I Can Boil Water

What a difference a year makes.

2010-10-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

It will be a year in November since we adopted "Petunia". We were the third or fourth home she had been passed around to in her two short years. We had only taken her in to hold until her new home would be ready for her, but that did not work out so, Petunia became ours. She is such a sweetie, but with some bad habits that we are still having to work on.

You can see by the pictures that she only weighed about six pounds when we got her. We thought we got such a cute petite little dog only to find out that she was really underweight and had blow her coat. Look at her now, chubby and fluffy. She really has a beautiful coat with black tips, and what a Mamma's girl.

It's been awhile

2010-10-12T09:50:00.002-05:00

Hi all, sorry it has been awhile, but the summer just seemed to go by so quickly. It's fall now and this is my favorite time of the year, so I will try to keep you all updated on fun things and good recipes.

I finally bit the dust and used my 25% off card from J Crew last week and snagged some goodies. I really have not shopped their in awhile, because here in H-Town we don't even get cool weather until October, so who needs a sweater. I have to admit we have had awesome weather for the past few weeks, which was just perfect for Antiquing in Round Top. Also, we found a new winery called Saddlehorn Winery. If their are any local followers please make note to get up to Brehnam to give them a try, you will not be disappointed.

So, back to J Crew. I was most excited about the extra 30% off sweaters than anything, plus being able to tag on the 25% off card discount.

I know a lot of blogger's have a love hate relationship with J Crew, and I have to admit my disappointments and love of the good ole J Crew, but when it comes down to it, they still deliver better than most other retailers. I know there are quality issues, but some of the other retailers are so much worse. That being said J Crew still gets most of my $$.

Off to Marburger Farm Antique Show, plus Red Adair Auction

2010-10-02T08:24:00.001-05:00

Today we are heading out for the "Fourth" time to Round Rock, Texas Antique Show, plus the Red Adair Auction.

I will post some pictures later of these fun events here in Texas.

My latest J Crew finds...

2010-06-29T20:45:00.000-05:00

I took advantage of J Crews last 30% off sale las week, and got a few pairs of cute shoes.

I really like my Caden suede cork wedges. I will defiantly get another color when they go on sale. They are really light weight, and the leather is so soft. My other purchase was the Tretorn® metallic T56 sneakers, cute, cute, cute! Both are gold and will go with everything.

We have "Sprinkles"!

2010-06-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

Look what opened in Highland Village in H-Town this past weekend, "Sprinkles"! Candace Nelson of her famed Sprinkles Cupcakes finally opened her first cupcake store this past weekend here in Houston. The Mercedes cupcake van came all the way from California for the grand opening and it is adorable. The wheels are cupcakes....so cute.

Crazy us, stood in line for about an hour to purchase a few of these delicious beauties and we were not disappointed. Scrumptious!

Ninfa's Green Sauce

2010-06-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

Another sought out salsa recipe here in Texas is Nifa's Green Sauce. The late proprietor, Ninfa Laurenzo, of the Houston chain Ninfa’s is credited with inventing green sauce, but it is popular in many of the other Mexican restaurants down here.

Ninfa’s Green Sauce
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized green tomatoes, coarsely chopped (you can substitute yellow if you can’t find green ones, but never use red)
4 tomatillos, cleaned and chopped
1 to 2 jalapenos, stemmed and coarsely chopped
3 small garlic cloves
3 medium-sized ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
4 sprigs cilantro
1 tsp. of salt
1 1/2 cups of sour cream

Method:
Combine chopped tomatoes, tomatillos, jalapenos and garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a boil (tomatoes provide the liquid), reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Place tomato mixture with the avocados, cilantro and salt in food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into a bowl and stir in sour cream.

Makes 4 to 5 cups

"Holy Crack"! No not really, but that's what we call it....

2010-06-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hi all, sorry for being gone so long, but with summer here we have been traveling and just busy with all kind of projects.

We had a party last weekend, and I did extensive research for a recipe that is guarded like the "holy grail". For those of you who live in Texas and are familiar with Chuy's you will know what I am talking about. Chuy's famous Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Yes, people actually call it "crack". It is so addictive and you cannot get enough of the creamy stuff. There is even a facebook page dedicated to Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Dip.

You would think that with all the employees past/present out their they would give us poor humble worshipers the recipe, but no, nada!

But fear not dear followers I think I'v got it, or at least by some of my guests at the party that did all but lick the bottom of the bowl, and cry when it was gone that I had it!

It is pretty much four simple ingredients, note that it does come from a restaurant and they make it in huge quantities it would be hard to get the exact recipe. It appears that they combine two completely separate recipes together to make the dip. They combine there ranch salad dressing and there tomatillo sauce, or enchilada salsa verde with jalapenos and cilantro.

So, with all my research here it goes!

Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Dip

1 quart of mayonnaise

1 cup of buttermilk

1 cup green tomatillo sauce (salsa verde)

1 cup of pickled jalapeno slices with juice (buy a 12oz jar-mild or hot, but I used hot)

1/2 bunch of cilantro (leaves only)

3 - 1 oz packets of Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (not Dip)

Place all ingredients in food processor, or blender and blend until smooth. I also used a fresh jalapeno or two because we like it "hot" here in H-Town. Also, it is best prepared ahead of time, the longer it sits the hotter it gets.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Bon Appetit!

Key Lime Pie

2010-05-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I was over at a neighbors the other night and noticed this Key Lime Recipe out on the kitchen counter top. I was struck by the fact that it did not have raw eggs in the recipe, and used cream cheese instead. So, today I decided to give it a whirl, and wow is it good and easy as "pie" to make.

1 Can of Eagle brand condensed milk

1/3 cup lime juice

1 package softened cream cheese

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon grated lime rind

1 9" graham cracker pie shell

Whipped cream for topping

In large bowl combine condensed milk, cream cheese, grated lime, vanilla and lime juice. Blend until mixture is smooth with a hand mixer. Pour into prepared graham cracker pie shell and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with whipped cream and serve.

The return of "Glee"

2010-04-14T17:12:00.000-05:00

Please tell me that you love "Glee" as much as I do! Also, did you get to check out Sue Sylvester's rendition of Madonna's "Vogue"? I just loved it.

NuSkin Galvanic Spa II

2010-04-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

Just a question? Has anyone out there in blog land purchased one of the Galvanic Spa machines or used one? I am thinking about purchasing one and just wanted some consumer feedback on it.

Cheers!

My new toy!

2010-04-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess you know where I was Saturday morning? In line for my reserved new IPad. I have only spent a little time on it, but so far so good. I think it will be great to travel with. It is so light and compact, and has so many great features without the weight of your laptop.

Look what the Postman brought me today

2010-04-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a nice surprise from J Crew today, a reusable tote!

