A hot summer day doesn’t really have you wanting to turn on your oven. But these yummy chocolate chip cookies from Smitten Kitchen will have you running to the grocery store for the chocolate chips and turning on the oven. Perfect when you need a little something sweet to accompany that cold glass of lemonade. Here is a recipe to keep in your back pocket for those days when your sweet tooth kicks in. Of course everyone has the basic Toll House recipe but this SK recipe really seems to take them up a notch. My 11-year-old who was looking for an activity had fun making them and is a huge fan. What more can you ask for?! Happy baking! Happy Weekend!
Personally I would add a little less chocolate chips (we used Ghirardelli semi-sweet) to the recipe otherwise perfection! image and recipe from Smitten Kitchen
Get ready to float away this summer with the Missoni x FUNBOY collaboration. When a city girl (without a pool) is dreaming of ways to stay cool and with time to flip through some online fashion sights then fun things are found. Check out Missoni’s take on FUNBOY’s original butterfly wing pool float. Keeping true to Missoni’s bold usage of color and pattern, the float is fabulous, fun, and Missoni all the way. Don’t wait too long or the next drop will also sell out. FUNBOY has the market cornered with the coolest and chicest pool accessories.
Always searching for entertaining dishes that can be made ahead for those hot summer nights. Pick up your fresh produce from your local farm stand to serve up the rainbow. Being able to have friends over with little effort is the goal but in all honesty nothing goes without effort and some prep. Here is a fab classic French platter that I will be giving a go to share with friends. Bring this lovely platter to any summer gathering for something to noche on. Try Goop’s Green Goddess dressing for a healthy alternative to the aioli. I also stumbled across a bright and light cocktail that can be sipped all summer long. Hydrating with watermelon sounds pretty perfect to me. I am also sharing a lovely list of 30 Rose`s to enjoy from Food & Wine. Time to trade in the red for all those lovely shades of pink. Cheers to summer!
this summer with alfresco dining at home. Let’s just say June is officially summer! There is nothing better than firing up the BBQ and having friends over to enjoy the long summer nights. It is the best time to entertain. Summer gatherings can be simple and festive with little prep or you can go full-out gangbusters. Spending energy on creating a lovely and inviting atmosphere will delight you all summer long. You will just need to clean up the space and make of list of the items you will need to make entertaining fuss free and easy. After this it will be a breeze! Here is a helpful tip: clear out a designated space to hold all your summer dining essentials to make it easy on yourself and for those that are willing to lend a helping hand.
Make your next reservation at home! Get creative with whatever space you may have. All spaces can be turned into a summer oasis.
Pick flowers and fresh herbs from your garden or go to an outdoor market for fresh local flowers.
Gathered utensils in a container to pass around is simple, functional, and casual.
A folding table (great for pop up dinners when you have more guests than your typical dining set can accommodate) covered by a simple white table-cloth. Get clever with seating if you don’t have enough matching chairs by mixing in pieces from your indoors space. Benches work really well too.
Melamine plates and glasses are worth the investment. This would also look just as lovely with colorful paper plates and napkins. Outdoor dining can be what you want it to be. No rules!
Light it up with string lights and candles!
Her smile tells it all! A dear friend who just happens to be my neighbor (thank my lucky stars!) kicked off summer with an outdoor set up that has me planting flowers , dusting off summer plates , and hanging lights! Thank you for the inspiration!
Here are a few places to check out online for your summer alfresco evenings. Happy Summer folks!
Crate&Barrel could be your one stop shopping for all your alfresco needs.
At the moment spring is being a bit moody which is more of a reason to find ways to keep reminding yourself it is in fact spring! I bought these beautiful cherry blossoms last week and have enjoyed watching them slowly bloom. The delicate flowers are stunning! Happy spring from my home to yours!
Nothing makes me happier than hosting a party. I have learned over the years it is the gathering rather than the actual meal that brings happy smiles. I always try to create an easy prep ahead menu. My goal is no cooking once the guests have arrived. I want to have fun too! We just celebrated my father in law’s 85th birthday. It was truly a lovely evening with family. Here is a peek at how I tackled the night.
