Sunday, October 30, 2011

ON THE MENU MONDAY~ Week Of October 31, 2011


StoneGable is getting a "spit shine" this week!  We are expecting guests. Three, twenty-something, young married couples are coming for a Lancaster County weekend. I am beyond thrilled.

I can't wait to fuss on and pamper them. They are all young professionals with busy lives... StoneGable is just the place for them to unwind!

I am in the process of getting StoneGable ready for company!

The spent mums are being replaced. Tartan blankets are being thrown over the front porch rockers, big glass jars are being filled with crunchy snacks and sweet treats. Everything is getting a thorough cleaning and seasonal decor will be scattered throughout the house! I am in my element! The balance, for me, is to enjoy the process of preparing for my company WITHOUT wearing myself out! And if truth be told, I do have help. Thank goodness for Katie!

I want these wonderful young people to have a very relaxing and memorable weekend! One filled with great food, fellowship and fun!

Now what's ON THE MENU...




MONDAY~ Soup Day
StoneGable Ham And Bean Soup
Buttermilk Sweet Corn Bread


Recipe: StoneGable Ham And Bean Soup
Don't pass this recipe up as "just another bean soup"! I posted this recipe 2 years ago when I had just started blogging because it is PHENOMENAL!  There is a little secret ingredient that makes this a bean soup extraordinaire... click HERE for recipe and how-to's.


Recipe: Buttermilk Sweet Cornbread
1/2 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup white cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8 inch pan.

In a large bowl, beat eggs and add sugar and combine. Stir in butter.
Combine buttermilk and baking soda and stir into egg/sugar/butter mixture.

In a separate bowl combine cornmeal, flour and salt.  Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients in thirds.

Pour batter into pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean when tested.

Printable Recipe


TUESDAY
Pan Seared Scallops In A Lemon Wine Reduction
Wilted Spinach With Vinegar
StoneGable Homemade Rice-A-Roni




Recipe: Pan Seared Scallops In A Lemon Wine Reduction
1 1/2 lbs, large dry sea scallops ( wet scallops are treated with extra water and chemicals and don't brown well)
1/2 cup flour (Wegman's pan searing flour is fantastic- you can just dust the scallops with it)
dusting of paprika
1 TBS good olive oil
1TBS butter
juice of 1 lemon
2/3 cup white wine

Using a paper towel, pat scallops dry. Put scallops on a paper towel lined tray or sheet pan to further wick moisture.

Put 1/2 cup flour in a bowl and roll scallops individually in flour to coat.  Place on an unlined tray or sheet pan.
Heat frying pan and add oil and butter. Heat, on high, until bubbly ( it is okay to see a little smoke).  Add scallops, do not crowd.  Dust withpaprika.  


Sear on high heat until golden brown, 3-5 minutes. With tongs, turn scallops and continue to sear until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. DO NOT OVERCOOK- or they will be tough.
Remove from pan to a plate and cover.  Scallops will continue to cook. 

To make a yummy reduction, using the delicious brown bits left in the pan:
Turn off heat and add wine and lemon.  Stir up brown bits. Turn heat back on high and let reduce by half.
Plate scallops and spoon reduction over them.  Serve immediately.
Printable Recipe

Recipe: StoneGable Homemade Rice-A-Roni
Yummy and so much better than the box!
3/4 cups rice
1/2 cup angel hair pasta, broken into pieces
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 TBS oil
1 TBS butter
2 3/4 cups hot water
2 chicken bullion cubes (or more if you like a real hearty chicken flavor)
2 TBS chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add rice and pasta. Cook until slightly browned.

Meanwhile, add bullion to hot water and dissolve. When rice is slightly browned, add water and put a lid on the skillet. Cook until gently simmering. Cook about 20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice and pasta are soft. You may need to add a little extra water if it gets too dry. Take off heat and add parsley.

WEDNESDAY
Roasted Turkey Breast With Root Vegetables
Mashed Potaotes


THURSDAY
Pasta With Artichoke Pesto And Tomatoes
Ceasar Salad


Recipe: Pasta With Artichoke Pesto And Tomatoes
1/2 large bag of Festoni or other gourmet pasta
1 jar of Artichoke pesto
1/2 bag frozen artichokes
12-15 small tomatoes
olive oil
kosher salt
basil, chopped
Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Kalamata olives (didn't have any, but if I did they would be delicious in this)
Add-in's (I had some grilled onions and red peppers in the frig and used them)

Cook pasta according to instructions and drain.

Meanwhile, put 1 TBS olive oil in a small skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add artichokes and cook until slightly brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until the they burst and deflate a little, about 5-7 minutes.