Here's what the note said inside.

Thank You from J Crew

We thought of you-and wanted to send you our new reusable tote (featuring hand-sketched desighns straight from one of our designers). Just a little way of saying thank you.

We're here if there is anything you ever need.

All the best,

Mickey

Millard.Drexler@jcrew.com

Make sure to check your mailbox!

Hill Country Weekend

2010-03-31T18:20:00.000-05:00

Hi all, sorry for the absence, but we went on a little Hill Country weekend. We stayed at a lovely B&B called the Hoffman House in Fredricksburg, TX and did a lot of wine tasting. I have to say we have some really nice wineries in the hill country, and I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I am such a wine snob that I have always been a bit skeptical of what Texas wineries were like.

Also, got to have some incredable BBQ at the famed "Salt Lick".

L.L. Bean Signature Has Arrived

2010-03-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

Stop by and check them out, they have some really great items.

Kate Spade vs. Liberty of London for Target

2010-03-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

This morning I was looking over all of my Liberty of London Target purchases when it came to me that the Ruffle Top/Sixty Print was so similar to the Kate Spade Saltwater Taffy Avery Blouse. Which I love, and want, but will not buy until it goes on sale. All you need to do is turn the blouse around and wear the opening in the back. I actually have seen a few other fellow bloggers do this, and I actually like it this way better.

What do you think?

My Liberty of London finds at Target!

2010-03-13T22:53:00.001-06:00

Yeah, my local Target had it all........I don't know what time they put it out, but when we got there at 6 pm you could tell it had been out for awhile. You could tell that some of the houseware items had flown off the shelves. Just a little FYI, when you go in just look up towards the ceiling for the butterflies, under each butterfly is where you will find Liberty of London. Just be careful not to run into anyone while looking up, hee hee.

P S - I had to run up to my local Target this morning and did a quick walk through to see if any thing new had been put out, and noticed that there was still a good selection of clothing available. If anyone is looking for a particular item let me know and I will be happy to check it out for you.

Liberty of London Sighting at Target- kind of?

2010-03-11T18:53:00.000-06:00

I went on a Target run today hoping that I might get a peek at the new Liberty of London roll out. Unfortunately nothing was to be found so, I just puttered around looking. Then I happened to be in the dressing room and several SA's were there talking and I went out and asked if they had anything yet and would it be out this weekend. I was lucky enough to get the manager of the department and she said, yes that they had tons in the back. She told me that they were not allowed to bring it out until Sunday the 14th or they would get in trouble, but then she goes, "you want to take a look"? Uh, yeah! So, she snuck me into the back loading area where they had racks and racks of it. There are some really cute items and she said if they can they might try to get it out on the floor Saturday evening late.

Well you know where I will be about 8-10pm Saturday night!

Ulta and J Crew

2010-03-04T16:37:00.000-06:00

I went to my local Ulta store in search of a curling iron today and when I got up to the cash wrap I happened to look up and to my surprise I saw two very large poster photos of models in J Crew outfits.

The first model is wearing the Victoria Ruffle Cami and the second model is wearing a Jackie Cardi with a Kelsey Ruffle top and a Bubble Bead Necklace.

Has anyone else noticed the posters?

Kate Spade " Petite Fleur Charm Necklace"

2010-03-02T15:49:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am so happy with this purchase. I ordered this last week from the Kate Spade 75% off sale. I got it for a phenomenal price and would of never paid full retail for it ($495.00). The colors are Turquoise and Orange crystal beads, two of my favorite colors.

J Crew "Best of the Best"?

2010-03-02T15:41:00.000-06:00

I can't decide if this is a good thing or not?

I have seen a few other blogs mention that other JCA's have received this note card from J Crew for there best customers.

Well let me tell you a little funny on me, sort of. Last week when I was at my local B & M my SA and I got into a conversation about there best customers. He was telling me that two of the SA's that work there are in the top 50 and how much they shop so, I just casually asked who there top two where. He proceeded to tell me that it was a guy and a girl then he started to laugh and goes, "well you are one of our top "TWENTY" customers!!! OK, I really did not need to hear that. Top "TWENTY" in H-Town, the fourth largest city in the USA! OMG! I know my mouth flew open and I gasped in total shock. Talk about a reality check.

I think I should have a red phone with a line directly to Jenna or Micky for that one! Wow, I cannot tell you how bad I feel, and still pretty blown away by the whole conversation.

Dulce de Leche Brownies

2010-03-01T21:19:00.000-06:00

This wonderful recipe ran across one of the foodie blogs that I follow and I could not resist giving them a whirl.

Dulce de Leche Brownies

8 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter, cut into pieces

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

3 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

optional: 1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 cup Dulce de Leche (or Cajeta)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Line a 8-inch square pan with a long sheet of aluminum foil that covers the bottom and reaches up the sides. If it doesn't reach all the way up and over all four sides, cross another sheet of foil over it, making a large cross with edges that overhang the sides. Grease the bottom and sides of the foil with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the chocolate pieces and stir constantly over very low heat until the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sugar, vanilla, then the flour. Mix in the nuts, if using.

Scrape half of the batter into the prepared pan. Here comes the fun part.

Drop one-third of the Dulce de Leche, evenly spaced, over the brownie batter, then drag a knife through to swirl it slightly. Spread the remaining brownie batter over, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining Dulce de Leche in dollops over the top of the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the Dulce de Leche slightly.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The brownies are done when the center feels just-slightly firm (a toothpick will come out clean). Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the award "Two Hands Full of Daises"

2010-03-01T18:10:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Kathy and Seashell over at Two Hands Full of Daises for saying my blog makes them smile! They have such a great blog and always share such wonderful things. So, here you go....

7 things that make me smile!

1. my animals, they are silly at times

2. Cooking

3. Shopping

4. the Sun

5. Going to the movies, or watching a great movie on TV

6. Wine

7. Vacations

It's Bar B-Que Cookoff time! Yip-eee

2010-02-25T17:39:00.000-06:00

For those of you that are not aware it is Rodeo time here in H-Town and that means Bar-B-Que cookoff time. The Lone Star State hosts a colossal, Texas-sized picnic to launch the annual event!

Just as the rodeo competitors hone their riding skills and shine their buckles, several hundred others are polishing their culinary tools and preparing to heat up their own winning run at glory! The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing. The sweet aroma drifts over the Houston metropolis, drawing crowds like bees to honey as a record 217,640 guests joined the feast in 2009.

We have tickets/wristbands to six tents this year!

Here comes the sun....

2010-02-25T17:11:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a beautiful day today in H-Town. Hardly a cloud in the sky, and the babes could not wait to get outside and get some rays!

J Crew New Arrivals

2010-02-25T16:34:00.000-06:00

A few of my Fav's from the new arrivals.

