Salsa Garden

So how's the gardening going?

It's not too late you know.  In fact, 2 short weeks ago, we had a dusting of snow!

Now that's crazy!  Luckily, I was in Miami at the food blogging conference...not so lucky for my husband because I frantically called and asked him to cover all the flowers and veggies I had planted.  Everything survived!  But, if you haven't taken the plunge into gardening yet...it isn't too late!

How about just creating a Salsa Garden?

You will need the following plants:

Cilantro needs its own space in the garden where you can harvest it and then let it go to seed.  When long flower stalks appear, as it gets too warm, you will begin to see the seeds which are coriander seeds.  A dual purpose plant!

Plant a variety of tomatoes.  They will need a warm, sunny (at least 8 hours) spot and will need support as they grow.  A really easy plant to have in the garden.

Jalapeno Peppers are a must for salsa!  They too love the sun and like to be wet, but not too wet.  I know, what's not too wet?  Just keep moist.

Garlic Chives provide that extra fresh taste in salsa.  Garlic chives prefer full sun, but can be grown in the shade.

I love how Bonnie Plants organized their salsa garden.

All you need now are the tortilla chips!  I'll share my famous salsa recipe when I have some tomatos from my garden.

Get planting!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Soap Making 101 - Lavender Almond Soap

I have been dying to make my own soap!

Over the years, the soap bars from the grocery store just don't smell right to me anymore.

I started purchasing soap bars from little boutiques or shops that actually make their own soap.

The fragances of those soaps are so good and I tend to linger even longer in the shower...husband thinks I drain the water heater due to my lingering...not possible?!  Right?

As much as I love those soaps, they can be pricey.  So, I decided to try my hand at making my own soap.

And this is what I got...Lavendar Almond Soap

Are you impressed?

I still am!

A gift idea?  Most definetely!  Or just keep them for yourself!

Wait til you see how easy!

I followed the recipe from Seven Clown Circus.

You can find all the ingredients at your local arts and crafts store.

Place 8 cubes (chopped into smaller pieces) of Goat’s Milk Soap Suspension Formula in microwave safe bowl and melt in microwave approximately 1-1/2 minutes on high. 

Add approximately 40 drops of sweet almond oil soap extract.  I like a stronger scent, so I used more drops of oil.

Add 1/4 cup oatmeal that has been lightly blended in blender to make grains smaller.

Add 1/4 cup dried lavender buds.  (I used some from last year's garden, but you can get them at the store.)

Mix ingredients in microwave safe bowl and pour into soap molds.  This recipe fills two square molds and makes 2 nice sized bars of soap.

Allow to harden and then pop out of mold.

The fragrance is AMAZING!!!

But, I have a disclaimer...don't hold me responsible for your water bill because your showers/baths will be so much longer...not responsible!

Go on, give it a try.

Enlist your kiddos to help and then you can give them as gifts or just be selfish and keep them.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Linking up with Skip to My Lou, Lady Behind the Curtain,
Wine and Glue, The New Mrs Adventures, Gingersnap Crafts,
Design Dining and Diapers, I Heart Naptime,
The Mandatory Mooch, Six Sisters Stuff, 
Natasha in Oz, Cooking On The Front Burner,
No Biggie and The 36th Avenue.

South Walton Culinary Showcase

So are you tired of hearing about Blogher Food Miami 2014?

Pretend you aren't...promise, last post about it and I won't disappoint you.

I was so fortunate to be invited to the South Walton Culinary Showcase!
What a treat they had in store for us!!!
But, let me tell you a little more about South Walton...which is actually one of my most favorite places in Florida!  South Walton is located in the panhandle of Florida's Gulf Coast.  The sand is like sugar and squishes between your toes...the water is crystal clear in all shades of blue.  Let me show you...

Is South Walton gorgeous or what?  Our (my husband, daughters and of course, me) favorite destination, in South Walton, is Seaside, Florida.  We try to get down there every other year or so.  It is our family's happy place...pure relaxation and beauty.

So when I found out that I had been invited to the South Walton Culinary Showcase, I was a teeny, tiny bit excited!  Who am I kidding?  I WAS THRILLED!  And the evening did not disappoint.

The South Walton Culinary Showcase was held at the Perez Art Museum Miami.  A very hip place to be!

We were treated to a speciality drink called No. 850 which was very good.

