Jalapeno & White Cheddar Scones

For my Pumpkin Harvest Fall Entertaining last week, we made White Cheddar & Jalapeno Scones to go along side the Butternut & Beef Chili. 

As a scone is basically a biscuit (Right? Correct me if I'm wrong...), I thought it would be a great comfort food to go a long with the chili instead of the classic corn bread.  I used classic chili toppers, cheddar and jalapenos, in the scones to make them chili ready.

 For all of the recipes on a printable card from my Workshop, click here.

For information about my next Workshop, "The Thanksgiving Host," click here!

jalapeno & white cheddar
Scones
   
4 cups of flour
2 tablespoons of baking powder
1/2 tablespoon of salt
1 cup of cheddar
3 tablespoons of jalapenos, minced
3/4 pound of butter, cold (3 sticks)
1 cup of cream
4 eggs

In a mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cheddar and jalapenos using the paddle attachment.  Cut the cold butter into 1/2 inch pieces.  Add the butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low until the butter is mixed in and is the size of peas.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and whipping cream with a fork.  Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the cream and egg mixture.  Turn off the mixer once added.

Put some flour on the counter.  Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.  Seperate the dough into two equal parts.  Add some flour onto the top of the dough, then pat each pile out into a disk - about 8 inches in diameter each.  Cut the disks into 6 pieces like a pie, totaling 12.

Separate the pieces and put them on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.  

This Week's Menu | Autumn Bucatini Pasta, Braised Beef Stew, Butternut Chili, Rustic Baked Shrimp Pasta

Autumn Bucatini Pasta 

This is great for a Monday night - little prep and comes together so fast.  Roast the veggies all together on a sheet pan while cooking the pasta.  Add shrimp to add protein... I also like ricotta cheese dolloped on top : )

 Italian Braised Beef Stew

You guys all know my all time favorite cold weather stew.  This is so good!

Rustic Baked Penne Pasta

On Wednesday nights we have soccer, so a make-ahead dinner is a must.  This is super easy but feels fancy.

Butternut & Beef Chili

We are having my family over this weekend for a little Fall fun, so of course Chili is on the menu!  Followed by...

Cranberry Apple Crisp

and S'mores!

Thyme Mushrooms & Burrata on Garlic Crostini

Don't be shocked... two recipe posts in one week.  This appetizer (side dish, meal...) is my new favorite thing.  It would go great with a big Italian dinner, or holiday beef tenderloin, or a fresh grilled dinner, or a heavy appetizer party, or with a salad would be dinner all by itself (for me, anyway).  I served it as a side item to our ultra healthy dinner of Lemon Roasted Salmon and Vegetables.  Mike and Emma are not mushroom fans (no matter how tempting I make them look piled on fresh burrata) so we left half with and half without - also a great way to serve at a party if you have any non-mushroom (crazy) guests.

This recipe was inspired by the cookbook Sheet Pan Suppers.  I tried her method of roasting the mushrooms in the oven, but didn't love how they seemed to be dry and a little crispy.  They were great finger food, though - I gobbled them up while I made a batch of sauteed mushrooms instead.

Thyme Mushrooms & Burrata
on Garlic Crostini

1 baguette, sliced in 1/2" slices
olive oil
1 clove of garlic
2 tablespoons of butter
1 pint of mushrooms
fresh thyme
sea salt & cracked pepper
burrata (ricotta or fresh mozzarella)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place sliced bread of sheet pan.  Drizzle with olive oil.

In a saute pan, saute mushrooms in butter for 5-8 minutes until brown and soft.  Add fresh thyme leafs (removed from stems) in and cook for 1 more minute.

Just before you are ready to serve, toast bread in oven for 5-7 minutes until golden on top.  Remove from oven and immediately top with burrata slices (or spoonfuls if runny).  Top with piles of warm mushrooms and serve.



She also suggests trying butternut squash or broccoli toppers, as well.  Maybe... but I'll stick with mushrooms for now until I burn myself out.

This was how I tried the sheet pan roasting, but as I said, I opted to saute the old fashioned way.  I will make roasted mushrooms for little nibbles, though.

I added al little bit of fresh thyme garnish to give it some green.

See those baby hands?  She's helping me stuff small fresh mozzarella balls into meatballs.  That's coming up next week : )

Leftovers | Bolognese with Rigatoni, Cream, Peas & Parmesan

The best leftover creations are those that become recipes of their own, worthy of making solely on their own merit. I typically make huge batches of Bolognese (meat sauce for us normal folk... here is my recipe), I always tuck some away in the freezer.  So, this isn't really a next night leftover meal for us, but a "hey, I can pull it plus some peas out of the freezer and have a yummy dinner in about 15 minutes without going to the store" type of dinner.  We all need one of those to fall back on.

