Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite love inspired recipes this week!

Il Palio
c/o Saveur
Ingredients
For the Campari Ice Cubes
34 oz. Campari
2 oz. water

For the Cocktail
2 oz. bourbon
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Orange bitters

Orange twist, for garnish

Directions
Several hours before serving, mix together Campari and water and freeze in a square ice mold. When frozen, make the cocktail: Place 2 Campari ice cubes in rocks glass. Pour all ingredients over ice cubes and garnish with a wide orange twist. Stir the drink to start the ice melting.

Blush Cream Pasta
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)
  • Coarse salt and pepper
  • 1 pound pasta, such as penne rigate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn
  • Crusty bread, for passing

Directions
Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the EVOO, butter, garlic and shallots. Gently sautéthe shallots for 3-5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add the vodka to the pan – three turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce the vodka by half, about 2 or 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a bubble and reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. 

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it's cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While the pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir the cream into the sauce. When the sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from the heat. Drain the pasta. Toss the hot pasta with the sauce and the basil leaves. Pass the pasta with crusty bread.

Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Sauce
Ingredients

FOR THE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:

  • 1/2 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
  • 16 oz bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract

FOR THE TOPPING:

  • 12 oz fresh raspberries, divided
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
Directions
  1. Line a 9x5x3-inch metal loaf pan with plastic wrap. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, chocolate and butter. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
  3. Mix 1/2 cup of the cream with the egg yolks in a small bowl. Add to the melted chocolate mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  4. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, continue on by beating 1 1/2 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl on high speed. Beat until soft peaks form. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture and stir just until combined. Pour into loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
  5. To prepare raspberry sauce, combine 6oz of the fresh raspberries with the corn syrup and vanilla extract in a small blender. Process quickly until combined (you still want some chunks of raspberry).
  6. For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Refrigerate or use immediately.
  7. To assemble, slice frozen chocolate mousse and arrange on plates. Dollop a large spoonful of whipped cream onto each slice. Drizzle with raspberry sauce, chocolate syrup and add the remaining fresh berries. ENJOY!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Classic Finishes

Let's talk finishes. I'm an HGTV lover so obviously I am a home expert, and when I say expert I mean I can spout off terms like crown molding, chair rail, his and her sinks, and granite countertops. One of the other finishes homes seem to sport is marble. I thought we should see how we can make this beautiful stone work for us.

Shoptiques, Frnch Marble Print Shirt, $78
Such a sleek top. I'd wear a statement necklace under the collar for maximum impact.

Speaking of a statement necklace. This geometric beauty is monochrome and perfection.

What a fun way to wear marble. I love the neon piping on the side as well.

Asos, Gold Plated Sterling Silver Marbled Stud Earrings, $21
Sometimes marble can look cold, these studs are anything but. Classic and stately with an unexpected metal design.

I know a thing or two about houses because I watch a ton of HGTV, but homes can crossover with trends. marble is a beautiful pattern and stone that can be dressed up or down and styled to fit your needs.

Be fabulous today.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

We have a lovely holiday coming up this weekend. Valentine's Day. If you haven't figured out your outfit, be sure to check out my night in or out looks from last week's All In post. In the meantime I love an excuse to wear hearts, polka dots, you name it. So in honor of V Day, let's look at some hearts.

Who sweet is this sweater? I love the layered look and I love the ombre red to pink hearts.

So classy. This preppy seater is perfect for work or play.

A loose fitting sweater with a ladylike pop of color. What an adorable top.

Modcloth, Poodles of Fun Sweater, $39
Dog lovers rejoice. Fashion, fun, love.

So don't be blue this Valentine's Day. Wear your heart on your sleeve. 

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Brands 101

From time to time The Bf chimes in with blog topic ideas. Today he thought we should look at well known brands that are totally allowed to show off. Stay with me. I didn't get it at first either. Think iconic fashion logos: Calvin Klein, Chanel, Burberry and think about their logos. Some of these timeless brands look great when you wear their...well their brand. Let me explain.

Everyone knows and loves the Gap 1969 logo. I love this vintage looking hoodie that shows it off.

Major sale on these classic gator shades. Talk about feminine.

Levi's, Classic Crewneck, $55
Iconic. Play with this top by adding a plaid collared shirt or black pearls.

Tommy. That all American brand that we all know. Try this nautical stripe with a denim skirt or black slacks for work.

Fashion brands come and go. It's the real classics that we like to wear on our sleeve. Enjoy the advertising because these logos aren't going out of style anytime soon.

Be fabulous today!

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