Recipe: Kale, Sausage & White Bean Soup with Potato… Easy!

Kale Sausage & White Bean Soup with Potato

This soup is so wonderful during chilly weather. It is incredibly quick and easy to make, yet tastes like something you worked on all day! I ran across the original recipe on the 100 Days of Real Food website. I made a few changes, just because I had an extra large bunch of kale to use and because I wanted to add thinly sliced potato which really added quite nicely, reminiscent of a soup at Olive Garden restaurant.

Here is my version of the 100 Days of Real Food recipe for Kale, Sausage and White Bean Soup, (click HERE to print):

Kale, Sausage, White Bean Soup with Potato

Olive Oil

½-1 Onion, peeled and diced

2 cloves Garlic (I use microplane, but you can mince)

1 pound Chicken Italian Sausage links, cut into ¼” slices

6 cups Chicken Stock/Broth (48 oz)

1 bunch of Lacinato Kale, washed stalks removed, and chopped

2 cans Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed (or other white bean)

1-2 Yukon Gold potatoes (large), quartered and sliced thin.

Pepper, taste before adding Salt.

Note: If you have a large bunch of kale, you can add more chicken broth, I added 4 cups (32 oz.), I also added one more can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained).

Instructions

Heat oil in large soup pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes. Remove onion and put in small dish to add back later.

Add sausage (in batches so that it browns slightly) – cook for 5 minutes (if sliced rather thin, or 10 minutes if thicker).

When sausage is almost done add the garlic and stir while it cooks about 30 seconds or until fragrant (if pan is dry use a little olive oil before adding garlic).

Add onions back into the pot with sausage and garlic.

Add chicken broth, and stir to loosen browned bits on bottom of pan.

Add the sliced potato, and cook until you can pierce with a fork.

Now add the chopped kale, beans, Salt (if you need it) and Pepper. Cook 10-20 minutes, until beans are hot and kale is wilted.

Original soup recipe from 100daysofrealfood.com!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Louis Escobedo!

20 Shades of Blue by Louis Escobedo

20 Shades of Blue by Louis Escobedo  17×16″

Louis Escobedo. His paintings are fantastic. The colors that he uses draw me in. I love his abstract strokes amidst the reality of what he’s painting. It is the perfect combination! Louis is an award winning artist with such a wonderful array of subject matter. Be sure to check out his website!

Summer Bouquet by Louis Escobedo

Summer Bouquet by Louis Escobedo  16×20″

Another fabulous painting with those abstract strokes. I think it really makes the focus of his paintings stand out even more. This is just beautiful!

Don’t miss the Small Treasures show at 717 Gallery (Easton, MD), featuring both Louis Escobedo and Chris Wilke. It will be a show not to be forgotten – it runs through January 7, 2016!

Are you interested in taking a workshop with Louis next year? Here is his WORKSHOP link!

Read a blip about Louis from his website:

As an artist I believe composition and values are the most important elements in a painting. I look for dramatic lighting effects, depth, and abstract shapes. I strive to evoke a feeling about the subject, even very ordinary ones in my paintings.  

Color is a person’s signature, a personal form of expression and another sense an artist can use to communicate.  I intermingle abstract shapes and color to energize my subjects, which include landscapes, still lifes, and figures. Sometimes I have to watch myself and not use color as a crutch. Color are my kids, you have to watch your values before they can come out to play. Sometimes they want to come out to play real fast, and I have to say, wait until I’m ready for you! 

All images via Louis Escobedo, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Hawk Alert for pets under 12 pounds.

Hawk

Recently one of the veterinarians in the area posted a warning on their Facebook page. If you have small animals (under 12 pounds typically), to be aware of the hawks.

WHAT????!!!!

I read that post and then saw a hawk swoop into the azaleas, grab some poor soul and take off. It happened so fast I couldn’t believe it. The next day I let Charlie out the back door, Fred saw the hawk in the tree right there. It was eyeing Charlie (trying to figure the weight?? ha), and then it flew off. We went outside with him.

Can you imagine? This hawk looked young, I’m no expert, but it didn’t look as big as the one I think we saw the other day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Tis the Season…

 

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season! Charleston is decorated and ready. So many of the storefronts are just beautiful. Every time we come downtown I swear there is a new restaurant, store or other cool place that we have yet to see! So many wonderful things happening in one city. People playing music. Outdoor lounges with heaters and beautiful furniture. Rooftop dining and drinks. This little city is something else!

