Coffee and the machines that prepare it for us

16 Wednesday Mar 2016

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I first started drinking coffee when I was in my late teens. It was a bit of an acquired taste for me and I added half and half and sugar. When I met/married Mr. B he had lived in Germany for 2 years and loved well brewed coffee. I dropped the sugar once I tasted a really good cup of coffee and have never looked back, but adding half and half is still my first choice when drinking the dark pick-me-up. Whipped cream and cinnamon is welcome on a cold day!

I enjoy 1 1/2 – 2 cups every morning but am pretty cautious about drinking it past noon as it keeps me awake. Through the years we’ve had a variety of different machines to prepare our coffee, including a French press—some of the best coffee was made using our French press. So today’s post will include some very pretty kitchens and their placement of a coffee maker of some kind.

This is one of my favorite kitchen ideas…utility mixed with the right amount of art and flowers. If I was confident I could style shelves this well, I’d definitely go for open shelving in some part of the kitchen next time.

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Oh, and the inspiration for this post was an article in the New York Post talking about how coffee can help reverse liver damage from drinking alcohol. I don’t drink that much but I do enjoy a glass of wine after work most evenings, so I thought this might be a win-win. 🙂

Now here is where it’s crazy in the GHP house. We own this beauty. It makes espresso and steams milk…it’s very pretty, however, we own a drip maker as well. Seriously, Mr. B!? My kitchen counter space is limited…2 coffee machines?!

After ~~whining~~ discussing this with family, I was given this clever machine by our California kids. It makes espresso and a regular cup of coffee, all from one machine.

But, (there’s always a but) it’s an expensive cup of either espresso or coffee, comparatively. And environmentally safe disposal of the pods is a bit of a headache. I love the sleek lines and I appreciate only one machine on the counter. Am I ever satisfied? Um, maybe not.

The forethought of this kitchen design feature is pretty cool. A coffee cupboard that has it’s own water source. And you can close the doors when not in use. Maybe in another house.

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The coffee maker in this kitchen has the bonus of a shelf for coffee cups…convenient.

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This lovely kitchen has what looks to be a stove top percolator…a blast from the past. Fitting for such a beautiful kitchen.

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An Ikea kitchen, isn’t it pretty? It looks like their coffee source is an espresso maker tucked in the back corner.Coffee makers continue to change and possibly improve.

This is a Siphon Coffee maker from Williams Sonoma.

I haven’t read the reviews, but it looks pretty, doesn’t it?

Tell me, are you a coffee drinker? Several of my friends won’t touch the stuff. If you are a coffee drinker, do you make your own or rely on Starbucks, Peets or some other fabulous coffee house? Have a great Wednesday and a beautiful upcoming weekend! ♥ Karen

{Party} Tea time

02 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Drink, Entertaining, Food

≈ 19 Comments

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tea

{Content in a Cottage}

I enjoy tea and wish I made more time for a proper tea party. I don’t like it to the exclusion of coffee, I find I’m firmly addicted to my 2 cups of coffee every day, but Mr. B and I enjoy tea after dinner. This time of year I could drink tea most any time of the day or evening.

A friend of mine buys all of her loose tea from France. She recently introduced me to Mariage Freres of Paris, and Fauchon tea and I think she may be on to something, it was truly delicious. I’m not above using a tea bag in a pinch, but if you have the time loose tea tastes so much better.

{A Toile Tale}

One of the best things about tea, for me, is the array of possibilities it offers for a) table settings, even a table for 2 with special mugs or cup and saucer, AND b) the snacks that can accompany a tea break. Those Brits know what they’re doing about taking time for tea.

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Who does’t love nibbles? I have often thought I could graze for each meal, you know, sample a bite of this and taste of that. Tea seems the ideal opportunity to delight the senses with both sweet and savory.

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If you’d like help with ideas for the menu when hosting a tea party, here’s a book that comes highly recommended.