Leftover Bolognese
with rigatoni, cream & peas

1 lb. of rigatoni (or penne) pasta
sea salt
...
2 cups of bolognese sauce
*mushrooms - if I had had some on hand!
1/3 cup of cream
1 cup of frozen peas
1/4 cup of parmesan

Cook pasta in large pot of salted boiling water.  Meanwhile, reheat bolognese in a large saute pan.  Once bubbly, add cream and simmer for about 3 minutes.  Drain pasta and add to bolognese, tossing to coat.  Add peas and fold in.  Finish with parmesan.

This was inspired by a local Italian bistro that we love (Bella Napoli, for locals).  Restaurants have to be great at utilizing leftovers to survive.  I'm always looking for inspiration from restaurant menus.  Next up is a classic minestrone from this same Italian spot.  They stop offering their soups during the warmer months, so I had to figure it out for myself.  It sounds especially good on this rainy day : )

A "Real" Dinner at Our House | A Casual Fall Dinner Party | Italian Beef & Vegetable Stew and Cranberry & Apple Crisp

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Last week we hosted our first dinner party at the new house.  It was soooo nice to be able to have our friends over for a casual meal in the middle of the week.  We've been accustomed to only being able to get together for dinner with our close friends after a plane ride, so it was great to be able to send out a text and say - "Wanna come over for dinner tonight?  Casual... I'm thinking soup." 

I took a couple of behind the scenes photos so you can see what a "real" casual dinner looks like at my house.  After all, just like you, when we have our friends over, there are not elaborate centerpieces, five courses or even fancy appetizers.

I do try to be pretty organized and prepared so that I can be relaxed, just as I want our friends to feel. I set out everything we'll need on a little table in my kitchen - bowls, spoons, napkins, water glasses, etc., so I'm not searching (or cleaning an extra spoon...) at the last minute.

I like to keep it really casual...

 

help yourself to some wine...

 

a big platter of cheese and things to snack on...

 

 a big pot of soup on the stove... 

(Italian Beef & Vegetable, here is the recipe)

 

lots of crusty bread...

...and a comforting Apple & Cranberry Crisp for dessert. 

...with vanilla ice cream, of course.

 

Everyone said it was the perfect Fall meal - I'd have to agree.  Stay tuned this week for the recipes :

Italian Beef & Vegetable Stew
Cranberry & Apple Crisp Recipe (updated!)

Autumn Comfort Collection | Wheat, Harvest Candle, Apple Butter & Maple Leaf Copper Cutters

Good Morning : )   
I've just added a couple of cozies to the store that I hope you'll love.  Like all of my products, these are things that I've been craving in my own home (and my kitchen) as the temperatures finally begin to drop - a great candle, some natural elements, maple and coffee inspired desserts, and the best way to refresh your sweaters...

Enjoy browsing and I hope you find some Autumn Comforts that inspire you.
Jenny

Fall Harvest Candle in French Tumbler

I've been searching for the next perfect vessel for my hand-poured candles. These Fleur de Lys Tumblers have been a staple in my kitchen for years and were a best selling product when I added to the store last spring.  It is twice as large (8 oz.) than the previous bowls that we used and will last much longer.  After you use it, it can be cleaned and used as a vase for flowers (my favorite) or as a drinking glass.  I love this!

Autumn Harvest Scent

This seasons' scent is a classic Autumn favorite - Orange, Cloves, Cedar and Spice.  It is warm and earthy and will add instant Fall atmosphere to your home.

Fall Harvest Candles in French Tumblers, $28





It was hard to photograph the Fluer de lys on the glass once the wax was poured in, but most of you are so familiar with this glass anyway!  It is heavy and thick - and I'm so excited that it will last much longer than the small bowls.

Wheat Bundle, Tall 20"

The original 15" Wheat Bundle that I featured in my store two years ago is still one of the top requests.  This year I've added this 20" tall version.  It will look great for more grand look for your table this fall, or on your mantle, as I've used it.  It comes wrapped with a jute twine, but I've wrapped mine with my 2" Grosgrain in Gold.    