Next, three guest chefs prepared to die for appetizers.  The seafood lover in me was extremely happy.

We had "Seared Florida Blue Crab Cakes with jicama and candied ginger slaw" prepared by the Executive Chef Michael Guerra from The Pearl of Rosemary Beach.
"Seared Gulf Shrimp with fingerling potato, salad, chili and salumi mostarda and a kalamata paint prepared by the Executive Chef Kevin Korman from Caliza in Alys Beach.
And, Executive Chef Dan Vargo of Seagars in Destin treated us to an "Emerald Coast Duo of Tartare with citrus and herb-marinated tuna and snapper with fork crushed avocado, citrus salsa and crisp tortilla."
Each had such unique flavor combinations that really tantalized your taste buds!  D-e-e-e-l-icious!!!

Meanwhile, we mingled and enjoyed the view from the Perez Art Museum Miami all while listening to music performed by musicians of South Walton.  Is that not cool or what?

We also had the opportunity to participate with a South Walton artist to create a masterpiece.  I was an observer, paint and me would equal a mess. :)

We were then all seated at beautifully set tables and the star treatment continued with dinner and dessert.  Dinner included a Pinot Noir Braised Beef Bourguignon with mashed potatoes and mushrooms followed by Rum Baba and Poached Pears served with vanilla chantilly and spiced rum syrup.

Don't you feel like you were there?
Thanks for humoring me and following along with the event.  Can you tell I had fun?
What an awesome evening and thank you so much to South Walton.
My favorite place and I'd bet it would be yours too!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Flavors of Miami

As you know, I am a former Floridian and grew up in the Ft. Lauderdale area.

I loved visiting the Miami area like South Beach and Bayside.  And of course, my favorite South Florida restaurant is Joe's Stone Crab...THE ONLY place to get THE BEST stone crabs...
the Chicago Joe's Stone Crab just isn't the same.
But, like all things...Miami has had lots of changes.  All ones that make it even more fabulous!
Miami has quite a few new areas.

One is the Wynwood Art District filled with grafitti art, museums and trendy restaurants.  There is even an app called Wynwood Tour Guide.  With the app, you can discover murals by searching for a particular artist, learn about artists and their murals and there is even a map that shows the location of each grafitti style mural.  What a great way to experience all the outdoor art that Miami's Wynwood Art District has to offer.

Another is The Shops of Mary Brickell Village.  Located to the West of Biscayne Boulevard, there is quite an array of shops and restaurants to leisurely explore.  I got that opportunity while at Blogher Food 2014.
It was a beautiful day and great for just soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many restaurants' outdoor seating areas.

I just love all the climbing bougainvillea!

 
One of the break out sessions at the conference was a kitchen demo all about the Flavors of Miami.

Meseidy of The Noshery and Carla of Cuban Cuisine really gave us a taste of Miami's spicy, cultural background.  Talk about eating!  We sampled so many unbelievably tasty items.  I so wish I had taken more pictures, but I was feverishly writing down recipes and licking my fingers.  We tried Cuban shredded pork, plantains, shrimp on skewers with pineapple and guava syrup and empanada pockets filled with cream cheese and guava.  See what I am talking about?  Finger licking good!  I am going to try quite a few of their recipes and share them later this summer.  Thanks so much to Meseidy and Carla for sharing their secrets!

One of the first things I think of when I think of Cuban cuisine is plantains.  Not only are they easy to prepare, but they have wonderful nutritional value.  Check these out...

Yum!
 I learned, from Meseidy and Carla, that green plantains are more starchy and are usually served salted.  The yellow plantains tend to be more sweet and can be used as dessert.

So to make savory, fried plantains, here's what you need to do...

2-3 plantains

vegetable oil

sea salt

Cut off each end of the plantain.  Score and then peel.  Heat 1/4 inch amount of oil in a large fry pan.  Diagonally slice up the plantains.  When the oil is hot, carefully add the plantain slices.  Fry for about 3 minutes, then flip.  Remove from oil.  Place on a flat surface and flatten each plantain slice.  Salt each side of plantain and then return to hot oil.  Fry for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.  Remove each slice to a paper towel to drain.  Sprinkle with a little more sea salt and serve.

Plantains printable recipe

These are such a good side dish with rice and beans.  If you prefer a sweeter version, use a yellow plantain and follow the same process...minus the salt.  Then they could be served over ice cream, kind of like bananas foster style.  Just add brown sugar and rum.  That would be soooo good!