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Although the U.K. has always been the country I think of when I think of tea, there are countries all over the globe that specialize in growing fine tea. I have a neighbor from India who wholesales premium teas from her homeland. Alton Brown, the scientist/chef from Food TV has listed his recipe for the perfect cup of tea. This is the technique Mr. B. and I follow when we brew a cup of tea.

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Ingredients
4 heaping teaspoons loose tea
4 cups water
Directions
Place loose tea leaves into a warmed tea kettle. Pour heated water over loose tea leaves. Let steep. Strain tea and serve.

Notes
*Note: For Oolong and Green tea, water should simmer at 200 degrees F. and 180 degrees F.

*For Irish and English tea bring water to a full boil.

*Black tea should soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Oolong tea should soak for 4 to 7 minutes. Green Tea should soak for 2 to 3 minutes.

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Years ago, when I was a stay-at-home-mom, Linda, Gretchen (two of my oldest and dearest friends) and I would have tea at one another’s home at least once or twice a month. The kids would play and we’d drink tea, munch on goodies and compare notes on parenting and such. Today we continue the tradition when Linda visits from her Bainbridge Island home. We alternate between Gretchen’s home and mine and most of our teas are morning teas so we always include homemade scones. My first post about my scone recipe, and how I came to obtain it can be found HERE.

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Here is my recipe for scones. No, they aren’t health food scones.

English Scones – Cranberry Orange Glazed

Ingredients

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¾ cup sugar

¾ cup butter (melted)

1½ cup Craisins or raisins (or diced pecans if making Maple scones)

¾ buttermilk

Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoon orange juice (or maple syrup for maple glaze)

½ teaspoon orange oil (or maple extract for maple glaze)

¼ cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons milk (more if necessary to make liquid spread easily)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375° Mix dry ingredients. Add butter, buttermilk and *Craisins and mix until incorporated. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1″ thickness. Cut to desired size with cutter or knife. Sprinkle with coarse sugar (if using glaze, omit this step). Lay on parchment paper, Silpat or lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Top with Orange glaze or omit the Craisins and substitute maple extract for the vanilla and add Maple glaze

Do you enjoy tea? Do you fuss with loose tea or throw a tea bag in a cup of hot water. I do that sometimes and it’s okay. Let me know of any specialty teas that you are fond of, I’m always interested in trying new things.

{GHP} Let’s go on a picnic!

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Drink, Family, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Traditions

≈ 28 Comments

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Picnic

Because this is National Picnic Week…

I think it’s time to pack a picnic and head someplace picturesque and relaxing. Want to come along? This idea of picnicking has become an annual theme for me, but when I read about this cookbook by Tori Finch I couldn’t resist another dream picnic.

By the way, full disclosure, I never really got around to taking a picnic someplace other than our patio in the backyard last summer. Enjoying the relaxation of a view, food that’s delicious and easy to eat without fuss, and maybe a bottle of wine (or a jug of iced tea) just never happened. The last grown-up, memorable picnic I went on with Mr. B was before we had children and it was in this picturesque spot…

[Note: We enjoyed picnics when the kids were growing up, but they were always more play than relaxation—I look forward to continuing that tradition with grandchildren]

{Crescent Bay Point Park ~ Laguna Beach, California}

In fact, when I think of going on a picnic I think of this location. During summer months nature’s air conditioning works beautifully to keep it comfortable and there are picnic tables and benches to use or you can spread your blanket out on the grass. The view is guaranteed to relax you.

But since this post is as much about the idea of a picnic as it is a travel plan, I have some images that are what I imagine a picnic would be like in a perfect world. Of course, this is my car! Isn’t it cute with that little picnic basket attached?

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{Turkey Caprese Sandwich ~ Martha Stewart}

Packed in that pretty blue and white picnic basket I might make the Turkey Caprese Sandwich from Martha Stewart for me and the egg salad (below) for Mr. B.

