A TIME FOR COMFORT ~

Are you flipping out yet?  Is your heart racing every time you turn on the TV?

Yes, we are facing the unknown.  Yes, it is a bit scary.

But..

We will survive.  That’s right.  You and me, and 98 percent of the population that actually have the misfortune of getting this snotty virus.

In the meantime, think comforting thoughts.  It’s really all you can do.

AND this..

Actually, you could raid the Walmarts and Costcos like they’re doing in New York.   (Jumping the gun for sure, but can you really blame them ?  The media, once again, would sell their mother’s souls for ratings, and hysteria is good for business.)

So instead of making a complete horses arse out of yourself, (Gwenneth Paltrow, I’m talking to you!)…

let’s all take a deep breath, take a break from the present pandemonium, and find some comfort.

Where else but in food, I always say.

I’ve dusted of two of my all time favorite comfort recipes for your pleasure.

Lillian Hellman’s Pot Roast is and has been, a delicious life saver for my family over the years.  It’s an old school crock pot miracle, with low rent ingredients, that can be put together before your Keurig cup is even ready.

 

As a real estate agent with hungry boys at home and 12 hour Sunday work days, this dish never, ever failed me.  Delicious, comforting and done in a snap, it was introduced in Nora Ephrons hilarious book “Heartburn”, back in the day.

Just google “Lillian Hellman’s Pot Roast” and you’ll find about 20 links.

Try it and see….

 

The next recipe is my invention, and so so good, and so so so so good for you!  As an old runner with achy hips, I’m all about the turmeric these days.  I put it in everything but coffee, ice cream or vodka (although I did see a recipe in the Times for a tumeric martini….may I never get that desperate!)

This best ever chicken soup is brimming with fresh turmeric, ginger, garlic and herbs.  All great for you joints and health! It freezes beautifully, and can be made with rotisserie chicken so it’s quick to make.

I just made a few gallons for when the Stop and Shop and Whole Foods stores get officially cleaned out by the panic parade….

Best Ever Chicken Soup~ (also known as “Old Runner’s Stew”)

1. 1 tbls olive oil
2.  6 cloves minced gaaaahlic (or garlic to non Bostonians)
3.  1 yellow onion, diced
4. 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
5. 2 celery stalks, chopped
6. 1 tbls fresh grated ginger (watch those fingers when grating!)
7.  1 tbls fresh grated turmeric (see above) or 1 tbls ground turmeric
8.  6 cups lo so chicken bro
9.  1 tsp freshly chopped parsley
10.  1 tsp freshly chopped rosemary
11.  1 tsp freshly chopped thyme (Where’s the sage, Garfunkel??)
12.  1 tsp salt
13.  freshly ground pepper
14.  1 cup of pearl or Israeli Couscous
15.  2/3 cup frozen peas
16.  1 shredded cooked rotisserie chicken, skin off

Just saute the garlic, onion, carrots and celery in the oil til softened.  Then add ginger, turmeric and broth.  Bring broth to boil and add all herbs, salt and pepper and couscous.  Turn to low and simmer til couscous is soft, about 15 minutes.  Then add the shredded chicken and peas and cook for another 5 minutes til it’s all heated through.

As I said, it freezes beautifully in case you get the flu, or some other thing we won’t mention….. It is loaded with nutrition and is very soothing.

Next, a heartbreaking joy of a novel that will stay with me for a long time…”Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano, is the story of a young boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that takes his entire family. It’s a stunning novel of courage and connection in the face of unimaginable loss.  Beautifully written, it transcends the madness of today and will take you to a world filled with hope…just what we need these days, no?

Finally, as shallow as it sounds, we all need to feel good…even in End Times….

I found this Nail Polish over the weekend that makes me smile everytime I see it on my hands..

It’s by Tom Ford and it has a nasty name…”Tom Ford F@*cking Fabulous Nail Lacquer” (yes, you read it right…! Seriously….)

Not cheap, but less than one gel manicure, and the colors are gorgeous!

Here’s my favorite, African Violet, perfect for Spring.

(ooh, who’s that handsome man photobombing my post??…)

I was skeptical about it’s wear, and with such a pricy product, I checked to make sure it was returnable if it was inferior.  Yes, returnable, but yes, a GREAT product!  Goes on easy, stays on through all my cooking and dishwashing, and love those COLORS!

Available at Nordstroms and Bloomingdales.

SO…remember, we’ve endured 9/11 and the break up of the Beatles….

Don’t panic..

Treat yourself..

Be kind to yourself and your fellow man..

and take a deep breath…

We’ve got this, ladies.~

 

 

LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS…..

Je suis desole!  So very, very sorry.  I had to disappear for a while….

This blog was always intended to be a place of pleasure, and an outlet of creativity for me.

I’ve had such a busy year thus far, that getting the content together necessary to post a half way decent blog became another thing on my nagging “To Do” list.

I never want to feel like this blog was just another thing to check off the list of things to be done, so I shut it down.

I dearly apologize to those who have been checking in for a new post!  I value every second that someone spends here in my small little piece of the blogosphere, and I would never just throw something up that I didn’t think was worth you time.

I am back, and promise to do better…forgive me?

Lots to review, introduce and regale, so hang tight.

I won’t let you down.

More coming, but have you tried these…?

If you are like me, you like a nice cocktail, but not the calories that come with it.  I promise you, you will love these mixers!  By a company called be Mixed, these mixes are free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, gluten free, and here’s the best part….ZERO CALORIES!!  How did they DO that??? With the help of Monk Fruit, citrus zests and stevia, these cocktail mixers are the freshest, most delicious thing you can get in a bottle!  I would (and do) drink them without the alcohol, they are that good.

My absolute favorite is the Ginger-lime, but the Margarita and Cucumber-Mint flavors are terrific as well!

Purchase here:
https://www.be-mixed.com/

And because it’s KENTUCKY DERBY DAY, (go Irish War Cry!!) I will be using the Cucumber-Mint in my Kentucky Derby Mint Julep…..

Here are some tasty recipes for the julep, but try one with the be Mixed cucumber mint someday…it takes this classic drink to a whole new level, and you waistline will thank you!
http://hollywoodlife.com/2017/05/04/kentucky-derby-mint-julep-recipes-cocktails-drinks-2017/

So whether you are watching on TV, there, or having a bash, enjoy the tradition, and Wear Your Crowns… (or a VERY big hat!)

Have a lovely weekend ~

I’M THANKFUL FOR…~

THANKSGIVING WEEK IS UPON US….the years are flying, ladies..hold on with both hands!

