It was about 10 years ago on Valentine's evening. Our casual, artsy coffee shop had been open for over a year. We served a purely vegetarian menu with baked pita pizzas like the Bella Donna and Artist's Heart. The menu was creative and we were constantly thinking outside the box when bringing flavors and technique together. Devon had been classically French trained under an amazing chef. He brought those techniques to our quaint, three story cafe situated in a historic, antique shopping district. There were days he longed to … [Read more...]
Rose Hashmary Potatoes
By on January 23, 2012 with
Devon was in the kitchen, in his zone, rambling on about this amazing potato hash he wanted to make. I said, "There's something about the word 'hash' that does not sound appealing. I think we should come up with a different name. What's going into the dish?" As he rambled off the ingredients, my daughter piped in and said, "What about Rose Hashmary Potatoes?" We both looked at each other and said, "Perfect!" The ingredients for this dish are simple, but let me just tell you, what Devon does with the preparation creates a rich, … [Read more...]
Hot Hibiscus Happiness
By on January 12, 2012 with
I was in Minnesota just last month with Chris Ann. She picked me up from the airport and whisked me a way to Barbette for a little lunch and catch up time before we started our working weekend. The week before, I had seen a bunch of tweets going out on twitter from the Minnesota bloggers about Hibiscus Happiness or Hot Hibby....some drink they had all shared at Barbette. I have to admit, I was a bit envious. Not only were they sharing this bit of happiness with my bff, but it sounded delicious! As soon as we sat down, … [Read more...]
Hot Molten Lava Cakes
By on January 5, 2012 with
While Kristin was visiting a couple of weekends ago we hosted a dinner party with our husbands. The night before we had been playing poker. (Surprised? It's actually one of our traditions when we are together! We usually play for big stakes too -- like which family has to move to the other's state!) After a memorable dinner served with wine we were a bit too lazy and comfortable to make a proper dessert so we pulled out the "finer" chocolate stash that I had been building from early Christmas gifts. As the cards were dealt … [Read more...]
Holiday Sangria & Savoring The Moment
By on December 22, 2011 with
I have two amazing sister-n-laws that I have made many wonderful memories with. My Colorado sister-n-law has taken me down treacherous 4-wheeling mountain trails in the pelting rain convincing me I could survive the elements and trail. My Chicago sister-n-law Kim, I had a chance to make different type of memory several years ago ~ a little less life threatening. This past Thanksgiving we were remembering one of our favorite Holiday memories together. Our Holiday Sangria Memory ~ A few years ago when Kim's family was … [Read more...]
Chocolate Crack Cookies
By on December 12, 2011 with
We are wrapping up the second annual Cookie Exchange at our table. Today Shaina is joining us! Shaina learned her way around the kitchen on the apron strings of her grandmother. Her blog Food for My Family is a place where you will find treasured family favorites and tips and techniques, with a focus on family. Today she is sharing one of her family favorite with us, Chocolate Crack Cookies. Please join us and link up your favorite recipe HERE. The more the merrier!~ Chris Ann & Kristin ********* Each … [Read more...]
Apricot Rosemary Bars
By on December 11, 2011 with
Any woman who quotes Henri Nouwen and builds her blog around his wise words, is a friend of ours. Henri stated, "hospitality might evoke the image of soft sweet kindness, tea parties, bland conversations and a general atmosphere of coziness...but...if there is any concept worth restoring to its original depth and evocative potential, it is the concept of hospitality." We couldn't agree more! Kamille from Redeeming The Table, not only shared delicious recipes but takes the time to make every guest feel welcomed. We are … [Read more...]
Rum Cookie
By on December 10, 2011 with
"Life is short, eat off the good china" is our next guest's motto. We couldn't agree more! We even like to light candles regardless of what the main dish may be for dinner. Hamburgers by candlelight, anyone? Amy's digital sketch book, ABCD Design, is a place of true inspiration! Whether she's sharing tips on floral design, event styling, interior design or holiday decorating, you will walk away with new ideas for your home and life. We are so glad she's joining us today And please, we'd love for you to join us and too! Link … [Read more...]
Pazookie
By on December 9, 2011 with
Recently we discovered our next guest, Heather at WhipperBerry. We quickly fell in love with her site as we read what she and her contributors blog about: "We blog about life and how to make it beautiful." She's a girl after our own hearts! (Not to mention she's a mama of many, just like us.) Then when she submitted her cookie recipe, it sealed the deal. We are kindred spirits, (even if she doesn' t know it yet.) Please join us and link up your favorite recipe HERE. The more the merrier!~ Chris Ann & Kristin ********* I … [Read more...]
Santa Nutter Butters
By on December 8, 2011 with
Our next guest is a mama extraordinaire! Not only does she craft, travel, compete in triathlons and snowboard, she's also a REAL Orange County wife. She's smart, fun and well, she's adding tons of sparkle to our Holiday Cookie Exchange. We are pleased to introduce our next guest, Kelly from All About Kelly. Oh, and, don’t forget to link up your favorite recipe HERE. ~ Chris Ann & Kristin ********* There's LOTS of holiday baking going on. But, sometimes, you just need to keep things simple (& kid-friendly). These … [Read more...]
