Finding The Sun

We've had FREEZING fog for the past week or so.  The day time temperatures are in the high 20's .. It's tough to get up and GO when it's dark, snowy, icy, cold..

Getting outside is important to start my day.   

Imagine the SUN.. it really is there ..

hiding behind the clouds.  Seattle is known for it's gray days.. which can be draining and make us feel like staying in bed.

 

Nothing grows in freezing weather.  

It's amazing how adaptable human beings are.  

When the winter cold and darkness rolls around, I am ready.  I bring the sunshine inside and make my home warm, light, and cozy ~ yellow, white and blue.

FRESH..

It doesn't have to be much..

They say just a flower or two in a room can make a difference.

Family, friends, flowers..  I like the way the blue and white looks on my breakfast table.  

White linen lavender sachet.. and a little bird.

..CALM

Clean:

I like these plant based products. Some of the environmentally friendly items don't work well for me.  THESE however are a few of my favorites.

White sponges.. my preference over some of the other varieties.   I also use Mrs. Meyers liquid dish soap.  Great company and they are having a sale!

We like the way the tree trunks look in the dead of winter.  My husband has placed lights under some of my favorite trees on our property.  

..not the best photograph but you get the idea.  Those are ferns in front.. they are everywhere here in the pacific northwest.

Here are some icicles on a tree branch .. a river below.  Layla always gets fresh water here.

She has no cold or pain sensors apparently.

FIND THE SUN!

How do you handle the cold, winter weather?

Do you stay inside .. or enjoy a walk in the snow?

xxleslie

ALL photos Trouverlesoleil

Goodies for the kitchen

Having the right gadgets and gizmos in the kitchen can make all the difference in terms of time and 

effort when preparing a family meal or entertaining a group of friends. 

Here are a few things you will see in my kitchen.

ALL-CLAD stainless steel measuring spoons

Salt Keeper

I fill this wood Salt Keeper with kosher salt. The easy top works perfectly for a quick sprinkle of salt on my oatmeal, pasta, or roast chicken.

This is a permanent fixture on my stove during the dark, cold winter months as I prepare a variety of hearty stews and soups. The multi-coat enamel over the cast iron ensures a slow and even distribution of heat.

STAUB 

Anything can go in this pan... fish, chicken, spaghetti sauce, pasta, etc.. 

All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless-Steel Sautétes

J.K. Adams cutting board

I have a few different cutting boards.  This one is used for anything other than poultry or beef.

Cookie trays, jelly roll pans.. wonderful for cookies and pastries. 

Do you bake with Parchment Paper?

It makes clean up easier and everything (especially cookies) bake more evenly.  I like also like this brand.  I's available bleached or unbleached, FYI. 

I use this little chopper whenever an onion is involved..otherwise I'm crying a river.

This little gadget is small, easy to assemble and when I'm finished chopping it goes right in the dishwasher. When it stops chopping well I toss it and buy a new one (it's fairly inexpensive). 

             Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Emeril Lagasse {recipe}

I prepared this casserole for a brunch we hosted last weekend and it was a huge hit so I wanted to share the recipe. I mixed mild sausage with Chorizo and left out some of the chili powder.   

Instructions call for Poblano Chili.

 To help keep me organized, I prepared the casserole and a few other items the night before.  If I leave everything to the last minute I get a little grumpy so I've learned over the years to choose a menu will allow me to prepare things ahead of time.

The scene..

It was a relaxed evening, my work week was over, a movie was on and I was multi-tasking.. sipping wine, checking my on-line recipes etc.. 

      Layla begging by my feet.

..a warning on chili..

later that evening,

my fingers were kinda itchy and my lips started to burn.  It was the Pablano's  .. I never washed my hands! I cut them up, touched my computer and touched my glass.  

Pablano's aren't that spicy but it's possible I  have a sensitivity or could be mildly allergic.

 How do you do with spice? Do you like it or are you sensitive to it?

Everything was fine the following morning and I resumed meal preparation.

Because this was a brunch and called for cheese.. I turned immediately to brie.

Tina shared this wonderful Brie recipe on her blog last week and I wanted to try it. So easy, you just roll out store bought bread dough and place a wheel of brie in the center. On top of that I put cranberries (dried is all I had but Tina used fresh that she marinated over night) Then I added a brown sugar, slivered almonds, and a little butter, wrapped it up like a little package and baked it for about 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  

Simple, delicious, and it was gobbled up instantly.

  

 It's best to eat this right out of the oven.

My sweet friend is diving in .. love that!  We aren't shy when it comes to food!

How is your week going?

xxleslie