Weekly Menu + Emma's Playhouse Update + Photos from Fishing at the Farm

Time for my weekly menu post... that I haven't gotten around to in about 6 weeks : )  I'm not sure what has happened to the month of April, but wow, is it flying by.  I guess that's what happens when the weather is nice and you are too busy going on walks, bike rides and building playhouses... and you just throw chicken on the grill every night with veggies.  No complaints, here!

We spent the last week working on Emma's playhouse (that is alllllmost finished).  When we are midst of a project, I tend to go all in and everything else gets put aside... like planning dinner, doing laundry, etc.  Now that we're just finishing up the details, I am ready to do get the house back in order and fix something yummy for dinner.

*I'll be sharing details when it is finished!

Here are a couple of photos from our Sunday afternoon.  We went out to my parents' farm in Lexington for Emma's first day fishing.

We are so fortunate to have "country life" just an hour away for a quick refresh.

I caught the day's biggest fish - that my brother is trying to get me to hold in this photo.

I'm thinking this would be a great place for a big farmhouse... if you don't mind these cows for neighbors!

Or, maybe Mike and I will build a mini-house like the one we built for Emma and put it right here?!

Back to our "in-town" life and what is for dinner this week :

Teriyaki marinated steak with Lemon Orzo & Squash with Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
*I just realized I never added the marinade recipe to this post :
2 tablespoons of oil
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced

Nine Color Salad

Greens, Radishes, Radicchio, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, Green Onions, Celery & Red Wine Vinaigrette 

Lemon & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

I'm debating between this Cherry Pound Cake... or...

These Cherry Cupcakes.  But definitely something cherry for this week of warm weather!

Pan Fried Chicken with Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce

It is that time again... Morel Mushroom season.  We are heading to my parents this weekend for some mushroom hunting and fishing, and it sounds like the best way to spend a spring Sunday.  I'm re-sharing this from 2013, our first Spring back home.

....

I try to cook as seasonally as I can.  When I'm lost on what to make for dinner, I head to the store to see what looks good - what produce is new and fresh.  When we lived in Concord, that usually meant going to Verrill Farm to see what they had fresh from the field (and to snack on a Cranberry Orange scone...).  Here, I rely on the Brookside Market until the Farmers' Markets start up later in the spring.  Last week while wondering through the store for inspiration I saw the coveted Morel Mushrooms next to the Asparagus... spring!



You might remember my post last fall about our family's tradition of hunting morels each spring - my Granny's all-time favorite.  I posted about a Cream of Morel Soup I created in her memory.  So, now that Morel season is upon us (... in the store at least), I'm anxious to fix some of my favorites - starting with this recipe of Pan Fried Chicken in a Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce.  This weekend I'm going to experimenting with more recipes as my family is all getting together for a weekend of "Mushroom Hunting."  I'm wondering if I can train Mr. Darcy to sniff out morels similarly to the Truffle hunting dogs in France.... 


Pan Fried Chicken 
with Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce


2 pounds of chicken breast (or tenders)
1/4 cup of flour
1 tablespoon of sea salt
1/2 tablespoon of pepper
5 tablespoons of butter

2 shallots, minced

4-6 ounces (about 12 sm/med sized) morel mushrooms, halved
1 cup of white wine
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
3/4 cup of cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.


If using chicken breasts, filet each breast so it is half the thickness.  If using tenders they should be the correct size already.



Combine flour, salt and pepper.  Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.  In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.



Brown chicken in the butter for 3 minutes on each side.  Remove chicken from pan and place on a sheet pan.  Bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes in the oven until cooked through, depending on the size of the breasts or tenders.



In the same skillet in which the chicken was browned, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and shallots.  Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shallots are tender, then add mushrooms.  Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the mushrooms are soft.



Add white wine and sugar to the pan and using a wooden spoon, scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan to create a sauce with the wine.  Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it has reduced slightly.  Add cream and cook for 3 more minutes until it is smooth and creamy.  Serve warm sauce over browned/baked chicken.

 


I was tempted to serve the chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes, but then I thought...



