Friday, September 2, 2011

Friday Foodday!

Hey lovebugs! Happy Friday Foodday!  Happy Labor Day! TCB will be back on Tuesday with fun fashion for you!

Sofrito Chicken Stew
Ingredients

For Sofrito:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 scallions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 packet sazón or 1 tsp annatto seed powder
For Stew:
  • 8 pieces chicken legs and/or thighs on the bone, skin removed
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 oz light beer
  • 1 cup water
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
Directions
Heat oil in a deep saute pan. Add scallions and garlic, sauté 2 minutes, add tomatoes and peppers. Season with salt, cumin, and sazón or annatto. Set aside.   Season chicken with salt and garlic powder; add to center of the pan allowing chicken to brown slightly on both sides. Combine chicken with sofrito, and add beer, water and cilantro, adjust salt if needed. Cover pan and simmer on low until chicken is cooked through, about 20-30 minutes. Serve over rice.

Spice Rubbed Shrimp with Spaghetti Salsa Verde
  Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti or angel hair pasta
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 finely chopped white onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup salsa verde
1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Set aside.
2- Place chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a small bowl, stirring to combine. 

3- Pat the shrimp dry, then place in the spices and rub into both sides. 
4- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. 
5- Remove from pan and cover with foil until ready to serve.
6- In the now-empty skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking and stirring until tender, about 5 minutes. Add salsa, tomatoes, and sour cream, stirring to combine. Just before serving add cooled pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Top with the shrimp.

Jamaica Margaritas
   Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms (about 2 ounces)
  • 3 cups water
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups tequila
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
  • 8 lime slices

Directions
  • Place blossoms in a strainer; rinse under cold water. Combine blossoms, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Strain; discard blossoms. Cover and chill hibiscus mixture.
  • Combine hibiscus mixture, tequila, juice, and Triple Sec. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Striped Jewelry

Sometimes bling needs some pattern.  I like stripes because they offer a fun alternative to my fave and yours, polka dot.  Check out these pieces!

Marc Jacobs, Stripe Dome Ring, $45
This is so sweet, it's like candy for your hand!


I love the mesh metal around the crystals.  Perfect mix of bling and chain mesh.

Forever 21, Striped Heart Studs, $1.50
Can't beat the price and the cute color by your face is so bright and cheery.

Great pop of color mixed with some bling.

I like the striped pattern on jewelry, it's not too busy but still offers some interest.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Eyeing Eyelet

It's the last few days of summer lovebugs.  I don't know about you, but one of the patterns that is synonymous with summer for me is eyelet.  There is something so feminine and sweet about this pattern.  Let's see what we can find on sale before the warm weather leaves.

Oh hi there transition shirt from summer to fall!  I love the eyelet pattern on these ruffles!


Beautiful and classic.  This will never ever go out of style.

I'm a sucker for a thick strap because you can wear a comfortable bra. And this square neckline is fabulous.

Yum.  Pair this with a dress, short, jeans, anything!

I know eyelet is very summer, but some of these pieces are made to stretch out summer.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Gray and Sparkle Inspired

Today we're doing a nail polish inspired post.  I'm loving gray right now for fall, I'm also loving a fun version of french manicure with gray and sparkle- something like this...
Anthropologie, Orbweaver Dress, $69
I love this silky breezy dress, I would pair it will some glittery dangle earrings.

Yes, this is more then I would usually spend on a sweater, but hello statement piece! I love this.

I want this sweatshirt more then anything! Dressy, comfy, perfect!

Stella and Dot, Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet, $34
This is very chic.  I love this for work or with jeans.

I love this special french manicure and I love the combination of gray and sparkle!

Be fabulous today!