Filet Mignon with Creamy Leek and Green Peppercorn Sauce + Kansas City Steak #GIVEAWAY

The holidays are all about bringing out your best and indulging in all your favorite recipes and flavors. My indulgently creamy fresh green peppercorn sauce is a traditional companion to steak. I couldn’t help but add and my other favorite filet mignon companion, leeks, to the creamy sauce. The bite of the bourbon and the tang of the brine-soaked green peppercorns offset the richness of the cream.

It is the perfect topping to your favorite steak and you just happen to be in luck… scroll down for the recipe and further details on the Kansas City Steak Company giveaway.

Crisp weather calls for cozy gatherings and great gifts to show loved ones how much you care. The Kansas City Steak Company adds the perfect touch to any celebration – big or small – and makes the perfect gift for your favorite steak lover! Check out their top sellers and learn how you can win your own filets!

KC Signature Gift Boxed Steak Combo

Includes Super-Trimmed Boneless Ribeye Steaks, Filet Mignon and Kansas City Strip Steaks. Plus, Steak and Prime Rib Seasoning packet and The Kansas City Steak Book.

Four 6 oz. Super-Trimmed™ Filets

This filet mignon is king — butter-tender, cut from the center of the finest aged tenderloin and hand selected from premium corn-fed Kansas beef.

Filet Mignon with Creamy Leek and Green Peppercorn Sauce

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh green peppercorns {packed in brine}
2 leeks, thinly sliced, well washed
2 tablespoons bourbon / whiskey
1/2 cup heavy {whipping} cream
Salt, as needed
METHOD

After cooking your filet, remove from pan to rest.
Add 1 1/2 cups of water to pan and using a flat spatula, scrap bits from bottom of pan and bring to a simmer. Add green pepper corns and leeks. Simmer for 5 minutes to soften leeks.

Add bourbon, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove pan from heat and slowly add in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Place back on heat and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes until cream sauce begins to thicken. Taste. Add salt as needed.

Entertaining Tip:: Make this sauce ahead of time. Prepare a batch and refrigerated in an airtight container a day in advance. To reheat, transfer to a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently.

Kansas City Steaks Holiday 2016

See the full sweepstakes rules HERE.

Disclosure Statement ~ For recipes, more gift ideas and special offers and more visit the Kansas City Steak Company website. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kansas City Steak, thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

December 13, 2016April 12, 2022

5 Secrets To Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House

Your social calendar is filling up but you promised yourself you would make the time to host a Holiday Open House this year. What is a hostess to do?? Not to fear. My 5 Secrets to hosting a successful holiday open house is here to get you through with ease. Simply set the date, send out the invites and follow my 5 tips for hosting a Holiday Open House. #HolidayGoals coming true!

Secret #1 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Plan Ahead

I know… I just told you that you can do this with only weeks left in the holiday entertaining season, and now I am talking about planning! Don’t worry. You’ve got this but you still need to put in a little planning time. Believe me, an hour planning makes for an entire night full of a low stress holiday open house.

Set aside 1 – 1 1/2 hours tomorrow to create a quick guest list, a basic time-line and easy menu. With it on paper you now have a guide for planning your holiday open house.

Secret #2 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Show Them the Green Stuff

NO, I am not talking anything illegal or even about money. I am talking about live greens, evergreens, boxwoods and other cuttings from either your own garden or purchased at the local market.

I have been hosting, planning and decorating holiday gatherings for over 20 years so take it from me, live greens go a long way. It must be something to do with bringing nature inside, the scent of pine filling your home, their intense texture or the variety of colors that is an immediate WOW factor. Use live greens at your entranceway, on your tablescape and mixed with cut flowers placed in a vase – they will transform your space into a winter wonderland guaranteed.

Secret #3 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Bring Out the Bling

Decorating during the holiday season is all about metallics, glitter and using “the good stuff” so don’t be afraid to mix metallic serveware and your favorite flatware for your open house, or for the entire holiday season.

