Flower Power

 

 

 We can all agree that this winter was long and lousy, to say the least. I am SO READY for spring. Making my own simple flower arrangments is something I'm starting to do more of this season. I like using various vases and sticking to a color palette but choosing a nice variety of flowers.


More flower ideas.....

Martha Stewart

 Martha Stewart

 

 Martha Stewart

 

 











Weekend in Connecticut

Working in the city is something I've always been fond of. I love the energy of the city and walking every morning by my favorite shops and sights. I'm a city girl and always will be. But- a weekend in the country is greatly needed every so often. It recharges me and helps remind me that it's OK to slow down! My very dear grandmother lives in Connecticut so I'm lucky I can visit whenever. But if you ever have a weekend or even time for a day trip, Litchfield, CT, is lovely to visit. It's a picturesque New England town surronded by rolling hills and farms. I stopped by my favorite boutiques, flower shop, and even had time to pay a special visit to a dairy farm for some ice cream!

Flowers outside the flower shop. Inside you can find other plants and even unique terrariums.

Remembering to stop and smell the flowers. Something I seldom do in my busy work week.

 Inside the Arethusa Farm Dairy store in nearby Bantam, CT. Clean and simple display. The all-white interior makes the perfect statement for a dairy shop that sells the freshest, simplest products!

Simple menus are always the best menus.

Fresh Cheese and Ice Cream to take home! I'm loving the pink cartons!

 

 

 My favorite boutique in CT. Oliphant is a great place to find colorful jewelery, unique gifts, textiles, and furniture.

 

 I love this modern living look! A little quirky, yet still sophisticated.

 Those antlers, from Africa, are on my wish-list for home decor. They lay perfect on a table, but I'm thinking of getting some to hang on a large empty wall.

 

 

 

 

GO: Litchfield, CT

 

SHOP:  White Flower Farm

             

             Lawrence Jeffret Estate Jewelers

             

             Oliphant

 

EAT:    At The Corner for lunch

             

             Arethusa Farm Dairy for homemade ice cream. I suggest the coconut with dark chocolate chunks!

               

 

 

 

 



 



Cupcake Decoration Idea for St. Pattys Day

 

 

Tiny Meringue Kisses!

 

 

You will need:

 

150 grams egg whites

300 grams sugar

green food coloring

Double-boiler

Stand Mixer with whisk attachment

Piping Bag

Sprayed Parchment Paper

 

Preheat oven to 200.

 

1. Place egg whites and sugar in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

 

2. Fill a large pot with water over medium-high heat. Place bowl of whites and sugar on pot so you have a double-boiler.

 

3. Keep a close eye on the whites, whisking ocassionaly. The eggs should not cook but should be hot to the touch and the sugar should be completly dissolved. When this happens, carefully remove bowl off pot and pour into mixing bowl with whisk, on the highest speed.

 

4. The meringue is ready when shiny and it holds a very stiff peak. Add desired amount of food coloring. Fill pastry bag with meringue and pipe small kisses onto sprayed parchment paper. Bake until meringues are firm to the touch, almost 1-2 hours. 

 



 

 

St. Patty's Day is tomorrow! This year I will most likely avoid the crowded pubs filled with college students and green beer. But there's no reason to stop tradition. Every year growing up, my mom would make a wonderful loaf of Irish Soda Bread a week or so before the holiday, and every morning for breakfast I would toast a piece and slather it with butter. It bakes beautifully, has a wonderful combination of flavors, and is perfect with a cup of tea.

 I never realized until now that Irish Soda Bread has somewhat of a bad rep. Traditionally, it's made with caraway seeds, which certainly have a distinct flavor that takes some getting used to. And I guess it's a bread that is often associated with being too dry. But it doesn't have to be! And perhaps it's just not what people are expecting after taking a first bite. There is no yeast in Irish Soda Bread (baking soda is the leavener), hence the name. It's almost like a scone. Buttermilk will keep this bread moist and lend a nice tangy flavor. My recipe is really fool-proof. Just make sure to cut an "X" across each loaf before baking! This will yield a nice top.

 Irish Soda Bread (makes 2 small rounds)
You will need:

4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup canola oil
2 cups golden raisins
 Caraway seeds (optional) *I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons*


1. Preheat the oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In mixing bowl combine first 4 ingredients and with a whisk mix everything to incorporate evenly.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the dry mix and with paddle attachment (or wooden spoon if doing by hand) mix just until everything comes together. The dough will be very sticky.

4. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough until its smooth. Shape into 2 rounds and with a knife mark a large X on the top of each. Set on the baking sheet and bake for about 45 min.

5. The rounds should be golden brown when done. Tap on the bottom and if it sounds hollow this is also a good indicator they are ready. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

 *Special Tip* Serve with whipped honey butter



-Neighborhood Spot-
 The Blue Ox
 for Upscale American Comfort

 

 

Want classy sophistication without heading into Boston? Also want an incredible burger with an inventive cocktail? Blue Ox, located in Lynn on the Northshore, has just that. Blue Ox is a gem! It's cozy, yet modern and sophisticated, with award-winning entrees and a unique list of cocktails. The award-winning Blue Ox Burgers are perfectly sized 1/4 lb. burgers on golden brioche buns. Aside from the applewood smoked bacon, the best part about this burger is when you take that first bite and the gorgonzola dolce slowly oozes out from the center. It's really a beautiful thing. I suggest trying one of the cocktails (I had the Old Meets New Fashioned)which reminded me of Mad Men. But that house-infused bacon bourbon with maple bitters may have to happen next time!  

SB *Restaurant Picks*

The Blue Ox

191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 01901

 Drink: The Old meets New Fashioned (whiskey, muddled orange & cherry, maraschino liqueur)

 Eat: Baked Stuffed Brie, Chop Salad, The Blue Ox Burgers, Herb Roasted Chicken 

 Perfect for: Date night, special occasion, cozy & intimate dining.

 

 

 Sunday Brunch: Scratch Kitchen

 

I almost forgot how nice Sundays can be-sleeping in after a late-night, lazily lounging around the table with the paper spread out, coffee brewing. Then going out for Brunch. I adore brunch. I could do brunch every day.

 The thing about brunch is that it really shouldn't be complicated. It should just happen. No one wants to wait in a long line with a hangover. You shouldn't have to travel more than 30 minutes away from home. And the food has to be hearty and plentiful because this really can be THE meal of the day.

Last Sunday, with family and boyfriend, I picked Scratch Kitchen in Salem for my long overdue Sunday Brunch. Scratch is a great new find that focuses on local, farm-fresh ingredients. The house- cured bacon (which I tried and loved!) is featured in several dishes and they make their own condiments. The eclectic menu features dishes such as baked beans on bacon-scented cornbread  and herb pesto scrambled eggs. The service was friendly, hospitable, and kept the coffee coming. Small neighborhood feel with a serious take on sunday's favorite meal of the day.

SB *Restaurant Picks*

Go: Scratch Kitchen (Salem, MA)

Try: The Bacon Benedict, Breakfast pizza (not on the menu) and Green eggs and ham w/ some Goat.

Perfect for: family, friends, and bacon lovers.

 

 

Eggs Benedict