You Should Make This Bread Today

Because of it's extremely high fat content and the fact that it's absolutely delicious, the avoidance of this bread is sure to be one of your New Year's Resolutions. So make it today:

Cheesy French Bread

Cut one loaf french bread lengthwise.

Combine:

1 cube soft butter
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzerella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Spread above mixture on bread. Broil on 2nd shelf from top until brown.

Divine.

What's Santa Bringing YOU this year?

You've been scurrying all over the county shopping for others. You've made your list and checked it more than twice. You've wrapped your gifts and tucked them away to bring out on Christmas eve - or in my case, maybe spring. I always forget where I hid at least one gift.

Now it's your turn. What's Santa bringing YOU? What will be under the tree for you this Christmas?

As for me, I want some not-so-new jeans. Not brand new jeans. Did you know that jeans are one of the top ten items you should ALWAYS buy used, according to Resale Guru Kate Holmes? To see the entire list, click on the "how to consign" link under "resale affiliations" on the right.

I absolutely hate new jeans. They're tight, stiff and uncomfortable. Wearing them is like being someplace I don't belong. But I really need some jeans. So I'm asking Santa to bring me a new consignor with very short legs, like me, with a bin full of jeans she doesn't want anymore. I'll buy them, and we'll both have a merry Christmas - that's how consignment works, after all.

Our new arrival rack is brimming with beautiful pieces, many new with tags. And tomorrow we expect a last minute shipment of cashmere-feeling scarves.

We can let Santa know what you're drooling over, or you can just pop something into your own Christmas stocking. It'll be our little secret.

I think I'll Bake These Cookies

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't bake cookies much for my children when they were small. I was always on some new diet or other, and to tell you the truth, the main reason I didn't: I can't stand crumbs on the kitchen floor. So I'd always have an excuse, or procrastinate until they forgot. I usually baked ginger snaps at Christmas, but that's about it. I've even heard my girls discuss the lack of fresh cookies in our home when they were children. It's no different now. Maybe it's time for a change.

So many people are baking cookies for Christmas. Why not me? I found this recipe in Country Living Magazine, and yes, this is the year I'll bake home made cookies.

Cheesy Dog-Bone Biscuits

4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 Tablespoons butter, softened and cut into 4 pieces
3/4 cup all purpose flour (plus more for rolling dough)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon half-and-half

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine cheese, butter, flour, and salt; pulse until mixture resembles course crumbs. Add half-and-half; process on low speed until dough forms a ball. On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough to a rectangle about 8 by 10 inches and 1/8 inch thick. Cut biscuits with a cookie cutter and transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool.

I'm going to store these in the Santa cookie jar. It's never had home made cookies in it before.

Comfort Food

As you probably know, I don't cook much. Kenny cooks. He's an amazing cook - really a gourmet cook. But sometimes I like to come home from a great day at the Wandering Wardrobe and make something like my mother would have cooked - comfort food. Today I did just that. It was SO cold- the wind was blowing snow INTO the store through the cracks in the old door and windows. It was a perfect day to make something for dinner like my mom would have made.

The other night Kenny and I were watching Rachel Ray. We pretty much watch the Food Network non stop when we're home - Kenny watches and learns - I like to copy the pretty table settings. But Rachel was making comfort food, and I jotted down the recipe and made it tonight. It didn't take long - it was something you could prepare after a long day at work or at the mall.

Bread Pizza

1 long loaf, 20 to 24 inches, Italian semolina bread, day old is fine
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
2 slices pancetta or bacon, chopped
2 pounds ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium yellow onions, peeled and finely chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
Coarse black pepper and coarse salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon allspice, 1/3 palm full
1/2 cup beef stock
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 pound fresh smoked mozzarella, fresh mozzarella or scamorza (firmer, aged mozzarella balls) thinly sliced
4 handfuls grated Parmigiano or Romano
1 cup fresh basil, 20 leaves, shredded or torn
(Kenny and I both thought some sliced mushrooms would add a lot to this recipe)

Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Split bread lengthwise then cut in half again and hollow out some of the insides of bread. Lightly crisp bread in oven, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove bread and switch broiler on.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan. Add the pancetta, render a minute or so, add the meat and break it up into an even layer. Let the meat caramelize 1 to 2 minutes without stirring. Break it into small bits and brown well. Add garlic, onions and carrots and season with lots of coarse pepper, some salt, Worcestershire and allspice then cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add stock and loosen up the mixture a little. Add tomatoes and parsley and heat through, 1 to 2 minutes. Fill breads and top with a thin layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmigiano or Romano. Broil the pizzas to melt cheese. Top each pizza liberally with basil and serve (with a fork and knife).

I set the table with our special Christmas dishes, Kenny made a fire in the fireplace, and we both agreed, we'd serve this meal again.

Twigs and Bling

Twigs and Bling

I've been trying to get a good picture of our front window. I was thinking about a picture of a Berdorf's window I had seen, and another window designed and created by a good friend in California. I described them to my friend Claudia, and the next thing I knew, she had created exactly what I wanted - twigs and a little bling. It's perfect, and I love it. But I've tried and tried, and I can't get a picture that does it justice. You'll just have to come see it.

As long as you're coming to see the window, some of our "new" pieces include some really unique and different nativities, snowmen and santa's, a Laura Ashley twin sized quilt and sham, an ottoman in sage green and rose, a cunning little end table, and some pretty holiday blouses and tops to make you the envy of all your friends.

I Might Have a Use for this One Day

My friend Claudia and I were laughing about how we both buy bits of ribbon and fabric, not to mention all kinds of other things, thinking we may find a use for it one day.

One of my friends gets rid of an item every time she buys something. Good idea in theory, but an idea I just can't seem to grasp. Lately, I've been trying to go through our house and find things I don't really need or want, but it's a very hard concept for me. I like stuff. I just do.

This past week, Kenny and I decided we'd procrastinated long enough, and cleaned our storage room. Most of that stuff I haven't seen for years and years. We laughed and cried a little as we looked at all the little dresses, books, and toys, and made comments about our girls playing with the toys, or enjoying the books, or looking so pretty in the tiny dresses. I kept a few things for our girls, but most of the stuff we haven't used, or even looked at for so long, we tossed in the back of Kenny's truck. Most of it, except books, was too old to sell in the store, but still good. We took it to Mary, a good friend who single-handedly helps hundreds of local families at Christmas, and all through the year. We now have a mostly empty storage room, we helped Mary cross things off her list, and most importantly, helped some kids have a little better Christmas.

Which brings me to the real subject of this blog: If you know someone who needs help for Christmas, please call the Wandering Wardrobe. We'll call Mary and she'll get in touch with you. Or, if you want to help Mary, please call us about that too. She can use toys, clothing, and books. You can also deposit money in her Sub for Santa account.

If you already have a Sub for Santa family, please remember that the Wandering Wardrobe has all kinds of stocking stuffers, and even stockings to stuff.

A few years ago, before life got so hectic, I used to bake homemade gingersnaps for my very favorite people. Then I'd agonize over the perfect container - something to fit the personality of every friend. I remember scurrying all over town trying to find an antique jar, bowl, or plate that was just right for each gift.

Most of the time, I'd defeat the purpose of making homemade presents with the money I spent on containers. I wish there had been a Wandering Wardrobe then. If you're baking cookies or other homemade treats for your special friends, we have such a wonderful assortment of baskets, tins, and boxes - even an enormous crystal vase - wouldn't that be fun to fill with cookies! It makes me want to bake gingersnaps again - finding a container would be a snap!

Now that we've figured out gifts for your friends, what about you? Kenny has just finished the most amazing piece - just in time for you to put on your Christmas list. Can't you picture placing this wonderful old secretary in a quiet corner, and having a special place to write your grocery lists, or maybe hand-write some thank you notes or recipe cards? A special place just for YOU. Kenny's painted it cream, and distressed it just a little for that time-worn look. He hand waxed the little cubbies, and it smells DIVINE. I can barely stand to part with it.