How about a Banana Cream Pie for dessert?  Recipe, here >

Mother's Day Collection + Free Shipping

Mother's Day Collection + Free Shipping

In honor of my new favorite holiday, Mother's Day, being just around the corner, I'm featuring Free Shipping this week for orders over $50.

Free shipping is automatically applied at checkout.

I've created a "Mother's Day Collection" from some favorites that I know would make great gifts for the Mother's, Grandmothers, Daughter, Daughter-in-Law, Mother-in-Law, Neighbor Ladies, Church Ladies and Teachers in our lives.  I'll feature some more creative gift ideas this week, as well as menu ideas for simple Mother's Day entertaining.  

Of course, Mother's Day and Lilacs go hand-in-hand.  The Tablecloths would look lovely on your table for a Mother's Day brunch (or girly party, like a shower...) and the pot holders, tea towels and aprons would be the perfect little extra in a gift basket filled with homemade goodies.

The Tall Willow Vase with Handle has been restocked in the store - makes a lovely gift when filled with gifts or a big bundle of flowers.

Shop my Mother's Day Collection >

Scented candles & bath luxuries are always on the top of Moms' lists, especially mine.  For a gift, fill a basket with candles, favorite bath salts or bubbly bath and a bath brush.

If your Mother is like me or my own Mother, she loves anything that makes everyday tasks and keeping her home more enjoyable, so included my bottles, kitchen brushes and baskets, as well.

Some of my favorite entertaining essentials are also included in the Mother's Day Collection, since we Mothers tend to love the things that make entertaining for our loves special and easy  : )

Shop the entire Mother's Day Collection + Free Shipping on orders over $50 >

The April Collection | Lilacs, Robin's Egg Enamelware, Aprons, French Candles & Essentials

The April Collection

Dew covered green grass on cool mornings, warm afternoons, dirt under my fingernails, mud on my boots and air scented with lilacs. April, I'm so glad you are here.

For this collection, I've put together some classic favorites like the Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware and Willow Vases and added some fabulous Lilacs in the form of pot holders, aprons and table linens. I love the combination of these soft colors that are ushering in a casual and relaxed spring season that calls for dinners outside, too much time spent in the garden, fresher, lighter recipes (except those chocolate cupcakes!) and time spent playing in the grass.

Shop all of the new additions to the Spring Collection, here >

Lilac Print Aprons, $34

Perfect for Mother's Day, a birthday or just yourself.  I love the cottage prints on these aprons - even makes my mudroom look charming : )

Block Print Linens

I can't get enough of this lilac pattern in our house right now.  This airy repeated pattern is giving every room in my house a cottage feel.  I normally lean to stripes, or blocks of muted, natural colors, but this entire collection has turned my house into a quaint english cottage, and I LOVE it.
The Lilac print is just a touch feminine with tiny bits of a lavender/pink shade, but reads green from a distance making it the perfect, understated way to use a floral pattern.  I am just smitten and love how transforming it is for each space in our home.

Lilac Napkins, $34

Set of 4.

The favorite lilac pattern is repeated here with a triple band border around the perimeter.  































Lilac Tea Towel

No collection is complete without a tea towel!  I'm contemplating turning some of these into cafe curtains in Emma's bathroom.  Yes, I'm addicted to this pattern.




























Lilac Meena Potholders, $24 
Everyone needs a fresh set of potholders.  I've never seen a fresher version!  Now this is a potholder I would actually use when we have company... instead of the very tattered ones that were in my kitchen drawer!  These would make a great gift for a wedding shower, too.





























Lilac Jasna Potholders, $24

Here is my pattern again : )












































Lilac Cushion Cover, $34

Our white and ivory bedroom now feels like it is a cozy cottage room with just the addition of this lilac covered pillow cover and some fresh lilacs on the bedside.  






























Lilac Meena Tablecloth, $68
The other tablecloth that coordinates with this collection is the Lilac Meena Tablecloth.  It has a small graphic floral print in a pale lilac/pink color with the lacy lilacs at the border.  You can see it coordinates beautifully with the Lilac Napkins.

