~ bring a bit of The Farmhouse with you after every visit ~

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving Blessing & Dressing

Thanksgiving is so rich in tradition; I love it! My husband and I have hiked "over the mountain and through the woods" from our house to my parents home at the beach (about four miles) for the last 10 years. It is such a refreshing way to arrive; a little tired, super hungry and ready to enjoy the company of family and friends. Giving thanks for the simple and complex things and moments present in our lives right now. We are blessed to have each other, our animals, our friends and families and our health.



By no means am I a food stylist (as will be apparent below) or a food blogger (also apparent below), but I do love great food! And every once in a while I make something that's pretty fantastic. I am lucky enough to have a husband that cooks 90% of our meals...Yes, I'm spoiled! I do however, have a few favorite recipes that I love to cook for special occasions, whether that's a casual Sunday dinner with my sweetie, a potluck dinner party with friends or Thanksgiving dinner with family. Here's one of my all time faves and a tradition for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Dressing

Ingredients:


  • 1/2-1 yellow onion (This year I only used 1/2 an onion, because we had it in the fridge from the dinner the night before)
  • 1 bin (about 8-12) mushrooms (I used small crimini mushrooms, but any would be fabulous!)
  • 1 bunch of celery
  • 1-2 apples ( I used one from the neighbors branch that reaches into our yard & a fuji apple)
  • 1-4 Tbsp herbs (this year I used sage & oregano from the garden)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 box breadcrumbs (the past few years I've used the cornmeal version from TJ's, but any will do)
  • 1 box (or 4 cups) Veggie Broth
  • 1/2-1 stick salted butter
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 (or more) glass(es) of Chardonnay (I'm usually a Sauvignon Blanc gal, but this calls for a little fuller wine) or a nice Pinot Noir


Directions:
  1. Pour yourself a glass of wine.
  2. Dice the onion & set aside.
  3. Clean the mushrooms with a wet paper towel or cloth. Slice mushrooms & rough cut them into small chunks.  Set aside.
  4. Dice the entire bunch of celery & apples into rough chunks. Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  6. Place veggie broth in a saucepan on medium to low to warm.
  7. Place 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp) of butter in a large stock pot on medium to high heat. Add olive oil, so butter doesn't burn.
  8. Add onions & stir until soft.
  9. Chop herbs & set aside.
  10. Add mushrooms to stockpot with onions & stir until gently sautéed.
  11. Grease a baking dish on the bottom & sides. Set aside.
  12. Next, stir in celery & apples & saute until slightly soft. Keep lid on so the moisture is retained. Crack pepper into mixture.
  13. Turn heat off & add breadcrumbs. Add herbs & fold mixture into breadcrumbs so vegetables are evenly dispersed.
  14. Slowly add the veggie broth into the mixture & again gently fold mixture until the breadcrumbs are saturated, but not smashed.
  15. Add salt & pepper to taste.
  16. Scoop the mixture into your greased baking dish & cover with foil.
  17. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil & bake another 5 minutes to create a slightly crispy top layer.
  18. Remove, serve & enjoy.


This recipe can be modified in so many ways:
  • I've used pear in place of the apple before
  • Some people might like cranberries
  • You could definitely use stale bread instead of the lazy boxed version
  • Homemade broth would definitely be a nice touch
  • You could add garlic
Let me know your favorite dressing (or stuffing) recipes.



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Midweek Inspiration...gratitude

This says it all...


This year I am grateful for:
my husband & best friend
my MBA in Sustainable Enterprise
being frugal
running a half marathon
my parents
my animals; Buckaroo, Sammy & Fritzie-girl
who came with the house we bought last year
the sunshine & the rain
my boss, mentor & friend
being able to create a home of our own
my health


What are you thankful for this year?


Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday Mood Board #3 - Industrial Farmhouse Chic: kitchen

A bit of our inspiration:



We are struggling with our small kitchen...
I've had dreams of a big open kitchen / dining room 
with an island & a huge farm table.
The perfect spot to gather
with friends & family to share a meal & laughter.

We just don't have the layout to create
the specific vision that's been living in my head for years,
but even with our limited floor plan
we look forward to creating our super welcoming
Industrial Farmhouse kitchen.

Here's our basic hit list to create this cool, but welcome space:
            • professional-style appliances
            • barn lighting
            • metal accessories
            • weathered wood
            • open shelving
            • white bead-board walls
            • & a subtle pop of color.




Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Midweek Inspiration...to do's


There are the little to do's that we all put off ~

making a doctor's appointment
cleaning the fridge
updating your linked in page
balancing the check book
ironing that pile of clothes
talking to the tax guy


And then there's that other list...

traveling through Europe
going back to school
opening a home furnishing's & accessories shop
learning how to weld
starting a family in a new town
buying a house

I've ticked off 2 of the five on my list...What's on your list?