It’s all dressed up for the Christmas and holiday season. A wonderful way to spend the day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Quiet Reflections…

Coastal Maiine

Look at this sky! This photo from the coast of Maine is very fitting for this time of year. Short daylight hours, the wild clouds in the sky. That wonderful light, however fleeting.

I think spending time after Thanksgiving reflecting on all you have to be grateful for is the perfect way to fast forward you into the upcoming year. Time flies so quickly!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Elliot Appel!

Quintessence by Elliot Appel

Quintessence by Elliot Appel  20×16″

What a wonderful painting by artist Elliot Appel. Light is what usually draws me to a painting, and it does here as well, but it’s the shadows that seem to take center stage. All the shadows make the light in that fabulous orange awning really stand out! Just beautiful!

Elliot also does commissions, so if that is of interest to you, be sure to check it out. He does wonderful house portraits!

Read a bit about Elliot, from his website:

Elliot Appel was born in New York City, in 1952, and has been painting for over 30 years. An independent artist, he is self-taught, having taken art history classes at New York’s City College, then fortifying his education soon afterward with trips to France, Switzerland, Italy, Israel, and Greece, where he spent time observing, sketching, and painting. 

Working primarily with acrylics, Mr. Appel’s cityscapes and storefronts call to mind the iconic images of American artists like John Sloan or Edward Hopper, who were influenced by film, and whose crisp, light-flooded takes on modern realistic street scenes inspired American film sets in the 1940s and 50s. Mr. Appel’s images of old New York City storefronts, with their dispossessed air, graffiti-covered doorways, and grime, both repel and draw the viewer into the cinematic-like worlds that he creates. His method is simple: walking around the city, one neighborhood at a time, camera in-hand he searches for an eye-catching subject- an antiquated doorway, an interesting street performer, an eye-catching reflection in a window. His use of vibrant color, unique perspective as well as his uncompromising eye for detail add his own personal style every subject he paints and contribute to a singular view of life in the big city. In general, his paintings take about two to three weeks to complete, depending on the amount of detail involved. 

His commissioned paintings of houses and pets, as well as his portrait paintings, are very popular and widely praised for their individually personalized style.

Images via ElliotPaints.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HOT TIP: Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie – Use this!!

Pumpkin Pie!

Pumpkin Pie. It simply cannot be easier! I saw this small can of “Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin Pie Mix” while shopping for Thanksgiving groceries at Whole Foods. By looking at the can, I figured I would need 2 cans for one pie. The recipe on the can says to add 3/4 cup evaporated milk, 2 eggs and the one can of pumpkin pie mix. I Googled when I got home and found that you truly only need one can. (Why is the other can in the grocery store so much bigger I wonder)?

Pumpkin Pie!

This is what the can looks like. In addition to organic it’s also non-GMO certified and in a can with a BPA-Free Liner. The Farmers Market Foods website also has great recipes!

Pumpkin Pie!

This pie came out very creamy. Absolutely wonderful. I will always buy this brand in the future! We had to make a “test pie” to be sure it would be ok for Thanksgiving Day! The verdict… and overwhelming Y.E.S.!!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: David Simons – Workshop coming soon…

The Wave by David Simons

The Wave
by David Simons
20×30″ Oil

David Simons. Such a talented artist. Be sure to check out his website, you’ll see what I mean. He is so versatile. His paintings are out of this world!

Just look at the light in this water. A great combination of light, movement, wonderful color, texture and the feeling of distance. It’s so fabulous I can hear the waves crashing!

Blue Crab by David Simons

Blue Crab
by David Simons
12×16″  Oil

David is just brilliant when it comes to color. He makes each painting interesting and dynamic. Fabulous!

Are you interested in taking a workshop? David has one coming up, here is the info:

2 Day Oil Painting Workshop with David Simons
(Limit 10 students)

December 9th AND 10th, 2015 at Beads of Tubac, Located at 8 Burrell St. Tubac, AZ 85646

In this class I will focus on using suggestive brushwork. I will also be focusing on working with the important elements of your subject while eliminating or simplifying the non essential.

