Happy Fall To All!

Happy Fall!
It's finally here!

 I can officially ramble on and on about all things pumpkin and faux fur!

Now that I have that out of my system today along with our front porch I'm sharing the wreath that I made, and my favorite chili recipe. Because nothing says fall like chili.

Here is my little fam in front of our door so ready for cooler weather! 

It isn't the first day of fall if that doesn't include chili! Like I said yesterday I have been cooking up a storm! I've shared a few chili recipes before but this one is slightly different in that it contains faux meat. But you cook it the same way.  To stay on the healthy side if you are using regular meat use turkey or really high quality ground beef. Here's the quick healthy recipe:

1 pound meat of choice  

1 small onion and a couple garlic cloves minced  

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 can diced tomatoes  

1 can tomato sauce  

1 cup broth

2 tbsp chili powder ( I use a good but because I like it spicy) 

1 1/2 tbsp garlic salt

3 tsp cumin

2tsp oragano  

Let the oil, onion, and garlic simmer for a couple minutes (until the onions are translucent) and then add your meat. After it browns add in everything else. I like to let it cook for up to two hours. Which is great because while that's cooking you can go to other things.  

Fast tip: if you like sour cream on chili opt for Greek yogurt instead for a healthier low cal choice. I add garlic salt and parsley to mine.  

I guess it's time to find a pumpkin patch to frolic in!

xoxo

In The Knife Know

It's Friday and that means it's time for another Martini Moment!

By now you've probably figured out that I deeply love to cook. Over the years it has become one of my favorite things. Last night I was chopping some veggies and started thinking about my knives and their purposes. I had a pretty basic knowledge but thought what a great post it would be to delve into exactly what each does.

1. Cleaver- For really tough tasks like cutting through really thick meat or even bone.

2. Chef Knife- The workhorse of the kitchen. The curve of the blade allows for a rocking motion for mincing and chopping.

3. Bread Knife- Obviously for cutting bread. But easily cut so that bread does not smash. Perfect for a fresh out of the oven baguette.

4.Utility Knife- Also called a sandwich knife. It's in-between size makes it perfect for everyday tasks like quartering potatoes or slicing a cucumber.

5. Pairing Knife- Use for small jobs like peeling, pitting, or coring a tomato.  

6. Kitchen Scissors- This is perfect for trimming unwanted fat from meats or cutting fresh herbs.

Fast Fact: The first item pictured which looks like sharpener is actually for honing. It pushes the blade back into the center as it gets pushed from use.

Have a great weekend! I hope you find yourself in the kitchen, wine in hand, dancing and cooking up a delicious dish.

xoxo

“Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun.”

— Julia Child

Patio Perfection

A very happy July to you!

July is an amazing month, fireworks, parties, sunshine, and not to mention the month I met my Husband (I can't even believe this month marks nine years together, geesh!). So for today's Martini Moment lets talk patio.

We are gearing up for our annual 4th party and normally we are ready to go but, with a new house and new patio things are a tad different this year. Due to the locust infestation it would be an understatement to say I haven't really been outside since they appeared and because of that, we are a little late in getting our patio up and running.

Here is a speedy way to clean your patio cushions:

• Remove cushions
• Scrub with 1 qt water and a dash of Dawn
• Rinse with hose
• Let dry in sun (while you do other things that need tended to)
• Spray with Scotch guard

A clean patio is a happy one. I know, I know, cleaning is no fun. But you know what helps? A delicious martini, of course!

Happy Friday, happy long weekend! Have a fabulous 4th!

xoxo