Thursday, March 29, 2012

Spicy Pesto Please

Good Morning!
On the hunt for something super yummy, healthy and fast for dinner tonight? Well I've got it right here for you. Its my spicy pesto recipe that is awesome on literally anything. It will take you 3 minutes to whip up... unless all of your kitchen appliances malfunction at the exact same time like mine did last night. Seriously, my immersion blender self destructed and my food processor started making a hissing sound instead of slicing. I was a little pissy about it, but then sucked it up and chopped everything until my arm almost fell off- it was a little chunkier than normal, but was still great!


Okay- in a blender or food processor, throw all of the below ingredients and blitz until smooth. Use this pesto on fish, meat, pasta... roasted veggies.... the options are endless!
Oooh! It would be really good plopped on top of a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad.... mmm. Doo it.


Have a great Thursday... Tomorrows Friday- WOOP.

Spicy Pesto

In a blender or food processor blitz the following ingredients together and use it to top your favourite things!
1 cup of loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 a dried chili (i promise- its not too spicy!)
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/2 a lemon, juiced
1/4 cup of shredded asiago cheese (or parmesan)
1 small handful of roasted (or raw) unsalted almonds
salt and pepper to taste.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

HiLo Wednesday |03|

I look forward to these Wednesday posts now- not that I don't look forward to every post- but these mark the middle of the week. Meaning I start thinking about the food I am going to cook this weekend and shoot. I have found in the last couple of weeks that any photo I take on a Saturday, turns out better than any other day. This definitely means something... that everyday should be Saturday perhaps?
Anyways! Today we are talking poufs. Floor pillows, or poufs have been around forever, but have recently picked up some steam. In the last year or so there has been a surge of new poufs hitting the design scene and I have to be honest, I wasn't totally convinced. I mean, really- they are extra seating if there is no room on the couch- and do you really want to be the one not sitting on the couch? But, I have come around, and could even see my self incorporating a couple of those grey ones from West Elm into my own space. They are great for the few times that you do run out of seating, and they are an alternative to low seating that won't block the TV. (you know, on the other side of your coffee table, can you picture it... 2, right there- it would look so good!)

The Moroccan inspired orange one comes in a rainbow of colours, is all leather and would add a pop of colour to any space. The ombre mountain is just about the coolest pouf around and would look awesome in a modern chalet up north. And the grey square option is one of three styles from West Elm, and probably one of the most practical ones too.


Hi or Lo? Well... the highest in this case goes to our cool ombre friend, then the square West Elm option and finishing in third at $112 is the Moroccan orange.
 |01|02|03|

Have a super fab Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Deck Time!...?

Okay... I know I am pushing it- but the summer is definitely on its way, and I can't wait! Don't get me wrong, the second it gets hot I will start melting down because I can't handle the heat. But the anticipation of weekends by the lake and long evenings on the deck with friends is getting exciting. The whole deck thing is something we are working on. Last year we blew out a tiny window in our dining room and installed gorgeous 7' sliding glass doors leading into our backyard.

Ps. The Dining Room got a bit of a makeover too- grey paint colour, new light and great drapes- you will see all of that in April with the afters!

This year our big outdoor project is the deck... I am pretty pumped! I finished the drawings for it this weekend, so we are almost ready to go. The deck will maximise as much usable space in the backyard and it will span 2 levels. The top level will be the eating and cooking spaces and the bottom level will be the lounge area.

We are hoping to have it done and ready for entertaining by the end of April or early May. I have lots of great ideas for the privacy fence design and decor- can't wait to share it with you...

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Master Makeover

More day dreaming for me lately...
Our master bedroom is the next thing on my list to update (Dave doesn't know this yet... secrets out) and I have had no problem finding pieces that I want to include. I wanted something soothing and moody. When I say moody- I don't mean depressing, but a space with soft, saturated colours. Like the vintage velvet for the bed and the aged patchwork rug from West Elm. I have always dreamt of having a big upholstered headboard that wraps around you when your up at night reading a book in bed. This one from Restoration Hardware is the perfect mix of traditional and modern and with either velvet or linen upholstery it is at the top of my want list. I want a cosy, calm feel in my bedroom- so I chose neutral greys and lots of different textures to make that happen.



I am also loving the balance in this space, the contrast between the heavy bed and velvet curtains, with the mirrored side tables and translucent lamp don't allow the room to feel too heavy. The leggy side tables and chest of drawers give the room an airiness that it needs as well.

Don't you want to just dive right in!?

