Things I Love Thursday // 10.21.21

QueenBrie

Meggie Sullivan owns and operates this cleverly-named service here in Charlotte. I've blogged about her before (a gift certificate would make a lovely gift) and had the pleasure of serving one of her gorgeous and delicious spreads this last week when some friends (and generous volunteers) joined me to help wrap gifts for The Children's Theatre's annual gift-giving experience for children, Winter Wonderland (formerly known as Santa's Bag). Meggie and I had a brief exchange of ideas and she executed to perfection on this brunch-themed board. Not only was everything delightful to look at --the quiche was the best I've ever tasted and the details were amazing! Even if you're not in the Charlotte area, give her a follow on Instagram and enjoy her creations for eye-candy and inspiration!

Gillian Stevens Art

Gillian Stevens is the designer and artisan behind Dewdrop Designs, a female owned, local-to-Charlotte, enterprise that offers original canvas art, leather accessories and jewelry, and wonderfully textured pieces made of wood, clay, beads, and glazed ceramics. I fell in love with The Last Drop. This leather knot wristlet is made from reclaimed leather and is a perfect little day or evening bag. I had a hard time choosing --but came away with the creme-colored bag.

{image via}

Walking Ben Letting Ben Just Walk

Confession time. Ben has been through some rigorous training. Knowing he was going to be a huge dog, it was important to us that he have nice manners. For a 9 month puppy, he's doing pretty well. Even though we were told in advance, we were unprepared for how much work it would be on a daily basis to reinforce and support all of the formal training he had (when we sent him to "boarding school" at 5 months). For sure, he is still sleeping in his crate --though, that was certainly the biggest battle. He is excellent when asked to stay on "place" and his recall is strong (as long as he's not distracted by something he finds interesting LOL). Having said all that, I must confess that we have stopped insisting he be held to a very high (or any real) standard on walks. Honestly, it just wasn't all that relaxing or enjoyable to have to constantly work through his multiple walks a day. Now we give him the lead to sniff, explore, (PULL), and frolic. He's still required to move aside and stay in a "sit" when other people and dogs pass us on the sidewalk --but otherwise, he just puppies around. It's so nice to be able to listen to an audio book, sip a coffee, or enjoy a conversation with whoever is walking with us --now that correcting him is not a full-time job. 

Home Bartenders

There's little I love more than a delicious cocktail that has been made with friendship and care. My friend, Anne, is famous for this. She loves mixology and has an impressive array of ingredients (and ideas) for serving her guests amazing sips. Don't get me wrong, I love a simple glass of wine or an ice-cold beer (from time to time) --but there's something extra special about the thoughtfulness that often goes into mixing a featured cocktail for an in-home evening of celebration or socializing. Enter my friend Amy. Amy hosted our neighborhood "Foodie Night" group (formed during quarantine 2020 to share recipes, inspiration, and support --and still going strong) for appetizers and drinks last week. To toast this first indoor gathering of five, she mixed fresh-squeezed juices and secret* ingredients to create perfectly refreshing margaritas and palomas. Can't you almost taste the citrus just by looking at this picture?! Cheers to that! (*Maybe the ingredients weren't necessarily a secret --but I wasn't paying enough attention to share what they were.)

Chilly Fall Evenings

We are currently experiencing "I Left My Jacket at School" weather here in Charlotte. Mornings begin in the low to mid 40ºs and as the day continues, temps rise to the high 70ºs/low 80ºs. However, for a brief evening last week, it stayed chilly enough to talk ourselves into a festive little fire pit. We ate dinner "camping style" in our laps and then enjoyed some toasted marshmallows afterward. It is such a little thing that brings us all so much happiness. I look forward to many more fire pit evenings this season!

Jane Harper

I just finished my second audio book by Jane Harper. Have you read anything from this author? Her stories are set in Australia and she writes murder/mystery. The first of her books I read was, The Lost Man --about the death of a seemingly successful and happy man in the remote Australian Outback. He is survived by two brothers, and his wife and kids. Family secrets, unexplained circumstances, and suspicion give rise to a slow-burning and suspenseful story that I didn't want to put down. The novel I just finished, The Dry, unravels the mystery surrounding the brutal murder/suicide of a family man in a small Outback town facing great hardship and draught. His childhood friend, Aaron Falk (now a federal agent), reluctantly returns to attend the funeral and gets caught up in an unofficial investigation. Again, a fairly gripping plot that kept me guessing until the end. I found both books incredibly entertaining and very well done! Listening to Steven Shanahan perform The Dry with an Aussie accent just adds another enjoyable layer to the experience. The character, Aaron Falk, from The Dry is featured in what's sure to be my next book by Jane Harper, Force of Nature. Eventually, I'll get around to reading her latest novel, The Survivors.