I’ve many things to be thankful for this year…but then again, I have many things to be thankful for every year…even the not so good ones.

I practice gratitude, a concept that dates as far back as the bible, where Paul instructs “In everything, give thanks.”  Buddhists also consider gratitude one of the most important dharmas for fruitful living in daily life.

Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of the book “Simple Abundance”,  ignited a million woman gratitude movement in 1995, and I’ve never looked back.

Sarah reminds us, through her work, that there is beauty and bliss in the simplest of things…

A really good cup of coffee..

A baby’s laugh..

A heavenly pair of cashmere socks..

A decadent TV show..(think Downton Abbey!)

So the first thing I am grateful for this season is that I have re-purchased Sarah’s books, (my originals are long-lost in two moves), and I am currently savoring my favorites..

“Moving On” helped me tremendously when I was selling my home of many years and downsizing…It reminded me, page after page, that there is beauty everywhere in the big AND small,  if you look for it…

(Here’s some quiet beauty I have found in my new little home….Sarah is right again!!)

 

 

 “Romancing the Ordinary” is my other favorite…I love the ordinary moments where you see, smell, hear or taste something that just elevates your mood to joy….those are the best moments…

and they are all around us, everyday, if we look….

The next thing I’m grateful for is another book I am loving..

It’s the latest from the brilliant writer, Alice Hoffman, whose work I’ve loved since “Practical Magic” in 1995.  “Faithful” is the story of the power of love, generosity and redemption when the world looks bleak and you are out of resources.

A timely book, indeed!

Next is the new eight part series on PBS, called “Soundbreaking”…if you are a music fan, DO NOT MISS THIS

It traces your favorite music back from it’s inception  to the studio, where the magic happened…what a treat to watch!

How did “Yesterday” become the classic beauty it is?  How did Phil Spector’s famous “wall of sound” come to be? How many studio musicians did it take to make “Pet Sounds”?  All the way up to today’s rap, this series is a stellar behind the scenes look at “how the soup was made”  in the studio, with the help of a few genius producers. Great series, three crowns up!!

The next thing I’m thankful for this week is a lovely body lotion I stumbled upon in a gift shop in Meredith, New Hampshire while on a retreat.  I left my own lotion home, and was looking to find something to use for a few days.

I bought this lotion, and will be ordering it on-line for years to come.

By a company called Naked Bee, this Orange Blossom Honey lotion is a real treat.  It’s made from organic aloe and sunflower oil, honey and green and white tea, it applies like a blanket of softness, and smells INCREDIBLE!  Like an orange grove in the sun.  I put it on before bed, and the scent sends me off to dreamland, instantly erasing the stresses of the day.

Hard to feel bad when you smell so good!

I will be trying the Chai Tea, Grapefruit Blossom and  Lavender Beeswax lotions  in the future..and maybe even the Nag Champa one if I’m feeling adventurous.

https://www.nakedbee.bz

Next I’m forever grateful to Ina Garten, the fabulous Barefoot Contessa for bringing my humble cooking to the next level.  I’ve never made an Ina recipe that hasn’t  been perfectly delicious, and I doubt I ever will…she’s that good.

Here’s one of her recipes I’m making to bring to my mom for Thanksgiving…a sweet treat for a hardworking caregiver….

Recipe here…

https://barefootcontessa.com/inas-world/chocolate-bark

Thank you, Ina, for all the books and shows.  I’m a grateful cook!

Finally, I’m grateful for my family, and my three sons, all wonderful works in progress….but this Thanksgiving, I’m most grateful for the THE most patient man in the Free World, my best date, my husband Ed….and the Bruno Mars tickets he scored for me last week didn’t’ hurt!!

Yeeeeoooww!!!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and treasure what’s good.  It’s all around us…~

Beauty, the Books and Blood Orange Bliss~

New England in Autumn is a little slice of Heaven.

The foliage, the Indian Summer weather (warm sunny days, crisp, cool nights,) and OH, the food.  I’m a sucker for anything pumpkin. You could sprinkle pumpkin spice on a pile of dirt, and I swear I’d eat it!

Cold weather clothes are terrific as well .  It’s almost as if they KNEW we would be eating too much, and made oversized knit sweaters, bulky jackets and belly hiding sweater scarfs the fashionable thing.

On to beauty….

I make a point to walk every day in the woods near my home. I just don’t want to miss a minute of the glory!

Check this out from my walk yesterday…

It’s a breathtaking  time of year, and hard to feel anything but invigorated and alive when I’m out in nature, and that’s why I will always be a New England girl!

This week, lots of great reads were released.

So many books, so little time!

This first one I am enjoying is “Capture Your Style” by Aimee Song.

Because the political season is in full on ugly mode, I am trying to stay away from social media sites that just bring me down… I’ve traded more Instagram for less Facebook and Twitter in the precious little time I have in my day to browse.

I find Instagram uplifting and love seeing everyone’s day through pics. This book, written by a woman with one of the largest Instagram accounts on the planet, gives some great advice about photo shooting, editing, text, content, how to capture your own style, and tell your own story in an appealing way.  She’s made a five figure income off of her Instagram account, and travels the world snapping pics, so she knows her stuff. Her advice about editing apps alone is worth the cost of the book, if you care about the quality of your photos.

The second book, “The Bitch Is Back: Older, Wiser, and (Getting) Happier..by Cathi Hanauer is a FABULOUS read for we “femme d’un certain age.”  Chronicling some of the best women writers in their forties, fifties and sixties, these “bitches”, all bestselling authors and some of my favorites, offer unique views of modern womanhood today, but from an older and wiser perspective. Topics ranging from marriage and/or divorce, cancer, dealing with elderly parents or adult children, workplace age and sexism, highlight that we older women have a lot on our plates. Here, it’s examined with guts and gusto, and I yell  “Brava!” after each essay read.

We older women are AWESOME, aren’t we?? I want to send a Virtual  Crown to each of the contributors….it’s a terrific read.

Finally, last night in Boston, I had the best martini I’ve ever had.  And people who know me know that I make a mean martini.  It was a blood orange martini, but like no other.  One sip, and I was transported to Sicily, to the sun drenched blood orange groves.  HEAVEN!

I have made blood orange martinis before, but nothing tasted this good.  I asked the bartender, who kindly told me the secret.  They make it with a few tablespoons of this blood orange purée, imported from Napa Valley.

You can buy it online here. https://www.perfectpuree.com/product/blood-orange-concentrate/

along  with several other flavors like Meyer Lemon and Caramelized Pineapple, (have MERCY!) which I am eager to try next.

