Friday, April 9, 2010

it's the weekend...


and i want to ride this lovely bicycle someplace pretty. happy friday!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

escape...

what's your perfect getaway?

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

mmm mmm mmm...

Lemon and White Chocolate Mousse Parfaits with Fresh Berries Adapted from “Bon Appetit”(April 2009)

Makes 8

  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 2/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
  • 1 3.5-ounce bar high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt), finely chopped
  • 5 cups sliced hulled strawberries (about 2 pounds) or your choice of blackberries, raspberries or blueberries

1. For the Lemon Mousse: In a medium metal bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until mixture is very thick and thermometer inserted into center registers 160°F to 170°F, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Set aside until lemon mousse base cools to room temperature.

2. For White Chocolate Mousse: Combine 1/4 cup cream and white chocolate in another medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until chocolate is almost melted. Remove bowl from over water, and stir until white chocolate is smooth. Cool white chocolate mousse base to room temperature.

3. Beat remaining 2 2/3 cups cream in large bowl until firm peaks form. Divide whipped cream between both mousse bases, folding in 1 cup at a time (about 3 cups for each).

4. Layer about 1/4 cup lemon mousse in each of 8 parfait glasses or wineglasses; top with 2 tablespoons berries. Layer about 1/4 cup white chocolate mousse over berries. Repeat layering 1 more time.

5. Spoon berries over top of each parfait, and serve.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

be bold!


Painting a piece of furniture - whether it be a cabinet, a door, or a table - adds some spunk and originality to any room. Choose your hue and and turn this task into a fun weekend project for two!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Farro Salad with Grilled Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Onion


Ingredients

nocoupons

  • 1 1/2 cups farro
  • 3 Japanese (baby) eggplants, halved
  • 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, and thickly sliced
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, washed and sliced in 1/2
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
  • Sherry Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Directions

Cook farro in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and place in a large bowl.

Heat grill to high. While the farro is cooking, brush the eggplants and onion slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until just cooked through. Remove from the grill and cut into 1-inch dice. Add the eggplant and onions to the farro along with the tomatoes and dill. Pour Sherry Vinegar over the farro mixture and stir to combine. Garnish with additional dill. Best served at room temperature.

Sherry Vinaigrette:

nocoupons

  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Whisk together the shallot, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified.

Monday, March 15, 2010

sweet {tooth} set-ups

These adorable and enticing candy bars are the perfect treat for guests at a wedding, party, or any occasion!
http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/ http://littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 12, 2010

renovate, invigorate



These fabulous cottage renovations from Little Bits of Lovely absolutely take my breath away. So fresh, so clean. http://littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.com/2010/02/cottage-rennovation-delight.html

Wednesday, March 10, 2010