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Things I Love Thursday // 11.21.19

• Anticipating the arrival of family for Thanksgiving - We are so excited to have Greg's sister and her family and Greg's mom coming to visit for Thanksgiving next week! Obviously, I can't wait to catch up with Jessica, Justin, and Grandma Lulu. That being said, and with full transparency, I am over the moon to have our 2YO nephew here for a few days! He is so delicious. Speaking of delicious, I plan to make this Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole on Wednesday afternoon and leave it overnight in the fridge. I'll pop it in the oven on Thursday morning (whip up the hollandaise sauce) and we will enjoy a warm and effortless breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.
  
  
  
  
  
• Platform Sneakers - Finally. I'm so late to this party. You all have been dancing around in these kicks for ages and I've been missing out. I don't know what the hold up has been... These shoes are cute, functional, comfortable, and versatile. I ordered mine during a big sale here. I can attest that they are true to size. Come to find out, you can get (what I'm betting are the EXACT same shoes) on Amazon for almost half the price. Here are a couple links to my friend Miranda's Amazon shop: I think this pair is closest to the color (taupe) that I bought. I also love this color and I'm considering these black ones that look like leather.
  
  
  
  
  
• Fleece-Lined Leggings - I wasn't sure about these when I came across them. I thought they would be unflattering with the extra fabric (goodness knows, I don't need any extra padding over the rump). I was pleasantly surprised to find they didn't add any noticeable difference and I was thrilled to discover that they are supremely cozy. I don't want to take them off! The high waist is flattering. The length leaves a little scrunching at the ankle (which I don't mind at all) --see photo above. They are true to size and offer some compression. They do have a little sheen to the fabric which would make them very easy to dress up with a tunic or long sweater --and I'm certain they will look fantastic on you curled up on the couch with that glass of wine in your hand too.
• Groomed Eyebrows - Fun fact: I seldom leave the house without putting my eyebrows on first. My priorities are these, in order: clothing (pajamas count), coffee, eyebrows, brushed teeth. I've tried lots of products and I am in favor of mixing up your routine on a regular basis. Lately and for some time, my favorite eyebrow cosmetics are Benefit's Gimme Brow and Benefit's Goof Proof Brow Pencil. Each product comes in several shades between blond and black. You'll need to get some help at the counter to find the right "prescription" for your face. It will be worth your time. The second photo collage of my face shows naked brows (top left) and finished brows (top right). The bottom three photos are my steps: 1. Shape and fill in brows with the soft crayon side of Goof Proof (be gentle during the application; we're going for a natural-ish look), 2. Use the brush side of Goof Proof to smudge and blend the pencil marks (making them less harsh-looking), 3. Use the tiny wand of Gimme Brow (a tinted gel) to add definition and texture. Voilà! (Please be impressed by that grave accent. I had to do some research to figure out how to make my keyboard cooperate.)
  
  
  
  
• Fabric Razor - Do you have one of these? Listen, if you wear sweaters (and who doesn't??), you'll need to pick one up. This handy gadget carefully cuts those annoying sweater fuzzballs off your knits and helps you carry your favorite sweaters over season to season without them looking too tired. I have had my little battery operated one since 2014. It's no longer available on Amazon but this one is similar, highly rated, and a reasonable price. I've seen them at Target too (near the irons). You should check and empty the fuzz reservoir* (I'm sure that's the technical name) as needed --several times per/sweater. Be sure to take it apart from time to time to clear the blades (my guard just twists off) and follow the directions to avoid damaging any of your clothes. I have been using mine seasonally for ages and have never pulled a hole in a sweater --but apparently it can be done. Don't be that ding dong --but do clean up those shabby cardigans! The only downside of using this device is that you'll have less sweater fuzzball picking to do when you're bored and stuck at that stoplight.

  

  *Handful of fuzz is from ONE sleeve

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Recipe Review | Egg Muffins (Mini Crustless Quiches)

(veggie on the left, pancetta cup on the right)

I tried making these once before and the "muffins" stuck so badly to the cupcake pan that I ended up throwing half of the food down the garbage disposal (after an overnight soak trying to get the baked egg to release from the pan). Deciding to give it another go, I was sure to thoroughly grease my muffin tins this time around. Thankfully, the muffins slipped easily from the pan. This recipe, from the blog Will Cook For Friends, is easily adaptable. I've made several batches since trying it the first time and each version is varied and still quite tasty! Whatever cheese and veggies you have on hand should do. I've made them without meat, with hot Italian sausage, and with pancetta-lined muffins. Meat or no meat--they are very satisfying.

Egg Muffins (Mini Crustless Quiches)

(via Will Cook For Friends)

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What you need:

Base:


12 large eggs


1/2 cup heavy cream


1/4 cup milk


2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped


2 TBSP fresh basil, chopped


1/4 tsp. salt


1/4 tsp. pepper

Veggies*:


1 cup broccoli, cut into teeny tiny florets


1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped


1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small


1 cup mushrooms, chopped small

1/4 cup onion, diced fine


1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeds and veins removed, diced fine

Add-ins (optional):


1 1/2 cups cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, or other cheese

1 lb. bacon, sausage, or other meat, fully cooked

*Feel free to sub in whatever veggies you like, or have on hand. I used about 3-4 cups of chopped veggies in total, and wouldn’t suggest using much more, otherwise you won’t have enough egg mixture to hold them together. Once I didn't have red pepper so I used chopped cherry tomatoes. Another time, no broccoli, basil or parsley--so I subbed extra spinach.

