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!

November 17, 2016November 23, 2016

Easy Pumpkin Placecards

Pumpkin Placecards are super easy to make and add a festive fall accent to your Thanksgiving, Friendsgving or Harvest Celebration Tablescape. Use either kraft paper cut outs or chalk paint to give each placesetting a personalized touch.

I don’t know about you but I LOVE mini pumpkins and gourds of all kinds so while I have the chance to decorating the table with Autumn gourds I take every opportunity to do just that!

Start setting your Fall tablescape by lining the center of the table with mixed gourds, Indian Corn and a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece or two. There really isn’t a wrong way to group them. Pick out a variety of shapes and sizes ~ I promise they will all look perfect together!

Once I have my centerpiece in place I like to add a textured charger, a main serving plate and a fall leaf plate at each placesetting. Continuing adding seasonal elements like a grapevine napkin ring around a natural linen napkin.

The stress of hosting can be overwhelming. No matter if it is your first time hosting, Or your 10th. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like an entertaining pro. Download yours for all my seasonal entertaining must-haves.

For a step-by-step demo how to make your own Pumpkin Placecards, you can watch my recent segment on WFLA Gayle’s Guide to Pinterest.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN PLACECARDS::

SUPPLIES ::

mini pumpkin
chalkboard paint
foam paint brush
chalk marker
leaf stencil
scissors

INSTRUCTIONS ::

For Chalkboard Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a foam applicator simply apply a stroke of black chalk paint to the side of mini pumpkin. Allow to dry and apply a second coat.

Once dry, use a chalk marker to write your guest’s name on the card. Repeat for all guests.

For Kraft Paper Leaf Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a Maple leaf form, trace the edges onto kraft paper, Cut out shape and write your guest’s name on each card.

Carefully slice a slit in the top of the pumpkin stem. Insert paper placecard into stem and place on table!

Not the DIY type… Did you know I offer services tailored to meet the needs of busy women. They are especially valuable during the holiday entertaining season. Learn more on HERE on KraylFunch.com

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016

It’s Cocktail Time!! Announcing the First Seasonal Home Box ADD-ON!

Thursday September 22nd is the official first day of Autumn and what better day to announce the launch of the first Seasonal Home Box Add-On!

Wish you had a signature cocktail up your sleeve for the next time guests drop by?

Love trying new flavors but not taking the time to research what the latest trend?

The Seasonal Signature Cocktail add-on is designed to bring the fun back to mixing up the perfect drink!
You can now include a Signature Cocktail Add-On to your Seasonal Home Box!!

YES! – Now I will send you a signature seasonal cocktail recipe AND the mixer ingredients. All you have to do is add the alcohol, stir it up and serve. How is that for easy!

ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL ADD-ON HERE to your Seasonal Home Box!

I also wanted to thank you so very much for taking the time to complete the Seasonal Home Box survey last week and providing your comments.

Getting your feedback and support {either through the survey, phone call or in person over wine…} allows me to create products that truly understand your needs and design/entertaining goals.

After looking at your responses and hearing about exactly what you are looking for, I have realized that like pants, one size does NOT fit all.

For many of you the current Seasonal Home Box Membership is the perfect answer. Arriving at your door, filled with seasonal items to spread throughout your home for each season without the stress or time spent shopping for them. For you the Seasonal Home Box is not going anywhere!

However for a few of you, a higher level of service and personalization is the answer. Also perfect! That’s the core of my business and something I love to provide. In the next week you will hear more about new products and services designed just for you.

“What’s next?” “What do I have to do?”

That’s the best part – you do not have to do a thing! Be on the look out for a special email announcing the new offerings that will become available in October – AND an incredible new opportunity you do not want to miss.

That’s all the updates for now – back to mixing up drinks and packing up Fall Decor! ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL HERE and grab your Fall Seasonal Home Box before they are gone!

Thank you again for all your support and being apart of the community!
Krayl Funch

PS – If you missed the opportunity to give your feed back – You still have two ways to be involved :: #1 – complete this survey in the privacy of your living room – OR – #2 – have a one-on-one phone call with me discussing your thoughts {also available in the privacy of your living room} on the current Seasonal Home Box and how it can be tweaked to meet your dreams!

Simply complete the survey here or even easier, message me : “pr {@} kraylfunch {.}com now with your preferred day and time to schedule a phone call with me THIS week to discuss it further!

{p.p.s. – you have been hiding in a cave for the summer and have no idea what I am talking about but it sounds perfect for you! Learn more about the Seasonal Home Box Membership here.}

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016

Spiked Watermelon + Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes I am one of those. Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stopped by {Reza if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door… just saying}.

Traditionally Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink served by street vendors, in bodegas, and at cafes in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coming in many flavor combinations Agua Fresca is made by combining fruits, seeds, and occasionally flowers, with sugar and water.

I had just picked up a fresh juicy watermelon at the market over the weekend and my patio garden is overflowing with fresh basil, so I figured I would give a Spiked Watermelon and Basil Agua Fresca a go as my first attempt at this “exotic” recipe.