My new obsession… this hammered copper flatware by Argent Orfèvres for Hampton Forge. Seriously. I am completely in love with this pattern and it is now my must-have for my holiday season. It actually makes me smile when I open my flatware drawer – no joke!

Copper pairs perfectly with all metals especially the latest trends in kitchen hardware – gold, black metal, rose gold and copper. Have you seen all the copper small appliances hitting markets these days? Get a jump on the trend with your own set of Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper flatware.

Secret #4 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Serve Punch!

One of my best friends is all about bringing retro back and what is more Retro Rad around the holidays than a big bowl of punch!

This year I am serving up a wintery spice Wassail at my holiday open house. Make up a big batch and let guest serve themselves. It looks incredibly festive on your bar and taste just as good!

Secret #5 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Set It + Forget It

Secret #5 could be my number one secret for hosting a successful holiday open house – set it and forget it. Ok, maybe don’t completely forget about it but you get my gist.

By selecting menu items that can stand being at room temperature during the span of your party, you allow your self time to mix and mingle in between refreshing and replenishing your apps. Serve a cheese + charcuterie platter, mini quiches and a lovely seafood bite – it is the holidays after all, splurge a bit on one or two items then fill in with less pricey and more filling options.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable + confident hosting your own holiday open house this season.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email, Instagram, Twitter or your favorite social media platform with questions – I am more than happy to answer them all!

Happy Entertaining!!

A little more about my favorite new flatwareArgent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper .

Created in premium 18/10 stainless steel with an artist’s eye and jeweler’s attention to detail, Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper surprises with precious metal finishes, sophisticated textures and inspired forms that elevate the experience of fine dining. The lux Argent Orfèvres brand’s expressive design is perfect for this holiday season! We hope everyone who invites Argent into their home and on to their tabletop this season will feel as decadent and magnificent as the flatware itself!

Disclosure Statement: This post is sponsored by Hampton Forge in conjunction with a social media campaign. Although I was compensated, I truly am a HUGE fan of their beautiful flatware – all opinions are my own.

December 31, 2015April 12, 2022

A Lustrous Holiday Entertaining Event at West Elm

I love sharing ideas about holiday entertaining and even more when it is in a a beautiful and inspirational venue like a West Elm shop! Recently I co-hosted a Lustrous Holiday Event at the West Elm Hyde Park location in Tampa, FL where we offered ideas about incorporating trends into your holiday style such as a Modern Relish Tray, a Raspberry Mocktail Punch and Metallic tablescapes with personalized votives.

My co-hostess with the mostess Tabitha Blue, of Fresh Mommy Blog, welcomed the guests and discussed easy holiday wrapping ideas using craft paper – which we also covered the gorgeous West Elm tables with to protect them, but to also give them a cohesive look.

I discussed the idea of a Modern Relish Tray and how easy it is to pull together this fresh appetizer to welcome guests that looks and tastes delicious without filling them up and ruining their appetite for dinner. I was in heaven being able to utilize any items in the store to create platters and displays for the tables!

Guests sipped on a festive Raspberry Mocktail Punch as they enjoyed a fresh twist on Modern Relish Tray with Pickled Radishes and Cream Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip.

After a food preparation demonstration featuring the Tofu + Lemon Herb dip we moved onto our craft for the night! Lustrous Votives! Using plain glass votives metallic paints and decoupage techniques everyone created their own personalized look. And trust me this is a SUPER creative crowd so there were a few you could have sold in West Elm that night on the shelves!

These adhesive stencils from Martha Stewart made creating detailed patterns easy ~ some even created a matching set to take home for their holiday mantel.

Crafting is serious business! These ladies brought their A-Game for sure!

Of course no event is complete without prizes. West Elm generously donated fun drink mixers gifts, Tabitha offered coffee, candles and chic office tools from local Tamp Bay businesses and I donated a copy of my book An Appealing Plan – everyone went home with a prize AND a Hyde Park Village gift bag.