When pasta is done put it in a large bowl. Add the jar of Artichoke Pesto and mix. Add artichokes and tomatoes. Mix. If needed add a little more olive oil or a little pasta water. Add cheese or other add-in's and mix. 

Plate. Sprinkle with chopped basil.

FRIDAY
Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Halushki

Recipe: Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
2 pork tenderloins
3 TBS olive oil
3 cloves garlic, pressed
salt and pepper
1 onion, sliced
1/4 cup good white wine
1 TBS balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup apricot preserves

Rub tenderloins with 2 TBS olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper. Let marinade for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large dutch oven, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until just starting to brown.

Add pork tenderloin and brown on all sides.

Add wine and scrape up all brown bits. Add apricot preserves and stir to combine. Spoon liquids over the pork.

Put in a 400 degree oven and roast, basting 2-3 times for 20-25 minutes, until done.

Rest for 10 minutes, cut and serve with onions and pan sauce.

Recipe: Halushki
This is a nod to my Hungarian roots. I remember this as a child! Wonderful, filling and so flavorful! Don't pass this up!  This is not rocket science, so the cabbage to noodle ratio is up to you. If you have more or less of noodles or cabbage, it really doesn't matter

1 large head cabbage, thinly cut into 1/4-1/2 inch strips
1 large onion, chopped 
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 large bag fine noodles, cooked and drained
2 TBS butter
salt and pepper
cottage cheese.

Heat  oil in skillet. Add thinly sliced cabbage and onion. Salt and pepper liberally.Saute until cooked through and slightly browned.
Add cooked noodles and continue to saute. You may need to add a little extra vegetable oil. Add butter and stir it through.

Plate haluski and add a generous dollop of cottage cheese. So yummy!


SATURDAY~ COMPANY'S COMING
Smoked Beef Brisket
Muffin Pan Potato Au Gratin Stacks
Braised Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Shallots
Harvest Salad
Cherries Jubilee

Recipe: Muffin Pan Potato Au Gratin Stacks
Look for these on Foodie Friday. These are so yummy, easy and fun!

Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Shallots
Even if you don't like Brussels Sprouts, I bet you will like these! They are caramelized and then braised in bacon fat, wine and good chicken stock. Then covered with Panko and cheese and baked~ YUMMY!
1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts, cut in half
8 slices bacon, cut into cubes
1 small shallot, chopped
salt and pepper
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 cups good chicken stock
1 TBS good white wine
Parmesan cheese
panko bread crumbs
2 sprigs of fresh thyme


Preheat oven 350 degrees.
In a large ovenproof pan, add bacon and render fat, about 3-4 minutes. Add shallots and cook for 3 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and cook on each side until caramelized. Add thyme and cook for an additional minute.


Add chicken stock until Brussels sprouts are half covered and cook gently for 10 minutes, covered.
Add wine and cook for another minute or two.


Toss bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together and sprinkle over Brussels sprouts. Put in oven and cook until the dish is hot and crispy.

SUNDAY~ COMPANY LUNCH
Beef And More Beef Barley Soup In The Slow Cooker
Artisan Bread
Assorted Cheeses
Grapes, Apples and Oranges

After Church we will all gather around the table for a big hearty bowl of soup and some great bread, cheeses and fruit!

Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef And More Beef Barley Soup
I just LOVE this soup. It is easy and full of great meaty flavor! This will become one of your favorites too! 
2 lbs beef lean stew beef cut into small cubes, about 1/2 inch
1 cup chopped onion
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
3/4-1 cup barley
1 bay leaf
8- 10 cups beef broth
1/2 cup good dry red wine
salt and pepper
olive oil


In a large skillet heat oil to medium heat. Add onion an celery. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker. Add a little more oil and add beef cubes. Brown on all sides. Add to slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredient to the slow cooker, cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours.




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NOW  WHAT'S ON YOUR MEMU...

I can't wait to see all of your delicious dishes. Thank you for joining ON THE MENU MONDAY! 

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~Make sure you have a link back to ON THE MENU MONDAY on your post.
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SUNDAY SCRIPTURE~ OCTOBER 30, 2011



Shout joyfully to God.
How awesome are Your works.
Ps 66: 1,3

Friday, October 28, 2011

FALL FRONT DOOR




The front door at StoneGable got a little face lift. 

It used to look like this...



Now it looks like this...




A new coat of paint, new door handle, new lock and new Autumn decor gives StoneGable a fresher look!

The door color is "almost black". The photography makes it look bluer that it really is.  I would have loved to add a silver, chrome or brushed nickle door handle and lock, but I could not part with my brass welcome medallion from Charleston. 

I have a love of wreaths and an even greater obsession with making them.  I wanted a light colored wreath for the door~ and whipped this one up. It was so easy. Next week look for the tutorial.