I am loving the flavors of Miami and why not bring a little Miami to your kitchen!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Featured on Summer Side Dishes at Wine and Glue.

Linking up with Your Homebased Mom, Ginger Snap Crafts,
Wine and Glue, Lady Behind the Curtain, Six Sisters Stuff,
I Heart Naptime, Stone Gable Blog, The Mandatory Mooch,
This Gal Cooks, The New Mrs Adventures, No Biggie
Design Dining and Diapers and Skip to My Lou.

Blogher Food 2014 Miami Favs

So, I am finally getting myself back into routine and can look back on all things Blogher Food 2014.

Not only was I going, but I went and it was sooo much fun!

This is the view I woke up to every morning in Miami...

Wow!

And the view when I went to sleep...

The staff at Hilton Miami Downtown was wonderful!
Of course, I forgot things and they quickly came to my aid.

Here's what happens at these kind of blogger gatherings...eating, networking, eating, making new blogging friends, eating, receiving tons of swag, information building and did I mention eating?  So much delicious and fun food from the bottle of wine given out by Aldi, as you first arrived at the conference, to the receptions...a foodie heaven!

The swag was FABULOUS!

And I know you are dying to know...it all fit in my carry-on suitcase squished in with my clothes, including the cast iron skillet that isn't in the pic.  Couldn't leave any of those goodies behind.  Although, the "friendly" TSA agent took away my corkscrew.  :( Apparently that is an unacceptable carry-on item.  Who knew?

Here are some of my favorite swag items.

Oh my, these are so good! Brownie Brittle is out of West Palm Beach.  If you are someone who loves the the crunchy edges of brownies (me) then you will love this snack treat.  The crunchy chocolate flavoring will totally satisfy your sweet tooth without all the saturated fat! Brownie Brittle comes in many flavors, but I have to say my favorite is the chocolate chip.  YUM!

Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, a personal favorite!  Not only do they come in roll form, but also in slices.  I LOVE using the slices for making my Hawaiian French Toast with toasted coconut and coconut syrup. Go Pupule with Kings Hawaiian, they have that sweet, tropical taste that is perfect for summer or anytime you want that Hawaiian vibe!

And the food...BAILEYS® Coffee Creamer had iced coffee CONSTANTLY to keep you going and all these delicious little treats!  They were little so I figured I could have many to equal 1 big one.  I think that works, don't you?  Make sure to check out BAILEYS® Coffee Creamer for lots of recipe ideas.  I know I will be.

See what I mean about the food?  Lots of it!!!  Presentation...awesome!  I have to admit, I started at the dessert table one evening.  No one was watching...?  Again, little sizes so lots were aok.

But the best part of the blogging conference was meeting new blogging friends that are so willing to share blogging tips and tricks.
I so enjoyed hanging out and talking with Angie of Mother's Apron Strings who has a blog with tons of easy to make recipes.  She is a mother of 5, easy is her key in the kitchen!  I also met Jacque of
Cooking with Jacque.  She has wonderful ideas using microgreens that I can't wait to try!  Lisa of
Cook Eat Paleo creates simple recipes for gluten-free, grain free living.  Her photography is phenomenal and she had some great photography tips to share.  I also met Taylor of Food Faith Fitness.  She is adorable and has wonderful ideas for nourshing your mind, body and soul.  Make sure to check these ladies out!

What's the take away?  Inspiration to keep going, new friends, great products, lots of
information, recipe ideas and FUN.  Be watching for new things on the blog!!!
  I can't wait to do it all again.
Blogher Food 2015 in Portland, Oregon...HERE I COME!

Stop back tomorrow for the flavors and neighborhoods of Miami and later in the week I will share the BEST part of the conference.  You wouldn't want to miss that!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,

Christine

Memorial Day

As you celebrate today by going to a parade or firing up the grill, remember those who gave it all for our freedoms.
Celebrate the little things that make life sweet,
Christine

The Sauce is the Boss!

As you are getting your Memorial Day menu in place?
Whether you are serving hot dogs, brats, burgers or grilled chicken, how about some awesome sauce ideas that work well with just about anything you serve because

The

Sauce

is

the

Boss!

This is one of the best BBQ sauces that you can make yourself!

Impressive, right?

A Sprinkle of This and That's Famous Homemade BBQ Sauce can be found just a click away.  Add that to...pretty much anything and you will get Rave Reviews!!!

