Archive by Author

Roasted Asparagus

28 Jul

One of my favorite side dishes to whip up in the kitchen is roasted asparagus.  I always end up with this veggie in my grocery cart-the beautiful green and purple color combination lures me in every time I wheel by the produce.

Ingredients:

-1 bunch of asparagus

-1-2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

-1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional-but makes it that much more tasty!)

-salt & pepper

Method:

First, rinse the asparagus stalks and cut off the tough ends.  Preheat theoven to 400 degrees.

Once the asparagus are clean and cut, lay them in a single layer in a baking dish.  Drizzle the olive oil over the stalks.  Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over your vegetable.  Take the minced garlic and spread it over the asparagus.

Bake for about 30-40 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your asparagus.

This simple dish is bursting with flavor and will have your dinner guests thinking you worked EXTRA hard on the vegetable!

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Peachy Keen Cobbler

23 May

The farmers’ market is in full swing in our little town.  What could be better than stands filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables?  I love the whole shopping experience-actually meeting the farmers who have grown the food you are about to eat.

On our last trip, I left with a bag filled with sweet smelling peaches.  It took a couple of days to find a peach cobbler recipe worthy of my new fruit and meeting all of my husband’s requirements: a DELICIOUS crust and lots of it.

Paula Deen to the rescue!  I knew I could count on the Southern, butter-lovin’ cook to have a great peach cobbler recipe, and I was right! I halved the recipe and it lasted about 1.5 days in my house of 2.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups peeled, sliced peaches
  • 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • Ground cinnamon
METHOD:
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a pot and mix together.  Boil the fruit mixture and then let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and melt it in the preheated oven.

Then carefully mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk.  Make sure you mix it slowly to avoid clumping.  Pour this mixture over the melted butter, not stirring the batter.  Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon. The self-rising flour in the batter will rise to top during baking, ensuring an abundance of delicious crust for husbands all over the world. Let your cobbler bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

Before

After!

Cobbler MUST be served with vanilla ice cream on the side-a perfect combination!

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Bread Making 101

16 May

Making bread has always struck me as an impossible job.  Something Martha Stewart could do in her sleep, but I, a mere mortal, should not attempt.

I was introduced to this Toast and Sandwich Bread recipe by my wonderful sister-in-law.  Since I have yet to find legitimate town bakery or even a loaf of bread in the grocery store that I love, I decided to tackle the art of bread making.    Don’t believe the hype!  It’s an easy process with great results: delicious bread and a great sense of accomplishment!

This recipe uses simple ingredients that are on hand.

*The King Arthur Flour is a necessity.  This recipe is created for their brand of flour, and this particular ingredient should not be substituted.

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup lukewarm milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons melted butter

METHOD:

Using a stand mixer, combine all of the ingredients and mix for 2 minutes. Switch to the dough hook, and knead for 10 minutes. If working by hand, knead the dough until it is smooth and soft.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and allow it to rise about 1 hour, or till it’s doubled in bulk. Shape the dough into a rectangular loaf, and place it in a greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Cover the dough with lightly greased plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s crowned 1 to 2 inches over the rim of the pan.  I let mine sit over night.  It actually took that long for it to double.  Don’t be discouraged if the magic doesn’t happen in 1 hour!

Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it tests done (its internal temperature will read 190°F on an instant-read thermometer).

Let bread cool after removing from the pan and cut off a slice to enjoy!  There is nothing better than a little butter and homemade bread.

If you would like to print this recipe or see more delish recipes like this one, go to KingArthurFlour and browse.  Happy baking!

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I wanna go home with the Armadillos

13 May

Or just wear two of them on this kitschy belt!  What a great way to wrap yourself in a little Texas culture.  Kate Spade  has done it again-I just cannot resist her charms.

Smoochin' 'Dillos

Searching for Sandals

15 Apr

I have been on a quest for the perfect summer sandal.  A sandal that will never let me down.  It needs to match almost all outfits in my wardrobe and keep my feet happy and comfortable.  Here are some wonderful picks that I have my eye on for 2011.

Sprinkler Rush Sandals from Anthropologie

Silvana Sandals from JCrew

Braided T-Strap Gladiator Sandals from Forever 21

*Click on the picture to be sent to the website.

Which sandals do you have your eye on?

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Corn Bread Croutons

13 Mar

Foster’s Market corn bread croutons have become a staple in my household.  They are the perfect finishing touch to any soup or salad.  If you have leftover cornbread, this is a great way to repurpose it.  This recipe combines some of my favorite things: corn bread, butter, olive oil, salt, and more butter!  I double the recipe and keep these croutons in the freezer so they are always on hand.

The ingredients:

-4 cups day-old or dry corn bread, cut into ½-inch cubes-I use Jiffy Corn Bread Mix, but use whatever cornbread is leftover
-4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. While the oven is preheating, melt the butter.  Then combine the rest of the ingredients into the butter.

