wine wednesday

Another week strong. So what are my chances of getting on the Rachael Ray show because I cook her recipes on a weekly basis? A girl can dream! Anyways, last nights recipe: Pork Chops with Butter and Sage with a side of RR's "Obsession-with-Sweet Potatoes Mash" and Cinnamon Apples. To drink: Yellowtail Reserve Shiraz.

As Derrick said when he got home from school, "This is quickly turning into a party." Last night Camille brought Jess home from work to join us for Wine Wednesday. The three of us, along with the adorable Tucker watched Sex and the City, drank wine, and had a genuine home cooked meal. On such a gross, murky and humid day, a good fall meal was just the ticket.

First up: Sage Butter

Bowl 1: one stick of butter at room temp, sliced

Chopping Board 1: about 1/3 cup fresh chopped sage and about 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Next, I added the sage and cheese into the bowl with the butter and mixed it all up and set it aside.

Yumminess of Sage and Gorgonzola

Second and Third: Obsession-with-Sweet Potatoes and Cinnamon Apples

Sweet Potatoes:

Chopping board 2: peel and cube about 2 1/2 pounds of sweet potatoes

Pot 1: sweet potatoes covered with cold water and set to boil

Chopping board 3: peel and core 4 apples and cut into about 1/4 inch thick slices

Pan 1: two tablespoons of butter and all sliced apples

Potatoes ready to boil and Apples ready to Sauté

Once the potatoes are fork tender, drain and return to pot.

Add to pot 1: one cup chicken stock, 1/4 cup honey, the juice of one lemon, and fresh ground nutmeg; mash together and add brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste

Back to pan 1: once the apples are browned add about 4 tablespoons of brown sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let it cook down and marinate.

Main Dish: Pork Chops

Pan 2: coat large skillet with EVOO and place bone-in pork chops seasoned side down. Season the other side with salt and better and brown on both sides.

Once the chops are browned, transfer pan into oven for 12-15 minutes at 375.

Main dish and side dishes finished. Time to plate!

Add the Sage Butter to the top of the pork chop and you are ready to indulge. And believe me... you might start with a dollop of the cheesy, buttery goodness, but after the first bite, you will definitely add more.

Things I learned from this Wine Wednesday:

• WCWW is the best part of the week, obviously.
• If I were to make this again, I would add less brown sugar to the potatoes because severing them next to the cinnamon apples made for two sweeter sides than one sweet and one savory.
• I think I cooked the potatoes a little long so they didn't absorb as much of the liquid that I added before mashing together.
• Sage and Gorgonzola butter --- Pure genius. The best part is... the butter you don't use you can roll in cling wrap and throw in the freezer and pull it out whenever you want to use it. We think it would be very good on a beef burger and toasted french bread with a little garlic and olive oil.
• The more the merrier. Jess, please join us again!

the 'i miss u' in missouri

Do a little rearranging but Missouri also says MISSoUrI. I have the greatest group of friends in Missouri. From Kansas City to Columbia, all the way over to St. Louis, they're fabulous ladies. Monday I checked my mail and had a new magazine, go figure, and a couple pieces of junk mail. I came back upstairs to do some work on my Web site and someone buzzed my apartment. It was the mail lady. (We have the main mail person come earlier in the day and then the package person comes later). I had a package? I thought it might be the new work out pants and capris I had ordered from Gap but to my surprise it was a package from Kansas City.

Last week I emailed my design gals and asked if any of them had Adobe Creative Suite 4. Since I am not a student anymore, upgrades for software can set you back over $1000. Anyways, my gracious friend Lauren said she would mail me the software I needed, but I wasn't expecting a 5 pound package.

Getting back upstairs I opened the box to find an excess amount of napkins, the software, a card and two dozen homemade brownies. AND not just any brownies. Lauren's roommate, and basically my other half, Sarah made her special brownies, which are much like "hello dollies," but wayyyyyyy better. An amazing and tasty surprise. I took some down to my friends at Malachy's that evening but I still have over a dozen staring at me. Good thing I started working out with a personal trainer on Monday. If only they knew how much it meant to get homemade goodies in the mail. A super sweet gesture from two very sweet people!

"Friendship keeps us close"

Tuesday I met a friend for lunch around noon and checked my mail quickly before I met her around the corner. Again, a couple of magazines and several pieces of junk mail, and one bright yellow envelope. Elise Bennett sent me an adorable card.

The front: a cat looking so pitiful while lying with a phone receiver.

The inside: "Life's boring without you - let's catch up soon."

There was also an extra surprise inside. A picture of Kaci, Katie, Elise and I at Elise's wedding. It is a gorgeous picture of all of us, which is now framed and sitting on the back of my toilet (don't judge... little apartment equals little space for frames... hence the use of the toilet).

Sweet card and picture of my 3 favorite blondes.

And now I look at them several times a day...

