{Party} This was the inspiration…

05 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Food, Party Planning

Tags

Spring birthday dinner 2012

I’ve mentioned our “birthday group” before { HERE }. This year it was my turn to host the May birthday and weeks before the date I begin thinking about what the invitations might look like, the dishes I wanted to use and what color(s) the linens would be. If you entertain, even casually, you understand the best part of throwing a party is often the planning. Kind of like remodeling or renovating a room, planning brings pleasure.

Here is our table at a birthday dinner we hosted in May 2009. I had just inherited my grandmother’s beautiful violet strewn china pattern. A friend was able to find fabric patterned with violets {and she made a table runner for me, thank you Gretchen} and I used dried violets on the invitations and place cards (found at Paper Source).

I finally have all the images and details for this past strawberry strewn birthday dinner. The inspiration for the theme started with some very pretty invitations I had picked up on sale a few years back. [I forgot to take a picture, sorry] The invitations were a card stock image of a botanic wild strawberry with a vellum over-page. I have Wedgwood Wild Strawberry china so it was easy to determine which dinnerware I would use.

The table runner was a find from Home Goods (TJ Maxx). The soft green paisley picked up the leaf green in the plates.

Carla found these English daisies and delivered them for a touch of pinkish-red and white in the maiden hair fern planter.

I planted strawberry in four footed mini-urns…the strawberries didn’t ripen in time to be red, but you could make the connection in spite of that. 🙂

The octagon shaped glass plates were found by mom at a garage sale. She managed to buy 10 of the salad plates and one dinner plate for me for $10. I think of her when I use them, a sweet memory.

The menu was my next hurdle. I happened upon a great recipe for grilled / marinated pork tenderloin with balsamic and rosemary HERE and I had saved a recipe for balsamic reduction sauce for some time, so that made things easy. I served a new mashed potato dish I had recently tried out on Hubby, and prepared fresh roasted green beans.

Our little lute playing cherub, decked out with a rosemary wreath on her head—greeted guests as they arrived.

I’ll post recipes for the dinner in an upcoming post.

{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!

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.

A 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.

{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). 🙂

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

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

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} 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

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} 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

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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.

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.

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!)

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

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.
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.
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.
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!

{GHP} Happy Easter

05 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 6 Comments

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Easter

Happy 2 Days before Easter! ♥ Happy Spring!

Good Housekeeping

When our kids were young we were always the house where Easter dinner was held. We’d plan an Easter-egg hunt in the morning followed by a game of Bocci Ball for the group and a feast that included Honey Baked Ham, scalloped potatoes or potato salad, fresh fruit bowl, chocolate dipped strawberries, coconut cupcakes and a hollow bunny for each and every guest.

Miss Mustard Seed

Stone Gable

Now that half of our family lives in Austin we celebrate with soon-to-be in-laws and our youngest son and his lovely fiance.

Fotobank

Veggie Belly

Belclaire House

Jane Packer ~ Party Resources

What are your plans this Sunday? I wish you a day willed with spring sunshine, good food and the love of your family and friends.

{Entertaining} Champagne Chicken

29 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 13 Comments

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Champage Chicken

It’s been awhile since I gave you a recipe…I am not always mindful of posting recipes when there is so much to think about, chalk it up to spring fever.

We had some friends in for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day and one of our guests only eats chicken, no red meat, no pork no fish. So the search was on for a new recipe for chicken that would fit my entertaining criteria.

I used to be in the Junior League and during my tenure I found Junior League cookbooks to be a reliable source of really good food. I find a lot of the JL cookbooks provide recipes for busy women who want to entertain family and friends but not spend 3 days in the kitchen. This suits me just fine. In fact, I look for recipes that take that philosophy a step further, make-ahead as much as possible.

While reading through my cookbooks in search of a tasty chicken recipe I pulled one of my ‘go to’ JL cookbooks, “Stop and Smell the Rosemary” by the Junior League of Houston, printed in 1996. I can’t begin to list all of the great meals we’ve had using this book, it’s never let me down. I found a recipe called Champagne Chicken and gave it a try. It was delicious and so easy, so I thought I would pass it along.

[Note: You will have to copy and paste this onto a page for keeping; photo via FotoSearch, royalty free]

In addition I have included 6 table settings that inspire me to set the table for spring, with a nod in at least one of the images to recognize St. Patrick’s Day.

Champagne chicken ~ serves 4

[Adapted from Stop and Smell the Rosemary]

1 ½ cups champagne (or sparkling white wine)

18 sprigs fresh thyme, minced

5 tablespoons fresh lime juice

6 cloves of garlic, chopped

3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary, minced

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Combine champagne, thyme, lime juice, garlic, and rosemary in a medium baking dish. Add chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375°. Remove chicken from marinade and place in small roasting pan. Roast chicken 20 to 30 minutes. Spoon pan drippings over chicken and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

I get the chicken ready for the oven early in the day, refrigerate until 1 hour before baking.

I served this with roasted baby Yukon potatoes *not baked potatoes smothered in sour cream that you see in the image above 🙂 and fresh Blue Lake green beans. Here is the Roasted Baby Yukon Potato recipe:

ROASTED POTATOES

1 1/2 pounds small yukon gold potatoes (or new potatoes)

2 tablespoons butter

1 large shallot, minced

1 large clove of garlic, minced

salt and papper

Pierce potatoes in several places with a fork. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook potatoes until almost tender, shaking skillet occasionally, about 25 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, reduce heat to medium low. Cook until potatoes are tender and brown, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Hermes of Paris

Unknown

Garden, Home and Party

Daniel Desantis Interiors

French Essence

House Beautiful

I hope you’re having a wonderful spring and that you will drop me a line and share your favorite ‘entertaining’ recipes. I love to hear from you!

