Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday Foodday

We made it lovebugs, Friday.

Cream Cheese Potato Soup
c/o Cassie Craves
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cut into chunks


Directions

1. Heat butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and saute until onion becomes translucent. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Season with seasoning salt and pepper.

2. Add broth, potatoes, and bay leaf and boil until potatoes are tender.Discard bay leaf and smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.

3. Reduce to low heat and add cream cheese. Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.

Arugula Pesto Bowtie Pasta
c/o Table for Two Blog
Ingredients
Pesto

10 oz. baby arugula
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/8 cup olive oil
Pasta
1 pound bowtie pasta
3 tbsp. arugula pesto
2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
Pesto
  1. Throw all ingredients except olive oil in food processor.
  2. Turn the food processor on and drizzle olive oil through feed tube. If you need more to get the right consistency, use more.
  3. Store in airtight container for up to 1 month.
Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, then cook pasta according to instructions on box.
  2. Once pasta is done cooking, drain well but reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  3. In the same pot, pour the pasta back in and add the 3 tbsp. of arugula pesto. The heat of the pasta will spread the pesto all over. Add in a little bit of the pasta water to thin it out. You might not need the full 1/4 cup.
  4. Crumble goat cheese on top and stir well to melt and combine.
  5. Serve hot.
  6. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Egg Nog
Ingredients
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 pint whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 ounces bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 4 egg whites*
  • Directions
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
    Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
    Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
    Cook's Note: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.
    In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.
    In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
    In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Tooth and Nail

Houndstooth is one of those prints that will always be in style. It's a classic look that you can tailor to fit your style. Add a collar for some prep, add some chains for rocker, or add a blazer for corporate.

 Such a fun graphic sweater that you can pair with cords or jeans.


Oh hi, $46. Yes add a beautiful cardigan and you're good to go.

JC Penny, Worthington Ponte Skirt, $25
A fantastic big graphic print, this is so much fun for the office.

Lord and Taylor, Houndstooth Tights, $10
Oh and of course I needed to throw in some tights!

Houndstooth is a great option for work or play and you can find it at any price point.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Solid Gold

Happy humpday lovebugs,
Since yesterday we tackled velvet, today we're looking at another type of perfect party apparel: gold. It's just a fabulous way to dress up absolutely any outfit. Now usually the easiest way to wear this is sequins, and while that works, I want to dig a little bit deeper.



Dorothy Perkins, Jacquard Dress, $44
Va, va, voom ladies. Look at this number. Add some tights and some heels and screw the rest.

I'm going to need this skirt. The perfect pleating with a party-ready print. 

Modcloth, Glitz and Garland Dress, $99
Just. You're welcome. Good lord this is beautiful.

Forever 21, Metallic Coated Sweater, $29
Sleek, sexy, and easy to throw on and go. I'd pair this with some black shorts and tights.

Gold will never go out of style. Ever. Might as well embrace it to it's fullest potential this holiday season.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Go Ahead, Touch Me

You know what's cozy but also sexy this time of year? Velvet. A few weeks ago we looked at velvet purses but today let's look at some clothing.


Anthropologie, Tailored Velvet Blazer, $99
The tuxedo feel to this blazer truly makes it something special.

Lands End Canvas, Velvet Market Dress, $99
This fully lined dress it just perfect for a holiday party. I love the richness of this green!

Let's talk about these pants. A wide band waist, a slim cut, an ankle length, flat front pockets. Ah, they're divine.

Nordstrom Rack, Ella Moss Marlowe Velvet Dress, $89
A little bit mod and a little bit flapper, a lot a bit perfect for holiday.

So you see velvet is decadent in all the best ways, and it's perfect for this month of parties and holiday gatherings.

Be fabulous today!