I am thinking you may want to bottle it...I'm just saying!

Another veratile and delicious sauce is Garlic Aioli Sauce!.

I used it on a chicken sandwich.  It would also be great on hamburgers too!

You just need:  1 cup mayo, zest from 1 lemon, juice from 1 lemon, 1/2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard, 4 Tbsp minced garlic cloves and 1 Tbsp cajun spices.  Just mix all the ingredients together and serve on chicken sandwiches or even as a dip for raw veggies.

Garlic Aioli has a little bit of a zip and tastes great on a chicken sandwich, burger or whatever else you plan on grilling.

Remember, the sauce is the boss!

Have a Happy Memorial Day

and

celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Sharing with Skip to My Lou, Wine and Glue,
I Heart Naptime, No Biggie, The 36th Avenue,
Six Sisters' Stuff and Chef in Training.

Summer's Kick Off

Memorial Day weekend

is the official, unofficial kick off to summer.

Pools are open, regardless of the temperature and everyone is embracing all things summer.  I think I even heard the ice cream truck making it's rounds.

BRING IT ON!

So this weekend as you gather with family, friends and neighbors over the grill, why not have a few fun outdoor activities for the kiddos...probably for the adults too!

Here are some favorite outdoor game projects I have gathered onto my Summertime Fun Pinterest Board.

Never tried it, but sure want to.  Wouldn't that be cool?  I wonder what the fireflies will think?

Outdoor Yard Twister???  Way cool!

Just Imagine has this clever idea.  Grab the spray paint and use a box as a stencil.  Let the fun begin!

Look at this from Mom Endeavors.  A simple ring toss game made from a pine base, dowels and nylon rope covered in duct tape to make circles.  You could paint it too!

Looks like your house may be the fun house on the block!

Hope you can try some of these last minute outdoor game ideas.

Celebrate summer's kick off and the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Shrimp Shack

My grandparents had a travel trailer and one of the places they visited annually was Key Largo in the Florida Keys.  I have such wonderful memories of catching hermit crabs that we would bring home in empty cool whip containers along with a jug of ocean water.  Unfortunately they didn't last very long...

We could get the freshest seafood down there; literally right off the docks.  My grandparents always seemed to know about these secret, hideway restaurants that you would probably never, ever venture into based on the outside.  They looked like total shacks and one such shack had THE very best peel and eat shrimp.  It was a total shrimp shack, but it couldn't be beat!  Beer boiled shrimp and honey buns...THE BEST!

Since this weekend is the official start of summer...I have been thinking about the shrimp shack.  What better way to kick off the summer by celebrating with some seasoned lemon shrimp?  Oh yeah!

The shrimp is so fresh and flavorful!  Add some pasta or rice and you are set.

I have to say that this would be fancy enough to serve to guests.  You could even use the seasoned lemon shrimp as an appetizer with some crostini.  Sure doesn't look like it came from a shrimp shack, right?

Wait to you see how E-A-S-Y this is to make.

Ingredients:

2 lbs of uncooked shrimp, peeled

1 stick of unsalted butter

1 lemon, cut into slices

2 Tbsp garlic salt

1 Tbsp basil seasoning

1 Tbsp oregano seasoning

Place 1 stick of butter into a large roasting pan.  Melt the butter in a 350 degree oven.  Remove from oven when butter is melted.  Place lemon slices into the butter and top with the uncooked, peeled shrimp.  Sprinkle the garlic salt, basil and oregano on top.  Bake in the oven until shrimp turns pink, about 12-15 minutes.  Serve.

Lemon Seasoned Shrimp printable recipe

I love the lemon - butter combination!  In fact, since it is Friday...I think I will invite over some neighbors to sit outside on the patio.  Serve them some of the shrimp and a glass of wine or two.  Time to come out of hibernation and reconnect with neighbors you only see when you are shoveling snow.  Besides, they'll think I have been cooking all day!  Shhh...don't tell them the secret!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

You may also like:

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Pan Seared Scallops

Grilled Swordfish

Linking up with The 36th Avenue, Skip to My Lou, Your Homebased Mom,

Inside BruCrew Life, Chef in Training, 
I Heart Naptime, Six Sisters' Stuff,
Stone Gable Blog, No Biggie, Ginger Snap Crafts,

Lady Behind the Curtain and Wine and Glue.