March 10, 2014

Mushroom Risotto


Mushroom risotto is probably one of my favorite things to make.  It is easy and satisfying, plus it features mushrooms which are always available and delicious.  This version is pretty simple, however sometimes I change it up a bit and add a few more steps to elevate it to another level!  For starters, give this delicious risotto a try, you will love it!

Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)

1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
3 chicken stock cubes
1/2 cup white wine
1 medium white onion (small dice)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 1/2 cups button mushrooms (chopped)
1 tbsp butter
A drizzle of olive oil
A squeeze of lemon juice
1 sprig of rosemary or thyme leave (chopped)
Handful of fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1) Bring a big pot of water to a boil. 
2) In a heavy bottom pot (I use a ceramic dutch oven) cook onions in olive oil until translucent; add arborio rice and rosemary and cook another minute.
3) Pour in the wine and a chicken stock cube and stir until the wine has absorbed; add the mushrooms; cook another minute.
4) Add another chicken stock cube and a soup ladle of boiling water; stir until water has been absorbed.
5) Add the 3rd chicken stock cube with another ladle of boiling water and stir until absorbed.
6) Continue adding more water and stirring, for about 20 minutes.
7) Stir the butter into the risotto and add the grated Parmesan; check the seasoning.
8) Add a squeeze of lemon and the parsley, stir.  Remove from heat, cover with a lid and let stand for 2 minutes.
9) Grate on some extra Parmesan and serve!

(Tip: Sometimes I add some extra assorted mushrooms to a separate frying pan with a little butter, chopped garlic, salt and pepper and I use to top the finished risotto off for extra flavor)










October 25, 2013

Beautiful Fall Days

As much as I love fall, I am having a little trouble giving up my summer clothing; shorts and dresses especially.  I usually wear summer clothes right up until the first snow fall.  I basically swap out my sandals for boots, add some chunky sweaters, warm scarves and fun tights to my closet which helps me transition into the colder weather without giving up my favorite summer pieces before I'm ready.
Below is one of the easiest ways to hold on to summer without looking "summery".  Simply add a cute pair of booties and a warm cardigan to your favorite shorts and tank!
 
 
Outfit Details:
Sweater- BB Dakota
Shorts - H&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



October 13, 2013

October 11, 2013

Mad for Plaid

 

Classic Flannel

 Two ways to style your classic flannel top! Wear it unbuttoned or half buttoned or try tying it around your waist for a casual "thrown together" look!
Outfit Details: 
Classic Flannel- H&M / White tee- Les Pommettes / Black leggings- DKNY / Flats- Asos  / Bag- Fossil / Hat- Black.co.uk / Grey tee- Ksubi  / Jean Skinnies- Pull & Bear  / Wedges- Dsquared2
 

Plaid Trouser

I really like plaid trousers as they can be paired down (left) for a more casual look or paired with dressier pieces which makes them perfect for work, meetings, etc...
Outfit Details:
Leather Jacket: Muubaa  / Knit: Madewell / Clutch: Clare Vivier  / Boots: Pieces / Trousers: H&M / Blazer: Dorothy Perkins  / Camisole: Dorothy Perkins  / Bag: H&M  / Heels: Zara
 

Plaid Accessories

Not sure if you can pull off plaid pants or a plaid shirt? If you want to try it out for fall/winter but not 100 percent on it, then buy a smaller piece to add to your wardrobe, like a bag, scarf or some shoes!
Outfit Details:
White tee: Rag & Bone / Sweater (middle): Rebecca Taylor  / Denim shirt: Acne / Sweater (right): Madewell / Black skinnies: Mango  / Jeans: J Brand  / Pencil skirt: DKNY / Scarf: Aeropostale  / Bag: Marc Jacobs  / Plaid heels: Mango  / Black boots: Rock & Candy  / Tan Booties: TopShop
Gold chain: The Iconic
 

October 07, 2013

Color me Cobalt

 
Sorry about my crappy camera skills, framing, lighting etc...I do plan to get a better camera soon!
 I am in love with this blazer, it is so versatile!  I really enjoy suede and the blue is one of my favorite colors.  I also love the little zippers on the sleeves, they add something extra which makes it that much better.  These patterned pants are not as versatile and I often struggle finding something to pair them with, so I usually go with a solid black or white top with some funky jewelry.  I often wear these pants to work, and I work in a professional office.  They are a busy pattern but they are still a dress pant, and when styled in the right context they can definitely be appropriate for a work setting. (For work I pair them with a black blazer and a simple colored camisole).
 
Outfit Details:
Blazer- Vero Moda
Pants- Le Chateau
Shoes- Aldo
Watch- Michael Kors 

October 04, 2013

Pumpkin, Apple & Bacon Soup

I'm a huge fan of soup, especially during this time of year.  It is even better when I get to incorporate pumpkin (which I love) and bacon! Cause, well bacon.  I found this recipe in the October issue of Food Network Magazine which I adapted slightly.  It is smooth and flavorful with the perfect mix of salty and sweet.  Even my husband gobbled it up and he is not at all a pumpkin person!  Any who, give it a try, you will not be disappointed!



 
 
 
 
 
Ingredients:
 
796 ml can pumpkin
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 apple, cubed and cooked in butter until soft
4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt, to taste
 
Directions:
 
1) Simmer the can of pumpkin, chicken broth, cream and pumpkin pie spice, whisking, 10 minutes.
2) Add maple syrup.
3) Taste, then add salt to your liking.
4) Top with apples and bacon.