How cute is that belly bump!! Congrats to Tabitha and her family who are expecting their 4th child! Perhaps next year we will be crafting sippy cups to fill with the mocktail punch rather than votives….

Thanks to all the fabulous ladies who came out to taste, sip, craft and support this event – wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!

Thank you also to Tabitha for taking and sharing all the images in the post. Can’t wait until our next event.

{If you are interested in learning more about upcoming events please sign up for my newsletter here to receive updates to your inbox.}

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to allow ease of shopping for you ~ if you purchase something after following a link I may, or may not, earn a small commission on the product.

December 30, 2015February 4, 2016

Raspberry Mocktail Punch Recipe

I love my champers but when entertaining you must consider the needs of your guests and offer an non-alcoholic beverage. This Raspberry Mocktail Punch is fruity, festive and alcohol free.

A mocktail is great for non-drinkers as well as hydrating all your guests but be sure you don’t skip on flavor. Just because you are skipping the alcohol doesn’t mean you should skimp on taste – in fact your flavor is could be even more important in this mocktail punch recipe!

Using raspberry puree as the base for this punch you can add regular sparkling water or try a flavored water to add even more variety to your bar display. I’m a huge fan of the lime sparkling water so I always have it in the fridge and on display when I entertain. Provide glasses, ice and extra frozen raspberries for garnish.

To make your gathering even more stress free this raspberry punch mocktail can easily be enhanced with Champagne, Vodka or your favorite spirit. Keep it off to the side, well marked so there is no confusion and let guests add their own selections. I love a DIY bar!

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Thank you again to Tabitha FreshMommyBlog.com for taking and sharing the pictures from our recent West Elm Entertaining Event at the Hyde Park Tampa location.

December 29, 2015March 10, 2016

Easy Green Smoothie With Mango + Banana #DoleRose

I was recently told by someone, whom I highly respect, in the food writing world that she loved my blog {blushing} but that I needed to put more of me into it. ACK!! Perhaps you think it might be easy since I already write on my blog several times a week to add more of my personality but believe me it is a talent not many can do well – add just enough of your own daily life while not sound like you are whining or bragging to your readers.

You may wonder why I am writing this as an opening for an Easy Green Smoothie with Mango and Banana Recipe – well my answer is two-fold.

Reason number 1 :: As I begin to add more of my personality to my writing I will look to other bloggers and writers who walk this fine line in a way that I respect – as I mentioned, no whining and not too much bragging. I have a mental list running and on this is list is one of my friends Ally Phillips, of Ally’s Kitchen, yes, a real in real life friend – not just an on-line “friend” – who really gets that magical line of being authentic in her writing style but not crossing it too far. Take it from me, she is just as lovely and full of personality as her book and blogs are.

So of course when I found out that Ally would be leading the count down to the 2016 Rose Parade:Rose Parade with Dole Packaged Foods at the first “Live on Green” event in Pasadena, I thought this was my chance to test my new skill.

Reason number 2 :: And here comes the adding my true voice, in January I will be going adult beverage free for the entire month and basically I need something to keep me distracted – creating easy green smoothie recipes and creative mocktails are going to have to be it… at least for 4 weeks {31 days to be exact}.

You may be thinking, whats the big deal? Simply cut out wine + beer for a month, no problem. Right? Wrong… Let me tell you I love a glass of wine after a day of work and I love my Mimosa on the weekend just as much. So for this girl those 31 days are going to be intense. I honestly can not tell you when I last went 31 days without drinking. But I am determined to do it, to prove that I can do it. Fortunately or, unfortunately for my husband, I am forcing him {yes forcing} to come along on the ride with me. We are allowing 2 passes in case an event comes up where we really want to partake but don’t want to have the guilt.

