Monday, July 12, 2010

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner

Contest Winner.

Today's the day when we announce our winner of a copy of "The Stylish Girl's Guide to Fabulous Cocktails." After a random drawing the winner is...

SingColleen, who said...

My favorite cocktail this summer is the lemon martini: 1.5oz Lemon Vodka, 1.5oz Vanilla Vodka, 1oz Lemoncello, 2oz FRESH squeezed lemon juice, 1/2oz (1T) simple syrup. The fresh lemon juice is essential - store-bought makes the drink too bitter. Be careful, though: two or three go down easily, and pack a serious punch!



Congrats, Colleen! Thanks to everyone for entering...and stay tuned for future contests.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

The Perfect Bite

Cake Shooters.

I'm always striving for the perfect bite - the correct ratio of ingredients on a fork, spoon, cracker, etc. that makes you do the happy dance. You know what I'm talking about. When you approach a cheese plate and carefully layer the appropriate amount of cheese, charcuterie, and perhaps condiment to make a little open face bite of delight on a Carr cracker. Or when you fight your way to the front of the line at birthdays to get an edge piece of cake. Not the corner piece, because that's too much icing...but the edge piece, because it's just right.

Well Sprinkles Cakes in Orlando, Florida has figured out how to fix this cake conundrum in a clever package. Cake shooters.



Each push-pop container has the perfect amount of icing and cake to assure the happy dance...without shoving and pushing in the cake line. Tori Spelling knew this was a good idea when she had Cake Shooters at her daughters birthday party...not a single tear in the bunch of little girls.

Though Sprinkles is located in Florida, you can order them from anywhere in the continental United States. They'll be delivered via second day air. You can reach them at 407.622.7202 to order. Yum, yum.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Last Day of Contest

Contest.

Thank goodness it's Friday! Isn't it funny how 4 day weeks can seem even longer than the regular 5 day work week?

We don't want to add another task to your list of things to do before you can split from the office and hit the beach or bar (or both)...but don't forget to enter for a chance to win a copy of The Stylish Girl's Guide to Fabulous Cocktails! We're taking new entries through the end of the day, and the winner will be announced on Monday. Here are the details.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Medley of Mikasa

New Product.

As you may have noticed from past posts, I have a great love of candles. I think they are essential for setting ambiance for an event (or just an evening at home), they make great gifts, and you can never have too many laying around.

Apparently, my constant blabbering about wax and wicks caught the eye of the folks at Mikasa. They have a new line of candles and wanted my humble, independent opinion of their product. After testing out two samples in my apartment over the course of this weekend, here's what I think.

1. The packaging is bang on. The quality of the box and subtle print detail makes it gift ready for any last minute hostess gifts. Just add a ribbon and you're set.

2. The scents are lovely and not at all overwhelming. I tested the vanilla during a party with several guys in attendance to see their reaction. I find that often vanilla can be a little too sweet smelling and overpowering for some crowds. These candles were just the right subtle note to create a pleasant atmosphere.

3. The pricepoint is fantastic. You are getting quite a sophisticated product for the $14.99 cost.

4. The glass container isn't over adorned and is a lovely shape that works with any interior. I think that once I've burned the candles to the very end, I'll clean out the wax and use them for vases as well.



But don't just take my word for it, check out these new offerings on the Mikasa website. They have also recently started their own Facebook page, so consider becoming a fan of Mikasa to see what other new ideas they are brewing up over there.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Summer Lobstah Roll

Recipe.

In my efforts to have the “best summer ever,” I am logging all the beach time I can handle. This week we are staying all week at a beach house on Long Island. Since I knew this meant we would have several visits from friends, I wanted to make sure I had a special little treat to offer. I also wanted to make sure it was quick and super easy.

I decided on Lobster Rolls with Lemon Vinaigrette and Garlic Butter. Now that may not sound easy but everything can be prepped beforehand and then all it takes is a few minutes in the toaster oven and voila.

I saw this recipe in an old issue of Gourmet magazine (RIP) and liked the fact that it replaced mayonnaise with the lemon vinaigrette which makes for a healthier and more flavorful lobster roll. Judging by the oohs and aahs after every savory bite. I would say this is lobstah roll is a hit!




LOBSTER ROLLS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE AND GARLIC BUTTER
• 4 (1 1/4- to 1 1/2-lb) live lobsters
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped peeled celery
• 1/4 cup celery leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 6 hot dog buns, preferably top-split


1. Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat; see “Grilling Procedure.”

2. Plunge 2 lobsters headfirst into a large pot of salted boiling water and cook, partially covered, over medium-high heat 8 minutes (for 1 1/4-lb lobsters) to 9 minutes (for 1 1/2-lb lobsters) from time they enter water. Transfer with tongs to an ice bath and let stand until completely cooled. Return water to a boil and cook and cool remaining 2 lobsters. Remove meat from claws, joints, and tails. Save carcasses, shells, and any roe for another use (see "To Make Lobster Stock" and "To Make Lobster Oil"). Coarsely chop meat.

3. Whisk together lemon juice, oil, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Whisk in scallions, celery, celery leaves, and parsley, then add lobster and gently toss. Season with salt.

4. Melt butter with garlic in a small saucepan over low heat, mashing garlic with a spoon.

5. Brush inside of buns with garlic butter. Grill, buttered side down, until golden, about 1 minute.

6. Fill buns with lobster.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.

Oh Dee Doh
This DIY kids bed is made of recycled wooden pallets. Genius.



Black Eiffel
Now this is my kind of cabin.



Great Food Photos
This blog is chockfull of gorgeous food photos!



Something Old, Something New
Seriously…these are paper flowers.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Handsome Hanky

Manly Gift.

I loved these mustache handkerchiefs from Avrilloreti the moment that I saw them. Kitchy and fun, these handkerchiefs would be the perfect gift for those witty guys in your life. I mean, what guy wouldn't want to sport a Magnum PI mustache for the night every once in awhile?

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Independence Day Weekend

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and families. God Bless America!!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Creamy Guilt-free Dressing

Recipe.

I like a good balsamic vinaigrette as much as anyone. In fact, I should just buy Newman's Own Light Balsamic by the gallon. But I have to tell you that I often crave creamy ranch dressing...however my waistline does not.

I've tried every "light" ranch on the market and have never been satisfied. So when I found this recipe for a light creamy herb dressing in Fitness Magazine, I was unbelievably excited. It may not be ranch, but the mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon is just lovely and totally satisfies my creamy craving. And it's only 15 calories for 2 tablespoons! I am a very happy girl.



Creamy Herb Dressing

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cups non-fat cottage cheese, drained
1/4 cup fresh basil
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1/2 tsp salt (kosher or sea is best)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, process all ingredients until smooth. Makes 2 1/4 cups and stores in the fridge for up to 1 week).

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Eat Well Guide

Great Resource.

This website has made my day. I am always looking for new farmer’s markets to check out and lately I have been thinking about the farm share concept. I can’t think of anything quite as lovely as having a box of fresh from the farm vegetables delivered right to my doorstep.



Check it out here. The website is very user-friendly and gives you the names of restaurants in your area that use organic and farm fresh ingredients. There is a shopping guide directing you to local markets for organic options and that is just a start to all the fun and helpful organic foodformation.