Le Creuset Solution

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven Tote Bag

Especially this time of year, I am often faced with the issue of transporting a dish I have made in one of my Le Creuset Dutch ovens to a dinner party or other function. Problem solved!

Happy Memorial Day

Yankee Magazine - Mark & Graham

 

Happy Memorial Day. Today we express our gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This is a favorite summer meal of mine - steamed lobster, corn, mussels, steamers, and potatoes and the table set with bamboo flatware, raffia placemats, a faux bamboo cachepot filled with hydrangeas, wicker wrapped glassware, monogrammed blue and white striped napkins, and folding bamboo chairs.

Olive Oil

Muraglia

I am headed later this morning to an olive oil class by a certified olive oil sommelier where we will learn about the olive oils of Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, followed by lunch in the garden room of one of my favorite restaurants in Venice.

Staub Pumpkins in the Kitchen

Staub Pumpkin Cocottes

 

A great kitchen is something we all love, but it doesn't stop with cabinets, appliances, and counters. Both highly functional and very beautiful, Le Creuset cast iron cookware and Staub cast iron cookware (especially their pumpkin cocottes) have become even more sought after of late.

Staub Pumpkin Cocottes

Chic Olive Oil

Frantoio Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Striped Bottle

 

I think this is the prettiest bottle of olive oil ever. The ultimate kitchen-to-table olive oil, this award-winning Italian oil works equally well for cooking and finishing. To preserve its rich flavor and aroma and protect it from sunlight, the extra-virgin olive oil is bottled in a hand-painted ceramic container that can be enjoyed as a vase or serving vessel after the oil is finished. 

Favorite Recipe and New Cookware

Scallops with Basil & Cream

 

I made my favorite scallop dish last night (actually one of my favorite recipes for entertaining it is so easy and so delicious) using my gorgeous new induction range and new cookware. This recipe serves four and takes 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes cooking.

Turning the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary

Smoked Sea Salt

I mentioned in yesterday's post smoked sea salt. IMHO it is something you really should have in your pantry. Smoked sea salt is a finishing salt. You do not use it during cooking but AFTER. It is mild and delicate, adding a subtle hint of smoke and a textural crunch. Don't waste it cooking with it. It is not kosher salt.

 Here are just some of the ways you can use smoked sea salt:

Stunning Staub

Staub Cocottes

 

I was aware of the gorgeous Staub pumpkin cocottes, but you may not know about all the rest of these beauties. These cast iron dutch ovens are perfect as the weather cools and our thoughts turn to cooking heartier dishes. Wonderful for slow cooking soups, chili, stews, pot roast, and for braising. 

Chinoiserie Squash

Kabocha Squash

 

I bought a couple of these darling squash yesterday at Publix for Halloween decorating for my kitchen and then to use in a new recipe. When I got home and Googled them, I discovered that it is a Japanese squash. 

The squat, green kabocha—the Japanese word for squash—has a nutty, earthy flavor with just a touch of sweetness. This Japanese squash has a squatty shape, green rind, and orange flesh. The dense flesh and sweet flavor makes it well-suited for mashing and using in baked goods. It is also commonly used in soups, and is primarily grown and eaten in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, China, and the United States.

Decorating & a Recipe for Fall & Halloween

Staub Orange Pumpkin Cocotte

 

Now that fall is in the air, wait, this is South Florida, the only thing that's ever in the air is endless summer. Now that September is here, my thoughts turn to decorating for fall and Halloween. 

Le Creuset Finds

Delish

Now this is fun -  Le Creuset colors based on your zodiac sign. I am a Pisces so mine is Ombré Blue - gorgeous. I would love to find a piece in this color.

Well, as my HomeGoods gods would have it, I found two stunning Le Creuset pieces at fantastic prices this week at my HG in Venice. 

Chinoiserie Chic Creuset Club

Le Creuset

Now that my new Florida home is finished and I have a bit more time, I have decided to return to real cooking. I'm actually a really good cook. I just needed a break.

I would love to upgrade the appliances, but there is a huge shortage as I am sure you are aware. So for now I am styling the kitchen with great accessories, have put in a new honed marble herringbone backsplash, and am upgrading my cookware.