Tis the Season - ♥

A bell's not a bell until you ring it,

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A song's not a song until you sing it,

Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay,

Love isn't love until you give it away.

Oscar Hammerstein II ~

I hope everyone is lighting their fireplaces, baking some cookies, taking a drive to look at the Christmas lights and enjoying this holiday season ♥ !!

Quote - Dr. P.M. Forni (Author of Choosing Civility)

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"The quality of our lives is about treating each other well in every situation. We are all the trustees of one another's happiness and well-being in life."

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Dr. P.M. Forni ~

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(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

The Holiday Season - On Your Mark

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I once read somewhere that women are the ones who "do" the Holiday Season. Let's face it, that is a pretty accurate statement, even with the most helpful husband or partner. The decorating, the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning - before and after - the wrapping, Christmas cards and photos - all organized and executed primarily by women. And it's a tall order too! While most of us enjoy the fruits of this labor, it can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. It's no wonder that in early November I find myself feeling excited and somewhat nerve racked at the thought of what's coming. So... I will take a few deep breaths... and...ready...set...go!!
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Some Of The Things On My To-Do Before Thanksgiving
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Have the carpets and couches cleaned.
Wash walls and touch up paint where needed throughout house.
Clean oven (not looking forward to this).
Order free-range turkey from local farmer.
Buy all clothes needed for myself and kids for the upcoming holidays.
Take a family photo for Xmas card and send it to the printer.
Make Thanksgiving menu for 12.
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That's it for now. How does your list look?
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(Photos Courtesy of Jupter Images)

The Botany of Desire - Michael Pollan

If you get the chance check out the PBS show The Botany of Desire. This special is based on Michael Pollan's book by the same name. It brings Pollan’s exploration of botany and cultural history to life in a wonderful exploration of the four of the most important plants in human history. After watching this show I guarantee you won't view an apple in the same way ever again. Click on the above link to see more!!

Eating Better - New Recipe Tonight

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I've been trying to expand my cooking repertoire of healthier, good tasting, more veggies, less meat dishes. So tonight I'm trying out -- Whole-Wheat Pasta with Pumpkin-Seed and Spinach Pesto. I've had something similar to this before, and liked it, so we will see how it goes.

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Ingredients

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Makes 6 servings

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1 pound dried whole-wheat fusilli pasta
1 cup hulled pumpkin seeds, toasted
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 1/2 ounces baby spinach, packed (2 1/2 cups)
Freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, for serving
Tomatoes, cut into wedges, for serving (optional)

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Directions

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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

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Meanwhile, combine toasted pumpkin seeds, parsley, chives, oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, the lemon zest, and 1 cup baby spinach in a food processor. Season with pepper, and pulse until well combined.

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Toss pasta with pesto mixture. Add reserved cooking liquid, and mix until pasta is well coated. Fold in remaining 1 1/2 cups baby spinach. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Divide among 6 bowls. Top each with a dollop of ricotta, and season with pepper. Serve with tomato wedges if desired.

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Per Serving

538 Calories

16 g unsaturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol

64 g carbohydrate, 635 mg sodium

19 g protein, 8 g fiber

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(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

Friday's Photos - Dreamy Canopy Beds

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There is just something about a canopy bed. When my husband and I went on our honeymoon (many moons ago) we stayed in a huge hotel suite in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with a spectacular view of the snow covered mountains. We were actually upgraded to a much better room, as we could have never afforded such lavish accomodations, at the time. One, of many, amazing amenities in that room was a big beautiful canopy bed. It made our stay all the more magical!!
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Happy Friday!!
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(Photos courtesy of Elle Magazine and Google Search)

Last of the Tomatoes

I just picked the last of the red ripe tomatoes (they smelled so good) from my summer garden - still lots of green ones left for my favorite fried green tomatoes this weekend.

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(above photos copyrighted to me - Sabina DeShazo)

Friday's Photos - Halloween Decor

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Halloween is almost here and I need to get moving in the decoration department. This year we are going with an alien theme for our front porch and I've got lots of ideas of how to make it really spooky!!

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There is a beautiful historic neighborhood, with large turn of the century homes, just a few blocks from my house. Each year the residents throw a huge, and I mean huge, Halloween bash. Hundreds of people show up for the entertainment and fun. Fire jugglers, tarot card readers, and unbelievable decorations and costumes. At least 20 or so houses participate and I can't wait!!

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Happy Friday!!
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(Photos all courtesy of Martha Stewart.com)

Blogging for the Climate - The World Is What We Eat

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Climate Change and Food.

Agricultural production around the world is responsible for nearly as much greenhouse gas emissions as all forms of transportation put together, so it shouldn't be surprising that the food choices we make have a big impact on the climate. From field to fork, an average dinner travels 1,500 miles.

Also, agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate changes. Research suggests that 40 years from now, the impact of climate change will cause 25 million more children to become malnourished. Therefore, the effects of climate change on agriculture and the world’s food supply are likely to be extremely negative.

Although this issue can seem overwhelming we have no choice but to take it seriously, and take action now. President Obama while speaking at United Nations summit in September said that, "Unease is no excuse for inaction." I couldn't agree more!!

United Nation Climate Change Conference takes place in Copenhagen Dec. 7th - 18th.

*In the meantime - buy locally grown food and produce and stay aware of new ideas to support our planets future.

Ways to Eat Locally

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Shop weekly at your local farmers market or farm stand.

Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and get weekly deliveries of the season's harvest.

Buy from local grocers and co-ops committed to stocking local food.

Support restaurants and food vendors that buy locally produced food.

Preserve food from the season — freeze, can, dry — to eat later in the year.

Grow your own food in your yard or community garden plot.

Happy Blog Action Day and don't forget to check out the video below it is very interesting and informative!!