Nordstrom Rack comes to H-Town

2010-02-25T16:17:00.001-06:00

OMG! This was crazy. I arrived about 8:30 am and the parking lot was full so, you know what that means crazy women fighting for any parking space that they might see. Then came the crazy line. These pictures do not do it justice but, I could not get out of line to take other photos. They had one prize of $2000.00 for the lucky winner that would get to go into the store before anyone else and grab what every they could in 90 seconds.

The store would only let 800 people in at a time and I was in the first group.

I must hand it to Nordstrom they had the staff there to handle the crowds. I got a great Milly top for $69.00 and a couple of Majestic tees.

Forever 21 Retro Twist Cardigan

2010-01-30T09:08:00.000-06:00

I saw this the other day and just had to order it. I was so surprised when I got it as to how nice the construction actually was. The colors are bright but it is so St. John/Channel like. I think it will be adorable for the Spring.

New Fav's from J Crew Spring Arrivals

2010-01-30T09:03:00.000-06:00

Here are a few of my fav's from the new Spring arrivals at J Crew. I liked the new Scalloped Zippered Cardigan, Ruffled Spring Celosia sweater in Honey, Sayre leather ballet flats and like a lot of you the Flutter flower clutch.

So pretty, J Crew Soleil Paisley Silk Tunic

2010-01-14T17:48:00.000-06:00

I received my J Crew Soleil Paisley Silk Tunic yesterday and it is really pretty. Definately size down with this one. So far this has been the only item I have ordered from the new arrivals. I went by my local B&M today and my PS told me that they should be getting a fairly large shipment of new items the week of January 25th.

Coconut Cake

2010-01-12T11:13:00.001-06:00

Well my next baking project is to make Chef Robert Carters renowned Coconut Cake. If any of you have been lucky enough to visit the Peninsula Grill in Charleston South Carolina I am sure you have had the pleasure of having a slice. This wonderful Coconut Cake weighs 12 lbs. They accolades range from Chef Bobby Flay to Martha Stewart as being the best Coconut cake around.

If you are a bit intimidated in making the cake, you can order it on-line for a mere $100.00, plus overnight shipping, eek!

Ultimate Coconut Cake

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut flakes

2 Coconut Cakes (see below)

Simple Syrup (see below)Coconut Filling (see below)

Coconut Cake Frosting (see below)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread coconut flakes in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, 5 to 7 minutes; set aside to cool.
Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level; discard trimmings. Cut each cake into 3 even layers. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan.
Place one layer on the cake plate. Brush with about one-fifth of the simple syrup. Spread over 2 cups of filling. Place a second layer on top. Repeat process with the next four layers and top with last remaining layer.
Spread top and sides of cake with frosting, keeping in mind you may not need to use all of it. Press toasted coconut into sides of cake; remove parchment paper strips. Chill cake at least 5 hours and up to 5 days. Slice immediately; bring to room temperature before serving.

Coconut Cakes

Nonstick cooking spray with flour
1 pound unsalted butter, preferably European-style
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray two 10-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5 to 6 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until creamy, occasionally scraping down sides of the bowl using a spatula.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, mix together cream, vanilla, and coconut extract. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, alternating with cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour; beat until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before removing cakes from pans.

Simple Syrup

3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar

Place water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Coconut Cake Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 vanilla bean, scraped

Place butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until creamy.
With mixer on low speed, slowly add vanilla extract, seeds from vanilla bean, and confectioners' sugar. Continue beating until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.

Coconut Filling

Makes enough for 1 cake

5 cups heavy cream
3 cups sugar
1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
9 cups shredded sweetened coconut

Place cream, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together cornstarch, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water. Add to cream mixture, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened, about 1 minute.
Place coconut in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coconut is finely chopped. Remove cream mixture from heat and stir in coconut until well combined. Transfer to a large baking dish; let cool.
Cover filling with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Just before using, place mix.

Bon Appetit!

Anthropologie Soft Shine Necklace - Pretty

2010-01-12T10:51:00.000-06:00

Oh, so pretty! I think this necklace is just stunning and the colors are so pretty. Not a bad price either $80.00.

J Crew Spring Look Book 2010 - Uhhhhh??

2010-01-12T10:41:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, hope all of you are have a great start to 2010. OK, has anyone else received the new J Crew Spring Look Book 2010? I just don't know what to think or what to say. I am struggling to figure out what direction they are going in, a layerd mess, flowers in the hair, army fatigue with fringe??? I think the average woman cannot wear these looks to work or just about anywhere else. What are you doing J Crew? I miss my old J Crew of the past. I am tired of the ruffles, embellishments, mini's that are too mini, fringe and beige, grey and overall pale color palette. Tell me would you wear these looks? Am I the only one not feeling the J Crew love here?

Wow! Me too

2009-12-21T17:24:00.000-06:00

I got a really nice surprise today in the mail from J Crew, a 2010 Day Planner. I have read that others have also received one in the mail, and hope the rest of you get one in your mailbox very soon.

Merry Christmas!

The Dress Coat from Anthropologie

2009-12-21T11:59:00.000-06:00

I must admit this is one of the cutest coats I have tried on in a long time. It is so "Betty Draper" of Mad Men. I just know she has one just like it in her closet. It reminds of a 50's swing coat, button less, 3/4 sleeves, and a stand up collar.

I can see it with long leather gloves, a beautiful scarf and if you dare a hat. ;-) It retails for $348.00, but on sale for $179.95.

Here in H-Town all of our anthropologies were offering 40% off the sale price this past weekend. I hope you all got to enjoy this great discount as well.

Tom Douglas' Triple Cream Coconut Pie

2009-12-21T11:31:00.001-06:00

I have been wanting to attempt to make Tom Douglas' triple cream Coconut Pie recipe since I had it last year in Seattle at Dahlia Bakery. OMG, I have to admit this is the best coconut cream pie I have ever tasted. I purchased his cookbook just to have the recipe. So, it is Christmas and I have decided to give it a whirl.

I love pie to be fresh, you know right out of the oven, that very day fresh, can't wait to dig my little fork right in and take a big bite out of you, ummm.