1. Warner Upholstered Bed Without Foot board [Restoration Hardware]
2. Wall Colour- Benjamin Moore Gray Lake 2138-70
3. Trim Colour- Benjamin Moore Snow White 2122-70
4. Bed Upholstery- Vintage Velvet in Fog [Restoration Hardware]
5. Foxed Mirror Nightstand [West Elm]
6. Velvet Grommet Window Panel in Regal Blue [West Elm]
7. Mack Lamp with Blue Cord [Crate and Barrel]
8. Cadiz Rug in Ink [West Elm]
9. Supreme Sideboard [Elte]

Have a great Monday!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Hey!

Its official, I'm back!

I am sitting at my computer, enjoying a croissant, a homemade chai latte and the fact that I don't have to think about school for the next few months! I cant wait to focus on this blog and my work. I have a DIY project lined up for this aft, I'm drawing out the plan for our new deck and am seeing good friends tonight- it is going to be a great weekend.

Its good to be back- Happy Weekend.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

HiLo Wednesday 02

Morning!
As promised I have a Hilo Wednesday for you. I am still no closer to getting that paper done, but that's what tonight is for!

We are talking Edison Bulps today. I have 4 looks, 3 from different retailers with varying prices. They give off an industrial vibe, but still maintain a softness about them. A grouping of them staggered above a kitchen island would look fantastic, especially the copper one... (hint hint Kelly...).

Have a look at this inspiration pic- these lights have an old world feel about them and could be incorporated into a lot of different spaces.

Pinned Image
Inspiration: Source Here

Interesting, aren't they? So, lets talk price, the ones I have here range from $75 each to $18 each. But, the more expensive version is designed down to the junction box, where as the others may not be. Because none of these are crazy expensive, I would probably go with which ever one fits my design the best. I do love the heft of the Restoration Hardware version though!

Did you guess the Hilo?... |01|02|03|

Have a great Wednesday.... 2 Sleeps until the Hunger Games....

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Hang in There

source: CN Tower Facebook Page


























Amazing, foggy weather in Toronto this morning. Isn't this the coolest picture!?
I am in the middle of writing a final research paper for one of my courses this week, and it is suckinggggg. I can't wait to have it finished- its due Friday. I will try and get out a Hilo tomorrow though- bare with me! :)

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Let's Talk Brunch

Hey!

Did everyone have a great weekend? It was crazy hot in Collingwood on Saturday (perfect for festive green beer on the deck), I skied in the morning and was in flip flops by the afternoon- crazy! Sunday morning was just calling out for a good brunch to close out the ski season so around 10:00 we all emerged and each took our positions. Dave on the BBQ for the pemeal bacon, my mom was in charge of the toast and coffee and I took on the omelettes.


Now, lets be honest- omelettes can be a pain, but I think I finially have them figured out- and I want to share the secret with you...

First- make sure the bacon is on. Because if the omlette doesn't work out- at least you will have bacon- and everyone knows that bacon makes everything better. Extra points for 2 kinds of bacon.

Second- you need the right equipment: a good non-stick skillet and a spatula.

Third- all of your ingredients need to be chopped and ready ahead of time. Its also really important not to overload your omelette- I know its tempting, but if you want a light, cooked omelette, just stick to a few of your faves. I used cheddar cheese, green onion, parsley, mushrooms and tomato.

Now you are ready to cook- get ready, because it all comes together in seconds! FYI- you are making 2 or 3 egg omelettes with this recipe- any more and it might get a bit heavy. Wisk 2 eggs together and season with salt and pepper. Preheat your pan on medium heat, add a tsp of olive oil to the pan and use a papertowel to rub it around. When the pan is hot, pour in the whisked eggs and swirl the pan over medium heat (the egg doesn't have to go up the sides of the pan, just make sure it is covering the bottom evenly). Continue swirling until the egg becomes thick and cant really swirl anymore. Place it back down on the burner and turn the heat to med-low, sprinkle on your toppings and when the egg looks firm, fold one third of the omlette into the center followed by the other and shimmy onto your plate.


There! You did it! Not thaaaat bad right?? It does take practise though- Dave has definitely eaten his fair share of mangled omelettes while I sit pissy at breakfast because I failed, yet again... So keep trying- you will get it!