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I love the idea of a wine box shipping crate (large enough) to use as a little table for a picnic…okay, maybe the cloche and footed cookie plate with dome are a bit over the top, but I love the flowers and the quilt.

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This is my kind of picnic…the shade of a tree in the country, maybe the soft sounds of a stream nearby….ahhh, what could be better?

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Why stick with the predictable cookie for dessert when you can have these at the ready for the end of the meal? I don’t have a recipe but I believe it’s a simple shortbread cookie (that may be cooked so as to be slightly chewy), whipped cream and large strawberries cut and skewered. How fun.

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No matter how you get there…by car

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~or~

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Will you be making time for a picnic this summer? Tell me what you usually prepare, or do you benefit from a great deli nearby that can make the perfect sandwich?

I’ve linked to Savvy Southern Style for her Wow us Wednesday! ~and~ I’ve joined Ricki Jill at Art @ Home for her What makes me Happy!

{Party} Cheers!

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Drink, Entertaining

≈ 18 Comments

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tabletop bar

I have always liked the looks of a bar tray set up on a table in the right location of a living room or dining room.

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A bar doesn’t have to provide alcohol exclusively, bottled water and soft drinks make an inviting bar as well, don’t you agree?

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Even a bookcase can do double duty as a bar…this one (below) looks cheerful with the flower-filled blue and white vases.

It reminds me of the British colony look that I assume I’ve seen in many of the movies of a certain era. {Many of my most inspired décor ideas originate from books, magazines or movies, very few original ideas in my brain!} House of Fifty Winter/Spring online issue has a feature article on the topic of the resurgence of the cocktail party. This issue also has some delicious recipes for new, fresh cocktails.

Flowers are a definite plus, something I failed to put in my image at the end of this post.

Yeager Antiques

The book case/breakfront below has been converted to a very practical bar. {Point of interest, shouldn’t the red wine be stored on its side?}

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When you’re really short on space you can improvise like the image below…very clever use of a chair and vintage suitcase.

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I had thought about setting up a small bar in our dining room on the antique sideboard. This past Christmas Lyn (hubby) received a couple bottles of very nice Scotch and while he doesn’t have a sip nightly, I thought I’d display the 3 varieties we own along with our scotch glasses. {below ~ We only own 2 of these cute little vessels since when we entertain we generally serve beer or wine}.

I’m sure I’ll tire of the set up but it was a nice change for winter. The little wooden wren was carved by my dear friend’s dad.

To close, I came across this little computer message at casual-classic-home and thought it was cute:

Be sure to read it…I was a little alarmed when I saw it on my screen but its a joke!

Slainte!

I’m visiting Melissa at The Inspired Room for her linky party on small homes…join me.

and I’m over at The Polohouse sharing my table top bar.

{GHP} Fall installment #3 and introducing my pheasant

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Drink, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Flowers, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 6 Comments

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fall, Thanksgiving

So how are we doing? Is everyone happy with the season so far? We’ve survived Halloween and now it’s onward and upward to the best holiday of the year, turkey day, otherwise known as Thanksgiving. I am grateful every day for so much, but I’m especially thankful that there’s a specific day during the year when we can reflect on the people and things in our lives we feel fortunate to enjoy.

via the little book of secrets

via vignette designs

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My friend Carla told me she put pumpkins in her bird bath this year. I’m going to try the same thing (copy cat? why yes, there are only so many original good ideas out there). 🙂

What I love about Thanksgiving is there are no presents to shop for, just ‘splurge on calories’ food. Even if you don’t love turkey (I know folks that feel that way), you have to admit, it’s a holiday that easily adapts to whatever “traditions” in menu selections you and yours decides to embrace. Branch out, try at least one new dish, maybe create a dish that is similar to the annual _________[fill in the blank] …it will make cooking so much more fun.

