Monthly Archives: September 2016

A Fresh Autumn Tablescape 1 comment

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September 29, 2016, posted by Gina – This is a tablescape that I created for a luncheon I recently hosted in my home. I was very pleased with the way the colors and textures came together for this one. The blue and white ginger jar pattern on the orange napkins set off the Spode Blue Italian plates perfectly. The wicker chargers and black burlap table runner added a rustic feel which was pleasantly offset by the dramatic and elegant Italian platter under the centerpiece. We will post a tutorial soon that will demonstrate how to create this particular centerpiece, so check back with us! Also, checkout the list a little further down to find out a little more about the individual pieces on this table.

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Chargers – Pier 1

Plates – Blue Italian, Spode

Bowls – Annie Glass

Flatware – Southern Living at Home

Napkins – Patricia Spratt for the Home

Tortoise Stemware – Pier 1

Blue and Gold Stemware – Paul Michael

Table runner – At Home

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Italian Shrimp and Roasted Cauliflower

September 28, 2016, posted by Gina – If you read this blog often you know I am always searching for fabulous recipes. I recently found a couple that I put together to make a meal that we loved.  These items are good for a weeknight meal and all I can say is purchase extra shrimp.

ITALIAN SHRIMP

Ingredients:

1 stick butter*
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1-pound raw shrimp, shells removed but tails still on
1 packet dry Italian Seasoning

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°.  Melt one stick butter in the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish.

Lay lemon slices over butter. Place shrimp on top. Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning.

*I feel like the whole stick of butter is not necessary.  Try ½ or even ¼ …. you will still get the moisture and the flavor.

Bake for 15 minutes and that’s it!!

If you want to double this recipe, just make sure that the shrimp are not on top of each other once you spread them out.  You could bake these on a rimmed baking sheet that is larger than the 13 x 9.

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ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH LEMON-PARSLEY DRESSING

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower cut into florets
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and pepper
1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°. Toss cauliflower and 4 tbsp. of olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet.

Meanwhile, pulse parsley, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tbsp. oil in a food processor until very finely chopped; season with salt and pepper. Toss cauliflower with lemon-parsley mixture.

Roast, turning occasionally, until golden brown for 25 – 30 minutes or more if needed.

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Shopping Excursion: Vide Grenier and Farmers Market 1 comment

September 25, 2016, posted by Michelle – Bonjour! I’ve been looking forward to the annual Saint Georges Vide Grenier (empty attic, aka garage sale) for weeks. Today was the day and I arrived right after it started early this morning.st-georges-neighborhoodIt’s a pleasure just walking around the Saint Georges quarter. It’s part of Vieux Lyon, Lyon’s Old City, which is a large neighborhood comprising three districts of intact medieval and Renaissance-era buildings. So, I found myself in an architecturally rare and unique neighborhood on a sunny Fall day doing what I love to do…buying interesting and beautiful things for GDFC (and a few things just for me).

Among our purchases was a single, delicate cordial glass (possibly Moser) that was too beautiful to pass up. It could hold a single small flower or become part of a group of other ornate glassware. We also found a cute nutcracker in the shape of a walnut (about the size of a coconut) and a heavy metal rooster that would ruffle feathers wherever you chose to put it. Afterwards I headed to the Saint Antoine farmers market and bought a bunch of sunflowers and ornamental cabbage for a centerpiece. A perfect day.

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Crack Brownies

September 23, 2016, posted by Gina – It seems that you see some type of food listed on Pinterest as “crack” something or another. I actually do not like the word. It brings negative thoughts to my mind, but I get it – the recipe is so good that you won’t be able to resist it.

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This recipe was given to me by my physical therapist. We spent a lot of time together and have a love of food in common. She said that whenever she brings this Crack Brownie recipe to work everyone loves it and that I must make it.

So, here I am a few months later and having now made these, I confirm they are very good and it only takes a bite or two to make you happy. Enjoy!

CRACK BROWNIES
1 box brownie mix (your choice)
½ cup chopped Butterfingers
1 cup chopped Resse’s Peanut Butter Cups
¾ cup milk chocolate chips
¾ cup butterscotch chips
1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup Cocoa Pebbles

Prepare brownies according to package directions. Use a 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, just so they are slightly under baked. Remove brownies from oven and top with chopped Butterfingers and Resse’s Peanut Butter Cups, and bake 4-6 additional minutes.
While they finish baking, melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in cereal. Remove brownies from oven and pour peanut butter mixture evenly on top of brownies.
Refrigerate 2 hours or more before serving.

Autumn Arrangement 1 comment

September 22, 2016, posted by Gina – On this first day of Fall, we are delving back into decorating and thinking about the upcoming holiday season. I am not sure why I love Fall decorations so much. Maybe it’s the reemergence of deep, warm colors or the thought of comfort food that comes along with cooler weather.  Whatever the reason, there’s something so fun about seeing the first pumpkin at the farmers market or the smell of chili cooking in my home.

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I wanted to create a fall arrangement for my kitchen island and decided on an Annie Glass bowl for the base. I had some Angel Vine which I placed in the bottom of the bowl that served to secure all my other goodies. Included in this arrangement are pumpkins, artichokes, cotton, antlers, and a bit of fall greenery.

I plan on placing a few other items around the house to make it festive and fun.  Join me… and let us know about your fall projects and decorations. To leave a comment, click on the title of this post and the comment form will appear at the bottom of the page.