Whatever you view, read, savor or drink, do something nice for a stranger, and have a lovely week ahead~

POLITICS AND PUMPKINS, POLISH AND POUTS ~

Are you ready to toss your TV out the window?

Rip your phone off wall and throw it out? (If you’re ancient, and still HAVE a landline…)

If you answered “yup,” chances are it’s election season, and never has their been one as polarizing and difficult as this one!

 

People who know me know I am passionate about politics.  I do not discuss politics on this site, however, as it’s suppose to be a fun and uplifting place to come.  Politics, at least today’s version, has become a blood sport, pitting family members against each other, as well as friends and co-workers.

So, with help from fellow blogger Shannon Abels, I’ve devised what I think are some solid guidelines to get you through the next few months without losing your mind..

1. Seek out the truth

Often the important issues can’t be summarized in a tweet or news clip.  It takes time and patience and more than just skimming the headlines for you to learn the truth.  Especially with today’s media being, shall we say, agenda’d on both sides.  Be sure you are seeking out reputable sources, and just shut off CNN and FOX New altogether.

2. Converse to gain understanding.

The other day, I had a long political conversation with a Starbucks manager, in her mid-forties.  She was Black, Gay and adopted.  Listening to her, I was able to ascertain why she is voting the way she is, and, even though she and I are not in agreement about a lot of things, I now understand at least where her fears lie, and why she is voting the way she is.  We each have or own things that are really important to us, and no one candidate solves them all. Having civil conversation allows us to at least gain a better understanding of each other.

3. Determine if you have a willing audience for discussion

Nothing appalls me more, from either side, than a  person ASSUMING that everyone thinks like they do. They are the ones who will say at a dinner party “can you imagine the idiots voting for —- and how stupid can you be?” Facebook is different, because you know your audience and can control the privacy settings. But out in public, well, you’ve heard the saying “never assume…It makes an ASS out of U and ME!”  And just because a person lives in a heavily red or heavily blue state, does not mean they don’t think for themselves and follow the majority.

4. Seek depth, not soundbites

Soundbites lack context, but time is valuable: therefore, that is often all we hear or see. Please  be aware that there is always more to the story.

5. Watch or listen to debates

Sometimes, even the greatest pundits can’t cover up the lack of knowledge of a subject, or the extreme ideas or opinions of a candidate.  Truth speaks as candidates debate.

6. Seek out quality information, but less of it.

Read a paper or two, and limit yourself to about 15 minutes a night of political news from as unbiased a source as you can find…hard, I know.  After that, take a deep breath, and shift your focus.

It’s going to be a loooooong season.  Pace yourself, become an EDUCATED voter, then do your civic duty and VOTE!

Pumpkin is up next!

I found what looks to be a delightful recipe for pumpkin brioche in this months edition of  one of my favorite magazines, Victoria..

 

This will be a perfect accompaniment to my Bouef Carbonadde recipe ….

http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Classic-Beef-Beer-Stew

It appears to take most of the day to make, but since I am having  guests tonite, I will attempt to make the effort and report back next time!  You can see the above photo, and my “finished product” side by side, and decide for yourself!  The recipe can be found on Victoriamagazine.com

Polish time!  You ladies know about my obsession with nail polish by now, and particularly about Smith and Cult nail polish.  Great wear, easy application with a super flat brush, and THE.BEST.COLORS…

These are the three I love this season…The first is called  “1976” (because it reminded the color chemist of her moms rose gold lame dress from the disco days…I was there in ’76, and Yup! They got it right! )

My other two seasonal favorites are called “Darjeeling Darling”, a gorgeous Autumn green, and “Dark Like Me,” and lovely burgundy.

Buy them at Newman Marcus or here ….http://www.smithandcult.com/nailed-lacquer.html

 

Pouts!!…Have you seen the new seasonal trend in lip color?  Dark as the night, matted and in your face…(or at least on your lips!)

The new shades are gorgeous…deep plums, blues, violets..colors we’ve never seen on lips..

The problem is, they look AMAZING on young girls, but not so much on “we of the older and wiser generation”..

So I did a little research and found just the one.  By Urban Decay, this line blew me away with color…

 

But putting them on my lips was waaaay tooo Bella Lugosi-esque!  Barnabus Collins would dig it, but my family would have been horrified.

So I settled for one from the Urban Decay line called “Seismic”, that had all the pigment and color of the deep, lovely violet, but with none of the matte, and it was delightfully moisterizer  to boot!

 

 

So now you can talk politics without getting tarred and feathered, bake a delicious pumpkin brioche, have beautifully colored nails AND wear the dark lip trend without being embalmed first!

And you thought you were just reading some little blog post…

 

Have a fantastic Columbus Day Weekend, and Wear Your Crowns! ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

THINGS I’M LOVING, SUMMER 2016❤️~

With Memorial Day upon us, I want to share some Crown~Worthy  things that, in my humble opinion, will enhance the all too brief summer experience. Remember, I’m from Boston…our summers last about ten weeks, our winters five months. Summers are sacred in New England.

SO! Having said that, here’s my SUMMER 2016 Hall of Fame Crown~Worthy list!

I love my champagne, but I love it even more, sitting on a beach, watching the sunset.

Veuve Clicquot Rose is the perfect drink for a special sandy sunset. It’s light, like the Rose we enjoy all summer, but with a magical taste of bubbly goodness, and SO pretty🍾 . It’s hard not to smile when enjoying a glass. Treat yourself at least once this summer. You owe it to yourself!

Summer tends to play havoc with my hair, newly silver. Between the UVA rays, salt water and dry heat, delicate gray shades don’t stand a chance. White becomes yellow in no time, and not in a good way.

After a year-long search, I finally found the perfect shampoo for white, silver and platinum.

Aveda Blue Malva is a joy to use. Smells like I think Heaven would smell (if I ever get there😉), and when your hair dries, it’s bright, silver and luminescent. Not a trace of dull yellow, and it feels like silk. Highly rated online, highly recommended by me. A Crown~Worthy  find a year in the making, but not cheap. It runs about $38 per bottle, but it’s 33 ounces, so you’ll use it awhile.

I can see a difference in my hair since using it, even in photos….

 

Next on the list…

I searched far and wide for a summer nail color I wouldn’t get tired of. One that was neutral enough to go with everything, but not boring like most neutrals. (I will never be accused of being boring!)

I saw this on a model in a magazine and eureka! That was it, and the search was on…

I finally found it, but it was sold out everywhere, forcing me to buy it direct from the company and pay shipping, which I was not happy about. But it’s mine, it’s on my feet and toes, and it makes me smile every time I look at it, so it’s all good!