P.S. For those of you who know I have talked about my postman, Bill, please keep him in your prayers. I am not sure what is wrong but our temporary mail person said he is pretty sick.

fall equals football

college football to be exact. Since moving from the South, I am often asked who my favorite team is. I answer the Missouri Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks and then I get a funny look. They meant NFL, I meant NCAA. Even though the Giants won last night, the game had nothing on Saturday's line-up. This past weekend was the 99th anniversary of Homecoming, which was founded at the University of Missouri. On top of the festivities, ESPN Game Day rolled into Columbia as well as the Oklahoma Sooners.

Having the entire day to play before the night game, Camille and I finally made it to brunch together. For her birthday, which was several months, I told her I wanted to take her to brunch at Alice's Tea Cup. Meeting up around three o'clock, we enjoyed the "Mad Hatter" that includes two pots of tea, three scones, two sandwiches and sweet little treats for dessert. Needless to say, half of this went home in a box. But we enjoyed as much of it as we could.

Our three-tiered Mad Hatter at Alice's Tea Cup

After filling ourselves with savory scones and curried chicken salad, we walked through the park to enjoy the fall foliage and gorgeous weather. From the Upper West Side to Midtown East we made a couple of stops along the way but made it to Blackstones a couple hours before the game.

Thank goodness we did! The game didn't start until 8 but the bar was filled by 7. Usually the Missouri fans pack into the back bar and watch there. This week, we filled the large front bar, the usual back bar, and overflowed into a private party being held in the basement bar.

I honestly believe Harpo's was transplanted to New York for the night. Especially since the Alumni Association was selling Harpo's cups at Blackstones! The cheering and the intensity of the game were just like being in Columbia. Beating OU was merely icing on the cake!

Three generations of Chi Omegas from Missouri '07, '08, and '09 grads. Camille and I were sitting down chatting before the game watching as people flooded the back bar and then Camille turns and says, "Don't we know her? Wasn't she a Chi-O?" Before I could say yes, Camille realized it was Megan! I volunteered with Megan during my sophomore year but didn't know she was back in NY. She ended up sitting with us for the game so we had to of course take a picture of our X and Horseshoe! I told you it was like Harpo's on Homecoming.... don't know who you'll run into! M-I-Z!!!

if i could be...

...a personal shopper, I would. In a heart beat. I enjoy hunting down the perfect piece to put together a great ensemble. Pulling items from different stores and price points, well, it's a thrill. My muse for the past several years has been my sister, Mickey. She is the definition of a "mannequin buyer." If she sees an outfit on a mannequin that she likes, she will go from one end of a store to the other looking for each piece of that outfit. On top of that she is most likely only going to wear each piece with that specific outfit. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying this is bad in any way. HELLO! It's the visual merchandiser's J-O-B to get you to buy what they put on the mannequin. Believe me, I know. I've been a visual merchandiser and it's a fun job.

Again, don't get me wrong: Mickey has FAB taste and a great sense of style. This is why it is so much fun for me to dress her and mix up her typical look. I like to get her to step outside her box and try something a little different, something she hadn't thought of.

So anyone can walk into a store and buy what's on the mannequin, but don't you know that top would look great with skinny black jeans, ankle boots with a tall heel, a statement cocktail ring and a sassy clutch? Or that skirt on the mannequin can be worn high on the waist with a blouse tucked in, several delicate long necklaces, a cropped tuxedo blazer, diamond-print tights and sexy, black pumps.

Now we have one outfit turned into three. Pieces are versatile and can be worn in so many different ways. There is a huge creative impulse for me to pull pieces from someone's closet, mix-and-match their pieces and show them a whole new wardrobe. Going through my sister's closet(s) is like putting a kid in a candy store. It is so much fun.

what's cookin' wine wednesday meets weight watchers

Okay, I'll stop with the W's. I also know it is Saturday and I haven't updated you about this past Wine Wednesday. As our mid-week tradition rolled upon us, we realized our waistlines needed to be kept in mind... especially since Camille will be in her wedding dress in 12 months and I'll be in a bridesmaids dress the week before (Christine is getting married a week before Camille). So before we splurge next week with pumpkin pie, we kept it healthy this week. We got a late start which turned out to be a nice surprise because Derrick made it home just as we were plating the chicken. Perfect timing!

This week we had broiled asparagus, lemon-pepper chicken and a fresh hearty salad. It's really feeling like fall and slaving over the stove wasn't on our agenda this week. Instead we enjoyed an easy, savory meal with white wine --- I know, it's a new thing for us!

*Baking sheet 1: fresh asparagus, drizzled with olive oil, salt, pepper and juice from 1/2 a lemon. Put under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, until it's fork tender but still has a good crunch.

*Pan 1: Chicken dressed in lemon-pepper seasoning and fresh lemon juice and put in a hot pan with a little olive oil. Quick cooking, high flavor.

*Chopping board 1: carrots, red peppers, onion, fresh lettuce.

never say never

One year ago today, I woke up early with a voicemail from my dad. I could tell by his voice that it wasn't good news. I called him back, he told me my grandfather had passed away during the night, and that I should come. Never having lost a member of my family, I was a shaken up and wasn't real sure what to do. I bought a plane ticket, went to work to tie up some loose ends and let them know I was leaving town for a few days. Going home for the first time after moving to New York was supposed to be joyous and celebratory, as it should have been Christmas time, but there was a little change of plans. Being with my family during this hard time was comforting and necessary.

