Mantel Mania

I often get into the conversation of which would be easier: remodeling or building a home? I haven't done either yet, so ask me in 6 months after I build. With that said, my vote as of now is remodeling!! Among many,many decisions (doors, trim, yada, yada) I have to make, one I am struggling with is the fireplace. New? Old? I have NOTHING to work with (vs. remodelers) so I have to come up with something from scratch. Some Inspiration:

I love the last pic with the brick. How cozy! Maybe I could find an old mantel here or here....

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I wish I had time tonight (or any other night) to blog about...

1. My trip to Puerto Rico

2. My favorite new recipe of Tyler Florence's

3. My house plans...I got them!! It's becoming real that I will, at some point, in the near future, have a house of my own!!!

3. The new season of Top Chef D.C.

4. Joining the gym with Robert. It's taking up a lot of our time...in a good way.

5. My bestest friend Laurel being in town for the summer!! (another reason for post slackness)

LOVE to all!

k.

Chix Parm

Since I have recently learned that there are those of you out there who read my blog (and actually try my recipes...thank you!), here is another recipe. If you need something quick and easy and yummy, try this Chicken Parmesan. It's one of Robert's favorite meals so I think the hubbies (and kids) will enjoy it too!

Chicken Parmesan

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 egg plus 1/4 cup water
1 cup italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
6 slices mozzarella (I like the packaged mozz ball in the cheese section at Publix)
1 large jar tomato sauce of your choice
pasta

In a small bowl, mix the egg and water together. In another dish, mix bread crumbs and parm. Slice each breast in half lengthwise so that you have 6 very thin cutlets. Salt and pepper each. Dip each one in the egg mix, then bread crumb mixture.

Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large sautee pan and brown each piece until golden brown. Meanwhile, pour the tomato sauce in an 9x13 baking dish and heat the oven to broil. After browning all pieces of the chicken, place them in the dish on top of the sauce and top each with a thick slice of mozzarella.

Broil until cheese is melted and slightly brown on top. Serve immediately on top of whole grain penne or pasta of your choice, and don't forget the crunchy french bread (see my favorite brand below). And maybe a salad. Just maybe -- if you have more time than me :)

You can find this yummy bread in the freezer section at your local Publix.

ENJOY!

She's a little bit country...

and a little over budget (on a LOT of things she (as in me) wants for her new kitchen)! So I have been tearing out pictures from magazines for about 5 years (ask Shanna) and putting them in a folder, which turned into a pretty binder, then got re-organized into categories, and now I realize what sink I want have to have because it's in 1/2 the kitchen photos. Here it is.

And then I saw this faucet.

And a little inspiration from my book...

A Town

Robert and recently took a trip to Athens to see our dear friends Jon, Mandy, and Ernie. We went to the G-day game, played some spades (Robert is a cheater!), and had a really good time. My little cousin Ernie (or ET) is the coolest!! He was such a doll all weekend and we just can't wait to see him again. I know him and Uncle Robert will be best buds :) All kids love Robert. A few examples...My friend Brandi's son, Finn, knows Mama, Dada, Yaya (grandma), I am sure his other grandparents names, and Robba (Robert)! I do not think he knows who I am :) My sister's daughter, Anna Kate, loves me. I am sure of it. But who does she love more? Uncle Wobert! I went to my parents house Sunday to see my sweet neice and new nephew (with gifts for both might I add), and pretty much as soon as I gave her her new pink dress, she looked up at me with the most confused look, and said "Where's uncle Wobert?" I am convinced I will be my nephew Carson's favorite. He seems pretty laid back. Maybe one day we will go fishing together. Sooo back to Athens, here are some pics from our trip. Thanks Anderson clan for a fun weekend!

Mandy and Ernie (in red on red)

the boys

Jon and Ernie (*see Cali n Titos below)

me and Mandy and ET

*wink*

my favorite!!

me and Robert

*Have you ever been to Cali n Titos in Athens? It's a little Latin American gem where you can sit outside, BYOB, and eat really good food. I like the empanadas and fish tacos. Pic below courtesy of http://www.yelp.com/. I couldn't find a website...

Beach Chic!

Did you know Stanley Furniture has a Coastal Living furniture collection?! There are some great pieces. A few of my faves are below. AND, I am pretty sure (if I remember correctly from my residential furniture days) Stanley is quite affordable!!

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli

Most all of my recipes I can't take credit for, this one included. I often add something or change up an ingredient, but that does not make it MINE. This one is Giada's (also check out her new Target line!). Her recipes, like Ina's (my other fave), are simple and to the point, and ones you will go back to time and time again. Her basic recipe for alfredo is one not to miss---it's so simple. Never, never, never use the jarred stuff. It's okay not good- this is the real thang and totally worth the effort! I added chicken and broccoli, but make it your own! Next time I might add shrimp. Yummy to my tummy.

Fettuccine Alfredo (basic recipe)

1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
pinch of nutmeg
salt
9 ounces fettuccine
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (i used black. i'm a rebel.)

In a large heavy skillet, stir 1 cup of the cream and the lemon juice to blend. Add the butter and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts...about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and nutmeg. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of boiling water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. Drain. Add the pasta, remaining cream, parmesan, and the salt and pepper to taste.

Toss over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly , about 1 minute. Serve immediately!

Note: Cook the chicken (I sauteed in a grill pan with salt and pepper) and steam broccoli beforehand if using. Toss in last.

P.S. I am renaming my blog KARYNBACONFOOD.