It’s by a company called Smith and Cult, and while the names are insane, the colors are gorgeous. This green is called “Bitter Buddhist” of all things, but it’s a subtle, grayish green that reminds me of a Monet. The wear is great and, if you are into that kind of aesthetic, the bottle is gorgeous.

You can find it at Neiman Marcus, if you’re lucky, and other places online if not sold out. But I bought it direct from the company because when I finally found it, I had to have it.

Heres a cute article from the Huffington Post about the company and the crazy names of the colors..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/smith-and-cult-nail-polish-line_n_5990128.html

 

Next up, a water bottle that A. Looks sleek B. Keeps your water cold FOR TWELVE HOURS IN A HOT CAR….it’s true, I tested it, and may I introduce my new favorite thing…

 

Produced by the company S’well, these bottles are it for me!

Ranging around $35. per bottle, I’ve seen them in Starbucks and Barnes and Noble Cafes. Target sells the cheaper, smaller version of their bottle, but when it comes to water, go big or go home!
How pretty is this limited edition rose gold one….?

Oh, and did I neglect to point out that it keeps the above referenced champagne, or any other wine, ice-cold for an outdoor picnic?  And yes, it’s keeps your hot coffee steaming all day in the cold weather, but we aren’t going THERE today.🌞

Here we have a make your own ice cream sandwich kit from Williams Sonoma. SO cute, and you can customize all day long to make the perfect sandwich. I’m famous for my ice cream sandwhich cookies for the beach parties our extended family gathers at. This makes it so much easier. Why spend your precious time on anything but being creative?

My favorite is combo is salted caramel gelato, the sandwich dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed cashews. The options are endless and we’ve been known to use anything from pop rocks to crystallized ginger! The kit is super easy to use, and  at a $19.95 price point for three, it pays for itself in no time!

You can purchase this at Williams Sonoma in store or online.

At last but not least, while I am a HUGE proponent of shutting off the TV and being outside as much as possible in the precious summer, here’s one hilarious show I found recently to binge watch if you have a rainy day.

Silicon Valley, an HBO comedy centered around the high-tech industry, is uproariously funny, or as one of my male friends said “freakin brilliant!”

It’s the story of a team of nerdy but brilliant computer guys naively navigating the cut throat Hi Tech industry of Silicon Valley. Having two computer engineers in the family, (how do you think I set UP this crazy blog?!), I can tell you from my sideline observation that the show is dead on, and funnier than it has a right to be! Now in its third season on HBO, it’s available for streaming. Enjoy!

Wherever your summer takes you, whatever you eat, drink, shampoo with or watch, have a GLORIOUS SUMMER and savor each and every day, and have a Crown~Worthy Memorial Day Weekend❤️👸🏼~

THINGS I’M LOVING NOW~

Well, hello SPRING! That’s what I’m loving most, even if it WILL snow tonight. I’ll be walking the beach and picnicking in no time!

I’ve talked about this before, but about four times a year, Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra join forces to produce a free 21 day meditation challenge. The first one I did, about two years ago, changed my life. I came to realize that whatever I was lacking, or whatever I needed, was right there inside me and always had been.   I just needed to make the time to access it.   That knowledge empowered me to make major changes in the way I think and the way I look at the world, and I’m better for it.  I look forward to their challenges now, each one focusing on a different thing.

Starting Monday, they are offering a new meditation challenge centered around weight and weight loss. If you need to lose weight, I urge you to participate. You won’t be sorry. It only takes about 17 minutes a day, and after twenty one days, you will think differently about your body, I promise!!

I’ve recently lost twenty pounds, but understand that keeping it off is going to be the real challenge, so I’m ALL IN for this one!

Just go to Oprah.com and find the above link to register. You will thank me!

The next thing I love was introduced to me when I was on my weight loss program recently. The diet, (The Fast Metabolism Diet, highly recommended,) requires that you drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. Yikes!!! For someone who doesn’t like to drink anything but coffee or wine, this was a challenge. Then I found La Croix sparkling water at my local Whole Foods, and became instantly hooked. It’s a sparking water that’s flavored with essence of natural fruits, no calories, no sodium, nothing artificial. SO REFRESHING, I can drink it all day.  With favors like coconut, cucumber mint, mango, pear, etc., you can shake it up!

 

Another thing I’m loving.. The new show Vinyl on HBO is a rollicking ride through the seventies music scene. Produced by Martin Scorcese and Mick Jagger, it’s a take no prisoners story of the excess of the seventies. Sex, drugs and rock n roll as only Martin and Mick could tell it.

And the cast??? Powerhouse Bobby Canavale soars as the coke’d up record producer Richie Finestra, with the golden ear for great music. Olivia Wilde plays his recovering wife, and GREAT PERFORMAMCES by Micks son James Jagger, Juno Temple, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ray Romano like you’ve never seen him. Hang on to your hat…especially if you remember the early seventies! When the Emmys roll around again, bet money of this!!!

Next.. After a long drab winter, it’s a bright OPI red for my nails. Nothing says Spring like Chick Flick Cherry

And finally, I’m loving my muse, Jesse, snoozing in the sunlight of the first Spring day.

Have an AMAZING SPRING, and a lovely week~❤️🌷💐🌸🌹

CHRISTMAS, MY WAY~

This year, The holiday season was off to a bad start. The list of “must do” and “must attend”  was getting longer than my arm. I found myself becoming cranky and annoyed as I started making the endless lists and circling dates.

“This is not how I want to spend my time”, I found myself thinking over and over….

What to do?

Then I had an epiphany….this is MY one and only life, and for decades I’ve being living it to satisfy the desires  of others. It’s time for me to design a Christmas that resembles one I would like to celebrate..

and off I went…

Instead of spending Sunday at the mall running around with sore feet and too many packages, I saw a Nordic Christmas concert advertised at a local Episcopalian church.

I’m not Episcopalian OR of Nordic Descent, but it was just lovely…!

Then I made a tough call….to pass up one side of the family’s semi-mandatory Christmas party to go to see my parents, one who is ailing, and treat them to a weekend of high tea, laughter and reminiscing.

Next, a small but pleasurable departure from the Season of Stress. Leaving a work obligation later than expected, I took the time to pull off the road and watch this….

.

The sights and lights!

A Christmas martini and a Sound Of Music singalong❤️

We even squeezed in an OUTSTANDING movie….The Big Short,

Onto Christmas Eve…

A lovely meal at a reputable Asian restaurant after a beautiful church service…where they opened the windows because it was 68 degrees! A FIRST for this fifty-seven year old!

