Recipe Sharing from 33 Shades of Green

While browsing my morning Google Reader Feed, I ran across this recipe over at 33 Shades of Green:

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Pasta

It looks absolutely phenomenal, and it's supposed to be under 500 calories.  I can't wait to try it out, I'll probably take a stab at it this weekend!

Resolutions and a Giveaway on Bryn Alexandra!!!

Yes, it's again been forever since I've posted here.  I normally do not make New Year's Resolutions due to the fact that I virtually never succeed at them, however this year is different.  My resolution, at least the one I think I can follow through with, is to blog at least once a week.  It's been really fun connecting with family and friends and sharing ideas.


I think I feel the inspiration to have and complete a resolution because of the fact that 2010 was the best year I could possibly imagine. I have a great job, completed renovations on my home and started new ones, a wonderful family, a new dog Atticus and most importantly, I reconnected with Peter.  2010 was such a great year that you might think I am sad to see it pass.  Not true, I am going to work even harder to enjoy every moment of 2011 and make even more wonderful memories!

Now back to the other subject of this post, the above GORGEOUS driftwood horse by Nadeau.  Click on this link to the blog Bryn Alexandra!   All you have to do is comment on her post, naming your favorite animal and why!  There will be a random drawing on the 10th at midnight.  Good luck!

MIA & White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Hi Everyone! It's been quite a while since I last posted, I'm sorry!  First there was the week long Thanksgiving trip to Palo Alto, then I returned home to get sick for over a week, and I've been dealing with the construction of a new fireplace in my house.  Oh and I've also been stripping the stain from a new china cabinet I purchased on craigslist and learning how to crochet.  Anyway, I've been busy and have neglected the blog.

Here's what I made for dinner this week in the crock pot:  White Bean Chicken Chili

1 onion, chopped
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped orange pepper
1 box of pre-sliced baby bella mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (18.75 ounce) can diced green chilis
1 (16 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes
1 jar Salsa Verde (your favorite brand)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (106 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 pound chicken breast
1 (15 ounce) can white beans
1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce
2 tbsp adobo sauce

Place all ingredients in crock pot, with chicken on the bottom of the pot.  Cook for two hours.  Remove chicken breasts and shred with a fork.  Return chicken to crock pot.  Cook approximately another two hours.

Top with your choice of toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, tortilla chips, etc.

Thanksgiving Vacation in the Bay Area

Just a teaser of what Peter and I have planned for the week!

  

 And of course, Turkey Day!!!

Fair Isle- A Sign of the Season

I'm on a search for the perfect Fair Isle sweater to add to my wardrobe.  I have an insanely large closet, most anyone can tell you that, but for some reason I do NOT have a Fair Isle.  This needs to be fixed, ASAP.  During my search for the perfect wool companion, however, I have come to feel a bit like Goldilocks...

The first option, and probably the most obvious, is J Crew.  Their option is listed at $148, and although it is cute it just doesn't fit, it's too bland.

The second Fair Isle is a dress, from Rag&Bone available at Net-A-Porter. It's quite nontraditional, but I can't think of a more perfect option, paired with leggings.  Still, I am looking for something a bit more traditional, and with a price tag of $495, it's too expensive.

Next we come to the part of the story where Goldilocks has found the option that is "just right".  She drifts into a peaceful sleep... Oh wait, that's me dreaming.  This sweater has it all, tradition, muted colors, slim fit, ruched shoulders, and don't forget it's McQ (available at Shopbop for $385) No matter how often I fantasize about being able to purchase anything as amazing as McQ on a whim, I wake to reality.  Turns out this option is just too perfect.

After exhausting Polyvore, ShopBop, and Net-A-Porter, I decide to just "google it".  Thank goodness for google images, I see one I like, I click, and to my surprise, hello American Eagle.   It has a huge chunky knit, a non-restrictive but cuddly open cardigan style, it has just enough of a pop of color, and will match both black and brown.  With a price tag of $59.50, I'm sold. 

Plans and Menu for Thanksgiving Dinner

This Thanksgiving will be the first I have spent without family.  I will, however, be spending it with Peter who really has been a part of my life and my family since high school.  So I am very looking forward to our first "Grown Up" Thanksgiving together.  I'm not sure what the "Grown Up" implies at all, but it seems to be everyone's reaction to finding out that we are spending the weekend together and not with our respective families.

