All posts filed under: Food

embracing all things inspirational

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Once in a while I have trouble, like everyone else, in getting going for a work week. I pout the entire weekend and by Sunday night, I am hyperventilating because I am once again obliged to carry out a regimented lifestyle for five days out of yet another week. This is not to say I hate my job or anything, it’s just that I appreciate my freedom a great deal and wish I had the luxury to escape the norm more often than I can. Anyway, knowing the much-needed break is nowhere in sight, I turn to some random photos of beautiful things for inspiration,  just to get me by for the week.  Hope you enjoy the slideshow and here’s  hoping for a smooth week.

decor ideas: vintage cupboards

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You know the funny thing about vintage cupboards is that, you either like them or hate them.  I happen to be one who loves seeing them when I go to Napa or Sonoma, California because, cupboards are used in most boutique stores, wine shops, deli’s and some bakeries to house their goods. I really can’t imagine a store without them in the wine country, but having one in an apartment just doesn’t seem ideal in my opinion. So, although I shop for cupboards at antique stores and online, I always talk myself out of bringing one home. I tell you though, if I were fortunate enough to have my own coffee shop, I would most certainly incorporate them into the decor of the shop. What’s your take on cupboards?

healthy eating: eggs and asparagus

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I love fine cuisine, I don’t deny it, but once in a while I truly appreciate finding a recipe online that is not only healthy but has my favorite ingredients in it. Now the interesting thing for me about eggs and asparagus is that I  often made a frittata with them with a touch of parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, but the recipe here is a much simpler way of incorporating the two together and I have to tell you,  it was amazing!  I loved it and I know you will too. But I am always curious about what your take is on the recipes I provide, so please let me know how it turned out for you? Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Topped with a Poached Egg: Recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking.net Olive oil cooking spray 5 spears of asparagus Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded 1 egg Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray then add the …

healthy eating: chicken au champagne

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Oh my, how can this get any better. A chicken dish with my favorite alcoholic beverage – champagne from my favorite site here for me to share with my readers. Let me know how it turns out for you? INGREDIENTS 4 chicken breasts (with skin and bone) Salt and freshly ground pepper Chervil, tarragon, or thyme (optional) 1 shallot, quartered 1 cup Champagne (Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut recommended)  Yield: 4 Servings RECIPE Place the chicken breasts in a roasting pan, and season them. Pour 1/2 cup of the Champagne over breasts. Make a slit in each breast and insert a piece of shallot.  Place the pan under the broiler, skin-side up, for 3 minutes, until the skin is nicely browned. Turn and broil the other side for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broiler, baste with the pan juices, and add the remaining 1/2 cup of Champagne. Adjust the oven temperature to 475 degrees and bake the chicken for 30 minutes, basting once or twice. Serve over brown rice. Sautéed mushrooms add a …

recipe: panna cotta perfected

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Yes I am going to start the week off with a recipe because I feel as if I need a pick me up and usually sensual – yes food can be sensual – dessert recipes will do the trick, that is only if I cannot travel to Europe at the particular time. Anyway, I found this recipe here and in my opinion it is one of the best Panna Cotta I have ever tasted, well, outside of my “late” chef cousin who used to make them for me. So here it goes and if you try it, please let me know how you liked it. One piece of advice, get creative with the toppings. Also, if you are on a strict diet or a healthy eating kick, this recipe is not one to follow. Panna Cotta Eight servings Adapted from Secrets From My Tuscan Kitchen by Judy Witts I love this dessert and the great thing about Panna Cotta is that it demands to be made in advance. You can make them up to two days …

inspiration: outdoor special occasion table setting

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Call me crazy but I am ready for Spring, although it isn’t officially Spring until around March 22nd, I am ready for it right now. So, as I feel my stress level escalating to code orange from being cooped up indoors most of the day, I have decided to turn to my collection of outdoor special occasion table setting photos  to put a smile back on my face and give me a moment to daydream about Springtime. If you feel like I do today, find something that inspires you  and take a moment to escape mentally.

for the love of cupcakes

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What is the craze with cupcakes? I mean they have been around for years but just in the last 5years or so, every woman I can think of considers cupcakes for their get togethers more so than cakes. I suppose they are more fun, less fattening and perfectly sized for most anyone and any occasion – in America that is – just in case everyone else is scratching their heads with what I am stating here. Anyway, I won’t deny it, I love them too and often search for cupcake specialty stores most anywhere I go in the states. My favorite is Sprinkles here and although quiet pricy, they are the best I have ever had, especially on the first day – not so much second day and after. So in light of this subject matter, I have included photos of some of my favorite cupcake decor for your viewing pleasure. Also, please drop me a line with your favorite cupcake speciality store.

healthy eating: salmon tacos

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I must admit, I cannot resist Mexican food, although some of the California gourmet variations are not the true sense of the cuisine.  But either way, I do appreciate all the attempts to spin off from the original Mexican style taco and embrace them in my own home. With that said, I have found this really interesting Salmon taco recipe here which  I have added to my list of healthy meals for the family. Hope you like it. Santa Fe Salsa 1 can(s) (11 ounce) mexi corn, drained 1 cup(s) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 1/2 cup(s) black beans, rinced, drained 1/2 cup(s) shredded carrots 1/2 cup(s) green chile salsa 1/4 cup(s) diced red onion 2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro Salmon 2  (about 1 1/2 pounds) salmon steaks, 1-inch thick 1 tablespoon(s) jalapeno and lime flavored olive oil, or any favorite flavored or plain olive oil 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt 1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper 8  taco shells Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce for garnish Directions In a medium bowl, combine the salsa ingredients; set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush oil over salmon steaks; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook salmon in skillet 3 to …

inspiration: cafe de flore – paris, france

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After a long week, I needed some inspirational photos to help escape “mentally” at least from the every day norms. My favorite place to hang out – Cafe De Flore in Paris (of course), France. I have a strange appreciation for cafe photos and here are some of my favorites Cafe de Flore to share with you. Have a great weekend and remember think happy thoughts no matter how hard life can be. 🙂 {photos: courtesy google search cafe de flore – various artists}