Kabob Night

I grew up loving kabobs.  We used to make them year-round on our outdoor and indoor grill and to this day not a week goes by when I don't crave them.  When yesterday's craving set in, I made Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki and Peanut Sauce from Bibby's Backyard BBQ and it was absolutely delightful.   The meal is hearty, delicious, and comforting and is perfect for a weeknight meal or else entertaining guests.  I served mine with whole wheat couscous and grilled pita on the side and my only regret is that I didn't make extra for leftovers.
  

Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Homemade Peanut and Tzatziki Sauce:

Serves 4:

Chicken Kabobs:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp oregano

salt/pepper

Whisk together all of the ingredients, besides the chicken, in a large bowl.  Add the chicken and toss to coat. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling.

*If you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.  When ready to grill, place on a pre-heated grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes per side until done. 

Veggie Kabobs:

1 cup chopped peppers

1 cup chopped red onion chunks

1 cup button mushrooms

1 cup zucchini chunks

1 cup cherry tomatoes

Thread veggies on skewers.  Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Cook on a grill until all veggies are lightly charred all over, about 10 minutes.  Serve alongside chicken kabobs.

Tzatziki Sauce:

1 1/2 cups greek yogurt

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped

1 heaping tsp minced garlic

1 tsp lemon

1 green onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp oregano

salt/pepper to taste

Feta-optional

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate for 2-8 hours before serving

Peanut Sauce:

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 tsp garlic

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 cup-1/2 cup warm water

Whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl.  Add the water last to thin out the sauce.  You may not need all of it.  Serve at room temperature.

Serve with couscous and grilled pita

If you're like me and don't have access to an outdoor grill, be sure to invest in this Calphalon Nonstick Grill Pan.  I use it for everything!

Whole Foods, ILoveChickenWings.com, Foodnetwork.com, Cookingwithsugar.com, gettyimages.com, amazon

Hot Chocolate! (think: Coming to America)

Tired of Starbucks or making hot chocolate from a tear-away pouch?  Try one of these sultry Winter drinks to spice up your life and give your taste buds some action.

 'Holiday' Hot Chocolate:

-Ina Garten

Yields: 9 cups

4 cups whole milk

4 cups half-and-half

1 pound white chocolate, chopped

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Seeds scraped from 2 vanilla beans

optional: 1/4 to 1/3 cup orange flavored liqueur (I omit this ingredient)

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk and half-and-half to just below the simmering point.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate.  When the chocolate is melted, add the vanilla, vanilla bean seeds, and optional orange liqueur.  

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

-Second City Soiree

Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate

-Closet Cooking

4 servings

3 cups whole milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/8 tsp cloves

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla

4 oz white chocolate, roughly chopped

pinch salt

Heat the milk, pumpkin puree, and spices in a sauce pan until it just starts to simmer and remove from heat.  Add the chocolate and stir until melted.  Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon.

PC: Better Homes, Second City Soiree, Closet Cooking

DIY Valentine Napkin Rings

In case you don't have the time to invest in V-day decorations, go the DIY route to create a napkin holder or setting that will set the mood. The good news? You can use them year after year or else for a Spring or Summer Party. The great  news? They're cheaper than the real thing.

Buy real or faux flowers and sew or glue them onto a pony tail holder. 

To Form Leaves:

1. Fold a square green napkins in half along the diagonal.

2. Fold it in half again along the long edge

3. Fold it once more in half along.

To Form a Flower:

1) Use a square napkin of any color.  Fold the cloth in half along the diagonal.  Place it on your work surface so that the longest side of the resulting triangle is at the top.  Take the corner opposite the longest side and fold it up so that it just extends over the top.  The top and bottom edges should be parallel.

2. Fold the bottom edge up so that it falls just short of the top edge.  Begin rolling the napkin from one end.

  Guide and adjust the cloth as your roll to give it an even shape.

3. Slip the complete flower between the upper and lower halves of the leaves, and arrange in the glass. 

PC: Country Living, Martha Stewart

Watercolor Delight

Want to turn your favorite painting into stationery liner? Check out the colorful collaboration of Swiss Cottage Designs and Love, Jenna that mixes watercolor and calligraphy to produce a one-of-a-kind Save the Date.

If you send this to me, I'll save your date and your invitation!

PC: Swiss Cottage Designs 

A Natural Affair

I can't help but fall in love with weddings that are held in the great outdoors. There is something so magical and enchanting about going au naturel as you can see for yourself.  This couple chose to mix nature with Eastern influences which is undeniably beautiful.

PC: White Loft Studio, Flowers: Beautiful Days

DIY Baking Party!

Serve your birthday girl a delicious treat with this sophisticated Baking Party!  Party guests will feel like real pastry chefs as they get the chance to make and bake a variety of gourmet desserts.  Each station brings new techniques and yummy creations as everyone rotates through seven fun-filled activities.  When the party is over, send your happy guests home with their own box of bakery fresh treats that show off their new baking skills.

Click here to purchase this $25.00 DIY Baking Party.  The party plan includes 50 pages of tutorials, party instructions, and gorgeous photos, including step-by-step directions. 

Here is an example of a Baking Party DIY Tutorial:

DIY Baking Party: One Charming Party, Kara's Party Ideas

Eat your Heart Out

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Here is a breathtaking bouquet idea that will make your Valentine fall in love all over again. At one end, start with a few drops of pink in the blooms of sweet peas, hyacinths, and nerines and lead them into fuchsia peonies, ruby fringe tulips, and raspberry cyclamens.  Complete the effect by wrapping your Valentine's gift in a pink inspired paper and serve a delicious meal.  Ideas to follow.

PC: Martha Stewart