wonderful with the lush green surrounding the table and teak chairs.

via Simply Pix tumblr

Here’s the recipe, it’s from Barefoot Contessa “Parties” book. It makes a wonderful side dish for any grilled meat or fish and you can make it in advance, what could be better? Use this link to print.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables Copyright

Ingredients

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis (pine nuts), feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer. Any dinning ‘out’ on your calendar?

I’m over at Centsational Girl’s recipe party…come see what’s cooking out there. I’m also having fun with Tracie at Fishtail Cottage, she’s hosting a garden party.

{GHP} Research for a path to our front door

05 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Outdoor living, Renovating

≈ 10 Comments

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path, walkway

Since its summer, any and all outdoor projects suddenly butt their way to the front of the “do me” line. A few years back we added stack stone to the front of our house. The homes in our area were built in 1968, part of a large tract of Eichler- influenced designed houses. Joseph Eichler homes are known for their flat roof lines, sliding doors and atriums. We had 5 aluminum sliding doors in our 3-bedroom home when we purchased. I confess, while I’ve thought of the architectural style with dismay [I’m truly more of a cape cod cottage gal] I will say, the open floor plan and atrium are two of my favorite features about our home.

It’s hard to tell from this image but the grass starts just in front of the walkway and extends to the sidewalk in front of our house. People that park curbside have to walk through the grass or go around to the driveway and catch up with the walkway there.

But I digress…so when we added the stack stone it was with the thought that at some point down the line we’d add a path, through the front lawn, to the front door. I began doing some research on possible pathway ideas and styles and thought I’d share some of the images I’ve saved for your viewing pleasure. The ball was started rolling due in part to a brilliant post by Debra over at 5^th and State. If you’ve never visited her site you should, I believe you will find lots to love. Her post, “Down the Garden Path” inspired me to think seriously about what I want in a walkway that brings visitors to our door.

The following 6 images are from 5th and State:

I like the detailing on the stone just before the step in this image. I also love the door surround…so pretty.

I like the natural beauty of stone set in sand with moss growing around each stone.

I believe these brick shaped stones are set in sand with pea gravel around them…don’t you love the army of iron rabbits standing at attention for all who pass?

Is it the manor house or the stone pathway that attracts in this image, or maybe the lone peacock?

This looks like a back yard but still, isn’t it pretty. I love the pea gravel idea, probably not practical with grass just beyond.

The blocks of concrete in grass holds some appeal, I wonder if it’s difficult to mow around the stones?

I gained some additional inspiration and ideas Better Homes and Gardens.com If you want some pretty sound ideas and ‘how to’ information, BHG.com is there to deliver. I really enjoyed viewing the various paths they offer.

The following 9 images are via Better Homes and Gardens:

This is a similar concept to the idea above. The concrete pieces are larger but I like the blending of the grass and the concrete.

I really like the mixture of concrete squares with interspersed polished pebbles.

This looks like a combination of brick and cobblestones…very pretty, especially when it’s set in sand.

Pea gravel and stones may not be practical for the front yard at my house.

This particular path appears to be a wide assortment of different stones and concrete. I kind of like it, what do you think?

This is pretty too, the stones look like they’ve been here for a long time, adorned with moss as they are.

again, another backyard, but the stone in gravel is sure pretty and reflects a casual, comfortable lifestyle.

Do you have a path to your front door? What kinds of stones/pebbles do you like best?

I’m over at Fishtail Cottage for her Garden Party

and over at No Minimalist Here for an Open House

{GHP} Happy 4th of July!

04 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Holidays, Independence Day

≈ 5 Comments

We’re off to dinner at our friends house this evening. I hope you are relaxing and enjoying friends and family. I know the official first day of summer was June 21st but the 4th of July always signaled the start of summer for me.

Have a safe and yummy 4th of July!

{Home} Making room for Olivia…daybeds

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Family, House and Home, Misc, Renovating

≈ 10 Comments

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and baby makes three

We have a 3-bedroom home. When our boys were young they each had their own room. Once they were grown and gone we converted the smaller of the bedrooms into a study/office. There is a comfortable leather reading chair and side table. We converted the clothes closet into a desk area and there is a second desk in our built in. This has been great for our empty nest and for Hubby and my computer work.

Karen’s desk area (above)…when can we expect wireless everything?

Hubby’s desk area (below)…since Hubby works from home he has more of everything.

The guest room is comfortably equipped with a queen sized bed and ample closet space for visiting guests [read :: son #1 and DIL, with our granddaughter]. Olivia is still small and has been quite happy to sleep in the pack and play we were given but we know the day will come when Olivia (and her mommy and daddy) will want her to have a bed to sleep in, preferably in a separate room.

Below is the wall we could fit a daybed…the chair would be moved but the wall is relatively furniture free.

So…I’ve been looking at day beds. And since I love you guys and your valuable input, I’m sharing some of what I’ve seen and hope you will offer some opinion on this topic.

The bed below looks like it could be an antique. This holds great appeal for me. I could see passing an antique down to someone later for future generations. I tend to romanticize the spin on just about everything.

la Brocanteuse

The blue bed is sweet and looks like it would make a little person feel safe with the side detail. It also looks like it might be a little shorter than most twin beds, which would be a bonus in our room with its limited space.

unknown

I like the looks of an iron bed, I’ve seen a few varieties that seem sweet and might take up less visual space since the iron is less bulky in feel than a wood bed.

The Paper Mullberry