Flavored waters are popular at high end spas, and they are so simple to make at home. Jasmine flowers are perfect for making a fragrant and refreshing drink to enjoy as you pamper yourself.
Jasmine water is especially popular in India, China and Southeast asia.
Simply place jasmine flowers (or lavender or rose) into a glass pitcher and cover with filtered water. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flowers to perfume the water. Strain the liquid, discarding the jasmine, lavender or rose. Of note, make sure the flowers you are using are organic to be sure you are not drinking pesticides with your water.
Teresa Giudice (Real Housewives of New Jersey) has just written an incredible book on the art of Italian cooking. More than just a cookbook, this is more like a great book with recipes, because there’s lots of dialogue and pictures to go along with the amazing recipes. I especially love the pictures she shares of her house and family (four darling little girls and her juicy husband, Joe.)
I was so impressed with Teresa’s book. I mean, who doesn’t want to have access to a girlfriend whose parents are straight from the old country and taught her everything they know about old-school Italian cooking?
I adore that she believes so strongly in her heritage. I adore people of any culture that maintain their roots and are deeply proud of being Italian, Swedish, German, etc. I love tradition. It’s something I wish I had in my own family. Truth be told, I really have no idea where I came from. I’m blonde, blue eyed, and not exactly what you’d call dark complected. I know that originally my family came from France. Beyond that, it’s a bit unclear. I’ve always found it to be so interesting to listen to people who have deep heritage. I need to visit Ancestry.com.
Teresa shares recipes in her new book, Skinny Italian, that have gone back many generations. She shares all of her bag of tricks…all the while doing it with her Jersey-Girl attitude and sass!
I have literally not been able to put this book down for two weeks. Teresa has even inspired me to try my hand at canning this summer (there’s a whole section on this in her book along with step by step instructions.)
Admittedly, the Real Housewives franchises have tried to market almost every one of their ladies into a brand…(think Vicki Gunvalson with her new book or LuAnn the Countess with her singing.) With all the personal branding promotion, I admit I looked at Teresa’s book with a side-eye, ala Tardy For the Party.
But Skinny Italian is the real deal. Real authentic recipes taught by real authentic Italians. Teresa, I love, love love your new book. Super-impressive work, Jersey-Girl!
Don’t rule out your outdoor living space just because the temperatures are dropping. Some of my best parties were held outdoors in the Fall. It seems to make parties cozier, in fact. An essential for a Fall party is a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for warmth and light. Keep the fire stoked all night…you’ll need it for s’mores after dinner. Adding lanterns with small candles to tree branches around the entire perimeter makes it glow, and again, lends extra warmth. Serve heartier eats, such as spicy chili, tacos, or a beef brisket. Learn how to make some delicious after dinner hot drinks that warm you up, and get you in the mood for a party (see below.) Add a great smooth jazz CD music mix to the background and decorate the the entire area with fall colors. It’s a guaranteed magic night!
Peppermint Patty Hot Drink:
1 Shot of Peppermint Schnapps
Hot Chocolate to fill glass
Top with Whipped Cream and an Andes Chocolate Mint.
If you’ve been to my house, you’ve probably eaten my hummus and fresh pita bread standing around my kitchen island. It’s a staple around my house. Super-delicious and good for you, too. The basic recipe is below, but you can add anything you want to it. My favorites include roasted garlic and roasted pine nuts, but add whatever flavors you love.
Hummus is one of the more popular Middle Eastern dips, generally served with fresh or toasted pita bread. Hummus makes for a great snack or appetizer. Tahini is an important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. You can find Tahini in the grocery store.
I use a food processor to make mine. Be sure to blend ingredients until they are smooth (not grainy and loose) for better texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.
Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).
Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread. So delish!
There’s no doubt that that many of us are channeling our “inner designer” , and at HGTV.com, these designers are showcasing their skills, some of which are simply brilliant. My favorite backyard makeover of the day is submitted by Sir Chandelier on Rate My Space. He created this absolutely stunning backyard makeover. I see French outdoor bistro when I look at this. The colors are perfection. The stripped black and white awnings are gorgeous! The furniture is elegant. The double-ended fireplace takes the cake. It makes my head spin with new, creative ideas. Gorgeous!
When checking out design ideas, don’t forget to look into the Rate My Space files over at www.HGTV.com. You’ll be amazed at how creative everyday people can really be with their interiors.
Tired of taking the same old bottle of wine when you and friends get together on the weekends? Mix it up and take a basket of muffins. Muffins are always a hit. Every. Single. Time. Muffins are quick and easy to make when you get home from work on Friday, and will be amazingly delicious when your friends are nibbling on them that night. One caveat…make plenty. Make at least 3 to 4 muffins per person. Trust my experience on this one.
Today was a delicious day. I spent all morning at the Farmers Market, all afternoon playing in my garden, and all evening cooking. It’s good for the soul…try it. Here’s a look at the day….
Don’t shy away from making your own pizza crust. It’s super economical to make your own, and very easy. Don’t let rising yeast scare you. It’s easier than you think. And lets not forget, better tasting. You can add extra herbs (such as Rosemary or Basil), or seeds (such as Sesame or Poppy) to your crust to make it gourmet. Not to mention, less than 300 calories. Love that! When the onion and fennel caramelize, they become very sweet and smell amazing (the whole house smells amazing, in fact!) The presentation is beautiful, and your family and guest will think you spent hours making it.
Try this delicious pizza with caramelized fennel, onion and olives. Great for entertaining.
Servings: 6 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)
Ingredients
Dough:
1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons yellow cornmeal
Topping:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups thinly sliced fennel bulb (about 4 small bulbs)
2 cups thinly sliced onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Remaining ingredients:
1 cup bottled tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
Preparation
To prepare dough, dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl, and let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 1 3/4 cups flour and salt, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into the dough. If an indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; knead 5 times, and let rest for 15 minutes. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Place dough on a (12-inch) pizza pan or baking sheet coated with cooking spray and sprinkled with cornmeal. Crimp edges of dough with fingers to form a rim.
To prepare the topping, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the fennel and the next 5 ingredients (fennel through black pepper), and cook for 20 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently.
For a quick dessert, dip (rinsed and patted dry) strawberries into melted white chocolate. I made this dessert tonight, start to finish, in five minutes. The white stars are simply white chocolate molded in silicone star molds. This will be perfect for my 4th of July picnic block party (the white chocolate stars colored blue), for a patriotic-looking display. A Silpat is an extremely useful tool for this project.
Flavored waters are popular at high end spas, and they are so simple to make at home. Jasmine flowers are perfect for making a fragrant and refreshing drink to enjoy as you pamper yourself. 