Christmas was an elegant brunch of Brioche French Toast and Barefoot Contessa “Crack” Bacon. Crack, because you eat so much you will need bacon rehab. Here is the recipe….

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/caramelized-bacon.html

The day ended with my favorite drink by the fire…
 No stress, all JOY❤️  (And off tonite to see the movie, “JOY”, starring some of my favorite actors.)

New Years Eve next, then off to what I KNOW is going to be an extraordinary year….my way!

Have an authentic week ahead, and Happy New Year!

Make it YOURS~

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A CROWN WORTHY CHRISTMAS ~

It’s started, whether you like it or not, the holiday shopping season.

Here are a few things I would love to see under MY tree😉

 

 

Feather light, like a warm, soft hug for your feet, cashmere socks are the ultimate luxury. Perfect to wear in your winter boots, these by Garnet Hill are the ones to buy. 100% cashmere, no blends here. Lovely colors, and while expensive, can you put a price on pure happiness??

http://www.garnethill.com/women-27s-cashmere-socks/117684

Next, moisture is your best friend in the harsh New England winters. Your skin needs it, and your nasal passages will thank you as well, for this next gift.

How cute is this portable, aroma diffusing, warm mist humidifier that glows with soft light in the dark?

By Aliexpress.com, at a $31. price point, it’s a great grab gift or stocking stuffer for your girlfriends, or a perfect addition to a chilly college dorm room. Buy two, one for your bed, one for your office..

The next little slice of Heaven is from UGGS.Com
Cozy yet practical, these shearling, fingerless gloves are indispensable. If you’re like me, and can’t take enough photos of the beauty in the chilly outdoors, OR if you are a teenage girl and glued to Tumbler/Tinder/IG/FB texting, tweeting, etc., etc., and on and on…😩 (look UP once in awhile…It’s a beautiful world!), I digress…..these are for you. You need to keep those busy hands warm, and what better way to do it than with these babies…UGGS really knows how to blend warmth and practicality with style. I love this color, but they come in five…pricey for $145, but then they are UGGS!!

 

Next, a great book filled with three of my favorite things…Hope, Optimism and FOOD!

“MY KITCHEN YEAR, 136 Recipes that SAVED MY LIFE”, by Ruth Reichl, is part memoir, part cookbook, (a twofer!)

Ruth was the longtime editor of Gourmet Magazine, loving her job and her life. When the magazine abruptly closed, she was unprepared and lost. Each day was a challenge to rebuild and redefine herself in her midlife, a daunting task. But with a lot of courage, and a KILLER repertoire of comforting recipes, Ruth put one step in front of the other and literally cooked her way to solid ground once again.

I loved her pluck, her spirit, and her recipe for three day short ribs !!! Crown Worthy accomplishment, this book and her comeback❤️

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-kitchen-year-ruth-reichl/1120998970

You need a good candle, or twelve, in the winter, and these are the best on planet Earth. I promise.  By Diptyque Paris, this Feu de Bois candle smells like a crackling fireplace in a country cottage…in the woods…with pine cones..and a glass of champagne…and your honey beside you….can you smell it now😉?? WWW.diptyqueparis.com

Not cheap, but very high quality burn and scent is indescribable. You just have to trust me.  $60. For a large candle, but much class expensive than buying a cottage in the woods!

Finally, grab your best girlfriends, and give them a gift that will last the Winter,(and help you survive the gloom!)
Plan one night a week, buy some good wine, make some delicious apps, and watch one or two episodes of this HILARIOUS comedy!

Easily the funniest show I’ve seen in a long time. A perfect “girls night in” show..(which also made my handsome husband laugh out loud, too many times to count), this is the story of two lifelong BFF’s who haven’t been able to count on the men in their lives, so they form their own little family when one gets pregnant. Played BRILLIANTLY by real life besties Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, you would swear they don’t have a script. Supporting actor Keegan Michael-Key is the maniaclly  funny scene stealer, and ever-still-hunky, Kenny Loggins makes an appearance in the season two finale. (If you watch the series, you see this coming a mile away!)😆

Whoever and however you gift, find the beauty in life this season, and enjoy the magic.

Have a lovely, Crown Worthy weekend ~

THANKSGIVING, AND “THE BOOK”, TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW❤️

Twenty four years ago, I started a tradition on my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.
Instead of going around the table, asking what my family and guests were thankful for, I made a rule…”if you don’t write it in the book, you don’t eat!”

At first, I was met with a lot of eyeball rolling and sighs . But I persevered. And can I tell you, 24 years later, my sons all remind me to make sure I dig out The Book for turkey day? We have to travel now for this holiday, and the rule has become “please don’t forget The Book!”

A simple few paragraphs written, (some years at gunpoint!) have become the most precious of family archives. Two of my sons could not even write when the book was new, and one not born yet. They would dictate as we wrote of their love, appreciation and a few Christmas requests thrown in for Santa.
Later came the crayon entries…then the teen years, creative writing and duct tape frames. Anagrams and angst slowly and tentatively became words mature and the sentiments, poignant.
We’ve lost some of the people in The Book, and some have come back to the family. Some are nearing the end, and we wonder “is this his last entry?” This makes it even more precious.
Someday, when I’m gone, I know The Book will be sitting on a table at my family’s feast.
I hope they remember that each year was beautiful, even the ridiculously hard ones…and oh, so very precious to me. And I hope they will always remember to take a few minutes to record their blessings….Because then they live forever.❤️

A new tradition, started last year, are these little delights…The Thanksgiving “Breakfast of Champions”, for we who have to get up very, very early and hit the road.  “Over the bridge, and through the woods, to Grandmother Jean’s house we go!”

Cinnamon buns, bacon feathers, candy corn beaks…that and a STRONG cup of Starbucks, and we can handle anything the Traffic Gods throw at us!

Have the most amazing Thanksgiving. And remember to tell the people around them how very much you love them…even if you must have a big glass of wine to do it! These are words I promise you will never regret saying..

👸 and don’t forget to set your scales back ten pounds!

TODAY, A TWOFER….CHIPS THE WAY THEY SHOULD TASTE~ AND A BEAUTY TUTORIAL WORTH WATCHING~

Homemade potato chips….You haven’t LIVED til you’ve tried them!

Easy Peasy to make, a “Knock It Out Of The Park” hit to bring to your Fourth of July BBQ next week.

All you need, and MUST HAVE, is a mandeline and a candy thermometer…..and about an hour.

Worth it, trust me.

Start with two large scrubbed Russet potatoes, sliced to the thickness of about a dime on your mandeline.

then soak them in ice water for about five minutes to get rid of excess starch. This is what makes them so crispy and light.