I Want to Look Like This

It's only been a week since I posted that my goal was to be grateful for what I have, rather than wishing for things that I can't have or do. I broke my own promise last night. I sat down and looked through my favorite magazine, "Anthropologie".

I wanted to look like the model pictured here. I wanted those clothes. I added up the prices for the sweater, t and slacks, and it came to $334.

I found a similar sweater, t and slacks at the Wandering Wardrobe, and dressed 'Gert', our new 'mannequin'. Although she doesn't have the Anthropologie model's fair skin, blonde hair and swan-like neck, you get the picture. Gert's outfit, including sweater, slacks and t, totals $53.00. And since we're having our "Kickin' Off the Holiday 20% off Sale", it comes to only $43.40.

At 5'2", there's no way I'm going to look as wonderful in that outfit as the Anthropologie model, or even Gert, but I'm feeling pretty good about that almost $300 I saved.

A New List for Me

On this Thanksgiving, I am striving to have "an attitude of gratitude". My daughter wrote about this in her blog a few days ago, and her comments struck home with me, and the term has remained in my mind.

Imagine how our lives would improve if we're just grateful for what we have - even the tiny things we take for granted all of the time. If we concentrate on what we have, maybe we won't be so envious of other people or what they have, and stemming from there maybe there would be less family discord, crime and hatred in the world. I know this is a simplistic and Pollyanna attitude, but I'm going to have "an attitude of gratitude" as my goal. My attitude is going to start with me. Instead of wishing I had more money, more time, more sunshine, etc., etc., I'm going to list three things every single day that I'm grateful for.

I talked with two people this week who have an attitude of gratitude. One of them is a new consignor who moved to Utah from England. Rather than whining about missing her family or her country, as I'm sure I would be, she and her husband are so grateful to be in Utah, with the greatest snow on earth. I'm afraid snow won't ever be on my list of things to be grateful for, but this conversation was a reminder to me to be grateful for the beautiful place in this world that I call home, rather than always wishing my toes were in the sand.

The other person who amazes me with her attitude of gratitude is a friend who lost her husband this past summer. For years, he has served Thanksgiving dinner to anyone he could find who had nowhere else to go. Last year he fed 100 people. My friend is continuing that tradition in his honor. She told me she has much to be grateful for, and where else would these people go for Thanksgiving? She's thinking of all that she has, rather than all that she lost.

So when you hear me complaining about all the work I have to do, and the stacks of incoming consignments waiting for me in the back room, remind me to be grateful that I am able to work, and that I have work to do. And when I'm making my "grateful lists", the names of my pretty daughters will always appear. How did I get so lucky?

Brownie Trifle

This blog isn't a recipe blog. I don't even cook, as a rule. Kenny cooks, and I eat. I do have two or three recipes that people really like, and I've pretty much shared them already.

I received two offers of marriage last year after I took my brownie trifle to a Christmas party. This holiday season, I've received no less than 14 separate emails and phone calls, asking for my "secret" brownie trifle recipe. It's a keeper, and I'm going to share it here.

You'll be really popular and will be invited to countless parties when you bring it.

Brownie Trifle:

1 brownie mix, prepared as directed.
2 boxes of chocolate mousse, prepared as directed.
1 pt. whipping cream, whipped (DON'T use cool whip, use the real stuff)
2 heath or score bars, crushed (you can use peppermint too, for more color)

Prepare brownies and mousse. Crumble brownies in the bottom of a really pretty trifle dish. Cover with a layer of chocolate mousse and crumbled score bars. Add a layer of whipping cream, and repeat layers. End with the whipping cream. On top, decorate with raspberries, strawberries, mint leaves, peppermint chips, or chocolate swirls, whatever you think is pretty.

Wait for the phone calls, emails, and marriage proposals.

Game Day

We are just hours away from the biggest game in Utah state history: the Brigham Young University v. University of Utah football game takes place at 4:00 p.m. mountain time. With a combined record of 21-1, Utah is ranked number 7 and BYU is ranked 14. This in-state rivalry has never been hotter. Game previews are even titled "Red [Utah] Edition" and "Blue [BYU] Edition".

