"If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."
Katharine Hepburn
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Green Cuisine with Carolyne Roehm
Green Cuisine Conversations with Carolyne Roehm on cooking and decorating with nature's most abundant color. Be sure to click on the green cuisine link to read the delightful article and see more beautiful photographs, each with a recipe. Nice!
SHALLOT-HERBED RISOTTO
Serves 4 to 6
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup shallots, peeled and diced
8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
1 pound Arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup asparagus, only tips and tender part of spears
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
3tablespoons butter
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
salt and pepper
In large saucepan, heat oil and sauté shallots until soft. Remove from heat.
In separate pan, heat chicken stock until warm. Combine 2 cups stock and herbs in blender. Process until smooth, then return to remaining stock over heat.
Return saucepan with shallots to heat, then add rice and toast 2 minutes. Add wine and stir until liquid is evaporated.
Add stock 1 cup at a time, stirring continually, about 13 minutes. Add asparagus and peas to remaining stock. Then continue to add stock and vegetables to risotto 1 cup at a time, stirring continually until rice is al dente, about 5 minutes. Strain any remaining vegetable from leftover stock and fold them into risotto.
Remove from heat, add butter and cheese and a little more stock if necessary. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
SHALLOT-HERBED RISOTTO
Serves 4 to 6
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup shallots, peeled and diced
8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
1 pound Arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup asparagus, only tips and tender part of spears
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
3tablespoons butter
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
salt and pepper
In large saucepan, heat oil and sauté shallots until soft. Remove from heat.
In separate pan, heat chicken stock until warm. Combine 2 cups stock and herbs in blender. Process until smooth, then return to remaining stock over heat.
Return saucepan with shallots to heat, then add rice and toast 2 minutes. Add wine and stir until liquid is evaporated.
Add stock 1 cup at a time, stirring continually, about 13 minutes. Add asparagus and peas to remaining stock. Then continue to add stock and vegetables to risotto 1 cup at a time, stirring continually until rice is al dente, about 5 minutes. Strain any remaining vegetable from leftover stock and fold them into risotto.
Remove from heat, add butter and cheese and a little more stock if necessary. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Image: Veranda Magazine
You Can Never Have Too Many Framed Pictures
This collection of framed pictures is nicely arranged, isn't it?
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Purple Cone Flowers In My Garden
How does your garden grow? I'm surprised I have any flowers at all due to the heat and long dry spell we've had lately. My coneflowers are surprisingly hardy and very photogenic too. Good for them. I love things that can take care of themselves.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Rain
Friday, July 9, 2010
Charles Dickens Loved Cats
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Croquet, Horseshoes or Bocce Ball? | Lawn Games
I'll choose croquet. I grew up playing this game and never got over it. These would make nice gifts if you're visiting someone at their summer home.
Restoration Hardware Lawn Games For sale at half price right now!
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
USPS Stamps Honor Lighthouses After Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Superb Fruit Dove | Beatiful Bird of New Guinea
This beautiful bird is the perfect image for ending a busy day. Goodnight. See you in the morning. Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus), Papua, New Guinea
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Outdoor Spaces | Slideshow | Architectural Digest
Architect Robert Paxton and designer Bunny Williams restored and expanded a farmhouse near Charlottesville, Virginia, mixing contemporary elements with the region’s vernacular style. A porch that overlooks the gardens was inspired by one the clients had seen in South Africa. The large brick fireplace surrounded by wicker furniture is well used even in the dead of winter. Slideshow of more outdoor spaces from Architectural Digest.
Nice Symmetry on this Outbuilding
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Basset Hound Puppy with Fan
Is it hot enough for you? Webster is usually parked in front of a fan but this weeks he's discovered the joy of central air. I have to admit I'm enjoying it too. I have the thermostat set at 78 and it's quite pleasant. For some reason in past years I've had it set like a walk-in cooler. I like being cool and conserving energy at the same time.
10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling
10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling
One of my listings is under contract after being on the market for one year. What a relief. I think I helped too. The sellers always did everything I asked of them but it wasn't until we applied lots of Feng Shui principles that we found our buyers. I loaned the sellers several of my books for a crash course. The tip that made the most difference was putting live potted red geranium plants all over the house. They added such "life" to every room. The red blossoms and round leaves represent good luck and prosperity too. They also had a pre-sale home inspection which was another smart thing to do. Everything's going well so far. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Great Grey Owl
This Great Grey Owl is beautiful, isn't he? I find owls to be very fascinating. Whoooo me? Yes, you.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)