Drain well on a paper towel,

Heat regular olive oil (not extra virgin, as the oil will burn) in a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot until it reaches a temperature of 300 degrees, then place the chips in, no more than the pot can hold comfortably. Stir gently with a spider of slotted spoon until desired color.

I like mine on the darker side.

Drain on a paper towel, sprinkle with sea salt to taste, and be prepared to never want to eat a potato chip from a bag ever again! Thin, crisp and light as a feather, but SO flavorful!

ALL THIS MADE WITH ONLY ONE LARGE RUSSETT ~

These keep well in a ziplock bag for several days, so make a big batch before your BBQ, pair it with this TO DIE FOR Caramelized Onion Dip from OMG! ONION MADE GOODNESS

found at most grocery chains like Hannefords and Stop and Shop

and be prepared to be the BBQ MVP!

On to another Crown Worthy tip….

Have you seen this makeup tutorial from NewBeauty.com?

Amazing and easy to follow, with GREAT makeup recommendations. I’ve tried a lot of these products myself and can vouch for their quality and worth.

http://www.newbeauty.com/video/384-how-to-look-younger-with-makeup/

If you have a big event coming up this year and want to look your best, give it a look!

Even though it’s pouring in Boston today, it’s a good day to take off the Crown and polish it a little so it will sparkle like a firecracker on the Fourth of July!

Have a great day ~

ONE WEEK DOWN, MANY TO GO ~

Happy Monday!

Weight loss update…

Week One –

3.4 pounds down!

I’m thrilled! That’s about 13 sticks of butter. Good first week!

Not kidding myself though.

I had just come back from vaca and was getting hormonal, (yes, STILL, at 56 1/2!!) so I know most of that was water weight.

But I will shut up and take it.

And I even treated myself….outstanding Asian food Thursday night (Thank you, ALL Season Table in Malden…The ONLY place to eat amazing Asian IMHO!)

 

 

 

 

Drunken Noodles and Sushi Heaven.

And I had two glasses of champagne Friday night!

My kind of diet.

The rest of the week, Keeping It Simple, Stupid!

Greek Yogurt or hard-boiled egg, banana for breakfast with my HiTest Starbucks dark roast (with cream!).

Lunch was salad with chicken or shrimp and lots of veggies. Trader Joes Orange Champagne vinegar for dressing.

 

 

Snack was a peach or berries.

Dinner consisted of chicken, shrimp or crab, brown rice, steamed or sautéed broccoli or green beans.

Snack was an always amazing glass of Rosé and a piece of cheese.

Lots of Pellegrino water on ice with lemon…and I walked 25 mins in the AM, 25 mins in the PM, and did yoga once.

And I made sure I always had a good book to read to keep me amused.

This week I’m reading Three Many Cooks by Anderson, Keet and D’amelio.

A great read if you’re a foodie.

 

Ironically, a book about family cooks and how food is a big part of their history. I have found that READING about food actually takes the edge off. I love food so much that I love reading about it as much as I love eating it or cooking it❤️ And this is a lively one. I can almost smell and taste the food they are regaling.

SO, week one in the books, a success.

Have a lovely, lite week, and take care of YOU, first❤️ ~

JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER ~

Finally, finally!  The temps are rising and people are heading outdoors!  YIPPEE!  We in Boston have been brutalized by the historic winter passed, and are ready to get out and about.

Picnics on the beach, barbecues, dining on the porch or under the stars, we are packed and READY!

SO today I have two great things for you to enjoy….

The first, Spicy Root Beer Baked Beans, is the very best take along recipe you will ever make for a gathering.  It is easy,  portable, freezes beautifully and is TOO.DIE.FOR.DELICIOUS!

Adapted from a recipe by chef Aarti Sequoia of Food Network fame, I humbly bring you the most delicious baked beans you will ever eat….and I’m from Boston…I know baked beans!!!

These beans are spicy and sweet, with smoky bacon, ginger and an indian spice called garam masala, which make them so very delicious.

It also contains a surprise ingredient, ROOT BEER, who’s sweetness balances the heat and subtle spices beautifully.

Don’t be put off by the garam masala if you’ve never had it.  It is nothing like the curried up pungent Indian food that some people are adverse to.  Garam masala only brings a warmth and depth to the beans without a heaviness of flavor.  Kind of like what cumin does to a chili dish.  You feel it more than you taste it.

But I digress.

Here’s what you need…Serves 8

• 1 pound of smoky bacon, cooked and crumbled.
• 1 large or two medium Vidalia or yellow onion, diced.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 4 tablespoons fresh ginger root.
• 1 1/2 bottles, (about 18 ounces) of premium quality root beer.
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar.
• 4 tablespoons molasses.
• 1 tablespoon grain mustard.
• pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2  cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.
• kosher salt and pepper to taste.

We start with a dutch oven, or any oven proof pot, and a 400 degree heated oven.

First you brown the smoky bacon until it’s crisp.  Remove it from the pot,  along with all but about four tablespoons of the bacon grease.  Discard the excess grease and set aside the bacon.  Next, saute the large diced yellow onion, the garlic, and the freshly grated gingeroot, until all are soft.  Then add the tomato paste and cook for about another two minutes.

The fun continues when you add one and a half bottles (about 18 ounces) of really good root beer.  Get the best root beer you can find, as it does make a difference.  To that, add the cider vinegar, molasses, grain mustard, red pepper flakes and garam masala to the pot and stir til combined.

Finally, gently stir in the beans so they don’t break apart,  add salt and pepper to taste, and heat on high to almost a boil.  (Don’t season too much here, as when the beans cook down, the flavor intensifies. You can add more after if needed.)

At this point, your beans will be soupy and you will probably want to kill me for wasting your hard earned money…..but PATIENCE.

Pop this soupy mess in the oven and bake it for about 35-45 minutes, UNCOVERED, until the mixture cooks to a thick, lovely, luscious sauce for the beans.

Let cool a bit, then sprinkle with the cooked bacon, chopped.

That’s it!

I would love to see your face when you take your first bite.

WOWIE!

I’ve taken this to many occasions, and it’s always requested again and again.

You know you have a great recipe when THAT is the one dish people remember from a meal.

This is that recipe.  Forget the perfectly grilled steaks, or juicy ribs or burgers….They will be talking about and requesting this gem of a side dish for years to come.

The next little nugget I have is a lovely book of picnic fun …The Picnic, Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket, by Marnie Hanel.

Great, no fail picnic take along recipes, check lists, picnic games and rules, and even 99 uses for a Mason jar.  That, ALONE was worth the book.