What do you think – want to come along with me and see if you can do it too? I would LOVE additional support in both my “No Drinking January” challenge. Just think how productive we will be drinking green smoothies everyday. How great our skin will look. And how good that first sip of champagne will taste on February 1st.

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While you are contemplating your 31 days of non-drinking on January 1, tune in to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade where Dole Packaged Food’s float, “Soaring Over Paradise,” explores the world’s rainforests. The float includes four waterfalls, a zip line that travels through the rainforest canopy and a flock of Macaws that appear to take flight over the floral gardens. And my friend Ally will be hosting various cooking demonstrations in the Dole Bistro.

At “Live on Green,” families are invited to indulge in food, entertainment and fun activities at free three-day event in Downtown Pasadena, Dec. 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. To 8 p.m., and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pasadena Conference Center. Angelenos and visitors from around the world will explore 100,000 square feet of free entertainment, unique and rare exhibitions, and fun activities, as well as indulge in healthy snacks and beverages at the Dole Bistro. Dole California Cook-Off Champion Ally Phillips of Ally’s Kitchen will perform live cooking demonstrations and share quick and fun recipes featuring Dole Packaged Foods’ products.

December 23, 2015December 30, 2015

Creamy Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip For a Modern Relish Tray

Modern relish trays have come along way from the simple glass platter your Grandmother served before family dinners however, the concept that you are serving items that tend to be on the lighter side still holds true.

all photo credits in this feature :: Tabitha Blue of the fresh mommy blog

For most trays you will only serve one dip so the flavors should be special but not overpowering. A Creamy Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip is the perfect compliment to a platter filled with organic multicolored carrots, fresh sliced fennel, pickled radishes and a variety of interesting crackers.

I recently co-hosted an Lustrous Entertaining Event {full post link coming soon!} at West Elm and tried out the new recipe for the guests. The response was wonderful – especially to the secret ingredient, tofu! I have to admit, I have never made a dip from tofu but the texture was great – I used firm tofu so I needed to add every bit of the lemon juice, so if you select to use silkened the quantity may differ.

My more than able assistant {of course I pull up a health coach to help… she stole the show! Just kidding Natalia. Loved having you there!} whipped it up in no time flat and even messaged me later to get the recipe to make it for her family! Again positive response and that is coming from a 10 year old. Guests also enjoyed a Raspberry Mocktail Punch along with the Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip, so many great flavors!

[yumprint-recipe id=’21’] Thank you again to Tabitha Blue of the fresh mommy blog for taking and sharing the lovely photographs of the event.

December 18, 2015December 11, 2016

Orange Zest French Toast Bread Pudding

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
No excuses needed – eat what you like when you like. Figure it out in January!

During the week I am a breakfast smoothie girl, but on the weekends, especially special days like Christmas and New Years Day I love a breakfast you can linger over. We frequently have savory waffles or poached eggs however I was looking to switch it up this Christmas day and have something semi made ahead that I can pop in the oven while we are opening gifts and then enjoy throughout the day.

I started looking at French Toast recipes but they always seem to leave me feeling like a weeble for the rest of the day. I wanted to include eggs in a bigger way as well so after a few tries, I landed on Ina’s French Toast Bread Pudding. Ina hasn’t steered me wrong yet so I thought I will add a few of my own twists and give it a try to see if it was a crowd pleaser.

I am always trying to buy the best ingredients and my latest obsession in the kitchen, until I am able to have my own chickens, is ensuring my eggs are the best quality I can find. If you haven’t heard of The Happy Egg Company, now you have. They are available in most geographic areas and as the name implies, they come from happy chickens! Their chickens are free range and I dream of them strolling around their fields care free taking dust baths and sipping on tea under the shade of a large tree. If a girl can dream so can a chicken, right?

This recipe calls for 8 eggs so I know the quality of the egg will definitely have an impact on the outcome as well as the overall flavor.

