decking my halls…fa..la…la

Holiday decor{This adorable little twig and glitter wreath is from Bon Bon home}

Happy Wednesday! I know I’m not the only one decking the halls? This is the first year I really think it feels like a lot of work, Geeez!  However, its the kind of work that I love!  I contemplated decorating this year with a theme. Something new and adventuresome…like orange and white with touches of sea shells with a shimmer of gold. Then Myles chimed in and declared, NO! He pleaded for the ornaments all the kids remember through the years while growing up. I’m a total softy with Myles and can’t resist his sweat sentiment. So, here you have it our traditional Christmas decor “its really big on RED.”  To see more click here Continue reading →

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festive champagne cocktail with sorbet

Holiday champagne cocktailOkay, can I be honest? Being a blogger has it’s perks. I mean seriously, I wasn’t about to let Champagne go to waste…and yep, I’m a little tipsy or toasted. I mean it’s 4:00 in the afternoon (always looking for the good light) and besides I can’t share something that I haven’t tried…right?

How cute and colorful did this little afternoon post turn out? I’m loving the vibrant color from the sorbet. You can’t go wrong with Haagen-Dazs raspberry sorbet and well, Champagne makes everything better.  A quick little garnish of mint really brings on the Christmas. The cute little gold confetti napkins can be found here.

Helpful hint…I used a melon scoop to get the right size round and then froze them so they would be ready to go. I think this is the perfect cocktail for a Christmas celebration!  Cheers…or should I say hiccups!  xoxoHoliday champagne cocktailsorbet ballsMint garnishSorbet champagne cocktailChampagne cocktail with sorbetxoxo, Julie

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cheesy asparagus risotto is on the menu

 

cheesy asparagus risottoSo, with the official arrival of cold weather in California, I’m craving some good old comfort food. What I really wanted to make was white cheddar mac and cheese, but I decided to go a little healthier with creamy…cheesy asparagus risotto. Risotto is another one of those grains that can be turned into an entire meal by just adding to it.  This recipe is supper easy and turned out so delicious!  Here are a couple of secretes that make the recipe work perfect.  Use a good dutch oven, like Le Creuset. I’m so smitten with mine that I leave it out on the stove so I can oogle it.  Don’t skimp on cheese. Good cheese is a must, like Tillamook. No pre-shredded package crap…please. Go get comfy and bon appetit!  Smooches xoxocheesy aspargus risottorisottosteamed asparagusjack cheescheesy asparagus risottoxoxo, Julie

Cheesy asparagus risotto

cheesy asparagus risotto

By Julie Published: December 9, 2013

      So, with the official arrival of cold weather in California, I'm craving some good old comfort food. What I really wanted to …

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350~. Using a dutch oven (Le Creuset), brown the pancetta on the stove top, remove the browned pancetta from the dutch oven, drain and set aside. Add the butter and chopped onion to the pan and cooked on med/high until golden brown. Add the rice and 4 cups of the chicken broth. Cover with a lid and place in the oven for 45 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the broth. Clean and cut the asparagus making sure to discard the tough ends. Steam the asparagus about 5 minutes or until tender and set aside. When the rice is cooked, remove the dutch over from the oven and place the pot on the stove top @ med/high heat. Add the 1 cup of reserved chicken broth, the cheese and the asparagus. Stir until creamy and combined. Garnish with crumbled pancetta and two asparagus tops.
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