Jenny Steffens Hobick

Easy Summer Supper Recipes & Ideas

2013-06-18T15:12:00.000-04:00

I'm constantly looking back at my old recipes to give myself inspiration for the night's dinner... I thought you might be doing the same thing! So, here is a compilation of some of my favorite summer dinners from the past couple of years - kebabs, skewers, steaks, soups and pasta.

Don't forget to pin so you'll know where to look next time you can't decide what to have for dinner.

Grilled Summer Vegetable "Bolognese" with Fresh Pasta

Simple Summer Supper Menu | Lemon Orzo & Squash, Teriyaki Marinated Steak & Heirloom Tomatoes

Summer Vegetable, Sweet Corn & Chicken Chowder

Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza

Grilled Steaks with Pineapple, Zucchini, Mushroom Kebabs

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Brown Sugar Chili Lime Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs

Easy & Creamy Lemon Pie on Snippet & Ink

2013-06-15T14:05:00.005-04:00

A little while back, I mentioned that my Easy & Creamy Lemon Pie recipe would be featured on Snippet & Ink... and it was posted yesterday!

Head over to check it out :

Easy & Creamy Lemon Pie

I hope everyone has a happy Father's Day Weekend! Mike is in seventh heaven playing in a three day golf tournament here in town with his high school golf partner. Tomorrow night Emma and I will make him this chocolate cake and a huge steak with a baked potato. Golf, steak and chocolate cake = Mike's Perfect Father's Day Weekend!

If you need some Father's Day Menu inspiration, you can see our menu from last year - sliced flank steak, grilled peaches, heirloom tomatoes, avocado...

Have a great weekend!

Tomato, Watermelon & Feta Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette

2013-06-12T23:14:00.000-04:00

This salad is my new obsession - I've made it almost 5 times in the last week. It is sweet, but sharp and completely delicious. It goes perfectly with a burger, kebabs or grilled shrimp... all of which we've had this week with this very salad!

Tomato, Watermelon & Feta Salad
with Citrus Dressing

1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 seedless watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes
2 cups of tomatoes, 1-inch dice
4 ounces feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced

Whisk together the lemon juice, shallots, sugar, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion.

Place the tomatoes, watermelon and feta in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the lightly and toss well.

The Shoes Make The Woman - Shoe Giveaway | J.Crew, Jack Rogers or C.Wonder

2013-06-11T12:22:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've been keeping a mental (and Pinterest...) list of several new pairs of shoes I need. Last year I bid goodbye to my trusty gold driving loafers that I had had forever... they were in rough shape and Mike finally broke it to me that they were no longer something I should wear out of the house. Since then I've had a major hole in my casual shoe wardrobe. I hadn't been able to find a replacement that I were reasonable enough for me to actually wear on a daily basis... until, I came across these from C. Wonder for $98. Under $100? Perfect. But, I've been waffling...

Now that it is officially summer, that hole has been filled by my trusty Jack Roger Navajos...

or the staple J.Crew gold Capri flip flops.

So, I keep debating... Do I really need loafers in June? I mean, it is not that big of a deal - only $100. At least they aren't the Tory Burch loafers I had originally had my eye on... Maybe I should wait for Fall.

As this mental debate has waffled around my head for the past few weeks, I came across others also searching for shoes...

Every time I sit down at my computer to go ahead and make the purchase of those new driving loafers, this little note keeps flashing in my mind....

"We especially need women's athletic shoes."

These are not ladies that need driving loafers or ballet flats to wear to drop her kids off at daycare so she can run errands, or have something new and fresh for date night, these are women that need comfortable shoes so they can work. On their feet all day long. So they can show up for a new job (or interview) and feel good about how they look and be comfortable - and make a life for themselves and their children.

The long row of multiple colors of ballet flats, flip flops, running shoes, tennis shoes, uggs, house shoes, heels, loafers and boots in my closet have haunted me since I saw this note.

I don't know about you, but I'm most moved when I hear something specific - we all remember when Oprah asked her audience to donate children's pajamas to her foundation. The thought of sweet little children that didn't have a pair of pajamas to put on at night (much less multiple outfits to wear to school the next day) moved so many mothers to help pitch in. So many of us want to help, but to often we're not to sure how.

So, here's the fun part. I'm going to help you help others... then I'm going to help you, again. Donate to one of my favorite (or your own) Women's Charities, and you're entered to win a new pair of shoes (featured above...) from ME! You can choose from the C.Wonder Drivers, Jack Roger Navajos or a $100 gift card from J.Crew.

There are two options...

This pair of shoes from Target.com costs about $25.

Step 1 : Purchase shoes (like above or something similar) and have them shipped directly to :

The Sheffield Place*

Attn : Ladies We Respect!

6604 East 12th Street

Kansas City, MO 64126-2208

Step 2 : Comment below and include the following:

-Confirm that you have purchased the shoes and had them shipped!

- Share a small story about how shoes have helped you feel great at some point in your life.

-Share which pair of shoes you want ME to buy YOU - the Jack Rogers Navajo, J.Crew $100, or C.Wonder Driving Loafers.

Step 1 : Donate a monetary donation (of ANY amount!) to a Women's Charity :

The Rose Brooks Shelter is one of my local favorites!*

Step 2 : Comment below and include the following:

-Confirm that you have made a donation (no need to share how much)!