On my first try I muddled the basil leaves in the cup leaving bits of them floating in the pink juice. The flavor was nice but the leaves ended up in your mouth which although I was ok with this, I figured not everyone would be. Especially as a guest at a party, you may then be worried about bits in your teeth – at least I would be – and thats never a good thing for a party guest to be concerned about.

So I switched instead to creating an easy basil simple syrup first which imparted the same flavor with out the bits. I feel this is probably the best method when serving to a group at your home for a summer BBQ or at a beach picnic.

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/4 cup basil simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
juice of one lime
ice, for each serving
chilled vodka
basil sprig, for garnish
watermelon slice, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: In serving glass filled 3/4 with ice add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, top with approximately 1 cup of melon mixture. Stir well to combine and chill. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

February 9, 2016February 9, 2016

5 Valentines Day Tablescape Ideas

Just like searching for true love, there are SO many way to set the perfect Valentines Day tablescape I thought it might be best to pull together my favorite looks from over the years here on An Appealing Plan and from the mighty web it self to inspire you this season.

Still one of my favorites, this vintage über pretty pink tablescape features, Ombre XOX cookies set atop of a white china cake stand and a romantic combination of pink tulips, wax flower and pink stock. It is perfect for Galentine’s Day or a week day dinner for two.

These ball jars filled with Red and Pink Ranunculus are perfect for a Valentine’s luncheon celebration! Found on GreenWeddingShoes.com as a bridal shower idea it is easily transformed for a February day. The paper table runner makes the pink pop and will not break your decor budget so there is more to spend on chocolate!

Red velvet hearts hanging on curly willow branches create a dream like effect on this Romantic table for two found right here in 2013! Red and white are a classic pairing for a Valentine’s Day tablescape and this table shows you why it will never go out of style.

Proof that romance doesn’t have to be all pink and red, and in your face, this lovely tablesetting featuring acrylic chairs running the length of this poolside table for 20. The gorgeous floral arrangements featuring coral peonies allow friendship and connection to be the focus on this table seen on JoelSerrato.com

And finally my favorite place to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day breakfast… in bed of course! This easy “tray-scape” can be made ahead and then completed with waffles and love potion right before your favorite sweetheart wakes up.

December 8, 2015December 30, 2015

Holiday Party Appetizer Idea: Mini Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Beef + Couscous

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” right? Except you have a million things to get done before the magic can really begin and that’s on top of attending holiday parties, gift wrapping and or course don’t forget, you still have to decorate your own home and tree. How about combining a few of your holiday tasks by hosting a Christmas Tree Trimming Party! In my opinion it is THE easiest way to see your friends AND ensure your tree is decorated well before Santa comes sliding down the chimney after Christmas Eve dinner.

{ visit The Florida CattleWomen on Facebook to learn more about how they are celebrating this year}

I know, you might be thinking – Put another party on calendar? Won’t that add to my to-do list rather than take things off? Yes. And no. While it may add a few items to your list, it is guaranteed to take more off then put on. Here are my top suggestions for planning a tree trimming party::

Don’t Over Think It.
Tree trimming parties can be super casual get together, no need to pull out the party dress yet. It is a way to gather friends and neighbors to get the party started early in the season. Keep the tablescape decor simple by placing everything on a tray to be moved from the kitchen to the living room. A simple vase with white Tulips and seeded Eucalyptus looks festive but not over done.

Keep The Menu Simple.
Your guests will be busy hanging ornaments and chatting but you will want to offer a few easy bites. Try something that can easily be made ahead of time then heated up right before guest arrive. Put out a cheese board along with another easy to make appetizer like Mini Sweet Peppers stuffed with Beef + Couscous. How cute are they in their festive red!

Let Guests Serve Themselves.
No need to set a full table. These people are here to work! Place your appetizers out on the coffee table along with small plates and napkins. For this type of gathering I prefer to serve recipes that don’t require utensils – one or two bites is perfect with a small side plate. Less to clean up at the end of the night!

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If you like this beef appetizer recipe you are going to LOVE all the recipes the Beef Website has to offer. They even have an entire section of appetizers ready for you to incorporate beef into your holiday parties! Learn more on the Florida Beef website.

Founded in 1961 as the Florida CowBelles, Inc., the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW) conduct and participate in a variety of activities that can be summed up in their Purpose: To foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council.

Please visit + like the Florida CattleWomen Facebook Page to learn more about the wonderful organization, the women involved and what they are serving this holiday season! Florida CattleWomen on Facebook.

Win A Holiday Dinner For Your Family!

$250 Gift Certificate – congratulations to Gladys H. on winning a $250 gift certificate from the Florida CattleWomen!

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by the Florida CattleWomen Inc. the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas are all my own.

November 22, 2015November 23, 2016

Creating an Easy Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

To me flowers make the table! I like to use unexpected vessels for my arrangements but occasionally they aren’t water tight. Here is my quick fix for that and a how-to for creating an easy holiday centerpiece with flowers and candles using a few of my favorite greens – Seeded Eucalyptus and Boxwood clippings as well as a mixture of colorful flowers – Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova, Purple Liatris and Orange Safflower Seed. Please feel free to use whatever flowers you find at the market or garden.

