MANDARIN PASTA SPINACH SALAD WITH ASIAN DRESSING

This salad is super tasty with a robust Asian dressing and a mixture of fruits, vegetables and pasta.  I even added some shredded cooked chicken to give it some added protein.  It was a wonderfully tasty, light and healthy dinner!

Serves  4

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. bowtie or shell pasta

4 cups spinach leaves

½ cup craisins

1 small can mandarin oranges, drained

1/3 cup cashews, pines nuts or sunflower seeds

¼ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded

DRESSING INGREDIENTS: 

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (the thicker, the better)

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 Tbsp. sugar

½ cup canola oil

DIRECTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water.  Set aside.  

While pasta is boiling, prepare the dressing.  In a jar combine all dressing ingredients.  Cover and shake to combine.  Chill until ready to use. 

In a large bowl, toss together all of the salad ingredients.  Just before serving, pour dressing over salad, toss and serve.   Looking forward to leftovers for lunch tomorrow....so good!

Enjoy!

adapted from: Creme De La Crumb

FAUX BRICK WALL

I've been looking forward to working on this project for some time now.....to see it finished is really gratifying.   This is the main wall of my work studio.  Since I'm creating an "industrial" feel, I knew I wanted one of the walls to be a brick wall.  I had looked at a lot of different options to create the look and determined the easiest one was to use the faux brick panels you can purchase at Home Depot or Lowes.  We opted for the Home Depot just a couple miles from us; we needed a total of 7 (6 and a partial) panels.  My husband managed the panels on his own.  Fortunately, most of the panels could be nailed up without any cuts.  We have two outlets and  a soffit covering the main beam on that wall, which created the need for a shorter panel and two openings for the outlets.

I chose the panels with red brick and grey grout lines.  They also have an option of red brick with black grout, but that didn't look very authentic to me.  I don't know that I've ever seen a brick wall or building with black grout?

My job was the painting.  I took the time after the panels were in place, to add some texture/color to the bricks. They were a little too "perfect".  I wanted them to have variegated color like true brick, so I added some beige, brown, and sage green.   The beige is actually the wall paint color and brown and sage green are my accent colors.

It took me some time to find the right technique.  I used a blotting technique with a paint brush (completely ruining the brush by the end of the process!) which created the look I wanted.   I placed the tip into the paint, then wiped it on a piece of paper towel to remove the excess, then dabbed the brush on the brick, very similar to the dobbing technique when stencilling.   I also went back and caulked the seam lines and painted over them to try to camouflage them a bit better....you couldn't see them from about 15 feet away, but the minute you walked closer to the wall you could see them, and it really bothered me.

Both the top and the bottom of the wall will have a wide white trim/moulding (you can actually see the top piece is in place in the picture above) as finishing.

Next up is the floor.  We're attempting something else we've never done before and that's a "painted" concrete floor.  It should be just the right look.  Throw down a couple of area rugs here and there and it should be great!   I'll share some pics of that project in the near future.

BACON WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

I was first introduced to these hors d'oeurves a few weeks ago at a wedding.  They were tucked away on a table with a few other appetizers that were served during cocktail hour.  Later that evening I asked the coordinator what they were and was shocked when she told me it was a date stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon.  They were absolutely delicious!  I had never tasted anything like it.   A few days later I started looking for recipes, not thinking I would find anything, but to my surprise there were several out there.

Since that time, I've made them twice.  Once for a dinner party and the other for Super Bowl Sunday. I learned after the first time to cook them a bit longer, and stuff them a bit fuller and they were fabulous.  In fact, they're downright addictive!  What's even better....you can make them ahead of time and then pop them in the oven about 20 minutes before you're ready to serve them.

INGREDIENTS:

24 Pitted Dates 

8 strips thick bacon ( I used a variety that had a maple flavoring)

4 oz. goat cheese (you'll have a bit leftover)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut a strip of bacon in thirds.  Slice the date lengthwise.  Add a small dollop of cheese to the date; close tightly and wrap with bacon securing with a wooden toothpick.  

Bake for ten minutes.  Flip the dates over and continue to cook for another ten minutes.  

Serve hot out of the oven.  