3. Mix the corn bread gently with the butter mixture.

4.  Spread out the corn bread cubes in one layer on a baking dish and bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and cool. Use immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to use.  A way to cut back some of the dirty dishes is to use the same pan that you bake the cornbread in.

This simple recipe can make a world of difference in your soups!  They are even better right out of the oven.  My husband and I always sneak a few-the buttery croutons are hard to resist!

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Why don’t you…

3 Mar

…plant some indoor bulbs to bring a little sunshine to your day?

I am eagerly awaiting the first bloom!

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What’s in a name?

3 Mar

A whole lot, when it comes to OPI nail polish!  This nail polish company has finally released their TEXAS collection.  I have to hand it to their creative team-when it comes to nail polish naming, they are numero uno in my heart.  With clever names like “Austin-tatious Turquoise”, “San Tan-tonio”, and “Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em”, who can resist? I think I will just HAVE to snag the tangerine “Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?” to support my Longhorns.  What colors are on your list?

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And the Oscar goes to…

28 Feb
The whole world was watching the 2011 Academy Awards last night.  I not only watched the 2 hour show, but spent all day watching the fashion coverage on E! News.  Each year, I love to declare my favorites and then revel in the design and artistry that goes into creating these couture gowns.  Here are my top Oscar ensembles.
1. Cate Blanchett in Givenchy.

Hands down, this is my top pick for best dress this year.  Maybe even all time? Other dresses pale in comparison.  The contrasting elements of the geometric shapes, flowing chiffon, and beading detail are just wonderful.  The keyhole in the back adds a daring touch to a seemingly modest gown.  What a fresh look.

A stunning Cate Blanchett

2. Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Love this color.  Love the fabric choices.  Love the draping.  This color is so refreshing.  The lace is not used traditionally or as the focal point, which puts a great spin on the fabric.

A lacy Mila Kunis

3. Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein.

WOW.  Is she not a Grecian goddess in gold? Or a modern day Cleopatra?  Stunning.  This metallic color pairs well with her blonde locks.

A glittering Gwyneth Paltrow

4. Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture.

Michelle never disappoints.  She always picks ensembles that are perfect proportions of feminine charm and graceful elegance.  Her stylish pixie cut creates a modern day Audrey Hepburn feel.

A feminine Michelle Williams

5. Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein.

Jennifer executed this daring color with flying colors.  With only one small bracelet to accent her outfit, she pulls off simple chic.

A neon Jennifer Lawrence

And for the sidekicks:

1. Camila Alves on the arm of  boyfriend, Matthew McConaughey.

A wonderful silhouette that accents Camila’s figure perfectly.  She shines in black.

Camila Alves, stunning in black

2.  Rhea Durham with husband, Mark Whalberg.

The detailing on this blouse was beautiful on the television.  Enough Oscar bling without overdoing it.

A glittery top with a bright skirt

What designer doesn’t want to have their looks on an award winning actress? Or actor, in James Franco’s case…

James Franco in drag

All images via MSNBC

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30 for 30: Outfits #1 and #2

4 Feb

Day 1 of the challenge brought a wonderfully sunshiney day to California! I actually wore a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or sweater (for 2 or 3 minutes) and my arms saw the light of day.  It was such an exciting day and a great start to our blogging project.  Briana and Amanda came over and helped me choose THE 30.  We tore apart my closet, (and dirty clothes basket) throwing clothes everywhere.  My yorkie, Gidget didn’t know what was going on.  But she did know there were cheese straws being eaten in the room.  And she almost succeeded in sneaking one or two.

Gidget picking her favorite 30

Everyone has their wardrobe staples.  A few of my staples will be shown in my 30 for 30 outfits.  Jeans play a very important role in my closet.  I have way too many and surprisingly only chose 2 pairs for my 30.  The first day I chose to go with dark skinnies, a tan leather cropped jacket, tan riding boots, and the softest striped t-shirt known to man.  I am loving this leather color right now.  Tan seems to be my new black, and it goes so well with black clothing too.  I can guarantee you will see these leather items with my black turtleneck in the next month.

Day 1 Outfit

Current/Elliot dark skinny jeans, Splendid tee from Anthropologie, tan leather motorcycle jacket from a street vendor in Florence, tan riding boots from Coach, & silver concho earrings from Lucy in Disguise*

*costume shops are GREAT places to look for jewelry.  These earrings were $3 and I have worn them a gajillion times, making them basically free.

***********

Day 2 of the challenge: still sunny, still cold.  I went with my technicolor dreamcoat on this day and a Mexican headband/ear cover to keep me toasty.  This vintage jacket is as loud as they come. And I love love love it.  I live in it.  I wear it wayyy too much. Find one thing that is unique and the epitome of your style and you have an outfit you’ll always love.  Vintage shopping can be a little overwhelming at first, but it can become manageable if you go into a store knowing the styles, colors, eras, etc that you like.

Day 2 Outfit

Current/Elliot dark skinny jeans, vintage Mexican jacket from Feathers in Austin, TX, belt from Anthropologie, booties from H&M, earrings from Forever 21, headband from a Mexican vendor in San Antonio, TX.

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