because you deserve it all

Here is a close up of a japanese beetle.  They are very destructive and should be removed if at all possible especially because they attract more friends once given the opportunity to settle in on your roses, bushes, flowers or trees. 

Get Entertaining by Martha Stewart, the book that started it all. Even though it was written some time ago the recipes continue to be innovative and unique. Martha shares many secrets and tricks of the trade that will help you impress your guests not only with the food but with the ambiance of your party.

I subscribed to House Beautiful last spring after picking it up in a bookstore.  It is a fabulous publication!  There is information on all the basics, paints, wall coverings, window treatments, accessories, furniture, etc.  But there is a great deal of information from interior designers that the average person may not have access to.  There are a variety of styles represented and I always look forward to flipping through and getting my next inspiration.  There is also a column by Ina Garten (also known as The Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network).  The thing I like most is that the interior designers reveal many of their sources for where they shop for their clients and the paint tricks they use. 

Another must see gallery when visiting Niagara-on-the Lake is Ed Spera’s.  He is a very talented wildlife artist that captures every last detail.  Mr. Spera travels extensively in order to photograph animals that he recreates on canvas.  His clients buy paintings based on the pictures from his travels so check in frequently if you want something specific. 

http://www.speraart.ca/index.html

Every time we are in Niagara-on-the-Lake we stop by the Angie Strauss Gallery.  She does beautiful art work including florals (my personal favorite), landscapes, and vineyard scenes.  Ms. Strauss accepts commissions as well.  We bought a piece from her and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 

http://www.angiestrauss.com/

The Perfect Roast Turkey by Ina Garten

http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes/3.html

 

1 fresh turkey (12 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch of fresh thyme
1 lemon, halved
3 Spanish onions
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), melted
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 red new potatoes, halved
3 heads fennel, fronds removed, cut into wedges through the core

This turkey recipe has never failed me.  I used it on the first Thanksgiving I ever hosted and everything went quite well.  Give it a try. 

FREE Shipping on Kitchen Fixture Shipments over $49 Cooking.com!

Verdure al Forno

By Giada DiLaurentiis

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 medium zucchini, (about 1 1/2 pounds) sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated fontina
1/4 cup grated Romano
1 cup plain dried bread crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

This is a wonderful recipe that I made for a birthday celebration.  Everyone loved it and could not get over that zucchini was used instead of lasagna noodles.  And we all know that zucchini tends to come all at once in the garden so this is a good way to use it up.  Enjoy!

Le Creuset 10.75×8.5-in. Glazed Rectangular Deep Dish Baker, White If you’re throwing a dinner party or cooking for a large family, it’s time to get your hands on some baking pieces with greater capacity! Made of stoneware, this 10.75-in. non-porous enameled large Rectangular Baker can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator and freezer allowing you to prepare, bake, serve and store in the same piece. The easy grip rim on all sides of the piece allows you to comfortably lift and carry it from the oven to the table, no matter how heavy your dish is.

My all time favorite cookbook is The New Basics Cookbook The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins.  It has wonderful recipes and a great deal of information on ingredients including storage and preparation.  There is very detailed information on herbs, fish, cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits, spices etc.  There is even a list of essential kitchen tools so a novice cook can get necessaary equipment. 

The Hollaindaise Sauce Recipe is the best I’ve ever had!  Every cook should have this book…