For my twists on the recipe I wanted to add additional orange flavor, I reached into my cabinet to find Cointreau – an orange flavored liquor. Perfect! I also whipped up a quick Cointreau glaze for a finishing touch. Feel free to leave this out of your recipe however, I would add a touch more orange zest to really bring out that lovely flavor. I might also, cut up the bottom layer of the bread into chunks to absorb more of the custard into the bread – but I will let you know how that goes next time I whip it up.

This is a fairly rich dish and I suggest serving it with a savory or salty side or protein to balance it out. Did someone say bacon….?

Orange Zest French Toast Bread Pudding

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UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Enter Competition

A quick note: This giveaway is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except officers, directors, members, and employees of the Sponsor, the judging organization (if applicable), or any other party associated with the development or administration of this Promotion, and the immediate family (i.e., parents, children, siblings, spouse), and persons residing in the same household, as such individuals. This Promotion is void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited. Contest ends 8:59PM EST January 8th, 2016.

December 3, 2015August 25, 2020

Champagne Selection + Pairing Ideas From My #ChampagneSisters

If you have been around here for any amount of time you know how much I love a glass of bubbly. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – they are all perfect occasions to pop open a bottle and fill up your flute. However, I find that I have been in a rut lately and am simply grabbing a bottle of one of my go to labels rather than branching out and try new vintages, regions and styles. So what is a girl to do when you are stuck in a rut and heading into the holiday entertaining season?? Ask your friends of course!!

So that is exactly what I did! I reached out to 10 of my favorite Champagne Sisters for their take on Champagne selection tips, the best way to pair champagne and what champagne is currently their favorite bottle to open. I LOVED all their answers and I know you will to! So without further delay… let me introduce to you my Champagne Sisters!!

{NOTE: the list is purely in alphabetical order, no favs here. AND I have provided a live link to their websites in their title, head on over and learn all about these fab ladies. Just be sure to invite me to the next party. I promise to bring a bottle!}

Amanda Reboul of Tasting The Stars

Twitter: @thebubblediva
IG: thebubblediva

What is currently your favorite champagne? It’s so hard to pick a favourite – it’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! I find things to love in every champagne I try. However, lately I have really enjoyed a new grower champagne I have discovered from Vincent Brochet. Their 2002 vintage is exceptional. It’s from a small village in the Mountain de Reims, Ecueil, and the Pinots from there are to die for.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? I would have to say caviar – bubbles happening everywhere in your mouth! Big bubbles, little bubbles, firm bubbles, softer bubbles – it’s the best experience!

What are your champagne selection tips? Choosing the right champagne really depends on the occasion. If it is for a large party, when it is all about getting together with friends, it is better to choose a non-vintage champagne. If you are having a dinner party with about six to eight close friends, try to be more adventurous with selections. Try a blanc de blanc with a seafood starter, a rosé with a duck breast main, and a low dosage with dessert. Vintage champagnes should be kept for those times when you are with a couple of friends who really appreciate good champagne. It should be savoured and every drop appreciated.

Davon Hatchett of The Bubbleista

Twitter: @TheBubbleista

IG: TheBubbleista

What is currently your favorite champagne? For a bubbly obsessed girl like me, this question is akin to being asked to pick a favorite child (ha). Right now I’m loving anything Taittinger (especially Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc when I’m lucky enough to get my hands on it); the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection; and Laurent Perrier rosé. Also, about a month ago I stumbled across this incredible grower champagne that I fell in love with: Champagne Guy Larmandier Grand Cru “Signé Francois” Blanc de Blancs–so incredibly delicious!

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? Champagne is so versatile that I pair it with almost any and everything, but some of my favorite ways include champagne with hot, thin, salty, crispy french fries {salt + bubbles = divine}; with a big bowl of my mother’s Creole Louisiana gumbo filled with crab, shrimp, sausage, and chicken {champers balances the roux’s richness perfectly}; and I definitely believe in champagne with breakfast!