Lilac Jasna Tablecloth, $68

I already have my table set for Mother's Day : )  It would also be the perfect setting for a baby or bridal shower, or birthday.

Lilac French Tumbler Candle, $28.50

The scent of soft lilac is so precious to me.  My neighbor has a huge collection of lilac bushes, and when the warm sun hits them it perfumes my entire backyard.  I walk out onto our porch and breath so deeply every chance I get.

Poured in a Fleur de Lys French Tumbler, this is my favorite essential.  The tumbler can be used as a drinking glass or vase when the candle is finished.

Magnolia French Tumbler Candle, $28.50

This candle is just luxurious.  When I burned the sample, I just couldn't keep away from it.  The breeze coming in our window, swirled in with this candle is so peaceful and special.  It is clean, it is floral and fresh at the same time - one of those candles that fill your nose and you just can't get enough of.

Small Willow Vase, $10

This vase gives such an earthy and casual look to anything it contains.  I will use it for flowers and also to put candles in 

Cooking Utensil Essentials, $12

You know I love basics - essentials.  In fact, I love basics so much that in my kitchen you will only find the basics - when it comes to cooking utensils.  I stick with wooden spoons and white rubber scrapers.  I am a stickler, constantly whittling down to the basics so things don't get overcrowded.  

Set includes two wooden spoons, one wooden spatula, one large scraper and one small scraper. 

Bath Brush, $14

I had a massage a couple of years ago and the therapist shared insights on body brushing.  There is nothing more exhilarating (or exfoliating!) than using a body brush on your legs, feet and back when you are in the shower.  Completely transformative and helps circulate energy throughout your body. 

Facial Brush, $10

I use this face brush every morning and night along with my facial cleansing oil.  It exfoliates and smooths my entire face - without a huge price tag of an electric one.

Wooden Hair Brush, $14

Why are simple, pretty essentials so hard to find?  I love the natural colors and materials used in this brush.  It keeps my bathroom feeling soothing, instead of something bright and plastic.

Dish Brush Duo, $10

I use all of the brushes in my Kitchen Brush Set, but these are the two that I need to replace on a regular basis because they get used so much.

Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware

Brought back by popular demand, a favorite from last summer's collection - Robin's Egg Blue Enamelware.  

Nothing says summer entertaining like enamelware - especially, in this perfect Robin's Egg (better known as Seaside around here) Blue color.  It is the perfect lightweight service-ware for using outdoors or on picnics.  Every time I use these, I love them even more. 

Each piece of Enamelware will hold its own characteristics and slight blemishes, due to its casual style.  Please see closeup photo for reference.

Oval Platter with Handles, $18

15x10"

This platter is just the perfect size to display veggies from the grill, a big slab of brisket (shown here) or a long pound cake going down the center with whipped cream and berries piled around.  

Large Basin Bowl, $16

I use this bowl all of the time.  It is perfect for a big salad or vegetables, like this french potato salad, or...

I love using the Big Basin Bowl ice as a cooler for beer or presseco. 

Round Platter, $16

Last year I showed this large round platter with piles of fresh seafood, potatoes and corn - our favorite summer seafood boil.  The options are endless for this - even filled with chips and a bowl for guacamole would be perfect.

Colander, $18

This is fun for anything (and always the first to sell out!)- especially a big pile of freshly washed berries.

Rectangle Platter with Handles, $22

Great for appetizers or a veggie platter.  This also is a great way to display rows of sliders, or cupcakes. 

Mini Dessert Pots, $24, Set of 6

The cutest thing for summer.  I use mine for small scoops of ice cream, or individual crumbles... also topped with ice cream. 

I put peach ice cream in the mini pots and topped them with tiny, super soft snickerdoodle cookies - a favorite combo.

Appetizer Plates, Set of 6, $24

I love these little 6" round plates.  There are always what I need when we are entertaining - to put out with snacks, appetizers or next to a tray of cupcakes.  Since they are enamelware, they add just enough of color and charm to any setting, whether it is inside for Mother's Day or outside for a BBQ.  





Shop the entire Spring Collection, here >