You can buy it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com

Here’s wishing you many memorable days and nights under the stars, with loads of good food and people you love.  Now hurry up and get out there…Winter starts is exactly 222 days!!!! ~

 

PANTRY PLEASURE ~

Don’t you just love a recipe that’s tasty, good for you and quick to make?

I have an arsenal of them.  These are the life saver recipes you go to when you’re working constantly and don’t want to depend on take out.  The ones you pull out when you want to eat healthy, but don’t have the time to clean and steam kale and boil quinoa….

This one was created one day when I simply could not justify another trip to the grocery store.  I went into my fridge and cabinets and created this nameless treasure.

I think I’ll call it “Looks So Good,Tastes Even Better” but you can call it whatever you like…

INGREDIENTS

2 CUPS COOKED BROWN RICE (use the quick cooking kind)

2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL

1 YELLOW AND 1 ORANGE PEPPER, CHOPPED

2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED

1 PACKAGE PERDUE COOKED GRILLED CHICKEN PIECES, CUT INTO BITE SIZE PIECES

GOYA SAZON SEASONING TO TASTE

1 CAN BLACK BEANS, RINSED

1 CAN ROTEL DICED TOMATOES WITH CILANTRO AND LIME

1 SMALL CAN CORN, DRAINED

1 CUP FROZEN PEAS

CHOPPED AVOCADO, SHREDDED MEXICAN CHEESE, CHOPPED TOMATO AND LIMES FOR GARNISH.

SO SIMPLE.  COOK RICE IN A LARGE POT, AND IN SEPARATE PAN SAUTE PEPPERS AND GARLIC IN OLIVE OIL TIL SOFT, ADD CHICKEN PIECES AND SAZON TO TASTE…(START WITH A LITTLE AND BUILD TIL YOU LOVE THE FLAVOR,) AND COOK ON LOW FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. THEN ADD ALL THIS TO THE RICE POT WITH THE BEANS, TOMATOES, CORN AND PEAS.  STIR, HEAT THROUGH FOR FIVE MINUTES, CHECK SEASONING AND THEN TOP WITH CHOPPED AVOCADO, CHEESE, TOMATOES AND A GENEROUS SQUIRT OF LIME. YOU COULD ALSO ADD SOME CHOPPED CILANTRO AND SOME CRUSHED TORTILLA STRIPS IF YOU FELT THE NEED.  IT’S A VERY FORGIVING, VERSATILE RECIPE.  MY FAVORITE KIND!

A complete meal, and SO good for you!  Grains, veggies, protein, calcium, TASTE!  Most of these ingredients can be stored in your pantry or fridge and have long shelf lives.  If you are crazy busy, make a huge pot and eat it all week!

You can find the Goya Sazon seasoning in your grocery store in the Mexican food aisle.  This little packet makes all the difference…trust me!

Enjoy eating well, and have a lovely day ~

 

EAT YOUR BEETS! ~

 

I HAVE A DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPE TO SHARE TODAY….. RUBY RED BEETS AND ORANGES, TOSSED WITH HONEY GOAT CHEESE, TENDER BOSTON BIBB LETTUCE, A SPRINKLING OF FRESH MINT AND HOMEMADE VINAIGRETTE. MAKE THIS WHEN YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF!

 

• TO START, YOU WILL NEED ABOUT 8 BEETS, PRE-COOKED, (OR IF YOU WANT TO BE  TORTURED YOURSELF, BOIL AND COOK THEM YOURSELF),  AND CUT INTO EIGHTHS
• A LOG OF HONEY GOAT CHEESE, (TRADERS JOE’S CARRIES A GOOD ONE),CRUMBLED.  IF YOU CAN’T FIND HONEY GOAT CHEESE, JUST USE PLAIN.
• A HEAD OF BOSTON BIBB LETTUCE
• I LARGE NAVEL ORANGE, PEELED AND CHOPPED INTO BITE SIZED PIECES
• I SMALL PACKAGE OF FRESH MINT

AND FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

• I TBSP DIJON MUSTARD
• 3 TBSP CHAMPAGNE VINEGAR (OR ORANGE VINEGAR..AGAIN, TRADER JOE’S HAS A GOOD ONE)
• KOSHER SALT, FRESH GROUND BLACK PEPPER
• A TBSP OF HONEY
• TWO SPRIGS OF THYME
• 1/2 CUP GOOD EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

IN A SMALL BOWL, WHISK TOGETHER THE MUSTARD, VINEGAR, A PINCH OF SALT, FRESH PEPPER TO TASTE.  WHEN WELL MIXED, ADD THE HONEY AND OLIVE OIL AND CONTINUE TO WHISK UNTIL IT’S ALL EMULSIFIED.   POUR INTO A SMALL JAR AND INSERT THE SPRIGS OF THYME.  SHAKE WELL, AND LET SIT IN THE FRIDGE FOR AT LEAST FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO CHILL.

WHEN READY, JUST PLACE  A HANDFUL OF LETTUCE ON A MEDIUM SIZED SALAD PLATE, SPOON ON THE BEETS, THE ORANGE PIECES, ADD SOME GOAT CHEESE CRUMBLES, SPRINKLE WITH CHOPPED MINT AND DRIZZLE THE VINAIGRETTE.  I HAVE TASTED THIS SALAD IN PARIS WITH GRAPEFRUIT SLICES AS WELL, TRULY DELICIOUS.

GOOD FOR YOU, AN AMAZING TASTE SENSATION FOR THE PALATE….. AHAPPY MADAME !

HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND, BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND DONT FORGET TO WEAR THOSE CROWNS ~

 

 

Her Majesty’s Magical Minestrone ~

NOTHING WARMS UP A COLD JANUARY DAY LIKE A HOT BOWL OF SOUP.  MY MINESTRONE IS A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN ON THAT WINTER DAY.  ITS LOADED WITH VEGGIES, BEANS AND GOOD VIBRATIONS!  IT FREEZES BEAUTIFULLY AS WELL, AS I ADD TINY PASTA THAT CAN WITHSTAND FREEZING.  I MAKE A BIG BATCH OF THIS WHEN I NEED SOME CHEERING UP, AND WITH MY KING AND THREE PRINCES LIVING AT HOME IT USUALLY NEVER ACHIEVES LEFTOVER STATUS.