Utah's quarterback, Brian Johnson sums it up:

"They don't like us very much and we don't like them very much and we'll just try to settle it on the field".

I read recently that the BYU-Utah game has ruined more Thanksgivings than any other football rivalry. Since the schools are only 45 minutes from each other, many families include both U of U fans and BYU fans, mine included. One side of the table is bound to be more vocal after this game.

I'll be serving "Chicken Tortilla Soup" today:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 jalapenos, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalepenos and cook for another minute. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese.

We'll enjoy the soup. I don't know about the game, since Kenny has invited avid BYU fans to watch the game and eat soup. Since I'm a proud member of the 1973 U of U graduating class, I'll be wearing my red sweatshirt. (And maybe red duct tape across my mouth, according to Kenny).

Don't Tell Anyone

I'm one of the three people in America who hasn't read the Twilight series. (gasp) I know, hard to believe. I read everything that isn't nailed down, including cereal boxes.

I think we even own all three books. Or is it four?

Not having read any of the books, I'm guessing I won't be going to the opening night of the movie. Almost everyone I know is going. Aimee, who cuts my hair, even bought 'Twilight' t shirts for those in her group to wear.

Though I won't be at the opening, you probably will, and if you don't have the perfect thing to wear in your closet, I can help you. I'll have nothing else to do.

Wanda, pictured here wearing 'Seven for All Mankind' jeans and an 'Abercrombie' tank, both available at the ww, is ready to go if asked. All she needs is a 'Twilight' hoody to complete her opening night outfit.

I guess I'm going to have to add "read 'Twilight' books" to my "to do" list. That way, when everyone around me discusses which vampire they prefer, I'll know what they're talking about.

I promised to tell you about new arrivals

• Today was a great day at the Wandering Wardrobe. It was one of those days when the energy flowed, and everyone had a great time - especially me.

• Seems like everyone's very favorite consignors came in today. We have a wish list a mile long for their pretty clothes. Claudia will be busy calling tomorrow, but I'll sneak in this message, so if you come in early, you'll SCORE: Chico's, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic blouses, tops and jackets.
  

• Kenny finished two pieces of furniture, which are in the store now, but won't last long. I always wish I would have taken before and after pics. It's just amazing how he turns in a lumpy old piece into the table or cupboard you've dreamed of. His latest creations:

• a 35 inch square coffee table, painted barn red. This piece would add SO much personality to your presently monochromatic room. Include a red star, a red and mustard quilt, and maybe a touch of black. Your friends will think you hired a decorator.

• A 2 drawer, 2 door cupboard. This cupboard is 30 inches tall, 16 inches deep, and 40 inches wide, painted cream with TURQUOISE inside, and pink glass knobs, and just chock full of personality!

• You could use this piece in your dining room - store your silver in the drawers and your pretty china behind the doors. You could use it in your master bath - pretty soap and bath fizzies in the drawers and your towels rolled in the bottom. You could even use it as a baby changer. The height is perfect. I could also imagine it in your kitchen - your collection of colored scrapers in the drawers, and cookbooks below.

• I'm not posting pictures of these items because I want you to come see them. But hurry - Kenny's pieces are never in the store long.

Ever Wonder Where Your Wardrobe Wandered?

I like to think about the people who used to own the possessions I love, and I wonder sometimes about the things I used to own. I know that one of my very favorite customers owns part of my old rooster collection. I know who owns two or three of the really amazing pieces of old furniture that Kenny refurbished and painted.

Mostly, though, I don’t know who is wearing the clothes I sold, or enjoying the home décor I once owned. Is that a strange thing to wonder, or do you wonder too?

One of our customers called recently and said that she had recently purchased a beautiful dress at the Wandering Wardrobe, and wore it to a wedding in California. When she told the other guests where she purchased her dress, several of them told her that they had ties to Utah, and had shopped at our store!

I began to wonder how far purchases made at our store have wandered, and Claudia came up with this idea: Email us a picture of you, either wearing, holding, or standing near, something you bought at the Wandering Wardrobe.

