Healthy Breakfasts

With summer summer summer time right around the corner this Yahoo article caught my eye.

Cherry-Vanilla-Almond Smoothie

Blend together 1 cup frozen cherries, half a medium banana, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt (I like Greek from TJ's) and 1 tbsp sliced almonds. To amp up the froth factor, add a few ice cubes. To amp up the adult beverage factor, add booze (maybe not for breakfast though :)

Sloane

With a bevy of other talented thirtysomething's, I recently contributed to the first issue of Sloane Magazine. If you, like us, started your magazine obsession flipping the pages of Sassy and Jane you will surely enjoy the return of this genre. Check it out here.

The Power of Soup

Rainy days make me crave soup! This recipe looks yummy. I wish I could invite all of my girlfriends over to join me around my {imaginary} fireplace to eat hunks of broth soaked bread and talk. When I was growing up my mother owned a couple restaurants in Marblehead. She was also the head chef so you can imagine the impact growing up in her kitchens has had on me. I take for granted the ease I feel in a kitchen and how naturally creating recipes and menus comes. It is literally second nature.

I haven't spent a whole lot of nights at home these past few months but I think tonight I will dust off the pots and pans, pull out Tried and True Ambrosia and fill the house with delicious smells.

Raclette with a Side of Broken Hearts

My computer is still down for the count so my posts are sporadic these days. Luckily Sweet Heather is picking up the slack for me.


I hosted a little dinner party on Monday for the Bachelor finale. Check out the pix and our food spread over at LA In Bloom. {here}.

Mushroom Salad Recipe (which is beyond easy and absolutely delish)

Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
Throw in 1-2 cups of a variety of different mushrooms, sliced
Saute for a few minutes until soft
Add a tablespoon of truffle oil and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar
Remove from heat and serve over a bed of greens

Your mouth will thank you!

Next Stop, Happy Hour

There is nothing like a bar cart on hand for the holidays! And I love this one that we just put on the floor.

CANDY CANE MARTINI
Mix 1.5 oz vodka and 1 tsp. peppermint schnapps in a shaker with ice. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy cane's, pour and drink fire side with good friends. Bing Crosby's Christmas Classic CD optional.

Mediterranean Dinnerware

William Sonoma has this beautiful collection reminiscent of the majolica ceramics from Renaissance Italy. The style seems a bit out of place in our mid century abode but that didn't stop me from registering for them and can't stop setting the table! In fact, when I chose them last winter I was imagining hot summer days such as these, all the delicious food I would be serving and the table presentation that would accompany.


I picked out a tablecloth to complete the ensemble but my real vision is to make an amazing pasta and eat it alfresco. We have a perfect outdoor entertaining area that has gotten little play in the last 6 months and I am clearly missing the extra space.

In addition to this every day ware I also have to plan a lil something special to use these gems.




Ohh - La La!

Tried & True Ambrosia

am·bro·sia

Function:
noun

1: something extremely pleasing to taste or smell

A beautiful dinner on some of our beautiful new wedding gifts....

yummy fish

soak fillets of white fish in milk

heat olive oil in pan

dip fillets in bread crumbs

sear on one side for 5 minutes, flip, repeat

add a few tblsp of vermouth to pan and sprinkle with chives

baked tomatoes

preheat oven 375

cut large but not deep hole in top of tomatoes

in bowl mix equal parts

-capers

-parsley

-parmesan

-bread crumbs

fill holes

drizzle with olive oil

bake for 30-40 minutes

steamed broccolini tossed with fresh basil

Tried & True Ambrosia

Close to 20 years ago the women in my family comprised a recipe book of their tried and true favorites. I refer to it often (and fondly) as inspiration for easy mid week meals as well as crowd pleasing dinner party fav's.  Driving home from Palm Springs yesterday afternoon I chose from my mental recipe catalog an oldy but goody. Enjoy.......

Pasta Tonno

1 lb spaghetti

1 can black olives, chopped

1 can Tonno (Italian Tuna in Oil)

1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bunch Italian leaf parsley, chopped

Olive Oil

Boil water and cook spaghetti per directions.

In a pan saute olive oil and garlic over medium low heat. 

Toss cooked pasta together with all ingredients (inc. some salt and pepper).

"Chow down all hands!!!"