Have a great Monday!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Happy Weekend


I just couldn't resist these gorgeous Tulips on my way home from work yesterday. I love fresh flowers in my house- probably because my mom used to always have fresh flowers in our house growing up. It was so nice to come home at night and see something cheery that reminds you of spring. I am heading up north (Collingwood, ON) for our last weekend of skiing... if there is any snow left!? To be honest, I would be okay with a beer on the deck- fingers crossed for both!

Have a great Friday- and pick up a bunch of flowers on your way home!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mellow Yellow

I think its the weather in Toronto... it has put me into a sunny mood. We have had unseasonably warm temperatures and it has me thinking yellow. Here are some of my sunny picks for this spring!



Happy Thursday- ... ALMOST Friday...

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HiLo Wednesdays

Morning Everyone!
So, I want to start a Wednesday design post that compares great furniture or products to their knockoff cousins and I will show you where you can get them for less. Or maybe I'll convince you that in a specific case the original is totally worth it- whoooo knows! AND I am going to make it a game- fun right? I know- totally fun. So, lets start:

The Navy Chair!
This aluminium beauty was designed by Emeco and its original purpose was to endure sea voyages for military use. One of the chairs below is the redesign of Phillipe Starck (who I love by the way) for Emeco. This chair is made in a process of 77 steps and is one solid piece when it is finished. The Navy chair comes in many colours, and is actually made from recycled materials! These chairs are of a timeless design and would look amazing at any ones kitchen table.



Its a toughy isn't it.
Your original was designed by Emeco, and recently re-designed by Starck (B). Would I buy the original? Well, if I had the money- I would always buy the original. But, seeing as I am a fan of designing on a budget- I would probably go with the Delta Side Chair from Crate and Barrel based on price and finish. Urban Barn has modernised its version with a polished stainless steel finish which is also another great option.

A. Delta Side Chair ($124.50)
B. Emeco 1006 Navy Chair (re-designed by Phillipe Starck) ($455.00)
C. Tempo Dining Chair (179.00)

Let me know if you like this HiLo Wednesday idea- because I am already dreaming up next Wednesday!

Have a great one.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Garlic, Parm & Herb Pull Apart Bread

Good Morning All!
Looking for something super yummy (and quick) to go with dinner tonight!? This is where any of your fresh herbs in the fridge come in... plus butter, parmesan and garlic. Um, YUM. I was flipping through the new House and Home (April 2012) and was inspired by their pull apart bread- so I made a version of my own with a few tweaks.


Part 1: Shopping- run out right now and get a roll of Pillsbury biscuits (I know... I promise to feature another version of this with homemade bread- but remember- this is the speedy week night version!), fresh rosemary, thyme and chives (I forgot parsley, so grab that too!), garlic, a block of REAL parmesan and butter.
Part 2: Chop all of your herbs and mix with freshly grated parmesan, salt and pepper. Melt butter and mix with the grated garlic.


Part 3: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Open the can of biscuits- careful, I couldn't get it to pop, so I kept stabbing it with my knife until it exploded... Me... impatient... noooo... Roll each biscuit into a ball, dunk into the garlic butter and then into the parm and herb mixture. Place into a pot lined with parchment paper. I think everything should be dunked in garlic butter, then parm and herbs.... lobster... fries... steak...

Anywhoo- Bake it in a pot! FUN!
Bake for 25-30 minutes depending on the size of your pot. Flip out onto a plate and then flip right side up again. SO impressive for a weeknight treat!

Enjoy and have a fab Tuesday.

Garlic, Parm & Herb Pull Apart Bread

Adapted from H&H April 2012

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/4 cup of chopped, fresh herbs (rosemary, chives, parsley, thyme...)
  • 1 cup of fresh, finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can of Pillsbury biscuits
  • 6 tbsp of melted butter
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely grated
 METHOD:
  1. Chop all of your herbs and mix with salt, pepper and the cup of finely grated parmesan.
  2. Melt the butter and mix with the finely grated garlic.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a small pot with parchment paper. I traced the pot and cut out a circle to fit into the bottom of the pot then wrapped a strip or 2 around the inside of the pot as well.
  4. Roll each biscuit into a ball, dunk into the butter mixture and then roll in the parmesan. Place each cheesy ball into the pot, my pot held 5 perfectly, so I had 2 stacks, but it doesn't really matter- it rises and puffs into any spaces while baking. 
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes depending on the size of your pot. Flip out onto a plate and then flip right side up and serve warm... with more butter... maybe...?
Enjoy!