Triple Coconut Cream Pie

(Makes one 9-inch pie)

Ingredients:

For The Coconut Pastry Cream

* 2 cups milk

* 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

* 1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

* 2 large eggs

* 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

For The Pie

* One 9-inch Coconut Pie Shell (find the recipe here),

* prebaked and cooled

* 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

* 1/3 cup sugar

* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Garnish

* 2 ounces unsweetened "chip" or large-shred coconut (about 11/2 cups) or sweetened shredded coconut

* Chunks of white chocolate (4 to 6 ounces, to make 2 ounces of curls)

Instructions

1. To make the pastry cream, combine the milk and coconut in a medium saucepan. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add both the seeds and pod to the milk mixture. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally until the mixture almost comes to a boil.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and flour until well combined. Temper the eggs (to keep them from scrambling) by pouring a small amount (about 1/3 Cup) of the scalded milk into the egg mixture while whisking. Then add the warmed egg mixture to the saucepan of milk and coconut. Whisk over medium-high heat until the pastry cream thickens and begins to bubble. Keep whisking until the mixture is very thick, 4 to 5 minutes more. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter and whisk until it melts. Remove and discard the vanilla pod. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and place it over a bowl of ice water. Stir occasionally until it is cool. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a crust from forming and refrigerate until completely cold. The pastry cream will thicken as it cools.

3. When the pastry cream is cold, fill the prebaked pie shell with it, smoothing the surface. In an electric mixer with the whisk, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla on medium speed. Gradually increase the speed to high and whip to peaks that are firm enough to hold their shape. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip with the whipped cream and pipe it all over the surface of the pie, or spoon it over.

4. For the garnish, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the coconut chips on a baking sheet and toast in the oven, watching carefully and stirring once or twice, since coconut burns easily, until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Use a vegetable peeler to scrape about 2 ounces of the white chocolate into curls.

On The Plate

Cut the pie into 6 to 8 wedges and place on dessert plates. Decorate each wedge of pie with white chocolate curls and the toasted coconut.

Looks like we are in jail.....

2009-12-14T20:58:00.000-06:00

Well not really, we just fight over which cage (house) we want. No one ever want's theirs, they always want the other ones. Petunia is showing off her new Christmas Burberry polo, such the fashion girl.

Petunia our new "Special Angel"

2009-12-08T23:16:00.000-06:00

OK, like we don't have enough animals running around as it is that we had to go and get a new one to add to the family. Petunia is our new "special angel" and we were spaded today so, as you can tell we have had some really good drugs and are feeling no pain.

She is the sweetest little dog, but it appears we are the fourth or fifth family to have her. We were out having dinner one night about four weeks ago and just happened to walk into an art gallery to take a peep at a showing and there she was in a baby pin looking for a new home.

How much is that Doggie in the window?

2009-12-08T22:55:00.000-06:00

OMG! this pet store was amazing. Of course it was located on Park Avenue or Madison Avenue somewhere on the upper East side, so what do you expect. Every one of the babies that were for sale were absolutely adorable! I wanted to take each one of them home.

J Crew Crew Collection Store NYC

2009-12-08T22:49:00.000-06:00

I had to check out the collection store in NYC so, we walked from 51st to 79th. This store is small! I was expecting a lot more, but thought the J Crew in Rockefeller Center store was much better.

Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center NYC

2009-12-03T21:20:00.000-06:00

I think NYC is so magical this time of year and the tree is truly beautiful. These pictures do not do it justice.

"Oh Christmas Tree"

2009-11-30T22:02:00.000-06:00

Family Room.

My fun Kitchen tree!

Recent J Crew purchases

2009-11-25T08:53:00.000-06:00

Made a quick visit to my local B&M and these are the items that I picked up. Beaded Marrakesh tee in Soft Blossom, Annalise Ruffle Cami in Cinnamon Spice and the Crystal and Pearl Libretto Necklace in Ivory.

I sized down in the Beaded Marrakesh tee, and sized up in the Annalise Ruffle Cami due to it pulled a little over the bust area.

My new favorite bracelets

2009-11-24T16:56:00.000-06:00

I was shopping at a local boutique store and found these great wire bangle bracelets for a mere $26.00. I think they are a pretty good copy of a David Yurman or Judith Ripka bracelet for a lot less!

I want this J Crew Sweater

2009-11-23T09:13:00.001-06:00

So sorry for the long absence, but I have had a lot on my plate lately. Anyways I want this Sequined Shawl Open Cardigan from J Crew in this color. It is not available on line and my local B&M does not have it.

Have you seen it?

Tory, Tory, Tory....

2009-11-11T09:12:00.000-06:00

You got me, pink, pink and more pink. Don't you just love the leopard jammies and scarf?

Anthropologie I like what I saw

2009-11-10T17:01:00.004-06:00

We have a new Anthropologie in town and I decided to go check it out today. I really liked the layout of the store, it is so much bigger or, it felt bigger than the one I normally go to. I was really able to spend some time perusing through all the clothes and came across some really cute items.

A Surprise from J Crew this morning...

2009-11-10T07:47:00.002-06:00

I logged onto my account this morning and look at the surprise I got.

Hi, -----. Great to see you. Now that you're signed in, just roll over the options on the left to update any of your information.

As a special thank you, we will be offering some exclusive benefits throughout the year. To make sure you are taking full advantage of each and every perk, check your email and sign in to your registered J.Crew account each time you visit jcrew.com.

Today, please enjoy free standard shipping, free monogramming.

I also received an email that said "Because you 're one of our best", I get free shipping and monograming until November 22nd, where you lucky enough to receive this surprise also?

shipping, free monogramming.

Way to go Ann Taylor

2009-11-09T08:04:00.000-06:00

Wow Ann Taylor, Heidi Klum.......

So long Sterling Cooper, Hello.....

2009-11-08T23:01:00.000-06:00

Sterling, Cooper, Draper & Price. I always have a love hate relationship with season finales. I can't wait to see the whole season come together with some sort of closure only to be left wanting more, and having to wait nine months to have the whole cycle start all over again..

I can't decide what I think of the Don & Betty divorce, I mean we all know what a bad boy Don is, but leave him for Henry? Good ole Henry tells Betty not tot take any of Don's money, he will support her and the children right, what ever Henry. Henry you don't want the kids you just want Betty.

So what's next? Dexter, then onto Damages so, what does Hewes & Associates have on the docket for season 3?

Kate Spade "Theresa Cardigan"

2009-11-05T19:38:00.001-06:00

I am in love with Kate Spade lately. I saw this adorable cardigan in the store, and they told me it was coming in Pink for the Holiday season. Well that was all they had to say Pink (I love pink), now I have to have it, is it not adorable?

Where or where have you gone?

2009-11-05T19:24:00.001-06:00

What is up with J Crew? I swear these Molly Wool pumps were on line yesterday, and today they are gone. Poof, just gone, like they were never in the sale section. I know they were there, I put them in my shopping cart, they were on sale for $175.00. So, why oh why do they put items up one day only to take them down the next?

I received the "Over the Top Award"

2009-11-05T08:50:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Kathy and Seashell of such a great blog "Two Hands Full of Daisies" for the Over The Top Award. Kathy and Seashell always have wonderful things to say and I appreciate them following me along the way.

