Monday, September 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Great Quote About Motherhood
"The most important thing she'd learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." --Jill Churchill
Sunday, August 15, 2010
How to Host an Olive Oil Tasting Party (via http://athome.kimvallee.com)
How to Host an Olive Oil Tasting Party: "
Hosting a tasting party adds a fun element to a dinner party. But the key is to know how to dose everything, especially when it comes to food. Tasting between 3 or 4 olive oils is plenty for one night, especially if you are newbies.
Try to mix oils from different countries. You do not need to be an expert to host your own tasting party. Simply stop by a fine speciality shop with a wide selection and ask them to compose an assortment of olive oils that will allow you to taste the differences. I often ask if I can record their advices with my Flip video camera. Otherwise, write down notes. Then, design cute note cards with the characteristics of each olive oil. Each guest should receive their own set of cards. Leave some room for them to write down their impressions.
You start the night with the tasting. They replace the appetizers of a typical dinner party. Then, move to a dinner with Mediterranean cuisine recipes to stay in the theme.
Do a test run of the olive oil tasting to practice the technique and see that everything will be properly in place. As a bonus, you will know how filling is the tasting part and know how much food you need to prepare for the dinner part.
Prepare plenty of small glasses since the best way to taste an olive oil. You will see that the technique resembles wine tasting.
Whatever method you use, make sure to cut slices of Granny Smith apples and serve glasses of water. You eat an apple slice and drink some water between each sample to clean your palate.
A Provencal or Mediterranean table theme creates the right ambiance. Think about the south of France, Italy, Greece, Spain or Portugal for inspirations. Pottery Barn released an olive oil tasting party planner that includes a cute invitation that you can print.
You must keep your olive in a cool, dry, dark spot. I cook most of my dish with olive oil. So, I pour a small quantity in a porcelain bottle with a tiny pouring cap to be easily accessible when I’m cooking. Select an opaque container. The best choices are a porcelain, a stainless steel or a dark tinted glass jar or bottle.
SOURCING:
+ How to taste an olive oil by Nancy Ash
+ Rhodes Olive Oil Cruet small $8, large $10 USD
+ Olive Appetizer Plates & Dipping Bowls – Set of 4 plates $32, Set of 4 dipping bowls $25
+ Stainless Steel Olive Oil Drizzler $10.50"
Hosting a tasting party adds a fun element to a dinner party. But the key is to know how to dose everything, especially when it comes to food. Tasting between 3 or 4 olive oils is plenty for one night, especially if you are newbies.
Try to mix oils from different countries. You do not need to be an expert to host your own tasting party. Simply stop by a fine speciality shop with a wide selection and ask them to compose an assortment of olive oils that will allow you to taste the differences. I often ask if I can record their advices with my Flip video camera. Otherwise, write down notes. Then, design cute note cards with the characteristics of each olive oil. Each guest should receive their own set of cards. Leave some room for them to write down their impressions.
Preparing the Tasting
You start the night with the tasting. They replace the appetizers of a typical dinner party. Then, move to a dinner with Mediterranean cuisine recipes to stay in the theme.
Do a test run of the olive oil tasting to practice the technique and see that everything will be properly in place. As a bonus, you will know how filling is the tasting part and know how much food you need to prepare for the dinner part.
Prepare plenty of small glasses since the best way to taste an olive oil. You will see that the technique resembles wine tasting.
- Pour about 1 tablespoon into a small glass
- Like with wine, you swirl your glass to release the flavor
- Then, you inhale and pay attention to the smell
- Next, you slurp the oil until you capture a small amount
- Finish by swallowing the oil. Try to notice if it leaves a stinging sensation in your throat. That last part is to determine the intensity of the oil’s pungency.
- For more information, read the easy to follow advices of U.S. tasting expert Nancy Ash.
Whatever method you use, make sure to cut slices of Granny Smith apples and serve glasses of water. You eat an apple slice and drink some water between each sample to clean your palate.
Tabletop Design
A Provencal or Mediterranean table theme creates the right ambiance. Think about the south of France, Italy, Greece, Spain or Portugal for inspirations. Pottery Barn released an olive oil tasting party planner that includes a cute invitation that you can print.
How to Store Olive Oil?
You must keep your olive in a cool, dry, dark spot. I cook most of my dish with olive oil. So, I pour a small quantity in a porcelain bottle with a tiny pouring cap to be easily accessible when I’m cooking. Select an opaque container. The best choices are a porcelain, a stainless steel or a dark tinted glass jar or bottle.
SOURCING:
+ How to taste an olive oil by Nancy Ash
+ Rhodes Olive Oil Cruet small $8, large $10 USD
+ Olive Appetizer Plates & Dipping Bowls – Set of 4 plates $32, Set of 4 dipping bowls $25
+ Stainless Steel Olive Oil Drizzler $10.50"
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Here Kitty Kitty! (LV Sunglasses)
I wear glasses. I like quirky frames that reflect my unique personality ;)
Right now, I wear a pair that are black on the outside and pink on the inside--I get lots of compliments.
These LVs look like a great transition that would be right on target for spring!
--N.
========================
Louis Vuitton's Ella sunglasses to bring out your catty side: "
Pink is the color of love and in February, it's also the flavor of the month! And which girl you know would turn down a chic looking pair of pink designer sun glasses? The Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2010 runway show unveiled Ella Sunglasses which are the product of innovative laser-cut aluminum frame with fluorescent visors. With the touch of feline eyes, this is one cute possession! And if you’re a new age peace loving style icon, you can opt for the green shades too. Priced at $600, this one is a real steal!