Friday, March 09, 2012

Cheesy Pretzel Sticks

Mmm... Yah. They are as good as they sound. I discovered this recipe over on Joy the Baker and made her super amazing mini pretzel dogs. They were awesome, but I found by the end I was just pulling the pretzel off and eating it. So if you are a bread fiend like me, you will understand that it made perfect sense to make just straight pretzels. The addition of cheese came from my childhood. When my sister and I were little, my mom used to take us to this German bakery across from the mall and they made thee most incredible soft pretzels with mass amounts of cheddar cheese on them. Hence the creation of homemade soft pretzel cheese sticks. omg. I wish I was eating one right now... I made them on the weekend :( sad.


I have to be honest... I actually screwed up this recipe, had a melt down- threw the dough on the counter. It was officially a 2 year old tantrum because my dough was too stiff (these are the things that upset me...). I did manage to rescue it with a little added melted butter- but take my advice: Do Not add all of the flour at once. "This is what years of baking teaches you" (thanks mom). You start by adding the active, dry yeast and sugar to warm water. The sugar helps to activate the yeast and within 5 minutes it should be frothy- like the top of your latte.


Now its time to add salt, melted butter and the flour. NOTE, add the flour in batches- I was rushing and added all that was called for- I have adjusted the recipe as per what I needed but keep in mind that you should have a smooth, springy dough- not dry and crumbly (me).
Dump out the dough, gather it all together and oil the bowl- throw the dough back in the bowl and leave it to rise for an hour. I love this part- and the smell of fresh yeast, mmm. Ps. I am not being sarcastic, it is honestly an awesome bready, yeasty smell! I swear!
Once the dough has risen to double its size dump it out and cut it in half, divide each half into 12 or so (depending on how big you want the sticks). Meanwhile- get a large pot of water boiling with 1 cup of baking soda in it (weird, I know).
Roll out your dough balls into sticks and boil them! Whaaat? Yah- its cool. Boil them for 30 seconds. This causes a chemical reaction with the dough and gives the pretzels that dark golden brown skin when baked.

Lay the boiled sticks on a baking sheet and brush with your egg wash. Sprinkle with sea salt and as much cheese as your heart desires. I used about 1 1/2 cups of shredded old cheddar. Bake and eat. YUM.

Happy FRIDAY. Woooot.

 

Recipe Adapted from Joy the Baker.

1 ½ cups warm water (not hot!)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (or 1 package) active dry yeast
4 1/4 cups of flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter (melted and cooled)
about 14 cups of water
1 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten, with a tbsp of water
large sea salt for topping (i used maldon)

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the warm water. Leave for 5 minutes- the yeast should become thick and frothy. If this doesn't happen- your yeast is dead- try a new package.

Fit the mixer with the dough hook and add the flour in 4 additions, as well as the salt and melted butter. Mix on low until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix for around 4 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the bowl and a ball is created around the hook.

Remove the dough from the bowl and scrape out any bits left behind- kneed them all together, make a ball and place back into a well oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for an hour or so- until its doubled in size.

Turn out onto your work surface and divide into roughly 24 pieces, depending on the size of sticks you want. Bring a large pot with the water and baking soda in it to a boil on the stove top and preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Boil the sticks in batches, dropping in and taking out with a slotted spoon, for 30 seconds.

Lay your boiled sticks onto parchment paper lined baking trays (brush the parchment paper with oil- the pretzels will stick). Mix together the egg and tbsp of water and brush the sticks, sprinkle generously with sea salt and the cheddar cheese.

Bake the pretzels for 16 minutes or until deep golden brown. Your time may change depending on the size of your sticks.

Allow them to cool slightly and then transfer to a rack. The pretzels are best the day of- but you can also freeze them and thaw wrapped tightly in tin foil in the oven.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Trend Alert! Colour Blocking

Morning!
How nice is it that we are getting an almost Spring day!? The sunshine is awesome. What's also awesome is colour blocking. We have seen it in the fashion world before, but its back, and spreading into the design world as well- just in time for spring! I have to be honest... I don't own green, blue or red pants yet... but I am officially tempted now, more than ever before. Its a great look- and why shouldn't we add a little more colour into our wardrobes and our homes?! Have a look at some of my faves that I have posted. The housewares are from CB2 (which we finally have in Toronto!).


/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /

Have an awesome Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Pinteresting: White + Wood

I am a huge fan of Pinterest, and happened to actually look at my decor inspiration board last night. I noticed that some of the photos carried a common thread.

