Love is Everywhere: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Love at First Bite: Back to Basics Video Series

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It’s here! The very first video in the Green Eats Blog Back to Basics Video Series! These videos will cover some of the basic skills of cooking; things like braising, whipping, and roasting. Once you’ve got these basic skills mastered you should be able to tackle any recipe.

In this first video I tackle emulsification – scary sounding process, but in reality super simple. Emulsification is the principle behind things like salad dressings, some sauces, and mayonnaise. Essentially you force two liquids that don’t want to combine (like oil and vinegar) to come together through the help of a binder (like eggs). I’ll show you how easy it is to make homemade mayonnaise and how you can then turn that into a garlicky aioli in about ten seconds flat.

Check out the video and please leave me your questions, comments, and suggestions for future videos! What are some of the basic kitchen skills that you’d like to master?

(And yes, that is our bird Sushi you hear squawking in the background. Also, we don’t own a dishwasher so I apologize for the sink full of dirty dishes. I’m kind of a tornado in the kitchen.)

Back to Basics: Mayonnaise & Aioli from Matt Lardie on Vimeo.

Mayonnaise & Aioli

Ingredients

· 2 egg yolks (the fresher the better)

· 2-3 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar

· 1/4 tsp dijon mustard

· 1/4 tsp kosher salt

· 1-1.5 cups oil (I prefer grape-seed, but canola or rice bran would work too)

· 1 medium clove garlic

Directions

· In a heavy bowl whip the egg yolks until they turn pale yellow and frothy. Add the lemon juice, salt, and mustard, and whip until thick.

· Start adding the oil a drop or two at a time, whipping constantly. Pay attention to the stream of oil rather than the egg mixture. You don’t have to whip fast, two or three strokes per second should be fine, you just want to make sure that all the oil is quickly combined and that the mixture doesn’t separate.

· After the mayonnaise starts to come together and thicken you can begin to add the oil more rapidly, 2-3 tbsp at a time. Make sure to thoroughly combine after each addition.

· Once the mayonnaise has reached the desired thickness, taste and adjust the seasonings. Refrigerate for up to a week, or turn into aioli.

· For aioli, crush one clove of garlic and mix into the prepared mayonnaise with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate for up to a week.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Poetry is Beauty

I had walked along the edge of the sea once

right before the sun laid down to sleep.

Closing my eyes, I placed my trust

within what lied beneath my feet.

One foot stepping in warm sand while the other

foot slightly numb from the coldness of the water.

At that moment a breeze passed by awakening my eyes, I realized,

that I was feeling the sensation of warmth and coldness

at one time.

As the sun laid to rest, the moon and all those tiny stars appeared.

I thought of a time lying beside a love

and hurting inside while loving him.

As a tear awoke me from that thought

I realized that I had felt eternal happiness and sadness

at one time.

Poetry is Beauty

A mind just as mine

is looking up

at the stars just as

I see.

A mind just as mine

is not safe within

steps

outside their door.

A mind just as mine

is crying inside just

trying to be strong

and smiling.

Because a mind just as mine

has hope that there is

something better

than this.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Poetry is Beauty

For some reason just within the past week or two I decided that I would like to being painting again. Along with that, I pulled out a few of my old poetry books that were tucked away and began reading several of them. It's funny because some of them I just don't remember writing. I can't even begin to put myself back in the moment that creating all of those thoughts which then were put in cute flower designed notebooks. I've decided to share a few of them, so I'll pick one for each day of the week. Enjoy! ♥

As a feather falls

so does one

lightly.. calmly.. softly..

onto the ground

into the hands of another

We fall unexpected into love

Blinded by something so bright

Something so beautiful

Something unimagined

Yet they say one in love

can be deceived

That pain follows

That the light that blinded you

Can be covered by clouds..

But the clouds disappear.. they are never permanent

As pain.. is not permanent..and can pass

But when you see a feather fall

Catch it..

for if you just watch it fall

lightly.. calmly.. softly..

it may land some where..

where it does not belong..

One does not just fall in love

by coincidence

One must reach out their hand.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

February Sponsors ♥

Sponsor Package: $25 per month for a 250 x 175 ad. This includes a promotion of your choice which can be a Giveaway or a Featured Post.

*All ads will be rotated throughout the month in each category to give each blog equal exposure.

