happy sunday...

monday {menu}

• Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken Breasts
• {recipe here}
• 
  
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 ounces each)
• 1 lemon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute but don’t allow the garlic to turn brown. Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt and pour into a 9 × 12-inch baking dish.

Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them skin side up over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in 8 wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn’t browned enough, put it under the broiler for 2 minutes. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with the pan juices.

happy sunday...

happy thanksgiving

I know I say this often, but I truly am blessed and beyond thankful for what I have been given in my life. I count my blessings every night before I go to bed and say thank you! No joke I do this... I even journal when I wake up to give thanks. Its my way of closing out a possible rough day with my kids or even with my work and starting my day fresh and full with gratitude. Trust me when I say  I have definitely had my challenges and set backs in my life... Oh man If some of you only new. That's dinner and drinks one day {lol}. But I chose to go forward stronger and more positive in my life. We all have a choice and it's how we act on those choices. Break down the bad and take them as lessons. Yes, when the storm hits, it hurts so bad! But breath and realize God only gives us what we can handle and we are being taught something in that moment. Good old lessons! You need to start working on you. When you change... Everything else around you changes. Please don't think mistakes are bad and you shouldn't be around people who make them... You should definitely be around those people So you see what to do and what not to do. Remember this, Good things come to good people... So be good! I saw something cute on Instagram that was pretty fun...  It said, fill in the blank about "yourself"

I am___________________________!!! 

Fill in the blank over and over again till you have a smile from ear to ear. You'll feel and shine with so much happiness! I promise!  

H A P P Y 

THANKSGIVING 

from my 

little turkeys 

to yours! 

f a m i l y

When I look at this home it screams F A M I L Y to me. I can picture  someone  standing outside yelling... "Dinner's ready and whistling for the dog to come in as well." All the memories I had growing up... Well, my mom actually did a whistle five times with her hand {It was amazing... Now that I'm 42 I can finally do it}.We said our good byes and started running! Times were definitely different back then. Families were cherished, respect was high and kids were more free to play!  Unfortunately, times have changed... But guess what that doesn't mean you have to change with the times. Nope! I'll design the classics, teach my kids to say please and thank you and try my hardest to let my kids be kids. I met with a new design client the other day and we had the most fabulous conversation... I swear I feel people are placed in our lives for a reason. We can either accept things or ignore them... Well, time passed by so freely without a care in the world and our conversation was so meaningful. Once I got in my car I literally said wow, she's so right. Lessons are presented to us for a reason. I love that!  Do you feel people are placed in our lives for a reason... To teach us lessons and help us grow? Hmmmm Makes you think! What do you think? But, before I go, How amazing is this house... I love every inch of it. It's perfect in my eyes!!! I do think I was meant to live on the east coast. One day... I do believe {wink}!

                                      

monday {menu}

{recipe here}

churros with chocolate espresso sauce

churros 

• 250ml water
• 100g butter
• pinch of salt
• 2T sugar
• 125g bread flour 
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup castor sugar
• 3t cinnamon
• oil for frying

chocolate espresso sauce

• 150g good quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids
• 125ml cream
• 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
• 60ml espresso

In a medium pot bring the water, butter, salt and two tablespoons of sugar to the boil.

Once boiling, add the flour and mix vigorously to make a roux. Set aside and allow to cool.

Beat 3 eggs and then add this to the roux and continue to beat. Use an electric mixer for this. You will now have a nice thick paste.

Heat the oil in the Breville Quick fry to 190C. You can drop a little batter in to test if it’s ready.

Fill a piping bag fitted with a big nozzle and carefully pipe long strips of batter directly into the oil, cutting off the ends with a knife when long enough. It will immediately start bubbling. Be careful not to over crowd the pan, and fry a maximum of 3 at a time. Turn the churros over when they are brown on the one side and continue to cook the other side until golden. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

Mix the cinnamon and castor sugar together and toss the churros in this while they are still warm. Use tongs if necessary.

To make the sauce, put all the ingredients except the espresso in a double boiler and melt together. Once it is a nice glossy consistency, add the freshly made espresso, stir and serve.

happy sunday...

monday {menu}

• B A R E F O O T   C O N T E S S A
• ..bolognese..
• 
  
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta
• 1 pound lean ground sirloin
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1¼ cups dry red wine, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 pound dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1½ teaspoons pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil, and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.

While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream, and the remaining ¼ cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and ½ cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side.

happy sunday...

saturday wishes

{all images from rustic rooster pinterest}

Let's make wish! Ok everyone close your eyes and count to t h r e e. They say,  if you think and dream it... It will come! I'm closing my eyes right now and putting my dreams out in the universe. How beautiful are all of these images. So romantic and classic if I do say so myself. What are your dreams? Have you put them out in  the universe! Try it! You never know what might happen {wink}. One, Two, Three... Make your Saturday wish!

happy halloween

monday {menu}

S P O O K Y  B O O 

brownies

I N G R E D I E N T S  

1

box {1 lb 6.25 oz} Betty Crocker™ Supreme original brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box 

1 1/4

cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy creamy white frosting {from 16-oz container}

16

large marshmallows 

Betty Crocker™ black decorating gel {from 0.68-oz tube}

S T E P S

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F {325°F for dark or nonstick pan}. Line 8- or 9-inch square pan with foil so foil extends about 2 inches over sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. Make brownies as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch square pan. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from pan by lifting foil; peel foil away. For brownies, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.
• 2

  Heat frosting in microwavable bowl uncovered on High 30 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds, until frosting can be stirred smooth and fluid. If frosting becomes too firm while decorating, microwave 5 seconds; stir.
• 3

  Top each brownie with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Let stand until frosting is set, about 30 minutes. Use black gel to make eyes and mouths.

happy sunday...