-Share a small story about how shoes have helped you feel great at some point in your life.

-Share which pair of shoes you want ME to buy YOU - the Jack Rogers Navajo, J.Crew $100, or C.Wonder Driving Loafers.

*These are local KC charities, so please feel free to donate to a local charity in your area - I just wanted to make it easy if you didn't know of a local charity... after all, ladies are ladies, am I right, ladies?

At random, I will select the winner of my gift from the comments! I will make the announcement on the blog NEXT WEDNESDAY, June 18th! Please check back then to claim your prize.

Please pin to help spread the word:

.....

I'm so excited to be doing this on my blog - it is a new area for me, but something that is going to make this blog a true extension of the life I hope to lead... helping everyone make Everyday Occasions special.

Jenny

PS - normal well wishing comments are also welcome, as always!

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

2013-06-07T08:26:00.000-04:00

We have some special visitors coming to our house this weekend - Samantha and Baby Kate are going to be spending the night with us! I'm planning a fun Cinderella movie night - the girls will be making their own pizzas and rice krispies with sprinkles.

I wanted them to have another treat, too, for when they arrived so she knows how excited we are to have her. Sam's a girly girl and loves anything with icing, so I thought these strawberry cupcakes would completely delight her. And, after our trip to the Strawberry Patch we had to find a way to use all of our strawberries...

Here are some of our fresh from the field strawberries. Many of the other pickers were picking 2 and 3 flats of berries, but as I said in our post, our trip to the berry patch was more about Emma having fun, so when she was done, we were done... which resulted in about 3 pounds. Just enough to eat all we wanted and enough for this batch of strawberries.

I'm usually a white paper cupcake liner type of girl, but I just love these and thought they would make them a little more fun for the girls.

The icing is a cream cheese icing with diced fresh strawberries mixed in - the pale pink color is completely from the strawberries mixed in the icing!

Fresh Strawberry
Cupcakes
with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1 white cake (mix or homemade)
1 cup of strawberries, diced
1 drop of red food coloring
....
1 stick of butter, softened
3 ounces of cream cheese, softened
4 cups of powdered sugar
1 cup of strawberries, diced
whole strawberries, garnish

Prepare cake as directed then mix in diced strawberries. Pour batter into paper-lined cupcake tins. Bake as directed. Let cool.

For frosting, mix together butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and strawberries. Mix on medium for 3-4 minutes. When cupcakes are cool, frost generously and top with a strawberry. Refrigerate.

I added just a drop of red food coloring to the batter because otherwise the baked strawberries make a brown colored cupcake.

The fresh strawberries makes the frosting just to the perfect color of pale pink... no food coloring needed!

Emma woke up from her nap just in time to sample... approved!

A Day in the Strawberry Patch with Emma

2013-06-06T08:31:00.000-04:00

Summer's really not complete without a trip to the strawberry patch. For the last two years, I competed in the Verrill Farm Strawberry Recipe Contest (which I never won...), but now that we're back home I wasn't sure where we'd go for picking.

Emma is just ripe for the picking age! Children are welcome at strawberry patches - they are just the right height. It was so fun to see her get to explore and run and pick and eat without having to constantly tell her "no."

When I was young I was crazy for strawberries. I've shared this photo before, but it really is worth sharing again. Here I am on my 2nd Birthday - complete with a "Strawberry Shortcake" cake and a punkin' pie haircut... looking so much like my Emma.

Enjoy our photos from our day in the Strawberry Patch!

At least once a week I try to find an activity that is all about Emma.

Sometimes I feel like our typical days are filled with things she can't do - open certain cabinets, climb on the furniture, run down the driveway...

...play with anything but her toys, spray the windex, or run around Target like a madwoman.

Both of us have so much fun when we do things and go places where she can have free rein and do whatever she wants to do without me holding her back.

On our special Emma days, I try not to have the camera in her face, too much...

...or make her pose, or try to get the perfect shot of her smiling.

I just let her be and do whatever she wants to.

Even if that means running through fields...

She has a great time and I'm usually rewarded with a big smile... and very long nap-time in the afternoon!

Summer Vegetable, Sweet Corn & Chicken Chowder

2013-06-05T11:25:00.001-04:00

Last week during Emma's summer break we were treated with storms here - almost everyday. Typically a big bowl of soup doesn't sound fabulous during the first week of summer, but when the rain was coming down in buckets, this fresh sweet corn chowder packed with vegetables was a comforting dinner.

The soup was inspired by a lunch date Emma and I had at Classic Cup (as in... she fell asleep in the stroller while we were shopping, so I actually got to sit an enjoy lunch!). They called theirs a Green Chile Chicken Chowder and served it with tortilla chips. I combined that soup with one of my favorite Barefoot recipes for Lobster Corn Chowder, that uses corn cobs to sweeten and thicken the soup... and added lots of vegetables. So really, it is nothing like either soup... but the result was very good, and rather healthy.

I'm so glad to finally have peonies gracing my table! I found these at the Brookside Farmer's Market on Saturday - not my favorite varieties or colors, but any peony will do!