OK readers here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone: Charging

2. Your hair: To be honest I have no idea of my real color, since I have been hi-lighting my hair for so long. At this point and time I would say it is a hi-lighted medium blonde.

3. Your mother: In heaven watching over me.

4. Your father: In heaven watching over me too.

5. Your favorite food: Food I love food, what food do I not LOVE! Since I live in Texas I must say Mexican food since we have the best. Then Italian, I love love love pasta! Then there is nothing like a good piece of "Cow"!!! You know we Texans love our beef.

6. Your dream from last night: Sorry, did not have one.

7. Your favorite drink: Wine, and more wine. Specifically red wines.

8. Your dream/goal: I wish I would of become a Chef! I would love to have my own Pizza Restaurant. I would taylor it after the wonderful Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix Arizona. If you ever get to Phoenix you must go! I know you wait in line for at least three hours ,but if you love Neapolitan pizza Chris is the master. You can check him out you YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L

9. What room are you in: Bedroom, in my bed.

10. What are your hobbies: Cooking, decorating and shopping

11. What is your fear: What is going to happen to our healthcare system

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Healthy and happy

13. Where were you last night: La Madeline for dinner

14. Something you are not: a size 4-6 any longer, :-( (like I said I love food and wine)

15. Muffins: Banana Nut

16. Wish list items: Time, that is something that we never have enough of, and it goes by so fast.

17. Where did you grow up: I was born in New Westminster, BC, Canada, but my Father was in overseas construction so we lived in a different place every two years. Mostly Europe and then Australia, and settled back here in Texas. Texas was always home for my parents.

18. Last thing you did: Check out the J Crew sale items

19. What are you wearing: jamies

20. Your pets: Bachie, Michon and Picasso. I will have to post pictures.

21. Your friends: I think we are lucky if we have truly one or two good friends that stick by you through thick and thin.

22. Your life: busy, always stuff to do

23. Your mood: content

24. Missing someone: I always miss my Mom and Dad. I was such the Daddy's girl, and I wish I could of had more time with him.

25. Vehicle: Black Subaru Outback

26. Something you’re not wearing: a coat, the weather is perfect right now.

27. Your favorite store: J Crew, Tory Burch and Kate Spade

28. Your favorite color: I love color, period. Pinks, yellows, oranges, bright greens........

29. When’s the last time you laughed: Last night at dinner. I had to laugh at myself. In a conversation at dinner we were talking about someone's career path, and I asked where she was working and I was told "American Eagle" and I go oh, so she want to be a flight attendant? They laughed and said no, American Eagle the retail store. Ding dong!

30. When’s the last time you cried: I don't cry a lot, so probably a movie I was watching.

31. Your best friend: lives in Washington State.

32. One place you go over and over: Santa Fe, New Mexico

33. One person who emails me regularly: Samantha

34. Favorite place to eat: depends on where I am. One of the reasons I love to travel is to eat! I love to go to five star restaurants. That being said my last most favorite meal was at the "Inn of Little Washington" in Washington, VA for my birthday. My next favorite I think will be when we go to NYC, and I get to eat at "Per Se" of the famed Thomas Keller. Yum! Then of course some hole in the wall Mexican restaurant.

I wish I had six fabulous followers to pass this award onto, but since I am a newbie at blogging I will have to wait until I have a few more followers to pass this wonderful award onto.

Ann Taylor Loft Woven Shift Dress with Petal Details

2009-11-04T21:11:00.000-06:00

I think this dress is so cute! Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft are doing such a good job.

Banoffee Pie

2009-10-26T09:08:00.000-05:00

Banoffee pie is British by birth and is exactly what it sounds like; banana and toffee pie. Coffee flavored whipped cream cover a crisp pastry shell filled with fresh bananas and a silky caramel-flavored "cream."
I made a few modifications to the orginal recipe, in all just shorten the prep time.

First lets make the dulce de leche.

In a large pan, completely submerge the can of sweetened condense milk in water. Make sure it is covered by at least one inch of water and remains covered throughout the entire process – this is VERY important otherwise it could explode. Cover the pan with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about three hours. Continually check to make sure that the can stays completely covered with water.

Take can out and let it cool completely. Open and remove the dulce de leche into a small bowl and set aside.

Now we can move onto making the pie.

1 - Frozen Single-Crust Pie Shell

3 - ripe, firm bananas, peeled and sliced 1/2" thick

1 - tub Lite Cool Whip topping

1 - teaspoon instant espresso coffee

Bake pie crust according to manufactures directions. Let cool completely.

Spread the caramel evenly into the cooled crust. Slice the bananas and place in concentric rings on top of the caramel. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the caramel is cold, about 1 hour.

Take thawed cool whip and transfer to a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso coffee, mix until well blended. Spread the whipped topping over the top of the pie and chill for another hour before serving. Yum!

Ann Taylor Silk Crepe Confection Top - WOW!!!

2009-10-22T19:56:00.001-05:00

Wow, I think this top is so pretty! I love the Crimson and Blackberry the best. It retails for $95.00, and there are two coupons avlx. right now. Free shipping for any purchase over $150.00, and 30% off your entire order of $200.00 or more with code ITALY30.

Ok, I got one today, but unsure of which color to keep. I got a 40% off coupon for one full price item. What color do you like?

Martin and Osa Ponte Halter Dress

2009-10-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

I think this dress is so cute. I just got an email from Martin and Osa, and this dress was featured as one of there new arrivals. It comes in Heather grey and black with a price point of $110. I think it would be really cute with a turtleneck or blouse.

What I am doing today!

2009-10-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it is a rainy day here in H-town, so I have decided to catch up on a little reading.

My Blonde Reality Giveaway!

2009-10-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

Check out My Blonde Reality, she is having one of her wonderful giveaways! Mrs. Shasta is giving away a Clarisonic Mia Skincare brush. Good Luck.

Mama's Lou Bou boy...

2009-10-21T17:57:00.001-05:00

If it's not a bag then it's a box, my birthday Lou Bou's box! What can I say, spoiled like his Mama.

My little shopper!

2009-10-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me....

2009-10-20T09:17:00.000-05:00

Oh well what can I say, it only comes once a year. Celebrate with me and I will celebrate with you on your special day.

Banana Republic Vivica equestrian flat boot!

2009-10-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

Ok ladies I have to tell you these are absolutely the most comfortable boot I have owned in a long time. I got these right before my trip knowing that the weather was not going to be great on the East coast, and walking around in regular shoes was definitely out.

I got these with the special 40% off coupon that they are offering every Wednesday for month of October. I put them on new Thursday morning, and wore them the whole time I was oot. They retail for $160.00, but with the 40% off you can get them for $96.00.

BTW, I was walking around Saks in the shoe department with them on, and one of the SA's ask me who the designer was, I just smiled and said Banana Republic. ;-)

J Crew Stardust Pencil skirt?