[iLvoelv]"
Right now, I wear a pair that are black on the outside and pink on the inside--I get lots of compliments.
These LVs look like a great transition that would be right on target for spring!
--N.
========================
Louis Vuitton's Ella sunglasses to bring out your catty side: "
Pink is the color of love and in February, it's also the flavor of the month! And which girl you know would turn down a chic looking pair of pink designer sun glasses? The Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2010 runway show unveiled Ella Sunglasses which are the product of innovative laser-cut aluminum frame with fluorescent visors. With the touch of feline eyes, this is one cute possession! And if you’re a new age peace loving style icon, you can opt for the green shades too. Priced at $600, this one is a real steal!
[iLvoelv]"
Friday, February 19, 2010
Cute Lace Ups!
It's been a minute since we had something lovely from Jak & Jil, but these are SUPER cute!
I wouldn't wear them with rolled up pants like this, but I can think of a million other outfits that would set these off.
What do you think?
--N.
SPIKEY//: "
I wouldn't wear them with rolled up pants like this, but I can think of a million other outfits that would set these off.
What do you think?
--N.
SPIKEY//: "
Thursday, February 04, 2010
LOUIS VUITTON MEN’S FALL/WINTER 2010/11: ACCESSORIES
LOUIS VUITTON MEN’S FALL/WINTER 2010/11: ACCESSORIES: "
Bags = YES!
Shoes = Noooo, not so much. I don't "love" any of the footwear, but I'm kinda picky about men's footwear anyway.
Bags = YES!
Shoes = Noooo, not so much. I don't "love" any of the footwear, but I'm kinda picky about men's footwear anyway.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Get A Load Of These Cesare Paciotti Booties!
Sent to you by Naima via Google Reader:
via the.LIFE Files - "Welcome To Exclusiveness" by admin on 11/10/09
The 'Double Platform Ankle Bootie' by Cesare Paciotti
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
AGAVE: Not just for tequila anymore!
The real question is: can I sweeten my margaritas with agave nectar? Hmm, how about if I rim the glass with agave nectar and colored sugar crystals...the possibilities are endless!
 clipped from www.yumsugar.com
Agave nectar (or agave syrup) is a liquid sweetener made from juice extracted out of the core of the agave plant. This sugar alternative, which is roughly 25 percent water, dissolves easily in cold liquids, and is sweeter than white sugar, yet less processed than refined sugar, and has a healthier glycemic index. It comes in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. Light nectar has a delicate, almost neutral taste; amber possesses a caramel color and medium flavor; dark has stronger notes of caramel. Raw nectar is produced at temperatures below 118ºF and contains natural enzymes and a mild taste. Agave syrup can also be employed to substitute equal parts honey. Unlike honey, agave nectar is vegan, and does not crystallize when stored. When cooking with it, keep in mind that 3/4 cup agave syrup has the sweetening power of 1 cup of cane sugar, and when baking reduce the temperature by 25ºF. |
Friday, October 16, 2009
Recipe: Coconut Milk Chicken
Since it's getting cooler outside, it's time to get my "comfort food" recipes in order...
Recipe: Coconut Milk Chicken:
"Since falling in love with Jamie Oliver's Chicken in Milk recipe, I've wanted to try another take on the concept and simmer a whole chicken in coconut milk. How decadent! Read Full Post
"
So here's the recipe:
Recipe: Coconut Milk Chicken:
"Since falling in love with Jamie Oliver's Chicken in Milk recipe, I've wanted to try another take on the concept and simmer a whole chicken in coconut milk. How decadent! Read Full Post
"So here's the recipe:
Chicken in Coconut Milk
serves 4
One 3-3.5 pound whole chicken
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 pound fingerling potatoes
2 cans (13 - 15oz) regular or light coconut milk
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
10 whole garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Zest of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons chopped lemon grass stems
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper at a rate of about 1 tablespoon salt per pound and 1 tablespoon pepper per three pounds. Heat the butter and sesame oil in a pot that will fit the chicken snugly, like a Dutch oven, and set the chicken in the hot oil. Cook, turning the chicken to get an even golden color on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
Remove from the heat, put the chicken on a plate, and dispose of the fat left in the pot. Return the chicken to the pot with the rest of the ingredients, and cook in the preheated oven, basting with the cooking juices every 20 minutes, for 1 - 1.5 hours. It is done when the meat pulls away from the bone without much effort and the potatoes are tender when pricked with the end of a paring knife.
To serve, pull the meat off the bones and divide with potatoes between plates or serve on a platter. Spoon over a hefty helping of the milky sauce. Mind the cinnamon stick.
Related: Jamie's Chicken with Lemon and Milk
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Learn the health value of specific ingredients used in common herbal teas
What, no chai?
 clipped from www.womansday.com
Chamomile is a flower long loved for its soothing, calming and sleep-inducing qualities. Lemongrass teas are often served as an after-dinner drink to aid digestion Unlike other herbs, jasmine is most loved for its robust fragrance rather than its health value It’s believed that the menthol-containing leaves help soothe irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and other stomach-related ailments by calming the abdominal muscles and improving the flow of bile, which aids in digestion. Peppermint is also said to cure minor cases of bad breath. There is much debate over whether echinacea really prevents or cures the common cold. Rosehips are the seed-filled red-orange pods that form at the base of the rose bloom. Notable for its high concentration of vitamin C, the herb is valued for its immune-strengthening properties Blackberry leaves Hibiscus Orange pee Hawthorn |
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