Rosemary Cashews

 

These are the cashews we included in the sack lunch for the Terp Invitational so many years ago at Chambers Bay. It's a Barefoot Contessa recipe so of course it's good. My friend Julianne's mom made them and all the golfers raved about them. This year I made several batches to give to friends. 

Watch the temp and cook time. One of my batches burned. It makes a difference if you buy roasted or raw. 

Rosemary Cashews

1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

2 teaspoons dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 T melted butter

Preheat oven to 375. I would do 275 and warm for longer just to make sure they don't burn.

Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated. Serve warm.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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Happy International Women's Day!

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Today is International Women's Day.

Maybe today could be your launching point for making a difference on a local or global level. Be inspired to make a difference in any way you can... expand your awareness by reading Half the Sky or researching issues on the Internet, spread the word, donate, write a letter to your Congressperson, or get involved in any other way that best suits your financial situation, time or interests. What better day than today to start making a difference?!

Here's one way to help on a global level to celebrate this holiday... 

Empower people (women!) around the world with a $25 loan through Kiva. My friend Ann told me about this organization. When your loan is repaid, you can take your $25 back or reinvest in another person. Just think, the same $25 can be re-invested over and over and over. One donation and it continues a cycle of helping women and you end up with all these stories of people you've helped. A few clicks on the Internet and a small price to pay to change a life.

About Kiva

 We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the Internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. Learn more about how it works.
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Merry Kissmas

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Hilarious, right?

This is my friend Beth's family. Beth (back middle with bangs) is truly one of the funniest people I have ever known so it is no surprise that her family is also hilarious. I wanted to use this idea for my Christmas cards next year but I can't resist sharing it. I love this photo. I love the twinkle in Beth's eye because I know she is dying of laughter inside.

Her family also has an ugly Christmas sweater contest (obviously) where you're not allowed to spend more than $20 on your sweater (shipping included). And as if they aren't fun enough already, they also have a "Hairy Christmas" facial hair/mustache contest with the following rules:

The judges will determine which contestant’s facial hair best enhances the contestant’s overall appearance, style and personality, taking into account:

· Overall condition and health of the facial hair

· Uniformity of color
· Thickness
· Symmetry
· Size including but not limited to length
· Presentation

May the best man win!

Is it wrong that I want to be part of her family at the holidays? I love my own, but come on, how fun and creative is her clan?!

Wishing you all a belated Hairy Kissmas!

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Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

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Every year I head to Kmart for Christmas tree balls and ornaments. The selection isn't as good as when Martha Stewart created a line for Kmart, but you can still find some cute things.

My sister-in-law did really cute trees for her kids rooms last year with trees and ornaments found at Kmart. I copied the theme of my niece's tree for my daughter's room. My daughter couldn't have been more excited about picking out ornaments and having her own tree to decorate and admire, endlessly. Kmart had such cute cupcake and candy ornaments with garland to match. It turned out so cute.

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Happy Thanksgiving Over Cocktails Readers!

Last year I hosted my first ever Thanksgiving dinner. Of course I took photos so I could blog all about it, and then I put it off and put it off and put it off. A year later and I still don't have the recipes merged and ready to post, but I thought I'd share my photos.

The Table

 The Kids Table

I drew circles for plates and put crayons out so they could draw pretend food before it was time to eat. 

Thanksgiving morning

Everything is prepped and ready to go

 Murphy Bird 
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(My uncle gave me the recipe along with lots of advice and guidance so I named the turkey "Murphy Bird" since that's his last name and my maiden name). This year we're eating Murphy Bird II.
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Thanksgiving dinner is served!

(Buffet style, of course, since we're casual folks)

All the usual suspects plus a few Murphy additions

The Menu

Turkey with apple sausage stuffing
(might I add that I made my own sausage!)

Twice baked mashed potatoes

Grand Marnier yams

Lumpia (Filipino eggrolls)

Black bean spare ribs

White rice

Green salad

Corn & pea casserole 

Rolls

Cranberry sauce

Dinner is ready, candles are lit. Time to grab a plate, serve up and enjoy!
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Have a Happy Happy Thanksgiving! Be grateful for this day, good food, your health, family and friends!

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Christmas Gift Idea #13

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If you want to get something special for the man in your life, consider a gift or gift certificate from Seattle's Gian DeCaro Sartoria. Gian DeCaro is a custom tailor and shirtmaker whose selection of fabrics and attention to fit and detail creates beautifully tailored pieces. He also carries beautiful clothing of other brands including cashmere sweaters, cashmere ties and great winter coats.

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Christmas Gift Idea #12

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Eight months later I finally got around to making this Chocolate Caramel Crack. They weren't kidding around with the name. This is about as addictive as crack. I would have never guessed such a quick and easy treat could be so insanely good.

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A friend of a friend makes it and calls it Matzo Roca because it kind of tastes like Almond Roca. Also a great name. Whatever you want to call it, just make lots of it!
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Christmas Gift Idea #11

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Ah, the beloved American holiday snack... Chex Mix. Who doesn't love sitting down with a big bowl of Chex Mix and some trashy reality TV, I mean a classic novel. I love me a big bowl of Chex Mix and I also love making it for friends every year (especially you Lynnie!).

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Do you make holiday treats for friends? I'd love to hear what you do... recipes, packaging, gift tags - please share!