Wheat Bundle, 20" $24

Wheat Bundle, 15"

This is my table set last year with the original size wheat bundles.  They are still available in my store.  I plan to use the Tall Bundle on my mantle, and the original size on the table.  I love having balance in my house and like to use the same textures multiple times throughout.

Wheat Bundles, 15", $16






















Maple Leaf Copper Cookie Cutter

We have a little thing for Maple Leaves, Trees and Syrup around here. Is there anything more beautiful than when the maple trees change color in the fall?  Some of our favorite trips have been to Vermont to see the maple trees in full glory... and to stock up on pure maple syrup.  In fact, we just purchased two new Maple Trees (October Glories) for our back yard.  

I used the Maple Leaf cutter to make these Pecan Shortbread cookies this week, then drizzled them with a Maple Glaze.   Talk about yummy - and very easy.  I'll share the recipe soon!

As always, the cutters are packed with a recipe card in a cello bag tied with a pretty grosgrain ribbon - a great gift.

Maple Leaf Cookie Cutter, $15 >

Apple Butter

This is fun - my first "food" product!  Apple Butter has been a favorite of mine since I was young.  There is nothing better than topping a generously buttered biscuit with a generous dollop of apple butter.  It is earthy and comforting - full of cinnamon and spices.  It tastes like Autumn.  I love serving it with biscuits for breakfast, or dolloped on roasted pork loin.  I will share some favorite recipes soon!  It makes a great gift for a friend - in a basket with apples or biscuits.

Apple Butter, $7 >

Natural Linen Apron

Several customers have requested an apron to coordinate with my linen collection.  I actually love using aprons - and do often.. because I am usually a huge mess in the kitchen.  This apron is made of 100% natural linen.  It is heavy and soft and very large to cover every inch.  It is chef style, so it wraps all the way around and hangs very long - quite flattering.

100% Linen Apron, $52 >

Harvest Basket Tray

This is a larger, tray style version of the Harvest Basket I released last month.  I ordered this style specifically for my house because I plan to use it more of a utility basket.  They are lined up on my shelf in my office to hold (disguise) all of the things that pile up... like spools of ribbons, cookie cutters and supplies.  In the laundry room, I have them lining my shelves holding cleaning and laundry supplies.  Pretty and functional, my favorite combination.  

It also works well to use as a gift basket or transport a display of cookies at school or friends' homes.  

19" x 13" x 5"

Harvest Tray, $16 

Sweater Brush

Pilled sweaters are my ultimate nemesis.  The problem is that once I find a favorite, I wear it constantly until it looks too terrible.  Then, too many times my favorite sweaters have ended up in the donation piles just after one season.  I recently discovered this sweater brush and had to share.  It has stiff copper and wire bristles that take the pills right off without damage to the sweater.  It is a staple in my laundry room now.  It is the perfect thing to use as we change our wardrobes from shorts to sweaters.

Use caution on any very fine sweaters, and test a small area first, but I have not had any issues. 

Sweater Brush, $8

Coffee Extract, $7

So many recipes for chocolate cakes or brownies call for a splash of coffee.  Too often I end up skipping it because I don't have a freshly brewed cup around (they're usually empty...).  

Coffee Extract, $7

 

This very high quality extract is a great thing to keep in your pantry to add to chocolate baked goods and make yummy coffee whipped cream, like I did with this Barefoot Contessa Brownie Pudding I baked in my Small Brown Paper Tart Pans. 

Have a great weekend.  We are escaping for a bit of a fun weekend with just the three of us in one of our favorite spots.  I can't wait share photos next week ; )

Jenny

Autumn Harvest Collection Preview | Coming Soon | Custom Textiles

Each season I create an inspiration board that helps me form the look of the collection.  I wanted to share a preview of the new collection I've been anxiously awaiting... and have been planning since July.  This is my first collection of completely custom designed textiles.  I was hoping to have them this week, but it seems that they are running a few days behind (welcome to the world of custom, hand-blocking, I guess).  Since I can't debut the new products today as I had planned, hopefully this inspiration board will hold your attention for a couple more days.

Each print will come in Cushion Covers (22" square & 15" x 26" rectangle), Table Runners (20"x108"), Tablecloths, Napkins and Tea Towels... and some yardage available for custom projects.  I have received my samples (to approve colors and quality) and I couldn't be more thrilled with how they turned out.  These classic small block-prints mixed with warm velvet accents and cocoa alpaca throws have completely transformed my hearth room.  I can't wait to share the rest of the collection with you very, very soon.  Will you wait with me?  Your cozy home and Thanksgiving celebrations will thank you : )