Summer Shrimp Boil | Easy Entertaining

After the kiddie parade and a brief break for some running (for Emma... I had pizza), we made our way all the way to St. Louis to celebrate the Fourth at my sister's house (remember her kitchen?).  They hosted a fabulously simple Shrimp Boil for their friends followed by a walk to the 18th green for fireworks.

The Boil was the perfect thing to serve for the 4th - it is much like the annual Clambake we host at our house... that we still need to schedule for this year.

 Jill, Baby Kate, Samantha, Emma & Me

 

Corn waiting for its turn in the boil.  Aaaand a bottle of Blue Moon, of course.

Jill's husband was in charge of the Boil - he seasoned the water with Old Bay, peppercorns and onions.  It was so delicious - wonderfully seasoned.

Shrimp Boil
serves 8

1/3 cup of Old Bay Seasoning
1 onion, quartered
1 tablespoon of peppercorns
2 pounds of potatoes
2 pounds of smoked andouille sausage, 3-inch pieces
4 ears of corn, cut in half
2 pounds of large, shell-on shrimp (15-20 per pound)
4 lemons, halved
1 baquette

Bring a very large pot filled with water to a boil (a 12 quart pot, or so).  Keep adding the ingredients to the pot one at a time until everything is in - it will all finish cooking at the same time.

#1 - Season Water : Add Old Bay, onion and peppercorns.
#2 - Add potatoes, cook for 10 minutes.
#3 - Add sausage, cook for 3 minutes.
#4 - Add corn, cook for 3 minutes.
#5 - Add shrimp, cook for 3 minutes.

Remove from boiling water and "dump" onto papered table.  Serve with lemon wedges and chunks of baguette.

Perfect outside summer entertaining - casual and bountiful.

Cousins enjoying their "rocket dogs" and each other : )

Such sweet girls.

Here are some essentials for your Shrimp Boil, or any summer party.

Paper Cocktail Napkins

A sturdy apron & hot pads.

Skimmer for pulling that seafood out of the big boiling pot & Tongs for serving.

Jill's Kitchen | White Marble, Stained Island, Cream Painted Glass Front Cabinets & Polish Silver Hardwar

After a year of building and a lifetime of dreaming up the perfect kitchen, Jill's (my sister) kitchen (and house) is done!  Last week we ventured to St. Louis for my niece's birthday party and to stay at the new house.  Let me tell you, this kitchen is stunning - really the centerpiece of the entire home.  She incorporated all of my favorite finishes - cream painted cabinetry, dark walnut (huge) center island with marble counter top, vaulted coffered ceiling, polished silver hardware and glass front cabinetry.  I am so in love - and majorly jealous. 

Isn't the hood fabulous?  I also love the runner - ballard designs.  I'm going to pick on up for my own kitchen.

Coffered ceiling - beautiful.  Never underestimate the power of a ceiling.  Room changing.

Jill's House | Living Room Design Board | Home Design

As I've mentioned before, my sister and her husband are building a custom home.  I've taken on the task of assembling some design/inspiration boards for them.

The first room to tackle is the first room you'll see when you enter their home - the living room.  They are striving for an elegant, yet comfortable and livable space.  This isn't going to be a room that the 'hang out' in every night, but she doesn't want it to be a room that is 'off limits.'

Sofa - Lee, upholstered in a Belgium oatmeal linen
Wing Chairs (2) - Ballard Design, upholstered in BBerger Cheshire Wool Plaid in Smokestack
Lighting - Circa Lighting in Pewter
Rug - Grey Natural Undyed Wool Rug from Ballard Designs
Walls -Wooden Raised Paneled Walls painted in Farrow & Ball White Tie
Library Shelves - Custom built with Library Ladder

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