I’m visiting:

No Minimalist Here

Ivy and Elephant’s: What’s it Wednesday

{Garden} Here come Peter Cottontail…bunnies in the backyard.

22 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Outdoor living

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

bunnies

Spring his here, at least the calendar says it is. In anticipation of Spring and Easter I puttered in the back yard a bit and thought I’d share some of the bunnies that are visiting my yard.

I think Peter Rabbit is stealing eggs and maybe has his eye on the cabbage!

I also stumbled upon a great deal from a consignment store for the blue and white garden seat. I’ll put the cushions out as soon as the threat of rain leaves our 7-day forecast.

I hope these birds don’t eat much!

Happy Spring! I hope the rabbits are not eating too much of your garden this spring.

I’m visiting Sherry’s Open House today and

French Country Cottage, join me!

{GHP} Happy Spring 2012

20 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Gardening

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Spring

♥Happy first day of spring! Spring Equinox!

I surprise myself in my enthusiasm for spring this year because a) we’ve had a very mild winter and I’m really more a fall/winter person than a spring/summer person, and b) there’s no way around it, spring signals warmer weather, even though it never gets truly sweltering, I dread the stifling hot days of the season that follows spring…talk about putting the cart before the horse, right? I maintain this has something to do with my age, my red hair and my love of turtlenecks!

There are so many wonderful options when setting a table for a spring meal. Flowers are plentiful and come in every color ever put to pottery. Dining al fresco is a favorite during the warm evenings that you find during late spring (in Southern California).

I use a lot of citrus during spring and summer in both my cooking and as a natural accessory.

For some reason this year, I’m more than giddy to get into the garden and work on some projects I’ve been thinking about and I’m ready for the change in menu planning i.e. more grilling and dining outdoors.

Maybe I’ve gotten wiser and more appreciative in my ~~older~~ more mature years when it comes to recognizing the beauty of each season.

Spring is here and I’m embracing all of the joy it brings, especially the burst of energy I feel during this time of year.

I find great comfort when working in the garden. The planning and searching for the right plant material is exciting to me. Spring, like no other time of year offers promise of new beginnings, both in the garden and in life.

Polished Pebble

Better Homes and Gardens

I enjoy the process of bringing the outdoors IN with fresh and potted flowers, found nests and blossoming branches. I lighten the feel of our living spaces in the house by introducing lighter pillows and throws, where possible. The windows are washed and open for any breath of fresh air that can be captured.

The Paper Mulberry

So, goodbye winter, I’ll think of you often and await your return following fall, all the while delighting in your warmer cousin spring.

Content in a Cottage

Do you have a favorite season…I’d love to hear from you.

{Party} Easy soup recipe…Cannelloni Bean Soup

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

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

≈ 6 Comments

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cannelloni soup

Even though this past weekend was more like summer than winter, my favorite thing about winter (albeit mild this year) is having soup for lunch or dinner (or both). There is something so satisfying about a steaming hot bowl of soup with a side salad and some really good, crusty bread…and if it’s dinner, a glass of wine.

I was given a recipe for White Chili some years ago and while I loved it my family preferred to have me prepare the red chili. I blogged about our new favorite red chili recipe HERE, it was compliments of Pioneer Woman and we were surprised how delicious we thought it was. That still left me hungry for a white bean soup and so I modified the white chili recipe and was amazed when hubby raved about it and said it was definitely a keeper, a supreme compliment and the only way I’m certain he truly likes the dish! (Lyn is always complimentary and kind when he comments but there have been those rare occasions when he says he likes a new recipe but in fact, when I prepare it sometime later he says I don’t need to fix it again).

This is truly an easy-peasy recipe and I believe if you like the ingredients you will enjoy the final outcome.

KB’s Cannelloni Bean Soup

1 tablespoon canola oil

3 14.5-ounce cans cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained

1 lb. Italian sausage [hot], casings removed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small can Ortega chopped chilies, drained

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Jack cheese, grated for top of soup and chopped parsley and/or chives.

Heat oil over medium high in 5 quart Dutch oven or heavy pan. Crumble sausage into pan, stirring occasionally until sausage browns.

Lower heat to medium and add onion, cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add seasonings, chilies, and bean and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve topped with grated Jack cheese.

Can be served with tortilla chips or crusty bread and salad.

I have also included some pretty tablescapes for your table setting files. I like to keep some ideas on hand for seasonal settings, plus they are fun to look at, right?

Pam Pierce

I like the simplicity and rustic feel to this table (above), works well with a soup meal, don’t you agree? A few cut branches and whatever fruit or vegetable you might have is all you need.

tumblr

I think this idea (above) would be fun with a soup meal menu, rustic wooden spoons would be ideal but simple stainless would also work.

Back Porch Musings

A country setting in the kitchen, with rooster accents, works well. Back Porch Musings is an excellent source for table setting inspiration, visit the link under the image.

Vignette Design

Delores, at vignette design, always inspires with her creative and clever table settings. I’ve been tempted to pick up a set of these wicker chargers for more rustic meals for ages. You can find them at Cost Plus, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. I’m sure there are other sources as well, don’t they add something to this simple tablescape?

P.S. I apologize for not having one of those handy “PRINT RECIPE” commands and completely understand if you don’t bother to cut and paste this so that you can print it. I have a laundry list for my web developer (who happens to be my son and is very busy with work that pays him right now) to add to my site.

Spring will be here before we know it so I really wanted to get this out to you before our menu ideas involve grilling and lighter fare.

Do you like soup or stew for dinner. I have friends whose husbands feel it’s not enough for a satisfying dinner…lucky me, hubby enjoys soups, stews and even casseroles!