Looking back, it is hard to believe it's been a year, but I still think about both my grandfathers every day and keep them close in my heart. Earlier today I was looking into candidates' Web sites and platforms for the November 2 election and getting a better idea of who I plan to vote for. Whenever an election is on the rise I always think of what my grandfather said about voting.

"You can't complain if you don't vote."

So true. It is your civic responsibility as an able citizen of the United States to vote. It's painless, it takes seconds and it gives you the right to complain. If you vote, you can bicker back and forth as much as you want about why one candidate won, why the other should have, or what the elected person screws up throughout the year. If you don't vote, keep your mouth shut, because you didn't put in your two cents when it mattered. I urge you to register, find your polling place, and get out and VOTE on Tuesday, November 2.

Another brilliant statement he told me over and over... "never say never." Words to live by. You never know what is going to be thrown your way, so never, say never.

Mimi, Papa and I; Christmas 2008

purple cauliflower?

Saturday was the first day I got out of the house for more than just a trip to Duane Reade (the drug store). First was Blackstone's, New York's "Mizzou bar," with friends to watch the Tigers kill Colorado. Afterwards I walked down to Mad Hatter, New York's "Razorback bar," to root the Hogs as hard as I could. Watching two games, back to back, I was exhausted. I headed back to my apartment, ordered sushi, watched Fool's Gold and crashed. I woke up bright and early on Sunday and met a friend to go to the farmer's market -- a Sunday staple. The past three weeks the greenmarket has been moved to the back of a school lot where the flea market it due to an October craft show currently residing in the usual location of the fresh goodies. I am very excited that this was the last week, as it is VERY crowded and extreme close quarters for so many venders. Nonetheless, the taste of fresh produce prevails! This week I picked up half a dozen apples, artisanal cheese and a couple handful's of Yukon gold's. (Rachael Ray has recently used Yukon gold's in several dishes, so I was inspired. I'll let you know how it goes when I fix 'em up). Two new things I found but didn't purchase. Cranberry beans? Purple cauliflower? Ever seen either, or even better, ever cooked them?

Purple Cauliflower

Cranberry Beans

update

I'm sorry I have been MIA for several days. On top of working all day, each day this week, I got strep throat/the flu. What I mean by this is I didn't go to the doctor so I don't have a 100% diagnosis of either, but with the amount degree my throat was hurting and swollen, I'm leaning towards strep. The only thing pushing me towards thinking flu was rigors and achiness.

Anyways, today I am feeling much better. My fever broke early this morning and my energy is triple what it was yesterday and Tuesday. (Hence no Wine Wednesday this week)

New freelance gig of the week is assisting the art director of a monthly magazine, (11 issues a year). It's been a lot of work, but I am really enjoying it. Hopefully I will get to continue working with him.

Fun news. You all have heard my mention my friend Anna. Well, Saturday her mom, Olga Kostritzky had four extra tickets to the last performance of the NYC Ballet's 2010 season. She gave Andrea and I the tickets so we each invited a friend. I had already committed to going to watch the Mizzou game with Casey, but it didn't take much for me to twist her arm and join us for the ballet. The three of us went to Wine and Roses before the ballet and had wine and cheese along with great conversation. Afterwards we met Andrea's friend, Jordana at Lincoln Center, took pictures, then met Olga to get our tickets. She was headed to the Opera after meeting us. The ballet was fantastic. My favorite was Glass Pieces that was choreographed by Jerome Robbins and premiered May 12, 1983 by the New York City Ballet at New York State Theater.

Lincoln Center

Casey and I in front of the fountain.

Hey Arkansans' -- this weekend is the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. I haven't been in several years, but when I did go, it was great. I mention this because the film, Dancing Across Borders will be shown. Olga is in the film and will be in Hot Springs for the weekend, teaching a class, doing interviews, attending the festival, etc. I hope some of you all can get out there and support the 19th annual documentary film festival, and if you run into Olga, show her some amazing southern hospitality.

tea time

When people ask me how big is my apartment, I usually respond by saying, "I set an alarm in the morning, but not to wake up. The alarm is to sit up, turn to the side, turn the stove on and roll back over for five minutes. The real alarm is when the tea kettle is whistling."

So my "bed side table" is a single wide stovetop. That's normal right? Is to me. It's like people who wake up to coffee being brewed, except if they want the coffee they actually have to get out of bed. For me, I merely sit up and poor hot water into my tea pot, turn on the TV and watch a little Good Morning America. Honestly, it's the best way to wake up. After about fifteen minutes I get moving and start my day, but that first part of the morning is sacred.

This morning as I was preparing my tea I realized that I am almost out! One of my favorite teas is Casablanca and of course, it comes from Alice's Tea Cup. I'm not actually running out of tea, I have plenty of Tazo Green Ginger, as well as Earl Gray, but loose tea leaves in my little green teapot are like icing on the cake. I'm going to try and swing by Alice's to see if they have any Casablanca in stock, but if not, tomorrow it looks like it will be a Tazo toss up. Good morning autumn, nice to see you could join us.