Summer Vegetable
Sweet Corn Chowder

2 Chicken Breasts (skin-on/bone-in)
olive oil
salt & pepper
....
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 carrots, peeled, small dice
2 celery ribs, peeled, small dice
1 small white onion, small dice
1 sm can chopped green onion
1 sm can of diced tomatoes
4 cups of chicken broth
4 cups of water
4 ears of sweet corn
Sea Salt
.....
1 small zucchini
1 small yellow squash
cilantro

On a baking sheet, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350 until cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, remove meat and shred into bite-size pieces.

In a large stock pot, saute onions, carrots and celery in olive oil until soft. Add green chiles, tomatoes, chicken broth and water. Season with 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Cut corn kernels off of cobs and add cobs and half of corn kernels. Reserve the other half of the kernels to add just before serving. Continue simmering the soup uncovered for 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. (I later added a 4th cob per the recipe, after I took this photo!)

Before serving, add shredded chicken, zucchini, squash and reserved corn. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed. Garnish with cilantro for serving.

Day Trip to the Arboretum | A Hunt for Peonies

2013-06-04T13:04:00.002-04:00

Emma was on Summer break last week, so we filled the week with local explorations and little day trips. Peony season is one of my most favorite times of the year - the blooms are just so unbelievably majestic and heavenly scented, I just can't get enough. So our first trip was to the local (as in 45 minutes south...) Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (Overland Park, KS) on a hunt for peonies - I wanted Emma to be able to experience them in a huge bounty.

We packed a picnic lunch, put on Emma's most peony appropriate dress, drove alllll they way out there to discover... I had forgotten my wallet. It was in the swim bag from the day before. Admission was only $3 (for me, free for Emma) and all I could scrounge up was $1.25 in quarters from my car.

I asked the admissions lady if they would allow me to mail a check for the remaining fee (I even offered to include an extra donation...) if they would allow us to come in. A woman near by that seemed to be in charge (she was on a golf cart and sporting gardening gear) come over and said not to worry - she would pay the rest of my fee. I realize that a $2 handout is tiny by most comparison, but it seemed huge at the moment... the difference between putting my 1-year-old back in the car for 45 minutes after talking about all of the pretty flowers we'd be seeing on the way there!

I never mentioned "who I am" (not that it would've meant anything!) or that I would be sharing our day in the gardens on my blog, but I promised her that I would pay it forward.

We spent a fabulous morning there - I let Emma lead the way, which she loves, of course. She ran and roamed all over the gardens smelling flowers, looking at fish and testing the boundaries.

These are my favorite peony - the palest pink with bright yellow centers. Very chic.

My favorite area, was of course the peonies...

But the "fishies" were her favorite part.

The gardens are all maintained by volunteers.

The "Monet Garden" was unbelievable.

We wondered on the mulched paths in the woods to find our picnic spot. While I enjoy the manicured flowerbeds, I felt most at peace in the rustic areas like this one by a stream.

Emma wondering around with her brownie.

Many artists enjoying the blooms.

Starting to wind down...

Here knees look just like mine always do! We're tough girls.

More gardeners.

Irises in bloom.

Love how she closes here eyes when she smells the flowers.

Can't wait to go back and visit mid-summer when everything is in its full glory!

.....

Here are some Emma Outtakes from the day...

Dancing on the deck.

The funniest joke.

More groovin'!

The BEST Chocolate Buttercream

2013-05-30T22:43:00.002-04:00

Mike doesn't like frosting - isn't that the most annoying thing ever? He's always telling me to only put a little bit on cakes and cupcakes. For those of us who have coveted the "corner" pieces of birthday cakes, this request is hard to comprehend (or obey). When I find an icing or frosting that Mike loves, I know I have struck gold - as I have with this chocolate buttercream. It is not too sweet, not too chocolately and gloriously creamy.

The Best Homemade
Chocolate Buttercream

1 cup of chocolate chips
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
4 cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
12 tablespoons of butter, softened

In a small bowl, pour milk over chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir until melted. Repeat if necessary. Place melted chocolate in a bowl with cocoa and vanilla, mix. Add powdered sugar slowly.

Whip together for a couple of minutes until well combined.

Add butter in 2 tablespoons at a time until incorporated. Whip for 2-3 more minutes.

Add more milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp with Pesto Pasta

2013-05-28T22:15:00.001-04:00

When you think of backyard entertaining, burgers or steaks are usually on the menu. If the crowd is right I like to take a fresher approach and serve pasta with Homemade Pesto Sauce
and Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp.

I served this same shrimp as an appetizer last year at my Ladies Night Patio Party, and the year before as an entree with grilled corn on the cob and asparagus.

You can use any pesto for the pasta that you like - it is so much easier to make than you'd think! The basil in my garden is not quite ready to harvest, so I bought a huge bunch to use at Trader Joes for just a couple of dollars. I like the put the hot pasta in a big bowl straight from the pasta water and toss it with the pesto - the heat takes a little bit of the edge off of the fresh basil and raw garlic.

Recipes :

Homemade Pesto Sauce

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

Do you have any grilling favorites other than the standard steaks and burgers? I'm needing inspiration... the new grill needs to be put to use!