Make Ahead BologneseRoasted Veggies (carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, and beets) Ready To Be PlatedSide Dish Platters ReadyAppetizer Platters ReadyGathering Fresh Flowers The Day Ahead (my favorite task!)
In my past life, I worked for a gourmet shop. I learned every aspect of the business. At the time I never knew how useful working a barista bar (my love for a cappuccino began here), cooking in a kitchen, cutting fancy cheeses, to catering parties would stay with me. What I learned is so valuable. Planning ahead is critical. So I spread my planning over a few days. The menu is simplified. It is not a time for me to get fancy or try anything new. During our time in Amsterdam, we hosted parties all the time. Learning to be simple always delivered happy results.
Tip: Take Cheese Out A Few Hours Before ServingHad A Little Help From My Local Cheese Shop, Formaggio KItchenKale Salad & Those Make Ahead Roasted VeggiesTable Runner Decorated By The GrandkidsParty Decorations
The party was on a Friday night. The weekend prior I came up with my menu and planned out the two days leading up to the party.
Wednesday: Grocery shop, make bolognese sauce (requires patience but worth it), call in catering order for appetizers.
Thursday: Find a window to flower shop, set up space, hang my Dutch party flags ( bought these for my son’s 1 st birthday and I hang them every year for his birthday), wash and clean veggies for roasting.
Friday: Prep salad greens, roast veggies mid day, and place platters in their spots. Everything done by 3:00 so I can head out to pick up Aleisi and the catering.
What’s left: Music playlist! Cook pasta (task given to my husband), toss salad and arrange veggies 15 minutes before serving.
MY Old Blouse and My New Neon Pothos Plant Are Ready To Party!
FYI: Whatever you serve or plan, remember that guests are thrilled to be invited and to have a night off:) Pizza and friends is always a winner and I often take this option.
Give this bolognese recipe a try. I make mine with all beef and add 1 cup of milk before step 3 (which is a recommendation from the original recipe from the restaurant Al Forno) This restaurant is a MUST if you find yourself in Providence, Rhode Island!
Any excuse to make guacamole! Today is the day for the Pats and all their fans! Here is my contribution to the day. I am dicing, mashing, and squeezing while grooving to the tunes of The War On Drugs. An absolute favorite band of mine (I could go on and on about my obsession with this band and please don’t turn it off). A perfect start to my Sunday!
8 Ingredientsmashed/cubed avocados, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced jalapeno, minced garlicsqueezed limes, ground cumin, and saltBam!currently playing!GO PATS!
I am so smitten with Smitten Kitchen. I follow this site more than any other food website for inspiration. Smitten Kitchen is so beautiful to explore. The recipes are well laid out and easy to follow. I am constantly seeking out easy, healthy and flavorful recipes with a refreshing spin on basic ingredients. Here are a few new recipes that I will be cooking up from Smitten Kitchen! I’m also well stocked on chickpeas at the moment.
I love nothing more than fresh flowers in my home. They are an instant cheer me up. Tulips are always a favorite of mine and are often the flower of choice. xo
Doesn’t always happen but sometimes you simply make it so! It’s up to you to decide how to spend it. For me it was easy and I was in count down mode till the Dutchies arrived. My boys were off skiing and I love a reason to cook. So I decided to do some monster cooking. I rolled up my sleeves, poured a coffee, cranked some John Mayor and fired up the stove.
Menu: Baked Mama Pasta inspired by Glada De Laurentis. The best Damn Chili which I have found to be true along with a new recipe to test out, Sweet Potato soup. Three meals are complete! Thanks Cook’s Illustrated.
A hot summer day doesn’t really have you wanting to turn on your oven. But these yummy chocolate chip cookies from Smitten Kitchen will have you running to the grocery store for the chocolate chips and turning on the oven. Perfect when you need a little something sweet to accompany that cold glass of lemonade. Here is a recipe to keep in your back pocket for those days when your sweet tooth kicks in. Of course everyone has the basic Toll House recipe but this SK recipe really seems to take them up a notch. My 11-year-old who was looking for an activity had fun making them and is a huge fan. What more can you ask for?! Happy baking! Happy Weekend!
I love nothing more than fresh flowers in my home. They are an instant cheer me up. Tulips are always a favorite of mine and are often the flower of choice. xo
isostilo 