I wonder how this wreath will look snow covered? We are expecting up to 6 inches of snow tomorrow!

I am joining Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescapers


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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Autumn High Tea



High Tea and good friends are a perfect fit!

My friend Cathy had a milestone birthday recently. My gift to her was a High Tea at StoneGable for her and 5 friends of her choosing. 

Yesterday, StoneGable dressed in Autumn finery, opened it's doors and hosted 6 of the most special and beautiful women I know!










The inspiration for the High Tea were these stunning tea cups! Last year on a fall trip to Southampton I happened upon a store brimming with dinnerware and a more than fabulous sale!

I brought home lovely high end cups and saucers, all in blues and rusts. Here are just a couple...

Each tea cup and saucer were originally priced over $100.00... but I got each one for $5.00! Yes, I promise that is the truth! Sounds like a tall tale.. later I found out this store went out of business and this was their final close-out sale. I call that perfect timing!











The table continued the rust, blue and white theme of the tea cups.  I adore these hues together and decided to amp up the color for this tea party!













Each place was set with a stack of rust and blue plates with white as an accent!

You might recognize both blue floral dishes. The bottom dinner plate has been used in many tablescapes (HomeGoods). 

The blue and white dessert plate is Mikasa Indigo Bloom, a beautiful line of Mikasa dinnerware!








The bottom rust plate is used as a charger (HomeGoods) and the square rust accent plate from Pier 1 adds texture and interest to the stack.















I LOVE the shape of these sweet bowls. The pedestal is so delicate! 







A bittersweet napkin ring encircles the little sherbet dish and adds some of nature's beauty! 

SG TIP: use lots of "sticks and twigs" to add interest to your table!








Rust napkins that look almost like raw silk have such a pretty warm brown ruffled edge (Pier 1). These napkins remind me of a taffeta ball gown








The napkin rings are a plume of soft rust feathers (Pier 1). They work so well with the napkins to bring elegance and a touch of whimsy to the table.









Water goblets in shocking cobalt blue (Pier 1) give this table a big splash of color!  The shape of these goblets are very simple! The color says it all!












Little stout white tea pots (Reading China And Glass) sit on blue willow plates. Each lady could choose her own tea flavor from my tea box. Keeping the tea pots all the same preserves an already busy table from getting too overwhelming! 


A French Leaf is put under each pot to catch any drips!









Vintage silver plated flatware give a sense of formality to the Tea Table!









Each place had their own little coblat vase of garden flowers. There is something so girly about a little vase of flowers of your very own!








The center of the table is filled with garden mums, marigold and salvia as well! They spill out of a large toile planter (HomeGoods) in a very casual just-picked manner.








Big rust mercury glass globes (HomeGoods)  literally sparkle with candlelight!

I like candles on a table even in broad daylight! They make everything look better!








The pretty blue and white salt and pepper shaker sit on a toile plate (Old Millhouse Shoppe).














The table is set and ready for High Tea! Did you know that High Tea got it's name from the height of the table tea was served on and not the formality of the event? It's true!







THE MENU
Assorted Teas

Savories
Cream Of Mushroom Soup
Pimento Cheese Roll Ups
Orange Poppyseed Mini Muffins With Ham And Honey Mustard Butter
Chicken Cashew Salad In Phyllo Cups
Mimi Quiche Lorraine
Endive Spears With Bleu Cheese, Toasted Pecans, Oranges And A Balsamic Reduction Drizzle

Scones
StoneGable Sour Cream Scones
Whipped Clotted Cream
Lemon Curd
Blueberry Jam

Sweets
Chocolate Mousse In Chocolate Cups
Chocolate Chip Shortbreads
Pecan Tarts
Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies




Remember to 

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

HARVEST IN THE HUTCH



The little built-in corner hutch in my dining room changes with the seasons



This Autumn I was inspired by 4 pumpkin tureens I purchased last year.

These pretty pumpkins were on sale at HomeGoods for $3.00 a piece! I scooped them up right away. I took the only 4 they had! I love a good bargain! 







So I took my cue from the  soft colors in the pumpkins and embellished my small hutch with whites, greens and browns... and quiet variations of these colors.




I kept it simple and let the mix of organics and dishes play together.

The look is clean and tidy with a sense of symmetry and calm.




Little touches of Fall in a stack of leaf bowls.









One of my favorite SG tricks is to stack cups and add a little something. Here, a stripped gourd nests in white porcelain cabbage cups.




The dishes on the wall to the left of the hutch belonged to my grandmother, Nani. I must get my love for dishes honestly!



These sweet little pumpkin tureens will tarry here until right after Thanksgiving... unless they are called into service for a tablescape




I am participating in WOW US WEDNESDAY at Savvy Southern Style/

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