Cape Cod Weekend | A Classic New England Clambake & Emma on the Beach

2013-05-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

**I'm re-sharing this post from our trip last Memorial Day Weekend to Cape Cod. This year in our Cape Cod-style house we've hosted two parties and will have attended two others by the weekend's end of both new and old friends. While I miss our vacation lifestyle with weekend excursions to fabulous New England locations, I love being settled into our new house in our "home" city.

Emma's on Summer break this week, so my blogging might be sparse... but I'll be sure to take a lot of photos of our projects. I hope you're having a great weekend!

Jenny
.....

Last year when we first moved to the Boston area, we drove out the Cape to see what it was all about. We came across the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn on our driving tour- it was picture perfect Cape Cod. It went right to my list of 'musts' during our stay in New England.

On Thursday last week I got the itch to get out of town. I needed that feeling of freedom. That mind clearing, its the weekend, free from the computer, free from laundry, give me a cocktail feeling that only a vacation can give you.

After a two hour drive we were transported to the grand and stately Chatham Bars Inn.

The moment we entered, I was taking design notes the entire time, noting fixtures, upholstery choices, drapes, the subdued color palate and the refined, yet comfortable feeling the rooms had. I was thinking, "I would love for our future home to feel like this..." Then the inevitable day dreaming of our future 'perfect' home/life begins. My mind starts racing- how I long for a stately home to fill with unique finds, comfortable furnishings and pieces full of character... budget? What budget? Ah, what a lovely life that would be.

Then we step out onto the beach. Restored. My crazy head stops its babbling and I breathe. Fresh. Ocean. Air.

I watch Emma smile at the wind in her face. All of those thoughts about needing, wanting, waiting for more seem distant, almost insane to think that they would make us...

Happier.

I think God for vacations...

...that remind us to breath. And smile.

Maybe that is what vacations are for. To get rid of the if, when, if only, then, then our lives will be perfect state of mind. They wake us up- you're already there.

Enjoy the ride. And so we did...

At our first official clambake. Clambakes hold a special place in our hearts. You might remember that Mike and I have hosted a clambake at our house for the last 3 years... in our old backyard, back in the Midwest.

It was our tradition. Actually, it was my tradition... Mike was a only guest at my first clambake.

Clambakes throughout the years...

The Clambake of 2012.

It was almost surreal as we sat there feasting in the sand during sunset with living music playing, a bonfire roaring and lanterns lit. We missed our friends that made those backyard clambakes so great, but loved celebrating our first clambake with Emma.

Surreal.

Snuggled, getting ready to drift off...

Enter: Daddy

And time for s'mores.

The view as we walked back to our cottage.

A great weekend.

Grilled Romaine Lettuce | Summer Grilling

2013-05-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

When I was in college I worked at a Micro-Brewery (Flatbranch for my fellow Mizzou folks...) and there they served a grilled romaine salad. As this was around 13 years ago, I know that grilled salads are not new to most of you... but I had never actually tried one until a few weeks ago. We had dinner with my brother and his Claire at one of our local favorite spots - Gram and Dun. (It is a sort of chic comfort food type place with great drinks. You might remember, last year I shared my version of their Chorizo & Mussels.) Along with the mussels (again!), I ordered their grilled salad that I've been anxious to recreate.

My version starts with a basting liquid with rosemary, lemon and garlic that you brush over before and after grilling. After the grill, I squeezed with fresh lemon and topped with parmesan cheese. Sooooo good. The slight grilled rosemary flavor is really special with the freshness of the lemon and lettuce.

Grilled Romaine Salad

1/2 cup of olive oil
1 lemon, juice & zest
1 tablespoon of rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
sea salt
cracked pepper
....
2 small-ish heads of romaine (I used the pre-packaged hearts)
1 lemon, quartered
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, fresh grated
cherry tomatoes

Start grill or prepare coals. While the grill is heating up...

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Cut in half length-wise. Mix together the oil, lemon zest and juice, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Brush mixture on the cut side of the lettuce.

Grill lettuce, cut side down for 2-4 minutes (depending on the temp of your grill) just until grill marks appear. Remove from grill and brush again with liquid. Top with tomatoes, squeeze of lemon and parmesan cheese.

Grilled Tomato, Goat Cheese, Fresh Sweet Corn & Basil Appetizer

2013-05-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

I'm always looking for new fresh ways to serve our favorites - Tomatoes, Sweet Corn & Basil. During the summer we get tired of just sliced tomatoes and corn on the cob - somehow - though it seems impossible right now. This little appetizer is an amazing combo of everything we love. Grilling the tomato adds a slight smokiness, and warms the goat cheese, offset by the cold and crunchy sweet corn kernels and fresh basil. Though I don't always serve plated starters when we have friends for dinner, sometimes I come across something so special, it is worth washing the extra dish. You can also serve this as a traditional shared appetizer if you cut it into wedges and serve it with grilled bread... which I think I'll do for a party this Friday.

Grilled Tomato, Goat Cheese,
Fresh Sweet Corn & Basil Appetizer

4 thick slices of tomato - firm enough to grill
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
1 clove of garlic
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper
4 ounces of goat cheese
1 ear of sweet corn, kernels cut off
2 tablespoons of basil

Place the 4 slices of tomato on a pan or plate ready to go to the grill. In a small bowl make the brushing liquid by stirring together oil, lemon juice, vinegar garlic salt and pepper. Brush on both sides of the tomato.