We’re fortunate enough to be hosting our future daughter-in-law, Sarah (Kevin’s fiancé {he’s the baby of the family}) and her very fun family. Kathy, her mom, Tristan, her brother and Charles, her grandfather are delightful, and we’re thrilled to be able to share Thanksgiving in our home, with soon to be family, for the first time in a few years.

via Ralph Lauren

The past few years have found us at a dear friend’s home and one year was spent in Arizona, which turned out to be my mother’s last Thanksgiving, so I’m so happy we made the trek.

So, let’s get going on the planning, shall we? Oddly, as important as the menu is, and believe me, it is, I think of the table first. This year I’ll have my early Christmas gift from future DIL…“Redfern”, the pheasant, to decorate the room with. I have mentioned to anyone who’ll listen that I’ve always wanted a taxidermy pheasant. (I understand if you’re asking, why?!). Fortunately, my sweet DIL-t0-be surprised me with this in October, assuming (as only a thoughtful person would) that I would want to use him for the fall decorations. Note: he’ll be out year round, he just may move from one piece of furniture to another.

It took me a few days of walking past the dining room table and my new friend to not jump (we have all kinds of critters in our neighborhood and it made me think a giant bird had landed, uninvited, on our dining table!

Redfern, the pheasant

via Party Resource

I happened upon a Pottery Barn sale on their fall linens (the only silver lining to the stores rushing all of the holidays by starting to sell fall items in August, by September they want to usher in Christmas and you can often find some pretty hefty cuts in pricing for the items you want/need for Thanksgiving). I found the table runner in our local store and then a very nice sales person helped me by ordering the 8 napkins to match and having them delivered to my house. They came from Minnesota (I live in California).

I’ve always thought this (above) was a very nice way of using a place card that adds to the seasonal feel of the table. I really like pears, can you tell?

*Turkey plates were purchased years ago through a Ross-Simons catalog for a song.

I’ll use my white chargers and the PB table runner with Churchill’s Thanksgiving plates.

As far as the menu, it’s still in the works. I know I’ll prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes, I salt the turkey (as opposed to brining) and I’ll prepare stuffing. Kevin has volunteered to prepare a side dish and I’ve given some thought to a gingerbread trifle that my friend, Linda, introduced me to. Beyond that I’m still in the planning stages. I’ll keep you posted.

There’s a truly clever and delicious sounding recipe for a Deconstructed Pear Salad HERE:

Happy fall, I’d love to hear from you regarding some of your favorite sides for the Thanksgiving feast!

I’ve joined Sherry for her Open House at No Minimalist Here…stop by for a visit.

{GHP} Engagement Party pics

01 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, DIY (do it yourself), Drink, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Food, Outdoor living

≈ 10 Comments

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Engagement Party

My friends in Turtle Rock and blog land will know that we hosted an engagement party for *Kevin and Sarah (formerly Son #2 and his darling fiancé).

*I’ve decided to use first names in my posts. What are your thoughts on this? Am I crazy? (Please don’t answer that last question) I’ve noticed most bloggers that I read use pseudonyms for their family members and friends. I’m not sure I like the pseudonym for Lyn, my husband. I found “Hubby” too cute and decided I’d make the leap and use first names. I could have created other names for loved ones but decided against that in fear that I’d need a key to keep them all straight. So as of now, first names will be used unless I hear from people that they really would prefer to stay completely anonymous.

Anyway, I digress, here are some images I took of the party and while I didn’t get nearly as many pictures of the actual event as I’d hoped, it was a success and I’ve been told a good time was had by all.

By hosting this party in late October, decorations were easy for me. I love fall and everything about it. In Southern California the season is generally mild, weather-wise. I was hoping for sunny day-time temps in the high seventies and for nightfall to bring just a slight chill to the air…we were lucky. That is exactly how the day turned out.

Guests included dear friends and family, Kyle (Son #1) flew in from Austin and Sarah’s family and friends were in attendance along with long time friends of Kevin’s. It was so much fun celebrating the engagement with everyone.