Workshop Fees: $185 per student

For Sign Up and Supply List; email David at: davidsimonsfineart@gmail.com

Read a blip about David, from his website:

David Simons is a self-taught artist of over 30 years from Tubac, Arizona. His unique and captivating oil paintings have made him one of the most notable artists in the Southwest, with collectors worldwide. Displaying a range of diverse subjects in his work, David brings his signature style to life with scenes from the southwest, seascapes, portraits, still life, and more. David also hosts workshops on oil painting and is a renowned artist not only by Arizona locals, but national publications such as Southwest Art, Art Talk Magazine, and Arizona Highways.

Oil painting for me is a meditative experience — essential to my well-being, and a necessary part of my life. Painting brings me great joy, and, I hope, uplifts the hearts of those who view my work.

I like to explore the subtle ways that light affects the subject. I also enjoy color, but the value relationships in a scene are what interest me most. I also like to emphasize the abstract nature of what surrounds us.” Click HERE to read more…

All images via DavidSimonsFineArt.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The walk after the rain…

 

Morning walk...

Much of the country has seen a lot of rain and wild weather for November. This was a photo taken after another batch of rain that caused flooding in areas here in Charleston. The marsh looks swollen. I love those moody, gray, cloudy skies with the dark outline of the trees that line the marsh up close and in the distance. Beautiful light reflections in the water. It’s amazing how much the marsh can change. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Greg Block!

Americana by Greg Block

Americana by Greg Block  72×36″  Oil on Board  (Sold)

Talent beyond belief. That describes Greg Block! I can look at this painting, Americana, forever. There is so much interest, and so much to see if you take the time and look around. Just think of all the stories that could be told to go along with this painting! How many questions can you come up with, like who’s teeth are on the top shelf? What is someone going to do with that ax? An interesting array of items. So interesting!

Greg Block Layer Cake Gallery 1261

Layer Cake by Greg Block  30×40″  Oil (Sold)

I saw this painting, Layer Cake, on Gallery 1261‘s website. Sold. Nice. I love this painting. Somehow I think Greg got a peek into the kitchen when I’m baking, ha ha. A fabulous painting, and it’s so represents how it goes with baking sometimes… I love the subtle colors with just the few twists of color.

Greg recently was part of an exhibit “The Renaissance of Realism” at Gallery 1261 in Colorado, the show runs through December 5, 2015. Now that would have been a wonderful opening reception to attend!

Read a bit about Greg, from his website:

Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1986 and moved to Colorado at an early age.  During his childhood, he attended a Waldorf school where he discovered a love of painting, sculpture, music, and the natural world.   He continued to develop his skills as an artist and musician throughout high school, and painted whenever he could while earning his BA in biology at Colorado College.   As a student, he made a conscious decision not to take any painting courses or adopt a mentor, opting instead to learn through experimentation and close scrutiny of paintings by artists he admired.  After graduating in 2009, he devoted his studies to painting and has since gained recognition as “one of the most promising young artists in the representational art world” (Fine Art Today).  He lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

All images via GregoryFBlock.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Sawyer Farmhouse from Yankee Barn Homes!

Yankee Barn Homes | Sawyer Farmhouse

This is the Sawyer Farmhouse by Yankee Barn Homes. Impressive, isn’t it? It looks so stately, especially situated near a wooded area. Absolutely beautiful!

This home is 3,099 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. I think the color choice on this is especially nice. If you haven’t checked out Yankee Barn Homes before, you may want to take a peek!

First Floor

Yankee Barn Homes | Sawyer Farmhouse

I do like a Master Bedroom downstairs. It’s nice that there is a dedicated mudroom area, so necessary in many parts of the country, especially colder climates!  Love the open Great Room/Kitchen/Dining and ample Entry. I wonder if the powder room could be tucked underneath the stairway. I’ve seen it done, and they are tiny rooms, but sufficient. Otherwise where it’s at is just fine! As you can see there is a part of the Great Room that is open to above. That is the one thing I might change (for us).

Second Floor

Yankee Barn Homes | Sawyer Farmhouse

See the Balcony area on this floor towards the back of the house (upper right of image, next to the part that is “Open to Below”)? I think I would have the room open to below all the way across and just not use that one balcony? I think. Be sure to check out the images on their website!

It’s very nice that there are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony space that can be used as a sitting area! What a beautiful home!

Read more about the Yankee Barn Homes from their FAQs page!