Grill tomato for 2 minutes, then flip. After flipping, top tomato with goat cheese (a little goes a long way...) and more of the lemon garlic oil. Grill for 2-3 more minutes until the goat cheese is warm and soft. Remove from the grill. Plate and sprinkle on fresh corn cut from the cob and basil. Drizzle on more of the lemon garlic liquid.

The BEST Brownies... Truffle Brownies | LG EasyClean Oven Range

2013-05-22T09:17:00.001-04:00

Last month, I shared one of my "Messy Recipes" (a recipe book or card that was splattered with ingredients from being used over and over again) from my little blue book that was my journal during my catering days - it contained all of my favorite recipes that I made over and over for my clients. Well, this month, I was asked share another sort of "Messy Recipe" by the folks at LG.

They have recently launched their new generation of LG EasyClean™ Double Range Ovens that can be cleaned in minutes instead of hours... meaning less time cleaning and more time to spend doing, well, anythingelse! All you do is spray the oven interior with water, press the EasyClean button, then in just 20 minutes, wipe away any residual bits. I love that there are no chemicals or high heat needed - something I always consider. To learn more about LG EasyClean click here.

1 pound of butter (4 sticks)

2 pounds of chocolate chips

2 1/4 cups of sugar

1 1/4 cup of flour

6 eggs

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of sea salt

seeds from 1 vanilla bean

In a microwave safe bowl, place chocolate chips, then top with 4 sticks of butter. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, until butter melts and covers the chips. Stir to melt.

Combine the dry ingredients, then add it to the chocolate mixture in a kitchen aid, fitted with the paddle.

Add the eggs and stir until just combined. Bake in a large 13x18 baking sheet at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. I let these cool overnight in the refrigerator to help the cutting process. Then enjoy!

Now it’s your turn to tell me - what is YOUR favorite recipe that leaves your oven messy? Let me know in the comments for your chance to win your own LG EasyClean™ Double Oven Range!

Sweepstakes Rules:
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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/22/13 - 7/15/13.

Summer Grilling Menu : Tomato, Goat Cheese & Corn, Grilled Romaine Salad, and Grilled Pesto Shrimp

2013-05-21T22:39:00.002-04:00

Today, I had a little fun and prepared the freshest, most flavorful, non-traditional grilled menu. We just set up our grill last week and after making one round of burgers, I was ready to dive into new ideas for the grilling.

I started with this appetizer that is a slice of tomato topped with goat cheese and grilled. During the grilling process, it is drizzled with a lemon garlic olive oil. After the grill, it is topped with fresh basil and fresh sweet corn kernels. I LOVED this... would've been great with some crusty bread. On the grill, of course.

I recently tried a grilled salad at one of our favorite restaurants and had to try to recreate it. I brushed mine with an olive oil, lemon, garlic and rosemary mixture, then topped it with tons of Parmesan cheese.

And finally, my favorite grilled dinner - herb shrimp with pasta tossed in a fresh pesto sauce.

I'll post all of the recipes later this week!

The Great American House | New, New Addition Plans for Our House

2013-05-20T13:18:00.003-04:00

One of my Mother's Day gifts was this book, The Great American House by Gil Schafer. I've been eying it for months... but since it is not available on the ipad, I hadn't gotten around to getting it for myself.

There are a million reasons why I love this book and the style that Mr. Schafer presents - but mostly, I love that the book is all about embracing modern living and making it work with true American style. He designs home with large mudrooms and open kitchens that feel like they were built 100 years ago.

As we're planning our addition, it is something I've been struggling with as we interview contractors and architects... I don't want our house too look or feel like a brand new house. I want it to have the charm and character of an old house that has a history.

A couple of months ago I posted my sketches of our vision. I got great feedback from all of you and have made adjustments accordingly. The biggest addition to the addition as been that of a large mudroom and dry storage, and a studio for me.

As you can see - attached to the garage is a studio (that envision to look like a classic potting shed) with french doors that will lead out to the garden. Hopefully it will be a place that I can do projects, make messes and then just hose down. I've also included a dog wash area in the garage - another recommendation from the readers!

Instead of losing the charming porch off of the side of our house, we're now considering a detached garage instead of an attached. I think the little jog over to the mudroom/studio and garage will add some charm to the exterior. We're also hoping to add a covered porch off of the kitchen (accessed through double french doors) that will step down to the patio.

Another new idea is instead of turning the old garage into a guest bedroom, we'll be using it as a library/dining room. I think I would miss having a formal dining room for the holidays, so I think this will be a nice addition... and it can be more of a library/study the rest of the time. Because the rest of the house will be pretty open, it will be nice to have place that can be a cozy quiet zone for working and studying.

THIS is exactly how I want our kitchen table and hearth area to be... french doors and all. In fact, I love everything - the beamed ceiling, and the paneled fireplace with a stone inset.

I love the stone floor and the dutch door of this mud room.

I wish we had room for a barn : )

Again, these are just my own preliminary sketches and ideas... I'd love your input!

Strawberry Iced Sugar Cookies

2013-05-16T13:59:00.001-04:00

For each holiday, Emma and I have decorated sugar cookies together and Mother's Day was no exception.