{pumpkins in the birdbath, thank you for the idea, Carla}

Our home is small but we were able to utilize the yard. We moved furniture to create seating areas all around the back yard. One thing I failed to take a picture of (darn it) was a picture of some Ikea lanterns I hung at different levels out in the trees that border the back yard. Ikea had little battery operated strands of LCD lights that I bunched into each lantern. Because the LCD bulbs are so much brighter than regular twinkle lights, the little lanterns illuminated the outer reaches of the yard.

I had 3 of these larger lanterns and hung a couple of them on hooks near the ground with candles.

I made the burlap pillows with burlap from JoAnns Fabrics and some down pillow forms I had saved from old pillows. I used an acrylic paint and Martha Stewart stencil from Michaels. I gave the pillows to Sarah and Kevin for their patio after the party.

Meanwhile, the menu for the evening was as follows:

Teriyaki Flank Steak Skewers

Herb-Marinated Chicken Tender Skewers

Roquefort Tartlets

Tapenade & Crostini

Salami Bites

Skewered Italian Salad

Feta w/ Caramelized Onion

Mushroom Turnovers

Brandied Sausages

Humus & Pita Chips

Mixed Nuts ‡ Potato Chips ‡ Pretzels ‡ Cheese Platter

Chardonnay ‡ Cabernet ‡ Beer ‡ Soft Drinks ‡ Water ‡ Pink Margaritas

Dessert (cookies, See’s candy and blueberries, strawberries and raspberries)

{we offered some wonderful cheeses, thank you, Julie; it takes a village to throw a party!}

Deadly, but delicious Pink Margaritas (from Barefoot Contessa’s latest book, “How easy is that?”.

{The dessert table was a hit with everyone, thank you, Glenys}

Email me if you want any recipes or have any questions. Thanks for joining me at the party.

{Party} Planning a party (ENGAGEMENT PARTY)

06 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Drink, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Food, Gardens, Misc, Outdoor living

≈ 2 Comments

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Engagement Party

My apologies for the photo formatting. I’m still trying to figure out why/how to place a group of pictures together without WordPress re-formatting the groupings AFTER it posts as it has below. Arrrg!

Hubby and I, as parents of the groom-to-be, are planning an engagement party for our newly engaged son #2 and his lovely fiancé.

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I thought since I’m thinking of little else, I’d share with you the steps I generally follow when planning a party larger than 10, which is the largest number of dinner guests my dining room table can comfortably seat, so usually we invite a few couples over and keep dinner simple. This will be a little more involved if for no other reason than we expect a few less than 50 guests for hors d’oeuvres and libations in celebration of the engagement.

First we had to decide on a date. I knew I wanted to host it while daylight savings time is still in place (giving us a bit more daylight into the evening) and didn’t want to interfere with Halloween weekend. The date we selected is October 22^nd and that gave me a little more than 1 month to get things done. Phew! We also had to consider the availability of our groom and bride to be.

I’ve been to an engagement party for a dear friend’s son recently and decided to follow her lead with a cocktails and (heavy) hors d’oeuvres menu. This made the details of the food more manageable for me. I’ll be able to supplement the homemade appetizers with a few store bought favorites (thank you Costco and Trader Joes). I will make sure most of the appetizers are mostly one-bite size and will use only cocktail napkins. Reminder to self, have a few discreet trash cans available tucked in corners out of mainstream sight, to facilitate guests discarded napkins, picks and plastic glasses.

via Party Resources

After we had decided on a date I began our guest list. We need to keep it to no more than 50 guests. Our cottage has managed that number before and although it’s cozy with people, I think it could easily border on cramped once we go over that number. I had to ask the happy couple for their list and then I began shopping invitations. I wanted to try ordering invitations from one of the online sources (I’ve seen so many great looking invitations from a wide variety of online companies) and we all agreed on a style I found on Tiny Prints. We’ve ordered the invitations and they will be here with about a week to address them (in order to give folks a 3 week advance notice of the date of the party).

via Tiny Prints

I’ve lined up 2 servers, one young lady I work with and another that has served at events for another organization I belong to. This is a bit of a luxury, but when it’s a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, having help with final food prep and tray-passing is so nice. It allows the hostess to enjoy the party!