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Christmas Gift Idea #9

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Not a year goes by that I don't stop by Oh! Chocolate in Madison Park and load up on boxes of all my favorite truffles, nuts and chews. I always buy a box for the grandparents, the mailman, my dad, and a few extra for last minute gifts, hostess gifts, and one that I can break into every morning. Oh how I love an Oh! Chocolate or two with my coffee first thing in the morning. The Pacific Northwest and Nutty Irishman truffles are heaven on earth.
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P.S. If you don't live in Seattle, don't fret. They will ship them out for you!
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Advent Calendars

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Growing up we used an advent calendars every year to count the days until Christmas. I've been searching for just the right one for my kids. My sister-in-law found this Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar which I couldn't love more. I have to say it is even cuter in person and the little felt ornaments are so detailed and adorable. My daughter is in heaven with her new little project.

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Have you found any great advent calendars? Would love to share more cute ones.

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Christmas Gift Idea #7

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My husband and I are dying to get the new Dance Central game for XBOX 360 Kinect. Check out this Dance Central Poison Trailer. Oh the fun to be had! Now bring on the Lady Gaga.

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Christmas Gift Idea #6

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My siblings and I grew up loving big wheels. We spent countless hours riding them around the back patio. I can't wait for the day my little guy is old enough for one like this Radio Flyer 79S Big Flyer.
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Christmas Gift Idea #5

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I love buying coffee table books as gifts because they're fun to have but not something a lot of people buy for themselves. We have some friends who are building a new home so when I came across the book American Fashion Designers at Home at Mario's in Seattle I thought it would make a fun and inspiring gift for their new home. .

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Pink Christmas

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My friend Jennie bought these Nammoura Dessert Plates from Anthropologie for her Christmas dinner. She opted for the ones with the lime colored background. She's setting these on white dinner plates and then topping them with the pink Ikat Mini Bowls. She'll finish her place setting with pink water glasses and gold rimmed wine glasses and lots of beautiful floral arrangements. Can't you just picture it? Too chic.
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My friend Danielle did a pink and gold Christmas tree this year. Sounds fabulous. I think these two ought to get together and throw a pink & gold party.

Breakfast Chez Moi

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One of our favorite things to do on weekend mornings is make breakfast and hang out in our jams. When the weather is cold and during the holidays (especially once the tree goes up), it's all the more fun and cozy. So, I thought I would share some links to all my breakfast posts from the past to inspire you to cook a breakfast with friends or family this holiday season.

Robbcakes

Dutch Babies

Granola

Zucchini bread

Bagel Sannies

Toasted Oats with Strawberries & Milk

Prosciutto, Cheese & Fig Biscuits

Pancakes or Waffles with Sears Famous Pancake Mix

Scrumptious Eggs

Scrambled Egg Toast

Baked French Toast

Individual Baked Eggs (oeufs plats variation)

Spinach & Cheese Strata

McMuffins

Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Urth Cafe Oatmeal

Aloha Oatmeal

Lynne's Joe's Special

Banana Muffins

Smoothies

Saveur's Breakfast Issue

What's for breakfast at your house? Frittatas? Quiche? Breakfast burritos? Any favorite recipes to share?

Christmas Gift Idea #4

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It was my first year hosting Thanksgiving, and my first time ever cooking a turkey, so I was so glad to have my All-Clad Oven-Probe Thermometer. I was able to manipulate the oven temperature when I felt that the bird was cooking too fast and knew the exact moment it hit the right temperature. Use this probe when you roast a chicken, cook prime rib, or any other meat where you need to pull it out at a specific temp. This was a life saver for me. No dry bird thanks to you All-Clad Oven Probe Thermometer!

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Annual Holiday Bazaar

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Every year some friends of mine throw a holiday bazaar with one-of-a-kind gifts and high-end clothes consignment. I've been going every year for almost a decade now and I never leave empty handed. I always find some great little treasures - leather frames, jewelry, cashmere scarves and more. If you live in Seattle and have a chance, check it out. You're sure to find something special for someone special. Proceeds to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and St. Anne School.

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Thursday, December 2nd - 10-7pm

Friday, December 3rd - 10-6pm

Saturday, December 4th - 10-4pm

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The home of Helen Gleason

609 West Highland Dr.

Seattle, WA 98119

Featuring:

- Designer Consignment from Mary Bridget Pehl

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- Fine Jewelry and Cashmere Scarves from Jennifer Hyde & Helen Gleason

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- Jewelry by Juliet Roger

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- Argentine Accessories from Kristin DeMartine
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- Designer Hand Knitwear by Angelica Buri

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- Gorgeous Ornaments

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- Baby Raindrops - Hangers, Appliqued Onesies, Burp Clothes, & more by Dana Langworthy

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- Ornaments, Letter Pressed Greeting Cards, & Holiday Napkins & Plates from Cheryl Papadakis
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- and much, much more!

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Kids Table

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My husband wants a project for Thanksgiving dinner but keeps throwing out ideas like Chinese spareribs and other creations that will put him in my cooking space. This Paper Bag Popcorn Turkey could sure keep him, and his little sidekick (my daughter), busy for a few hours.

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Christmas Gift Idea #2

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Check out the new Anthousa Votive Candle Collection packaged in beautiful individual boxes. I love the packaging and I love the scents. These would make perfect hostess gifts or stocking stuffers. I love burning an Anthousa votive candle in my powder room when entertaining. It's just the right size.

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