Enjoy!

recipe c/o:  www.motherthyme.com

ACCENT WALL

I had been exploring the idea of an accent wall in my office for some time, scouring online posts and Pinterest for some of the creative solutions others had come up with for their own homes.  I came across the look of a wall with all-over bold stencils done with tone-on-tone paint and kept coming back to it.  It was beautiful and subtle at the same time.  Something I could live with for a long time.

I wasn't disappointed.  In fact, I am in love with the final result.  When you come down the stairs it catches your attention.  A true statement wall.

First, I had to choose the color.  I have come to love the color green....all shades actually; this particular shade is called dusty miller.  I purchased a gallon of flat and a complimentary metallic paint for the stencil.   They came from two different companies, (flat from Glidden, metallic from Ralph Lauren) but the "paint chips" looked like a good match.   A female Home Depot Rep was my second opinion. :)

Timing allowed me to tell the contractors not to texture that wall since I knew from previous experience that stenciling a textured wall is tough and the results are less than perfect.

I found the stencil at Royal Designs Studio.  I wanted a large pattern, simple in design, but bold in how it would transform the wall.  This Moroccan style stencil was just the ticket!

They have an extensive selection of stencils, and tools.  They also have some awesome videos and blogs on tips and tricks.  I was glad I took the time to watch one since it helped me with the technique of loading the roller with paint and "off-loading" before I applied the paint to the stencil.  I learned they key is having very little paint on the roller.    It worked like a charm.

My husband painted the wall with the flat paint, and I did the stenciling. I did it over the course of several days, in between other projects.  The total amount of time I would estimate at about 4 hours.

That includes cleaning the stencil and touching up any "bleed through" (which was very minor) after the fact.  I also found the blue tape sometimes pulled the flat paint off the wall.  Kind of curious that it did so, but easily remedied with a small brush and a cup of the flat paint.

As with any wall, there were a few challenging spots along the way.  Based upon the repeat pattern, those areas which required only a "partial" stencil were awkward to tape and press and roll all at the same time.   But all-in-all, it went well...better than I expected actually.

I can't wait to see what my office looks like with the furniture in its place and some artwork on my beautiful new accent wall!  We can see the light at the end of the tunnel now....the contractors are just about finished, which leaves us with the floor and trim work before we can begin "moving in".

LIMONCELLO TIRAMISU

We first experienced Limoncello on our trip to Italy several years ago.  A unique lemon liquer produced mainly in southern Italy.  When I began the hunt for a dessert recipe for this weekend's dinner party, I somehow stumbled across this twist on the classic Tiramisu (which I love, by the way) using Limoncello instead of Kahlua.    Well, twist my arm.....I'll give it a go!

This was so yummy!  Tangy and lemony.  Just a wonderful dessert, that your guests will absolutely love!

If you've made a classic tiramisu, you know it takes some time.....this one had me testing my skills along the way, but was well worth the effort.  One of the layers calls for lemon curd.  To save you some trouble, you probably can't find it in the grocery......and, in case you're wondering, the lemon pie filling that you will find on the shelf, is not the same as lemon curd (I learned that as I googled "Is lemon filling the same as lemon curd?", while standing in the baking aisle of the third grocery store I visited).  But, don't fret, making lemon curd was surprisingly easy.  (I also googled lemon curd recipes while in the grocery)

Tip:  Make the lemon curd first, allowing it to cool while you start assembling the rest of the dessert. 

Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS:

*For the Ricotta filling:

• 32 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1½ cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp. Limoncello

*the classic tiramisu uses mascarpone cheese which can be pretty pricey, while this recipe used ricotta instead.  Ricotta is definitely cheaper, but still had a creamy flavor.

For the Limoncello soaked Lady Fingers

• 1½ cups water
• 1½ cups Limoncello
• 1 ½ lbs. lady fingers (approximately 40)

This step has you diluting the limoncello, which absolutely makes sense since it is a very strong liquer.  The original recipe called for 2 cups limoncello and 2 cups water.  I had way too much liquid leftover...so I'm recommending cutting that down by a ½ cup.  Hate to waste Limoncello!

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 Tbsp. sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1.  In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, confectioner's sugar, zest and 1 Tbsp. Limoncello.  Mix to combine.  Set aside.