The menu I’ve chosen will be fairly simple but will include several hors d’oeuvres that are substantive with chicken and beef, a variety of cheese based bites and some snacks that are tasty and easy to eat. I want my guests to feel like they’ve had plenty to eat.

Cheese platter ~ {thank you, Julie!}

Teriyaki Flank Steak Skewers

Herb-marinated chicken tender skewers

Tapenade crostini

Salami bites

Feta with carmelized onion bites

Mushroom turnovers

Brandied sausages

Mixed nuts ~ Sourdough pretzels ~ Black pepper potato chips

Chardonnay ~ Cabernet Sauvignon

Champagne

Beer

Pink Margaritas

Water

Dessert (heart cookies) ~ {thank you, Glenys!}

These little bundles of joy are asparagus, arugula, baby greens salt and pepper wrapped with prosciutto. I will toss the greens (lightly) in a vinaigrette before the wrap. It’s a little salad wrap.

The meat ball recipe I use includes Jimmy Dean sausage links with a sweet sauce that envelopes each bite; brown the sausage and allow to simmer in a blackberry brandy, chili sauce, soy sauce and molasses. {Email me if you’d like this recipe}.

The little salami bites are a recipe I found when visiting my friend on Bainbridge Island. Fill each salami round with a spread of boursin herbed cheese and add a row of capers, roll and secure with a pick…super easy and very tasty.

I plan to use pumpkins and fall flowers on the dessert table, bar table and the kitchen island. This time of year makes flowers and other table enhancements easy for me, it is certainly of the my favorite seasons. We plan to have our Kooboo chairs out on the grass and we’ll push the patio table to one side to give the patio more room for guests that want to stand and visit.

I’ll try to remember to take some pictures after we’ve set up for the event for a future post.

I’ll have the patio table pushed to one side with a cloth and flowers and pumpkins. The Kooboo chairs will be situated in the backyard in groupings, to encourage guests to mix and mingle.

We’ll have our French doors wide open to encourage movement with the guests. You know how some parties bottle neck in one spot and you can’t get folks to move around? I’m hoping to avoid that by setting the bar up in the atrium and having the USC game on in the family room and then with seating and standing space in the back yard we’ll hope for plenty of milling around, visiting and general good cheer.

I’ll move this furniture to the backyard as well and we’ll set the bar up here…folks can grab a beverage on their way in (the atrium is one the left side mid-way in the entry.

This is so exciting! I’d love to hear any last minute tips from you!

{Party} Easy barbecue chicken skewers and vegetables

19 Friday Aug 2011

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

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BBQ

I’ve been a little crazy busy this month. First our trip to Austin to visit family (very fun, very HOT) and then our trip to Phoenix (not so much fun, very HOT). I am ready to live out the final several weeks of summer with relaxation and back yard barbecues on the agenda.

For ideas and inspiration I visited the one and only Martha Stewart Living.

Clever leaf coasters would be cute at a backyard barbecue.

I’m not sure I’d make these cute little envelop packets for my melon balls but you have to admit, they’re kinda cute.

This is more my speed.

With that in mind I thought I’d pull out a recipe I received at a friend’s bridal shower. The hostess requested that everyone invited to the shower provide a favorite recipe in advance of the date of the event. When we arrived she had printed out all of the recipes for each guest. There were some really tasty recipes in this packet and this is one of them.

I haven’t used rosemary as skewers but I love the look, maybe this idea I will use when I fix these skewers.

Note, I cook these on the outdoor grill but as the recipe states, you can fix these on a grill pan in your kitchen…but why would you?

