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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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)
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.
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.Saturday, December 13, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)