2.  In a medium sized pot, bring water and Limoncello to a simmer.  Keep at a simmer for five minutes.  Remove from heat and pour into a shallow heat safe dish and allow to cool for five minutes.

3.  Dip the lady fingers halfway into the warm Limoncello mixture and line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with the soaked lady fingers.  Once the bottom is covered with lady fingers, spread the ricotta mixture over the top.

4.  Place another row of soaked lady fingers on top of the ricotta mixture

5.  Spread the lemon curd on top of the lady fingers

6.  Place a final row of soaked lady fingers on top of the lemon curd

7.  Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip together the cream and sugar until soft peaks form

8.  Spread the whipped cream over the top of the lady fingers

9.  Refrigerate for at least four hours.  Preferably overnight.  Serve chilled. 

recipe adapted from:  abeautifulbite.com

LEMON CURD

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups fresh lemon juice (I used the bottled version)
• 2 Tbsp. grated lemon zest 
• 1½ cups sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

In a 6 quart saucepan, combine all the ingredients.  Cook over medium low heat until first bubbles appear on the surface.  About 6 minutes.  The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.  

recipe c/o:  All recipes.com

CREAMY NEW POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS

I decided that I really need to work on getting better at eating veggies.  I know there are wonderful nutrients to be had in vegetables,  and generally they are very low in calories; they're just not at the top of my favorite food list.  So, this year I'm attempting to find some good recipes that will allow me to enjoy them more often.

This particular recipe is really tasty and even better it's a crockpot recipe.  So, you know what that means....easy, easy, easy!!  It was ready in just under 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds new potatoes, halve any large ones

12 oz. fresh or frozen whole green beans

*1 can condensed cream of celery soup 

3/4 cup water

2-4 Tbsp. Dijon style mustard

3/4 tsp. dried dill weed

* to "lighten up" the recipe, use the reduced-fat and reduced sodium version 

DIRECTIONS:

Place potatoes and green beans in a slow cooker.  Combine soup, water, mustard and dill weed.  Pour over the veggies; gently stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours.  Gentle stir before serving.    Enjoy!!

Thanks to:  bettycrocker.com for the recipe

BATHROOM VANITY

I'm having so much fun being totally involved in the basement finish for my new studio!

I was able to make the best transforming a piece of the basement in our old house into a studio/workshop for myself, but I worked with what we had done to finish the place when our daughter was a toddler.  This time, I'm deciding everything....from where I want a closet, to electrical placement, to each of the components of the finished bath, the walls, floor, etc.   It's a kick-in-the-pants!, and so far, it's coming together just as I imagined.

One of the projects that I wanted to have a hand in (literally) was the bathroom.  First off, I'm thrilled that we decided to invest in a bathroom, so both my clients and I can take advantage of it as needed. We didn't take the time to do this in our old basement, so this is going to be a real treat!

I've always loved the look of vessel sinks and I knew that's what I wanted down there.  I also wanted the sink to sit on top of a special piece of furniture.  I looked at buying something at one of the local box furniture shops, but decided to buy an old dresser at the ARC store ($15) and refinish it myself.

BEFORE

The entire area is going to have an "industrial" feel, and the bathroom is no exception.  Since I've played around with several furniture distressing projects in the past, I thought this look would fit right in with my vision.

The top two dresser drawers were converted to "false" drawers to allow the plumber to do his thing with the water lines to the faucet.   The bottom drawer is functional; allowing for towel, and toilet paper storage.


I found a really beautiful turquoise spray paint color and took to painting the dresser after a light sanding.   After I laid the initial color down, I painted on some black, tan, and grey to "age" the piece.

I chose to add some stenciling to the drawers using white and grey paint.  Finally, I picked up two new crystal flower knobs at Hobby Lobby for the top drawer, since I didn't like the size (too small) or look of what was originally on there.  They're just the right touch and compliment the existing pulls just great.

I am absolutely thrilled with the final outcome!  The white vessel sink I purchased is just perfect for this piece.  We're probably 2 ½ weeks out before the bathroom will be finished and we can put this little beauty in place....but I just had to share!