On the whole leaf theme, these votive and vases look great covered in leaves. I also like the burlap table runner and plant to make one for my patio table.

The main goal is to relax for the remaining weeks of summer…at least I’m going to try!

And one last Martha idea…remember those handles you get from departments stores to make holding shopping bags easier? That’s what this holder is…placed over what looks like a cardboard container. Visit her side if you are interested in making this, I’ll be relaxing in the back yard.

Grilled Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless	12 cremini mushrooms, cleaned
3 cloves garlic, minced	2 red onions cut into eighths
3 T. basil, chopped	5 zucchini, cut into large cubes
2 T. thyme, chopped	3 red peppers cut into 2” pieces
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar	Salt and pepper to taste
3 T. whole grain mustard	12 skewers soaked in water
1/2 c. olive oil

(Note: You can substitute other veggies if you aren’t fond of this list)

Cut each chicken breast into six large cubes and set aside. Place the garlic, basil, thyme, balsamic, whole grain mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper into a bowl and whisk together to incorporate. Pour 3/4 of the marinade over the chicken and reserve the rest to brush onto the vegetables while grilling. Let the chicken marinate for one hour or more.

While the meat is marinating, cut up all the vegetables and place into separate bowls. Once the chicken has marinated, take the skewers and place one piece of chicken, onion, pepper, chicken, mushroom, zucchini and another piece of chicken and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat until all the chicken and vegetables are gone. Sprinkle the skewers with salt and pepper. With a pastry brush, lightly brush the vegetables with the reserved marinade.

Heat a large grill or grill pan and place the skewers on the grill; cook for 3-4 minutes, then turn and cook until the meat is cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm in a 250° oven until ready to serve. Place the skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

I serve this with the a mixed green salad and some fresh sliced melon. Easy and tasty. Enjoy.

{Party} Fettuccine with Sausage and Summer Savory

15 Monday Aug 2011

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

recipe, summer

Happy Monday my blogland friends.

I’m currently in the hot spot of the nation, Arizona, closing my parents house…my mom passed away a year ago and my dad passed one year later. In any event, not fun stuff, but the home sold with little effort, which is a good thing.

As a result, I’m passing along a very simple, delicious recipe that I’ve had in my files for years. (I believe I got it from Carla and she got it from a cooking class she took one summer). It’s very yummy and very easy, and I thought you might enjoy serving it to your family and/or friends one of these summer evenings. It’s great with some warm, crusty bread and butter and a simple green salad with a Dijon vinaigrette. I like to pour a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of Australia…Kim Crawford is a favorite. Enjoy!

Image via Heirloom Philisophy

-OR-

I’ll be back Wednesday with a fun post on toile. I look forward to chatting with you then.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon summer savory
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
8 sundried tomatoes (I used roasted grape tomatoes, cut in half)
1 lb. Italian sausage (I used ½ spicy, ½ regular)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
¾ lb. fettuccine, or any other pasta you like
Parmesan cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cream butter and beat in savory, cover and refrigerate overnight (I didn’t do this step). Remove sausage from casings and brown in a large skillet until cooked through, add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Add chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and add the savory butter (or savory and butter). Simmer another 10 minutes and serve over cooked pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4-6

Stay cool this week and celebrate each of the last days of summer!

A toast to spring…beverage recipes

11 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Drink, Entertaining, Outdoor living

≈ 4 Comments

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beverage recipes

So after a tempting week of warmer temperatures in the usually warm Southern California, we have been once again plunged into days of drizzle and gray. Yes, I’d like cheese and crackers with this whine!

Anyway, I forged ahead this past Mother’s Day weekend with work in the garden and an eye on the future spring/summer temperatures that will undoubtedly arrive and stay at some point.

With summer temperatures visualization in mind (visualization is supposed to work to make it so, right?) I thought I would post a couple of really delicious beverages that can make you indifferent to outside temperatures. 🙂