~ What to do:

1. If using meat, cook it first and then cut it into small pieces, if applicable. Except for pancetta, which comes cured in the package. If you're using pancetta, just do this: 
   
   
2. Pre-heat oven to 375º F and thoroughly grease (cooking spray) 2 muffin tins. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Prep all your veggies to the proper size. I added my veggies to a sauté pan for a few minutes to soften them up a bit. When I made the batch with the Italian sausage--I just threw them in toward the end of the browning process. Otherwise, use a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool.
5. Add all the veggies to the bowl with the egg mixture and stir to combine. Add the cheese (and meat). 
   
6. Using a 1/4 cup measurer, scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin pan. Fill to about 1/4 inch from the top. 
   
   
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg is fully set and the top has just started to turn a golden color on top. (Mine were finished after 18-20 minutes--so keep an eye on them.) 
   
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before gently removing from the pan with a little teaspoon. Enjoy while warm, or let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers can be reheated for several seconds in the microwave, or a few minutes in a preheated oven or toaster oven. 

Below is a batch made with browned Italian sausage. At the time, I decided to leave the jalepeños out--next time, I will leave them in. ;)

I hope you try these! I cannot tell you how great they are when you're on the go. I can pop 2-3 in the microwave on a paper towel and I'm out the door for morning drop-off with a solid breakfast that will get me through all of my pre-lunch errands (plus a workout--on those days I fit one in). If you do decide to give them a go, I'd love to hear how you modified and what I should try next!

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Recipe Review | Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

This one is definitely a crowd-pleaser. I've made it at least 3 times since Easter. Once, when I didn't have enough blueberries, I substituted some blackberries and it was equally delicious. The recipe comes from Alexandra's Kitchen blog and the creator insists that "the magic" comes from the buttermilk; however, I believe the real magic is in the lemon zest (I have named this blog Sour Jones in part for my love of lemons, ya know). 

Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

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What you need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

zest from one large lemon (about 2 teaspoons)

7/8 cup* + 1 tablespoon** sugar

1 egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour (set aside 1/4 cup of this to toss with the blueberries)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups fresh blueberries

1/2 cup buttermilk

* 7/8 cup = 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons

** This 1 tablespoon is for sprinkling on top

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What to do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and lemon zest with 7/8 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. 

Meanwhile toss the blueberries with 1/4 cup of flour (set aside). Whisk together remaining flour, baking soda, and salt. 

Add the flour mixture to the batter, a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.

Grease a 9"x 9" square baking pan (or something similar) with butter or non-stick spray. Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 35-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. (Note: Baking for as long as 10 minutes more might be necessary.) Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Yay! CAKE for breakfast!

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Brilliant Brunch | Eggs Benedict Casserole

I have always been a fan of breakfast foods. I happen to have an entire pin board dedicated to brunch recipes. One of my absolute indulgences is ordering Eggs Benedict when we go out to breakfast or brunch--especially when we are at a particularly good restaurant and I can be confident that the dish will be done well. The elements of the dish offer a little bit of everything that enjoy in a bite: texture (toasted muffin), creaminess (poached eggs, hollandaise sauce), salty bits (canadian bacon), and bright flavor (that fresh hint of lemon in a good hollandaise). I understand though, that poached eggs are not for everyone. And turning out plates of eggs benedict for a brunch you might be hosting can be tricky and labor-intensive. I have found a terrific alternative!

Eggs Benedict Casserole from A Taste of Home.

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What you need:

3/4 pound Canadian bacon, chopped

6 English muffins, split and cut into 1-inch pieces

8 eggs

2 cups 2% milk

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the sauce:

4 egg yolks

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup butter, melted

~

What to do:

Place half of the bacon in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish; top with English muffins and remaining bacon. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and onion powder; pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

(I took this in the morning, after I sprinkled on the paprika.)

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

In a double boiler or metal bowl over simmering water, constantly whisk the egg yolks, cream, lemon juice and mustard until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (I use the spoon method). Be careful to not let it thicken too much. Reduce heat to low. Slowly drizzle in warm melted butter, whisking constantly. Serve immediately with casserole. 

Don't let the "double boiler" step intimidate you--it's really simple and you'll feel like a badass when you've conquered it for the first time (or maybe that's just me?). The hardest part is remembering to assemble the casserole the night before.

The best parts of the traditional Benedict hold up with this recipe. The edges of the muffin poking up get nice and crispy-toasted, there's lovely bacon in every bite, the eggs remain creamy in their delicate firmness (did that sound slightly dirty to you too?), and the hollandaise has a balanced bite to it with the lemon juice and Dijon.  If you're hosting a gathering for Mother's Day, this might be a great addition to your menu! Enjoy!

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