What are your champagne selection tips? Don’t be swayed solely by price alone. You can get really good champagne and all sorts of price points, so don’t presume that a $100 bottle is automatically better than a $40 bottle. Venture into grower champagnes! These artisanal sparklers are often vivacious and charming and can help you expand your palate with their unique flavor profiles.

Bri Seeley of Bri Seeley

Twitter: @BriSeeley
IG: IAmBriSeeley

What is currently your favorite champagne? I love Chandon. My pallet is usually more tied to experiential memories. I toured the Chandon winery a few years ago, and when I drink it now I can still feel the sun on my skin, the laughter with my friends, and the smile I had on my face all day long.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? With a gorgeous sunset! I live in Los Angeles and usually drink champagne on my rooftop. Sometimes alone and sometimes with company. But usually it’s watching the sunset and filling my heart with gratitude for the wonderful life I’ve created.

What are your champagne selection tips? Drink what works for you and what makes you happy. Everyone has a different pallet, so don’t necessarily listen to what someone tells you ‘should’ taste good – in the end you have to try a variety and decide what you like best.

Emily Ellyn of Emily Ellyn Productions

Twitter: @Emily_Ellyn
IG: Emily_Ellyn

Current favorite Champagne/sparkling wine? I love Iron Horse Blanc de Blanc as well as their Brut Rose! I have always enjoyed sipping on these sparkling wines, BUT they are really spectacular with food. The Blanc de Blanc is 100% Chardonnay and it is like a buttery piece of toast that radiates with it’s effervescence. The Brut Rose on the other hand is bold and vibrant and I like drinking it with food! Ham and eggs to a juicy steak.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? Champagne pairs with all food and puts all in a celebratory mood! Like I mentioned above a buttery toasty champagne pairs with all foods and looks so festive sipped in a coupe or flute. Cheers!

What are your champagne selection tips? How to buy Champagne, you ask? Remember the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald who said “…too much champagne is just right!” I’m toasting myself for being the hostess with the mostess and never having a dry party 😉

Eve Walkey of Glass of Bubbly

Twitter: @GlassOfBubbly
IG: glassofbubbly

What is currently your favorite champagne? That’s a very difficult question as I have so many favourites, though I did recently really enjoy a glass of Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 1988.

What is your favorite way to pair champagne? I do enjoy Champagne with a selection of vegetarian sushi.

What are your champagne selection tips? I would advise speaking to your local wine merchant and not always thinking Grand Marques unless you are prepared to pay that little bit more for their vintages, sometimes a local wine merchant can have a very nice Grower Champagne which I do advise people to try.

Diana Hasenbalg of Wearing Memories

Twitter: @FrenchyBubbles
IG: FrenchyBubbles

What’s currently your favorite champagne? My favorite champagne is Any ….true brut from Reims

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? Straight up ….nothing else. Bien frappeé {well chilled}

What are your top champagne selection tips? Champagne is always the answer !

Kiron Barui of Wearing Memories

Twitter: @ChampagneMemori
IG: ChampagneMemories

What’s currently your favorite champagne? I love all champagnes the Belle Epoque 06 would have to be the best tasting prestige cuvee at the moment for a bottle that you can pull off the shelf and just drink — it is fresh and light and perfect for a hot Christmas in Australia.

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? I have just invented this new game where by you pop some caviar on the back of your hand and lick it, then sip on your champagne and then finally you suck down an oyster. It is like the lick, sip and suck we used to play with tequila but this is the lovely adult version with caviar, champagne and oysters.

What are your top champagne selection tips? Always choose what you like to drink. Rose is perfect with donuts, blanc de blanc is perfect with seafood and vintages should always be drunk in a more open glass and allowed to breathe. But most of all enjoy what you like, for there is a magic memory in every bottle popped.

Laurie Delk of Promiscuous Palate

Twitter: @100Beers30Days
IG: @CaliWineGal

What’s currently your favorite champagne? anything from Egly-Ouriet. They just blow me away.