You can see all of her cookie projects :

1st Valentines Day (2 Months)
Pumpkins (10 Months)
Snowflakes (12 Months)
Easter Chicks & Eggs (14 Months)
Strawberries (17 Months)

As she's gotten older she likes to be more hands-on in the decorating process... no longer can I give her a cookie to play with while I intricately decorate the others. So, I adopted a new, streamlined method for decorating.

Instead of classic Royal Icing, I made a simple butter glaze that I pour over cookies when they're still warm. The glaze covers the entire top of the cookie and the remaining drips off. Then, I go back and add very simple details with a piping bag (usually during nap time). I found that the butter in the glaze keeps the cookies really moist and tastes better, too. And, as always, you can find my standby Sugar Cookie recipe here.

As you can see, Emma chose to sugar some of her cookies before baking.

Butter Glaze Cookies

-Sugar Cookie (warm from the oven) recipe here
-Cooling Rack
-4 tablespoons of butter, melted
-2 tablespoons of milk
-3 cups of powdered sugar
-food coloring

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave butter with the milk until the butter is melted. Add powdered sugar until good, pourable, but not too runny, constancy is achieved. Add color (see my tips here).

When cookies come out of the oven, remove the cookies with a spatchula and place them on a cooling rack. Place a clean baking sheet lined with parchment underneath. Pour icing glaze over the cookies tilting each cookies so the tops are completely covered.

She's a very serious and precise decorator - next time I'll video! She'll spend several minutes on each one dunking, re-dunking and tasting.

Almost nap time!

Speaking of strawberries - it is almost strawberry picking time. Emma and I plan to be there next week during the first few days of the season filling our baskets!

My $75 Backyard Garden | DIY Raised Bed Garden Box

2013-05-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

Every year I proclaim that I want to have a garden. In our old Fairway home, I tried a little herb and lettuce garden by our back steps with no luck. Too much shade. In Concord, I had revived enthusiasm when I ordered heirloom tomatoes from Verrill Farm that resulted in a little luck... 2 tomatoes from 6 plants. Again, too much shade. This year in our new house, we have a substantial backyard with a great sunny spot that will (hopefully) work great for a small garden.

Growing up we always had a fairly large garden, the kids were enthusiastic about planting, but less enthusiastic about watering and weeding. The first couple of harvests from the green beans, onions and tomatoes were exciting, but that soon faded as the cucumbers seem to multiply and the squash would take over the entire garden. So, while planning this garden project, I was cautious of planting too much... as I know my 31-year-old self is basically the same semi-lazy 11-year-old during the summer months while the pool is open. However, Emma LOVES to be outside, so I think this mini-garden will be just enough to keep me busy while she chases Mr. Darcy around with tennis balls.

I've included photos of the project, but I'll tell you - it was silly simple. It took me a total of 2 hours start to finish (with a trip to Home Depot for an extra load of topsoil...) and cost about $75. I watched this "This Old House" (my absolute favorite show!) "Gaden" video online before I started, but simplified it a little. Because my box is smaller (6x4 vs. 4x10) I didn't feel the need to brace it. I might regret it later, but for now, my 2 hour project looks perfect for me!

Supplies :

2 - 2x10x10's (cut into 2 - 4ft & 6ft pieces)
Outdoor Wood Screws (decking screws)
Electric Screwdriver
30 Bags of Topsoil
1 Bag of Mulch

Plants:

10 Tomato Plants
1 Rosemary
2 Basil
3 Thyme
3 Chive
1 Oregano
1 Cilantro
1 Italian Parsley
Arugula
Leaf Lettuce
Radishes
Green Onions

The spot is shaded just in the morning, but has full sun from 10am - 6pm. Hopefully, that will be enough... we'll see.

The wood frame is completed after joining all of the sides with 3 screws each. The box measures 6ft x 4ft.

I feel almost silly typing the "instructions" - too easy.

Hauling 30 bags of topsoil = good morning workout

Planted! The tomato plants line the back and the herbs are in the middle and front left.

I got the tomato plants from my cousin Bret's produce Farm, Fahrmeier Farms. He recommended that I plant them very deep to create a strong root system.

My plants were already anxious for a good drink! The right front side of the planter will have lettuces, radishes and green onions later this week.

Next step is to mulch and water.

Complete!

I like the dark brown mulch the best - it will help to keep out the weeds, help keep moisture in... and help it look nice!

I staked the tomato plants with wooden 6 foot stakes. I'll tie them to the stick with twine later.

Watering time!

I'll keep you posted on the progress and status of the garden... wish me luck.

Simple Spring Supper | Brown Sugar & Sesame Marinated Pork Tenderloin

2013-05-13T12:13:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we hosted Mike's parents for a casual Sunday Supper. I love cooking on Sundays - it is the only day that I get to spend some alone time in the kitchen while Mike and Emma play outside. It is so nice to be able to leisurely prepare dinner without keeping little hands entertained (which usually means she's putting them in the flour canister, then the sugar, and back again...).

I've used this marinade several times before -it is one of Mike's Mom's signatures. It works great with beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, vegetables... anything. Especially on the grill. Unfortunately, we don't have a grill right now... it had to stay in Concord, Ma. when we moved because it was the last thing packed and it wouldn't fit in the Pod! So... I just roasted it in the oven and it worked great, too.