All images via YankeeBarnHomes.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Larry Moore! | 2016 Workshop Schedule Announced!

Aloft by Larry Moore

Aloft by Larry Moore   30×40″   Oil

Larry Moore. A wonderfully versatile painter who is as charismatic as he is talented. I saw this painting Aloft in person and let me tell you… WOW! I love everything about it. First of all the subject matter is unexpected. I love paintings with an abstract quality to them, and this hits the nail on the head. Just look at that brick wall… the sofa… and I know, I know! THE BIRD! Larry’s paintings make me smile. Clever! This painting is available at Horton Hayes Fine Art, here in Charleston, SC.

Plenty of Work To Do by Larry Moore

Plenty of Work To Do   16×20″   Oil

Another great example of Larry’s work (and versatility) is Plenty of Work To Do. Look at all the details that are there yet they’re left to your imagination, aren’t they? That’s fabulous! Instead of painting everything exactly as he see’s it he gives subtle hints as to what it is and your mind fills in the blanks which is so much more interesting than if he were to paint the scene exactly as it was! The colors and shapes are fabulous! This painting is currently in Larry’s studio…

Monhegan by Larry Moore

Monhegan by Larry Moore   11×14″   Oil

Ahhhh, Monhegan. Always a favorite. In the distance you see the Island Inn. Another fabulous painting! This one is available at Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor, ME.

I’ve met Larry a few times and have heard glowing reviews from those who have taken his workshops. Larry is a talented artist and he is hilarious. His workshops will be both informative and a good time. How can you beat that? Check out Larry’s 2016 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE.

For even more information and great stories, check out Larry’s BLOG. I swear I cannot read it without laughing out loud. I personally think Larry should also write a book. What an entertaining read that would be!

Read a bit about Larry, from his website:

I’m an artist and instructor/creative coach. I’ve spent many years painting outdoors, what we call “en plein air”, which is a fancy french term that means “outdoors”. I have a huge passion for nature having grown up on a river right next to the ocean with nothing but islands and wildlife behind my house.  My background is in illustration (35 years) where I worked in almost every medium and style you can think of… except maybe egg tempera and marble.

As an instructor, I am taking my years of acquired knowledge from illustration, graphic design, plein air, teaching Critical thinking and the aforemetioned topics and morphing them together in my work and with what I teach. I give people a way to access the creative spirit and broaden not just the way they paint but the way they think.

All images via LarryMooreStudios.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

PSA from me to anyone who will listen… W8 2 TXT!

Screen Shot 2015-11-17 at 6.42.23 AM

Texting while driving makes you 23X more likely to crash.

Can you live with that statistic? Is it worth it to send a text while driving and risk killing or seriously injuring someone?

I know that texting is the way of the world right now. BUT… not while you’re driving. There comes a point where it should no longer be socially acceptable. The majority of people are confident that they can drive and text safely, while another majority says it’s “easy” to do so.

However more and more people are getting injured and killed because people are texting while driving.

I want to share some statistics with you from textinganddrivingsafety.com:

(Note: while these statistics are in reference to young adult drivers, this info is meant for everyone):

Texting and Driving Statistics

Texting while driving is a growing trend, and a national epidemic, quickly becoming one of the country’s top killers. Drivers assume they can handle texting while driving and remain safe, but the numbers don’t lie.

Texting While Driving Causes:

1,600,000 accidents per year – National Safety Council
330,000 injuries per year – Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study
11 teen deaths EVERY DAY – Ins. Institute for Hwy Safety Fatality Facts
Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents

Texting While Driving Is:

About 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving intoxicated
The same as driving after 4 beers – National Hwy Transportation Safety Admin.
The number one driving distraction reported by teen drivers

Texting While Driving:

Makes you 23X more likely to crash – National Hwy Transportation Safety Admin.
Is the same as driving blind for 5 seconds at a time – VA. Tech Transportation Institute
Takes place by 800,000 drivers at any given time across the country
Slows your brake reaction speed by 18% – HumanFactors & Ergonomics Society
Leads to a 400% increase with eyes off the road

Textinganddrivingsafety.com created a fabulous graphic, check it out! 

Ready to sign a pledge to not text and drive? Click HERE! More info, or school contact: TextingThumbBands.com

Info and/or images via TextingAndDrivingSafety.com, used with permission…

Will you please consider sharing this post? Catch you back here tomorrow!