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

Carolyn Steel: How food shapes our cities

Quote from Choosing Civility

"We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace."

Peggy Tabor Millin ~

None of us are perfect, but we can all smile a little more and choose our words and statements a little more carefully. Think of something nice to do for somebody else – or go a little deeper – be kinder to yourself. If we all work at this a little each day - it will make a huge difference in all of our lives! :)

(Photos Courtesy Of Jupiter Images)

Nie Nie, You Rock!!

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I don't know of any of you caught Oprah last week when Stephanie Nielson, of the blog Nie Nie Dialogues, was her guest. Stephanie's story of a life interrupted by a tragic plane accident, and fire, and her on-going recovery is one I have followed closely over the past year. Her blog takes you on an amazing journey of love, family, and devotion. I turned on Oprah not knowing what the show was about that day, but quickly realized that Stephanie Nielson was about to walk onto that stage, and my eyes filled with tears. She has touched the lives of her readers on a daily basis, and is just an amazing woman!! Of course her adoring husband, "Mr. Nielson" as Stephanie refers to him, who himself was burned in the plane crash while trying to rescue her, was sitting next to her, eyes twinkling with love for his beautiful wife. She sums up the Top 10 Moments of the show on her blog - check it out.

Way to go Stephanie!!!

(Photo courtesy of Nie Nie Dialogues)

On the Menu Tonight

On a recent episode of Martha I learned a new way to make roast chicken from executive chef Daniel Humm. He works at the 4 star restaurant - Eleven Madison Park, in New York City. I am always interested and amazed to see how different chefs can take something seemingly ordinary - for example a chicken - and create something completely original and delicious. After all, how many ways can you cook a chicken? The answer is - it depends on the chef.

Roast Chicken with Brioche Stuffing

Serves 4 - Ingredients

1 (3-pound) chicken
Brioche Stuffing
Course salt and freshly ground pepper
5 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 lemon

Directions

Starting from the neck end of the chicken, carefully run your finger under the skin to separate from the meat, leaving it attached in the center to the sternum. Do not tear the skin.
Evenly pipe stuffing under the skin of the legs and breasts. Season inside of chicken with salt; place rosemary and garlic in cavity of bird. Prick lemon all over with the tines of a fork and add to cavity. Truss chicken and transfer to a refrigerator to chill at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken in a roasting pan and transfer to oven. Roast chicken until juices run clear, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and loosely cover with parchment paper-lined aluminum foil. Let stand 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Daniel Humm, Executive Chef A native of Switzerland, Daniel began his formal culinary training at the age of 14. In his late teens, as Executive Chef of Gasthaus zum Gupf in the Swiss Alps, Daniel earned a Michelin Star. In 2003, Daniel moved to the United States as Executive Chef of Campton Place in San Francisco where he immediately received widespread attention, including Four Stars from The San Francisco Chronicle. Three years later, Daniel was selected Executive Chef of Eleven Madison Park. Under Daniel’s leadership, Eleven Madison Park was elevated to Three Stars from The New York Times in January 2007. In 2008, the restaurant won the James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Wine Service,” and was designated Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux. Most recently, Eleven Madison Park received its first ever Four Star review from The New York Times in August 2009.

A Peek At The Menu At Eleven Madison Park

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A P P E T I Z E R S
Heirloom Tomatoes
Salad with Jamón Ibérico, Melons and Fino Verde Basil
Hawaiian Prawns
Roulade with Avocado, Lime and Yogurt
Tête de Cochon
Torchon with Cornichons and Baby Radishes
Foie Gras
Mille-Feuille with Frog Hollow Farm Plums, Umeboshi and Bitter Almonds ($20 supplement)
Knoll Krest Farm Egg
Slow Poached with Anson Mills Farro, Sweet Corn, Frog Legs and Truffles
Lynnhaven Ricotta di Capra
Gnocchi with Violet Artichokes, Taggiasca Olives and Bacon
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F I S H A N D C R U S T A C E A N S
Atlantic Halibut
Seared with Sweet Corn, Summer Radishes and Purslane
Mediterranean Dorade
Pan Roasted with Celeriac Fondant, Tomato Confit and Star Anise
Loup de Mer
Salt Crusted with Tomato Tart, Braised Eggplant and Sauce Amer (for two)
Nova Scotia Lobster
Poached with Lemon Verbena and Flavors of Ratatouille ($20 supplement)

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M E A T A N D P O U L T R Y
Four Story Hill Suckling Pig
Roasted with Chanterelles, Bing Cherries and Mizuna
Dry Aged Black Angus Beef
Bone Marrow Crusted with Greenmarket Beans, Savory and Sauce Bordelaise
Elysian Fields Farm Lamb
Herb Roasted with Petits Farcis Niçois
Milk Fed Poularde
Roasted with Lemon, Rosemary and Summer Truffles (for two)
Grimaud Farms Muscovy Duck
Lavender Honey Glazed with Blueberries, Sweet Corn and Spices (for two)

I'm in heaven!!

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(Photos Courtesy of New York Times, Martha On-line and Me)

Friday's Photos - George Stephanopoulos & Ali Wentworth's D.C. Digs

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Elle Decor has become my new go-to magazine since the departure of domino. When I first saw the cover of May 2009 and then discovered it was George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth's home I did a double take. If anyone watches Oprah they will certainly recognize kooky/funny Alexandra Wentworth and I think everyone knows who George Stephanopoulos is. I was first stunned to find out they were a couple and secondly impressed by their gorgeous home. Ali apparently did a lot of the decoration herself - even painting the lavender swirls on the rug by hand. OK, I'm sold!! Even though I saw this way back in the spring I thought it was worth another look.

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Happy Friday!!

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Resources

Photographed by Simon Upton

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