We’ll have fun seeing how far everyone’s wardrobes have wandered, and you’ll receive an email containing a gift certificate from the Wandering Wardrobe.

Your Thanksgiving Table

Its not too early to start thinking about your Thanksgiving table. Whether you're entertaining, or just staying at home with your family, an important part of any Thanksgiving tradition is a pretty table.

First, decide on the "feel" of your holiday table - will it be formal and stately, or more cozy, or even a little quirky?

One year, one of our daughters wasn't able to come home for Thanksgiving. I was afraid that using our traditional china and eating in the dining room would be too hard on all of us. I decided that our Thanksgiving table should be different, so that empty chair at the table wouldn't be staring back at us, and reminding us that things weren't the same. Besides, the daughter who has always demanded tradition - the very same menu eaten at the very same table, using the very same dishes - wasn't coming. We could go hog wild! We could roast hot dogs if we wanted!

Common sense prevailed, and we made minor changes. We moved our kitchen table (really an old army desk, given new life by Kenny) in front of the fire - so much friendlier than the dining room. Then, I went shopping - but not to the mall. The tablecloth, napkins, china, goblets and candlesticks all came from the Wandering Wardrobe. They cost a fraction of new, and the next year, when there were six of us for Thanksgiving dinner, I sold them - at the Wandering Wardrobe.

So if you're wanting a change this year, drop in. Our "inventory" changes hourly, and you just might find that perfect something to make your holiday table a little different. But unfortunately, we have no hotdog sticks.

I promised to post some recipes on my blog. The recipe below is perfect for these cold windy November days when you're busy running errands, or get home from work late. You can make this casserole hours ahead and just stick it in the oven 35-45 minutes before you're ready to eat.

I have to tell you that my family hates casseroles, and they REALLY hate leftovers. But they actually ask for this casserole, and will eat it every night until it's gone.

So here's the recipe. It's called "Mama's Black Eyed Peas Casserole". It's not my mama's recipe, nor is it Kenny's mama's recipe. I think it could be Emeril LaGasses' mother's recipe, and I hope you like it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
• 1 medium jalapeno, diced
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes (recommended: Ro-tel)
• 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can mild enchilada sauce
• A few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows
• 1 package corn tortillas
• Butter
• 2 cups grated cheddar
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions

Brown the ground beef in large skillet. Drain the excess grease and the add onion, garlic, jalapeno and Essence. Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add the peas, tomatoes, mushroom soup, chicken soup and enchilada sauce. Add a few dashes of hot sauce. Simmer until warm, about 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Tear the tortillas into large pieces. Grease the bottom of a large casserole dish with butter and then line the bottom with the torn tortilla pieces. Spoon on the ground beef mixture into a thin layer and then add a layer of cheese. Add another layer of tortillas and repeat with the beef mixture, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and place in the oven. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, cut slices approximately 2 by 2 inches and serve. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking," by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Let me know what you think.

November

I was thinking these Vance Kitira candles, available right now at the store, would make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, which reminded me that November is the time to reflect on those things for which we are thankful. For me,

* A husband who always makes me laugh;

* Healthy, happy children;

* My terrier "kids";

* Friends near and far;

* An unread book;

* A house that feels like a home;

* Work that I love;

* Freedom to vote.

For what are you giving thanks this year?

My First Blog!

"Create Blog" has been on my 'to do' list for months. I've crossed off everything else on the list, over and over. I've hidden the list, thrown it away, re-created it, and hoped my dog would eat it. If someone mentioned the word "blog", I'd stick my fingers in my ears. But today I did it!

My blog isn't perfect. Anyone who knows me knows how technologically challenged I am. If the remote isn't programmed to the tv station I want to watch, and no one else is home, I don't get to watch my program.

The purpose of this blog is to share a little about the Wandering Wardrobe. I plan to post pictures of new arrivals I think you'll want to see. I'll keep you posted about what's going on at the store. If I can figure it out, I'll link to articles I think might interest you. I might even share recipes. Of course, they'll be Kenny's recipes, but I can share them.

And I hope you'll make comments.

See you next time. I have something to cross off my 'to do' list.