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? oysters and sushi

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? talk to your Sommelier and wine shop about what style you like for the perfect pick! Do you like dry and lean? Yeasty, biscuity, and full bodied? Citrus driven? There is that yes bottle for every style and price point.

Mella Noir of Clink And Chat

Twitter: @ChampagneChat
IG: clinkandchat

What’s currently your favorite champagne? My current fave is Tendil et Lombardi Hyménée as it pairs perfectly with virtually everything yet is delicious alone as well…

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? What ISN’T?! I love it mixed with liqueurs, fresh juices as well as just crisp and cold all by its’ beautiful effervescent bubbly self! To pair with nibbles — I adore fruit, nuts, any kind of seafood, cheese (side note: MMMMMMM… Cheese!) As well as salty chips and caviar.

What are your top champagne selection tips? Try new kinds and ask your friends what their faves are! I find social media to be a great source of new brands to find, taste and then pass onto others!

Ro Davis of Traveling Flute

Twitter @TravelingFlute

What’s currently your favorite champagne? Perrier Jouet

What’s your favorite way to pair champagne? I love to pair my champagne in a decadent beautiful flute, of course along with something sweet and something savory. My favorite Perrier Jouet, pairs well with beautiful cheeses and marcona almonds. For something savory, I like smoked salmon with a pairing of roasted root vegetables.

What are your top champagne selection tips?I would recommend that you always serve champagne in its proper flute. Never serve champagne in a wine glass, water goblet or paper cup. It takes away the flavor and effervescence of the bubbles.

** Thank you Mella of Clink And Chat for providing the featured image for this post as well as creating a fabulous Champagne community! Be sure to head over to Bubbly Talk Radio to listen in to our chat! CHEERS!!

December 31, 2014January 14, 2015

Thank you 2014! Happy New Year 2015!

Thank you 2014! What a Year You Have Been!

WOW! That is really the best expression I have to express everything that has transpired in 2014. What an amazing year it has been – I actually can not believe it is already December 31st – filled with challenges, too many learning experiences to count and a few incredible wins!

This year started with a dream of writing and publishing my first book, and with the help of an amazing team and YOUR support it became reality in the final months of the year – An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations is now on shelves and available on-line!

I won’t go into the thank you’s here as I have in several posts in the Passion to Print category which you can read here, as well as on the acknowledgment page of the book {are you there?… you might just have to buy the book to see!}, I do however wish to say to you all that I hope you see this achievement as a sign that anything is possible, that those dreams of yours that you think are silly, or perhaps too big, are achievable – and not only that, but to stress the importance of reaching them, of knowing you have completed them. If not I promise you, you will always wonder what if. And I can not have that, not after you have been here to support me in achieving mine.

SO – what are we going to do about it? First, I want you to leave a note in the comments below and tell me a goal or dream of yours you feel is silly, too big, not important enough,… that you have always wanted to achieve. Second, write down on paper – right now – the three big steps you need to achieve this goal. Third, write down the date of when you will achieve this goal. {if you are really daring, write them all in the comments and really commit to it!

Next up – my new top three goals for 2015… stay tuned, it only gets better.

Welcome 2015! I can not wait to see what you hold!

Happy New Year 2015!

December 30, 2014February 3, 2015

New Year’s Eve Champagne Cocktails

Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a large gathering or a more intimate evening for two, Champagne cocktails create a festive atmosphere that will last well past 12:01 am. Here are a few variations sure to add a signature touch to your evening, be sure to click through the links to see the full recipes!

