Monday, August 22, 2011

Ruffles and Bows

All Ruffles and Bows


This BCBG skirt is a thrifted find. When I discovered it hiding on the wrack, I fell in love. Mostly with the flared ruffle waist, belted bow and heavy woven metallic fabric. However, I'm not so much a big fan of the pocket hem. As my hubby noted, this skirt has a striking resemblance to a utility bucket organizer.


Pockets!


Now this is what I call a "utility skirt". 


Photo: Home Depot

Look familiar?
Bow-tiful!


Outfit Details:
Navy Dress- ROSS
BCBG Skirt- Thrifted
Mustard Pumps- Xhileration by Target
Jewelry- Cookie Lee

Friday, August 19, 2011

Recipe: Pesto Penne with Eggplant





This is only my second time ever eating eggplant. The first time was marinated and then grilled on the BBQ. My mom-in-law's garden had just produced a whole basket of eggplant, both white and purple varieties, so we were excited to find a recipe and to cook them up. I will admit I was a little nervous at first how it was going to turn out, since I'd heard that if you prepare this veggie wrong it may turn out bitter. But all in all the recipe turned out wonderfully delicious, and we have since made it twice for friends and family. You could definately add cubed chicken or shrimp to the recipe and I bet it would be 10 times better.

Ingredients

Pesto:

  • 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (see Cook's Note)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan

Pasta:

  • 1 pound trenette or other short-cut pasta
  • 1/2 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan, plus 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 (1 1/2 pounds) medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (we used both purple and white varieties)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions



My husband reminds me, STEP 1: Pour yourself a glass of wine :)
Pick fresh basil from the garden

Toast Pine Nuts


Cook's Note: To toast the pine nuts, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly toasted, about 5 to 6 minutes. (We toasted these in a pan on the stove, since the oven was occupied). Cool completely before using.

Rinse Basil





For the pesto: In a blender or food processor, pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the oil until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add the cheese and pulse until just incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.


For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.


Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Put the pasta into a large serving bowl and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Toss until coated.


In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the eggplant turns golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly. Add the pesto and toss until the eggplant is coated.

Add the eggplant mixture to the serving bowl with the pasta and toss until all of the ingredients are coated. Thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve.
The finished dish



All photos by me :)
Recipe Via Foodnetwork.com

Saturday, August 13, 2011

OOTD- Scarf As a Belt




Outfit Details: Ombre' Skirt (JCP), Tank (Old Navy), Multi-Strand Pearl and Bead Necklace (Cookie Lee), Key Necklace (DIY), Sandals (Old Navy), Print Scarf (thrifted).

Friday, August 12, 2011

OOTD: At the county fair...


"Goin' to the fair and I'm bout to dirrrrrty" (To the tune of  "Chapel of Love") It is no joke, you will get dirty. You wear your oldest shoes if you don't want them ruined, or you wear old flippy floppies and just wash off your feet when you leave. I chose the latter of the two.


Hubby and I in front of the big ferris wheel.
 
Oooh Ahh..

One of my favorite 1st place fair entries this year, was in the age 12 and under category and was Wall-E made out of recyclables. How cute is this?

Outfit Details:
Top: Xhileration
Jeans: Old Navy
Sandals: Target
Flower: DIY
Jewelry: Cookie Lee
Handbag: Nine West