INGREDIENTS FOR MAGICAL MINESTRONE ~

• I LARGE SWEET VIDALIA ONION, DICED
• 2-3 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC
• I/2 EACH OF A RED, YELLOW AND ORANGE PEPPER, CUT INTO SMALL PIECES
• I PACKAGE OF CUBED BUTTERNUT SQUASH OR ONE HALF OF A SQUASH CUT INTO CUBES
• 2  ZUCCHINI, DICED
• 4 LARGE CARROTS, SLICED
• 8 SMALL YUKON GOLD POTATOES, CUT INTO EIGHTHS
• 1 CUP OF FROZEN PEAS, OR 1 PACKAGE OF FRESH ENGLISH PEAS
• 1  28 OUNCE CAN OF SAN MARZANO TOMATOES
• 1 TABLESPOON ITALIAN SEASONING
• 1 PARMIGIANO RIND.  (IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE, BUY A WEDGE AND CUT THE RIND OFF.  YOU CAN ALWAYS USE THE PARMIGIANO TO GRATE INTO THE SOUP LATER.)
• 1 19 OUNCE CAN OF CANNELLINI BEANS, SEPARATED IN HALF
• 2 CHICKEN BOUILLON CUBES
• 1/3 CUP OF ACINI DI PEPE PASTA, OR PASTINA…ANY TINY PASTA WILL DO HERE
• A SMALL JAR OF PESTO, OR HOMEMADE IF YOU HAVE IT
• A PINCH OF SUGAR AND SALT AND FRESH PEPPER TO TASTE

FIRST, GATHER ALL THE GLORIOUS GOODNESS. MISSING FROM THIS CLASS PHOTO ARE THE PEPPERS…I HAD TO MAKE A SPECIAL TRIP TO TRADER JOES, AS MY LOCAL MARKET PEPPERS LOOKED SAD, SAD!

SAUTE THE ONIONS AND GAAAHLIC (AS WE SAY IN BOSTON) FOR ABOUT 5-6 MINUTES ON MEDIUM HIGH, THEN SPRINKLE A BIT OF SALT.

NEXT, THROW IN THE PEPPERS AND A PINCH OF SUGAR AND SAUTE FOR A FEW MINUTES TIL THE PEPPERS HAVE SOFTENED.

THEN THE SQUASH, ZUCCHINI, CARROTS AND POTATO GET TOSSED INTO THE MIX WITH A GENEROUS GRIND OF FRESH PEPPER.

NOW WE ADD HALF OF THE WHITE BEANS, THE TOMATOES WITH JUICE, AND THE PARMIGIANO RIND, THE ITALIAN SEASONING AND THE PEAS IF FRESH, (FROZEN CAN BE TOSSED IN JUST BEFORE FINISHING.)

WHEN THE VEGGIES AND BEANS ARE ALL IN THE MIX, I ADD THE CHICKEN STOCK, THE BOULLION CUBES AND A BIT MORE FRESH GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE.  LET IT SIMMER FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES TIL ALL THE VEGGIES ARE SOFT.  NEXT WE ADD THE SECOND HALF OF THE WHITE BEANS.  JUST MASH THEM WITH A FORK AND TOSS IN.  THIS GIVES THE SOUP A BIT OF A CREAMY TEXTURE.  IF YOU LIKE A SOUPY SOUP, JUST THROW THEM IN WHOLE, BUT I LIKE THE RICH TEXTURE WHEN THE BEANS ARE MASHED.

ALMOST THERE, LADIES!   NOW ADD THE ACINI DI PEPE PASTA ( OR ANY SMALL PASTA LIKE PASTINA,) AND COOK FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES.

THE FINAL STEP, AND THE MAGIC, IS TO LADLE THE SOUP INTO A BOWL AND DRIZZLE WITH A HEAPING TABLESPOON (OR TWO) OF THE PESTO,  GIVE IT A HEALTHY DUSTING OF FRESHLY GRATED PARMIGIANO REGGIANO  AND ENTER WHAT IS SURELY HEAVEN ON EARTH!

LIGHT THE FIRE, POUR THE WINE, BREAK THE BREAD AND EAT WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE!

EAT YOUR BEETS! ~

 

I HAVE A DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPE TO SHARE TODAY….. RUBY RED BEETS AND ORANGES, TOSSED WITH HONEY GOAT CHEESE, TENDER BOSTON BIBB LETTUCE, A SPRINKLING OF FRESH MINT AND HOMEMADE VINAIGRETTE. MAKE THIS WHEN YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF!

 

• TO START, YOU WILL NEED ABOUT 8 BEETS, PRE-COOKED, (OR IF YOU WANT TO BE  TORTURED YOURSELF, BOIL AND COOK THEM YOURSELF),  AND CUT INTO EIGHTHS
• A LOG OF HONEY GOAT CHEESE, (TRADERS JOE’S CARRIES A GOOD ONE),CRUMBLED.  IF YOU CAN’T FIND HONEY GOAT CHEESE, JUST USE PLAIN.
• A HEAD OF BOSTON BIBB LETTUCE
• I LARGE NAVEL ORANGE, PEELED AND CHOPPED INTO BITE SIZED PIECES
• I SMALL PACKAGE OF FRESH MINT

AND FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

• I TBSP DIJON MUSTARD
• 3 TBSP CHAMPAGNE VINEGAR (OR ORANGE VINEGAR..AGAIN, TRADER JOE’S HAS A GOOD ONE)
• KOSHER SALT, FRESH GROUND BLACK PEPPER
• A TBSP OF HONEY
• TWO SPRIGS OF THYME
• 1/2 CUP GOOD EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

IN A SMALL BOWL, WHISK TOGETHER THE MUSTARD, VINEGAR, A PINCH OF SALT, FRESH PEPPER TO TASTE.  WHEN WELL MIXED, ADD THE HONEY AND OLIVE OIL AND CONTINUE TO WHISK UNTIL IT’S ALL EMULSIFIED.   POUR INTO A SMALL JAR AND INSERT THE SPRIGS OF THYME.  SHAKE WELL, AND LET SIT IN THE FRIDGE FOR AT LEAST FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO CHILL.

WHEN READY, JUST PLACE  A HANDFUL OF LETTUCE ON A MEDIUM SIZED SALAD PLATE, SPOON ON THE BEETS, THE ORANGE PIECES, ADD SOME GOAT CHEESE CRUMBLES, SPRINKLE WITH CHOPPED MINT AND DRIZZLE THE VINAIGRETTE.  I HAVE TASTED THIS SALAD IN PARIS WITH GRAPEFRUIT SLICES AS WELL, TRULY DELICIOUS.

GOOD FOR YOU, AN AMAZING TASTE SENSATION FOR THE PALATE….. AHAPPY MADAME !

HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND, BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND DONT FORGET TO WEAR THOSE CROWNS ~