2009-10-19T17:44:00.000-05:00

So what do you think of the Stardust pencil skirt? I am on the fence about it. It looks like it would be a fun piece for the holiday season with a casual tee and jacket or cashmere sweater.

Wine Tasting in Virginia

2009-10-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

I am sure you can tell by now one of my obsessions is FOOD and WINE, along with other things (shopping), but this past weekend we were in Virginia and got to visit some of there wonderful wineries and do a little wine tasting.

Salute!

BRABO Tasting Room, Alexandria, VA

2009-10-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

As you can tell in the background the weather in the DC area was COLD AND RAINEY this past weekend, so what else is there to do but eat. This is a fairly new restaurant in Alexandria, VA., called the BRABO Tasting Room, and they have the most amazing mussels. I am usually not a mussel fan, but when we sat down at our table we noticed that they were bringing them out to just about every table in the restaurant.

The mussels are prepared three different ways: Classic White Wine Garlic with Shallots and Parsley, Chorizo Sausage and Fennel and Tomato and Parmesan.

These were truly delicious as you can tell by the second photo.

They also have a great Chicken Pot Pie....

The American Cancer Society 2009 Holiday Shopping Card

2009-10-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

It's just about that time here in H-town for the American Cancer Society Holiday Shopping Card. This is such a great event and the proceeds go to such a worthy cause. If you live are in the Houston area around Thursday, October 22, 2009, through Sunday, November 1, 2009, make sure you take advantage of the card.

Of course for us shopaholics some of our favorite merchants are participating: J Crew, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, Gucci, David Yurman, Fendi, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Sur la Table, Cole Hann, Tory Burch and Coach to name a few. You can check out all of the wonderful merchants that are participating on the web site at www.holidayshoppingcard.com.

What: For a minimum donation of $70, the Holiday Shopping Card entitles shoppers to receive a 20% discount on regularly priced merchandise at participating merchants.

When: Thursday, October 22, 2009, through Sunday, November 1, 2009

Where: Spanning the Greater Houston Area

Who: VICTORY, a special 130 volunteer member branch of the American Cancer Society, has donated an average of $2 million annually from The Holiday Shopping Card and the Cattle Baron’s Ball.

$30 provides a cancer patient with transportation to and from the medical facility where one receives life-saving cancer treatment.

* $50 provides a wig for a cancer patient that has lost one’s hair due to treatments

* $50 funds a support group session to help cancer patients and their family members understand and cope with cancer

* $60 provides approximately 20 hours of toll-free access for the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center. This center receives 1.2 million calls every year.

* $100 provides overnight accommodations at a free or reduced rate for cancer patients who must travel to receive treatment

* $250 provides a mastectomy patient with a fitting and permanent breast prosthesis.

J Crew and Outstanding in the Field

2009-10-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

Today I got a copy of the new J Crew Nov 09 catalog, and here I am this evening perusing through the catalog and come to page 107, umm I take a look at the model on the page and go he looks familiar, then I read the caption: Jim Denevan, Chef, Artist and author of Outstanding in the Field: A Farm to Table Cookbook, go to jcrew.com for more info on Jim.

OK, how wild is this, but where was I on Sunday, September 27, 2009, but having dinner with Jim Denevan and 170 people! Did you read my previous blog on "Outstanding in the Field"? Wow, I could not believe it, what a small world we live in.

New J Crew Arrivals....

2009-10-09T17:51:00.000-05:00

Here are some pic's of what I saw new today. Not a big roll out to me, I guess I thought there would be more, so a bit disappointed. My SA did said that they would be getting more items in next Thursday, so we will have to wait and see what that shipment brings. Also, I did ask about the cataloge and was told that it would be available next week in the stores. :-(

Onto my reviews:

The skirt is adorable, but very very short. It has to be a 15" mini and at a price tag of $98.00 it would not be something I would purchase.

The black ruffle shirt is nice and also comes in white, runs TTS with a price tag of $89.50.

They have two new textured henley tees, both are 3/4 sleeves, and run TTS. I personally like the white one with the small ruffles best.

I really like the new sparkle tee and it's available in shadow and ivory for $52.00. I would size down in this one.

Black and white perfect fit shirt runs TTS with a price tag of $79.50. I like it, but I have last years Fall 2008 Snow Leopard print L/S shirt and it's very similar to me, so not likely a purchase for me on this one.

That's it for this trip to my local B&M, I hope you enjoyed the pics.

New Arrivals at local B & M today

2009-10-09T09:12:00.000-05:00

After receiving a note from my PS at J Crew about the new arrivals today, I am off to my local B&M.

Will report back later on hits and misses. Hopefully I will be able to snag a new catalog.

A Celebration of Fall

2009-10-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

It's the time of year when the temps start to drop, pumpkins big and small and the leave start to turn beautiful hues of red, orange, yellow, green and brown (OK, so not here in H town), but a girl can travel. I do love fall, and with October being my birthday month it's a trip to one of my favorite vacation spots, The Inn of Little Washington in Washington VA.

Patrick O’Connell is the chef and proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, a country inn and restaurant in the town of Washington in Virginia's Rappahannock County.

O'Connell was one of the first American chefs courted by the France-based Relais & Chateaux. He is recognized as one of their "Grands Chefs". He has been called "The Pope of American Cuisine," and anyone who has been invited to dine in the kitchen is welcomed with the pageantry (and incense) of a religious ceremony.

I am just tempting you to stay tuned for pic's of the wonderful seasonal Tasting Menu to come in the next week!

J Crew Tiered Crystal Libretto Necklace

2009-10-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

Look how pretty the Heirloom Flora earrings look with my Tiered Crystal Libretto necklace. Thanks again J Crew for the lovely gift.

They look great with the Shimmer Paisley Lawn dress bty.

Wa-La "Christian Louboutin's"

2009-10-07T17:57:00.000-05:00

Here is the thought process I went though.

Want a pair of Christian Louboutin Simple 100's Black Patient Pumps, hum $565.00 at SFA.

At Berings shopping for paint samples for the bed room, see the very red paint sample, umm.

Sample red paint + Polyurethane Clear Gloss + pair of my own shoes (kate spade) = my very own version of Christian Louboutins?

Wa-la, kittykat Lou Lou's for about $15.00.

So ladies what do u think?

"Outstanding in the Field"

2009-10-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

After hearing accolades about this last year and not being able to score reservations I was determined not to let this event slip away this year.
Of course two weeks into My Fit Foods program, was our dinner at Outstanding in the Field. If you have never heard about Outstanding in the Field you should check out there website. They travel in a bus all over the USA to bring together people and organic food from the fields.
Our dinner was in Brenham, TX at the Jolie Vue Farm. It started about 3pm in the afternoon and ended after sunset.
We were warmly greeted by the Boudreaux family, and served an array of appetizers under the trees. We had red okra & sunchoke fritter, hot piggedy corn dogs, pulled pork sliders (yumm), veal-pork sausage with Texas cheese and last but not least the roasted pigs noses and oven baked pig tails (yuck!)
I know....but you have to agree they covered both ends of the pig!