We're working on our outdoor grilling area + new grill this week (Mother's Day & Father's Day joint gift), so you can look forward to lots of grilling recipes soon!

I love using drinking glasses as vases for small arrangements. I found these hyacinth at the grocery store and make the perfect little bunch in these short glasses.

While I finished dinner Mike and his parents entertained (or were entertained by...?) Emma outside and sipped on this sparkling lemonade from Trader Joes. What is it about playing outside and sipping on lemonade?!

Along with the Brown Sugar & Sesame Pork Tenderloin, I served Ina's Orange Braised Carrots and Parsnips and Green Been Gremolata.

Brown Sugar & Sesame
Pork Tenderloin

2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup of brown sugar
2 tablespoons toasted (dark) sesame oil
1 teaspoons chili paste
1/2 cup sliced green onions

2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

Stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili paste, green onions, garlic, ginger and sesame seeds. Put the tenderloins in a ziplock and pour in the marinade. Marinade for 1 hour and up to over night.

If baking/roasting, remove from marinade and place on a baking sheet. Roast at 450 degrees for 18-25 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees. Remove and cover with foil. Reserve the juices in the pan from resting. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice, then pour juices over sliced pork.

If grilling, grill for 5-7 minutes on each side (totaling about 18-22 minutes depending on the temp of the grill) until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees. Remove and cover with foil. Reserve the juices in the pan from resting. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice, then pour juices over sliced pork.

A big bountiful platter for a Sunday Supper.

This classic lemon pie with graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream is the perfect dessert... but, you'll have to wait for the recipe! It will be featured on Snippet & Ink soon!

Mini "Sweetie Pie" Favors

2013-05-09T14:06:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I hosted a baby shower at my house. I made these mini pies in two different varieties for the favor. My original plan was to put two in each bag (twin girls!!)... but they wouldn't fit in the bag! So at midnight the night before the party, I threw in the towel and just did one pie per bag and called it good.

This is how I presented the favors at the shower - all lined up in a basket.

Here are two of the Strawberry Pies. They were very simple to make - just a little time consuming, crimping all of the little edges. I used store-bought pie crust... to make 24 pies I used 4 crusts - just FYI, it does take more than you think it will. I had to go to the store in the middle of my pie making for another crust. I would've made my own in such a pinch, but my food processor bowl is broken! Not to worry though, the new replacement bowl came Tuesday.

The filling is just chopped strawberries with raspberry jam. The raspberry really brings out the "berry" factor of the strawberries.

Mini Strawberry Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
1/4 cup of raspberry jam
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Melt the jam in the microwave for 30 seconds until it is pourable. Poured it over the strawberries, then tossed them. Fill each mini crust with strawberry filling. In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork. Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust. Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges. Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown. You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done.

To make the base crusts, I used store-bought pie dough and cut out rounds using a glass bowl. I found that pleating around the circle made it easier to fit it into the mini-muffin tin.

Half Apple Cinnamon and half Strawberry.

You can see here how big the bottom dough crust needs to be to be able to flute/crimp the edge.

I cut a smaller circle and used it as the top of the strawberry. To do the edges, roll the sides up and in, then crimp using your fingers just as you would large pie. Cut slits in the top for steam.

For the Apple Pies, I did a fork crimped edge.

Mini Apple Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
2 apples
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of flour
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Peel and dice the apples into a small dice. Toss together the apples with sugar, cinnamon and flour. Fill each mini crust with the apple filling. In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork. Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust. Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges. Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown. You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done.

A tiny lattice would've been very cute, too.

They baked for almost 25 minutes - I wanted to be sure the bottom crust was nice and brown so they would come out of the pan. I think next time I'd use cupcake liners to make sure they come out easily.

I lost a couple of pies because I couldn't get them out! The apple were much easier to get out.

But the strawberry were my favorite - a great little summer treat!

I'll follow up with the packaging step-by-step next!

To see all of the photos from the Sugar & Spice Baby Shower, click here!

Here is the easy-to-pin step by step!

Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Walnuts

2013-05-06T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is the recipe for the Spinach & Strawberry Salad that we made for the "Sugar & Spice" Baby Shower last weekend - it soooo good! Enjoy!
............

Just in time for Mother's Day, this recipe comes courtesy of Mike's Mom, Joy. When we first started dating Mike requested that I make this very salad - the only salad that he likes. It really is one of the best salads - there something about the dressing that is so delicious... especially mixed with the sweet strawberries. Thanks for sharing your recipe Joy!

The Best
Spinach & Strawberry
Salad

Spinach + Boston or Leaf Lettuce (your choice!)
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
1 cup toasted Walnuts

Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp white pepper

Sugar & Spice Baby Shower at Our House | Entertaining

2013-05-06T13:02:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry I was gone most of last week, we had a very busy and fun schedule packed with a volunteer table design benefit, visit to a childrens' farmstead and a baby shower hosted at our house... I have a zillion photos to share this week... as Emma would say, "Here go!" - a complete sentence in baby language.

Last things first, I just can't wait to share the photos from the Baby Shower Brunch I hosted at our house yesterday. My friend, Susan, is pregnant with twin girls so a very girly, "Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice" shower was in order.