Love is Everywhere has over 15,000 page views per month with a new post daily. There are over 2,000 subscribers via google reader, twitter, facebook, bloglovin' and more. If you would like to be Sponsored on Love is Everywhere feel free to email me at LovewithKatie@gmail.com

Missing Spring.

I am unsure if it's because Charlie and I are both sick while being stuck inside on a sunny day. Or perhaps, it's the mud in our yard that is accumulating as the snow begins to melt. Maybe, it's because I was putting clothes away and saw a few pairs of shorts. I miss Spring. I miss putting on a pair of capris, a tee and jumping in the car with Charlie with no particular place to go. I miss opening the sunroof and feeling warmth hit my neck from the sunbeams creeping into my car.

I miss jumping from rock to rock across a River and feeling the spray of the chilled water hitting my leg as some of the waves collapse against the rocks.

When Spring arrives I know that I will miss Winter.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Everyone Loves a Dinner Party!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

We had snow so of course I was incredibly happy. It's still on the ground looking enticing.

This past Saturday one of my lovely besties who also happens to live right up the street had a dinner party. This was not just any dinner party. There was a 20lb turkey involved which she got for free ♥ Everyone brought a dish. There was mashed potatoes, corn, bisquits, desserts, and more. Good wine and fabulous company. There's something about being surrounded by laughter, people who are happy in the moment that they are in, listening to one another, giving hugs... that makes everything bad just slip on bye.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Snowflakes, Love, Puppy & Celebration

That cute little furry Yorkie that has been shown all over Love is Everywhere turns 2 today. Yes, Peanut has now been living for 2 whole years spreading love, kisses and completing our little family. The best part of today is the beautiful snow that arrived. Enjoy Peanut celebrating his Birthday ♥

Monday, January 16, 2012

New Beginnings.

There's a bunch of chances for new beginnings recently. Today, my mom had a double knee replacement. She's been in pain for years and walking has become more difficult for her each day. I can't tell you how happy our family has been for this surgery, because she'll live a more fulfilling life, no pain and easier to walk. She looks forward to our summer vacation in Maine when August comes. This past summer she couldn't even go to the beach once during our whole week. Her surgery went well, she's very uncomfortable today but that's normal knowing how intense the procedure is since it's both knees. Please send prayers and positive thoughts my mom's (Kathy) way for a fast recovery ♥

Tomorrow I start a part time job which I'm thrilled for. I've been applying to find something just a few days during the week so I can spend my weekends on my Photography. Wish me luck!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Sharing a Love Story ♥

Blog - Twitter - Facebook

Once upon a time there was a young princess awaiting the day she would meet her one true love. She would hope day after day that fate would bring her prince galloping towards her on a white horse. His gleaming armor would shine by the light of the stars, and he know that she was his soul mate at first sight. But the young girl kissed frog after frog and made wish after wish, only to no avail. Her prince was no where to be found. Years passed and the princess was near giving up hope, until one day when she realized it was right next to her. He had been by her side all along, he was her best friend. But why had he never said anything? Why did he not sweep her away with first sight? The princess thought and thought and thought, but the prince she was starting to love did not love her back...so she thought.

One day when the princess was having a not so terrific day, the prince took it upon himself to tell her that she was the most beautiful lady in the land. This gave the princess hope, not only hope, but courage too. She asked him, ever so shyly, if he would like to accompany her to the upcoming ball. He regretfully declined her offer because he was entering a jousting tournament. The princess was heartbroken, but she too would not go to the ball, but to his tournament instead. After climbing his way to the top, the prince won the tournament, the princess felt she needed to reward the man for his accomplishment, so she offered him a friendly choice, somewhat friendly, and not so friendly choice. The choices were: she would do his Latin for a week, lunch on her, and a kiss. To her pleasure he picked the kiss.

And a kiss it would be; the mark of the beginning of something beautiful. One short week after their first kiss, the young couple could not bare to remain just friends. On a magical day marked in history as 10.10.10, the young prince asked the young princess if she would allow him to court her. With no hesitation the princess gleefully said yes.

So overwhelmed with the excitement of a new love she wrote:

Ten, Ten, Ten

This day,

Everything falls into place.

Now we begin our always.

Together we take,

Each other hands and say,

Now and everyday,

Together forever and always.