After a quick overview of the farm we took a hike though the fields to Pig Lane and had a visit with the Berkshire pigs. Then everyone strolled on up the hill to our awaiting dinner for 170 people.
Chefs were Monica Pope of Tafia, Johnathan Jones of Beaver's, Bryan Caswell of REEF, Richard Knight & James Silk of Feast and serving up the vino was Flat Creek Estate.

We all sat at a continues table, were each guest was asked to bring a plate from home to add to the table. We started with a wonderful chilled cushaw squash soup with arugula pesto and purple hull pea ciabatta crostini then onto goat tamales with seasonal salsa, a whole grilled Gulf snapper with chile glaze, squash, radishes and field peas. Crispy roasted pork belly, apples & red cabbage then ended off the meal with a lovely toasted, herbed cornmeal pound cake with a goat cheese mousse and blueberry compote.

Full yet?

Overall, the event was very interesting and we met some lovely people. When we travel, if we have the opportunity its always so much fun to sit at the European Table. This was the same format except with 170 of your closest friends or new friends!

"Dr. Rey" 90210

2009-10-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

Yes, I saw him in person this past Saturday at our Nordstroms here in H town. He was here promoting his skin care line.
Of course you know I spent the bucks $$, "Sucker" all over my forehead (along with a few wrinkles). I hope to see some results but if not if was a fun time.

"Just for You"

2009-10-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Wow what a surprise from J Crew. Everyone has been talking about their lovely earrings and the new VIP card that they are getting. Well today was my lucky day!

My Fit Foods

2009-09-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

So, so sorry that I have been absent for awhile but, I have started the 21 day weight loss program and I have to eat there food or My Fit Foods. They promise if you follow there program for the 21 day period then you should loose 5 plus pounds.
Food is not bad to date and anyone should be able to do something for 21 days. As they say it takes 21 days to break and create a new habit. Ha, ha....
Anyways, that takes me away from my beloved kitchen and no cooking except for warming food up My Fit Foods in the microwave. So boring!!!
Hang in there, there will be wonderful fall menus and Halloween cupcakes to come.
In the mean time all I do is peruse the J Crew website hoping to find something wonderful in the sale section.
Also, don't forget new shipments arrive on Friday!

Yummy Red Velvet Cupcakes

2009-09-01T09:25:00.001-05:00

Ok, ok!!! I have promised Red Velvet cupcakes awhile back, so I am going to give you all the quick and easy version that I use when I am in a hurry or, just out and out to lazy to make them from scratch. Don't get me wrong these beauties are oh so yummy, and no one knows the better that these are made with cake mix.

The secret to yummy and moist cupcakes is the amount of vegetable oil that you use, and a few other secrets ;-). In a typical cake mix there is only a 1/4 cup or 1/3 cup of oil added. Take it up, way up! You want these beauties to melt in your mouth.

Here is goes...

1 - Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Red Velvet Cake Mix
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup Water
3 - Large eggs
1 - Tablespoon Premium unsweetened Cocoa
1/8 tsp. Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Blend dry mix, water, oil, eggs, cocoa & cinnamon in large bowl of electric mixer at low speed until moistened, then beat at medium speed for about two minutes.

This will make 24 cupcakes, and I use the foil lined liners due to the amount of oil that I use.

Pour batter into cupcake liners (I use a 1 1/2" spring loaded ice cream scoop) and fill until about 2/3 cup full. Just even them out so, they will all be the same height when cooked.

Bake for 19-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool pans completely on wire rack before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

This makes a lot of icing, but I use a lot of icing on these beauties.

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temp.
4 oz. Mascarpone Cheese
1 - stick of Premium Butter
1- teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 Box Confectioner's Sugar (I use more depending on the consistency I want)
Optional - 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans

In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed beat the cream cheeses, butter and vanilla together until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
Gradually beat in the sugar and mix until thoroughly combined, (I do 1/2 cup at a time), that way I do not end up in a cloud of powdered sugar.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and use right away. If you want to add the toasted pecans to the icing, this is when I fold the pecans in if I am using them. This is the key, you must ice the cupcakes while the frosting is soft.

Use a spring loaded ice cream scoop that is about 1 1/2- 2" in diameter to place a dome of frosting on the cupcake, then use a small icing spatula to spread it around the edges.

Toasted Pecans

Toast 1/2 cup to 1 cup of pecans. Coarsely chop the pecans and scatter the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, and toast them in the over for about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close watch on them so they do not scorch. Let them cool completely before adding to your prepared frosting.

Peach Cobbler with Hatch Chili Ice Cream

2009-08-31T09:22:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like warm peach cobbler on hot sunny summer day. I have been wanting to make one for awhile but, get rather frustrated with the quality of today's peaches. At last yesterday I found truly juicy peaches that smelled like a peach!
Peach cobbler is really easy to make, just don't let the pie crust scare you off. You can take the easy way out and just buy your pie crust or, make the pie crust yourself.

Pie Crust

2 Cups AP flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup all-vegetable shortening
4-8 tbsp. ice cold water

Blend flour and salt in mixing bowl. Cut chilled shortening into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea sized pieces remaining. Sprinkle at least 4 tablespoons for ice cold water into the flour mixture, and gently mix with a fork or your hand. Add more water by the tablespoon if needed, mixing until the dough holds together. Gather pastry into a ball; shape into flattened round. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. When you're ready to assemble the pie, divide dough in half and roll out each half onto a lightly floured surface to the size of your baking dish.

Peach Filling

1 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups fresh sliced peaches (medium to large peaches)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter

Pre-heat over to 425 degrees

Peel and slice all the peaches into a mixing bowl. Mix the sugar, flour and cinnamon together and slowly add it to the peach mixture stirring until well blended, add vanilla and lemon juice blend well, set aside.

Take pie crust out of refrigerator and divide dough in half. Roll out half onto a lightly floured surface to the size of your baking dish. Lay the pressed dough over the rolling pin to help pick it up and move the dough to your pie dish. I only use half of the dough because I only make a top crust. I don't like a soggy bottom crust, but use top and bottom if you like.

Pour peach mixture into pie plate and dot with butter. Take your pie crust and gently lay over the top of the peaches leaving about 1" of pastry to hang over the edge of the pie plate. Fold the edge of the pie crust gently around the edges, press and flute. Sprinkle with cinnamon & sugar, then cut slits into top crust and bake for 35 minutes or until top crust is brown and juice begins to bubble.