Aside from the above mentioned social commentary, I have planned out the menu completely.  There will be WAY too much food for the two of us and we will probably be eating leftovers the entire weekend but I refuse to downsize the menu.  Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, buttered corn and biscuits.  Below I will post the links to each of the recipes we plan to cook in his absolutely tiny kitchen in Palo Alto (we're talking 3 sq ft of prep space, max as well as a stove that quite possibly dates back to the early '80s). 

THE MENU

TURKEY: Taking a cue from the Barefoot Contessa herself, we will be making Ina's Herb-Roasted Turkey recipe.  (Thank you Brenda and Paula for introducing me to such an amazing cook!)

GRAVY: The gravy will come from Mr. Tom Colicchio's kitchen, and is part of his Herb Butter Turkey Recipe.  Honestly I will probably end up combining ingredients from Ina's and Tom's recipe for the turkey, but I did read the following important tip for gravy while searching the internet for recipes.

Boost the flavor of the pan drippings by strewing thickly sliced carrots, onions, and celery in the pan beneath the raw bird, suggests Anderson. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and, while the turkey roasts, the vegetables will caramelize, lending a depth of flavor to the drippings. Strain and discard the vegetables, or puree them and stir them into the gravy for a thick, sweet sauce. Also, a splash of fortified alcohol―Madeira, sherry, port―will lend a mellow richness to your gravy.  

MASHED POTATOES: For the mashed potatoes, I'll be following my mother's amazing recipe, but adding ridiculous amounts of garlic and some scallions.  Upon searching for something similar, I stumbled across Paula Deen's recipe.  I may be one of the only people on this planet who cannot STAND Paula Deen, but the woman sure does know how to cook.  As my mother frequently comments, "There are only so many Ya'lls a person can take!"

STUFFING: Let me make this clear, I do not eat stuffing.  I do not eat dressing.  I am going to attempt my own this year due to the fact that this is a staple of Thanksgiving, and something that nearly everyone else at the table enjoys.  Basically I'm making this for Peter, I sure hope he appreciates it, but then again I'll probably end up tasking him with this one as I refuse to touch the giblets. We are technically making a dressing, as a stuffing is really only that if it cooks inside the bird.  Pretty self explanatory.  The recipe I will be following is from Simply Recipes and is entitled Mom's Turkey Stuffing Recipe .  At this point in time I plan to change out the day old french bread with Brioche.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE: This recipe found me via the blog Tasteologie.  The recipe, created by blogger and cook The Pioneer Woman, had me at hello. One look at the picture and ingredients and I was sold.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

BRIE AND CHIVE BISCUITS: I think the name speaks for itself.  Recipe here. It will be my first time making biscuits that weren't Pillsbury and straight from the tube, so wish me luck!

WARM APPLE BUTTERMILK CUSTARD PIE: Yes, I do realize that this is a bit non-traditional.  I do not plan to make a Pumpkin Pie for dessert.  I just came across this recipe and thought YUM.  If it turns out well, I hope I'll be hearing requests for it for years to come.  If it turns out poorly, I'm sure I'll hear about the fact that I should have stuck with tradition, from Peter, for years to come. 

We'll be sure to document the final product and make commentary on our results!

Birds for Caiti

My sister, Caiti, has a passion for birds. To those who know her, this is no secret.  I have recently been doing Christmas shopping (I know, I start REALLY early) and found so many amazing items to gift, it was hard for me to decide which one I should present to her on Christmas Day. 

Here are some of my options:

Golden Wise Owl Earrings for sale on Etsy by cravejewelrydesign

A set of 4-6 of these Scarlet Macaw Martini glasses would be perfect for the bird and libations lover in all of us.  Check them out at Anthropologie.

This would be a super cute Hostess gift for any bird lover you know. Find the Wingspan Bottle Opener also at Anthropologie.

Or for the budget friendly yet chic designer in your family, the Owl Lamp, available at Target.  I think if you were to find a fun, colorful shade, this lamp could really add a pop of color and life to any room.

Also, take a look at Caiti's recent contribution to the music blog, Multitracking .