{image + recipe courtesy of Kitchen Konfidence}

ST. GERMAIN + CHAMPAGNE

INGREDIENTS

St. Germain, chilled
Brut champagne (or any other dry sparkling wine), chilled

See full recipe :: Kitchen Konfidence

{image + recipe courtesy of Something Turquoise}

RASPBERRY SPARKLER

INGREDIENTS

Fresh raspberries
Raspberry liqueur
Brut champagne {or dry sparkling wine}, chilled

See full recipe :: Something Turquoise

Eager for more Champagne cocktail recipes? See Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail and Champagne Selection Tips

Looking for New Years Eve decorating or tablescape ideas? See How to Decorate for a New Years Eve Party and A Posh Table for New Years Eve.

August 31, 2014March 31, 2023

The Modern Relish Tray

What exactly is a relish tray? Why should I serve a relish tray at my next entertaining opportunity?

{speaking of entertaining… Let’s connect on instagram and share our entertaining images!}

If you were born in the last 20 years, you may not have had the experience of Grandmom’s relish tray, but this vegetable filled pre-dinner plate, once popular, is making its way back into our gatherings, especially for entertaining during the holiday season.

The beauty of this tray is the combination of flavors, the fresh crisp vegetables {carrots, radish}, the pickled { gherkins, cucumbers} and the brine {olives} . It’s a great starter for any meal and it resists being to rich and spoiling your appetite.

SUGGESTIONS FOR A MODERN RELISH TRAY

radish
carrots
celery
olives
gerkins
pickles
baked pita chips

Also classically served on a relish tray, is a spread or dip of some sort such as creamy pimento cheese, herb veggie or in this case my Arugula Green Goddess.

ARUGULA GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

5 cups arugula, cleaned and packed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

METHOD

In a food processor combine arugula and sour cream. Combine until completely blended. Add salt, lemon juice, garlic and thyme. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the flavors combine.

Serve cold.

Did you have a relish tray in your house growing up? Have you served one lately? Tell me about it in the comments.

Visit the other Sunday Supper contributors to this week’s recipes all inspired by trays.

Savory Bites:

Antipasto Skewers by Simply Gourmet
Bite-Sized Meatballs by MealDiva
BLT Bites by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
BLT Canapes by Peaceful Cooking
BLT Crostini with Basil Mayonnaise by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Blueberry Jam and Goat Cheese Crostini by Casa de Crews
Brie and Tomato Bruschetta by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Cajun Deviled Eggs by Peanut Better and Peppers
Charcuterie Board by Family Foodie
Cheese-Filled Apple Rounds by eatingininstead
Coquilles St. Jacques by Nosh My Way
Crudite Platter with Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Dip by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Crunchy Tuna Salad Boats by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
Cucumber Sandwiches by Momma’s Meals
Feta Zucchini Bites by Curious Cuisiniere
Gluten Free Thai Soup Shooters by Gluten Free Crumbley
Goat Cheese Stuffed Figs by Eat, Drink and be Tracy
Heirloom Caprese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
Jalapeño Mac ‘n Cheese Bites by The Wimpy Vegetarian
The Modern Relish Tray by An Appealing Plan
Mostarda di Frutta by Rhubarb and Honey
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers by Magnolia Days
Ploughman’s Platter for a Party by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks by Basic N Delicious
Rye Party Puffs by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Southwestern Turkey Sliders by The Texan New Yorker
Spinach and Mushroom Pizza Bites by The Dinner-Mom
Tomato Basil Soup Shooters by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Zucchini and Summer Squash Crostini by Hip Foodie Mom

Sweet Treats:

Alice in Wonderland Sugar Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Baked Lemon Glazed Mini Donuts by Killer Bunnies Inc.
Chocolate Oreo Pocky Cupcakes, Cake, and Morello Cherry Buttercream by NinjaBaking
French Silk Shooters by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
German Chocolate Brownie Bites by Wallflour Girl
Mini Banana Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits (#glutenfree option) by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Raspberry Fools by The Foodie Army Wife
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Shooters by The Redhead Baker
Vegan Caramel Truffles by What Smells So Good?
White Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana Bites by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Witchy Chocolate Mousse with Culinary Fairy Dust by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

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