Although I mention specific flowers and greens in this article, and in the video, the real take away is that you can create a base for your arrangements using any vessel that inspires you with just a few items you may even have around your home. Use this as an inspiration and let your creativity run wild!

Creating a Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

SUPPLIES

oasis, wet floral foam
Ziploc style baggies – 1 gallon size or larger
2 taper candles
Stick Um
Fiskar garden clippers
Assorted Greens + Florals used in this arrangement:
- Seeded Eucalyptus
- Ornamental Cabbage or Flowering Kale heads
- Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova
- Purple Liatris
- Orange Safflower Seed
- Boxwood clippings

METHOD

Cut your oasis foam block in half and soak in water overnight to completely saturate with water.
Push your candle holders into the oasis foam deep enough to hold them straight and secure. If you are not using small candle holders the taper candles may be push directly into the oasis to ensure the stay upright.
Place each block into a water tight bag and roll down the edges so they are just above the top of the block but are below the top of your decorative vessel. Place block and bag into vessel, add the candles and center in the vessel.
Begin to cut and place Eucalyptus branches along the outside edge, be sure the cut ends are deep into the oasis for hydration and so the are secure. Insert large Ornamental Cabbage heads into oasis to create the main body of your arrangement. Cut and insert Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova and Orange Safflower Seeds then fill in with Boxwood Clippings.

This flower and candle arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or it can easily be updated for any entertaining opportunity that occurs at your home during the winter and Christmas entertaining season. Simply adjust the color pallet coordinate with your seasonal decor or tablescape as needed.

My Boxwood + Besties tablescape with my Roasted Butternut Squash + Cauliflower Soup recipe, perfect for entertaining friend during the holiday season has also been featured on The Inspired Home website.

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And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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July 16, 2015May 16, 2016

Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe with Blue Cheese

In the farm world of yester-year there is a saying “knee-high by Fourth of July”. It means all is well with your corn crop and the growth is on schedule. Well these days you can get fresh corn as early as Memorial Day – or year round in some parts – but the I still believe the sweetest corn is late season corn grown in New Jersey {sorry… it’s the Jersey girl in me that I just can’t shake!}. Late season Jersey corn hardly needs butter, just a touch of salt and pepper and it is perfect!

Early season corn, however, frequently needs a little more dressing up to bring out the flavor and an easy grilled Mexican corn recipe does the trick for me. Also known as Mexican street corn, or Elotes, is a basic traditional recipe using mayonnaise, sour cream, queso fresco or cotija, chili powder, fresh lime and of course a charcoal grill.

You know I always like to add a special touch to the look of the table and for this Mexican corn recipe I stripped back the husks, removed the silk and tied them back with bakers twine. The effect is super chic and it also creates a natural handle for serving and eating the corn. If you or your guests prefer they can easily snap off the top once the corn is grilled.

This subtle twist on the original grilled Mexican corn recipe offers the tangy bite of blue cheese and thyme – and the benefit of using ingredients easily found in most stores around the country. The thyme came straight from the herb garden at my mother’s house so it included extra love – but you can use traditional thyme as well, or really any herb growing in your garden this season.

This recipe is great for summer entertaining because you par-cook the ears before placing them on the grill which will save cooking time when your guests are arriving as well as space on the grill for the other items on your menu. Be sure your grill is hot before placing the ears on, you are mainly using it for grill marks and the smokey charcoal flavor, a low heat may cook the corn more than you wish – you may also adjust the boiling portion if your prefer to cook them completely on the grill.

Grilled Mexican Corn with Blue Cheese

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

March 24, 2015January 26, 2016

Setting An Easy Spring Tablescape

Ah Spring… we smell you in the air, we feel you on our skin, we have waited through the chilly nights and short winter days for you to arrive and finally spring is here. It is time to put away our winter coats, open up all the windows, sweep off the front porch and welcome spring into our homes. Yes, please come on in. First step, setting an easy spring table.

Whether it is a kitchen table or a dining room table, creating a Spring inspired tablescape is as easy as heading to the garden to find colorful bulbs and clipping the early flowering branches. If you have a small garden or can’t bear the thought of cutting back the long awaited color, your local farmers market or grocery will no doubt be filled with the bright colors and flowers of the season. For this spring inspired tablescape a white ceramic bunny is nestled between vibrant purple hyacinths mixed with bright fuchsia and green cuttings.

Pink chargers at each place setting create the perfect backdrop to stack plates for each course. Soft boiled eggs placed in whimsical duck feet holders begin our brunch, followed by a spring mix salad with dried currants to be placed on turquoise scalloped edged Italian stoneware plates. The main course of Green Asparagus Soup with Seared Scallops will be served in a low white china bowl.

Setting a pretty table does not equally a stuffy formal affair. Keep with the informal feel of this brunch table by placing additional hyacinths in juice glasses and group together around our happy white ceramic figurine. Sand colored linen napkins and everyday flatware complete the table.

Once the table is set, continue to welcome spring by placing flowers around the house on any flat surface you find.

Seasonal decorating gives you the opportunity to move items around your home, rotate décor and personalize each space as the seasons change. Be sure to enjoy every minute of this fresh new season by playing around with different colors and textures on your table and throughout the house.