I love these invitations from Minted. It really is the only way to go for custom invitations for a small number of guests. I'm still enjoying these "Angel" peonies today as I type - my very favorite.

Before each event I host, I make these types of little sketches to help me envision what everything will look like. It also helps me make my shopping list because I'm able to figure out what I'll need for linens, props and styling before the actual setup.

Because I tend to entertain in a very casual fashion (because I think everyone enjoys it more than fancy...), I designed the party to be special with plenty of flowers and girly touches, but relaxed with big bountiful platters of help-yourself food and drink and comfortable seating.

The night before I always set out everything I possibly can for the next day... especially in a brunch situation. Hosting a party can go from fun to stressful if everything is rushed and left to the last minute. I definitely learned this the hard way during my catering days. I found that it took all of the fun out of my job if I was running late and rushing through everything.

I set this beverage table up in my kitchen - the table is usually used as my desk.

I also made the Sweetie Pie favors the night before. Each bag contained either a Mini Apple or Strawberry Pie. Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes!

Here are the Strawberry Pies - I'll share the step-by-step and recipe later this week.

UPDATE : Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes

Here is the dining room setup. Because it was going to be a small casual brunch, we left he seating open - a fix a plate and "make yourself at home" type party. To make the banners, I use the Rifle Botanicals Garlands I found at Paper-Source... only $16 and took just minutes to hang.

I'm obsessed with these - still haven't taken them down. I plan to do one with E-M-M-A in her room later this week... and I might hang the "Sugar & Spice" one in there, too.

I really like casual centerpieces like this. Everyone asked if I cut these from my garden - exactly what I want people to think.

But, no unfortunately I don't have any peony bushes in my garden... yet.

The pewter pieces are Match (wedding gifts), and the glass pieces are old candy apothecary jars. I also placed some wrapped gifts for Susan amongst the flowers.

More uses for the Rifle Botanicals Garlands - I couln't help myself. Easy Banners = Insta-Party

Last one...

Here is the beverage bar setup the morning of - Bellini's and Coffee. We also had Sparkling Pomegranite Juice for the pregnant ladies... we had four out of ten guests that were pregnant! Five babies and ten ladies.

Stations make it so much easier for your guests to help themselves - I think it makes everyone more comfortable.

Bellini is a drink with Peach Puree (or juice) topped with Champagne or Prosecco. I think it must be the "new" mimosa.

Brunch Menu...
recipe links coming later this week!

Upon arrival :

Bellini's
Coffee
Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones)
Brunch :

Cheddar & Chive Quiche
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Fruit & Cheese Platters
"Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls

Favors :
Tiny Mini Pies - "Sweetie Pies"

Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones)

Forgive the re-used photo from original post... I didn't have my camera out when the girls arrived and the fresh scones came out.

The BEST Strawberry & Spinach Salad.

Bountiful fruit platter made by my Co-Hostess, Melissa.

Cheddar Chive Quiche (warning : old post from my sister's baby shower I hosted 3+ years ago!)

"Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls (re-used photo from original post)

I was so glad to host the shower for Susan at my house - I can't wait to meet those little ladies in just a couple of months!

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

Spring at Our House | Photo Tour

2013-04-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Each season I've done a little photo tour of our house. Because I decorate in mostly neutrals, it really gives me the chance to transform our house with the addition of seasonal colors through flowers, pillows, etc.

Tours from the past :
Holiday Home Tour
Autumn Tour
Fall Front Porch

DIY pillows inspired by our trip to Seaside... step-by-step later this week!

Mike's painting... also from Seaside. I love the fresh clean palette it adds to the room.

Tours from the past :
Holiday Home Tour
Autumn Tour
Fall Front Porch

Kentucky Derby Style | Sugar & Charm | J.Crew

2013-04-29T21:59:00.003-04:00

I'm often asked to participate on other blogs. I don't always have the time to do them, but for some reason this "ask" seemed really fun... dream shopping. Eden from Sugar & Charm asked me to select my dream outfit for a Kentucky Derby party.

I have a fairly distinct (eh, minimal?) style. I'm very particular about what I purchase and wear... although if you looked at my closet it might seem quite boring! Lots of basics. Lots of solids. Lots of oxfords, cardigans, cropped pants and ballet flats.

I'm a self proclaimed J.Crew monster. I know my size, I know what I like - and it always seems like they have it... with some added character pieces to spice things up. So, suuur-prize sur-prise, my entire "dream outfit" is from J.Crew. While I can (and do) spend hours dreaming about my "future" multiple multimillion dollar homes, for some reason I can only dream in beautiful J.Crew basics when it comes to my wardrobe.

As you can see, along with the outfit- the gold rimmed julep glasses with the "H" monogram would be a must... and banana cupcakes.

Here is a link to the feature on Sugar & Charm - it has links to all of the items. Enjoy!

Spring Entertaining (and ideas for Mother's Day!) Workshop in KC May 7th

2013-04-29T10:16:00.001-04:00

My Mother's Day (Spring Entertaining!) Class at a Thyme For Everything is next week, May 7th! It is a menu of perfect Spring Party food... Here is the menu we'll prepare :

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup
Parchment Packets with Seafood, Lemon & Chives
Spring Pea Risotto
Cherry Cupcakes

Here is the link to register, or call (816)554-3755.