Pinned Image

Apparently I am loving white and wood right now. Seriously though, how well does this work?! I love the contrast- but its not a harsh contrast. I have always dreamt of doing a living space completely white and allowing other sculptural pieces sing (like a gorgeous chair, couch or art). I have never bit the bullet and tried all white in my own home for so many reasons though; I feel you need to have a house with great bones, but looking at this picture- I wouldn't say it had great bones- in fact its fairly ordinary. So one point for going white and zero for me. I was also really concerned about the space feeling cold and bare, but the wood elevates this white to a new level and really warms the space up. 

 Pinned Image

The wide planked floors and exposed wood structure give this space so much interest that the thought of painting it a colour is almost overwhelming. The simplicity of the drapery and rugs also emphasises this mellow, almost serene environment. 

Pinned Image

The salvaged barn door in this space is SO gorgeous. It provides great contrast to the white, but again- isn't harsh. Instead, it's sculptural and practical. And how can I not mention these white washed floors- they are so beautiful and carry an understated elegance about them.

Pinned Image

This one is crazy-awesome. There is so much texture and variation in the furnishings that it elevates a space that would otherwise be a blank canvas to something inviting and warm.

Okay- off to work for me. Have a great Tuesday!

/ pic 1 / pic 2 / pic 3 / pic 4 / pic 5 /

okay... one more for good luck...gorgeous!
Pinned Image

Monday, March 05, 2012

A European Influence

Helloo Monday!
I have a confession: I have been day dreaming about my dream house and all the cool and unique things I want to do to it. A gorgeous kitchen, hand scraped hardwood floors throughout, giant master bedroom with ensuite and Parisian front door. What... yup, Parisian front door. If you have been to Europe, more specifically Paris you will know what I am talking about. As mentioned here, I was there last fall and fell in love with not only the architecture, history, winding cobble stone streets, but the doors to these magical courtyards. We stayed in a rental apartment as opposed to a hotel- I highly recommend it if you are with a group, it can be less expensive than a bunch of hotel rooms and you have wayyy more space. All of these little apartments have their own cobblestone courtyard where people can park, and to get into the private courtyards you enter through these...
 
This was the entrance to our courtyard.

Now, I am not looking to have grand stone work and a 12' high double door leading into my home. But the colour and detail is something to keep in mind.

One of my favourite things about these doors is the handles/pulls mounted in the centre. I can just picture a big high gloss black door with a large, circular, metal handle centred in the middle. Ugh- love!

Oh, and YES- people actually drive their baby cars through these doors into their couryards. It takes serious skill!

The raw, stained wood is a beautiful option as well.... hmm... I guess I will just have to keep day dreaming!

Happy Monday!

Saturday, March 03, 2012

Parisian Hot Chocolate

Yay Weekend!
I am up North this weekend (Collingwood, ON) and should be skiing right now. Instead we woke up to a crazy blizzard and the lifts not running because of high winds. So what did I do- made hot chocolate... obvi! This is not any hot chocolate though, this is my perfected recipe for Parisian Hot Chocolate. Last fall my family and I went to visit my sister (who was on exchange in Bordeaux) in Paris. It was an amazing trip, I feel like we ate and walked laps around that city- I could go back today given the opportunity. One day it was drizzly and cold and we jumped into a cafe for a quick lunch to warm up. I ordered quiche and hot chocolate... which changed my life. I am not joking, this hot chocolate was insane. A tea pot with steaming hot milk, an espresso cup with a thick chocolaty mixture and giant bowl of fresh whipped cream were placed in front of me. I actually thought I had died and gone to heaven. I had no idea where to put my quiche on the table- but was sooo not concerned with that issue at that moment. I had way more important issues at hand- how was I supposed to do this!? I took a bit of milk and poured it into my mug, added a couple tsps of the chocolaty amazingness and mixed, then added more milk and so on, tasting as I went to personalise my hot chocolate. What I ended up with was probably the equivalent of a chocolate bar in a cup of milk- but it was SO good. As soon as we got home I recreated this hot chocolate.


This is a quick recipe, and no, it is not quite as fast as mixing a chocolate-esque powder into microwaved milk- but it is SO worth it. This is a one person recipe, so just multiply the ingredients depending on how many people you are making hot chocolate for. Start off with a small sauce pan on medium heat, add 1 oz. of good quality dark chocolate (72% +), 1/4 cup of whipping cream, 1 tsp of brown sugar and 2 pinches of cinnamon. Wisk until melted and combined- pour into a small dish or espresso cup (I used a creepy turkey mini jug). In the same sauce pan add 1 cup of milk (I use skim, but for a more rich, authentic taste go for 1 or even 2%) and heat until steamy. Pour the milk into your mug, serve with the chocolate mixture and a small mixing spoon. Mix in as much chocolate as you like and top with some whipped cream if you're really feeling decadent! I steamed my milk and topped it with foam- both ways work!