I always place my pie plate on a lined cookie sheet to catch any juices that may overflow while cooking.

Allow to cool completely, then serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

I served mine with a premium vanilla ice cream with hatch chili's.

Ice cream with Hatch Chili's

1 pint premium Vanilla ice cream
1-2 roasted Hatch chili's (you can purchase them in a can in the specialty section of your grocery store)

Take pint of ice cream out of freezer and place into mixing bowl let it melt down until it is about half frozen. Roast 1-2 hatch chili's over the grill until skin is charred. Set aside onto a plate and cover with plastic wrap. After about 10 minutes you will be able peel off the skin with out much effort. Rinse under tap water to get all the cardded skin off then slit the chili down the middle to remove the membrane and seeds. Chop chili into pieces and add to half melted premium ice cream and blend. Pour back into ice cream container and refreeze.

Helen Corbitt's Flowerpot Baked Alaska

2009-08-09T17:34:00.001-05:00

After much anticipation of the Julia and Julia movie I was a bit disappointed. I'm not really sure as to why, but the only reason that comes to mind was I wanted more Julia Child and less Julie Powell.

Don't get me wrong the movie was enjoyable, I just wanted more Julia Child.

There was a particular scene that got me to thinking... It was mid way through the movie where Julia Child, Simmone Beck and Louisette Bertholle were at Louisette home, and Simone was sitting on the sofa perusing through a cookbook about some American cook when she made mention about one that makes a dessert in a clay flowerpot.

Bingo, light goes off.....if you are like a lot of Texans and especially those from the Houston and Dallas areas of the 1950's to the mid 70's, you should of immediately know to who there were referring to, Helen Corbitt.

Corbitt was born in New York but spent nearly 40 years in Texas. Helen started her love with the Lone Star state at the tearoom at the University of Texas then she was lured away to the Houston Country Club before operating the tearoom at Joske's department store in downtown Houston. From there Helen went back to Austin to the the famed Driskill Hotel before finally being courted away by Stanley Marcus as his Director of Food Services for the famed Zodiac Room at the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas Texas.

Under her innovative leadership, the Dallas flagship store's Zodiac Room became one of the premier dining rooms in the nation, attracting celebrities, foreign dignitaries and then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. Not only Texans, but every celebrity that came through Dallas vied for a seat in the Zodiac Room.

Helen Corbitt became the first woman to ever win the food service industry's highest honor, the Golden Plate Award, given to the food operator of the year from the Institutional Food Manufacturers' Association.

So, to the flowerpots. The Zodiac Room was known for it's noonday feast along with a display for the latest fashions worn by sleek, slim Neiman Marcus models as well as fashion shows. From what I understand the flowerpots were one of Helen's creations for one of these famed fashion shows or parties.

Flowerpots are actually miniature Baked Alaska's.

Each Flowerpot is made by choosing a small clay flowerpot, which is first sterilized. Place clean clay pots upside down on a jelly roll pan and bake them at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool slowly. Place a piece of plain baked cake in the bottom to cover the hole. Pile with whatever ice cream you like to three quarters full. Force a large ice cream straw into the middle of each pot, and cut it off even with the to of the pot. Pile meringue around the inside of the pot, leaving space over the straw open. Bake at 400 degrees until the meringue is brown. Insert fresh flowers in the straw-it looks just like what it is, a flowerpot with fresh flowers.

So, homage to Helen Corbitt. Helen is to American cuisine as Julia Child is to French Cooking.

Maybe a Helen Corbitt Project, 365 days and Helen Corbitt's Cookbook?

Grilled Pork with Garlic Oil and Lemon...

2009-08-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

This really turned out better than I thought. I saw this in one of my many, many cookbooks and thought umm, lets give it a try.

1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 tablespoon of fresh garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Combine the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the pork with the mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat the barbecue grill to medium-hot. Add the pork and brush with its marinade. Grill, turning 2 times, for about 20 minutes, or until nicely browned. I personally did about 8 minutes per side and that gave me a really nicely not overly cooked piece of pork. Remove from the grill and let stand for about 5-10 minutes.
Carve the pork into slices, squeeze some "Blaze" on the top with fresh ground black pepper, and serve with a salad and vegetable.

Oh, almost forgot, I came across this amazing Balsamic Glaze called "Blaze" the other day at our local Central Market. OMG this stuff is great!
It is Balsamic Vinegar that has already been reduced and comes in a bottle. All you need to do is add it to salads, meats and even ice cream.

As Julia Child would say....bon appitit!

Red Velvet Cupcakes to come.........

2009-08-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

Lemon Curd Cupcakes....Ummm

2009-08-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

These turned out to be so pretty and yummy!

I needed to make lemon cupcakes for a client of mine and after perusing the Internet came upon this one from Martha Stewart.

Of course, I tweaked it a bit, just due to time constraints, but none the less they turned out to be very yummy for the tummy!

You will need a good Lemon Curd for this recipe, and can purchase this in the jam/jelly section of a specialty grocery store.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two muffin tins with liners.

1 - Yellow Cake Mix
4 - eggs
2 tablespoon of Vanilla Pudding

1/3 C. Vegetable oil
1 C. Buttermilk
1 tsp. Lemon Flavoring

Place the cake mix and vanilla pudding into a large mixing bowl. Add the wet ingredients and beat with an electric mixer for about three minutes or until nicely blended.
This recipe will make 24 small cupcakes or 12 jumbo. (if making jumbo, make sure you adjust the cooking time)
Fill each cupcake liner a little more than half full. I use a 2 Tbsp. spring loaded scoop and fill until about 3/4 full.
Bake for about 20-24 minutes, or until center comes out clean with the toothpick test.

Let cupcakes cool completely and make the butter cream icing.

1 Cup butter (2 sticks)
3 Cups of confectioners sugar, sifted
pinch of salt
1 tsp. Vanilla (add more if you like)
2 tbsp. of milk (add more if needed)

In bowl of electric mixer beat butter until creamy. Slowly add salt and confectioners sugar one cup at a time until blended. Add vanilla and milk and blend until smooth and creamy.

When cupcakes are cooled use an apple corer or, if you have a steady hand just use a small paring knife and cut a hole in the center of the cupcake. Make sure you do not go all the way though to the bottom, and just take out about 1/2" or so of cake.

Fill a squirt bottle with the lemon curd, or just use a small knife and fill the holes with the curd.
Ice cupcakes with the butter cream icing and top each one with a fresh raspberry.

Enjoy!

Welcome!

2009-06-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

Wow I am so excited this is my first post. What I love to do is cook, shop and more shopping! I have three wonderful animals Bachie, Michon and Picasso. So, lets see where we go from here.