Sip

Cucumber Grapefruit Spritzer

April 25, 2014

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I was looking for something light, refreshing and festive for Easter brunch… here was our specialty cocktail for the day…

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Cucumber Grapefruit Spritzer

  • 12 oz gin (I recommend Hendrick’s)
  • 2 Persian cucumbers
  • Grapefruit soda (3 cans/bottles)
  1. Slice cucumbers (no need to peel) and muddle in a glass.
  2. Top with gin and let sit overnight (or up to 3 days).
  3. When ready to serve, fill a low-ball glass with ice, 1 1/2 oz of infused gin and top with grapefruit soda.
  4. Garnish with a cucumber slice and drink up!

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Gin Pour

 

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Domestic

Spring Cleaning – How to Clean a Cooking Sheet

April 24, 2014

I am going to start a little series called “Spring Cleaning” (original huh?) with some of my favorite cleaning tips I’ve picked up along the way… First up? How to de-gunk your baking sheets.

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I always forget to line my baking sheet with foil, thus eliminating the need to clean it 99% of the time.  So if you are like me, your cooking sheets may be a little grimy if you’ve had them awhile…

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Have no fear! In a few easy steps you can have your sheets (almost) like new!

  1. Place gunky baking sheet in sink.
  2. Top with a Bounce dryer sheet and fill with warm water.
  3. Let soak overnight.
  4. Remove dryer sheet and wipe clean with a sponge.
  5. Rinse well.

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After Cookie Sheet

*Note: You don’t want your sheets looking like how they did when you bought them… a well seasoned baking sheet is important, but that being said chunks of food (for lack of a better phrase), or stubborn stains can be off putting, so this method helps with getting rid of some surface stains without removing the yummy seasoning you have worked hard to create!

Click here and here for more cleaning tips!

 

Tasty

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Poached Eggs

April 23, 2014

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via Remains Simple

I came across this image on Pintrest and knew I needed to make this for Easter brunch.  Sadly when I clicked the link to find it only an image – no recipe (gasp!), I knew I had to take matters into my own hands.  Here is how I tried making this picture into a reality.

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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Poached Eggs  

Serves 6

  • 2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 package prosciutto
  • 6 eggs
  • parmesan cheese
  • olive oil
  • freshly ground pepper
  • Maldon sea salt
  • optional: rustic bread, sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Wash asparagus and let dry thoroughly (note: if there is any water on your asparagus it will steam not roast).
  3. Lay asparagus out on a rimmed cookie sheet (note: I recommend doing this in batches so there is some space between the veggies and they are not piled on top of one another) .
  4. Drizzle with olive oil (4-5 Tablespoons) and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast for 8 minutes in the oven.
  6. Remove and let cool (enough to handle).
  7. Divide asparagus into 6 portions and wrap each “bunch” with a slice of prosciutto (note: try to not make it look “perfect” – a more rustic/organic approach will make it look more appetizing).
  8. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
  9. Roast for 3 more minutes.
  10. While the asparagus/prosciutto is roasting poach your eggs.
  11. Remove asparagus bunches from the oven and top with poached egg.
  12. Sprinkle with more grated parmesan and enjoy!
  13. The key to this dish is quality ingredients and timing so that everything can be enjoyed hot!

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Photo to table… the new farm to table!

Looks

Sunday Best

April 22, 2014

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My family loves a reason to get dressed up, so when Easter rolls around we felt no better excuse to pull out our Sunday’s finest.

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Embroidered Scalloped Yoke Dress

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Luckily my sisters and I came across some AMAZING finds at Ann Taylor Loft and went a little crazy at their massive sale right now (click here and use code CYBER50 for 50% off AND free shipping)!!!

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Floral Dress

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All of our dresses were under $50 and with quality, detail and cuts of their dresses (and everything else for that matter) is on point.  So do yourself a favor and stock up on some fun spring dresses, some cute tops for work and anything else you may be needing for this warm weather.  Happy shopping!

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Cutout Back Linen Dress

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Also don’t forget to check out Coordinates Collection Mother’s Day Sale – 20% off with coupon code – LOVEMOM20 -(offer ends today!).  They make the most gorgeous bangles that you can engrave coordinates of places that hold special meaning to you (i.e.  home you grew up in, place you got married, etc.) and make AMAZING gifts… check them out today!

Party

Easter Brunch Recap

April 21, 2014

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After my parents 30th anniversary party, my sisters and I have been itching to have another party… while we couldn’t pull the funds for a 30 person sit down party, we COULD make it work for a fabulous Easter Brunch.  Here were some of the highlights:

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Menu

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We finally had a great reason to pop open my parent’s magnum of Veuve Clicquot, and nothing gets the party started more than a large format of champagne.  Once the bubbly is flowing, we set out the pickled eggs and caviar bites (PS we recommend omitting the sugar from the pickled egg recipe).  

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Champagne

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We spent a couple more hours snacking, sipping and putting some last minute touches on our meal. After opening our Easter baskets, we were able to enjoy the fruits of our labor and celebrate the real reason we were all together today. 

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