Have a great Saturday.



Parisian Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup of whipping cream
  • 1 oz. dark chocolate (72% +)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 pinches of cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
Method:
  1. In a sauce pan on medium heat add the cream, chocolate, brown sugar and cinnamon. Whisk until melted and combined. Pour into a small bowl or espresso cup.
  2. In the same sauce pan, add the milk and warm until steaming- do not scald. Pour into mug.
  3. Serve steaming milk with chocolate mixture and small mixing spoon.
  4. Top with whipped cream and cocoa.
Note: You can use an espresso maker to steam the milk and top with the foam. Both options are great!

Friday, March 02, 2012

Brussel Sprouts + Bacon

Wait! Read Me! I swear, if you think you hate Brussel Sprouts- give these ones a chance... for me...? Lets be honest, bacon makes everything better and so do shallots and sautéing. This is a quick, easy recipe and is an awesome side dish with just about anything. My family is a huge fan of these with Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner (actually... they don't have a choice- I make them every Christmas and Thanksgiving, but there are never any left! That says something right!?).
Oh, and did I mention there are only 3 ingredients!? Well.. salt and pepper too- but those don't even count because they should be strapped to your hands at all times while cooking. So, while you have your chicken, turkey, steak (I made pork tendy) cooking use a pair of scissors to snip the bacon strips into 1/2" pieces right into your sauté pan. Cook the bacon on medium high until golden. While you cook the bacon, rinse your sprouts, trim off the bottoms, and cut in half. If you have giant, mutant sprouts like Dave managed to find me, cut them into quarters. Chop up your shallots, and by this time the bacon should be done- with a slotted spoon, remove the bacon... leave the fat. I know, I know, omg what am I thinking, "Christen, you're gross". Get over it, its a bit of fat, and you aren't adding any more oil. If it reeeaalllly rattles you, remove some of the fat and add a bit of olive oil- but I promise the flavor won't be the same. Add the chopped shallot straight to the pan along with the sprouts.
Don't those just look a-mazing. Sautee the sprouts until golden and slightly softened, about 15 minutes. Then add the bacon and give it a quick stir so the bacon can warm up. Pour into a serving dish and your done! BAM. How easy was that!?
Enjoy guys- happy weekend.



Brussel Sprouts + Bacon
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 shallots
  • 5 cups brussel sprouts
  • 6 strips of reduced sodium bacon
 METHOD
  1. Into a large sauté pan, snip the strips of bacon into ½” pieces and cook over medium-high heat until golden.
  2. Meanwhile, rinse sprouts, cut off the stem and then cut into half. If they are larger than normal, cut the sprouts into quarters.
  3. Chop the 2 shallots.
  4. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; leave the fat behind in the pan.
  5. Add the sprouts and shallots into the pan and cook on medium-high heat until golden brown and softened (about 15-20 minutes).
  6. Add the bacon in the last minute of cooking, give it a stir and you are ready to serve!

Thursday, March 01, 2012

DIY Brass-esque Statues

Okay. Seriously. I saw this post over on Hi Sugarplum! yesterday and nearly left work that moment to buy supplies. These are hilarious, but completely awesome at the same time. Brass is definitely making its way back into the design scene and this is an inexpensive and quirky way to bring a little into your own home.
 
Photos from Hi Sugarplum!

If you're not totally convinced of this whole 'brass is back' idea... have a look at some of these new contemporary items. I would definitely spec a faucet like this one from Brizo for a powder room, its an unexpected change from our everyday chrome and nickle finishes and could be quite the feature! This new brass finish is much softer in tone, and has a warmer feel to it than the brass we used to know.

 



Above is another gorgeous example of a more antiqued, warmer brass in Jonathan Adlers Meurice Chandelier. This beauty isn't cheap, but Oh Em Gee, it would be a stunner over a classic Saarinen Tulip Table or in a setting similar to what Jonathan did below.



I feel a serious DIY coming on... and of course, you will all see the finished product first! (Dave [fiance] is going to be pumped... fyi- I'm being sarcastic... he has had to pull spray insulation from my hair and eyelashes from another DIY gone awry- more on that later!)

Have an awesome Thursday.