5 minutes

I can't take my eyes off this little office space... It's absolutely perfect from head to toe! The white semi-gloss cabinets, classic  wood floors, small white orchid, loving family photos,   simple flat roman shade to the bamboo desk chair! Nothing fancy at all... L O V E!  I know this little space is probably just off the kitchen and staged for this picture... But it's done just right.  I do dream that my office space would look like this. Reality is I have piles of paper {organized} and stuff {wood samples/fabric} all around. I try my hardest to leave my desk very organized and clean after each work day. I do take the trash out and throw any unnecessary junk away and sharpen my pencils before I leave my office for the day. Truth! My dad always taught me, take 5 minutes at the end of your day and clean up your mess because the next day that you sit down at your space it needs to be clean and organized to start your new day off just right... Fresh, clean and ready to conqure the world! I think I can do just that {wink}... Off to go clean my office space! What are your plans for this Saturday?   

such a good combo

Carrot and Zucchini Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2cups all-purpose flour
• 1teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4teaspoon baking soda
• 2eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 1/2cups shredded carrot
• 1medium zucchini, shredded (1 cup)
• 3/4cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2cup raisins
• 1/2cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2cup cooking oil
• 1/4cup honey
• 1teaspoon vanilla

• Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, ginger, and baking soda. In another large bowl stir together eggs, carrot, zucchini, brown sugar, raisins, walnuts, oil, honey, and vanilla. Add carrot mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Spread batter into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
  2. Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Frost with Citrus-Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars.
  3. Makes 36 bars.

  Citrus-Cream Cheese Frosting

  
  

  Ingredients

  • 18 ounce package cream cheese, softened

  • 1cup powdered sugar

  • 1teaspoon finely   shredded lemon peel or orange peel (optional)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    

    
    

the classics

Hello blogger friends... I'm back! Well at least for today I am. I know its been a little while, but I'm kind of in a blogging rut. I feel like I have so much to tell you all, but every time I go to write it down I  feel kind of silly for sharing. I'm not sure if I want to share with you all everything, but sometimes I feel like I need to for a good release. Weird I know... But totally the truth on my end. This is supposed to be a design blog right? Not a spill the beans about life blog. Ha Ha Maybe I should turn this blog into a reality design blog therapy session! lol I feel like you're all my friends and would totally understand. Hey, we've all been there... And or are going through the same things! I know all my problems and concerns and build ups are a little thing called, "L I F E". But, on a positive note I got a B-12 shot this morning {love it}, all the doors arrived at my house and they're leveling the floors to lay all the new wood flooring. So excited... Because that means our remodel is almost done! Well,  On a design note here are some pretty classic pictures that will definitely bring a smile to all of your faces... ENJOY! 

happy sunday...

Do you have a fall bucket list? I saw on Tuckernuck's Instagram account this morning that they got all of their employees together and made a bucket list.  How fun is that!  I absolutely love that idea... Well, as you all know I am the only employee here at the rustic rooster, so here's my list {this is for the month of October} ...

1.) Clean out every closet in my house {eliminate}
2.) Take a cooking class
3.) Not spend money on clothes for 1 month 
4.) Write in my journal everyday 
5.) Workout 5 days a week {sculpt and run}
6.) Eat really really healthy {no sugar or carbs}
7.) Get a new car 
8.) Train for a running race with Taylor {5k}
9.) Carve pumpkins 
10.) Have a fall dinner with dear friends {outside}

What's your October bucket list... 

Please share! 

monday's drink {menu}

 P I N E A P P L E    M A N G O    R U M

 · PUNCH ·

{recipe here}

Ingredients for Pineapple Mango Rum Punch {servings 1 cocktail}

• 3 oz of pineapple coconut juice
• 3 oz of coconut rum {you can also use light or dark rum here instead}
• 1 oz of mango juice
• 1 oz of orange juice
• splash of grenadine {mainly just for looks}
• lime slices and/or orange zest for garnish
• edible flowers for garnish

Note for making larger batches: If making a punch, rather than a single drink, treat the ounce numbers above as parts instead. So, for example, if you’re making a large batch of pineapple mango rum punch, you’d use 3 parts pineapple coconut juice, 3 parts coconut rum, 1 part mango juice, and 1 part orange juice.

How to Make Pineapple Mango Rum Punch

Combine all juices (pineapple coconut, mango, and orange) and rum. Then stir. Pour over ice and add a splash of grenadine for color. The grenadine will fall to the bottom and give the drink a pretty ombre look. Then, add lime, orange zest, and edible flowers for garnish.

.