Each and every,

Night and day.

The excitement of this new love, although thirteen months old, still lives on as strong as ever. It is a love of two people who's differences complete each other as if one. It is a love that will last through the hardships of the past, the troubles of the present, and the wars of the future. It is a love that the world will remember. It is a love that every person deserves. It is a love that may be as strong as others, but is all their own, perfect for their lives together. It is a love, nothing explains it better.

To Dustin Crysel

From Victoria Vida

All stories will be archived here. We would love to read your story so if you would like to share please visit for details ♥:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Love at First Bite: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Blog - Twitter - Facebook

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The season of comfort food is upon us! In my opinion there is no more glorious a time for eating than when the weather turns cold and the leaves fall from the trees. Some people have their summer barbecues, strawberry shortcakes, and corn on the cob, but for me nothing is better than a hot, steaming plate of comfort. It can come in many forms - a hearty meat chili, gooey baked mac ‘n cheese, a rich, creamy bread pudding, but perhaps my favorite is Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Its sort of like chicken pot pie, but with biscuits, and lets face it, everything tastes better with biscuits (and bacon, but that’s a post for another day).

This is essentially the combination of two recipes; one for chicken stew (which I’ve adapted from Ina Garten’s book Barefoot Contessa Family Style) and my go-to, easy-peasy biscuit recipe. You can certainly roast your own chicken, but for ease of assembly (and one less than to make) I usually opt for the store-bought rotisserie chickens that seem to be ubiquitous these days. Bonus - save the chicken carcass to make your own homemade chicken stock, which can be frozen for up to two months and used the next time you make Chicken Stew with Biscuits. I promise you that this is a recipe you will be coming back to over and over again.

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Chicken Stew

● 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken

● 1 quart chicken stock (I use homemade, but store-bought works fine)

● 1/2 cup heavy cream

● 3 medium carrots, diced

● 3 ribs celery, diced

● 1 lb mushrooms, cleaned & chopped

● 1/2 cup frozen peas (you can also use shelled edamame)

● 1 medium onion, diced

● 2 cloves garlic, chopped

● 3 tbsp butter

● 2 tbsp olive oil

● 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

● salt

● pepper

Biscuits

● 2 cups all-purpose flour

● 1 tbsp baking powder

● 1 tsp kosher salt

● 6 tbsp cold butter

● 1.5-2 cups heavy cream or half & half

● 1 tbsp butter, melted

Make the stew

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Remove as much meat as possible from the rotisserie chicken and shred with your fingers. Save the skin and bones to make homemade stock later.

2. Add the shredded chicken, diced carrots & celery, and peas to a 9x13 oven-proof casserole dish. Add a dash of salt and a dash of pepper and mix to ensure all bits are evenly distributed. Set aside.

3. In a large skillet heat the 3 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the 1/4 cup flour and stir into the onion mixture. Let cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly (this will get rid of the raw flour taste).

4. Pour the chicken stock and 1/2 cup cream into the skillet and whisk to remove any lumps. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Let boil for 1 minute and remove from the heat. Add salt & pepper to taste.

5. Pour the liquid over the chicken and vegetables in the casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Make the biscuits

1. While the casserole bakes you can make the biscuits. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade combine the flour, baking soda, and salt with a few pulses. Add the cold butter and pulse until it is cut into the dough, about the size of small peas. With the motor running slowly pour 1.5 - 2 cups of cream or half & half until the dough just comes together in a ball. (You can also mix the dough in a large bowl; just cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives and proceed with the rest of the recipe).

2. Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured board and gently pat into a circle about 3/4 inch thick. Using a 3" biscuit cutter (or small juice glass) cut out six round biscuits, reforming the dough scraps as needed. Any scraps left can be refrigerated for a few days and used for extra biscuits or shortcakes.

Finish the stew & biscuits

1. After 45 minutes remove the stew from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425F.

2. Remove the aluminum foil and gently arrange the biscuits atop the stew. Brush each biscuit with some melted butter.

3. Once oven has reached 425F place stew back into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden-brown on top.

4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Love is Everywhere

Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite songs.

Feel free to sing alone as I know you all are familiar with this peaceful tune. ♥

Writer: LENNON, JOHN

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

You, you may say
I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world

You, you may say
I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will live as one